The 2023 NFL Draft is complete, and it’s time to release my final grades for each team.
These grades take into account every pick in the draft, with slight consideration for the trades teams made along the way.
I will also note the best and worst pick for each team. These best and worst picks go on value, not necessarily who will have the best or worst career.
Draft grades are very opinionated, so I’m sure your opinions will vary. If you don’t like how I graded your team, feel free to berate me in the comments and let me know why.
Below are my draft grades for all 32 teams in the 2023 NFL Draft, listed alphabetically by location.
2023 NFL Draft Grades
Arizona Cardinals
Grade: B
R1 (6): Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
R2 (41): BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU
R3 (72): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
R3 (94): Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
R4 (122): Jon Gaines II, G, UCLA
R5 (139): Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
R5 (168): Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
R6 (180): Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville
R6 (213): Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia
Best Value Pick: Owen Pappoe
Worst Value Pick: Jon Gaines II
The Cardinals had reportedly been eyeing Paris Johnson with the 3rd overall pick, but managed to make a series of trades to pick up draft capital and select him at 6. 3 would have been a reach, but they got decent value at 6 and filled a need.
Day 2 consisted of a popular edge rusher in Ojulari, an instinctual corner in Williams, and an underrated receiver in Michael Wilson. All-around solid group with a lot of upside.
The Cardinals had 5 picks on day 3, and they were all decent. I thought Jon Gaines was a bit of a reach, but his high athleticism makes up for it. Clayton Tune and Owen Pappoe are especially interesting players. Pappoe is one of the most athletic linebackers in the draft.
Atlanta Falcons
Grade: B-
R1 (8): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
R2 (38): Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
R3 (75): Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State
R4 (113): Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
R7 (224): DeMarcco Hellams, S, Alabama
R7 (225): Jovaughn Gwyn, G, South Carolina
Best Value Pick: Bijan Robinson
Worst Value Pick: Zach Harrison
Atlanta won the Bijan Robinson sweepstakes, and he’ll be dominant there. Bijan is an elite prospect, but it wasn’t necessarily the biggest need. In fact running back was one of the only positions where it didn’t really feel like they had a need.
Day 1 was a great talent with a questionable need, while I saw Day 2 as great needs but questionable talent. Bergeron was popular in that area but I saw as a later 2nd round guy, with Harrison being a bit of a reach due to his inconsistency. Still, both of these guys have plenty of potential.
Atlanta didn’t have many picks on Day 3, but they made good use of them. Clark Phillips has a chance to contribute right away as a nickel corner, and Hellams was a nice value in the 7th round.
Baltimore Ravens
Grade: B+
R1 (22): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
R2 (86): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
R4 (124): Tavius Robinson, Edge, Ole Miss
R5 (157): Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
R6 (199): Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT, Oregon
R7 (229): Andrew Vorhees, G, USC
Best Value Pick: Trenton Simpson
Worst Value Pick: None.
Zay Flowers was a decent value who fills a need and is a great fit for the system. Resigning Lamar doesn’t factor into the grade here, but knowing they have the QB position locked down allowed them to make this pick.
Baltimore only had a single day 2 pick, but they made the most of it. Simpson is a big time athlete who played a key role for Clemson’s powerhouse defense. He has a high ceiling and should be able to contribute early.
The big get for Baltimore on day 3 was Andrew Vorhees. An injury will keep him out this year, but he was considered one of the top-5 guards in the draft by many analysts before that. Tavius Robinson and Kyu Blu Kelly also both have the traits to turn into legit NFL players.
Buffalo Bills
Grade: C+
R1 (25): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
R2 (59): O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
R3 (91): Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
R5 (150): Justin Shorter, WR, Florida
R7 (230): Nick Broeker, G, Ole Miss
R7 (252): Alex Austin, CB, Oregon State
Best Value Pick: O’Cyrus Torrence
Worst Value Pick: Justin Shorter
I’ve always felt like Kincaid was a bit overrated, and the Bills traded up for him. Still, he fell further than most expected him to go, so you can’t fault the value.
Getting O’Cyrus Torrence at #59 was really nice for Buffalo. He should be a day 1 starter and completely looks the part of a long-term NFL starter. Dorian Williams was also a decent value, always playing with a chip on his shoulder.
None of the day 3 picks were particularly interesting to me. Broeker was a big time HS recruit with a lot of experience who could look to contribute as a multi-position backup.
Carolina Panthers
Grade: B-
R1 (1): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
R2 (39): Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
R3 (80): DJ Johnson, Edge, Oregon
R4 (114): Chandler Zavala, G, NC State
R5 (145): Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
Best Value Pick: Chandler Zavala
Worst Value Pick: DJ Johnson
Carolina got their guy at #1 overall, with no surprises.
