Live 2018 NFL Draft Grades

These Live 2018 NFL Draft Grades will be posted minutes after each pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Follow @walterfootball for updates.

2018 NFL Draft Grades - Round: Picks 1-16 | Picks 17-32 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | NFL Draft Team Grades | Supplemental

Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma C Grade
Five-Year Grade: F Grade

Wow, look at these three radically different grades. I initially gave the Browns a “C,” but then changed it to an “A” one year later because Baker Mayfield had a great rookie campaign.

Well, things have changed since then, haven’t they? Mayfield has since become a journeyman, playing mediocre football for the Rams after failing in Carolina. Mayfield could salvage his career, but there’s no doubt that this was a failure of a draft pick because the Browns could have selected Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson.

One-Year Grade: A Grade

Upon request, I’m going to begin re-grading my own NFL Draft Grades. I’ll do this one and five years after each draft. Note that I’m only going to re-grade the first round. I’d like to do all seven, but that would take such a long time, and there isn’t much intrigue beyond the first round as far as re-grades are concerned. Too many players from Round 2 onward won’t even be in the league in five years.

My case for a “C” grade prior to the 2018 NFL Draft was that I thought the Browns could take Saquon Barkley first and then still get Baker Mayfield fourth overall. The “C” had nothing to do with Mayfield, as he was my favorite quarterback in that class.

I held Mayfield in high regard prior to the 2018 NFL Draft, and yet he exceeded expectations in his rookie campaign. Mayfield was stellar, playing well enough to give the Browns hope for the future. The Browns went from winning one game in a span of two years to nearly qualifying for the playoffs with Mayfield at the helm. There’s a good chance the Browns finally make the postseason next year, and it’ll be because of Mayfield. Thus, the re-grade for this pick has to be an “A,” regardless of whether or not the Browns could’ve obtained both Mayfield and Barkley.

Original Write-up:

*** All reports indicate the Browns will select Baker Mayfield first overall, so I’m going to publish a grade for it. If Mayfield is not the pick, I’ll change this grade. ***

This “C” grade doesn’t have much to do with Mayfield, as it does the position Cleveland is selecting. The Browns are the first team since the 1992 Colts to have both the top pick and another choice in the top five. They have more top-five selections in this draft than wins over the past two years! They needed to do something special with this pick, and this is not it.

I really like Mayfield. He’s a great leader and a hard worker. He’s very accurate and mobile. He fits what the Browns want. However, the Browns legitimately liked three quarterbacks in this process. Considering the amount of time it took them to make this decision, there can’t have been much of a difference between Mayfield, Josh Allen and Sam Darnold. Thus, the correct move would have been selecting Saquon Barkley No. 1 overall. Barkley would have completely transformed Cleveland’s offense, much like Marshall Faulk did with the Rams in 1999. Passing on a special player like Barkley is a mistake.

There’s a very small chance Barkley will be available at No. 4 (the Giants will need to trade down or select a quarterback.) However, if the Browns take Barkley first, there’s a 100-percent chance one of their three preferred signal-callers would be available at the four spot. This would be a completely different situation if the Browns had, say, the first and ninth picks. They would absolutely have to take a quarterback in that scenario. But they’re in such a unique situation, and their inability to take advantage of it seems like an egregious error.

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New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State B- Grade
Five-Year Grade: C- Grade

Saquon Barkley is a terrific talent who was instrumental in the Giants making the playoffs in 2022. However, Barkley also had two lost years because of the torn ACL he suffered in Week 2 of 2021. While any player can injured, running backs are especially prone to getting hurt. I think it’s a mistake to draft one so early, even if it’s one as talented as Barkley.

Furthermore, the Giants passed on some great quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Eli Manning was on his last legs heading into 2018, so drafting a running back over Allen or Jackson was a huge mistake.

One-Year Grade: B Grade

Once again, this initial grade had nothing to do with the prospect. Saquon Barkley was expected to be the next Marshall Faulk, and he didn’t fail to live up to expectations. He finished second in the league in rushing and caught 91 passes despite having very little help around him.

The problem with this pick is what I described below. The Giants had an opportunity to trade down in order to acquire several picks. Considering how many holes they have on their roster, they should have pulled the trigger. Also, it could be argued that they could have selected Sam Darnold instead of Barkley. The latter is obviously a better player, but Darnold will help the Jets be in Super Bowl contention sooner rather than later because of the position he plays.

Original Write-up:

I can’t fault the Giants for selecting the best player in this class. Saquon Barkley is a terrific talent, and he’s not just a running back. He’s going to transform New York’s offense, much like Marshall Faulk did with the Rams in 1999. He’s that special.

