2025 NFL Draft Grades: Complete Analysis of Each NFL Teams' Draft Performance

Which teams nailed their draft, grabbing solid value and filling true positions of need, and which teams were a wee bit misguided in the 2025 draft? 

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2025 NFL Draft Grades: Team by Team Analysis

AFC East Draft Grades

Buffalo Bills - Grade: A-

• Round 1 (30): Maxwell Hairston, CB - Kentucky
• Round 2 (41): T.J. Sanders, DT - South Carolina
• Round 3 (72): Landon Jackson, Edge - Arkansas
• Round 4 (109): Deone Walker, DT - Kentucky
• Round 5 (170): Jordan Hancock, CB - Ohio State
• Round 5 (173): Jackson Hawes, TE - Georgia Tech
• Round 6 (177): Dorian Strong, CB - Virginia Tech
• Round 6 (206): Chase Lundt, OT - Connecticut
• Round 7 (240): Kaden Prather, WR - Maryland

The Bills' free agency focused on defense, but very modestly with short-term one-year deals, giving their draft an emphasis on defense. Corner and the interior defensive line were the most critical needs, which they immediately nailed with Hairston and Sanders, plus a fascinating put of Walker, who shows potential for development long-term. 

Miami Dolphins - Grade: B

• Round 1 (13): Kenneth Grant, DT - Michigan
• Round 2 (37): Jonah Savaiinaea, OG - Arizona
• Round 5 (143): Jordan Phillips, DT - Maryland
• Round 5 (150): Jason Marshall Jr., CB - Florida
• Round 5 (155): Dante Trader Jr., S - Maryland
• Round 6 (179): Ollie Gordon II, RB - Oklahoma State
• Round 7 (231): Quinn Ewers, QB - Texas
• Round 7 (253): Zeek Biggers, DT - Georgia Tech

It’s not flashy, but Miami managed to hit every single position of need in the draft, even down to trying to secure a competent backup at quarterback. Grant wasn’t the highest graded option at the position, so that was a bit of a head-scratcher. Regardless, he’s a Round 1 talent that fits the need. 

New England Patriots - Grade: A

• Round 1 (4): Will Campbell, OT - LSU
• Round 2 (38): TreVeyon Henderson, RB - Ohio State
• Round 3 (69): Kyle Williams, WR - Washington State
• Round 3 (95): Jared Wilson, C - Georgia
• Round 4 (106): Craig Woodson, S - California
• Round 4 (137): Joshua Farmer, DT - Florida State
• Round 5 (146): Bradyn Swinson, Edge - LSU
• Round 6 (182): Andres Borregales, K - Miami
• Round 7 (220): Marcus Bryant, OT - Missouri
• Round 7 (251): Julian Ashby, LS - Vanderbilt
• Round 7 (257): Kobee Minor, CB - Memphis

The Patriots drafted as expected, grabbing the top tackle in Campbell and making solid choices the rest of the way. Henderson was a bit of a surprise with Rhamondre Stevenson in contract. However, the two backs would take them back to that traditional Patriots committee with Stevenson on early down work and Henderson as the electric playmaker.

*Fantasy football note - Pour one out for Stevenson…

New York Jets - Grade: A

• Round 1 (7): Armand Membou, OT - Missouri
• Round 2 (42): Mason Taylor, TE - LSU
• Round 3 (73): Azareye'h Thomas, CB - Florida State
• Round 4 (110): Arian Smith, WR - Georgia
• Round 4 (130): Malachi Moore, S - Alabama
• Round 5 (162): Francisco Mauigoa, LB - Miami
• Round 5 (176): Tyler Baron, Edge - Miami

Tyler Warren was a popular mock here, but I 100% support the Jets passing on Warren, drafting one of the few elite tackles and snagging Taylor in the second. Justin Field showed progress under a solid offensive line in Pittsburgh last year and providing a stable line is the most critical need for the Jets. They continued to address needs at solid value throughout the remainder of the draft and should walk away feeling strong. 

