Six quarterbacks in Round 1, including a couple of shockers. A whopping 23 offensive players selected in the top 32 picks, four more than in any other first round in NFL history. And no running backs, safeties or off-ball linebackers were picked on Day 1. It’s safe to say the 2024 NFL draft lived up to the hype.
Now that we’ve been through all 257 picks, it’s time for my favorite exercise every year: grading how all 32 teams fared with their picks, from Round 1 through Round 7. The biggest question I try to answer: Which teams actually got value with their picks? I’m looking for the good, the bad, the steals, the reaches and the downright head-scratching moments.
As always, I grade the 32 draft classes using my Big Board and position rankings as the prism to gauge how effectively each team addressed key roster holes as well as how efficient each was in maneuvering the board and adding extra picks or future capital. I’ll also mention a few of my favorite prospects in the class. I recapped Round 1 on Thursday night and Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday evening, but I’ll try to go a little deeper here.
Let’s get into the team-by-team grades. We’ll start with the best grades and go to the worst. Teams that have identical grades are listed in alphabetical order:
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, cornerback, edge defender
I really could have listed a few more needs above, including each position on defense. While the Cardinals surprised most everyone by winning four games last season, this is still a team with a below-average roster. They really needed a talent infusion in this draft, and they entered Thursday with 11 picks, tied for the most in the league. So, yes, general manager Monti Ossenfort could have traded down from No. 4 to add even more capital, but I like that he went with both the best prospect available and the team’s biggest need. Marvin Harrison Jr. (4) has everything it takes to be a future All-Pro wide receiver.
Darius Robinson (27) dominated against top prospects at the Senior Bowl, which made him rise into the Round 1 discussion. While he didn’t always live up to his talent level at Missouri, his potential is tantalizing. I didn’t love all of Ossenfort’s selections on Day 2, but I can see the strategy behind them, and he made two trades down to add capital. Offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (71) and tight end Tip Reiman (82) were both reaches on my board. Max Melton (43) should play immediately as the slot corner, while Trey Benson (66) has speed to burn. Benson thrived when bouncing runs to the outside then flying by defenders.
Arizona added even more to the secondary with corner Elijah Jones (90), safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (104) and corner Jaden Davis (226), each of whom was a value on my board. Christian Jones (162) is a steal in my rankings, as I have him at No. 98 overall; that’s a stellar value pick by Ossenfort.
All in all, Ossenfort used 12 picks and hit all of the Cardinals’ top needs, including throwing four defensive backs at a porous pass D. This is a well-rounded and super-talented class.
Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, wide receiver, offensive line
There’s no question the Eagles were one of the league’s most disappointing teams in 2023, as they went from Super Bowl LVII to coach Nick Sirianni being on the hot seat following a blowout loss to the Bucs in the wild-card round, all in the span of a year. This is an important draft for Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman, who saw their defense collapse late in the season. They made some solid signings in free agency to help that unit, but I thought they had to go with a cornerback in Round 1 to add an injection of youth to their secondary, even if it meant trading up.
How about one in Round 2, as well? Roseman landed both of my top-ranked corners in Cooper DeJean (40) and Quinyon Mitchell (22), though DeJean has the versatility to play safety too. As I wrote Friday night, the Eagles crushed Day 2, also getting my favorite outside linebacker in the class in Jalyx Hunt (94). All three will help a defense that ranked 30th in points allowed per game (25.2).
The fun didn’t stop there for Roseman, as he made a whopping eight trades over the weekend, the most of any team since 1990. Among those deals were collecting 2025 third-, fourth- and fifth-round selections (one of each), setting up Philadelphia for success in next year’s draft. As for the Day 3 picks he actually used, running back Will Shipley (127) is an interesting one. He put up 1,200 all-purpose yards in each of the past three seasons. Could he carve out a spot as the third-down back? Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (155) is a value in my rankings; I have him at No. 108 overall — and, of course, his dad is an Eagles legend. I’m also intrigued by 6-foot-6 wideout Johnny Wilson (185), who dropped too many passes but who has size that can’t be taught.
Because of everything Roseman acquired in next year’s draft and because of the talent he accumulated this weekend, I feel great about making this class an A.
Top needs entering the draft: Center, wide receiver, offensive tackle
The Steelers have had a fascinating offseason, acquiring quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields while giving a big free agent deal to linebacker Patrick Queen. They parted ways with several significant contributors, including quarterback Kenny Pickett, wide receiver Diontae Johnson, cornerback Patrick Peterson and center Mason Cole. They have a talented roster, but their offense was dreadful last season, averaging 16.9 points per game, which ranked 28th in the league. Could they find an O-lineman on Day 1 who could help them close the gap in the AFC North?
The answer is yes, unequivocally. Troy Fautanu (20) to Pittsburgh is one of my favorite picks in this draft. While I ranked him as my No. 1 guard, he played left tackle at Washington, and some front office execs thought he’d stick there. I just think he’s a tenacious blocker with the potential to be an All-Pro. Based on Pittsburgh’s depth chart, I see him starting on the left side.
GM Omar Khan went back to the O-line with two of his next four selections, taking Zach Frazier (51), my second-ranked center, and Mason McCormick (119), my sixth-ranked guard. That’s at least two new starters for the Steelers’ line. Sandwiched between those were two picks that were values on my board. Wideout Roman Wilson (84) had 12 touchdowns last season, and his stock was boosted after he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine. Payton Wilson (98) dropped due to some medical concerns, but he’s a speedy off-ball linebacker with range. Cornerback Ryan Watts (195) isn’t speedy, but he can make this roster.
It’s not easy for me to praise the Steelers, but this is a stellar class with good players throughout.
Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, offensive line, cornerback
The Commanders have undergone a total reset of their franchise over the past year, with a new owner (Josh Harris), general manager (Adam Peters) and coach (Dan Quinn). Peters, who had been in the 49ers’ front office since 2017, had some capital to work with in this draft, with six picks on the first two days.
