2026 NFL Complete Draft Review

At the end of a historic draft class & night, there’s always going to be winners and losers. Here’s a list of all 32 teams, their new additions & why I think they work, or don’t:

Los Vegas Raiders, Grade: A-

I think the Raiders made their draft on Day 3, as Jermod McCoy and Mike Washington were both steals for where they got them. McCoy, once mocked in the first round on draft boards, fell to the first pick of Day 3 due to knee injury concerns. Washington, who rushed for over 1,000 yards, scored 9 TDs, and ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, looks to be just who the Raiders needed to back up Jeanty.

Vegas’s future is bright in the hands of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza is given a unique opportunity to slide into a role that has been expecting him for months. Because of that, everything the Raiders have done this offseason is to make Mendoza’s job as easy as possible on Day 1.

(1-1) QB, Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
(2-6) S, Treydan Stukes, Arizona
(3-3) EDGE, Keyron Crawford, Auburn
(3-27) C, Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
(4-1) CB, Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
(4-22) RB, Mike Washington Jr, Arkansas
(5-10) S, Dalton Johnson, Arizona
(5-35) CB, Hezekiah Masses, California
(6-14) WR, Malik Benson, Oregon
(7-13) DT, Brandon Cleveland, N.C. State

New York Jets, Grade: B

The Jets, trying to turn around decades of bad luck, are hoping this is the class to do it. The group features three players who played in last year’s National Championship, a combine record-setter at the tight end position, and David Bailey, the high-end talent from Texas Tech. This draft class for the Jets has potential and young talent everywhere.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik is the most intriguing pick of this lot. Once thought to be a future #1 overall pick, he found himself going on Day 3 to the Jets. It will be a tall hill to climb, but the once-revered talent has a chance to compete in a room with Geno Smith at the helm.

(1-2) EDGE, David Bailey, Texas Tech
(1-16) TE, Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
(1-30) WR, Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana
(2-18) CB, D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
(4-3) DT, Darrell Jackson Jr, Florida State
(4-10) QB, Cade Klubnik, Clemson
(6-7) G, Anez Cooper, Miami
(7-12) S, VJ Payne, Kansas State

Arizona Cardinals, Grade: B-

The Cardinals started this draft off extremely well. Taking Love, with his unmatched athleticism, 3rd overall will prove to be a valuable pick for this young offense.

Where I thought Arizona reached and actually hurt their draft was in rounds 3–5. Mike LaFleur could’ve been more active on the phone, moving up or down boards.

I thought Carson Beck in the 3rd round was one of the worst picks of the draft. Instead, the Cardinals could’ve prioritized positional value and built a team ready to receive a better quarterback next season when they are more prepared. Beck will not start over Jacoby Brissett, and he wasn’t the direction this team should’ve gone.

(1-3) RB, Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
(2-2) G, Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
(3-1) QB, Carson Beck, Miami
(4-4) DT, Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana
(5-3) WR, Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech
(6-2) LB, Karson Sharar, Iowa
(7-1) OT, Jayden Williams, Mississippi

Tennessee Titans, Grade: B+

An impressive draft from a new coaching staff in Tennessee. Head coach Robert Saleh has a clear plan and vision for the identity of this Titans team.

Brian Daboll will have a blast coaching Cam Ward and Carnell Tate together. The late-round addition of Fernando Carmona adds another dimension of strength and grit.

Faulk, Hill, and Marshall are all pieces that Saleh is hoping will make impacts on Day 1. The Titans ended up having the quietest successful draft.

(1-4) WR, Carnell Tate, Ohio State
(1-31) EDGE, Keldrick Faulk, Auburn
(2-28) LB, Anthony Hill Jr, Texas
(5-2) G, Fernando Carmona, Arkansas
(5-25) RB, Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
(6-3) DT, Jackie Marshall, Baylor
(6-13) C, Pat Coogan, Indiana
(7-9) TE, Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma

New York Giants, Grade: A

The Giants did everything they could to help John Harbaugh hit the ground running this season. Adding Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa gave them exactly what they needed. Reese provides a large, dynamic frame that can be placed in various spots on the field and succeed. Mauigoa provides strong-side protection, a position in high demand to help their second-year quarterback, Jaxson Dart.

