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Let's get this out of the way first: It's way too early to pass any kind of real judgement on the 2025 NFL Draft class.
In reality, we won't know for a few years whether or not any of the 257 picks across all seven rounds of this year's draft turned out to be the right selections, and there's a wide range of variables that will impact those results between now and then.
That said, it's okay to just do things for fun sometimes, and that's why we're still going to assign some team grades just a few hours after the dust has settled at Lambeau Field in Green Bay following another marathon selection meeting.
So, keeping that in mind, here's my instant analysis of every team's full seven-round haul from this year's draft, based on how well they addressed their biggest needs, and how the value of their selections matched up with the Athlon Sports Top 300 Big Board:
Michigan cornerback Will Johnson.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Will Johnson (2nd Round, No. 47 overall)
DL Walter Nolen was a boom-or-bust pick halfway through the first round, but his massive upside could make him look like a bargain if he reaches his lofty ceiling. Durability concerns knocked Johnson out of the first round, but he was a top-10 player on my board, so he'll be a massive steal if he's able to stay healthy.
Jordan Burch gives them a versatile trench defender who can line up all across the line of scrimmage, and the combo of LB Cody Simon and CB Denzel Burke gives them championship-caliber depth at multiple positions of need.
Coming out of this draft without a true No. 2 receiver to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr. is a bit disappointing, but it's hard to argue with the value and upside Arizona got across the board, and they did a solid job of filling the rest of their needs.
GRADE: B
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts.Angela Driskell, Irish Breakdown
Biggest Steal: S Xavier Watts (3rd Round, No. 96 overall)
The Falcons came into this draft in desperate need of front-seven difference-makers for the defense, and they checked that box twice early. Do-it-all linebacker/edge rusher Jalon Walker falling to them at No. 15 overall was a gift (No. 6 overall on my board), but that wasn't enough. They made a bold move back into the first round for James Pearce Jr. to add another explosive weapon for their pass rush, though they did give up next year's first-round pick to make it happen.
While Walker was a bargain, landing Watts near the end of the third round was an absolute heist. The No. 25 overall player on my board, Watts gives them a big-play machine on the back end of the defense to pair with Jessie Bates III. Grabbing another safety in Billy Bowman Jr. gives them another source of potential takeaways, though it was a curious decision to double-dip at the position despite having so few picks and more needs to fill elsewhere.
Ignoring the interior of the defensive line, as well as the cornerback spot, wasn't the ideal scenario for Atlanta. Time will tell if the price they paid to move up for Pearce was worth it or not, but this defense should have way more juice in 2025.
GRADE: B+
Georgia safety Malaki Starks.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: DL Aeneas Peebles (6th Round, No. 210 overall)
Letting the Ravens get S Malaki Starks at the end of the first round to pair with Kyle Hamilton was a terrible idea from the rest of the league. Considering K Justin Tucker is currently facing allegations of sexual misconduct, spending their second-round pick on Mike Green was certainly a decision, since his fall out of the first round was likely impacted by his own allegations of sexual assault from earlier in his college career.
Speaking of Tuckyer, the Ravens a sixth-rounder on his potential replacement in K Tyler Loop, and also stole Peebles (No. 106 overall on my board) in the same round. OTs Emery Jones Jr. and Carson Vinson should immediately bolster their depth and long-term upside at the edges of the offensive line, while LB Teddye Buchanan should make an instant impact on special teams while developing into a potential starter. CBs Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam were solid depth picks on Day 3.
There's some solid depth in this class (I'd hope so with 11 total picks), and Starks should make a huge impact right away. They hit all their major needs, and got solid value and multiple spots. I still question the decision to bring in Green while simultaneously replacing Tucker, though, despite the high upside for the Marshall pass rusher from an on-field standpoint.
GRADE: B
Arkansas defensive lineman Landon Jackson.© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Dorian Strong (6th Round, No. 177 overall)
Bolstering the defensive backfield was clearly a priority for the Bills, as they loaded up on corner help with first-rounder Maxwell Hairston, fifth-rounder Jordan Hancock, and a Day 3 bargain in Strong, getting bigger/faster/stronger across that whole unit. Trading up for DL T.J. Sanders in the second round was pricey, but he's a disruptive interior defender who should make a big impact right away. Pairing him with mountainous DL Deone Walker in the fourth round should bolster the defensive trenches immediately.
Day three featured a handful of other solid depth picks, but along with Strong, Buffalo landed another solid steal in third-round DE Landon Jackson, who was considered by many as a dark-horse candidate to sneak into the first round. He's a versatile edge player who can slide inside on passing downs, or hold his own on the edge on early down thanks to his size and power.
Not spending any of their nine selections on a running back (despite an extremely deep class) might signal their confidence in working out a long-term deal to keep James Cook (or that Ray Davis can eventually take over the starting role), but adding a blocking specialist in TE Jackson Hawes, some pass-catching upside in seventh-round WR Kaden Prather, and a potential swing tackle in Chase Lundt gave the offense some deserved help after spending their first five picks on defense.
GRADE: B
New Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: Edge Nic Scourton (2nd Round, No. 51 overall)
The Panthers decided that if they're gonna have to keep covering Mike Evans and Drake London, they might as well try and find their own version to help Bryce Young. WR Tetairoa McMillan was absolutely worthy of a top-10 pick, and should be a huge boost to Young and the passing game.
Double-dipping on edge rushers was a viable decision, especially considering the depth of this year's class, and the combination of Scourton and Princely Umanmielen gives them an ideal combination of value and upside on Day 2. Day 3 was full of solid depth additions on both sides of the ball, bolstering the trenches with DL Cam Jackson, and the secondary with S Lathan Ransom. Throw in two more pass-catchers for Young in WR Jimmy Horn and TE Mitchell Evans, and you've got a fairly balanced haul.
Spending a fourth-round pick on a running back while ignoring needs at cornerback and linebacker was puzzling, especially considering some of the other backs who were still available, and ranked higher on my board than Trevor Etienne. Overall, though, this class is a big win for Young, and they added tons of talent at the most premium position on defense.
GRADE: B
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Zah Frazier (5th Round, No. 169 overall)
Caleb Williams was a big winner this weekend, as the Bears loaded up on more help for their young franchise quarterback. First-round TE Colston Loveland gives him a mismatch weapon, and second-round WR Luther Burden III will be an absolute blast to watch in Ben Johnson's offense. Throw in massive OT Ozzy Trapilo in the second round, as well, and you've got one happy signal-caller.
Two second-round picks weren't enough for the Bears, who picked three times to kick off Day 2, adding a boom-or-bust prospect to their defensive front in DL Shemar Turner. He's explosive, athletic and disruptive, but needs to find more consistency if he wants to justify his draft slot. LB Ruben Hyppolite II was a late-riser after an impressive pro day workout that showed off his speed, but the fourth round felt a little early for a guy who was a projected UDFA by most.
Stealing a toolsy corner in the fifth round with Frazier was impressive, and OL Luke Newman could compete for a roster spot. RB Kyle Monangai gives them some power between the tackles, but it felt like the Bears traded back multiple times in earlier rounds after losing out on better options for their backfield. Not coming away with any edge rushers or a safety despite having four picks in the first two rounds could prove to be a costly decision, but the help for Williams should make an big impact.
GRADE: B-
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Shemar Stewart after he is selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025 NFL Draft.Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: RB Tahj Brooks (6th Round, No. 193 overall)
Edge defender Shemar Stewart was an easy mock pick to the Bengals in the first round, as they love boom-or-bust types with size and physical tools, but he's risky after a lack of production in college. LB Demetrius Knight is a solid player on film, but he went a round too early for a 25-year-old who plays a non-premium position.
Third-rounder Dylan Fairchild and sixth-rounder Jalen Rivers should bolster Cincy's depth in front of Joe Burrow along the offensive line, and while double-dipping on off-ball linebackers was an odd decision, Barrett Carter was a bargain in the fourth round. Brooks gives the Bengals a solid No. 2 back who can spell Chase Brown while still bringing toughness and explosiveness.
There's some value and upside here, but where's the help for the interior of the defensive line or the secondary? A lot is riding on Stewart reaching his lofty ceiling, but passing up talented prospects at positions of more dire need in the early rounds could come back to bite a team that still thinks it can contend at full strength. It feels like a missed opportunity.
GRADE: C-
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.© Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: QB Shedeur Sanders (5th Round, No. 144 overall)
Cleveland's draft class is like that one trip to Vegas: A wild ride with some questionable decisions, but a ton of fun and you ended up getting home safely with one helluva story to tell. Passing up the chance to take a rare talent like Travis Hunter is a risky move if he hits his limitless ceiling, but it's hard to argue with the haul the Browns got to move down just three spots in the first round.
