Immediate draft grades provide a foundation for future evaluations. Waiting three years to assess draft classes without accounting for how the decision was viewed at the time usually leads to revisionist history.
These 2025 ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøDraft snap grades reflect the value I think each pick (or set of picks) has, given the slot and the prospect's college film/athleticism scores. Trades, and the capital exchanged (both picks and players), are factored into these grades, too, as they also play a significant part in determining the future of a franchise.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 16): DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi
- Round 2 (No. 47): CB Will Johnson, Michigan
- Round 3 (No. 78): Edge Jordan Burch, Oregon
- Round 4 (No. 115): LB Cody Simon, Ohio State
- Round 5 (No. 174): CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State
- Round 6 (No. 211): OG Hayden Conner, Texas
- Round 7 (No. 225): S Kitan Crawford, Nevada
Grades
Analysis:
- Arizona focused on defense on the first two days of the draft, taking two potential stars in Nolen and Johnson. If Nolen can put it all together and Johnson , they will lift the Cardinals' defense to a new level.
- Simon just seems to find the ball. He'll make plays inside and outside for the Cardinals. His fellow Buckeye, Burke, has the athleticism to stick on the roster. They found a needed offensive lineman in Conner, and I expect Crawford to surprise as a nickel safety his rookie season. Arizona should be looking to sign multiple undrafted free agent receivers to compete for a roster spot.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 15): Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia
- Round 1 (No. 26): Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
- Round 3 (No. 96): S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
- Round 4 (No. 118): S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
- Round 7 (No. 218): OT Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
Grades
Analysis:
- The Falcons did not mess around when it came to addressing their pass rush need, getting good value in Walker at No. 15 and taking a chance on Pearce's upside later in Round 1. The risk of giving up a 2026 first-rounder to trade up for Pearce was somewhat mitigated by receiving a 2025 third-rounder in return. They met a huge need with the selection of the ballhawking Watts in Round 3.
- Atlanta was docked a Day 3 pick and traded others, but Bowman was a nice addition in Round 4. He’s a future starter at strong safety and could play nickel in 2025 if asked. Nelson is the swing tackle Atlanta needed behind Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary. They should be looking for a center after the draft, though, as well as corners and receivers.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 27): S Malaki Starks, Georgia
- Round 2 (No. 59): Edge Mike Green, Marshall
- Round 3 (No. 91): OT Emery Jones Jr., LSU
- Round 4 (No. 129): LB Teddye Buchanan, California
- Round 5 (No. 141): OT Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M
- Round 6 (No. 178): CB Bilhal Kone, Western Michigan
- Round 6 (No. 186): K Tyler Loop, Arizona
- Round 6 (No. 203): WR LaJohntay Wester, Colorado
- Round 6 (No. 210): DT Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
- Round 6 (No. 212): CB Robert Longerbeam, Rutgers
- Round 7 (No. 243): OG Garrett Dellinger, LSU
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: A
- Day 3 grade: A-
Analysis:
- The Ravens are perennial contenders because they let the draft board come to them. Starks will be a playmaker no matter where he lines up. Green was still available late in Round 2 because of concerns, but he has a chance to provide a lot of value off the edge. Jones could be a solid starter at guard or tackle in time.
- Buchanan met a need for Baltimore and Peebles should immediately step into the D-line rotation. The Ravens took a massive tackle in Vinson and a tough guard in Dellinger, who will compete for playing time early. The fluid Kone and quick Longerbeam figure to make an impact in the secondary as rookies. Loop might be the replacement for Justin Tucker amid questions about his future with the team. Wester is a tough, quick slot receiver and punt returner.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 30): CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
- Round 2 (No. 41): DT T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
- Round 3 (No. 72): Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas
- Round 4 (No. 109): DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
- Round 5 (No. 170): CB Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
- Round 5 (No. 173): TE Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
- Round 6 (No. 177): CB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
- Round 6 (No. 206): OT Chase Lundt, Connecticut
- Round 7 (No. 240): WR Kaden Prather, Maryland
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A-
- Day 2 grade: B
- Day 3 grade: B
Analysis:
- Hairston's speed and feisty coverage skills should bolster the Bills' secondary. Jackson was also a good value. He possesses the ideal build for Buffalo's scheme. Sanders has a chance to be an interior presence but will need to be a more consistent threat for the team's trade up for his services to pay off.
