NFL Preseason 2016: Report Card Grades for All 1st-Round Rookies After Week 1
The first week of the 2016 NFL preseason is now a thing of the past. Not only does this mean we are one week closer to the regular season starting Sept. 8, but we have also received our first glimpse of 2016 rosters. The majority of these rosters include vital first-round rookies.
While it's impossible to form an opinion on a player based on a few snaps of preseason football, this first week has given us some insight into the development of these first-round rookies. With this in mind, we're going to take the opportunity to hand out early grades for all of the 31 players selected in Round 1.
We'll make our decisions based on the events of preseason Week 1, but we'll also include factors such as player potential, expectations, training camp performance, coaching and offseason reporting. We'll grade the players here, not the selections, so we will consider injuries and other issues that have affected their development.
Players are listed in reverse order, beginning with selection No. 31.
31. Germain Ifedi, OL, Seattle Seahawks
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Seattle Seahawks rookie guard Germain Ifedi does not play well with others. In a school setting, this would be a negative. For a run-blocking NFL guard, however, a mean streak can be beneficial.
According to Danny O'Neil of 710 ESPN Seattle, Ifedi has had more than one "flare-up" during training camp. So long as Ifedi doesn't let his aggressiveness turn into silly penalties on the game field, we like the idea of an angry 6'5", 325-pound blocker in the middle of Seattle's line.
While the officials didn't call the rookie for a personal foul in the Seahawks' preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ifedi did earn a holding flag. It was one of the down spots in an up-and-down preseason Week 1 performance. Ifedi didn't play quite as well as some of the veterans on the team—which we can expect to some extent—and he finished the first week of preseason rated 158th overall among guards by Pro Football Focus.
Ifedi's adjustment to the pro game is likely going to be a slow process. As the Texas A&M product gains more experience, his level of play should rise. Right now, he's performing like an average rookie guard. His play hasn't leaped off the practice field, but he hasn't been an embarrassment in camp or in the early preseason, either.
Ifedi seems to have locked down a starting job, at least, which boosts his grade.
Grade: C+
30. Vernon Butler, DT, Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers have a deep and talented defensive front, which is why they can afford to bring rookie defensive tackle Vernon Butler along slowly. The Louisiana Tech product has the size (6'4", 325 lbs) and the skills to have an early impact, but Carolina isn't likely to rush him onto the field.
Right now, Butler is learning the nuances of the pro game and soaking in his first NFL training camp.
"So far, so good. Still learning different things, getting better every day," Butler recently told Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer about his camp. "Coming in working and trying to get better every day with [defensive line] coach Eric Washington."
Butler got to see some playing time against the Baltimore Ravens in Carolina's preseason opener, finishing with one solo tackle and one assist. Pro Football Focus rated him 64th overall among all defensive tackles for the first week of the preseason.
The expectations for Butler are relatively low because the Panthers aren't counting on him to be a superstar as a rookie. He is probably going to be a rotational defensive tackle, and right now he looks like an above-average one.
Grade: B
29. Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Arizona Cardinals
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The Arizona Cardinals selected defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche in order to bolster the depth and level of talent of their defensive line. Unfortunately, this offseason has been a mixed bag for the former Mississippi standout.
Nkemdiche has been dealing with an ankle sprain and has missed virtually all of training camp. According to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website, head coach Bruce Arians hopes to have the tackle back at practice for the third week of the preseason.
Before the injury, though, Nkemdiche was making some solid progress for the Cardinals. Arians told Adam Green of ArizonaSports.com that the mammoth defender was "doing well" during OTAs.
The problem is that OTAs didn't give Nkemdiche a realistic feel for live NFL action. Hopefully, he can return in time to experience some in the preseason.
Assuming Nkemdiche can get back on the field in time for the regular season, he should make an early impact as a rotational defender. However, the injury has hurt his preseason progress and forces us to grade him more harshly.
Grade: C-
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28. Joshua Garnett, OL, San Francisco 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers traded up to grab former Stanford guard Joshua Garnett at the tail end of the first round, and the move may have netted the team a day-one starter.