Not only did the Giants crush the top of their boards, but I think they also got several guys later on that they were targeting from the start. Colton Hood fell to the second round despite being a top defensive back in the class; a 4.44 40-yard dash and a 40.5-inch vertical jump from a 6’0″ frame will help the Giants.

Other additions, like receiver Malachi Fields and seventh-round pick Jack Kelly from BYU, are players I feel make the Giants better. New York is trying to help a young offense transition to a new head coach, and a great draft is the way to start that.

(1-5) EDGE, Arvell Reese, Ohio State
(1-10) OT, Francis Mauigoa, Miami
(2-5) CB, Colton Hood, Tennessee
(3-10) WR, Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
(6-5) DT, Bobby Jamison Travis, Auburn
(6-11) OT, J.C. Davis, Illinois
(6-12) LB, Jack Kelly, BYU

Kansas City Chiefs, Grade: A-

The Kansas City Chiefs had an excellent draft, a reminder of who the AFC runs through: Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. Adding elite talent just about everywhere really backs that up. Delane and Woods already made for a decent first round; however, where the Chiefs really won the draft was in the middle rounds.

R Mason Thomas didn’t have the collegiate stats of Reese or Bailey, but only because he was double-teamed every play at Oklahoma while Reese and Bailey weren’t. He is an elite-level talent who is going to pull linemen away so that Karlaftis and Jones have great seasons next year.

The steal of the draft could be Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson. Johnson is a pure runner who rushed for almost 1,500 yards last season at 5.8 yards per carry. He added 12 touchdowns and landed in the fifth round after running a 4.56 40-yard dash at the combine. The Chiefs could use a piece like him, as they were eighth-to-last in rushing yards last year.

(1-6) CB, Mansoor Delane, LSU
(1-29) DT, Peter Woods, Clemson
(2-8) EDGE, R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
(4-9) CB, Jadon Canady, Oregon
(5-21) RB, Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
(5-36) WR, Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati
(7-33) QB, Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Washington Commanders, Grade: B

Six effective picks for the Commanders this year. Sonny Styles is an animal at 6’5″ and 244 pounds. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and recorded a 43.5″ vertical jump and an 11’1″ broad jump. That alone is enough to send a player to the first round, but for Styles, it translates to the field well. He can read the field and see over traffic; he comes downhill with authority and matches anyone’s power at contact.

Athleticism is what wideout Antonio Williams offers standout Commander’s quarterback Jayden Daniels, speed to stretch the field and an underrated special team’s element to go along with it. Williams would have been a steal for any team in the mid-rounds, but he fits in perfectly here in Washington.

The Commanders hope to return to their 2024 NFC Championship form this year. They need to focus on leaning on and developing young talent to help them achieve sustained success. A solid draft class from Washington offers just that.

(1-7) LB, Sonny Styles, Ohio State
(3-7) WR, Antonio Williams, Clemson
(5-7) EDGE, Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
(6-6) RB, Kaytron Allen, Penn State
(6-28) C, Matt Glubin, Michigan State
(7-7) QB, Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers

New Orleans Saints, Grade: C+

The Saints went into this draft needing to address a lot of areas, and I think they hit a lot of what they wanted to cover. Arizona State standout Jordyn Tyson alongside Chris Olave, who is coming off a great season, should be fun to watch.

Defensive tackle Christen Miller and tight end Oscar Delp, both from Georgia, should make immediate impacts. Miller, at 6’4″ and 321 lbs, acts as a cork in what is now a good defensive front in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Delp has been incredibly consistent at Georgia as a phenomenal blocker.

The Saints have a long way to go to make any sort of noise, but I didn’t hate their draft. I think they’re a team with potential that is still looking for an identity; this is a step in the right direction.

(1-8)WR, Jordan Tyson, Arizona State
(2-10) DT, Christen Miller, Georgia
(3-9) TE, Oscar Delp, Georgia
(4-32) G, Jeremiah Wright, Auburn
(4-36) WR, Bryce Lance, NDSU
(5-32) S, Lorenzo Styles Jr, Ohio State
(6-9) WR, Barion Brown, LSU
(7-3) CB, TJ Hall, Iowa

Cleveland Browns, Grade: B-

Cleveland is another team that has a long way to go before anything special happens. However, there is some promise in this year’s haul for the Browns. Spencer Fano is going to be great for them. KC and Denzel are both solid receivers who will pair well with Jerry Jeudy, Harold Fannin, and Quinshon Judkins.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren fell further than expected, but do not let that change your mind about his skill. He is a phenomenal player who will make his name known quickly in that Cleveland building. He has special measurables that will help him continue to grow at the next level.

