2026 NFL Draft grades: Giants among 4 teams with an A, while a Super Bowl contender doesn't do so hot

NFC

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Grade: B-
Here's why: The Caleb Downs selection was a no-brainer and a home run. He’s talented and a leader who will solidify the back end of a defense that desperately needs it. I’m a little cooler on Malachi Lawrence, whom I was more comfortable taking later than in the first round. But Lawrence has speed and can get after the quarterback, a skill set that’s always valued. Drew Shelton has talent but was inconsistent, so he gives offensive coordinator Klayton Adams an interesting project to work with. LT Overton had a disappointing season, but he’s heavy-handed and can move along the defensive line. His inside-outside ability will make him useful.

Most interesting pick: Jaishawn Barham, Edge/LB, Michigan

Barham is a twitchy athlete who is relentless in getting after the ball carrier. He had experience as an edge defender and lining up off-ball in college. While he had flashes at both spots, he can work himself out of plays when aligned off the ball at linebacker and lacks ideal size on the edge. That might not make him a player for everybody. He does both well enough that there’s potential if he’s able to continue to hone his talent. And he’s actually a cleaner fit in Christian Parker’s defensive scheme than you’d think if used like how Zack Baun was in Philadelphia, another tweener-type moved off-ball with forays on the edge.

Draft picks:

New York Giants

Grade: A

Here's why: What a weekend for Big Blue. Arvell Reese, my top non-quarterback in this year’s class, was there for the picking at No. 5. And the Giants ended up solidifying their offensive line with Francis Mauigoa, who will start at right guard before potentially becoming their long-term option at right tackle. Mauigoa should be an instant strong starter with his technique, strength and awareness whose right tackle flexibility made him an ideal fit.

Colton Hood, a cornerback I would have been comfortable with going in the first round, was available for the Giants at 37. He is a frisky competitive defender. Hood’s size, balance and athleticism make him a fit in any scheme, but his feistiness and willingness to tackle make him a clean fit in Dennard Wilson’s zone-heavy scheme. Jack Kelly was a nice depth selection at LB in the sixth round. He should be a solid special teamer who can have a chance of playing because of his athleticism and physicality.

Most interesting pick: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

The Giants absolutely needed to add more talent to their wide receiver room to surround Malik Nabers. Fields is a big athlete who can win on the ball and also kick inside as a power slot willing to do the dirty work as a blocker. His big frame and downfield ball skills make him a fit with Jaxson Dart, and that skill set complements Nabers’ game perfectly. It makes Fields a great fit as a secondary pass catcher who helps contribute to winning football for the Giants.

Draft picks:

Philadelphia Eagles

Grade: B+

Here's why: Bracing for a post-A.J. Brown world (reportedly), the Eagles traded with the Cowboys and moved up to take Makai Lemon out of USC. Lemon’s fit is interesting in Philadelphia, mostly because I see him doing his best work out of the slot and Jalen Hurts prefers to do his work to the outside. Having said that, Lemon’s yards-after-catch ability is a welcome new element for an Eagles offense that felt stagnant last season.

Eli Stowers might have a ways to go as a blocker, but he is an outright ridiculous athlete who plays that way on the field. He is such a fluid mover in a big frame and he can quickly move forward with the ball in his hands after the catch. Stowers will have to work into a role and might take some time, but he is a potential power slot type who could have one of the highest ceilings at his position in the NFL if his blocking hits just average. I’m a big fan and I’m excited to watch his development, and the Eagles took him in a proper spot.

The Markel Bell selection had me double-checking to see if Jeff Stoutland was still coaching in Philadelphia. Bell has monster size and could (finally) be the Lane Johnson succession plan the Eagles have needed.

Cole Payton is a great athlete who is still unrefined on the real quarterback things at this point. He can create with his legs and has the size to take hits and work between the tackles. There’s a chance at a Taysom Hill-like career for him, with maybe more if he continues to get more comfortable as a thrower and progressing from the pocket. His addition makes me very curious about what happens with Tanner McKee.

Most interesting pick: Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria

Another selection for the Eagles out of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, Bernard made a statement during his workout for NFL teams when he tested like a truly rare athlete (his clocked 4.63-second 40-yard-dash time was a record for players over 300 pounds). Bernard is a long way away from being a contributor — he has never played a snap of American football — but he’s a ball of clay I’m sure Vic Fangio and defensive line coach Clint Hurtt can’t wait to work with.

Draft picks:

Washington Commanders

Grade: B+

Here's why: For years, Dan Quinn has tried to find a new Bobby Wagner to man the middle of his defense and meet the tough asks of running down with receivers in coverage. He even tried an older version of Wagner, albeit with an adjusted role with his advanced age and slower speed. He may have finally found his guy in Sonny Styles, a tremendous talent with length, range and an intelligence that makes him an excellent two-way defender against the run and pass.