Garnett has spent time working at both guard positions in training camp and appears likely to earn one of the spots by the start of the regular season. He played on the right side in the team's preseason opener against the Houston Texans and handled himself well.
49ers head coach Chip Kelly called Garnett's preseason debut "solid" and praised the combination of skills the rookie brings to the table.
"He’s a physical player and can create movement at the point of attack," Kelly said of Garnett, per Taylor Price of the team's official website. "The things we’ve seen all along you continued to see from him, and you continue to see him get better and better as he moves forward. I know he’ll build upon that experience."
Pro Football Focus rated Garnett 59th overall among all guards for the first week of the preseason. While the Stanford product might not immediately be an elite talent, he should be a capable rookie starter.
Grade: B+
27. Kenny Clark, DL, Green Bay Packers
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The Green Bay Packers selected former UCLA defensive tackle Kenny Clark in part to help replace the recently retired B.J. Raji. Like Raji before him, Clark has been spending time at both tackle and at defensive end. Also like Raji, he is working to be more than a space-eater.
“I think I can pass rush, and I’m getting better at it day by day,” Clark said, per Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. “I can feel it. At UCLA, I was more in a frog (crouched four-point) stance. Now, I changed up my stance. I feel a lot better. I feel like I can explode out a lot more.”
Because of league rules, Clark wasn't allowed to participate in offseason workouts until UCLA's classes ended, so he has dealt with an abbreviated offseason. However, that hasn't stopped him from working closer to a starting role.
Clark played at end in Green Bay's preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns and was effective in the role. Though he finished the game with just one tackle, Clark was efficient at setting the edge and occupying blockers along the line.
Pro Football Focus rated Clark 22nd overall among all 3-4 ends who participated in the first week of the preseason.
It's early for the 20-year-old, but the Packers appear to have a promising and versatile new lineman.
Grade: B
26. Paxton Lynch, QB, Denver Broncos
6 of 31The Denver Broncos appear likely to go with veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez to start the season because of his experience, both in the NFL and in the postseason. However, this doesn't mean that rookie Paxton Lynch hasn't been impressive in the offseason or is out of the quarterback battle.
Lynch's performance against the Chicago Bears in his preseason debut, if anything, might put him more in the mix. The 6'7" Memphis product completed six of his seven pass attempts for 74 yards. Pro Football Focus rated him 16th overall among all quarterbacks to appear in the first week of the preseason.
Coming out of a spread Memphis offense, Lynch has a lot to learn about playing under center in a pro-style passing attack. However, he seems to be handling the challenge well, and his upside is obvious to anyone who has been around him.
"Paxton has the best arm and has the best upside out of all the Broncos quarterbacks," cornerback Chris Harris Jr. recently told SiriusXM NFL Radio.
If Lynch can continue to soak up head coach Gary Kubiak's offense and keeps performing like he did in the first week of the preseason, he has a good chance to get onto the field as a rookie.
Grade: A
25. Artie Burns, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Pittsburgh Steelers selected physically gifted but raw cornerback prospect Artie Burns in the first round for one of two reasons. Either the Steelers believe Burns can develop into a stud cornerback, or they panicked when the Cincinnati Bengals grabbed the fourth cornerback of the draft one pick earlier.
Burns has great top-end speed (4.46-second 40-yard dash) and lots of potential, but he is an unfinished product who might not be ready to start right away.
Unfortunately, injuries have derailed Burns' rookie development this offseason. The latest is a quad issue that kept him out of the team's preseason opener and could keep him out of Pittsburgh's next game as well.
When the Miami Hurricanes product has been healthy enough to practice, he has struggled. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com recently described the rookie as having "a rough training camp."
Part of the problem is he was guarding star receiver Antonio Brown in practice. The other part is that he's an unpolished player who hasn't been healthy enough to stay on the field and develop.
Overall, though, Burns has been a disappointment who may not be ready to contribute when the regular season opens.
Grade: D
24. William Jackson III, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
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A couple of first-round rookies have dealt with significant injuries this offseason. Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson III suffered one of the more serious ones, tearing his pectoral muscle early in training camp.
