2016 NFL Draft grades: Winners and losers from the 1st round

The first round of the 2016 NFL Draft was filled with drama and intrigue, from Laremy Tunsil's plummet to trades galore. Teams filled needs, sometimes in surprising ways. Let's take a look at what the experts think about how each team fared in the first round.

Los Angeles Rams - Jared Goff, QB, Cal

After they pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans for the first overall pick, it became clear that the Rams were looking toward Goff as their quarterback of the future. Of the quarterbacks available in this class, Goff and Carson Wentz were the top options, and Goff faced a tougher level of competition at the college level and is more NFL-ready. Overall, analysts liked the pick for Los Angeles, though they balanced that with what the team had to give up to get him.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A
Doug Farrar, SI: B-
Pete Prisco, CBS: A-

Philadelphia Eagles - Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Wentz was a polarizing pick in analysts' minds. He has the physical tools to be successful at the next level, but concerns about his NFL-readiness abound, particularly in light of what the Eagles had to give the Cleveland Browns to move up to the second overall spot. He should have the opportunity to develop behind Sam Bradford, which will be in his, and the team's, best interest.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: C
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A-
Doug Farrar, SI: A
Pete Prisco, CBS: B-

San Diego Chargers - Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The first real surprise of draft night came with the third overall selection, when the Chargers picked Joey Bosa. Bosa was widely regarded as the best defensive end in this draft, but the Chargers kept their interest in him under wraps. Most analysts liked the pick fine. Most of the concerns analysts have about Bosa's fit with the Chargers stem from their 3-4 defensive scheme. Bosa's going to be at his best in a four-man front.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A 
Doug Farrar, SI: D
Pete Prisco, CBS: A

Dallas Cowboys - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

It wasn't a surprise when the Cowboys picked Elliott with the fourth overall pick, but analysts are divided on the choice, primarily because contemporary draft strategy avoids taking running backs this high. Elliott was the most complete back available in this draft, and he fills a significant need for the Cowboys.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B+
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: C+ 
Doug Farrar, SI: A
Pete Prisco, CBS: D

Jacksonville Jaguars - Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

Ramsey was the best defensive back in the draft, and the Jags defense struggled mightily last season against the pass, finishing near the bottom of the league for passing yards allowed. The analysts universally loved this pick. Ramsey fills a need and is an instant upgrade to a secondary that needed one.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: A
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A
Doug Farrar, SI: A+
Pete Prisco, CBS: A

Baltimore Ravens - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

Stanley fills a need for the Ravens in light of Kelechi Osemele leaving for Oakland in free agency. The issue analysts had with this pick was primarily the fact that Stanley was clearly the second-best option available. Laremy Tunsil, who was probably going to be the first overall pick had the Titans not traded it away to the Rams, was still on the board at this point. The analysts' grades reflect the fact that Stanley, though good, is not the player Tunsil is.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: C+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: B-
Doug Farrar, SI: B
Pete Prisco, CBS: B

San Francisco 49ers - DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

The analysts generally liked this pick. The Niners got a really good player who fills a need. He's a great fit for San Francisco's 3-4, and he's an instant upgrade for them.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B 
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A+
Doug Farrar, SI: A
Pete Prisco, CBS: A+

Tennessee Titans - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

That whole Tunsil video thing really shook things up in the first round. The Titans were strongly linked to Tunsil before the draft, and he was widely considered to be the team's choice had they retained the first overall pick. Tunsil was still available when the Titans were on the clock, but they opted to go with Conklin instead. Conklin's a good player and he fills a real need for the Titans. Analysts were split on this one, much like they were with the Ravens' selection of Ronnie Stanley, because Tunsil is superior to both and was still available.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: B-
Doug Farrar, SI: B
Pete Prisco, CBS: C

Chicago Bears - Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

The Bears traded up to acquire Floyd, and analysts were a bit underwhelmed by their selection. Functional strength is a concern for Floyd, and it may hinder him at the next level. Part of analysts' concern with the move up for Floyd, which was necessary because the New York Giants had him on their radar, is that they gave up a fourth-rounder to get him, and with so much defensive talent throughout this draft, that's costly.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: C
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: B+
Doug Farrar, SI: B-
Pete Prisco, CBS: B-