While I thought Washington needed to add to its wide receiver room, I thought it would go with a receiver who does more of his work on the outside. Instead, the Commanders went with the smooth moving Antonio Williams. A productive and reliable player who is a great fit for a Commanders receiving corps that doesn’t have players with Williams’ skills.

Joshua Josephs is also an interesting pass rusher with good hands to add to the collection of edge defenders the Commanders assembled this offseason.

Most interesting pick: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

Washington signed several running backs this offseason and got floated as having interest in Jeremiyah Love. While the Love pick didn’t happen, Washington still added to its running back room with the bruising Allen. He is a tough runner between the tackles who doesn’t generate explosive plays because of his lack of high-end speed. His vision and strength allow him to get the simple yards blocked for him, which is key for an offense staying on script, but he doesn’t really put a ton of plays over the top. I like that Allen has the hammer that can work between the tackles and punish defenses that have too many eyeballs on Jayden Daniels. He’s like a baseball player who gets on base a ton without hitting a ton of home runs. Rachaad White and Jerome Ford complement Allen’s game nicely, and it’s a not a bad room they’ve assembled, along with Bill, without investing too many resources.

Funnily enough, my predraft comparison for Allen’s running style was Rachaad White.

Draft picks:

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Grade: B

Here's why: The positions the Bears addressed all made sense, even if none of the picks had me standing up and applauding. Dillon Thieneman now joins new free-agent signing Coby Bryant to form a talented backend duo that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will have a field day in using all over the place. Logan Jones is a classic undersized but quick center who is tough and athletic. He’s a center-only player, so his lack of flexibility is a luxury this year until he takes over for Garrett Bradbury, but he is an excellent fit for a zone-heavy running scheme like the one that Ben Johnson likes to employ and can, finally, give the Bears a long-term center option. Zavion Thomas is a dynamic returner and big-play threat who can give Johnson his new version of a Kalif Raymond (who is on the Bears’ roster, of course). Malik Muhammad has starter potential, with his feel for routes making him dangerous in Allen’s trapping blitz looks. Jordan van den Berg is an athletic dart throw and Keyshaun Elliott is a smart, hardworking player with size who could end up starting in the middle — even with his lack of high-end coverage ability. This class grew on me a bit.

Most interesting pick: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

Colston Loveland is a future star and Cole Kmet is still on the roster, but Johnson sought to add another tight end who can hold his own in-line and have some athletic chops to boot. Roush has good size (but short arms) and tested very well this spring. He’s a willing blocker who can have trouble sustaining because of his lack of length, but being a valid enough blocker and athlete will keep formation and personnel options open for Johnson and the Bears to exploit. Not many teams can validly say that they have three tight ends who can block and aren’t total stiffs when running routes.

Draft picks:

Detroit Lions

Grade: B-

Here's why: Blake Miller was the solidifying force for Clemson’s offensive line and held it down on the right side for over 40 starts in college. While I’m not the biggest fan of bumping Penei Sewell over to the left after how he’s established himself as a premier right tackle, Miller’s combination of size, athleticism and consistency has the Lions’ right tackle spot in good hands for years to come and the Lions got him in the appropriate part of the draft.

The Lions desperately needed edge help on top of a starting tackle, and they filled that need with Derrick Moore. His all-around game complements Aidan Hutchinson’s pass rush-first game very well. Kendrick Law is a twitchy and bendy athlete who can create explosives with the ball in his hands. He can be a replacement for wide receiver/folk hero Kalif Raymond.

Most interesting pick: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

A feisty defender, I’m not shocked that Abney ended up a Lion. He’s a physical player and a willing tackler whom I like playing best from the slot because he lacks the consistent ability to turn and stay in coverage, although he could stick on the outside in a more zone-heavy scheme (the Lions run a lot of man coverage, however). Abney gives the Lions several defenders who can play from there but also opens up keeping Brian Branch as a backend safety. Abney was a player I was comfortable taking at the end of round 3 because of his physicality and smarts, so this felt more than proper in the middle of Day 3.

Draft picks:

Green Bay Packers

Grade: C+

Here's why: Micah Parsons makes having no first-rounder more palpable, so the Packers waited until pick No. 52 to make their first selection in cornerback Brandon Cisse. He has athleticism and traits, but is still developing his awareness and feel for the game (I think he’d be best moving to the slot or to safety).

Dani Dennis-Sutton was a solidly productive four-year starter at Penn State who had an excellent showing in tests this spring. His play leaves you wanting to see more impact, but he has a high floor as a rotation edge who can even kick inside on pass rush downs because of his size. The Packers needed depth up front on defense and on offense. Adding Jager Burton is another body to throw into the offensive line room with interior position versatility at center and both guards spots, the type of flexibility the Packers love with their big guys.

