NFL DRAFT GRADES 2024

Okay, this one seems a little harsh, and I get it. They drafted some really good players, had a spectacular first round, by landing the best WR and the best run stopping edge rusher in the class. On top of that, they landed Taylor-Demerson, Christian Jones, and Trey Benson, the best running back in the draft in the late rounds, so why is it only a C+? Well you see, the Cardinals had the most draft capital going into the draft by a landslide. 5 picks inside the top 75, and 7 inside the top 100? That is an utterly insane amount of capital, and I don't think they were close to having a better class than others. There feels like a lot of wasted picks in here. Tip Reiman at 82, really hurts them. If they wanted TE, they could've gotten Sanders or Theo Johnson, but they should have addressed a more pressing need, like a linebacker or a defensive lineman. With the current state of the Cardinals, it would make sense though if they were just trying to draft best player available throughout the draft, to just get a lot of good players. That would make sense in the case of Trey Benson, who is my RB1 in the class, even though they have solid depth at RB. But then some of these picks are a little head scratching as well in that case, reaching for Isaiah Adams at 71, and Elijah Jones at 90. I'm not trying to hate on this class by any means, it still is above average, as they got WR1 and RB1, with my favorite edge rusher and safety in the whole class. The thing that bothers me about this class is that it could've been so, so much better all around, and I was a little confused overall by their draft strategy.

On the surface, this doesn't seem like a class that would qualify for an A grade. But once you sit on it a little bit more, and you think about it a little bit. harder, it only gets better. When they drafted Murphy II in the first, I was initially confused. I didn't think a DT was high on their team needs, especially when Turner and Verse were on the board. Until I realized that Murphy is a better overall prospect than those guys, and will for sure last a long time in the league, and is generally a safer pick than the edges. It will also allow for some of the edges already on the Seahawks to thrive with Murphy creating pressure inside, so I love the pick. I think Haynes in the 3rd round is incredible value. They came into the draft with a hole at guard and a question mark at tackle. Haynes sures up that guard spot, as he is a plug and play guy. Knight is the type of linebacker the Seahawks have loved for years, Barner is a pretty solid depth piece and a fabulous blocker. But the cherry on top that makes this an A grade, is getting both Auburn corners, both of which I am very high on. James was my CB13 in a loaded class, and they got him at pick 192, that is wild to me. Overall, I think they plugged their immediate needs in the draft, and are a better team after the draft.

Like I said previously, pretty harsh grades. I know a lot of people love this Rams draft, I am more so-so on it. I think they killed it in the first 100 picks. Reuniting Verse and Fiske is a very smart move, and creates one of the best pass rushes in the league. The Corum pick had me scratching my head a little bit, though. The Rams are a team that didn't really need a running back, as it seemed they had a bonified star in Kyren Williams. So, if they were to draft a back, it would make sense to get one later, and it be a change of pace back. Corum doesn't really bring anything to the running game that Kyren Williams doesn't already bring, so I didn't like that pick, I thought it was a reach at a position they didn't need. I thought the Kinchens pick was good, but I think they kind of turned their brains off for the rest of the draft. I don't think any of their picks post Kinchens are going to really make a difference in the long run, besides the kicker. I think Limmer are Whittington are solid, but those are positions they didn't need. Would've loved to see them get younger at corner and add a tackle, but they did not. So while I think their first two picks were homeruns, I think the bats fell asleep throughout the rest of the draft. I don't feel like this is a take that will age really poorly, either. I get, that they addressed their two biggest needs in the draft, but I think beyond them, there's nothing that stands out at all. Even then with the top 2 guys, it's not like they are blue chip guys, so there is still the chance they don't come through like they are expecting.

I promise I am not this ruthless throughout these grades. The Niners are hard to understand here. I think what they thought was going to happen was they were going to trade Aiyuk or Deebo during the draft. That would explain the Pearsall first round pick, a pick that doesn't make really any sense if they planned on keeping both. But keep both is exactly what they did, and I think they kind of got caught in a bad spot. I think there was an attempt for them to get positions they need, but they reached. They really needed to adress the enitre offensive line, and I don't think Puni and Kingston really are groundbreaking picks, I kind of doubt they start. Guerendo is a really odd runningback, as he kind of projects as a fullback, a position they are famoulsy good at. I like the Mustapha  pick alright, but safety isn't really a top need. They also needed to replace Armstead, a hole on their defense that will be missed, and they didn't do that. I like the Renardo Green pick a lot, and I think Cowing is a very underrated receiver, but not addressing their needs and not getting great value really tanked this draft class.

