B+
Las Vegas Raiders
Ward is the plan now, and the Raiders grade out a B+.
by pigboysouth ·
2025 NFL Draft
· 257 picks
· 1 steals
· 1 reaches
The one hole that towered over the rest is filled. The Raiders spent their marquee pick on Cam Ward, and for the first time in a while there is a real answer at quarterback. Solid and sensible more than spectacular: a B+.
The Amos pick is the one the value grade keeps tripping over. Every deal seemed to tilt their way, which is not luck.
That is an interior defensive lineman worth more than the slot they spent on him, plainly.
Add it up and it is a good, unfussy class.
Pick-by-Pick
In Round 1, Pick 1 they get a press-man option on the boundary, a steep price for the projection. The biggest hole, addressed.
In the 2nd pick they get a sticky cover corner. Exactly the need they had to hit.
In the Round 1 slot they get a featured back at fair value. A clean fit for the roster.
In the 4th overall pick they get a double-digit-sack hope. It fills the loudest need on the roster.
In slot 5 they get a pocket-collapsing interior rusher. A real need, handled.
No drama and no debate, Will Johnson went about where he belonged in No. 6. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
They took Cam Ward at par in pick 7, which is nothing to complain about. It plugs a real leak on the depth chart.
In pick No. 8 they get a franchise quarterback. A clean fit for the roster.
In the Round 1 slot they get a long-term starter on the line. It fills the loudest need on the roster.
In pick No. 10 they get protection for the quarterback. Exactly the need they had to hit.
In Round 1, Pick 11 they get a No. 1 receiver. The biggest hole, addressed.
In slot 12 they get a weapon on the perimeter at fair value. The biggest hole, addressed.
In No. 13 they get juice off the edge. The biggest hole, addressed.
In pick 14 they get an island corner. The biggest hole, addressed.
In the 15th overall pick they get a matchup problem out wide. It fills the loudest need on the roster.
A straight-up fair deal on Shemar Stewart at the 16th pick, value and slot in agreement. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
In the 17th pick they get a security blanket over the middle at fair value. A clean fit for the roster.
In slot 18 they get a cornerstone up front. Exactly the need they had to hit.
In No. 19 they get a blindside protector. The biggest hole, addressed.
In Round 1, Pick 20 they get a premier pass rusher. Exactly the need they had to hit.
In pick 21 they get a wrecking ball inside.
Nick Emmanwori in the Round 1 slot is fair value, right on his grade. It adds depth where they could use a little.
In pick No. 23 they get a three-down second-level presence. More want than need.
In the 24th overall pick they get a matchup weapon at tight end. A clean fit for the roster.
In the 25th overall pick they get a home-run threat at receiver. It fills the loudest need on the roster.
In the 26th pick they get a ballhawk on the outside. The biggest hole, addressed.
In slot 27 they get a centerfielder for the defense at fair value. Need was not the driver here.
In No. 28 they get a bendy edge with upside. Exactly the need they had to hit.
In pick No. 29 they get a run-stuffing presence up front.
In pick 30 they get a disruptor off the edge. Exactly the need they had to hit.
Omarion Hampton at the Round 1 slot is right where the board had him, plain and simple. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
In Round 1, Pick 32 they get a problem off the edge. Exactly the need they had to hit.
A tidy bit of business in the Round 2 slot, where Kenneth Grant graded well above the range. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
Grey Zabel at the 34th pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
By-the-book stuff, Princely Umanmielen at pick No. 35 squarely in line with his ranking. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
A market-rate offensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Wyatt Milum. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Josh Conerly Jr. in pick 37 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
No edge and no loss on Tyler Booker in the 38th overall pick; it is a wash and a sensible one. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
They paid sticker price for Jihaad Campbell in No. 39, and that is fine. They doubled down on a strength rather than a need.
Tyleik Williams at Round 2, Pick 8 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
T.J. Sanders in Round 2, Pick 9 is fair value, right on his grade. It fills a real need, too.
No drama and no debate, Benjamin Morrison went about where he belonged in the 42nd overall pick. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
Xavier Watts at No. 43 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. A want dressed up as a pick, at a spot they had covered.