AFC North Draft Grades

Baltimore Ravens - Grade: A

• Round 1 (27): Malaki Starks, S - Georgia
• Round 2 (59): Mike Green, Edge - Marshall
• Round 3 (91): Emery Jones Jr., OT - LSU
• Round 4 (129): Teddye Buchanan, LB - California
• Round 5 (141): Carson Vinson, OT - Alabama A&M
• Round 6 (178): Bilhal Kone, CB - Western Michigan
• Round 6 (186): Tyler Loop, K - Arizona
• Round 6 (203): LaJohntay Wester, WR - Colorado
• Round 6 (210): Aeneas Peebles, DT - Virginia Tech
• Round 6 (212): Robert Longerbeam, CB - Rutgers
• Round 7 (243): Garrett Dellinger, OG - LSU

The Ravens had an overall strong draft, highlighted by the excellent second round value pick of Green, arguably a top three talent at edge. Baltimore’s picks nailed positions of need, including a kicker in the sixth round with uncertainty around the future of Justin Tucker. Baltimore strengthened the trenches on both offense and defense and solidified depth.

Cincinnati Bengals - Grade: B+

• Round 1 (17): Shemar Stewart, Edge - Texas A&M
• Round 2 (49): Demetrius Knight Jr., LB - South Carolina
• Round 3 (81): Dylan Fairchild, OG - Georgia
• Round 4 (119): Barrett Carter, LB - Clemson
• Round 5 (153): Jalen Rivers, OT - Miami
• Round 6 (193): Tahj Brooks, RB - Texas Tech

It’s not the flashiest draft, and you could argue there was better talent available at the picks, but the Bengals drafted for their exact needs and should walk away feeling better about the long-term prospects of the defense. 

*Fantasy football note - Chase Brown managers…we made it! We’re safe!

Cleveland Browns - Grade: B

• Round 1 (5): Mason Graham, DT - Michigan
• Round 2 (33): Carson Schwesinger, LB - UCLA
• Round 2 (36): Quinshon Judkins, RB - Ohio State
• Round 3 (67): Harold Fannin Jr., TE - Bowling Green
• Round 3 (94): Dillon Gabriel, GB - Oregon
• Round 4 (126): Dylan Sampson, RB - Tennessee
• Round 5 (144): Shedeur Sanders, QB - Colorado

The Browns made sure we all mocked Graham in the correct spot…even if it was to the wrong team. With Myles Garrett remaining in Cleveland, adding Graham on the interior is an excellent match. Some may be critical of Judkins going before TreVeyon Henderson, but I do like this pick as a better fit for the Browns. Judkins is a strong direct replacement for Nick Chubb and should be the immediate starter. Unfortunately, the draft went a little sideways after Henderson with Fannin Jr. and Gabriel in the third, but Sanders in the fifth - despite the drama - is sensational value at their most critical position of need. 

Who will the Browns be starting at quarterback in 2025 after all these changes? Will they make a dent in the AFC North? Check the odds

Pittsburgh Steelers - Grade: B+

• Round 1 (21): Derrick Harmon, DT - Oregon
• Round 3 (83): Kaleb Johnson, RB - Iowa
• Round 4 (123): Jack Sawyer, Edge - Ohio State
• Round 5 (164): Yahya Black, DT - Iowa
• Round 6 (185): Will Howard, QB - Ohio State
• Round 7 (226): Carson Bruener, LB - Washington
• Round 7 (229): Donte Kent, CB - Central Michigan

Only time will tell if the Steelers made the correct approach here by completely avoiding a quarterback until Round 6. While I fully understand the trauma left by spending a first on Kenny Pickett, they still don’t have a starting quarterback. This is a very “Steelers” draft - leaning into an elite defensive picks with Harmon and an excellent value pick in Sawyer, with additional depth pieces. Johnson was a good snag and should play well in tandem with Jaylen Warren. 

AFC South Draft Grades

Houston Texans - Grade: A

• Round 2 (34): Jayden Higgins, WR - Iowa State
• Round 2 (48): Aireontae Ersery, OT - Minnesota
• Round 3 (79): Jaylin Noel, WR - Iowa State
• Round 3 (97): Jaylin Smith, CB - USC
• Round 4 (116): Woody Marks, RB - USC
• Round 6 (187): Jaylen Reed, S - Penn State
• Round 6 (197): Graham Mertz, QB - Florida
• Round 7 (224): Kyonte Hamilton, DT - Rutgers
• Round 7 (255): Luke Lachey, TE - Iowa

Talk about drafting exactly for positions of need! The Texans traded away their first to the Giants (although they might feel a bit sick seeing what the Falcons gave up to the Rams shortly after that), making the most of four Day 2 picks with two receivers that perfectly fill out their receiving corps, a solid tackle and a corner, with the addition of Marks in Round 5 as a potential heir to Mixon.