I am really conflicted about this Dallas Cowboys draft class, and that is honestly not shocking to me. They always have confusing, odd drafts, and this one was no different. They came into this draft with needs on the offensive line, and at running back. In the first round, they moved back and got Tyler Guyton, a pick and move that I really love, as he can slot in at tackle right away. Then they got Bebee at pick 73, who can play center right away. So far, I like those picks, but the rest of the picks kind of fall off a litle bit. Kneeland is a really good player, and I think they got good value for him, but I didn't see edge rusher as a position of need for Dallas. Edge rushers is probably one of the strong points of the Cowboys, so spending a valuable 53rd overall selection is pretty risky. He's a good player, but this pick needed to be a running back. I like the Carson pick, as he's one of my favorite corners. I think Liufau is a good player too, although I feel like they could've gotten a better linebacker at that spot. Past the Carson pick, they didn't draft anyone of real value, which is frustrating, because there were plenty of runningbacks available. That's what makes this a hard class to evaluate. They nailed their top 2 needs on the line, but outside of those players, it's a little lackluster. I know it may seem harsh to give them a grade like this without getting a running back, but when I say their running back room is bad, it's very bad, even if they sign Zeke. It would be like if the Commanders didn't draft a QB. Sure, they could get other positions of need, and have a decent draft, but how could you miss one of the most important positions. The Jets got two running backs in this draft that are better than the entirety of Dallas's running back room. I float between a D+ and a C grade for this class.

Shocker? The Eagles know how to draft. They did excellent early, late, getting value, and addressing positions of need. Their biggest concern was getting a better passing defense, and they got two first round defensive backs. They drafted both well past when they should have gone, and gotta give props for that. I also like the Hunt and Shipley pick, as Hunt was rising up draft boards, and Shipley is a very nice change of pace back for the Eagles. Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson are recievers that have incredible measurables and physical talent, that could develop into legit threats on the outside. I also think getting Trotter Jr is a good pick up as well. Is there anything they missed? The only way I think you can knock this draft class is if you aren't a fan of Jalyx Hunt, which could be fair, but I think 94 is fair value for him. This class is much better than last years, as last years was super overrated.

I think the Giants had one of the sneakiest good drafts this year. It's nothing crazy, as they only had 6 total picks, which is hard to get immense value, for a team that doesn't have a great roster. However, I think they hit on all of their picks, which is impressive to me. To stay diligent and not draft QB at 6, is a blessing in disguise. Obviously, I don't think anyone is crazy about having Daniel Jones as the QB still, but Malik Nabers will help out the offense and make it more dynamic. Although it wasn't neccisarily a need, but I do like getting Nubin. He is the best safety in the draft, and will be an instant replacement for X. I like the Phillips pick as well, as they also needed to get stronger at corner, and Phillips adds speed and range to that position. They didn't stop there, with Waller contemplating his playing future, Theo Johnson is a STEAL at 107. Also getting a sneaky good running back in Tracy, I think they added some weapons that can step up and instantly make a difference. Although, I don't think I can go above a B. Only having 6 picks for a roster that has a ton of holes, does hurt a little bit, but they made their picks worth it.

Congratulations to the Commanders, they exceeded my expectations for how good they could draft. I thought that they would continue to struggle, but this draft is a really good step in the right direction. I think Daniels is a really good talent and will be a great QB in the NFL. However, I loved the move to slide back and get two 2nd round picks, and land Newton and Sainristill. They won day 2 with that move alone, as it was masterful. Newton is going to make such a huge difference on that defensive line. I did think they needed edge pretty bad, but Newton is the type of guy that is going to allow the pass rushers they have to perform better, because he will need to be double-teamed just about every time he's on the field. However, they landed a talented edge rusher in the 7th round as well, as I really appreciate that, as some teams it feels like they give up in the 7th round. They also got my favorite tight end in the draft, a position they really needed, some o-line help with Coleman, a pick I didn't really love, but if it's the worst pick in their class, then they nailed it. Getting Luke McCaffrey at 100 is also a really good pick-up, as he won't be his brother, but he can absolutley turn into a difference maker in the NFL. Magee and Hampton are very solid depth picks, and I think they walk away from this off-season in general a much stronger team all around.

