NFL Draft Winners & Losers
NFL Draft Winners & Losers
The NFL draft was full of phone grabbing, dogs, kids, and even a glimpse into Kliff Kingsbury mansion. With all the virtual insight into players and front office personnel, the first round had few surprises. Burrow, of course, went to Cincinnati to the dolphins, and the chargers got their quarterback of the future. Tampa got the protection for Brady, and of course, Dallas went further validated their team ideology to score more than opponents by drafting CeeDee Lamb. I want to further elaborate on the rest of this virtual draft by going over who I think the winners and losers are of this NFL draft by division:
AFC North:
Winners: Ravens, a team that was already stacked to pick up J.K Dobbins from Ohio State, was a great grab, and it will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets behind Ingram and Edwards. I also love the pick up of Queen from LSU. He should be a solid starter, and he’s a winner. Finally, the addition of DuVernay at wide receivers only bolsters an already top 5 offense. They addressed the linebacker position, love the pick up of Dobbins, and they helped the interior line with drafting Madbuike.
AFC East:
Winners: Dolphins, got their quarterback of the future in Tua, they didn’t have to get rid of any of their picks. I love that selection and Austin Jackson at 20 years old he will develop on a team that is focusing on developing its talent. Also, Iove the fact they draft two more offensive linemen as well with Kindley and Hunt. Finally, to pick up weaver from Boise State in the late rounds was a steal. Overall they got their quarterback, but more importantly, they got the protection too.
AFC South:
Winners: Colts, with the signing of Rivers, but more importantly, they got Michael Pittman fro USC, and I was high on Jonathan Taylor. Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor will be a great dynamic duo. Finally, they got perhaps their quarterback of the future by getting Jacob Eason from Washington.
AFC West:
Winners: Broncos worked on their offense this draft, it seems that Drew Lock will be their future and getting Jerry Judy gives them a legit star receiver. I even like the pick up of Hamler from Penn State and finally getting Drew Lock’s former teammate tight end in the 4th round. They went all-in on Drew Lock now its time or him to perform.
NFC North:
Winners: Vikings, got Justin Jefferson to replace Stefon Diggs and to replace their corners with Gladney and Dantzler. They are my favorite to a defense that is already top 10. They did a great job replacing the starters they lost in free agency.
NFC East:
Winners: Cowboys, to get Ceedee Lamb was a stunner and significant move for the offense and then shoring up the defense by getting Diggs and Gallimore first-round talent. It was hard cause I love the movement of the Eagles to get Hurts, but cowboys addressed their needs and perhaps got the best receiver in the draft.
NFC South:
Winners: Panthers, Especially with the division getting Tom Brady they got only defensive players and getting Derrick Brown, who I love in the interior. To get Matos and Chinn, who has the potential to be pro bowl players. Rhule knows the division has a high-powered offense, and I love the fact he addressed that.
NFC West: Winners: L.A Rams, getting Cam Akers who I was all about going into the draft from Florida state was massive. The addition of Terrell Lewis as well from Alabama will be another excellent addition. I put them as winners because, without a first-round pick, they got a great running back and a superior edge as well. Jefferson has the potential to be a fantastic wide receiver.
Losers: Packers, they had a ton of needs like offensive line and wide receiver, but they traded up to take Love from Utah State when they already have an Aaron Rodgers. Also, I thought Dillion was a reach and grabbing Simon, who I believe is underwhelming.
Losers: Patriots: They didn’t draft a quarterback, accumulated more picks, which I believe they will trade in next year’s draft to get Fields or Lawrence. The addition of Duggar, yea he’s fast, but he’s 24 and seems to have already reached his potential.
Losers: Bears, really another tight end, that was not their pressing need in the second round, especially when they did not have a first-round pick. Then picked up Simmons and Hambright, who many have never heard. I do think they were winners in not picking up Mitch’s fifth-year option.
