Looking back at the past 2 draft classes I feel like since April people have been kinda forgetting about some really good players taken. So I want to highlight them. I also include some players who were semi-unknown to me and popped on film so I wanted to include them. Let’s start with the 2020 Draft Class.
The below is a list starting with the highest draft picks all the way down. Excluded people I like and I feel are fairly valued (Jefferson, Burrow, Javon Kinlaw) and obviously draft picks I still hate (Simmons, Herbert, Ruggs). I listed the name, the team that drafted them and the position they play.
1. Jeff Okudah, Detroit Lions, CB
Still consensus CB1, only 1 year and sure it was bad but still had great college production. Don't think it just goes away. It shouldn’t just go away.
2. Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers, DT
Played a lot better then people think last year. Will get better on a young defense that is growing behind a great coach. All signs point up. Love CAR and what they are doing there, I’ll keep saying it until it sticks.
3. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos, WR
People are kind of down him? Dumb. Still my favorite receiver in the class and it's a great class. Like him better now that Teddy is the QB even if he’s averse to throwing a deep ball.
4. Austin Jackson, Miami Dolphins, OT
Played a bunch last year. Will get better, MIA pulled a the trigger a little early on him but still a fan.
5. Damon Arnette, Las Vegas Raiders, CB
One of my favorites from this class, went higher than I thought but also Raiders love to reach. If Okudah isn't good maybe it's because Arnette is? IDK I just still love that film so much. He’s ready to take the next step.
6. Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia Eagles, WR
Let young WRs develop PLEASE. He looked good in his games with Hurts. Wasn't a fan initially but man people are fading him too hard in my opinion.
7. Kenneth Murray, Los Angeles Chargers, LB
Linebacker is not really super valuable and Murray wasn't that good last year but there is hope, top LB in the class and on a good defense. Still has plenty of potential.
8. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers, QB
If Rodgers doesn't play sure that's def bad for this team but Love needed time to adjust anyway. Even if he is forced into action this year I'm not fading the Packers at all. Love is the 3rd maybe 2nd best QB in this class.
9. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs, RB
People don't like him enough. Maybe the 3rd best receiving option on the team? Was a great as a receiver and in space in college, why can’t e do that now? Haven't seen a good counter yet. Explosive and good. There isn't much more you could want from a modern RB.
10. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals, WR
Just as good as Jefferson if not better, I'll stick to that as long as I live.
11. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts, WR
Was hurt, dealt with a QB who had no arm, is talented and probably the second if not first best option on the team in the passing game. What’s not to like?
12. Xavier McKinney, New York Giants, S
Second best safety in the draft, no way I'm giving up on him after 1 year. It's not a bad class either.
13. Yetur Gross-Matos, Carolina Panthers, DE
Wasn't a huge fan coming into the draft and I thought this was a bit high for him but I liked a good amount of what I saw in limited snaps. Could be better than expected. Also love the directions the Panthers are going so I trust Rhule here.
14. Robert Hunt, Miami Dolphins, OG
Just like Austin Jackson, like that he's playing a bunch at the end of the year. They will get better and I'm here for it helping out Tua in his Sophmore year.
15. Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers, S
Best defensive player in the draft? Maybe? I'll keep screaming his name until he's an All-Pro every year. Made the All-Rookie Team but no Pro Bowl or All-Pro ooffff. Disrespectful. That’s why he made the list.
16. Marlon Davidson, Atlanta Falcons, DE
I don't love the prospect like I do the others but he will have a lot of opportunity and he's def not bad. Curious to see what he can do with the potential and the oppuritny.
17. A. J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills, DE
The 2nd best DE in the draft and I don't think it's super close. If used right and used more he's going to be a great edge with 10 sack upside this year and next.
18. Van Jefferson, LA Rams, WR
Not sure why Tutu was drafted with limited draft capital at literally the same spot this year but Jefferson is the better receiver. Tutu and DeSean Jackson are deep threat speedsters and Jefferson isn't that. Think he has a fine niche in this offense as another pass catcher who can run good routes and work in the screen game. His blocking should keep him on the field more.
19. Ezra Cleveland, Minnesota Vikings, OT
Let up 6 sacks last year which is fairly objectively bad. Not sure if he's going to make the jump this year but next year he will be a solid if not good OT. The film was there in college but it can take a bit to adjust to the NFL especially for OL.
20. Denzel Mims, New York Jets, WR
I've said it enough, he's a really good player who will play outside for the Jets this year alongside Davis. Love the pairing with Wilson, buy now before it's too late and tune out coachspeak in the fucking summer.
21. Josh Uche, New England Patriots, Edge
Pats traded up for him and had him fairly high on my board. Didn’t play much in an injury plagued year but I expect a bounce back. They all cant be year 1 Covid winners, sorry. 6th guy on my big board back in the day, love what the Pats do as well so hopefully they can help him develop.
