2023 NFL Draft Grades (All 32 Teams)

2023 NFL Draft Grades

The NFL Draft is over. The amazing NFL-themed weekend has come and gone. 32 NFL teams have selected 259 young men who will now strive towards achieving another life goal of theirs, playing in an NFL regular season game. While each of the 259 young men must be happy and ecstatic to have made it to the NFL, the same is true for their new NFL teams. Yet, that doesn’t mean that the NFL team made the right decision in how they approached their draft or who they drafted. Perhaps that player they took in the second round is great, but he probably could’ve been had in the fourth round.

Equally opposite is also true in that perhaps a team got a third-round quality player in the sixth round. That’s how we can grade each team’s draft. Did they take the value on the board or reach for a guy far too early? Was that player truly right for the franchise or are they trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole? Therefore, scroll on down and find out what grade your NFL team got and how it could’ve been better.

Arizona Cardinals Draft Grade: A+

R1 (6): T Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
R2 (41): EDGE BJ Ojulari, LSU
R3 (72): CB Garrett Williams, Syracuse
R3 (94): WR Michael Wilson, Stanford
R4 (122): G Jon Gaines II, UCLA
R5 (139): QB Clayton Tune, Houston
R5 (168): LB Owen Pappoe, Auburn
R6 (180): CB Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville
R6 (213): DI Dante Stills, West Virginia

The Cardinals had one heck of a draft under first-year GM Monti Ossenfort. He wheeled and dealt his way throughout the first three rounds of the draft acquiring tons of value and adding to their draft stock in 2024 with the addition of a likely top-five first-round pick and two more third-round picks. He snagged the draft’s top offensive tackle, Paris Johnson Jr., and reinforced the trenches with fast, high-motor, and high-moral guys like BJ Ojulari, Jon Gaines, and Dante Sills. Monti addressed the massive black hole at cornerback with Garrett Williams and Kei’Trel Clark plus got another offensive weapon for Kyler Murray in the tall and athletic receiver, Michael Wilson. Overall, it was a great draft for the Cardinals. Arizona got tons of future draft picks and made some crucial additions to their retooling team.

Atlanta Falcons: B-

R1 (8): RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
R2 (38): T Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
R3 (75): EDGE Zach Harrison, Ohio State
R4 (113): CB Clark Phillips III, Utah
R7 (224): S DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama
R7 (225): OG Jovaughn Gwyn, South Carolina

Atlanta had a fine draft. It wasn’t spectacular or amazing. They had so many needs on defense but chose to go with Bijan Robinson at eighth overall. Bijan is a terrific player and definitely worthy of being selected that high, but the Falcons had way more pressing needs than adding another running back. Yet, if you play fantasy, Bijan to the Falcons is the dream scenario. Atlanta runs the ball a ton. Bijan is walking into at least 200-300 carries in his first year. Atlanta also added one of the best run-blocking players in Matthew Bergeron. They made their strengths even stronger. Yet, they didn’t address the edge or cornerback department hardly at all. That’s a massive misstep as the NFL is still reliant on good defensive performances, especially in the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens: B+

R1 (22): WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
R3 (86): LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson
R4 (124): EDGE Tavius Robinson, Ole Miss
R5 (157): CB Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford
R6 (199): OG Sala Aumavae-Laulu, Oregon
R7 (229): OG Andrew Vorhees, USC

Baltimore had a strong draft, but not an outstanding draft. They somehow always managed to snag some draft steals. Baltimore got a high-flying and speedy linebacker in Trenton Simpson far later than he was expected to go. Plus, they got a third-round graded cornerback, Kyu Blue Kelly, in the fifth, and snagged a Day-Two graded guard in the seventh round in Andrew Vorhees. Yet, Andrew will miss his entire rookie year due to a torn ACL he suffered at the Combine. Still, those three players are terrific value finds. The one sort of misstep that keeps the team from being an “A” is their first-round selection. While yes, they needed a wide receiver, Flowers doesn’t fit the typical mold of receiver that excels with Lamar. Plus, they had much higher needs and could’ve gotten a strong wide receiver like Marvin Mims in the third.