Most interesting pick: Trey Smack, K, Florida

His name is Trey Smack. And that last name is an aptronym because he can smack the hell out of the football, with nearly a dozen 50+ yard field goals in college. Let’s give the only kicker selected some love.

Draft picks:

Minnesota Vikings

Grade: B

Here's why: BEEF. The Vikings tried to add defensive linemen last year who could win on their own in Brian Flores' always-attacking scheme. Neither are still Vikings, if you needed any indication of how that went. Here comes the draft version of that same plan: Caleb Banks is an über-talented defensive tackle who has flashes of being a true mauler and disrupter in the middle. He has had a foot injury that can lead to consternation over his long-term health, but his upside is one of the highest of this year’s draft class in his massive frame. Domonique Orange is another defender who lacked production in college, but that was mostly because of Iowa State’s scheme rather than lack of ability. He is an easy mover in a big frame that can knock centers back, but has the light feet to be a valid defender on games and twists, something Flores loves with his defense.

Jake Golday is listed as a linebacker but he was more of a slot defender (or old school walked-out Will linebacker for those familiar with that nomenclature). He has great size and is a good athlete but sometimes doesn’t play to that ability. I like him best going forward and near the line of scrimmage, but his tweenerness will be an asset under Flores, who asks his outside linebackers to do a bit of everything. Jakobe Thomas is a safety who wants to be aggressive on the ball, a style that can get a boost in this defense.

Demond Claiborne gives the Vikings juice in the backfield behind Aaron Jones (who typically will get banged up at some point during the season) and to complement Jordan Mason. He lacks size but runs with real vision and tempo to pair with his game-breaking speed. Hell, the Vikings even added a fullback for good measure in Max Bredeson. This is a team that wants to make sure it can keep running the ball when it needs to.

Most interesting pick: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

When healthy, the Vikings field one of the league’s best offensive tackle duos. But that health, especially with left tackle Christian Darrisaw, has been hard to rely on. Tiernan is a large (but short-armed) technician who has experience playing at both tackle positions. His size, balance and clean hand usage give him real upside of a starter, even if his lack of length limits his ceiling. Tiernan is insurance for both tackle spots, something most teams can’t say they have, while also having starter potential to keep honing. I really liked this pick at the end of Day 2.

Draft picks:

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Grade: C+

Here's why: Going into this weekend without a first rounder (and fifth rounder), the Falcons didn’t make their first selection until grabbing Avieon Terrell out of Clemson at pick 48. They then rounded out Night 2 with wide receiver Zachariah Branch out of Georgia, a double dip of family ties and a local prospect that almost seemed like an olive branch to a beaten-down fan base.

Terrell gives the Falcons a cornerback with actual talent that they’ve needed for a few years to pair opposite of his brother, A.J. Terrell. Avieon’s feistiness is infectious, and he even has slot versatility, too. This was a good pick for his range and what Atlanta needs, even without considering the truly heartwarming family ties. The Falcons needed secondary pass-catchers to work around Drake London (and Kyle Pitts, at least for now) and went with the speedy, big play threat. Branch’s diet in college consisted of a lot of screens and manufactured touches, so he will have to develop more branches on his route tree to be a more valid threat down the football field, but he gives the Falcons a different flavor of pass catcher than they’ve had in recent years. The Falcons then spent Day 3 attempting to boost the spine of their defense with do-it-all linebacker Kendal Daniels, defensive tackle Anterio Thompson, and slot defender Harold Perkins.

Most interesting pick: Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma

Daniels did everything at Oklahoma and has real length and range as a player. While some teams might struggle to figure out where to put Daniels, he fits well in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense that thrives with tweener types that can both blitz or drop in coverage on any given snap, especially on passing downs. Daniels might be a special teamer and rotational player to start, but he can affect the game in a variety of ways, and he went to a spot that will get the most out of him. And the Falcons decided to double dip on tweener types with Harold Perkins Jr. out of LSU at the end of the sixth round.

Draft picks:

Carolina Panthers

Grade: B

Here's why: The first selection is doing a lot for me with this grade. Monroe Freeling ended up as my OT1 and a top 10 player for me. He rapidly developed in his final season at Georgia and has Pro Bowl upside at the left tackle spot because of his size, athleticism, and improved technique and strength. He not only fills a need with Ikem Ekwonu recovering from an injury, but could provide future flexibility for Ekwonu to move inside or to the right tackle position.

