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Grading all 31 first-round picks in the 2016 NFL draft

The first round of the 2016 NFL draft is in the books, and we’ve graded every pick.

1. Jared Goff, QB California — Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee)

Grade: B+

 Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: With Todd Gurley to lean on, the Rams won’t have to ask too much of Goff during his rookie campaign. He gives Los Angeles a quarterback who is comfortable working the pocket and is used to throwing with defenders bearing down on him. He may not be the best player in the class, but he’s far and away the best quarterback in it.

2. Carson Wentz, QB North Dakota State — Philadelphia Eagles (from Cleveland)

Grade: C

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: Wentz will take at least a year or two to develop into a starter — he tends to get antsy in the pocket and takes too long to work through his reads — but that seems to be the plan in Philadelphia with Sam Bradford signed to a two-year deal. Trading up for a quarterback who is not seen as a special prospect was an odd move; even if Wentz develops into a good starter, it will be hard for the Eagles to build around him after giving up multiple picks to get him.

3. Joey Bosa, DE Ohio State — San Diego Chargers

Grade: C+

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Joey Bosa (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the San Diego Chargers as the number three overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: It’s time to throw out the distinction between 4-3 and 3-4 defenses, and this pick is proof of that. The Chargers are nominally a 3-4 team, and Bosa’s skill-set doesn’t necessarily fit in that scheme. But with today’s spread out offenses, teams are spending more time in nickel sets than base formations. Bosa may be uncomfortable as a stand-up outside linebacker, but he’ll spend most of his time with his hand in the dirt. While the scheme-fit shouldn’t be much of a concern, passing up on talents like Laremy Tunsil and Jalen Ramsey — both would fill needs — doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

4. Ezekiel Elliott, RB Ohio State — Dallas Cowboys

Grade: B+

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: Drafting a running back this high is always a risk, but Elliott is a complete back who will eat behind the best offensive line in the NFL. He’s much more than a runner, too, which is a big reason why the Cowboys took a chance on him. He’s great in pass protection and a threat out the backfield. Elliott will be the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and should have the Cowboys back in the playoffs next season.

5. Jalen Ramsey, DB Florida State — Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade: A+

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: The Jaguars just got the best player in the draft — it’s a nice bonus that he happens to fill a need. Ramsey can play either corner or safety — he’ll likely play the former in Jacksonville’s defense — and will make plays wherever he is deployed. After putting together a solid core on offense, the Jaguars can finally start to add talent to a defense that has lacked it at all three levels in the last few years. Telvin Smith, Malik Jackson, Dante Fowler Jr. and Ramsey make a nice foundation.

6. Ronnie Stanley, LT Notre Dame — Baltimore Ravens

Grade: A-

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: The Ravens have been searching for a franchise left tackle since Jonathan Ogden retired after the 2007 season. They found a good one in Stanley, a plus athlete who will hold his own against NFL pass rushers from day one. With a deep defensive back class in this year’s draft, it makes sense for Baltimore to fill the offensive line need and address the secondary later.

7. DeForest Buckner, DE Oregon — San Francisco 49ers

Grade: B+

Analysis: The 49ers are building up their defense from the inside-out. Buckner eats up double teams in the run game and has the potential to develop into a top pass rusher. Offensive line is still San Francisco’s biggest need, and passing up Laremy Tunsil — even after the Twitter video of him taking bong hits emerged — may be a move the team ends up regretting.

8. Jack Conklin, OT Michigan State — Tennessee Titans (from Cleveland)

Grade: D+

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: The Titans traded up to take a tackle and did not take the best one left on the board (Laremy Tunsil). Instead they took a player who isn’t known for his pass blocking. He’s a monster when run-blocking, but this team needs to protect Marcus Mariota. Conklin will be a liability in pass protection next year.

9. Leonard Floyd, OLB Georgia — Chicago Bears (from Tampa Bay)

Grade: B+

Analysis: The big concern with Floyd is his lack of size. He’s a skinny dude, which could be a concern in run defense. But John Fox and his defensive coordinator Vic Fangio are smart defensive minds and will put him in a position to succeed. He’ll make an immediate impact on third down, where he can get after the passer or even drop back into coverage. If Chicago can bulk him up, Floyd will be a star.

