Analysts say draft is deep with first-round talent

Most years, teams and analysts alike only have first-round grades on 12 to 20 players.

This draft may be the exception to the rule.

Of note:

• An anonymous NFL general manager told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport that he has more than 32 first-round grades for the first time ever.
• CBS Sports draft analysts Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso, R.J. White and Josh Edwards each had 25 players that carry first-round grades.
• Pro Football Focus has 27 players with first-round grades.
• NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks listed 27 players with first-round grades earlier this month.

The receiver class has good depth, with Mel Kiper of ESPN predicting as many as six who could be drafted in the first round. Add the top four quarterbacks, the top-heavy offensive tackle class and a fairly deep cornerback class, and it’s easy to see why teams and analysts would have a higher-than-usual number of first-round grades this year.

Jake Rigdon (jake@sydwriting.com) covers the NFL draft for Fanspeak and the On The Clock, which is the only NFL draft simulator that allows you to customize and use your own big board while giving you control over trades.