2018 NFL Draft: Quick Snap Grades For Every 1st Round Pick

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The 2018 NFL draft didn’t disappoint in the 1st round when it came to major surprises. In fact, there may have been more than expected.

Here is a swift, brief breakdown of each of the 32 picks made with a quick reaction and letter grade. Be prepared for a few surprises on here as well.

1. Cleveland Browns

Baker Mayfield . 1. player. 53. The Browns have misfired on quarterbacks for years. They’ve tried the upside and playmaker routes. This time it feels like they just wanted to go with the most proven and consistent player. That was definitely Mayfield, but it comes with risks in terms of his size and temperament. Grade: B. QB. Oklahoma

2. New York Giants

31. In terms of peak physical talent, the Giants got the best overall in the draft. Barkley is a massive upgrade to a position that has given them problems for years. At the same time, their unwillingness to address QB and still weak offensive line might mitigate his impact. Grade: B. RB. Penn State. Saquon Barkley . 2. player

3. New York Jets

USC. Sam Darnold . 3. player. 30. Sam Darnold was a turnover machine in 2017 and it scared the hell out of people. Thing is? So was Matt Ryan in his final year. So was Dan Marino. Does Darnold pass the eye test? He’s big, mobile, tough and charismatic with a strong arm and ice water in his veins. The Jets scored. Grade: A. QB

4. Cleveland Browns

Ohio State. Denzel Ward . 4. player. 53. The Browns cornerback position is devoid of any front line talent. So in this context, the pick makes plenty of sense. Denzel Ward is the best pure cover corner in the draft and his size won’t mean as much in the Gregg Williams system who got great performances from shorter CBs before. Grade: B+. CB

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