Final 2026 NFL Draft Grades

The 2026 NFL Draft has officially concluded and I needed some time to really think this one through. The first round definitely caused a lot of issues in terms of what I thought may have been correct. More surprises than were expected and NFL fans around the world were shocked. However, again folks, this is only an opinion. Did I grade harshly? Maybe… But that is simply up for you to decide.

 

AFC North

 

Cleveland Browns

 

Getting OT Spencer Fano in the first round was a great pick up. You’re getting a tough OT who can flip on either side of the line and do the dirty work. No real shock they went OL with the lack of depth they had. WRs KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston will be immediate starters in the receiving corps without any doubts. The lack of pure catching ability last year from everyone minus Harold Fannin was shocking and the Browns showed that in this draft. The only real question I have from this is why draft two TEs in the late rounds? I understand one with the loss of David Njoku. Two makes no sense to me. Overall, they drafted needs and depth from start to finish. The underrated pick in this draft from Cleveland is C Parker Brailsford out of Alabama in the fifth round. His low center of gravity gives him all the edge in the world in both the run and pass games, I wouldn’t be shocked if he becomes the starter over Elgton Jenkins in a year.

 

Overall grade: B+

 

Cincinnati Bengals

 

Trading pick 10 for Dexter Lawrence was a huge decision that we’ll have to see off. If he pops off and returns to his best, then it’ll look like the trade of the draft. Otherwise, time shall tell. Starting their draft in Day 2 and taking projected first rounder EDGE Cashius Howell, a good depth piece for a strong defense carefully built over the offseason. CB Tacario Davis and WR Colbie Young could be interesting players to watch within this team with high upsides. The one I am most curious about is DT Landon Robinson from Navy. He’ll be sitting behind some of the best defensive tackles in the league currently so learning to be the best shouldn’t be an issue. Otherwise, the lack of offensive pickups, specifically O-Line is concerning and I hope they’ll dip back into free agency for at least one more guy.

 

Overall Grade: C+

 

Baltimore Ravens

 

OG Olaivavega Ioane is an outstanding pickup. Not only did they take BPA (best player available) but they took a need, which is a fairly common theme amongst this draft. He’ll slot immediately in at LG as the Ravens look to rebuild parts of the O-Line following free agency. The additions of EDGE Zion Young, WRs Ja’Kobi Lane + Elijah Sarratt, and RB Adam Randall throughout the draft will not only create depth, but they’ll add a sense of quality amongst the team. I will admit, I do believe they missed out on a defensive tackle within the draft as their depth in that specific position is thin, but HC Jesse Minter will find a way through. I’m excited for another year of this defense and hopefully Lamar can find his best again.

 

Overall Grade: B

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

 

The location of the NFL Draft certainly had one to remember. Outside of taking QB Drew Allar in the 3rd round, I didn’t think they missed with a single pick. This was a draft to get great offensive weapons on the line and a receiver to partner Metcalf and Pittman. Getting OTs Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker will add depth to the offensive line that truly had its difficulties when it mattered most to make it easier for postseason runs. Defensively, they didn’t get weaker, only added pieces that could eventually develop into starters when the opportunity arises. The only real question mark is still who will start at QB. With the recent tagging of Aaron Rodgers, it poses a great question. Does he return to Pittsburgh for one more year before one of Allar or Howard takes over? 

 

Overall Grade: B+

 

AFC South

 

Houston Texans

 

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous when they took OG Keylan Rutledge in the first round. I wasn’t shocked when they went O-Line, but Rutledge wasn’t a name I had on my board early on. They filled another need in O-Line, even though I contradict myself when I say this. The fact that DT Kayden McDonald fell to them in the second round was a larger surprise than Rutledge. Houston still adds quality into their defense and offense that I see as a big win. Marlin Klein is great TE depth, but my underrated pick of their draft is their fifth round pick, Kamari Ramsey, a safety from USC. Their secondary is already one of the most disgusting things on the planet and adding a safety with a high upside only makes them better as Kamari Lassiter goes into a contract year.  

