Live 2016 NFL Draft Grades: Round 3

These Live 2016 NFL Draft Grades will be posted minutes after each pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Follow @walterfootball for updates.

2016 NFL Draft Grades - Round: Picks 1-16 | Picks 17-32 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | NFL Draft Team Grades

Tennessee Titans: Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State C Grade
Delanie Walker said that this was made in the 2006 NFL Draft, so does this pick really count? The Titans better hope so, as they desperately needed help in their secondary. Kevin Byard is a decent prospect, but could’ve been taken about a round later than this. It seems like there were better safeties available, but I don’t think this is a horrible selection.

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Cleveland Browns: Carl Nassib, DE/DT, Penn State B Grade
Carl Nassib is a 1-year wonder, but he certainly had one incredible season in 2015. Taking such players can be risky, but several teams we spoke to slotted Nassib in the third round, so this is the right range for him. The Browns needed help up front entering the draft, meaning Nassib makes sense.
San Diego Chargers: Max Tuerk, C, USC C+ Grade
This is a bit earlier than expected for Max Tuerk, who is coming off a torn ACL. Tuerk could be a solid center though, and you know Philip Rivers is really hoping so because his protection has been horrendous over the past couple of seasons. Center was the biggest need on the line, but can Tuerk play in 2016? We’ll see.
Dallas Cowboys: Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska B- Grade
The Cowboys probably could’ve obtained Maliek Collins a bit later, but he’s not a bad pick here at all. Collins will probably be a decent fit into the rotation, which needed help entering this weekend. He’s also coming off a down year, so perhaps Dallas is doing a good thing here by buying low. I just think they could’ve bought lower.

San Francisco 49ers: Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State B Grade
You know what’s funny? Will Redmond would’ve made more sense as a trade-up target than Joshua Garnett at No. 28. Redmond is a skilled corner, but dropped because of an injury. Cornerback wasn’t a huge position of need for San Francisco, but the range is at least right, as Redmond probably would’ve been a second-round pick had he not sustained a torn ACL.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Yannick Ngakoue, DE/OLB, Maryland B Grade
Had Jalen Ramsey been off the board at No. 5, the Jaguars would’ve picked Joey Bosa. They were clearly hungry for another edge rusher, so it’s not a surprise to see them take one here. Ngakoue was seen as a third-round prospect, so it makes sense to take one here. He has a great motor, which I’m sure the Jaguars will love.
Baltimore Ravens: Bronson Kaufusi, DE/DT, BYU B Grade
It’s definitely not a surprise to see the Ravens drafted a five-technique defensive lineman, as they lost Chris Canty in free agency and needed to find a replacement. Bronson Kaufusi is highly athletic and possesses major upside. He needs to work on being more consistent, but I think this is a solid pick.
New York Giants: Darian Thompson, S, Boise State A- Grade
Darian Thompson could’ve easily been chosen in the middle of the second round, so this is great value. Thompson also fills a need, as New York had to obtain help next to Landon Collins. Thompson has tackling concerns, but he’s a play-maker who will create turnovers for the Giants.

Chicago Bears: Jonathan Bullard, DE/DT, Florida A+ Grade
Holy crap, I forgot Jonathan Bullard was still available. Maybe other teams did as well. The Bears are absolutely killing it in the draft, especially on Friday. Bullard could’ve easily been chosen in the first round, based on his talent level. I had him slotted in the second frame, so this is still a steal. Bullard also fills a huge need.
Miami Dolphins: Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama B Grade
This may seem odd, but there were some teams that liked Kenyan Drake better than Derrick Henry. The Dolphins were actually one of them. Miami tried to sign C.J. Anderson in free agency, but the Broncos matched the tender. Kenyan Drake could be a solid replacement for Lamar Miller.
Kansas City Chiefs: KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame: B+ Grade
KeiVarae Russell is more talented than most third-round prospects, as he may have gone late one, early two if he didn’t come attached with character concerns. However, Marcus Peters also had similar issues, and he worked out, so I can’t blame the Chiefs for taking a chance. Kansas City needed a replacement for Sean Smith, and Russell should become a viable replacement.
Oakland Raiders: Shilique Calhoun, DE/OLB, Michigan State B- Grade
The Raiders won’t have Aldon Smith for a while in 2016. They’ll never have him if he gets into trouble again. Thus, it’s clear why they added an edge rusher. Shilique Calhoun is OK at this juncture. He doesn’t give full effort all the time; otherwise, he would’ve gone in the second round. Perhaps Jack Del Rio will be able to get the most out of him.