Buffalo Bills: A

R1 (25): TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
R2 (59): G O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida
R3 (91): LB Dorian Williams, Tulane
R5 (150): WR Justin Shorter, Florida
R7 (230): OG Nick Broeker, Ole Miss
R7 (252): CB Alex Austin, Oregon State

The Bills had a wonderful draft. They got a plug-and-play guard in O’Cyrus Torrence, a swing guard in Nick Broeker, and an excellent linebacker in Dorian Williams. Williams has the ability and speed to quickly rise their linebacker depth chart. The best pick the Bills made was in the first round. They got a big slot tight end in Dalton Kincaid who will immediately improve their offense. Josh Allen finally has another big target that he can throw to besides Stefon Diggs. Addressing the playmaking and skill position on offense was an absolute must in this draft. Buffalo killed it and got one of the next great tight ends in the NFL.

Carolina Panthers: A+

R1 (1): QB Bryce Young, Alabama
R2 (39): WR Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
R3 (80): EDGE DJ Johnson, Oregon
R4 (114): G Chandler Zavala, NC State
R5 (145): S Jammie Robinson, Florida State

The Panthers demolished this draft. After trading up to one, they got their franchise quarterback Bryce Young. They did miss out on getting some more depth for their team with only five picks, but those other four picks were great. In the second, they got Jonathan Mingo, a supreme pick. Mingo will be a fantasy darling at wide receiver. He’s the next guy up out of Ole Miss who will be an elite wideout. He’s tall, extremely fast, agile, and has far better hands than many think. He’s going to be a great downfield threat that can grow with Young as they form a dynamic 1-2 duo. Chandler Zavala was a great steal at guard and Jammie Robinson gives some crucial depth and talent at safety.

Chicago Bears: A

R1 (10): T Darnell Wright, Tennessee
R2 (53): DI Gervon Dexter Sr., Florida
R2 (56): CB Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (FL)
R3 (64): DI Zacch Pickens, South Carolina
R4 (115): RB Roschon Johnson, Texas
R4 (133): WR Tyler Scott, Cincinnati
R5 (148): LB Noah Sewell, Oregon
R5 (165): CB Terell Smith, Minnesota
R7 (218): DI Travis Bell, Kennesaw State
R7 (258): S Kendall Williamson, Stanford

Chicago managed to make full use of their draft picks through trade downs and shrewd drafting. The Bears got their starting right tackle tenth overall in Wright. He’s going to be a fixture there. They addressed their woeful defensive line by making three selections at that spot. Surely one must at least hit. They added a long-term talented running back in Roschon Johnson who will be the starter sooner than later. A talented linebacker in Noah Sewell was a steal in the fifth round. Plus, they made some key cornerback moves such as drafting a talented but developmental Tyrique Stevenson. The best move that could pay off big time was drafting Tyler Scott in the fourth round. He has the ability, size, and athleticism to take over Darnell Mooney’s job. Scott could be the WR2 for this offense for years.

Cincinnati Bengals: B

R1 (28): EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
R2 (60): CB DJ Turner, Michigan
R3 (95): S Jordan Battle, Alabama
R4 (131): WR Charlie Jones, Purdue
R5 (163): RB Chase Brown, Illinois
R6 (206): WR Andrei Iosivas, Princeton
R6 (217): P Brad Robbins, Michigan
R7 (246): CB DJ Ivey, Miami (FL)

The Bengals went best player on the board and didn’t make a single trade all draft. They took a big edge rusher who will certainly help Cincy get after Patrick Mahomes and company in the playoffs in Myles Murphy. The Bengals addressed their secondary in a big way by drafting DJ Turner and Jordan Battle. They’ll add crucial speed and depth to their cornerback and safety rooms. Chase Brown will be a great player who can take over the Samaje Perine role in their running back room. Plus, they brought in two talented wide receivers who can become a valuable weapons for Joe Burrow. Yet, they failed to address their offensive line or tight end. Those two spots badly needed some help and Cincinnati failed to make a single addition. That drops their grade here.