 

Overall Grade: B

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

 

Jacksonville didn’t have a first round pick after they traded it to Cleveland last season to get Travis Hunter. So their draft began on Day 2, taking Nate Boerkircher, a TE from Texas A&M. Definitely a reach in this regard, but a positional need to compete with Brenton Strange so it’s okay. DT Albert Regis in the third round is a solid option in a contract year for Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, so I see no downside there. My underrated pick of this draft, slightly biased in this one, is OG Emmanuel Pregnon out of Oregon. He was a projected second round guy who almost fell into the fourth and added cover for Trevor Lawrence. Do not be shocked if you see him start week one of the NFL season. 

 

Overall Grade: C

 

Indianapolis Colts

 

Another AFC South squad without a first round pick, as they traded theirs to the Jets for Sauce Gardner. Keeping this reasonably short, the Colts had an outstanding draft. LB CJ Allen out of Georgia is your immediate Zaire Franklin replacement and should step in comfortably. S A.J. Haulcy helps the safety room get better and could look to take Nick Cross’ spot in the squad. EDGE Caden Curry, RB Seth McGowan, and WR Deion Burks were absurd sixth and seventh round picks. (Which is an outstanding thing.) HC Shane Steichen is going to have a tough time getting his rookies involved this season, but do not be shocked if this class ultimately works out in Indianapolis.

 

Overall Grade: B+

 

Tennessee Titans

 

The first team that we’ve covered so far that I am quietly curious to know how Robert Salah is going to make this work. Tennessee did a great job in covering all the bases in free agency and in the draft. Depth is there in every position and I admit at this draft we won’t see many guys start off the rip outside of WR Carnell Tate. Trading back into the first round for EDGE Keldric Faulk is certainly a decision of all time, but it was a need to be addressed so I have no complaints. I love the RB Nicholas Singleton and OC Pat Coogan acquisitions in the later rounds. Both could certainly make a difference as starters or at the bare minimum, good rotational pieces. So far, so good for the Titans, but it’s become a matter of getting it all to click for Cam Ward, Robert Salah, and co.

 

Overall Grade: B

 

AFC East

 

Buffalo Bills

 

Buffalo confused everyone by trading out of the first round but I don’t truthfully believe they did too bad. EDGE T.J. Parker and CB Davison Igbinosun are solid additions on a defense that needed reinforcements. Adding DJ Moore in a trade with Chicago helps a struggling receiver corps that simply needs dudes that can catch. WR Skyler Bell doesn’t add the height presence that I expected Buffalo to go for, but will combine with Moore and Shakir wonderfully. S Jalon Kilgore and DT Zane Durant are solid additions in the later rounds of the draft, but otherwise, I wasn’t overly impressed.

 

Overall Grade: C+

 

New England Patriots

 

Even with the controversy surrounding Mike Vrabel presently, the Patriots had some highlights in the draft that I couldn’t argue with. Taking OT Caleb Lomu wasn’t on my card at all, even with the pressing O-Line issues. I also didn’t think Lomu would be there at 28, but this whole draft was, again, weird. I really loved the EDGE Gabe Jacas pick in the second round, great value for the position. Eli Raridon adds depth in an older TE room and OT Damaetrious Crownover in the 6th round is tremendous value. The underrated pick for me falls in the 7th round with RB Jam Miller. He may not be a standout back, but he’ll cause damage anywhere he goes. I don’t imagine he’ll get a stupid amount of reps right away, but he could partner TreVeyon Henderson in a 2-back system.

 

Overall Grade: B-

 

Miami Dolphins

 

For lack of better wording… Miami needed a little bit of everything and did exactly that. Didn’t have it on my bingo card that OT Kadyn Procter would be their pick at 12, but definitely gave me some intrigue to how they would approach the rest of the draft. CB Chris Johnson at 27 was another shock as I believed there were still better corners on the board. LB Jacob Rodriguez was the easiest selection for Miami in the second round… same with LB Kyle Louis, S Michael Taaffe, WR Kevin Coleman Jr., and OG DJ Campbell on Day 3. I don’t think Miami did a bad job at covering depth in every area, but I don’t expect more than two of these guys to make any impact in year 1.

 

Overall Grade: B-

 

New York Jets

 

Here is one of my big hot takes… The Jets had a really good draft minus the Kenyon Sadiq pick. I understand that Sadiq was the TE1 of this class, but it made almost no sense for him to go to the Jets. Right now, the current argument is that Mason Taylor was just a layover pick until someone better came along, which has presently happened, but does that mean they are preparing for 12 personnel? Otherwise, EDGE David Bailey and WR Omar Cooper Jr were excellent additions, CB D’Angelo Ponds is outstanding, QB Cade Klubnik in the fourth round *can* be very good, but I’m hesitant to go anymore. OG Anez Cooper and S VJ Payne aren’t game changers, but awesome depth pieces. Good job, Jets. You actually had a really good offseason… so far.

 

Overall Grade: A

 

AFC West

 

Los Angeles Chargers

 

EDGE Akheem Mesidor, one of the oldest 1st round picks we’ve had in a long time, definitely is a good choice. A little hesitant to say it's a great pick considering EDGE isn’t a ginormous need, but rotation is needed, especially with Khalil Mack. OC Jake Slaughter is a good risk-reward project under Biadasz. WR Brenen Thompson is my pick of the draft for LAC… one word. Speed. This dude is freaky fast and will help Herbert look further down the field instead of having to hit Quenton Johnson after 3 yards. Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey, both offensive guards, will add padding into the offensive line. All in all, not a bad draft, but nothing crazy.

 

Overall Grade: C+

 

Kansas City Chiefs

 

Trading up with the Browns was certainly… a decision. Don’t get me wrong, CB was a huge need after losing both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in the offseason, but trading up 3 spots for a guy whose odds are falling to you at 9 is a choice. Regardless, it’s the pick that made the most sense in Mansoor Delane and I can’t exactly argue with it. Pick 29 saw KC getting a top pass stuffer in Peter Woods, my arguable DT1 in this draft. Woods stands out as a good counterpart to Chris Jones, who has fallen on the wrong side of 30 and would only see his value diminish as the seasons progress. EDGE R Mason Thomas in the second round is good value, RB Emmett Johnson in the fifth too. And the real conversation starter… QB Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh. Does he see action? Probably not, but it’s a cool flex to his friends that he’s teammates with Patrick Mahomes.

 

Overall Grade: B-

 

Las Vegas Raiders

 

“OMG! They took Mendoza with the 1st overall pick? How dare they!” Said no one ever in this draft. We all knew it was going to happen and LV now gets a guy they believe can bring this franchise back with a head coach that knows how to win. S Treydan Stukes in the second round is a wonderful pick and adds to the secondary. OC Trey Zuhn III was a choice in the third round, but I suppose Tyler Linderbaum won’t stay young forever… The big shock was watching CB Jermod McCoy fall into the 4th round after being a projected top 15 pick. The Raiders will have to bet on the upside that McCoy could bring after coming back from a nasty injury. RB Mike Washington Jr will backup Ashton Jeanty in the backfield and this draft just begins to look like depth pieces after that. The Raiders did their due-diligence to make it all happen and now have to hope their offensive line will hold after multiple pieces left in the offseason. 

 

Overall Grade: B

 

Denver Broncos

 

After waiting almost 25 hours to make a pick… They took DT Tyler Onyedim from Texas A&M. A needed piece after multiple linemen left in free agency, but I wasn’t overly moved by Denver’s draft. Their offseason as a whole was good, but I’m not seeing this move mountains. You’d imagine that this team would go ahead and light up the AFC West, but I just don’t see that happening that easily again. TE Justin Joly in the 5th round was alright, but LB Red Murdock could be a piece for the future. Has comparisons to Khalil Mack, who conveniently also came from Buffalo and set numerous records that Red Murdock broke during his tenure. I’m curious to see what Denver does otherwise, but Sean Payton is betting on Bo Nix getting healthy again and that’s a pretty good bet.

 

Overall Grade: C

 

NFC North

 

Chicago Bears

 

I may show bias here, but I promise I’ll do my best to limit it where I can. S Dillon Thieneman is an outstanding grab at 25. The literal definition of best player available and biggest need and Chicago nailed it. Everyone has been praising this pick and rightfully so. OC Logan Jones, TE Sam Roush, and WR Zavion Thomas definitely made for a subpar Day 2, but Ryan Poles dug back in his bag and snagged Texas CB Malik Muhammad and Georgia Tech DT Jordan Van den Burg, two monsters that not only have great measurables but will genuinely make a huge difference in the squad. Depth in defensive areas was a need for the Bears as injuries saw the fifth or sixth string guys see the field this season. This could be a good draft if even two of these guys make a difference.

 

Overall Grade: B+

 

Green Bay Packers

 

The NFC North started out hot. Green Bay hit on needs very well and truthfully did great for value picks. Needed a pair of CBs? Got them in Brandon Cisse and Domani Jackson. Defensive Line help? Check with Chris McClellan! A center to replace Jenkins? Jager Burton is ready to go. Kicked McManus off the team and replaced him? Trey Smack has you covered. Good job Green Bay, you hit everything you needed to. Bringing back the number of dudes including Micah Parsons off the injury report again will be key for another successful joust at the NFC North… or will Detroit and Chicago become disruptors again?

 

Overall Grade: B

 

Detroit Lions

 

OT Blake Miller in the first round is a crazy good pick. Monroe Freeling still made sense, but when you have your slew of picks at offensive tackle, then you take what you think is best available. Derrick Moore and Tyre West will help cover depth at EDGE, but CB Keith Abney II is an awesome value when he was a projected second-third round pick. This is another draft similar to Denver where I’m not overly moved by the draft, but I can see a guy or two making a difference immediately. Detroit needs difference makers now and I can see that Dan Campbell went into the draft with a few guys in mind.

 

Overall Grade: C+

 

Minnesota Vikings

 

My first real negative grade for the draft this season. DT Caleb Banks at 18 was a choice considering he has injury issues and was never super consistent in college. DT Domonique Orange was an alright choice in the third round, but otherwise Minnesota still has plenty of needs that haven’t been addressed. Quality is a point of concern after losing most of their defensive line to free agency and with no real plan at QB yet. It’s expected that Kyler Murray will be the starter week 1, but we can only speculate until we get the official word from Kevin O’Connell.

 

Overall Grade: D

 

NFC South

 

New Orleans Saints

 

It’s really tough to grade this class from NOLA… On one hand, a wide receiver was needed… but on another, a CB is also needed. There was no winning this one, which is why I believed KC traded up to get Delane. Jordyn Tyson at pick 8 was taking the arguably best wide receiver available. The only real issue with Tyson is his injury availability. He found himself on the sidelines more often than he wanted to, but if he can find a way to steer that off, I see no reason why he cannot thrive with Chris Olave, Trevor Etienne, and Tyler Shough. DT Christan Miller and TE Oscar Delp add depth in positions that needed an extra hand due to age or cap restrictions… Getting S Lorenzo Styles in the 5th round is a curious pick as he’s athletically talented, but skillfully hasn’t put it all together yet. This was a depth draft and they hit quite a few good pieces, but I think missed on an edge rusher.

 

Overall Grade: B

 

Atlanta Falcons

 

For not having a first round selection, the Falcons capitalized on needs efficiently. Avieon Terrell was a projected first round pick but fell to the middle part of the second round. The CB out of Clemson will make an almost immediate impact in the secondary and adding depth in a position that has had injury issues in the past. Zacharaiah Branch has his off-field issues, but will be a good addition to the WR corps. I absolutely LOVE LB Harold Perkins in the 6th round. Depending on how he rebounds from his ACL tear last season, he could be one of the best draft pickups the Falcons have made in a long time. A complete animal with range all across the field, his smaller size and frame gives him an opportunity to hit gaps opponents wouldn’t expect him to hit. 

 

Overall Grade: B+

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. may have his off-field issues, but snagging him at 15 almost makes this an A+ draft already. An immediate impact on a defense that has struggled recently with sacks, Bain will add that extra dimension to give Todd Bowles his defense that he’s wanted. Josiah Trotter will give depth to an ‘elderly’ linebacker room while Ted Hurst adds an extra body into the WR corps. CB Keionte Scott and OG Billy Schrauth on Day 3 were good additions in terms of depth and value. Both can contribute in the league if given the opportunity. Not a crazy draft outside of Rueben Bain, but honestly I think that was all you needed.

 

Overall Grade: B+

 

Carolina Panthers

 

One of the underrated drafts from this draft season. Addressing numerous needs to give Dave Canales the best possible outcome this upcoming season was a must and I think they hit that almost on the head. OT Monroe Freeling in the first round was a solid pickup as Taylor Moton isn’t getting any younger and Ikem Ekwonu hasn’t been performing to the quality they’ve been wanting. DT Lee Hunter and WR Chris Brazzell II on Day 2 are excellent additions and will add quality in positions that need extra depth. Day 3 saw Carolina take CB Will Lee III, OC Sam Hecht, and S Zakee Wheatley… all of whom are expected to be a part of the squad in a rotational role, but could easily elevate to a starting position. The Panthers did well, very well.

 

Overall Grade: A-

 

NFC East

 

New York Giants

 

I normally wouldn’t start with the Giants, but I feel like I have to. Having LB Arvell Reese fall into their laps at 5 couldn’t have started any better. Then getting OT Francis Mauigoa at 10 made sense positionally, but was giving too many NYG fans flashbacks with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal in 2022. CB Colton Hood and WR Malachi Fields on Day 2 solidified what the Giants were planning. Just fill depth and let John Harbaugh do his thing with Jaxson Dart. Getting him and Cam Skattebo will be essential to getting this team back into playoff contention. OT J.C. Davis and LB Jack Kelly in the later stages of the draft were interesting pickups to help with depth, but the majority of the needs were addressed. Defensive tackle became a need after Dexter Lawrence got traded, but they’ve since picked up D.J. Reader on a two year contract to help fill that gap.

 

Overall Grade: B+

 

Washington Commanders

 

Washington is an aging team and needed to find a way to get younger. They did that quite well with numerous of these picks. LB Sonny Styles falling to them at 7 is almost a match made in heaven. Bobby Wagner isn’t getting younger and finding a guy who has crazy measurables but still gets the dirty work done made all the sense in the world. You need a guy who has comps to an All-Pro in Fred Warner? You just got him. WR Antonio Williams is a speedster that will help out Terry McLaurin down the stretch of the season while getting depth pieces at EDGE with Joshua Josephs and RB with Kaytron Allen. Solid pick ups all around and the Commanders now need to just stay healthy. The bounceback could be real if all goes to plan.

 

Overall Grade: B

 

Dallas Cowboys

 

The Cowgirls… I mean the Cowboys needed a slam dunk the first three rounds and they almost did that. It wouldn’t be a draft if Jerry Jones didn’t start off super well and fall off as it went on. Getting S Caleb Downs to fall to 11 was the definition of perfect. Taking ‘BPA’ (best player available) and getting a positional need is always incredibly helpful. Downs was one of the highest rated players coming into this draft and I really wanted to see him succeed. Taking three edge rushers is certainly a choice and it makes me wonder if the old age is starting to get to Jerry. Shocked he didn’t take another Tyler too. Malachi Lawrence has the ability to be a starting edge rusher for Dallas, but I just don’t see that happening right now with Donovan Ezeiruaku ahead of him. The only other pick I can safely say I enjoy is EDGE LT Overton out of Alabama in the fourth round. His disruptive pass rushing tendencies make his stats uneven to what he truly can do. Do not be shocked if he gets rotated inside and becomes a menace for Dallas.

