NFL Draft: Second day grades for the 2020 NFL Draft
By Chad Porto
AFC North
Cleveland – SAF Grant Delpit (LSU), DT Jordan Elliot (Missouri), ILB Jacob Phillips (LSU)
The Cleveland Browns spent a lot of time on defense this time around. So far, the Browns have taken nothing but SEC players, and fans aren’t too in love with day two. The Browns traded down, and missed out on Zach Baun, while picking Grant Delpit over Antoine Winfield Jr. To make matters worse, the Jacob Phillips pick took place with OSU star Malik Harrison still on the board, which wasn’t bad enough for Browns fans. No, because not long after, Harrison went to division rival Baltimore.
Grade: B- (Right positions, but wrong guys in the eyes of many.)
Cincinnati – WR Tee Higgins (Clemson), ILB Logan Wilson (Wyoming)
While the Bengals aren’t getting a lot of guys, Tee Higgins will be a great number two wideout next to AJ Green and Logan Wilson might be the sleeper pick of the draft with his skills. The Bengals are having a stellar draft so far and that’s evident with these picks so far. Like with all the teams, only time will tell if they picked the right guys but they’re addressing positions of need with top talent. That’s how you get good grades.
Grade: A+ (Nailing it.)
Baltimore – RB JK Dobbins (OSU), DT Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M), WR Devin Duvernay (Texas) LB Malik Harrison (ILB), G Tyre Phillips (Mississippi State)
The Ravens are not playing fair. They shored up their defense with a defensive tackle and a linebacker while giving the 2019 NFL MVP two new weapons and a new protector. The Ravens and Lamar Jackson should have no reason to regress in 2020. A stellar second round for the Poe’s favorite team.
Grade: A+ (Super nailing it.)
Pittsburgh – WR Chase Claypool (Notre Dame), OLB Alex Highsmith (Charlotte)
Pittsburgh has more issues than a wideout and a linebacker. Alex Highsmith is a good player but the Steelers need depth all over the place. While it’s likely the Steelers snag one of the quarterbacks in the fourth-round, this is usually the point of the draft where you’re not hoping to find Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement. Good picks but lacking.
Grade: C+ (Psh.)