Now, I want to reassure that this is not because I think Penix is a bad player. Penix was probably my favorite QB in the class. It's that I am disappointed by the team that drafted him. Look, I understand having good depth at the QB position, in case Cousins gets hurt, or he just starts not being great. I don't know why you would sign Cosuins to a 4 year deal if you don't think he will be good enough to start all 4 years, but I digress. To defend the pick, the Falcons GM said they were following the Packers method, however, it is significantly different than what the Packers do. Cousins hasn't played a snap for Atlanta, he has no loyalty yet. Green Bay would also use a late 1st to get a QB, not a top 10 pick. I just hate it for the kid, because he deserves to be on a team that'll give him an opportunity in the league. However, after the first round, the Falcons could have still turned it around. If they nailed the rest of the draft, I think people would have definitely been less mad at the Penix pick. However, nail the draft, they did not, at all. They traded a good amount of draft capital, to move up to 35, a borderline first round pick, and drafted Ruke Orhorhoro. Once again, no offense to the kid, but he is a 3rd or 4th round guy, not a borderline first. The amount of talented defensive lineman and corners were available at 35 is INSANE. I think the Orhorhoro pick might be worse than the Penix pick. Surely it got getter after that right? Well, it actually did get a little better. I think Trice is a good player, and hits that position of need, and I think Dorlus is a solid player as well. As for the rest of their picks? Horrendus value, all 6th or 7th round talents. This is a really bad draft after a pretty hopeful offseason for Atlanta. Really rooting for Penix even harder now.

Who dat? The Saints nailing the draft, that's who. I mean, when you draft my CB2 at pick 41, yeah I think that'll do the trick. Getting Kool-Aid is such a steal, one of the biggest of the draft. However, they also filled their pressing tackle need with my OT2 in the class. I think this team could've used another edge rusher, so that's why I'm not giving it an A+, but I still think this is such a solid class all around. Means and Boyd are very much the Saints type, and Jaylan Ford is a very talented linebacker. However, I think what will be talked about a lot from this class is getting Rattler in the 5th. He was projected to go round 3, and yet they fet him at 150. I genuinely believe he could be the starter by the end of the year. I can't stress how good a fit he is in New Orleans, I think he can plug into that offense and do at the minimum what Carr is doing. Overall, I think they got difference makers all around and improved vastly.

I highly respect the way the Panthers went after the draft this year. They heard the complaints about Young not having any help, and this off-season they made a lot of sneaky good signings, and going into the draft, they had a clear plan: Draft best player available. To be honest, I love that strategy, and I think teams that don't have strong rosters, should absolutely go for this type of strategy. In the first round, they got a receiver they have loved throughout the whole process, Legette. I can see why, this kid has a super high ceiling with comps to Metcalf and A.J. Brown. Then, on day 2, their strategy was clear after they drafted Jonathon Brooks. He was many peoples RB1, and I can absolutely respect that, he is a very talented back, and if you can take some of the pressure off Young and put it in the run game, that helps a lot. I love Trevin Wallace, super talented linebacker, but getting Sanders, the TE2 of the class at pick 101 is robbery. They also didn't throw in the towel for the last two rounds, as Crumedy is super talented, and Barrett has a high floor for a 7th round guy. I love how they stuck to the best player available strategy, but with a low amount of picks, and some large holes like edge rusher, so not crazy about that, but it was out of commitment for their strategy.

I think the Bucs had a really fun draft. It wasn't super flashy, but a lot of players I think can turn into really neat players. Getting Barton in the first round isn't a pick that blows your socks off, but it is a pick that really helps the interior of their line. However, they didn't stop there, needing an edge rusher, they got the best available one on the board at 57 in Braswell. I think Smith and McMillan are small role-players at the NFL level, with potential to be bigger contributors. I love the Irving pick, as he is an excellent change of pace running back that I think genuinely win the RB1 spot. I think him and White are going to be a very dangerous duo. I think beyond that pick, they didn't really draft well in the 7th, but it's forgiven, given their incredible draft up until that point.

The Vikings killed it on night 1, probably had the best night 1 out of any team. Sitting and being paitent for McCarthy paid off huge, and they hardly had to give up anything for him, when it was projected they'd have to move up inside pick 6. Instead they get their guy at 10, who I think will mesh very well with that offense, genuinely. Then, moving back up to get Dallas Turner was such an amazing move, and one of the best trades of the whole weekend. However, after day 1, the Vikings didn't do as well. I think the Khyree Jackson pick is okay, he can be a solid starter, but beyond that, they kind of didn't do well. I don't  know why, but drafting kickers and punters outside of the 7th round kind of bothers me. Rouse is a reach at 177, and Drake Rodriguez is a 50/50 shot to even make their roster. Jurgens is good value at 230, but at that point it feels like they lost day 2 and 3. However for them, I think their night 1 was so good, that it makes up for the short-comings of the rest of their class. McCarthy and Turner have a good chance of being cornerstones for their future.

