The first round of the 2018 NFL Draft is over, which means it's time to grade every first-round selection and take a look at the winners and losers. It was a chaotic but fun night, with plenty of surprises. Below, we have every pick in the first round in order of selection. The winners and losers are at the very end of the post.
As for the grading, teams don't get a B just for showing up. A "B" is a good pick, while an "A" is a great pick. A "C" is not bad in my eyes, it's simply average. I'm a little harsher than some graders, with emphasis on value over filling a need, but I'm trying to be nicer. Obviously, there is a lot of opinion here.
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The graders are Chat Sports' NFL Experts Tom Downey and Mitchell Renz if you disagree with their grades let them hear it on Twitter @WhatGoingDowney and @MitchellRenz365.
First Round Grades:
1. Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Tom's Grade: A
Baker Mayfield was my #1 QB and the Browns took him at #1 overall. So, yes, I love this pick. Call my crazy, but I like what Cleveland is doing. Good job Browns.
Mitchell's Grade: A
If Baker Mayfield can be the quarterback of the future for the Browns this will be a great pick. He will compete for the starting roll with Tyrod Taylor.
2. New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Tom's Grade: C-
I love the talent that Saquon Barkley is - he was #3 on my big board. But the Giants have a ton of needs and they need a franchise QB (it’s not Davis Webb). They passed on all those needs and the chance to move down and get more assets for an RB. Barkley will do great things in the NFL, but I do not value the position enough to justify the #2 pick when there are franchise guys on the board.
Mitchell's Grade: B-
The Giants have had plenty of issues at running back the past few seasons, and now they get their every down running back. Barkley was regarded as the best prospect in the NFL Draft and one of the best running back prospects in the last 10 years.
3. New York Jets: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Tom's Grade: B
A much better pick by the Jets. I don’t love Sam Darnold, but I know NFL teams do. And I get - he’s got the upside, the intangibles, and production. He’s a bit raw, but I think the Jets have found their franchise QB.
Mitchell's Grade: B+
Sam Darnold was looked at by some as the top quarterback in the draft and at age 20 years old, he has a high ceiling. He has struggled with turnovers in his career but the Jets landed a solid quarterback.
4. Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Tom's Grade: C+
I really thought this pick was going to be Bradley Chubb. Instead, the Browns surprise and go Denzel Ward. The Browns wanted a #1 CB and I think they have one. Not my favorite pick, but the Browns could have done a lot worse.
Mitchell's Grade: D+
This was a reach for Ward. Passing on Bradley Chubb to take a cornerback wasn't the right move.
5. Denver Broncos: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Tom's Grade: B
The Broncos sure do love their edge rushers. And they got the best on in Bradley Chubb. I would have preferred Quenton Nelson, but this is a fine pick. Still no QB for Denver, and they might trade a current EDGE player, but this is fine with me.
Mitchell's Grade: A+
Bradley Chubb was the best defender in the NFL Draft and he fell to pick five. Von Miller compared Chubb to himself and Khalil Mack this offseason. Now Chubb will look to get the Broncos defense back to elite status.
6. Indianapolis Colts: Quenton Nelson, OT, Notre Dame
Tom's Grade: A
Love, love, love this pick. The Colts got the best player in the draft at a big position of need. Great job, Chris Ballard.
Mitchell's Grade: A+
The safest prospect in the draft will be responsible for protecting quarterback Andrew Luck. This may be the best pick in the draft.
7. Buffalo Bills (Trade With Buccaneers): Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Tom's Grade: F
I don’t like Josh Allen. The upside is there, but he’s never hit 60% of his passes dating back to high school? And now he’s suddenly supposed to drastically improve? I hope I’m wrong, but I highly doubt that happens.
Mitchell's Grade: F
Josh Allen isn't a first round quarterback. High ceiling but his floor is scary low.
8. Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Tom's Grade: B
Roquan is a find pick for the Bears. Not an earth-shattering pick, but a very-high-quality one. That’s an easy B for me. Well-done Bears.
Mitchell's Grade: B
The best linebacker in the draft goes eight oeverall to the Bears. Smith is a little undersized but there is a reason why he received Heismen votes this past year.
9. San Francisco 49ers: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Tom's Grade: C-
Mike McGlinchey is a very interesting pick. The Niners have Joe Staley and Trent Brown, so is one of those on the move? I like McGlinchey as an RT, but I have doubts about his speed.
Mitchell's Grade: C-
This was a bit of a surprise, but the 49ers invested in Jimmy Garoppolo so it's good to see they are protecting him. However, this was a bit of a reach for McGlinchey.
10. Arizona Cardinals (From Raiders): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Tom's Grade: A
Great job Cardinals. You overpaid for Sam Bradford but got a great QB in Josh Rosen. Medical worries aside, they’ve got a franchise QB. Rosen is a top 10 guy for me and the #2 QB. Love it.
