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    Derek Brown | Mon, Apr 27th 2026, 8:48am EDT

2026 NFL Draft Grades for Every Team

It happened. The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone. It is just like Christmas morning. You plan, impatiently wait, and yearn for it to arrive, and once it’s here, it’s over in a flash. With all of the selections in, now we get to pick them all apart. Find out who “won the draft” and who quietly (or loudly) crapped the bed. There are a ton of teams that I believe knocked it out of the park. Some you already know before you read this article, but some might surprise you. Without further ado, here are my 2026 NFL Draft Grades for all 32 teams. Enjoy.

2026 NFL Draft Grades for Every Team

AFC Draft Grades

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: B

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Bills had a solid draft overall. I love their first selection of T.J. Parker as they needed to continue to address their pass rush. Last year, Buffalo had the 12th-fewest sacks (tied) in the NFL. I also really appreciated the value they mined by selecting Skyler Bell in the fourth round and Jalon Kilgore and Zane Durant in round five. Bell could easily be competing to be the team’s WR2 this season with Khalil Shakir by season’s end. Kilgore offers the team some depth at safety and an answer if Geno Stone (one-year deal) isn’t back after the 2026 season. Durant is a high upside ball of clay with a 9.2 RAS score.

New York Jets: A

Draft picks:

Analysis: I know it’s crazy to say, but the Jets had a really nice draft. They walked away with four high-impact players with their first four selections. David Bailey should inject some much-needed juice into their pass rush, while D’Angelo Ponds is the second coming of Aaron Glenn in the NFL. Ponds could stick on the perimeter or shift to nickel. Kenyon Sadiq was a head-scratching pick after the team selected Mason Taylor last year in the second round of the draft. Yes, it will allow them to utilize more 12 and 13 personnel, but it didn’t make much sense considering the solid investment in Taylor last year. Omar Cooper Jr. should immediately give the team a versatile WR2 for the passing attack that can play on the perimeter and dominate as a YAC threat. Drafting Darrell Jackson Jr. gets ahead of a need for 2027 when Harrison Phillips is set to hit free agency. Cade Klubnik was a decent pick in the fourth round. If he can flash his previous 2024 form, he could be a find for the Jets, but I don’t think that takes them out of the quarterback market for the 2027 NFL Draft.

New England Patriots: B

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Pats walked away from the 2026 NFL Draft with a solid showing, addressing needs with their top three picks and increasing their depth. Caleb Lomu could allow Will Campbell to kick inside or operate as a long-term answer to the ageless Morgan Moses. If Father Time comes calling for Moses in 2026, they’ll be glad they got ahead of it with the selection of Lomu.

Adding to the pass rush and supporting Drake Maye with another pass catcher was paramount, and the Pats accomplished both by selecting Gabe Jacas and Eli Raridon. Last year, Jacas was tied for fifth in sacks and ranked 24th in pass rush grade among FBS edges (minimum 150 pass rush snaps). Raridon offers a short-term 12-personnel option with Hunter Henry, and he should serve as his long-term successor at tight end. Henry is a free agent after the 2026 season. Last year, Raridon ranked 11th in yards per route run among tight ends while also leading the position in deep receiving yards.

Miami Dolphins: B+

Draft picks:

Analysis: There are a ton of selections that I love that Miami made, while also stating that there were some head scratchers mixed in. Their first three picks could all be foundational/tone-setting players for them. Chris Johnson is a wonderful fit for Jeff Hafley’s defensive scheme. Last year, he led all FBS corners in zone coverage grade while allowing only a 45.5% catch rate and 20.6 passer rating in zone. Last year, Green Bay utilized zone at the second-highest rate in the NFL (79.5%, per Fantasy Points Data). Jacob Rodriguez will be a tackling machine and versatile chess piece for Hafley’s defense.

Ok, let’s get to the mixed bag of picks before giving some more love to Miami. I didn’t love their third-round picks in Caleb Douglas and Will Kacmarek. Douglas finished college with a pitiful 1.79 yards per route run while never surpassing 900 receiving yards in a single collegiate season. I have no clue why they drafted Douglas when Ted Hurst, Elijah Sarratt, Skyler Bell, and Bryce Lance were all still on the board. Kacmerek was a reach of about 130 picks above consensus for a blocking tight end. Both were frustrating picks.

