Draft Reaction

[onejayhawk]

This thread is for reaction to not only our draft, but also Denver, LAC and LVR. 

58. Kansas City Chiefs (from Ravens): Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri Grade: A

The Chiefs stayed in state for a first-round caliber player they have liked for a while because of his ability to get all around the field, handling coverage well with some pass-rush juice, too. Kansas City should be more active making plays on the second level with Bolton and Willie Gay Jr.

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma Grade: A-

Kansas City made it back-to-back rookie starting centers with this powerful blocker known for his mean streak. Humphrey will play between newcomer Joe Thuney and returning Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, adding to big line changes that also include former Raven Orlando Brown Jr. for left tackle in front of Mahomes.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2021-live-picks-results/12vn4s61xusn71cix3t8h0lv7k#Round 2 results

Kansas City Chiefs Final draft grade: A

Despite trading a bundle of picks, including Nos. 31, 94, and 136, the Chiefs managed an excellent draft by finding a ton of value in the picks they did have. Offensive line was a big need with the losses of Eric Fischer and Mitchell Schwartz, and they certainly did well in finding value as they searched for replacements in the draft. The Chiefs drafted center Creed Humphrey in the third round, who came in as the 53rd best prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top-150 big board heading into the draft. At 6’4 and 302 pounds, his build could certainly be an asset in the protection with his combination of speed and strength.
https://dknation.draftkings.com/2021/5/2/22414044/2021-nfl-draft-grades-by-team-browns-chiefs-jets-patriots-49ers-cowboys-eagles-buccaneers

58. Kansas City Chiefs (from BAL) | Missouri LB Nick Bolton  GRADE: B+

After trading away their first-round pick in the Orlando Brown Jr. deal, the Chiefs make their first selection of this draft, and it’s a strong one. Bolton is an athletic, physical playmaker who fills a big need on this defense, and he’s a bargain this late in the second round.

63. Kansas City Chiefs | Oklahoma C Creed Humphrey GRADE: A

After watching Patrick Mahomes run for his life in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs are doing everything they can to make sure that never happens again. After adding some veterans in free agency, they grab a fantastic value in Humphrey here, as a starting-caliber center who should have been long gone at this point in the draft.
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-grades-day-2-analysis-2nd-round-3rd-round/

Kansas City Chiefs

You're not going to find a left tackle the caliber of Orlando Brown Jr. at No. 31, so high marks for their trade with Baltimore. LB Nick Bolton and C Creed Humphrey, both late second-rounders who some thought would go earlier, seem likely to be starters no later than the midpoint of the 2021 season for a team with few job openings. Grade: A-
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2021/05/01/nfl-draft-grades-teams-bears-giants-jets-cowboys-raiders/4904079001/

 

[HolmesPriest]

It all means nothing unless Andy calls them run plays more than .01% of the time lol. 🤣

[onejayhawk]

Denver Broncos Final draft grade: C+

The Broncos had a chance to draft their first franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning when Justin Fields fell to them at No. 9. Instead, they opted for Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II. While Surtain looks like a potential All-Pro, Denver currently has Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock set to compete for the starting job.

On the draft’s second day, the Broncos gobbled up North Carolina’s Javonte Williams, a versatile running back who better fits their offense than the departing Phillip Lindsay. Quinn Meinerz could also slide into a starting job early in his Denver tenure.

Still, passing on a top QB prospect without a stellar plan already in place could come back to haunt the Broncos. Perhaps this all proves to be the prelude to, say, a trade for Aaron Rodgers, but such a move remains purely speculative at this point.

Las Vegas Raiders Final draft grade: C-

The Raiders are at it again. The Raiders can’t help taking shots on Alabama players in the first round, and they surprised everyone when they went with OT Alex Leatherwood at No. 17 overall. Most people expected the big man to hear his name called in the second round, but Las Vegas must be hard-pressed to replace Trent Brown. There are a few other questionable picks worth mentioning.