- Walker is a massive body in the middle but trading up a second time for a defensive tackle didn’t maximize the team's draft capital, in my opinion. Buffalo added corners with the versatile Hancock and tall, experienced Strong. Hawes can contribute in two tight end sets and Prather made enough downfield plays at Maryland to provide value.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 8): WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
- Round 2 (No. 51): Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
- Round 3 (No. 77): Edge Princely Umanmielen, Mississippi
- Round 4 (No. 114): RB Trevor Etienne, Georgia
- Round 4 (No. 122): S Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
- Round 5 (No. 140): DT Cam Jackson, Florida
- Round 5 (No. 163): TE Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
- Round 6 (No. 208): WR Jimmy Horn Jr., Colorado
Grades
- Day 1 grade: C
- Day 2 grade: A-
- Day 3 grade: B+
Analysis:
- McMillan could be a threat in the mold of Drake London, but Carolina might have been better served by drafting one of the top tight ends (Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren) or defensive players (Jalon Walker) at No. 8. The Panthers doubled up on pass rushers Scourton and Umanmielen on Day 2. They could have improved the secondary with one of those picks, though, and found another edge defender on Saturday.
- Carolina used the fourth-round pick it received from Dallas in the Jonathan Mingo trade to select Etienne. That decision stood out since the team rewarded Chuba Hubbard with an extension last year, signed Rico Dowdle in free agency and spent a top-50 pick on Jonathon Brooks, who is recovering from his second ACL tear in as many years, in 2024. Ransom's downhill play should get him on the field for the Panthers quickly, as will the size and surprising agility of run-stopper Jackson. I expect Evans to thrive early in his career in 12 personnel.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 10): TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
- Round 2 (No. 39): WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
- Round 2 (No. 56): OT Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College
- Round 2 (No. 62): DT Shemar Turner, Texas A&M
- Round 4 (No. 132): LB Ruben Hyppolite II, Maryland
- Round 5 (No. 169): CB Zah Frazier, UTSA
- Round 6 (No. 195): OG Luke Newman, Michigan State
- Round 7 (No. 233): RB Kyle Monangai, Rutgers
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A-
- Day 2 grade: B+
- Day 3 grade: C
Analysis:
- Loveland is a talented player, but we'll see over the next couple of years whether fellow tight end Tyler Warren, who went four picks later, would have been the better selection at No. 10. I expect Burden to be a stud in Chicago, where he’ll team up with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. The Trapilo and Turner picks addressed needs, even if the team might have jumped the board a bit for them.
- Hyppolite was picked a bit earlier than I expected, but he has the quickness and toughness to make an impact on special teams defense. Frazier's a bit of a project in the fifth round, but he did intercept six passes last season. Newman could contribute at guard or tackle. Monangai could prove to be the best value of all these picks.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 17): Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
- Round 2 (No. 49): LB Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
- Round 3 (No. 81): OG Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
- Round 4 (No. 119): LB Barrett Carter, Clemson
- Round 5 (No. 153): OT Jalen Rivers, Miami
- Round 6 (No. 193): RB Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B
- Day 2 grade: B
- Day 3 grade: C-
Analysis:
- Stewart has the potential to vastly exceed his uninspiring college production (4.5 sacks in three seasons) thanks to his elite physical traits. Knight and Fairchild should be starters before long, though impactful players at premium positions were also available at those picks.
- Carter is a good player who will eventually start, but I’m not sure they were able to get maximum value by taking linebackers with two of their first four picks. Rivers addresses the team's lack of depth at tackle and Brooks should compete for playing time in a crowded running back room. Cincinnati traded its seventh-round pick to Chicago for running back Khalil Herbert in November.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 5): DT Mason Graham, Michigan
- Round 2 (No. 33): LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
- Round 2 (No. 36): RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
- Round 3 (No. 67): TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
- Round 3 (No. 94): QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
- Round 4 (No. 126): RB Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
- Round 5 (No. 144): QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B+
- Day 2 grade: B+
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- The Browns traded out of the No. 2 spot on Thursday night, passing on a chance to pick two-way star Travis Hunter. Obviously, a move of that magnitude will be analyzed for years to come and will invite a lot of second-guessing if Hunter plays to his potential.
- After moving down three spots, they landed a top-five talent in Graham, and I expect Schwesinger to become one of the leaders on defense over the next few seasons. Judkins will probably earn Nick Chubb comparisons as a rookie. The undersized Fannin and Gabriel will be, at the very least, solid role players for the Browns.