The Browns did a lot of moving around this year, and I think that’s what I like most about their draft. It shows the Browns’ front office cares and is pushing to make changes. Either way, it is still a long way to the top for Cleveland.

(1-9) OT, Spencer Fano, Utah
(1-24) WR, KC Conception, Texas A&M
(2-7) WR, Denzel Boston, Washington
(2-26) S, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
(3-22) OT, Austin Barber, Florida
(5-6) C, Parker Brailsford, Alabama
(5-9) LB, Justin Jefferson, Alabama
(5-30) TE, Joe Royer, Cincinnati
(6-1) QB, Taylen Green, Arkansas
(7-32) TE, Carsen Ryan, BYU

Dallas Cowboys, Grade: C+ – ?

The Dallas Cowboys sent shockwaves through the NFC East by drafting star safety Caleb Downs. He is a player who makes the Cowboys’ defense instantly better. The Cowboys also added three difference-makers on the defensive line in hopes of replacing Micah Parsons’ production.

While I did think the Cowboys improved through the draft, I believe many of their acquisitions were projects. If they work out, the Cowboys’ defense could look scary; however, only time will tell regarding the Cowboys’ draft this year.

(1-11) S, Caleb Downs, Ohio State
(1-23) EDGE, Malachi Lawerence, UCF
(3-28) EDGE, Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
(4-12) OT, Drew Shelton, Penn State
(4-14) CB, Devin Moore, Florida
(4-37) EDGE, LT Overton, Alabama
(7-2) WR, Anthony Smith, East Carolina

Miami Dolphins, Grade: C+

Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson are my two biggest question marks about this draft for Miami. Proctor, being the massive man he is, is a great run blocker and is good at a “bully ball” style of play. I can see that working out well in the run game with Achane carrying the rock. However, I think he is stiff in pass protection and has poor mobility against faster, bendier defenders.

Chris Johnson, the other first-round pick by the Dolphins, is a player I have a glass-half-full view on. He is a natural man-to-man defender. His instincts jump off the film as he comes downhill and delivers a powerful blow.

I thought Miami redeemed themselves in the latter half of the draft by moving around and taking talent when it was there. Miami is another team that has nowhere to go but up based on how they performed last season.

(1-12) OT, Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
(1-27) CB, Chris Johnson, San Diego State
(2-11) LB, Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
(3-11) WR, Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech
(3-23) TE, Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
(3-30) WR, Chris Bell, Louisville
(4-30) LB, Trey Moore, Texas
(4-38) LB, Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
(5-18) S, Michael Taaffe, Texas
(5-37) WR, Kevin Coleman Jr, Missouri
(5-40) TE, Seydou Traore, Mississippi State
(6-19) G, DJ Campbell, Texas
(7-22) EDGE, Max Llewellyn, Iowa

Atlanta Falcons, Grade: B

Like the Commanders, Atlanta had a small but effective draft class this year. Zachariah Branch is the name that immediately jumps off the board; Branch, who is coming off his best season yet with the Bulldogs, will replace Darnell Mooney perfectly. People like to say Branch never lived up to the hype, but if you look at the stats, they tell another story. Branch has averaged a little over 10 yards per catch across three seasons in college, and each year he improved his stats in categories like yards, touchdowns, and yards per game. This was a great pick by the Falcons, and I think Branch’s speed gives him a tremendously high ceiling.

Avieon Terrell will be a nice addition to an already loaded defensive back room that includes his older brother, A.J. Terrell. Kendal Daniels, Anterio Thompson, and Harold Perkins are players who could get serious playing time this season and are worth remembering for Falcons fans.

The Falcons didn’t have any picks that will blow you away, but overall, it was an effective class from a positional standpoint.

(2-16) CB, Avieon Terrell, Clemson
(3-15) WR, Zachariah Branch, Georgia
(4-34) LB, Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
(6-27) DT, Anterio Thompson, Washington
(6-34) LB, Harold Perkins, LSU
(7-15) OT, Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State

Los Angeles Rams, Grade: D+

After Matthew Stafford won the NFL MVP in a season where they came up short in the NFC Championship Game, the Rams did not have a draft that made me excited for their future. They reached on Ty Simpson, whom I don’t see as a high first-round talent. If they wanted him, I think they could’ve traded back and gotten him with more value; even still, it was a terrible pick.