The Panthers went with defensive tackle Lee Hunter in the second round, adding an interior defender to hopefully complement Derrick Brown. I want Hunter to start using his size more, but he flashes disruption from the nose tackle spot. Chris Brazzell II is a tall, toolsy wide receiver who can take the top off the defense. He is still a developing player who lacks route-running polish in Tennessee’s Ponzi scheme offense, but did have experience doing more at Tulane. He’s an interesting dart throw for the Panthers to add deep speed to complement the burly wide receivers Carolina currently has in Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, all while not sacrificing the size they prefer.

The Panthers added more depth to their defensive back room in cornerback Will Lee III and safety Zakee Wheatley, with Wheatley having a real chance to start early or get playing time in defensive back-heavy sub packages.

Most interesting pick: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

Luke Fortner is the Panthers current starting center after signing a one-year deal this offseason and losing Cade Mays in free agency. Hecht not only provides depth, but a potential long-term, and maybe short-term, answer at the pivot spot. I like Hecht best in zone-running schemes where he can use his quickness, a different flavor than what the Panthers have trotted out recently. There was a run on centers at the end of Day 2 and into Day 3, so it was a good job by the Panthers to snatch up a potential starter in the fifth round.

Draft picks:

New Orleans Saints

Grade: A-

Here's why: I thought the Saints did a really nice job of boosting their pass catchers for Tyler Shough. Jordyn Tyson is a twitchy athlete who can win inside and out, and his game complements Chris Olave well. Bryce Lance, a top-50 player on my board, is older and still raw, but he has truly elite speed and athleticism in a good frame. His hands are also more consistent than you typically see with deep threats. He ended up in an ideal spot where he doesn’t have to be “the guy” right away and where his speed can open up space for his teammates that are so dangerous underneath.

Christen Miller had real flashes when he was able to line up and go. His length and strength makes him a good run defender, and his experience slanting and working on the move fits in Brandon Staley’s defense. Day 3 cornerbacks don’t usually end up starters, but I did appreciate the Saints trying to add depth to their defensive back room, especially considering how cornerback was a weakness for them at times last year.

Most interesting pick: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

The Saints didn’t just add a couple of wide receivers to help out their passing attack, they also selected Delp in the middle of the Day 2 tight end run. Delp, my TE4,  was not overly productive in college, but he almost certainly will be a better pro than college player. He has the speed and athleticism to stretch the field along with the size and strength that gives him a real chance to stay in-line as a Y tight end. His game complements Juwan Johnson and also opens up formational and personnel flexibility for Kellen Moore.

Draft picks:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade: A

Here's why: Teams might have had questions about Rueben Bain’s arm length that made him drop out of the top 10, but that red flag isn’t as red when taking him at No. 15 like the Bucs did. Bain, whose build and game have reminded me of Brandon Graham throughout this process, will be a weapon as the tip of the spear in Todd Bowles’ defense that is constantly blitzing and twisting its defensive linemen. I’m so interested in seeing how Bain and the rest of what I’ll call “uniquely built” Bucs front seven are deployed this year, it could be wildly entertaining. Jason Licht is comfortable taking the best player available, even if it’s not a dire need. Bain was the great pick that fulfills both.

Josiah Trotter is a hammerhead that gives the Bucs their potential Lavonte David replacement. Trotter is best going forward against the run and as a blitzer, and Bowles defense should use him ideally. Ted Hurst is a toolsy wide receiver with size and speed, but still refining his route running and consistency. He has upside and gets dropped into an ideal situation where he doesn’t have to be a main character of the offense early. I liked the Billy Schrauth pick as depth to help the Bucs insulate themselves from a season from hell like they had last year with offensive line injuries.

Most interesting pick: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami

Scott is an older prospect but a slot dynamo. He is an aggressive defender and his game really shines as a blitzer or when playing the run and he has a real knack for blowing up screens and bubbles. I don’t think he has much outside versatility, which makes me interested in seeing how Bowles will deploy Scott and Jacob Parrish, another slot-based player that struggled at times last year when he had to play on the outside but had great stretches when working from the slot. Either way, Scott is a great fit for this defense, and I’m sure Bowles will find a way to get him and Parrish on the field at the same time if needed.

Draft picks:

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Grade: B-

Here's why: The Jeremiyah Love selection is going to grab the headlines. Whether taking a running back that high is justifiable or not, especially with where Arizona is at in the team-building process, is a discussion that can go on and on. He will be a focal point of this new offensive attack under new head coach Mike LaFleur and rounds out one of the league’s surprisingly better young skill players groups with Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Michael Wilson. Love also gives a big play element that this offense has been so desperately lacking.

