Live 2019 NFL Draft Grades: Round 6

These Live 2019 NFL Draft Grades will be posted minutes after each pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Follow @walterfootball for updates.

2019 NFL Draft Grades - Round: Picks 1-16 | Picks 17-32 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | NFL Draft Team Grades | Supplemental

Arizona Cardinals: Keesean Johnson, WR, Fresno State B+ Grade
Keesean Johnson was one of the worst-testing receivers at the combine, indicating that he doesn’t have much upside. However, Keesean Johnson played better on tape with positive route-running skills. He was also a two-time team captain, so he’ll be giving his full effort for the Cardinals. Johnson makes sense atop Round 6.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sutton Smith, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois B+ Grade
Based on his production and 3-cone time, Sutton Smith would be a first-round prospect. Unfortunately, he’s extremely undersized. He’s just 6-0, 233, so it’s difficult to envision where he’ll fit in as a pro. However, I could see him being a third-down specialist, and I think this is the correct time to select him; I had him slotted two picks earlier in my mock.
San Francisco 49ers: Kaden Smith, TE, Stanford B+ Grade
Kaden Smith should not have declared as a redshirt sophomore. He needed to prove that he can stay healthy, as he has an extensive injury history. Instead, Smith had a poor pre-draft process, struggling with his testing numbers at the combine. Additionally, Smith never developed as a blocker, so it’s hardly a surprise that he dropped to the sixth round. Still, he provides decent value here, as I had him going at the end of the fourth round in my mock.

New Orleans Saints: Saquan Hampton, S, Rutgers B- Grade
Saquan Hampton doesn’t have good instincts, so he’ll need to be coached up very well for him to make it in the NFL. There are also injury concerns that are worrisome. However, the potential is certainly there, as Hampton has nice size (6-1, 206) and athleticism.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State D Grade
This seems to be a wasted pick, as I can’t see a Mike Leach pure system quarterback panning out in the NFL. Gardner Minshew was the worst signal-caller at the Senior Bowl, and I wrote back in January that it would take a “miracle” for him to be drafted. Well, ladies and gentlemen, someone may as well have walked on water because we just experienced a miracle!

Arizona Cardinals: Lamont Gaillard, C/G, Georgia B+ Grade
Lamont Gaillard was a dependable lineman for Georgia, failing to miss a single game over the past three years. He played both center and guard, so the Cardinals surely like his versatility as a projected backup. I don’t think it’s out of the question that Gaillard will become a starter, but he needs to improve his technique. I like the range for Gaillard, as I had him being selected two picks earlier in my mock.
New York Giants: Corey Ballentine, CB, Washburn B+ Grade
Corey Ballentine has tremendous athleticism, so the upside is definitely apparent. I imagine that’s why the Giants drafted Ballentine, as he’s otherwise a raw player who doesn’t have very good instincts. He’ll need some good coaching to develop, but I like this pick for its potential.

Buffalo Bills: Jaquan Johnson, S, Miami B Grade
I had Jaquan Johnson being selected in the sixth round, so the range makes sense. Johnson would’ve been drafted much earlier than this if his testing numbers were better, but he’s sadly a small (5-10, 191) and slow safety. Johnson was a highly productive team captain in Miami, but may have to be relegated to special teams in the NFL. I could see him developing into a special-teams ace.
Cincinnati Bengals: Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M A+ Grade
This is an absolute steal, and I can’t envision there being a better pick in the sixth round. Trayveon Williams was projected in the third or fourth frame. He was an excellent runner for Texas A&M, and he also had positive receiving skills. I don’t understand why Williams fell so much, but Cincinnati definitely got a great bargain.

San Francisco 49ers: Justin Skule, OT, Vanderbilt D Grade
This is definitely a reach. I didn’t have Justin Skule in my top-500 players, and he never once appeared in any of my weekly mock drafts. The 49ers could’ve gotten Skule as a UDFA or in the seventh round.
Detroit Lions: Travis Fulgham, WR, Old Dominion B Grade
Travis Fulgham is limited in what he can do on a football field, but that does not apply to his vertical game. Fulgham is 6-3, 215, and he has above-average athleticism. He should be a solid No. 4 receiver in the NFL, and the sixth round is the correct time to take someone like that.

Green Bay Packers: Ka’dar Hollman, CB, Toledo B+ Grade
I can’t say I’m surprised that the Packers used another draft choice on a highly athletic player. Ka’dar Hollman tested extremely well during the pre-draft process, meaning he has nice upside. He struggled to tackle, but I thought he could be chosen earlier than this, so the value is there.