- The Sanders pick could be the best personnel move the Browns have made in years. He didn’t go until the fifth round, which was the biggest story of this year’s draft, but the decision to end his slide could pay off in a big way. Sampson has top-130 talent but it was interesting that the team drafted two running backs in the first four rounds when it had needs at offensive tackle, receiver and edge rusher.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 12): OG Tyler Booker, Alabama
- Round 2 (No. 44): Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
- Round 3 (No. 76): CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
- Round 5 (No. 149): RB Jaydon Blue, Texas
- Round 5 (No. 152): LB Shemar James, Florida
- Round 6 (No. 204): OT Ajani Cornelius, Oregon
- Round 7 (No. 217): DT Jay Toia, UCLA
- Round 7 (No. 239): RB Phil Mafah, Clemson
- Round 7 (No. 247): DT Tommy Akingbesote, Maryland
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B+
- Day 2 grade: A-
- Day 3 grade: A-
Analysis:
- The Cowboys bypassed the available offensive skill-position players and defensive talent at No. 12 to replace the retired Zack Martin with Booker. The former Alabama guard is a proven starter out of the SEC, but he did not impress in athletic testing this spring. Ezeiruaku projects as the next Demarcus Lawrence, while Revel could be a nice Day 2 find if he’s able to stay healthy (coming off an ACL tear).
- I dropped Dallas' grade slightly because they traded their fourth-round pick to Carolina for Jonathan Mingo last year, a move that has not paid off so far. They proved they could find running backs late, however, picking the speedy Blue in Round 5 and the strong Mafah in Round 7. I understood why they decided to trade up for James. I expect him to earn a starting role in Dallas. Cornelius could play guard or tackle for the Cowboys, while Toia and Akingbesote will help stop the run.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 20): CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
- Round 2 (No. 60): RB RJ Harvey, UCF
- Round 3 (No. 74): WR Pat Bryant, Illinois
- Round 3 (No. 101): Edge Sai'vion Jones, LSU
- Round 4 (No. 134): Edge Que Robinson, Alabama
- Round 6 (No. 216): P Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida
- Round 7 (No. 241): TE Caleb Lohner, Utah
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: C+
- Day 3 grade: B
Analysis:
- The Broncos found great value in Barron, who can play wherever he’s needed in the secondary. They met needs at running back, receiver and on the defensive line on Day 2, though Harvey and Bryant were not my most highly rated available players at their positions.
- Robinson had a hard time earning defensive snaps for much of his career at Alabama, but he will play special teams and could develop into a designated pass rusher. The departure of Riley Dixon pushed the Broncos to select Crawford, a strong-legged kicker. Lohner's a former BYU and Baylor basketball player. He’s a project worthy of a seventh-round investment.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 28): DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
- Round 2 (No. 57): OG Tate Ratledge, Georgia
- Round 3 (No. 70): WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas
- Round 5 (No. 171): OG Miles Frazier, LSU
- Round 6 (No. 196): Edge Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State
- Round 7 (No. 230): S Dan Jackson, Georgia
- Round 7 (No. 244): WR Dominic Lovett, Georgia
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B+
- Day 2 grade: C
- Day 3 grade: A-
Analysis:
- The Lions chose to take the talented Williams over an edge rusher, offensive lineman or receiver in Round 1. Time will tell as to whether they found value in hard-nosed guard Ratledge in Round 2 and receiver TeSlaa in Round 3, with the latter player secured via an unusual trade in which Detroit moved up in the round by shipping Jacksonville a pair of 2026 Day 2 picks, getting a sixth-rounder this year and next year in return.
- Frazier adds competition behind Ratledge and Graham Glasgow on the interior offensive line, probably becoming a starter in 2026. The Lions finally landed a fiery, competitive pass rusher (Round 6's Hassanein) and an athletic, hard-hitting safety (Jackson). Lovett can help TeSlaa add depth to a thin receiving corps.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 23): WR Matthew Golden, Texas
- Round 2 (No. 54): OT Anthony Belton, N.C. State
- Round 3 (No. 87): WR Savion Williams, TCU
- Round 4 (No. 124): Edge Barryn Sorrell, Texas
- Round 5 (No. 159): Edge Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State
- Round 6 (No. 198): DT Warren Brinson, Georgia
- Round 7 (No. 237): CB Micah Robinson, Tulane
- Round 7 (No. 250): OG John Williams, Cincinnati
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: B
- Day 3 grade: B+
Analysis:
- Green Bay ended its 23-year streak of not drafting a receiver in Round 1 with Golden, whom the team surely hopes is the downfield playmaker Jordan Love needs. Instead of adding a cornerback and edge rusher in Day 2, the Packers gambled on Belton's size to overcome his lapses against speed and took advantage of versatile offensive weapon Savion Williams still being on the board.
- Power rusher Sorrell and hybrid linebacker/edge Oliver bring much-needed punch to the defensive line. Brinson wasn't a big name on Georgia's defense, but the Packers still went back to that talent well because of his quickness and power off the snap. The team finally picked a corner (Robinson) and announced the tenacious John Williams as a guard, although he started in tackle in college.