Ok, let’s get back to the love fest. I absolutely loved their selection of Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Seydou Traore. Bell will be given time to ease into the action after suffering a torn ACL in his final collegiate season, but he could be the team’s WR1 when it’s all said and done for the 2026 season and moving forward. Coleman Jr. has been one of my love list players all year. He’s 2025 Wan’Dale Robinson, as he can offer YAC ability and some verticality from the slot. He should be Jayden Reed south for Miami. Traore is an athletic move-tight end with a 9.42 RAS score. He should take over for Greg Dulcich in 2027 (free agent after 2026) as the primary pass-catching tight end for Miami. He has a ton of refinement needed in his game, but the upside is there for him to be a mismatch weapon for Miami.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: B+

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Ravens crushed their first two picks of the draft selecting possible cornerstone players with Olaivavega Ioane and Zion Young. Both addressed big areas of need. While I’m not over the moon with their selection of Ja’Kobi Lane, he can be a serviceable role player for them with some moderate upside.

The real gems for them were with their fourth round selections of Elijah Sarratt and Matthew Hibner. Sarratt has some serious upside if they move him to power slot. He’s not the flashiest player, but he definitely knows how to get open and could develop into discount Keenan Allen for Baltimore. I’m a noted member of the Hibner hive. Hibner was my TE11 of the class pre-draft. Over the last two years at SMU, Hibner ranked 27th and fourth in YAC per reception. He has legit seam-stretching speed (4.57) and blocking chops to develop into Mark Andrews‘ long-term successor.

Chandler Rivers is a solid addition to the cornerback room as a fifth-round selection that can play on the outside and possibly switch to nickel full-time in the NFL. The only pick I wasn’t really on board with was Adam Randall, who I have thought was overrated throughout the process.

Cincinnati Bengals: C

Draft picks:

Analysis: This looks like a usually uneven Cincy draft haul. I loved adding another talented edge to the Bengals’ pass rush with Cashius Howell and their selections of Connor Lew and Jack Endries, where they got them. The selections of Tacario Davis and Colbie Young were headscratchers, though. Davis has the upside to eclipse his draft capital if he can become a more consistent player, but it was a reach. Davis was a player who was expected to hear his name called somewhere in the fourth round. Colbie Young was a reach of over 100 picks versus consensus. In his collegiate career, he never surpassed 600 receiving yards in any season, and he didn’t cross the 2.0 yards per route run threshold until his final year.

Pittsburgh Steelers: C-

Draft picks:

Analysis: I love Pittsburgh’s first-round selection of Max Iheanachor, especially with the news about Broderick Jones 2026 availability in question with a setback in his recovery from a neck injury. After that, their draft plan went off the rails. Yes, I’m a professed Germie Bernard hater per the public. I don’t hate the kid at all, but I didn’t see him as a second-round wide receiver as a jack of all trades but master of none. That is a third- or fourth-round profile that got boosted by going to Alabama. Over the last two years, Bernard ranked 175th and 73rd in yards per route run and 124th and 43rd in receiving grade. I also hated their selection of Drew Allar. Allar is touted as a “traits pick,” but his per-dropback consistency has such a far climb to reach even passable NFL status, I don’t know if he ever gets there. I do love their selections of Gennings Dunker and Eli Heidenreich. Dunker is a mauling badass who could be one of the best guards in the NFL in short order. Heidenreich likely converts to a slot receiver in the NFL. He has the athletic upside to become a starting slot if he can continue to hone his route running. In the final round of the NFL Draft, that’s a wonderful swing to take.

Cleveland Browns: A+

Draft picks:

Analysis: This is another home run draft class for Andrew Berry and company. Their first four picks were masterful. Spencer Fano is arguably the top offensive lineman in this draft, and they got him after a trade back. They then proceeded to remake their wide receiver room with two of my favorite wide receivers in the draft. KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston‘s skill sets also complement each other incredibly well. Good lawd! Then you add Emmanuel McNeil-Warren to the mix in the second round, and the vibes are off the chart awesome for Cleveland. Sonny Weaver Jr. couldn’t have done better if he tried with all of his cinematic might. They then rounded it out by adding depth to their offensive line and their tight end room. Austin Barber is a mauling run blocker with experience at both tackle spots. Joe Royer is a solid dump-and-run tight end. Taylen Green is just a free upside swing in round 6.

