Post Draft Grades
We’ve had almost a full week to dissect the NFL Draft. As per usual, there are always teams that surprise, and teams that really move the needle a lot. Here’s the reality though - we won’t know who “won” or “lost” this draft until about 2027. But no one wants to hear that! They want to know now. How did my team do? Will this draft make us compete this year? Did we draft a superstar? We did our best to answer that. Our draft grades were broken down into four parts:
256 Grade - Players that were drafted that were on consensus big boards mixed with our big board as well.
Top 100 Players - The amount of Top 100 players drafted by each team per big boards.
Top 200 Players - The amount of Top 200 players drafted by each team per big boards.
Value - Players selected past their expected draft value.
These metrics gave us the opportunity to properly pinpoint what teams really had full drafts. Not one pick. Not two picks. All three days. From the first pick to the last pick. Some grades may surprise you, but I think if you look deep enough, you may agree. We will not be listing every pick of every team (you can find that literally anywhere on the internet) but yet we will give one player for every team who we like to make a long term impact. Let’s get to it.
A Grades
Kansas City Chiefs (A+) - seems impossible right? How can the rich get richer. By being a smart front office. When you look at their complete draft, it really is something to behold. The mid-round picks they made were elite. Jared Wiley has an opportunity to be very good in this league learning from Travis Kelce. But the guy I’m looking at here is Jaden Hicks. A new quarterback for this secondary. After the Chiefs lose Sneed, they replace him with Hicks. Yes, he is a safety. But Spags will use him anywhere he wants. Right now, the Chiefs organization is the best in professional sports. From top to bottom.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (A+) - I heard what Nick Wright said. And I don’t think he was completely wrong. However, when you get, in my opinion, the two best corners in the draft on Day 1 and Day 2, that’s a huge win. The Eagles re-made their secondary without spending significant money in Free Agency. They addressed the offensive skill players in the mid-rounds (I like Will Shipley in Philly) but I think the pick of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the one to watch. Guy was a baller at Clemson. And he should be a baller in the NFL. He comes from a good bloodline. He just reeks of a Day 3 picks who will do great things.
3. Detroit Lions (A) - See the theme yet? So far all the playoff teams from last year are at the top of this thing. The Lions didn’t have a ton of picks, but they made the most of them. Between last year and this year, the Lions have taken Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw to makeshift the worst part of their team - secondary. I love the Day 3 picks of Mekhi Wingo and Christian Mahogany, and I think those guys can make long term impacts here, but I am really intrigued by the first round pick here of Arnold. This kid could be a star.
4. Chicago Bears (A) - When you get Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the first round, you will get an A. To get value on Day 3 though with Austin Booker out of Kansas is a true win. I’ll never understand picking a punter before Round 6/7, but what do I know? Here is what I do know. Caleb Williams walks into a situation where he will be expected to throw for over 4,000 yards and bring the Bears to the playoffs. A lot of pressure for the kid before he even throws a pass.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (A) - Might be overall the best two days of any team in the entire draft. To get Fautanu, Frazier, Roman and Payton Wilson is nothing short of masterful. I remember when Myles Jack didn’t go on Day 1 because of his injury issues. The same thing happened to Payton Wilson. Wilson is an elite talent. And for Tomlin to get his hands on him - my god. The reason for the 5th slot is because I didn’t really like the Day 3 picks, but days 1 & 2 were strong enough to make it in the Top 5.
6. Washington Commanders (A-) - The strong offseason for the Commanders continues. It’s not the Jayden Daniels pick. That was expected. But to get Johnny Newton in Round 2. That pick might legitimately be the best value pick of the entire draft when we go back and look at it. Between him and Luke McCaffrey, who I think will be an excellent addition to that team and this league, the Commanders did well here. McLaurin, Dotson and McCaffrey is a nice trio. Ben Sinnott can make catches. Don’t sleep on Javonte Jean-Baptiste either.
7. Denver Broncos (A-) - If the Broncos didn’t take Bo Nix at 12, they may be in the top 3 here. I hate that pick. And I think it holds their franchise back. The other picks though? Money. I love the Jonah Elliss pick, ditto for Troy Franklin. And the Audric Estime pick late has a chance to be a major steal. The Broncos did get better. Significantly better. If Nix can prove literally everyone wrong, the Broncos are in good shape. This is where Sean Payton has to earn his money.
B Grades
8. Seattle Seahawks (B+) - According to our metrics, the Seahawks had the best “value” draft of any team in the league. Byron Murphy is a star in the making. Christian Haynes is a nice, nice piece to add in Round 2. The one pick I didn’t love was Tyrice Knight in Round 3. I like the player, but I think they could’ve gotten him way later on Day 3. The pick I love here though is DJ James out of Auburn. A real good man to man corner who can do it all, putting him across from Devon Witherspoon and in the slot with Riq Woolen on the other end. I like that A LOT.