Mitchell's Grade: A-
Rosen was my second overall quarterback and the Cardinals needed a quarterback. Good value and a good match.
11. Miami Dolphins: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Tom's Grade: B-
Minkah was interesting because I thought the Dolphins would take an LB. But, they landed an impact player on defense, even if not at a position of need. I’m okay with that.
Mitchell's Grade: A-
The Swiss army knife in the draft dropped outside the top 10. Probably the best move the Dolphins have made all offseason.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From Bills): Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Tom's Grade: B+
I LOVE Vita Vea. So why isn’t this an A? Because I’m not really sure the Bucs needed another DT. He’ll be a great player and this is far from a bad pick, but that’s what holds it back from being a true A.
Mitchell's Grade: B
The Buccaneers went defensive tackle and it makes sense considering the elite quarterbacks in the NFC South.
13. Washington Redskins: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Tom's Grade: B-
The Redskins wanted Vita Vea and missed out. So, they settled for Da’Ron Payne. He fills a need in a big, big way, but the value isn’t stunning. A good, not great pick.
Mitchell's Grade: B
The Redskins really wanted Vita Vea so their consolation prize is Payne. The Redskins were one of the worst run defenses last year so adding a run stuffer is a good fit.
14. New Orleans Saints (From Packers): Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA
Tom's Grade: D-
I don’t like this move at all. Yes, the Saints need an edge rusher, but trading away a future first for Davenport? Wow. It looks even worse with Harold Landry not going in round 1. He’ll be a good player, but I don’t love him as a Top 15 guy (more Top 32 for me) and I hate giving up a first.
Mitchell's Grade: F
To trade up for Davenport is sad.
15. Oakland Raiders (From Cardinals): Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Tom's Grade: C
The Raiders did need an OT, but I don’t love Kolton Miller. I’ll give them credit for trading down, but I don’t trust Kolton Miller. He’s a great athlete, but I didn’t love his tape.
Mitchell's Grade: C
You are looking at Nat Solder 2.0. Protecting Derek Carr is important but the Raiders needed to improve their defense and they simply didn't do that.
16. Buffalo Bills (From Ravens): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Tom's Grade: B+
I hate the pick of Josh Allen, but I like the Bills being aggressive and getting Tremaine Edmunds. He slides a bit and the Bills have a very young and very athletic linebacker to build around on defense.
Mitchell's Grade: B
Edmunds slipped all the way to 16 for the Bills. He is 19 years old and has a high ceiling, but his floor is low.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James, S, Florida State
Tom's Grade: A+
Chargers with a steal! Derwin James has plenty of upside, even if he’s not a true free safety right now. I thought James could have gone in the Top 10. Instead, the Chargers get a Top 10 player at #17
Mitchell's Grade: A+
Maybe the steal of the first round. A great get for the Chargers.
18. Green Bay Packers (From Seahawks): Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Tom's Grade: B-
I thought the Packers were going to go CB, but I had the wrong player. I like Jaire Alexander plenty and if he stays healthy, he could be one heck of a CB. Getting the extra is just a nice bonus.
Mitchell's Grade: C
He had some injury concerns last year and wasn't the best cornerback available. The Packers did need help in the secondary but they could have drafted a better option.
19. Dallas Cowboys: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Tom's Grade: C+
The Cowboys YouTube fans HATE this pick. But I can live with it, even if I don’t love it either. The Cowboys wanted an LB and they LOVE Leighton Vander Esch. The athletic upside is there, but he still needs work. I would have traded down or maybe even gone Calvin Ridley, but it’s okay. Let’s see what Dallas does in Round 2 and 3.
Mitchell's Grade: B
An athletic freak but with only one year of playing experience, this pick makes me cautious. The Cowboys have struggled to stay healthy at the linebacker position so adding depth at the position isn't totally surprising.
20. Detroit Lions: Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
Tom's Grade: C+
I’m okay with this pick. It fills a need, but Harold Landry was there! Ragnow is a nice player and will be a good starter, but I wanted Landry. Or even James Daniels, who I had as the top center.
Mitchell's Grade:C
Ragnow's draft stock has risen quickly and perhaps adding him to the offensive line means the Lions will run the ball a bit more in 2018.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Billy Price, C, Ohio State
Tom's Grade: C-
I had Price as the #3 center, behind Ragnow and Daniels. So yes, I’m not a big fan. Could have taken an OG as well.
Mitchell's Grade: D
The Bengals needed offensive line help, but taking Price here doesn't make a ton of sense to me.
22. Tennessee Titans (From Ravens): Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Tom's Grade: A
Good job, Titans. They leapfrog the Patriots to get a talented LB. Evans was good value here and fills a need. Well-done by the Titans, it’s an easy A.