Indianapolis Colts - Grade: B+

• Round 1 (14): Tyler Warren, TE - Penn State
• Round 2 (45): J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge - Ohio State
• Round 3 (80): Justin Walley, CB - Minnesota
• Round 4 (127): Jalen Travis, OT - Iowa State
• Round 5 (151): DJ Giddens, RB - Kansas State
• Round 6 (189): Riley Leonard, QB - Notre Dame
• Round 6 (190): Tim Smith, DT - Alabama
• Round 7 (232): Hunter Wohler, LB - Wisconsin

The Colts finally have their TE1 in Warren and had an overall solid draft. We could do with adding another quarterback with the exact same issues as Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, but I guess they have a type…

Jacksonville Jaguars - Grade: A+

• Round 1 (2): Travis Hunter, WR/CB - Colorado
• Round 3 (88): Caleb Ransaw, CB - Tulane
• Round 3 (89): Wyatt Milum, OG - West Virginia
• Round 4 (104): Bhayshul Tuten, RB - Virginia Tech
• Round 4 (107): Jack Kiser, LB - Notre Dame
• Round 6 (194): Jalen McLeod, LB - Auburn
• Round 6 (200): Rayuan Lane III, S - Navy
• Round 7 (221): Jonah Monheim, C - USC
• Round 7 (236): LeQuint Allen, RB - Syracuse

GET YOUR MAN! I appreciate a bold move from a new head coach and GM, and will reward them with an A+. James Gladstone has a strong history of identifying talent with the Rams and it’s no surprise they sacrificed picks to draft the potential generational talent. Keep your eye on Tuten. The Jags' running back room has been underwhelming, and Tuten has the build and skillset to easily play a Bucky Irving role in Liam Coen’s offense. 

Tennessee Titans - Grade: A

• Round 1 (1): Cam Ward, QB - Miami 
• Round 2 (52): Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge - UCLA
• Round 3 (82): Kevin Winston Jr., S - Penn State
• Round 4 (103): Chimere Dike, WR - Florida
• Round 4 (120): Gunnar Helm, TE - Texas
• Round 4 (136): Elic Ayomanor, WR - Stanford
• Round 5 (167): Jackson Slater, OG - Sacramento State
• Round 6 (183): Marcus Harris, CB - California
• Round 6 (188): Kalel Mullings, RB - Michigan

It’s tough to screw up a draft grade with the first overall pick, but it’s the midround picks that truly round out a strong draft. The Titans have some depth behind Calvin Ridley but needed to invest in youth at receiver and really nailed it here. Dike was one of my favorite midround targets throughout the scouting process and is an incredibly versatile receiver the Titans can use immediately. Helm and Ayomanor have good developmental potential. It should also be noted that the Titans signed UDFA and Ward’s Miami teammate, Xavier Restrepo. 

Can the Titans turn it around with Cam Ward and his new offensive additions? Check out the latest AFC South Odds for next season

AFC West Draft Grades

Denver Broncos - Grade: A

• Round 1 (20): Jahdae Barron, CB - Texas
• Round 2 (60): RJ Harvey, RB - UCF
• Round 3 (74): Pat Bryant, WR - Illinois
• Round 3 (101): Sai'vion Jones, Edge - LSU
• Round 4 (134): Que Robinson, Edge - Alabama
• Round 6 (216): Jeremy Crawshaw, T - Florida
• Round 7 (241): Caleb Lohner, TE - Utah

Hear me out - corner wasn’t a position of need, but I love the strategy here. Denver’s secondary could truly be unmatched in 2025. I mean, how do you attack a team that you physically cannot throw on? Yes, they could’ve gone with a direct position of need to boost the offense in Omarion Hampton or Matthew Golden (but remember, they did add a pass catcher in Evan Engram). However, Harvey is a solid fit for Sean Payton’s vision, and the young receivers on roster have room to develop..