Now, this seems like a low grade for a relatively good class, and I can explain. I think Jordan Morgan in the first is a reach. I think if he was their guy, they could have at least slid back to the end of the 1st round. Regardless, I don't see Morgan as a true 1st round grade. I think he has 1st round upside, but only time will tell. The Packers had a lot of draft picks, and really only a handful of needs. That means they could kind of draft best player available at times. I love the linebacker combo of Cooper and Hopper, as throwing them in an already pretty solid linebacker room makes for a strong center of the defense. Bullard projects as an excellent nickel corner or safety, and has one of the highest floors out of any player in the draft period. Lloyd is an alright pick, but they also just paid a couple of running backs. Williams has good center field range at safety. However, I didn't love the Monk pick, and the Glover pick. They felt like reaches. I think some of their other late round picks are solid, I think Pratt will be a sold backup and King is a high risk high reward player. So why is this class only a B? I think passing on Kool-Aid McKinstry for Cooper, a player who is good, but not at a real position of need, and Morgan in the first, were some rather large blunders in a solid class. I'm not trying to cut this class down, this class is really, really solid and deep. I just wish they were a little smarter earlier on.

The Lions had an excellent draft. Maybe it was because they were hosting the draft, but there was something brewing in that war room. In the first round, they moved up to 24 to snag the CB1 in the class, Terrion Arnold. Corner was their biggest need in the draft this year, and getting the best one after orginally picking at pick 28? That is masterful work to get imense value at 24. It was easily the best pick of the first round, but they would continue to build on the class. I think Manu is a very raw offensive lineman, but he doesn't have to play right away, and he has a solid ceiling. Vaki is a very talented running back, who can slot in at RB3 and refine his skills until he is ready for RB2 or 1. Wingo at 189 is highway robbery, as he is a very talented defensive lineman. Mahogany is also robbery, as he's a lineman with very high upside to get in the 7th round. Oh, and they also got the best press corner in the 2nd round in Rakestraw Jr. Usually, you are not supposed to double-dip on a position unless it is dire, but the Lions double-dipped and it turned their essentially only weakness into a strength. Maybe it is because they already had a stacked roster, but the Lions killed this draft in their hometown.

The team with the #1 overall pick gets a B+ for their draft class. That being said, I think they likely got two of the best players in the whole class, in superstar Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. Those two could be a nasty duo for years in Chicago. They also address their biggest needs with those picks, in QB and WR. However, the Bears only had 5 picks total in the draft, which is not good capital. Their next pick wouldn't be until 75, and they snagged Amegadjie, who could be a really solid tackle one day. However, their next pick was the Iowa punter, Tory Taylor. This is why this draft class isn't an A. I already am not a fan of drafting kickers, let alone punters. It extra bothers me that they only have 5 picks in the draft, and we are using one of them on a punter. I just think that was a bit of a blunder, because there is always good players available, especially only at 122. However, I will give the Bears props for drafting my favorite player in the entire draft at pick 144, in Austin Booker. This kid could be an unreal edge rusher in the NFL, and there is something about the way he plays the position that is so aesthetically pleasing, and he is very underrated. B+ feels fair, but obviously if Caleb Williams goes on to be the franchise altering QB, this grade won't matter to anyone, as they got who they have needed as a franchise forever. However, I can't base my assessment on that, nor can the math behind the grade.

The Chiefs had a pretty solid draft this year. I think they had a clear top need, that them and the whole league knew, WR. They moved up 4 spots in the first round to ensure that they got their guy in Xavier Worthy. Now, I'm not going to say that Worthy is a bad receiver, I honestly thought he would go in round 1, with immense talent. But, with the board looking the way it did, I think they could have stuck at 32 and still gotten Worthy, and didn't have to move up for him. As for the rest of their class, it was also solid. Suamatia is a pretty raw tackle prospect, and I don;t really expect him to be a starter year 1. I think Wiley is a reach at 131, as he is a good tight end, but they already have a couple good tight ends on the roster. If they are preparing for life after Kelce, then I guess it is okay, but there is better tight ends on the board. I like the Hicks pick, although I don't know how much they need safety. The rest of their class were non-factors, outside of Hadden. Hadden was one of my favorite under the radar prospects, and I think he could be a starter for Kansas City by the end of the year. However, I think they only kind of grazed some of their team needs. Worthy is good, but he isn't really the type of reciever they need after signing Hollywood Brown. Suamatia is a bit of a project at tackle, and as much as I love Hadden, there is no guarantee he pans out. This is the ultimate wait and see class, as those 3 guys could be homeruns, or they could be swings and missess, only time will tell,