The injury required surgery to reattach the pectoral muscle, which likely means Jackson is looking at a lengthy recovery period. However, Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reported the Bengals believe the rookie could return at some point this season.
If Jackson cannot return, it will be a shame. Early offseason reports suggest that the former Houston standout had a legitimate chance to start as a rookie. Even if a starting job wasn't in the cards—the Bengals have had a recent habit of not leaning on rookie corners—Jackson may still have been a solid contributor.
Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk reported that Jackson "had impressed the team with his speed and progress" and was "pushing for playing time" before suffering the pectoral tear.
Grade: Withdrew Passing
23. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Minnesota Vikings
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The Minnesota Vikings seemingly drafted former Mississippi receiver Laquon Treadwell with the hopes that he could become a new No. 1 target for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Though Treadwell isn't the most physically gifted receiver to come out of this year's draft, his work ethic is second to none, as he has shown throughout the offseason. Ben Goessling of ESPN.com recently explained how hard work has been paying off for Treadwell:
"The Vikings have worked the Mississippi product into their offense gradually, but he's shown signs of development in recent practices, connecting with Teddy Bridgewater for a couple of impressive completions during last Saturday's evening practice. Treadwell is typically the last player off the practice field, catching around 50 extra passes once team work is over.
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Treadwell had a strong preseason debut last week against the Bengals. He managed to haul in four passes on five targets for 41 yards. According to Pro Football Focus, Treadwell made his four grabs in just 24 offensive snaps. The site also graded Treadwell 20th overall among all wideouts who took the field in preseason Week 1.
“It was fun,” Treadwell said of his debut, per Chris Tomasson of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. “I was out there having fun and doing what I love to do. That was the first one, and I now I just got to look forward to the next one.”
The Vikings are likely looking forward to what Treadwell can bring to the regular season.
Grade: A
22. Josh Doctson, WR, Washington Redskins
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The Washington Redskins took former TCU receiver Josh Doctson in the first round, despite not having a pressing need at the position. Washington has a strong receiving corps that includes the likes of DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder and tight end Jordan Reed.
The fact that Washington doesn't need Doctson to be a big contributor as a rookie is fortunate. Injuries have hampered him throughout the offseason, as Doctson has been out of action since OTAs with an Achilles issue.
John Keim of ESPN.com recently reported that Doctson is expected to miss at least another week or two.
This creates a couple of problems for the rookie wideout. Doctson is unable to prepare for his first season as a pro receiver and is also unable to work himself into any sort of playing shape. There's a strong chance that Doctson will be ineffective even if he is healthy enough to play when the regular season opens.
Mike Jones of the Washington Post did report that Doctson stood out during rookie minicamp back in May, so at least his offseason hasn't been totally negative.
Grade: Incomplete
21. Will Fuller, WR, Houston Texans
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The Houston Texans acquired a new quarterback in free agency by signing Brock Osweiler away from the Denver Broncos. In the first round of the draft, the team selected a speedy target to pair with emerging star DeAndre Hopkins.
That target was Notre Dame product Will Fuller, who possesses game-changing speed. He ran a blazing 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
Fuller's put his speed on display throughout the offseason and in training camp. Though he isn't the best route-runner and has a history of dropping passes, he should still help move some of the defensive focus away from Hopkins if he can continue improving.
"Obviously, he has great speed," Osweiler recently said, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "We all know that. It’s good to see some of that stuff finally come together."
Unfortunately, Fuller wasn't able to put much together during the team's preseason opener against the 49ers. He often struggled to gain separation from physical pass defenders and finished the game with just one reception for four yards. Pro Football Focus rated him as the worst Texans receiver in the game.
Fuller should still have an impact this season because of his speed, but he may have a long way to go before becoming a consistent and well-rounded pass-catcher.
Grade: C
20. Darron Lee, LB, New York Jets
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The New York Jets saw a lot of rookie linebacker and former Ohio State star Darron Lee during their preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Based on his performance, they have to be pretty darn pleased.
Lee played with the second-team defense and on special teams. He finished the game with four total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one quarterback hurry, per Connor Hughes of NJ Advance Media.
