2025 NFL Draft Team Grades
The 2025 NFL Draft is over. Handing out letter grades and analyzing all 32 teams Full 7-Round draft hauls.
Arizona Cardinals
1.16 - Walter Nolen (IDL) Ole Miss
2.47 - Will Johnson (CB) Michigan
3.78 - Jordan Burch (EDGE) Oregon
4.155 - Cody Simon (LB) Ohio State
5.174 (via DAL) - Denzel Burk (CB) Ohio State
6.211 (via DAL) - Hayden Conner (OG) Texas
7.255 (via KC) - Kitan Crawford (SAF) Nevada
Arizona clearly had one goal in mind when it came to their 2025 draft class, and that was defense, defenses and more defense. Despite an active offseason in terms of adding talent to their Front-4, they still were missing a disruptive pass rusher on the interior, the exact archetype Walter Nolen offers. When paired with Jordan Burch, another plus athlete who can slide up and down the line, they now have a much deeper and more talented room than they ended the season with. Adding new line talent is all well and good, but the crown jewel of the class is CB Will Johnson. My #5 overall player, who slipped in the draft due to injury concerns, is an elite CB prospect when healthy, and perfect fit in Arizona’s zone heavy defense.
Grade: A
Atlanta Falcons
1.15 - Jalon Walker (EDGE) Georgia
1.26 (via LAR) - James Pearce Jr. (EDGE) Tennessee
3.96 - Xavier Watts (SAF) Notre Dame
4.118 - Billy Bowman Jr. (SAF) Oklahoma
7.218 (via LAC) - Jack Nelson (OT) Wisconsin
It is extremely hard for me to give Atlanta an A for their draft due to a puzzling trade back into the first round for James Pearce, a trade that cost them their 2026 1st Round Pick. However, they did their best to push for a high grade with the sheer amount of value picks they added across all three rounds. For the first time ever, GM Terry Fontenot did not draft a single player above consensus and did an excellent job attacking needs in the process. Walker and Pearce are the exact type of speed rushers their 3-4 defense needs and the Watts/Bowman safety is a rangy, instinctive pairing made up of two of my favorite players in this draft. Add in UDFA CB Cobee Bryant from Kansas, a player who I felt should have gone on Day-3, and it’s an excellent all-around class.
Grade: B+
Baltimore Ravens
1.27 - Malaki Starks (SAF) Georgia
2.59 - Mike Green (EDGE) Marshall
3.91 - Emery Jones Jr. (OG) LSU
4.129 (via TEN) - Teddye Buchanan (LB) California
5.141 (via TEN) - Carson Vinson (OT) Alabama A&M
6.178 (via NJY) - Bilhal Kone (CB) Western Michigan
6.186 - Tyler Loop (K) Arizona
6.203 - LaJohntay Wester (WR) Colorado
6.212 - Robert Longerbeam (CB) Rutgers
7.243 - Garrett Dellinger (IOL) LSU
Strictly in terms of value the Ravens had as strong as a draft class through the first two days as anyone in the league. Starks and Green were both Top-20 players on my board, and were drafted well past that range. They were also able to add potential starters at OG and LB with their next two picks, as well as a potential long term slot in Longerbeam in the 7th. What brings their grade down for me, is mostly off the field concerns and comes down to their messaging about the type of players they are willing to add to their team. In the same season they still roster K Justin Tucker after a litany of sexual assault charges, they turn around and scoop up a prospect in Green falling for the very same reasons. You can say this shouldn’t impact their actual draft grade, but they are my grades not yours, and for a team with a “strict non-tolerance policy” they seem to have a lot of tolerance as long as those players are talented.
Grade: B
Buffalo Bills
1.30 - Maxwell Hairston (CB) Kentucky
2.41 (via CHI) - T.J. Sanders (IDL) South Carolina
3.72 (via CHI) - Landon Jackson (EDGE) Buffalo
4.109 (via CHI) - Deone Walker (IDL) Kentucky
5.170 (via DAL) - Jordan Hancock (CB) Ohio State
5.173 - Jackson Hawes (TE) Georgia Tech
6.177 (via NYG) - Dorian Strong (CB) Virginia Tech
6.206 - Chase Lundt (OT) UConn
7.240 (via CHI_) - Kaden Prather (WR) Maryland
The Buffalo Bills entered the 2025 NFL with two clear needs, to upgrade their CB room and improve their Front-4. The additions of Hairston and Strong, a Day-1 starter and developmental project who both fit their zone heavy scheme, checks the first box. Sanders, Jackson, and Walker were brought into solve the second issue. Some questions can be raised about the trade costs to move up for Sanders and whether or not he or Walker have the play strength and ability to hold up versus the run that Buffalo desperately lacked last year, but the talent is clearly there. The Bills also typically like to build depth along their offensive line and did so again this year, with the additions of Chase Lundt and blocking TE Jackson Hawes, two players I felt could go much earlier.