The Broncos have had a very... interesting off-season. From cutting Russ, to getting new uniforms, to their draft class, it has been odd. I think as for their draft, It was pretty solid stuff. I think out of context, you can certainly look at the first round and say that they reached for Bo Nix. He was certainly a guy that could have gone later in the first, or maybe second. But, with context, I think I can defend it a little better. Nix was their guy, through and through. Up until their pick, QB's were flying off the board, and when their pick came up, they certainly could have been moved back and tried to get Nix later. The only problem with that, was that the Raiders were picking right behind them, and they could snipe Bo Nix from them. So, given context, they were forced to draft Nix at 12. I can't blame them for it, but I also can't give too much sympathy either. They had a limited amount of early picks, and with their next pick, I think they addressed their next best need. I think Ellis was likely one of the best edge rushers still on the board, so I do like that pick a lot for them. However, the MVP of the class was getting Franklin in the 4th round. They needed a WR, and it was easy to pair Nix up with his WR1 from Oregon. I think Kris Abrams-Draine is also a very solid slot corner, and could potentially be a boundaty guy. Estime is a good player, although I feel like their RB room is already pretty crowded, especially when they could have maybe grabbed a center there. As for the rest of their class, not very great. So in total, I think they addressed their top needs, and got decent value for them. I can't give them too high a grade because of where they picked Nix at, but I do think it's a class that will work.

I will admit, after the Joe Alt pick, I was a little worried. Not that Joe Alt was neccisarily a bad pick at all, he is a tremendous player and will step in day 1 and be elite, but that there wouldn't be recievers left for them. It was a gamble to not get the WR first, because there could have been a run on them in the 1st round. However, on the contrary, there was a run on tackles in the first round, and they absolutely made the right call. They could've been in a spot where they got Nabers, but wouldn't have gotten near as good a tackle at 34. However, they got McConkey, who is a very talented receiver. I think that alone was a really good job by them to get a feel for the rest of the teams and make the right call. I think the rest of their draft was pretty solid too. Colson is a very good linebacker who can play right away. I think they reached on Eboigbe and Still, as they could have nabbed them later. Hart at 140 makes up for that missed value, as Hart is a very consistent corner with a lot of experience at the position. Vidal is a really nice running back with a lot of talent to add to their backfield. However, their biggest steal of the draft was getting Brendan Rice, son of Jerry Rice at 225. Sure, he's not the greatest receiver prospect, but the 7th round?! That is WAY too late for him, and he will go to a team that will give him plenty of playtime. The reason it's not an A, is part of me really wished they traded back out of 5. I know, they got a great player there, but this is a team with a new Coach, and a new GM. They need as many of their own guys as possible. I realize that a team has to want to come up to 5 in order for them to move down, but still. I just really am not a huge fan of their mid round picks. If they could have gotten a top running back and an edge rusher instead of Eboigbe and Still, they would have easily had an A. I am just a little hesitant to give them an A, and maybe it's silly, because they probably deserve the A.

Now I really should be low on this class for the Raiders. I really should be, but I'm not. I love it. They said they wanted to draft guys that love football, and I think they did. With their 1st round pick, they got Brock. Bowers. Did they need a tight end? Not at all. Is Brock Bowers one of the best tight end prospects we've seen in a LONG time? Yes. They clearly wanted a QB going into this draft, however, all of the top ones were gone by their pick at 13. Could they have traded up? Maybe, but that would've required a bit of of draft capital to give up, so I understand not moving up. SHOULD they have drafted someone like Arnold at 13? Yes, they should've, but they got a guy that is going to be elite for years. Same goes for their second round pick, Powers-Johnson, the best center in the class. Now, they still needed corner pretty bad, and they got Richardson at 112, who is raw, but has good potential. They also got good role players in Eichenberg, Laube, and Taylor. Now it is easy to say they didn't have a good draft. But, I do think they are a better team with the guys they got.