"He flashed quite a bit," Jets head coach Todd Bowles said of Lee, per Hughes. "You saw him make tackles. I've got to go back and look at the film and see if he scraped right or he ran around the block, or did all the right things in doing so. But I did see him show up on the field."
If we were basing our grade solely on preseason performance, Lee would receive the highest of marks. However, we have to knock the rookie a bit because he still hasn't secured a starting spot in New York's new-look linebacker corps.
Hughes reported that Lee has been receiving extended action with the starting defense in practice, so it's probably only a matter of time before he earns his spot. The simple fact that he isn't there yet keeps us from giving him a perfect grade.
Grade: A
19. Shaq Lawson, DE, Buffalo Bills
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The Buffalo Bills drafted former Clemson sack artist Shaq Lawson in order to add punch to their pass rush. The 6'3", 270-pounder was supposed to help anchor a new-look Bulls defense that also includes rookie linebacker Reggie Ragland.
Unfortunately, both Ragland and Lawson have suffered significant setbacks. Ragland is expected to miss the entire 2016 season with a partially torn ACL. Lawson underwent shoulder surgery shortly after Buffalo drafted him. Some have speculated that Lawson could return by midseason, but Bills head coach Rex Ryan made it clear he's unsure of when the rookie might be back.
"I don’t know where these reports come from,” Ryan said, per Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News. “I have no idea. I can just tell you what’s told to me. We know at some point he’s going to return. We’ll be excited to have him back, but I don’t have a date for you.”
Until Lawson is back in action, the Bills won't have an idea of the kind of impact he can bring.
Grade: Incomplete
18. Ryan Kelly, C, Indianapolis Colts
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The center position may be widely overlooked in today's NFL, but the Indianapolis Colts knew what they were doing when they grabbed Alabama product Ryan Kelly with the 18th overall pick in the draft. If all goes well, Kelly can step in and solidify the center spot for the next decade.
So far, the Colts have to be pleased with Kelly's rookie development. Despite dealing with a shoulder sprain and missing nearly one week of training camp, he has worked his way into a starting job and appears ready to stay there.
Kelly started against the Bills in Indianapolis' preseason opener and handled himself well. He didn't allow a single sack and finished the first week of the preseason rated 28th overall among all centers by Pro Football Focus.
“I think certainly that first rep, having that underneath my belt, it was kind like, ‘OK, we’re just playing football again,’” Kelly said of his preseason debut, per Andrew Walker of the Colts' official website. “So that was good. Obviously [I have] great guys around me, so it makes it a lot easier to play with those guys.”
If Kelly continues to develop in the Colts offense, his teammates may soon refer to the rookie as one of the great guys around them.
Grade: A-
17. Keanu Neal, S, Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons drafted safety Keanu Neal in order to add some quickness and physicality to the back end of their defense. Though the Falcons haven't gotten a look at him in a game situation—he missed the preseason opener with a trunk injury—they seem quite impressed with what he can offer.
Neal's physical presence stood out early in camp.
“We thought that [Neal’s physical play] would show up once we got in pads,” head coach Dan Quinn said, per Knox Bardeen of CBS Atlanta. “I think that’s certainly his game, and he’s got such respect from other members of his team because of his work ethic.”
Though Neal wasn't available for last week's contest, he seems well on his way to locking down a significant role in the defense.
"Neal fit in nicely with the first-team defense, where he began carving out a role as a physical, well-rounded strong safety," Andrew Hirsh of the Falcons' official website recently wrote of Neal's performance in training camp.
Falcons fans should be excited to see Neal on the field in the second week of the preseason.
Grade: B+
16. Taylor Decker, OT, Detroit Lions
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When the Detroit Lions selected former Ohio State tackle Taylor Decker, many believed he would be headed for the right side of the line. However, the Lions have since moved former first-round pick Riley Reiff to the right side and placed Decker on the left.
While Reiff seemed to thrive in his new role during training camp, Decker was more inconsistent. During his preseason debut against the Steelers, he learned just how difficult it can be to start at left tackle as a rookie.
