Bucs Get High Mark In PFF’s Re-Graded 2018 Draft Class

Professional Soccer Focus has re-graded the 2018 NFL Draft and the Bucs have earned an “A” in hindsight. It was a draft that produced 4 legit, full-time starters in nostril deal with Vita Vea, cornerback Carlton Davis III, proper guard Alex Cappa and robust security Jordan Whitehead.

Vea grew to become a Professional Bowler in 2020, whereas Davis and Cappa grew to become among the many highest-paid gamers at their positions this offseason. Davis stayed in Tampa Bay, whereas Cappa left for Cincinnati. Whitehead signed a decent-sized contract with the New York Jets.

But, PFF regarded Davis as the very best choose, not Vea, and mentioned Ronald Jones II was the worst choose. The Bucs’ worst choose that yr was clearly fellow second-round choose M.J. Stewart, who was a whole bust. Jones almost ran for 1,000 yards in 2020.

Right here’s what PFF needed to say about Tampa Bay’s 2018 draft class.

“The Bucs’ Tremendous Bowl run was an amazing instance of why we are saying groups ought to proceed to put money into their secondary. Nobody is at all times going to get the analysis half right — as evidenced by the Bucs’ second-rounders again in 2018 — however when a group hits, the payoff could be huge.

Davis was a key piece to their championship group whereas the person picked in entrance of him wasn’t even on the roster anymore. In the event that they stopped drafting after taking Stewart, nevertheless, they might not have a Lombardi trophy.

Vea is the opposite headliner, as he’s been arguably the very best nostril deal with within the NFL over the previous couple of seasons. He’s racked up 99 pressures in his earlier two totally wholesome seasons.”

Different Groups Getting An “A” Grade – Or Higher – From PFF

The Bucs had been one in all seven groups getting an “A” grade or greater. 4 groups received “A+” grades, whereas two earned an “A-” and one other group earned an “A” alongside Tampa Bay.

Buffalo received an “A+” for drafting Professional Bowl quarterback Josh Allen, however PFF admits it’s only for the Allen choose.

Baltimore additionally acquired an “A+” for buying and selling as much as No. 32 to seize quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has already received an NFL MVP award. The Ravens additionally drafted a pair of Professional Bowlers within the third spherical in deal with Orlando Brown and tight finish Mark Andrews.

PFF additionally gave the Colts an “A+” for drafting All-Professional guard Quenton Nelson, All-Professional linebacker Darius Leonard and deal with Braden Smith with their first three picks.

Within the NFC, the Eagles received an “A+” regardless of having simply 5 picks and none within the first spherical. Philadelphia wound up drafting 5 starters, together with tight finish Dallas Goedert with its second-round choose and deal with Jordan Mailata with its seventh-rounder.

Carolina earned an “A-” grade due to drafting receiver D.J. Moore within the first spherical and cornerback Donte Jackson within the second spherical.

San Francisco was additionally awarded an “A-” for choosing Professional Bowl linebacker Fred Warner within the third spherical and deal with Mike McGlinchey within the first spherical.

The Rams acquired an “A” for drafting back-to-back beginning offensive linemen within the third and fourth rounds in deal with Joseph Noteboom and heart Brian Allen. Sixth-round defensive deal with Sebastian Joseph-Day was additionally a Day 3 steal.