They paid sticker price for Landon Jackson in pick No. 44, and that is fine. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Jonah Savaiinaea in the Round 2 slot is exactly on the number, no argument either way. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
They took Aireontae Ersery at par in slot 46, which is nothing to complain about. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
A straight-up fair deal on Kaleb Johnson at the 47th pick, value and slot in agreement. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
No edge and no loss on JT Tuimoloau in pick 48; it is a wash and a sensible one. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
A market-rate wide receiver, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Tre Harris. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
By-the-book stuff, Marcus Mbow at pick 50 squarely in line with his ranking. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
A market-rate edge rusher, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Josaiah Stewart. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Harold Fannin Jr. in pick No. 52 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. The roster fit checks out.
They paid sticker price for Donovan Ezeiruaku in the 53rd pick, and that is fine. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
TreVeyon Henderson at No. 54 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
By-the-book stuff, Alfred Collins at the Round 2 slot squarely in line with his ranking. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
They took Elic Ayomanor at par in Round 2, Pick 24, which is nothing to complain about. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
A straight-up fair deal on Demetrius Knight Jr. at Round 2, Pick 25, value and slot in agreement. A want more than a need, though you can never have too many.
No edge and no loss on Azareye'h Thomas in the Round 2 slot; it is a wash and a sensible one. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
Bradyn Swinson in pick No. 59 is fair value, right on his grade. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Dylan Sampson at pick 60 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
No drama and no debate, Jalen Royals went about where he belonged in No. 61. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
Xavier Restrepo in the 62nd overall pick is exactly on the number, no argument either way. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
No edge and no loss on Donovan Jackson in the 63rd pick; it is a wash and a sensible one. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
Quinshon Judkins at slot 64 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. A need, and now a little less of one.
They took Jack Bech at par in Round 3, Pick 1, which is nothing to complain about. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
No drama and no debate, Cameron Williams went about where he belonged in pick 66. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
Jayden Higgins at pick No. 67 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
A market-rate linebacker, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Carson Schwesinger. A luxury on a unit that was already in good shape.
They paid sticker price for Tate Ratledge in No. 69, and that is fine. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Omarr Norman-Lott in the 70th overall pick is fair value, right on his grade. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
A straight-up fair deal on Kyle Kennard at slot 71, value and slot in agreement. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
By-the-book stuff, Maxwell Hairston at the 72nd pick squarely in line with his ranking. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
They paid sticker price for Elijah Arroyo in pick No. 73, and that is fine. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
No drama and no debate, Darien Porter went about where he belonged in the 74th pick. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
Isaiah Bond in the Round 3 slot is exactly on the number, no argument either way. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
A market-rate edge rusher, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Jared Ivey. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Mason Taylor in the 77th overall pick is fair value, right on his grade. The roster fit checks out.
A straight-up fair deal on Barrett Carter at No. 78, value and slot in agreement. They added to a strength when a need was still open elsewhere.
They took Devin Neal at par in Round 3, Pick 15, which is nothing to complain about. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
Chris Paul Jr. at pick 80 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. It is more luxury than necessity; they were already set here.
By-the-book stuff, Ozzy Trapilo at pick 81 squarely in line with his ranking. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
No edge and no loss on Andrew Mukuba in the 82nd pick; it is a wash and a sensible one. Pure best-available; the position was not exactly begging.
Danny Stutsman at pick No. 83 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. Insurance at a position that did not really ask for it.
No drama and no debate, Sebastian Castro went about where he belonged in slot 84. Depth on depth, at a spot that was hardly crying out.
Shemar Turner in Round 3, Pick 21 is fair value, right on his grade. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
A straight-up fair deal on Deone Walker at No. 86, value and slot in agreement. It fills a real need, too.
Jordan Burch at the Round 3 slot is right where the board had him, plain and simple. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
No edge and no loss on Gunnar Helm in the 88th overall pick; it is a wash and a sensible one. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
By-the-book stuff, Savion Williams at pick 89 squarely in line with his ranking. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
They took Charles Grant at par in the 90th pick, which is nothing to complain about. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
They paid sticker price for Quinn Ewers in the Round 3 slot, and that is fine. It plugs a real leak on the depth chart.
A market-rate interior defensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Darius Alexander. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Jalen Milroe at No. 93 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. A need, and now a little less of one.
Jaylin Noel in Round 3, Pick 30 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
A straight-up fair deal on Ashton Gillotte at pick No. 95, value and slot in agreement. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
No drama and no debate, Zy Alexander went about where he belonged in the 96th overall pick. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
A market-rate wide receiver, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Tai Felton. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
Kevin Winston Jr. at Round 3, Pick 34 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. Nice player, but the depth chart did not need him here.
