Post by davidl on Feb 2, 2024 16:24:41 GMT -6
bleacherreport.com/articles/10097441-re-grading-top-10-classes-from-2023-nfl-draft-ahead-of-week-11
Bleacher report gave Poles only a “B” grade in the draft, which is an under-achievement considering the picks he had to work with….
Grade: B
Key selections: OT Darnell Wright, CB Tyrique Stevenson, CB Terell Smith, RB Roschon Johnson
Added to shore up a leaky offensive line from years past, Darnell Wright has had flashes of excellence throughout this season. The second offensive linemen chosen in the draft, there have been few hiccups in his game while transitioning from college to the NFL.
Taking Roschon Johnson on Day 3 was an excellent find by Bears general manager Ryan Poles considering the ways in which he can impact an offense.
A downhill ball-carrier who isn't afraid to stick his face in the mud in pass pro. His impact through the air remains steady, and he ranks fourth among all rookie running backs in targets (24).
Within the secondary, don't just look at the coverage numbers when it comes to Tyrique Stevenson. The No. 56 pick has been the second-most targeted corner in all of football, and he has been a confident, smooth cover corner who has continued to improve. He was thrown into the fire as Chicago's No. 1 outside defender this fall, and he's done a fine job.
Although Terell Smith hasn't played since Week 5 due to illness, he went from a fifth-round depth piece in the spring to starting opposite Stevenson in the first month of the season.
When available, the Minnesota product has showcased a high-level athletic profile and ball skills that consistently put him in a spot to make plays in coverage.
The Texans drafted right behind Poles. Bleacher report gave them an A+ grade and Poles a “B” grade. That’s pretty sad given that Poles had more draft capital than anybody.
Grade: A+
Key selections: QB CJ Stroud, Edge Will Anderson Jr, WR Tank Dell, OL Jarrett Patterson
The selection of C.J. Stroud could be a franchise-altering addition in Houston.
Far and away the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at the midway point of the season, he has been electrifying in leading the Texans to a 5-4 record and should begin to hear his name among league MVP conversations if he keeps up his level of play.
On the opposite side of the ball, Houston brass can only sit back and smile with the form of Will Anderson Jr. One of the few rookies who has faced constant double teams from opposing offenses, he is tied for first among all first-year edge-rushers in pressures (31) and looks to be every part of the game-wrecker Houston GM Nick Caserio thought he'd be after trading up to take him behind Stroud in April.
The later additions of Tank Dell to boost the receivers room and center Jarrett Patterson to shore up the offensive line have also reaped massive reward.
Dell is an electric route-runner with the juice to run past opposing corners, and the success of the No. 69 pick (34/510/5) has been no surprise.
Within the trenches, Patterson deserves a much bigger spotlight. The 203rd overall selection out of Notre Dame, he's one of just six centers in the game to accrue 460 more snaps at center and fail to allow a sack, per PFF.
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They also gave the Lions an A+ grade. They don’t say “kicked ass” but it’s a fair description when you make the comparisons….
Grade: A+
Key selections: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, TE Sam LaPorta, LB Jack Campbell, CB Brian Branch
An explosive three-down weapon with the ability to take it the distance, Jahmyr Gibbs has showcased the reasons why he a was top-15 pick in April.
The No. 12 overall pick has been as advertised when the ball is in his hands and has reached the end zone in each of his last three outings.
At tight end, what else could you ask of Sam LaPorta? The second TE taken behind Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo), he sits in the top five among all qualified tight ends in catches (47), receiving yards (474) and touchdowns (4). He looks like a game-changing type of weapon for a loaded Lions offense.
Although Detroit swayed from typical draft narratives in taking a first-round linebacker in Jack Campbell, he's fit seamlessly within the hashes for Dan Campbell's group. He's instinctive, always in the right spot and doesn't miss tackles when presented with the chance to take down opposing ball-carriers.
In the secondary, Brian Branch looks like a stud. Working primarily at nickel, his footwork, ability to reroute receivers and make plays against the run in the fringe areas showcases a versatile, modern-day defender. A second-round pick, he has hasn't batted an eye when asked to work on special teams, either.