So, why the B-? The Giants had an opportunity to trade down. Normally, teams will be chided for not doing so, but they sometimes can’t find trading partners. The Giants had them. They could have moved down to acquire more draft capital, which they need when considering all of the holes on their roster. Eschewing that possibility is a mistake.

That said, I don’t want to criticize the Giants too hard because I can understand how difficult it is to pass on someone like Barkley.
New York Jets: Sam Darnold, QB, USC A Grade
Five-Year Grade: F Grade

This is similar to the Baker Mayfield re-grade. Sam Darnold had a very promising rookie year, but fell off a cliff after that. Like Mayfield, Darnold went to Carolina and struggled with his new team. He will now have to become a backup quarterback for the duration of his career.

Obviously, this was a failure of a draft choice. I’m sounding like a broken record here, but the Jets obviously should have selected Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson.

One-Year Grade: A Grade

It’s still astonishing that Sam Darnold fell into the Jets’ laps. Darnold had a strong debut to his career against the hapless Lions, then struggled a bit. He missed a few games, but was much better upon his return. Darnold was so impressive down the stretch that it makes believe that the Jets could compete for a playoff spot next year as long as they give him a couple more weapons. This re-grade definitely deserves to remain the same as the original.

Original Write-up:

Wow, the Jets had Sam Darnold fall into their laps. They traded up to No. 3, but they could’ve panicked. When the Broncos were rumored to move up to No. 2, they could have pulled the trigger, but they did not. They were patient, and they selected someone who many believe is the best quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft.

This has to be an “A” grade. The Jets finally found their quarterback of the future, but hopefully Darnold is much better than the previous USC signal-caller New York selected.

Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State D Grade
Five-Year Grade: A+ Grade

I won’t say that the Browns could have drafted Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson because that applied to the No. 1 overall pick. By contrast to that selection, this choice was a great success. Denzel Ward has become a shutdown cornerback in the NFL. He was the correct pick as the first defensive player off the board.

One-Year Grade: B Grade

Denzel Ward was spectacular in his rookie year, so I feel obligated to raise this draft grade. Ward has been a legitimate shutdown corner despite his inexperience. I liked Ward as a prospect, but never would’ve imagined him to play so well right away.

That said, the Browns still could’ve traded down. They had offers from the Bills, so they could’ve obtained an impressive haul for the fourth-overall pick.

Original Write-up:

I have no problem with Bradley Chubb as a prospect. He should be terrific as a pro. The problem is financial. The Browns will have to give three $100 million contracts in five years. Thus, it made no sense for him to be the pick, so I’m not giving the Browns a “D” for Denzel Ward.

I like Ward as a prospect as well. My issue with this is that the Browns did not trade down. They had offers from the Bills, and they may have been able to take Ward at No. 12. Cleveland surrendered way too much value by not moving down.
Denver Broncos: Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State A+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: B- Grade

Bradley Chubb is a great talent, but this re-grade can’t be graded highly because Chubb spent way too much time on the injured list. He has missed 23 games in the past four years. Chubb isn’t even on the Broncos anymore, though Denver was at least able to obtain a first-round pick from the Dolphins during the middle of this past season. Unfortunately for Denver, the front office burned that pick in a trade for a coach.

One-Year Grade: A+ Grade

John Elway has made some dubious draft picks as team president of the Broncos, but this was not one of them. Bradley Chubb was as great as advertised. This is an A+ selection all the way.

Original Write-up:

I think Saquon Barkley is the best player in this class, but some people whose opinion I respect believe Bradley Chubb is the top prospect. Either way, he’s the best defensive player. Considering that the Broncos were able to land him at No. 5, that’s amazing value. I can’t give this anything other than an A+. Chubb and Von Miller are going to create major havoc for quarterbacks in the AFC West.

Indianapolis Colts: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame A Grade
Five-Year Grade: A+ Grade

This pick earned an A+ after one year, and it’s still an A+ after five. Quenton Nelson is arguably the best guard in the NFL, and he was well worth the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

One-Year Grade: A+ Grade

If you were to rank all of the guards in the NFL, the list would probably look something like this: 1) Zack Martin; 2) Shaq Mason; 3) Quenton Nelson. Yes, Nelson is a top-three guard in the pros right now despite having just one year of experience. His presence allowed Andrew Luck to enjoy great pass protection, while his terrific run blocking made Marlon Mack into a star. Nelson looks like a perennial Pro Bowler, so this grade must be bumped up to an A+.