The first step, though? Picking a quarterback. With 2023 starter Sam Howell traded to Seattle, Washington had its choice of Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy at No. 2 overall. In my rankings, I had Daniels at No. 2, slightly ahead of Maye — No. 6 — with McCarthy nine spots later. In the end, the Commanders went with Daniels, a dual-threat playmaker who won the Heisman Trophy last season, and it was the right call. While he won’t have quite the level of pass-catchers around him as Caleb Williams, Daniels has a true No. 1 in Terry McLaurin and a solid No. 2 in Jahan Dotson. Daniels is going to thrive in Kliff Kingsbury’s wide-open offense and put up some massive numbers.
I wrote on Friday night about Washington’s Day 2 haul, which is talented and deep. Taking defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (36) is an example of the best-available-prospect approach; he has Pro Bowl upside as an interior pass-rusher. Mike Sainristil (50) is a really fun slot corner who can pick off passes and blitz off the edge. Tight end Ben Sinnott (53) can be an outlet for Daniels and upgrade as a run-blocker. Brandon Coleman (67) is a guard/tackle hybrid who could play early. And while I had other available receivers rated higher than Luke McCaffrey (100), the former quarterback turned heads with his contested-catch ability last season. Of the Day 3 fliers, I give linebacker Jordan Magee (139) the best chance to make the team because of his speed and size.
I really like this class overall, and whether it goes from great to amazing could hinge on Coleman becoming a starter. If he does and Daniels is a star, this could set the foundation for the Commanders returning to the playoffs — in a couple of years.
Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, offensive line, edge defender
The Ravens parted ways with a handful of starters from their 13-4 team, including guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, right tackle Morgan Moses, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, cornerback Ronald Darby and linebacker Patrick Queen. They have a few players from the 2022 and 2023 drafts who could step up as starters this season, but there are big shoes to fill at important positions. So, what did GM Eric DeCosta do on the first two days of this draft? He landed three guys in my top 51, all of whom could be big-time rookie contributors, and got value with each selection.
Nate Wiggins (30) is one of the fastest cornerbacks in this class, a long and gifted cover man with good instincts. Though he’s a little light at 173 pounds, he’ll grow into his frame in time. Roger Rosengarten (52), one of my favorite prospects in the entire draft, could step in and start at right tackle in 2024. Edge rusher Adisa Isaac (93) went a full round below where I rated him. He had 16 tackles for loss last season and outshined teammate Chop Robinson on tape, though Isaac doesn’t have the same kind of upside as a pass-rusher.
Wideout Tez Walker (113) and cornerback T.J. Tampa (130) were tremendous picks on Day 3. I thought Tampa might end up in Round 1 at one point, but there are questions about his recovery speed. Baltimore has had a great history of late-round running backs, and Rasheen Ali (165) could be the next one to make the team.
DeCosta did it again in this class; there are some excellent prospects here. It’s not quite in the “A” tier, though.
Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, defensive tackle, offensive line
For a team without a first-round pick — the Texans traded theirs to the Vikings in March in a deal that saw them add a 2025 second-rounder, among other selections — Houston had a nice Friday. It filled a void at cornerback with Kamari Lassiter (42), who might have been a first-rounder if he was a little faster. He consistently locked down corners at Georgia and allowed 2.8 yards per attempt as a primary defender in coverage last season, which ranked third in the FBS. Offensive tackle Blake Fisher (59) had a chance to be a first-rounder in 2025 if he had returned to Notre Dame. As the Fighting Irish’s right tackle the past two seasons, he was a little inconsistent, but the tools are there to be an NFL starter.
The Texans used their extra fourth-rounder to move up in Round 3 to take safety Calen Bullock (78), who had nine interceptions in college and who can play as a center fielder in the NFL. Houston ranked 29th in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.7) last season, so this fits a need area. Tight end Cade Stover (123) made my favorites list; he has flown under the radar but has soft hands and can find open spots in coverage.
Houston GM Nick Caserio pulled off a solid, if unspectacular, class for what he had to work with this weekend.
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, tight end
If you watched the Chiefs during the 2023 regular season, you shouldn’t be surprised about what they did Thursday night. Patrick Mahomes‘ wide receivers let him down time and time again, and GM Brett Veach had to help out his quarterback in this draft. Veach already had signed speedster Marquise Brown in free agency, but I thought he could still select a pass-catcher in Round 1 and turn the wide receiver room from a weakness to a strength.
That’s exactly what Veach did. Xavier Worthy (28) became a household name at the combine because he broke the record for fastest 40-yard dash, but he has some nuance as a route runner and isn’t just a deep threat. In fact, the comp I used in my Big Board was to Brown, who will be his new teammate. Mahomes now has two electrifying playmakers at his disposal.
The only nitpick I have about Veach’s first two picks is that he had to trade up to get them, but each was a value selection in my rankings. The Chiefs had to give up their third-rounder to get Worthy then slid down in Round 4 when they moved up for Kingsley Suamataia (63), a mountain of an offensive tackle who could challenge to start at left tackle as a rookie. With Donovan Smith still unsigned, I wonder if Veach would give Smith another one-year deal as insurance at the position.
Tight end Jared Wiley (131) caught eight touchdown passes last season, and he is a solid fourth-round flier, while safety Jaden Hicks (133) is super versatile but a better run defender than a cover man.
Can Worthy and Suamataia reach their lofty ceilings? Ultimately, this class will be defined by whether Kansas City’s first two picks turn into good starters and help Mahomes get back to the Super Bowl.
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive tackle, wide receiver, defensive tackle
The Chargers are another team resetting this offseason, and they hired coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz to lead a mini-rebuild. I say “mini” because they already know they have a franchise quarterback with Justin Herbert, so they’ve completed the hardest part of a roster teardown. Still, they entered the draft with massive questions at wide receiver, where Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston are Nos. 1 and 2 on their depth chart. We know Harbaugh wants to build his offense around the running game — and dominating teams at the line of scrimmage — but he can’t just avoid upgrading his pass-catchers … right?
