FanPost

Draft Grades

3rd Round (#90) Dylan Parham OL Memphis
Grade B

McZ loves versatility and Parham is the definition of such. Played a season each at both Guard spots and even started at RT in 2020 where he graded out his career best. Played this year at RG and allowed 0 sacks. Went to the Senior Bowl where he was asked to play Center and he showed he's more than capable there as well, so much so that most draft outlets project him as a Center. He's very athletic yet doesn't quite have the girth for a prototype G. At the very least he puts pressure on starters James, Good and Simpson this year at G and perhaps even Leatherwood at RT. Great depth piece that could be a future starter at some point. PFF had him at #67 on their big board so we got excellent value after a trade down.

4th Round (#122) Zamir White RB Georgia
Grade C

White is a beast, violent runner with one of the best combinations of size and explosiveness in the draft class. He punished defenders in college when he wasn't running away from them. He's got legit 4.4 speed with homerun capability. The downsides are there however. He's already had *two* ACL surgeries, one on each knee. He doesn't have alot of wiggle and doesn't offer much in the passing game. PFF had him at #116 on their draft board so good value again but the serious injury history combined with his playing style is a big red flag. His snap count was held down in college because of that and will have to at the NFL level as well.

4th Round (#126) Neil Farrell JR. DT LSU
Grade A

My favorite pick. Farrell is a monster of a human that had many moments of total domination in the SEC. Even against powerhouse Alabama he threw 300 pound men around like nothing, essentially unblockable at times. Had his best year this season and he's more than just a run stopper. He'll get a year to learn under Big Hank and get his body in NFL shape. A future starter IMO. PFF had him #149 on their big board so the value wasn't quite as good as the previous picks but he's still a home run for us, filling immediate rotational need combined with starter upside.

5th Round (#175) Mathew Butler DL Tennessee
Grade B

Raiders swing back to back at position of need. Butler is a college 3-tech who can disrupt both the passing and the running game. Had his best season of his career in 2022. At 6'4 295 he has the size and athleticism to play 3-4 DE and even slide to NT in packages. PFF had him #130 on their big board so once again we got great value with this pick in a position of need. Could be a sneaky draft steal.

7th Round (#238) Thayer Munford OL Ohio State
Grade B

Another versatile lineman who's played multiple positions in college. Has a Tackle body but played Guard this season. DZ used the word 'Tackle' no less than 5 times in the post-draft presser when discussing Munford. So clearly he's expected to compete at Tackle. Another player to push Leatherwood, Parker, et al for that coveted starting RT slot. If somehow a 7th round pick beats out our 2021 1st round, 2 time All-American Outland Trophy winner I'll be shocked. But crazier things have happened. At the least he's an experienced versatile player from a big program that provides immediate competition and depth. Once again we get great value, PFF had him #151 on their big board. See a pattern here?

7th Round (#250) Brittain Brown RB UCLA
Grade F

I know it's a late 7th rounder and how can you give any pick an F grade here? But this is a very curious pick to say the least. He looks like a tryout level player. Certainly would have been available as a UDFA, it's not even clear why anyone would draft him. With a RB room already bursting over and we still have needs at LB and DB, neither position was drafted, we take *another* RB? As for Brown, he's got size and OK speed but very little wiggle and strictly a straight ahead runner. I would be shocked if this guy makes the PS let alone the 53. PFF didn't have a draftable grade on him. I just don't understand why they would make this pick. Why not take a Defender at a position of need here who actually has a shot to make the roster? Or better yet, take QB Carson Strong who was available. Could have done so much better here. Maybe it's insurance for White's knee issues? But it feels like a throwaway pick.

Overall
Grade B

Despite already having a low draft position from the 10-7 finish last year, and not having a 1st or 2nd round pick from the Adams trade, I think McZ did pretty well. We got a potential starter in Parham and several players who could have significant roles this season. We got great value for most of the selections, which is a refreshing change from the ridiculous reach picks of the previous regime (and the one before that).

There's still alot to do on this roster, especially on Defense. The good news is there's plenty of quality talent left in Free Agency and we'll get another $19M or so to spend on June 1.