22. Kristian Fulton, Tennessee Titans, CB
Sad that the Tits brought in 2 other CBs but I get it the secondary was a mess last year. Still enamored with what I saw in college and flashes last year. He will put some respect on his name this year, IDK if Caleb Farley will be ready week one and if not Fulton should get the start and maybe keep it for a while….
23. A. J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers, RB
Think people are talking about him enough but still not read highly enough imo. I know they signed Jones to a bigish deal last season which is hella disappointing but it's really a two year deal and I have yet to see too many RBs do great work on their second contract. Dillion's talent can't be contained much longer if it's not used this season.
24. Ashtyn Davis, New York Jets, S
My 6th ranked safety on my big board. Was fairly bad last year in coverage but liked his tackling. Still room to develop here.
25. Josh Jones, Arizona Cardinals, OT
IDK how he fell so far in the draft but Josh Jones was a steal. Didn't get much play last year because of a underrated OT (Kelvin Beachum) but still believe in the talent.
26. DaVon Hamilton, Jacksonville Jaguars, DT
If Urban is smart (I know, big if) the Jags D will be a base 3/4 with Hamilton as the nose tackle. If that’s the case he could be a poor mans Akiem Hicks going forward.
27. Zack Baun, New Orleans Saints, LB
In a fairly good LB class he was my number 4 guy. Will absolutely get more play this year and will see if we care more about him last year. Know we will, even got some decent talk in camp.
28. Jonah Jackson, Detroit Lions, OG
Over 1,000 snaps played and not too many good ones BUT love what he set up to become a better player this year. 5 sacks is a lot too but he got so much valuable experience and wasn't terrible so I'm into pay more attention this year.
29. Neville Gallimore, Dallas Cowboys, DT
4th ranked DT and sure the Cowboys defense was bad, but it's young (and got a little younger) but it def will be better. If the defense gets better it will start up front.
30. Cameron Dantzler, Minnesota Vikings, CB
Might have gotten overshadowed by his buddy Gladney who was taken in the first round by the Vikings but they were both back to back on my big board in 2020 and Dantzler was way better last year. Look for him to hopefully improve next year but I think there is a lot of potential.
31. Darrynton Evans, Tennessee Titans, RB
Not saying by any means that Henry is done or anything like that but if he gets hurt or the NFL touches catch up to him a bit Evans is no slouch. If the oppuritny is there I love it.
32. Malik Harrison, Baltimore Ravens, LB
Might have actually played better than first round pick Queen last year (think Queen will be better in the long term) but it still wasn’t great. The LBs were a weakness of the team last year for sure, but both Harrison and Queen should improve to take the defense to higher highs.
33. Leki Fotu, Arizona Cardinals, IDL
Oh yea I liked his film a lot both in college and the NFL. Give him more time next year and the results will speak to themselves, he was good last year in limited work. ARI defense getting better and Idk how to feel.
34. Harrison Bryant, Cleveland Browns, TE
Probably not going to take over this year with Hooper still there but I like the tape and it takes TEs a bit more time to develop anyway.
35. D. J. Wonnum, Minnesota Vikings, DE
Played a decent amount but way more at the end of the season. Was OK later on but really like him as a rotational pass rusher. Think he can thrive there while he continues to figure things out.
36. Albert Okwuegbunam. Denver Broncos. TE
Feel like they drafted him because of Lock, maybe they reconnect after a year? Idk maybe. Worth paying attention to if Lock retakes the job.
37. La'Mical Perine, New York Jets, RB
I think Carter will win the job for the Jets but if he doesn't I like Perine.
38. Jacob Eason, Indianapolis Colts ,QB
Welp, now people know about him because he might be starting week one but I don't hate this prospect. Def raw but this is a good system for a young QB. Excited to see what he can do.
39. Brycen Hopkins, Los Angeles Rams, TE
There will still be some time still to develop for Hopkins but there is an open TE spot with Everett leaving. Think Hopkins might fill that role this year.
40. Josiah Scott, Jacksonville Jaguars, CB
Idk why the Jags traded away a perfectly good slot corner when they need one going into this year but whatever. Loved the college tape, esp vs Ohio State. Could be a very good slot corner on a team that needs secondary help.
41. L'Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs, CB
Played really well in limited work because of injury last year. Was off my radar a lot in the 2020 draft cycle but provided some really good film. Not sure if he will take the next step or continue being as good as he was last year but the Chiefs defense continues to surprise me and Sneed is no exception.
42. Jack Driscoll, Philadelphia Eagles, OL
One of my personal favorite lineman, 4th round was about right and he was kind of rushed into services last year but as a backup he's a good player and should be more well known.