Jonathan Mingo was taken a little bit earlier than I had him ranked, but I’m fine with this pick for Carolina. Mingo is a threat after the catch, and has a very powerful frame. DJ Johnson meanwhile was more of a surprise. His physical traits are impressive, but he’s an older prospect who never really produced in college. He’ll only be expected to be a rotational guy in Carolina, so maybe he’ll excel in that role.
The Panthers made the most of their 2 picks on day 3. Chandler Zavala has a chance to be a steal in the 4th round, and Jammie Robinson is too feisty to fail.
Chicago Bears
Grade: B+
R1 (10): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
R2 (53): Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
R2 (56): Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)
R3 (64): Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
R4 (115): Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
R4 (133): Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
R5 (148): Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
R5 (165): Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota
R7 (218): Travis Bell, DT, Kennesaw State
R7 (258): Kendall Williamson, S, Stanford
Best Value Pick: Noah Sewell
Worst Value Pick: Zacch Pickens
Chicago managed to snag a mid round pick to move back just one spot, guaranteeing they’d still get the player they wanted. That’s always a plus. Darnell Wright was a slight reach based on my rankings, but I’m not surprised if the Bears genuinely considered him a top 10 prospect. There’s a lot to like about him, and they desperately needed offensive line help.
Rounds 2-3 were interesting for Chicago. Gervon Dexter has a lot of talent, but seemed like a bit of a reach considering how raw he is. In the early 3rd round they seemed to forget that they have needs other than defensive tackle, as they took another one in Zacch Pickens. Pickens is also a good athlete but didn’t see too much backfield production throughout his career. Between those two picks was a good one, though. Stevenson should have a better NFL career than college career. He’s got all the traits to be a productive corner and is a good fit for the defense.
Day 3 was really nice for Chicago. Roschon Johnson is a guy a lot of teams really loved, while Tyler Scott, Noah Sewell, and Terell Smith were all incredible value. The Bears addressed their needs early, then got some great value to close it out.
Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: A
R1 (28): Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
R2 (60): DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
R3 (95): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
R4 (131): Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
R5 (163): Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
R6 (206): Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
R6 (217): Brad Robbins, P, Michigan
R7 (246): DJ Ivey, CB, Miami (FL)
Best Value Pick: Myles Murphy
Worst Value Pick: None.
I expected Myles Murphy to fall beyond my personal ranking, but that doesn’t change that I love this pick for Cincinnati. The Bengals are only a couple pieces away from a Championship, and Murphy provides rotational edge help while also offering a very high ceiling. Good value, need, and fit for their day 1 pick.
After two days, the Bengals put together one of the best draft classes in terms of value. DJ Turner is one of the best corners in the draft, offering inside-outside versatility with a ton of speed. He was a great value at the end of the 2nd. Battle was also solid value, and is as NFL-ready as you’ll find.
The Bengals continued their strong showing on day 3. Charlie Jones was a nice round 4 select, but their next two picks were incredible value. Chase Brown is a dynamic athlete who dominated the Big10 this past year, while Andrei Iosivas is one of the best athletes in the draft. A lot to work with through their first 6 picks.
Cleveland Browns
Grade: A
R3 (74): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
R3 (98): Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
R4 (111): Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
R4 (126): Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri
R5 (140): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
R5 (142): Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern
R6 (190): Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
Best Value Pick: Dawand Jones
Worst Value Pick: Cameron Mitchell
Cleveland didn’t have a first round pick, and didn’t make any crazy moves to move into the 1st round.
Cleveland started their draft in the 3rd round, and got a pair of really nice players. Tillman was a decent value, some would even say a great value. The big-bodied receiver gives Cleveland a different look and a lot of talent. Siaki Ika meanwhile is a true run stopper with impressive flexibility for his size. Getting him at 98 was also great value.
Dawand Jones was one of the steals of the draft, offering uncoachable traits and better feet than you’d expect. Isaiah McGuire and Luke Wypler were incredible value when selected, and DTR has a chance to be a really solid NFL quarterback.
Dallas Cowboys
Grade: D+
R1 (26): Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
R2 (58): Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
R3 (90): DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
R4 (129): Viliami Fehoko Jr., Edge, San Jose State
R5 (169): Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina
R6 (178): Eric Scott Jr., CB, Southern Miss
R6 (212): Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
R7 (244): Jalen Brooks, WR, South Carolina
Best Value Pick: Luke Schoonmaker
Worst Value Pick: Deuce Vaughn
A true run-stopping nose tackle was the biggest need for Dallas. While Mazi wasn’t a great value, I also didn’t consider him much of a reach. The potential is very high and he should be able to at least plug running lanes from day 1, while offering a body type that Dallas doesn’t currently have on the interior of the d-line.
Luke Schoonmaker was quite a reach for me. He’s got good size, decent skill, and fills a need, but there were plenty of other options available still at tight end. Overshown is someone that fits perfectly in the Cowboy’s system, though. I wasn’t quite as high on him as others, but I see the fit perfectly. I think he’ll outplay the ranking I had for him now that I’m seeing his landing spot.
The Cowboys filled some needs, but at the cost of value. I wasn’t a fan of the value throughout their draft, and day 3 was no exception. Deuce Vaughn was a nice pickup towards the end of the 6th, and Asim Richards has some traits you can work with.
Denver Broncos
Grade: A-
R2 (63): Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
R3 (67): Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
R3 (83): Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
R6 (183): JL Skinner III, S, Boise State
R7 (257): Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon
Best Value Pick: Drew Sanders
Worst Value Pick: None.
Denver didn’t have a first round pick, and unsurprisingly made no moves to sneak into the 1st.
The Broncos made a statement on day 2, with 2 really nice value picks to start things off. Marvin Mims is really underrated, one of the most efficient receivers in college football with a lot of versatility. Drew Sanders was potentially the top linebacker in the draft, with great athleticism and elite production this year. Riley Moss was also okay in terms of value, while filling a need. The name of the game for the Broncos seemed to be versatility, and they got just that.
Despite only having two day 3 picks, Denver got a couple of great value players with Skinner and Forsyth. JL Skinner is a massive safety who would have gone a lot higher if it wasn’t for injuries.
Detroit Lions
Grade: C-
R1 (12): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
R1 (18): Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
R2 (34): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
R2 (45): Brian Branch, S, Alabama
R3 (68): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
R3 (96): Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
R5 (152): Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary
R7 (219): Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina
Best Value Pick: Brian Branch
Worst Value Pick: Brodric Martin
Detroit had the most puzzling start to the draft. Taking Jahmyr Gibbs at number 12 despite having D’Andre Swift and recently signing David Montgomery was a shock based on positional need, and also a very bad value in my book. Jack Campbell was also a bit of a reach and still not a big positional need, but it’s less shocking. It’s fair to call him the best linebacker in the draft, and he’s one of the only big linebackers in the class. There’s a lot you can do with him that you can’t do with linebackers you’d get in rounds 2-3.
The Lions got better talent in round 2 than they did in round 1. If you rearrange their top 4 picks, it feels like a pretty good draft. That’s largely due to Brian Branch, who was an absolute steal at 45. Nick Saban raved about him in a way he’s rarely ever done before, and that means something. LaPorta may have felt like a reach to some, but 5 years from now no one will remember that. He’ll be a great pick. Hooker got a lot of attention and was certainly interesting. It was definitely worth the value at that point. Brodric Martin meanwhile was a complete shock to me. I figured he’d be a LATE day 3 guy, that was a big reach.
I was happy to see Colby Sorsdal get drafted, and even though I had him as a fringe 7th/PFA, I could see him living up to being an earlier pick. Antoine Green I wasn’t ever too high on, but I knew plenty of analysts liked him.
Green Bay Packers
Grade: C+
R1 (13): Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
R2 (42): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
R2 (50): Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
R3 (78): Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
R4 (116): Colby Wooden, Edge, Auburn
R5 (149): Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State
R5 (159): Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia
R6 (179): Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green
R6 (207): Anders Carlson, K, Auburn
R7 (232): Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
R7 (235): Lew Nichols III, RB, Central Michigan
R7 (242): Anthony Johnson Jr., S, Iowa State
R7 (256): Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte
Best Value Pick: Anthony Johnson Jr
Worst Value Pick: Sean Clifford
After finally trading Aaron Rodgers, this officially became Jordan Love’s team. That didn’t change their always-unusual draft strategy. Instead of getting help for Jordan Love, they go with edge rusher. There’s a lot to like about Van Ness, and extra edge help couldn’t hurt. But in a few years I think they’ll really regret missing out on Smith-Njigba.
The Packers finally got their pass catchers in day 2. With all 3 picks, to be exact. Musgrave was a really nice pick with plenty of potential. Jayden Reed was a big reach in my book with many better receivers still on the board. They then decided to double down on tight ends with Tucker Kraft, a powerful tight end who can do a bit of everything. Both the tight ends were good value, but taking two was unexpected.
Green Bay had a ton of day 3 picks, and most of them were pretty unnoteworthy. Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks should fit in well on their d-line, while Anthony Johnson Jr. was pretty good value towards the end of the 7th round. A few picks were really surprising, most notably Sean Clifford and Anders Carlson.
Houston Texans
Grade: A-
R1 (2): CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
R1 (3): Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
R2 (62): Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
R3 (69): Tank Dell, WR, Houston
R4 (109): Dylan Horton, Edge, TCU
R5 (167): Henry To’oto’o, LB, Alabama
R6 (201): Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame
R6 (205): Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
R7 (248): Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh
Best Value Pick: Xavier Hutchinson
Worst Value Pick: Juice Scruggs
Houston decided to grab their QB of the future with CJ Stroud, then made the gutsy move to trade up from 12 to 3 to also secure the best defensive prospect in the draft. Houston had plenty of picks to rationalize moving up a bit, and they got two legitimate building blocks. Texans fans should be excited with how day 1 went for them.