Max Klare is a redemption pick for the Rams in the second round. I think he has NFL size and athleticism, and he is good in the run game as well. However, the Rams have a lot of tight ends, and Klare isn’t enough to spin this draft haul into a good one.

(1-13) QB, Ty Simpson, Alabama
(2-29) TE, Max Klare, Ohio State
(3-29) OT, Keegan Trost, Missouri
(6-16) WR, CJ Daniels, Miami
(7-16) DT, Tim Keenan, Alabama

Baltimore Ravens, Grade: B+

The Ravens went big and bold, and I love it. Every pick seemed right. Vega Ioane is going to fit in seamlessly in Baltimore’s new offensive scheme, blocking for Lamar Jackson. Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt are Day 1 difference-makers who could see real production as soon as this year. Adam Randall from Clemson was an underrated running back in this year’s class and will be a nice addition to a room with Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell.

Zion Young from Missouri was a first-round talent who fell to the Ravens in the middle of the second round. He recorded six sacks last season and produced film that flashes nothing but good hips and strong hands. Young and Chandler Rivers could see serious playing time this season.

(1-14) G, Vega Ioane, Penn State
(2-13) EDGE, Zion Young, Missouri
(3-16) WR, Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
(4-15) WR, Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
(4-33) TE, Matthew Hibner, SMU
(5-22) CB, Chandler Rivers, Duke
(5-33) TE, Josh Cuevas, Alabama
(5-34) RB, Adam Randall, Clemson
(6-30) P, Ryan Eckley, Michigan State
(7-34) DT, Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
(7-37) G, Evan Beerntsen, Northwestern

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Grade: B

I love this draft from the Bucs. It was simple, and they had so many guys fall into their lap. Reuben Bain was the first, falling from what was once top-five talk to the 15th pick. Bain, obviously, was a massive piece of a Miami defense that carried their team to the National Championship just months ago.

I thought wideout Ted Hurst from Georgia State was a great pick in the third round. He had almost 2,000 yards in just two years of playing time and added 15 touchdowns as a standout at Georgia State. Tampa gets a hell of a player there.

I loved the brand of players Tampa targeted in this draft. They are a team that should compete with Carolina and Atlanta in what continues to be a better division.

(1-15) EDGE, Reuben Bain Jr, Miami
(2-14) LB, Josiah Trotter, Missouri
(3-20) WR, Ted Hurst, Georgia State
(4-16) CB, Keionte Scott, Miami
(5-15) DT, Demonte Capehart, Clemson
(5-20) G, Billy Schrauth, Note Dame
(6-4) TE, Bauer Sharp, LSU

Indianapolis Colts, Grade: B+

Although Indy didn’t draft in the first round this year, I thought their draft was solid. CJ Allen fell into their lap at pick 21 in the second round. He’s a guy I thought was maybe a little stiff at times, but he is a leader and a football player.

Caden Curry from Ohio State could prove to be the steal of the draft for the Colts. I remember watching Ohio State games and asking who #92 was—he had 11 sacks just last season!

I love the draft for the Colts, who are hoping to return to their form from the beginning of last year when they had the ball rolling.

(2-21) LB, CJ Allen, Georgia
(3-14) S, AJ Haulcy, LSU
(4-13) G, Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
(4-35) LB, Byrce Boettcher, Oregon
(5-16) EDGE, George Gumbs Jr, Florida
(6-33) EDGE, Caden Curry, Ohio State
(7-21) RB, Seth McGowan, Kentucky
(7-38) WR, Deion Burks, Oklahoma

Detroit Lions, Grade: C

I wasn’t blown away by any of the picks from Detroit this year, and that upset me, as they are a team with a ton of potential who fell short last season. Their haul of players wasn’t necessarily bad, but I would’ve liked to see a guy or two who blew me out of the water.

Whenever I see a team draft from the same school and the same side of the ball, I love it. You get an instant connection on the field that feels contagious to a new player. I liked their defensive picks, especially linebacker Jimmy Rolder. The second-team All-Big Ten linebacker has a massive frame that allows him to see and read the field well. He’s quick to come downhill and meet ball carriers at the line.