No edge and no loss on Cam Skattebo in pick 99; it is a wash and a sensible one. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
They took Tez Johnson at par in the Round 3 slot, which is nothing to complain about. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
They paid sticker price for Will Howard in slot 101, and that is fine. It plugs a real leak on the depth chart.
By-the-book stuff, Dylan Fairchild at the 102nd pick squarely in line with his ranking. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Jared Wilson in pick No. 103 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
Lathan Ransom at No. 104 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. Stacking talent where they were already deep.
Jordan Phillips in slot 105 is fair value, right on his grade. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
By-the-book stuff, David Walker at pick 106 squarely in line with his ranking. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Smael Mondon Jr. in Round 4, Pick 5 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. A luxury on a unit that was already in good shape.
A straight-up fair deal on Tory Horton at the 108th pick, value and slot in agreement. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
They took Anthony Belton at par in No. 109, which is nothing to complain about. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
A market-rate safety, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Billy Bowman Jr.. They added to a strength when a need was still open elsewhere.
Joshua Farmer at the Round 4 slot is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
No drama and no debate, Terrance Ferguson went about where he belonged in pick No. 112. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
Denzel Burke in Round 4, Pick 11 is fair value, right on his grade. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
Miles Frazier at pick No. 114 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
No edge and no loss on Jordan James in slot 115; it is a wash and a sensible one. It fills a real need, too.
They paid sticker price for Kyle McCord in the 116th overall pick, and that is fine. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
No drama and no debate, Jacob Parrish went about where he belonged in pick 117. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Emery Jones Jr. at the Round 4 slot is right where the board had him, plain and simple. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
A straight-up fair deal on Dorian Strong at the 119th pick, value and slot in agreement. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
A market-rate cornerback, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Cobee Bryant. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
Jeffrey Bassa in the 121st overall pick is fair value, right on his grade. Insurance at a position that did not really ask for it.
They took Dillon Gabriel at par in pick No. 122, which is nothing to complain about. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
By-the-book stuff, Nohl Williams at No. 123 squarely in line with his ranking. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Kobe King in the Round 4 slot is exactly on the number, no argument either way. Nice player, but the depth chart did not need him here.
No edge and no loss on Cody Simon in Round 4, Pick 23; it is a wash and a sensible one. Depth on depth, at a spot that was hardly crying out.
Riley Leonard at the 126th pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. A need, and now a little less of one.
They paid sticker price for Jake Majors in pick 127, and that is fine. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
No drama and no debate, Jamaree Caldwell went about where he belonged in slot 128. The roster fit checks out.
Jonas Sanker at the 129th overall pick is right where the board had him, plain and simple. Stacking talent where they were already deep.
They took Brashard Smith at par in slot 130, which is nothing to complain about. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
They paid sticker price for Rylie Mills in the 131st pick, and that is fine. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
LeQuint Allen in pick No. 132 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. The roster fit checks out.
No edge and no loss on Mello Dotson in No. 133; it is a wash and a sensible one. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
A straight-up fair deal on Hollin Pierce at Round 4, Pick 32, value and slot in agreement. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
A market-rate safety, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Malachi Moore. Pure best-available; the position was not exactly begging.
Kurtis Rourke at pick 136 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
Oluwafemi Oladejo in No. 137 is fair value, right on his grade. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
By-the-book stuff, Tyler Shough at pick No. 138 squarely in line with his ranking. It plugs a real leak on the depth chart.
No drama and no debate, Sai'vion Jones went about where he belonged in the 139th pick. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
A market-rate interior defensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Aeneas Peebles. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
By-the-book stuff, Trevor Etienne at slot 141 squarely in line with his ranking. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
They took Mitchell Evans at par in pick 142, which is nothing to complain about. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
They paid sticker price for Pat Bryant in the Round 5 slot, and that is fine. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
No edge and no loss on Logan Brown in Round 5, Pick 6; it is a wash and a sensible one. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
Jackson Slater in the Round 5 slot is exactly on the number, no argument either way. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
A straight-up fair deal on Nick Nash at No. 146, value and slot in agreement. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Kaimon Rucker at pick 147 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
O'Donnell Fortune at pick No. 148 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
Luke Kandra in Round 5, Pick 11 is fair value, right on his grade. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
They took Andres Borregales at par in the 150th pick, which is nothing to complain about. It is more luxury than necessity; they were already set here.
Damien Martinez at the 151st overall pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
Tyler Baron in slot 152 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland at pick No. 153 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
By-the-book stuff, Bhayshul Tuten at pick 154 squarely in line with his ranking. It fills a real need, too.
