NFL draft selections can often make a significant difference in a team’s immediate performance.
Last year’s No. 2 overall pick, Jayden Daniels, successfully guided the Washington Commanders to the NFC championship game. Meanwhile, Cooper DeJean, who was picked in the second round, made a game-changing interception against Patrick Mahomes, securing Philadelphia’s Super Bowl triumph over Kansas City.
However, not all rookies hit the ground running; some require a bit more time to reach their full potential. For instance, Caleb Williams, the top pick in 2024, struggled during his initial season with the Chicago Bears. The team ended with a 5-12 record, leading to the dismissal of their coach.
While the true evaluation of a draft often takes two to three years, here is an early assessment of each team’s overall draft performance:
ARIZONA CARDINALS: B
Walter Nolen, a defensive tackle selected at number 16, is expected to contribute immediately, though he was chosen higher than projected. CB Will Johnson (47) possesses first-round talent but was bypassed due to injury concerns. Players like DL Jordan Burch (78) and LB Cody Simon (115) will need additional time to develop.
ATLANTA FALCONS: B+
Edge Jalon Walker (15) was projected to be a top-10 pick, promising a boost to the pass rush. The strategic move to select edge player James Pearce Jr. (26) may reinforce Atlanta’s defense similarly to the impact the Eagles experienced with CBs Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean. S Xavier Watts (96) aligns well with coach Raheem Morris’ defensive scheme, while S Billy Bowman Jr. (118) is tasked with displaying more consistency.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: B+
Safety Malaki Starks (27) is both skilled and mature, ideal for a team experienced in developing safeties. Edge rusher Mike Green Jr. (59) represents a highly valuable choice who fell due to off-field issues. OT Emery Jones Jr. (91) and LB Teddye Buchanan (129) could become valuable late-round acquisitions.
BUFFALO BILLS: B+
CB Maxwell Hairston (30) enters with vigor and tenacity, bolstering a needy secondary. T.J. Sanders (41) is expected to enhance run defense. Additional depth for Buffalo’s defense comes from Edge Landon Jackson (72), DL Deone Walker (109), and CB Jordan Hancock (170).
CAROLINA PANTHERS: B
Though initially met with surprise, WR Tetairoa McMillan (8) brings undeniable talent. Edges Nic Scourton (51) and Princely Umanmielen (77) present strong value and are anticipated to impact a defense craving pass-rushing prowess. RB Trevor Ettiene (114) offers play-making potential, while TE Mitchell Evans (163) will enhance their ranks. S Lathan Ransom (122) and DL Cam Jackson (140) further reinforce the defense’s depth.
CHICAGO BEARS: B+
TE Colston Loveland (10) is seen as an optimal fit for coach Ben Johnson’s offensive strategy. WR Luther Burden III (39), initially predicted as a first-round pick, provides Caleb Williams additional offensive weaponry. The towering OT Ozzy Trapilo (77) brings immense potential. Day 3 discoveries include DL Shemar Turner (62), LB Ruben Hyppolite II (132), and CB Zah Frazier (169).
CINCINNATI BENGALS: B–
Edge Shemar Stewart (17) is talented yet unrefined, providing necessary defensive reinforcement. LB Demetrius Knight Jr. (49) is ready to contribute, and LB Barrett Carter (119) boasts potential. Offensive line depth improves with G Dylan Fairchild (81) and LG Jalen Rivers (153), and RB Tahj Brooks (193) emerges as a possible sixth-round bargain.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: B+
By trading away the No. 2 pick, they bypassed Travis Hunter and opted to accrue draft capital, culminating in DT Mason Graham (5). Although initially speculated to choose QB Shedeur Sanders in the first round, they secured him at No. 144 after selecting QB Dillon Gabriel (94). The strategic timing was impeccable. LB Carson Schwesinger (33) offers versatility, while RB Quinshon Judkins (36) is a play-making dynamo. TE Harold Fannin Jr. (67) sees a promising future, and RB Dylan Sampson (126) is poised to surprise.
DALLAS COWBOYS: B
G Tyler Booker enters as an immediate starter, although Dallas might have benefited from a strategic trade down to acquire him later in the round. Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (44) and CB Shavon Revel Jr. (76) represent considerable value and will fortify the defense. RB Jaydon Blue (149) is a potential home-run addition, while LB Shemar James stands to learn from Micah Parsons.