On the game's opening drive, Decker was called for holding and then allowed Steelers edge-rusher James Harrison to produce a strip-sack on the following play. Decker wasn't a complete disaster, though. He looked strong in the running game and finished the opening week of preseason action rated 61st overall among all offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus.
“I think it would bother anybody to have a bad play,” Decker said after the game, per Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press. “Everyone is going to have bad plays. You have to try and get better. You can’t let one bad play turn into 10 bad plays.”
Decker appears to be a work in progress, which is what most rookies are at this stage in the preseason. The rocky start in his debut is discouraging, but it's too early to panic.
Grade: C
15. Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland Browns
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The Cleveland Browns made Baylor product Corey Coleman the first receiver off the board in this year's draft because of his elite straight-line speed (4.37 40-yard dash) and playmaking ability. He has flashed those skills throughout the offseason and training camp, even if he has yet to do so on a playing field.
Coleman missed a string of practices and the team's preseason opener with a hamstring issue.
"In Coleman, the Browns have found a future star," NFL Media's Marc Sessler recently wrote. "It doesn't feel premature to make that claim considering Coleman's stunning handiwork at camp."
Coleman hasn't simply been spectacular because of his speed. He has impressed the Cleveland coaching staff and his teammates with his ability to adapt to a pro-style offense.
"I've seen some rookies come in, and they don't catch on that fast," cornerback Tramon Williams said, per Sessler. "To see him doing what he's doing, it's been awesome."
We're going to knock Coleman a bit because of his injury, but he probably will be an immediate factor in the offense as a rookie. The Browns have already listed him as a starting receiver on the depth chart for their second preseason contest. If he can stay healthy, he'll likely keep that starting role.
Grade: A-
14. Karl Joseph, S, Oakland Raiders
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Oakland Raiders rookie Karl Joseph might not be back to 100 percent after last year's ACL tear, but he looks like a player who can have some impact as a rookie. He was able to knock off some rust by making an unexpected appearance in the team's preseason opener against Arizona, and Joseph could even be in the chase to start at strong safety.
Though the Raiders have been cautious with Joseph this offseason, the team seems ready to get him onto the field on a more regular basis—and the rookie is ready to be there. In fact, Joseph has appeared eager since the start of training camp.
"This is what I've been working for since I got here, so it feels great to get out there with all the veterans," Joseph said at the opening of camp, per Kyle Martin of the team's official website. "It was a great first day and a great first start. This is what I've been doing my whole life. Having football being taken away from me makes me appreciate the game a lot more.”
Joseph has taken one big step toward his return from injury; the next will be to spend an extended period on the field with the first- or second-team defense. This is solid progress for a guy who was one of the nation's top collegiate defenders before the injury.
Grade: B-
13. Laremy Tunsil, OL, Miami Dolphins
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At one point, Mississippi product Laremy Tunsil was considered one of the safest players in this year's draft. However, draft-day drama caused him to slide down draft boards, and the standout tackle eventually landed with the Miami Dolphins.
The problem for Tunsil now is that the Dolphins want to move him to guard. Therefore, the rookie not only has to adapt to the pro game, but he has to do it at a new position. The entire process seems to be a challenge for him.
Tunsil did not play well in Miami's preseason opener against the New York Giants. Pro Football Focus credited him with 53 offensive snaps—which is good for the experience factor—but rated him as Miami's worst guard and 163rd overall out of 172 guards to take the field in the first week of the preseason.
It might not be fair to bash on Tunsil considering what the Dolphins are asking him to do as a rookie, but his performances in camp and on the preseason field have still been disappointing. This is a guy who was expected to be a plug-and-play lineman his first season and an elite talent.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald recently reported that Tunsil is getting close to securing a starting spot but that he is not there yet. To earn the starting job and keep it, Tunsil is going to have to perform a lot better.
Grade: D
12. Sheldon Rankins, DT, New Orleans Saints
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The New Orleans Saints drafted former Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins in order to strengthen their defensive front and bolster the interior pass rush. Through much of the offseason, it appeared that he would do exactly that.
