2020 NFL draft: Grading every pick of the second and third rounds – Yahoo Canada Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado — This could be an A grade in a few years. Or, if Shenault’s injury history continues, far lower. You can line him up inside or out, in the backfield and even as a “Wildcat” QB, which might suit the Jaguars’ needs on offense. Shenault has electric ability if he stays healthy. We’re quietly optimistic he can help in some way. Grade: B.” data-reactid=”47″ type=”text”>42) Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado — This could be an A grade in a few years. Or, if Shenault’s injury history continues, far lower. You can line him up inside or out, in the backfield and even as a “Wildcat” QB, which might suit the Jaguars’ needs on offense. Shenault has electric ability if he stays healthy. We’re quietly optimistic he can help in some way. Grade: B.

Chicago Bears: TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame — The Bears stay local with this pick. Kmet really only played one full season for the Irish, but the occasional college pitcher has some interesting potential, even if Kmet never will be a game breaker and needs work on his blocking. Expect a lot of “12 personnel” with Jimmy Graham, giving whoever wins the QB battle two big targets. Grade: C+.” data-reactid=”48″ type=”text”>43) Chicago Bears: TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame — The Bears stay local with this pick. Kmet really only played one full season for the Irish, but the occasional college pitcher has some interesting potential, even if Kmet never will be a game breaker and needs work on his blocking. Expect a lot of “12 personnel” with Jimmy Graham, giving whoever wins the QB battle two big targets. Grade: C+.

Cleveland Browns: S Grant Delpit, LSU — It’s the second year in a row the Browns have drafted an LSU DB in Round 2 who was mocked high in Round 1 to start the season. Delpit’s tackling issues have become a major talking point, and his health concerns can’t be overlooked. But he has range and ball skills and should be a really nice addition to the Cleveland secondary. Grade: B.” data-reactid=”49″ type=”text”>44) Cleveland Browns: S Grant Delpit, LSU — It’s the second year in a row the Browns have drafted an LSU DB in Round 2 who was mocked high in Round 1 to start the season. Delpit’s tackling issues have become a major talking point, and his health concerns can’t be overlooked. But he has range and ball skills and should be a really nice addition to the Cleveland secondary. Grade: B.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota — How about this safety run, you guys?! The Bucs now have drafted seven DBs since 2016, and they have a similar style of player there already in Mike Edwards, who had a solid rookie season. But Winfield can be a deep safety and a solid nickel, and has the playmaking chops, toughness and intelligence to upgrade that secondary. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”50″ type=”text”>45) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota — How about this safety run, you guys?! The Bucs now have drafted seven DBs since 2016, and they have a similar style of player there already in Mike Edwards, who had a solid rookie season. But Winfield can be a deep safety and a solid nickel, and has the playmaking chops, toughness and intelligence to upgrade that secondary. Grade: B-.

Denver Broncos: WR KJ Hamler, Penn State — The Broncos are doubling up on wideouts after taking Jerry Jeudy in Round 1 and doubling down on Drew Lock’s ability to get the ball vertical. Hamler had drop issues last season, but he’s a deep threat who can split safeties and hit home runs. He’s also a good returner. Interesting decision here. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”51″ type=”text”>46) Denver Broncos: WR KJ Hamler, Penn State — The Broncos are doubling up on wideouts after taking Jerry Jeudy in Round 1 and doubling down on Drew Lock’s ability to get the ball vertical. Hamler had drop issues last season, but he’s a deep threat who can split safeties and hit home runs. He’s also a good returner. Interesting decision here. Grade: B-.