DL Mason Graham fills an immediate need, even if he was more safe pick than high-upside play in the top five. Dropping LB Carson Schwesinger behind him gives the defense a tackling machine with a great backstory as a former walk-on, and RB Quinshon Judkins gives the offense a new workhorse back with a complete skill set. Things got weird when they took QB Dillon Gabriel over Sanders at the end of the third round, but they still made the no-brainer move to take Sanders anyway in the fifth round. Throw in more dynamic playmakers for the offense in TE Harold Fannin Jr. and RB Dylan Sampson, and you've got perhaps the most unique class in this entire draft.
We'll see if passing on Hunter was worth it, but outside of taking Gabriel a few rounds too early, this class filled some big needs for Cleveland, and was full of value. Not getting another edge rusher to pair with Myles Garrett wasn't ideal, but Sanders immediately becomes the most talented quarterback on the roster, and he could prove to be the biggest steal of the entire draft.
GRADE: A
Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker is selected by the Dallas Cowboys.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Shavon Revel Jr. (3rd Round, No. 76 overall)
It wasn't sexy, but we should know by now that if there's a massive offensive lineman named Tyler, the Cowboys are taking him in the first round. OL Tyler Booker immediately fills the void left by recently retired future Hall of Famer Zack Martin, though he's not the flashiest first-round pick, he's a "set it and forget it" addition with immediate All-Pro potential.
Day 2 was steal city for Dallas, starting with second-rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku, who just happens to be the best pure edge rusher in this class not named Abdul Carter, and the No. 15 player on my board. Even coming off a season-ending knee injury, landing Revel halfway through the third round was highway robbery. The offense got a jolt of explosiveness in fifth-round RB Jaydon Blue, who has elite speed and should make a particular impact right away in the passing game.
Dallas honestly could have stopped after their first four picks, and I still would have given them the same lofty grade. After five more depth additions on Day 3 after Blue, the Cowboys are coming away with a fantastic group full of talent and value that balances out the absence of any wide receiver help.
GRADE: A
Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Jahdae Barron (1st Round, No. 20 overall)
There were certainly more pressing needs for the Broncos in the first round than another blue-chip cornerback, but Barron was the No. 12 overall player on my board, and was clearly just too good to pass up. The needs were addressed on Day 2 with second-round RB R.J. Harvey Jr. and WR Pat Bryant, though there were higher-ranked players at both positions still available on my board.
Back-to-back edge rushers in the third and fourth rounds, Sai'vion Jones and Que Robinson, give Denver a ton of upside and promising physical tools at the position, and the sixth round is about the time where I find it acceptable to pick a punter like Jeremy Crenshaw. TE Caleb Lohner checks the depth box at that position, but they should have addressed the position earlier with a more instant-impact player.
Some of Denver's biggest needs were filled here, and the pass-rushing upside is fun. Barron should be a cornerstone player for the defense, but coming out of this draft with depth additions for the offensive line, nor along the interior of the defensive line was a huge question mark.
GRADE: B-
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: OL Miles Frazier (5th Round, No. 171 overall)
If you came to Dan Campbell's team looking for flash, that's your own fault. First-round DL Tyleik Williams is a run-stuffing mauler who will anchor the defensive front, and second-round OL Tate Ratledge brings top-end athleticism and tons of starting experience against SEC competition to the right guard spot.
WR Isaac TeSlaa is an intriguing prospect, but he was a late-round grade on my board, making him a curious pick in the third round. Frazier was the opposite as a solid value pick to continue bolstering the interior of the offensive line in the fifth round, and they finally addressed their need for an edge rusher with Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round.
Williams and Ratledge are tone-setters who came off the board in the right range, and should be able to make an instant impact in the starting lineup, but TeSlaa feels like a significant reach based on the other options available, and the Lions waited way too long to dip into this year's loaded class of edge defenders.
GRADE: B-
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden is selected by the Green Bay Packers.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: None
Sorry, Packers fans, but they didn't draft a single player who was ranked higher on my board than their actual draft slot. That's not to say they didn't add some promising talent, though. Matthew Golden finally broke the streak of Green Bay avoiding first-round wide receivers, and his elite speed and route-running ability should bring some instant juice to the passing game.
Second-round OT Anthony Belton is a powerful blocker with plenty of starting experience, but he doesn't have the versatility the Packers typically prioritize at the position, and he carried a fourth-round grade on my board. Third-round WR Savion Williams is a fun player with some upside, but it was odd to see Green Bay double-dip at that position before attacking any of their holes on defense.
The defensive trenches finally got some help on Day 3, as did the corner spot, followed by another offensive line pick. Golden will carry this class, and Belton has a high floor as a potential starter at left tackle at some point, but Williams will need to hit his lofty ceiling to make up for the fact that Green Bay pushed their defensive needs too far down the board.
GRADE: C-
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: S Jaylen Reed (6th Round, No. 187 overall)
After trading out of the first round, Houston crushed their Day 2 selections, landing Iowa State's talented receiver duo of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, as well as OT Aireonate Ersery to replace Laremy Tunsil. Higgins and Noel's complementary skill sets will be a massive addition to the passing game, and Ersery should help keep C.J. Stroud upright.
Third-round CB Jaylin Smith and fourth-round RB Woody Marks both came off the board at least a round too early, and ahead of a long list of higher-ranked prospects at their respective positions on my board. Reed was a top-100 player in my rankings, though, and gives them a ton of upside on the back end of the defense.
I love some of the players they landed, but Houston could have gotten better value at many of their other slots, and they waited far too long to address the interior of the defensive line. Ersery is a key addition, but ignoring the interior of the offensive line entirely was a big mistake. We'll see if their early home-run selections and a late-round bargain like Reed can make up for it.
GRADE: B-
Kansas State running back DJ Giddens.© Ben Queen-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: RB DJ Giddens (5th Round, No. 151 overall)
Kicking things by having TE Tyler Warren fall into their lap in the first round was huge, as the Colts landed the No. 5 overall player on my board at the No. 14 pick. Second-rounder JT Tuimoloau is a polished, well-rounded edge defender can make impact plays on all three downs, and will be a valuable presence in the locker room.
Third-round CB Justin Walley had a late 7th-round grade on my board, making him one of the biggest reach picks of Day 2 across the entire league. while massive fourth-round OT Jalen Travis was a solid swing tackle addition thanks to his starting experience on both sides of the line. Giddens is a home-run hitter who gives the Colts an immediate upgrade at RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor, and could have easily been a Day 2 pick.
DL Tim Smith and S Hunter Wohler bolster the defensive depth and should have special teams value, while QB Riley Leonard is an intriguing addition to the quarterback room. Most of these picks were solid value, and all of Indy's major needs were met across the board.
GRADE: B
New Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union
Steal of the Class: OL Jonah Monheim (7th Round, No. 221 overall)
New GM James Gladstone wasted little time making a splash, trading up to the No. 2 overall pick for WR/CB Travis Hunter, the top prospect in the entire draft. It was a costly move in terms of draft capital, but the Jags are getting a rare and unique talent who could prove to be a buy-one, get-one player worthy of the cost.
Even with the trade-up, Jacksonville still made nine selections this weekend. They added speed and versatility to the secondary with DB Caleb Ransaw (though the third round was too early), and OL Wyatt Milum gives them a physical presence who can play multiple positions in the offensive trenches. Fourth-round RB Bhayshul Tuten is a speed demon who could be the new Bucky Irving for first-time head coach Liam Coen.
The rest of Day 3 brought plenty of intriguing depth selections (I love the pass-rushing upside of and versatility of LB/edge rusher Jalen McLeod), something that should show through immediately on special teams. Even without a second-rounder this year and a first-rounder next year, this class should have Jags fans thrilled for the future under this new regime.
GRADE: A
Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals.© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Steal of the Class: WR Jalen Royals (4th Round, No. 133 overall)
This just isn't fair. GM Brett Veach knocked this one out of the area code, let alone the ballpark. Trading down one spot in the first round and still landing the potential franchise left tackle that has long eluded them in Josh Simmons was a strong start, and the defensive trenches got instant-impact players in DL Omarr Norman-Lott and edge rusher Ashton Gillotte on Day 2.
Third-round CB Nohl Williams is ballhawk who is a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Steve Spagouolo's scheme, and as the No. 37 overall player on my board, Royals was one of the biggest steals of the entire draft. Landing LB Jeffrey Bassa in the fifth round was another huge bargain, and RB Breshard Smith could be one of the few seventh-round picks in this draft who makes a huge impact right away for a Super Bowl contender.
Explosive weapons and a new blind-side protector for Patrick Mahomes, and value picks to bolster every level of the defense? This class will keep the Chiefs among the NFL's elite after a disappointing end to last season, and annoy everyone who is tired of seeing them go deep in the playoffs every year.