I figured the Cardinals would take a stab at this year’s quarterback class to give LaFleur a handpicked signal caller, and their choice was Carson Beck at the top of the third round. Beck has the size and flashes enough arm to handle NFL throws, but struggled with consistency in college. He’s the first of what I think will be several darts that the Cardinals will be throwing at the position in future years.

Kaleb Proctor out of Southeastern Louisiana in the fourth round was another selection that I enjoyed. He’s a disruptive interior defensive lineman who can bump around the front. He’s a great fit for Nick Rallis’ knuckleball-laden scheme.

Most interesting pick: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

I warmed (slightly) to the Love selection for the Cardinals once they added Bisontis in the second round. One of the reasons the Cardinals defaulted to Love, outside of his talent, is that there wasn’t an offensive lineman that made sense for where they were selecting so early in the draft. Bisontis, who got some steam as a possible first rounder, is a plug-and-play starter who will fit LaFleur’s downhill run attack perfectly. Combined with the addition of Isaac Seumalo and a more consistent year from Paris Johnson Jr. with Hjalte Froholdt still in the middle, the Cardinals’ offensive line is already looking like a much improved unit that should actually be able to pave the way for their young, talented rookie running back.

Draft picks:

Los Angeles Rams

Grade: D+

Here's why: I’ve grown to understand the Ty Simpson selection the more I’ve sat with it. Slightly. Stafford insurance, both for this season and beyond, is something the Rams have desperately wanted. And adding Simpson to the quarterback room means the Rams have a succession plan for a post-Stafford world, while also not being at the mercy of Stafford’s back and one-year extensions. While I was more comfortable with Simpson on Day 2, which is where I had him graded, quarterbacks get inflated all the time when teams decide to select their guy. But it’s still a little rich to me for a player who I think lacks high-end upside that you usually want with your first-round quarterbacks. Which is why I would have preferred the Rams, who were the Super Bowl favorites heading into draft week, to have boosted their team with another weapon (and Davante Adams age/injury insurance). Either way, whether Sean McVay and Les Snead are correct will be determined later, potentially much later.

Third round selection Keagen Trost wins ugly a lot of the time, but McVay always finds a way to make these types work. His guard-tackle flexibility is a nice addition of depth for the Rams to protect themselves for injuries this year.

Most interesting pick: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Stop me if you’ve heard this over the past few months: but tight ends and 13 personnel are all the rage! Two years in a row, the Rams take an athletic tight end in the second round to add to their stable. Two of the Rams’ tight ends are free agents after this season, and Klare will help keep the multi-tight end looks going in the years to come. He’s a good athlete who is a willing blocker, even if he lacks the strength to truly hold up in-line. Which is why I would have preferred if the Rams took a more true “Y” tight end this year. Picking nits aside, Klare is a yards-after-catch threat who will allow the Rams to stay explosive and attack downfield even with multiple big athletes on the field.

Draft picks:

San Francisco 49ers

Grade: B-

Here's why: I understand the 49ers “reaching” on a couple of players, which might seem like this grade is odd. I just like a couple of the players the 49ers drafted. De’Zhaun Stribling, a player I was particularly high on because of his size, blocking, and all-around game, was ranked 52 on my final big board. I do love his fit with Kyle Shanahan as essentially a Jauan Jennings replacement. But it might have been a little rich to take him at 33. Then again, he may have been gone before the 49ers selected again at the end of the third round, so I do understand the argument for the perceived “reach”.

I also like the 49ers continuing to add to their interior defense with the Gracen Halton pick. But I didn’t really love the Kaelon Black pick in the third round, a player that I saw more as a middle or late Day 3 talent. But Shanahan taking a running back in the third round that seems like a reach by consensus standards has become a bit of an annual draft tradition. They took Carver Willis on Day 3 as offensive line depth, too, something this team desperately needs. That’s perhaps why they moved out of the first round when they weren’t able to add one of the tackles that went in the first round.

Most interesting pick: Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech

Romello Height is a twitchy pass rusher who is older and lacks great size, likely making him a designated pass rusher. But he is a heat-seeking missile when getting after the passer, and I am already dreaming about the 49ers trotting out Height, Mykel Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and Nick Bosa on third down to create havoc in the pocket.

Draft picks:

Seattle Seahawks

Grade: B-

Here's why: Four picks became eight picks for the Seahawks, even without trading out of pick 32 despite general manager John Schneider flaunting a “FOR SALE” sign for weeks. The Seahawks tabbed Jadarian Price at the end of the first round, which could be perceived as a reach for need, but is more understandable when you consider the drastic dropoff of talent in this year’s crop of running backs. They guaranteed themselves a quality starter and didn’t leave themselves at risk of Price getting snatched up in Round 2, forcing them to reach for a player they likely had graded much lower.