Atlanta Falcons: DT Marlon Davidson, Auburn — Davidson was a bit too bulky at the combine, and his testing suffered a bit. But he’s a power end or a possible 3-technique who keeps his motor running and helps one of Atlanta’s thinner spots on the roster. Just don’t expect much in terms of sacks, and Davidson should play a key role on a refurbished Falcons D-line. Grade: C+.” data-reactid=”52″ type=”text”>47) Atlanta Falcons: DT Marlon Davidson, Auburn — Davidson was a bit too bulky at the combine, and his testing suffered a bit. But he’s a power end or a possible 3-technique who keeps his motor running and helps one of Atlanta’s thinner spots on the roster. Just don’t expect much in terms of sacks, and Davidson should play a key role on a refurbished Falcons D-line. Grade: C+.

Seattle Seahawks (from Jets): EDGE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee — Seattle slides up into this spot (and pays up plenty to do so) to grab a fascinating pass rusher who has some very Seahawks-y traits and edginess. We viewed him more as a third-round pick, but we can see why they felt the need to add some juice at this position. Will he produce? Taylor wasn’t great last year after many felt he was poised for a breakout season. Grade: C.” data-reactid=”53″ type=”text”>48) Seattle Seahawks (from Jets): EDGE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee — Seattle slides up into this spot (and pays up plenty to do so) to grab a fascinating pass rusher who has some very Seahawks-y traits and edginess. We viewed him more as a third-round pick, but we can see why they felt the need to add some juice at this position. Will he produce? Taylor wasn’t great last year after many felt he was poised for a breakout season. Grade: C.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame — The receiver we felt was a potentially perfect second-round choice was Michael Pittman Jr. But with Pittman gone, the Steelers grab a close facsimile in Claypool, who has elite athletic traits, great special-teams value and good upside. Call him a tight end or receiver; it doesn’t matter. He’s a big target with jumping ability to win 50-50 battles downfield. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”54″ type=”text”>49) Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame — The receiver we felt was a potentially perfect second-round choice was Michael Pittman Jr. But with Pittman gone, the Steelers grab a close facsimile in Claypool, who has elite athletic traits, great special-teams value and good upside. Call him a tight end or receiver; it doesn’t matter. He’s a big target with jumping ability to win 50-50 battles downfield. Grade: B-.

Chicago Bears: CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah — Really good value here for GM Ryan Pace, who potentially landed a starting corner mid-Round 2. He actually reminds me a bit of Prince Amukamara, whom Johnson essentially replaces. Johnson might not be a special corner, but this feels like a smart pick here for the Bears. Grade: B.” data-reactid=”55″ type=”text”>50) Chicago Bears: CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah — Really good value here for GM Ryan Pace, who potentially landed a starting corner mid-Round 2. He actually reminds me a bit of Prince Amukamara, whom Johnson essentially replaces. Johnson might not be a special corner, but this feels like a smart pick here for the Bears. Grade: B.

Dallas Cowboys: CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama — The Cowboys are blowtorching the draft. Diggs was likely one of three or four options at No. 17, so for them to get him here is theft. Diggs’ consistency isn’t there yet, but he has a well-built and long frame and could be a really good player if he cleans up his sometimes sloppy technique. The practice battles vs. CeeDee Lamb will be fun to watch. Grade: A-.” data-reactid=”56″ type=”text”>51) Dallas Cowboys: CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama — The Cowboys are blowtorching the draft. Diggs was likely one of three or four options at No. 17, so for them to get him here is theft. Diggs’ consistency isn’t there yet, but he has a well-built and long frame and could be a really good player if he cleans up his sometimes sloppy technique. The practice battles vs. CeeDee Lamb will be fun to watch. Grade: A-.

Los Angeles Rams: RB Cam Akers, Florida State — It’s the fifth RB the Rams have drafted since 2014, but we’re willing to overlook it because Akers is one of our favorites at the position. He was held back by FSU’s bad offensive line and unimaginative scheme, which won’t be an issue in L.A. His quick feet, receiving chops and “Wildcat” QB skills make Akers a fun playmaker for Sean McVay. But did they really need him? It’s a debate. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”57″ type=”text”>52) Los Angeles Rams: RB Cam Akers, Florida State — It’s the fifth RB the Rams have drafted since 2014, but we’re willing to overlook it because Akers is one of our favorites at the position. He was held back by FSU’s bad offensive line and unimaginative scheme, which won’t be an issue in L.A. His quick feet, receiving chops and “Wildcat” QB skills make Akers a fun playmaker for Sean McVay. But did they really need him? It’s a debate. Grade: B-.