43. Alton Robinson, Seattle Seahawks, DE
Ok so a lot of these are guys in the 4th and 5th round are more speculative, like yea they can be good or maybe give it another year but not Robinson. He was good last year, loved him in the process for the draft and I don't care about anyone else there. Robinson will make time and rack up close to if not over double digit sacks. Will help this defense regain some form.
44. Bryce Hall, New York Jets, CB
He's the CB1 for the Jets and I know that's not saying much but I had a high 2nd round grade on Hall in the draft and he fell to the 5th. Insane. Do not forget the name.
45. Curtis Weaver, Miami Dolphins, DE
Kind of buried on the CLE depth chart but still like the talent and his ability to get to the QB. Now on the practice squad and I’m ok with him there.
46. Collin Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars, WR
Used to be another guy buried a bit on the depth chart but now he is free which is nice.. Should be filling in at some point when a WR get's hurt or on 4 WR sets if he gets on a roster. Just a very good player that will trend up.
47. Quintez Cephus, Detroit Lions, WR
There is no one else really on the depth chart I’m excited about besides Amon-Ra. Had a terrible QB at Wisconsin and had a great week 1 last year so there is some upside there already right?
48. Bradlee Anae, Dallas Cowboys, DE
Another pass rusher that went late and I'm not sure why. Very good at getting to the QB and had a way earlier grade then end of the 5th round.
49. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland Browns, WR
Late round WRs and DEs. Count me in, he's also a bit buries on the depth chart too. Can we maybe move on from Higgins and give another guy with a terrible college QB a chance? I'd like to see it.
50. Jordan Fuller, Los Angeles Rams, S
I think people remember him since he had 3 ints last year but just don't forget, he was pick 199. Crazy I didn't know about him coming in.
51. Prince Tega Wanogho, Philadelphia Eagles, G
No longer on the Eagles but now with KC, he can learn from a really good OL group.
52. Kamren Curl, Washington Redskins, S
Another dude way off my radar but showed good promise in 2020. Maybe the fill in for box safety contract boy next year?
53. Geno Stone, Baltimore Ravens, S
Had 2 picks in week 2of the preseason this year and I loved him in my predraft process. Give him a chance please. Made the team as well which is nice to see for such a late round pick and on a talented defensive team.
54. Eno Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals, RB
He could even be a fantasy relevant player this year. Will get a chance for sure. Talent is meh tho.
55. Chris Claybrooks, Jacksonville Jaguars, CB
Got some good slot work for JAX last year, think he can fill in full time this year maybe? Worth paying attention to.
56. Tae Crowder, New York Giants, LB
MR Irrelevant! Played a bunch and wasn't a bad tackler at all at least.
2021 NFL Draft
I do about 4th round or later for the 2021 because most people know the day 1 and 2 picks.
1. Tommy Togiai, Cleveland Browns, IDL
Love the talent but will be good rotational guy at least this year.
2. Noah Gray, Kansas City Chiefs, TE
Lots of camp hype and honestly KC could use another weapon.
3. Benjamin St-Juste, Washington, CB
Love the slot corner on a great team, instant impact imo.
4. Jaelon Darden, Tampa Bay Buccs, WR
Not sure he will get playing time too much this year but he's def good.
5. Chris Evans, Cincinnati Bengals, RB
Good gio replacement a little different but good 3rd down RB.
6. Austin Watkins, San Fran 49ers, WR
Like the talent enough and there is like no one on the 49ers that catch the ball lol On the IR now which is sad.
7. Cornell Powell, Chiefs, WR
Was good with Trevor in college will be interesting to see him play with the best in the biz at the next level
8. Josh Palmer, Chargers, WR
Look if I'm wrong about Hebert and right about Mike Williams I could see big things not this year maybe but the year after that for sure.
9. Stone Forsythe, Seahawks, OL
Huge guy with great raw tools, will be exiting to watch maybe this year but maybe not.
10. Tylan Wallace, Baltimore Ravens, WR
Might be the only healthy and capable BAL outside receiver and I'm here for it.
11. Tay Gowan, Arizona Cardinals, CB
One of my highest rated CBs, not sure why he fell so far. Kinda feels like Bryce Hall here.
12. James Wiggins, Arizona Cardinals, S
Physical safety who isn't a liability in coverage. Sign me up. Could be very useful on Arizona.
13. Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills, S
12th ranked safety here. Box safety kind of fit but think he can be more than that.
14. Rachad Wildgoose, Buffalo Bills, CB
Almost in my 12 of CBs (13th) Love his bang bang playmaking ability and his stats vs are really really good, not many catches allowed is kind of my kink
15. Daviyon Nixon Carolina Panthers DT My 8th ranked interior boi, lots of up and down film but I really liked the upside here. Love what CAR is doing with the young D.
16. Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears, RB
My 4th ranked RB above Etienne (5th). Kind of steal all the way back here and could get some looks esp with Cohen not 100%
17. Dazz Newsome, Chicago Bears, WR
Kind of in the middle of my WR ranks but a good slot receiver that I think fits in well with the Bears.
18. Thomas Graham, Chicago Bears, CB
My 9th ranked CB, maybe another Jaylon Johnson situation in Chicago but man love this late draft for CHI.
19. Wyatt Hubert, Cincinnati Bengals, DE
People just hated his profile and I don't care. Will get some time on the DL for sure, idk if can be impactful this year but def worth keeping an eye on.
20. Richard Lecounte, Cleveland Browns, S
Good at football just straight up, playmaker, leader on the defense. Might be a but undersized but who cares, he's a king and went wayyyy toooo late. My 6th ranked safety.
21. Jabril Cox, Dallas Cowboys, LB
Was real close to keeping him off the list but man even the 4th round dudes are kinda burred this year but he's my 5th guy on my board and a hell of a good player. Just move Parsons to DE and let Cox roooaaammmm.
22. Simi Fehoko, Dallas Cowboys, WR
The toolsiest tools guy to ever tools. Probs wont see much of the field in year 1 but just in case he does and it's all put together he could be a star.
23. Quinton Bohanna, Dallas Cowboys, DT
So it’s not a great interior class and all but should have been like a 4th rounder. Might even be the cowboys steal of the draft (in terms of play time and need).
24. Jamar Johnson, Denver Broncos, S
I'm so mad another good defensive player went to the stacked Denver defense. Not a lot of complaints on film for me. Made plays all over the place. Don't know why he fell so far. Insanity or I need to rethink my grading ability.
25. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, WR
Kinda cheating again but people are STILL TOO LOW on Amon-Ra. Don’t hate him because he is good at a lot and is a trad receiver in this highly dynamic class.
26. Kylin Hill, Green Bay Packers, RB
Think I love this whole backfield including Hill. Think he's clearly the number 3 behind Dillion but with a different skillset. A dropoff from my number 5 RB but he's still my RB6 in this class.
27. Trey Smith Kansas City Chiefs G
He has big medical issues so I get why he fell but if he can stay on the field KC might have Thanos combined to great one of the best lines in the league.
28. Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Minnesota Vikings, WR
No Bisi and no 3rd WR really here. Oppuritny makes sense even if I don't love the skillset
29. Hamsah Nasirildeen/Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets, S
Jet's already got a better safety Jamien Sherwood this draft but I like what Nasirldeen brings to the table. Just like Sherwood to play next to Mayne more than Nasirildeen
30. Marlon Tuipulotu. Philadelphia Eagles. DT
6th guy on my board in a not so great class but still number six. Love how he was developing in college and even in limited snaps there is so much good here
31. Patrick Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles, DE
Had some great production vs weaker opponents but let's just see if he can take his game to the next level, think it's possible
32. Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles, RB
7th ranked RB, like a good amount of what I saw and should beat out Boston Scott for the RB2 role.
33. Quincy Roche, Pittsburgh Steelers, LB/DE
Very productive and there is argument to be made that that's all you need for a 5th/6th round selection. Could be more but his tape vs Darrisaw is worrisome.
34. Tre Norwood, Pittsburgh Steelers, CB
The Steelers need younger and better CB and they got a steal late. They way he reads QBs might be one of the best in the class and while it's not great keeping your eyes in the backfield all the time with this Steelers D line the eyes and playmaking ability are a perfect fit.
35. Elijah Mitchell. San Francisco 49ers. RB
The 9ers use the entire stable of RBs an I think Mitchell bring something a bit different then the rest of the guys there so hopefully he gets a shot and I think he can prove he belongs in the NFL
36. Rashad Weaver, Tennessee Titans, DE
Cheating again kinda but I just want to gush over what a good pick this was and I hate that it was the Titans doing it. He's my 7th ranked DE with little downside and HUGE upside. Besides the pass rusher he is also very good against the run. Love the fit in Tenn as well.
Here are the last few ones I noticed on my rewatch from any random draft class.
1. Randy Gregory, Dallas Cowboys, DE
Saw a little pop on film and yea he's had issues in the past but damn
2. Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles, DE
Def saw pop on film and he's moving up with sacks through the years, seems very promising but don't know much about him otherwise.
3. Josh Uche, Patriots, Edge
Love him, not enough credit, good stats so far
4. Damiere Byrd, Bears, WR
Bears adding depth and played with the worst Cam Newton ever last year.
5. D.J. Reed Jr., Seattle Seahawks, CB
Might be the best CB for a resurgent Seattle defense.
6. Andre Dillard, Eagles, OL
Still love how the Eagles jumped the Texans who panic picked a bad player but Dillard hasn't shined yet. Hopefully he gets a full season without injury.