Seeing Juice Scruggs go round 2 was a surprise. I had a 4th round grade on him, and I thought I liked him more than most. Tank Dell meanwhile was a really nice pick. CJ Stroud will love his route running ability.
I really liked Day 3 for the Texans. Hutchinson and Patterson were my top value guys, but Hill, Horton, and To’oTo’o all legitimately have what it takes to be quality NFL players. All 5 picks on day 3 were really nice value.
Indianapolis Colts
Grade: B
R1 (4): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
R2 (44): Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
R3 (79): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
R4 (106): Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
R4 (110): Adetomiwa Adebawore, Edge/DT, Northwestern
R5 (138): Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
R5 (158): Daniel Scott, S, California
R5 (162): Will Mallory, TE, Miami (FL)
R5 (176): Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
R6 (211): Titus Leo, Edge, Wagner
R7 (221): Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
R7 (236): Jake Witt, OT, Northern Michigan
Best Value Pick: Adetomiwa Adebawore
Worst Value Pick: Daniel Scott
Indianapolis takes the gamble on Anthony Richardson, the QB with the highest ceiling in the draft. Technically this doesn’t match my value of Richardson, but this is a rare situation where you can throw that out the window. If the Colts are confident they have a foundation to help Richardson succeed, you need to pull the trigger on that pick. And that’s exactly what they did.
Day 2 was really good to Indianapolis. Julius Brents is a very long, talented corner who is an immediate upgrade in their secondary. They then grab the sliding Josh Downs, who has some of the best body control and acceleration of any receiver in the draft. Great value in the 3rd round.
The Colts had 9 picks on day 3, and a few of them were incredible value. Blake Freeland is one of the most athletic players in the draft, but even he is no where near Ade Adebawore, an insane athlete who put up comparable numbers to Travon Walker, 2022’s #1 overall pick. Getting him in the 4th round is insane. Darius Rush and Will Mallory were also great value picks, and I don’t have beef with any of the other picks. Really nice day 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: D+
R1 (27): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
R2 (61): Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State
R3 (88): Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
R4 (121): Ventrell Miller, LB, Florida
R4 (130): Tyler Lacy, DT, Oklahoma State
R5 (136): Yasir Abdullah, LB, Louisville
R5 (160): Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
R6 (185): Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
R6 (202): Christian Braswell, CB, Rutgers
R6 (208): Erick Hallett II, S, Pittsburgh
R7 (226): Cooper Hodges, G, Appalachian State
R7 (227): Raymond Vohasek, DT, North Carolina
R7 (240): Derek Parish, FB, Houston
Best Value Pick: Antonio Johnson
Worst Value Pick: Tyler Lacy
The Jaguars had two big needs entering the draft: Corner and offensive tackle. They traded back in round 1 to grab Anton Harrison, an athletic tackle with good potential as a pass blocker. They filled the need and picked up some additional assets by trading back, but I still felt like they reached for this. The tackle spot thins out fairly fast, but I thought corner would have been a better option.
I was surprised by the Brenton Strange pick a bit, but he’s a good blocker and has decent hands. Bigsby was a much better pick in my book, decent value and solid scheme fit.
The Jaguars made 10 picks on day 3, and only two received positive marks from me: Yasir Abdullah and Antonio Johnson. Both of those guys will absolutely outperform their 5th round draft position. Tyler Lacy was a massive reach in my book, and I have never been too high on Ventrell Miller.
Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: C-
R1 (31): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State
R2 (55): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
R3 (92): Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
R4 (119): Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech
R5 (166): BJ Thompson, Edge, Stephen F. Austin
R6 (194): Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas
R7 (250): Nic Jones, CB, Ball State
Best Value Pick: Keondre Coburn
Worst Value Pick: Wanya Morris
Kansas City was considering moving up for an edge rusher, but stood firm and took a local kid. Anudike-Uzomah has plenty of potential, but the value wasn’t great. Nolan Smith was taken just one pick before, and the difference in talent between those two is pretty significant.
Rashee Rice is someone lots of people like, but I was never as high on. He’ll probably prove me wrong in Kansas City. A bit of a reach in my book, but his separation agility will give him a chance to get a lot of targets from Mahomes. Wanya Morris meanwhile was a big reach in my book. He’s got potential to improve, but will need to be much more consistent to see the field for KC.
Keondre Coburn was the star of the Chief’s draft in my eyes. Getting an NFL-ready nose tackle in the 6th round is impressive. BJ Thompson has a lot of upside, and Chamarri Conner was really underrated by most media scouts. It was an overall decent day 3 for Kansas City.