GRADE: A+
New Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: DL JJ Pegues (6th Round, No. 180 overall)
Landing RB Ashton Jeanty outside of the top five was a great way for new GM John Spytek to start his tenure in Vegas, and Day 2 delivered two more solid additions in WR Jack Bech and CB Darien Porter, both of whom should make an immediate impact and bring a ton of upside on either side of the ball. Double-dipping on promising offensive linemen in the third round with Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant was also a wise investment in the future.
Fourth-round WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. was an Al Davis throwback pick with his combination of size and speed, and the defensive line got much deeper with the Day 3 additions of Tonka Hemingway (one of the best names in the draft) and Pegues. Grabbing a couple of FCS quarterbacks in Tommy Mellott (who is converting to receiver) and Cam Miller was a fun use of two sixth-rounders, and seventh-round LB Cody Lindenberg should have instant value on special teams.
The Raiders hit all of their major needs, got solid value at just about every spot, bolstered their depth in the trenches on both sides of the ball, took some entertaining late-round flyers, and got one of the few truly elite players in this draft in Jeanty. That's a huge win for Spytek and company.
GRADE: A
Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II.(Rich Barnes-Imagn Images)
Steal of the Class: TE Oronde Gadsden II (5th Round, No. 165 overall)
The Chargers had two primary objectives heading into this draft: Get more weapons for Justin Herbert, and rebuild the trenches on defense. They came out of the gate attacking the first task, grabbing a dynamic three-down playmaker in first-round RB Omarion Hampton, followed by a big-play target with size and speed in second-round WR Tre Harris.
In the third round, they landed the perfect interior anchor in DL Jamaree Caldwell, and got a bargain in the fourth round with edge defender Kyle Kennard to bolster their depth there after the departure of Joey Bosa. They added more firepower for the passing game with a pair of fifth-round picks, stealing a matchup nightmare in Gadsden, and adding another high-upside threat in WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith. S R.J. Mickens was another solid value pick in the sixth round.
Another team that did a fantastic job of nailing their most glaring needs without having to reach at really any early slot, the Chargers are giving Herbert a ton of help with high-end potential, and the defensive front got two guys who can make a big impact now and in the future.
GRADE: A
Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: LB Chris Paul Jr. (5th Round, No. 172 overall)
It might have been underwhelming for Rams fans when they traded out of the first round entirely and landing back near the halfway point of the second round, but getting an additional first-rounder in 2026 from the Falcons was a huge win. Second-round TE Terrance Ferguson will be a valuable, versatile weapon in Sean McVay's offense, and third-round edge rusher Josaiah Stewart brings an ideal blend of physical traits and intangibles.
Fourth-round RB Jarquez Hunter is a fun player on tape, but going that route at that point in the draft was curious, given the more pressing needs the Rams had elsewhere. DL Ty Hamilton was a solid value pick in the fifth round, while Paul was one of the best bargains in the entire draft based on my board. WR Konata Mumpfield is another ideal scheme fit who could easily outplay his seven-round draft slot.
There's plenty of value and upside here, but going the whole draft without bolstering the offensive line depth or addressing a massive need at cornerback is risky for the Rams. That said, I love some of the players they added, and their grade is boosted by the addition of that extra first-round pick in next year's draft.
GRADE: B+
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: DL Jordan Phillips (5th Round, No. 143 overall)
Miami definitely needed a boost along the interior of their defensive line, but Kenneth Grant felt like a bit of a reach at No. 13 overall, considering the impressive depth of this year's class at the position. That was evidenced later by their ability to land Phillips in the third round (No. 86 overall on my board). Trading up in the second round for OL Jonah Savaiinaea left the Dolphins skinny on mid-round picks, but he's massive, versatile, and worth a top-40 pick.
CB Jason Marshall Jr. and S Dante Trader Jr. were solid depth additions for the secondary in the fifth round, and RB Ollie Gordon II gives them some thunder to along with the lightning in the offensive backfield. He could prove to be a steal if he returns to his 2023 form. QB Quinn Ewers was well worth a late-round flyer, while this year's defensive line depth gave them another bargain in seventh-rounder Zeek Biggers.
This defensive front got a lot better, Savaiinaea should start immediately at guard with long-term potential to slide out to tackle, and the combination of depth, value and upside was strong across the rest of the draft. Outside of coming away without another linebacker or tight end, this was a strong haul.
GRADE: B
Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson.Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: LB Kobe King (6th Round, No. 201 overall)
With just five total picks, and only two of them coming in the first four rounds, the Vikings had to make the most of every chance to fill needs and add talent. Trading back in the first round would have been ideal to maximize value and add more picks, but it's hard to argue with landing one of the best offensive linemen in the draft in Donovan Jackson, who has proven he can play both guard and tackle at a high level.
Third-round WR Tai Felton brings more speed and explosiveness to the passing game, giving them more upside in the WR3 spot alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Fifth-round DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins gives them some upside along the interior of the defensive front, and King was a strong value pick to bolster depth and special teams. TE Gavin Bartholomew was a solid value in the sixth round.
Minnesota didn't have much to work with here without an early trade-back, but not getting any help for the defensive backfield wasn't ideal. Jackson is a stud and Felton could push for early playing time, but it's hard to imagine this class making a big impact right away for a team that wants to keep contending in a tough division.
GRADE: C
New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: Edge Bradyn Swinson (5th Round, No. 146 overall)
This draft class had to be about helping Drake Maye first and foremost, and then finding culture guys that fit the way Mike Vrabel wants to run his team. Top-five pick Will Campbell gives Maye the franchise left tackle he needs, while Day 2 picks in RB TreVeyon Henderson and WR Kyle Williams bring a ton of explosiveness and big-play ability to the offense.
OL Jared Wilson was a strong value pick in the third round, and could easily be New England's starting center when Week 1 rolls around. Day 3 was full of solid depth additions (mostly on defense), a run that started with back-to-back bargains for the defensive front in fourth-round DL Joshua Farmer (No. 80 overall on my board) and Swinson (No. 82) in the fifth round. Adding a new kicker and long-snapper in the later rounds felt like the most Patriots thing possible.
The Pats hit all the right notes here. They loaded up early on help for their young franchise quarterback, both in the trenches and in terms of playmaking weapons, and got great value with their defensive depth additions the rest of the way. This group should make an immediate impact while raising the ceiling of New England's bright future with Vrabel and Maye at the helm.
GRADE: A
Kansas running back Devin Neal.Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: RB Devin Neal (6th Round, No. 184 overall)
The retirement of Ryan Ramczyk and the decision to not pick of the fifth-year option on former first-round pick Trevor Penning signaled that the Saints would prioritize offensive tackle early in this draft, and they did just that with Kelvin Banks Jr. in the top 10. He can start on the left side, allowing Taliese Fuaga to move back to his more natural spot on the right.
Taking QB Tyler Shough over Shedeur Sanders will be scrutinized for years to come, and the former's age and injury history makes it a questionable pick at best. He was a fourth-round grade on my board. After that, New Orleans rattled off four straight picks that addressed every level of their defense, getting tone-setters in DL Vernon Broughton, S Jonas Sanker and LB Danny Stutsman before landing one of the biggest steals in the entire draft with fourth-round CB Quincy Riley.
That pick was only eclipsed when they landed Neal, who could easily prove to be the biggest bargain from this year's loaded running back class. Not getting a wide receiver out of this class wasn't ideal, but I loved most of what the Saints did here. Unfortunately, if Shough doesn't doesn't prove to be a franchise passer for the foreseeable future, the rest might not matter.
GRADE: B-
New York Giants first-round pick Abdul Carter.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: OL Marcus Mbow (5th Round, No. 154 overall)
Taking Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall didn't fill any of their most immediate needs, but it still gave them one of the few truly elite prospects in this draft, and you can never have too many explosive pass rushers. Trading back into the first round for QB Jaxson Dart was a bold but risky move that's banking on Brian Daboll's ability to develop a talented (if inconsistent) quarterback with strong physical tools.
DL Darius Alexander was a bargain at the top of the third round, and gives the Giants another disruptive force along the interior next to Dexter Lawrence. Fourth-round RB Cam Skattebo's powerful, physical running style will be the perfect complement to Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Mbow is a versatile blocker who should have been a Day 2 selection.
Waiting until the seventh round to address their need at cornerback could come back to bite them this season, and not spending a single pick on a linebacker or wide receiver was puzzling. That said, the Giants got some elite talent at a premium position, a young quarterback with some upside, and great value in the trenches on both sides of the ball, as well as a fan-favorite running back who will excel in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
GRADE: B+
LSU tight end Mason Taylor.© SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Azareye'h Thomas (3rd Round, No. 73 overall)
The Jets matched value and need perfectly in the top 10 with OT Armand Membou, who gives them an immediate and long-term upgrade at right tackle. I spent the past few months mocking TE Mason Taylor here in the second round, and they made that sensible pick to give QB Justin Fields a reliable, well-rounded target in the passing game.