9. Dallas Cowboys (B+) - No, the Dallas Cowboys didn’t draft a running back. That’s why they didn’t get an “A”. The best Day 2 of any team goes to Dallas. Marshawn Kneeland is a sleeping giant that needs some development, but could turn into a force. The fact that he doesn’t have to step in right away and can learn from Parsons/Lawrence is great. And Cooper Beebe - probably the best guard in the draft, immediately boosts the Cowboys offensive line, which was a liability for the first time in over a decade. That’s all without mentioning Tyler Guyton, who is the heir apparent to Tyron Smith. The Cowboys went trench shopping in this draft, and that’s never a bad idea.
10. New England Patriots (B+) - These are the new Patriots! The offense got a serious jolt in this draft with Maye, Polk and Baker all coming to New England. I don’t really understand the Joe Milton pick, but it’s nice to have insurance I guess. In Jerod Mayo’s first draft, he decided to get younger and more athletic on offense. Mission accomplished.
11. Miami Dolphins (B+) - I really like the middle rounds for fins here. I think they reached slightly on Chop. Probably could’ve moved back like 5-6 spots and still got him, but who cares. Jaylen Wright was undervalued this entire process, and Mo Kamara out of Colorado State is a behemoth. I think Kamara could be a major player for this team. Watch out for him.
12. Buffalo Bills (B) - The Bills traded out of the first round twice last Thursday, and with their first pick took Keon Coleman out of Florida State. I still don’t love that pick considering who was there when they were up on Thursday, but they got a receiver. It’s what the Bills did afterwards that really impressed me. Specifically DeWayne Carter out of Duke, Ray Davis out of Kentucky and Sedrick Van Pran out of Georgia (who replaces Mitch Morse). Running the ball against the Bills will be hard with Carter and Oliver in the middle.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (B) - It was an up and down draft for Tampa Bay. It wasn’t sexy, but they did what they had to. They addressed the offensive line with Graham Barton. And then drafted Chris Braswell as he was dropping. Do not overlook the Jalen McMillan pick AND the Bucky Irving pick. Those two guys could be very effective for this team. Irving has the ability to be a home run hitter in this league.
14. Baltimore Ravens (B) - The Ravens do what the Ravens do. Wiggins aside, Adisa Isaac, Tez Walker and TJ Tampa are good selections for where they were. I really like the Tampa pick. I was higher on him than most. This is a full class for Baltimore and from what I can tell, this class may have the most starters out of it when its all set and done.
15. Green Bay Packers (B) - I loved what the Packers did during this draft. I think their first round pick was their worst one. Edgerrin Cooper is a dog. He will be unbelievable in this league. Marshawn Lloyd, my lord. This guy - I’ll tell you this. he will overtake Josh Jacobs as RB1 within two seasons. He’s that good. Even the Hopper pick I like. The Packers really did well here. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
16. Arizona Cardinals (B-) - The Cardinals made the right picks almost every time they were up for selection. I don’t think they went above and beyond, but I'm really excited to watch MHJ. Don’t sleep on Darius Robinson and Max Melton either. The Cardinals revamped their secondary in this draft while also getting a generational playmaker.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (B-) - The Chargers had a great start to this draft taking Joe Alt at 5 and then Ladd McConkey in Round 2. Even Junior Colton was another really good pick. However, after that, I wasn't a fan of one pick they made. Maybe the Cam Hart selection? But I’m really interested to see what Jim Harbaugh is building here. I do think the combo of Slater and Alt will be the best tackle combo in the league for years to come, so that’s a start. McConkey’s NFL future will depend on his health.
18. Las Vegas Raiders (B-) When you look on paper and see that the Raiders got Brock Bowers and Jackson Powers-Johnson with their first two picks, you may fall out of your chair. But the Bowers pick makes no sense. They drafted Mayer in Round 2 last year. And it’s not like the Raiders have the personnel to run a two TE system, being they have no QB to do so (sorry Gardner). I’m a big fan of JPJ and love that pick, and this grade is mostly based off those two selections. Tommy Eichenberg is a Day 3 guy with some intrigue. Its fitting Antonio Pierce is his head coach.
19. New York Giants (B-) - I’m not going to lie. Not crazy about this draft haul for New York. The Nabers pick is obvious, but it’s extremely unsettling to see how unenthused he is to be there. The only pick I do like here is the Tyler Nubin pick. He will be there to replace McKinney, and that may happen in time, but I don’t know if it happens right away. Coming away from this draft, the Giants will roll with Daniel Jones and/or Drew Lock. And I’m sorry, there is nothing to be excited about it with that.
C Grades
20. San Francisco 49ers (C+) - It really seemed like San Francisco reached a lot in this draft. Pearsall at 30 was a choice. I just don’t think a lot of the guys they picked moved the needle at all. The one guy I’m keeping my eye on here though is Malik Mustapha. I think this kid has the makeup to be a stud. Mustpaha and Hufanga incorporated - has a ring to it.