Detroit Lions: Ty Johnson, RB, Maryland C- Grade
I didn’t see Ty Johnson as a draftable player. He never appeared in a single mock draft. He has a nice burst, but was displaced as the primary back in his senior season. He should’ve been a UDFA signing.
Denver Broncos: Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado C Grade
Juwann Winfree is a huge unknown. Maryland recruited him, but he barely played for them. He endured suspensions and injuries, and he didn’t see much action in Colorado. However, the athletic potential is there, and perhaps Denver is hoping that Winfree will be the next Phillip Lindsay, but only a receiver. He should’ve been obtained as a UDFA.

Tennessee Titans: David Long, LB, West Virginia A Grade
I had David Long being chosen in the fourth round, so I love the value the Titans are getting at this selection. Long is undersized and needs to improve his tackling ability, but he’s a speedy player who should do well in coverage. Long should provide a boost on special teams as well.
Cleveland Browns: Drew Forbes, G, SE Missouri State A- Grade
Drew Forbes made a name for himself at this pro day, where he tested off the charts. Level of competition is obviously an issue for Forbes, but it’s worth taking the risk, given the upside. Forbes was also a team captain, so I imagine the Browns will get 100-percent effort from him.
Minnesota Vikings: Armon Watts, DT, Arkansas A- Grade
Armon Watts was a solid producer at Akrnasas, but tested poorly at the combine. I thought he would be chosen earlier than this – I had him at No. 143 overall – so I like the value the Vikings are getting, as they had to bolster the depth on their defensive front.
Minnesota Vikings: Marcus Epps, S, Wyoming D Grade
Marcus Epps was projected to be a UDFA target. I don’t think the Vikings should’ve wasted a sixth-round pick on him. With all of the extra selections in Rounds 6 and 7, I was hoping they would turn them into 2020 choices. That’s what should’ve happened here.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah Buggs, DE/DT, Alabama B+ Grade
The Steelers were expected to find depth for their defensive line, and they did so with a player who could have been chosen a couple of rounds earlier. I suppose his horrible showing at the combine hurt him, but he was a better player on film. His short arms aren’t ideal, but Buggs should become a solid backup for Pittsburgh.
Minnesota Vikings: Oli Udoh, OT, Elon A- Grade
The Vikings predictably continued to address their offensive line. They needed a tackle, and Oli Udoh has ridiculous upside. He’s a massive tackle (6-6, 323) and he tested very well at the combine. He’s a project, as he’s a raw player right now, but if coached up, he could become a starter at some point.

Green Bay Packers: Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame B+ Grade
The Packers didn’t really need another running back, but they’re getting good value with Dexter Williams, whom I had pegged in the fourth round. Williams was inconsistent at Notre Dame, but had a big 2018 campaign. He’s solid in every regard, save for receiving ability.
Houston Texans: Xavier Crawford, CB, Central Michigan C Grade
This is a bit early for Xavier Crawford, who was a Round 7-UDFA prospect heading into the draft. Crawford lacks size and athleticism, and he’s not a very good tackler. I would be surprised if he made the 53-man roster.
New York Jets: Blessuan Austin, CB, Rutgers B+ Grade
Blessuan Austin is the sort of cornerback the Seahawks typically like, and he would’ve been chosen much earlier than this if it weren’t for health concerns. He has torn the same knee twice in the past two seasons, so it’s unknown if he’ll be able to play very much. He’s worth the risk here, but there’s a chance he may never take the field.

Baltimore Ravens: Trace McSorley, QB, Penn State C Grade
I’m a Penn State alumnus, and I’m happy to see Trace McSorley get drafted, but I don’t see him sticking in the pros. He’s just way too limited as a passer. I like the point that one analyst made about being able to use McSorley in the same offense as Lamar Jackson, but I don’t think he’ll make the 53-man roster unless Robert Griffin gets hurt.
San Francisco 49ers: Tim Harris, CB/S, Virginia B Grade
Tim Harris is a versatile defensive back who can play cornerback and safety. He’s talented, but has an extensive injury history. He had to take two medical redshirts at Virginia. Harris could develop into a good backup if he can stay healthy, but that’s a big “if.”
Indianapolis Colts: Gerri Green, DE/OLB, Mississippi State C Grade
Gerri Green was recruited highly out of high school, but never developed into a consistent player. He was a team leader for Mississippi State, so he drew some starts, but I’m not sure he can put it together and become an NFL player who sticks around. I had Green pegged as a UDFA target.
Los Angeles Chargers: Emeke Egbule, LB/ST, Houston B Grade
Emeke Egbule was an impact special-teams player at Houston, so I imagine that’s exactly why the Chargers drafted him. Egbule offers some upside with above-average athleticism, but he’s a project as a defensive player. Still, this is a fine choice, as Egbule will be able to contribute.
Kansas City Chiefs: Rashad Fenton, CB, South Carolina C Grade
The Chiefs used their first pick on Day 3 on a player who should’ve been picked up by a team after Day 3. Rashad Fenton had some positive moments at South Caroina, but there were many lowlights as well. Fenton was frequently penalized and didn’t look like much of a pro. He also tested poorly at the combine, so this doesn’t seem like a very good pick.