After that, the Seahawks kept filling out the few outright needs that this roster has. Bud Clark is the Coby Bryant replacement as a rangy safety who loves attempting to make the big play on the football and Julian Neal is a cornerback with good size who helps fill out the room. He’s another one-for-one type replacement with the recently departed Riq Woolen.

Most interesting pick: Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa

Despite lacking length and high-end athleticism, Stephens is a great fit for the zone-heavy scheme he’s about to be dropped into in Seattle. He has some pop to his hands and his awareness helps him maximize the ability he does have. His experience in a zone-heavy run scheme like the on he ran at Iowa will help him hit the ground running. This offensive system does have a way of unearthing lower-drafted lineman as starters, something the Seahawks would love to have as an answer for their right guard conundrum, one of the few outright weaknesses on this roster.

Draft picks:

AFC

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Grade: C+

Here's why: This was a solid haul and a clean process for the Bills in this draft class, trading out of the first round and using their first pick on rugged Clemson edge defender T.J. Parker to continue shoring up their front seven for new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Davison Igbinosun felt like a bit of a reach at the bottom of the second round, but this team needed to continue adding depth and talent to their cornerback room and Igbinosun really does have some developable traits for the future. There might not be many stars coming from this class, but they should have a handful of capable players for years to come.

Most interesting pick: Zane Durant, DL, Penn State

Zane Durant is a great dice roll with the last pick in the fifth round. He’s an undersized 3 technique, but he’s dripping with athleticism (4.75 40-yard dash at the combine) and has a decent enough floor right now where it feels like a realistic development project. His speed gives him a lane right away to get on the field in what has suddenly become a deep defensive line room.

Draft picks:

Miami Dolphins

Grade: C

Here's why: This is just one opinion, but the Dolphins’ first-round picks are a bit risky. Kadyn Proctor has struggled with his weight throughout his college career and the recent history of oversized offensive tackles is mixed. Chris Johnson Jr. had some decent tape last season, but there are some real questions about how he’ll physically be able to hang in the NFL. However, the Dolphins did grab some solid value on the second and third days of the draft with Jacob Rodriguez, Chris Bell and Kyle Louis.

Most interesting pick: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech and Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt

Both of these guys have the potential to play a lot of snaps in the NFL, but it was curious to hear that Louis was announced as a linebacker when he has the frame of a safety. If they both stick whenever Miami moves on from Jordyn Brooks, Louis and Rodriguez are a small but speedy linebacker duo which will stress offensive fronts. How these two eventually pair together may define this draft class.

Draft picks:

New England Patriots

Grade: B

Here's why: Caleb Lomu was incredible value at the bottom of the first round, potentially being the long-term blindside protector for Drake Maye and allowing them more flexibility with last year’s top-five pick, Will Campbell. They also found an edge defender with decent enough traits in Gabe Jacas that will at least help them get more physical on the outside. They didn’t really have many premium picks outside of that, but getting Eli Raridon in the third round was nice as a potential Hunter Henry replacement down the line.

Most interesting pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Lomu could’ve gone much higher than this, but at the bottom of the first round he’s a steal. He can allow the Patriots to truly play their best five O-linemen and could even play right tackle if they choose to keep Campbell on the left side.

Draft picks:

New York Jets

Grade: C-

Here's why: The Jets filled some needs, but the players they took are fair to question. David Bailey has a chance to be a high-impact pass rusher in the NFL, but his floor is very, very low as a run defender. Kenyon Sadiq is a solid tight end prospect and it’ll be interesting to see how they work him in with last year’s second-round pick Mason Taylor, who proved to be capable in his first year in the league. Trading back into the first to get Omar Cooper Jr. was an interesting move as well, but he does have the profile of someone who can play across from Garrett Wilson. However, trading up for Cade Klubnik didn’t make a lick of sense.

Most interesting pick: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Why? Why did they trade multiple future fourth-round picks to get Klubnik? He has some talent and was viewed highly before a truly disastrous final season as Clemson’s starting quarterback. It’s likely he never gets a chance to do anything here before they move on to another quarterback.

Draft picks:

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Grade: B

Here's why: The Ravens did a good job collecting value this weekend and plugging holes in the trenches. Vega Ioane will immediately slide in as a starting guard along the offensive line, which is a move they desperately needed to make. Beyond losing Tyler Linderbaum, they just had some personnel problems to improve at guard. They also got a necessary butt-kicker on the defensive line with the selection of Missouri’s Zion Young and added a couple of big, athletic pass catchers in USC’s Jakobi Lane and Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt. This is a class that can stabilize the Ravens immediately while providing a lot of value in the future.

Most interesting pick: Zion Young, DL/Edge, Missouri

If you’re going to be the team that signs Trey Hendrickson, you should probably also be the team that drafts Zion Young. Where Hendrickson treats run defense as optional, Young views it as a necessity and could be one of the better run defenders in the league as his career progresses.