DENVER BRONCOS: B+
CB Jahdae Barron (20) is a versatile choice who can transition across several positions. In Sean Payton’s offensive scheme, RB R.J. Harvey (60) could thrive.
DETROIT LIONS: B–
DT Tyleik Williams (28) is a robust run defender, although he was drafted higher than anticipated. G Tate Ratledge is expected to elevate their running game. They traded up to secure WR Isaac TeSlaa (70), enhancing Jared Goff’s receiving options, and G Miles Frazier (171) slots perfectly into their offensive plans. Edge Ahmed Hassanein (196) is a potential late-round sleeper.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: B
WR Matthew Golden (23) fits seamlessly within their scheme. OT Anthony Belton is a sizable presence (6-foot-6, 336 pounds) who may adapt across the offensive line. WR Savion Williams (87) provides another option for Jordan Love, while Edge Barryn Sorrell (124) might specialize in passing situations. LB Collin Oliver (159) and DT Warren Brinson (198) are solid Day 3 acquisitions.
HOUSTON TEXANS: B
Opting out of the first round, they added big WR Jayden Higgins (34) to complement Nico Collins. LT Aireontae Ersery (48) comes with substantial upside and is poised to immediately enhance their retooled line. QB C.J. Stroud acquired another weapon in the third round with WR Jaylin Noel (79), although CB Jaylin Smith (97) was selected earlier than expected. The same holds true for RB Woody Marks (116). S Jaylen Reed (187) offers quality value, and QB Graham Mertz (197) may fit in as a backup.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: B
TE Tyler Warren (14) was eyed as a top-10 talent by many. Edge JT Tuimoloau (45) is game-ready. While CB Justin Walley (80) may not stand out, selections OT Jalen Travis (127) and RB DJ Giddens (151) are exceptional Day 3 values. QB Riley Leonard (189) could eventually contend alongside Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, while DT Tim Smith is valuable as a sixth-round pick.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: A
Pursuing Hunter (2) required bold moves but improved their dual needs. CB Caleb Ransaw (88) enhances their secondary, with OT Wyatt Milum (89) and RB Bhayshul Tuten (104) offering considerable value picks. They solidified their draft performance by selecting LBs Jack Kiser (107) and Jalen McLeod (194) in Day 3. OT Jonah Monheim (221) is a sleepy seventh-round pick, mirrored by RB LeQuint Allen (236).
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: A
Capitalized with the selection of OT Josh Simmons (32), while DL Omarr Norman-Lott (63) and edge Ashton Gillotte (66) immediately rejuvenate their pass rush. CB Nohl Williams (85), despite being chosen earlier than projected, is a solid coverage man. WR Jalen Royals (133) could entertain in Andy Reid’s exciting offense, and late-round picks LB Jeffrey Bassa (156) and RB Brashard Smith (228) may prove to be hidden gems.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: A
Securing RB Ashton Jeanty (6) addressed a critical foresight while WR Jack Bech (58) is poised to achieve his high ceiling. CB Darien Porter (68) could blossom, and dual selections of OTs Caleb Rogers (98) and Charles Grant (99) marked a highlight on Day 2. WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. (108) presents Geno Smith with a substantial target, and they acquired further value with DLs Tonka Hemingway (135) and JJ Pegues (180).
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: B–
RB Omarion Hampton (22) is an ideal match for Jim Harbaugh’s approach. WR Tre Harris (55) provides Justin Herbert an additional offensive catalyst, while DL Jamaree Caldwell (86) holds potential. Edge Kyle Kennard (125) exceeded expectations in draft timing, with WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (158) being a highlight among Day 3 selections.