Cleveland Browns: B+

R3 (74): WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
R3 (98): DI Siaki Ika, Baylor
R4 (111): T Dawand Jones, Ohio State
R4 (126): EDGE Isaiah McGuire, Missouri
R5 (140): QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
R5 (142): CB Cameron Mitchell, Northwestern
R6 (190): C Luke Wypler, Ohio State

The Browns got a talented “X” wide receiver in Cedric Tillman. He’s going to bring a lot of toughness and ability to make contested catches to the Browns. They reinforced their meager defensive line with Siaki Ika. Ika will absolutely help their woeful rush defense. The Browns got a new backup quarterback and center plus a mammoth-sized offensive tackle. These weren’t flashy additions, but they needed to be made. Cleveland knows it needs to win now with Watson back full-time at quarterback. They shelled out insane money for him and can’t afford to lose.

Dallas Cowboys: B-

R1 (26): DI Mazi Smith, Michigan
R2 (58): TE Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan
R3 (90): EDGE DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
R4 (129): EDGE Viliami Fehoko, San Jose State
R5 (169): OT Asim Richards, North Carolina
R6 (178): CB Eric Scott Jr., Southern Mississippi
R6 (212): RB Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State
R7 (244): WR Jalen Brooks, South Carolina

The Cowboys did well in the first two rounds by getting a great defensive tackle who can take some of the pressure off of Micah Parson’s shoulders in Mazi Smith. They added to their offense with a tight end that should be a near replica of Dalton Schultz in Luke Schoonmaker. At linebacker, they made a long-term move by getting the talented but developmental DeMarvion Overshown. Yet, they took day three of the draft off and made some truly confusing picks. They didn’t draft a bruising running back but instead got a 5’6 Duece Vaughn. They drafted a seventh-round wideout that likely won’t make the team. Plus, they didn’t take anyone that felt like a steal. These guys all felt like reaches on Day Three.

Denver Broncos: A+

R2 (63): WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
R3 (67): LB Drew Sanders
R3 (83): CB Riley Moss, Iowa
R6 (183): S JL Skinner, Boise State
R7 (257): C Alex Forsyth, Oregon

The Broncos made full use of their limited picks but got three potential starters in their new Sean Payton-esque team. They got a standout wide receiver that should replace Courtland Sutton by the end of the season in Marvin Mims. He’s able to work all three levels and should’ve been long gone by pick 63. Next, they added a great ball-hawking and tall cornerback in Riley Moss. If he develops, he could be one of the best CB2s in the NFL. The best move was taking Drew Sanders in the third. He’s a gifted linebacker that has excellent speed, and height, and will always be near the ball. On Day Three, they added a potential starter at center in Alex Forsyth, and reinforced their safety with a draft steal of JL Skinner.

Detroit Lions: C

R1 (12): RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
R1 (18): LB Jack Campbell, Iowa
R2 (34): TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa
R2 (45): S Brian Branch, Alabama
R3 (68): QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
R3 (96): DI Brodric Martin, Western Kentucky
R5 (152): OT Colby Sorsdal, William & Mary
R6 (219): WR Antoine Green, North Carolina

The Lions made some great and odd moves. They took Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall which was shocking but does make sense. He’s what D’Andre Swift should’ve been. He’s insanely gifted and will immediately uplift this offense. Then, they took a huge, lanky, and best linebacker in the draft Jack Campbell. Not a value pick and is a tad high, but he will start day one and be a leader. They got two steals in the second round in Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch. Both will start immediately and be valuable contributors at tight end and safety respectively. Then came the most bewildering pick of the draft. They took quarterback Hendon Hooker. All these moves seemed like moves to win now with Jared Goff and pushing all-in. Then they take a developmental 25-year-old quarterback coming off a torn ACL? It just doesn’t jive with the Lions motif and what they have been doing. Hooker is only 3.5 years younger than Goff. It just didn’t make sense.

Green Bay Packers: A

R1 (13): EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
R2 (42): TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
R2 (50): WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State
R3 (78): TE Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
R4 (116): EDGE Colby Wooden, Auburn
R5 (149): QB Sean Clifford, Penn State
R5 (159): WR Dontayvion Wicks, Virginia Tech
R6 (179): DI Karl Brooks, Bowling Green
R6 (207): K Anders Carlson, Auburn
R7 (232): CB Carrington Valentine, Kentucky
R7 (235): RB Lew Nichols III, Central Michigan
R7 (242): S Anthony Johnson, Iowa State
R7 (256): WR Grant DuBose, Charlotte

The Packers had a great draft. They added a talented edge rusher who will uplift their defense mightily in Lukas Van Ness. They finally got some impact talent at wide receiver with Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Should Musgrave develop and reach his potential, he has All-Pro-type potential. They got a talented wide receiver in Jayden Reed and gave a ton of weapons to new quarterback Jordan Love. They even got more depth at defensive tackle with Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks. Both guys could start later on and become important players on this defense.

