NFL draft picks can significantly influence a team’s immediate success, as evidenced by recent performances from rookies. For instance, Jayden Daniels, selected as the No. 2 overall pick last year, played a pivotal role in leading the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship game. In another standout moment, Cooper DeJean, a second-round pick, made headlines with a pick-6 against Patrick Mahomes, contributing to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory over Kansas City. However, not all rookies make an instant impact; Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in 2024, faced challenges in Chicago, where the Bears finished with a disappointing 5-12 record and subsequently fired their coach.
Typically, it takes about two to three years to accurately evaluate a draft class. Nevertheless, here are the early grades on each team’s overall draft performance, as assessed by the Associated Press.
The Arizona Cardinals made a solid pick in defensive tackle Walter Nolen (16), who is expected to be a plug-and-play starter, going slightly higher than many projections. Cornerback Will Johnson (47) boasts first-round talent, albeit with some injury concerns that caused him to slip. Other picks like DL Jordan Burch (78) and LB Cody Simon (115) may require more development time.
The Atlanta Falcons fortified their defense by selecting edge rusher Jalon Walker (15), a top-10 prospect, which will enhance their pass rush. Additionally, trading up for edge James Pearce Jr. (26) could yield a significant impact, similar to the success the Eagles had after drafting cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean last season. Safety Xavier Watts (96) fits well into coach Raheem Morris’ scheme, while Billy Bowman Jr. (118) needs to show more consistency at the professional level.
The Baltimore Ravens made excellent choices, starting with safety Malaki Starks (27), who is both mature and talented, well-suited for a team that excels in developing safeties. Edge Mike Green Jr. (59) is a great value pick, having been projected as a first-round talent before slipping due to off-field concerns. OT Emery Jones Jr. (91) and LB Teddye Buchanan (129) are potential Day 3 steals.
The Buffalo Bills made strides in their secondary with the addition of cornerback Maxwell Hairston (30), who brings energy and aggressive coverage skills. Defensive lineman T.J. Sanders (41) will bolster the run defense, while edge rusher Landon Jackson (72), DL Deone Walker (109), and cornerback Jordan Hancock (170) enhance the depth of Buffalo’s defense.
The Carolina Panthers surprised many by drafting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (8) earlier than anticipated, despite some questions about his readiness. Edges Nic Scourton (51) and Princely Umanmielen (77) were excellent value picks expected to make immediate contributions to a defense in need of pass rushers. Additionally, running back Trevor Ettiene (114) and tight end Mitchell Evans (163) add further depth to the roster.
The Chicago Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland (10), an ideal fit for coach Ben Johnson’s offensive system. Wide receiver Luther Burden III (39), a first-round talent, provides Caleb Williams with another playmaker. Offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (77), standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 315 pounds, shows significant upside. Day 3 picks like DL Shemar Turner (62), LB Ruben Hyppolite II (132), and CB Zah Frazier (169) add further value to the class.
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted edge rusher Shemar Stewart (17), who is raw but possesses immense talent to bolster a defense in need. Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (49) is ready to contribute immediately, while LB Barrett Carter (119) shows promise. The team also addressed the offensive line with guard Dylan Fairchild (81) and left guard Jalen Rivers (153). Running back Tahj Brooks (193) could prove to be a steal in the sixth round.
The Cleveland Browns made a strategic move by trading the No. 2 pick to accumulate more draft capital, ultimately selecting defensive tackle Mason Graham (5). Although they were often mocked for considering quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the first round, they acquired him at No. 144 after drafting QB Dillon Gabriel (94), demonstrating great value. Other notable picks include LB Carson Schwesinger (33), RB Quinshon Judkins (36), and TE Harold Fannin Jr. (67).
The Dallas Cowboys secured guard Tyler Booker, who is an immediate starter, although they might have been able to trade down and still acquire him later. Edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku (44) and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (76) are excellent value picks that will enhance the defense. Running back Jaydon Blue (149) is noted for his explosive play, while LB Shemar James will benefit from the presence of Micah Parsons.
The Denver Broncos added cornerback Jahdae Barron (20), who was highly ranked on many draft boards, offering versatility to play multiple positions. Running back R.J. Harvey (60) has the potential to excel in coach Sean Payton’s offensive scheme.