Cleveland Browns: Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn C Grade
I can’t say I’m a big fan of this pick. I don’t hate it, as Shon Coleman has some good ability. He’s also a nice story, as he has recovered from leukemia. However, some teams had dropped him because they don’t think he’ll be ready to play right away. The Browns can wait though, as they won’t have a realistic shot at the playoffs until at least 2018.
Carolina Panthers: Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia B Grade
I’m sensing a theme here. The Panthers took a tall, long cornerback in the second round, and they did the same thing with Daryl Worley at this juncture. Worley was seen as a third-round prospect by most of the contacts we had spoken to, so the range makes sense. He obviously fills a need as well.
New England Patriots: Joe Thuney, G/OT, N.C. State B- Grade
The guy who announced the Patriots’ pick was so angry about Tom Brady that he called Joe Thuney a linebacker. Thuney is an offensive lineman for sure, and he is the sort of blocker that Bill Belichick looks for. Thuney is versatile, as he can play both guard and tackle. I imagine he might compete for a spot this year, but he’ll probably be starting in 2017 and beyond. I had him in the fourth round, but this is not a blatant reach.
Philadelphia Eagles: Isaac Seumalo, G/C, Oregon State B Grade
Isaac Seumalo is a versatile lineman who can play both guard and center. He even saw some action at tackle in college, but he probably won’t be able to do that at the next level. Seumalo is a high second-round talent, so why the drop into the third frame? He has an extensive injury history regarding his feet. Still, he’s worth the risk here in the third round, especially considering Philadelphia’s offensive line concerns.
Buffalo Bills: Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State C+ Grade
Adolphus Washington was one of the worst testers at the NFL Combine. His stock sunk as a result, as teams weren’t interested in one of the worst athletes in the entire draft class. Washington’s size is a plus, but that’s all he has. Making matters worse, there are some character concerns with him, albeit minor ones. The Bills probably could’ve obtained Washington a round later.
Atlanta Falcons: Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford A- Grade
The Falcons continue to draft their supreme athletes. Austin Hooper definitely is one, as he tested extremely well, which may have mitigated his lack of experience in college. Still, he’s a very good pick for Atlanta, as he could’ve been chosen a round earlier. He’d fill an extremely obvious need, as the Falcons have had a big hole at tight end since Tony Gonzalez retired.
Indianapolis Colts: Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech A- Grade
I wonder if someone sat Ryan Grigson down and explained to him how important it was to protect Andrew Luck. Grigson had shown a complete disregard toward bolstering Luck’s protection prior to the 2016 NFL Draft, but he has obviously changed his strategy. It’s obviously for the best though, as Luck will surely like this pick. Le’Raven Clark could’ve been chosen at the end of the second round, making this a nice value choice.
New York Jets: Jordan Jenkins, DE/OLB, Georgia B Grade
Jordan Jenkins tested extremely well at the Combine, and he has started a ridiculous amount of games at Georgia. I imagine the Jets loved those traits because Jenkins didn’t particularly live up to his measureables at Georgia. He was just a solid player, but nothing special. Still, taking a chance on him in the third round is a good decision, and I’m sure Todd Bowles will get the most out of him.

Washington Redskins: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech A+ Grade
I’m about seven picks behind in my grades as of this writing, as the NFL once again has not learned how to air the NFL Draft correctly. I’ll delve into how it can fix this problem later, but I’ve been eager to get to this grade. That’s because there’s an absolute idiot troll who calls himself “Walter is Still a Moron” on the comment boards who gave me so much crap for repeatedly mocking Kendall Fuller to his Redskins, constantly citing that I was stupid for giving Washington a “small” corner (even though Fuller is 6-0). We actually heard that the Redskins liked Fuller a lot and were going to consider him in Round 2 before the Josh Norman signing. Washington still liked him enough to pass on him at this juncture, though. The team is making a great pick, as Fuller would’ve been a first-round choice if it wasn’t for his injury concerns.
Houston Texans: Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State B+ Grade
Another receiver? It’s not a surprise, considering the huge need the Texans had at the position. It’s also not a shock to see them select a speed option at the position. Braxton Miller could’ve been chosen a bit earlier than this, so I’m definitely a fan of this pick.
Miami Dolphins: Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers D Grade
I have no issues with Leonte Carroo, outside of his character concerns. He runs routes very well and could be a solid pro. The range also makes sense. So, why the “D” grade? Because the Dolphins surrendered 2017 third- and fourth-round selections to acquire this pick in order to take him. That’s a little ridiculous, especially when considering that Carroo doesn’t really fit a need.
Cincinnati Bengals: Nick Vigil, LB, Utah State C+ Grade
At least one team was set to draft Nick Vigil in the fourth round, but this isn’t an egregious reach. Vigil is a solid player who should be able to contribute on special teams right away. He could eventually work his way into the starting lineup and replace Rey Maualuga, but I think the Bengals could’ve gone better with this choice.