10. Eli Apple, CB Ohio State — New York Giants

Grade: D

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: The Giants took a corner after spending big on Janoris Jenkins in the offseason and with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the roster. They didn’t fill a need and Apple was not the best player — or corner — available, so I’m not sure what the strategy is here. Apple is a big corner who has plenty of potential, but it may take a year or two to unlock it. And the Giants just spent a lot of money in free agency to win now.

11. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB Florida — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade: A

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: Most mock drafts — including ours — had the Buccaneers taking Hargreaves with the ninth pick. Tampa was able to move down and still get their man. He’s a little small, but Hargreaves’ athleticism will allow him to compete against bigger wide receivers. The Bucs got good value and filled a need.

12. Sheldon Rankins, DE Louisville — New Orleans Saints

Grade: A-

Analysis: The Saints need all the defensive they can get, and Rankins will help against both the run and the pass. He can push the pocket into the quarterback’s lap, which will make the Saints secondary’s job much easier. He’ll also eat up blockers and free linebackers to wrap up ball carriers. This pick will improve all three levels of the defense.

13. Laremy Tunsil, LT Ole Miss — Miami Dolphins

Grade: A+

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: The Dolphins just secured their quarterback’s blindside for the next decade by landing the player we had as the second best in the class. The video of him taking a bong hit caused him to slide, but he had no problem passing every drug test he took at Ole Miss. The teams with a need at tackle that passed up on Tunsil will regret it. He has no weaknesses in his game. His footwork is impeccable and he knows how to use his hands in pass protection. The knock on him has been his lack of power at the point of attack, but the potential is there to improve against the run.

14. Karl Joseph, SS West Virginia — Oakland Raiders

Grade: B+

Analysis: Well, it didn’t take the Raiders too long to find a replacement for Charles Woodson. Joseph is a big hitter who can play in the box and has the range to drop deep to guard against the pass. The Raiders had plenty of athleticism and versatility along the front seven; now Joseph adds that to the secondary.

15. Corey Coleman, WR Baylor — Cleveland Browns

Grade: B

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: Coleman adds speed and run-after-the-catch ability to a Browns receiving corps that lacks both. New coach Hue Jackson is one of the more creative play-callers in the league and will have no problem getting Coleman the ball in space. That will allow him to still be productive while learning how to run NFL routes.

16. Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State — Detroit Lions

Grade: B+

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: The Lions could lose Riley Reiff to free agency next year, so picking up Decker gives them a backup option. Reiff is a solid left tackle but even the most average blindside protectors get overpaid on the open market. This pick will help Detroit keep its cap flexible in the future. Decker will start at right tackle for now, where he’ll make an impact in the run game.

17. Keanu Neal, SS Florida — Atlanta Falcons

Grade: C+

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: Dan Quinn has his Kam Chancellor. It was a bit of a reach, but the Falcons need speed at the second level and Neal will give them that whether he plays safety or linebacker. NFL defensive coaches are looking for these safety-linebacker hybrids to help defend against spread offenses that run at a fast tempo.

18. Ryan Kelly, C Alabama — Indianapolis Colts

Grade: A-

Analysis: Indianapolis may have revolted if the Colts didn’t address the offensive line in the first round. Andrew Luck needs protection and Kelly should improve the line immediately as the anchor in the middle. He’s stout against pass-rushing defensive tackles and can block on the move in the run game.

19. Shaq Lawson, DE Clemson — Buffalo Bills

Grade: B+

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Shaq Lawson (Clemson) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Buffalo Bills as the number nineteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: Lawson is a well-rounded player who should do an adequate job of replacing Mario Williams. He’s strong enough to be a factor against the run and was productive as a pass rusher at Clemson. The Bills got good value with this pick, but the worry is he lacks the athleticism to develop into a top NFL edge rusher.

