NFL Draft grades 2019: 5 teams that are the biggest losers
5. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had to beef up their defensive line, and they failed to do so despite taking two selections in the first round. While it’s understandable that general manager Thomas Dimitroff wanted to bulk up on the offensive front, it was Atlanta’s defense that was atrocious a year ago. With Vic Beasley Jr. underwhelming and Grady Jarrett currently playing out a franchise tag, it would have made sense to go with someone like Brian Burns at No. 14 overall instead of Chris Lindstrom.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Another team that needed to desperately fix the defensive side of the ball and didn’t do so. The Bengals did have a nice third day, but that doesn’t make up for drafting offensive tackle Jonah Williams when there were a bevy of pass-rushers on the board at 11th overall. Additionally, the selection of tight end Drew Sample with the 52nd overall pick was absurd. He very likely could have been taken a round or two later.
3. Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson was a nice pick, but does it really fill a critical need for the Lions. This is the team after all that dropped $25 million only a month ago to bring Jesse James into the fold. Is James going to be the most expensive backup tight end in league history? Beyond Hockenson, it’s hard to see where the Lions came away with a ton of talent. The second round yielded linebacker Jahlani Tavai from Hawaii, with Boston College safety Will Harris coming over in the third. Frankly, it was an underwhelming return.
2. Oakland RaidersÂ
The Raiders had three first-round picks going into Thursday night. They decided to stand pat and take those selections exactly where they were. Somehow, general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden ended up reaching at No. 4 overall on edge rusher Clelin Ferrell before making the most questionable selection of the weekend in Josh Jacobs at No. 24. While Jacobs might turn out to be a fine player, taking a running back with the way the Raiders’ roster looks right now is insane. Johnathan Abram projects to be a nice safety, but at 27th overall, Oakland needed more immediate impact.
1. New York Giants
This ranking is all. about the No. 6 overall pick. Nothing against Daniel Jones, but what are the Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman doing here? New York needs so much help defensively, and could have taken edge rusher Josh Allen or defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Instead, the Giants clearly overdrafted Jones, who likely would have been available at No. 17 when they were back on the clock. Just asinine.