Is it just me or did this draft still feel a little Belicheck-y? I mean, they drafted plenty of skill positions, but still, nothing that wouldn't fit in the Patriot way. Nonetheless, they got their QB of the future in Drake Maye, which is great. I think they needed to surround them with weapons and a tackle, and they did. However, Polk was maybe a reach at 37, especially with Mitchell available. I love the Baker pick as well, as he is graded closely with Polk, but I'm glad they got two receivers. I think Wallace and Robinson are probably reaches, although they are pretty solid lineman. I do also like getting Milton in the 6th round, as he is a high upside QB, and has a decently similar playstyle to Maye. This is a roster where I think they could've gone best player available, and made sure to get some receivers. However, given they got their QB of the future, it's a slightly above average draft class.

"But they traded their pick to the Chiefs?" I understand. Many familiar with the NFL Draft get flashbacks to the last time the Bills traded back with the Chiefs, as it was for Patrick Mahomes. However, I think this was a fine trade back for the Bills. Firstly, they wouldn't make the trade if it was a player that the Bills themselves didn't want. The conversation had to have gone by the Chiefs telling the Bills that they were going to select Worthy, and that the Bills were okay with that. Why would they be okay with that? Because the Bills were targeting a WR that could be a true number 1 in an offense (no offense to Worthy). They get that by selecting Coleman at 33, as he is a guy that has an upside of being a jumpball problem, and a deep threat. Personally, I think DeJean would have been an excellent pick for the Bills here, as they need corner and safety, but they valued the WR, which is valid given they are in the AFC. It is also okay because they select Cole Bishop with pick 60. Not the best safety prospect, but for sure a guy that can play center field safety in the NFL right away, no questions asked. However, you may be wondering how these picks would warrant an A+ grade, and it's their late round selections that really bring it together. Carter is a solid player that can contribute right away and has good run stuffing capabilities. Ray Davis is an under the radar running back and will be an excellent change of pace back compared to Cook. Van Pran at pick 141 is masterful work, considering he might be the 2nd best center in the class. Ulofoshio can play as an off the ball linebacker right away in the NFL, so that's solid value at pick 160. The rest of their class is a little shaky I won't lie, but they are decent depth pieces at positions they do need depth at, especially corner, where I think Hardy could develop into a starter within the year. The common trend here for the Bills is that most of these guys can contribute right away, which is important because the AFC is getting better and better, and it seemed like the Bills would be a team that would regress, especially after losing Diggs. However, I think people will look back at this draft class as one that was incredibly crucial to keeping the Bills relevant and in their playoff/Super Bowl window.

The Jets have had a very good offseason so far. Made a lot of signings I like in the offseason, then they cap it off with an excellent draft. Initially, I wasn't the biggest fan of the Fashanu pick, as I thought the Jets were going all in this season, and the Fashanu pick is for sure a long-term move. However, the more I thought about it, just because we were all expecting the Jets to go all in, doesn't mean that when they don't it's bad. Its smart to invest in your future, and that's why I like this Jets draft class. Fashanu, Allen and Travis are all picks that are investing in their future. Their tackles are on 1 year deals, and are old, so having Fashanu being able to sit a year then take the reigns is smart, and he's also there if a tackle goes down this year. Braelon Allen is my favorite running back in the class, because there must be something about that Wisconsin running back room. Allen is super young and has his best football ahead of him, and is an athletic freak, to combo him with Breece Hall makes for a top 3 RB room in the league. Jordan Travis is a perfect fit for the Jets as well, as he isn't a threat to Aaron Rodgers, as he is hurt and won't take play-time away from him. However, He can sit and learn and has the upside to take over as QB1 for the Jets for the future. Sure, he may not be their top plan at QB for the future, but having that option is super nice, considering he would inherit a super solid roster. I also really like the Corley pick, as he is the most natural slot receiver in the draft, and can allow for Wilson and Williams to be on the outside, creating threats all over the field. I get an Amon-ra St. Brown vibe from him. It's not an A+ class however, as I didn't love their last 3 picks, as running back wasn't a need after getting Allen, and I don't love Stiggers or Key. Nonetheless, this was masterful work by the Jets to help the team now, and for the future.