Draft picks
- Round 2 (No. 34): WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
- Round 2 (No. 48): OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
- Round 3 (No. 79): WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
- Round 3 (No. 97): CB Jaylin Smith, USC
- Round 4 (No. 116): RB Woody Marks, USC
- Round 6 (No. 187): S Jaylen Reed, Penn State
- Round 6 (No. 197): QB Graham Mertz, Florida
- Round 7 (No. 224): DT Kyonte Hamilton, Rutgers
- Round 7 (No. 255): TE Luke Lachey, Iowa
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: A+
- Day 3 grade: C
Analysis:
- The Texans did well to add two more Iowa State Cyclones to their receivers room, with Higgins and Noel joining former teammate Xavier Hutchinson to support C.J. Stroud. I thought they might take Ersery in the first round, so the trade up for him in Round 2 made sense to me, as did the swap that led to the acquisition of the versatile and tough Smith in Round 3.
- Marks is not just a strong runner but can be another target for Stroud as a receiver. We'll see if patience would have been wiser than giving up a third-round pick next year to move into Round 4 for him. Mertz has some positive attributes but was inconsistent and suffered injuries in college. Hamilton meets a need for young depth at tackle. Lachey lost a step due to injury but could prove to have been a steal in the seventh.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 14): TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
- Round 2 (No. 45): Edge J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
- Round 3 (No. 80): CB Justin Walley, Minnesota
- Round 4 (No. 127): OT Jalen Travis, Iowa State
- Round 5 (No. 151): RB DJ Giddens, Kansas State
- Round 6 (No. 189): QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
- Round 6 (No. 190): DT Tim Smith, Alabama
- Round 7 (No. 232): LB Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A+
- Day 2 grade: A-
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- Warren and Tuimoloau were two of my favorite picks early in the draft. Their combination of strength and playmaking ability will help the franchise on both sides of the ball. Walley should provide depth in the secondary.
- Travis is a powerful blocker who could step up, with both starters (Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith) entering a contract year. Giddens was the reserve back they needed behind Jonathan Taylor. I projected Leonard as a Day 3 Colts pick because he's a gamer who looks to improve his consistency as a passer.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 2): WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
- Round 3 (No. 88): CB Caleb Ransaw, Tulane
- Round 3 (No. 89): OG Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
- Round 4 (No. 104): RB Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
- Round 4 (No. 107): LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
- Round 6 (No. 194): LB Jalen McLeod, Auburn
- Round 6 (No. 200): S Rayuan Lane III, Navy
- Round 7 (No. 221): C Jonah Monheim, USC
- Round 7 (No. 236): RB LeQuint Allen, Syracuse
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A-
- Day 2 grade: A-
- Day 3 grade: B
Analysis:
- The move up for Hunter carries some risk because it affects returns from Day 2 this year and cost a 2026 first-round pick, but he is a generational talent rated as the best corner and receiver in the draft class. Ransaw and Milum were solid picks who will contribute as rookies and potentially start, if they are outperforming veterans in training camp.
- The Jaguars passed on Travis Etienne's brother, Trevor Etienne, to bring in the speedy Tuten in the fourth. They also added Allen to the running back group in the seventh. Kiser should be a good special teamer and could provide a boost on defense, despite lacking great change-of-direction ability. McLeod gives the team linebacker and defensive end flexibility. Monheim brings versatility after playing tackle, guard and center in college.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 32): OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
- Round 2 (No. 63): DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee
- Round 3 (No. 66): Edge Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
- Round 3 (No. 85): CB Nohl Williams, California
- Round 4 (No. 133): WR Jalen Royals, Utah State
- Round 5 (No. 156): LB Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
- Round 7 (No. 228): RB Brashard Smith, SMU
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: B
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- Simmons will be an excellent pick at a major position of need for the Chiefs, if he's able to return to form after recovering from the knee injury that shortened his 2024 season. Norman-Lott is a bit undersized (6-2, 291 pounds) and must be more consistent to justify his draft slot. Gillotte and Williams meet Chiefs archetypes for their respective positions.
