In America the NFL football Draft has just concluded. According to Sporting News the following teams drafted the best out of all 32. These are the top five free picks:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: A+
Draft picks: OT Broderick Jones, CB Joey Porter Jr., DT Keeanu Benton,TE Darnell Washington, LB Nick Herbig, CB Cory Trice, G/OT Spencer Anderson
With Omar Khan as their general manager, the Steelers dominated the first round. With a pass protector for Kenny Pickett and a large cover guy to aid Patrick Peterson, they met their two major requirements. Porter and Jones both have first-round talent. The Wisconsin 1-2 punch of Benton and Herbig will assist Badger T.J. Watt upfield, and Washington is a fantastic No. 2 blocker.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: A+
Draft picks: DT Jalen Carter, EDGE Nolan Smith, OT Tyler Steen, S Sydney Brown. CB Kelee Ringo, QB Tanner McKee, DT Moro Ojomo
To tackle Jordan Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean, who will be important second-year starters on the front seven, the Eagles added three more Georgia defensive stars. Brandon Graham and Carter have terrific explosive complementary players in Carter and Smith. Following James Bradberry and Darius Slay, Ringo will be well-prepared.
Brown can help make up for the loss of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Steen served as an excellent potential stockpile up front. A bonus was trading for D’Andre Swift to address the running back position with draft capital. Additionally, McKee puts them in the lead with a developing backup quarterback.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Grade: A+
Draft picks: QB Anthony Richardson, CB Julius Brents, WR Josh Downs, OT Blake Freeland, DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, CB Darius Rush, S Daniel Scott, TE Will Mallory, RB Evan Hull, LB Titus Leo, CB Jaylon Jones, OT Jake Witt
Evaluation: GM Richardson is the highest-ceiling quarterback in the class, and Chris Ballard remained steadfast in his belief in his big-arm and very athletic potential. Adebawore and Brents were outstanding options to strengthen defensive flaws. Downs is the extra-large playmaker Richardson needs, and Freeland soon may have the opportunity to start at either tackle. For that side, Mallory and Hull provided solid depth. Rush, Scott, and Jones all add to the secondary depth that is already there well below Brents.
4. New York Giants
Grade: A
Draft picks: CB Deonte Banks, C John Michael Schmitz, WR Jalin Hyatt, RB Eric Gray, S Tre Hawkins III, DT Jordon Riley, S Gervarrius Owens
The Giants were systematic in their approach to meeting their requirements, immediately filling a critical need at corner with an outstanding outside cover guy in Banks. Around Daniel Jones, Schmitz, Hyatt, and Gray provided necessary reinforcements, including a solid interior blocker and big-play threat. As a backup for Saquon Barkley, they also received a critical change-of-pace capable receiver.
5. Chicago Bears
Grade: A
Draft picks: OT Darnell Wright, DT Gervon Dexter Sr., CB Tyrique Stevenson, DT Zacch Pickens, RB Roschon Johnson, WR Tyler Scott, LB Noah Sewell, CB Terell Smith, DT Travis Bell. WR Kendall Williamson
Evaluation: GM Ryan Poles didn’t engage in any sly behavior. To better defend Justin Fields, he had to get to the offensive tackle quickly. After that, he had to concentrate mostly on restocking the defense at all levels. Dexter, Pickens, and Sewell might be three of the next starters in the front seven. Be on the lookout for Stevenson’s probable shutdown as well. Additionally, the Poles added more big-play receiving pop with Scott and upgraded the power running game with Johnson.