AFC South

Tennessee Titans: A

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Titans had a wonderful draft class for Bob Saleh and Brian Daboll’s first group of players. They hit some dingers with the first three selections. Carnell Tate is a wonderful pick, even at fourth overall. Cam Ward needs a true WR1, and they just gave it to him. Keldric Faulk has a lot of growth that still needs to happen, but Saleh should be able to get the most out of his upside. Anthony Hill Jr. in late round two is a money pick. After that, they took shots on upside and depth. Fernando Carmona adds more depth to the offensive line with guard and tackle versatility. Jaren Kanak (converted linebacker) is a nice developmental move tight end selection that I’m sure Daboll was pounding the table for. Kanak posted a 4.52 40-yard dash, 90th percentile vertical jump, and 86th percentile shuttle. He spent only his final collegiate season at tight end after evolving from a mobile high school quarterback to linebacker in college. In his final collegiate season, he ranked 32nd in yards per route run and 12th in missed tackles forced among tight ends.

Jacksonville Jaguars: F-

Draft picks:

Analysis: Outside of their selection of Emmanuel Pregnon, the Jags reached on a TON of their selections. No, I don’t hate all the players that they selected, but for everything holy and sacred in this world, the Jags didn’t have to reach on EVERY SINGLE PLAYER they drafted this year outside of Pregnon. It’s not a question if they reached on every other pick outside of Pregnon and Josh Cameron, but how much. They took Nate Boerkircher in the second round, which was 106 picks above consensus. Albert Regis, Jalen Huskey, Wesley Williams, Tanner Koziol, C.J. Williams, and Zach Durfee were all reaches versus consensus from 27 picks above it to 112 above it. James Gladstone boasted at their post-draft presser that they got all ten of the players that they aimed for. Yeah, it’s easy to get everyone that you want when you draft them incredibly early. If this class pans out for the Jags, I’ll eat my words, but this isn’t usually a formula for sustained success as a franchise.

Indianapolis Colts: B-

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Colts addressed a lot of needs and depth with this draft class. Their most pressing of those arguably was linebacker, which they got a possible steal with CJ Allen, who at times during the pre-draft process got some first-round hype. A.J. Haulcy should push to start in year one if he can hit the ground running. I do wish they had addressed wide receiver in this draft before the final round, as they need a starter on the outside opposite Alec Pierce unless they are expecting Josh Downs to move outside more in 2026. Instead of doubling down on edge in rounds 5 and 6, I wish they had taken a swing at wide receiver. This is still a decent haul for the Colts.

Houston Texans: C-

Draft picks:

Analysis: I can’t get the sour taste of the trade-up for their first selection out of my mouth. I don’t hate the player at all, but the trade-up for him felt quite aggressive. They spent another top 115 pick on offensive line with Febaechi Nwaiwu. I was surprised they didn’t address linebacker until round 4 with all of the linebackers on their current depth chart outside of Wade Woodaz slated to be free agents in 2027 or 2028, but Houston seems content to kick that can down the road. Picking Kayden McDonald in the second round will pay dividends, just adding another big body to an already nasty defensive line.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: C

Draft picks:

Analysis: It’s hard to be over the moon for this class when Denver had only one pick inside the top 100, and they reached some on a defensive tackle with it. Overall, this was a decent showing for the Broncos with additions of depth to the roster. Jonah Coleman looks to be the heir apparent to J.K. Dobbins for the early down role in the offense, but I won’t be surprised if he pushes R.J. Harvey in 2026 after Harvey had a disappointing rookie season. Justin Joly is a decent RAC/dump-and-run tight end that Sean Payton will add to the rotation. The same can be said for Dallen Bentley. Payton treats tight ends like Pokemon. He has to collect them all.

Los Angeles Chargers: B-

Draft picks:

Analysis: Coach Harbaugh and company loaded up on offensive line talent in this draft, determined to keep Justin Herbert upright in 2026 by tossing a mountain of bodies at the problem. They spent half of their picks on offensive linemen. Akheem Mesidor should be a difference-making pass-rushing talent from the first snap. Brenen Thompson adds a situational vertical element to this passing game that they didn’t have previously. I don’t expect him to be a full-time starter for the Bolts, but he can help them generate explosives with 2-4 targets a game.

Kansas City Chiefs: A+

Draft picks:

Analysis: Ok, before I get to all the love and respect I have for the Chiefs’ draft class, I have to say that I’m surprised that they didn’t draft a wide receiver, especially one that can beat man coverage with an early pick in this draft. The addition of Cyrus Allen is such an Andy Reid-type pick. Unless they plan to sign someone like Stefon Diggs before Week 1 with a one-year deal, I don’t know who they expect to beat press or man this year, but I guess that’s a problem for a different day.