Original Write-up:

There are three non-quarterback blue-chip prospects in this class. Bradley Chubb and Saquon Barkley were the first two. Quenton Nelson is the third. The Colts could have taken Roquan Smith, and I would’ve been fine with it, but Indianapolis absolutely needs to protect Andrew Luck whenever he’s able to come back from injury. Nelson should be an elite guard in the NFL, and he’ll keep interior rushers from putting heat on Luck.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming A Grade
Five-Year Grade: A+ Grade

This is a no-brainer A+, and it doesn’t even warrant much of an explanation. Josh Allen has become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Unlike Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who have become huge busts, Allen has thrived for the team that drafted him.

One-Year Grade: A Grade

The Bills had to trade up for a quarterback. They did so without surrendering an additional first-round pick, which was a great move. Josh Allen had an up-and-down rookie campaign, thriving as a runner, but playing inconsistently as a passer. Still, he showed way more promise than Josh Rosen, and Allen figures to improve once the Bills improve his horrible blocking and receiving corps. I’m fine with this draft grade remaining an “A.”

Original Write-up:

What a great job for the Bills. They wanted to trade up all along, but the problem was surrendering No. 22 or a 2019 first-round pick. They didn’t want to give up either, and they didn’t. They dealt their two second-rounders instead.

As for the actual player, it’s nice to see that Josh Allen’s actions from when he was 14 didn’t impact his draft standing. Allen is raw, but he has great arm strength and mobility, which will work well in Buffalo. He also works very hard, so I think he’ll be able to work on his accuracy woes.

Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia A Grade
Five-Year Grade: C Grade

This is a tough re-grade. On one hand, Roquan Smith is a gifted linebacker who helped the Bears win the division in 2018. On the other hand, Smith didn’t help Chicago achieve any other success, and he’s no longer with the Bears, as they traded him to the Ravens for second- and fifth-round picks. Chicago could have done better with this pick, but it’s not like this was a bad selection either.

One-Year Grade: B Grade

Roquan Smith played very well for the Bears in his rookie year. He wasn’t as great as Roquan Smith or Leighton Vander Esch for the Colts and Cowboys, respectively, so that will detract from this grade. Also, I imagine the Bears had an opportunity to trade down, so perhaps they should’ve taken it.

That said, I can’t imagine that the Bears are disappointed with Smith, so a “B” re-grade makes sense.

Original Write-up:

I thought the Bears would want Tremaine Edmunds over Roquan Smith because Edmunds fits the sort of prospect Ryan Pace has drafted in the past. Smith has less upside, but I think he’s a much better player, at least the moment. Smith is a very intelligent linebacker who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Chicago really struggled defensively when Danny Trevathan was hurt, so I love adding arguably the top player available who fills a need.
San Francisco 49ers: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame C Grade
Five-Year Grade: B+ Grade

It’s safe to say that the 49ers don’t regret this pick. Mike McGlinchey has become one of the better right tackles in the NFL. He’s part of a unit that has allowed all of San Francisco’s quarterbacks to play up to their full potential. Granted, Trent Williams is a greater factor in that regard, but McGlinchey has been a terrific addition to the offensive line.

One-Year Grade: B Grade

It was confusing that the 49ers made such a lateral move, going from Trent Brown to Mike McGlinchey. It must be noted that McGlinchey performed on a high level during his rookie campaign, so it’s not like the 49ers wasted a pick. Still, they could’ve kept Brown while selecting someone like Derwin James, so they should be penalized a bit for that.

Original Write-up:

I don’t know about this pick. The 49ers are ready to win now, so where is Mike McGlinchey going to play? San Francisco has two stellar tackles in Joe Staley and Trent Brown. McGlinchey gives them some great depth for sure, and a potential replacement for Staley down the road, but barring injuries to Staley or Brown, I don’t know how McGlinchey helps San Francisco win now.

Also, there are questions about whether or not McGlinchey can even play left tackle. Some believe McGlinchey would be better suited on the right side, and he’s not going to displace Brown.

Arizona Cardinals: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA B Grade
Five-Year Grade: MILLEN Grade

This is the worst pick of the first round. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are at least backup quarterbacks in the NFL right now, but Josh Rosen isn’t even in the league anymore. What’s worse is that the Cardinals traded up for Rosen! Rosen was so bad that the Cardinals spent next year’s first-round pick on a quarterback as well.

