NFL Draft Grades For All 32 Teams
Chris Trotman. Getty Images.The 2023 NFL Draft is complete! Here are my Draft Grades for all 32 teams.
Arizona Cardinals: A+
This wasn't about their selections. The fact that they've lined up to have potentially the 1st AND 2nd picks in the 2024 NFL Draft is next level. Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. was getting buzz to go top 3 late in the process and they traded down only to trade back up to #6 to get their guy AND got the Texans' 1st round pick next year was the best move of the Draft by any team. Great job to Cardinals 1st year GM Monti Ossenfort on manipulating the draft board. On the board, LSU EDGE BJ Ojulari should provide some much needed pass rush help. I also like the selection of UCLA G Jon Gaines in the 4th round to help solidify that O-Line. Houston QB Clayton Tune was a savvy pick as Kyler Murray will miss about half the season.
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Atlanta Falcons: D
Texas RB Bijan Robinson 8th overall was lunacy. Especially when you've got a very promising 2nd year RB in Tyler Allgeier and the NFL's top ranked rushing attack. They did address to O-Line with Syracuse's Mattew Bergeron in Round 2 and South Carolina G Jovaughn Gwyn in the 7th. Utah CB Clark Phillips III was great value in the mid-4th round too.
Baltimore Ravens: A-
GM Eric DeCosta remains elite. Boston College WR Zay Flowers was my top ranked wideout. Clemson LB Trenton Simpson plays like a Raven and is super fast and can go sideline to sideline. Stanford CB Kyu Blu Kelly, son of former Bucs CB Brian Kelly has a great pedigree and was a nice pick in the late 5th round.
Buffalo Bills: B-
I really like Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, but where does he fit with Dawson Knox? Will they just be running a ton of 12 personnel with two Tight Ends? Kincaid isn't a strong blocker so wondering what the plan is there. At pick #59, Florida G O'Cyrus Torrence was a lot of people's top Guard, so like that value. I was hoping they'd take a WR and they did in the middle of Round 5 with Florida WR Justin Shorter. He's a big bodied WR at 6'4" 223 lbs. that has a chance to be really good with Josh Allen.
Carolina Panthers: C-
Yes, they got a Quarterback. I personally wasn't a fan of the pick and would've went in a different direction, but I know a lot of teams like Alabama QB Bryce Young as QB1. They also had to give up next year's 1st and more to get him, so not a fan of the move. Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo was a nice big target for their new signal caller. FSU S Jammie Robinson was a great pick in the mid-5th round. He didn't test great, but the dude is a baller.
Chicago Bears: B+
If I'm dinging the Panthers for dealing a future 1st, I have to give the Bears credit for that too. Moving down to #9 (and then to #10) and still getting a huge need in Tennessee OT Darnell Wright is a great move. Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson was a late riser and Texas RB Roschon Johnson was behind Bijan Robinson but has a chance to be good as a backup or potential rotational back with Khalil Herbert.
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
I am a big Clemson EDGE Myles Murphy fan. A 6'5" 268 lbs. pass rusher who runs a 4.53 shouldn't be available at pick #29. Speaking of speed, Michigan CB DJ Turner ran in the 4.2s. Alabama S Jordan Battle is going to be a solid pro and can help fill in after they lost Jessie Bates III in Free Agency. Michigan P Brad Robbins can really boom it and is a nice pickup at the end of the 6th.
Cleveland Browns: C-
Hard to give them a good grade as they didn't have picks in the first two rounds. They did draft two of the biggest guys in the Draft in Baylor DT Siaki Ika (6'3" 335 lbs.) and Ohio State OT Dawand Jones (6'8" 374 lbs.). They'll look to play bully ball next season with those guys.
Dallas Cowboys: C+
Speaking of big guys, Michigan DT Mazi Smith is 6'3" 323 lbs. but strong as the dickens. He did 34 reps on the bench. Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker was a curious pick as while this was a great Tight End draft, there were other higher ranked TEs on the board, like Georgia TE Darnell Washington. In the 6th round, Dallas also delivered the moment of the Draft with Assistant Scouting Director Chris Vaughn picking his son, Kansas State RB Deuce Vaughn.
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Denver Broncos: B
They didn't have a 1st Round pick because of the Russell Wilson deal. They took a Receiver with their 1st pick in Oklahoma WR Marvin Mims Jr., but he's a smaller WR at 5'11" 183 lbs that can fly (ran a 4.38 40). But my favorite pick was Arkansas LB Drew Sanders who is a do-it-all LB that can stop the run, cover, and rush the passer.
