Grading a draft instantly after it concludes is akin to giving your compliments to the chef earlier than the meal has been served. Positive, the meals may sound good (or unhealthy) primarily based on the elements listed on the menu, however the true analysis will not come till after the product has been examined.
It should take at the least three years earlier than we are able to actually assess how the 32 NFL groups fared over the weekend. However what is quickly obvious is the totally different approaches that had been taken, from going for the most effective accessible expertise to specializing in workforce must playing on long-term potential, typically amid character considerations.
Groups are listed alphabetically.
Including splashy defensive deal with Walter Nolen within the first spherical was a great remaining contact to a masterful offseason devoted to enhancing Arizona’s entrance. Nolen has some growth or bust to him, however the expertise is plain and Jonathan Gannon’s confirmed potential to develop defenders makes him an intriguing funding.
If wholesome, cornerback Will Johnson gives top-10 expertise at a reduction value because the No. 47 general choose. Jordan Burch is an intriguing expertise who may pop in Gannon’s scheme, as properly. Whereas I am excited for all of the enhancements made to Arizona’s protection on this draft, I query if sufficient was carried out to improve the offensive line, tempering my enthusiasm for this group, general.
Grade: B-
There’s something to be mentioned for approaching a draft with clear-cut targets and addressing these wants. Much like the Cardinals one spot earlier, it needed to be refreshing for defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris to so completely handle a sagging Atlanta cross rush, investing not one however two first-round picks in twitchy sack stars Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. I like Walker’s versatility and alpha-dog mentality, and Pearce may simply be the bendiest rusher of this class (although he does not chip in a lot towards the run).
Every gives instant affect potential, as does the Falcons’ new security tandem of Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. within the center rounds. Each are pure ballhawks able to profiting from the inexperienced quarterbacks of the NFC South. The Falcons solely had 5 picks to play with, and their double-dipping technique leaves nearly zero room for error.
Grade: C+
Within the days main as much as the draft, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta spoke about his anticipation of including a cornerback and security. Who knew at the moment that he meant it taking place with one participant within the opening spherical? That is the positional versatility Malaki Starks ought to supply Baltimore, giving the membership a plug-and-play choice at robust security alongside star Kyle Hamilton and added flexibility on the nickel and dime nook spots.
The tradition established by DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh seemingly made them comfy drafting CFB sack chief Mike Green at No. 59 general regardless of disturbing off-field allegations. However like Starks, he winds up in a great touchdown spot. Center-rounders Emery Jones Jr. and Carson Vinson starred at deal with in school however might be finest suited inside for the Ravens. Of their staggering eight choices on Day 3, I am highest on them and speedy cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam.
It’s tough to enhance a workforce as proficient as Baltimore with rookies, however this draft class is loaded with each high quality and amount.
Grade: A-
Typically, it is not simply the positional match that warrants a excessive grade however the particular prospect chosen. I like Buffalo’s guess on the velocity and playmaking of cornerback Maxwell Hairston, because the Payments wanted extra game-breaking potential on the defensive aspect of the ball. GM Brandon Beane may have caught to the “standard” Payments method of drafting good, bodily gamers, however Hairston is a raffle that might be the of completion wanted for a Tremendous Bowl run. Following the early funding made in Hairston — the quickest participant on the Mix this yr — the Payments returned to the “black-and-blue” methods of prior drafts, dedicating their first 5 picks on defenders, together with a trio of former SEC robust guys on the line of defense in T.J. Sanders, Landon Jackson and Deone Walker.
The blue-collar mentality remained a focus deep into Day 3, even because the Payments went to tight finish and cornerback with Jackson Hawes and Dorian Robust, every of whom can be including some grit and physicality to their respective place rooms in Buffalo.