LOS ANGELES RAMS: A–
Opted to trade out of the first round but manifested strong selections, including TE Terrance Ferguson (46), edge Josaiah Stewart (90), and RB Jarquez Hunter (117). Players like DL Ty Hamilton (148) and LB Chris Paul Jr. (172) exhibit considerable potential.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: B+
DT Kenneth Grant (13) is a vital addition, as is G Jonah Savaiinaea (37), meeting substantial positional needs. The defense gained further strength with DT Jordan Phillips (143), CB Jason Marshall Jr., and S Dante Trader Jr. (155). QB Quinn Ewers (231) exemplifies sound seventh-round value.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: B
G Donovan Jackson (24) has notable versatility, while WR Tai Felton (102) stands to excel as teams focus on Justin Jefferson. LB Kobe King (201) emerged as a valuable Day 3 selection, and Edge Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins enhances the team’s strength at this position.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: B–
OT Will Campbell (4) impressed with a passionate declaration to protect Drake Maye decisively. RB TreVeyon Henderson’s availability might have stretched to the third round, while the selection of WR Kyle Williams (69) could pay off handsomely. On Day 3, picks such as S Craig Woodson (106), DL Joshua Farmer (137), and edge Bradyn Swinson (146) were commendable additions.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: C+
The acquisition of OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (9) addresses a crucial need, though they unexpectedly went for QB Tyler Shough (40) as the third quarterback pick. Solidifying their lineup with DL Vernon Broughton (71) and S Jonas Sanker (93), they also secured RB Devin Neal (184) among the best of Day 3 acquisitions.
NEW YORK GIANTS: B+
After landing edge rusher Abdul Carter (3), they seized QB Jaxson Dart (25) earlier than initially planned. Reinforcing their ranks with DL Darius Alexander (65), RB Cam Skattebo (105), and OT Marcus Mbow (154), they made the most of rounds 3-5 while securing TE Thomas Fidone II (219) with potential in the seventh round.
NEW YORK JETS: B–
Addressing a significant gap with OT Armand Membou (7), they might have benefited from a trade to secure additional picks before addressing this position. TE Mason Taylor brings notable pedigree, CB Azareye’h Thomas (73) stands to learn under Aaron Glenn, and WR Arian Smith (110) presents as a speedster. Contributions from CB Malachi Moore (130) and edge Tyler Baron (176) could have substantial impacts.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: B
True to form, the Eagles’ feverish activity continues with a keen focus on enhancing an elite defense that prevailed over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. LB Jihad Campbell (31) was anticipated to depart in mid-first round. S Andrew Mukuba (64) is expected to fill a significant gap, with DT Ty Robinson (111) adding additional depth. CB Mac McWilliams (145) and LB Smael Mondon Jr. (161) further fortified a team stronghold.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: B
DT Derrick Harmon (21) finds a comfortable scheme fit. RB Kaleb Johnson (83) brings the prospect of playmaking, while Edge Jack Sawyer (123) serves as a Day 3 standout. CB Yahya Black (164) and LB Carson Bruener are dependable late-round choices. The selection of QB Will Howard (185) appears as a prudent addition.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: B–
Opposite Nick Bosa, Edge Mykel Williams (11) could flourish. DL Alfred Collins (43) addresses a crucial defensive need. LB Nick Martin (75) requires further progression, while the diminutive but quick CB Upton Stout and selections like DL CJ West (113) and S Marques Sigle (160) help to round out their Day 3 endeavors.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: B+
Versatile OL Grey Zabel (18) is ready to assist an offense seeking reinforcement. S Nick Emmanwori (35) possesses the potential to make a considerable difference. Solid selections include TE Elijah Arroyo (50), QB Jalen Milroe (92), DL Rylie Mills (142), and WR Tory Horton (166). RB Damien Martinez (223) emerges as seventh-round value.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: A–
Rather than strengthening edge options, they bolstered their wide receiver strength with Emeka Egbuka (19). CB Benjamin Morrison (30), despite his unexpected early selection, is a promising acquisition. CB Jacob Parrish (84) and edge rushers David Walker (121) and Elijah Roberts (157) offer high ceilings, while WR Tez Johnson (235) deepens an already superb receiver room.
TENNESSEE TITANS: B
Negotiations to confirm Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick required strategic deliberation given their alternatives. Should Ward falter, the organization’s trajectory may suffer. Edge Oluwafemi Oladejo (52) and S Kevin Winston Jr. (82) elevate their defensive prowess. WRs Elic Ayomanor (136) and Chimere Dike (103) expand Ward’s options, with RB Kalel Mullings (188) spearheading a promising Day 3 class.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: B+
OT Josh Conerly Jr. (29) is slated to bolster Jayden Daniels’ protection, while CB Trey Amos (61) stands as a probable immediate starter. Both WR Jaylin Lane (128) and LB Kain Medrano (205) present substantial value choices, with sleeper potential seen in RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (245).