Grade: B
Carolina Panthers
1.8 - Tetairoa McMillan (WR) Arizona
2.51 (via DEN) - Nic Scourton (EDGE) Texas A&M
3.77 (via NE) - Princely Umanmielen (EDGE) Ole Miss
4.114 (via DAL) - Trevor Etienne (RB) Georgia
4.122 (via DEN) - Lathan Ransom (SAF) Ohio State
5.140 (via NYG) - Cam Jackson (IDL) Florida
5.163 (via BAL)- Mitchell Evans (TE) Notre Dame
6.208 (DEN) - Jimmy Horn Jr. (WR) Colorado
The success of most teams drafts typically hinges on the performance of their early draft picks, but for the Panthers this is even more true due to the teams massive struggles at both WR and EDGE in the season prior. TMac brings a element of size and ball skills that QB Bryce Young has yet to have in his young career, and Scourton and Umanmielen are pass rush first EDGEs being dropped into one of the worst 3rd down defenses in football. The Panthers get dinged a little bit for being a hair over aggressive in their trade ups, but a strong Top-3 with a couple nice Day-3 darts in Ransom and Evans, both of whom could be starters quickly into their career, and its hard not to feel optimistic about Carolina’s three day haul.
Grade: B
Chicago Bears
1.10 - Colston Loveland (TE) Michigan
2.39 (via CAR) - Luther Burden III (WR) Missouri
2.56 (via BUF) - Ozzy Trapilo (OT) Boston College
2.62 (via BUF) - Shemar Turner (IDL) Texas A&M
4.132 (via BUF) - Ruben Hyppolite II (LB) Maryland
5.169 (via BUF) - Zah Frazier (CB) UTSA
6.195 (via LAR) - Luke Newman (OG) Michigan State
7.233 (via CIN) - Kyle Monangai (RB) Rutgers
The Chicago Bears had one of the more interesting drafts this past weekend due being extremely active and willing to move in Round 2, and what positions they chose to attack early in the draft. The talent of their Top-4 picks in Loveland, Burden, Trapilo and Turner is undeniable, and each player was selected in a fitting range when compared to my board, but I have questions about each players fit on the roster. Loveland is a no-brainer at TE given his receiving and blocking upside, but to turn around and pick up Burden, a player with a very similar style to the highly paid DJ Moore is interesting. And then Trapilo, a good RT prospect, plays the same spot as former Top-10 pick Darnell Wright. Add in not drafting a RB until Round 7, a position many thought they would attack as early as R1, and it creates a draft class with a lot of talent but a lot of questions surrounding it.
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals
1.17 - Shemar Stewart (EDGE) Texas A&M
2.49 - Demetrius Knight Jr. (LB) South Carolina
3.81 - Dylan Fairchild (OG) Georgia
4.119 - Barrett Carter (LB) Clemson
5.153 - Jalen Rivers (OT) Miami
6.193 - Tahj Brooks (RB) Texas Tech
Few teams rely more on their draft hauls to improve their team than the Cincinnati Bengals due to their lack of spending power, and unfortunately for them, their 2025 class is one of my least favorite. Outside of their top pick, Shemar Stewart, who’s size and athletic ability should be a better compliment to Trey Hendrickson that Sam Hubbard, and Tahj Brooks, their new Zach Moss and a strong running partner for Chase Brown, their class is very underwhelming. In a draft with only 6 picks, they did little to add to their collection. They spent 2 of their top 4 picks on a pair of undersized linebackers with limited upside while having a litany of other needs, and capped it all off with a reach at OG in the 3rd with better options on the board.