Las Vegas Raiders
Grade: C
R1 (7): Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
R2 (35): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
R3 (70): Byron Young, DT, Alabama
R3 (100): Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati
R4 (104): Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
R4 (135): Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue
R5 (170): Christopher Smith, S, Georgia
R6 (203): Amari Burney, LB, Florida
R7 (231): Nesta Jade Silvera, DT, Arizona State
Best Value Pick: Michael Mayer
Worst Value Pick: Aidan O’Connell
Tyree Wilson was an undeniable top 10 talent, and will be a well-rounded day 1 starter for the Raiders. The value was fine and the positional need was fine, so Raiders fans should be content with this pick.
The Raiders started off day 2 with a bang, grabbing Michael Mayer who had slipped out of the first round. Great value, and filled a need. The next two picks were complete head scratchers to me. I had a 5th round grade on Byron Young and a 6th round grade on Tre Tucker. Big reaches with many talented players still on the board.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the third day of picks for Vegas. Using a 4th round pick on a statue quarterback was surprising considering they had other needs. Bennett has a chance to be solid with his athleticism, and Christopher Smith was a nice pickup in round 5. The hot start from their first 2 picks faded off pretty quickly.
Los Angeles Chargers
Grade: B
R1 (21): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
R2 (54): Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, USC
R3 (85): Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
R4 (125): Derius Davis, WR, TCU
R5 (156): Jordan McFadden, G, Clemson
R6 (200): Scott Matlock, DT, Boise State
R7 (239): Max Duggan, QB, TCU
Best Value Pick: Daiyan Henley
Worst Value Pick: Derius Davis
The Chargers took the risk on Quentin Johnston, a receiver who looks the part of a top-10 prospect but needs to work on his hands. If he can improve at the point of attack, the sky’s the limit for Johnston. Herbert is getting all the targets he can possible dream of.
Tuipulotu was a decent value and fit for the Chargers, but the big pick of day 2 was Daiyan Henley. Henley is an all-around linebacker who had a chance to sneak into the end of the 1st round. Instead, the Chargers snagged him at 85. Great value, fit, and need.
The Charges started day 3 with a return man, which was a lot earlier than I expected to see Derius Davis go. McFadden was a good value pick with positional versatility, and I was happy to see someone give Max Duggan a shot.
Los Angeles Rams
Grade: C
R2 (36): Steve Avila, G, TCU
R3 (77): Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee
R3 (89): Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
R4 (128): Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
R5 (161): Nick Hampton, Edge, Appalachian State
R5 (174): Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
R5 (175): Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
R5 (177): Puka Nacua, WR, BYU
R6 (182): Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
R6 (189): Ochaun Mathis, Edge, Nebraska
R6 (215): Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
R7 (223): Ethan Evans, P, Wingate
R7 (234): Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma State
R7 (259): Desjuan Johnson, DT, Toledo
Best Value Pick: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson
Worst Value Pick: Kobie Turner
The Rams have so many needs, we all knew they wouldn’t even consider trading up to round 1.
Their draft started in round 2 with Steve Avila. It isn’t a glamorous pick, but he’s going to step in and be a steady starter from day 1. Byron Young from Tennessee was decent value with a lot of upside as an undersized but athletic, high-motor, and productive edge. Kobie Turner was a big surprise for me, both in terms of need and in terms of value.
11 picks in the final 4 rounds. That’s a ton to work with. The Rams went with a mix of high-floor guys to fill immediate needs and boom-or-bust prospects to hopefully sneak out a star. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson was a really nice slot corner to find in round 6, and Davis Allen is ready to contribute right away at tight end. I also liked Zach Evans and Jason Taylor. The Rams needed all 3 specialist positions, but were only able to grab a punter despite their 14 total picks.
Miami Dolphins
Grade: B+
R2 (51): Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
R3 (84): Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
R6 (197): Elijah Higgins, WR, Stanford
R7 (238): Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan
Best Value Pick: Devon Achane
Worst Value Pick: None.
The Dolphins had lost their 1st round pick prior to the draft, and that’s not considered when calculating their draft grade.
It was a nice Day 2 for Miami, picking up a corner who had a chance to sneak into the 1st round, and a running back who could’ve easily gone 30 picks higher. Both were solid value with a lot of upside.
Miami only had 4 picks in the draft, but closed it out with two nice value grabs on day 3. Elijah Higgins has a chance to be a good pickup as a hybrid slot player. They announced him as a tight end, but he ran sub-4.6 as a 235 pound receiver. It’s hard to rate their draft too positively since they only had 4 picks, but they made the most of it.
Minnesota Vikings
Grade: C-
R1 (23): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
R3 (102): Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
R4 (134): Jay Ward, S, LSU
R5 (141): Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU
R5 (164): Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
R7 (222): DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
Best Value Pick: DeWayne McBride
Worst Value Pick: Mekhi Blackmon
The Vikings took their entire draft clock looking for a trade-down partner, but ended up staying put at 23. Jordan Addison was heavily mocked to them, and he will be a good player there who demands attention from defenses. The problem is that they didn’t address defense, which was their big problem last year. They only have 1 starting caliber corner on their roster, and skipped on a couple of good ones.
