Media Draft Grades

[CJD]

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Quote:NFL Draft Team Grade: B+ Grade 

Goals Entering the 2017 NFL Draft: The Bengals couldn't do anything offensively last year when either A.J. Green or Tyler Eifert was out. Now, Cincinnati has lost two of its stud offensive linemen. The offense has to be retooled now, though the Bengals can't ignore some of their glaring needs on defense like defensive end and linebcker. 

2017 NFL Draft Accomplishments: If Cincinnati's goal was to cause lots of controversy during the draft, the team deserves an A+ for its effort. Joe Mixon was the biggest story on Day 2, as the Bengals selected the troubled running back after moving down seven spots in the second round. Mixon was filmed punching a woman and knocking her out, which was horrible to watch. However, this occurred several years ago, and there haven't been repeat incidents. If a team wanted to give Mixon a second chance, I can understand it, but the Bengals better make sure they cut him if he gets into similar trouble again. If Mixon remains clean, he'll offer a huge upgrade over Jeremy Hill, who has disappointed since his rookie campaign. He's a big risk, but the payoff is enormous. 

There was also some controversy in the opening frame, as the Bengals picked John Ross No. 9 overall. Ross was reportedly off some teams' boards because of his durability issues, though he certainly has the physical skill set to be the ninth-overall selection in the draft. Cincinnati wanted Will Fuller or Corey Coleman last year, and Ross is a better version of them. He and Josh Malone will provide some much-needed juice in the receiving corps, so if either A.J. Green or Tyler Eifert gets hurt again, the offense won't collapse. 

The Bengals also had to upgrade their pass rush, and they focused on that in the third and fourth rounds, acquiring Jordan Willis and Carl Lawson. I loved both picks, as the two players were steals. I had Willis going at the end of the first round, while Lawson would've had a chance at the opening frame had he not endured so many injuries in college. 

There was nothing wrong with anything else Cincinnati did. It was a solid draft overall. I thought Ross was a bit of a reach, considering his injury, and Mixon is a big risk, but the Bengals did a very good job of addressing needs and selecting talented players while doing so. 








NFL Draft Individual Grades: 

9. John Ross, WR, Washington: C+ Grade 
I had John Ross slotted to the Bengals in my 2017 NFL Mock Draft, but I did not think Jonathan Allen and Malik Hooker would be available. Wow, how do you pass on them? At any rate, Ross makes sense for the Bengals. Cincinnati wanted Will Fuller or Corey Coleman last year, and Ross is a better version of them. That said, there were better players available, so I have to give this something like a C+. I'm also concerned about Ross' durability. 

48. Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma: A+ Grade 
What a great pick by the Bengals. I know Joe Mixon has a checkered past, to say the least, but had he been clean off the field, he would've been a top-15 pick. He has behaved well recently, so there's a chance he has changed for the better. If so, Cincinnati is getting a potential All-Pro running back. And the cherry on top is that the Bengals obtained Mixon after trading down! 

73. Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State: A+ Grade 
I wrote that the Chargers' pick of Dan Feeney could go down as the best pick in the third round. Well, it just received some competition. Jordan Willis is a highly athletic pass-rusher who easily could've been chosen at the bottom of the first round. That's actually where I had him, but I'm not sure why he dropped so far. The Bengals won't complain, as he should be able to help their mediocre pass rush. 

116. Carl Lawson, DE/OLB, Auburn: A Grade 
Carl Lawson had a chance to be a first-round pick had it not been for multiple injuries. Unfortunately, those are a concern. If Lawson can stay healthy, he'll be a terrific edge rusher for the Bengals, filling a big need. That's a huge "if," however, but I think he's worth the risk here. 

128. Josh Malone, WR, Tennessee: C+ Grade 
The Bengals were expected to go after two receivers, given their dire need at the position. Josh Malone is much different than John Ross, as he's not explosive and struggles to separate. However, he's a big wideout with deep speed, so maybe he'll pan out. I would've taken him a round later. 

138. Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan: B- Grade 
I slotted Ryan Glasgow in the fifth round, so he makes sense at the end of the fourth frame. Glasgow tested extremely poorly athletically, but was very productive at Michigan. He could end up being a solid rotational lineman for the Bengals, but probably won't ever be a decent starter. 

153. Jake Elliott, K, Memphis: C Grade 
A kicker in the fifth round? Meh. I know the Bengals had field-goal woes in 2016, but this is still a bit early for a kicker. 

176. J.J. Dielman, G, Utah: C Grade 
I was close to placing J.J. Dielman in the seventh round of my mock draft, but he didn't quite make the cut. He easily could have though, as he has upside and athleticism. The Bengals are desperate for blocking, so the pick is logical. 

193. Jordan Evans, LB, Oklahoma: B+ Grade 
The Bengals had to find a linebacker, and Jordan Evans is a decent one at this juncture. Evans is very athletic and could be a coverage specialist for the Bengals in sub packages. I don't see him as an every-down player, but there's a slight chance he could end up becoming one. 

207. Brandon Wilson, CB, Houston: B Grade 
Brandon Wilson wasn't very productive as a cornerback at Houston, but he has terrific athleticism and return ability. It's unclear if he'll see the field much as a defender for the Bengals, but he could definitely make an impact on special teams. 

251. Mason Schreck, TE, Buffalo: B- Grade 
I'm sure the Bengals aren't trying to troll their fans by selecting a tight end every year, but Mason Schreck has above-average athleticism and could compete for a roster spot. It'll be tough for him to beat out the players behind Tyler Eifert, however. 
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