Day two of the NFL Draft has come and gone. Every team in the AFC North had two picks at their disposal, with the Steelers and Ravens both having 2 3rd round picks, the Ravens with a compensatory pick. Lets dive in and see what each team gets for grades. Reminder is the grading scale I use is based off quality of the pick, needs filled, and potential year one impact on their respective teams. Lets go.
Round 2 Pick 46: Cleveland Browns - CB - Greedy Williams: LSU
Needs: CB, S, IDL, LB
The Browns traded up 3 picks to take Greedy Williams, and end the fall of Greedy. Its shocking he fell this far, and its worrisome he goes to an AFC North rival. Greedy Williams has had some issues with not showing up on the field sometimes, but with a chip on his shoulder, and now playing across from Denzel Ward who played spectacularly his rookie year, Greedy Williams could turn out to be an absolute steal here for the Browns. Coverage skills are elite, tackling could use some work, but what a steal here in the 2nd round if he can develop.
Grade: B
Round 2 Pick 52: Cincinnati Bengals - TE - Drew Sample: Washington
Needs: LB, OT, TE, QB
Huh. I get the need at tight end, but Drew Sample? Jace Sternberger, Dax Raymond, Dawson Knox, Foster Moreau, all on the board. To me Sternberger would have been the perfect replacement for Tyler Eifert. Instead they got essentially a blocking tight end. Drew Sample really does everything well enough, but doesn't do anything great. I dont see him ever being a capable starting tight end. Not a good pick here for Cincinnati after trading down.
Grade: D
Round 3 Pick 66: Pittsburgh Steelers - WR - Diontae Johnson: Toledo
Needs: WR, LB, CB, EDGE
Interesting pick for the Steelers here. I along with most of Steelernation expect a Chase Winovich here. But I cant say I'm disappointed with the Diontae Johnson pick. More than likely a development pick, but we know how good the Steelers are at developing wide receivers. Johnson is dangerous in space, and one of the best route runners in this draft class, and can return punts and kicks. His hands are definitely his weakness. Look for him to start the year as the main return man, and rotate in for some receptions.
Grade: B-
Round 3 Pick 72: Cincinnati Bengals - LB - Germaine Pratt: NC State
Needs: LB, OT, TE, QB
Project pick here in the 3rd round at linebacker for the Bengals. Germaine Pratt has the ability to be an early down backer with his tackling ability, but should be restricted in passing downs as his lately ability and speed are glaring weaknesses for Pratt. Pratt has the potential to be a year one starter, but would need a big preseason to prove his role. If not expect him in rotational roles and special teams.
Grade: C+
Round 3 Pick 80: Cleveland Browns - LB - Sione Takitaki: BYU
Needs: CB, S, IDL, LB
Another defensive pick for the Cleveland Browns, as they get a tone setting linebacker in Takitaki. Takitaki thrives in using his speed to make plays, and deliver big hits. Off-field issues plagued him in his early college years but he seems to have moved past that, and became a leader for the BYU defense. Struggles in pass coverage, projects to be an early down linebacker with special team impact. Similar role to what the Bengals got in Pratt, but I like this pick more.
Grade: B-
Round 3 Pick 83: Pittsburgh Steelers - CB - Justin Layne: Michigan State
Needs: WR, LB, CB, EDGE
One of the top cornerbacks in this years class, but raw in development falls to the Steelers. Layne's upside is massive, but the lack of cornerback development in the past for the Steelers could be concerning. Layne brings amazing physical ability to the field, and a knack for finding the football, being a wide receiver convert. Could see starting time year one, but will definitely see special teams play. If he can reach his full impact, the Steelers got themselves a steal here in the 3rd.
Grade: B
Round 3 Pick 85: Baltimore Ravens - DE - Jaylon Ferguson: Louisiana Tech
Needs: WR, LB, IOL, EDGE
Well the Ravens got themselves another killer pass rusher. Ferguson set an D1 record for career sacks with 45, beating... wait for it... Terrell Suggs. Ferguson will have to develop quite a bit as his technical ability isn't proficient enough to get past the more advanced NFL lineman. If Ferguson can develop pass rushing moves and work on his flexibility, Ferguson could beat another record set by Terrell Suggs. Expect to see him in a rotational role in his rookie year.
Grade: B
Round 3 Pick 93: Baltimore Ravens - WR - Miles Boykin: Notre Dame
Needs: WR, LB, IOL, EDGE
Man Joe Flacco must be jealous seeing the Ravens finally drafting some weapons for their new quarterback. Miles Boykin has a massive upside, considering his production at Notre Dame, with subpar quarterbacks throwing to him. He needs some work with route running, but his athletic ability was able to carry him through college. On most rosters I would see Boykin as a WR3 or WR4, but could easily find himself in the starting rotation year one. If some chemistry develops with Lamar Jackson, the Ravens might have solidified their wide receiver core for years to come
Grade: B
Consensus:
Another strong draft day from the AFC North, the Bengals excluded. I really don't understand either pick from the Bengals here. Maybe they saw something special in both players, but I saw superior talent at the positions they drafted taken after they selected their picks, players that easily would have been available in day three. For the rest of the AFC North, a lot of raw athletes, projected in the first round that fell. Development will be key for this part of the draft class, but if everything goes right, the Steelers, Ravens, and Browns found themselves some long term solutions.
