My Top 5 At Each Position and Draft Grades

[Mitch]

QB:

1. Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech. Grade: Early Round 2.
2. Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina. Grade: Early Round 2.
3. Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame. Grade: Mid Round 2.
4. Chad Kelly, Mississippi. Grade: Early Round 3.
5. Deshaun Watson, Clemson, Grade: Early to Mid Round 3.

RB:

1. Leonard Fournette, LSU. Most talented player in the draft, imo. Early Round 1.
2. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford. Most versatile offensive player in the draft. Early Round 1.
3. Dalvin Cook, FSU. Mid Round 1. Fumbling issues, only concern.
4. Joe Mixon, Oklahoma. Mid Round 2, if he proves he's matured.
5. Alvin Kamara, Tennessee. Mid to Late Round 2. Could excel in 2 RB stystem. Not a bell cow.

WR:

1. Corey Davis, Western Michigan. Early Round 1.
2. Mike Williams, Clemson. Mid Round 1.
3. John Ross, Washington. Early Round 2.
4. Curtis Samuel, Ohio St. Early to Mid Round 2.
5. ArDarius Stewart, Alabama. Mid Round 2.

TE:

1. O.J. Howard, Alabama. Mid to Late Round 1.
2. David Njoku, Miami. Late Round 1.
3. Jake Butt, Michigan. Early Round 3.
4. Adam Shaheen, Ashland, Mid Round 3.
5. Evan Engram, Mississippi. Mid Round 3.

T:

1. Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin. Early Round 2.
2. Garret Bolles, Utah. Mid Round 2.
3. Cam Robinson, Alabama. Mid Round 2.
4. Roderick Johnson, FSU. Mid Round 3.
5. Taylor Moton, Westen Michigan. Mid Round 3.

G/C:

1. Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky. Mid Round 1.
2. Dorian Johnson, Pittsburgh. Late Round 1.
3. Dion Dawkins, Temple. Mid Round 2.
4. Dan Feeney, Inidana. Mid Round 2.
5. Pat Elflein, Ohio St. Early to Mid Round 3.

DT:

1. Solomon Thomas, Stanford. Early Round 1.
2. Jonathan Allen, Alabama. Early Round 1.
3. Carlos Watkins, Clemson, Early to Mid Round 2.
4. Malik McDowell, Michigan St. Mid Round 2.
5. Jhaustin Thomas, Iowa St. Early Round 3.

Edge:

1. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M. Early Round 1.
2. Takkarist McKinley, UCLA. Early Round 1.
3. Tarell Basham, Ohio. Mid Round 1.
4. Charles Harris, Missouri. Mid Round 1.
5T. Derek Barnett, Tennessee. Mid to Late Round 1.
5T. Tim Williams, Alabama. Mid to Late Round 1.

LB:

1. Reuben Foster, Alabama. Early Round 1.
2. Haason Reddick, Temple. Early to Mid Round 1.
3. Jarrad Davis, Florida. Mid to Late Round 1.
4. Raekwon McMillan, Ohio St. Mid Round 2.
5. Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt. Mid Round 2.

CB:

1. Marshon Lattimore, Ohio St. Early Round 1.
2. Sidney Jones, Washington. Early to Mid Round 1.
3. Gareon Conley, Ohio St. Mid Round 1.
4. Jourdan Lewis, Michigan. Mid to Late Round 1.
5. Quincy Wilson, Florida. Mid to Late Round 1.

S:

1. Malik Hooker, Ohio St. Early to Mid Round 1.
2. Jamal Adams, LSU. Mid Round 1.
3. Budda Baker, Washington. Early Round 2.
4. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan. Early Round 2.
5. Desmond King, Iowa. Mid Round 2.

K:

1. Zane Gonzalez, Arizona St. Early Round 4.
2. Jake Elliott, Memphis. Early to Mid Round 4.

My Top 15:

1. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
2. Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio St.
3. Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
4. Solomon Thomas, DT/DE, Stanford
5. Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio St.
6. Myles Garrett, Edge, Texas A&M
7. Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
8. Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
9. Jonathan Allen, DT/DE, Alabama
10. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
11. Takkarist McKinley, Edge, LSU
12. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
13. Jamal Adams, SS, LSU
14. Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio St.
15. Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky

 

[TheCardFan]

Wow...nice job!