The Chiefs traded up to open their draft plans to take the CLEAR CB1 of this class, Mansoor Delane. After watching Jermod McCoy‘s freefall in the draft after further knee concerns surfaced, this proved to be an insanely wise and calculated decision. After that, they gave their pass rush a NEEDED injection of life with the selections of Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas. The Chiefs continued to add depth to their secondary in the fourth round with the selection of Jadon Canady, who has played some free safety, perimeter corner, and nickel. Tell me Spags won’t have fun with this type of player (you can’t).

They rounded it out with Emmett Johnson, which hurt my heart because I wanted Johnson to go to a team where he could compete for the starting job, and that won’t happen with Kenneth Walker there, but he should be a damn good RB2 on the depth chart for Kansas City. Don’t be shocked if they do some “Jerick McKinnon” type things with him in the passing game this year. Garrett Nussmeier almost fell out of the draft, but the Chiefs drafted him in round 7. Nuss should stick on the roster holding a clipboard as their QB3, but his freefall in the draft was due to medical concerns. I won’t be shocked if he spends little time at the bottom of an NFL depth chart and heads into the coaching realm.

Las Vegas Raiders: A

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Raiders had a strong draft to start the Klint Kubiak era in Las Vegas. Fernando Mendoza will be the crown prince of Sin City quickly. We’ll see when he gets on the field in 2026 (if at all), but the future is incredibly bright. The Raiders proceeded to hit on all cylinders for the rest of the draft. Treydon Stukes and Jermod McCoy will push the vets in front of them out of the gate. McCoy could be a smash value pick if his knee can defy the odds, but the risk is more than baked in, as he fell to the fourth round. Mike Washington Jr. should be an explosive play machine with his 4.3 speed as a change-of-pace hammer with Ashton Jeanty. The rest of the Raiders’ selections provide some upside and depth to a roster that badly needed it.

NFC Draft Grades

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles: A+

Draft picks:

Analysis: Howie does it again. The Eagles began the draft with an absolutely savage trade-up for Makai Lemon while he was on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers to get their guy. Lemon was a solid pick at that point in the first round, especially when you consider A.J. Brown is out of town in a few months. While I was lower on Lemon as a prospect and have questions about his ability to operate as an outside receiver in the NFL, the need was there, and if I’m wrong and he can truly be Amon-Ra St. Brown 2.0, then it’s a more than solid selection.

The Eagles then continued their offensive onslaught by selecting Eli Stowers in the second round of the NFL Draft as the heir apparent to Dallas Goedert, who was brought back on a one-year deal. The selections of Lemon and Stowers look to highlight an area of the field that Jalen Hurts hasn’t consistently targeted (intermediate, within the numbers). This will either push Hurts to continue to grow and evolve as a passer or shove the Eagles toward a possible future divorce with him as well. I love Hurts and think that he can continue to grow as we have seen him do since entering the NFL.

The Eagles then selected the mountain of a man, Markel Bell, to add to their offensive line depth. He could stick at tackle or shift inside as a mauling guard. In 2025, Bell had an 83.5 pass pro grade while allowing only one quarterback hit and zero sacks.

The Eagles then continued to take upside swings in the later rounds with two of my favorite prospects of the entire draft class. Cole Payton was a WONDERFUL pick in the fifth round that could easily grow into the heir apparent to Jalen Hurts. Their play styles are eerily similar, with the strong frames, rushing ability, and downfield accuracy and touch. Uar Bernard was also the talk of the draft process for his insane and otherworldly athleticism. He had a perfect 10.0 RAS score with a 4.66 40-yard dash, a 39″ vertical jump (99th percentile), and a 10’10” broad jump (99th percentile). The risk of him flaming out is baked in with his draft capital, but his upside isn’t.

Dallas Cowboys: A

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Cowboys hit absolute home runs with their first three selections of the draft. They gave up a measly two fifth-round picks to move up one spot to snag Caleb Downs, who honestly shouldn’t have been available at the 11th overall selection. Downs could help lead the charge to transform their secondary. They followed that up with their selection of Malachi Lawrence. Lawrence is a quarterback destroying demon with a 9.9 RAS score. Last year, he ranked 28th in pass rush win rate and 20th in PRP (per PFF).

In the later rounds, they kept piling on their defensive upside picks with Jaishawn Barham and Devin Moore. Barham offers some pass rush juice while posting 90.4 and 87.2 run defense grades over the last two years at Michigan. Moore is a corner oozing upside who has dealt with injuries during his collegiate career. If he can stay healthy in the NFL, Moore could be a steal in the fourth round. Last year, he allowed only a 56.7% catch rate and 70.0 passer rating in his coverage (per PFF).