Wrong. Well, at least in Round 1. Harbaugh and Hortiz selected the best offensive tackle in the class in Joe Alt (5), who likely will move over to the right side. I can’t say I’m that shocked based on what we know about Harbaugh’s preferred style of football, but Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze would have been perfect targets for Justin Herbert.
The Chargers did add a wideout by trading up three spots in Round 2 for Ladd McConkey (34), who is fun to watch once the ball gets in his hands. Will he be a true No. 1 outside target? No, but he can be used in a variety of ways and will be a threat to score on every route. I love this fit. Harbaugh knows linebacker Junior Colson (69) well from their time together at Michigan, and the team didn’t reach for Colson, either. I’m a fan. Justin Eboigbe (105) has some pass-rush potential from his defensive tackle spot. Wide receiver Brenden Rice (225) was the best available player on my board for a large chunk of Saturday. His size and speed should allow him to compete for a role in this receiver room.
The Chargers now have two of the most talented tackles in the NFL, though they could still stand to add a pass-catcher for Herbert. I wonder if Hortiz and Harbaugh have another move up their sleeve after the draft.
Top needs entering the draft: Edge defender, cornerback, offensive line
The Rams were back in Round 1 for the first time since 2016, and despite rumblings that they wanted to trade up, they stayed put and took the most complete edge defender in the class. Jared Verse (19) dominated at times at Florida State but also disappeared too often for my tastes, making him a difficult evaluation. The traits are there, though. He can be a 10-sacks-per-season guy. L.A. got excellent rookie seasons from Byron Young and Kobie Turner in 2023, and GM Les Snead has started putting together his plan for life without Aaron Donald, who retired this offseason.
Speaking of, Snead traded up in Round 2 for a potential starter at defensive tackle in Braden Fiske (39), getting Carolina’s pick but surrendering Nos. 52 and 155 along with an extremely valuable 2025 second-rounder. Fiske had 11.5 sacks when lined up as DT over the past two seasons, which were the second most in the FBS. He isn’t going to be Donald — one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history — but Fiske can wreak some havoc. Still, I have to downgrade it a little bit because of that 2025 pick.
Blake Corum (83) is a powerful running back who reminds me a little bit of Kyren Williams, the Rams’ starter. Safety Kamren Kinchens (99) had 11 interceptions over the past two seasons but ran a subpar 4.65-second 40-yard dash at the combine. I love the way outside linebacker Brennan Jackson (154) plays the game. Use him in a situational role and he can make an instant impact. Joshua Karty (209) is my No. 1 kicker.
Man, I want to give this class an A- because of the bevy of talented players, but I have to knock it down a tier because Snead gave up his second-rounder next year for Fiske.
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, safety, offensive line
My ears perked up when I heard Buffalo was trading with Kansas City in Round 1, and now the Bills will forever be linked with the Chiefs’ move for wideout Xavier Worthy, just as they are with Patrick Mahomes. Yes, all the way back in the 2017 draft, it was the Bills who dropped 18 spots to allow the Chiefs to get a player who already is one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history. Sure, hindsight is 20-20, and sure, Buffalo has to do what’s best for its organization. That’s a mighty weight it has carried around, however, and now Mahomes was handed the fastest receiver in NFL combine history.
GM Brandon Beane ended up trading down one more time, this time out of Round 1 completely. He finally filled his team’s biggest need, taking Keon Coleman (33) at the top of Round 2. Coleman ran a 4.61 40-yard dash at the combine, which dropped his stock a little bit, but at 6-3, he can go up and snag contested catches with the best of them. The next step is to be more consistent on every route. He’s going to get a lot of targets in an offense that needs quality pass-catchers on the outside.
I liked several of Beane’s other selections. Cole Bishop (60) is a versatile playmaker in the secondary, while running back Ray Davis (128) had seven receiving scores last season, which makes him an interesting player at the next level. DeWayne Carter (95) can get after quarterbacks from his defensive tackle spot, while Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (141) was a three-year starter at Georgia. I could see him challenging veteran Connor McGovern for snaps as a rookie. Off-ball linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (160) had a great workout at the combine and was one of my risers.
This is a good haul, not a great one, and I’m rooting for Coleman to turn into a WR1 in Buffalo so my guy Josh Allen wins an MVP.
Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, edge defender, wide receiver, offensive tackle
The Bears came into Round 1 with a chance to change the trajectory of their franchise. After years — decades, even — of quarterback futility, they traded away Justin Fields, clearing the path to take Caleb Williams at No. 1, the pick they received a year ago when they decided to stick with Fields and move out of the top spot with the Panthers. Chicago also owned the No. 9 pick, but the reality is it had just two other selections headed into the draft, the fewest of any team in the league. Sure, GM Ryan Poles has had a nice offseason, filling holes in free agency and via trades, but how much better could the Bears get with just four picks?
Williams, the No. 1 player on my Big Board, is an elite talent who will be surrounded by a great group of playmakers, which now includes wideout Rome Odunze (9), who finished No. 4 on my Big Board. As I wrote Thursday night, he’s going to be able to hit the ground running in Chicago. This is a fantastic start to the draft for Poles.
After that, Poles was able to add a fifth-rounder but still had only five picks. Kiran Amegadjie (75) is a project offensive tackle coming off a partially torn quad injury. His physical traits are intriguing. I didn’t love a team with only a handful of selections taking a punter in Round 4, but at least Tory Taylor (122) was the best at his position. Austin Booker (144) had eight sacks last season and could be a situational pass-rusher.
Chicago didn’t have the capital to fully help both its offense and defense in this draft, and as a result, the other side of the ball needs some work. With Williams leading the way, though, the offense will be incredibly fun to watch in 2024.
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, defensive tackle, offensive tackle
The Bengals hit needs with all four of their top picks. Amarius Mims (18) might have been a top-five pick if he had a little more experience; he made just eight career starts at Georgia. He has outstanding physical abilities and some of the longest arms I’ve ever seen. He’ll likely slot in as a rookie starter at right tackle.
