NFL Draft round 1 reaction

By: Josh Frey-Sam

What a night.

The NFL Draft never ceases to surprise.

It didn’t take long for the Jaguars to chalk every mock draft, but I finished with seven correct picks. Pretty solid, all things considered.

A couple of instant reactions to some picks:

I) The Jags and Browns trade is a win-win, but deep down I hate this for the Browns. I’ll never agree with passing on a blue-chip prospect, and Travis Hunter is that. New Jags GM James Gladstone makes an immediate impact by giving Trevor Lawrence a new weapon and bolstering his defence. As for the Browns, this is a nice job of stacking picks as you continue to prepare for life without Deshaun Watson. They will be a fascinating team to watch next offseason, with money to spend and lots of picks.

II) Staying with the Browns, their selection at 5 was a bit surprising to me but I respect the pick. I get it, Mason Graham isn’t going to excite most fans, but he’s the type of player who will simply be a rock in the trenches for the next decade. High floor pick by Cleveland.

III) My least favourite pick: Tet McMillan, Carolina Panthers. It’s not that I think McMillan is bad, I just don’t understand the pick at that spot. You have Tyler Warren right there for the taking, and quite frankly, they probably should’ve looked at defence by selecting and IDL or EDGE. McMillan figures to carve out a solid career, I just don’t think he’s top-10 worthy, especially for a franchise like Carolina.

IV) My favourite pick: Yeah, we’re going with the homer pick. Entering the night, my two preferences for the Green Bay Packers were Jayden Higgins and Trey Amos. Neither went on Night 1, so perhaps they’re in the cards for them on Day 2. However, there was something special about President Mark Murphy, who will retire after this season, calling out the selection of the Packers’ first first-round receiver in over two decades. His announcement got me out of my seat. Matthew Golden has an opportunity to make an immediate impact in the NFL, with sure hands and crisp route-running ability. His speed and ability to separate are what make him a special talent, and I’m excited to watch him.

V) Final thought: Najee Harris’ time as an RB1 in fantasy has come to an end. I was so high on Harris, but with Omarion Hampton now in the fold, his value is tough to gauge. We’ll see how I feel closer to draft season.

As I’ve previously mentioned, there are always a few surprise players who aren’t selected in the first round. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and Michigan CB Will Johnson headline that group this year.

I don’t think they’ll wait long to hear their names called on Day 2.

Here is my Round 2 mock draft:

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh