2025 NFL Draft Grades: Overall Team Results
Now is a good time to take a step back, look at what happened over the weekend, and evaluate how we think each team did in the 2025 NFL Draft. Such analyses may prove silly within months; players drafted highly might struggle, and “project” players who were selected late could prove to be hidden gems. The teams are listed in reverse order of their records (i.e., what the order would have looked like if no picks were ever traded). If you’d like to see the specific players each team chose, feel free to check out my grades for day 1, day 2, and day 3 by clicking these links.
1. Tennessee Titans: B
What went well: Tennessee thinks they found their franchise QB in Cam Ward. The team spent 5 picks to support Ward, including a steal in WR Elic Ayomanor.
What didn’t go well: Ward isn’t a sure thing. The pass rush wasn’t sufficiently addressed. A few of the Titans’ picks are rather raw.
Final thoughts: The Titans did what they had to do with only one notable QB available for the taking. New GM Mike Borgonzi had a solid first draft, but how we view it will depend entirely on Ward. If he’s a star, this class will be the key to Tennessee’s future. Otherwise, the rest won’t matter, and the Titans will continue to struggle.
2. Cleveland Browns: B+
What went well: The Browns fleeced the Jaguars for a 3-spot move in round 1, acquiring their 2026 first-rounder in the process. Cleveland’s RB position got a complete overhaul. Harold Fannin Jr is an ultra-productive weapon.
What didn’t go well: This QB room is going to be a circus; Dillon Gabriel wasn’t worth a 3rd-round pick, and Shedeur Sanders should’ve gone to anyone but Cleveland. Only one pick was devoted to the defense.
Final thoughts: GM Andrew Berry started off so well, making a highly advantageous trade to move down from the #2 pick and taking DT Mason Graham at #5. Missing out on two-way star Travis Hunter might sting, but the Browns made the right decision. I love Quinshon Judkins as a 3-down back as well, with Dylan Sampson serving as the speed threat. The QB nonsense takes a bit of the sheen off this class, as does the lack of any 6th- or 7th-round picks.
3. New York Giants: B-
What went well: New York nabbed one of the only blue-chip prospects in edge rusher Abdul Carter. RB Cam Skattebo and G Marcus Mbow were both steals who could’ve each gone at least 1 round earlier.
What didn’t go well: Carter was redundant with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the roster. Trading up for Jaxson Dart was a terrible decision that reeks of an overly meddlesome owner.
Final thoughts: I can’t really fault the G-Men for the Carter pick because they weren’t in control of how the board would fall. However, they earn full blame for the Dart selection. This was not a first-round prospect, and he won’t help GM Joe Schoen or coach Brian Daboll save their jobs because he isn’t ready to play. John Mara demanded a franchise QB, which tainted the class.
4. New England Patriots: A-
What went well: New England’s first 4 picks were devoted to addressing the team’s lack of offensive talent. OT Will Campbell and C Jared Wilson should help a putrid offensive line. RB TreVeyon Henderson was a favorite of many draft analysts.
What didn’t go well: Drafting a kicker and a long snapper isn’t a very effective use of resources. I wish a bit more draft capital went toward the defense.
Final thoughts: This team knew its assignment very well: provide help for 2nd-year QB Drake Maye. The Pats found him a dynamic RB, two highly athletic linemen, and a deep threat at WR. It makes complete sense, as the direction of this team will be determined by how Maye performs. Hopefully new coach Mike Vrabel can boost the defense on his own.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: C
What went well: Travis Hunter could be a once-in-a-lifetime player if he truly plays both WR and CB. I think RB Bhayshul Tuten will provide real juice to the backfield and return game.
What didn’t go well: Trading a high 2nd-rounder and a 2026 first-round QB to move up 3 spots for Hunter could age very poorly. Only 1 pick went toward the offensive line, and the defensive line got 0.