The Detroit Lions selected defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28), a massive run defender taken higher than expected. Guard Tate Ratledge aims to improve the run game. They traded up for wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (70), providing Jared Goff with a significant target in the slot. Additionally, guard Miles Frazier (171) fits the offensive scheme while edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (196) is viewed as a sleeper pick.
The Green Bay Packers chose wide receiver Matthew Golden (23), a perfect fit for their offense. Offensive tackle Anthony Belton (6-foot-6, 336 pounds) brings versatility to the line. Wide receiver Savion Williams (87) adds depth for Jordan Love. Edge rusher Barryn Sorrell (124) is seen as a specialist, while Day 3 picks like LB Collin Oliver (159) and DT Warren Brinson (198) are solid choices.
The Houston Texans traded out of the first round, acquiring big wide receiver Jayden Higgins (34) to complement Nico Collins. Left tackle Aireontae Ersery (48) is expected to upgrade a rebuilt offensive line. In the third round, they added playmaker Jaylin Noel (79) for C.J. Stroud. Cornerback Jaylin Smith (97) and running back Woody Marks (116) were unexpected selections, while safety Jaylen Reed (187) offers good value. Quarterback Graham Mertz (197) has potential as a backup.
The Indianapolis Colts secured tight end Tyler Warren (14), who was a top-10 prospect on many boards. Edge rusher JT Tuimoloau (45) can make an immediate impact, while cornerback Justin Walley (80) may need more time to develop. Day 3 picks like offensive tackle Jalen Travis (127) and running back DJ Giddens (151) offer promising potential. Quarterback Riley Leonard (189) could eventually step in alongside Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move to acquire Travis Hunter (2), upgrading two key positions. Versatile cornerback Caleb Ransaw (88) enhances the secondary, while offensive tackle Wyatt Milum (89) and running back Bhayshul Tuten (104) are strong value additions. Drafting linebackers Jack Kiser (107) and Jalen McLeod (194) on Day 3 rounds out a well-executed draft class. Additionally, OT Jonah Monheim (221) and RB LeQuint Allen (236) are seen as potential sleepers in the later rounds.
The Kansas City Chiefs found great value in offensive tackle Josh Simmons (32). Defensive linemen Omarr Norman-Lott (63) and edge rusher Ashton Gillotte (66) are expected to strengthen the pass rush immediately. Cornerback Nohl Williams (85) was selected higher than anticipated but has the potential to excel. Wide receiver Jalen Royals (133) is an exciting addition to Andy Reid’s offense, while linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (156) and running back Brashard Smith (228) are potential late-round steals.
The Las Vegas Raiders landed the top player at his position in running back Ashton Jeanty (6). Wide receiver Jack Bech (58) has a high ceiling, while cornerback Darien Porter (68) shows excellent upside. The selection of offensive tackles Caleb Rogers (98) and Charles Grant (99) back-to-back is a highlight of Day 2. Additionally, wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. (108) offers a tall target for Geno Smith, while defensive linemen Tonka Hemingway (135) and JJ Pegues (180) add more depth.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected running back Omarion Hampton (22), who fits Jim Harbaugh’s style. Wide receiver Tre Harris (55) offers Justin Herbert another playmaker. Defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell (86) has potential, while edge rusher Kyle Kennard (125) may have been selected too early. Wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (158) stands out as a Day 3 highlight.
The Los Angeles Rams traded out of the first round to amass more draft capital, yielding three excellent picks to start: tight end Terrance Ferguson (46), edge rusher Josaiah Stewart (90), and running back Jarquez Hunter (117). Defensive lineman Ty Hamilton (148) and linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (172) also show promise.
The Miami Dolphins addressed an immediate need with defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (13) and guard Jonah Savaiinaea (37). They bolstered their defense further with defensive tackles Jordan Phillips (143), cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., and safety Dante Trader Jr. (155). Quarterback Quinn Ewers (231) represents strong value in the seventh round.