One-Year Grade: F Grade

Yuck. Josh Rosen was rated fifth among my quarterback rankings last year, and I even considered slotting Kyle Lauletta over him because of the issues I posted below. Rosen has no drive or passion for football. A byproduct of coastal elitism, Rosen has never had to work hard a day in his life. On our NFL Podcast, my co-host Kenny Ortiz wondered if Rosen would have a chip on his shoulder for falling to No. 10 in the 2018 NFL Draft. My response, “The only chip he’ll have is the one his parents’ butler serves to him. He’ll bring it to him on a silver platter and say in a British accent, ‘Your chip, sir.'” I then realized that this wasn’t really fair because his parents’ butler might not be British.

I don’t blame the Cardinals for trading up for a quarterback, but Rosen has been a disaster. He could improve because he has the talent, but that would require him to suddenly find a passion for football, and I’m not sure that will happen. Rosen chose his NFL agent based on who would party with him. When I heard that at the Super Bowl last February, that raised glaring red flags for me regarding Rosen’s chances in the NFL. So far, my concerns have been warranted.

Original Write-up:

I worry about Josh Rosen. There are stories about his lack of dedication to football. There are partying issues as well, which is why I thought his fit in New York would’ve been a disaster. He also has an injury history. There were also some unreported things about him that I found troubling as well.

That said, I can’t hate on this pick. Rosen is the last of the “top” quarterbacks available, and Arizona’s only viable player at the position is Sam Bradford, who may not make it to Week 2. All the Cardinals surrendered were third- and fifth-round picks, so this is a good deal.
Miami Dolphins: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S/CB, Alabama A- Grade
Five-Year Grade: B Grade

This is another tough grade. Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best safeties in the NFL. He’s an elite defensive play-maker … for the Steelers. Fitzpatrick quit on the Dolphins, forcing them to trade him. They were at least able to salvage a first-round pick for Fitzpatrick, so I can’t grade this pick poorly for Miami.

One-Year Grade: B Grade

Minkah Fitzpatrick had a decent rookie season for the Dolphins, but he certainly was no Derwin James. He wasn’t Leighton Vander Esch either, and it could be argued that Tremaine Edmunds would’ve made more sense as well. Fitzpatrick could still pan out and be a Pro Bowler, but Miami could have done better with this selection.

Original Write-up:

Over Tremaine Edmunds? That’s kind of a surprise. This is a solid pick, however, as Fitzpatrick will be able to solve the same sort of problems Edmunds could have. The Dolphins have been miserable against tight ends and pass-catching running backs for years, which is obviously a huge issue when going up against the Patriots. Fitzpatrick will be able to help immensely in that regard, so that helps. There is some concern about Alabama players’ durability – which is why they’ve dropped in recent drafts – but considering Fitzpatrick could have been chosen at No. 9, I think this is a good choice for Miami.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vita Vea, NT, Washington B Grade
Five-Year Grade: A Grade

The first-year re-grade was wrong. I criticized the Buccaneers for passing on Derwin James. I think James still would have been a great pick, but Vita Vea has become a monster in the trenches for Tampa Bay. He’s a major reason why the Buccaneers were able to win the Super Bowl in 2020.

One-Year Grade: D Grade

Something NFL general managers must do is look ahead to the following draft class to determine what they should do in the upcoming draft. This was a clear example. Had the Buccaneers’ front office been competent enough to realize that the 2019 NFL Draft class would be packed with talented defensive tackles, they likely would’ve eschewed Vita Vea in favor of Derwin James. That would’ve been a great move. Not only was James a better prospect; he would’ve allowed Tampa to select someone like Ed Oliver with the fifth pick this April. Now, the Buccaneers will have to pass on a superior defensive tackle in favor of an inferior player, all because they had absolutely no foresight.

This re-grade isn’t quite an “F,” as Vea still has potential to be a dominant presence in the interior, but it’s close. Vea wasn’t nearly as good as James, who was the consensus correct choice for the Buccaneers.

Original Write-up:

I don’t hate this pick because Vita Vea is a talented player. Also, the Buccaneers traded down to get him, which was nice. However, I just don’t know about taking a two-down player like Vea when a player like Derwin James is available. James, arguably a better prospect, fits a much bigger need, especially after Tampa signed Beau Allen and Mitch Unrein in free agency. Again, I don’t hate this selection, but the Buccaneers could’ve done better.
Washington Redskins: Da’Ron Payne, NT, Alabama B Grade
Five-Year Grade: B+ Grade

I can recall that the Redskins really wanted Vita Vea, but Da’Ron Payne turned out to be a great consolation prize. Payne isn’t quite as good as Vea, but he has still been a major force in the interior of Washington’s defensive line.

One-Year Grade: B Grade

The Redskins really wanted Vita Vea, but they certainly were not displeased with what Da’Ron Payne provided for them last year. Payne became a member of the “‘Bama Boys,” a talented defensive line. Payne actually played better than Vea, so it’s funny how things work out sometimes.