- I feel Royals could have easily been a late third-round pick because of his hands and quickness. Kansas City traded its fifth-round pick to Tennessee for receiver DeAndre Hopkins (41 receptions, 4 TD in 10 games) but acquired another fifth to use on Bassa, who was picked a round or two late and complements Nick Bolton well. Smith is exactly the type of speed back the Chiefs needed.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 6): RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
- Round 2 (No. 58): WR Jack Bech, TCU
- Round 3 (No. 68): CB Darien Porter, Iowa State
- Round 3 (No. 98): OG Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech
- Round 3 (No. 99): OT Charles Grant, William & Mary
- Round 4 (No. 108): WR Dont'e Thornton Jr., Tennessee
- Round 4 (No. 135): DT Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina
- Round 6 (No. 180): DT JJ Pegues, Mississippi
- Round 6 (No. 213): WR Tommy Mellott, Montana State
- Round 6 (No. 215): QB Cam Miller, North Dakota State
- Round 7 (No. 222): LB Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A+
- Day 2 grade: A
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- I suspected Jeanty's strength through contact and open-field burst wouldn't make it past the Raiders if he was still in the green room in Green Bay. General manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll hit the right notes with Bech at receiver and Rogers and Grant improving the offensive line.
- The Raiders needed at least two receivers in this draft, and they hit a home run with Thornton, an underutilized size/speed guy. Hemingway brings activity and Pegues size to the team's defensive line rotation. They picked both of the quarterbacks who played in the 2024 FCS Championship Game: Miller (North Dakota State) and Mellott (Montana State). Miller has potential as a reserve, and Mellott -- who put up elite workout numbers and ran routes as a receiver at his pro day -- was announced as a receiver when he was picked.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 22): RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
- Round 2 (No. 55): WR Tre Harris, Mississippi
- Round 3 (No. 86): DT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
- Round 4 (No. 125): Edge Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
- Round 5 (No. 158): WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn
- Round 5 (No. 165): TE Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
- Round 6 (No. 199): OG Branson Taylor, Pittsburgh
- Round 6 (No. 214): S R.J. Mickens, Clemson
- Round 7 (No. 256): CB Trikweze Bridges, Florida
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: B+
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- Jim Harbaugh's run game got a boost from Hampton in Round 1, and Harris -- a strong downfield playmaker when healthy -- did the same for the receiving corps in Round 2. Caldwell met a need on the defensive line, though the Chargers could have added youth at edge rusher there and found a similar value at nose tackle on Day 3.
- Luckily, the Bolts found Kennard -- who gets to the quarterback with hard work rather than elite bend -- midway through the fourth round. Lambert-Smith's pure quickness is impressive, and finding Gadsden in the fifth round was an absolute steal. Only injury kept the smooth, pro-sized Taylor from landing a higher draft slot. He could become a starter in Year 2 or 3. Mickens enters a competitive defensive back room; don't count him out.
Draft picks
- Round 2 (No. 46): TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
- Round 3 (No. 90): Edge Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
- Round 4 (No. 117): RB Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
- Round 5 (No. 148): DT Ty Hamilton, Ohio State
- Round 5 (No. 172): LB Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi
- Round 7 (No. 242): WR Konata Mumpfield, Pittsburgh
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A-
- Day 2 grade: B+
- Day 3 grade: C+
Analysis:
- Trading out of the first round gave the Rams a 2026 first-round pick, though it did cost them a Day 2 selection this year (in Round 3). Ferguson is the agile pass-catcher they needed at tight end. The Rams eschewed other needs to select Stewart, who is a good football player despite not possessing the size or athleticism of most pass rushers.
- Hunter is a solid value in the fourth but might have to wait a while behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Trading a 2026 fourth-round pick to select a good rotational tackle like Hamilton seemed unwise. L.A. needed a linebacker and receiver; Paul and Mumpfield have better tape than measurements or workout numbers.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 13): DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
- Round 2 (No. 37): OG Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
- Round 5 (No. 143): DT Jordan Phillips, Maryland
- Round 5 (No. 150): CB Jason Marshall Jr., Florida
- Round 5 (No. 155): S Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
- Round 6 (No. 179): RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
- Round 7 (No. 231): QB Quinn Ewers, Texas
- Round 7 (No. 253): DT Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B-
- Day 2 grade: A-
- Day 3 grade: A+
Analysis:
- Grant's a potential force on the defensive line, but Derrick Harmon (picked by the Steelers at No. 21 overall) and Walter Nolen (taken by the Cardinals at No. 16) could prove to be better values. Miami went with another big body in Savaiinaea to replace Robert Jones at guard, though they gave up two mid-round picks and received one in return to move up and select Savaiinaea.