Houston Texans: A-

R1 (2): QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
R1 (3): EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
R2 (62): C Juice Scruggs, Penn State
R3 (69): WR Nathaniel Dell, Houston
R4 (109): EDGE Dylan Horton, TCU
R5 (167): Henry To’oTo’o, Alabama
R6 (201): C Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
R6 (205): WR Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State
R7 (248): S Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh

I can’t give them an A+ because they made some weird moves, but they did draft some insanely talented and high-impact players. The biggest move was the Texans hopefully finding their franchise quarterback in CJ Stroud. Then, they made the shocking move to move up to third and take Will Anderson Jr, the best edge rusher by far in the draft. This draft depends on what those two players do. The Texans did get some potential starters at the offensive line in Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson. They added a lanky and fast wide receiver in Xavier Hutchinson. However, they made a confusing decision to take Tank Dell way too high. He is not an alpha wide receiver and looks like the next Tutu Atwell. The best value pick the Texans made was getting a potentially elite linebacker in the fifth round by the name of Henry To’oTo’o.

Indianapolis Colts: A

R1 (4): QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
R2 (44): CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
R3 (79): WR Josh Downs, North Carolina
R4 (106): T Blake Freeland, BYU
R4 (110): EDGE Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
R5 (138): CB Darius Rush, South Carolina
R5 (158): S Daniel Scott, Cal
R5 (162): TE Will Mallory, Miami (FL)
R5 (176): RB Evan Hull, Northwestern
R6 (211): EDGE Titus Leo, Wagner
R6 (221): CB Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M
R7 (236): OT Jake Witt, Northern Michigan

The Colts draft was the epitome of risk vs reward. If Anthony Richardson becomes the quarterback that he could be, then this draft will be one of the best ever. AR has Josh Allen’s potential. However, if he busts, this draft will set back Indy for years. The Colts made out well in getting two high-floor players in Julius Brents and Josh Downs at cornerback and wide receiver respectively. Those two will start immediately and bring some savvy speed, agility, and footwork to the Colts. Downs can be a crucial safety blanket for AR. Blake Freeland was a great pick and can start right away. Darius Rush, Ade Adebawore, and Will Mallory all have talented gifts and insane athleticism at their positions. If they reach their potential, the Colts might’ve added eight starters to their team. If they bust though, that sinks their grade. Only time will tell.

Jacksonville Jaguars: B

R1 (27): T Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
R2 (61): TE Brenton Strange, Penn State
R3 (88): RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn
R4 (121): LB Ventrell Miller, Florida
R4 (130): EDGE Tyler Lacy, Oklahoma State
R5 (136): EDGE Yasir Abdullah, Louisville
R5 (160): S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
R6 (185): WR Parker Washington, Penn State
R6 (202): CB Christian Braswell, Rutgers
R6 (208): S Erick Hallett II, Pittsburgh
R7 (226): OT Cooper Hodges, Appalachian State
R7 (227): DI Raymond Vohasek, North Carolina
R7 (240): FB Derek Parish, Houston

The Jaguars made some smart moves in moving down the draft board multiple times and acquiring a ton of cheap depth. They still got their first-round target in Anton Harrison who will start right away at right tackle. Protecting Trevor Lawrence is all that matters. The Jags got some great steals such as Antonio Johnson, Parker Washington, and Yasir Abdullah on Day Three. Those three could all become big contributors. Tank Bigsby shows that the Jaguars are committing to the run game and want to run more than last year. Plus, they want to keep Travis Etienne healthy. The only surprising pick that was definitely a massive reach was taking Brenton Strange, tight end, in the second round. They could’ve taken way better players before him, including other tight ends.

