1. Kenny Pickett – Grade: B
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected the hometown kid, Kenny Pickett. I expected this pick to be Malik Willis, who I believed Mike Tomlin preferred over Pickett. While Pickett had a subpar Senior Bowl, he had an outstanding Combine. Pickett’s hand size came into question during the Combine, but that appears to be behind us. Undoubtedly, Pickett will immediately contend with Trubisky for the starting job.
2. Desmond Ridder – Grade: B-
I like, though, not love, this pick for the Atlanta Falcons. Ridder is a great leader and has a good locker room presence. He resembles Dak Prescott, physically, my player comp for him. Ridder has the bigger athletic frame and the ability to escape the pocket like Prescott.
3. Malik Willis – Grade: A-
Malik Willis looked like a first-round lock during the draft process. His slide to the third round seemed highly unpredictable. Willis lands with the Tennessee Titans, where he will develop and learn from Ryan Tannehill, well, if Tannehill decides to put the team first. Willis reminds me of a speedier Russell Wilson and could be dangerous in the read-option game with Derrick Henry.
4. Matt Corral – Grade: B
Matt Corral was my QB2 for most of the draft process, but he was the fourth QB off the board. The Carolina Panthers needed a QB to either compete with OR replace Sam Darnold, and, fortunately for Carolina, Corral fell to the third. Corral has Day 1 starter potential, and his injury history aside, he doesn’t have a ton of red flags.
