I was pretty livid last night.
We averaged 15.2 PPG on offense last year and scored 20+ 3 times all season. Both last in the NFL. We also has the worst 3rd down offense in the NFL. We could have had the #1 scoring defense in the NFL last season (17 PPG) and we still would have gone 4-13. My knee jerk reaction was, how in the hell do we pass on one of the best playmakers in recent memory, which fills a major area of need, for a DT? A DT which again, doesn't technically add wins to a bad offense? The last time we passed on a generational WR (Julio Jones) and traded the pick, it turned out to be a monumental mistake.
Cleveland's run defense was 22nd in the NFL and bad DT's (and LB's) were a major problem. Graham excels at run stopping...the best in the draft and he stops the run at an elite level. He is actually the perfect compliment to Garrett.
In totality, Graham, an additional 2nd (36) and a 1 in 2026 is a pretty solid haul for the #3 pick.
So now, where do we go in round 2? Based on Berry's comments last night and the fact that it seems like we are trying to emulate the Eagles model (front 7 dominance...and OL dominance)...it feels like we will go BPA at 33 and 36....then RB (great depth) and possibly WR with our 2 picks in round 3.
So who is BPA at 33 and 36? Who goes with our [Eagles] philosophy?
1. CB - Will Johnson, Michigan. He was considered a top 15 overall player by many analysts. He an absolute steal at 33 or 36.
2. S - Nick Emmanwori, SCar. Great athlete who can cover slot WR's or outside and stop the run.
3. DE - Mike Green, Marshall. FBS sack leader (17)
4. OT - Aireontea Ersey, Minnesota. Best OT available
Not saying these are the guys I want, but it seems to be the types of guys that Berry & Co typically target and go with the philosophy we are following. To be honest, any of those 3 defenders will make our D very, very stout and super formidable.
We do we go in round if those are indeed the picks?
RB - My preference in order Kaleb Johnson (probably gone). TreyVeone Henderson (probably gone). DJ Giddens. RJ Harvey. Brayshul Tuten. Quinshon Junkins.
QB - My preference in order Shedeur Sanders (probably gone). Kyle McCord. Jalen Milroe. Quinn Ewers. Will Howard.
We'll see how it goes. But I do have reservations given Berry's poor draft history.