2016 NFL Draft Grades

[26CornerBlitz]

2016 NFL Draft: Quick-snap grades for NFC teams

The 2016 NFL Draft has been filled with twists and turns few could have seen coming. Count the Seahawks among a number of NFC teams that made the most of the second day of the draft.

 

2016 NFL Draft: Quick-snap grades for AFC teams

The 2016 NFL Draft has been filled with twists and turns few could have seen coming. While the Bills got a steal in the second round, a division rival struggled on the second day of the draft.

 

Buffalo Bills

Draft picks: Shaq Lawson (No. 19 overall), Reggie Ragland (No. 41 overall), Adolphus Washington (No. 80 overall)

Day 1 grade: A

Day 2 grade: A-

Overall grade: A-

The skinny: Lawson isn't the physically-dominating player Mario Williams is, but he's a good find here in a draft without a lot of top-rated pass rushers. He was also the best player available, so fans should be happy with the selection.

 

Ragland was a steal in the mid-second round, even with losing a fourth-round pick in the trade up, as he'll lead the Bills' defense for ten years. Washington was fair value in the third round, though he'll need to play at his best to becom more than a rotational player.

ESPN: 2016 Buffalo Bills Draft Picks: Analysis for Every Selection

The Buffalo Bills discovered value and depth when defensive end Shaq Lawson fell into their lap at No. 19.

 

@PFF_Steve

Wrote about 5,000 words on the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the draft: https://t.co/EaN4GckDde

10 (41). Buffalo Bills: Reggie Ragland | Grade: A

(Pick acquired in trade with Chicago Bears)

Buffalo trades up to get Reggie Ragland who should immediately upgrade one of the worst inside linebacker units in the league. Ragland is sound in the running game (No. 12 grade in the class) and while he’s not the most athletic linebacker, he can keep the ball in front of him when playing zone and he adds good pass rush ability as a movable piece in nickel situations.

 

17 (80) Buffalo Bills: Adolphus Washington | Grade: A

While he doesn’t excel in any one area, Washington is strong all-around and his +32.0 pass rush grade ranked third among interior defensive linemen in the class. He’s played both 3-tech and nose tackle for Ohio State, showing well in both roles. At this point in the draft, Washington is excellent value and he should see early playing time in Buffalo’s defensive line rotation.

 

2016 NFL draft: Pick-by-pick grades and analysis of Round 1

Senior analyst Steve Palazzolo breaks down and grades every first-round selection.

 

19. Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson | Grade: A-

With Mario Williams moving on, Lawson steps in as the power defensive end/outside linebacker in the Bills’ scheme. He’s strong against the run – second in the nation behind Bosa – and his +25.9 pass rush grade ranked ninth. Lawson had a breakout season after a strong showing in limited time in 2014 on a loaded Clemson defense. For the Bills, he’ll play opposite DE/OLB Jerry Hughes, adding a formidable presence off the edge to complement their stout strong interior defensive linemen, Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus.

[26CornerBlitz]

@si_nfl

@SI_DougFarrar graded every single pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft: http://on.si.com/1VVMnkx

19. Buffalo Bills

Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

GRADE: B

Don't call Lawson a one-year wonder—it was tough for him to find starting time earlier in his career along Clemson's deep line. He amassed 35 solo tackles, 12.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss in 2015, and he combined the edge speed to beat tackles outside with the power to move guards inside. He's not the same type of player as Mario Williams, but he may put up similar pressure numbers over time. He needs a little technique work, but where better to hone that than within a Rex Ryan defense?

Second round grades (by @SI_DougFarrar): http://on.si.com/24b9Sun

(41). Buffalo Bills

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

Grade: B

Analysis: The only thing that may have kept Ragland out of the first round was the reports of an enlarged aorta. But he's a perfect scheme and need fit for the BIlls because of his ability to play inside and outside linebacker on first and second down,and move up to rush the passer in other situations.​

Third round grades (by @ChrisBurke_SI): https://t.co/GUh8fRWMn5

(80). Buffalo Bills
Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

GRADE: B

Analysis: The Ryan brothers' imprint is all over this Buffalo draft, as this is now three straight defensive picks. Washington has Pro Bowl-level talent as a pass rusher, though it didn't always show up consistently. The Bills will get him plenty of one-on-one chances with Marcell Dareus occupying blockers next to him.​

 

2016 NFL draft first round winners, losers, and general thoughts

By: Jon Ledyard

 

Don’t take the phrase “winners and losers” seriously. It is one day after the first round ended, everyone knows it is too early to judge these selections. We do it because it is fun. So relax and hope I’m right about the winners and wrong about the losers.

 

Shaq Lawson landing in Buffalo was probably the biggest coup of the night. My No. 6 overall player, Lawson slid all the way to a defensive-minded head coach who will have a field day with his well-rounded abilities off the edge. Great marriage for a great player and a team that desperately needed pass rush help opposite Jerry Hughes.