Grade: A
Clearly, Carolina wanted to get Bryce Young assist at receiver, and Tetairoa McMillan possesses the scale, ball abilities and manufacturing to counsel he will be that. I am desirous to see if “T-Mac” emerges because the clear-cut WR1 anticipated of a top-10 choice, as I wasn’t as excessive on him as many others within the media. Nevertheless, I am considerably increased on Nic Scourton than many draft analysts appear to be, and love the pro-readiness and worth he gives because the 51st general choice. Princely Umanmielen may play the identical place, however he is a completely totally different fashion of outdoor linebacker than Scourton, successful with velocity and agility. Of Carolina’s Day 3 choices, I am most enthusiastic about their early picks of working again Trevor Etienne and security Lathan Ransom, who possess not solely juice however the toughness essential to be longtime contributors.
Grade: B-
Given the best way that Sam LaPorta helped the Detroit Lions the previous two seasons, few know higher than new Bears head coach Ben Johnson the instant affect a playmaking tight finish could make. Whereas I used to be barely shocked to see Colston Loveland drafted forward of Tyler Warren, the previous is definitely a greater schematic match for the Bears on condition that the membership already boasts a high quality dual-purpose tight finish in Cole Kmet, permitting Loveland to play extra of the “massive receiver” function.
I appreciated the Bears’ choice on Thursday, however I liked their picks on Friday. Broad receiver isn’t a place I anticipated them to give attention to early, however Luther Burden III is the most effective receiver after the catch on this draft and can make their offense (and particular groups) immediately extra explosive. Equally, I just like the pro-readiness and nastiness that fellow second-rounders Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner present. Of the Bears’ Day 3 picks, I am most intrigued by the upside of UTSA cornerback Zah Frazier, who gives most of the traits which have helped Tariq Woolen — one other former fifth-round choose — emerge as a starter for the Seahawks.
Grade: A-
12 months in and yr out, the Bengals gamble on traits, and that was once more the case in 2025 with the collection of Shemar Stewart, a digital lottery ticket of an athlete and precisely the sort of insurance coverage coverage wanted with Trey Hendrickson a doable commerce candidate. Insurance coverage, the truth is, gave the impression to be the technique for Cincinnati on this draft, with second- and fourth-round choices used on inside linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, signaling that standard veterans Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson may also be on the best way out.
Whereas a lot of the main target will understandably lie with the Bengals’ defensive prospects, I just like the expertise and worth of blockers Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers, in addition to working again Tahj Brooks, a Sherman tank of a runner with glorious steadiness via contact.
Grade: B
The Browns are both the neatest workforce within the NFL or, extra probably, a ship with no rudder. Early and late, their selections had been confounding. First off, whereas Cleveland bought an excellent participant in Mason Graham at No. 5 general and satisfied the Jaguars to surrender their 2026 first-round choice to maneuver up simply three spots, I do not like buying and selling away the chance to land a real blue-chip expertise like Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter.
Now, to be truthful, Graham is as secure as this class will get, and he definitely provides beef and tenacity to a line of defense boasting arguably the league’s most dynamic defensive finish in Myles Garrett. Nevertheless, he is not the “particular” expertise usually related to a top-five choice. Whereas equally secure, Carson Schwesinger at No. 33 general was additionally a case of paying a premium value for (however not nice) participant at a place that wasn’t of dire want.
After which, after all, was the double-dipping at quarterback (and working again). Clearly, if both Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders wind up being Cleveland’s long-term resolution at quarterback, then GM Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski deserve reward. However is Cleveland’s plan to maintain 5 quarterbacks on the roster? Neither Gabriel nor Sanders seem prone to be lifelike choices to start out within the season opener, and the Browns introduced in Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett within the offseason with Deshaun Watson nonetheless on the books.
In a vacuum, I just like the prospects introduced in by Cleveland, together with each runners Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, in addition to tight finish Harold Fannin Jr. I am simply not satisfied that this seven-man class will assist the Browns win extra video games in 2025.