A lack of ideal speed kept Thomas on the board until the third round, but his size, length and physicality make him a dominant press corner who should thrive under new head coach Aaron Glenn. Fourth-round WR Arian Smith is a burner, but he struggles with drops, while S Malachi Moore brings versatility and leadership after coming off the board 20 picks later. A pair of fifth-rounders added helpful depth on defense that should also contribute on special teams.
Membou, Taylor and Thomas should all make a big impact right away at key positions of need, and were strong value picks. Not getting any help for Quinnen Williams along the defensive line wasn't an ideal scenario, but otherwise, this is a strong haul for a Jets team trying to transform their culture under a new management.
GRADE: B
New Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: OT Cameron Williams (6th Round, No. 207 overall)
I know there are injury concerns that caused LB Jihaad Campbell to fall to the end of the first round, but if he's able to stay healthy, letting him land in Philly will prove to be a huge mistake by the rest of the league. Second-round S Andrew Mukuba is a strong scheme fit and the ideal replacement for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and fourth-round DL Ty Robinson brings a rare blend of size, athleticism and verstility to the table.
The rest of Day 3 was full of solid value picks and promising upside plays for the Eagles, including a pair of sixth-round offensive tackles in Williams and Myles Hinton, who landed in the perfect place to develop and maximize their physical traits. QB Kyle McCord is a perfect backup to land in the sixth round, and edge rusher Antwuan Powell-Ryland could have easily come off the board a couple of rounds earlier.
Campbell's durability will be key for this class' success, but it's easy to see how the Eagles could get a ton of value out of this group on both sides of the ball, building up their depth and boosting their long-term potential at multiple positions as they look to defender their title in 2025.
GRADE: B+
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson.Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com
Steal of the Class: RB Kaleb Johnson (3rd Round, No. 83 overall)
Yes, the Steelers needed a quarterback. But they also needed to reestablish their identity as a physical team on both sides of the ball, and they attacked that task instead across the early rounds. DL Derrick Harmon was the perfect first-round pick as the understudy to Cam Heyward, and he's got the perfect skill set and playing style to set that punishing tone along the interior.
Johnson is a smooth, powerful downhill runner who should help improve the ground game and keep the offense balanced. Fourth-round edge rusher Jack Sawyer is another tough, high-effort player who fits the culture, and the same goes for massive fifth-round DL Yahya Black. QB Will Howard was worthy of a sixth-round pick as a solid backup, while seventh-round LB Carson Bruener was a fun legacy pick. Taking CB Donte Kent in the seventh round gives the Steelers some upside and depth as a late-round flyer.
If it wasn't going to be Shedeur Sanders, the Steelers were wise to prioritize other needs with players who fit that team identity they're trying to recapture. They're not going to compete for Super Bowls again until they do find a legitimate franchise quarterback (and no, that's not Aaron Rodgers), but this class can help rebuild the foundation of the roster while they look to the future to find that guy.
GRADE: B
Georgia edge defender Mykel Williams.Jordan Prather/Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: DL CJ West (4th Round, No. 113 overall)
Free agency departures left the 49ers with a ton of needs on defense, and they attacked them right away in the early rounds. There were other edge rushers I would have taken over Mykel Williams at No. 11 overall, but he's got a ton of upside if he can stay healthy and polish his technique. Second-round DL Alfred Collins has physical tools similar to Chris Jones, and though LB Nick Martin came off the board a couple of rounds too early, he's got range and athleticism that gives him starter upside.
The third round felt a little early for CB Upton Stout, and the 49ers had a bigger need for an outside corner with size and length rather than an undersized guy who fits best in the slot at the next level. West was a bargain that further beefs up the defensive front, and that double-dip was needed based on the previous state of the depth chart.
A Day 3 running back and a late-round quarterback should have been expected, especially with 11 picks to work with. Waiting to address the offensive line until the seventh round wasn't the best decision, either. I like that they filled their biggest needs here, but the value was questionable on multiple picks based on my board.
GRADE: C
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: RB Damien Martinez (7th Round, No. 223 overall)
Addressing the interior of the offensive line had to be the top priority for Seattle, and first-round OL Grey Zabel has the versatility to play any spot across that entire unit, making him a smart pick. Trading up in the second round for uber-athletic S Nick Emmanwori gives Mike McDonald his new Kyle Hamilton, and was one of many bargain picks the Seahawks landed in this class.
Second-round TE Elijah Arroyo could be a valuable pass-catching weapon if he's able to stay healthy, and the upside of QB Jalen Milroe was too much to pass up in the third round, giving Seattle a long-term project that could turn into a lucrative investment in a couple of years. Depth in the backfield wasn't an issue, but Martinez was a massive steal in the seventh round, and Day 3 WRs Tory Horton and Ricky White III would great value additions with a ton of potential.
This class filled Seattle's biggest needs across all seven rounds, gave them some perfect scheme fits that should have an immediate impact, and gives them some high-end upside at premium positions that could pay off in a big way down the road.
GRADE: A
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson.© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: WR Tez Johnson (7th Round, No. 235 overall)
Despite all of their glaring needs on defense, the Bucs pulled a shock in the first round with WR Emeka Egbuka, but he might be the biggest can't-miss prospect in the entire draft, so it's hard to blame them. They went after those defensive needs with a fury after that, doubling up on Day 2 defensive backs with versatile CBs Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, and bolstering the pass rush with small-school edge rusher David Walker and DL Elijah Roberts.
Morrison would have been a first-round lock if not for a season-ending hip injury, but he had a recent private workout to show teams he's back to full strength. Both he and Parrish have played outside and in the slot, but Morrison likely projects outside while the undersized by fast and feisty Parrish should be their new nickelback. Roberts' versatility will be a perfect fit in Todd Bowles' defense, and he'll get the most out of Walker's pass-rushing chops.
Double-dipping at receiver in the seventh round was odd, but Johnson was a huge bargain who could make an instant impact in the return game as he works his way into the rotation on offense. Not coming away with an off-ball linebacker hurts, but that was easily the weakest position group in this year's class. Tampa Bay got a strong balance of value and upside here, hitting most of their major needs without reaching.
GRADE: B+
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward.Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: OL Jackson Slater (5th Round, No. 167 overall)
The Titans made the right call to take QB Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, as his combination of mental and physical traits give him the kind of upside that was worthy of passing up the elite prospects at other positions in this class. Edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo has a limitless ceiling that was worth gambling on in the second round, and he fills the biggest need for this defense.
S Kevin Winston Jr. might have been a first-round pick if he hadn't gotten hurt last season, making him an absolute steal halfway through the third round. The next four picks were all about building around Ward, with a trio of talented pass-catchers in WRs Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, as well as TE Gunnar Helm. Ayomanor was another huge win on value. Slater carried a fourth-round grade on my board, and could immediately push for a starting job along the interior of the offensive line.
Depth for the running back and cornerback groups with a pair of sixth-rounders was helpful, but this class will go as Ward goes. The Titans loaded up on young talent to put around him on that side of the ball, and Oladejo could be a star after a couple of years of development. They could have used an off-ball linebacker at some point, but that's my only gripe for an otherwise strong class.
GRADE: B+
Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos.© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Trey Amos (2nd Round, No. 61 overall)
Addressing the offensive line was a must, even after acquiring Laremy Tunsil in a trade from the Texans, but taking OT Josh Conerly Jr. over Josh Simmons in the first round could prove to be a questionable decision of Simmons returns to his pre-injury form from last season. They made up for that by stealing Amos at the end of the second round, a top-five corner in this class who would have been a stellar pick for them in the first round.
WR Jaylin Lane was underrated due to his smaller frame, but his explosiveness is exactly what Jayden Daniels and the Washington passing game needed to line up alongside Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. Don't be surprised if he gets on the field earlier than most fourth-round picks, and makes a big impact. After another long wait, the Commanders landed two more sleeper prospects in LB Kain Medrano and RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, both of whom bring athleticism and upside to either side of the ball as late-round picks.
There's only so much you can do with just five picks, and the Commanders addressed some needs while getting more explosive and adding a ton of potential. I know you can't fix everything in one draft class, especially with less than a full slate of picks, but it's hard to stomach Washington ignoring their massive need for an impact edge rusher, despite an extremely deep class at the position.
GRADE: C+
Continue reading...
In reality, we won't know for a few years whether or not any of the 257 picks across all seven rounds of this year's draft turned out to be the right selections, and there's a wide range of variables that will impact those results between now and then.
That said, it's okay to just do things for fun sometimes, and that's why we're still going to assign some team grades just a few hours after the dust has settled at Lambeau Field in Green Bay following another marathon selection meeting.