Rankins' athleticism was on display throughout offseason workouts and early in training camp. So too was his determination.
"I've always been a guy that plays with a chip on his shoulder," Rankins said, per Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com. "I always find something that kind of drives me, pushes me, so coming into this, it's no different. No matter where I was drafted, I'm always going to have a chip on my shoulder."
Rankins appeared to have a chip on his shoulder in his preseason debut against the New England Patriots. Though he only finished with one tackle, he was able to generate pressure and produced one quarterback hit. Pro Football Focus rated him 13th in pass rush among all defensive tackles to participate in Week 1.
Unfortunately, the Saints are going to be without Rankins for the near future. He suffered a broken fibula earlier this week and is expected to miss an extended period. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Rankins will undergo surgery and is likely to miss at least six weeks.
The good news is that when Rankins returns, the Saints could have a defensive star on their hands.
Grade: Withdrew Passing
11. Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Former Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves came into the draft looking like perhaps the top pure outside corner in this class. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been working him both on the outside and at nickelback.
The Buccaneers have not been quick to thrust Hargreaves into the starting lineup, and he may actually begin his career working against slot receivers. However, the team has been pleased with Hargreaves' progress this offseason.
"As I said in the spring, the guy is a good football player; he's going to play," Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter said, per Scott Smith of the team's official website. "He's doing a nice job."
Hargreaves was impressive during Tampa's preseason opener against the Eagles. He finished the game with one pass defended and zero receptions allowed, according to Pro Football Focus. Pro Football Focus rated him as the top Buccaneers corner in the game.
Even though Hargreaves might not be ready to be a full-time starter in the Buccaneers defense, he should be a valuable contributor as a rookie.
Grade: B+
10. Eli Apple, CB, New York Giants
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When the New York Giants first selected former Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple, many analysts had pegged the rookie as a nickelback. However, Apple has since proved that he has the skills to play on the outside and excel there.
Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reported during early camp that Apple was working exclusively at left cornerback and that his physical style of play was an asset.
"He's a tough kid," Giants receiver Tavarres King said, per Raanan. "He's got some stuff that you can't coach. He's got some dog in him. Real competitive. Hungry. ... I think we got a gem."
Apple showed off his physical play and tight coverage skills during the team's preseason opener against the Dolphins. Though he surrendered three receptions on four targets, Apple allowed only a total of 17 receiving yards in the game, according to Pro Football Focus. He also finished with two tackles and, sadly, a leg injury.
Thankfully, the injury doesn't appear serious. Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post reported it is only a slight muscle strain and that the team will re-evaluate Apple before the second week of the preseason. It doesn't appear that he will miss the beginning of the regular season.
Overall, Apple looks like a good, if not a great, rookie cornerback. He should help provide a physical presence in the secondary and be a regular contributor even if he isn't an every-down player.
Grade: B-
9. Leonard Floyd, LB, Chicago Bears
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The Chicago Bears drafted Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd with the hopes that he can develop into a dangerous pass-rushing threat. The lanky 6'6", 244-pounder is raw as a pass-rusher but brings immense physical talent.
Learning the pro game is going to be a process for Floyd throughout his rookie season. His inexperience was on display in the team's preseason opener against the Broncos. Floyd was caught out of position a couple of times and was also beaten on a 17-yard reception.
Yet he still managed a pair of tackles against Denver and has produced his fair share of bright spots on the practice field. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote the following:
"General manager Ryan Pace and coach John Fox aren't going to celebrate the arrival of their first-round draft pick yet. They're expecting much more after a two-tackle effort from Floyd against the Broncos. But initial signs after two weeks in Bourbonnais, one exhibition and two practices here are overwhelmingly positive.
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The general consensus is that Floyd is developing well. However, he is likely to show some growing pains on the field. Floyd should be a regular contributor on the Chicago defense even if he isn't ready to be an every-down player.
Grade: B-
8. Jack Conklin, OT, Tennessee Titans
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The Tennessee Titans saw quarterback Marcus Mariota get banged around too much as a rookie in 2015, which is why they used the eighth overall pick on Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin.
Though Conklin's first NFL offseason has had its ups and downs, Mariota seems happy with his new right tackle.
