2018 Rookie Draft Grades

3 weeks after our Rookie Draft for the upcoming 2018 HDL Season, I hit you with another article!

I tried to bring some analysis on the player picked, value at the draft position, as well as looking at trades day of and leading up to the draft, while trying to keep in mind your rosters and needs. I look forward to hearing how wrong you all were.

(Reviewed in order of draft position)

~Mike and Roys Dynasty- Abaum (2017 Season Record: 2–11)

Draft Grade: A

Uneducated thoughts: Mike did a decent job acquiring draft capital and and moving up and down this draft board over the last year. Having picks 3–5 is always a good thing and a 66% hit rate would be fantastic. Hearing a lot of DJ Moore going to be the WR1 in CAR, and have Ridley working his way into a potential WR1 in ATL next year. Couple that with a Ronald Jones going to a team needing some RB playmakers, along with the 3.5 pick of Baker Mayfield and you’re looking pretty good. Obviously this can take a year or 2 to play out, but don’t worry, Mike has 2MORE FIRSTS next year. He’s got some youth on the team and some guys (Coleman) who could move to better positions next year in free agency. Don’t hold your breath though, this is a team rebuilding and a season with over 4 wins should be seen as a championship in their eyes. (Projected Record: 3–10)

~Dalvin and the Chipmunks- Ian/Mike (4–9)

Draft Grade: B

Uneducated thoughts: Mi-an was in need of some WRs to bolster their roster, and they went out and grabbed a few guys who could assist in Gallup, Moore, and Fountain. Hopefully it is Moore> St. Brown’s work ethic in GB, but could take a year to see that develop. Guice automatically adds a stud to their lackluster team and they have a TE in waiting..and waiting.. and waiting in Goedert. Overall I think they faired well. (Projected Record: 3–10)

~ VIVA LA FRANCE- Sarlo/Hark (5–8)

Draft Grade: A-

Uneducated thoughts: Essentially turned the 1.4 and Sammy Watkins into the 1.8 (Freeman) & 1.11(Kerryon Johnson). For only having 2 picks until the 5th round I think Sharklo got 2 RBs to help stabilize their team. A quick peruse of their roster and I was quite pleasantly surprised. Young strength at RB/WR/TE, if only they could find a QB. I see this team being on the top half of the league this year. (Projected Record: 6–7)

~ Mealey’s Taco-ver- Troy (5–8)

Draft Grade: D-

Uneducated thoughts: What happened to all of Troy’s 2018 picks? That was the same question I had. He ended up only having 2 picks the 1.12 and the 4.4. A look back shows- 1.4 to get Sammy Watkins, he traded 2 picks to get 2 RBs who’s teams ended up drafting guys who will start over them (Perine & Booker), then 2- 2018 2nd’s to have 1 of his 2 picks the 1.12 where he got a good WR who needs to wait at least a year. He traded up into the 4th round to his original pick to take a Sam Darnold without a supporting cast, right in front of Mi-an taking Daurice Fountain which would of been more useful for Troy to take a flyer on. He’s still got a good squad, but the draft was…rough. (Projected Record: 5–8)

~ Bisky and Sarlo Tears-Bpou/Milzy (6–7? must be an error)

Draft Grade: B-

Uneducated thoughts: Bpou got a guy that can almost match him for freakish skills at the 1.1. He also got Anthony Miller and DJ Chark. He’s gotta keep grabbing some WRs in hope that someone on his lineup turns into a WR1 cause he’s still lacking there. No 2019 1st round pick, for now, but Bpou always finds a way to squirm out of death for one more year of relevancy. I see Bpou as the #3 team in his division this year. (Projected Record: 5–8)

~The Kareem Cheeses- Head/Frank(still alive?) (6–7)

Draft Grade: B+

Uneducated thoughts: I like Head’s 3/4 top picks. Head is known for being a guy that can find Diamonds in the rough, and just making the right picks during a draft. (Tyreek Hill 2016 7.4, Kareem 2017 (reach)1.8)and now Daesean Hamilton at 2.11. Head’s got a knack for drafting guys who provide for his in year 1. This is the year, I can feel the playoffs! One can only hope that with a first round pick NE uses Sony and doesn’t just keep him as a shiny piece of furniture on the practice squad. (Projected Record: 6–7)

~ Not Today Satan- Billy/Ryan (6–7)

Draft Grade: C-

Uneducated thoughts: Chubb is a nice pick, but there’s a lot of RB mouth’s to feed in an up and coming, over 5 win, Cleveland offense. Then taking 2 MIA players back to back? Can we blame it on the pre-engagement brain? I like St Brown but already alluded earlier that he’s got some reported work effort/teammate issues. Wilkins is a nice training camp buzz name, grade would be better if he comes out victorious over the 3 RBs who are all getting buzz in IND. A peek at your roster just shouts streaky and inconsistent scoring. Regression for the 2018 season is in view, and I don’t think you’re getting a lucky playoff berth this year. Tough division. (Projected Record: 5–8)

~ Asshat Cowboys- Calhoun/baby Carson (7–6)

Draft Grade: D+

Uneducated thoughts: It worked when Pitt took JuJu, can it work for James Washington? I don’t think it’s that easy. Add another WR3 in Coutee for Hou and what you’ve got is- guys hoping for an injury. Jordan Aikins is a sneaky pick that could work out in the HOU offense. Calhoun’s got some guys coming back from injury and I see him floating around that above mediocre record. (Projected Record: 8–5)

~ Hillary Clinton’s Email- Hallahan/Scott (9–4)

Draft Grade: A+

Uneducated thoughts: I’m not so sure if Halleder get that grade for just the players they actually took in the draft, but if you look at their pre-draft trades and moves, man it was pretty! Add Lockett for a 2nd, sell Leveon and his handcuff on the peak before he starts losing value for a haul in Baldwin/Cohen/McKinnon and a future 1st. 2.11 for a later pick to take Lamar Jackson (3.6) and a future 2nd. Then they turn around and use their later 3 picks in the 5th & 6th for IDP improvement instead of random flyers that won’t make half the teams rosters. 2.4 for Goodwin and their star RBs handcuff in Edmunds. I know they were stuck with needing to take Penny, hopefully it doesn’t work out for all our sakes. Well done to an already strong team waiting in the shadows for some improved health. My early pick for 2018 Champions.(Projected Record: 11–2)

~ Gronk Lives Matter- Cleve (10–3)

Draft Grade:

Uneducated thoughts: Cleve’s probably already starting to sweat just thinking about still having a 2019 2nd round pick. That’ll be gone soon. As usual, Cleve takes the established player approach, which still continues to pay off. I don’t think all his WRs perform at peak performance and he’ll come up short again this year. (Projected Record: 9–4)

~ MEHrino’s MEHn- Marino (9–4)

Draft Grade: C+

Uneducated thoughts: Mason Rudolph is good value down at 5.11. Give him some time to develop and settle in. Pettis is a nice WR, could be Lamar’s go to guy in the coming years. Who knows what the Pats use of Berrios will be. Feeling some Meh happening with this team as they fall down a peg. (Projected Record: 8–5)

~ Gutter Slugs- Falcone/Black (9–4)

Draft Grade: B

Uneducated thoughts: Their biggest goal was Calloway in the late 2nd and that happened. So I call it a success. Some owners on this team with happy with a Josh Rosen selection, others thought they could of started the QB run with the 3.3 pick if they took Jackson or Mayfield. Think they would of liked another young QB capital, but what do I know. I know they liked getting some WRs and a possible replacement for Tevin Coleman in ATL. They added a bit of future draft capital. I think overall it was better than average, but not the best they could be. (Projected Record: 9–4)