Grade: C
Cleveland Browns
1.5 (via JAX) - Mason Graham (IDL) Michigan
2.33 - Carson Schwesinger (LB) UCLA
2.36 (via JAX) - Quinshon Judkins (RB) Ohio State
3.67 - Harold Fannin Jr. (TE) Bowling Green
3.94 (via BUF) - Dillon Gabriel (QB) Oregon
4.126 (via) - Dylan Sampson (RB) Tennessee
5.144 (via) - Shedeur Sanders (QB) Colorado
No team had a more exciting and confusing draft than the Browns, somehow leaving the weekend with their biggest story not being trading out of the #2 overall pick and passing on Travis Hunter. When you stack up the talent they accrued, it is a solid class, as I like the ability of a majority of players they added, but how they got there is the problem. For starters a team with loads of needs probably shouldn’t be adding two RBs in the Top-4 rounds, even if they are both talented, as it isn’t the best team building strategy, but the major story was their QB plan. The slide of Shedeur Sanders was one of the biggest stories of the weekend, and when Cleveland selected Dillon Gabriel in the 3rd, a big reach in my book, they appeared to be out of the sweepstakes. However, in a Day-3 trade up that reeks of ownership involvement, they moved back up to select Sanders, and in turn created one of the most eclectic and volatile QB rooms in recent memory.
Grade: B-
Dallas Cowboys
1.12 - Tyler Booker (OG) Alabama
2.44 - Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE) Boston College
3.76 - Shavon Revel (CB) East Carolina
5.149 - Jaydon Blue (RB) Texas
5.152 (via ARI) - Shemar James (LB) Florida
6.204 (Via BUF) - Ajani Cornelius (OT) Oregon
7.217 (via NE) - Jay Toia (IDL) UCLA
7.239 (via TEN) - Phil Mafah (RB) Clemson
7.247 (via CAR) - Tommy Akingbesote (IDL) Maryland
The 2025 draft haul of the Dallas Cowboys might be one of the more underrated ones for any team this year. There will be lots of complaints about a First Round guard and a lack of additions to the skill position group, but the overall value of the class is hard to ignore. Instead of reaching for needs (outside of maybe Booker) Dallas let the draft come to them, and ended up with arguably the best Day-2 haul of any team in Ezeiruaku and Revel, two players I felt could have been late 1st Round Picks. It remains to be seen if passing on WR and RB will come back to bite them, but the additions of three premium players with plus starter upside is hard to ignore.
Grade: B+
Denver Broncos
1.20 - Jahdae Barron (CB) Texas
2.60 (via DET) - RJ Harvey (RB) UCF
3.74 (via CAR) - Pat Bryant (WR) Illinois
3.101 (via PHI) - Sai’vion Jones (EDGE) LSU
4.134 (via PHI) - Que Robinson (EDGE) Alabama
6.216 (via HOU) - Jeremy Crawshaw (P) Florida
7.241 (via HOU) - Caleb Lohner (TE) Utah
After a strong Day-1, where the Broncos added Texas star DB Jahdae Barron to what was arguably already the top defense in football, their draft began to unravel a bit. I am not one to argue with Sean Payton about RB picks, but RJ Harvey, their 60th overall pick was selected 40 picks above consensus, and Pat Bryant, their selection in Round 3 and a solid X-WR prospect is more of a Day-3 caliber player in my eyes. Add in a 6th Round pick on a punter and it’s hard to leave the weekend thinking Denver maximized their value.
Grade: C+
Detroit Lions
1.28 - Tyleik Williams (IDL) Ohio State
2.57 (via CAR) - Tate Ratledge (OG) Georgia
3.70 (via JAX) - Isaac TeSlaa (WR) Arkansas
5.171 - Miles Frazier (OG) LSU
6.196 (via TB) - Ahmed Hassanein (EDGE) Boise State
7.230 (via DEN) - Dan Jackson (SAF) Georgia
7.44 - Dominic Lovett (WR) Georgia
The Lions have a clear and distinct culture of tough players and their draft did everything to reflect that. Tyleik William and Dan Jackson are physical downhill run defenders and Ratledge, TeSlaa and Frazier are rugged powerful blockers. The trade up cost to secure TeSlaa at #70, the 170th ranked player on the consensus board, was a surplus 3rd Round Pick, which heavily drags this classes overall grade down, but the types of players and their cultural fit can’t be ignored.