20. Darron Lee, LB Ohio State — New York Jets

Grade: C-

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: The Jets needed more athleticism at linebacker, so this pick makes sense from a need standpoint. Lee is a rangy linebacker who can run with tight ends and slower receivers, but speed does not always translate to good pass coverage. He gets pushed around in the run game, so if his coverage skills are not great in the NFL, he won’t play a whole lot early on.

21. Will Fuller, WR Notre Dame — Houston Texans (from Washington)

Grade: F

Analysis: Our first failing grade of the night. Fuller is the fastest receiver in the class but he’s not a great route-runner or a natural pass catcher — two things you want from a first-round receiver. Fuller will stretch the field, which will make it difficult to double DeAndre Hopkins, but any receiver with great speed can play that role.

22. Josh Doctson, WR TCU — Washington Redskins (from Houston)

Grade: A

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: This move will make it easier for Washington to move on from either Pierre Garcon or DeSean Jackson next offseason, which will free up money to give Kirk Cousins a long-term deal. Doctson is a smooth route-runner who will make contested catches downfield — traits that point to a true No. 1 receiver. Defensive line is still a huge need, but the offense is now loaded with weapons.

23. Laquon Treadwell, WR Ole Miss — Minnesota Vikings

Grade: A

 Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Analysis: This pick made too much sense for the Vikings to pass up. Treadwell isn’t a burner but he has the frame and ball skills to develop into a dominant receiver No. 1 receiver. That’s exactly what Minnesota and Teddy Bridgewater need to push the passing game to the next level.

24. Williams Jackson III, CB Houston — Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: B+

Analysis: The Bengals continue to load up on first-round corners. Jackson is a speedy corner with tremendous size and a nose for the ball. He doesn’t fill a huge need for the Bengals, but this is a good value pick.

25. Artie Burns, CB Miami — Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade: B-

Analysis: Burns should develop into a good player, but it will take some time. He’s a play-maker, who can be burned by double moves. The Steelers have Super Bowl expectations for 2016, and I’m not sure Burns gets them closer to that goal in the short-term.

26. Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis — Denver Broncos (from Seattle)

Grade: C

Analysis: Lynch has the skill-set to thrive in Gary Kubiak’s system, which requires mobility and and a god arm. The Memphis product has both. He won’t help the Broncos win in 2016, however. He lacks the ability to play in the pocket, which will take some time to develop and it’s not a given that he ever does.

27. Kenny Clark, DT UCLA — Green Bay Packers

Grade: B+

Analysis: Clark isn’t a sexy pick — run defenders never are — but he fills the gigantic hole on the Packers defensive line left by B.J. Raji. He’s a heady player who understands opposing run games and rarely loses track of ball carriers. Green Bay finished 21st against the run in 2015; Clark could elevate the run into the top-half of the league.

28. Joshua Garnett, OG Stanford — San Francisco 49ers

Grade: B

Analysis: Chip Kelly learned the value of a good interior offensive line last season in Philadelphia. The Eagles’ lack of strength in the interior ruined their inside run game and the entire offense along with it. The 49ers had similar issues, but Garnett will improve the line from day one.

29. Robert Nkemdiche, DT Ole Miss — Arizona Cardinals

Grade: A-

Analysis: Nkemdiche is a top-10 challenge whose off-field issues and on-field inconsistency caused him to slide. A good coach will turn him into an All-Pro player, and the Cardinals have one of the best coaching staffs in the league.

30. Vernon Butler, DT Louisiana Tech — Carolina Panthers

Grade: B

Analysis: Defensive tackle wasn’t an immediate need for the Panthers, but it could be by this time next year. Star Lotulelei is two years away from free agency and Kawann Short is heading into the last year of his rookie deal. Carolina may not be able to pay both guys, but now it won’t have to with a cheap replacement on the roster. This is how smart teams keep their cap in order and prolong their success.

31. Germain Ifedi, OT Texas A&M – Seattle Seahawks

Grade: B+

Analysis: Russell Wilson is a happy man. The Seahawks offensive line was a mess last year and just lost left tackle Russell Okung in free agency. Now Seattle has a blindside protector with the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl if offensive line coach Tom Cable can coach him up.

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