I like your QB ratings and projection that no QB's will be taken in round 1 (or should be). I doubt that's going to happen but you are accurate in your assessment.

I really like your top 15 list but feel that Jamal Adams is too low. He is probably top 5 or 6 IMO.

Have you seen Tak McKinley rush from the MLB position? Probably crazy to think about but with his size and athleticism...could he play MLB on certain plays? He played on obvious passing downs (great blitzer) at UCLA but wonder how he would do against the run?

 

[Brak]

I'm intrigued with the idea of taking McCaffrey with the Cards' 1st pick. He could fill so many needs - slot receiver/heir-apparent to Fitz, spell DJ at RB, pair with DJ to create matchup nightmares for defenses, return punts & kickoffs, a spot sorely in need of filling competently. The guy is tough as nails and an absolute gamer, and would be great in the locker room too. A much more athletic version of Julian Edelman with a ton more upside.

 

[Mitch]

Wow...nice job!

I like your QB ratings and projection that no QB's will be taken in round 1 (or should be). I doubt that's going to happen but you are accurate in your assessment.

I really like your top 15 list but feel that Jamal Adams is too low. He is probably top 5 or 6 IMO.

Have you seen Tak McKinley rush from the MLB position? Probably crazy to think about but with his size and athleticism...could he play MLB on certain plays? He played on obvious passing downs (great blitzer) at UCLA but wonder how he would do against the run?

TCF, I think at least a couple of the QBs will be taken in the 1st round---but I am having trouble giving any of them 1st round grades.

Having studied Jamal Adams, he struggles at times in coverage and in space---but as a box defender he is superb.

Great point about McKinley. I think he is going to blow people away at the Combine and when they go back to watch his tape, it could propel him into the top 15 picks. I was tempted to rank him even with Myles Garrett, who is a little over-rated, imo. I still think he's a top ten talent, but I would have a hard time ranking him as the top player in the draft. He only had 32 tackles and 8.5 sacks this past year (he missed 3 games) and 4.5 of those sacks came in one game versus UT-San Antonio. He had no sacks in a few of their biggest SEC games against Alabama, Mississippi and LSU, all losses. And only 1 tackle and 0 sacks in their bowl loss to Kansas St.

 

[Mitch]

I'm intrigued with the idea of taking McCaffrey with the Cards' 1st pick. He could fill so many needs - slot receiver/heir-apparent to Fitz, spell DJ at RB, pair with DJ to create matchup nightmares for defenses, return punts & kickoffs, a spot sorely in need of filling competently. The guy is tough as nails and an absolute gamer, and would be great in the locker room too. A much more athletic version of Julian Edelman with a ton more upside.

I could see Sean Payton of the Saints take McCaffrey at #11. He is the epitome of what Payton covets in a versatile playmaker. That said, I hope that if the Cardinals can fill their biggest needs in FA, and McCaffrey is on the board at #13, the Cardinals select him. Like you said, Brak, he is the kind of triple-threat who could make stellar contributions to the running, passing and ST games.

 

[cardncubfan]

I like Lance Zierlein's mock for the Cards.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...n-mock-draft-20-49ers-bills-address-qb-issues

 

[Jetstream Green]

TCF, I think at least a couple of the QBs will be taken in the 1st round---but I am having trouble giving any of them 1st round grades.

Having studied Jamal Adams, he struggles at times in coverage and in space---but as a box defender he is superb.

Great point about McKinley. I think he is going to blow people away at the Combine and when they go back to watch his tape, it could propel him into the top 15 picks. I was tempted to rank him even with Myles Garrett, who is a little over-rated, imo. I still think he's a top ten talent, but I would have a hard time ranking him as the top player in the draft. He only had 32 tackles and 8.5 sacks this past year (he missed 3 games) and 4.5 of those sacks came in one game versus UT-San Antonio. He had no sacks in a few of their biggest SEC games against Alabama, Mississippi and LSU, all losses. And only 1 tackle and 0 sacks in their bowl loss to Kansas St.