Kansas City Chiefs - Grade: A

• Round 1 (32): Josh Simmons, OT - Ohio State
• Round 2 (63): Omarr Norman-Lott, DT - Tennessee
• Round 3 (66): Ashton Gillotte, Edge - Louisville
• Round 3 (85): Nohl Williams, CB - California
• Round 4 (133): Jalen Royals, WR - Utah State
• Round 5 (156): Jeffrey Bassa, LB - Oregon
• Round 7 (228): Brashard Smith, RB - SMU

The Chiefs got away with one here. If Simmons were healthy, his draft position would be much higher. The Chiefs can afford to wait if he needs additional time to begin the season. Their priority is solidifying the line long-term. Adding Royals with the uncertainty around Rashee Rice was a solid move, and look out for Smith in the backfield. He’s a converted receiver and a potential late-round diamond that would play well in tandem with Isiah Pacheco.

Las Vegas Raiders - Grade: A+

• Round 1 (6): Ashton Jeanty, RB - Boise State
• Round 2 (58): Jack Bech, WR - TCU
• Round 3 (68): Darien Porter, CB - Iowa State
• Round 3 (98): Caleb Rogers, OG - Texas Tech
• Round 3 (99): Charles Grant, OT - William & Mary
• Round 4 (108): Dont'e Thornton Jr., WR - Tennessee
• Round 4 (135): Tonka Hemingway, DT - South Carolina
• Round 6 (180): JJ Pegues, DT - Mississippi
• Round 6 (213): Tommy Mellott, WR - Montana State
• Round 6 (215): Cam Miller, QB - North Dakota State
• Round 7 (222): Cody Lindenberg, LB - Minnesota

The Raiders’ need at offensive line is a bit exaggerated, and the Round 3 investments are a fine addition. I strongly endorse their early commitment to skill positions, and Jeanty is a true game changer. Bech in the second is a perfect fit with Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. This was an overall excellent draft for Pete Carroll, John Spytek and, of course, Tom Brady.

Los Angeles Chargers - Grade: A-

• Round 1 (22): RB Omarion Hampton, RB - North Carolina
• Round 2 (55): Tre Harris, WR - Mississippi
• Round 3 (86): Jamaree Caldwell, DT - Oregon
• Round 4 (125): Kyle Kennard, Edge - South Carolina
• Round 5 (158): KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR - Auburn
• Round 5 (165): Oronde Gadsden II, TE - Syracuse
• Round 6 (199): Branson Taylor, OG - Pittsburgh
• Round 6 (214): R.J. Mickens, S - Clemson
• Round 7 (256): Trikweze Bridges, CB - Florida

Najee Harris isn’t the answer at running back, and Hampton should be the clear back of the future. Harris is a perfect fit opposite Ladd McConkey. The remainder of the draft was varied and seems focused on securing value picks. My only issue with this draft is no Day 2 investment at tight end in a very rich draft class with a clear need for the Chargers. The Chargers added Conklin, but that’s not a long-term or high-upside solution. 

NFC East Draft Grades

Dallas Cowboys - Grade: A

• Round 1 (12): Tyler Booker, OG - Alabama
• Round 2 (44): Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge - Boston College
• Round 3 (76): Shavon Revel Jr., CB - East Carolina
• Round 5 (149): Jaydon Blue, RB - Texas
• Round 5 (152): Shemar James, LB - Florida
• Round 6 (204): Ajani Cornelius, OT - Oregon
• Round 7 (217): Jay Toia, DT - UCLA
• Round 7 (239): Phil Mafah, RB - Clemson
• Round 7 (247): Tommy Akingbesote, DT - Maryland

At first glance, the Cowboys did overdraft Booker. A guard at 12 is aggressive, and Booker was generally mocked as a late first pick. However, guard was the most glaring position of need, and the Cowboys ensured they drafted the best of the class. Ezeiruaku and Revel Jr. were solid value. My only issue is that in such a solid running back class, the position should’ve been addressed earlier than the fifth. Perhaps they trust Javonte Williams as the lead back. Blue is an intriguing prospect, but an earlier pick would’ve nailed this draft. 

New York Giants - Grade: A

• Round 1 (3): Abdul Carter, Edge - Penn State
• Round 1 (25): Jaxson Dart, QB - Mississippi
• Round 3 (65): Darius Alexander, DT - Toledo
• Round 4 (105): Cam Skattebo, RB - Arizona State
• Round 5 (154): Marcus Mbow, OT - Purdue
• Round 7 (219): Thomas Fidone II, TE - Nebraska
• Round 7 (246): Korie Black, CB - Oklahoma State

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: get your man. If the Giants truly believe Dart is the answer, this move will pay off. Managing to grab an elite prospect in Carter and your potential quarterback of the future for a reasonable cost is impressive. They also added solid midround value at positions of need with Alexander and Skattebo.