TCU’s Trevon Moehrig was considered the top-rated safety in some circles, so snagging him in the second round was ideal. However, the Raiders went on to draft safeties in the third and fourth rounds as well. Las Vegas went with Buffalo linebacker Malcolm Koonce in the third round, but many considered him to be fourth or fifth-round talent ahead of the draft. Maybe he’s a diamond in the rough, but that seems unlikely given how things have gone for the Raiders in recent years.

Los Angeles Chargers Final draft grade: A

Despite missing the playoffs each of the last two seasons and undergoing a coaching change this offseason, the Chargers didn’t have many holes to fill along the roster. They addressed their biggest, a massive void at left tackle, with the first-round selection of Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater and added depth two days later with Nebraska’s Brenden Jaimes. Given how injuries decimated the offensive line the past few years, both picks make sense.

However, the Chargers might have garnered even more value by landing Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. in the second round. Samuel’s size (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) caused him to slip, but he can fit into multiple roles in head coach Brandon Staley’s zone-heavy defense. With Casey Hayward Jr. departing this offseason, Samuel’s arrival appears timely.
https://dknation.draftkings.com/2021/5/2/22414044/2021-nfl-draft-grades-by-team-browns-chiefs-jets-patriots-49ers-cowboys-eagles-buccaneers

[onejayhawk]

Day #3 reactions and not flattering ones. 
https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/lists/kansas-city-chiefs-2021-nfl-draft-grades-day-3-every-pick/

Round 4, Pick 144: FSU DE Joshua Kaindoh
This pick feels like a direct replacement for Tanoh Kpassaganon, who left the team in free agency this offseason. Kaindoh might even have more upside than Kpassagnon, even if he is unlikely to see the field much this season as he adjusts to the NFL game. If Kaindoh can perfect his hand-fighting technique, add to his frame and maintain the quickness he possesses off the line, this pick could be the best value the Chiefs get in the class. Grade: B

Round 5, Pick 162: Duke TE Noah Gray
This move is a common-sense investment in a low-risk spot at one of the only positions that desperately needs depth on the Chiefs’ offense. The team signed Blake Bell to back up Kelce this year, but Gray should be able to compete for time in 12 personnel groupings if he can show some flash in training camp. As a prospect, Gray is a potential “locker room guy” as a former team captain at Duke, and could provide some immediate help as a pass-catcher for Kansas City. He’ll need some time to get involved as a blocker, but if he develops into a legitimate TE2, this pick will look really good years down the line. Grade: B-

Round 5, Pick 181: Clemson WR Cornell Powell
Powell was on the short end of the legendary depth Clemson had assembled at receiver in recent years. However, he proved in limited reps that he could be productive when he actually saw playing time. Powell will likely have special teams value with his 4.47 speed. If he wants to play on offense, he’ll have to stand out among the crowded receiver depth chart in Kansas City. If he couldn’t do that at Clemson, what’s to say he’ll be so quick to do it with the Chiefs? Grade: C+

Round 6, Pick 226: Tennessee G Trey Smith
Any SEC all-conference performer hanging around in Day 3 will have fans turning their heads at their eventual selection. Smith dominated the best conference in college football for three of his four years at Tennessee, earning All-SEC first-team honors in 2019 and 2020 and all second team in 2017.

The only question mark on Smith is a medical condition that could have been the impetus for his long fall to pick 226. Kansas City might’ve found yet another potential starter in the late round. This is easily one of my favorite picks of the class. Grade: A-

 

[BucsDraftGeek47]

just wana say i think you guys killed the draft

i think Bolton could end up as DROY 

i think Creed will start at C for you guys

and 2 other steals in Powell late who could end up being your slot and Trey Smith that could be quality depth

[onejayhawk]

 

Kansas City Chiefs Grade A-

Missouri LB Nick Bolton (No. 58 overall)
Oklahoma C Creed Humphrey (No. 63)
Florida State DE Josh Kaindoh (No. 144)
Duke TE Noah Gray (No. 162)
Clemson WR Cornell Powell (No. 181)
Tennessee G Trey Smith (No. 226)

Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: A-
Day 3 grade: A

Analysis: The Chiefs moved down from 31 to 58 as part of the trade for left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., in addition to sending third- and fourth-round picks to the Ravens (and swapping late-round picks). It's not a cheap price, but given the results of Super Bowl LV, when Patrick Mahomes was running for his life, it is an understandable deal. Bolton's the kind of attacking defender the Chiefs needed at the second level, though they could have used help at other spots. Humphrey was a steal at 63 to tighten up the middle of the line.

Kaindoh is a great fit for Kansas City in the fourth round, a long defender with plenty of upside. It was thought the Chiefs wanted to improve their talent behind Travis Kelce. Gray's smooth movement and reliable hands caused the team to go up for his services, although the swap of picks didn't really cost much. Powell bided his time behind very talented receivers at Clemson but proved he has the ability to play as a No. 3 wideout the next level. Smith's unfortunate history with blood clots seemingly cost him four rounds in the draft, but the Chiefs took an easy chance on his talent in the sixth and will receive big benefits sooner rather than later.
https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-final-quick-snap-grades-for-all-32-teams

 

[onejayhawk]

Denver Broncos Grade B+

Alabama CB Patrick Surtain (No. 9 overall)
North Carolina RB Javonte Williams (No. 35)
Wisconsin-Whitewater G Quinn Meinerz (No. 98)
Ohio State LB Baron Browning (No. 105)
Texas S Caden Sterns (No. 152)
Indiana S Jamar Johnson (No. 164)
Auburn WR Seth Williams (No. 219)
LSU CB Kary Vincent Jr. (No. 237)
Ohio State DE Jonathon Cooper (No. 239)
Mississippi State DE Marquiss Spencer (No. 253)

Day 1 grade: B
Day 2 grade: A+
Day 3 grade: A-

 

Analysis: The Broncos picked the best cornerback in the draft in Surtain, so there’s no questioning the value of that selection. But GM George Paton passed on quarterback Justin Fields -- and fans won’t forget that decision if Fields goes on to great success in Chicago while Denver continues to search for an answer at QB. Paton made a strong move to get an explosive workhorse in Williams, but didn’t give up the farm to do so. Meinerz and Browning were excellent values as late third-round picks worthy of second-round consideration.

The Broncos picked Sterns, an athletic playmaker who was available in the fifth due to injury and inconsistent tackling, to play with Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson. Johnson’s been an effective cover safety and can work in the slot, which might be where Vincent is utilized, too. When Williams is on his game, smaller corners find it difficult to stay with him downfield. Cooper has the agility to move from a hand-down end at Ohio State to a stand-up rusher with the Broncos. Spencer has fourth-round athleticism and could grow into a solid rotational five-technique.

Las Vegas Raiders Grade B

Alabama OT Alex Leatherwood (No. 17 overall)
TCU S Trevon Moehrig (No. 43)
Buffalo DE Malcolm Koonce (No. 79)
Virginia Tech LB Divine Deablo (No. 80)
Missouri S TyreeGillespie (No. 143)
Illinois CB Nate Hobbs (No. 167)
Pitt C Jimmy Morrissey (No. 230)

Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: C

Analysis: I graded Leatherwood as a late first-round pick, so the Raiders' selection of him with the 17th overall choice was a bit surprising, but not a shock. We'll see if the more highly-graded tackle Christian Darrisaw (who went to the Vikings at No. 23) becomes a better player over time. Trading up for Moehrig will prove to be a good move if his back-injury situation does not develop into a future issue, and Koonce and Deablo (likely moving to linebacker) will meet front-seven needs in 2021 and beyond.

The Raiders made sure to get depth at safety by giving up multiple late-round picks to secure Gillespie, a worthy fourth-round selection, although the cost was forgoing a sixth-round pick and a chance to improve other parts of the roster. Las Vegas found a good athlete and a competitive cornerback in Hobbs in the fifth. The team picked up an intelligent and mobile center in Morrissey despite signing Nick Martin and showing great confidence in Andre James.

