You’re federally mandated to give a winners/losers reaction report after every day of the draft…so, here you go.
Winners:
Kansas City Chiefs - OT Josh Simmons
They got arguably the best left tackle in the draft with the last pick of the first round due to his major knee injury. If Simmons can come back healthy this is a major steal.
Seattle Seahawks - OG/C Grey Zabel
I didn’t believe the franchise that historically never takes guards in the first round would finally take a guard in the first round, but they did and got a good one. Zabel should be a very good starter in short order and potentially a Pro Bowler sooner rather than later.
Buffalo Bills - CB Maxwell Hairston
Much like the Chiefs I think the Bills may have got the best corner in the draft at the tail end of the 1st, and just like the Chiefs it was at a position of dire need. The only real knock on Hairston is his height, but he has potential to be a Jaire Alexander type corner for the Bills.
Losers:
Green Bay Packers - WR Matthew Golden
I understand that the Packers were looking for some speed to stretch the field for their offense, but Golden is not the ideal way to accomplish that. They could have gotten a similar quality player two rounds later, and Golden doesn’t even play up to his 4.29 40-time! I don’t think this helps the Packers catch the Lions and Vikings for the North.
Chicago Bears - TE Colston Loveland
Basically, the same thing I just said about the Packers -- and it just so happens to be the same division. The Bears could have used so many other players or positions, but they just wasted a top 10 pick on a receiving tight end that can’t block. History hasn’t been kind to first round tight ends. It’s just a poor value proposition even if Loveland becomes a good player.
New York Giants - EDGE Abdul Carter & QB Jaxson Dart
One of the media’s favorite “winners” from last night, I don’t like this at all. Carter is fine I guess, but somewhat overrated in my opinion and plays the very overrated edge rusher position. He also has a foot injury that sounds like potential trouble. Then the team decided to spend multiple picks to trade up for a backup quality QB to be their future “franchise” player. These moves may buy Schoen and Daboll time with the owner, but I think it ultimately seals their fate down the line.