Philadelphia Eagles - Grade: A

• Round 1 (31): Jihaad Campbell, LB - Alabama
• Round 2 (64): Andrew Mukuba, S - Texas
• Round 4 (111): Ty Robinson, DT - Nebraska
• Round 5 (145): Mac McWilliams, CB - UCF
• Round 5 (161): Smael Mondon Jr., LB - Georgia
• Round 5 (168): Drew Kendall, C - Boston College
• Round 6 (181): Kyle McCord, QB - Syracuse
• Round 6 (191): Myles Hinton, OT - Michigan
• Round 6 (207): Cameron Williams, OT - Texas
• Round 6 (209): Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Edge - Virginia Tech

We know Howie Roseman doesn’t play. The Eagles yet again walk away with a steal in Campbell. I had Campbell mocked to the Bucs, who pulled a fast one drafting Emeka Egbuka instead. The Eagles clearly focused on continuing to build strength at depth on defense while sprinkling in some late round offensive line depth.

Washington Commanders - Grade: B

• Round 1 (29): Josh Conerly Jr., OT - Oregon
• Round 2 (61): Trey Amos, CB - Mississippi
• Round 4 (128): Jaylin Lane, WR - Virginia Tech
• Round 6 (205): Kain Medrano, LB - UCLA
• Round 7 (245): Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB - Arizona

The Commanders were a little scant on picks, but made the most of it at true positions of need with Conerly and Amos - a strong value pick with a borderline Round 1 talent. A greater focus on defense could’ve improved the grade, but Jayden Daniels’ protection is their top priority. 

NFC North Draft Grades

Chicago Bears - Grade: B-

• Round 1 (10): Colston Loveland, TE - Michigan
• Round 2 (39): Luther Burden III, WR - Missouri
• Round 2 (56): Ozzy Trapilo, OT - Boston College
• Round 2 (62): Shemar Turner, DT - Texas A&M
• Round 4 (132): Ruben Hyppolite II, LB - Maryland
• Round 5 (169): Zah Frazier, CB - UTSA
• Round 6 (195): Luke Newman, OG - Michigan State
• Round 7 (233): Kyle Monangai, RB - Rutgers

This is a rough grade because the Bears were forced into a corner here. Jeanty and the top three linemen were gone. Loveland is a fine pick, and I don’t mind the fit over Tyler Warren. Burder was excellent value. My only concern here is: what was luxury or value versus what is the actual need? The Bears made significant investments on the offensive line in free agency, but ask the Jets how that goes. Earlier, elite offensive line talent would’ve been a better focus, and the complete avoidance of running back until the seventh round was peculiar. 

Detroit Lions - Grade: B-

• Round 1 (28): Tyleik Williams, DT - Ohio State
• Round 2 (57): Tate Ratledge, OG - Georgia
• Round 3 (70): Isaac TeSlaa, WR - Arkansas
• Round 5 (171): Miles Frazier, OG - LSU
• Round 6 (196): Ahmed Hassanein, Edge - Boise State
• Round 7 (230): Dan Jackson, S - Georgia
• Round 7 (244): Dominic Lovett, WR - Georgia

Perhaps there’s some recency bias, but the Lions draft was just a bit underwhelming this year. The most interesting move was the trade up for TeSlaa. Pass catchers aren’t exactly in short supply in Detriot, but they’ve been trying to find a reliable WR3 and TeSlaa does fit the mold of what the Lions are trying to achieve. Round 3 is a bit rich, but they clearly have a vision.

Green Bay Packers - Grade: A

• Round 1 (23): Matthew Golden, WR - Texas
• Round 2 (54): Anthony Belton, OT - N.C. State
• Round 3 (87): Savion Williams, WR - TCU
• Round 4 (124): Barryn Sorrell, Edge - Texas
• Round 5 (159): Collin Oliver, Edge - Oklahoma State
• Round 6 (198): Warren Brinson, DT - Georgia
• Round 7 (237): Micah Robinson, CB - Tulane
• Round 7 (250): John Williams, OG - Cincinnati

Call it a miracle! When I predicted Golden to the Packers in my final mock draft, I knew it was a push to get Golden to last that long. Dallas' passing on receiver helped the Packers get solid value in Golden. The Packers were expected to hit cornerback with the anticipated exit of Jaire Alexander, but they’ve managed to work around his injury absence for multiple seasons and may not view it as an extremely pressing need. The midrounds were spent focusing on the line, which clearly needs reinforcement. 

