The 1st round of the NFL Draft is finally in the books. While we will not really know how these picks turn out for another few years, it is natural to judge a class moments after it is finalized. That is exactly what we will do here. Let’s take a look at some of the best picks and moves made through the first 32 picks.
Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Chargers
With all of the crazy trade rumors leading up to Thursday, there was potential for chaos in the top six relating to where Tagovailoa and Herbert could possibly end up. In the end, the Bengals, Dolphins, and Chargers all got their QBs without any trades.
Arizona Cardinals – Isaiah Simmons – 8th
The Cardinals entered the draft entertaining the idea of a trade down, moving outside the top-10. Instead, with three QB’s going in the top five, Arizona was able to snag what some consider the best defensive player after Chase Young.
San Francisco 49ers – Javon Kinlaw and Brandon Aiyuk – 14th and 25th
Originally at number 13, the 49ers moved back one spot and gave up a seventh to get an additional fourth. They were able to get their guy in Javon Kinlaw at pick 14. They then used that fourth rounder in a package for the number 25 pick, where they picked up Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk, who will presumably try and fill the shoes of the departed Emmanuel Sanders.
Dallas Cowboys – CeeDee Lamb – 17th
Similar to Arizona, Dallas took advantage when one of the better players fell to them. With the Jets and Bucs going with tackles and San Francisco going with DT Javon Kinlaw, Dallas was able to snag big-play threat CeeDee Lamb to accompany Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup.
Minnesota Vikings – Justin Jefferson and Jeff Gladney – 22nd and 31st
The Vikings went into the draft looking to bolster their WR core and their secondary. They grab two playmakers at those skill positions and added a 4th and 5th round pick trading back from 25 to 31 with San Francisco.