Kansas City Chiefs: C

R1 (31): EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
R2 (55): WR Rashee Rice, SMU
R3 (92): T Wanya Morris, Oklahoma
R4 (119): S Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech
R5 (166): EDGE BJ Thompson, Stephen F. Austin
R6 (194): DI Keondre Coburn, Texas
R7 (250): CB Nic Jones, Ball State

KC really made some questionable decisions. They got a talented edge rusher late in the first solving an area of huge need. Felix will give the Chiefs some great length, burst, and athleticism along the D-Line. However, they let Patrick Mahomes be the GM again and reached big-time on a wide receiver in the second round by taking Rashee Rice. They made up for it by taking a good tackle, Wanya Morris (no, not the Boyz to Men singer). The rest of their picks just weren’t great at solving their issues or helping the team win right now. Just another odd draft, but the Chiefs have had success before at some odd picks, so we’ll see if they can do it again.

Las Vegas Raiders: B+

R1 (7): EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
R2 (35): TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
R3 (70): DI Byron Young, Alabama
R3 (100): WR Tre Tucker, Cincinnati
R4 (104): CB Jakorian Bennett, Maryland
R4 (135): QB Aidan O’Connell, Purdue
R5 (170): S Christopher Smith, Georgia
R6 (203): LB Amari Burney, Florida
R7 (231): DI Nesta Jade Silvera, Arizona State

The Raiders went for the gamble in the first round by taking Tyree Wilson. Willson has immense potential, but tons of medical concerns. Should those pan out, the Raiders just wasted a first-round pick. They made up for it by getting the potential TE1 of the draft in Michael Mayer. Mayer will be an excellent weapon on offense. It was shocking to see him so low. The Raiders added a good player in Byron Young and a talented safety in Christopher Smith. The most confusing pick was taking a 28-year-old quarterback in the fourth round. That just made zero sense.

Los Angeles Chargers: A

R1 (21): WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
R2 (54): EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
R3 (85): LB Daiyan Henley, Washington State
R4 (125): WR Derius Davis, TCU
R5 (156): T Jordan McFadden, Clemson
R6 (200): DI Scott Matlock, Boise State
R7 (239): QB Max Duggan, TCU

While the Chargers didn’t make any highlight moves or picks, they still improved quite a ton in the short and long-term sense. They got a long-term wide receiver that can replace Mike Williams or Keenan Allen in a year with Quentin Johnston. He is an impact talent with alpha size and great speed. With Justin Herbert, he could become a superstar. The Chargers added more deep speed to their offense with Derius Davis. On defense, they got two starters in Tuli Tupulotu and Daiyan Henley. Tuli will immediately start most like as an interior pass-rusher but he’s extremely versatile and work on the edge and be an impact player. Daiyan is the best linebacker on the Chargers roster and has great speed and mental skills. He’s going to work really well in Staley’s defense.

Los Angeles Rams: A

R2 (36): G Steve Avila, TCU
R3 (77): EDGE Byron Young, Tennessee
R3 (89): DI Kobie Turner, Wake Forest
R4 (128): QB Stetson Bennett, Georgia
R5 (174): OT Warren McClendon, Georgia
R5 (175): TE Davis Allen, Clemson
R5 (177): WR Puka Nacua, BYU
R5 (161): EDGE Nick Hampton, App State
R6 (182): CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU
R6 (189): EDGE Ochaun Mathis, Nebraska
R6 (215): RB Zach Evans, Ole Miss
R7 (223): P Ethan Evans, Wingate
R7 (234): S Jason Taylor II, Oklahoma
R7 (259): DI Desjuan Johnson, Toledo

The Rams made a whopping 14 picks in this draft. That is an amazing amount of depth they just added to their barebones roster. They got a starting guard in Steve Avila plus multiple other starters on defense and offense. They have a new backup quarterback in Stetson Bennett. They added another deep threat at wide receiver in Puka Nacua, and a tantalizing yet risky running back in Zach Evans. Should the Rams even hit on seven of these picks, they won this draft. They took a risk on some of these, but overall, there’s far more quality than quantity despite the number of players.

