The 2019 NFL Draft is underway in Nashville, and FTW’s lead NFL writer Steven Ruiz is grading picks and offering analysis on how each player will fit with his new team.
No. 4: Clelin Ferrell, Edge, Clemson
Analysis: In my final mock draft, I had the Raiders taking Clelin Ferrell … only it was with the 27th pick — NOT THE FOURTH OVERALL. I don’t care if the Raider LOVED Ferrell, it’s unlikely he was a top-10 pick on any other team’s board. So why not trade down to take him? Especially with multiple teams itching to trade up for quarterbacks? Even if Ferrell turns out to be a good player, he could have been had later in the first round.
GRADE: F
No. 24: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Analysis: I mean, sure. Josh Jacobs is the best running back in the draft. He might even be a Pro Bowler. But he’s a running back and Oakland used a first-round pick on him. That’s not a smart allocation of resources. Even if Jacobs is a good pass catcher, he won’t be a difference-maker in the passing game — there are like two running backs who are — and that’s where NFL games are won.
GRADE: C
No. 27: Johnathan Abram, S Mississippi State
Analysis: Jon Gruden told us he wasn’t the biggest fan of analytics. Maybe we should have believed him, because after using a first-round pick on a running back, he went ahead and used another on a box safety who has issues in coverage. Johnathan Abram will be a good run defender, and he does have deep range, but he’ll be a player teams target in the passing game.
GRADE: D+
Round 2
No 40: Trayvon Mullen, CB Clemson
Analysis: The run on corners continues! Trayvon Mullen’s game needs some polishing, but he profiles as a good cover corner. I just think these coaches are putting too much stock in how these corners tackle, which explains Greedy Williams’ fall. Mullen will tackle, that’s for sure.