Final thoughts: You can’t say that first-time GM James Gladstone doesn’t have guts. He made the most shocking move of the draft, and nobody really agrees on whether it was good or not. I’d argue that it isn’t, but the bigger issues are that QB Trevor Lawrence might not stay upright and that the Jags still can’t stop the run. Hunter may not be a major factor in this scenario.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: C-
What went well: RB Ashton Jeanty was my #1 overall prospect. WR Jack Bech is a good player, not just a great story. OT Charles Grant has more upside than your typical 3rd-round tackle.
What didn’t go well: I can’t condone a non-contender spending the #6 overall pick on a running back, no matter how good he is. Why did they draft two FCS quarterbacks?
Final thoughts: If you couldn’t tell that Pete Carroll was running this team, the draft was your awakening. The Raiders spent 4 picks on linemen (2 offensive, 2 defensive), and they tried to obtain their own Marshawn Lynch, which they haven’t had since…Marshawn Lynch (or at least Josh Jacobs). I still don’t see how this defense stops anyone unless they clone Maxx Crosby.
7. New York Jets: A
What went well: OT Armand Membou fell to the Jets thanks to the aftermath of Jacksonville’s trade. Both of their round-2 picks were very good values. S Malachi Moore could be an ascending player.
What didn’t go well: The two Miami edge rushers may only be depth players. New York didn’t get any cheap labor from rounds 6 or 7.
Final thoughts: I’m not used to saying this about the Jets, but they did a really good job. The board unexpectedly broke their way when Membou became available, but they reacted appropriately. CB Azareye’h Thomas had first-round grades from a few people and could replace DJ Reed. QB Justin Fields still hamstrings this operation, but New York is finally building the right way.
8. Carolina Panthers: B-
What went well: Tetairoa McMillan was my #1 WR in the class, and he can really help QB Bryce Young. DE Nic Scourton is very underrated and should contribute immediately.
What didn’t go well: Drafting a WR at #8 wasn’t ideal given Carolina’s league-worst defense. Adding another (tiny) WR and an unnecessary RB didn’t help matters. DE Princely Umanmielen may be overhyped due to his stiffness.
Final thoughts: I was expecting Carolina to pepper their defense with draft picks, but only half of their 8 picks went that direction. In a way, I get it. The Panthers need to see once and for all if Young can be a franchise QB, and they can’t do that unless they support him. He’s basically out of excuses for his own play, but the defense might still prevent winning.
9. New Orleans Saints: C+
What went well: Kelvin Banks should pair with Taliese Fuaga to fortify the offensive line for years to come. Edge rusher Fadil Diggs was a sneaky good value in round 7.
What didn’t go well: New Orleans reached on most of their mid-round picks. Their RB and TE picks won’t move the needle. Drafting a 7-year college QB made no sense.
Final thoughts: Every year, it seems as though the Saints are caught between trying to win now and building for the future. Given the age of 2nd-round QB Tyler Shough, that dichotomy even appeared in a single pick! If New Orleans wanted to rebuild, they didn’t select players with nearly enough upside. Even in the present, we aren’t looking at a likely playoff contender.
10. Chicago Bears: D+
What went well: Nobody can accuse Chicago of not giving QB Caleb Williams enough support anymore. WR Luther Burden III was a good value even if he didn’t fill a need.
What didn’t go well: Taking a round-1 TE was bad enough, but they didn’t even take the best one! Chicago selected zero edge rushers. DT Shemar Turner, LB Ruben Hyppolite II, and CB Zah Frazier are all raw.
Final thoughts: It’s clear that the Bears made this draft all about helping Caleb Williams, but they took that way too far. If they HAD to draft a TE, Tyler Warren was a much better option than Colston Loveland. Burden is good, but he’s still a 2nd-round pick for a WR3. Chicago took only one tackle prospect, and they still have nobody but Montez Sweat to rush the passer. Their complete disregard for their needs resulted in the worst draft class this season.
11. San Francisco 49ers: C+
What went well: In one draft, the 49ers have completely reloaded their defensive line. HC Kyle Shanahan got to satisfy his urge to a take a day-3 RB.
What didn’t go well: Not nearly enough was done to fortify the offensive line. The team made 2 WR picks later on, and neither adequately replaces Deebo Samuel
Final thoughts: Truthfully, I couldn’t find too many positives about the Niners’ draft. One was that Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West all have good upside and can slide in alongside Nick Bosa to form a fearsome foursome up front. I still don’t see a viable right tackle for Brock Purdy though. This grade is helped by the fact that most of these picks were solid values.
12. Dallas Cowboys: B-
What went well: Two of the best bargains in the entire draft, DE Donovan Ezeiruaku and CB Shavon Revel Jr, landed on the Cowboys. RB Jaydon Blue can be a real speed threat, which Dallas has lacked. The offensive line is slowly being rebuilt.
What didn’t go well: G Tyler Booker wasn’t the best use of the #12 pick given the talented players that were available. Two of Dallas’ three 7th-round selections were throwaways.
Final thoughts: Let’s start with this: Dallas certainly got better. I picked on the Booker selection, but he’s an instant starter with supreme intangibles and great tape. He’ll be a quality player for a decade. I just can’t agree with passing on TE Tyler Warren, who unexpectedly fell into their lap. Curiously, the Cowboys didn’t take ANY pass catchers at all, which could spell trouble.
13. Miami Dolphins: B-
What went well: DT Christian Wilkins was finally replaced. QB Quinn Ewers is an intriguing backup and a great value in the 7th round. RB Ollie Gordon II gives Miami the bruiser back the team hasn’t possessed in a while.
What didn’t go well: With so many needs, taking 3 DTs was very overkill. The Dolphins didn’t address the secondary until round 5. I didn’t see nearly enough offensive line investment.
Final thoughts: Though I’m probably higher on the Kenneth Grant selection than some, I’m confused by Miami taking two more DTs given their other holes. The only lineman selected was Jonah Savaiinaea, who was acquired in a trade up. If he can’t stick at right tackle, that’ll be a major problem. Unless CB Jalen Ramsey isn’t traded, that position will be a weakness as well.
14. Indianapolis Colts: A-
What went well: The Colts’ #1 target, TE Tyler Warren, was available to them without even needing a jump up the board. DE JT Tuimoloau was another value selection in round 2. OT Jalen Travis possesses great upside.
What didn’t go well: Indy’s QB pick (Riley Leonard) was a waste. Their two secondary picks are a bit athletically limited.
Final thoughts: There really isn’t too much for me to complain about here. When you get a top-5 overall prospect with the 14th pick, things are going your way. Aside from Leonard, I couldn’t find a truly bad selection. Truth be told, Indianapolis’ season comes down to their QB position. Warren should help whoever wins the competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
15. Atlanta Falcons: B
What went well: OLB Jalon Walker inexplicably slid to #15, and the Falcons doubled up with James Pearce Jr, my top edge rusher. Atlanta got yet another steal in 3rd-round S Xavier Watts.
What didn’t go well: The Falcons traded up too much, and their 2026 first-round pick now belongs to the Rams. This draft class only contains 5 players because of the aforementioned trades.
Final thoughts: As I stated Thursday, I’m a little torn on what Atlanta did. I love Pearce, but he essentially cost 2 first-round picks. He and Walker filled the team’s biggest weakness, and I found all 3 of their earliest picks to be hits. Time will tell if this was the correct strategy, but even if these players all work out, QB Michael Penix Jr is the one who will determine the team’s fate.
16. Arizona Cardinals: B+
What went well: DT Walker Nolen could be the best in this class if he reaches his potential. CB Will Johnson may have been the steal of the draft. Arizona spent 6 of their 7 picks on defense, which was necessary.
What didn’t go well: Nolen could also be a bust if his inconsistent motor doesn’t improve. Johnson is also a risk because of his knee. The Cardinals drafted two Buckeyes with strong pedigrees but limited upside.