[26CornerBlitz]

Winners and losers of the second and third rounds in the 2016 NFL Draft

By: Jon Ledyard

 

Don’t take the phrase “winners and losers” seriously. It is one day after the first three rounds ended, everyone knows it is too early to judge these selections. We do it because it is fun. So relax and hope I’m right about the winners and wrong about the losers.

 

[machine gun kelly]

26CB - thanks as always for getting for us. One day grades are what the one columnist stated above, they are fun, but don't mean a lot. I agree with these grades as we met with BOA to need, and they didn't take risks on guys with medical issues, character issues, drug issues, but sound players.

 

We'll know in three years if this was a good draft. Looking forward to today.

[26CornerBlitz]

NFL Draft: Winners, losers

Brinson: The Jaguars keep adding big-time talent on D and the Texans are giving Brock Osweiler some real weapons. But the Eagles are leaving themselves in a bind.

 

26CB - thanks as always for getting for us. One day grades are what the one columnist stated above, they are fun, but don't mean a lot. I agree with these grades as we met with BOA to need, and they didn't take risks on guys with medical issues, character issues, drug issues, but sound players.

We'll know in three years if this was a good draft. Looking forward to today.

 

Yep. They are just snapshot reactions based on initial prospect rankings.

Edited April 30, 2016 by 26CornerBlitz

[Dorkington]

Not good enough. Whaley must go. Rex sucks. Something something Ralph.

[The Wiz]

Not good enough. Whaley must go. Rex sucks. Something something Ralph.

Pegula overpaid.

[bananathumb]

Yawn

[Bills Fan of St Augustine]

Whether they are Bs or As they are solid picks in areas of need. Good draft so far, need to find a diamond in 4/5 like KW was 10 years ago!

[RyanC883]

can't believe this awful drafting. 2 1st round graded players with the first 2 picks. Explain that, Whaley! And a pass rushing NT. Unacceptable. You can't hit Brady.

 

Hoping for a safety/CB (Buchanan from Miami?) with the next pick, or a OT (Beavers, Western Michigan).

[YoloinOhio]

@colincowherd

Best draft team so far based on talent/filling need---Buffalo Bills. Nailed three picks. Sexy Rexy delivers.

[Punching Bag]

 

Buffalo Bills

Draft picks: Shaq Lawson (No. 19 overall), Reggie Ragland (No. 41 overall), Adolphus Washington (No. 80 overall)

Day 1 grade: A

Day 2 grade: A-

Overall grade: A-

The skinny: Lawson isn't the physically-dominating player Mario Williams is, but he's a good find here in a draft without a lot of top-rated pass rushers. He was also the best player available, so fans should be happy with the selection.r.

 

Another first round defense lineman that Buffalo picked was not as dominating as he should have been but we had someone to tune him - I am talking about Bruce Smith and the tuner is of course is Rusty Jones who Bruce gave a lot of credit for his career. Unfortunately I do not see the same level of excellence in the current training staff. I know Rusty is retired but I wonder if the Pegulas considered making him a consultant where he does most of the work remotely but have him come to Buffalo for a short week once a month when players are getting work done.

[hondo in seattle]

So far the draft is going as expected. We all knew DW was looking for help for the front 7. He got it - in a big way. We all knew DW would take a QB at some point and DW took Cardale in the 4th.

 

What makes me happy is what others have noted: we didn't over-reach. We seem to be getting good value with our picks. And we're not wasting picks on medical or character long-shots or getting guys where we don't have a need.

Edited April 30, 2016 by hondo in seattle

[Dragonborn10]

So far the draft is going as expected. We all knew DW was looking for help for the front 7. He got it - in a big way. We all knew DW would take a QB at some point and DW took Cardale in the 4th.

 

What makes me happy is what others have noted: we didn't over-reach. We seem to be getting good value with our picks. And we're not wasting picks on medical or character long-shots or getting guys where we don't have a need.

Two picks to move 8 spots. If Whaley is right, then it is a bargain to give up for a LB that fits Rex's defense. If Ragland isn't on the field for 60% of the defensive snaps (that is the % of nickel and dime formations) then it's a waste of two picks. I think we will know by week four.

Cardale has a cannon but is a 2-3 year project. TT is fragile. EJ is still the best option as back-up sadly - and yes I was an EJ guy.

[26CornerBlitz]

@billsupdates

NFL Draft 2016: Grading all 7 #Bills picks, including overall grade http://ow.ly/4nhHf3

CBS Sports - NFL Draft: Day 3 Recap

Devontae Booker starts his NFL career on top with the champion Broncos. The Browns and Cowboys grab QBs. Recap all 253 picks with grades and analysis.