Defensive tackles Kris Jenkins (49) and McKinnley Jackson (97) are better run-defenders than interior pass-rushers, but they’ll immediately help a defense that ranked 32nd in yards per play allowed (6.0) a year ago. I graded Jackson as more of a fifth-rounder, though. Cincinnati reached for wideout Jermaine Burton (80) over guys I had graded higher including Jalen McMillan, Roman Wilson and Troy Franklin, and Burton also has some off-field concerns. He’s a talented player and deep threat for Joe Burrow, but he’s no guarantee to be a future Tee Higgins replacement.
Cornerback Josh Newton (149) is undersized and ran an underwhelming 40-yard dash at the combine, but he was super productive in the Big 12. Tanner McLachlan (194) finished at No. 100 on my Big Board, and the Bengals got him nearly 100 picks later. I had him rated higher than the other TE they took —Erick All (115) — because of his upside as a receiver.
With 10 selections here, the Bengals were able to target their roster holes, but they overdrafted a couple of guys, which limits the ceiling on this grade.
Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, wide receiver, edge defender
I love the way GM Brad Holmes has remodeled his cornerback group this offseason. It was his team’s biggest weakness. The Lions ranked 31st in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.8) and 30th in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,081) last season. They gave up way too many huge completions. So Holmes traded for Carlton Davis, signed Amik Robertson, re-signed Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vildor and then used his top two picks on Terrion Arnold (24) and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (61). This corps is now one of the deepest in the entire league.
Arnold is my third-ranked corner, while Rakestraw lands at No. 9 at the position. Both are really good in the run game, too, which means this defense got more physical on the outside. Holmes had to give up Detroit’s third-round pick in order to move up five spots with Dallas to get Arnold, but I can see why he did it. The Lions have one of the NFL’s best rosters from top to bottom.
I thought Holmes should have targeted a wideout on Day 3, though, and Round 4 was just too high for Giovanni Manu (126), on whom we have limited data. He played against bad competition in Canada. Detroit surrendered its 2025 third-round pick to trade up, too. The Mekhi Wingo (189) selection is outstanding — I have him ranked higher than his former teammate, Jordan Jefferson, who went at No. 116. Sione Vaki (132) played both running back and safety at Utah, and I like him better on offense.
The Lions certainly upgraded at cornerback, but after Wingo, I don’t see any of their Day 3 players getting a significant opportunity in 2024. Plus, that 2025 third-rounder looms as potentially valuable.
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive tackle, defensive back, off-ball linebacker
If only every prediction in my mock drafts was as easy as Green Bay’s this year. For months I’ve said the Packers needed to plug their void at left tackle in Round 1 as a result of this deep and talented OT class. Longtime starter David Bakhtiari is gone, and I thought they should identify the guy they liked most and take him. Turns out, that’s exactly what GM Brian Gutekunst did.
Jordan Morgan (25) was a stalwart on the blind side for Arizona who rarely missed an assignment. He blew up edge defenders in the run game and made them look silly in pass sets. He’ll be a plug-and-play starter. On Day 2, I loved the additions of linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) and safety Javon Bullard (58), both of whom I ranked No. 1 at their positions. Cooper can be a three-down defender because of his coverage tools, while Bullard is a do-it-all defensive back who will assist a unit that intercepted just seven passes last season, which ranked 31st in the league.
MarShawn Lloyd (88) can be a solid backup running back to Josh Jacobs. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper (91) isn’t the same kind of player in coverage as Cooper, but he’ll thump backs in the hole. He was overdrafted, but Green Bay is making the switch to a 4-3 defense and needs more bodies, so I understand it. I was surprised quarterback Michael Pratt (245) lasted until Round 7, but he won’t have much of a chance to play in Green Bay.
I was all-in on the Packers after their first three picks, but the rest of this haul leaves me underwhelmed, especially on Day 3. Cooper and Bullard save it from a C+.
Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, wide receiver, safety, edge defender
The Colts were one of the teams coming into Round 1 with a clearly defined biggest need. They really had to get a cornerback who could step in and start as a rookie for a defense that struggled to stop No. 1 wide receivers last season. While I thought they might also target a pass-catcher to give second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson more help, corner was the biggest hole for GM Chris Ballard & Co. So color me surprised when not only did Ballard pass on a corner in Round 1 — when he had his choice of the entire class — but he didn’t take one until Round 6.
Indianapolis instead went with edge rusher Laiatu Latu (15), who will help this team as a rookie. I love the player but don’t quite understand what Ballard sees in his defensive back room that I don’t. He could have gone with Cooper DeJean, Terrion Arnold or Quinyon Mitchell and upgraded at corner.
Outside of that move? I like the majority of Ballard’s class. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (52) could be a steal if he lives up to his potential. He was uncoverable at times at both Georgia and Texas. Matt Goncalves is a good offensive tackle with interesting tools. Tanor Bortolini (117) is a solid sixth offensive lineman option. Safety Jaylin Simpson (164) is a safety/nickel hybrid who tested extremely well at the combine. As ESPN’s Matt Miller said on the broadcast Saturday, Jonah Laulu (234) got rave reviews at his pro day and is a Round 7 flier worth taking.
I like the players in Ballard’s class, but I’m still curious about why he didn’t take a corner earlier. That’s a miss … unless there’s some sort of trade for a veteran coming down in the weeks after the draft.
Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, offensive line, quarterback
New GM Tom Telesco and coach Antonio Pierce, who led the team to a 5-4 finish after taking over as the interim coach, brought in Gardner Minshew to compete with Aidan O’Connell at quarterback, which meant the Raiders were never a lock to take a QB in Round 1. The fact is six quarterbacks were taken ahead of their pick at No. 13, so we never even got to have a conversation about their QB need on the broadcast. I wouldn’t have been in favor of trading up for Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix, so I don’t mind that Telesco and Pierce stood pat. Still, we might be back in 2025 having this same conversation if Las Vegas struggles and ends up with a high selection.
So what did the Raiders do instead? They took an “offensive entity” in Brock Bowers (13), who will be a nice complement to Michael Mayer at tight end. I have him No. 7 overall in my rankings, and he’s going to make plays for whoever is taking snaps under center. You can question whether the Raiders should have targeted a cornerback instead, but Bowers is a great prospect, so I’m not going to downgrade their choice. Jackson Powers-Johnson (44) should be an immediate starter at guard. I wasn’t as high on him as a lot of other people — I didn’t think he should be a first-rounder — but this is a good spot for him.
Telesco reached for offensive tackle Delmar Glaze (77) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (112), trying to fill needs. Sure, the tackles went early on Day 2, but I don’t know if Glaze can be a starter in the NFL. I like Tommy Eichenberg (148) as a two-down linebacker who will light up players on special teams. Dylan Laube (208) is the best pass-catching running back in this class; he caught 68 passes for 699 yards and seven scores at New Hampshire last season. He doesn’t have great straight-line speed, but he’s quick. I’d love to see him make this roster.
The Raiders didn’t get their quarterback of the future in this class, but they also didn’t panic and mortgage their future to reach for one who didn’t have a first-round grade. Bowers’ career will be fun to watch, and Powers-Johnson should be a longtime starter.
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive line, wide receiver, defensive tackle
Miami was hit hard in free agency as a result of a salary-cap crunch, losing guard Robert Hunt, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jerome Baker and cornerback Xavien Howard, among other players. And while I liked the Dolphins’ additions of linebacker Jordyn Brooks, cornerback Kendall Fuller and tight end Jonnu Smith, they have big holes to plug. Plus, they came into this draft with six picks, tied for the second fewest in the league.
Chop Robinson (21) has elite upside if he can reach his ceiling, but when you turn on his Penn State tape, you wonder why he didn’t dominate. He had just four sacks last season. If I were running this team, I would have taken tweener defensive end/tackle Darius Robinson or center Graham Barton instead. Patrick Paul (55) is a selection for the future — he played left tackle in college and could replace Terron Armstead there down the line. But I’m not sure he’s ready to start as a rookie for a team that really had to get instant-impact players.
I’m a huge fan of speedy running back Jaylen Wright (120), but Miami gave up its 2025 third-rounder to get him. That’s not great value, especially for a team that doesn’t necessarily have a need at the position. I had Mohamed Kamara (158) at No. 67 overall in my rankings, so this is a fantastic pick. He had 13 sacks last season. GM Chris Grier tried to hit his void at wideout with Malik Washington (184) and Tahj Washington (241) on Day 3; Malik is the guy to watch, as he had 110 catches last season.
I like a bunch of these players, but it’s a small class and giving up the 2025 third-rounder means it can’t make it to B+.
Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle
In their first draft without Bill Belichick in charge since 2000, the Patriots were facing several questions about their roster. Could they find a quarterback of the future? Could they find a potential rookie starter along the offensive line? And could they find an impact wide receiver to help their new QB? They certainly tried to answer “yes” to all three.
This was New England’s first top-five pick since 1994, and its depth chart is depleted at a few positions. Director of scouting Eliot Wolf, who ran the draft room, didn’t have any extra selections on the first two days. This draft was about rebooting. And it was good to see Wolf & Co. lock on to Drake Maye (3) as their quarterback of the future, then focus on surrounding their young passer with more talent. While I didn’t love the value of wideout Ja’Lynn Polk (37) high in Round 2, there are no doubts about his college production and potential. Can he develop into a solid No. 2 for Maye? I had receiver Javon Baker (110) only 10 spots lower in my rankings than Polk, and the Pats were able to get him in Round 4. Baker dominated on go-balls on his way to a 1,139-yard 2023 season.
New England reached for offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (68), though there was a run at the position and teams were scooping tackles up quickly. Layden Robinson (103) has extremely long arms for a guard, but he lacked concentration at times and was inconsistent as a run-blocker. I have him at No. 177 in my rankings. Quarterback Joe Milton III (193) has a rocket of a right arm but struggled with accuracy, while tight end Jaheim Bell (231) was stellar after the catch.
Wolf hit this roster’s biggest needs with his top picks and now has a quarterback to build around. I don’t expect the Patriots to be a great team this season, but at least their offense will be fun to watch.
Top needs entering the draft: Linebacker, wide receiver, edge defender, offensive tackle
The Saints entered this draft with problems at both tackle spots. Trevor Penning, a first-rounder in 2022, has struggled badly at left tackle, while veteran Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a knee injury that has his NFL future in jeopardy. Their line as a whole ranked 28th in pass block win rate in 2023 (51.3%). I wanted to see them come away with a pro-ready lineman who could compete for one of those spots. That’s exactly what they got in Taliese Fuaga (14), a nasty blocker in the run game with great feet as a pass-protector. He was my top-ranked tackle on the board when New Orleans got on the clock.
Fuaga spent his college career at right tackle, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he got a chance on the left side to see if he could make the conversion. The fact is New Orleans got better on Day 1. On Day 2, it traded up a few spots to snag Kool-Aid McKinstry (41), a really talented cornerback who doesn’t have elite speed. He’s physical in press coverage. He’s going to be a good pro.
The Saints didn’t have third- or fourth-round selections, but their fifth-rounder was one of the most interesting picks on Day 3. There’s a scenario in which Spencer Rattler (150) is their starting quarterback in a few years. He has the arm talent and accuracy to develop behind Derek Carr. Fun fact, via ESPN Stats & Info: There were 137 picks made between quarterbacks being drafted (Bo Nix at No. 12 and Rattler at No. 150), the longest span between QBs being selected in the common draft era (since 1967). I listed Bub Means (170) as my favorite wide receiver before the draft; he was a Round 5 steal. I also like defensive tackle Khristian Boyd (199).
I gave New Orleans a low grade a year ago, but I don’t see much wrong with its haul this time. GM Mickey Loomis did a fine job this weekend.