Final thoughts: Other teams should take notes. If one side of the ball is a significant liability, you should devote the majority of your resources to it. The Cardinals took big swings with each of their first two picks, and they could all have massive impacts. Their one offensive pick, G Hayden Conner, was also a nice choice. Hopefully this haul prevents another late-season slide.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: C-
What went well: Five of the team’s six selections went toward the defensive and the offensive line. Both guards were very good values. RB Tahj Brooks can take some off the load off Chase Brown.
What didn’t go well: First-round DE Shemar Stewart has a high bust probability due to his poor college production. Two LBs felt unnecessary, especially ones that don’t have great potential. Cincy completely ignored the secondary for some reason.
Final thoughts: As I watched the Bengals draft players, I came away unimpressed. Sure enough, they earned one of my lowest grades this year. Many better edge rushers were available when they took Stewart. Even if Trey Hendrickson stays put, I’m still not convinced they addressed the pass rush. The secondary still can’t stop anyone. More shootouts for Joe Burrow in 2025!
18. Seattle Seahawks: B+
What went well: GM John Schneider finally took a premium lineman in Grey Zabel. S Nick Emmanwori was a steal despite the trade up needed to acquire him. TE Elijah Arroyo and WR Tory Horton could be weapons in the passing game.
What didn’t go well: Why on earth did the Seahawks draft QB Jalen Milroe? Fifth-round TE Robbie Ouzts was not someone I considered draftable.
Final thoughts: If we stopped the draft after two rounds, Seattle would’ve received an A+. They did the right things with each of their first 3 picks. Their biggest whiff was the Milroe pick. I’d have just kept Sam Howell instead of taking an athlete who can’t play QB. Some of the later selections won’t pay dividends right away, but I still like them. This is an improved team overall.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C-
What went well: CB Benjamin Morrison was a great value at a position of need. Doubling down on CBs with Jacob Parrish was smart. FCS star edge rusher David Walker has loads of talent.
What didn’t go well: Taking a WR in round one was nonsensical, as was taking a slow and small one in round 7. Only 4 picks have a meaningful chance to contribute this year.
Final thoughts: I really don’t know what GM Jason Licht was thinking. He usually drafts pretty well, and WR Emeka Egbuka is a very good prospect, but he was the wrong pick. Tampa has plenty of WRs, so Egbuka will likely be WR4. That’s a poor return for the #19 pick. Without that premium pick bolstering the roster, Tampa did not get too much better this weekend.
20. Denver Broncos: C-
What went well: Edge rushers Sai’vion Jones and Que Robinson were good picks with high upside. TE Caleb Lohner offers intriguing potential as a former basketball player.
What didn’t go well: First-round CB Jahdae Barron did not address a need. The Broncos reached for RB RJ Harvey with their second pick. Denver drafted a punter.
Final thoughts: I credit Denver for not taking a running back with the 20th pick, and Barron could’ve gone earlier. However, he doesn’t make the Broncos better right now. Only their edge rushers were truly good picks, as the others are projects or overdrafted prospects. Yes Rich Eisen; punters are people too. But they’re UDFAs. Denver is still playoff-worthy though.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: A-
What went well: The Steelers resisted all temptation to draft a QB in rounds 1-5, instead taking a good flier on Will Howard in the 6th frame. DT Derrick Harmon and RB Kaleb Johnson fill big needs at good prices. DE Jack Sawyer fell to their 4th-round pick.
What didn’t go well: A few of Pittsburgh’s day-3 picks aren’t highly likely to pan out.
Final thoughts: Passing on QBs such as Shedeur Sanders had a trickle effect on the Steelers’ entire draft. Instead of reaching for a signal caller, they were able to select the best player available with each pick. That resulted in some really good prospects who can help immediately. With Aaron Rodgers likely to sign soon, things are lookin up in the Steel City.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: B
What went well: LA finally got Justin Herbert some weapons…three of them in fact! DE Kyle Kennard was one of my favorite picks in the draft. The pair of 7th-round CBs have reasonable upside.
What didn’t go well: Drafting an RB in the first round was a complete waste of a pick after signing Najee Harris. The LB position went completely ignored.
