I have been looking back on our rookies, as they hold they keys to our future. I want to run back through and drop my grades on the youngins’ let you guys know what I saw, get feedback on what you saw, and let y’all know my protection for them going forward. The important thing with grading is how they did is regards to their position. For example, a 7th round who found a small way to contribute will grade higher than a first rounder who under performed.
Jamin Davis
1st round, LB Grade- D+
there are expectations that comes with being a first round pick and Davis just didn’t quite live up to them. It’s not his fault in my opinion; He was drafted high based on his physical abilities, which are undeniable and he didn’t have a ton of starting experience in college and came to league trying to learn all 3 LB roles on the fly. He never seemed like he fully trusted his instincts and towards the of the season he was part of the Elliot crash, which I’m sure rattled the young man. He made some plays along the he’s good at running off the QB in containment or blitzing , covers a lot ground, and is a sure tackler. In no way should we be writing this guy off he has the traits to become a staple of the defense once he settles into a role.
Projection: long term starter
Sam Cosmi
2nd Round, OT Grade B
There wasn’t great expectations with Cosmi, but he stepped in as a game 1 starter for us. He struggled early on in his pass protection, and other than some time out with injury was able to improve in that area. The first few weeks of the year he spent time atop the run block win rate and I believe finished top 5 in that area. The issues in pass protection are correctable as he gets used to the speed in the NFL he has good athleticism and powerful hands no worries for me here
Projection: long term starter/ fringe pro bowler
Dyami Brown
3rd Round, WR Grade C-
I thought Dyamie was a steal at this pick he still may be. He was tough to grade because of at best average QB play. A lot of my grade reduction came from lack of effort and commitment on routes by his own admission and to the eye test. He his undeniable talent wise and I do think he can blossom along side Terry once we sort the QB situation.
Projection: Quality WR2
Benjamin ST-Juste
3rd Round, CB Grade-D
Ben spent time on IR and had trouble with the speed of the game. I didn’t love this pick mostly because he was an average to below runner. After a lot of buzz about him in camp it just didn’t materialize to me. I do think he could be effective in a zone scheme and I’d like to see his height get utilized in the end zone.
Projection: Depth/ Reserve corner
John Bates
4th Round, TE Grade- A
I might be riding the wave on him a bit, but he graded as one of the top run blocking TE’s in the league and found a way to produce in a lack luster offense with several TE injuries. He has sure hands and runs with Gronkesque power after the catch. He sits well in the holes of zone coverage and makes himself available to the QB. you can’t ask for more then a guy drafted for his blocking and mostly depth.
Projection: Long term starter
Darrick Forrest
5th Round, S Grade- N/A
Darrick is strong and quick. He’s an athletic guy who could become a very good special teamer. He is exactly as he projected, but I just don’t really have much to grade of him
Projection: Special teamer/ Reserve roles
Cameron Cheeseman
6th Round, LS Grade C
He did a good job snapping the ball I guess. My most memorable play with him was his bad snap to Tress the led to a blocked extra point, which led to Joey Slye’s injury and I’m not ready to let that go.
Projection: long term LS
William Bradley- King, Shaka Toney
7th Round, Edge Grade A
These guys stepped in for our star edge rushers and did an excellent job. They are high motor players and high character guys who helped stabilize our pass rush and proved they belong in the league. Very happy with the kind of depth they could provide.
Projection: Edge Depth/ Quality reserves
Dax Milne
7th Round, WR Grade- C+
Milne was more involved than I ever thought he would be. It was a feat for him to make the roster. He could be a good slot guy one day as he works hard and plays with effort and has pretty good hands.
Projection: Slot Depth
Jaret Patterson
Undrafted, RB Grade- B+
Jaret did really good with his opportunities especially at seasons end. He doesn’t have real break away speed , but has good vision and runs with power. Great effort with a drive to prove his doubters wrong.
Projection: Depth RB
This was a pretty good crop of rookies that I think will contain some long term answers. As we head toward the draft I’m excited to see another class infused with talent and promise.
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