Original Write-up:

The Buccaneers broke the Redskins’ hearts by selecting Vita Vea one pick before them. Fortunately, there’s one other stud nose tackle in this class, and Washington was able to obtain him.

Payne is a solid choice for the Redskins, as he reunites with Jonathan Allen on the defensive line. The Redskins were woeful versus the run late last year, and Payne will definitely be able to help in that regard.
New Orleans Saints: Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA MILLEN DAVENPORT Grade
Five-Year Grade: F Grade

I was right the first time. I hated this selection because the Saints surrendered a first-round pick to move up for Marcus Davenport. Giving up draft capital for a non-elite, non-quarterback prospect is a huge mistake. Davenport has been good for New Orleans, but he has yet to record double-digit sacks in any season thus far.

One-Year Grade: C+ Grade

I have mixed feelings about this draft pick. On one hand, Marcus Davenport thrived as a rookie. Davenport was considered a bit of a project, but he performed on a high level right away, exceeding expectations. On the other hand, the Saints went all in to acquire Davenport, trading away their 2019 draft pick in the process. It may have been correct to go all in, as the Saints had home-field advantage in the playoffs, but they lost and were not able to win another Super Bowl. Now, they’ll be down a major resource as Drew Brees enters his 40s, which will make rebuilding difficult once their Hall of Fame-bound quarterback retires.

Original Write-up:

What…??? You don’t trade a future first-round pick for a non-quarterback, especially in a draft class that is absolutely loaded on the defensive line! This is absolutely atrocious. I wouldn’t have minded this pick at all if the Saints were stationed at No. 14, but to give up this much for a raw edge rusher. Ugh.

I don’t get it. The Saints had such a great 2017 NFL Draft class. How could they screw up this much? The only way this makes any sense is if the Saints know the world is going to come to an end before the 2019 season. This is a Millen grade all the way.
Oakland Raiders: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA C+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: A- Grade

Kolton Miller was a bust after one year. Those who trashed Jon Gruden for making this pick were able to pound their chest about how they were right. Well, I can’t imagine that they’re willing to admit their mistake because Miller has become an elite-level left tackle in the past couple of years. If Gruden weren’t banished from the NFL, he would be having the last laugh right now.

One-Year Grade: C Grade

The Raiders were trashed for this pick by the bad opinion sports media, which absolutely hates Jon Gruden. It’s quite humorous that Gruden came away with a promising draft class, and that includes this pick. Kolton Miller played well last year in the first month of the season, but then suffered an injury, causing his performance to decline. Miller has lots of potential and could develop into a stellar left tackle.

Having said that, this re-grade will remain in the “C” range. I still believe the Raiders could’ve traded down several spots and still obtained Miller, so they should’ve looked into that. Also, it can’t be ignored that the Raiders passed on elite talents like Derwin James and Leighton Vander Esch in the process of taking Miller.

Original Write-up:

Meh. This is kind of a reach but not an overly egregious one. Kolton Miller is an athletic tackle who should be able to start on the blind side one day. In the meantime, he can play right tackle, and he’d be a big upgrade over what the Raiders had there last year. Miller won’t have to wait long to start on the blind side, given Donald Penn’s age and health concerns.

I’m not a fan of this pick, but I don’t hate it. The Raiders really wanted Mike McGlinchey. He was snatched off the board one pick earlier, so the Raiders did the right thing and moved down, so I think they should be credited for that.

Buffalo Bills: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech A Grade
Five-Year Grade: B- Grade

The four-year grade would have been much different because Tremaine Edmunds struggled for the most part heading into 2022, but he just enjoyed a great season. Edmunds is a late bloomer, but the Bills still missed out on superior prospects like Darius Leonard and Derwin James.

One-Year Grade: B Grade

Tremaine Edmunds had a rough start to his career, as Philip Rivers absolutely torched him in the second game of the 2018 season. However, Edmunds improved his play as the year progressed. He should develop into a solid player.

Unfortunately, the Bills passed on better players at the position, namely Leighton Vander Esch and Darius Leonard, so this grade must be downgraded.

Original Write-up:

It’s a bit shocking that Tremaine Edmunds fell this far. He could have gone as high as No. 6, though more realistically No. 8, so credit the Bills for taking advantage of the opportunity and trading up.

Edmunds’ athleticism is off the charts, and he has immense potential. He has great versatility as well. The Bills had just one viable player at the position last year (Matt Milano), and Edmunds will certainly change that.