Final thoughts: In case you forgot about how coach Jim Harbaugh muscled his way to the top of LA’s power structure, the team’s first pick in this draft provided a reminder. He badly wants to go with a ground-and-pound approach, but RB Omarion Hampton shouldn’t have been the pick with WR Matthew Golden available. I like the rest of this draft, but that first pick hurt the grade.
23. Green Bay Packers: B+
What went well: Green Bay took a first-round receiver for the first time since 2002 and did it in front of their home fans! Most of their draft picks were above-average.
What didn’t go well: The Packers didn’t make any homerun picks. Insufficient attention was given to the secondary and edge rush.
Final thoughts: For their first time hosting the draft, Green Bay did a fantastic job. Their first pick, WR Matthew Golden, provided the event with a signature moment and answered RB Josh Jacobs’ call for a #1 receiver. Perhaps he can help make QB Jordan Love more consistent. The Packers are more injury-proof than they were before, but I don’t know how many starters they obtained.
24. Minnesota Vikings: C+
What went well: The Vikings finished their makeover of the interior offensive line. Sam Howell was brought in as an upgrade at the backup QB spot. Georgia edge rusher Tyron Ingram-Dawkins possesses excellent upside for a 5th-round pick.
What didn’t go well: Minnesota reached for a guard in round 1 instead of taking either Malaki Starks or Nick Emmanwori to replace Cam Bynum. That position was never addressed. The team didn’t trade down enough with only 4 picks entering the draft. Spending two picks on a WR and a TE, two of Minnesota’s most solid positions, didn’t make sense.
Final thoughts: I really thought we’d see a bunch of trades from Minnesota throughout the draft due to their like of capital, but they finished with just 5 total selections. QB JJ McCarthy is definitely supported now thanks to the addition of G Donovan Jackson; he has to deliver for the Vikings to succeed. The safety position remains the team’s lone weak link defensively.
25. Houston Texans: B-
What went well: Houston acquired more weapons for CJ Stroud in the form of two Iowa State WRs and a pass-catching RB. Second-round OT Aireontae Ersery could be a steal at a sorely needed position.
What didn’t go well: I don’t think the Texans needed to spend two mid-round picks on the secondary. Trading up for QB Graham Mertz was just plain weird. The offensive line probably isn’t complete.
Final thoughts: After just 3 Houston picks were in, Stroud probably felt a sense of relief. He made the most of his circumstances last year, but he needed more help. That came in the form of two explosive WRs and a new right tackle. These moves keep the Texans as AFC South Favorites. But seriously, what was up with that Mertz move? It was among the draft’s strangest picks.
26. Los Angeles Rams: B+
What went well: The Rams now own Atlanta’s 2026 first-round pick via trade. DT Ty Hamilton and LB Chris Paul Jr stack LA’s biggest strength (i.e., their defensive front). RB Jarquez Hunter is probably a better Blake Corum.
What didn’t go well: TE Terrance Ferguson was a second-round reach. Amazingly, the Rams took zero secondary players despite needing several of them.
Final thoughts: This went a bit unnoticed, but the Rams came closest to taking down the Eagles in the most recent playoffs. They nearly succeeded despite evacuating their home due to wildfires and playing in a blizzard. LA is still all-in, so patching any remaining holes should’ve been the priority. The Rams took another viable route, namely, reinforcing strengths, but I really worry about whether their defensive backs can hold up. Re-acquiring CB Jalen Ramsey could produce a very different outlook.
27. Baltimore Ravens: A+
What went well: S Malaki Starks and DE Mike Green were major steals as the Ravens’ first two picks. FCS OT Carson Vinson has exceptional traits. WR LaJohntay Wester will help the return game. Not one of the team’s picks was a poor choice.
What didn’t go well: Overlooking Green’s sexual assault accusations isn’t an ideal PR play. Drafting a kicker wasn’t an optimal decision? I’m grasping at straws here.