I hope the Lions can revamp to their 2024 form this season and utilize the players they already have to make that happen, because this haul of guys won’t be enough to “turn the corner.”

(1-17) OT, Blake Miller, Clemson
(2-12) EDGE, Derrick Moore, Michigan
(4-18) LB, Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
(5-17) CB, Keith Abney II, Arizona State
(5-28) WR, Kendrick Law, Kentucky
(6-24) DT, Skylar Gill-Howard, Texas Tech
(7-6) DT, Tyre West, Tennessee

Minnesota Vikings, Grade: B-

Minnesota’s haul of players wasn’t a bad one by any means. Caleb Banks was a force at Florida, standing 6’6″ and 331 lbs. At the combine, Banks ran a 5.04-second 40-yard dash; pair that with elite strength, and he’ll be a rock on a Vikings defensive line that needs it.

Another pick I liked was fullback Max Bredeson. Max is a physical blocker who has great awareness and strength at contact. I would like to see him attack blocks at the next level instead of waiting for them. In a zone running scheme, Bredeson will be used and will turn heads on Sundays. He’ll be the guy you’re talking about when you ask, “Did you hear that?”

This is an underrated class for the Vikings, and I’m excited to see what they can accomplish with Kyler Murray and Justin Jefferson.

(1-18) DT, Caleb Banks, Florida
(2-19) LB, Jake Golday, Cincinnati
(3-18) DT, Domonique Orange, Iowa State
(3-33) OT, Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
(3-34) S, Jakobe Thomas, Miami
(5-19) FB, Max Bredeson, Michigan
(5-23) CB, Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin State
(6-17) RB, Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
(7-19) C, Gavin Gerhardt, Cincinnati

Carolina Panthers, Grade: A

I thought this class fit everything the Panthers are trying to do right now. After making the playoffs last season for the first time since 2017, the Panthers are trying to replicate that success and capitalize on their window.

I loved Chris Brazzell in the third round for the Panthers. He’s going to be a great addition to a receiver room that has a lot of talent now. The length of Brazzell is what jumps off the page at 6’4″. He ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the combine, which will help the Panthers stretch the field.

In the seventh round, the Panthers took a chance on Miami of Ohio standout linebacker Jackson Kuwatch. Kuwatch exploded statistically last season when given the opportunity to start, recording 109 tackles with 10 tackles for loss. He’s a guy who has a knack for coverage and coming downhill to deliver a blow; he just needs to work on reading the field and reacting faster.

(1-19) OT, Monroe Freeling, Georgia
(2-17) DT, Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
(3-19) WR, Chris Brazzell III, Tennessee
(4-29) CB, Will Lee III, Texas A&M
(5-4) C, Cam Hecht, Kansas State
(5-11) S, Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
(7-11) LB, Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH)

Philadelphia Eagles, Grade: A

Nothing short of a Howie Roseman miracle, as always, on draft night 2026. The Eagles moved up a few spots and stole USC standout Makai Lemon from Pittsburgh’s grasp, a move that Pittsburgh is reportedly not happy about. And I wouldn’t be either, losing a prospect like Lemon. He’s a speedy Amon-Ra St. Brown dupe who can line up anywhere or cook your favorite DB on a deep ball. Excellent pick from Philadelphia here.

Eli Stowers is the Dallas Goedert replacement, and yes, he is that good. He’s a blocking tight end with tremendous athletic ability that leaves him open with the ball in his hands a lot. He has a tendency to run cautiously and stiff with the ball, but those are things that can be fixed at the next level. Stowers could easily be a name that is thrown around Philly for a long time.

Everything down to the seventh round, where the Eagles had three picks, was full of potential. Cole Wisniewski has the potential to get serious special teams minutes this year. And Uar Bernard, from Nigeria, is going to be a multi-year project who could turn into… Myles Garrett? Great draft from the Eagles here.

(1-20) WR, Makai Lemon, USC
(2-22) TE, Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
(3-4) OT, Mark Bell, Miami
(5-38) QB, Cole Payton, NDSU
(6-26) G, Micah Morris, Georgia
(7-28) S, Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech
(7-35) DT, Uar Bernard, Nigeria
(7-36) EDGE, Keyshawn James Newby, New Mexico

Pittsburgh Steelers, Grade: B+

After not getting who they reportedly wanted in Makai Lemon, I thought the Steelers really redeemed themselves. Max Iheanachor wasn’t a panic pick after losing Lemon; he is a dawg who’s going to immediately plug into what the Steelers have.