Miami Dolphins: B

R2 (51): CB Cam Smith, South Carolina
R3 (84): RB Devon Achane, Texas A&M
R6 (197): TE Elijah Higgins, Stanford
R7 (238): OT Ryan Hayes, Michigan

On the flipside for the most picks in the draft were the Miami Dolphins who made a meager four draft selections. They got an impact cornerback in Cam Smith that will be a starter. Plus, they have a new long-term running back in Devon Achane. Achane fits exactly what Mike McDaniel wants to do on offense. He’s extremely fast, athletic, and agile. He’s basically a younger version of Raheem Mostert. The Dolphins got two long-term starters which is pretty good for only four picks.

Minnesota Vikings: B+

R1 (23): WR Jordan Addison, USC
R3 (102): CB Mekhi Blackmon, USC
R4 (134): CB Jay Ward, LSU
R5 (141): DI Jaquelin Roy, LSU
R5 (164): QB Jaren Hall, BYU
R7 (222): RB DeWayne McBride, UAB

The Vikings failed to acquire more picks or trade down for them. That limits the appeal of this draft because they still left many holes devoid of talent. The Vikings did get an athletic jolt of offense by selecting wide receiver Jordan Addison. He and Jefferson will form a dynamic duo on offense that will make many defenses worried. The Vikings tried to address their cornerback issues by taking yet again another cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and added to their safe room with a quality pick of Jay Ward. Minny made some high-upside selections with DeWayne McBride and Jaquelin Roy. Both could eventually be starters down the road at running back and defensive tackle respectively. Yet, it still doesn’t feel enough or like they added an amazing talent or athletic freak beyond Addison.

New England Patriots: B-

R1 (17): CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
R2 (46): EDGE Keion White, Georgia Tech
R3 (76): S Marte Mapu, Sacramento State
R4 (107): C Jake Andrews, Troy
R4 (112): K Chad Ryland, Maryland
R4 (117): OG Sidy Sow, Eastern Washington
R5 (144): Atonio Mafi, UCLA
R6 (187): WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU
R6 (192): P Bryce Baringer, Michigan State
R6 (210) WR Demario Douglas, Liberty
R6 (214): CB Ameer Speed, Michigan State
R7 (245): CB Isaiah Bolden, Jacksonville State

The Patriots cooked on Thursday by navigating a successful trade-down and still getting the potential CB1 in the draft with Christian Gonzalez. It was a masterpiece. Then, the Patriots got a strong edge rusher in Keion White but reached for an interior linebacker in Marte Mapu. On Day Three, the wheels really came off as they made numerous questionable draft picks including both a kicker and a punter. They did get Sidy Sow who does have some potential to be a strong starting guard for them in the future. The only reason this isn’t a “C'” draft is due to the first-round masterpiece.

New Orleans Saints: B

R1 (29): DI Bryan Bresee, Clemson
R2 (40): EDGE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
R3 (71): RB Kendre Miller, TCU
R4 (103): OT Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion
R4 (127): QB Jake Haener, Fresno State
R5 (146): S Jordan Howden, Minnesota
R6 (195): WR A.T. Perry, Wake Forest

The Saints were certainly wise to address their defensive line. After a devastating offseason in which the Saints lost nearly every starter there, they added two starting-caliber players in Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey. Both of those guys will be relied upon to make a strong impression. The Saints got a future starting running back in Kendre Miller and had a draft steal of A.T. Perry who should start right away with the best length and contested-catch skills on the Saints roster. New Orleans also got a developmental tackle that has all the tools and size to become a long-term starter at either guard or tackle. And, they got a backup quarterback in Jake Haener who resembles Derek Carr in many ways aside from both of them going to Fresno State.

New York Giants: A

R1 (24): CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
R2 (57): C John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
R3 (73): WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
R5 (172): RB Eric Gray, Oklahoma
R6 (209): CB Tre Hawkins III, Old Dominion
R7 (243): DT Jordan Riley, Oregon
R7 (254): S Gervarrius Owens, Houston

The Giants nailed this draft aside from one miscue. They got an elite talent at cornerback in Deonte Banks who is physical, tough, and won’t give up a yard without fighting. They added the draft’s best center to their offense which will elevate all of the offense. New York got a new backup for Saquon Barkley who is more complete and able to take a larger workload off of Barkley’s shoulder. The only misstep that is probably more personal preference was drafting Jalin Hyatt. While he’s an elite deep threat, the Giants could’ve used a bigger and tougher, more physical wide receiver that can go get balls and give a bigger target for Daniel Jones. Still, at least they added a weapon for Jones after last year’s miserable wide receiver room.

