2019 AFC West Team Grades:

Oakland Raiders

1-4 Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
1-24 Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
1-27 Jonathan Abram, SS, Mississippi State
2-40 Trayvon Mullen, CB. Clemson
4-106 Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan
4-129 Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
4-137 Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
5-149 Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson
7-230 Quinton Bell, DE, Prairie View

Analysis:

The Raiders surprised everyone by taking Clelin Ferrill in the first round. He is a player worthy of a number four pick with his ability to get after the quarterback. He is also a high character guy. The Raiders missed on Josh Jacobs as although he was highly regarded by the major media, he was only the backup at Alabama. I don’t think teams should take running backs in the first round when there is good talent available on Day Three. Jonathan Abram was another miss as his isn’t good enough in coverage to be taken in the first round. Trayvon Mullen is an overrated corner as well. Maxx Crosby is an interesting prospect but it’s hard to say how he will make the transition to Pro Football. He does interview well and has a good personality. Isaiah Johnson is average in coverage but has the measurables you want in a corner. He is 6’4 with good speed. Foster Moreau had a good combine and was a good blocking tight end at LSU. He did show some receiving ability at the Senior Bowl. Hunter Renfroe is a nice slot receiver who was a great producer and four-year starter that the success Clemson.

Grade C+

Denver Broncos

1-20 Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
2-41 Dalton Risner, T/G, Kansas State
2-42 Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
3-71 Dre’Mont Jones, DE, Ohio State
5-156 Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon
6-187 Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado

The Broncos did some wheeling and dealing of their #10 pick. They were able to turn it into a first-round pick, a second round pick and a third round pick in 2020. They got a tight end in Noah Fant who can help as a pass catcher and is a decent in-line blocker. Dalton Risner is going to be the Broncos right guard although I worry about his ability to sustain blocks. Drew Lock is an interesting option as a backup. He was a four-year starter but will need to develop his accuracy if he wants to succeed Flacco. My bet is that Kevin Hogan wins the backup job. Dre’Mont Jones is probably a situational pass rusher at this point in his career.

Grade: C

LA Chargers:

1-28 Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
2-60 Nasir Adderley, FS, Delaware
3-91 Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls
4-130 Drue Tranquill, LB, Notre Dame
5-28 Easton Stick, QB, North Dakota State
6-200 Emeke Egbule, LB, Houston
7-242 Cortez Broughton, DT, Cincinnati

The Chargers waited until 28 but got a stud in Jerry Tillery. His on-field performance is NFL starter worthy, but he dropped because he is said to be a bad teammate. Nasir Adderly was another fine pick as he will step in a free safety right away. He is fit for zone coverage and has good instincts against the run. Trey Pipkins is a guy who played well at the Shrine game and has good feet. He has some potential as a pass blocker. Drue Tranquill is a guy that has good instincts and linebacker range. He also improved his coverage at the Senior Bowl. Easton Stick is a guy who concerns me as he is hot and cold in terms accuracy but he did play in an attacking offense. Emeke Egbule is a guy who is physical in coverage and is aggressive as a blitzer. I do worry about his ability to stop the run though.

Grade: B+

Kansas City Chiefs:

2-56 Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
2-31 Juan Thornhill, SS, Virginia
3-20 Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
6-201 Rashad Fenton, CB, South Carolina
6-214 Darwin Thompson, RB, Utah State
7-216 Nick Allegretti, G, Illinois

The Chiefs surprised with the speedy Mecole Hardman. Drafting a returner signals the end of Tyreek Hill in Kansas City. Juan Thornhill was a good pick in the second round. He is well rounded strong safety who can do a lot of things for you. Khalen Saunders was a Senior Bowl standout who played well at the Senior Bowl. The indication is that he can play with NFL quality players. Darwin Thompson is a nice sleeper pick for running backs. He is guy who can catch out the backfield and he has good breakaway speed.

Grade: B