 

Overall Grade: B-

 

Philadelphia Eagles

 

Someone needs to stop Howie Roseman. This is getting out of hand. Philadelphia trades up with rivals Dallas to get WR Makai Lemon over Pittsburgh, which is almost their AJ Brown replacement 1-for-1. This is in anticipation that the Patriots come back in for AJ Brown in the post-June 1 delegation. Roseman addressed almost every need in the draft, including Lemon. Taking TE Eli Stowers in the second round was necessary as Dallas Goedert isn’t getting any younger. OT Markel Bell and OG Micah Morris are great depth pieces with an aging offensive line that is bound to have more injury issues. I LOVE the Cole Wisniewski pick as safety was a position of need after losing three of them in the offseason. QB Cole Payton can be an interesting topic in a year or two if he decides to become QB2 once the contract of Tanner McKee expires. Then the highlight of the draft for the Eagles being DT Uar Bernard from Nigeria. He may not have the skills, but he has the physicality to make up for it. He’s more than likely to become a practice squad player before stepping up into a role next season.

 

Overall Grade: B+

 

NFC West

 

San Francisco 49ers

 

This is arguably the worst draft out of the 32. There are so many good options that were available during this time and I have absolutely no clue what the front office was thinking. WR De’Zhauan Stribbling as pick 33 was insane. Genuinely have no clue what they were thinking with that pick when I believe there were better receivers on the board. This is not me saying that Stribbling will be a bad player, but for the value in what basically is another first rounder… Not impressed. EDGE Romello Height was okay in the third round. DT Gracen Halton was the only pick that I am confident will make a difference in this team at any point. I would love to be proven wrong, but as of right now, the Niners did NOT cook.

 

Overall Grade: D-

 

Los Angeles Rams

 

I am going to say what we were all thinking… Ty Simpson at 13 was a strange pick. Since we’ve had some time to sit on it and ponder if this was a good pick, I believe the Rams are beginning to prepare for life without Matthew Stafford. Which in hindsight is a good thing, but I do not think Ty Simpson is your guy. I have the belief that the next QB class coming through next season will be generating more buzz than Simpson ever did. Dante Moore and DeNorris Sellers are some of the current headliners in next year’s draft class with Arch Manning and Julian Sayin potentially making some headway there too. TE Max Klare in the second round makes some sense, but you also spent a 2nd rounder last year on Terrance Ferguson. DT Tim Keenan III is solid value in the 7th round and I cannot argue with that. The Rams did pretty well to fill needs but have a long road to climb with age becoming a factor with many of the players.

 

Overall Grade: B-

 

Seattle Seahawks

 

Secondary was the name of the draft for Seattle, replacing both Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen who left in free agency. S Bud Clark, CBs Julian Neal, Andre Fuller, and Michael Dansby will compete for a spot to join the secondary. RB Jadarian Price is a pickup of all time in the first round, but hey, the Seahawks want to continue that 1-2 punch with Zach Charbonet. Beau Stephens is an interesting pickup in the fifth round as I think he could be a long-term addition to the offensive line. There is a future for Seattle, but I do not think a Super Bowl is achievable this season. But, I also said that last year and look how that turned out.

 

Overall Grade: C+

 

Arizona Cardinals

 

Arizona did what they thought was responsible and got the BPA. Jeremiyah Love will be a stud in the league no doubt, but behind an offensive line that was productively one of the worst last season, I’m not confident that he’ll stay healthy. OG Chase Bisontis in the second round was a great pick, same with DT Kaleb Proctor in the 4th. Carson Beck was certainly a choice… (I’m not the biggest fan of his skillset and I do not believe he will succeed.) Otherwise, it was depth across the board. As it stands right now, Jacoby Brissett is the starting QB and will more than likely be the starter all year pending injuries. They did sign QB Gardner Minshew II as a backup but I don’t think he’ll play too much.

 

Overall Grade: B-

 

Folks at home, this was a tough one to grade. Every team had their moments that showed they had a plan in place, whether that was to invest in depth, add key pieces of their lineups, or take the best player available and hope for the best. So many more drafts ahead and with minicamps and training camps on the way, time to get excited about the beginning of the season folks!