"He's done a great job," Mariota said of Conklin, per Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "He hasn't been overwhelmed too much as far as I've seen. He's come in and stepped up. Obviously, everyone is going to have their mistakes. But he's learning from them and continuing to grow. We are going to need a lot of him out of that right tackle spot."
However, Conklin didn't back up that optimism with a strong performance against the San Diego Chargers in the team's preseason opener. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing three quarterback hurries and one quarterback hit in 29 offensive snaps. The site also rated Conklin 160th overall among all tackles to participate in Week 1.
That's a rough start for Conklin. The good news is he is healthy and expected to start at the spot the Titans drafted him to play.
Grade: C-
7. DeForest Buckner, DE, San Francisco 49ers
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The 49ers didn't draft DeForest Buckner simply because he went to Oregon and the team's new head coach is Chip Kelly—well, that may have been part of it. The 49ers drafted Buckner so that he could help anchor the defensive front from the end position.
Buckner is well on his way to doing exactly that.
Though he began his first NFL offseason near the bottom of the depth chart, he has already worked his way into a starting role. Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil had this to say, per the AP:
"[Buckner] worked his way from the third string all the way up to the first string. We didn't give him anything. He had to earn it. So, he earned our respect. He earned the players' respect. I think all of our guys know, we don't care where you were drafted. You're going to have to earn it. Nothing is going to be given to you and he's done a nice job.
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Buckner's performance in San Francisco's preseason opener was solid. He produced three total tackles in a brief appearance. According to Pro Football Focus, those three tackles came on just 19 defensive snaps.
Buckner is set to be a rookie starter and a potentially productive one at that.
Grade: A
6. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Baltimore Ravens
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Had Laremy Tunsil not started sliding down draft boards, he might have been the Baltimore Ravens' selection at sixth overall. He did, however, and the Ravens elected to go with Notre Dame product Ronnie Stanley instead.
So far, the Ravens have to be happy with their decision. Stanley has already worked his way into the starting left tackle job, and it looks like he is going to bring a tough, talented presence there.
Stanley was a game-time decision for the team's preseason opener against the Panthers because of a soft-tissue injury. However, the rookie made it clear he had no intentions of missing his preseason debut.
"He looked at me like, 'Are you crazy? Of course I'm going," head coach John Harbaugh said, per Ryan Mink of the team's official website. "That's a good sign for him."
Not only did Stanley shake off the injury and play against Carolina, but he played well. He didn't give up any sacks during the game and finished the first week of the preseason rated 11th overall among offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus.
No rookie tackles were rated higher.
It's still early in the preseason process, but Stanley looks like a quality rookie starter and a smart choice in the first round.
Grade: A+
5. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
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Jacksonville Jaguars rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey underwent minor knee surgery in May. However, it has not kept him out of training camp, and it doesn't seem to have hampered his preparation for the coming season.
The Florida State star has not missed a training camp practice, though the Jaguars did hold him out of the preseason opener. According to John Oehser of the Jaguars' official website, the team held him out as a precautionary measure, and he was back at practice the following day.
Jacksonville has felt comfortable enough with Ramsey's progress this summer that the team has been moving him around the defensive formation, as Mike DiRocco of ESPN.com recently explained:
"The Jaguars only wanted him to work on the outside, but changed that plan pretty quickly when they saw how well Ramsey picked up the defense. He has been working with the first team as an outside corner and as a nickelback.
With Aaron Colvin, the team’s best nickelback, suspended for the first four weeks of the season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, Ramsey will take his spot as the nickel and could very well start on the outside, too.
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Not only has Ramsey battled back from his early offseason injury, but he's moved far enough ahead that he should be an opening-day starter.
Grade: A+
4. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
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The Dallas Cowboys used the fourth overall pick on Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. The hope is that his addition could help spark the ground game and make it more like the one the Cowboys fielded in 2014.
Elliott got off to a strong start in minicamps and OTAs, flashing his speed, vision and athleticism on multiple occasions. As Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News reported at the time, Elliott was working with the first-team offense by early June.