 

Edited April 30, 2016 by 26CornerBlitz

[26CornerBlitz]

NFL Draft: Grades for Round 4 picks

By Spencer Hall | NFLDraftScout.com

Spencer Hall grades every pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, Round 4.

 

B Bills select: Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

A big off-and-on starter at Ohio State that finished his career undefeated as a starter, including a national championship.

 

AFC East Grades for 2016 NFL Draft: The Patriots get lowest mark

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

 

Jets take the cake in the AFC East. How high of a grade did Mike Maccagnan and the J-E-T-S receive?

 

Buffalo Bills It didn't take long for Buffalo to transition into a Rex Ryan style of team, focusing their top choices on defense and adding a talented, but raw quarterback in the fourth round in former Ohio State standout Cardale Jones. First round pick Shaq Lawson is the perfect Ryan player. He may not be an elite athlete, but he's powerful, passionate and tough. So too is inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (a David Harris clone) and versatile interior defensive lineman Adolphus Washington, who has the length to slide outside and play defensive end in Ryan's 3-4 scheme as well as provide a bit of pass rush. Jones has the size, athleticism and terrific arm strength to excite scouts but he's as raw as it gets, as is speed receiver Kolby Listenbee. Like Jones and Listenbee, running back Jonathan Williams has the talent to prove a steal but comes with durability issues.
Grade: B

 

[26CornerBlitz]

2016 NFL Draft: Quick-snap grades for AFC teams

By Chad Reuter NFL.com Draft analyst

Here are my evaluations on how each team utilized their assets during the 2016 NFL Draft:

 

 

Buffalo Bills

 

Draft picks: Shaq Lawson (No. 19 overall), Reggie Ragland (No. 41 overall), Adolphus Washington (No. 80 overall), Cardale Jones (No. 139 overall), Jonathan Williams (No. 156 overall), Kolby Listenbee (No. 192 overall), Kevon Seymour (No. 218 overall)

Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A-
Day 3 grade: A-
Overall grade: A-

The skinny: Lawson isn't the physically-dominating player Mario Williams is, but he's a good find here in a draft without a lot of top-rated pass rushers. He was also the best player available, so fans should be happy with the selection.

Ragland was a steal in the mid-second round, even with losing a fourth-round pick in the trade up, as he'll lead the Bills' defense for ten years. Washington was fair value in the third round, though he'll need to play at his best to becom more than a rotational player. No surprise that the Bills picked Jones in the fourth round, but he'll need time to become a more accurate passer and consistent decision-maker. Williams would have been a second- or third-round pick without the injury, so that was a good pull. Listenbee's speed will complement Sammy Watkins and company. Seymour is a better player than his sixth-round draft status indicates.

[26CornerBlitz]

@PFF

PFF has graded draft classes for all 32 teams. The good: Browns, Jags The bad: Falcons, Steelers Get 'em all here: https://t.co/1YAiXaQKn3

Buffalo Bills, A-

1 (19) Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
2 (41) (from Chicago) Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
3 (80) Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
4 (139) Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
5 (156) Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas
6 (192) Kolby Listenbee, WR, TCU
6 (218) Kevon Seymour, CB, USC

Day 1: Buffalo gets a stout run defender in Lawson (No. 2 run grade among edge defenders in the class) who also showed the ability to get after the quarterback (No. 9 pass-rush grade at +25.9). He had a breakout 2015 season after a strong performance in limited snaps in 2014, and he’ll step in to replace Mario Williams opposite Jerry Hughes on the edge.

Day 2: Once thought to be a first-round pick, Ragland fell to the second where his clean run-stopping ability makes him a solid pick. While there are questions about his athleticism in coverage, he can make plays in front of him in zone, and his pass-rush ability can help him find a role on third down (he is movable blitzer, and the Bills can isolate him on running backs). Washington is another strong pick from a production standpoint, as he played all over Ohio State’s defensive front the last two years and he posted third third-best pass rush grade among the draft’s interior defensive linemen in 2015.

Day 3: Jones has a cannon for an arm and he’s worth a developmental shot, even though his accuracy between six and 30 yards is among the worst in the class. Jonathan Williams missed all of 2015, but his 101.9 elusive rating ranked fifth in the FBS in 2014. Listenbee is a nice late-round speed addition as he may be the fastest player in the draft and it showed on the field when he was healthy in 2014 (526 deep yards, 10th in the nation).

 

[26CornerBlitz]

@RQUINN619

Think the Bills had a really good draft overall if you look at filling needs and not reaching (based on general consensus of value)

[26CornerBlitz]

@TyDunne

Reviewing the 2016 #Bills draft with pinch-hitting @MatthewFairburn in a couple minutes from One Bills Drive here: https://www.facebook.com/ByTylerDunne/timeline