So, keeping that in mind, here's my instant analysis of every team's full seven-round haul from this year's draft, based on how well they addressed their biggest needs, and how the value of their selections matched up with the Athlon Sports Top 300 Big Board:
Arizona Cardinals
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Michigan cornerback Will Johnson.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Will Johnson (2nd Round, No. 47 overall)
DL Walter Nolen was a boom-or-bust pick halfway through the first round, but his massive upside could make him look like a bargain if he reaches his lofty ceiling. Durability concerns knocked Johnson out of the first round, but he was a top-10 player on my board, so he'll be a massive steal if he's able to stay healthy.
Jordan Burch gives them a versatile trench defender who can line up all across the line of scrimmage, and the combo of LB Cody Simon and CB Denzel Burke gives them championship-caliber depth at multiple positions of need.
Coming out of this draft without a true No. 2 receiver to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr. is a bit disappointing, but it's hard to argue with the value and upside Arizona got across the board, and they did a solid job of filling the rest of their needs.
GRADE: B
Atlanta Falcons
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Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts.Angela Driskell, Irish Breakdown
Biggest Steal: S Xavier Watts (3rd Round, No. 96 overall)
The Falcons came into this draft in desperate need of front-seven difference-makers for the defense, and they checked that box twice early. Do-it-all linebacker/edge rusher Jalon Walker falling to them at No. 15 overall was a gift (No. 6 overall on my board), but that wasn't enough. They made a bold move back into the first round for James Pearce Jr. to add another explosive weapon for their pass rush, though they did give up next year's first-round pick to make it happen.
While Walker was a bargain, landing Watts near the end of the third round was an absolute heist. The No. 25 overall player on my board, Watts gives them a big-play machine on the back end of the defense to pair with Jessie Bates III. Grabbing another safety in Billy Bowman Jr. gives them another source of potential takeaways, though it was a curious decision to double-dip at the position despite having so few picks and more needs to fill elsewhere.
Ignoring the interior of the defensive line, as well as the cornerback spot, wasn't the ideal scenario for Atlanta. Time will tell if the price they paid to move up for Pearce was worth it or not, but this defense should have way more juice in 2025.
GRADE: B+
Baltimore Ravens
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Georgia safety Malaki Starks.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: DL Aeneas Peebles (6th Round, No. 210 overall)
Letting the Ravens get S Malaki Starks at the end of the first round to pair with Kyle Hamilton was a terrible idea from the rest of the league. Considering K Justin Tucker is currently facing allegations of sexual misconduct, spending their second-round pick on Mike Green was certainly a decision, since his fall out of the first round was likely impacted by his own allegations of sexual assault from earlier in his college career.
Speaking of Tuckyer, the Ravens a sixth-rounder on his potential replacement in K Tyler Loop, and also stole Peebles (No. 106 overall on my board) in the same round. OTs Emery Jones Jr. and Carson Vinson should immediately bolster their depth and long-term upside at the edges of the offensive line, while LB Teddye Buchanan should make an instant impact on special teams while developing into a potential starter. CBs Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam were solid depth picks on Day 3.
There's some solid depth in this class (I'd hope so with 11 total picks), and Starks should make a huge impact right away. They hit all their major needs, and got solid value and multiple spots. I still question the decision to bring in Green while simultaneously replacing Tucker, though, despite the high upside for the Marshall pass rusher from an on-field standpoint.
GRADE: B
Buffalo Bills
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Arkansas defensive lineman Landon Jackson.© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Dorian Strong (6th Round, No. 177 overall)
Bolstering the defensive backfield was clearly a priority for the Bills, as they loaded up on corner help with first-rounder Maxwell Hairston, fifth-rounder Jordan Hancock, and a Day 3 bargain in Strong, getting bigger/faster/stronger across that whole unit. Trading up for DL T.J. Sanders in the second round was pricey, but he's a disruptive interior defender who should make a big impact right away. Pairing him with mountainous DL Deone Walker in the fourth round should bolster the defensive trenches immediately.
Day three featured a handful of other solid depth picks, but along with Strong, Buffalo landed another solid steal in third-round DE Landon Jackson, who was considered by many as a dark-horse candidate to sneak into the first round. He's a versatile edge player who can slide inside on passing downs, or hold his own on the edge on early down thanks to his size and power.
Not spending any of their nine selections on a running back (despite an extremely deep class) might signal their confidence in working out a long-term deal to keep James Cook (or that Ray Davis can eventually take over the starting role), but adding a blocking specialist in TE Jackson Hawes, some pass-catching upside in seventh-round WR Kaden Prather, and a potential swing tackle in Chase Lundt gave the offense some deserved help after spending their first five picks on defense.
GRADE: B
Carolina Panthers
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New Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: Edge Nic Scourton (2nd Round, No. 51 overall)
The Panthers decided that if they're gonna have to keep covering Mike Evans and Drake London, they might as well try and find their own version to help Bryce Young. WR Tetairoa McMillan was absolutely worthy of a top-10 pick, and should be a huge boost to Young and the passing game.
Double-dipping on edge rushers was a viable decision, especially considering the depth of this year's class, and the combination of Scourton and Princely Umanmielen gives them an ideal combination of value and upside on Day 2. Day 3 was full of solid depth additions on both sides of the ball, bolstering the trenches with DL Cam Jackson, and the secondary with S Lathan Ransom. Throw in two more pass-catchers for Young in WR Jimmy Horn and TE Mitchell Evans, and you've got a fairly balanced haul.
Spending a fourth-round pick on a running back while ignoring needs at cornerback and linebacker was puzzling, especially considering some of the other backs who were still available, and ranked higher on my board than Trevor Etienne. Overall, though, this class is a big win for Young, and they added tons of talent at the most premium position on defense.
GRADE: B
Chicago Bears
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Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Zah Frazier (5th Round, No. 169 overall)
Caleb Williams was a big winner this weekend, as the Bears loaded up on more help for their young franchise quarterback. First-round TE Colston Loveland gives him a mismatch weapon, and second-round WR Luther Burden III will be an absolute blast to watch in Ben Johnson's offense. Throw in massive OT Ozzy Trapilo in the second round, as well, and you've got one happy signal-caller.
Two second-round picks weren't enough for the Bears, who picked three times to kick off Day 2, adding a boom-or-bust prospect to their defensive front in DL Shemar Turner. He's explosive, athletic and disruptive, but needs to find more consistency if he wants to justify his draft slot. LB Ruben Hyppolite II was a late-riser after an impressive pro day workout that showed off his speed, but the fourth round felt a little early for a guy who was a projected UDFA by most.
Stealing a toolsy corner in the fifth round with Frazier was impressive, and OL Luke Newman could compete for a roster spot. RB Kyle Monangai gives them some power between the tackles, but it felt like the Bears traded back multiple times in earlier rounds after losing out on better options for their backfield. Not coming away with any edge rushers or a safety despite having four picks in the first two rounds could prove to be a costly decision, but the help for Williams should make an big impact.
GRADE: B-
Cincinnati Bengals
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Shemar Stewart after he is selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025 NFL Draft.Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: RB Tahj Brooks (6th Round, No. 193 overall)
Edge defender Shemar Stewart was an easy mock pick to the Bengals in the first round, as they love boom-or-bust types with size and physical tools, but he's risky after a lack of production in college. LB Demetrius Knight is a solid player on film, but he went a round too early for a 25-year-old who plays a non-premium position.
Third-rounder Dylan Fairchild and sixth-rounder Jalen Rivers should bolster Cincy's depth in front of Joe Burrow along the offensive line, and while double-dipping on off-ball linebackers was an odd decision, Barrett Carter was a bargain in the fourth round. Brooks gives the Bengals a solid No. 2 back who can spell Chase Brown while still bringing toughness and explosiveness.
There's some value and upside here, but where's the help for the interior of the defensive line or the secondary? A lot is riding on Stewart reaching his lofty ceiling, but passing up talented prospects at positions of more dire need in the early rounds could come back to bite a team that still thinks it can contend at full strength. It feels like a missed opportunity.
GRADE: C-
Cleveland Browns
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Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.© Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: QB Shedeur Sanders (5th Round, No. 144 overall)
Cleveland's draft class is like that one trip to Vegas: A wild ride with some questionable decisions, but a ton of fun and you ended up getting home safely with one helluva story to tell. Passing up the chance to take a rare talent like Travis Hunter is a risky move if he hits his limitless ceiling, but it's hard to argue with the haul the Browns got to move down just three spots in the first round.
DL Mason Graham fills an immediate need, even if he was more safe pick than high-upside play in the top five. Dropping LB Carson Schwesinger behind him gives the defense a tackling machine with a great backstory as a former walk-on, and RB Quinshon Judkins gives the offense a new workhorse back with a complete skill set. Things got weird when they took QB Dillon Gabriel over Sanders at the end of the third round, but they still made the no-brainer move to take Sanders anyway in the fifth round. Throw in more dynamic playmakers for the offense in TE Harold Fannin Jr. and RB Dylan Sampson, and you've got perhaps the most unique class in this entire draft.