Grade: C-
Give Jerry Jones and the Cowboys some credit score. For a franchise that when prioritized playmakers — typically irresponsibly — Dallas selected to start its draft with the largest, nastiest blocker of this class in Tyler Booker, properly offering the girth and guts wanted to fight the dominant defensive strains of the NFC East. Additional, Day 2 picks Donovan Ezeiruaku and Shavon Revel Jr. had been high quality worth choices who crammed positions that had been decimated lately by free-agent defections and accidents.
Whereas I appreciated the Cowboys’ technique to strengthen their offensive line and protection, they had been surprisingly quiet on the playmaker entrance. Fifth-round working again Jaydon Blue definitely provides the aspect of straight-line velocity, however I imagine Dallas actually wanted to improve its receiving corps past CeeDee Lamb.
Grade: B-
On condition that I projected the Broncos to pick a working again at No. 20 in just about each mock draft I wrote this offseason, I can not say that I foresaw their choose of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron. That admission apart, I like the addition. It takes a particular breed of confidence to play reverse a celebrity like Patrick Surtain Jr., and Barron has that — a crucial aspect given the passing assaults of the AFC West.
Like Barron, working again RJ Harvey gives a résumé few can contact, although he got here off the board sooner than I anticipated. I felt the identical about former Illinois broad receiver Pat Bryant, although each play with the instincts and physicality well-suited for Sean Payton’s scheme, as does LSU energy edge rusher Sai’vion Jones, a participant whose finest soccer nonetheless lies forward of him.
Grade: C+
I used to be fascinated to see how GM Brad Holmes and the Lions would method this draft given all their teaching departures within the offseason. Tyleik Williams may audition as a stunt double for injured standout defensive deal with Alim McNeill, providing related measurement, energy, agility and management abilities.
In the meantime, the Lions may need discovered a clone of their head coach Dan Campbell in second-round guard Tate Ratledge, one of many extra imposing and intense gamers of this class. Between Ratledge and fifth-round choose Miles Frazier, the Lions’ lineage up entrance is safe. By way of worth, I appreciated the sixth-round collection of defensive finish Ahmed Hassanein greater than the third-round choose of wideout Isaac TeSlaa, although the latter’s intriguing measurement/velocity mixture is a welcome complement to the shiftiness and velocity of Detroit’s present receiving corps. Lastly, do not be shocked if seventh-round choose Dan Jackson makes this membership.
Grade: B-
The primary spherical couldn’t have performed out a lot better for the internet hosting Inexperienced Bay Packers, who capitalized on the speediest broad receiver within the class — Matthew Golden — falling into their queso. Particularly, it offers them with the home-run hitter wanted to take quarterback Jordan Love and this offense into one other stratosphere.
The Packers added a a lot larger and much more versatile pass-catcher in Savion Williams within the third spherical. Talking of measurement, the Packers bought loads of that in North Carolina State offensive lineman Anthony Belton within the second, energy edge Barryn Sorrell within the fourth and defensive deal with Warren Brinson within the sixth, boosting the majority and flexibility on either side of the road of scrimmage for Inexperienced Bay.
Grade: B
Positive, it was irritating for Texans followers to observe the primary day of the draft come and go with no choose being made, however GM Nick Caserio’s endurance can be rewarded subsequent yr with Houston now proudly owning two first-round choices in a category anticipated to be a lot richer than this one. And let’s be actual — that 2026 New York Giants choose might be a excessive one.
Even higher, Caserio put collectively an intriguing class this yr, filling the necessity for an athletic deal with with the Massive Ten’s blocker of the yr in Aireontae Ersery and including former Iowa State teammates Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel within the second and third rounds, respectively. Polar opposites in fashion, the duo supply measurement, velocity and dependable arms, enormously enhancing Houston’s depth at receiver. The Texans added one other duo of school teammates in cornerback Jaylin Smith and Woody Marks (each from USC), with the latter arguably the most effective receiving again of this class.