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, cornerback, quarterback
The Giants were on the clock at No. 6 overall Thursday night, faced with a fascinating decision: Would they take quarterback J.J. McCarthy — which would have been an admission that they regret the Daniel Jones extension from the 2023 offseason — or would they get a true No. 1 wideout for Jones in either Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers? They could start fresh under center or they could give Jones another year with the playmaker he has never had.
Ultimately, I think they made the right call, prioritizing a pass-catcher in Nabers (6), who is electric with the ball in his hands. Jones had a disappointing start to last season and then tore his ACL, but he showed his talent in 2022, when New York made a surprising run to the playoffs. Now he’s going to have one more year to prove he’s the guy, or the franchise will move on in 2025.
I would have taken a few other safeties ahead of Tyler Nubin (47) in Round 2, but you can’t deny his playmaking ability; he had 13 career interceptions for the Golden Gophers. Dru Phillips (70) is a late riser who played a lot of slot coverage snaps in his career. With Darren Waller‘s future up in the air, I liked the pick of Theo Johnson (107) early on Day 3. He’s my fourth-ranked tight end in the class.
This is a small class, but all four of the Giants’ top selections should have significant roles this season. Nabers might end up being the most-targeted player on the team.
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, offensive tackle, safety
Round 1 was always going to be a delicate balance for Jets GM Joe Douglas, who had to balance his team’s short-term championship window alongside 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the long-term vision of building a sustainable contender. He needed to add a player who could be a star both now and later, someone who could make a significant contribution as a rookie. That’s why I thought offensive tackle might be a tough sell to Rodgers — and to fans — at No. 10. New York added Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses in March to man those spots in 2024, and a rookie might have to be the swing tackle or move inside to guard for a year.
Instead, Douglas stuck to his board and got his guy with Olu Fashanu (11), a prototypical left tackle who can be Smith’s replacement in 2025. It wasn’t the flashiest pick, but if Fashanu can hit his ceiling, he could be a stellar player at a premium position for a decade.
Malachi Corley (65) had 29 receiving touchdowns over the past three seasons and makes cornerbacks look silly after the catch. The Jets took two running backs in Braelon Allen (134) and Isaiah Davis (173), who will duke it out to be Breece Hall‘s backup. Allen is my fifth-ranked back in the class, while Davis lands at No. 10.
Qwan’tez Stiggers (176) is one of the most fascinating picks in the entire draft. He became the third player in the common draft era (since 1967) to be selected without attending college and the first CFL player with no college experience to be drafted. And he can play, too. Quarterback Jordan Travis (171) was tremendously productive at Florida State. Could he be stashed as the Jets’ third QB behind Tyrod Taylor this season?
Douglas also executed several trades throughout the weekend, maneuvering up and down the board, including a deal for the Lions’ 2025 third-rounder. Corley might be the most important pick of this class in the short term, as I could see him having a role in 2024. Douglas did a nice job getting value throughout.
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive line, wide receiver, linebacker
The Bucs had a balanced first two days of the draft. Graham Barton (26) is my top-ranked center, and he’ll immediately help a run game that ranked 32nd in yards per attempt (3.4) last season. While he played left tackle at Duke, he has All-Pro upside at the pivot. Chris Braswell (57) has been underrated for the past few months. The edge rusher isn’t the flashiest player, but he is an all-around defender with an interesting skill set as a pass-rusher. Tampa Bay has to get better on the edge in 2024.
Wideout Jalen McMillan (92) was a steal at the end of Round 3. He could be an outstanding No. 3 receiver as a rookie before taking on a bigger role in 2025. Tykee Smith (89) went about a round earlier than I thought he would. At 5-10, he’s undersized, but he does have some versatility. It sounds like the Bucs will play him in the slot. Running back Bucky Irving (125) won’t blow away defenders with his speed, but he can make quick cuts between the tackles.
McMillan is my favorite prospect in Tampa Bay’s class, but Barton should step in and be a top-10 center as a rookie. The Bucs got better this weekend.
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, center, edge defender
It’s difficult to start here without mentioning what the Panthers don’t have in this draft, and that’s the No. 1 overall pick. They traded their 2024 first-rounder a year ago to move up for quarterback Bryce Young, a move that didn’t work out as Young struggled and Carolina went 2-15. In hindsight, it looks like a bad deal, but there’s plenty of time for Young to turn it around and for this franchise to get back on track under new coach Dave Canales. It’s worth noting that while I have Caleb Williams rated higher than Young in my pre-draft evaluations, Young’s 2023 grade is similar to Jayden Daniels‘ and Drake Maye‘s this year. He can be a great player with support around him.
The Panthers were active on the first two days of the draft, making four trades, two down and two up the board. They ended up with two players who will directly help Young in Xavier Legette (32) and Jonathon Brooks (46). Legette, my sixth-ranked wideout, put up 1,255 yards in a breakout season. Carolina needed an injection of youth and talent in its wide receiver room, and Legette will give the offense some juice after the catch. Brooks is my top-ranked running back, a powerful and quick runner who is coming off a torn ACL. As I wrote Friday night, I expect him to make fantasy football managers happy in 2024.
Ja’Tavion Sanders (101) is a toolsy tight end in a 6-4 frame. I thought he was a little faster when I watched tape — he ran a 4.69-second 40-yard dash at the combine — but he caught 99 passes in his Texas career. I see him getting early snaps for an offense that has to get better outlets for Young. Linebacker Trevin Wallace (72) went about two rounds higher than I had rated him, but he has some stickiness in coverage against tight ends. One under-the-radar asset Carolina added in its trades on Friday was a 2025 second-rounder from the Rams. I’m a fan of these types of deals for teams that aren’t close to contending.
It’s difficult to go much higher for Carolina with this grade, but if the organization’s priority was to help Young in 2024, it did a decent job.
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive line, running back, linebacker
The Cowboys have been hamstrung by their salary cap situation this offseason, resulting in the departures of starters at several key positions, including offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, running back Tony Pollard and wide receiver Michael Gallup. They haven’t really replaced any of those players; the only free agent addition they’ve made is linebacker Eric Kendricks. That made this draft extra important for Dallas, which absolutely had to take rookie starters in the first and second rounds. So how did team owner Jerry Jones & Co. fare?