New York Giants - Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

The analysts weren't thrilled with the Giants' decision to go with Apple in the first round. They mostly thought the Giants grabbed Apple too early. Apple's technique will need to be cleaned up to effectively cover NFL receivers, but he's talented and aggressive.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: C
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: C
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: C-
Doug Farrar, SI: B
Pete Prisco, CBS: C

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

This was an expected pick, and it was a good one, according to the analysts. Hargreaves would have been a solid choice for the Bucs with the pick they traded to the Bears, so being able to trade down and still get the player they were targeting was a smart move. Hargreaves has good instincts and is good in run support. He's a solid addition.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: A-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A-
Doug Farrar, SI: A-
Pete Prisco, CBS: B

New Orleans Saints - Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

The New Orleans defense has been a liability for years, and they took a step toward improving it with the selection of Rankins. Rankins is a great athlete and is disruptive. He's also solid against the run. The analysts like his fit with the Saints as well as his potential to really improve the team's performance on that side of the ball.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A
Doug Farrar, SI: A+
Pete Prisco, CBS: A

Miami Dolphins - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

The Dolphins got the steal of the first round, and the grades reflect the value. Tunsil's stock plummeted on draft day, but he was the best tackle available in this class, and he was one of the best overall players as well.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: A
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A
Doug Farrar, SI: A
Pete Prisco, CBS: A

A video cost Laremy Tunsil millions at the draft

Oakland Raiders - Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

The Raiders need to bolster their secondary, and Joseph was the best safety available. Joseph is versatile in coverage and tough against the run, and while some analysts felt this was a bit early to take him, this isn't exactly a deep draft for safety talent.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: B+
Doug Farrar, SI: C
Pete Prisco, CBS: B+

Cleveland Browns - Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

The Browns have a ton of needs on both sides of the ball, but wide receiver is a glaring one with the departure of Travis Benjamin in free agency. Robert Griffin III now has an explosive playmaker to work with, and Coleman's a solid addition. Some analysts had Coleman ranked below receivers like Laquon Treadwell and Josh Doctson, which skewed the grades a bit, but overall, not a bad addition for the Browns.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A
Doug Farrar, SI: B
Pete Prisco, CBS: C

Detroit Lions - Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

The Lions filled a need with this pick, and Decker was definitely the best tackle remaining after the earlier selections of Stanley, Conklin and Tunsil. Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus hates this pick based on concerns about his abilities in pass protection. Everyone else generally agrees that Decker was a decent choice at this spot.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: D+
Doug Farrar, SI: B-
Pete Prisco, CBS: B

Atlanta Falcons - Keanu Neal, S, Florida

This pick left most analysts scratching their heads. Falcons coach Dan Quinn helped recruit Neal to Florida, and Neal fits the physical ideals Quinn's looking for defensively. He's a hard hitter with the size and speed to effectively cover tight ends, which is something the Falcons have struggled with for years. Some analysts thought it was a reach, but the interest the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers showed in Neal forced Atlanta's hand at 17.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: C
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: D
Doug Farrar, SI: C
Pete Prisco, CBS: C+

Indianapolis Colts - Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

The Colts have to keep Andrew Luck upright and reasonably healthy, and anchoring their offensive line with Kelly, the best center available in this draft, helps. The analysts generally liked this pick, which filled a real need without reaching.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: B
Doug Farrar, SI: B 
Pete Prisco, CBS: A+

Buffalo Bills - Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

With Mario Williams gone, the Bills needed a defensive end, and Lawson is a good one. He stayed on the board longer than some people expected, likely due to a shoulder injury that may require surgical repair, but he's a solid player and a good value for the Bills at this spot.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A-
Doug Farrar, SI: B
Pete Prisco, CBS: B-

New York Jets - Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

The Jets needed to add defensive speed, and they got it with Lee, who ran a 4.47 at the combine. He should help the Jets bring pressure against opposing quarterbacks, too. Pro Football Focus didn't love the pick, mainly because their grading system suggests that Lee's coverage skills have been overrated, but overall, the analysts liked the Jets' choice.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: A-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: C-
Doug Farrar, SI: B+
Pete Prisco, CBS: B+