Miami Dolphins: Isaiah Prince, OT, Ohio State B Grade
The Dolphins are tanking for Tua, so perhaps Isaiah Prince will be ready to play by the time the Alabama quarterback is on the roster. Prince has plenty of starting experience at Ohio State, but he’s very raw. Prince’s technique needs lots of work, but he has some upside as an above-average athlete, so this seems like a decent choice.
Los Angeles Rams: Marcus Green, WR, Louisiana-Monroe B Grade
I didn’t have Marcus Green as a draftable prospect, but we’re past pick No. 200 and are heading toward the end of Round 6, so that’s not such a huge deal anymore. Still, there’s some good value still available, so the Rams could have done better with this choice.
Seattle Seahawks: Travis Homer, RB, Miami B Grade
The Seahawks already have their two top running backs set in stone, but needed a third back in the wake of Mike Davis’ departure. Travis Homer seems like he’ll be a nice third-down runner, as he catches passes and blocks well. This is the right range for Homer, so this is a decent choice.

Chicago Bears: Duke Shelley, CB, Kansas State C Grade
The Bears lost Bryce Callahan in free agency, so it makes sense for them to target another slot cornerback to compete with Buster Skrine. The problem is that Shelley was not a very draftable prospect, and there were some better cornerbacks still available.
Washington Redskins: Kevin Harmon, WR, N.C. State A+ Grade
The Redskins have a huge need at receiver, so picking Kelvin Harmon makes sense – in the second round! Harmon was a second-round prospect, and I had him mocked No. 61 overall. He’s not an explosive player, but he’s a big, productive receiver who has the potential to become a solid No. 2 possession receiver in the NFL. Harmon is an absolute steal here.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ulysees Gilbert, LB/ST, Akron C+ Grade
Ulysees Gilbert seems like too much of a tweener to ever be able to contribute on defense, but he projects as a special-teams ace. It’s fine to use a pick past No. 200 on a player like that, though there were more exciting options available.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Scott Miller, WR, Bowling Green C Grade
Scott Miller projects as a slot receiver to replace Adam Humphries. He tested very well at his pro day, so I imagine the Buccaneers like his potential. However, I saw Miller as a UDFA target, so I’m not sure if he’ll be able to make the 53-man roster. This isn’t a very good pick as far as value is concerned, but that’s not a big deal at this point.
Seattle Seahawks: Demarcus Christmas, DT, Florida State C+ Grade
Demarcus Christmas offers absolutely nothing as a pass rusher, and he’s an extremely limited athlete. He has such a low ceiling, so I’m not sure I understand the point of selecting him rather than choosing someone with more upside. I don’t hate this selection, but it could’ve been better.
Cincinnati Bengals: Deshaun Davis, LB, Auburn C Grade
Deshaun Davis didn’t seem like a draftable prospect to me, so I’m surprised to see him come off the board in Round 6. He can be a thumper as a two-down run defender, but he gets completely lost in coverage and offers zero upside as a player with poor athleticism.
Cincinnati Bengals: Rodney Anderson, RB, Oklahoma A+ Grade
The Bengals have used two third-day picks on running backs, and both have been absolute steals. I can’t decide which pick is better, so they both deserve A+ grades. Rodney Anderson has more upside than Trayveon Williams, but his floor is lower because of his extensive injury history. If it wasn’t for that, Anderson may have drawn first-round consideration.
Carolina Panthers: Dennis Daley, OT, South Carolina A- Grade
Dennis Daley is a raw player, but he has enough athleticism to be a potential No. 3 tackle on an NFL roster. He could have been chosen much earlier on Day 3, so I think this is pretty solid value for the Panthers, who needed to add another lineman.
Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Wilson, S, Texas A&M C Grade
Donovan Wilson will likely get penalized for some helmet-to-helmet hits in the NFL, based on his playing style. Those hits, however, will likely come on special teams, as he doesn’t seem good enough to be a defensive player. I’m not sure if he’ll make the 53-man roster, so I’m not a fan of this choice.
Kansas City Chiefs: Darwin Thompson, RB, Utah State B+ Grade
It makes sense that the Chiefs would select a running back after what happened with Kareem Hunt last year. Damien Williams did well in relief as a runner, but the Chiefs had to find a receiving back to complement him. It’ll be interesting to see how Darwin Thompson evolves into the offense, but he can catch the ball very well, so it seems as though he’ll be able to carve out a nice role.