Grade: B+
Whether or not it is Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones (or rookie Riley Leonard, for that matter) working at quarterback for the Colts in 2025, it is a membership constructed round their steady of runners, that includes, after all, star working again Jonathan Taylor. With opponents understandably crowing the road of scrimmage to gradual the Colts’ working recreation, including a playmaking tight finish was essential.
I like how the primary spherical performed out for GM Chris Ballard, as Tyler Warren ought to excel on this function and show that the Colts stole him at No. 14. I really feel that highly effective edge rusher JT Tuimoloau (forty fifth general) and shifty working again DJ Giddens (151st) will even in the end outperform their draft slots. I used to be, nevertheless, shocked that the Colts did not add extra our bodies up entrance for the offensive line, given the numerous free-agent defections.
Grade: C+
Look, I am as excessive on Travis Hunter as anybody. I’ve lengthy been referring to him as the highest prospect on this class and a generational expertise since his first recreation at Colorado. And I like the pairing of Hunter with Brian Thomas Jr. and, after all, each Liam Coen and Trevor Lawrence. However Hunter had rattling properly higher be ready to play two positions full time to justify Jacksonville’s borderline reckless commerce of its 2026 first-round choice to maneuver up three spots to get him. Something lower than instant superstardom for Hunter and the Jags will look silly.
The lengthy wait to select once more — Jacksonville went 86 choices earlier than being again on the clock — solely reinforces how vital the Jaguars made him to their class. I just like the addition of gritty nook Caleb Ransaw and reliable blocker Wyatt Milum within the third spherical, in addition to the big-play potential provided by Day 3 working backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen.
Grade: B-
Andy Reid will get a variety of credit score for the Chiefs’ success on recreation day and justifiably so. However GM Brett Veach delivered a grasp class on endurance and worth within the first spherical, as properly, coaxing the Philadelphia Eagles out of a fifth-round choose (which KC in the end traded to Pittsburgh) to drop a single spot and choose Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, a expertise worthy of a top-15 choose when wholesome and filling an enormous want at deal with.
I used to be shocked that Kansas Metropolis did not make investments extra picks on the offensive line the remainder of the best way, however I like the expertise added. Omarr Norman-Lott is a penetrating defensive deal with who can present instant juice to the Chiefs’ line of defense, with the underrated Ashton Gillotte probably doing the identical on the surface. Center-rounders Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals and Jeffrey Bassa had been a few of my favourite “second-tier” prospects at their respective positions on this class.
The superior diploma of problem in drafting for a workforce that has comparatively few holes can’t be overstated. Veach and the Chiefs dealt with it masterfully, handing over among the best courses of this yr’s draft — slipping solely barely as a result of I believed they wanted extra assist alongside the offensive line.
Grade: A-
No workforce has undergone extra of a change on offense over the offseason than the Raiders, whose collection of Ashton Jeanty (and earlier commerce for Geno Smith) vaporized no matter reminiscences followers may need of final yr’s offense. A real bell cow, Jeanty is a future NFL celebrity, and he’ll a head coach in Pete Carroll who will not hesitate to characteristic him as such.
Jeanty deserves reward, however so does the remainder of the Raiders’ incoming class. I particularly liked the Raiders’ Day 2 picks. Wideout Jack Bech goes to rapidly emerge as one among Smith’s favourite targets. Darien Porter was born to play cornerback for Carroll, with the previous wideout-turned-defender taking the identical path to the NFL as Richard Sherman and Tariq Woolen. The Raiders additionally nabbed two of the extra underrated blockers on this class, within the sturdy and reliable Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant. The back-to-back choices of small-school quarterbacks Tommy Mellott and Cam Miller in all probability raised loads of eyebrows, however the former is an elite athlete whose future might be at receiver. The Raiders wanted a renaissance … and this draft is the proper capper to an offseason that delivered it.
