A Look at the NFL Draft’s Top Ten Picks
Round 1 of the NFL Draft is in the books. And some big moves took place in the top ten. Fortunately, we here at SAS have got your draft grade needs covered. So without further ado, let’s just jump in to pros and cons of the top ten draft picks, beginning with last year’s Biggest Losers and this draft’s biggest winner.
1. Cleveland Browns
DE Myles Garrett – Texas A&M | 6’5″ 272 lbs.
Pro: Lauded as the most naturally gifted defender in the draft, Myles Garrett gives the Browns a much needed force off the edge. After wowing scouts in the NFL Combine with his rare size, ridiculous athleticism, and versatility, Garrett had the top pick all but locked down. He has the potential to become an elite NFL pass-rusher thanks to his unique set of skills and abilities. Most importantly he might be the most NFL ready player in the class.
Con: There aren’t any. He’s demonstratively the most qualified player in the class. This is a flawless pick for the Browns.
2. Chicago Bears via San Francisco
QB Mitchell Trubisky – North Carolina | 6’2″ 222 lbs.
Pro: The Bears traded up one spot to pick their quarterback of the future. Coming from a west coast offense, he figures to be the most NFL ready player at his position. He’s got a good frame, solid awareness and footwork in the pocket, and most importantly he possesses a rare accuracy on mid-range to down-field throws. On top of that, Trubisky has a mobility reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith.
The Bears are no doubt getting a top-rated QB with Trubisky. The question is, did they need to sell the farm to get him?
Con: He started one year at North Carolina before forgoing his senior year of play. He led the Tar Heels to an 8-5 record. But his lack of experience means he’ll need some time to watch and learn the position. On top of that, the Bears had to give the 49ers the No. 3 overall pick, a third-round pick (67th overall) and a fourth-round pick (111th overall) in the 2017 draft plus a third-round pick in the 2018 draft in order to draft Trubisky at No. 2. The question is, did they even need to trade up? For one, they signed QB Mike Glennon a mere two months ago. Not to mention, there was every indication that the Niners were going to take Solomon Thomas all along.
3. San Francisco 49ers via Chicago
DE Solomon Thomas – Stanford | 6’3″ 273 lbs.
Pro: The 49ers had one of the worst defenses in the league last season, so some upgrades were certainly in order. In swapping picks with the Bears, they gained a plethora of draft picks from a team still very much in a rebuilding phase. And they landed a highly disruptive and versatile defensive lineman who can play off the edge or in the middle. With an explosive combination of hands, speed, power, and agility, Thomas could very well be in the same class as top-ranked Myles Garrett.
Con: There aren’t any. He’s the second ranked defensive lineman in the draft. John Lynch pulled a stunner with this one, and fleeced the Bears in the process.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
RB Leonard Fournette – LSU | 6’1″ 240 lbs.
Pro: Inarguably the best running back in the class, Fournette brings to the table a splendid combination of power, speed, and size. At LSU he made a name for himself running defenders over. He’s got that angry quality that makes him a physical threat any time the ball is in his hands. And most importantly, he’s got all the signs of becoming a workhouse back for a team that relied too heavily on the inexperienced QB Blake Bortles.
Con: The Jags are taking a gamble drafting a running back this high. They’re probably hoping he’ll be this year’s Ezekiel Elliott, but many are saying he yet possesses the patience to succeed at an NFL level. You have to wonder if Elliott’s success had anything to do with Fournette going so early in the draft.
5. Tennessee Titans
WR Corey Davis – Western Michigan | 6’3″ 209 lbs.
Pro: He’s probably the best receiver in the draft. Tennessee’s top needs were receiver and cornerback. They elected to take a receiver instead of Marshon Lattimore, who ended up slipping to the Saints at No. 11. General manager Jon Robinson fills the Titans’ most glaring hole with Davis and gives quarterback Marcus Mariota a much-needed weapon on the outside. With a solid combination of size, speed, and route-running ability, Davis gives the Titans a serious target in clutch and contested situations. He’ll most likely line up as wideout number one for Tennessee next season.
Con: This might have been a bit of a reach, but other than that Davis is a good pick for the Titans. He should be able to come in and start making plays off the bat. Downside is, they lost out on some great defensive backs.
