By: Kipp Branch

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The first sign of normalcy returning happened with the first round of the NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at teams in our geographical area and assign a first-round grade.

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons selected cornerback AJ Terrell from Clemson with the 16th pick.

Atlanta had their sights set on CJ Henderson from Florida, but Jacksonville took Henderson with the 9th pick.

Apparently, Thomas Dimitroff missed the National Championship game where Terrell got scorched for over 200 yards by Joe Burrow and LSU.

Yes, we know CB is a big need for Atlanta, but Terrell that early in the first round? I don’t like the selection when Kenneth Murray LB from Oklahoma was still on the board. Terrell needs technique work, and there was more value on the board when the Falcons made the pick.

Grade: D

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags had two first round selections.

With the 9th pick the Jaguars took CJ Henderson cornerback from Florida. Henderson was regarded by most as the second-best corner in the draft behind Jeff Okudah, who was selected by the Lions at pick number 3.

Henderson is a good cover corner and has great ball skills. The issue with Henderson is he runs away from contact at times and that worried scouts.

I think this is a reach at #9 for Jacksonville who passed on Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and CeeDee Lamb in typical Jaguar fashion.

Grade: C

At pick 20 the Jaguars selected K’Lavion Chaisson OLB of LSU.

I think this is a great pick for Jacksonville to add another edge rusher to team up with Josh Allen on the Jacksonville defense. The pass rush is back in Jacksonville.

Chaisson is a match up problem who can rush the passer, drop in coverage, and play solid in the run game. Great pick by the Jags to get a three-down player at LB.

Grade: A

Miami Dolphins: With the 5th pick the Dolphins selected Tua Tagovailoa QB from Alabama.

Tua is the man immediately in South Beach. If he can stay healthy, he can be a force in the NFL.

Tua is an accurate passer with a nice touch on the football. Many compare him to Steve Young and if he lives up to that hype then Miami will get back into playoff discussions soon.

Miami has had 21 starting quarterbacks since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season. Ouch!

Grade: A

With pick 18 the Dolphins selected Austin Jackson OT from USC. Jackson is only 20 years old but has very good feet. He may not be ready in 2020 to contribute but has a pretty good upside. The jury is out on this selection.

Grade: C-

With the 30th pick the Dolphins selected CB Noah Igbinohene from Auburn. Another SEC selection in the first round. I like this pick for Miami in a position of need. Tough and physical kid.

Grade: B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs gave up a 4th round pick to San Francisco to move up one spot to take OT Tristin Wirfs from Iowa.

Iowa may be Offensive Line U right now in college football. Many thought Wirfs was the best offensive lineman available in this draft.

He ran a 4.85 40-yard dash at the combine, and had 36.5 inch vertical jump. This kid is athletic and a valuable asset to protect Tom Brady. I love this pick, and Tampa got a kid that had a top five grade entering the draft.

Grade: A+

It is a relief to watch something live on TV that is sports related.