With each snap they take in preseason we’re getting an idea of what the 32 first round picks are able to do. For some that means an opportunity to show they’re ready to take the league by storm. For others? Well let’s just say they’re showing why the team is invested in them for the future and not now.
So it’s time to update, after three weeks of preseason action, our first impressions from the guys selecting in the top round of the draft.
1. Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans, OLB
Grade: +4.4
Snaps: 29
Analysis: It’s only been 29 snaps so far but Clowney hasn’t needed much of an invitation to lay some signature big hits. The one sack doesn’t do justice to what he has already shown he can do as a pass rusher, while he doesn’t appear the type to take run downs off. Consider us disappointed we didn’t get to see him against the Broncos.
2. Greg Robinson, St. Louis Rams, OG
Grade: -7.5
Snaps: 133
Analysis: Was benched/ demoted/ given a breather...
3. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars, QB
Grade: +4.8
Snaps: 83
Analysis: Clearly Bortles hasn’t been reading the script. You know the one devised by the front office and coaches. You see, he was meant to be this rookie in need of some serious seasoning, and instead his calmness and poise have forced the team into an awkward, if pleasant, dilemma. Start the rookie or not? For a team desperate not to make the mistakes of yesteryear (see Blaine Gabbert) the stakes are high.
4. Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills, WR
Grade: -0.4
Snaps: 35
Analysis: Missed the Week 3...
5. Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders, OLB
Grade: -0.4
Snaps: 96
Analysis: Quiet start to life for...
6. Jake Matthews, Atlanta Falcons, OT
Grade: -5.8
Snaps: 105
Analysis: Had his best pass blocking game after switching to left...
7. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR
Grade: -0.1
Snaps: 75
Analysis: Something of a non factor after...
8. Justin Gilbert, Cleveland Browns, CB
Grade: -1.8
Snaps: 89
Analysis: After a debut where he...
9. Anthony Barr, Minnesota Vikings, OLB
Grade: +1.2
Snaps: 100
Analysis: Up and down so far...
10. Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions, TE
Grade: +1.4
Snaps: 61
Analysis: Of all the picks...
11. Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans, OT
Grade: +2.7
Snaps: 124
Analysis: His zero pressures allowed is a little misleading...
12. Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants, WR
Grade: n/a
Snaps: n/a
13. Aaron Donald, St. Louis Rams, DT
Grade: +1.8
Snaps: 101
Analysis: After two starts was put with...
14. Kyle Fuller, Chicago Bears, CB
Grade: +1.7
Snaps: 35
Analysis: After a nice...
15. Ryan Shazier, Pittsburgh Steelers, LB
Grade: -5.4
Snaps: 105
Analysis: While his numbers...
16. Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys, OL
Grade: +0.4
Snaps: 78
Analysis: He hasn’t exactly...
17. C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens, LB
Grade: -0.9
Snaps: 89
Analysis: He didn’t look...
18. Calvin Pryor, New York Jets, S
Grade: +6.9
Snaps: 97
Analysis: You think the...
19. Ja’Wuan James, Miami Dolphins, OT
Grade: -3.2
Snaps: 133
Analysis: It had been going...
20. Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints, WR
Grade: +0.5
Snaps: 78
Analysis: Has already...
21. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Green Bay Packers, S
Grade: +0.1
Snaps: 101
Analysis: After a...
22. Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns, QB
Grade: -4.1
Snaps: 91
Analysis: Playing exclusively with the reserves, he seemed to catch his breath after flunking his test to see if he was ready to start come Week 1 of the regular season. Needs to do more with the ball, though, having so far completed just three passes in three games that have traveled over 10 yards in the air.
23. Dee Ford, Kansas City Chiefs, OLB
Grade: -2.0
Snaps: 118
Analysis: Working with the second-teamers he hasn’t...
24. Darqueze Dennard, Cincinnati Bengals, CB
Grade: -2.7
Snaps: 36
Analysis: Just the one outing...
25. Jason Verrett, San Diego Chargers, CB
Grade: +0.1
Snaps: 7
Analysis: His preseason debut lasted a whole seven...
26. Marcus Smith, Philadelphia Eagles, OLB
Grade: -5.5
Snaps: 146
Analysis: Console yourself...
27. Deone Bucannon, Arizona Cardinals, S
Grade: +2.5
Snaps: 97
Analysis: Turned a red to green with...
28. Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers, WR
Grade: +2.7
Snaps: 69
Analysis: With the...
29. Dominique Easley, New England Patriots, DT
Grade: n/a
Snaps: n/a
30. Jimmie Ward, San Francisco 49ers, S
Grade: +3.6
Snaps: 124
Analysis: Getting most...
31. Bradley Roby, Denver Broncos, CB
Grade: +2.9
Snaps: 97
Analysis: Coming off...
32. Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings, QB
Grade: +2.5
Snaps: 91
Analysis: After a disappointing start Bridgewater has settled and found a rhythm the past two weeks. Not quite as impressive against the Chiefs as he was the Cardinals, you feel Matt Cassel has done enough that the team doesn’t need to rush their first-round pick into things. But you never know.