We'll see if passing on Hunter was worth it, but outside of taking Gabriel a few rounds too early, this class filled some big needs for Cleveland, and was full of value. Not getting another edge rusher to pair with Myles Garrett wasn't ideal, but Sanders immediately becomes the most talented quarterback on the roster, and he could prove to be the biggest steal of the entire draft.
GRADE: A
Dallas Cowboys
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Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker is selected by the Dallas Cowboys.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Shavon Revel Jr. (3rd Round, No. 76 overall)
It wasn't sexy, but we should know by now that if there's a massive offensive lineman named Tyler, the Cowboys are taking him in the first round. OL Tyler Booker immediately fills the void left by recently retired future Hall of Famer Zack Martin, though he's not the flashiest first-round pick, he's a "set it and forget it" addition with immediate All-Pro potential.
Day 2 was steal city for Dallas, starting with second-rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku, who just happens to be the best pure edge rusher in this class not named Abdul Carter, and the No. 15 player on my board. Even coming off a season-ending knee injury, landing Revel halfway through the third round was highway robbery. The offense got a jolt of explosiveness in fifth-round RB Jaydon Blue, who has elite speed and should make a particular impact right away in the passing game.
Dallas honestly could have stopped after their first four picks, and I still would have given them the same lofty grade. After five more depth additions on Day 3 after Blue, the Cowboys are coming away with a fantastic group full of talent and value that balances out the absence of any wide receiver help.
GRADE: A
Denver Broncos
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Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Jahdae Barron (1st Round, No. 20 overall)
There were certainly more pressing needs for the Broncos in the first round than another blue-chip cornerback, but Barron was the No. 12 overall player on my board, and was clearly just too good to pass up. The needs were addressed on Day 2 with second-round RB R.J. Harvey Jr. and WR Pat Bryant, though there were higher-ranked players at both positions still available on my board.
Back-to-back edge rushers in the third and fourth rounds, Sai'vion Jones and Que Robinson, give Denver a ton of upside and promising physical tools at the position, and the sixth round is about the time where I find it acceptable to pick a punter like Jeremy Crenshaw. TE Caleb Lohner checks the depth box at that position, but they should have addressed the position earlier with a more instant-impact player.
Some of Denver's biggest needs were filled here, and the pass-rushing upside is fun. Barron should be a cornerstone player for the defense, but coming out of this draft with depth additions for the offensive line, nor along the interior of the defensive line was a huge question mark.
GRADE: B-
Detroit Lions
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© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: OL Miles Frazier (5th Round, No. 171 overall)
If you came to Dan Campbell's team looking for flash, that's your own fault. First-round DL Tyleik Williams is a run-stuffing mauler who will anchor the defensive front, and second-round OL Tate Ratledge brings top-end athleticism and tons of starting experience against SEC competition to the right guard spot.
WR Isaac TeSlaa is an intriguing prospect, but he was a late-round grade on my board, making him a curious pick in the third round. Frazier was the opposite as a solid value pick to continue bolstering the interior of the offensive line in the fifth round, and they finally addressed their need for an edge rusher with Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round.
Williams and Ratledge are tone-setters who came off the board in the right range, and should be able to make an instant impact in the starting lineup, but TeSlaa feels like a significant reach based on the other options available, and the Lions waited way too long to dip into this year's loaded class of edge defenders.
GRADE: B-
Green Bay Packers
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden is selected by the Green Bay Packers.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: None
Sorry, Packers fans, but they didn't draft a single player who was ranked higher on my board than their actual draft slot. That's not to say they didn't add some promising talent, though. Matthew Golden finally broke the streak of Green Bay avoiding first-round wide receivers, and his elite speed and route-running ability should bring some instant juice to the passing game.
Second-round OT Anthony Belton is a powerful blocker with plenty of starting experience, but he doesn't have the versatility the Packers typically prioritize at the position, and he carried a fourth-round grade on my board. Third-round WR Savion Williams is a fun player with some upside, but it was odd to see Green Bay double-dip at that position before attacking any of their holes on defense.
The defensive trenches finally got some help on Day 3, as did the corner spot, followed by another offensive line pick. Golden will carry this class, and Belton has a high floor as a potential starter at left tackle at some point, but Williams will need to hit his lofty ceiling to make up for the fact that Green Bay pushed their defensive needs too far down the board.
GRADE: C-
Houston Texans
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Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: S Jaylen Reed (6th Round, No. 187 overall)
After trading out of the first round, Houston crushed their Day 2 selections, landing Iowa State's talented receiver duo of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, as well as OT Aireonate Ersery to replace Laremy Tunsil. Higgins and Noel's complementary skill sets will be a massive addition to the passing game, and Ersery should help keep C.J. Stroud upright.
Third-round CB Jaylin Smith and fourth-round RB Woody Marks both came off the board at least a round too early, and ahead of a long list of higher-ranked prospects at their respective positions on my board. Reed was a top-100 player in my rankings, though, and gives them a ton of upside on the back end of the defense.
I love some of the players they landed, but Houston could have gotten better value at many of their other slots, and they waited far too long to address the interior of the defensive line. Ersery is a key addition, but ignoring the interior of the offensive line entirely was a big mistake. We'll see if their early home-run selections and a late-round bargain like Reed can make up for it.
GRADE: B-
Indianapolis Colts
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Kansas State running back DJ Giddens.© Ben Queen-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: RB DJ Giddens (5th Round, No. 151 overall)
Kicking things by having TE Tyler Warren fall into their lap in the first round was huge, as the Colts landed the No. 5 overall player on my board at the No. 14 pick. Second-rounder JT Tuimoloau is a polished, well-rounded edge defender can make impact plays on all three downs, and will be a valuable presence in the locker room.
Third-round CB Justin Walley had a late 7th-round grade on my board, making him one of the biggest reach picks of Day 2 across the entire league. while massive fourth-round OT Jalen Travis was a solid swing tackle addition thanks to his starting experience on both sides of the line. Giddens is a home-run hitter who gives the Colts an immediate upgrade at RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor, and could have easily been a Day 2 pick.
DL Tim Smith and S Hunter Wohler bolster the defensive depth and should have special teams value, while QB Riley Leonard is an intriguing addition to the quarterback room. Most of these picks were solid value, and all of Indy's major needs were met across the board.
GRADE: B
Jacksonville Jaguars
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New Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union
Steal of the Class: OL Jonah Monheim (7th Round, No. 221 overall)
New GM James Gladstone wasted little time making a splash, trading up to the No. 2 overall pick for WR/CB Travis Hunter, the top prospect in the entire draft. It was a costly move in terms of draft capital, but the Jags are getting a rare and unique talent who could prove to be a buy-one, get-one player worthy of the cost.
Even with the trade-up, Jacksonville still made nine selections this weekend. They added speed and versatility to the secondary with DB Caleb Ransaw (though the third round was too early), and OL Wyatt Milum gives them a physical presence who can play multiple positions in the offensive trenches. Fourth-round RB Bhayshul Tuten is a speed demon who could be the new Bucky Irving for first-time head coach Liam Coen.
The rest of Day 3 brought plenty of intriguing depth selections (I love the pass-rushing upside of and versatility of LB/edge rusher Jalen McLeod), something that should show through immediately on special teams. Even without a second-rounder this year and a first-rounder next year, this class should have Jags fans thrilled for the future under this new regime.
GRADE: A
Kansas City Chiefs
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Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals.© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Steal of the Class: WR Jalen Royals (4th Round, No. 133 overall)
This just isn't fair. GM Brett Veach knocked this one out of the area code, let alone the ballpark. Trading down one spot in the first round and still landing the potential franchise left tackle that has long eluded them in Josh Simmons was a strong start, and the defensive trenches got instant-impact players in DL Omarr Norman-Lott and edge rusher Ashton Gillotte on Day 2.
Third-round CB Nohl Williams is ballhawk who is a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Steve Spagouolo's scheme, and as the No. 37 overall player on my board, Royals was one of the biggest steals of the entire draft. Landing LB Jeffrey Bassa in the fifth round was another huge bargain, and RB Breshard Smith could be one of the few seventh-round picks in this draft who makes a huge impact right away for a Super Bowl contender.
Explosive weapons and a new blind-side protector for Patrick Mahomes, and value picks to bolster every level of the defense? This class will keep the Chiefs among the NFL's elite after a disappointing end to last season, and annoy everyone who is tired of seeing them go deep in the playoffs every year.
