Written by Dan Kadar at SBNation.com
The second day of the NFL Draft is all about value and risk. That showed up plenty during the second and third rounds. The second round featured plenty of steals after some top talents were pushed back. The third round featured a lot of risks that filled needs.
We decided all those picked required some way-too-early grades. The letters associated with each team were decided on a number of factors: Relative value, need, system fit, risk and potential.
Arizona Cardinals
The Carindals finally got to make a pick on Day 2 of the draft all the way at No. 92 overall. They used the pick on Texas A&M cornerback Brandon Williams after picking defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche in the first round. Williams is a developmental player who played just a season at cornerback after moving from running back. I thought he was a late Day 3 pick.
Overall grade: D-
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons wanted to add speed in the draft, and they certainly got it with LSU linebacker Deion Jones. He’s a speedy Telvin Smith-like linebacker who can make plays all over the field. The criticism is passing up a really good interior blocker like Cody Whitehair.
The selection of tight end Austin Hooper at No. 81 was a good move. The Falcons need talent at the position, and he provides it. Just a redshirt sophomore, Hooper runs good routes and knows where to sit in a zone. He can develop quickly into a starter for the Falcons.
Overall grade: B-
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens started the second round with pick No. 36 before dropping down twice before taking Kamalei Correa at No. 42. It’s clear the Ravens needed a pass rusher early in the draft, and they got one with the Boise State product. By getting multiple picks, that boosts the grade. Correa has some big highlights with 20 career sacks, and can play end or outside linebacker, so he’s a scheme fit. The Ravens will have to figure out a way to way to use him because he can struggle against the run and getting off blocks. The athleticism and hustle is there, though.
In the third round, the Ravens got another great system fit with BYU’s Bronson Kaufusi. He’s an athletic front seven player with a ton of length. He needs to get stronger, but he can really move. If he can get off blockers better, watch out.
Overall grade: B
Buffalo Bills
The Bills gave up a lot of draft capital to move up to the 41st overall pick to draft Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland, but it was a needed move. Ragland is the thumper between the tackles linebacker the Bills needed. He’s going to be an annual 100-tackle machine in Rex Ryan’s defense.
With the 80th overall pick, the Bills got more help on defense with Ohio State defensive tackle Adolphus Washington. At Ohio State, he was used over the nose but moved to more of a three-technique in 2015. Washington is NFL-ready as a pass rusher, but he has to get better versus the run. He’s a rotation player to start.
Overall grade: B+
Carolina Panthers
The “wow” NFL Network’s Mike Mayock let out with with the pick of Samford cornerback James Bradberry was warranted. Sure, he’s a long corner, but he needs some work. No. 62 overall was high for Bradberry. Maybe he’ll get used at safety.
In the third round, the Panthers moved up to the 77th pick to select another defensive back in West Virginia’s Daryl Worley. He has excellent ball skills, finishing his career with 37 passes defended. He’s a risk taker, but has talent.
Overall grade: D+
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