- Miami wisely stockpiled a 2026 third-round pick instead of choosing someone in the fourth this year. Phillips and Biggers showed the team's commitment to stopping the run. Marshall lasted longer in the draft than I figured, given his coverage skills. Trader is going to punish ball-carriers at the next level. I projected the bulky Gordon to Miami on Day 3 to bring a physical presence. Ewers enters a QB room in Miami where Tua Tagovailoa's backups historically have tended to see their fair share of action.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 24): OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
- Round 3 (No. 102): WR Tai Felton, Maryland
- Round 5 (No. 139): DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Georgia
- Round 6 (No. 201): LB Kobe King, Penn State
- Round 6 (No. 202): TE Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B
- Day 2 grade: B
- Day 3 grade: B-
Analysis:
- The Vikings made the offensive line a priority in Round 1, taking Jackson, a sturdy guard, over available defensive backs. They also ignored defensive needs when good value presented itself in Felton, whose game will take pressure off Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
- Minnesota came into Day 3 with just two picks because of trades, including moves to acquire edge Dallas Turner and running back Jordan Mason. Ingram-Dawkins is a tall, athletic lineman able to step in at 5-technique behind free agents Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. The Vikings later traded for Sam Howell and a fifth-round pick from Seattle, then sent the fifth-rounder acquired in that deal to the Rams for a pair of sixth-round choices, which Minnesota used on stout inside 'backer King and solid No. 2 tight end Bartholomew. They did not address their secondary concerns, however.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 4): OT Will Campbell, LSU
- Round 2 (No. 38): RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
- Round 3 (No. 69): WR Kyle Williams, Washington State
- Round 3 (No. 95): C Jared Wilson, Georgia
- Round 4 (No. 106): S Craig Woodson, California
- Round 4 (No. 137): DT Joshua Farmer, Florida State
- Round 5 (No. 146): Edge Bradyn Swinson, LSU
- Round 6 (No. 182): K Andres Borregales, Miami
- Round 7 (No. 220): OT Marcus Bryant, Missouri
- Round 7 (No. 251): LS Julian Ashby, Vanderbilt
- Round 7 (No. 257): CB Kobee Minor, Memphis
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B-
- Day 2 grade: A+
- Day 3 grade: B
Analysis:
- Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel focused on offense in their first two days together in a draft room. Campbell should be a solid starter, but his value might not have been as strong as top-five talents Ashton Jeanty (picked sixth overall) or Mason Graham (fifth). Henderson, Williams and Wilson instantly improved second-year quarterback Drake Maye's supporting cast.
- Wolf and Vrabel aided the defense with excellent picks, adding an athletic, instinctive safety (Woodson), a powerful, quick-footed interior lineman (Farmer) and a lean edge rusher (Swinson). It felt like a Bill Belichick Day 3, with the Patriots picking a pair of special teamers: kicker Borregales and long-snapper Ashby.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 9): OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
- Round 2 (No. 40): QB Tyler Shough, Louisville
- Round 3 (No. 71): DL Vernon Broughton, Texas
- Round 3 (No. 93): S Jonas Sanker, Virginia
- Round 4 (No. 112): LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
- Round 4 (No. 131): CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
- Round 6 (No. 184): RB Devin Neal, Kansas
- Round 7 (No. 248): TE Moliki Matavao, UCLA
- Round 7 (No. 254): Edge Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B
- Day 2 grade: C+
- Day 3 grade: B-
Analysis:
- The Saints needed to find an offensive lineman and quarterback in the first two days. Banks wasn't always considered a top-10 talent through the pre-draft process and Shough has missed time with injuries, but both players have a chance to be good ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøstarters. Broughton and Sanker bolstered depth on defense but there might have been better options on the board at their respective positions.
- Stutsman's a bit stiff but his vision and aggression could let him take over for 2026 free agent Demario Davis. New Orleans picked a future starter in Riley with the fourth-round pick received from Washington for Marshon Lattimore. Neal will move the chains and likely serve as a red-zone stud as a rookie if given a chance. Watch for Diggs to surprise quarterbacks coming off the edge despite being a seventh-rounder.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 3): Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State
- Round 1 (No. 25): QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi
- Round 3 (No. 65): DT Darius Alexander, Toledo
- Round 4 (No. 105): RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
- Round 5 (No. 154): OT Marcus Mbow, Purdue
- Round 7 (No. 219): TE Thomas Fidone II, Nebraska
- Round 7 (No. 246): CB Korie Black, Oklahoma State
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: A-
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- Taking the immensely talented Carter made sense despite already having Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the edge. Trading two third-round picks (this year's and next) was a reasonable price to trade back into the first round for a potential future starting quarterback in Dart. Alexander has the upside to be a playmaker lined up next to star Dexter Lawrence.