I liked Drew Allar from Penn State and think he would’ve been a higher draft pick this year if it weren’t for losing his coach last season. He has elite deep ball ability and will legitimately be competing for the starting spot in Pittsburgh this year.

Eli Heidenreich is an animal that the U.S. military probably wishes they had gotten to keep. He ran a 4.44 40-yard dash at the combine and had an insane career at Navy, setting many school rushing and receiving records. Just last season, Heidenreich rushed for 500 yards and had 1,440 receiving yards. I genuinely think he could work his way up this roster, which just lost Kenneth Gainwell, and become a versatile gadget guy in Pittsburgh.

(1-21) OT, Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
(2-15) WR, Germie Bernard, Alabama
(3-12) QB, Drew Allar, Penn State
(3-21) CB, Daylen Everette, Georgia
(3-32) G, Gennings Dunker, Iowa
(4-21) WR, Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
(5-29) TE, Riley Nowakowski, Indiana
(6-29) DE, Gabe Rubio, Notre Dame
(7-8) S, Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma
(7-14) RB, Eli Heidenreich, Navy

Los Angeles Chargers, Grade: C+

I wasn’t the biggest fan of LAC’s draft. Akheem Mesidor feels like a guy who’s going to max out at 9 sacks, maybe once in his career. He had a lot of production on a loaded defense in Miami, and I don’t think it’ll translate to an elite level in the NFL. Especially because Mesidor is already 25 years old.

I didn’t think Safety Genesis Smith from South Carolina was a bad pick. He’s athletic and has a knack for finding the ball in the air. I just didn’t like him enough to bump this draft grade up from what is was.

I don’t think the Chargers are in a bad spot headed into next season, with Jim Harbaugh. I think they could’ve drafted better, or at least moved around a bit more to acquire more capital.

(1-22) EDGE, Akheem Mesidor, Miami
(2-31) C, Jake Slaughter, Florida
(4-5) WR, Brenen Thompson, Mississippi
(4-17) OT, Travis Burke, Memphis
(4-31) S, Genesis Smith, Arizona
(5-5) DT, Nick Barrett, South Carolina
(6-21) G, Logan Taylor, Boston College
(6-25) G, Alex Harkey, Oregon

Jacksonville Jaguars, Grade: B-

This isn’t the draft the Jaguars would’ve loved to have, but it was solid nonetheless. I thought Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon was a first-round talent who fell into the Jaguars’ hands. He has a strong base and experience in big games.

Wesley Williams from Duke was a workhorse for the Blue Devils’ defense. He has a high motor with feet that don’t stop. He’s always behind the line of scrimmage, though he can sometimes find himself too far upfield. He should see the field a bit in his first year.

The Jaguars are hoping this is the jump they need to win a few playoff games this upcoming season, but I doubt it.

(2-24) TE, Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
(3-17) DT, Albert Regis, Texas A&M
(3-24) G, Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
(3-36) S, Jalen Huskey, Maryland
(4-19) EDGE, Wesley Williams, Duke
(5-24) TE, Tanner Koziol, Houston
(6-10) WR, Josh Cameron, Baylor
(6-22) WR, CJ Williams, Stanford
(7-17) EDGE, Zach Durfee, Washington
(7-24) LB, Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee

Chicago Bears, Grade: A-

This is a blueprint of how a team should draft to continue making the playoffs. You attacked positions you needed, added corner and linebacker depth, and added a wildcard freak athlete.

Dillon Thieneman is the perfect replacement for the loss of aging safety Kevin Byard this offseason. He is great in coverage and has sideline-to-sideline speed. He has the ability to flip a switch, come downhill on a dime, and deliver a hit to any position.

Sam Roush from Stanford is a smart addition to a loaded tight end room. Roush was a standout in Palo Alto, California. He’s a large frame that can haul in any ball thrown his way. Roush can also block well and knows when to move to the next level.

(1-25) S, Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
(2-25) C, Logan Jones, Iowa
(3-5) TE, Sam Roush, Stanford
(3-25) WR, Zavion Thomas, LSU
(4-24) CB, Malik Muhammad, Texas
(5-26) LB, Keyshaun Elliot, Arizona State
(6-32) DT, Jordan Van Den Berg, Georgia Tech

Buffalo Bills, Grade: B+

The Bills are trying to stay relevant, and not having a first-round pick makes it difficult to do so. I liked Davison Igbinosun from Ohio State, a larger, outside corner with speed to match any receiver vertically. He also finished with 53 tackles, which is on the higher end for corners.