New York Giants: B

Draft picks:

Analysis: We’ll see how this all plays out in the long run, but I wonder if the Giants (when it’s all said and done) will wish that they had drafted Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs with their first two picks over going with Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa. I don’t hate that they drafted Reese and Mauigoa, but it could turn out that they swung and missed twice, and when we look back, two studs were available at both picks.

Colton Hood was a solid pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. He garnered some first-round buzz during the pre-draft process. Deonte Banks can’t be allowed to step on the field this year, so drafting Hood fills a definite need, along with the fact that Greg Newsome is playing on a one-year deal.

I was shocked that after trading away Dexter Lawrence, the Giants didn’t address defensive tackle until round 6. I’m shocked that they didn’t draft Domonique Orange in the third round, instead of taking Malachi Fields at that point, especially with Ted Hurst, Elijah Sarratt, Bryce Lance, Chris Brazzell II, and Chris Bell all still on the board. I like their draft class, but I definitely don’t love it.

Washington Commanders: C

Draft picks:

Analysis: With only two picks inside the top 140 picks of the NFL Draft, it’s tough to love the Commanders’ draft. I love that they got Sonny Styles, though. Styles should be a stud from Day 1 for Washington in Dan Quinn’s system. I do wish they had traded down in the first round and acquired more picks in the process to fill some more needs.

I also wasn’t a fan of their selections of Antonio Williams and Kaytron Allen. Williams is a slot-confined player who will fit in nicely if they do, in fact, acquire Brandon Aiyuk‘s services, but taking him over a litany of other talented wideouts on the board felt like a miss. Allen is just another volume-gobbling grinder back that Washington seems to love. They keep stacking up this archetype of back over the last few years, with not surprisingly mid results.

I will say I did love their selection of Matt Gulbin at 209th overall. Center was a big need for Washington entering the NFL Draft. Gulbin also offers some positional versatility with experience at guard in college.

NFC North

Detroit Lions: A-

Draft picks:

Analysis: I’m a fan of what the Lions got done with this class. They had three big areas of need entering the draft. Address offensive tackle, give Aidan Hutchinson a running mate, and add depth to the cornerback room. Check, check, and check. Miller should start at right tackle for them immediately and allow Larry Borom to operate as depth/swing.

Derrick Moore was a wonderful selection where they got him. It’ll be a reach per some consensus boards, but the name of the second round edges was pick your flavor in this draft. The former Wolverine is a solid run defender (which the Lions covet), and he ranked 25th in pass rush win rate and fifth in PRP last year. The Lions kept the Wolverine love going with their selection of Jimmy Rolder to address the loss of Alex Anzalone this offseason. Rolder is an aggressive downhill player who is a plus in the run defense department, but has some questions as a coverage asset.

Keith Abney II was a wonderful value in the fifth round. He had some second/third round buzz. He could shift inside as a feisty nickel for the Detroit pass defense. Last year, Abney allowed a 44.4% catch rate and 46.1 passer rating in his coverage while snagging two interceptions with nine pass breakups.

Chicago Bears: D

Draft picks:

Analysis: I have so many questions about the Bears’ plan of attack with this class. I loved how they opened the draft with the selection of Dillon Thieneman, but things went off the rails after that. Logan Jones definitely filled a need for the Bears at center after the retirement of Drew Dalman, but in the second round? Per consensus, he was a locked-in third-round pick. At 57th overall, ok fine, maybe I’m being a tad harsh.

Ok, let’s continue down the board. Why in the hell did they draft Sam Roush and Zavion Thomas in the third round? Cole Kmet isn’t a free agent until 2028. Roush is a solid in-line blocker, but his 1.15 collegiate yards per route run isn’t getting anyone excited. I know I was lower on him than most, and a Roush hive does exist, so I’m fine if I’m wrong there. It was still a reach, though, by about a round for what Roush will provide with Colston Loveland already on the roster. Thomas can help out in the return game for Chicago, but asking him to be a Week 1 starter for them on the outside is a bit much. If Thomas can’t be the answer on the outside opposite Rome Odunze, then they will be counting on Jahdae Walker, Kalif Raymond, or Maurice Alexander to step up in three-wide sets. I also can’t get on board with Thomas when Chris Bell, Elijah Sarratt, Skyler Bell, and Bryce Lance were still available.

The Bears also didn’t address their defensive tackle need until round 6, and they bypassed defensive end altogether. Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson could make me look foolish after a few years for feeling this way, but at first glance, this looks rough.

