2-MINUTE DRILL
RANK & FILE A LINEUP OF SPORTS TIDBITS
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The first week of preseason gave us a first look at the 2017 NFL draft class. Here is an assessment of some of the first-round picks.
1. Myles Garrett, DE Browns. Grade: B+
Analysis: Garrett did his best work as a run defender, though he did manage to put pressure on the quarterback a few times despite not registering a sack. He made a few effort plays as well.
2. Mitchell Trubisky, QB Bears. Grade: A-
Analysis: Bears fans are excited about their new quarterback and rightfully so after a good debut. Trubisky didn’t face a whole lot of pressure but made a number of difficult throws on the run.
3. Solomon Thomas, DE 49ers. Grade: A
Analysis: Thomas may not have recorded a sack against the Chiefs, but he was all over the field. He put pressure on the quarterback, stuffed Chiefs backs in the running game and showed off his relentless motor throughout the game.
4. Leonard Fournette, RB Jaguars. Grade: B+
Analysis: The Jaguars line did not open up a lot of holes for the rookie back, but the LSU product still managed to pick up consistent yardage. He always fell forward when tackled and capped off the opening drive with a walk-in touchdown.
5. Corey Davis, WR Titans. Grade: N/A
Analysis: Davis missed the Titans’ opener with a hamstring injury. He is “week-to-week” according to coach Mike Mularkey.
6. Jamal Adams, S Jets. Grade: B-
Analysis: Adams did not play a whole lot of snaps, but we saw his versatility. He lined up at several different spots against the Titans.
7. Mike Williams, WR Chargers. Grade: N/A
Analysis: Williams missed the opener with an injured back. He is expected to miss the start of the regular season.
8. Christian McCaffrey, RB Panthers. Grade: B+
Analysis: McCaffrey did not get a chance to show off his receiving skills but he was able to show off his ability to run between the tackles. He nearly broke off a big run that could have gone for six.
9. John Ross, WR Bengals. Grade: N/A
Analysis: Ross did not play in the Bengals’ preseason opener. He participated in 11-on-11 drills on Monday.
10. Patrick Mahomes, QB Chiefs. Grade: C+
Analysis: The Chiefs thought enough of Mahomes’ performance to elevate him to second on their depth chart. It was a solid performance but not on the level of Trubisky’s or DeShone Kizer’s.
11. Marshon Lattimore, CB Saints. Grade: N/A
Analysis: Lattimore missed the Saints’ preseason opener with a knee injury. Coach Sean Payton says the rookie is “close” to returning to the field.
12. Deshaun Watson, QB Texans. Grade: B
Analysis: Watson missed on some throws and showed iffy pocket presence at times, but he looked capable of running the Texans offense.
30. T.J. Watt, OLB Steelers. Grade: A
Analysis: Watt’s two sacks weren’t overly impressive. One was a clean-up sack and he was left unblocked on the other. But Watt was consistently disruptive throughout his time on the field.
32. Ryan Ramczyk, OT Saints. Grade: N/A
Analysis: Ramczyk did not play in the Saints’ opener against the Browns.