Falcons: Atlanta thinks of themselves as contenders, plain and simple. They drafted Kyle Pitts 4th overall, the highest a tight end has been selected in the modern draft era, to help them contend. Pitts is a day one starter and is potentially the best athlete out of this years draft. However, the Falcons biggest weakness is their defense which they addressed in the second round by picking safety Richie Grant. In a thin safety class it was a surprise they took one. On day three they picked up two more cornerbacks, Darren Hall and Avery Williams. Also in round 6 they selected Frank Darby, a quick wideout who could be a return specialist. Overall Grade: A
Panthers: Carolina is rebuilding and made that clear last season when they let Cam Newton, the franchise leader in most quarterback statistics, walk in free agency. This year they acquired Sam Darnold in a trade which led many to believe they would pass on a quarterback in the first round. After last years draft when they took all defensive players they kept it up picking Jaycee Horn a cornerback out of South Carolina, a hometown kid. The next three rounds however they selected all offensive players WR Terrace Marshall, T Brady Christensen, and RB Chuba Hubbard, all these players have a potential of making a difference on offence day one. They did draft a long snapper and I have to take away a letter grade because of that. Overall Grade: B
Saints: New Orleans your Quarterback is gone, your drafting ability stinks, but you still have championship hopes. The Saints drafted a defensive end our of Houston that many believed was a late second round talent, that guy is Payton Turner. They stuck with defense on day two picking LB Pete Werner and CB Paulson Adebo, two players I think will not start or see much playing time year one. Another guy who won't see playing time this year is QB Ian Book who they took in the fourth round. Overall Grade: C-
Buccaneers: How can the reigning superbowl champs get better? Through the draft of course. At pick 32, the last pick of the first round, the Bucs drafted a raw linebacking talent in Joe Tryon. I don't think he'll start day one but he could be that change of pace guy on defense as the season goes on. They also picked for their future taking Kyle Trask in the second round. Trask has potential but needs to sit behind somebody and learn and who better than Tom Brady to be his mentor. The Bucs also had the last pick deemed "Mr. Irrelevant", and they took Grant Stuard another raw linebacking talent out of Houston. Overall Grade: A+
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