Minnesota Vikings: B

Draft picks:

Analysis: Yeah, I’m a fan of what Minnesota did in the draft. Their biggest needs entering the draft were defensive line, offensive line, and safety (if Harrison Smith doesn’t come back for another year). We might have questions about Caleb Banks‘ health, but his talent is undeniable. Minny doubled down on their defensive line need by drafting “Big Citrus” aka Domonique Orange in the third round. The Vikings then drafted Caleb Tiernan, who offers tackle versatility and depth as well as an answer for when Brian O’Neil hits free agency after the 2026 season. Jakobe Thomas is a solid run defender, a strong downhill player who Brian Flores can mold.

Losing Jonathan Greenard in a trade with the Eagles will hurt in the short term, but getting two third-round picks back will help ease that pain. Rounding out the Minny draft, I’ll shout out their selection of Demond Claiborne in round 6. I’m not a huge fan of Claiborne, but they had to walk away from the draft with another back to fill out this depth chart. I’m sure that Minnesota would have rathered Emmett Johnson fall in their laps (he went two picks before them in the fifth round). Overall, this is a strong draft class.

Green Bay Packers: C

Draft picks:

Analysis: Entering the draft, I looked at the Packers’ biggest needs at offensive tackle, defensive tackle, edge, and center. Well, they addressed three of those while also upgrading their cornerback room, which I thought should be done in this process, but it wasn’t a horrible thing if they didn’t get it accomplished here. Cisse should upgrade their cornerback room after allowing a 47.4% catch rate and 78.9 passer rating last year at South Carolina. Chris McClellan should fit nicely into the Packers’ defense as a run-stopping presence with some pass-rush upside. Jager Burton fits the bill with what the Packers love in offensive line versatility. He has experience at both guard spots and center. It was a decent draft class for Green Bay, but it won’t blow anyone’s socks off.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: A+

Draft picks:

Analysis: I’m not biased here at all. I might be a Saints fan at heart, but I said it last year that I was giving up my Saints fandom and kicking Mickey Loomis to the curb until he proved to me he had gotten his head back on straight. Ok, Mickey. I see you. The Saints went shopping with my lovelist in tow this year. I love what they did in the draft. The biggest thing was that they needed to surround their young quarterback with more weapons and then address the trenches. Well, they did it and in a fantastic fashion.

I might be lower on Jordyn Tyson than most as a prospect. I have questions about his profile more than most, but I also acknowledge his upside, and teaming him with Chris Olave and the other weapons they drafted should be a fantastic fit. Let’s stay on the offensive side of the ball while we’re here. I absolutely FREAKING LOVE their selections of Oscar Delp and Bryce Lance. Delp is an athletic freak and has high-end every-down tight end starter upside. Delp has a 9.8 RAS score with legit 4.4 speed and 96th percentile marks in the vertical and broad jumps. Over the last two years at Georgia, he finished tenth and 23rd in yards after the catch per reception. Last year, he posted a 73.5 pass blocking grade. Delp should work in tandem with Juwan Johnson this season before likely taking over as the team’s starter in 2027. Lance gives the Saints a vertical element that they sorely need with Tyler Shough‘s big arm. If Olave isn’t resigned after this season, Lance will be the starter opposite Tyson. He has massive upside with insane speed and underrated route chops.

The Saints had to upgrade their defensive tackle situation as Bryan Breese and Davon Godchaux haven’t been difference makers at all. Christen Miller gives them a possible upgrade with some pass rush juice (34 hurries over the last two years). After that, the Saints increased their offensive line and linebacker depth while also adding a dynamic returner with Barion Brown. Good job, Mr. Loomis.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Bucs really nailed it with this draft class. They addressed two big needs that have haunted them for years with edge and linebacker, while getting ahead of a need at wide receiver next year with one of my favorite players in the draft, Ted Hurst. Outlier with his arm length or not, you can’t deny Rueben Bain Jr.s production. Last year, he was fifth in sacks and sixth in pass rush win rate among edges. Josiah Trotter is a menace that needs to clean up areas of his game, but the talent is there. Over the last two years, he has posted 14 hurries and run defense grades north of 80. Hurst is immediately the WR4 on this depth chart ahead of Tez Johnson, in my opinion. I would not be surprised if Hurst cracks the Week 1 starting lineup with only Jalen McMillan to beat out for that job. The runway for Hurst is clearer than it might appear at first glance. The Bucs could easily let Chris Godwin walk after the 2026 season, as they have an out with a 16.3 million dead cap hit, which would also be Godwin’s age-31 season. The Bucs rounded out their last selection inside the top 120 with Keionte Scott. Scott is a feisty nickel that can give you some pass rush (five sacks last year) while allowing only a 69.9 passer rating in his coverage last year.