New York Jets: C-

R1 (15): EDGE Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
R2 (43): C Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin
R4 (120): OT Carter Warren, Pittsburgh
R5 (143): RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
R6 (184): LB Zaire Barnes, Western Michigan
R6 (204): CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse, LSU
R6 (220): TE Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion

The Jets are gonna be the Jets. After trading back due to the Aaron Rodgers trade, they were unable to move up to acquire an offensive tackle. That caused them to make the biggest reach of the first round by drafting edge rusher Will McDonald IV. It’s not likely he’ll ever live up to the first-round pedigree the Jets just gave him. The Jets did well to get two offensive linemen in Joe Tippmann and Carter Warren. Both have a decent degree of potential and should elevate a poor offensive line. They got a freak at tight end in terms of how insane his athleticism is in Zack Kuntz. If he can find his way to the field, he’ll be a monster as a receiving tight end. Israel Abanikanda was a worthwhile selection at running back that will learn behind Breece Hall and Michael Carter. Don’t be shocked if Abanikanda takes over for Carter by the end of the year.

Philadelphia Eagles: A++

R1 (9): DI Jalen Carter, Georgia
R1 (30): EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia
R3 (65): OT Tyler Steen, Alabama
R3 (66): S Sydney Brown, Illinois
R4 (105): CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
R6 (188): QB Tanner McKee, Stanford
R7 (249): DI Moro Ojomo, Texas

Easily the best draft of the year went to the Philadelphia Eagles. GM Howie Roseman cooked the NFL once again. The Eagles somehow got two top-ten talents in the first round despite selecting ninth and thirtieth. Philadelphia was able to move up one spot and take Jalen Carter who, despite character concerns, will fit perfectly on the Eagles’ monster defense. Then, they added a Haason Reddick clone in Nolan Smith. He will combine with Reddick to form an athletic, fast, and absurdly agile edge-rushing duo. The Eagles weren’t done by taking a starter at safety in Sydney Brown and an offensive guard/tackle with Tyler Steen. Both of those guys will see playing time right away and long-term. The Eagles got a long-term backup quarterback in Tanner McKee and more depth at the defensive line with Moro Ojomo. The biggest potential steal in the draft was taking Kelee Ringo in the fourth round. Ringo has a ton of potential to go along with his length, height, and speed. If the Eagles can mold him, the Eagles just got a Pro Bowl cornerback super late and for years. Call these guys the Philadelphia Bulldogs with nearly their whole defense being Georgia players. Oh, and how in the world did the NFL let the Eagles cook this much?

Pittsburgh Steelers: A

R1 (14): OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
R2 (49): DI Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
R3 (93): TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
R4 (132): EDGE Nick Herbig, Wisconsin
R7 (241): CB Cory Trice Jr., Purdue
R7 (251): OG Spencer Anderson, Maryland

The Steelers cooked this draft setting up an All-State draft team winner for Pennslyvania. The Steelers wisely jumped the Jets in the first round and got Broderick Jones. The goal of the game must be to protect Kenny Pickett so he can develop. Jones will do that and open up wide rushing lanes for Najee Harris. The Steelers got the son of one of their legends in Joey Porter Jr. He’ll start right away and use his insane genetics and length to hound wide receivers all game. The Steelers got multiple steals on Day Three with Nick Herbig and Cory Trice. It’s shocking that the edge rusher and cornerback were on the board in the fourth and seventh rounds respectively. They should’ve been taken long before. Lastly, the team got a high-risk high-reward tight end in Darnell Washington. He’s already an elite blocker and if Pittsburgh can unlock his receiving ability, Darnell could become an explosive threat for the Steelers.