Minnesota Vikings - Grade: C

• Round 1 (24): Donovan Jackson, C - Ohio State
• Round 3 (102): Tai Felton, WR - Maryland
• Round 5 (139): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL - Georgia
• Round 6 (201): Kobe King, LB - Penn State
• Round 6 (202): Gavin Bartholomew, TE - Pittsburgh

To be fair, the Vikings only had two specific needs, and they did address one with Jackson. However, it feels a bit odd to walk away without an addition to the secondary, specifically at safety, and Felton is purely a depth piece - a strange move with your only Day 2 pick.

NFC South Draft Grades

Atlanta Falcons - Grade: A

• Round 1 (15): Jalon Walker, Edge - Georgia
• Round 1 (26): James Pearce Jr., Edge - Tennessee
• Round 3 (96): Xavier Watts, S - Notre Dame
• Round 4 (118): Billy Bowman Jr., S - Oklahoma
• Round 7 (218): Jack Nelson, OT - Wisconsin

This draft grade is a bit controversial because of cost associated with trading back into the first - undeniably an overpay - but the Falcons got exactly what they wanted and drafted two of the highest-ceiling defensive players in the draft in Walker and Pearce Jr. It’s a bold move from an organization that needs to do a 180 on their defense. If Walker and Pearce Jr. reach their ceiling, this is a franchise-changing move, warranting a high grade.

Carolina Panthers - Grade: A+

• Round 1 (8): Tetairoa McMillan, WR - Arizona
• Round 2 (51): Nic Scourton, Edge - Texas A&M
• Round 3 (77): Princely Umanmielen, Edge - Mississippi
• Round 4 (114): Trevor Etienne, RB - Georgia
• Round 4 (122): Lathan Ransom, S - Ohio State
• Round 5 (140): Cam Jackson, DT - Florida
• Round 5 (163): Mitchell Evans, TE - Notre Dame
• Round 6 (208): Jimmy Horn Jr., WR - Colorado

Carolina surprised me a bit on this one. Mock draft consensus was Jalon Walker 8th overall to the Panthers, likely using the second round to add an additional pass catcher. The Panthers drafted a clear WR1 in McMillan and managed to snag two solid value, high upside players at the most critical defensive need in Scourton and Umanmielen. Their line is the weak point of the defense, a WR1 is a clear need and an additional back is needed with Jonathon Brooks’ injury. They absolutely nailed Days 1 and 2. 

New Orleans Saints - Grade: D

• Round 1 (9): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT - Texas
• Round 2 (40): Tyler Shough, QB - Louisville
• Round 3 (71): Vernon Broughton, DL - Texas
• Round 3 (93): Jonas Sanker, S - Virginia
• Round 4 (112): Danny Stutsman, LB - Oklahoma
• Round 4 (131): Quincy Riley, CB - Louisville
• Round 6 (184): Devin Neal, RB - Kansas
• Round 7 (248): Moliki Matavao, TE - UCLA
• Round 7 (254): Fadil Diggs, Edge - Syracuse

By no means am I saying they had to draft Jaxson Dart or Shedeur Sanders, but Shough at Pick 40 is egregious. Drafting a rookie quarterback in the early second round who was part of the same recruiting class as quarterbacks who are currently on their second NFL contract is just ill-advised. I hope Shough proves us all wrong, but when other teams are drafting strong Day 2 value picks, this move is deserving of the worst draft grade. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Grade: B-

• Round 1 (19): Emeka Egbuka, WR - Ohio State
• Round 2 (53): Benjamin Morrison, CB - Notre Dame
• Round 3 (84): Jacob Parrish, CB - Kansas State
• Round 4 (121): David Walker, Edge - Central Arkansas
• Round 5 (157): Elijah Roberts, Edge - SMU
• Round 7 (235): Tez Johnson, WR - Oregon

I gave the Bucs an “A” for talent and “C” for lack of priority around elite defensive talent. Egbuka is a first round talent, but the Bucs’ offense was already stacked. This feels like a luxury pick for a team that can’t afford luxury given their defensive needs. Perhaps they have concerns about Godwin’s recovery. That would be understandable, but the Bucs must figure out how to get the defense on par with the offense. Egbuka is a good long-term investment with Mike Evans aging, and the Bucs did at least focus the remainder of the midround picks on defense with a couple of really solid value picks. This grade would’ve been drastically improved with a defensive pick in Round 1. 