- Skattebo loves to power through contact and finish runs; he'll be a stud if able to improve his stamina. Using one of the picks acquired from Seattle in the Leonard Williams trade, Mbow was drafted as a guard but was selected two rounds later than anticipated. He could also play center or tackle. Fidone was an excellent seventh-round pick for a team wanting another receiving threat.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 7): OT Armand Membou, Missouri
- Round 2 (No. 42): TE Mason Taylor, LSU
- Round 3 (No. 73): CB Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State
- Round 4 (No. 110): WR Arian Smith, Georgia
- Round 4 (No. 130): S Malachi Moore, Alabama
- Round 5 (No. 162): LB Francisco Mauigoa, Miami
- Round 5 (No. 176): Edge Tyler Baron, Miami
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B+
- Day 2 grade: A
- Day 3 grade: B
Analysis:
- The Jets passed over the draft's top tight ends to pick a promising but raw lineman in Membou. Taylor met that need for an athletic receiving threat in Round 2, though, and Thomas could be a steal if overcoming his average long speed with physical downfield coverage.
- Smith's potential as a speed threat can come to fruition if he's able to concentrate on the ball through the catch. They upgraded the defense with the experienced Moore and active Mauigoa and then switched future Day 3 picks to grab a bargain edge in Baron. The Jets chose not to select a quarterback to compete with Justin Fields.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 31): LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
- Round 2 (No. 64): S Andrew Mukuba, Texas
- Round 4 (No. 111): DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska
- Round 5 (No. 145): CB Mac McWilliams, UCF
- Round 5 (No. 161): LB Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
- Round 5 (No. 168): C Drew Kendall, Boston College
- Round 6 (No. 181): QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse
- Round 6 (No. 191): OT Myles Hinton, Michigan
- Round 6 (No. 207): OT Cameron Williams, Texas
- Round 6 (No. 209): Edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: B+
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- General manager Howie Roseman can't stop himself from trading up for a defensive playmaker from the SEC. I can't blame him for being enticed by Campbell's all-around game. Mukuba may have been picked earlier than expected but filled a hole left by the traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
- Robinson's a nice fit at 5-technique for the Eagles, bringing power and straight-line speed to the position left behind by Milton Williams. Roseman worked the phones to add Day 3 picks for more defensive depth in McWilliams, Mondon and Powell-Ryland. McCord possesses the skills to win the team's backup quarterback competition. Kendall (Pete) and Hinton (Chris) are ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íølegacies and Williams could surprise as a sixth-round pick at guard or tackle. No offensive skill position players were drafted.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 21): DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
- Round 3 (No. 83): RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
- Round 4 (No. 123): Edge Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
- Round 5 (No. 164): DT Yahya Black, Iowa
- Round 6 (No. 185): QB Will Howard, Ohio State
- Round 7 (No. 226): LB Carson Bruener, Washington
- Round 7 (No. 229): CB Donte Kent, Central Michigan
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: A
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- The Steelers agreed with my projection that Harmon would be a perfect fit on their defensive line. Johnson was good value, as well, in the third at a position of need. Trading their second-round pick for DK Metcalf could pay major dividends for whichever quarterback takes the reins this season.
- Sawyer dropped down the boards due to average athleticism, but he's an active playmaker who could become a star with the Steelers. Pittsburgh ignored Black's lack of pure athleticism to install his massive frame on the line. Howard needs to improve his deep accuracy but brings everything else a team wants in a backup quarterback. The son of former Pittsburgh tight end Mark Breuner will be a special teams ace. Offensive linemen should be a major priority for the team as they look to sign undrafted free agents.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 11): Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
- Round 2 (No. 43): DT Alfred Collins, Texas
- Round 3 (No. 75): LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State
- Round 3 (No. 100): CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
- Round 4 (No. 113): DT CJ West, Indiana
- Round 4 (No. 138): WR Jordan Watkins, Mississippi
- Round 5 (No. 147): RB Jordan James, Oregon
- Round 5 (No. 160): S Marques Sigle, Kansas State
- Round 7 (No. 227): QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
- Round 7 (No. 249): OG Connor Colby, Iowa
- Round 7 (No. 252): WR Junior Bergen, Montana
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B
- Day 2 grade: A+
- Day 3 grade: B+
Analysis:
- Williams' length and power on the edge give him promise, and Collins and Martin are excellent replacement options for Javon Hargrave and Dre Greenlaw, respectively. Stout's frame might not match his descriptive name, but his game certainly does.