Grade: A
Much like their aforementioned AFC West rivals, there’s something refreshing about the best way that Jim Harbaugh has remodeled the Chargers from a once-finesse fashion of offense into one in search of to punish opponents. Omarion Hampton’s title may seem as an image subsequent to the time period “workhorse” in on-line dictionaries subsequent fall. Moreover, speedy big-play pass-catchers Tre Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Oronde Gadsden II give the Chargers the mandatory vertical threats to benefit from defenses creeping up towards the road of scrimmage.
Whereas the Chargers’ splashy skill-position additions will generate a lot of the thrill, I additionally just like the addition of robust guys Jamaree Caldwell and Kyle Kennard within the center rounds.
Grade: B
Rams GM Les Snead as soon as famously exclaimed “f— these picks,” and his actions Thursday mirrored that mindset, swapping out of the primary spherical of this yr’s class to present his membership two choices within the opening body subsequent yr. And make no mistake, that choose from the Atlanta Falcons might be one.
Frankly, the Rams may want it, as I believed their draft class this yr was rife with reaches. Tight finish Terrance Ferguson is an efficient participant, however I used to be shocked to see him come off the board at No. 46 general, and I really feel equally about working again Jarquez Hunter roughly two rounds later. I do just like the physicality of edge rusher Josiah Stewart and the dependability of defensive deal with Ty Hamilton. Chris Paul Jr. was considered as too small to be an efficient inside linebacker within the NFL — however the identical was as soon as mentioned about Ernest Jones IV.
Snead and head coach Sean McVay have shocked me many instances earlier than, constantly turning poorly-reviewed draft courses into divisional winners. I am desirous to see if they will do it once more, with the additional 2026 first-round choose boosting the grade.
Grade: C
I can respect the rationale behind GM Chris Grier’s resolution to pick large nostril guard Kenneth Grant at No. 13 general. When the Dolphins’ offense is wholesome and buzzing, opponents have little selection however to attempt to run the ball to gradual them down — and Grant is completely suited to clog up these lanes. That mentioned, I imagine the Dolphins paid an terrible lot in draft capital for a participant who merely hasn’t dominated constantly — and the Dolphins spent two extra picks on Day 3 on the place (on Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers), as properly.
My favourite picks for Miami on this draft had been the burly blocker Jonah Savaiinaea within the second spherical and the late choices of working again Ollie Gordon (179th) and quarterback Quinn Ewers (231st), every of whom are intriguing matches in Mike McDaniel’s offense.
Grade: D+
Given the extremely aggressive strikes GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made in free company, the Minnesota’s resolution to face pat and choose Ohio State blocker Donovan Jackson is roughly the equal of strolling previous a litany of your favourite eating places, solely to go house and make your self a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That mentioned, I like Jackson … lots. I will not quibble an excessive amount of with a playoff-caliber workforce investing within the blockers essential to guard younger quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Nevertheless, with the Vikings’ subsequent choose coming at receiver (Tai Felton) — clearly a relative energy of their roster — I believed they made some odd choices on this draft. Issues bought slightly extra logical within the later rounds, with the addition of flashy defensive deal with Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, hard-hitting run-stuffer Kobe King at inside linebacker and regular, all-purpose tight finish Gavin Bartholomew.
Grade: C
Normal supervisor Eliot Wolf labored the 2025 NFL draft like he was on the grocery retailer, including a complete of 11 prospects to the cart and from nearly each aisle. The collection of left deal with Will Campbell at No. 4 general is not probably the most thrilling of draft day picks, however it was one, as he is a confirmed and polished blocker who matches in with the blue-collar mentality Mike Vrabel is in search of to rebuild in Foxborough, in addition to the bottom protector Drake Maye must take the following step.