NFC West Draft Grades

Arizona Cardinals: Grade - A+

• Round 1 (16): Walter Nolen, DT - Mississippi
• Round 2 (47): Will Johnson, CB - Michigan
• Round 3 (78): Jordan Burch, Edge - Oregon
• Round 4 (115): Cody Simon, LB - Ohio State
• Round 5 (174): Denzel Burke, CB - Ohio State
• Round 6 (211): Hayden Conner, OG - Texas
• Round 7 (225): Kitan Crawford, S - Nevada

Arizona’s approach here was extremely clear - solidifying their defense was the main priority. In my final mock draft, I settled on Will Johnson as their first round pick. The Cardinals managed to get an elite talent for the interior defensive line in Nolen - the perfect pair with free agent addition Josh Sweat - and still grabbed Johnson in the second round at excellent value. In 2024, the Cardinals’ defense made significant strides in the back half of the season. Arizona’s draft is packed full of defensive reinforcements. If Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. can take a step forward, this draft could be the perfect strategy to making a leap in 2025.

Los Angeles Rams - Grade: B

• Round 2 (46): Terrance Ferguson, TE - Oregon
• Round 3 (90): Josaiah Stewart, Edge - Michigan
• Round 4 (117): Jarquez Hunter, RB - Auburn
• Round 5 (148): Ty Hamilton, DT - Ohio State
• Round 5 (172): Chris Paul Jr., LB - Mississippi
• Round 7 (242): Konata Mumpfield, WR - Pittsburgh

The Rams traded away their first - which deserves an A purely for negotiation - so we don’t have a marquee pick to grade. The draft was solid. Tyler Higbee is only under contract through 2025 and Ferguson is a receiving tight end that would fit the mold of what the Rams need. I would’ve liked to see an addition at corner, but this was an overall solid draft. 

San Francisco 49ers - Grade: B-

• Round 1 (11): Mykel Williams, Edge - Georgia
• Round 2 (43): Alfred Collins, DT - Texas
• Round 3 (75): Nick Martin, LB - Oklahoma State
• Round 3 (100): Upton Stout, CB - Western Kentucky
• Round 4 (113): CJ West, DT - Indiana
• Round 4 (138): Jordan Watkins, WR - Mississippi
• Round 5 (147): Jordan James, RB - Oregon
• Round 5 (160): Marques Sigle, S - Kansas State
• Round 7 (227): Kurtis Rourke, QB - Indiana
• Round 7 (249): Connor Colby, OG - Iowa
• Round 7 (252): Junior Bergen, WR - Montana

I commend the 49ers for focusing on defense through the first several rounds. With key losses and aging players, adding youth was critical. Pushing corner off to late Round 3 was a bit risky, but the overall strategy should push the defense in a positive direction. 

Seattle Seahawks - Grade: A

• Round 1 (18): Grey Zabel, OG - North Dakota State
• Round 2 (35): Nick Emmanwori, S - South Carolina
• Round 2 (50): Elijah Arroyo, TE - Miami
• Round 3 (92): Jalen Milroe, QB - Alabama
• Round 5 (142): Rylie Mills, DL - Notre Dame
• Round 5 (166): Tory Horton, WR - Colorado State
• Round 5 (175): Robbie Ouzts, FB - Alabama
• Round 6 (192): Bryce Cabeldue, OG - Kansas
• Round 7 (223): Damien Martinez, RB - Miami
• Round 7 (234): Mason Richman, OT - Iowa
• Round 7 (238): Ricky White III, WR - UNLV

This was truly a strong draft for the Seahawks. Zabel’s versatility makes him one of the more coveted second-tier offensive linemen and Emmanwori was a first-round talent. Arroyo is an excellent receiving weapon and rounds out the pass catching group perfectly. Milroe was always a known developmental piece and will have time to sit behind Darnold and benefit from backing up a more traditional quarterback. The late round picks are very usable assets.

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