Grade: B-
Green Bay Packers
1.23 - Matthew Golden (WR) Texas
2.54 - Anthony Belton (OT) N.C. State
3.87 - Savion Williams (WR) TCU
4.124 - Barryn Sorrell (EDGE) Texas
5.159 - Collin Oliver (EDGE) Oklahoma State
6.198 - Warren Brinson (IDL) Georgia
7.237 (via PIT) - Micah Robinson (CB) Tulane
7.250 - John Williams (OL) Cincinnati
The Packers draft started off hot with their first WR selection in the 1st Round in 23 years. Golden, my WR2, is a loose fluid route runner with the long speed to win all three levels and really open up their offense. After that the draft starts to become a little confusing, with their 2nd Round pick Anthony Belton being closer to a Day-3 prospect on my board and their 3rd Round pick in Savion Williams being a project/gadget depth piece that feels a bit redundant on their roster. A lack of value picks on Day-3 and doing little to address a CB room that still appears destined to lose Jaire Alexander leads Green Bay to finish with a relatively uninspiring draft haul outside of Day-1.
Grade: C+
Houston Texans
2.34 (via NYG) - Jayden Higgins (WR) Iowa State
2.48 (via LV) - Aireontae Ersery (OT) Minnesota
3.79 (via WAS) - Jaylin Noel (WR) Iowa State
3.97 (via MIN) - Jaylin Smith (CB) USC
4.116 (via MIA) - Woody Marks (RB) USC
6.187 (via MIN) - Jaylen Reed (SAF) Penn State
6.197 (via DEN) - Graham Mertz (QB) Florida
7.224 (via MIA) - Kyonte Hamilton (IDL) Rutgers
7.255 (via CLE) - Luke Lachey (TE) Iowa
Houston had one glaring weakness heading into the draft in offensive line and their efforts to remedy that fell relatively flat outside of one selection. After getting sniped in the 1st Round, they opted to move back and accumulate Day-2 capital. The additions of Ersery, a talented LT, and the two Iowa State receivers were all great value picks based on my board and gave them a strong start to the draft. Day-3 was a bit more hit and miss with a strange and expensive trade up for Woody Marks, a move that cost a future 3rd round pick to add a receiving back. They also continued to add to an already crowded DB room with two more picks at that position. The overall talent at the top is good for the Texans, but its hard not to wish for more investment in the trenches and better pick management from a trade perspective.
Grade: B-
Indianapolis Colts
1.14 - Tyler Warren (TE) Penn State
2.45 - JT Tuimoloau (EDGE) Ohio State
3.80 - Justin Walley (CB) Minnesota
4.127 - Jalen Travis (OT) Iowa State
5.151 - DJ Giddens (RB) Kansas State
6.189 - Riley Leonard (QB) Notre Dame
6.190 - Tim Smith (IDL) Alabama
7.232 - Hunter Wohler (LB) Wisconsin
Colts fans dream scenario came true on night one of the draft, with Tyler Warren a perfect fit at Y in Shane Steichen’s play-action heavy offense, falling to them at #14. They continued a strong start with the addition of JT Tuimoloau, the exact type of big end they needed opposite Latu, and Jalen Travis an athletic swing tackle with the ability to slide in at guard if needed. Their most intriguing Day-3 pick was DJ Giddens, a big athletic back who has flashes of Top-50 tape, but struggles to put it together on a consistent basis who now gets to sit and learn behind one of the better backs in the league in Johnathan Taylor.
Grade: A-
Jacksonville Jaguars
1.2 (via CLE) - Travis Hunter (WR/CB) Colorado
3.88 (via MIN) - Caleb Ransaw (CB) Tulane
3.89 (Via HOU) - Wyatt Milum (OG) West Virginia
4.104 (via CLE) - Bhayshul Tuten (RB) Virginia Tech
4.107 - Jack Kiser (LB) Notre Dame
6.194 (via SEA) - Jalen McLeod (LB) Auburn
6..200 (via CLE) - Rayuan Lane III (SAF) Navy
7.221 - Jonah Monheim (OC) USC
7.236 (via HOU) - LeQuint (RB) Syracuse
The headliner of the Jaguars draft, for good reason, is obviously the trade up to #2 for Travis Hunter. Conventional wisdom would say giving up a future 1 and 2 for a non-QB is a poor decision, but Hunter isn’t a conventional prospect. His two-ability and natural fit on offense along side star rookie Brian Thomas Jr., makes him the rare prospect that is worth the move. Add in a handful of nice offensive additions on Day-2 and 3 in Milum, Tuten and Monheim and its hard not to be excited about the Jags future under new HC Liam Coen.
