Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Round 1 Pick 19: A+
This is a great pick for Tampa and a great situation for Ohio State’s leader in career receptions. Tampa Bay has won the NFC South in all three years of the Todd Bowles Era and has improved its record every year of his tenure. Baker Mayfield has established himself as the best quarterback in that division as well. Egbuka will have him throw the ball to him and be in the same receivers' room as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, two Pro-Bowl veterans. They’ll give Egbuka plenty of time and a great situation to continue to grow in. Egbuaka has plenty of experience being in loaded wide receiver rooms and that will benefit him in Tampa. Emeka Egbuka will contribute immediately to 2024’s third best total and passing offense.
Donovan Jackson, Offensive Lineman, Minnesota Vikings, Round 1 Pick 24: B
This is an A+ landing for Jackson if Minnesota has a proven quarterback. My disdain for McCarthy and his time in Ann Arbor aside, he's a complete unknown. The good news is the running and passing offenses he and Jackson are stepping into had a fantastic run in 2024 in passing the ball as the sixth best team in the league. Jackson's versatility means he will likely see the field early and where he's needed the most. If the Vikings most recent first round picks keep their mistakes to a minimum, Minnesota will pick up from where they left off last year with that 14-4 record.
Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs, Round 1, Pick 32: A+
I’m a big Andy Reid fan and think this is a fantastic fit for the Chiefs, Reid, and Josh Simmons. It’s an important job, protecting Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have elected to go with younger talent early in the most recent two drafts. Last year, they got a tackle in Kingsley Suamataia in the 2nd Round from BYU, and Simmons this year. Both of these guys could be the key protectors of the best quarterback in the NFL for the next ten years. That’s not just possible, it’s most likely. Great for Josh Simmons and the Chiefs!
Quinshon Judkins, Running Back, Cleveland Browns, Round 2, Pick 36: B
Judkins would be an A for most other franchises with the same personnel as the Browns. Cleveland still struggles to change their culture. That said, Judkins is a good pick for them. Whether Nick Chubb returns for another run and Judkins can complement him, or Judkins and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson of Tennessee shoulder the load themselves. The trouble outside of the Factory of Sadness is the unknown of who will get the ball to Judkins and who will open the running lanes for him. The Browns were 29th in total rushing last year and it’ll be a tall order for even Judkins to help change that.
TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back, New England Patriots, Round 2, Pick 38: B-
Henderson’s grade is only this low because of his destination and not because of any flaws in his game. Mike Vrabel won’t use Henderson like he did Derrick Henry in Tennessee. But he’ll still get a good portion of the carries. The Patriots were decent at rushing the ball last year, finishing 13th in the NFL. With a young back who can run, catch, and block and with elite speed, they should be even better in year one of Mike Vrabel and TreVeyon Henderson.
Will Howard, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers, Round 6, Pick 185: B-
The good news for Howard is that he’s at a franchise that knows how to win, and that if he gets to start, he won’t have the weight of the organization on his shoulders. Also good for Howard is that he’s the best quarterback currently on the roster with reliable receivers and tight ends, and the 11th ranked rushing offense that just added a beast running back in Kaleb Johnson. Things are looking pretty good when as a sixth round pick you could maybe start right away on a solid offense and great defense.
Seth McLaughlin, Center, Cincinnati Bengals, Undrafted Free Agent: B-
I love Seth McLaughlin. He was tremendous for Ohio State last year and has the potential to be good for the Bengals. They’ve long struggled to protect Joe Burrow but especially in the interior. It’s why they drafted two guards and signed McLaughlin at center. He’ll look to learn from and push two-time Super Bowl champion Ted Karras to help the interior of the Cincinnati offensive line.
Josh Fryar, Offensive Tackle, Arizona Cardinals, Undrafted Free Agent: C+
Arizona had the 18th best passing offense, so Josh Fryar was signed to help the offensive line protect Kyler Murray and give him more time to throw to Marvin Harrison Jr. Fryar will try to join Paris Johnson Jr., another former Buckeye teammate in improving the passing offense of the Arizona Cardinals.
Gee Scott Jr., Tight End, New England Patriots, Undrafted Free Agent: B-
Gee Scott will be a great fit with Mike Vrabel and New England if he just keeps working hard like he did for his senior season at Ohio State. Scott’s going the extra mile will help him earn a roster spot in New England. He’ll be on a roster when Week 1 arrives in September and probably right there for the Patriots.