Philadelphia Eagles: QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma — Our first stunner of Round 2. Is this a referendum on Carson Wentz? It’s hard to know how to read this. But Hurts can contribute as a specialty-package performer until he’s ready — or until Wentz gets hurt, if that happens again. The Eagles had done a lot of work on QBs in this draft class, but we frankly didn’t expect this here. The grade reflects the value of the pick, not Hurts’ upside, which really is intriguing. Grade: C.” data-reactid=”58″ type=”text”>53) Philadelphia Eagles: QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma — Our first stunner of Round 2. Is this a referendum on Carson Wentz? It’s hard to know how to read this. But Hurts can contribute as a specialty-package performer until he’s ready — or until Wentz gets hurt, if that happens again. The Eagles had done a lot of work on QBs in this draft class, but we frankly didn’t expect this here. The grade reflects the value of the pick, not Hurts’ upside, which really is intriguing. Grade: C.

Buffalo Bills: EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa — Welcome to the draft, Bills. They take a player whom we mocked to them in Round 1 prior to the Stefon Diggs trade. Epenesa can be a base end and win over Buffalo fans with his high motor and knack for getting to the QB. The Bills are building a nice little wall. Forget the poor combine numbers; Epenesa is a steal here. Grade: A.” data-reactid=”79″ type=”text”>54) Buffalo Bills: EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa — Welcome to the draft, Bills. They take a player whom we mocked to them in Round 1 prior to the Stefon Diggs trade. Epenesa can be a base end and win over Buffalo fans with his high motor and knack for getting to the QB. The Bills are building a nice little wall. Forget the poor combine numbers; Epenesa is a steal here. Grade: A.

Baltimore Ravens: RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State — Love the value here, getting a player who should have gone 15-20 picks earlier. Dobbins is a hard-nosed runner and a perfect replacement for Mark Ingram in time — in fact, that’s the player he reminds me of most. Lamar Jackson has another toy to play with. Grade: B+.” data-reactid=”80″ type=”text”>55) Baltimore Ravens: RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State — Love the value here, getting a player who should have gone 15-20 picks earlier. Dobbins is a hard-nosed runner and a perfect replacement for Mark Ingram in time — in fact, that’s the player he reminds me of most. Lamar Jackson has another toy to play with. Grade: B+.

Miami Dolphins: DT Raekwon Davis, Alabama — The Dolphins dip back into the Tuscaloosa well for talent. Davis had a big 2017 season but never really looked the same since then. He’s likely to be a dirty-work grunt inside next to Christian Wilkins, especially if the Dolphins run more odd fronts. Davis is a solid run defender, but doesn’t have a whole lot of upside despite a massive, long frame. Grade: C.” data-reactid=”81″ type=”text”>56) Miami Dolphins: DT Raekwon Davis, Alabama — The Dolphins dip back into the Tuscaloosa well for talent. Davis had a big 2017 season but never really looked the same since then. He’s likely to be a dirty-work grunt inside next to Christian Wilkins, especially if the Dolphins run more odd fronts. Davis is a solid run defender, but doesn’t have a whole lot of upside despite a massive, long frame. Grade: C.