Grade: B+
Kansas City Chiefs
1.32 (via PHI) - Josh Simmons (OT) Ohio State
2.63 - Omarr Norman-Lott (IDL) Tennessee
3.66 (via TEN) - Ashton Gillotte (EDGE) Louisville
3.85 (via NE) - Nohl Williams (CB) California
4.133 - Jalen Royals (WR) Utah State
5.156 (via PIT) - Jeffery Bassa (LB) Oregon
7.228 (via NE) - Brashard Smith (RB) SMU
One of the last teams the league wanted to see have a great draft did exactly that. Josh Simmons, the head liner of the Chiefs class, was a Top-10 player on my board taken at #31 and if healthy should instantly upgrade either tackle spot. 4th Round Pick Jalen Royals is a Rashee Rice clone, with the burst and YAC ability to be an instant contributor. On the defensive side of the ball there were no sexy picks, but Norman-Lott, Gillotte and Williams all are capable of contributing from Day-1 and provide a variety of skillsets. KC finishes the weekend with no head scratching picks and a full compliment of players that could be difference makers in Year 1.
Grade: A+
Las Vegas Raiders
1.6 - Ashton Jeanty (RB) Boise State
2.58 (via HOU) - Jack Bech (WR) TCU
3.68 - Darien Porter (CB) Iowa State
3.98 (via MIA) - Caleb Rogers (OG) Texas Tech
3.99 (via HOU) - Charles Grants (OT) William & Mary
4.108 - Dont’e Thornton Jr. (WR) Tennessee
4.135 (via MIA) - Tonka Hemingway (IDL) South Carolina
6.180 - JJ Pegues (IDL) Mississippi
6.213 - Tommy Mellott (WR) Montana State
6.215 - Cam Miller (QB) NDSU
7.22 - Cody Lindenberg (LB) Minnesota)
In the first year of the Pete Carroll regime in Vegas, their draft looks an awful lot like his typical hauls from his time in Seattle. Early pick on an explosive and talented running back? Check. Long athletic corner who does his best work in zone coverage? Check. Throw in some intriguing dart throws on Day-3 at skill positions and a pair of versatile offensive line pieces on late Day-2 and Vegas leaves the draft with a deep and talented class.
Grade: A
Los Angeles Chargers
1.22 - Omarion Hampton (RB) North Carolina
2.55 - Tre Harris (WR) Ole Miss
3.86 - Jamaree Caldwell (IDL) Oregon
4.125 - Kyle Kennard (EDGE) South Carolina
5.158 - KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR) Auburn
5.165 (via PHI) - Oronde Gadsden II (TE) Syracuse
6.199 - Branson Taylor (OG) Pittsburgh
6.214 - R.J. Mickens (SAF) Clemson
7.256 - Trikweze Bridges (CB) Florida
The Chargers had outstanding success in Year-1 under Jim Harbaugh, but despite double digit wins still clearly needed to add to their offense and their draft reflected it. Omarion Hampton brings an element of juice to their run game that they sorely lacked last year, and Tre Harris is a downfield threat with the ability to actually line up outside and win as a pure X. On the defensive side of the ball their additions were more subdued, but impactful nonetheless in filling holes from departed veterans. Caldwell has the exact build and play style to fill in for Poona Ford, and while he is not nearly the same player, Kyle Kennard will be tasked with taking on a heavy amount of the snaps that left with Joey Bosa.
Grade: B+
Los Angeles Rams
2.46 (via ATL) - Terrance Ferguson (TE) Oregon
3.90 - Josaiah Stewart (EDGE) Michigan
4.117 (via IND) - Jarquez Hunter (RB) Auburn
5.148 (via CHI) - Ty Hamilton (IDL) Ohio State
5.172 (via MIN) - Chris Paul Jr. (LB) Ole Miss
7.242 (via ATL) - Konata Mumpfield (WR) Pittsburgh
Despite a major Day-1 trade, the Rams still ended up with one of the smaller classes in this years draft, but did their most to maximize it. Terrance Ferguson went a round or two earlier than I would have taken him, but has the well rounded game to excel in a McVay offense. Josaiah Stewart is an undersized edge but his tenacity opposite Jared Verse, creates a scary rush duo off the edge. Chris Paul Jr. is good value at a position of need for the Rams, and could potentially end up being a starter found in the 5th Round. A majority of the Rams positive grade comes from the absolute fleece job they pulled on Atlanta, moving back in a weak class and secure a 2026 1st Round Pick, but the players they did scoop up should be impact players quickly into their tenure in LA.