In day 2 the Vikings traded back only to take a player with a 5th round grade. Blackmon is coming off a highly graded season but doesn’t have the traits of a Brian Flores corner. I’m assuming he’s going to be moved in to the slot, otherwise the pick is a bit of a head scratcher.
I didn’t like the first pick of Day 3 with Jay Ward, but the Vikings closed it out strong with a nice addition in Jaquelin Roy and a phenomenal value in DeWayne McBride. This won’t factor into the ratings, but they also signed the #1 undrafted free agent in the class, Ivan Pace.
New England Patriots
Grade: C+
R1 (17): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
R2 (46): Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
R3 (76): Marte Mapu, S/LB, Sacramento State
R4 (107): Jake Andrews, C, Troy
R4 (112): Chad Ryland, K, Maryland
R4 (117): Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan
R5 (144): Atonio Mafi, G, UCLA
R6 (187): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
R6 (192): Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
R6 (210): Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty
R6 (214): Ameer Speed, CB, Michigan State
R7 (245): Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State
Best Value Pick: Christian Gonzalez
Worst Value Pick: Chad Ryland
New England traded down a few picks, and still got one of the biggest steals of the first round. Great value, filling a need, and picking up assets with the trade down. New England was one of the most impressive teams in the first round, as we’ve come to expect.
The Keion White pick was pretty nice for the Patriots. He has the size and athleticism of a first round pick, just needs more reps and to stay healthy. Marte Mapu was more of a surprise. There were plenty of rumors he could go top-100, but I never really saw it happening. It’ll be interesting to see where the Patriots intend to play him, he doesn’t really fit into any position other than a special teams cover guy.
The first two picks had to carry some weight, as day 3 saw a lot of reaches for the Patriots. New England tends to get a lot out of their day 3 picks, and there are still some interesting players here. Kayshon Boutte is the most notable, having been elite as a freshman before seemingly slowing down. They grabbed two specialists for some reason, but got some nice speed towards the end of the draft with Ameer Speed and Isaiah Bolden, two of the most athletic CBs in the draft.
New Orleans Saints
Grade: B
R1 (29): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
R2 (40): Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame
R3 (71): Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
R4 (103): Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion
R4 (127): Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
R5 (146): Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota
R6 (195): AT Perry, WR, Wake Forest
Best Value Pick: Bryan Bresee
Worst Value Pick: Jordan Howden
New Orleans wanted help all across their d-line, and they got a very high ceiling option with Bryan Bresee. His value was decent here, and he absolutely fills a need.
Some people consider Foskey a bit of a reach, but I liked that pick. New Orleans needs an edge, and he had an incredibly productive career at Notre Dame. Kendre Miller was also taken as a nice compliment to Alvin Kamara, I think that fit should work really nicely.
The Saints started round 4 with a guy I was notably lower on than most, but ended it the third day with one of the better values of the 6th round. AT Perry is a big bodied receiver who moves really well and is great at high pointing catches.
New York Giants
Grade: B
R1 (24): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
R2 (57): John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
R3 (73): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
R5 (172): Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma
R6 (209): Tre Hawkins III, CB, Old Dominion
R7 (243): Jordon Riley, DT, Oregon
R7 (254): Gervarrius Owens, S, Houston
Best Value Pick: Jalin Hyatt
Worst Value Pick: None.
Deonte Banks is a great fit for the Giants system. He was a bit of a reach based on my rankings, but I’ll let it slide because this was around the point where most analysts had him ranked.
The Giants got the best center in the draft towards the end of round 2, which was around where I expected him to go. His power and attention to detail are impressive, and he’s as NFL-ready as any center in the draft. They followed it up with one of the best value picks in the draft, taking Hyatt. Jalin Hyatt is an absolute speedster who had the potential to sneak into the bottom of the 1st.
Eric Gray was a really nice player to find in the 5th round, while Hawkins, Riley, and Owens all have at least 1 notable trait to build off of. The start of the draft definitely carried the Giants’ grade.
New York Jets
Grade: C
R1 (15): Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State
R2 (43): Joe Tippman, C, Wisconsin
R4 (120): Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh
R5 (143): Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
R6 (184): Zaire Barnes, LB, Western Michigan
R6 (204): Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, LSU
R7 (220): Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
Best Value Pick: Israel Abanikanda
Worst Value Pick: Will McDonald IV
The Jets wanted offensive line, but the Steelers jumped ahead of them to take the last mid-1st round option. The Jets instead grabbed Will McDonald, which was a head scratcher for me. He’s an older prospect who offers nothing in run defense, and doesn’t really fill a need.
