2024 NFL Draft Recap: Team Grades

Here is a quick run through of my draft grades for all 32 NFL teams and thoughts on some of their selections.

Arizona Cardinals: A

The Cardinals were hitting home runs to open up the draft with their first four (4) picks. A haul of Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State), Darius Robinson (EDGE, Missouri), Max Melton (CB, Rutgers), and Trey Benson (RB, Florida State) is a phenomenal way to start building a draft class. Although he's a bit undersized, the selection of Texas Tech safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson in Round 4 was really good value. They followed that up with Xavier Thomas in Round 5, who I had a Round 4 grade on, so loved the value there as well. Jaden Davis in Round 7 is a sneaky selection. Davis is a willing tackler and contributor in run support from the secondary.

Atlanta Falcons: C-

Atlanta shocked the sports media world with the selection of Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. at 8th overall. This was a shocking pick to say the least. On one hand, the Falcons just signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a lucrative deal, so on the surface this pick makes little to no sense. On the other hand, however, perhaps Atlanta is just preparing for the future, which is fine. This pick was still a bit of a head-scratcher, though. I wasn't too keen on the Ruke Orhorhoro selection in Round 2, either. Although I had a Round 2 grade on Ruke and like what he brings to the table, I much preferred other defensive tackle talent that was still available, such as Jer'Zhan Newton, Braden Fiske, or Kris Jenkins. I did like the Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington) selection in Round 3, as I had a Round 2 grade on him. Outside of that, however, the Falcons had a questionable draft via horrible asset management in my opinion.

Baltimore Ravens: A-

Nate Wiggins at 30th overall to Baltimore was extremely high-value. The Ravens got a very exciting prospect in the first round who just oozes pure talent. Roger Rosengarten (OT, Washington) in Round 2 seemed a bit rich to me, as I had a Round 4 grade on him. Baltimore crushed the middle rounds. Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State), Devontez Walker (WR, UNC), and T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State) is a fantastic haul across the third and fourth rounds. The Ravens picked up Kentucky QB Devin Leary in Round 6; I'm a huge fan of that pick. They also brought in QB Emory Jones as a UDFA, who I had listed as a priority UDFA on my Top 300 Big Board.

Buffalo Bills: B

The Bills traded back twice in Round 1, which ultimately resulted in them ending up with the 33rd overall pick (Round 2, Pick 1). They drafted Florida State WR Keon Coleman with that pick, which was great in my eyes. After losing Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the Bills are looking for a solution and primary target for QB Josh Allen. Coleman isn't the best separator as of right now, but he's a physical, big-bodied receiver who can get up and come down with the ball. The Bills need that with an arm like Josh Allen's. Buffalo followed that up with Utah safety Cole Bishop, which was another great pick. Safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are no longer on the team, so Bishop will be brought in as a young replacement to help revamp the Buffalo secondary. In Round 5, Buffalo selected C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger out of Georgia; the perfect replacement for Mitch Morse (Jacksonville Jaguars).

Carolina Panthers: C+

Although it is perhaps a great draft on paper, the Panthers draft process was strange to me. They coughed up draft capital to move up one spot, into the first round, to draft South Carolina WR Xavier Legette. Carolina definitely could have stayed put and still drafted him, or someone else, as the 32 spot felt a tad too early for Legette in my opinion when other wide receiver prospects like Adonai Mitchell, Keon Coleman, Ladd McConkey, and Ja'Lynn Polk were still on the board. Florida State RB Trey Benson was my RB1 heading into this draft, but the first running back to come off the board was Johnathon Brooks to Carolina. He may be coming off an ACL injury, but he will be stepping into a potential workhorse role for the Panthers. I had a Round 3 grade on Kentucky LB Trevin Wallace, and that is right where Carolina picked him. Ja'Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas) in Round 4 felt like a steal, as I had a Round 2 grade on him. His blocking ability may not be sought after at this moment, but his pass catching and route running ability from the tight end positions is tremendous. I think the Panthers really could have addressed their offensive line in this draft, but failed to do so. They brought in right guard Robert Hunt via free agency, but their line needs more if they want to consistently keep Bryce Young upright and healthy in the long-term.