This was the type of draft I was expecting from the Dolphins. They have types when it comes to drafting guys. They like drafting athletic raw front 7 guys, and they like speed on offense. Those are two things they definitely got in this class. Chop Robinson is a fine pick at 21. Like I said, he's raw, but he has a really nice upside. I think with the way the board was sitting though, it would have been in their best interest to cash in on the interior line before they were gone by their next pick. They lost a good amount of guys on the interior in the off-season, so it was something they needed to address in this draft, and they didn't at all in the whole class. I think that is a big red flag that they didn't address their top need. However, they did get an interesting prospect in Patrick Paul, as I wonder if they will play him at guard this season then move him to tackle, but this pick felt a little desperate as they knew they needed to add a lineman quick. I can't even be mad at the Wright pick, as they love speed A LOT, and Wright is a dynamic player, and they clearly believe that the more fast guys they have, the scarier the offense. I think my favorite pick of theirs was Kamara, as much like Robinson, he has a high upside, but a pretty high floor as well. I can see him being a contributor right away. Malik Washington and Tahj Washington are excellent picks though, as I believe both will have better stat lines than OBJ by the end of the year. Overall, they loosely addressed needs on their team, but I also do have to give credit that they added a lot of impactful players in this class, and in 3 years this could look like an excellent class.

Initially, I really wasn't a fan of this class by the Titans at all. But as I did the math for their grade, it was shockingly high, and this class has grown on me since. The Titans have had a stellar off-season, there is no need to explain that, but I think it's important to note that this draft class goes hand in hand with that. Did I love the Latham pick at 7? Not really, initially, at least. But as the first round went by, it made since, as they wanted to get their guy before all the tackles were gone. Smart. Did I have Latham as my OT2 in the class? No, I had some guys in front of him, but I can't blame a team for having a guy, as all the tackles were very close in rankings. I do know that a lot of people did not like the Sweat pick at 38, and I think that is a little ridiculous. I don't condemn any off the field issue that a player does at any point in their career, however, I will say, it has happened MANY times that a player has off the field concerns, they fall, and it comes back to bite the rest of the league. Examples: Micah Parsons, Jalen Carter, and Laremy Tunsil, just to name a few. Sweat I think will be no different. Did the Titans need defensive line? Not really, but the AFC South is becoming a power house, so I can't particularly hate that pick. Plus, it allows the rest of that defensive line to thrive, as Sweat is a guy that will eat 2 blocks at least. Gray is a phenomenal linebacker and fits Tennessee very well, Brownlee has a high ceiling and won't have to play right away. I am also baffled to how Williams fell to 242, as he is an extremely talented safety prospect. I think the rest of their picks are pretty okay, nothing special. When you pair this draft class with their off-season, it looks really strong. On it's own however, I still think it is above average.

Overall, there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to the Texans. A stellar QB, a good young core, and an excellent head coach. That being said... I think their draft class was pretty average. I think firstly their trade with Minnesota was pretty weak, and didn't really get a whole lot in return for moving down 20 spots in the draft. However, I think they got a really talented corner in Kamari Lassiter. He has a high floor as a solid nickel corner with potential to be more. Fisher is an okay pick for 59, but I think there was better options at tackle here. Bullock is a talented safety, but I actually really like the safeties the Texans already had. Stover is a really nice pick, but he will likely be TE2 behind Stover. Jordan is a very polarizing back, as he shows a lot of huge flashes in the run game. The rest of their class is pretty non-factor, which is dissapointing. I'll give them points for addressing corner right away, but combined with the poor trade, and the interesting picks for needs they didn't really need, it is a completely average and mediocre draft class.

This may be my most outlandish take in this entire draft gradebook, so I'll have to defend it. The Colts got a lot of praise for this years draft class, and... I'm not really seeing it. I don't think it was a bad class by any means, but it certainly is overrated. I will give them props for their Adonai Mitchell pick, but take that away from them and look at the class without the Mitchell pick. This team needs secondary help, badly. That should have been addressed when they had the choice of any defensive player in the draft at 15, and instead they drafted Latu. I like Latu, he is a talented edge rusher, but this really should've been corner. An edge rusher doesn't hurt I guess, and with a division that they are in, sure it makes sense to have a good pass rush, but that won't matter if these elite wideouts in the division are covered by nobodies. The Latu pick just kind of looked like Ballard thinking he is an athletic freak, and him sticking to that being his thing. But, I can live with the Latu pick. But Goncalves at 79? Why? He's not bad, but a developmental tackle at 79 with pressing needs and good talent available is head scratching. Same thing with the Bortolini pick. Anthony Gould at 142? There were far better recievers available at 142. Carlies is an odd pick, simply because they got a better safety 13 picks later. The last two picks of their draft are also non-factors. So, I suppose I am just confused by people giving this class an A. I understand giving the Mitchell pick an A, that's good value at pick 52, but if you look at everything else, it's very head scratching.