Grade: B+
Miami Dolphins
1.13 - Kenneth Grant (IDL) Michigan
2.37 (via LV) - Jonah Savaiinaea (OG) Arizona
5.143 (via LV) - Jordan Phillips (IDL) Maryland
5.150 - Jason Marshall Jr. (CB) Florida
5.155 (via DEN) - Dante Trader Jr. (SAF) Maryland
6.179 (via HOU) - Ollie Gordon II (RB) Oklahoma State
7.231 - Quinn Ewers (QB) Texas
7.253 - Zeek Biggers (IDL) Georgia Tech
The Miami Dolphins were largely considered to be one of the softer teams in the league the past couple years, and clearly set out to fix that issue in this draft. The value of taking two NT’s and trading up for an OG will be picked at, but adding two of the best run defenders in the class and a powerful nasty guard is one of the quickest ways to start changing a team’s identity.
Grade: B-
Minnesota Vikings
1.24 - Donovan Jackson (OG) Ohio State
3.102 - Tai Felton (WR) Maryland
5.139 (via CLE) - Tyrion ingram-Dawkins (IDL) Georgia
6.201 (via LAR) - Kobe King (LB) Penn State
6.202 (via LAR) - Gavin Bartholomew (TE)
The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2025 draft with only 4 picks to their name and were tabbed by many as a popular trade back candidate. The trade back never fully materialized until Day-3 and leaves them with one of the more underwhelming classes of the weekend. 1st Round Pick Donovan Jackson is the only player who projects to be a starter from the group, and even he was over drafted according to my board. By all accounts the Vikings coaching staff is enamored with Jackson and his fit in the offense, but its hard not to wonder if they would have been better off taking the trades offered to the Texans and Rams right behind them.
Grade: C+
New England Patriots
1.4 - Will Campbell (OT) LSU
2.38 - TreVeyon Henderson (RB) Ohio State
3.69 - Kyle Williams (WR) Washington State
3.95 - Jared Wilson (OC) Georgia
4.106 - Craig Woodson (SAF) California
4.137 (via SEA) - Joshua Farmer (IDL) Florida State
5.146 (via CAR) - Bradyn Swinson (EDGE) LSU
6.182 (via DET) - Andres Borregales (K) Miami
7.220 - Marcus Bryant (OT) Missouri
7.251 (via KC) - Julian Ashby (LS) Vanderbilt
7.257 (via KC) - Kobee Minor (DB) Memphis
No team added more to their team in terms of sheer amount of talent than the Patriots did this weekend, with 11 picks, 7 of which came in the Top-150. New England, after spending a significant amount of money on the defensive side of the ball in Free Agency, did its best to build around their young QB in Drake Maye through the draft. The additions of Campbell and Wilson give them building blocks at LT and C going forward and Henderson and Williams are two of the most dynamic skill players in this entire draft. Drafting a kicker and long snapper on Day-3 is what keeps this class from an A+, as it seems even when he’s no longer in the building Belichick still has some influence.
Grade: A
New Orleans Saints
1.9 - Kelvin Banks (OT) Texas
2.40 - Tyler Shough (QB) Louisville
3.71 - Vernon Broughton (IDL) Texas
3.93 (via WAS) - Jonas Sanker (SAF) Virginia
4.112 - Danny Stutsman (LB) Oklahoma
4.131 (via WAS) - Quincy Riley (CB) Louisville
6.184 (via WAS) - Devin Neal (RB) Kansas
7.248 (via WAS) - Moliki Matavao (TE) UCLA
7.254 (via WAS) - Fadil Diggs (EDGE) Syracuse
The top half of the Saints draft was one of my least favorite in this years class, with what was in my opinion, big reaches with both of their first two picks. Banks and Shough have a shot to be solid players but taking a tackle with average measurables who might have to slide into guard, and an injury prone QB who struggles under pressure are underwhelming top picks. However, they did an excellent job reeling it back in with their late Day-2 and Day-3 picks. The additions of Sanker, Stutsman, Riley and Neal are four players who could end up being starters by the end of their rookie contracts and all of them were selected outside the Top-75.
Grade: B-
New York Giants
1.3 - Abdul Carter (EDGE) Penn State
1.25 (via HOU) - Jaxson Dart (QB) Ole Miss
3.65 - Darius Alexander (IDL) Toledo
4.105 - Cam Skattebo (RB) Arizona State
5.154 (via SEA) - Marcus Mbow (IOL) Purdue
7.219 - Thomas Findone II (TE)
7.246 (via BUF) - Korie Black (CB) Oklahoma State
Outside of one selection, the New York Giants had one of the best hauls of the weekend. The obvious prize at the top is Abdul Carter, but the additions of Alexander, Skattebo, and Mbow came multiple rounds after I would have expected them to go. New York did an excellent job hitting value and need with a majority of their picks, a feat that is difficult to achieve. The only real gripe I have with the Giants draft was the trade up for Jaxson Dart, a player I had a 3rd Round grade on, but at the end of the day if your worst pick is a cheap trade up for a QB, you had a pretty good draft.