Chicago Bears: A

What a haul for the Bears in Round 1: USC QB Caleb Williams, Washington WR Rome Odunze. Not only did they add the best quarterback in the draft, but Chicago also added Rome Odunze to an already outstanding receiver duo in D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. The Bears brought in running back D'Andre Swift in free agency, so I think Bears fans have a lot to be excited about on the offensive side of the ball this coming season. OT Kiran Amegadjie out of Yale in Round 3 was a "feels right" pick in my eyes. I wasn't very high on Amegadjie throughout this draft cycle, but he will be a good depth piece for Chicago's offensive line that could see him flexing between tackle and guard. The Bears got by far and away the best punter in the draft in Tory Taylor out of Iowa, and the Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas) selection in Round 5 was extremely good value in my opinion. I had a Round 3 grade on Booker, and although he only started one game in college, the athletic prowess is there that makes him an exciting, mold-able edge rusher opposite of Montez Sweat.

Cincinatti Bengals: B

Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia) at 18th overall was a perfect fit for both Mims and the Bengals. Cincinnati now has a crowded tackle room, but this is never a bad thing. Mims only played 8 college games, so the sample size on his pass protection and run blocking productivity is small, but he has all of the traits in the world to be a long-term right tackle who will protect Joe Burrow. In the second round, the Bengals drafted Michigan DT Kris Jenkins. This is another pick that just makes sense. Cincinnati could use interior defensive line help, and needs to win in the trenches in the AFC North. Jermaine Burton in Round 3 was nice, but of course that comes with the question marks around his character. WR Tee Higgins has requested a trade, so if he does get out of Cincinnati, Burton will step into an elevated role as a rookie. Cincinnati's second selection in Round 3 was DT McKinnley Jackson out of Texas A&M. This was out of left field for me and felt like a hefty reach, as I had a Round 5 grade on Jackson. I loved the Josh Newton (CB, TCU) pick in Round 5. Newton is a mature, all-around corner who I had a Round 3 grade on (fairly higher compared to consensus).

Cleveland Browns: C+

The Browns didn't have an impressive draft, but that is hard to do on only six (6) picks. DT Michael Hall Jr. out of Ohio State addressed a big need for the Browns in the second round. I had an early Round 3 grade on Hall Jr., so this pick is OK. They drafted Zak Zinter (OG, Michigan) in Round 3 who I've liked a lot throughout the draft process. He's excellent in the run game and was a key cog in Michigan's award-winning offensive line. Louisville WR Jamari Thrash was the next pick for Cleveland in Round 5, which was good value in my opinion as I had a Round 4 grade for him.

Dallas Cowboys: B-

Dallas actually addressed a good portion of their needs in this draft. They beefed up their offensive line with Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma) and my favorite guard all year long, Cooper Beebe (OG, Kansas State). However, they failed to address their needs at running back. After the departure of Tony Pollard, they could have used an addition via the draft. They reportedly are signing Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal, but that doesn't really move the needle. Additionally, I didn't like the Round 6 selection of Southeast Missouri State WR Ryan Flournoy. It's not that Flournoy isn't talented, but rather there were other receiver prospects who I liked more, such as Malik Washington out of UVA.

Denver Broncos: A-

This was a fun draft in Denver! I had a Round 2 grade for Bo Nix (QB, Oregon), but with the way quarterbacks were flying off the board early in Round 1, selecting Nix at 12th overall made complete sense. After that, I felt like the Broncos just kept hitting on insane value based on my rankings. I had a Round 2 grade on Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah), who Denver drafted in Round 3. The big one was Oregon WR Troy Franklin falling all the way to Round 4. I had a Round 2 grade on Franklin, so this value is insane. It is baffling how he fell that far. Franklin is an effortless route runner who can take the top off a defense in a blink. Perhaps there were other things in the background that effected his draft stock, but this was a sensational steal for Denver. The following pick in Round 5 was Missouri CB Kris Abrams-Draine who I was obsessed with all year. I had a Round 2 grade on KAD, so, again, insane value in my eyes. Two picks later, the Broncos snagged Notre Dame RB Audric Estime. I had a late Round 4 grade on Estime, so this wasn't high value, but good value. I truly think Denver smoked the middle rounds of this draft with all of these picks. Bravo!

