It was an exciting first day of the NFL draft for the teams in the 3GML.
Pick 4 - New England Patriots - DE Bradley Chubb (NC State)
Analysis - After the loss of Michael Bennett this offseason, many wondered if New England would target Chubb if available. The NC State product is a true professional and a locker room leader for a defense that needs some stability following the offseason headlines by last year's rookie sensation Reuben Foster. This was a homerun pick for the Pats in many ways.
Pick 8 - New England Patriots - LB Tremaine Edmunds (Virginia Tech)
Analysis - Four picks after landing Chubb, the Patriots landed arguably the freakiest athlete in the draft in Edmunds. New England already possessed a host of strong defensive talent with Chubb, Damon (Snacks) Harrison, Marshon Lattimore (last year's rookie of the year), and Foster. With the addition of Edmunds, the Pats may got even stronger.
Pick 12 - Buffalo Bills - DT Vita Via (Washington)
Trade Notes - Moved back from #7 to acquire #12, #53, and #56.
Analysis - The Bills were not shy in their public fawning over Notre Dame's Quenton Nelson. When the guard went to the Indianapolis Colts at #6, you could see a collective panic in the Buffalo draft room. The team was able to compose themselves to move back to #12 to grab the mammoth Vea out of the University of Washington. In what could prove to be a fortunate turn of events (see pick #30), the Bills may have won despite losing out on Nelson.
Pick 13 - New England Patriots - S Derwin James (Florida State)
Analysis - If New England did not possess the freakiest and scariest defense on paper after their Tremaine Edmunds pick, adding Derwin James pushed the team over the top. James can play all over the field and will in this intimidating Patriots unit.
Pick 15 - New York Jets - QB Lamar Jackson (Louisville)
Trade Notes - Moved back from #10 to acquire #15, #79, and #152
Analysis - In what has been a quiet draft season for the typically newsworthy Jets, the team shocked the NFL once again by grabbing the electric Lamar Jackson from Louisville. The Michael Vick comparisons are very real. Derek Carr may be a bit confused, but this coaching staff can and will find ways to get Jackson on the field. If he turns into a Deshaun Watson type player, Carr's contract could make him expendable within 2 years.
Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills - G Will Hernandez (UTEP)
Trade Notes - Sent picks #53 and #56 (acquired in earlier trade) to Minnesota for picks #30 and #94
Analysis - For a team wanting to build their lines up in this year's draft, a foundation of Vita Vea and Will Hernandez is a terrific first step. Hernandez is a tone setter for an offensive line unit. With Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers and Todd Gurley looking for another MVP: Hernandez steps in to add youth to an aging and expensive OL room. Look for Hernandez to be a fan favorite of the Bills Mafia.