Carolina Panthers: A

Draft picks:

Analysis: The Panthers addressed their top three needs in the draft with their first three picks, with offensive line help, a run-stuffing defensive tackle, and another weapon for Bryce Young. Monroe Freeling won’t be rushed to start this season, but he should be in the starting lineup in 2027. Taylor Moton has an out after the 2026 season. Carolina already gave themselves Ikem Ekwonu insurance for the 2026 season with the signing of Rasheed Walker, but Ekwonu will be a free agent after the 2026 season. If he can return from a ruptured patellar tendon and resemble anything close to his former self, it should be considered a win, but the data and history on players coming back from that injury is frightening to put it mildly. Lee Hunter is built like a fire hydrant and will be an elite asset to help stop the run from Day 1. Chris Brazzell‘s upside is wild. At his size, you don’t see many wide receivers that can sink and gear down like him. He should be the answer to the previous Xavier Legette missteps by this franchise. Sam Hecht was also a savvy selection to address center for the 2027 season when Luke Fortner is slated to hit free agency again. The Panthers’ front office cooked here.

Atlanta Falcons: D-

Draft picks:

Analysis: I really liked the Falcons’ first selection, taking the falling value of Avieon Terrell. That was a strong selection as Atlanta couldn’t walk into another season with corner issues opposite Avieon’s brother A.J. Terrell, but after that, the wheels came off. Zachariah Branch is a screen merchant that isn’t likely to pan out in the NFL. Kevin Stefanski has had an affinity for this archetype of receiver previously with Anthony Schwartz (former third-round pick) and Malachi Corley on his roster, and apparently, he hasn’t learned his lesson. The Falcons then proceeded to reach over 100 picks up the board versus consensus for Kendal Daniels and Ethan Onianwa. I’m not a fan of anything Atlanta did here after round 2.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: D

Draft picks:

Analysis: Ok, from the top, let’s discuss the Jeremiyah Love selection. It’s a tough sell to draft a running back at third overall in any class, but I get it. We can talk all day about Love’s contract from Day 1 in the NFL, etc., etc. I would have appreciated that selection more if they had traded back and made it, but with Tennessee and New York breathing down their necks, that wouldn’t have happened. I’m not going to crush the Cards for drafting Love, but it’s not difficult to do so, especially when they have James Conner and newly signed Tyler Allgeier on the roster.

Right tackle was a more pressing need that they bypassed third overall and didn’t address until Round 7. They obviously feel better about Elijah Wilkinson at that spot than consensus does or they could easily bring back Jonah Williams (still a free agent) to compete with Wilkinson in camp for the starting spot.

Carson Beck at the top of the third round was a choice. Not one that I’m a huge fan of. I know they were locked in (or rumored to be) on Ty Simpson, so seeing him go at 13th overall could have sent shockwaves through their war room. Beck was a 39 spot reach compared to consensus. He profiles as a long-term backup in the NFL, and with his long collegiate starting resume, we kinda know what we’re getting from him at this point. Decent quarterback point guard skills to the short and intermediate, but some wild YOLO moments and inconsistent deep ball accuracy.

I love the selections of Chase Bisontis and Kaleb Proctor, especially Proctor, where they got him. Last year, among all FBS and FCS defensive tackles (minimum 100 pass rush snaps), Proctor ranked 19th in pass rush win rate while also racking up a 74.2 run defense grade. Arizona’s defensive line could be a bright spot for them in 2026 if everything comes together.

I’ll also toss in here that I wasn’t a fan of their Reggie Virgil selection. Compared to the consensus board (at NFL Mockdraft Database), Virgil was a 42-spot reach. I don’t see the allure for a player who had 1.50 yards per route run and 3.8 yards after the catch per reception last year.

Los Angeles Rams: D

Draft picks:

Analysis: Oh man. Where do I begin? From drafting a quarterback with OBVIOUS red flags at 13th overall when you are discussing an extension with your MVP veteran quarterback in a Super Bowl window to selecting a tight end that will be your TE4 on the depth chart this year with your second round selection. The Rams treated this draft as a way to build for the future while bypassing the present push for another title.