Los Angeles Rams: WR Van Jefferson, Florida — Jefferson will be ready for the league, given that his dad is the Jets’ WR coach and a former 10-year pro. But again, the Rams dip into a position where they’re in somewhat solid shape. We like Jefferson as a player; he works crisp routes and has good hands. But the fit and value are a little suspect in our eyes. Grade: C.” data-reactid=”82″ type=”text”>57) Los Angeles Rams: WR Van Jefferson, Florida — Jefferson will be ready for the league, given that his dad is the Jets’ WR coach and a former 10-year pro. But again, the Rams dip into a position where they’re in somewhat solid shape. We like Jefferson as a player; he works crisp routes and has good hands. But the fit and value are a little suspect in our eyes. Grade: C.

Minnesota Vikings: OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State — It appears Trent Williams isn’t going to Minnesota after all. Cleveland looks and plays a little like Brian O’Neill, whom the Vikings took in Round 2 two years ago. But they needed the talent at the position, and Cleveland is likely going to play better than he did last year now that he’s recovered from the ankle injury that hindered him early on. He has played both tackle spots and is a really nice athlete. Solid pick. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”83″ type=”text”>58) Minnesota Vikings: OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State — It appears Trent Williams isn’t going to Minnesota after all. Cleveland looks and plays a little like Brian O’Neill, whom the Vikings took in Round 2 two years ago. But they needed the talent at the position, and Cleveland is likely going to play better than he did last year now that he’s recovered from the ankle injury that hindered him early on. He has played both tackle spots and is a really nice athlete. Solid pick. Grade: B-.

New York Jets: WR Denzel Mims, Baylor — Passing on a WR in Round 1 pays off for the Jets, as Mims surprisingly becomes the 13th wideout taken. He’s clearly more talented than that, and in a normal year he might have been a late first-round candidate. Mims does round out his routes, and his hands are a bit shaky at times. But he’s a jump-ball specialist who can help Sam Darnold downfield. Give Mims time and he could be a really nice addition. Grade: B+.” data-reactid=”84″ type=”text”>59) New York Jets: WR Denzel Mims, Baylor — Passing on a WR in Round 1 pays off for the Jets, as Mims surprisingly becomes the 13th wideout taken. He’s clearly more talented than that, and in a normal year he might have been a late first-round candidate. Mims does round out his routes, and his hands are a bit shaky at times. But he’s a jump-ball specialist who can help Sam Darnold downfield. Give Mims time and he could be a really nice addition. Grade: B+.

New England Patriots (from Ravens): EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan — Trading up with Baltimore, the Patriots make their second pick in Round 2. And it’s their second fascinating defensive addition in Uche, who brings pass-rush juice even though he’s not your typically sized rusher. But he can stand up, drop into coverage, energize New England’s unit, and is just starting to scratch his potential. The Patriots care not for your QB concerns. They’re going defense again. Grade: B.” data-reactid=”85″ type=”text”>60) New England Patriots (from Ravens): EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan — Trading up with Baltimore, the Patriots make their second pick in Round 2. And it’s their second fascinating defensive addition in Uche, who brings pass-rush juice even though he’s not your typically sized rusher. But he can stand up, drop into coverage, energize New England’s unit, and is just starting to scratch his potential. The Patriots care not for your QB concerns. They’re going defense again. Grade: B.

Tennessee Titans: CB Kristian Fulton, LSU — The Titans can move on from Malcolm Butler at some point because they now have solid depth at the position with the addition of Fulton. He’s a press-man corner who was discussed in the late Round 1 range, so this in our minds is a great value pick. He might never be a special playmaker, but good corners are hard to find, and Fulton is one of them. Grade: A-.” data-reactid=”86″ type=”text”>61) Tennessee Titans: CB Kristian Fulton, LSU — The Titans can move on from Malcolm Butler at some point because they now have solid depth at the position with the addition of Fulton. He’s a press-man corner who was discussed in the late Round 1 range, so this in our minds is a great value pick. He might never be a special playmaker, but good corners are hard to find, and Fulton is one of them. Grade: A-.