Detroit Lions: B+

Secondary help was needed in Detroit, and boy did it arrive in the draft. The Lions drafted Alabama CB Terrion Arnold 24th overall. The value there is nice, as I expected Arnold to go Top 20. Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was the next pick, who I think has a lot of room for improvement but is going to the perfect environment and staff in Detroit to do so. The next two picks in Round 4 were strange to me. The Lions traded up for both Giovanni Manu, an offensive tackle from British Columbia, and Sione Vaki, a safety out of Utah. Manu is raw and a big project, whereas Vaki is a potential two-way player (Safety/Running Back). In Round 6, the Lions landed Boston College guard Christian Mahogany; insane value. Throghout Day 3 of the draft, everyone was going nuts wondering why Mahogany kept sliding down the board. I had a Round 3 grade on Mahogany, so this pick is phenomenal for the Lions. They've added a high-ceiling prospect to what is already a solid offensive line.

Green Bay Packers: B

This was a solid draft for Green Bay. They filled their needs, drafted well, and head into the offseason in great shape. Round 1 selection Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona) will step in as an instant starter at left tackle with David Bakhtiari having hit free agency. Although I had a Round 2 grade on Morgan, this is a good fit. The Packers then went out and drafted Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper and Georgia safety Javon Bullard in Round 2 to inject some youth into their defense. They added to this with Missouri LB Ty'Ron Hopper and Oregon State safety Kitan Oladapo in Round 3 and 5 respectively. USC RB MarShawn Lloyd in Round 3 was excellent, as well. Lloyd is extremely capable of being a receiver out of the backfield and could potentially step into the starting role with Aaron Jones having left for Minnesota. Green Bay's final two picks were in Round 7: Tulane QB Michael Pratt and Penn State CB Kalen King. Pratt wasn't the same after his injury, but seeing him slide all the way to Round 7 was interesting as I had a Round 4 grade on him. I think Pratt could be a decent, serviceable backup on his best day in the NFL. I had a Round 5 grade on Kalen King, who was once projected to be a first round pick but instead was drafted just two picks away from Mr. Irrelevant. King took a massive step backward this season at Penn State, and combined that with poor showings at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Hopefully he can get back on track in Green Bay.

Houston Texans: C

Houston's first three (3) picks in Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia), Blake Fisher (OT, Notre Dame), and Calen Bullock (SAF, USC) are the only draftees within the Texans' class who I think have a chance at making an impact right away. I think Lassiter is an instant starter at corner, whether that be outside or in the slot. Fisher may end up being the starting right tackle to protect C.J. Stroud, and Bullock is rangy but needs to improve his tackling ability if he wants heightened involvement in the secondary. Houston doesn't have much to write home about outside those three in this draft.

Indianapolis Colts: B+

UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu fell right into the lap of the Colts, as they drafted him 15th overall and made Latu the first defensive player to come off the board in Round 1. Latu is an exceptionally nuanced and gifted edge rusher, who is arguably a pro-ready defensive player (which is rare). Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas) was still on the board in Round 2, and Indianapolis wasted no time there and scooped him up. I had a Round 1 grade on Mitchell, so the slide was interesting. Regardless, the Colts are bringing in a smooth-moving, explosive receiver to play alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Indianapolis beefed up the trenches in Round 3 and 5 with Matt Goncalves (OT, Pittsburgh) and Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin). I liked the Jaylin Simpson (SAF, Auburn) selection as well in Round 5. Simpson is a rangy, instinctual, long-armed safety who has experience at cornerback, so he will offer some versatility amongst the Colts secondary.