Some QBs will be taken in the first round because in my opinion what used to be a 1st round grade for a QB is no longer there. College offenses produce projects now. You accurately summed up their grades for past drafts... but a second has become a 1st now with QBs, and we need one

 

[Ohcrap75]

Nice Breakdown Mitch! Curious if your top 15 is for the Cardinals specifically or just your overall evaluation? I respect how you trust what you see in M Garrett and didn't just list him #1 because everyone else does. I totally disagree, but that's what makes this so fun!!

 

[Mitch]

Nice Breakdown Mitch! Curious if your top 15 is for the Cardinals specifically or just your overall evaluation? I respect how you trust what you see in M Garrett and didn't just list him #1 because everyone else does. I totally disagree, but that's what makes this so fun!!

This is just my overall evaluation. That said, I would be happy with any of the 15 players at the top of my board.

As for Garrett, he's got superb physical traits. I am surprised his production wasn't that eye-pooping (8.5 sacks in 2016, 4.5 of them coming vs. UT-San Antonio...and only 3 versus SEC teams).

 

[Bodha]

You excluded Cooper Kupp who very well probably will be the best WR in the draft when we look back in 10 years.

 

[juza76]

You excluded Cooper Kupp who very well probably will be the best WR in the draft when we look back in 10 years.

Your statement make me think he will fail certainly

 

[Bodha]

Your statement make me think he will fail certainly

You dont know Cooper if you think otherwise

 

[juza76]

You dont know Cooper if you think otherwise

Yes I dont know him but I was kidding

 

[Chopper0080]

This is probably going to come off as offensive, but any top 15 board that Haason Reddick on it is flawed. There are other issues, but this reeks of trying to hit on sleepers vs legit grades on a pretty good draft class. You have Kamara graded as a 2nd rounder because he is a complementary back, but that is also what McCaffrey is who you have as your #12. Dalvin Cook, whose only issue is fumbling to you, is then graded lower, even though he can be a bell cow back?

 

[Mitch]

This is probably going to come off as offensive, but any top 15 board that Haason Reddick on it is flawed. There are other issues, but this reeks of trying to hit on sleepers vs legit grades on a pretty good draft class. You have Kamara graded as a 2nd rounder because he is a complementary back, but that is also what McCaffrey is who you have as your #12. Dalvin Cook, whose only issue is fumbling to you, is then graded lower, even though he can be a bell cow back?

I think Reddick is a stud. Watch how he performs at the Combine. He was the defensive star of the Senior Bowl. His versatility as a 34 ILB/OLB makes him especially attractive for the Cardinals who need to get faster at both spots. Do you really think he is a sleeper?

I think McCaffrey is tougher and more versatile than Cook and will very likely get more touches per game than Cook. I am not sure that Cook can be a bell cow in the traditional sense. He's going to have a much harder time running between the tackles in the NFL.

 

[Buckybird]

Good work & lots of great logic Mitch

I personally don't get the Mahomes luv by many on the board here. Other than a quick release, I can't see him being the #1 QB on anyone's board based on nobody from that system ever playing at even a mediocre level in the NFL.

 

[Buckybird]

This is probably going to come off as offensive, but any top 15 board that Haason Reddick on it is flawed. There are other issues, but this reeks of trying to hit on sleepers vs legit grades on a pretty good draft class. You have Kamara graded as a 2nd rounder because he is a complementary back, but that is also what McCaffrey is who you have as your #12. Dalvin Cook, whose only issue is fumbling to you, is then graded lower, even though he can be a bell cow back?

What him play the tape don't lie chopper. He can stuff the run, cover & is a sack master. This dude could be Dweed as a player without the dope lol

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Mayock: QBs in this draft not ready to play right away

“I don’t have any quarterbacks anywhere near the top 10,” Mayock said. “That doesn’t mean I think there’s no talent there, because I think there are four quarterbacks that have first-round talent. In my order I had for my initial top five it was [DeShone] Kizer, [Deshaun] Watson, [Mitch] Trubisky, [Patrick] Mahomes. All four of them have holes in their games. I don’t think any of them are ready to start Week One.”

“I’d love to have one of those kids in the second round,” he said. “Take my time, develop them. For different reasons, they’re not ready.”

He said he still believes at least one quarterback — and maybe as many as three — will be drafted in the top 10 picks, but was adamant that he doesn’t rank them there.