Green Bay Packers: RB A.J. Dillon, Boston College — Well, now. Not what we expected here, but Matt LaFleur, who was the Titans’ offensive coordinator in 2018, gets his Derrick Henry clone. Dillon is a hard-nosed runner but has stiff hands and mild shortcomings in pass pro. That means Aaron Jones is now freed up to be the big-play guy in an interesting 1-2 RB punch. Still a little surprising to us. Grade. C.” data-reactid=”87″ type=”text”>62) Green Bay Packers: RB A.J. Dillon, Boston College — Well, now. Not what we expected here, but Matt LaFleur, who was the Titans’ offensive coordinator in 2018, gets his Derrick Henry clone. Dillon is a hard-nosed runner but has stiff hands and mild shortcomings in pass pro. That means Aaron Jones is now freed up to be the big-play guy in an interesting 1-2 RB punch. Still a little surprising to us. Grade. C.

Kansas City Chiefs: LB Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State — He just screamed “Chiefs” to us when we watched him — so much so we mocked him to them in Round 1. So what if we were a round early? Gay is a highly athletic, attacking linebacker who had character questions that troubled some teams. He’s also only started six college games, but has playmaking ability and special-teams value if he can be more disciplined. Grade: B.” data-reactid=”88″ type=”text”>63) Kansas City Chiefs: LB Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State — He just screamed “Chiefs” to us when we watched him — so much so we mocked him to them in Round 1. So what if we were a round early? Gay is a highly athletic, attacking linebacker who had character questions that troubled some teams. He’s also only started six college games, but has playmaking ability and special-teams value if he can be more disciplined. Grade: B.

Carolina Panthers (from Seahawks): S-LB Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois — One of the reasons we mocked Isaiah Simmons to Carolina in the first round was because we felt his athleticism would be too exciting for Matt Rhule to pass up. Well, at the end of Round 2 the Panthers get a reasonable clone of Simmons athletically, even if Chinn isn’t yet that level of player. Still, he’s a king-sized safety or undersized nickel LB who needs to speed his read skills up a tick before he can unlock his potential. Grade: C+.” data-reactid=”89″ type=”text”>64) Carolina Panthers (from Seahawks): S-LB Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois — One of the reasons we mocked Isaiah Simmons to Carolina in the first round was because we felt his athleticism would be too exciting for Matt Rhule to pass up. Well, at the end of Round 2 the Panthers get a reasonable clone of Simmons athletically, even if Chinn isn’t yet that level of player. Still, he’s a king-sized safety or undersized nickel LB who needs to speed his read skills up a tick before he can unlock his potential. Grade: C+.

NFL draft third round grades

Cincinnati Bengals: LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming — A nice little pick here. Wilson was a high school corner and safety who turned into a tackle machine for the Cowboys, but his coverage skills never left him. He’s an intelligent player whose lack of athleticism could hold him back a bit, but Wilson’s coverage ability should still translate. At the very worst, he’s a solid linebacker and special teams ace. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”91″ type=”text”>65) Cincinnati Bengals: LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming — A nice little pick here. Wilson was a high school corner and safety who turned into a tackle machine for the Cowboys, but his coverage skills never left him. He’s an intelligent player whose lack of athleticism could hold him back a bit, but Wilson’s coverage ability should still translate. At the very worst, he’s a solid linebacker and special teams ace. Grade: B-.

Washington Redskins: WR Antonio Gibson, Memphis — Is he a receiver or a running back? Gibson split time between the two positions but lined up mostly in the slot. I thought his best fit was at running back, though, so this is interesting. Either way, he’s an eye-opening athlete who struggled with the playbook early at Memphis and remains a bit raw, but his big-play upside is just fascinating. Think Cordarrelle Patterson-ish. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”92″ type=”text”>66) Washington Redskins: WR Antonio Gibson, Memphis — Is he a receiver or a running back? Gibson split time between the two positions but lined up mostly in the slot. I thought his best fit was at running back, though, so this is interesting. Either way, he’s an eye-opening athlete who struggled with the playbook early at Memphis and remains a bit raw, but his big-play upside is just fascinating. Think Cordarrelle Patterson-ish. Grade: B-.

