It may seem pointless to do draft grades as we don’t know much about the players who get drafted. However, hundreds of hours went into watching films on these players, and it’s worth it to say who drafted strongly and who drafted poorly. There are countless examples of when drafts we knew were terrible didn’t pan out. A lot of staggering and exciting picks were made, and I go through and grade each pick in the first round. The players with their links listed are the ones I’ve watched four-plus games on, while the rest I’ve watched two-three games on.
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Draft Value – 1st OVR
It’s hard to give the first pick an A+, but this is about as close as you get to one with the first overall pick. Bryce Young is the best QB since Trevor Lawrence, and it’s difficult to argue against that. The uncoachable traits such as pocket sense and passing instincts are remarkable with Bryce Young. Besides the height, he is everything you want in a franchise QB. The Panthers will not regret this pick.
Draft Value – Top Ten
I have made this pick for Houston multiple times, but after thinking about it for some time, I thought this was not their best possible pick. You could’ve aimed for a generation prospect next year and not have given up a first for Anderson Jr. They still landed someone that’ll reliably be a franchise QB, but you could’ve hit a home run rather than a double.
Draft Value – Top Three
This selection was the first major surprise of the draft. Houston gave up an absolute haul to get up to take Will Anderson Jr. on top of C.J. Stroud. While they gave up a lot, I see the reasoning for this trade-up. Anderson Jr. could easily be a dominant number two pass rusher under Demeco Ryans. You just wish they didn’t give up their own first-rounder to move up.
Draft Value – 1st RD
Some thought had to have gone into Will Levis, as he’s more pro-ready, but Richardson ultimately buys Chris Ballard a lot of time as the GM. Anthony Richardson is the ultimate project QB, and you’re surrounding him with a stellar run game and adequate pass protection. This was one of Richardson’s best possible landing spots, and I’m excited to see how it pans out.
Draft Value – Top Ten
It isn’t straightforward that this was the best option, but I’d be surprised if they aren’t happy with this pick three years from now. Devon Witherspoon isn’t quite a blue-chip prospect, but he’s undoubtedly one of the best day-one impacts. Besides long speed, he is the total package as a corner. His quickness, instincts, and IQ are tremendous. There’s a reason Seattle took him over other terrific prospects.
Draft Value – 1st RD
This scenario for Arizona wasn’t the best possible outcome, but it’s one I can get behind. To acquire the Texans 2024 first, plus a future third to trade down three spots, is remarkable. Parris Johnson Jr. is far from flawless but could develop into an elite Left Tackle. He has incredible length and is a supreme athlete. This move allows Arizona to trade D.J. Humphries or move him to Guard. Regardless of what happens, it puts the team in a significantly better situation on offense.
Draft Value – Top Ten
The Raiders didn’t necessarily have to take an EDGE, but why not give yourself a lethal combo of EDGEs? Max Crosby is phenomenal, but that number two EDGE was a big question mark thinking long-term. If he develops, this could be one of the league’s most terrifying pass rushes. The only reason this isn’t an A is that it doesn’t fill an immediate need.
Draft Value – 1st RD
Trading for Jeff Okudah gives the Falcons more flexibility in this draft, as they can focus on improving the D-Line. Tyree Wilson would be a terrific addition and helps complete this well-assembled defense. His skill set is precisely what NFL teams value in the draft. While QB is still a significant need, this sets up a great foundation.
Draft Value – Top Five
Howie Roseman simply shows how easy the draft is. Taking Jalen Carter at pick nine could be one of the best draft steals of recent memory. The man on the field is borderline unstoppable, and it’s just a matter of how his immaturity affects him.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
Trading down one spot was intelligent, but how could you possibly take Darnell Wright in the top ten? I am a fan of Write, but the value at pick ten is awful. So many better options were on the table, and it’s hard to see this pick being worth it five years from now. On the bright side, they got an improved starting Tackle that’ll make an immediate solid impact.
Draft Value – 1st RD
I have nothing wrong with taking Skoronski here, but they passed on Will Levis with this pick. They got him in the second, but the value and fit would’ve been excellent here. Ultimately it’s a good pick, and they got lucky with Levis falling, but Skoronski isn’t elevating this team like a QB would’ve. Regardless, Skoronski is a likely all-pro Center and worth this pick.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
It’s safe to say we were all shocked when the Lions took Jahmyr Gibbs. Unless he becomes Alvin Kamara, they will regret this move for a long time. Gibbs was undoubtedly an excellent round-two target, but to take him at 12 is all-time stupidity. Why not just take Robinson at six rather than taking a player who isn’t even close in comparison? For such a well-run organization, I am floored, to say the least.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
Lukas Van Ness at pick 13 is a classic Packers selection. It’s not like this is a bad pick, but you also passed up legit talent at Receiver, which is their most significant need. This pick is eerily similar to the Rashan Gary selection. It seems questionable at first, but you’ll likely be happy with it in the long run. While there are better picks they could’ve opted for, Van Ness and Gary could be a dominant duo.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
Pittsburgh desperately needed a new Left-Tackle, and Broderick Jones could be a superstar. He isn’t exactly plug-in-play, but he has the tools you bet on in the mid-first. Trading up isn’t ideal, but getting ahead of the Jets was necessary. While not a slam dunk pick, you feel confident about it.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
This pick was among the many bewildering picks in the draft. It seemed like it was made out of panic as Broderick Jones went a pick before. Will McDonald is mainly a developmental project with star potential, but he is also a 24-year-old rookie. Furthermore, the Jets didn’t need another EDGE this early, as Bryce Huff can start. The need and value are just not desirable here.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
As previously mentioned, many different options were on the table for Washington. They ultimately opt for a pretty mediocre selection in Emmanuel Forbes. The need and scheme fit is an exceptional match, but the value is lacking. This would’ve been a good pick if they had traded down to the mid-20s, but they simply reached on him instead. Forbes will still make for stellar number two in this defensive system, but it isn’t very reassuring.