Green Bay Packers: Kyler Fackrell, LB, Utah State A- Grade
Packer fans have to be thrilled with this pick. I’m basing that on all the e-mails and comments I received from them about being super desperate for an inside linebacker. Well, they finally have one, and Kyler Fackrell is pretty good. We were hearing some buzz for Fackrell in the second round, so the value here is very good. Fackrell also has plenty of versatility, as he can also play the edge and rush the passer effectively.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State C Grade
Javon Hargrave makes sense as a third-round prospect. He was productive at a lower level, and he had the athleticism measured at the Combine to push him into Day 2. I just don’t know how he fits into Pittsburgh’s defense. I don’t think he’s a good fit in the 3-4, so he may have issues transitioning into Pittsburgh’s scheme.
Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame A- Grade
C.J. Prosise could’ve been chosen about 20 or so picks earlier than this, so I like the value. The fit is even better, as the Seahawks taking an athletic running back with great receiving skills is hardly a surprise. They needed a replacement for Marshawn Lynch to pair with Thomas Rawls, and Prosise figures to be a decent replacement.
New England Patriots: Jacoby Brissett, QB, N.C. State D Grade
Ugh. Why? The Patriots needed a third quarterback in the wake of Tom Brady’s suspension, but with Brady entering the twilight of his career, New England needed to obtain as much help for him as possible. This is the second day-two choice spent on a quarterback in the past few years, which is a big mistake. I don’t hate Brissett as a prospect – he probably should’ve gone in the fourth round – but I just hate New England for effectively wasting a pick.
Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Williams, CB, Texas A&M D Grade
Talk about a reach. Brandon Williams was seen as a sixth- or seventh-round prospect from most of the teams we polled. He’s a converted running back who is a major project. Perhaps he’ll pan out, but Arizona could’ve chosen him later. Someone like Graham Glasgow – who was also under consideration – seems like he would have been a much better choice.
Cleveland Browns: Cody Kessler, QB, USC D Grade
The good news is that the Browns traded down for this pick. The bad news is that they used this pick on a horrible quarterback prospect. Cody Kessler is a small signal-caller with a weak arm. He could be a nice backup in the NFL, but I don’t see how Cleveland could ever envision him as a starter. The Browns told Robert Griffin that he’d have to compete with a young quarterback. The only way he’ll ever lose to Kessler is if he shows up both drunk and high to practice every day, and even then, it’ll be close.
Seattle Seahawks: Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State C+ Grade
First of all, congrats to Urban Meyer, whose blood money really paid off in giving him 10 prospects in the first three rounds. Second, I thought Nick Vannett would be chosen a bit later than this, but this is not a bad pick. Vannett has very little athleticism to speak of, but he could become a steady pass-catcher for Russell Wilson. He provides solid insurance for the Seahawks, who may never have Jimmy Graham at 100 percent ever again in the wake of his patellar tendon injury.

Detroit Lions: Graham Glasgow, C/G, Michigan B+ Grade
I really thought the Cardinals would take Graham Glasgow, as they were considering him at No. 92. They loved Glasgow’s versatility, so I’m sure the Lions value that as well. Glasgow also has plenty of starting experience at Michigan. The one negative is a DUI he was issued in 2014, but he figures to be a good player for the Lions.
New England Patriots: Vincent Valentine, DT, Nebraska HEART-SHAPED KIELBASA MILLEN Grade
I was urged to give this a Millen grade, so here it is. And I don’t feel bad about it because Bill Belichick apparently has given up. Much like a drunken fantasy football drafter who takes kickers and names that stand out in the double-digit rounds, Belichick has now resorted to picking random players like he did last year. Vincent Valentine – sounds like a fake name to me – is a sixth-round prospect, so picking him here seems a bit silly. Also, I have to say that when I hear his name, I’m reminded of Vicky Valencourt from the Water Boy. That’s not a good thing as far as draft grades are concerned. Neither is having the same name as a Final Fantasy VII character – unless you’re Cid Highwind.
Seattle Seahawks: Rees Odhiambo, G, Boise State C Grade
I guess the end of the third round is the time to begin taking risks on middling prospects. That’s what the Seahawks are doing at this juncture. Rees Odhiambo has played well when on the football field, but he has yet to play an entire season. He has constantly nursed injuries, but perhaps with proper training, he can overcome that. If so, he’d be a solid addition to Seattle’s weak offensive line.
Denver Broncos: Justin Simmons, S, Boston College A- Grade
This definitely makes up for the Adam Gotsis pick. In fact, I think it would’ve made more sense if the Broncos flipped their picks, and took Justin Simmons in the second round and vice-versa. The Broncos will have a starting safety (Darian Stewart) hitting free agency in 2017, so Simmons could step in as the starter right after that. He easily could’ve been chosen a round earlier, as he’s a highly athletic prospect who had plenty of starting experience at Boston College.

2016 NFL Draft Grades - Round:

Picks 1-16

Picks 17-32

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