Not bad. The Cowboys were able to trade down five spots in Round 1, pick up an extra third-rounder and still get their guy. Tyler Guyton (29) is going to get a chance to be their starter at left tackle, and from what I see on tape, I think he can make the move over from the right side. He has special ability as a pass-protector and can get to the second level in a hurry in the run game.
Defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (56) and guard Cooper Beebe (73) have the talent to step in and play significant snaps as rookies. Kneeland is excellent against the run and has developed pass-rush moves. Marist Liufau (87) was a reach on my board, but I know Dallas wants to be better against the run, and he’ll help there. Caelen Carson (174) is an underrated cornerback who was a starter for four seasons at Wake Forest.
What keeps Dallas from a higher grade? Not taking a running back in place of Liufau, particularly with several really good ones available.
Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, wide receiver, defensive line
I wrote Thursday night that Jacksonville had a nice Round 1. GM Trent Baalke was able to maneuver the board, dropping six spots in a trade with the Vikings. The Jaguars got Nos. 23 and 167 plus third- and fourth-round picks in the 2025 draft, while Minnesota got No. 17. The Jags were able to fill a need at wide receiver with Brian Thomas Jr. (23), who can take the top off defenses and be a speed option alongside Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. He can replace a chunk of what Calvin Ridley gave them last season.
My quibble? Baalke could have gotten his pick of the cornerback class at No. 17. Cooper DeJean, Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell were all on the board, and each could have been a rookie starter for a defense that allowed 18 touchdown passes to opposing wideouts last season, the fifth most in the NFL.
Baalke’s next four picks — defensive tackle Maason Smith (48), cornerback Jarrian Jones (96), offensive tackle Javon Foster (114) and defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (116) — all went at least a round earlier than I had them in my rankings. Jones is more of a fifth- or sixth-rounder and the Jags reached for him at the end of Day 2. Cam Little (212) is my second-ranked kicker.
Baalke threw a few late picks at his cornerback room, but I’m not sure that’s enough for a team with questions there. I do like Thomas, though, and his contract is certainly much cheaper than Ridley’s.
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver
The 49ers’ roster is solid from top to bottom, but I would have liked to see GM John Lynch bring in competition for right tackle Colton McKivitz, who allowed 11 sacks last season and also was a below-average run-blocker. That was San Francisco’s biggest need in Round 1, in my eyes. Lynch went a different direction, reaching a little bit for Ricky Pearsall (31), my 10th-ranked wide receiver. Pearsall has great hands and will be an asset in the run game as a blocker, but there were better players available at the end of Round 1.
Then, the 49ers had the biggest reach of Round 2, selecting my No. 21 cornerback Renardo Green (64) about two rounds too high. That was a confusing one, as there were still some good corners on the board. I do like what Lynch & Co. did after that, though. Dominick Puni (86) has the potential to be a starting guard in time. Safety Malik Mustapha (124) is impressive in coverage and will be a dynamo on special teams. Running back Isaac Guerendo (129) ran a blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine and averaged 6.1 yards per carry last season, though he had only one year of steady production. The 49ers traded Nos. 173 and 176 to get Gurerendo, so they must like him a lot.
Snagging Puni keeps the 49ers’ grade out of C territory, though I do think Pearsall will be a good pro.
Top needs entering the draft: Guard, tight end, defensive tackle, linebacker
My mock draft choices for the Seahawks had gotten a little boring, I’ll admit. I just kept giving them Troy Fautanu, the top-ranked guard and one of my favorite prospects in this class. Why? Because guard was their biggest need and because I couldn’t find another spot for Fautanu above them at No. 16. The fit just made too much sense.
But it’s never that easy, is it? Seattle GM John Schneider passed on Fautanu and selected top-ranked defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (16) instead, trying to shore up a run defense that ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (138.4) and 32nd in rushing first downs allowed (143). Murphy also can penetrate as an interior pass-rusher. I would have had a bigger problem with the choice if Schneider hadn’t landed my third-ranked guard in Round 3, as Christian Haynes (81) could be an instant starter. These are two solid picks for the Seahawks.
Tight end AJ Barner (121) wasn’t much of a pass-catcher in college, but he’s a good blocker. The Seahawks took not one but two cornerbacks from Auburn on Day 3 in Nehemiah Pritchett (136) and D.J. James (192). I actually had James rated higher.
This is not the most glamourous draft Schneider has put together, but there is talent throughout.
Top needs entering the draft: Running back, wide receiver, defensive tackle
I’m usually a believer in taking the best prospect available — within reason — at most times. Don’t reach for a need. But when a team doesn’t have a first-round pick, it becomes necessary to make sure it gets a guy who can plug a hole at a priority position. I say all of this because there were several really good running backs and receivers available when the Browns drafted defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (54). Looking at this roster, I would have gone a different direction.
Hall’s tape at Ohio State was maddening at times because he didn’t consistently produce. He went a little high based on my rankings. I did like the selection of guard Zak Zinter (85), who will add some youth to Cleveland’s O-line. The Browns finally addressed the wide receiver position in Round 5 with Jamari Thrash (156), who had some issues with concentration drops but was productive in his lone season at Louisville. Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson (206) is a long-armed linebacker with the tenacity to make a team because of his special teams ability.
Cleveland didn’t take a running back, so maybe Nick Chubb will be back healthy to start the season and things will be OK. I would have added some insurance, though, based on the depth of the class.
Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, cornerback, edge defender
A year after picking just three times in the top five rounds, the Broncos were without their Round 2 pick in this draft. I never felt confident they’d take a quarterback at No. 12; they had too many roster questions to reach for a passer, too many holes to fill. Right? I thought they’d either take the best available cornerback there or trade down to build up their capital. If they really wanted to add a passer to compete with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, they could have landed one later in Round 1.