Within the center rounds, the Patriots made related strikes with the splashiest pure heart of this class in Jared Wilson, in addition to run-stuffing DT Joshua Farmer and twitchy edge rusher Bradyn Swinson. In between, New England boosted its talent place expertise, nabbing one among this yr’s most reliable all-around working backs in TreVeyon Henderson, in addition to the cat-quick Kyle Williams, giving Maye respectable playmakers. I am not satisfied that the Patriots added many true superstars this yr, however this was the foundational class the franchise wanted to re-establish the roster.
Grade: A-
Over the previous 5 years, no workforce has invested extra early picks on offensive linemen than the Saints, with No. 9 choose Kelvin Banks Jr. now becoming a member of Taliese Fuaga (No. 14 general, 2024), Trevor Penning (No. 19, 2022) and Cesar Ruiz (No. 24, 2020). Banks gives the membership plenty of flexibility at deal with — the Saints lately declined their fifth-year choice on Penning — whereas being considered by some as a pure match inside at left guard. It will likely be fascinating to see who Banks is defending at quarterback, after the Saints invested the No. 40 general choice on Tyler Shough, who’s as gifted a passer as there may be on this class. His advanced age and durability concerns made him a polarizing prospect, however I just like the gamble and belief each GM Mickey Loomis and new head coach Kellen Moore’s eye for expertise.
I believed the Saints did a pleasant job of including high quality gamers within the center rounds. I am particularly excessive on their fourth-round choices of linebacker Danny Stutsman and cornerback Quincy Riley, who led all DBs on this class with 15 interceptions on the school degree.
Grade: B
The Giants have but to announce their resolution on Kayvon Thibodeaux’s fifth-year choice, however drafting velocity rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 general is an announcement in itself. The 2 could not be a lot totally different. Thibodeaux is extra of an influence participant, whereas Carter is greased lightning off the sting; every ought to excel on a defensive entrance that already boasts two established stars in Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns. Whereas Carter gives a direct affect — I believe he ought to be the early favourite for Defensive Rookie of the 12 months honors — give GM Joe Schoen credit score for enjoying the lengthy recreation, as properly, by aggressively buying and selling again into the primary spherical to nab Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. The proficient younger signal-caller ought to get the time wanted on the sideline to observe and study successfully with veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston already on the roster.
Usually, middle-round picks are those requiring endurance, however that might not be the case with their haul. Darius Alexander is among the many extra pro-ready defensive tackles on this class, with a veteran carpenter’s instrument belt of pass-rush strikes. The identical might be mentioned for the runaway freight prepare that’s working again Cam Skattebo — a seemingly good “Thunder” to the “Lightning” mixture of speedier Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. I additionally thought offensive deal with Marcus Mbow was a steal within the fifth spherical.
Grade: A-
Aaron Glenn noticed firsthand with the Detroit Lions what a dominant offensive line can do for a membership, and the first-round collection of Armand Membou displays a want for physicality over flash. Membou’s seek-and-destroy enjoying fashion as a run-blocker is a pleasant complement to a working recreation centered round Justin Fields and Breece Hall. Talking of Fields, he leaned closely on playmaking tight ends in his earlier NFL stops, and the Jets landed arguably probably the most sure-handed massive pass-catcher of this class with Mason Taylor.
Glenn, a former cornerback himself, is aware of higher than most that 40-yard sprint instances will be overrated and that the extremely bodily and instinctive Azareye’h Thomas performs quicker than he timed. He’ll show a steal at No. 73 general. Of the Jets’ Day 3 picks, I appreciated the attention and physicality of security Malachi Moore and Francisco Mauigoa most.
Grade: B-
In a case of the wealthy getting richer, Howie Roseman nabbed the draft’s most fun off-ball linebacker in Jihaad Campbell at No. 31 general, boldly shifting up one choose to guarantee his addition. It was a transfer that made a variety of sense, as opponents can have little selection however to get the ball out rapidly to working backs and tight ends in attempting to keep away from the Eagles’ vaunted cross rush, and Campbell gives extraordinary agility in protection. Roseman returned to the place later within the draft with yet one more Georgia standout in Smael Mondon Jr., one other quick and bodily linebacker who flashes future beginning potential.