- San Francisco added a second run-stopper in West before finally selecting some offensive playmakers for Brock Purdy. Watkins flashed big-play ability in college and James will be the next late-round running back find for the Niners. Sigle is one of my favorite Day 3 picks as a special teamer and potential future starter at safety. Rourke is another talented quarterback worth a seventh-round flyer, while Colby could stick as a blocker for James and protector for Purdy and Rourke.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 18): OG Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
- Round 2 (No. 35): S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
- Round 2 (No. 50): TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami
- Round 3 (No. 92): QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
- Round 5 (No. 142): DL Rylie Mills, Notre Dame
- Round 5 (No. 166): WR Tory Horton, Colorado State
- Round 5 (No. 175): FB Robbie Ouzts, Alabama
- Round 6 (No. 192): OG Bryce Cabeldue, Kansas
- Round 7 (No. 223): RB Damien Martinez, Miami
- Round 7 (No. 234): OT Mason Richman, Iowa
- Round 7 (No. 238): WR Ricky White III, UNLV
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: B
- Day 3 grade: A
Analysis:
- Zabel's versatility met a significant need for the Seahawks. Emmanwori fits into the Seahawks defense as a nickel or safety equally well, but the team gave up a Day 2 pick to jump up for the defender. Arroyo was part of a second-round run at tight end despite his injuries, while the lack of interest in quarterbacks in this draft meant the Seahawks found a potential bargain in the athletic and intelligent Milroe.
- The Seahawks sent their fourth-round pick to the Titans for linebacker Ernest Jones last year, signing him to an extension this offseason. The selection of Milroe allowed Seattle to trade Sam Howell to the Vikings and move up for Mills, a high-motor 5-technique. Horton will be a downfield threat if able to stay healthy. Don't count out Cabeldue, White and Martinez from winning roster spots. The phones of undrafted cornerbacks should be blowing up with calls from the 206 area code.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 19): WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
- Round 2 (No. 53): CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
- Round 3 (No. 84): CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
- Round 4 (No. 121): Edge David Walker, Central Arkansas
- Round 5 (No. 157): Edge Elijah Roberts, SMU
- Round 7 (No. 235): WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
Grades
- Day 1 grade: B+
- Day 2 grade: B
- Day 3 grade: B+
Analysis:
- I pegged Egbuka as a top-20 talent, so I wasn't surprised by where he was taken, despite the Buccaneers' more evident roster needs. They addressed one of those areas -- the secondary -- with a pair of Day 2 picks, which could pay off if Morrison rebounds from a hip injury and the 5-10, 191-pound Parrish outplays his size.
- Walker is a thickly built edge and Roberts is a large and athletic 5-technique bolstering Tampa Bay's front seven. Johnson's very slight frame and slow 40 time belie his talent as a receiver able to work the middle and get deep.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 1): QB Cam Ward, Miami
- Round 2 (No. 52): Edge Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
- Round 3 (No. 82): S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
- Round 4 (No. 103): WR Chimere Dike, Florida
- Round 4 (No. 120): TE Gunnar Helm, Texas
- Round 4 (No. 136): WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
- Round 5 (No. 167): OG Jackson Slater, Sacramento State
- Round 6 (No. 183): CB Marcus Harris, California
- Round 6 (No. 188): RB Kalel Mullings, Michigan
Grades
- Day 1 grade: A
- Day 2 grade: A
- Day 3 grade: A+
Analysis:
- Ward was always my pick for Tennessee at No. 1 because of his combination of experience, arm strength, mobility and leadership skills. Oladejo's tangibles and intangibles made him a likely pick for the Titans in the second round, and Winston could very well be a Round 3 steal once fully healthy.
- The Titans met their need for pass catchers with Dike (size/speed prospect), Ayomanor (Gabe Davis-type receiver) and Helm, who overcame working out with an injury at the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøScouting Combine to be picked in the right spot. They also found a reserve north-south back in Mullings. Slater and Harris project to be starters in a year or two.
Draft picks
- Round 1 (No. 29): OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
- Round 2 (No. 61): CB Trey Amos, Mississippi
- Round 4 (No. 128): WR Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech
- Round 6 (No. 205): LB Kain Medrano, UCLA
- Round 7 (No. 245): RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
Grades
- Day 1 grade: C+
- Day 2 grade: A-
- Day 3 grade: A+
Analysis:
- Conerly was always in play as a late first-round pick, though the team passed on some defensive talent with tackles Laremy Tunsil and Brandon Coleman already on the roster. Amos was a great selection late in Round 2 as an aggressive cover corner to pair with Marshon Lattimore, for whom the team gave up its third-round pick.
- Washington traded away Day 3 picks for veterans Tunsil and Lattimore. I loved keeping Lane in the DMV because of his explosiveness as an inside and outside receiver. The fluid, fast Medrano is a special teams demon and productive outside linebacker waiting to happen. I also enjoyed the Croskey-Merritt pick; you'll be seeing him running past and avoiding tacklers in the open field.