The Jaguars had a very similar draft to the Colts, almost to a tee. The Jaguars class may be a little worse than the Colts however. I will say, their 1st round board manipulation was masterful, and getting Thomas Jr, a wideout with as high as a ceiling as any reciever in this draft. As for the rest of their class, I have some serious doubts. They drafted the LSU defensive line duo in Smuth and Jefferson, even spending the 48th pick on Smith. Talented players yes, but we're reaching a little bit on them. I think their impact is going to be relatively minimal in the long-run. Jarrian Jones at 96 is also a head scratcher considering there was better corners available. Foster is an okay pick, and I honestly don't hate it. Prince is an okay corner, doesn't have a very high ceiling. I didn't scout Robinson, and by now you know how I feel about drafting kickers. Their second best pick in their whole draft is at pick 236 with Myles Cole. I think that is a little telling to me about this draft class. Sure they got a super solid reciever in Thomas Jr, but I genuinely wonder what else there is to show for it.

The Ravens had a stellar, stellar draft class. They addressed all their needs, got good value, and killed it in the later rounds. I don't think they had a single pick wasted in the entire class. Initially I was conflicted about the Nate Wiggins pick, but it grew on me. I wanted them to go receiver or tackle, but I understood the value of grabbing Wiggins there. It worked out in their favor, getting Rosengarten who could probably play tackle this year for them. Isaac is also just understanding that he shouldn't have fallen to them at 93, so they get another talented Penn State edge rusher. Their draft class only gets better, becuase Walker is such a phenomenal receiver, and has such a high upside to get at pick 113. Tampa is somehow another super fantastic steal at 130, and then getting a very talented running back at 165 in Rasheen Ali. Their last 3 picks make sense because they needed depth at those positions. This was a masterclass in every sense of the term, this is the best possible draft I think could've happened for them. A+, best draft class of any team.

The Bengals also had an amazing draft class. Not too many trades, just made a lot of really smart picks with some really good value. What did they need to do going into this draft? Protext Burrow from getting hurt again. So they drafted Mims at pick 18. Keep it simple, he is big and good at blocking people, perfect for what the Bengals need. They just kept getting dudes as the rounds went on. Kris Jenkins is a really good ball player and fills a position of need. Burton is one of my favorite pass catchers in the whole class, and slid because of off the field concerns, which should be telling of how good a player he really is. Jackson, All, and Newton are all super good value pick ups that can make an impact fot this team right away. However, I lie the McLahlan pick a lot too, as he is a great pass catching tight end, to go along with a great blocking tight end in Erick All. Their last 3 picks, much like the Ravens are excellent depth pieces. The Bengals addressed their needs at an excellent level and with a healthy Burrow, can make a huge impact once again in the AFC.

Khan is really, really good at drafting. This is now two drafts in a row that have been excellent at drafting players for their appropriate value. Fautanu with their first pick is an excellent plug and play tackle, and something about him just screams Pittsburgh. Frazier 31 picks later to play center is also masterful work, it's not every draft you can get two plug and play offensive lineman. Roman Wilson fits what the Steelers need as another reciever. An excellent blocker, and possesses good speed, he will mesh with this offense in a dynamic way that will add a level to it. Payton Wilson at pick 98 is crazy value to me as well, as he was my LB1 in the class. He has great coverage and run stopping skills, and will immediately be one of the best linebackers in the AFC. As for the rest of their class, it is decent, seems a lot like guys who don't have a positional label on them, as they can all play different positions, which is super interesting to me. Although their last 3 picks didn't really knock it out of the park, their top 4 guys will make a huge impact right away and should result in an increase in the win column.

I don't think the Browns got the memo on the AFC North having spectacular draft classes. The entire AFC North all got A's or better, except for the Browns. Does their draft capital have to do with that? Yes, absolutely. They made the trade to send away their picks, it's their fault they don't have a first round pick. As for the players they drafted this year, it's pretty below average. Maybe could have gotten a slightly more talented DT at 54, but can certainly work, and points for addressing their biggest needs. Zinter is a great interior lineman, and Thrash is a very talented wide receiver. As for the rest of their class, I don't think it'll make much of a difference. The rest of the AFC North made a huge leap in terms of making their teams better, but the Browns did not.