San Francisco 49ers: B

R3 (87): S Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
R3 (99): K Jake Moody, Michigan
R3 (101): TE Cameron Latu, Alabama
R5 (155): CB Darrell Luter Jr., South Alabama
R5 (173): EDGE Robert Beal Jr., Georgia
R6 (216): LB Dee Winters, TCU
R7 (247): TE Brayden Willis, Oklahoma
R7 (253): WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan
R7 (255): LB Jalen Graham, Purdue

The 49ers had a ton of picks despite not having one before round three. The shock of the draft might be that they took a kicker in the Third Round. Moody could be that guy though and the 49ers know full well how big an impact kickers can have in the playoffs. They reinforced some crucial positions like cornerback, tight end, and linebacker. My favorite selection of theirs was Ji’Ayir Brown, a safety. The 49ers badly needed a starting safety and got one here. Brown has a ton of talent and should be way better than Jimmie Ward was for them. Trust in SF’s process. They’ve been misjudged far too many times.

Seattle Seahawks: A-

R1 (5): CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
R1 (20): WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
R2 (37): EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn
R2 (52): RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
R4 (108): G Anthony Bradford, LSU
R4 (123): DI Cameron Young, Mississippi State
R5 (151): EDGE Mike Morris, Michigan
R5 (154): C Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan
R6 (198): S Jerrick Reed II, New Mexico
R7 (237): RB Kenny McIntosh, Georgia

The Seahawks made some excellent picks and some confusing picks. They did draft at least five starters which is a coup for any team. Devon Witherspoon will bring some nasty tackling and attitude to the Hawks’ tough defense. Derick Hall and others will address the woeful defensive line. Jaxson Smith-Njigba is an excellent WR3 right now and a long-term WR2 once Tyler Lockett’s play downgrades. The real confusion is when they took running back Zach Charbonnet in the second round. While he does fit their needs, Seattle had way more pressing needs than a pass-catching running back. It truly was an odd decision, but they nailed the rest of their picks mostly to earn the “A-” grade.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A

R1 (19): DI Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
R2 (48): OT Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
R3 (82): EDGE YaYa Diaby, Louisville
R5 (153): LB SirVocea Dennis, Pittsburgh
R6 (181): CB Josh Hayes, Kansas State
R5 (171): TE Payne Durham, Purdue
R6 (191): WR Trey Palmer, Nebraska
R6 (196): EDGE Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
R7 (232): CB Carrington Valentine, Kentucky

The Bucs did what they needed to do in this draft. They got some solid role players like Sirvocea Dennis, Payne Durham, and Trey Palmer. They added an impact defensive tackle in Calijah Kancey who will be able to work off of Vita Vea extremely well. The best selection was Cody Mauch. The Ryan Jensen clone will be an excellent guard/tackle who could even play center if need be. His versatility and passion will infuse the team. Plus, Mauch is a darn good offensive lineman. The Bucs did solid work.

Tenessee Titans: B

R1 (11): OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
R2 (33): QB Will Levis, Kentucky
R3 (81): RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane
R5 (147): TE Josh Whyle, Cincinnati
R6 (186): OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
R7 (228): WR Colton Dowell, Tennessee-Martin

The Titans had a strong first two rounds of the draft but then fell asleep at the wheel for the rest of it. Peter Skoronski was a smash pick. He’s going to give the Titans a long-term answer at either guard or tackle. He’s a stud. The Titans got lucky and smartly traded up in the second round to take quarterback Will Levis. Levis has all the traits and mental fortitude to be their long-term starter. Plus, now he can sit most of his rookie year and learn from a guy that plays very similar to him in Ryan Tannehill. The Titan played the first two rounds brilliantly. In the third, they for some reason felt the need to draft a running back that doesn’t have an ACL in one of his knees and already has severe arthritis in it. His career won’t be long. I’m not sure why the Titans did this move. The rest of their picks were fine, but this one is a true head-scratcher.

Washington Commanders: B

R1 (16): CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
R2 (47): CB Jartavius Martin, Illinois
R3 (97): C Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas
R4 (118): T Braeden Daniels, Utah
R5 (137): EDGE K.J. Henry, Clemson
R6 (193): RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky
R7 (233): LB Andre Jones, Louisiana

The Commanders made an odd decision to take Forbes over Gonzalez at 16th overall, but it should work out. Forbes is still very talented. The Commanders then added some quality players at depth spots like Ricky Stromberg, Braeden Daniels, and KJ Henry. Jartavius Martin should be a quality starting safety. Yet the Commanders didn’t have any standout picks or exciting picks. It was just an average draft for Washington.

2023 NFL Draft Grades (All 32 Teams)