The questionable draft continued for the Jets in day 2, when they used their lone selection to draft a raw center. There’s plenty to like about Tippman’s frame and athletic ability, and I actually expected a team to make him the first center taken. Still, I think this is a big reach in terms of his value, and he’ll need to improve his ability to stay off the ground and limit the holding penalties.
Despite a slow start, I liked the Jets strategy on Saturday. Carter Warren could have gone a lot higher if he was healthy in 2022, while Zack Kuntz and Israel Abanikanda deserved to be drafted much higher thanks to their athletic ability. Abanikanda had one of the best pro days of anyone in the draft class.
Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: A+
R1 (9): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
R1 (30): Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
R3 (65): Tyler Steen, T/G, Alabama
R3 (66): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
R4 (105): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
R6 (188): Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
R7 (249): Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas
Best Value Pick: Kelee Ringo
Worst Value Pick: None.
The Eagles’ Front Office has been dominant over the last several years, and they continued the Georgia-to-Philly pipeline on Day 1. Jalen Carter needed the right organization, and he got it. As a result I fully expect him to make good on his draft position. Nolan Smith I wasn’t as high on as most, but getting him at 30 is really nice. Great all around first day for the Eagles as they continue to build the scariest group of pass rushers in the NFL.
Day 2 wasn’t quite the burst of excitement for the Eagles, but they got good value with both their picks. Tyler Steen is a powerful and versatile offensive linemen who will be NFL-ready right away, while Sydney Brown is one of the top safeties in the draft. Eagles fans should be very happy with both of these picks.
Philly picked up right where they left off once the 4th round rolled in, picking up another elite Georgia athlete in Kelee Ringo. Tanner McKee was a solid value in round 6, and then Moro Ojomo has a chance to be one of the steals of the draft. The only downside for Philly is finding a roster spot for all these players and not having them plucked off their practice squad.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: A+
R1 (14): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
R2 (32): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
R2 (49): Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
R3 (93): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
R4 (132): Nick Herbig, Edge, Wisconsin
R7 (241): Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
R7 (251): Spencer Anderson, G, Maryland
Best Value Pick: Darnell Washington
Worst Value Pick: None.
The Steelers moved up a few picks to address their biggest need, offensive line. Jones going at 14 isn’t a surprise to me, and he should be a day 1 starter who helps Kenny Pickett have a fighting chance.
The Steelers were the likely winners of Day 2. It started with Joey Porter Jr., who I was shocked to see fall out of the first round. Keeanu Benton followed things up, who brings incredible traits to the interior d-line. If he can be more consistent, he’ll be a great value. Darnell Washington was then the biggest steal of day 2, having been one of my top-30 prospects. Elite size, elite blocking, good athleticism, and great hands.
Despite only having 3 picks across the final 4 rounds, Pittsburgh continued their strong draft on Saturday. Herbig became a nice value in round 4, while Trice was one of the biggest steals of the draft. His size and toughness made him a 4th round caliber player for most analysts, and they got him in the 7th.
San Francisco 49ers
Grade: D
R3 (87): Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
R3 (99): Jake Moody, K, Michigan
R3 (101): Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
R5 (155): Darrell Luter Jr., CB, South Alabama
R5 (173): Robert Beal Jr., Edge, Georgia
R6 (216): Dee Winters, LB, TCU
R7 (247): Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
R7 (253): Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
R7 (255): Jalen Graham, LB, Purdue
Best Value Pick: Ronnie Bell
Worst Value Pick: Jake Moody
The 49ers had a bunch of mid-round draft capital entering the draft, but didn’t make any moves on day 1.
San Fran traded up to grab Ji’Ayir Brown, an experienced safety who will be able to play a role right away. From there, the draft got interesting. San Fran went kicker in the 3rd round, something that never works out well, and was obviously a massive reach. They finished the day with Cameron Latu, who I also thought was quite the reach.
Saturday was the best day of the draft for San Francisco, but that wasn’t hard after Friday’s showing.
Luter is a good system fit and decent value in the 5th round, while the trio of Winters, Willis, and Bell all showed great late round value. Ronnie Bell is an especially undervalued prospect who doesn’t do any one thing great, but is the definition of steady.
Seattle Seahawks
Grade: B+
R1 (5): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
R1 (20): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
R2 (37): Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn
R2 (52): Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
R4 (108): Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
R4 (123): Cameron Young, DT, Mississippi State
R5 (151): Mike Morris, Edge, Michigan
R5 (154): Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
R6 (198): Jerrick Reed II, S, New Mexico
R7 (237): Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
Best Value Pick: Olusegun Oluwatimi
Worst Value Pick: Cameron Young
Seattle going Witherspoon at 5 makes sense, and even though I’m not quite as high on him as many others, there are no complaints from me here. Meanwhile, grabbing Jaxon Smith-Njigba at 20 is an absolute steal. Dominant day 1 for Seattle.