GRADE: A+
Las Vegas Raiders
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New Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: DL JJ Pegues (6th Round, No. 180 overall)
Landing RB Ashton Jeanty outside of the top five was a great way for new GM John Spytek to start his tenure in Vegas, and Day 2 delivered two more solid additions in WR Jack Bech and CB Darien Porter, both of whom should make an immediate impact and bring a ton of upside on either side of the ball. Double-dipping on promising offensive linemen in the third round with Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant was also a wise investment in the future.
Fourth-round WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. was an Al Davis throwback pick with his combination of size and speed, and the defensive line got much deeper with the Day 3 additions of Tonka Hemingway (one of the best names in the draft) and Pegues. Grabbing a couple of FCS quarterbacks in Tommy Mellott (who is converting to receiver) and Cam Miller was a fun use of two sixth-rounders, and seventh-round LB Cody Lindenberg should have instant value on special teams.
The Raiders hit all of their major needs, got solid value at just about every spot, bolstered their depth in the trenches on both sides of the ball, took some entertaining late-round flyers, and got one of the few truly elite players in this draft in Jeanty. That's a huge win for Spytek and company.
GRADE: A
Los Angeles Chargers
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Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II.(Rich Barnes-Imagn Images)
Steal of the Class: TE Oronde Gadsden II (5th Round, No. 165 overall)
The Chargers had two primary objectives heading into this draft: Get more weapons for Justin Herbert, and rebuild the trenches on defense. They came out of the gate attacking the first task, grabbing a dynamic three-down playmaker in first-round RB Omarion Hampton, followed by a big-play target with size and speed in second-round WR Tre Harris.
In the third round, they landed the perfect interior anchor in DL Jamaree Caldwell, and got a bargain in the fourth round with edge defender Kyle Kennard to bolster their depth there after the departure of Joey Bosa. They added more firepower for the passing game with a pair of fifth-round picks, stealing a matchup nightmare in Gadsden, and adding another high-upside threat in WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith. S R.J. Mickens was another solid value pick in the sixth round.
Another team that did a fantastic job of nailing their most glaring needs without having to reach at really any early slot, the Chargers are giving Herbert a ton of help with high-end potential, and the defensive front got two guys who can make a big impact now and in the future.
GRADE: A
Los Angeles Rams
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Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: LB Chris Paul Jr. (5th Round, No. 172 overall)
It might have been underwhelming for Rams fans when they traded out of the first round entirely and landing back near the halfway point of the second round, but getting an additional first-rounder in 2026 from the Falcons was a huge win. Second-round TE Terrance Ferguson will be a valuable, versatile weapon in Sean McVay's offense, and third-round edge rusher Josaiah Stewart brings an ideal blend of physical traits and intangibles.
Fourth-round RB Jarquez Hunter is a fun player on tape, but going that route at that point in the draft was curious, given the more pressing needs the Rams had elsewhere. DL Ty Hamilton was a solid value pick in the fifth round, while Paul was one of the best bargains in the entire draft based on my board. WR Konata Mumpfield is another ideal scheme fit who could easily outplay his seven-round draft slot.
There's plenty of value and upside here, but going the whole draft without bolstering the offensive line depth or addressing a massive need at cornerback is risky for the Rams. That said, I love some of the players they added, and their grade is boosted by the addition of that extra first-round pick in next year's draft.
GRADE: B+
Miami Dolphins
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Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: DL Jordan Phillips (5th Round, No. 143 overall)
Miami definitely needed a boost along the interior of their defensive line, but Kenneth Grant felt like a bit of a reach at No. 13 overall, considering the impressive depth of this year's class at the position. That was evidenced later by their ability to land Phillips in the third round (No. 86 overall on my board). Trading up in the second round for OL Jonah Savaiinaea left the Dolphins skinny on mid-round picks, but he's massive, versatile, and worth a top-40 pick.
CB Jason Marshall Jr. and S Dante Trader Jr. were solid depth additions for the secondary in the fifth round, and RB Ollie Gordon II gives them some thunder to along with the lightning in the offensive backfield. He could prove to be a steal if he returns to his 2023 form. QB Quinn Ewers was well worth a late-round flyer, while this year's defensive line depth gave them another bargain in seventh-rounder Zeek Biggers.
This defensive front got a lot better, Savaiinaea should start immediately at guard with long-term potential to slide out to tackle, and the combination of depth, value and upside was strong across the rest of the draft. Outside of coming away without another linebacker or tight end, this was a strong haul.
GRADE: B
Minnesota Vikings
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Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson.Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: LB Kobe King (6th Round, No. 201 overall)
With just five total picks, and only two of them coming in the first four rounds, the Vikings had to make the most of every chance to fill needs and add talent. Trading back in the first round would have been ideal to maximize value and add more picks, but it's hard to argue with landing one of the best offensive linemen in the draft in Donovan Jackson, who has proven he can play both guard and tackle at a high level.
Third-round WR Tai Felton brings more speed and explosiveness to the passing game, giving them more upside in the WR3 spot alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Fifth-round DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins gives them some upside along the interior of the defensive front, and King was a strong value pick to bolster depth and special teams. TE Gavin Bartholomew was a solid value in the sixth round.
Minnesota didn't have much to work with here without an early trade-back, but not getting any help for the defensive backfield wasn't ideal. Jackson is a stud and Felton could push for early playing time, but it's hard to imagine this class making a big impact right away for a team that wants to keep contending in a tough division.
GRADE: C
New England Patriots
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New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: Edge Bradyn Swinson (5th Round, No. 146 overall)
This draft class had to be about helping Drake Maye first and foremost, and then finding culture guys that fit the way Mike Vrabel wants to run his team. Top-five pick Will Campbell gives Maye the franchise left tackle he needs, while Day 2 picks in RB TreVeyon Henderson and WR Kyle Williams bring a ton of explosiveness and big-play ability to the offense.
OL Jared Wilson was a strong value pick in the third round, and could easily be New England's starting center when Week 1 rolls around. Day 3 was full of solid depth additions (mostly on defense), a run that started with back-to-back bargains for the defensive front in fourth-round DL Joshua Farmer (No. 80 overall on my board) and Swinson (No. 82) in the fifth round. Adding a new kicker and long-snapper in the later rounds felt like the most Patriots thing possible.
The Pats hit all the right notes here. They loaded up early on help for their young franchise quarterback, both in the trenches and in terms of playmaking weapons, and got great value with their defensive depth additions the rest of the way. This group should make an immediate impact while raising the ceiling of New England's bright future with Vrabel and Maye at the helm.
GRADE: A
New Orleans Saints
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Kansas running back Devin Neal.Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: RB Devin Neal (6th Round, No. 184 overall)
The retirement of Ryan Ramczyk and the decision to not pick of the fifth-year option on former first-round pick Trevor Penning signaled that the Saints would prioritize offensive tackle early in this draft, and they did just that with Kelvin Banks Jr. in the top 10. He can start on the left side, allowing Taliese Fuaga to move back to his more natural spot on the right.
Taking QB Tyler Shough over Shedeur Sanders will be scrutinized for years to come, and the former's age and injury history makes it a questionable pick at best. He was a fourth-round grade on my board. After that, New Orleans rattled off four straight picks that addressed every level of their defense, getting tone-setters in DL Vernon Broughton, S Jonas Sanker and LB Danny Stutsman before landing one of the biggest steals in the entire draft with fourth-round CB Quincy Riley.
That pick was only eclipsed when they landed Neal, who could easily prove to be the biggest bargain from this year's loaded running back class. Not getting a wide receiver out of this class wasn't ideal, but I loved most of what the Saints did here. Unfortunately, if Shough doesn't doesn't prove to be a franchise passer for the foreseeable future, the rest might not matter.
GRADE: B-
New York Giants
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New York Giants first-round pick Abdul Carter.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: OL Marcus Mbow (5th Round, No. 154 overall)
Taking Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall didn't fill any of their most immediate needs, but it still gave them one of the few truly elite prospects in this draft, and you can never have too many explosive pass rushers. Trading back into the first round for QB Jaxson Dart was a bold but risky move that's banking on Brian Daboll's ability to develop a talented (if inconsistent) quarterback with strong physical tools.
DL Darius Alexander was a bargain at the top of the third round, and gives the Giants another disruptive force along the interior next to Dexter Lawrence. Fourth-round RB Cam Skattebo's powerful, physical running style will be the perfect complement to Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Mbow is a versatile blocker who should have been a Day 2 selection.
Waiting until the seventh round to address their need at cornerback could come back to bite them this season, and not spending a single pick on a linebacker or wide receiver was puzzling. That said, the Giants got some elite talent at a premium position, a young quarterback with some upside, and great value in the trenches on both sides of the ball, as well as a fan-favorite running back who will excel in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
GRADE: B+
New York Jets
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LSU tight end Mason Taylor.© SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Azareye'h Thomas (3rd Round, No. 73 overall)
The Jets matched value and need perfectly in the top 10 with OT Armand Membou, who gives them an immediate and long-term upgrade at right tackle. I spent the past few months mocking TE Mason Taylor here in the second round, and they made that sensible pick to give QB Justin Fields a reliable, well-rounded target in the passing game.