Los Angeles Chargers Grade A

Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater (No. 13 overall)
Florida State CB Asante Samuel Jr. (No. 47)
Tennessee WR Josh Palmer (No. 77)
Georgia TE Tre' McKitty (No. 97)
Duke DE Chris Rumph II (No. 118)
Nebraska OG Brenden Jaimes (No. 159)
Iowa LB Nick Niemann (No. 185)
Missouri RB Larry Rountree III (No. 198)
Georgia S Mark Webb (No. 241)

Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A

Analysis: Slater only lasted to No. 13 overall because of his average length for the tackle position. But he'll more than overcome that, and find success in the NFL, because of his athleticism and toughness. Samuel's slight frame (5-10, 180) also cost him draft position, but again GM Tom Telesco found value by selecting the future starter midway through Round 2. Palmer and McKitty give Justin Herbert needed depth at pass catcher and will help negate some of the production lost by Hunter Henry's exit in free agency.

Adding Rumph’s Gumby-like bend off the edge should bolster the Chargers' pass rush, while James' positional versatility should give the team's O-line more flexibility. Rountree looked like a third-round pick at times at Missouri; he could be a Justin Jackson-type value pick for the Bolts.

https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-final-quick-snap-grades-for-all-32-teams

 

[onejayhawk]

Without comment

[mayanfootball]

5 hours ago, onejayhawk said:

add to his frame and maintain the quickness he possesses off the line,

And that's the trick isn't it? It's not so easy to do this !!

[onejayhawk]

7 minutes ago, mayanfootball said:

And that's the trick isn't it? It's not so easy to do this !!

One of them. Keeping him healthy is another, but getting an NFL body should help there as well. If this were a different school, I might think Kaindoh's strength and conditioning were already at an advanced level, but not FSU these days. 

I am a bit surprised how well received this pick has been. I would not have considered him for another round. 

[BigTrav]

I think out of the SB contenders, we've strengthened the most. 

I've loved our draft. Unflashy but solid and what we needed

 

 

* so us, Bucs, Bills, Packers, Ravens maybe

[BigTrav]

I can't believe Denver didn't take Fields. I cannot. For this reason alone I'm giving them an F. To follow that up with a RB as well....eesh. Good value later though. I like Sterns

LoLVegas Reachers

LAC one of the best drafts out of everyone. Superb draft, annoyingly 

[onejayhawk]

I think Denver did their homework on Fields, which is all I am going to say about them. 

The Chargers were very good. Denver ranks with them if you can get past the first pick, which some of the writers in the chart could not do. 

[onejayhawk]

Kansas City Chiefs

2.58 – Nick Bolton  (LB – Missouri)
2.63 – Creed Humphrey (IOL – Oklahoma)
4.144 – Joshua Kaindoh (EDGE – Florida State)
5.162 – Noah Gray (TE – Duke)
5.181 – Cornell Powell (WR – Clemson)
6.226 – Trey Smith (IOL – Tennessee)

The Chiefs didn’t have many draft picks early on thanks to the trade for Orlando Brown, which must be factored into their grade, as he’s a first-round left tackle. To move from Eric Fisher to Brown is just ridiculous. Then to add Humphrey to that offensive line just completed the rebuild, as the Chiefs offensive line might be stronger in 2021 than it was pre-injuries in 2020. Heck, even the pick of Smith in the sixth round was a great one, as he was a third rounder on my big board. The high-energy Bolton was someone who got first-round buzz during some of the draft process, but ultimately fell to the second round where he was a solid pick. It’s good to see the Chiefs ready to move on from Anthony Hitchens/Ben Niemann in the near future. The pick of Gray in the fifth round felt like a wasted pick, especially knowing cornerback wasn’t addressed. I liked Powell more than most and feel he might be starting over guys like Demarcus Robinson/Byron Pringle very soon if he can get a grip on the playbook right away.