Derick Hall is a good all-around edge rusher who will fit perfectly in the Seahawks organization. He was a bit of a reach in my rankings, but I can let it slide since the fit is good. Charbonnet was taken right where I expected, and I think he’ll mix really well with Kenneth Walker.
I loved the way Seattle started the 4th round with Anthony Bradford, one of the more athletic guards in the class. Oluwatimi was also a phenomenal pick in the 5th round. Despite below average athleticism, he was named the top center in college football for a reason. Then Kenny McIntosh was a very nice late addition, one of the best receiving running backs you’ll evaluate.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: C+
R1 (19): Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
R2 (48): Cody Mauch, G/T, North Dakota State
R3 (82): YaYa Diaby, Edge, Louisville
R5 (153): SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh
R5 (171): Payne Durham, TE, Purdue
R6 (181): Josh Hayes, S/CB, Kansas State
R6 (191): Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
R6 (196): Jose Ramirez, Edge, Eastern Michigan
Best Value Pick: Trey Palmer
Worst Value Pick: Josh Hayes
Calijah Kancey has some insane potential with his underneath quickness, but it felt like a bit of an odd pick for Tampa. 19th overall for a defensive tackle with the shortest arms in NFL draft history is quite surprising. The frame doesn’t look the part of round 1, but the quickness and film does. I think there were better options, but it’s a fun pick with high upside.
Cody Mauch started the day for Tampa Bay, giving them a versatile o-lineman who can play all 5 positions while also having starting potential. They followed it up with YaYa Diaby, an athletic and powerful edge rusher who I knew would be drafted earlier than the ranking I had for him. I wouldn’t consider either of these picks slam dunks, but they were both solid with plenty of upside.
Tampa Bay made two picks I really liked on day 3, including SirVocea Dennis and Trey Palmer. Dennis is one of my biggest sleepers, offering an impressive mix of athleticism and production that you won’t usually find in the 5th round. Palmer meanwhile needs to work on his hands, but he’s an elite athlete who absolutely dominated in his 1 year at Nebraska.
Tennessee Titans
Grade: A
R1 (11): Peter Skoronski, T/G, Northwestern
R2 (33): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
R3 (81): Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
R5 (147): Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
R6 (186): Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
R7 (228): Colton Dowell, WR, UT-Martin
Best Value Pick: Will Levis
Worst Value Pick: None.
Skoronski was the best possible pick for the Titans. This is a run-first team with an abysmal offensive line. Skoronski can play tackle or guard, and should be a high level starter from day 1 who fits well in the system. Good value and need.
While day 1 was the responsible pick for Tennessee, day 2 was all about fun. They started it off by grabbing Will Levis, who has an incredibly high ceiling as a potential starter. Levis fits really well in Tennessee’s system, but they’ll want to get him some better receivers before he takes over as the starter. They followed this with Tyjae Spears, an incredibly agile running back who is the perfect compliment to Derrick Henry. Again, really nice fit and decent value.
The Titans made a nice trio of picks on the third day, starting with two great value players in Josh Whyle and Jaelyn Duncan. Whyle is a smooth mover with nice size and really good hands, while Duncan is a really nice athlete who looks the part of an NFL left tackle if he can get more consistent. I was also happily surprised to see Dowell get drafted. He’s a big time athlete who dominated at his pro day with a 4.42 40 and 41″ vertical at 6’3″ 212 pounds.
Washington Commanders
Grade: C-
R1 (16): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
R2 (47): Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois
R3 (97): Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
R4 (118): Braeden Daniels, G, Utah
R5 (137): KJ Henry, Edge, Clemson
R6 (193): Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
R7 (233): Andre Jones, Edge, UL-Lafayette
Best Value Pick: KJ Henry
Worst Value Pick: Emmanuel Forbes
There were plenty of rumors about Forbes going round 1, but going 16th overall with Gonzalez still on the board was shocking to me. At 166 pounds, Forbes was a ballhawk but benefitted heavily from tipped passes when he was beat on his route. I had a fringe 2nd-3rd round grade on him, and didn’t budge when he started getting 1st round buzz. Not considering this a good pick for Washington, but it does fill a need.
Jartavius Martin is one of my favorite dudes in the draft, with elite athleticism and a lot of versatility. He’ll need to clean up his technique, but the upside is very impressive. Washington then decided to go center, which I figured was one of the lesser needs on their o-line. Still, Stromberg is an NFL-ready center who was the SEC offensive lineman of the year in 2022. He’ll be a good player for them.
Braeden Daniels is an interesting 4th round pick, but it seemed like quite a reach. His athletic ability makes up for it, but he’ll likely need to prove he can hold up to power rushers while kicking inside to guard. Henry and Rodriguez were really nice picks though. Rodriguez especially offers a nice old school style as a bigger downhill running back.