Draft Value – 1st RD
Not much needs to be said about this pick other than it’s an all-time Belichick steal. Gonzalez possesses rare fluidity and range for his size. He’s the ideal number-one corner under a coach like Belichick. To trade down and still take him is excellent drafting.
Draft Value – 2nd RD
While some teams showed how easy drafting is, the Lions showed it’s not so easy. Again, taking Jack Campbell would’ve been wise in round two, but taking him at 18 is not good drafting. Jack Campbell is a solid day-one starter but doesn’t have a great upside. It’s challenging seeing either of Detroit’s first-rounders be worth it five years later.
Draft Value – 1st RD
This was one of the best landing spots for Calijah Kancey as he goes somewhere where he won’t face many double teams. Vita Vea will occupy a ton of space, allowing Kancey to wreak havoc as a three-tech/ 4i. Despite the small size, his quickness and get-off are beyond elite and worth gambling on. He has bust potential, but the potential is extraordinary.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
While my number one Receiver was available, Jaxon Smith-Njigba compliments who they have already tremendously well. JSN is an explosive and reliable slot that’ll be a fantastic third option. He has the potential to be a dominant slot, and that’s tough to pass up here. Now they also have a plan for when Tyler Lockett moves on.
Draft Value – 1st RD
The Chargers are pretty fortunate Quentin Johnston fell to them because this could go on to be a genuinely elite trio of Receivers. What this offense was lacking last year was a legitimate deep threat, and Johnston happens to be the highest-upside one in this class. Besides Zay Flowers, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect pairing with Justin Herbert.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
Baltimore has tended to go best player available in the past, but this time, they wanted to secure a true deep threat to go along with what they have. They likely agreed to draft a Receiver when Lamar Jackson re-signed, and I like the process. Do whatever it takes to bring back Jackson, and this pick happens to be good value.
Draft Grade – 1-2 RD
This is one of those picks that isn’t winning them a Super Bowl but is simply what they’re supposed to do. Jordan Addison can be that reliable number two option they lost in Adam Thielen.
Draft Value – 1st RD
This is a pick I am in love with. Cornerback may not seem like the most significant need, but outside of Adoree’ Jackson, there aren’t any quality starters. Deonte Banks can start immediately and flourish into a true number-one guy. His athletic skillset and the traits he showed on film are why he’s such a stellar Corner.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
Dalton Kincaid is your classic hybrid TE/ Slot Receiver which will be an exciting weapon for Buffalo. They were last in the league in 12 personnel, and establishing a threatening duo of Tight Ends is very beneficial. However, they passed on some highly-touted O-linemen here, so this pick isn’t graded higher. Regardless, it’s still a lovely addition that helps this offense stay potent.
Draft Value – 2nd RD
Interior Defensive Line was the only major weakness on this roster, and you fix that for a decent value. The only thing is that Bryan Bresee, who’s a much higher upside pass-rusher, was on the board. Ultimately you still fill the right hole, and Mazi Smith isn’t the worst option. He is one of the best-run defenders in the class and has a lot of theoretical upside.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
To trade down and find a replacement for Jawaan Taylor is phenomenal drafting by Jacksonville. Anton Harrison is an exciting Tackle prospect with staggering footwork and adequate size. He is an excellent scheme fit and should bring his best in pass-pro. Anton Harrison could’ve easily gone earlier, and his addition is tremendous for Trevor Lawrence and this offense.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
The Bengals, similar to Washington, had a lot of different avenues to opt for, but Myles Murphey is a dependable pick. EDGE wasn’t a significant need for Cincinnati, but you can’t go wrong when Myles Murphey is available. Murphey is a large and highly athletic EDGE worth gambling on in the late first. While this pick doesn’t make them contenders, it helps make their pass rush more of a strength.
Draft Value – 1st RD
New Orleans comes away with a steal in the first as Bresee was one of the few first-round prospects left. Bresee has elite athletic traits and the proper size to play interior. Moreover, the need is absolutely there as this D-line is depleted. There’s a good chance he will become a star player for New Orleans, and to find that at pick 29 is remarkable.
Draft Value – 1st RD
The Eagles continued with the jaw-dropping draft as they landed EDGE Nolan Smith out of Georgia. He gets to play next to Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nakobe Dean, which is very exciting. Haason Redick was one of the Eagles’ most valuable assets in 2022, and now you practically have two of them. There’ll be very little pressure on him in his first season or two, and he won’t face many double teams. Everything about this selection is perfect.
Draft Value – 1-2 RD
Felix Andudike-Uzomah is very in tune with who they took last year. He isn’t a special athlete but is a serviceable day-one starter who can help impact this defense. There aren’t any trump cards to his game, but he’s cross the board. This pick isn’t exhilarating but gives them a sure-fire starter at a crucial position.
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