Really weak draft compared to last year. The elite talent is down, but depth is as well which is too bad.
I haven't agreed with a ton of the prospect rankings I've seen thus far, but some quick thoughts.
I think Jameis will be a very good NFL QB. For every dumb decision he makes off the field, he surprises me with his ability to diagnose defenses and make quick decisions in the pocket. He reads and reacts exceptionally well, and kills teams who blitz him. It's really the exact opposite of what you'd expect based on his persona off the field. Some of the throws he's made the last 2 years are off the charts good. His wind-up is reminiscent of Leftwich, but he's also a lot more athletic than Byron ever was. Jameis also throws with a lot more touch whereas Byron always seemed to throw at one speed. I think Jameis's best comparison is Roethlisberger, who can also get long with his release.
I'm not super high on Randy Gregory and think Shilque Calhoun will be the more productive pro. I wish Gregory were a little heavier in the pants. For a guy in the 245 range, I wish he were a little more explosive with his frame. It'd be a tough pill to swallow to take the first DE off the board this year knowing Joey Bosa is out next year. I think it's hard for me to fairly evaluate this crop of DE's, when next years DE class is going to be absurd. And Bosa will be seen as the most complete DE prospect in over a decade.
DT is a solid crop this year with Leonard Williams and Eddie Goldman topping it. Williams is special and a lock to go top 3. I think Eddie Goldman has been the best player on FSU's defense this year. Kid has anchored the inside of their D-Line and been fantastic. A much better player than former Nole, Timmy Jernigan who went second round last year as a DT. I'll be interested to see if Michael Bennett gets taken by a 3-4 defense to play DE, or a 4-3 defense. Kid is incredibly good at shooting gaps and could wreck some havoc in a 3-4. To be honest, some of Ohio States woes in run defense are caused by his ability to get up-field so quick and lanes are created behind him. Love his wrestling background....kid will be a great pro.
I don't think WR is nearly as deep as last year. I think Kevin White, Amari Cooper, and Jaelen Strong are all studs though. Where Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans both have elite components to their games, I think White, Cooper, and Strong are more polished and complete receivers. Kevin White is a flat out competitor when the ball is in the air. He either makes the grab or forces the defense into difficult positions. Kid has been a stud. Amari Cooper is about as consistent as it gets. And Jaelen Strong is another kid who just goes up and gets it. Fantastic ball skills. Personally, I'd like to see White or Cooper opposite of Gordon as I think they'd compliment Josh the best.
I think Nelson Agholor (USC) is one of the most explosive receivers in college and will be a really good value pick in the mid rounds.
Stefan Diggs can't run a route and I worry about his ability to play receiver at the next level. Ideally he'd learn how to play in the slot but going over the middle isn't really his game either. And I wish he was more dependable in the return game for added value, but he doesn't even handle those duties for the Terps anymore.
Rashad Greene will be a very good #2 or #3 receiver in the league. Great routes and hands.
But when you compare the list of guys this year to the depth of last year where guys like Allen Robinson, John Brown, Jordan Matthews, Jarvis Landry, and Donte Moncrief were in the second/third round...last year was pretty special.
Just a small list of sleeps I'd love to see Cleveland take a look at:
Aundrey Walker - Tackle/OG - USC - Kid is a graduate of Cleveland-Glenville, and although he spurned the home state school, it'd be cool to bring him back to Cleveland. He injured his ankle last year and lost nearly all of his allure, but was starting as a true freshman out there, and had many people thinking he was the next great USC O-lineman. He has finally broken back into the Trojan starting line-up and showing some signs of where he was at. I think he'd provide excellent depth and could be a long-term starter and will likely be a late round pick.
Travis Bell - West Virginia - CB - WVU puts their corners on islands quite a bit and I like his ability. Decent size at 6-1, 198lbs and plays athletic. Will be a late round steal.
Ishaq Williams - Formerly Notre Dame - DE - One of the players Notre Dame dismissed for cheating. Was rated a mid-round pick and has basically disappeared from lists since then. Really athletic kid with good speed off the edge.