Houston Texans - Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

The Texans needed a playmaker, and Fuller's speed makes him an intriguing option opposite DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans traded up a spot to snag Fuller with Treadwell and Doctson still on the board, which perplexed some of the analysts who had those players rated more highly than Fuller.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: C
Doug Farrar, SI: A- 
Pete Prisco, CBS: B

Washington - Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

Washington was able to swap picks with Houston and still grab one of the best receivers in the draft. Doctson is a quality target for Kirk Cousins and is a solid addition, particularly considering that Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson are in the last year of their respective contracts.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A
Doug Farrar, SI: A+
Pete Prisco, CBS: A-

Minnesota Vikings - Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

The Vikings were expected to go with a receiver to help out Teddy Bridgewater, and they got a player many considered to be the best receiver in the draft, at least prior to the combine. Treadwell's slow 40-yard dash time hurt his draft stock a bit, but his loss is the Vikings' gain.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: A
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: C+
Doug Farrar, SI: A
Pete Prisco, CBS: A

Cincinnati Bengals - William Jackson III, CB, Houston

The Bengals need receivers after losing Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency, and their pick came at a bad time, after a run on wideouts. William Jackson III is fast -- like, 4.37 40-yard dash fast. He'll need to refine his technique to be effective against NFL receivers, but he has the physical tools and the speed to be an impact player for the Bengals.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: C
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: A
Doug Farrar, SI: B
Pete Prisco, CBS: A

Pittsburgh Steelers - Artie Burns, CB, Miami

Some analysts believe Burns fills a need for the Steelers, and others expressed reservations about his fit in Pittsburgh's scheme. Burns has a lot of potential, so it just comes down to how the team is able to develop him.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: C
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B+
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: D
Doug Farrar, SI: C
Pete Prisco, CBS: B

Denver Broncos - Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

The Broncos needed a quarterback, and they moved up to get the best one available after Goff and Wentz went first and second overall. Lynch has the potential to be good, particularly in terms of how he'll fit in Gary Kubiak's offense.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B+
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: B
Doug Farrar, SI: B+
Pete Prisco, CBS: B+

Green Bay Packers - Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA

This was a significant need for the Packers with the vacancy created by the retirement of B.J. Raji. Clark is versatile in a 3-4 front and is a tough run-stuffer.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B+
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: C+
Doug Farrar, SI: A
Pete Prisco, CBS: B+

San Francisco 49ers - Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford

With the departure of Alex Boone, guard was a huge need for the Niners, as was evidenced by their willingness to trade back into the first round to snag Garnett. Some analysts thought this was a bit of a reach for Garnett, but he does fill a serious need for San Francisco. He should help the Niners establish a more consistent running game.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: D+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: C+
Doug Farrar, SI: B
Pete Prisco, CBS: B-

Arizona Cardinals - Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss

Nkemdiche has top-ten caliber talent, but off-field concerns gave a lot of teams pause. This isn't the first time Arizona has found itself in this situation. Remember how worried everyone was about Tyrann Mathieu prior to the 2013 NFL Draft? He's flourished in Arizona. Nkemdiche could possibly do the same, and if he does, the Cardinals got a steal.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: B-
Doug Farrar, SI: A-
Pete Prisco, CBS: A

Carolina Panthers - Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech

Maybe Butler doesn't fill Carolina's most urgent need, which is arguably cornerback after the team rescinded Josh Norman's franchise tag, but if they can't re-sign both Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short after this season, they're going to be really happy they grabbed Butler. Butler is 325 pounds and athletic. He's definitely one of the best defensive tackles in a draft class stocked with talent at that position.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: C
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: B
Doug Farrar, SI: A
Pete Prisco, CBS: C-

Seattle Seahawks - Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

The analysts were pretty split on Seattle's selection. Ifedi has great size at 6'6 and 325 pounds, has long arms and is quick. He can play guard or tackle, and Seattle's offensive line is unsettled at this point. The Seahawks gained a third-round pick in their swap with Denver, which adds value to the transaction.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
Steve Palazzolo, PFF: D
Doug Farrar, SI: C
Pete Prisco, CBS: B