Draft picks:

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: D

Here's why: This seems like a pretty low-impact draft class considering what the Bengals needed to get out of this year’s crop of players. Cashius Howell technically fills a need at defensive end, but he has a long way to go in terms of developing strength before he can be counted on as an every-down defensive end. Given the Bengals’ recent history of developing defensive linemen, this might not be the best landing spot for Howell to take advantage of his speed long term. Tacario Davis and Colbie Young were risky picks as well. It just doesn’t feel like they took any high-floor bets in this class.

Most interesting pick: Connor Lew, OL, Auburn

Connor Lew was seen as one of the top picks in this year’s draft prior to suffering a season-ending torn ACL late in the year. He’s got the tools to be a quality starter in the NFL and there’s a chance that, if he can get back to pre-injury form, he can be a long-term starter along the Bengals’ offensive line.

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Cleveland Browns

Grade: B+

Here's why: This was a really strong draft for Cleveland in the first year of the Todd Monken-Andrew Berry partnership. Trading down and then selecting Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano was a shrewd move and then they used their second first-round pick on Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion. Fano can play multiple spots along the offensive line (potentially even left tackle) and Concepcion brings an element of speed and playmaker ability to one of the worst offenses in the league last year. Doubling up at wide receiver with the selection of Denzel Boston made a lot of sense as well. They also did well grabbing Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber and Alabama center Parker Brailsford to develop later on in the draft.

Most interesting pick: Austin Barber, OT, Florida

Barber is a good athlete that has real traits to develop as the Browns continue to rebuild their offensive line. If this wasn’t such a strong class of offensive tackles, he probably could’ve gone a bit earlier, but here he has a chance to push for playing time right away on a team that has beatable veterans in entrenched positions.

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Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade: B

Here's why: The Steelers had a pretty solid draft as well, drafting a potential long-term right tackle in Max Iheanachor and more potential starters in Germie Bernard, Daylen Everette and Gennings Dunker. Drew Allar in the third round seems like an unlikely bet to become the team’s long-term quarterback, but at least they’ve finally taken a swing on someone who has real traits to develop rather than some of the less talented quarterbacks they’ve taken in the past. This feels like a very Pittsburgh Steelers draft: high floor. Depending on how Iheanachor, Everett and Dunker develop, it could be a high ceiling draft as well.

Most interesting pick: Daylen Everette, DB, Georgia

Everette had a rollercoaster of a career at Georgia, but he’s a freak of an athlete and has a clear strength in terms of playing downhill to attack the ball and ballcarriers. He may be a better fit at safety for the long term, but his versatility and play strength give him a chance to be an impactful defender in the NFL as well.

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AFC South

Houston Texans

Grade: B+

Here's why: Houston made an unorthodox pick in Keylan Rutledge at the bottom of the first round, but he actually makes sense as a hard-nosed player that fits in their blocking scheme. They made what could be the home run pick of the draft when they traded up early in the second round to take Ohio State nose tackle Kayden McDonald, who has an incredible amount of playmaking and skill for a bigger nose tackle. Wade Woodaz in the fourth round is a nice project for DeMeco Ryans to get his hands on as well as the Texans look for a new impact player at linebacker.

Most interesting pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

This guy was made in a lab to play for this defense. Not only does he already have elite run defending skills, he can legitimately be an attacker into the backfield and has pass rush potential at 330 pounds. He is the perfect player to play alongside Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter on the interior and his upside in this scheme is through the damn roof.

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Indianapolis Colts

Grade: B

Here's why: For not having a first-round pick this year, the Colts did a nice job in the draft. They took CJ Allen and AJ Haulcy with their first two picks and continued to add value with Jalen Farmer at the top of the fourth round. Caden Curry and Deion Burks were both unbelievable value at the end of the draft as well.

Most interesting pick: Caden Curry, Edge, Ohio State

Curry was a big contributor for Ohio State’s stonewall defense last season and was legitimately a productive defender. Age and his physical build are the biggest reasons why he fell to the sixth round, but he really had some strong moments last season that suggest this could be a diamond in the rough for the Colts.

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade: D-

Here's why: The only thing saving this from being an F is the selection of Emmanuel Pregnon about 40 picks later than he was projected to go. Everyone else felt like a bit of a bizarre pick, especially trading up to the second round for a tight end that may end up being a blocker more than a receiver in Nate Boerkircher. They picked so many players that maybe one ends up being a hit, but they had some massive reaches in relation to consensus opinion on the players they selected this weekend.