CHIEFS DRAFT GRADE: A-

https://www.fantasypros.com/2021/05/2021-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-32-teams/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_2292519

Denver Broncos

Many thought that the Broncos would be looking at a position other than cornerback at the top of the draft considering they signed both Ronald Darby  and Kyle Fuller in free agency, as well as drafting Michael Ojemudia in the third round last year, and having Bryce Callahan on the roster. Surtain was considered a top-two cornerback on many boards, so you can’t fault the pick too much, but it didn’t really fill a hole. The Williams pick was solid from a value standpoint, though there were other positions they likely could’ve addressed, as they still have Melvin Gordon for one more season. Meinerz and Browning were both great values in the third and fourth round, as both received second-round buzz. They also filled needs on the team. Johnson and Williams in the fifth and sixth rounds were both phenomenal picks considering the upside they have built into them. This draft can be looked at two different ways, but it appears they drafted best player available early-on, then addressed team needs while getting solid values. Knowing Fuller and Gordon have just one year left on their deals, you can’t even be upset about the Surtain and Williams picks, so this was a solid draft, and it’ll look even better one year from now. If there’s one thing that brings down their grade just a tad, it’s passing on quarterback like Fields at No. 9 when they don’t have a sure thing on their roster.

BRONCOS DRAFT GRADE: A-

Las Vegas Raiders

Had the draft stopped after Day 1, I’m fairly certain you would’ve seen the Raiders get the worst grade from analysts across the board. Even if they liked Leatherwood a lot, he’s someone literally no one expected to go in the first round. Trade back. The Raiders redeemed themselves in Round 2 when Moehrig fell into their laps at 43 overall. He was a top-15 player in this draft for me, and should’ve been their first-round pick over Leatherwood, though the reason for his fall was reportedly due to medical concerns with his back. Still, great pick. After that, though, we went straight back downhill with the Raiders. Both Koonce and Deablo were not expected to go until Day 3 of the draft and were reaches in the middle of the third round. Then they snagged their third safety of the draft in the fourth round, though many are expecting them to move Deablo to linebacker. Speaking of linebacker, that was my biggest need for this team outside of right tackle, and they really didn’t address it. This draft should’ve netted a lot more, and thankfully, the Moehrig pick saves their grade a tad.

RAIDERS DRAFT GRADE: D+

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers couldn’t have asked for a better start to the draft, as Slater fell into their laps at No. 13 overall, and then Samuel Jr. fell to them in the middle of the second round. Both players were expected to go earlier, and both players filled their two biggest needs. Palmer was a late riser in the process, and he should provide another solid depth piece for Justin Herbert

. McKitty felt like the first reach by the Chargers, as he’s someone I wondered if he’d be drafted at all. It was a position of need, but in a weak tight end class, they didn’t need to force the issue. Roundtree wasn’t talked about much, but I believe he might be the better thumper alongside Austin Ekeler than last year’s fourth-round pick Joshua Kelley. Having waited until the fourth round to select an edge rusher (who is undersized), you have to wonder if they find a way to bring back Melvin Ingram.

CHARGERS DRAFT GRADE: B+

[Jakuvious]

50 minutes ago, BigTrav said:

I can't believe Denver didn't take Fields. I cannot. For this reason alone I'm giving them an F. To follow that up with a RB as well....eesh. Good value later though. I like Sterns

LoLVegas Reachers

LAC one of the best drafts out of everyone. Superb draft, annoyingly 

I tend to agree, here. Unless Denver has a plan basically already in place to get Rodgers or Watson or something, they failed. Two first round grade QBs on the board, and they decided to bolster a position that was already solid rather than draft someone who at least has a chance to make them competitive. If they go into the season with just Lock and Bridgewater, they have no chance to compete in this division. They just don't. Surtain is a huge luxury pick by a team with league bottom performance at the most important position on the field.