AFC East 2017 NFL Draft Final Grades

Jamal Adams draft 1

Jamal Adams draft 1

The 2017 NFL Draft has come and gone and so it’s time to review if each team was able to improve their rosters heading into the grind of offseason workouts.

We start by taking a look at the AFC East.

AFC East 2017 NFL Draft Final Grades

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Best Pick: Zay Jones

Zay Jones

Jones has the size and athleticism to hang at the professional level. He’s a tough receiver who ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the combine and hauled in nearly 400 catches during his career at ECU.

Sleeper/Value Pick: Zay Jones

He has the NFL body but scouts were scared away by his route running ability, causing him to fall to the second round. This is easily fixable. Great value for the Bills who just declined to pick up Sammy Watkins‘ fifth-year option.

Reach: Nathan Peterman

There were better QB’s on the board (Brad Kaaya, University of Miami) and even better free agents to fill a backup quarterback role.

Overall Grade: B

 

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Best Pick: Charles Harris

Charles Harris

Harris is a stellar edge rusher that has the explosiveness that the Dolphins love out of star Cameron Wake. Harris should compliment the LB corps very nicely.

Value Pick: Isaac Asiata

Asiata is a strong interior lineman that can plug in right away. I am always nervous about a 24-year-old rookie, however.

Reach: Isaiah Ford

He has too lean of a frame without the explosiveness to separate from defensive backs.

Overall Grade: B-

 

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Best Pick: Derek Rivers

Derek Rivers

Rivers has the ability to play on the edge or as a stand-up LB which should fit well in the Patriots scheme.

Value Pick: Antonio Garcia

Garcia is a very athletic blocker that can match with the increasing speed of today’s edge rushers.

Reach: Connor McDermott

Athletic, but McDermott is not quick enough to play at the NFL level.

Overall Grade: B-

 

[table id=36 /]

Best Pick: Jamal Adams

Jamal Adams

Adams is my favorite player in the draft. A fiery athlete that delivers brutal and punishing hits. His physicality is exciting to think about when paired with the Jets’ excellent defensive line.

Value Pick: Jordan Leggett

The Jets have had issues at the TE position for years. Leggett is a guy that can haul in catches and create matchup problems for smaller LB’s.

Reach: Derrick Jones

Jones is weak, even for a defensive back. His poor tackling mechanics will leave him burned in the NFL.

Overall Grade: B+