Most interesting pick: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

Pregnon feels like he has the best chance to become a long-term starter for Jacksonville. He’s not the most flexible or fleet-of-foot offensive lineman, but he has a lot of power to drive defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage and create running lanes. For a team that’s gone through a lot of offensive line moves over the past few offseasons, Pregnon might be able to give their front five some stability.

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Tennessee Titans

Grade: A

Here's why: This feels like a true foundational draft for the next era of the Titans. Carnell Tate going fourth overall felt a little rich, but now that the final haul of players is in, that pick feels like a necessary cherry on top for a strong class. Trading back into the first for Keldric Faulk and getting Anthony HIll Jr. at the end of the second round are two incredibly legit, high-upside projects for Robert Saleh to worth with. They also got a nice little pick at center in the sixth round by picking up Indiana’s Pat Coogan. It’s hard not to be excited after this haul; it could be the base of the team for a long time if players hit their development curves.

Most interesting pick: Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn

Faulk falling to the end of the first round was truly baffling. He has the age profile that teams love and sets an incredibly high floor as a run defender. He doesn’t have great pass rushing chops yet, but that was mostly due to his role in Auburn’s defense as someone who had to eat blocks and squeeze space. He’ll be attacking a lot more in his defense and with his natural balance and strength, he has the chance to develop into a devastating inside-out, versatile player, kind of like how the Seahawks used to use Michael Bennett. This was an ideal landing spot for Faulk and he already has a player to model himself after in John Franklin-Myers, even though he can be much better over the long term.

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AFC West

Denver Broncos

Grade: C

Here's why: Not too much to say about a draft that didn’t start until pick 66 for the Broncos. They got some solid depth in Washington running back Jonah Coleman and took a dice roll on traits in Tyler Onyedim to potentially replace what they lost when John Franklin-Myers left the team. Justin Joly was a solid pick in the fifth round as well, but overall there just wasn’t much investment in this draft class as they opted to use their premium picks on veteran players instead.

Most interesting pick: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

The Broncos had added Jonah Coleman to their running back room via the draft a year after doing the same with former UCF running back RJ Harvey. Coleman, Harvey and JK Dobbins form an interesting three-headed room where each player has clear strengths to take advantage of. How Sean Payton decides to divvy up the reps here will be a story to follow during the season.

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Kansas City Chiefs

Grade: B+

Here's why: Trading up for Mansoor Delane was a bit of a shocker, but the Chiefs desperately needed to add a legitimate talent at that position after losing Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie this offseason. They made a great calculated risk by taking uber-talented Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, who has a real chance to develop into an impact player next to Chris Jones. Getting R Mason Thomas as a hustle/dirty work pass rusher was a nice move too to continue adding depth to the defensive line.

Most interesting pick: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Nussmeier easily could’ve gone on Day 2 of the draft, so to get him with just a few picks before the draft was over is incredible value for Kansas City. He was dinged up for a good chunk of last season and it hurt his performance, but at his best he's a potential starting quarterback in the league. He’ll never be unseating Patrick Mahomes, but in 2027 and beyond he has a chance to entrench himself as a long-term backup.

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Las Vegas Raiders

Grade: B

Here's why: Las Vegas potentially found a handful of core, long-term players here in the 2026 draft. Fernando Mendoza is a real deal franchise quarterback talent and they took a very sensible swing on the ultra-talented Jermod McCoy in the fourth round. If McCoy’s knee is able to hold up, he can very feasibly be the team’s future CB1 with the amount of upside and talent that he has. Taking the 25-year-old Treydan Stukes at the top of the second round is the only gamble that knocks this grade out of the “A” range.

Most interesting pick: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Mike Washington Jr. is an absolute powerhouse athlete that could form a punishing yet explosive running game alongside Ashton Jeanty and an improved offensive line. If Mendoza hits the ground running with Klint Kubiak, they’ll actually have space to run the ball unlike last year. This is a fun pick to try and really blow the roof off of their running game with a big-bodied, big-play threat.

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Los Angeles Chargers

Grade: D

Here's why: The Chargers didn’t do a great job addressing their needs in this draft and they’ll need Akheem Mesidor to be an impact pass rusher immediately to cover up some of their interior defensive line issues. Brenen Thompson has the speed to be a deep threat for Justin Herbert, but he’s seriously lacking size at 164 pounds. It’s just hard to see this draft class having the immediate impact they were hoping for because they still have critical needs to fill along the defensive front.

Most interesting pick: Jake Slaughter, OL, Florida

Slaughter will likely be playing guard with the addition of free agent center Tyler Biadiasz, but he’s got the frame and athleticism to develop into a long-term starter if they can continue to develop the traits he has. The big thing with the Chargers’ offensive line will always be the ability to stay consistently healthy, but the starting five does look solid at the close of the draft.

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