Mitchell's Grade: B+
The Titans did what they needed to do in order to grab a linebacker. Evans is a physical linebacker who will be an impact player right away.
23. New England Patriots: Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
Tom's Grade: D
Uh… okay? I don’t get this one? Is Wynn going to stay at LT? If so, why not take Connor Williams? He’s not a bad player, but there were better players at bigger needs on the board. I said it on our live NFL Draft Show, but the Patriots’ picks under Bill Belichick doesn’t make sense to me.
Mitchell's Grade: D
This pick is a bit of a head-scratcher for me. They lost Solder this offseason so adding a short-armed guard like Wynn doesn't make a lot of sense to me
24. Carolina Panthers: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
Tom's Grade: B
DJ Moore is a good, not great pick here. I would have gone Calvin Ridley, but I’m okay with Moore one as well. He gives Cam Newton a needed weapon.
Mitchell's Grade: B-
The first wide receiver drafted and it's a good one. He will be a great fit in Carolina. Moore's super talented and could be what Sammy Watkins was supposed to be.
25. Baltimore Ravens (From Titans): Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
Tom's Grade: F
Come on Ravens. You just had to take a 25-year-old TE in round 1. Trading down was nice, but this is a reach. I’m not a big Hurst fan, even if he fills a need.
Mitchell's Grade: D-
Another tight end to the Ravens. This is really frustrating and I'm wondering what Ozzie Newsome is doing.
26. Atlanta Falcons: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Tom's Grade: A
Great job Falcons! Ridley isn’t an elite athlete and is old, but he’s a good football player. This offense looks very, very scary.
Mitchell's Grade: A-
Calvin Ridley + Julio Jones = a wicked good combination. Hopefully, Steve Sarkisian doesn't screw this up.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
Tom's Grade: F
What the hell Seattle? You have all these needs on both sides and while RB is one of them, you take Rashaad Penny? I like him, but on Day 2, not at #27 overall. And there were better RBs on the board. One of the worst picks in Round 1.
Mitchell's Grade: F
The worst pick of the first round and possibly the NFL Draft. He was the second running back drafted and is my 7th ranked running back.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Terrell Edmunds, S, Virginia Tech
Tom's Grade: F
And here’s your worst pick in the first round. I mean Terrell Edmunds? Seriously? Did the Steelers think they were getting his brother, Tremaine? If you’re going to take a safety, there were at least 3 or 4 better ones, including some actual free safeties. He’s a late Day 2 pick at best.
Mitchell's Grade: D-
Way too early of a pick and wasn't a need for the Steelers. Was hoping the Steelers would trade down.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Tom's Grade: C+
Taven Bryan is a good, not great pick. He’s a future selection because the Jags can’t afford both Marcell Dareus and Malik Jackson.
Mitchell's Grade: B-
Bryan is incredibly raw and has a lot to learn to be considered a reliable starter for the Jaguars.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
Tom's Grade: C
I’m not a huge Mike Hughes fan, but I get it. The Vikings get a physical corner who should fit well. I just thought there were better players (and bigger needs) out there.
Mitchell's Grade: C-
Personally, I think Hughes is one of the most overrated corners in this draft. The Vikings want to be physical and Hughes get credited for being tough, but I simply don't see it.
31. New England Patriots: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Tom's Grade: D
Okay, Patriots. What are you doing? An OG and an RB in the first round? Over Harold Landry and Lamar Jackson. I love Bill Belichick, but I don’t get his recent early picks.
Mitchell's Grade: C
I like Michel as a prospect, but the bone on bone knee injury concerns have me worried. This wasn't a major need for the Patriots and I think the Patriots will regret this pick.
32. Baltimore Ravens (From Eagles): Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Tom's Grade: A
Now that’s more like it Ravens! I love me some Lamar Jackson and getting him at #32 is a nice pick. Here’s a needed Joe Flacco replacement. Hopefully, he pans out.
Mitchell's Grade: B
Is Lamar Jackson the best quarterback and wide receiver on the Ravens? Joe Flacco isn't the answer so I think this selection is very interesting.
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Winners:
Colts
When you try to protect your most valuable asset (Andrew Luck) with arguably the best player in the draft you are a winner.
Chargers
The Chargers got the steal of the draft with James at 17. Many experts had James going in the top 10 and to see him fall all the way to 17 was shocking (pun intended).
Broncos
The Broncos got the best defender in the NFL Draft at five overall. Pair him with Von Miller should scare offensive coordinators.
Losers:
Seahawks
Selecting a running back with several question marks around him in the first round, when you could have possibly drafted him in round three warrants you being a loser.
Patriots
Two first round picks and both were sad, leaving many people questioning if the Patriots dynasty is ending.
Saints
You trade all the way up to get Davenport? A player who I don't know if I would have selected in the first round.
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FOLLOW: Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
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