Detroit Lions: EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame — We have an Okwara reunion in Detroit! Older brother Romeo is already with the Lions, and younger brother Julian likely wouldn’t be on the board this late had he not suffered a broken leg last season. He has some pass-rush tools and outstanding athletic traits but must become a better run defender and be a little more accountable. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”93″ type=”text”>67) Detroit Lions: EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame — We have an Okwara reunion in Detroit! Older brother Romeo is already with the Lions, and younger brother Julian likely wouldn’t be on the board this late had he not suffered a broken leg last season. He has some pass-rush tools and outstanding athletic traits but must become a better run defender and be a little more accountable. Grade: B-.

New York Jets: S Ashtyn Davis, California — Gregg Williams has a safety he can play 40 or 50 yards off the ball (kidding). But really, Davis has the elite range to handle single-high assignments well and allow Jamal Adams to move up more into the box. Although Davis might not be a great playmaker, he’s a full-tilt defender who also is a threat on returns with that game-changing speed. Not sure what this means, though. Safety was supposedly one of the Jets’ strong suits. Grade: C+.” data-reactid=”94″ type=”text”>68) New York Jets: S Ashtyn Davis, California — Gregg Williams has a safety he can play 40 or 50 yards off the ball (kidding). But really, Davis has the elite range to handle single-high assignments well and allow Jamal Adams to move up more into the box. Although Davis might not be a great playmaker, he’s a full-tilt defender who also is a threat on returns with that game-changing speed. Not sure what this means, though. Safety was supposedly one of the Jets’ strong suits. Grade: C+.

Seattle Seahawks (from Panthers): OG Damien Lewis, LSU — A pick we can get behind. Lewis is a nasty road grader in the run game and can help add competition to a Seattle unit that year in and year out seems to be looking to upgrade. We feel Lewis is best in a gap-blocking system and only likely a guard. But he adds some nastiness to that group. Grade: B-.” data-reactid=”95″ type=”text”>69) Seattle Seahawks (from Panthers): OG Damien Lewis, LSU — A pick we can get behind. Lewis is a nasty road grader in the run game and can help add competition to a Seattle unit that year in and year out seems to be looking to upgrade. We feel Lewis is best in a gap-blocking system and only likely a guard. But he adds some nastiness to that group. Grade: B-.

Miami Dolphins: S Brandon Jones, Texas — Intangibles are likely the attraction here, as Jones checks those boxes in dark ink. He’s not big nor all that forceful, but he plays full-tilt and can man both safety spots when healthy. Jones has been banged up quite a bit, and the playmaking ability appears to be lacking, but he’s a team-first guy with good special teams skill as well. Grade: C.” data-reactid=”96″ type=”text”>70) Miami Dolphins: S Brandon Jones, Texas — Intangibles are likely the attraction here, as Jones checks those boxes in dark ink. He’s not big nor all that forceful, but he plays full-tilt and can man both safety spots when healthy. Jones has been banged up quite a bit, and the playmaking ability appears to be lacking, but he’s a team-first guy with good special teams skill as well. Grade: C.

Baltimore Ravens: DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M — Another year, another “how did that guy fall to Baltimore?” pick. Actually, that’s three of those in this draft. Madubuike was just outside out top 50 prospects for his ability to explode off the ball and show pass-rush ability from inside. He’s a highly athletic interior rusher who has a high ceiling, but it’s going to require a little patience. Still, we thought he would be long gone by now. Grade: B+.” data-reactid=”97″ type=”text”>71) Baltimore Ravens: DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M — Another year, another “how did that guy fall to Baltimore?” pick. Actually, that’s three of those in this draft. Madubuike was just outside out top 50 prospects for his ability to explode off the ball and show pass-rush ability from inside. He’s a highly athletic interior rusher who has a high ceiling, but it’s going to require a little