A straight-up fair deal on Jah Joyner at the 155th pick, value and slot in agreement. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
They paid sticker price for Tommi Hill in the Round 5 slot, and that is fine. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Kalel Mullings in Round 5, Pick 19 is fair value, right on his grade. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
A market-rate specialist, with the board and the slot shaking hands on James Burnip. They doubled down on a strength rather than a need.
No edge and no loss on Ben Sauls in No. 159; it is a wash and a sensible one. A want more than a need, though you can never have too many.
No drama and no debate, Ryan Fitzgerald went about where he belonged in the 160th overall pick. A want dressed up as a pick, at a spot they had covered.
Ty Robinson in Round 5, Pick 23 is fair value, right on his grade. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
A market-rate running back, with the board and the slot shaking hands on RJ Harvey. A need, and now a little less of one.
Seth McLaughlin in slot 163 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
A straight-up fair deal on Barryn Sorrell at No. 164, value and slot in agreement. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
They took Jake Briningstool at par in the Round 5 slot, which is nothing to complain about. A need, and now a little less of one.
They paid sticker price for Chase Lundt in the 166th pick, and that is fine. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Jonah Monheim at pick No. 167 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
Kyle Williams at the 168th overall pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
No drama and no debate, DJ Giddens went about where he belonged in the 169th pick. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
By-the-book stuff, Ollie Gordon II at pick 170 squarely in line with his ranking. The roster fit checks out.
No edge and no loss on Ajani Cornelius in the Round 5 slot; it is a wash and a sensible one. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Jaydon Blue at No. 172 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. It plugs a real leak on the depth chart.
Raheim Sanders in the 173rd overall pick is exactly on the number, no argument either way. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Willie Lampkin in Round 5, Pick 36 is fair value, right on his grade. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
By-the-book stuff, Jack Nelson at pick No. 175 squarely in line with his ranking. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Quincy Riley at slot 176 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
No drama and no debate, Elijah Roberts went about where he belonged in the 177th overall pick. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
They took Jack Kiser at par in Round 6, Pick 2, which is nothing to complain about. Stacking talent where they were already deep.
A straight-up fair deal on Dont'e Thornton Jr. at pick 179, value and slot in agreement. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
A market-rate offensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Connor Colby. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
They paid sticker price for JJ Pegues in slot 181, and that is fine. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
No edge and no loss on Vernon Broughton in No. 182; it is a wash and a sensible one. It fills a real need, too.
By-the-book stuff, CJ West at pick No. 183 squarely in line with his ranking. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
A market-rate edge rusher, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Que Robinson. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
No drama and no debate, Upton Stout went about where he belonged in No. 185. Pure best-available; the position was not exactly begging.
Jarquez Hunter in pick 186 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
A straight-up fair deal on Jaylen Reed at Round 6, Pick 11, value and slot in agreement. They doubled down on a strength rather than a need.
Clay Webb in the 188th pick is fair value, right on his grade. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins at the Round 6 slot is right where the board had him, plain and simple. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
They paid sticker price for Woody Marks in slot 190, and that is fine. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
No edge and no loss on Tahj Brooks in the 191st overall pick; it is a wash and a sensible one. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
Oronde Gadsden II at pick No. 192 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
They took KeAndre Lambert-Smith at par in Round 6, Pick 17, which is nothing to complain about. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
They took Tyler Cooper at par in the Round 6 slot, which is nothing to complain about. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
They paid sticker price for Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson in No. 195, and that is fine. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Antwane Wells Jr. in the 196th pick is fair value, right on his grade. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
Jay Higgins at the 197th overall pick is right where the board had him, plain and simple. They added to a strength when a need was still open elsewhere.
No drama and no debate, Jason Marshall Jr. went about where he belonged in pick 198. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
By-the-book stuff, Donovan Edwards at pick No. 199 squarely in line with his ranking. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
A straight-up fair deal on Jalen McLeod at slot 200, value and slot in agreement. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
Joshua Gray in pick No. 201 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
Luke Lachey at the 202nd overall pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. A need, and now a little less of one.
No edge and no loss on Caleb Ransaw in the 203rd pick; it is a wash and a sensible one. A want dressed up as a pick, at a spot they had covered.
A market-rate interior defensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Nazir Stackhouse. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
Karene Reid at slot 205 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. A want more than a need, though you can never have too many.
