Hey guys. Remember me. It me LKP. I unretired for the day to catch you up on the draft event. Let’s take a look at the action from Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears Pick 8: Roquan Smith ILB
The Bears took Roquan Smith who is a stud ILB from Georgia. Chicago cut Jerrell Freeman from suspensions so this basically upgrades and replaces him.
4. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Smith took college football by storm this season, collecting 137 tackles and 14 tackles for loss on his way to the Butkus Award. He’s a linebacker who can play all three downs thanks to his combination of athleticism and instincts. It was easy to find Smith in Georgia’s defense because he was always the one flying toward the ball carrier. His coverage skills in particular make him intriguing as teams continue searching for linebackers who can match up in man coverage on tight ends and running backs. Smith played wide receiver in high school, and it shows at times in his stop-start quickness. As a pro, he could play on the inside or as a weak-side linebacker.
Green Bay Pick 18 not 14: Jaire Alexander CB
The Packers made some big moves with first year GM Brian Guntenkunst. Green Bay fleeced the Saints to move from 14 to 27 and got a first round pick in 2019 from New Orleans. Green Bay traded back up to 18 with Seattle and gave up a 3rd round pick to do so. The Packers got much needed help at CB with Jaire Alexander. King and Alexander are the future for the Packers at DB.
26. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Alexander may be just over 5’10 and under 200 pounds, but he’s not afraid to mix it up with receivers on the outside. Alexander’s aggressiveness also shows up in his ability as a tackler. He tackles with good technique, but he can also lay in a hard hit. Alexander is incredibly fluid in his drop backs, and often works straight back or from a side backpedal. He’s quick and fast enough to handle smaller receivers. He has a nose for the ball, and intercepted five passes in 2016. He’s also an asset as a return man. Alexander played in only six games last season following knee and hand injuries.
Detroit Lions Pick 20 Center Frank Ragnow
Detroit passed on Harold Landry due to injury concerns. The Lions finalized their stud offensive line with Frank Ragnow at center/guard. Ragnow gave up 0 sacks in four years in the SEC and was highly coveted by the Patriots and Bengals too. The Lions could have went defense but the board fell for them to have a great offensive line. PFF loves Ragnow as well with the highest center grades ever.
Minnesota Vikings Pick 30: CB Mike Hughes
The Vikings load up with cornerbacks as Trae Waynes is in a contract year and 2nd round pick from last eyar Mackensie Alexander disappointed. The Vikings add Hughes to play slot CB and make their defense even stronger.
30. Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
After initially starting his college career at North Carolina, Hughes started just one season at Central Florida after playing at a community college for a season. Because he only has a single year of college production, and comes with a little bit of risk. However, Hughes’ talent at UCF last season was apparent. Starting 12 games, he had 15 passes defended last season thanks to a willingness to get physical and his instincts. Hughes has the speed and agility to stick with fast receivers, and is aggressive against bigger players. Some size will give him trouble because he’s not the biggest and he needs to be more technically sound as a tackler.
Overall
Five QBs went in Round 1 including four overall in the top 10. We’ll see who is actually good out of them. Baker Mayfield went first overall which is crazy for the Browns. Denver loaded up with Chubbs on defense and the Giants got the best player in the draft with Saquan Barkley. The Saints gave up the farm for a project DE in Marcus Davenport. The Panthers and Falcons both added WRS for their QBs. The Buccaneers have an absolute stud defensive line by adding Vita Vea to pair with JPP, Vinny Curry and Gerald McCoy. It was an exciting Round 1 and more to come with Round 2 and 3 tonight starting at 7 PM ET. I’m retired again. Boombaya