In between, the Eagles landed a pure cowl security in Andrew Mukuba and two of the extra underrated and pro-ready inside linemen of this class, defender Ty Robinson and NFL legacy Drew Kendall at heart. These weren’t positions of want for the defending Tremendous Bowl champions, however they solely make the roster youthful, hungrier and cheaper.
That “at all times compete” mentality additionally made quarterback Kyle McCord an intriguing choice within the sixth spherical. Nobody is suggesting that he’s going to push Tremendous Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, however he may problem Tanner McKee and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. McCord flashes starter-caliber accuracy, serving as a late-round funding coverage for a workforce that seemingly has all of it.
Grade: A-
Few groups prioritize measurement and toughness alongside the road of scrimmage just like the Steelers, and first-round choose Derrick Harmon exudes each of these qualities. This wasn’t the flashiest of choices — the Steelers not often have these — however I like this choose for Pittsburgh and will not be shocked in any respect when Harmon winds up being a decade-long anchor. Related picks had been made within the center rounds with stubby however savvy edge rusher Jack Sawyer and nostril guard Yahya Black. Third-round addition Kaleb Johnson runs with the willpower, contact steadiness and game-speed that may remind Steelers followers of James Conner. All 4 had been seemingly born to be Pittsburgh Steelers.
I additionally just like the late-round choices of quarterback Will Howard and linebacker Carson Bruener, a particular groups ace and the son of former Steelers’ tight finish and present West Coast scout Mark Bruener. If the Steelers had been satisfied that Howard was a practical choice to start out the season opener at quarterback, GM Omar Khan wouldn’t have waited till the sixth spherical to draft him, however he does supply starter-like intangibles.
Grade: B
Pardon the pun, however the 49ers went mining for gold within the 2025 NFL draft and may strike it wealthy or strike out with this class, making it a captivating one.
Neither Kyle Shanahan nor John Lynch had been employed by the 49ers when the membership boasted one of many NFL’s higher, extra rugged defensive ends in Justin Smith, however that’s the sort of participant Mykel Williams will be with slightly extra polish (and well being). Equally, large defensive deal with Alfred Collins may flip right into a monster, however he flashed greater than completed whereas working his manner via the depth chart at Texas over his school profession. I see related boom-or-bust potential with linebacker Nick Martin and twitchy however undersized cornerback Upton Stout, every of whom additionally struggled with accidents in school and, frankly, I believed had been each reaches within the third spherical. If playing on a participant coming off of harm, I believe it’s wiser to do it late, because the 49ers did with quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who, when wholesome, proved a respectable weapon as each a passer and runner at each Ohio and Indiana.
The one participant I completely love for the 49ers is working again Jordan James, an instinctive again with terrific imaginative and prescient, lateral burst and speak to steadiness. Like his father, Kyle Shanahan seemingly has a magic wand with working backs, and James will show it as soon as he will get his alternative.
Grade: C+
Soccer could be a sophisticated recreation, however typically the only resolution is the fitting one. That was the method the Seahawks took within the first spherical, nabbing their perfect schematic fit in Gray Zabel, probably the most versatile blocker on this class and a plug-and-play choice at left guard.
This was the earliest the Seahawks have drafted an inside offensive lineman since Corridor of Famer Steve Hutchinson, and I am unsure GM John Schneider loved utilizing his first-round choose on an inside blocker. However as soon as he pressured down these greens within the first spherical, the remainder of the draft was dessert, and the Seahawks feasted in addition to any workforce within the league, touchdown three different prospects in security Nick Emmanwori, tight finish Elijah Arroyo and quarterback Jalen Milroe, every of whom flashed first-round traits.
Milroe, after all, will not be anticipated to play instantly, with the Seahawks signing Sam Darnold in free company. He does supply intriguing working potential, nevertheless, for an offensive coordinator (Klint Kubiak) who values a cellular quarterback, and a head coach (Mike Macdonald) who joined Seattle following time in Baltimore with Lamar Jackson.