The Minnesota Vikings selected guard Donovan Jackson (24), known for his versatility and determination. Wide receiver Tai Felton (102) could excel alongside Justin Jefferson, while linebacker Kobe King (201) was their standout pick on Day 3. Edge rusher Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins adds depth at a position of strength.
The New England Patriots drafted offensive tackle Will Campbell (4), who made headlines with his commitment to protecting Drake Maye. Running back TreVeyon Henderson was a potential third-round steal. Wide receiver Kyle Williams (69) could prove to be another solid pick, while safety Craig Woodson (106), defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (137), and edge rusher Bradyn Swinson (146) highlight a strong Day 3 haul.
The New Orleans Saints selected versatile offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (9), filling a notable need. However, they opted to pass on Shedeur Sanders, instead drafting quarterback Tyler Shough (40) as the third quarterback selected earlier than expected. Other solid additions include defensive lineman Vernon Broughton (71) and safety Jonas Sanker (93), with running back Devin Neal (184) standing out among their Day 3 picks.
The New York Giants secured premier edge rusher Abdul Carter (3) and traded back into the first round to select quarterback Jaxson Dart (25) a round early. Defensive lineman Darius Alexander (65), running back Cam Skattebo (105), and offensive tackle Marcus Mbow (154) are high-value selections from rounds 3-5. Tight end Thomas Fidone II (219) also has the potential to be a playmaker.
The New York Jets addressed a critical need with offensive tackle Armand Membou (7), although they might have benefited from trading down to gain additional draft capital. Tight end Mason Taylor brings strong lineage to the field, while cornerback Azareye’h Thomas (73) will thrive under coach Aaron Glenn. Wide receiver Arian Smith (110) is a speedster, while cornerbacks Malachi Moore (130) and edge rusher Tyler Baron (176) could emerge as significant contributors.
The Philadelphia Eagles made a series of strategic moves, emphasizing their defense, which ranked No. 1 last season and dominated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Linebacker Jihad Campbell (31) was projected to be a mid-round pick, while safety Andrew Mukuba (64) addresses a pressing need. Defensive tackle Ty Robinson (111) also strengthens the roster, complemented by cornerback Mac McWilliams (145) and linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (161) for added depth.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (21), who fits their scheme well. Running back Kaleb Johnson (83) offers playmaking potential, while edge rusher Jack Sawyer (123) stands out as a Day 3 highlight. Cornerback Yahya Black (164) and linebacker Carson Bruener provide solid depth and value.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted edge rusher Mykel Williams (11), who could thrive opposite Nick Bosa. Defensive lineman Alfred Collins (43) fills a crucial need in the middle of the line. Linebacker Nick Martin (75) may require further development, while cornerback Upton Stout is smaller in stature but possesses speed. Day 3 highlights include defensive lineman CJ West (113) and safety Marques Sigle (160).
The Seattle Seahawks selected offensive lineman Grey Zabel (18), who can play multiple positions, addressing a clear need for help on the line. Safety Nick Emmanwori (35) has first-round talent, while tight end Elijah Arroyo (50), quarterback Jalen Milroe (92), defensive lineman Rylie Mills (142), and wide receiver Tory Horton (166) represent strong value picks. Running back Damien Martinez (223) is also a noteworthy selection in the seventh round.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers prioritized bolstering their strengths by selecting wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (19) instead of opting for edge rushers. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison (30) was projected to be a first-round pick, while cornerback Jacob Parrish (84) and edge rushers David Walker (121) and Elijah Roberts (157) present high upside. Additionally, wide receiver Tez Johnson (235) adds depth to an already strong receiver group.
The Tennessee Titans took their time deciding on selecting Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick, weighing their options carefully. If he doesn’t perform, it could set back the organization. Edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo (52) and safety Kevin Winston Jr. (82) are immediate contributors to the defense. Wide receivers Elic Ayomanor (136) and Chimere Dike (103) provide more options for Ward, while running back Kalel Mullings (188) is part of a strong Day 3 class.
The Washington Commanders bolstered their offensive line with offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (29), enhancing protection for Jayden Daniels. Cornerback Trey Amos (61) could step in as an immediate starter. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane (128) and linebacker Kain Medrano (205) are considered high-value picks, while running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (245) has the potential to surprise as a sleeper selection.
