2018 NFL Draft Awards: Biggest Reach – Round 1

By Charlie Campbell.
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With the 2018 NFL Draft in the books, it is only fair to dish out some awards for a job well done by a number of teams across the NFL. It also doesn’t hurt to look at which teams may have made regrettable picks.

Pass along your thoughts on these awards and the 2018 NFL Draft. I may put together a mail bag that answers questions/comments sent via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.





Biggest Reach Round 1: Seattle Seahawks: Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
I like Penny as a player, but he was a reach as a first-round pick. Seattle traded down, but then ended up not getting good value for its first-round pick. In speaking to sources at a variety of teams, Penny was graded as a mid- to late second-round pick, and the Seahawks reached on him in the top 30. Other running backs like Sony Michel, Derrius Guice and Nick Chubb were graded higher across the league in the consensus grades. While Guice fell because of character concerns, some teams had dinged Penny for not having a good personal makeup either. Sources also said that Penny is a slow learner, and some sources didn’t like how Penny’s legs can go dead on contact. At the end of the first round, there are numerous fringe first-rounders who get selected, but Penny was a clear second-day talent and was a reach by Seattle late on Thursday night when better consensus running back prospects were available.

Honorable mentions: Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.

2017 Winner: Corey Davis, Titans
2016 Winner: Josh Garnett, 49ers
2015 Winner: Stephone Anthony, Saints
2014 Winner: JaWuan James, Dolphins
2013 Winner: Travis Frederick, Cowboys
2012 Winner: Bruce Irvin, Seahawks

Once again, pass along your thoughts on these awards and the 2018 NFL Draft. I may together a mail bag that answers questions/comments sent via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.








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