21. Carolina Panthers (C+) - The one thing I will say about the Panthers in this draft. They got Bryce Young some weapons. Xavier Legette is a nice receiver. Jonathan Brooks will be RB1 in Carolina for sure. I also love the Ja’Tavion Sanders pick. They got some guys to make moves. I just don’t trust Carolina at all right now.
22. Los Angeles Rams (C+) - This draft started off HOT. And then took a huge nosedive. Jared Verse was a phenomenal selection. Braden Fiske - phenomenal selection. After that, I’m not sure. Blake Corum is a nice complimentary back to Kyren Williams, but there were a ton of backs on the board they could’ve gotten on Day 3. Out of all the drafts though, I probably hate what the Rams did on Day 3 though the most of any team.
23. Minnesota Vikings (C+) - I didn’t love this draft at all for Minnesota. I wasn’t crazy about JJ McCarthy to begin with, and trading up for him doesn’t sit well with me either. Turner at 17 was a good pick. I love Khyree Jackson, and that was a needed selection, so I think that was a home run. But when you’re in a transition of you only like 1.5 of the picks you made, its not great.
24. Cleveland Browns (C) - Didn’t like this draft that much for Cleveland. No first round selection and their first pick was a DT. I didn’t have any of their Day 3 picks outside of Jamari Thrash inside my Top 200. The Browns didn’t get better in this draft.
25. New Orleans Saints (C) - The definition of “meh” in this draft goes to New Orleans. I think they reached on Fuaga. McKinstry was a no brainer pick. Every pick after that I wouldn’t read into too much. Yawn. Next.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (C) - This is the first team in the AFC South to be spoken about. The AFC South had the worst drafts of any division, by FAR. The Jaguars draft philosophy was clearly potential. There is clearly potential in their top three selections with Brian Thomas Jr, Maason Smith and Jarrion Jones. It’s truly a question mark though if these guys will work out. There are no “sure things” here. Deantre Prince is an interesting pick and could work out the depth issue. The Myles Cole 7th round selection is one to watch as well.
27. Tennessee Titans (C) - Read the Rams above. Latham at 7, solid. Sweat in Round 2, great value. After that, my lord was it terrible. Again, I don’t think they found one starter from the third round one. People will point to Cedric Gray, but what I found on tape from him wasn’t something that blew me away.
28. New York Jets (C-) - The Jets had something they needed to decide on at 10. Did they want immediate or long term value. They decided on long term value, which I agree with. Fashanu will be there for 10+ years and learning from Tyron Smith is an added bonus. But again, as the theme with this group of teams, I don’t know if they found a true starter the rest of the draft. Malachi Corley is an intriguing prospect. He absolutely has a chance to be a viable option at receiver. The Jets brass loved him. They nailed the Garrett Wilson pick, so maybe I should trust them on this one.
29. Cincinnati Bengals (C-) - One of my main themes this off-season is that the Bengals Super Bowl window may be closing faster than we think. They lost a lot of talent his off-season, two players knowingly want out, and this draft class is something to be desired. I don’t know how you lose your starting cornerback and don’t address it in the draft until Day 3. Drafting Jermaine Burton was a luxury pick that wasn’t needed. I don’t know what Cincy is doing.
30. Indianapolis Colts (C-) - The Latu pick was a great selection. One of the best of the round. I don’t love anything else they did. I know Chris Ballard defended AD Mitchell, but Mitchell screams MVS to me. Deep burner with ok hands who will score long touchdowns to keep him relevant.
D Grades
31. Atlanta Falcons (D) - One of the worst first round picks in recent memory. I truly don’t understand the logic. You can tell me until you're blue in the face. If you wanted Penix, DONT SIGN COUSINS TO A FOUR YEAR CONTRACT. I don’t care if you can get out of it after 2. If he’s playing really well you are going to cut him? No. The answer is no. If this was Joe Milton or Michael Pratt on Day 3 I’d be praising this pick. But Penix at EIGHT when you have so many other needs? Despicable. Disgusting. Disservice to the kid and his family. You just held this kid hostage for the first 3 years of his NFL career, not to mention he will be in his age 28 season by the time he throws meaningful passes barring any injury. This is a pick where the Falcons DONT WANT TO USE THEIR FIRST ROUND PICK UNTIL 2028. Let that sink in.
F Grades
32. Houston Texans (F) - This is eerily similar to what Jacksonville did in their draft an after they won the division. They didn’t get a single guy to move the needle. The different between the two teams is that Houston did a ton in Free Agency, but the draft was clearly for depth. Kamari Lassiter may have a spot in this secondary to start, but outside of that I think this draft was abysmal. The Texans last five picks had guys all out of my Top 200.