 

[Mitch]

You excluded Cooper Kupp who very well probably will be the best WR in the draft when we look back in 10 years.

I like Cooper Kupp a lot. He reminds me of Chris Hogan. I have ArDarius Stewart rated just a tad ahead of him because of his impressive RAC ability. But it is super close. I think Kupp is a top 60 pick.

 

[Bodha]

I like Cooper Kupp a lot. He reminds me of Chris Hogan. I have ArDarius Stewart rated just a tad ahead of him because of his impressive RAC ability. But it is super close. I think Kupp is a top 60 pick.

Not meaning to attack you, but that is an abysmal comparison.

His stats, for all 4 years of his career, are more similar to Larrys final near-Heisman year at Pitt. And also like Larry, he is a big bodied WR who utilizes elite route running more than straight line speed.

 

[Buckybird]

Not meaning to attack you, but that is an abysmal comparison.

His stats, for all 4 years of his career, are more similar to Larrys final near-Heisman year at Pitt. And also like Larry, he is a big bodied WR who utilizes elite route running more than straight line speed.

I think Mitch's assessment is right, which isn't knocking your opinion. He's gonna be a good player in the NFL.

I still say Davis is more athletic, more elusive & more explosive. But much of their success will also depend on the NFL team & offensive system they play in.

 

[Chopper0080]

I think Reddick is a stud. Watch how he performs at the Combine. He was the defensive star of the Senior Bowl. His versatility as a 34 ILB/OLB makes him especially attractive for the Cardinals who need to get faster at both spots. Do you really think he is a sleeper?

I think McCaffrey is tougher and more versatile than Cook and will very likely get more touches per game than Cook. I am not sure that Cook can be a bell cow in the traditional sense. He's going to have a much harder time running between the tackles in the NFL.

Ok. I get that you like Reddick. My issue is that you are taking a two year production guy, whose production was in his 4th and 5th years, and a player who will have to change positions at the next level and putting him at 8. There isn't any justification in terms of film and translation to have Reddick 8th overall other than "I just like the guy". I can get behind an argument that Reddick is a top 32, first round player. That is justifiable for a late bloomer who will make a position change in the NFL, but who has good traits. But again, to say he is the 8th best player in this draft, is silly.

Regarding Cook vs McCaffrey...so you are saying that Cook's only issue isn't ball control? Because, there is a big difference between a player whose only issue is ball security and a player who has issues with ball security, is not a bell cow, and will struggle to run inside.

 

[Chopper0080]

What him play the tape don't lie chopper. He can stuff the run, cover & is a sack master. This dude could be Dweed as a player without the dope lol

Washington was a second round player due to some of the same issues that Reddick has. That is the problem. Saying a guy is worth a first rounder and will be successful in the NFL is different than telling people is the 8th best player in the draft. Significantly different.

 

[Buckybird]

Ok. I get that you like Reddick. My issue is that you are taking a two year production guy, whose production was in his 4th and 5th years, and a player who will have to change positions at the next level and putting him at 8. There isn't any justification in terms of film and translation to have Reddick 8th overall other than "I just like the guy". I can get behind an argument that Reddick is a top 32, first round player. That is justifiable for a late bloomer who will make a position change in the NFL, but who has good traits. But again, to say he is the 8th best player in this draft, is silly.

Regarding Cook vs McCaffrey...so you are saying that Cook's only issue isn't ball control? Because, there is a big difference between a player whose only issue is ball security and a player who has issues with ball security, is not a bell cow, and will struggle to run inside.

And yet we took a guy in last years first round who had the production of a late rd-FA for his entire college career on the Dline didn't we? How you like that guy? I don't but just trying to compare the logic

IMO each draft pushes up or down players based on position & overall talent of the class

 

[Buckybird]

Washington was a second round player due to some of the same issues that Reddick has. That is the problem. Saying a guy is worth a first rounder and will be successful in the NFL is different than telling people is the 8th best player in the draft. Significantly different.

I'll give you that no doubt. But, some team is likely going to draft this kid in Rd 1 or early 2 based on his production & skillet. It's rolling the dice with any talented kid with supposed off the field issues & a team has to do its homework & scout him extensively & pray for the best.

The Cards had a helluva bargain before Dweed decided football wasn't important & nobody can predict that except the player.