Yes, I understand that possibly losing Jimmy Garoppolo weakened their backup quarterback situation, but if Matthew Stafford goes down, you’re likely still screwed anyway, as Ty Simpson would be thrust into the limelight when he likely isn’t ready. I do not understand bypassing players at positions that could further fortify your Super Bowl hopes for 2026, especially if injury strikes. They could have easily used another top-flight wide receiver from this class, with Puka Nacua‘s off-field issues this offseason and Davante Adams‘ injury-marred 2025 season (12 games with at least 50% of the snaps played). Also, it’s not like they have an outstanding WR3 that can fill in a pinch. Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield aren’t going to get the job done if Nacua and/or Adams miss time in 2026. Not addressing the wide receiver room until the sixth round was no bueno.

Ok, onto the selection of Max Klare. Yes, I know that Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson are gone after this year, but you spent a second-round pick on Terrence Ferguson last year, only to follow it up with another second-round tight end this year. This selection does nothing to help their Super Bowl push for this year if Higbee and Parkinson stay healthy this year.

The Rams didn’t fortify their offensive line until the third round, and they did so by reaching 71 spots versus consensus to select Keagen Trost, who does offer some positional versatility, but could be forced to guard at the NFL level.

I will say, I absolutely understand what the Rams saw in CJ Daniels, who is a body control demon at the catch point. I question his ability to threaten a defense vertically, but he is a ball point winner with some insane catches on his resume.

Seattle Seahawks: B

Draft picks:

Analysis: We can debate all day long selecting Jadarian Price in the first round. I think it was obviously a bit of a reach, but I have no clue how other teams were valuing him in the draft class and how he stacked up on their boards. Seattle obviously didn’t get the offers to trade back or felt he could have been gone by the time they were back on the clock. Running back was one of their biggest needs coming into the NFL Draft. John Schneider discussed in one of his post-draft interviews that he is close with Price’s agent and that they have a better understanding and feel for Price’s receiving ability than most do when attempting to evaluate it off a VERY limited sample in college. Price will immediately spearhead their rushing attack as their new Kenneth Walker.

With only three picks inside the top 100 of the draft, Seattle effectively targeted areas of need/depth by selecting Bud Clark and Julian Neal. Neal could thrive in their defense after allowing only a 56.3% catch rate last year while forcing eight pass breakups. Beau Stephens was a nice pickup, who finished with a 91.6 pass pro grade last year while allowing zero sacks. Adding Stephens was a worthwhile pick as insurance for Anthony Bradford, who hadn’t played a full 17 games in his career in a season until last year.

San Francisco 49ers: C-

Draft picks:

Analysis: The 49ers had an interesting draft to put it kindly. They opened the second round of the NFL Draft by selecting De’Zhaun Stribling, who got buzz late in the process, but I don’t think anyone saw him as a borderline first-round level talent. That pick was one of the biggest reaches of the entire draft and after that we were off to the races. Stribling feels like yet another case of the NFL overdrafting speed (4.36 40-yard dash) and overlooking the lack of production on his overall collegiate resume. Stribling finished college with a 36th percentile college dominator, a 39th percentile collegiate target share, and a 72nd percentile collegiate breakout age. This is on top of failing to cross the 2.0 yards per route run maker until his fourth and fifth seasons of collegiate ball. If Stribling pans out as a top-tier talent, I’ll happily eat my words, but the takeaway isn’t shade at the player but rather where he was selected in the NFL Draft, especially when Denzel Boston was still on the board.

Carver Willis will be another “reach” per the consensus board, but I can easily see the vision with him for the 49ers as a good fit for their outside zone scheme with a switch to guard or operating as a swing tackle. They got solid value at positions of need with their selections of Gracen Halton and Romello Height.

The only other pick that I absolutely couldn’t stand was selecting Kaelon Black in the third round of the NFL Draft. We have been down this road with Kyle Shanahan too much to have a ton of faith. Shanahan’s track record with backs selected in the draft in round 3 or later since 2017 is HORRIBLE. Since 2017, he has helped the 49ers select Joe Williams, Elijah Mitchell, Trey Sermon, Tyrion Davis-Price, Isaac Guerendo, and Jordan James. Black is a runway back with the ability to break off some long plays. He’s a limited player, though, as a linear runner and unproven receiver. Last year, Black didn’t even manage to make it into the top 40 FBS running backs in yards after contact per attempt or breakaway rate. When the third and fourth round of the NFL Draft happens in future years, someone inside the 49ers’ war room should toss all of their running back write-ups in the trash, set them on fire, and keep Shanny away from the phones. They’ll be better off for it.

*All data courtesy of PFF or Playerprofiler, unless otherwise specified.*

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