Final thoughts: Surprise, surprise. Baltimore ended up with my top-graded class. It’s almost a joke at this point that some top prospect from an elite school will fall to their low pick. This year, it was Starks, who will have the added effect of freeing up Kyle Hamilton. I’ve spoken ad nauseum about their draft, so I’ll just say that K Tyler Loop is a VERY intriguing pick for obvious reasons.
28. Detroit Lions: C
What went well: Both guards selected by the Lions are viable replacements for Kevin Zeitler. Edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein is one of the coolest stories of this draft season. The defense got a few reinforcements.
What didn’t go well: DT Tyleik Williams was a significant reach in round 1. Trading two 2026 third-round picks for WR Isaac TeSlaa seemed very short-sighted. Detroit didn’t need one receiver, let alone two.
Final thoughts: Normally one of the best drafters of all, Detroit didn’t have a successful weekend this year. I guess their top choices were gone by the 28th pick because they seemed to panic when taking Williams. Aside from the guards, I don’t think this bunch of players does much to help the Lions reach the Super Bowl. Guards are important though.
29. Washington Commanders: B
What went well: Three picks were spent helping Jayden Daniels, especially the first-round selection of OT Josh Conerly Jr. CB Trey Amos was a ridiculous value in round 2, and he also fills a critical need.
What didn’t go well: Somehow, the Commanders didn’t take a single edge rusher despite needing multiple. In a class with only 5 picks, I would’ve liked the team to do better with their last two selections.
Final thoughts: Following a stellar 2024 draft, Washington shifted from rebuilding mode to contenders. That changed their draft approach; while they still aimed for building blocks, addressing needs became more important. Their first 3 picks all did that, as Daniels got a new slot receiver (Jaylin Lane) and upgraded protection. Washington is here to stay.
30. Buffalo Bills: A
What went well: Buffalo’s biggest need (the secondary) was the beneficiary of three draft picks. The defensive line has been completely enhanced. Josh Allen got two more blockers and an intriguing receiver.
What didn’t go well: A blocking TE didn’t need to be drafted in round 5. I think an earlier pick could’ve been spent on a pass-catching weapon.
Final thoughts: Do you think the Bills know that they can get past just about every team except Kansas City? Their draft haul suggests that the answer to this question is a resounding “yes”. Stopping Patrick Mahomes served as their guiding light, as Buffalo spent 6 picks on defense. They also added two blockers to protect against Chris Jones. It’s now or never for this squad.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: B+
What went well: Patrick Mahomes got a potentially excellent blindside protector, a real receiving threat, and a versatile 3rd-down RB. I liked the defensive depth the Chiefs added in rounds 2-5.
What didn’t go well: OT Josh Simmons is very risky due to his torn patellar tendon. No true run defenders were selected.
Final thoughts: KC’s loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl demonstrated their roster deficiencies. The Chiefs needed a run defender, a lineman, and a pass catcher, as well as more defensive depth. They got everything but the run stuffer. Simmons could be the best tackle in this draft if he recovers, and WR Jalen Royals is a sneaky good receiving option. The Chiefs still aren’t optimally built to stop Philadelphia, but they are equipped to handle anyone the AFC has to offer.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: A-
What went well: Once again, a talented SEC prospect fell into GM Howie Roseman’s hands. Roseman also satisfied his itch to draft a Georgia Bulldog in LB Smael Mondon Jr. Philly loaded up on prospects who produced in college. The Eagles filled their guard hole in the short term while also potentially unearthing Lane Johnson’s successor.
What didn’t go well: Andrew Mukuba wasn’t the best safety to take in the second round with Xavier Watts still on the board. The Eagles didn’t take a swing on a replacement edge rusher for Josh Sweat until the 6th round.
Final thoughts: The idea of the Eagles putting together a good draft class surprised nobody at this point. There’s a reason they just won the Super Bowl, and this class could be a factor in their quest to repeat. LB Jihaad Campbell had no business ending up in Philly, and all 8 of their day-3 picks were good values. The road to the NFC Championship still runs through Philadelphia.