And I was wrong. Coach Sean Payton & Co. saw the run on quarterbacks — five in the top 10 — and stood pat, selecting Bo Nix (12). I wrote at length about the move on Thursday, but to sum it up: That’s way too high for Nix, who put up massive numbers at Oregon but played in an offense in which he wasn’t asked to go through read progressions. There’s a ton of risk here. No one will remember that this pick was questioned if Nix becomes an immediate star, but Payton’s Denver tenure is now tied to a passer with question marks.
Now, I did like the Broncos’ pick of Troy Franklin (102), who was Nix’s top pass-catcher at Oregon. I thought he’d go in Round 2, and instead they were able to get him on Day 3. Franklin and Nix’s connection already is strong, as they combined for 1,383 yards and 14 scores a year ago. Denver had to give up Nos. 121, 136 and 207 for Nos. 102 and 235, though. Kris Abrams-Draine (145) is a high-risk, high-reward cornerback who can make a big play but also get beat deep. Edge rusher Jonah Elliss (76) had 12 sacks last season but is undersized at 6-2, 248 pounds. Audric Estime‘s (147) stock dropped after he ran a 4.71-second 40-yard dash at the combine, but his tape doesn’t lie — I think he can be a good running back at the next level.
As I said, Payton’s future is aligned with the sixth-best signal-caller in this draft, and we know there’s not a great history of six QBs being stellar in one draft class. Likely half of those guys will end up having mediocre careers. For Payton’s sake, he better hope it’s not his guy or he won’t last long with the Broncos.
Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, cornerback, wide receiver
So long, Kirk Cousins; hello, J.J. McCarthy (10). One of the most intriguing storylines to watch over the past two months was the Vikings likely having to make a trade up if they wanted to get the fourth quarterback on the board. Turns out, they didn’t need to move as high as we thought … and they actually got the fifth passer in the class because of Atlanta’s surprising selection of Michael Penix Jr. As I wrote Thursday night, McCarthy lands in a spot with excellent pass-catchers and a gifted game-planner; he’s going to be put in a position to succeed in Year 1.
My qualm about GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s class has more to do with mortgaging the future of this Minnesota roster. He made the move in March to get an extra first-rounder at No. 23, which cost him a second-round pick next year. And to trade up from No. 23 to No. 17, he had to give the Jaguars his 2025 third- and fourth-rounders. That means the Vikings have just three selections next year: one in Round 1 and two in Round 5. With a rookie quarterback under center, are they really in position to go all-in right now? This is after they had just two picks in Rounds 1-3 this year.
Dallas Turner (17) is my top-ranked edge rusher, but Minnesota had a greater need at cornerback. This defense ranked 28th in the league in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,019) last season. I was a little surprised Adofo-Mensah didn’t target one of the top corners instead. He finally went corner with his next pick, but that was all the way in Round 4. Khryee Jackson (108) is a 6-3 defensive back who allowed just one touchdown in coverage last season.
Walter Rouse (177) could be Minnesota’s swing tackle as a rookie. The Vikings started a run on kickers in Round 6, but they took Will Reichard (203), my third-ranked player at the position, ahead of the top two.
Can coach Kevin O’Connell turn McCarthy into a top-10 passer? That’s the question that will linger with this Minnesota class, which is extremely top-heavy. Plus, I’m factoring in Adofo-Mensah’s moves that upended the team’s 2025 draft.
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive tackle, wide receiver, linebacker
The Titans were a popular team in mock drafts for predictions on the first team to take an offensive tackle, but I said a few times I thought they could trade down from No. 7 and still get one of the best tackles in the class. With Joe Alt gone to the Chargers at No. 5, though, it seemed like Tennessee panicked at least a little bit in selecting JC Latham (7).
Yes, the offense ranked 31st in sack rate per dropback (11.1%) last season and allowed 64 sacks, which were the second most in the history of its franchise. But as I wrote Thursday night, I have doubts about whether Latham can play left tackle, and the Titans have now taken a right tackle and guard in the top 11 in back-to-back drafts. Is that the best use of high picks? I’m not so sure, though I do think Latham can be a physically imposing run-blocker.
In Round 2, Tennessee reached for nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat (38), who I thought was more of a third-rounder because of his inconsistent play and an arrest for driving while intoxicated earlier this month. Cedric Gray (106) could be a steal in Round 4; he might never be great in coverage, but he can blitz off the edge and be a menace between the tackles in the run game. James Williams (242) is a 6-4 safety who likely will have to play linebacker at the next level.
If Latham makes an easy conversion to left tackle and immediately dominates, this class will look much better. As is, I don’t love the value overall.
Top needs entering the draft: Edge defender, cornerback, wide receiver
With the No. 8 pick, I long considered the Falcons as owning the biggest pivot point in Round 1. Would they trade down to make a deal with a team moving up for a quarterback? Would they stay put and take the first defender off the board? They had options, all of which could help a defense that had just 16 takeaways last season, which ranked 29th in the league. With the addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, this is a team built to win the NFC South now, but it had to draft significant contributors on the other side of the ball.
And then Atlanta’s selection was turned in on Thursday night, and there were mouths agape in the crowd here in Detroit. Look, we can debate Michael Penix Jr.‘s (8) talent all we want, but the Falcons had a chance to improve their defense with the best prospects still on the board and didn’t take it. Instead, they chose a quarterback to sit behind a guy to whom they just gave $100 million guaranteed. I just don’t get the logic here, and it’s not like Penix is raw, either. He turns 24 in May and has played a ton of football. It was one of the most shocking picks I can remember in Round 1.
GM Terry Fontenot got much better value on his next three picks. Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (35) is a stout run-defender, but Fontenot had to give up his extra third-rounder to move up eight spots to get Orhorhoro. Atlanta doubled up at the position with Brandon Dorlus (109), who I thought could sneak into Round 3. Fontenot also snagged edge rusher Bralen Trice (74), who had 16 sacks over the past two seasons. At least the Falcons helped their needs here.
It’s not very difficult to grade this one in the moment based on the value of what Fontenot did in Round 1, even if I like a few other players in the class.