Skylar Bell from Connecticut will be the surprise of the draft for Buffalo. I can see him being a special teams guy early on with his speed and high motor, but Bell could transition into a serious threat for the Bills and Josh Allen. He had 1,278 yards (second in the FBS) and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award last season.

Buffalo cannot afford a losing season after firing their coach, Sean McDermott. Josh Allen needs to figure out his playoff problems and finally bring some winning to Buffalo.

(2-3) EDGE, TJ Parker, Clemson
(2-30) CB, Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
(4-2) OT, Jude Bowry, Boston College
(4-25) WR, Skylar Bell, UConn
(4-26) LB, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
(5-27) S, Jalen Kilgore, South Carolina
(5-41) DT, Zane Durant, Penn State
(7-4) CB, Toriano Pride Jr, Missouri
(7-23) P, Tommy Doman Jr, Florida
(7-25) G, Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M

San Francisco 49ers, Grade: B

At first, I thought Kyle Shanahan got a little too cute with his picks this year. After taking a deeper dive, I think he got a lot of steals with high value. No better example of this comes with the first pick of the second round. A lot of people thought maybe Denzel Boston or Zachariah Branch, but no one thought De’Zhaun Stribling would be the first receiver gone on Day 2. He had an athleticism score of 85 at the combine, in large part due to a 4.36 40-yard dash. The senior had 800 receiving yards last season and should be an instant fit for the Niners.

Kaelon Black is another great pick from Shanahan. Black was one of two 1,000-yard rushers for the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers last season. He led the team in rushing touchdowns with 10. He’s a hard runner who never stops his feet. He will be utilized by the infamous running back developer Kyle Shanahan as soon as next season.

Overall, I think this is the draft the Niners needed to stay competitive in the increasingly tough NFC West. They attacked needs and drafted late-round depth at corner and linebacker. San Francisco can expect to make a playoff push again next season.

(2-1) WR, De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi
(3-6) EDGE, Romello Height, Texas Tech
(3-26) RB, Kaelon Black, Indiana
(4-7) DT, Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
(4-27) OT, Carver Willis, Washington
(4-39) CB, Ephesians Prysock, Washington
(5-14) LB, Jaden Dugger, Louisiana
(5-39) OT, Enrique Cruz, Kansas

New England Patriots, Grade: B+

The New England Patriots can expect to be right back in the swing of things next season. Caleb Lomu seals up their O-line on a team that already made its way to a Super Bowl. He’s exactly what the Patriots wanted, and he is the reason they moved up to get him.

Eli Raridon in the third round is a steal. He is a 6’6″ tight end who runs a 4.6 40-yard dash. He’s going to be a phenomenal passing option alongside Hunter Henry next season for standout quarterback Drake Maye.

The Patriots only get better this year through the draft.

(1-28) OT, Caleb Lomu, Utah
(2-23) EDGE, Gabe Lucas, Illinois
(3-31) TE, Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
(5-31) CB, Karon Prunty, Wake Forrest
(6-15) OT, Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M
(6-31) LB, Namdi Obiazor, TCU
(7-18) QB, Behren Morton, Texas Tech
(7-29) RB, Jam Miller, Alabama
(7-31) EDGE, Quintayvious Hutchins, Boston College

Seattle Seahawks, Grade: A

For going to the Super Bowl just last season, Seattle’s coaching staff wasted no time attacking the draft. Every pick was a good one for the Hawks. Jadarian Price kicked it off for them at the end of the first round. Sitting behind Jeremiyah Love only made Price slip down draft boards; he is a hidden talent who is going to shine as a replacement for Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker.

Bud Clark and Julian Neal were two firecrackers that the Seahawks are going to enjoy this next season. After losing Riq Woolen to the Eagles, Seattle needed a replacement. Julian Neal was the perfect choice. He’s an athlete who is sticky in coverage; he can be placed on a number-one receiver if needed and can relieve stress for Devon Witherspoon.

Seattle’s coaching staff was firing on all cylinders this year starting with the 32nd pick.