The problem with putting a ton of stock into minicamps and OTAs, of course, is that players are rarely tackling or working in pads. This makes positions like running back difficult to judge. Elliott has also been dealing with a hamstring injury since early August, so he hasn't gotten a ton of work in training camp and has yet to make his preseason debut.
Elliott appears confident, though.
"I don't feel behind at all," Elliott said, per Drew Davison of the Star-Telegram. "I've done a good job of paying attention and getting my mental reps. Today or even yesterday when I came out for the first walk-through I didn't feel like I missed that much time. I just have to knock a little rust off and finally get back to work."
Elliott has since returned to practice but isn't expected to participate in the second week of preseason action. The injury and missed time prompt us to downgrade a player who had looked promising when the offseason first kicked off.
Grade: C
3. Joey Bosa, DE, San Diego Chargers
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It's impossible to put a grade on San Diego Chargers rookie Joey Bosa. The Ohio State standout and third overall pick hasn't been present for training camp or the preseason because he hasn't signed his rookie contract.
Bosa and the Chargers disagree on potential offset language in his rookie contract and the timing of his signing-bonus payment. Bosa has been holding out as a result.
While Bosa was willing to participate in some earlier offseason activities, his absence from camp is a problem. The missed time is going to hurt his development. It also hurts the Chargers, who are in need of Bosa's pass-rushing presence.
"My advice to any player that's going through any kind of contract situation is that, at one point, you've got to be a man and you've got to understand that you've got to get ready to play," Chargers tight end Antonio Gates recently said, per Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Bosa may be worthy of a failing grade because of the way he is hurting both himself and the team. However, a deal could get done any day now, and if Bosa can get a couple of preseason games under his belt, the damage could be minimal.
Grade: Incomplete
2. Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
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The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. However, the presence of Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel means the Eagles aren't likely to rush the rookie into action.
This is fortunate because, as you might expect from a small-school prospect, Wentz has been inconsistent throughout the offseason.
Wentz was unable to move up the depth chart during offseason workouts and in training camp and remains the No. 3 guy. This is fine because, unlike the other quarterbacks taken in Round 1, the plan has been for Wentz to redshirt his rookie year.
The potential for Wentz to sit during his inaugural season only increased when the rookie suffered a fractured rib against the Buccaneers in his debut. As Albert Breer of MMQB pointed out, Wentz "had a ways to go" before the injury, but there's now a chance he will miss the rest of the preseason.
Wentz flashed a lot of potential against the Buccaneers. His numbers weren't great, and he made a couple of questionable decisions, but his athleticism, cannon arm and accuracy were notable. He finished the game 12-of-24 for 89 yards and one interception.
We'll grade Wentz on a curve because the general expectations for him were already low. Still, we're sure Eagles fans would have liked to see him make more progress in the offseason, and the injury is a setback.
Grade: C
1. Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams
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The Los Angeles Rams have made it clear they view Cal product Jared Goff as their quarterback of the future. The team traded away a bevy of picks in order to move up to No. 1 overall and secure him before the draft.
The problem is that Goff isn't making it easy for the Rams to consider him their quarterback of the present. He is battling Case Keenum for the starting job, and though Goff was widely considered a pro-ready prospect, he doesn't appear close to winning the competition.
"We're going to start him when he's ready to play," Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. "It's all about the process. It's about being patient."
It was Keenum, not Goff, who started L.A.'s preseason opener against the Cowboys. Keenum—who completed six of seven attempts for 58 yards—performed well. Goff did not.
The rookie signal-caller completed just four of his nine pass attempts for 38 yards. He also struggled to deal with pressure and tossed an interception as a result. It is worth noting, of course, that Goff was playing with the second unit. This is why, as bad as he looked at times, we're not going to give the rookie a failing grade.
In fact, there are some positives to gain from Goff's performance. His strong arm and accuracy were on display. As NFL Media's Ike Taylor pointed out, Goff may have gone 7-of-9 if not for dropped passes.
Goff should perform better if he can get time with the starters. Still, it's disappointing that he hasn't yet made a stronger push for the starting job.
Grade: C-
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