Jacksonville Jaguars: B-

I was ecstatic to see LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. land in Jacksonville at 23rd overall. I had mocked BTJ to the Jags several times, and talked about how much I liked that fit over on X/Twitter. This will be an extremely dynamic offense next season. I was not a fan of the Maason Smith (DT, LSU) pick in the 2nd round, however. Way back in the college pre-season and first few weeks, Smith was a projected first-round pick. He did not have the season everyone was expecting, and this pick feels like a risky investment in a prospect who truly still needs to prove he is what people though he would be. FSU CB Jarrian Jones and Missouri OT Javon Foster were excellent picks in Rounds 3 and 4 respectively. Jones plays a scrappy, obnoxious, in-your-face style of coverage and does it very well. I had a Round 2 grade on Jones. Foster is a stalwart left tackle who boasted an 85.8 run block grade, 80.9 pass block grade, and logged 880+ snaps in each of the last three years at Missouri (per Pro Football Focus). I had a Round 3 grade on Foster. The Jaguars doubled down on LSU defensive lineman, drafting Jordan Jefferson in Round 4. This pick didn't feel great to me, as I never really saw "it" with Jordan Jefferson either. Rounds 5-7 for Jacksonville didn't produce anything notable.

Kansas City Chiefs: A-

The Chiefs traded up to #28 in the first round to select WR Xavier Worthy out of Texas, and for good reason. Worthy will instantly become a primary target for Patrick Mahomes. Worthy set the 40-yard dash record at the NFL Combine with a 4.21 time, so needless to say he has elite speed. His separation ability is superb, but I think the one concern is his frame. He doesn't have NFL-ready size at only 165 pounds. BYU OT Kingsley Suamataia was a great pick in Round 2. Suamataia has left-right tackle flexibility, but has the potential to start at left tackle since I expect RT Jawaan Taylor to have that position locked up on the Chiefs o-line. I liked the Jaden Hicks (SAF, Washington State) pick in Round 4, as that is right about where I had him project to be drafted. A lot of folks saw him being the first safety off the board, but I just didn't see it. He can play with the best of them, though. Tennessee CB Kamal Hadden joined the Chiefs in Round 6, and will have a shot at involvement in the secondary with L'Jarius Sneed having gone to the Titans, but as of now I'd expect him to be a special teams contributor with rotational upside.

Los Angeles Chargers: A

What a haul for Jim Harbaugh in his first draft as the head coach of the Chargers. LA drafted Notre Dame OT Joe Alt #5 overall, and for good reason. We know Harbaugh likes to dominate in the trenches, and Alt will do just that. He will most likely start at RT, since Rashawn Slater has the LT spot locked down, but Alt has all of the athleticism and talent in the world to have a seamless transition. Georgia WR Ladd McConkey was the pick in Round 2, and is automatically a clear-cut target for Justin Herbert in this offense. After the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, McConkey's fluid route running and separation ability and will lead to him seeing plenty of targets. Harbaugh gets on of his guys out of Michigan, LB Junior Colson, in Round 3. The selection of USC WR Brenden Rice in Round 7 was extremely high value, as I had Rice with a Round 4 grade. Lots of folks even saw Rice as a potential Day 2 pick, but he somehow fell to Round 7. This was a steal for Los Angeles, and when you add these picks I've highlight to the rest of their draft class... the Chargers are cooking.

Los Angeles Rams: A

Another fantastic draft in LA. Jared Verse (EDGE, FSU) in Round 1, followed by Braden Fiske (DT, FSU) in Round 2. Talk about scary. It is awesome to see those two paired up again, and they will wreak havoc against opposing offensive lines. Michigan RB Blake Corum was selected in Round 3, which is right where I had him graded. The Rams also drafted Miami safety Kam Kinchens in Round 3, which is right where I had him graded as well. Kinchens is a true centerfield, ballhawking safety which the Rams need in their secondary. I liked the Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson) selection in Round 6. With Fiske and Davis, LA is beefing up their interior defensive line post-Aaron Donald. I liked the Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas) pick in Round 6, too. Limmer has the change to be a starting center in this league. The Rams put together a phenomenal draft.

Las Vegas Raiders: B-

The Raiders opened up their draft with Georgia TE Brock Bowers in Round 1, and Oregon center Jackson Power-Johnson in Round 2. These were exceptional selections. I felt like Delmar Glaze (OT, Maryland) was a bit of a reach in Round 3, as well as Mississippi State CB Decamerion Richardson in Round 4. Ohio State LB Tommy Eichenberg was good value in Round 5, as I had a Round 4 grade on him. I did like Air Force safety Trey Taylor in Round 7, as that is exactly where I had him graded and I believe his overall athletic ability and tendency to be a force in run defense out of the secondary could lead to him carving out a role in Las Vegas.