(1-32) RB, Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
(2-32) S, Bud Clark, TCU
(3-35) CB, Julian Neal, Arkansas
(5-8) G, Beau Stephens, Iowa
(6-18) WR, Emmanuel Henderson Jr, Kansas
(7-20) CB, Andre Fuller, Toledo
(7-26) DT, Deven Eastern, Minnesota
(7-39) CB, Michael Dansby, Arizona

Green Bay Packers, Grade: C

Besides Brandon Cisse, nothing impresses me too much with Green Bay’s board this year. Cisse is a guy with high upside and a bundle of athleticism; if he shores up his man coverage, he can be a lethal defensive back for the Packers.

I wish the Packers had taken more risks this year. They’re a barely above-average team in a loaded NFC, and they needed a draft to bring them to the next level. Instead, I thought they drafted somewhat redundantly.

(2-20) CB, Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
(3-13) DT, Chris McClellan, Missouri
(4-20) EDGE, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
(5-13) C, Jager Burton, Kentucky
(6-20) CB, Domani Jackson, Alabama
(6-35) K, Trey Smack, Florida

Denver Broncos, Grade: C+

I didn’t think the Broncos’ draft was necessarily bad; for where they picked, they picked well positionally. I just wish they were a bit more aggressive. For a team that just missed the Super Bowl last season, losing to Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, I wish they had been more urgent to get over the hump.

I thought Jonah Coleman from Washington was an effective runner, scoring 15 touchdowns just last season. He’ll be a nice fit alongside JK Dobbins and rookie standout RJ Harvey.

Red Murdock is a hard worker from Buffalo with a crazy story of getting to the NFL draft and becoming the most recent Mr. Irrelevant. I can actually see him getting some decent special teams reps. Other than that, the Broncos had an okay draft and are looking to lean into the players they already have.

(3-2) DT, Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M
(4-8) RB, Jonah Coleman, Washington
(4-11) OT, Kage Casey, Boise State
(5-12) TE, Justin Joly, N.C. State
(7-30) S, Miles Scott, Illinois
(7-40) TE, Dallen Bentley, Utah
(7-41) LB, Red Murdock, Buffalo

Cincinnati Bengals, Grade: C

The Bengals may need a do-over. Cashius Clay is not Trey Hendrickson, and I can’t help but think Cincinnati just got worse this draft. They missed out on high-end defensive talent by not trading into the first round, and they also passed up high-end Day 2 guard talent that I thought they could’ve used.

Joe Burrow may never get the help he needs in Cincinnati after making a Super Bowl appearance in 2022. Colbie Young is a speedy receiver taken late in the fourth round, but he will be buried in a stacked receiver room.

Connor Lew has the potential to be the bright spot in the draft for the Bengals this season. He was a natural captain throughout college and has strong hands. I am concerned with his knee injury history, though, and I’m nervous about how that will affect him in the NFL against bigger interior linemen.

The Bengals really missed the mark here.

(2-9) EDGE, Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
(3-8) CB, Tacario Davis, Washington
(4-28) C, Connor Lew, Auburn
(4-40) WR, Colbie Young, Georgia
(6-8) C, Brian Parker II, Duke
(7-5) TE, Jack Endries, Texas
(7-10) DT, Landon Robinson, Navy

Houston Texans, Grade: B+

I loved some of the positional value the Texans had in mind going into the draft this year. Keyland Rutledge may give C.J. Stroud the time he needs to process defenses and get the ball out downfield. Stroud, with time, is an elite quarterback with unlimited arm strength, so interior offensive line help should impact the passing game tremendously.

Kayden McDonald is someone the Texans could’ve drafted at 26, and I would’ve been okay with it. He is a corkscrew of a defensive tackle and eliminates the running game of opposing defenses. I loved the value the Texans got by taking him on Day 2.

The Texans have one of the best defenses in the league, and it only gets better this offseason. Some help on the offensive side is just what they needed to get over the hump, and I thought they executed. The Texans can be a scary team coming up.

(1-26) G, Keyland Rutledge, Georgia Tech
(2-4) DT, Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
(2-27) TE, Marlin Klein, Michigan
(4-6) G, Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma
(4-23) LB, Wade Woodaz, Clemson
(5-1) S, Kamari Ramsey, USC
(6-23) WR, Lewis Bond, Boston College
(7-27) LB, Aiden Fisher, Indiana

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