A lack of ideal speed kept Thomas on the board until the third round, but his size, length and physicality make him a dominant press corner who should thrive under new head coach Aaron Glenn. Fourth-round WR Arian Smith is a burner, but he struggles with drops, while S Malachi Moore brings versatility and leadership after coming off the board 20 picks later. A pair of fifth-rounders added helpful depth on defense that should also contribute on special teams.
Membou, Taylor and Thomas should all make a big impact right away at key positions of need, and were strong value picks. Not getting any help for Quinnen Williams along the defensive line wasn't an ideal scenario, but otherwise, this is a strong haul for a Jets team trying to transform their culture under a new management.
GRADE: B
Philadelphia Eagles
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New Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: OT Cameron Williams (6th Round, No. 207 overall)
I know there are injury concerns that caused LB Jihaad Campbell to fall to the end of the first round, but if he's able to stay healthy, letting him land in Philly will prove to be a huge mistake by the rest of the league. Second-round S Andrew Mukuba is a strong scheme fit and the ideal replacement for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and fourth-round DL Ty Robinson brings a rare blend of size, athleticism and verstility to the table.
The rest of Day 3 was full of solid value picks and promising upside plays for the Eagles, including a pair of sixth-round offensive tackles in Williams and Myles Hinton, who landed in the perfect place to develop and maximize their physical traits. QB Kyle McCord is a perfect backup to land in the sixth round, and edge rusher Antwuan Powell-Ryland could have easily come off the board a couple of rounds earlier.
Campbell's durability will be key for this class' success, but it's easy to see how the Eagles could get a ton of value out of this group on both sides of the ball, building up their depth and boosting their long-term potential at multiple positions as they look to defender their title in 2025.
GRADE: B+
Pittsburgh Steelers
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Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson.Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com
Steal of the Class: RB Kaleb Johnson (3rd Round, No. 83 overall)
Yes, the Steelers needed a quarterback. But they also needed to reestablish their identity as a physical team on both sides of the ball, and they attacked that task instead across the early rounds. DL Derrick Harmon was the perfect first-round pick as the understudy to Cam Heyward, and he's got the perfect skill set and playing style to set that punishing tone along the interior.
Johnson is a smooth, powerful downhill runner who should help improve the ground game and keep the offense balanced. Fourth-round edge rusher Jack Sawyer is another tough, high-effort player who fits the culture, and the same goes for massive fifth-round DL Yahya Black. QB Will Howard was worthy of a sixth-round pick as a solid backup, while seventh-round LB Carson Bruener was a fun legacy pick. Taking CB Donte Kent in the seventh round gives the Steelers some upside and depth as a late-round flyer.
If it wasn't going to be Shedeur Sanders, the Steelers were wise to prioritize other needs with players who fit that team identity they're trying to recapture. They're not going to compete for Super Bowls again until they do find a legitimate franchise quarterback (and no, that's not Aaron Rodgers), but this class can help rebuild the foundation of the roster while they look to the future to find that guy.
GRADE: B
San Francisco 49ers
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Georgia edge defender Mykel Williams.Jordan Prather/Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: DL CJ West (4th Round, No. 113 overall)
Free agency departures left the 49ers with a ton of needs on defense, and they attacked them right away in the early rounds. There were other edge rushers I would have taken over Mykel Williams at No. 11 overall, but he's got a ton of upside if he can stay healthy and polish his technique. Second-round DL Alfred Collins has physical tools similar to Chris Jones, and though LB Nick Martin came off the board a couple of rounds too early, he's got range and athleticism that gives him starter upside.
The third round felt a little early for CB Upton Stout, and the 49ers had a bigger need for an outside corner with size and length rather than an undersized guy who fits best in the slot at the next level. West was a bargain that further beefs up the defensive front, and that double-dip was needed based on the previous state of the depth chart.
A Day 3 running back and a late-round quarterback should have been expected, especially with 11 picks to work with. Waiting to address the offensive line until the seventh round wasn't the best decision, either. I like that they filled their biggest needs here, but the value was questionable on multiple picks based on my board.
GRADE: C
Seattle Seahawks
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Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: RB Damien Martinez (7th Round, No. 223 overall)
Addressing the interior of the offensive line had to be the top priority for Seattle, and first-round OL Grey Zabel has the versatility to play any spot across that entire unit, making him a smart pick. Trading up in the second round for uber-athletic S Nick Emmanwori gives Mike McDonald his new Kyle Hamilton, and was one of many bargain picks the Seahawks landed in this class.
Second-round TE Elijah Arroyo could be a valuable pass-catching weapon if he's able to stay healthy, and the upside of QB Jalen Milroe was too much to pass up in the third round, giving Seattle a long-term project that could turn into a lucrative investment in a couple of years. Depth in the backfield wasn't an issue, but Martinez was a massive steal in the seventh round, and Day 3 WRs Tory Horton and Ricky White III would great value additions with a ton of potential.
This class filled Seattle's biggest needs across all seven rounds, gave them some perfect scheme fits that should have an immediate impact, and gives them some high-end upside at premium positions that could pay off in a big way down the road.
GRADE: A
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson.© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: WR Tez Johnson (7th Round, No. 235 overall)
Despite all of their glaring needs on defense, the Bucs pulled a shock in the first round with WR Emeka Egbuka, but he might be the biggest can't-miss prospect in the entire draft, so it's hard to blame them. They went after those defensive needs with a fury after that, doubling up on Day 2 defensive backs with versatile CBs Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, and bolstering the pass rush with small-school edge rusher David Walker and DL Elijah Roberts.
Morrison would have been a first-round lock if not for a season-ending hip injury, but he had a recent private workout to show teams he's back to full strength. Both he and Parrish have played outside and in the slot, but Morrison likely projects outside while the undersized by fast and feisty Parrish should be their new nickelback. Roberts' versatility will be a perfect fit in Todd Bowles' defense, and he'll get the most out of Walker's pass-rushing chops.
Double-dipping at receiver in the seventh round was odd, but Johnson was a huge bargain who could make an instant impact in the return game as he works his way into the rotation on offense. Not coming away with an off-ball linebacker hurts, but that was easily the weakest position group in this year's class. Tampa Bay got a strong balance of value and upside here, hitting most of their major needs without reaching.
GRADE: B+
Tennessee Titans
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Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward.Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: OL Jackson Slater (5th Round, No. 167 overall)
The Titans made the right call to take QB Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, as his combination of mental and physical traits give him the kind of upside that was worthy of passing up the elite prospects at other positions in this class. Edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo has a limitless ceiling that was worth gambling on in the second round, and he fills the biggest need for this defense.
S Kevin Winston Jr. might have been a first-round pick if he hadn't gotten hurt last season, making him an absolute steal halfway through the third round. The next four picks were all about building around Ward, with a trio of talented pass-catchers in WRs Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, as well as TE Gunnar Helm. Ayomanor was another huge win on value. Slater carried a fourth-round grade on my board, and could immediately push for a starting job along the interior of the offensive line.
Depth for the running back and cornerback groups with a pair of sixth-rounders was helpful, but this class will go as Ward goes. The Titans loaded up on young talent to put around him on that side of the ball, and Oladejo could be a star after a couple of years of development. They could have used an off-ball linebacker at some point, but that's my only gripe for an otherwise strong class.
GRADE: B+
Washington Commanders
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Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos.© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Steal of the Class: CB Trey Amos (2nd Round, No. 61 overall)
Addressing the offensive line was a must, even after acquiring Laremy Tunsil in a trade from the Texans, but taking OT Josh Conerly Jr. over Josh Simmons in the first round could prove to be a questionable decision of Simmons returns to his pre-injury form from last season. They made up for that by stealing Amos at the end of the second round, a top-five corner in this class who would have been a stellar pick for them in the first round.
WR Jaylin Lane was underrated due to his smaller frame, but his explosiveness is exactly what Jayden Daniels and the Washington passing game needed to line up alongside Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. Don't be surprised if he gets on the field earlier than most fourth-round picks, and makes a big impact. After another long wait, the Commanders landed two more sleeper prospects in LB Kain Medrano and RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, both of whom bring athleticism and upside to either side of the ball as late-round picks.
There's only so much you can do with just five picks, and the Commanders addressed some needs while getting more explosive and adding a ton of potential. I know you can't fix everything in one draft class, especially with less than a full slate of picks, but it's hard to stomach Washington ignoring their massive need for an impact edge rusher, despite an extremely deep class at the position.
GRADE: C+
Related: Why Shedeur Sanders Can Have the Last Laugh
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Related: From Cam Ward to Jihaad Campbell, the 8 Best Scheme Fits in the First Round of the 2025 Draft
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