The Seahawks aren’t prone to get the identical manufacturing out of late-round receivers Tory Horton and Ricky White III as longtime stars DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, however every does supply respectable big-play potential in addition to particular groups prowess.
The Seahawks wanted a splashy draft and bought one. By way of each amount and high quality, their 2025 class was nearly as good as any within the league.
Grade: A
Double-dipping was the clear technique for the Bucs in 2025 with two picks apiece devoted to receiver, cornerback and edge rusher. The neatest groups draft for the longer term, anticipating fairly than reacting, and that’s exactly the technique GM Jason Licht and the Bucs took in nabbing Emeka Egbuka at No. 19 general, even with the seemingly ageless Mike Evans and Chris Godwin set to return this yr. Egbuka was the second receiver off the board, however I believe he is a safer choose than the primary one — Tetairoa McMillan (to the NFC South division rival Carolina Panthers) — and a pass-catcher that may preserve Baker Mayfield fortunately firing away. Seventh-round big-play magnet Tez Johnson has the quickness to shock, as properly.
Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish may very properly show Day 2 steals within the secondary, and I am a fan of each of their new edge rushers, David Walker and Elijah Roberts — every of the prospects complement their respective working mates with totally different, distinctive talent units.
However in a category loaded with proficient massive males alongside the road of scrimmage and working backs, Tampa Bay’s utterly ignoring such spots was stunning.
Grade: B-
Cam Ward wasn’t my favourite prospect on this class (he ranked 14th on my final Big Board), however there isn’t any denying his expertise, enchancment or, frankly, Tennessee’s “titanic” want for improved play at quarterback. Ward is a pure playmaker who brings instant pleasure to the franchise. I simply want GM Mike Borgonzi had discovered extra established pass-catchers to help his adjustment to the NFL.
The Titans did make investments a number of 2025 picks on pass-catchers — including speedster Chimere Dike, soft-handed tight finish Gunnar Helm and red-zone specialist Elic Ayomanor — to a roster that already has former first-round picks in Calvin Ridley and Treylon Burks. If Ward continues his ascent, this is perhaps sufficient. Of the three rookies, I am highest on Ayomanor (picked No. 136 general), who wins with physique management and powerful arms to steal passes above the rim.
I do just like the potential of the 2 defenders chosen earlier than the pass-catchers. Edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo and security Kevin Winston Jr. present the sorts of flashes on tape that counsel every may in the end show among the many highest at their respective positions from this class.
And that’s the theme of this Titans draft haul. It’s heavy on potential however skinny on positive issues.
Grade: B
1 / 4 of the prospects drafted within the first spherical of the 2025 NFL draft play alongside the offensive line, and the Commanders bought arguably probably the most athletic of the bunch in Josh Conerly Jr. The No. 29 general choose starred at left deal with for Oregon, however is prone to transfer to proper deal with for the Commanders, offering an athletic improve over free-agent addition Andrew Wylie and the mobility essential to help the mesmerizing playmaker that’s second-year star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Although wideout wasn’t essentially a place of concern for the Commanders, I actually appreciated the addition of speedster Jaylin Lane within the fourth spherical. He’ll assist in the vertical recreation and as a returner.
Given the place he was chosen, my favourite choose for the Commanders was cornerback Trey Amos (No. 61 general), who’s among the many higher press corners on this class. With solely 5 draft picks, GM Adam Peters did not have as many alternatives as most, however few did extra with much less.
Grade: B
Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports activities. He has been overlaying the NFL Draft for greater than 20 years, with work at FOX, Sports activities Illustrated, CBSSports.com, USA Immediately, Yahoo, NFL.com and NFLDraftScout.com, amongst others. He additionally works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Soccer League. Comply with him on X @RobRang.
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