Miami Dolphins: B+

Miami ended up putting together a solid draft. The selection of Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson 21st overall came as a surprise, as offensive line has been a thorn in Miami's side for years now. However, Chop Robinson has a very high ceiling. He show excellent burst, is agile and bendy, and most importantly, is teachable. I think opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks will get worn down by an ever-flowing onslaught of Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Chop Robinson. Not to mention, the offensive line class this year was deep, and the Dolphins took advantage by drafting Houston OT Patrick Paul in Round 2. Paul earned a 91.5 pass block grade last season per PFF. Paul presents a nice blend of size and speed, but his overall technique is still in need of polishing. He has the size to completely delete an edge rusher, but can get beat with poor arm placement and hip adjustments. His athleticism and tenacity will be good starting points to build off of under Terron Armstead's tutelage. Trading up for Tennessee RB Jaylen Wright in Round 4 was good, but giving up a Round 3 pick in next year's draft to do so felt a tad bit rich. Raheem Mostert and DeVon Achane are injury prone, however, so this pick most likely accounts for that. Colorado State edge rusher Mohamed Kamara felt like an absolute steal in Round 5. The Mountain West conference DPOY is an exciting prospect. UVA WR Malik Washington in Round 6, and USC WR Tahj Washington in Round 7 also felt like steals.

Minnesota Vikings: C

This was an average to below-average draft for the Vikings. They traded up one spot to draft Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy 10th overall, who I have never seen the hype for at all. I had a late Round 2 grade on McCarthy. Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner 17th overall was good value. Turner has an extremely high ceiling and his athletic ability is off the charts. Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon) in Round 4 was OK, as that is right where I had him graded. The rest of this Minnesota draft wasn't enticing to me.

New England Patriots: B

The Patriots did exactly what they needed to do in this draft. Nothing more, nothing less. UNC QB Drake Maye went 3rd overall in this draft, and the Patriots are probably ecstatic to have him. They provided him with weapons in Ja'Lynn Polk (WR, Washington), Javon Baker (WR, UCF), and Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State) in Round 2, 4, and 7 respectively. I had a Round 3 grade on Bell, so that was a high value pick to me. New England beefed up their offensive line in the middle rounds, and drafted Tennessee QB Joe Milton III in Round 6. We all know about Milton's arm, but the accuracy is questionable at best. It was an interesting pick, but makes sense from a future-focused perspective.

New Orleans Saints: B+

New Orleans ran into so much value throughout this draft. The Saints drafted Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga 14th overall, which was a great pick. Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) was their next pick in Round 2. McKinstry is a Round 1 talent, so this was a great selection. He is an extremely intelligent corner with an almost effortless flow to his coverage ability. Their next pick was in Round 5, and it was South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler. I had a Round 3 grade on Rattler, so again, great selection. Everyone has character concerns around Rattler from his days on the show "QB 1", but he was 17 years old then. Relax. Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas) and Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa) in Rounds 5 and 6 respectively will provide both youth and depth to this New Orleans defense.

New York Giants: A-

A great draft for a needy team. The Giants get Malik Nabers (WR, LSU) in Round 1, who has all the makings of a superstar at the NFL level. Tyler Nubin (SAF, Minnesota) was a quality draft choice in Round 2. Nubin might be lacking in overall athleticism, but he can play any role in the secondary to good degree and is very instinctual with ball-hawking abilities. I loved the Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky) pick in Round 3! Phillips matches up very well and will most likely find a lot of success in the slot to start his career, but I truly believe can be a starting outside corner. In Round 5, the Giants drafted my RB9 in this draft, Tyrone Tracy Jr., out of Purdue. With Saquon Barkley out of New York, Tracy Jr. might just give Devin Singletary a run for his money for the starting job.