Grade: A-
New York Jets
1.7 - Armand Membou (OT) Missouri
2.42 - Mason Taylor (TE) LSU
3.73 - Azareye’h Thomas (CB) Florida State
4.110 - Arian Smith (WR) Georgia
4.130 (via PHI) - Malachi Moore (SAF)
5.162 (via PIT) - Francisco Mauigoa
5.176 (via BAL) - Tyler Baron (EDGE) Miami
The Jets Top-3 picks of the draft might be my favorite 3 pick run of any team from this past weekend. They simply sat and let the draft come to them, adding a franchise RT, the receiving TE that they have lacked for so long, and a press man corner who pairs extremely well with Sauce Gardner on the other side. The addition of Malachi Moore, a smart versatile safety who is a great fit for Aaron Glenn’s defense, rounds out a strong first draft for the new regime in New York.
Grade: A
Philadelphia Eagles
1.31 (via KC) - Jihaad Campbell (LB) Alabama
2.64 - Andrew Mukuba (SAF) Texas
4.111 (via NYJ) - Ty Robinson (IDL) Nebraska
5.145 (via HOU) - Mac McWilliams (CB) UCF
5.161 - Smael Mondon Jr. (LB) Georgia
5.168 - Drew Kendall (IOL) Boston College
6.181 (via LAC) - Kyle McCord (QB) Syracuse
6.191 (via DEN) - Myles Hinton (OT) Michigan
6.207 (via NJY) - Cameron Williams (OT) Texas
6.209 (via LAC) - Antwaun Powell- Ryland (EDGE) VA Tech
In classic Howie Roseman fashion the Eagles were one of the biggest Day-1 winners, with top LB prospect Jihaad Campbell sliding to them at #31. They then paired him with my #3 SAF in Andrew Mukuba, a versatile and feisty defender, on Day-2. A lack of picks until Round 4 means most of the impact of this class will come from the first two selections, but Cam Williams, the big RT out of Texas is an interesting add. A player with all the talent in the world at 21 years old was a surprising declaration, and now gets to work with one of the best OL coaches in the game to be groomed as the eventual replacement for Lane Johnson.
Grade: A
Pittsburgh Steelers
1.21 - Derrick Harmon (IDL) Oregon
3.83 - Kaleb Johnson (RB) Iowa
4.123 (via KC) - Jack Sawyer (EDGE) Ohio State
6.164 (via SEA) - Will Howard (QB) Ohio State
7.226 (via KC) - Carson Bruener (LB) Washington
7.229 (via PHI) - Donte Kent (CB) Central Michigan
What the Steelers would do at the QB position was one of the biggest questions of the 2025 NFL Draft. The answer was mostly nothing, waiting until Round 6 to select Will Howard, a strong value at that point of the draft but a player who projects more as a high end backup. While questions at the most important spot still remain and all eyes turn to Aaron Rodgers, passing on QB allowed Pittsburgh to add a handful of impact players. Harmon, when health permits, is a well rounded lineman who brings young and athleticism to an aging defense, and Kaleb Johnson is the ideal fit at RB in Arthur Smith’s wide zone offense.
Grade: B+
San Francisco 49ers
1.11 - Mykel Williams (EDGE) Georgia
2.43 - Alfred Collins (IDL) Texas
3.75 - Nick Martin (LB) Oklahoma State
3.100 - Upton Stout (CB) Western Kentucky
4.113 - CJ West (IDL) Indiana
4.138 - Jordan Watkins (WR) Ole Miss
5.147 (via WAS) - Jordan James (RB) Oregon
5.160 (via MIN) - Marques Sigle (SAF) Kansas State
7.227 - Kurtis Rourke (QB) Indiana
7.249 - Connor Colby (OG) Iowa
7.252 - Junior Bergen (WR) Montana
San Francisco was one of the handful of teams with a clear missive in this years draft, theirs being to beef up their defensive line. The additions of Williams, Collins and West give them three of the best run defenders in this years class, a welcome addition to a DL room outside of Nick Bosa that has been ravaged in recent years. Their remaining picks were of typical San Francisco style, reaching well above consensus on undersized but athletic defenders who bring plenty of fire, and of course no 49ers draft is complete without a Day-3 RB. The results of their class will be the performances of the big fellas up front, but they have earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to potential Day-3 steals many would not expect.
Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks
1.18 - Grey Zabel (OG) North Dakota State
2.35 (via TEN) - Nick Emmanwori (SAF) South Carolina
2.50 - Elijah Arroyo (TE) Miami
3.92 (via LV) - Jalen Milroe (QB) Alabama
4.142 (via MIN) - Rylie Mills (IDL) Notre Dame
5.166 (via CLE) - Tory Horton (WR) Colorado State
5.175 - Robbie Ouzts (FB) Alabama
6.192 (via CLE) - Bryce Cabeldue (OG) Kansas
7.223 (via PIT) - Damien Martinez (RB) Miami
7.234 - Mason Richman (OT) Iowa
7.238 (via NE) - Ricky White III (WR) UNLV
Few teams did a better job of adding immediate contributors through all three days of the draft than Seattle. While they added a handful of traditionally less than valuable positions with their high draft picks, the additions of Zabel and Arroyo should be able to step in and take on roles from Week 1. Two of my favorite picks in their draft were Tory Horton and Damien Martinez, a pair of players who should have gone much earlier given their college tape, and could steal sizable roles from incumbent veterans. The only thing keeping this class from an A was the trade up for Nick Emmanwori. If Emmanwori is to work anywhere it will be with Mike MacDonald, but I see more of an athletic project than the dominant SS his testing numbers and draft slot would suggest.
Grade: B+
Tampa Buccaneers
1.19 - Emeka Egbuka (WR) Ohio State
2.53 - Benjamin Morrison (CB) Notre Dame
3.84 - Jacob Parrish (CB) Kansas State
4.121 - David Walker (EDGE) Central Arkansas
5.157 - Elijah Roberts (EDGE) SMU
7.235 - Tez Johnson (WR) Oregon
The Buccaneers had one of the more confusing Round 1 selections in WR Emeka Egbuka, mostly due to their already full WR room, but turned around and had one of the best Day-2/Day-3 runs in the draft. Morrison and Parrish are both athletic feisty CBs, something Tampa sorely needs, and were both at least full round better players according to my board. The additions of Walker and Roberts on Day-3 won’t wow anybody, but they are versatile Front-4 pieces for a team that really struggled to create pressure without blitzing last year.
Grade: A-
Tennessee Titans
1.1 - Cam Ward (QB) Miami
2.52 (via SEA) - Femi Oladejo (EDGE) UCLA
3.82 (via SEA) - Kevin Winston Jr. (SAF) Penn State
4.103 - Chimere Dike (WR) Florida
4.120 (via SEA) - Gunnar Helm (TE) Texas
4.136 (via BAL) - Elic Ayomanor (WR) Stanford
5.167 (via KC) - Jackson Slater (IOL) Sacramento State
6.183 (via BAL) - Marcus Harris (CB) California
6.188 (via KC) - Kalel Mullings (RB) Michigan
The success or failure of the Titans 2025 class heavily relies on their #1 overall pick Cam Ward, but they did an excellent job adding players to ensure that that doesn’t happen. Elic Ayomanor, Gunnar Helm and Jackson Slater were all Day-3 picks, but have starter upside and could find their way into the lineup sooner rather than later. On defense Oladejo and Winston Jr are two players with Top-50 tools that go later due to experience and injury concerns respectively. The future of the franchise rests of Wards shoulders, but some sharp later selections may yield quality starters even if he doesn’t pan out.
Grade: A
Washington Commanders
1.29 - Josh Conerly Jr. (OT) Oregon
2.61 - Trey Amos (CB) Ole Miss
4.128 (via HOU) - Jaylin Lane (WR) VA Tech
6.205 - Kain Medrano (LB) UCLA
7.245 - Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB) Arizona
The Commanders had one of the smaller classes of the weekend due to some aggressive shopping for veterans over the past 6 months, putting a lot of stress on their top two pick. Thankfully for them, they hit a homerun on both of them taking Conerly and Amos, two players with Top-40 grades on my board. Where Conerly fits into the Commanders starting five still remains to be seen, but his athleticism will be a welcome addition at either RT or OG for a Commanders team overhauling a majority of that unit.