Detroit Lions: B
Just when I think they couldn't get any dumber, they come back and TOTALLY REDEEM THEMSELVES! Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs was a wild pick at #12 overall. Iowa LB Jack Campbell too at #18. But then they get a great pass catching TE in Iowa's Sam LaPortia and Alabama S/CB Brian Branch in the 2nd. I also LOVE the Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker pick as Jared Goff's money is not guaranteed after this season.
Green Bay Packers: A-
Iowa EDGE Lukas Van Ness is a big time player at #13. They took a WR in Michigan State's Jayden Reed in the mid-2nd Round and Virginia's Dontayvion Wicks in the late 5th. But it also seems they wanted to take advantage of the deep Tight End class as they went Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave in the mid-2nd South Dakota State TE Tucker Crafte in the mid-3rd.
Houston Texans: A-
They did give up next year's 1st which is a bummer. BUT they got their QB this year in Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and got this year's top Defensive player in Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr. I also really like the Houston WR Tank Dell selection as he's got insane change of direction.
Indianapolis Colts: B
This draft class will be a success or a failure based on Florida QB Anthony Richardson. I'm personally a big Richardson guy, so I like our chances. In the early 4th I like Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore and late in the 5th. Dude is 282 lbs. and ran a 4.49 40! Freak show athlete! Late Round 5 I like Cal Safety Daniel Scott as he can be a plug and play guy and late Round 5 is not where you should be able to get early contributors.
Jacksonville Jaguars: D+
They had 13 Draft picks. So some of those guys have to be good. But Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison will need some seasoning to be good and they took him 27th. They started to catch the end of the run on TEs and took Penn State TE Brenton Strange at 61st overall. Penn State WR Parker Washington is good value early 6th.
Kansas City Chiefs: B-
I like going Kansas State EDGE Felix Anundike-Uzomah 1st Round as with that Offense, they should be up a lot. SMU WR Rashee Rice gives Patrick Mahomes another weapon. Oklahoma OT Wanya Morris may be a bit of a project and they did just lose OT Orlando Brown to Cincy and I'm not sure Jawaan Taylor is the answer at LT. In the 6th Round Texas DT Keondre "Snacks" Coburn has a good shot to make the team and contribute.
Las Vegas Raiders: B+
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I should caveat this with this is assuming Tyree Wilson's medicals are good. Rumors were swirling he fell due to medicals, but if he's healthy, he is going to be a monster. Pairing him with Maxx Crosby gives the Raiders two long, mean, EDGE rushers to get after those great AFC West QBs. Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer is a do it all TE that will be a great replacement for Darren Waller. In the 5th round, Georgia S Christoper Smith II has potential and should make the roster with potential to contribute.
Los Angeles Chargers: C-
TCU WR Quentin Johnston gives Justin Herbert another weapon, but I would've preferred Boston College WR Zay Flowers there. Johnston is a bit duplicative of Mike Williams. My biggest gripe was they didn't address OT at all. Their only OL pick was late in the 5th with Clemson G Jordan McFadden. I guess they're ok rolling out Trey Pipkins at Right Tackle?
Los Angeles Rams: B-
They didn't have a 1st rounder, but they had a TON of picks with 14 including 11 on Day 3. I like TCU Guard Steve Avila at #36 overall. He's got position flexibility having played all over the Offensive Line. Georgia QB Stetson Bennett is a bit rish for end of the 4th Round, but they liked him a lot and he can move, he's just tiny. At the end of the 6th Round, I like Ole Miss RB Zach Evans. If he can stay healthy he could be a fantasy option next year with his career 6.9 yards per carry in college.
Miami Dolphins: D-
A tough Draft class to grade as they only had four picks. South Carolina CB Cam Smith was their first pick at #51 overall and he wasn't my favorite. He's a bit grabby and that typically doesn't get a ton better against better competition in the pros. Texas A&M Devon Achane is a tiny RB who can help in the passing game, but is a part time player.
Minnesota Vikings: B
USC WR Jordan Addison was a good pick that fit a need, but he was also the 4th WR taken in the run on Receivers. They had a glaring need at Cornerback and took USC CB Mekhi Blackmon and LSU CB Jay Ward. UAB RB Dewayne McBride was good value in the 7th round if he can hold onto the ball consistently.
New England Patriots: A
Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez was the best value in the 1st round at #17 overall. The guy is built like a create a player. I also LOVE the Georgia Tech EDGE Keion White pick at #46. He's a big bodied EDGE rusher that can be a 5-technique if needed. I think Bill Belichick is going to have a lot of fun with him. Taking a Kicker in the 4th round is a bit early, but if the guy is good it'll be well worth it. I'm actually fine with the punter in the 6th round, but I do like the buy low pick of LSU WR Kayshon Boutte in the 6th. If he can get back to his freshman year form, he'll be a valuable starter for them.
New Orleans Saints: B
I'm a big fan of the Clemson DT Bryan Bresee pick at #29. The former #1 overall recruit was great his freshman year but has had injuries and a personal tragedy that clearly affected his play. If he can get back to his freshman year form he'll be a steal. Notre Dame EDGE Isaiah Foskey has a ton of upside at 6'5" 264 lbs. running a 4.58 40-yard dash, but he's raw. TCU RB Kendre Miller has a shot to play right away if Alvin Kamara is suspended. Fresno State QB Jake Haener is likely just a career backkup.
New York Giants: B+
Maryland CB Deonte Banks addressed a need early. He'll need to stay healthy for a franchise whose 1st round CBs have been horrific recently (Eli Apple, Deandre Baker). Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt is my favorite pick here. He's a big time field stretcher and should make things easier for Daniel Jones. In the 5th Round, Oklahoma RB Eric Gray is an interesting pick that could be good Saquon Barkley insurance.
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New York Jets: C+
Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald at #15 was verrrrryyy rich for a borderline 1st round guy. Wisconsin C Joe Tippman is a great pick and should be the team's best Center since Nick Mangold. Pittsburgh OT Carter Warren is a local kid with super long arms that can provide some depth behind oft-injured LT Mekhi Becton.
Philadelphia Eagles: A-
It's hard to bash this draft. Georgia DT Jalen Carter was a top 3 player in this draft almost any way you slice it. I am not a big fan of Georgie EDGE Nolan Smith, but he did have a 1st Round grade, so to get him at #30 is solid value. Getting Georgia CB Kelee Ringo near the top of the 4th was outstanding value for a young, raw kid with a ton of traits.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A
Trading up to leapfrog the Tackle needy Jets to get Georgia OT Broderick Jones was a savvy move by GM Omar Khan. Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr. is a feel good story following in his Dad's footsteps playing for the Steelers. Georgia TE Darnell Washington is a STEAL near the end of Round 3. I understand there may have been concerns about his medicals, but if he's healthy he's a top 3 TE in this class for me. Purdue CB Cory Trice Jr. has a shot to make the team as a late 7th too.
San Francisco 49ers: C-
No picks in the first 2.5 Rounds they go with Penn State S Ji'Ayir Brown at pick #87 which I'm fine with. But At #99 they go Michigan K Jake Moody. They better be certain this guy is a stud because that's a Day 2 pick on a Kicker which I know from experience that those don't work out much. They also went TE heavy with Alabama TE Cameron Latu in the 3rd and Oklahoma TE Braden Willis in the 7th make sense with George Kittle struggling with injuries.
Seattle Seahawks: B+
Seattle talked about Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon reminding them of Troy Polumalu in terms of play style. So it's hard to bash them for that pick. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba was good value as it started the run on Receivers. Auburn EDGE Derick Hall has a ton of upside, but I didn't understand the UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet pick at #52 was puzzling after Kenneth Walker III's outstanding season. They did a nice job addressing their interior OL with LSU G Anthony Bradford in teh 4th and Michigan C Olu Oluwatimi in the 5th.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A-
They're very high on Pitt DT Calijah Kancey and he was the guy they targeted from the get go. The Aaron Donald comparisons are inevitable based on his alma mater and his size/measurables. If he can have 10% of the career Donald has, it'll be a great pick. They traded up to pick #48 to take North Dakota OT Cody Mauch who will play Guard for them. He's the classic Jason Licht small school/ass kicker pick in the 2nd round. The fact that he's missing his front two teeth should've been all the clues we needed to link him to Tampa. The organization is also really excited about Louisville EDGE YaYa Diaby who can develop into a really good player. I'm excited about Pitt LB SirVocea Dennis whose drafting is great foresight into the potential departures of LB Devin White and LB Lavonte David after this season. Eastern Michigan EDGE Jose Ramirez was a steal in the 6th and compares well to Shaq Barrett. Hopefully he can come close to what he's become.
Tennessee Titans: A-
Northwestern OT/OG Peter Skoronski was good value at #11, especially with Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. and Tennesee OT Darnell Wright off the board. He offers position flexibility and is a plug and play guy. I do like Will Levis, so trading up to #33 to get him was a savvy move by new GM Ran Carthon. Tulane RB Tyjae Spears in the 3rd Round provides a different element from Derrick Henry who will be 29 this season.
Washington Commanders: A-
The Commanders saw their need at CB and attacked it with Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes who is a BIG TIME ballhawk. He'll get the football for the Defense. Illinois CB Jartavius Martin is also a fiesty Corner who was obviously overshadowed by Devon Witherspoon. They also upgraded their Interior Offensive Line with Arkansas C Rickky Stromberg and Utah G Braeden Daniels in the 3rd and 4th Rounds.