They paid sticker price for Addison West in the Round 6 slot, and that is fine. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
No edge and no loss on Luke Elzinga in Round 6, Pick 31; it is a wash and a sensible one. It is more luxury than necessity; they were already set here.
A straight-up fair deal on Kyle Monangai at No. 208, value and slot in agreement. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
They took R.J. Mickens at par in Round 6, Pick 33, which is nothing to complain about. Depth on depth, at a spot that was hardly crying out.
By-the-book stuff, Chimere Dike at pick No. 210 squarely in line with his ranking. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Kobe Hudson in the 211th pick is exactly on the number, no argument either way. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
Jordan Hancock at slot 212 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. A luxury on a unit that was already in good shape.
No drama and no debate, Ricky White III went about where he belonged in the Round 6 slot. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
A market-rate cornerback, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Alijah Huzzie. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Craig Woodson in pick 215 is fair value, right on his grade. Nice player, but the depth chart did not need him here.
They took Robert Longerbeam at par in No. 216, which is nothing to complain about. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
A market-rate interior defensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Simeon Barrow Jr.. It fills a real need, too.
Akili Arnold in the 218th overall pick is fair value, right on his grade. Insurance at a position that did not really ask for it.
Ja'Quinden Jackson at the 219th pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
No edge and no loss on Alex Mastromanno in pick 220; it is a wash and a sensible one. A luxury on a unit that was already in good shape.
By-the-book stuff, Howard Cross III at No. 221 squarely in line with his ranking. It plugs a real leak on the depth chart.
No drama and no debate, Jaylin Lane went about where he belonged in the Round 7 slot. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
They paid sticker price for Carson Vinson in slot 223, and that is fine. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
Phil Mafah at Round 7, Pick 8 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. The roster fit checks out.
A straight-up fair deal on RJ Oben at slot 225, value and slot in agreement. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Jermari Harris in pick 226 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
By-the-book stuff, Jamon Dumas-Johnson at the 227th pick squarely in line with his ranking. Depth on depth, at a spot that was hardly crying out.
A straight-up fair deal on Cam Horsley at the 228th overall pick, value and slot in agreement. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
A market-rate wide receiver, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Theo Wease Jr.. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
They paid sticker price for Cam Jackson in No. 230, and that is fine. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
They took Dante Trader Jr. at par in the Round 7 slot, which is nothing to complain about. A want dressed up as a pick, at a spot they had covered.
Ja'Corey Brooks in pick No. 232 is fair value, right on his grade. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
Bilhal Kone in Round 7, Pick 17 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
No edge and no loss on Fadil Diggs in No. 234; it is a wash and a sensible one. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Isaac TeSlaa at slot 235 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
No drama and no debate, Ahmed Hassanein went about where he belonged in the 236th overall pick. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Jabbar Muhammad at the 237th pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
No drama and no debate, Tyler Batty went about where he belonged in pick No. 238. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
No edge and no loss on CJ Dippre in the Round 7 slot; it is a wash and a sensible one. It fills a real need, too.
They took Shemar James at par in pick 240, which is nothing to complain about. It is more luxury than necessity; they were already set here.
Mac McWilliams at pick 241 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
A market-rate safety, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Kitan Crawford. A want more than a need, though you can never have too many.
LaJohntay Wester in the 243rd pick is fair value, right on his grade. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
Corey Kiner at pick No. 244 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
By-the-book stuff, Sam Brown Jr. at the 245th overall pick squarely in line with his ranking. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
Zeek Biggers in the Round 7 slot is exactly on the number, no argument either way. The roster fit checks out.
A straight-up fair deal on Roc Taylor at No. 247, value and slot in agreement. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
They paid sticker price for Teddye Buchanan in Round 7, Pick 32, and that is fine. Insurance at a position that did not really ask for it.
Jeremy Crawshaw at the 249th pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. They doubled down on a strength rather than a need.
Ty Hamilton in pick 250 is fair value, right on his grade. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
A straight-up fair deal on John Williams at slot 251, value and slot in agreement. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
They paid sticker price for Marcus Yarns in the Round 7 slot, and that is fine. A need, and now a little less of one.
Hayden Conner in Round 7, Pick 37 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Cody Lindenberg at the 254th overall pick is right where the board had him, plain and simple. Pure best-available; the position was not exactly begging.
By-the-book stuff, Brandon Adams at No. 255 squarely in line with his ranking. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
A market-rate safety, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Hunter Wohler. Stacking talent where they were already deep.
They took Torricelli Simpkins III at par in the Round 7 slot, which is nothing to complain about. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.