New York Jets: B+

Even though I'm a Dolphins fan, I have to say that the Jets had a great draft. They traded back one spot to #11, and selected Olu Fashanu (OT, Penn State). He should be the starter at left tackle. He is excellent in pass protection, but has room to improve as a run blocker. Either way, he will contribute to keeping Aaron Rodgers upright and healthy. I had a Round 2 grade on Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley, who the Jets snagged in Round 3. Apparently New York was obsessed with him, and they got their guy. Corley, aka the "YAC King", is electrifying with the ball in his hands. They added Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen to their running back room in Round 4, and traded up to draft Florida State QB Jordan Travis in Round 5. I love that pick and mocked it in my Jets mock draft. Travis is gritty, athletic, and a gamer. He will be learning from one of the best to ever do it in Rodgers. The Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State) pick in Round 5 seemed strange since the Jets selected Braelon Allen in Round 4, but from the outside looking in, Davis will be competing with Israel Abanikanda for the 3rd string spot. New York took a shot on CFL cornerback prospect Qwan'Tez Stiggers, so that will be an interesting story to keep tabs on.

Philadelphia Eagles: A+

Philadelphia lands the highest grade out of all 32 teams with an A+. They drafted my CB1 in this draft Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo at 22nd overall. I was high on Mitchell all season, and he absolutely crushed the pre-draft process. His off-coverage ability is exceptional, he is impressively sticky in man coverage, and has elite closing speed. The Eagles then drafted Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa) in Round 2. DeJean was my CB3 this draft - a first rounder. Philadelphia selecting two, first-round-talent cornerbacks is just unbelievable. DeJean is a true outside corner who is expected to have some safety flexibility. These two picks are perfect for the Eagles defense, as cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry are getting up there in age. Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt (Houston Christian) was the pick in Round 3, followed by Will Shipley (RB, Clemson) in Round 4. Hunt comes from a smaller school, but he is another prospect who crushed the pre-draft process and has shown flares of athleticism and prowess as an edge rusher. Shipley is a fearless runner for his size and is keen on finding the end-zone. He is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield as well, so I wouldn't be surprised if he sees heavy usage in that regard during his rookie season. Philadelphia did a double-dip on Clemson talent, drafting linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in Round 5. I had a Round 2 grade on Trotter Jr., so perhaps I was too aggressive there for a linebacker. However, Trotter Jr. is a gamer. His size and speed aren't great, but he excels in coverage and both pass rush and run support. I had a Round 3 grade on Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson, and the Eagles got him in Round 6. I know there are question marks around the reliability of his hands, or the potential for him to convert to tight end due to his size, but I don't buy all of that. At 6'6"-230, Wilson is a massive target who can go up and get the ball, especially in the red zone. Philadelphia was have an astonishing trio of size, speed, and physicality in receiver A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, and Johnny Wilson.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A

The Steelers had a great first four rounds. Troy Fautanu (OT, Washington) was the 20th overall pick. Fautanu excels in the run game as a blocker and can get to the next level in a hurry. He played at left tackle at Washington, but he may move to the interior. Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia) was the next pick at 51st overall, which is the exact pick I had in my Steelers Mock Draft. Frazier is an effortlessly strong center with adequate anchor. In Round 3, Pittsburgh draft two Wilsons: Roman and Payton (not related). Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan) is explosive off the line of scrimmage, crafty, and an excellent separator. Payton Wilson (LB, NC State) is a quick, high-IQ tackler who does well in coverage. He needs to stay healthy at the next level. Mason McCormick was drafted in Round 4 by the Steelers, which was right where I had him graded. He's a mauler in the run game as well. This selection just beefs up Pittsburgh's interior offensive line even more.

Seattle Seahawks: B

Funnily enough, I had Byron Murphy II (DT, Texas) and Christian Haynes (OG, UConn) going to Seattle in my Mock Draft 3.0. Seattle drafted both of them, except I was one round too early on Haynes. Murphy II (Round 1 pick) is a tad undersized for the position, but he is agile and constantly disruptive as a pass rusher. Haynes (Round 3 pick) is a violent interior guard with a quick first step. He will be a welcomed addition to Seattle's offensive line. Michigan tight end A.J. Barner was a nice selection. I predict him to be the second string tight end with heavy involvement as a blocker as a rookie, as that is one of his strengths. The Seahawks drafted both Auburn cornerbacks: Nehemiah Pritchett in Round 5 and D.J. James in Round 6. I think only one of them will be in a contributive role right away, though it is hard to tell considering Seattle already has Tariq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Michael Jackson in control of the outside and slot corner positions.

San Francisco 49ers: B

Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida) being the selection at 31st overall for the 49ers was not what I expected. Don't get me wrong, Pearsall can ball. He can definitely contribute in this offense, but I didn't think wide receiver was a huge need for San Francisco - at least that early - even with the media rumblings around Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. I loved the Renardo Green (CB, Florida State) pick in Round 2. I had a Round 2 grade on Green and loved him throughout this draft cycle. Yes, he can get grabby at times and might not be super fluid in his hips, but he is a physical corner who fits that coveted prototype at the next level. Much like his former teammate Jarrian Jones at FSU, Green plays with an obnoxious, sticky play style which leads to him being extremely disruptive. Malik Mustapha (SAF, Wake Forest) is also a great addition to the 49ers secondary in Round 4. Mustapha is a downhill safety who is great in defense against the run. He is a quick mover who can digest plays rapidly. Isaac Guerendo (RB, Lousiville) just makes sense for this Shanahan offense, and Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona) is a shift slot receiver who can contribute. In Round 7, the 49ers drafted Florida State linebacker Tatum Bethune. I had a Round 5 grade on Bethune, who is a physical presence and was an excellent leader in that dominant Seminoles defense last season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B

Tampa Bay did well in the 2024 NFL Draft. Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton was the pick at 26th overall. Barton can play any spot on the line, but will most likely settle somewhere in the interior, perhaps center. He is very athletic and a bit of a bruiser. Chris Braswell in Round 2 was nice, as the Bucs will be getting a great speed-to-power edge rusher who can still develop. Round 3 consisted of Tykee Smith (SAF, Georgia) and Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington). Smith is physical in the slot and a willing tackler. McMillan was step-for-step with Rome Odunze the season prior to last. Injury kept him out much of last season, be he is extremely efficient against zone coverages and can carve out a role in Tampa Bay from the slot. Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon) in Round 4 was a great pick. It is right where I had him graded, and he will be a swift-moving, shifty back in space who will get work in spells to give Rachaad White breathers.

Tennessee Titans: C+

I did like the J.C. Latham (OT, Alabama) pick in Round 1 for the Titans, but I was not impressed with the rest of their draft. I did not like T'vondre Sweat (DT, Texas) in Round 2 at all, especially with other interior defensive talent still on the board in Braden Fiske and Kris Jenkins. 38th overall felt very early for Sweat. UNC linebacker Cedric Gray was the next pick in Round 4, which was fine. I actually had a Round 3 grade on Gray, and I think he'll have a decent role to start things out after the departure of Azeez Al-Shaair to the Texans. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville) was an OK pick in Round 5. He's a bit undersized but doesn't play like it, so we will have to see how far that physicality will get him. Jha'Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane) was another OK pick in Round 6. My comp for Jackson this cycle was Davone Bess. Jackson can eat targets out of the slot at the next level if he is able to see the field often, but he will buried behind DeAndre Hopkins, Calving Ridley, and Treylon Burks. Miami safety James Williams in Round 7 was actually a great pick. I had a Round 5 grade on him, and he has safety-linebacker flexibility. I think he can find the most success at linebacker.

Washington Commanders: A-

A great draft for the re-building Commanders. Quarterback was always going to be the pick at #2 overall, and they got their guy in Jayden Daniels out of LSU. Daniels is an electrifying playmaker who is very mobile, but could work on his pass accuracy. I think the Commanders could cook up something fun with OC Kliff Kingsbury. Probably the biggest reason for Washington getting an A- grade from me is this next pick in Round 2: Jer'Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois). Newton was my #1 DT prospect, and #1 overall defensive prospect. He is a quick-handed pass disruptor with excellent power and stuff ability. To get him in Round 2 is sensational. Washington also drafted Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil in Round 2, which was a great pick after losing Kendall Fuller. Sainristil is an aggressive corner who will find success in the slot. Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott was another fun pick in Round 2. He has the potential to be used in a variety of ways on offense. Brandon Coleman (OG, TCU) was selected in Round 3, and will help beef up the Commanders interior offensive line. In Round 7, Washington drafted Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame) which was excellent value, as he was my 21st ranked edge rusher and had a Round 5 grade.