2026 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 2026 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. Las Vegas Raiders: B+
What went well: Las Vegas drafted Fernando Mendoza, the only expected franchise QB in this class. They stopped CB Jermod McCoy’s fall and added several secondary players to go along with him.
What didn’t go well: Some picks were reaches. Their RB selection, while a strong value, was sort of a waste. They didn’t give Mendoza enough help.
Final thoughts: Las Vegas had the enviable position of picking first in what has widely been viewed as a 1-QB draft, and they did what was expected of them for months by taking Mendoza. The rest of their draft was a mixed bag, but most drafts are like that. What LV did on days 2 and 3 won’t matter much at all if they get pick #1 right, so we’ll see if they nailed it in the seasons ahead.
2. New York Jets: A
What went well: Cutting through the noise, the Jets made the right choice at #2 with DE David Bailey. They added sorely-needed pass catchers with 2 additional 1st-round picks. CB D’Angelo Ponds is a feisty corner who can adequately replace Sauce Gardner.
What didn’t go well: None of this matters until a franchise QB is found, and Cade Klubnik isn’t that guy. It must be noted that the success found in this draft came at the cost of elite talents: Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner.
Final thoughts: New York’s draft started out scorching but cooled off considerably on day 3. Still, earlier picks have more weight in this grade, and the Jets crushed those. I see a clear vision here: build up the rest of the roster and wait for the 2027 class to find a QB. NYJ is armed with 3 first-rounders in next year’s draft as of now, which is when we’ll see the fruits of their labor. At this admittedly early point in the analysis though, they had a fantastic draft.
3. Arizona Cardinals: D-
What went well: Second-round G Chase Bisontis should be a great addition to the offensive line. DT Kaleb Proctor is an intriguing developmental option with nice upside.
What didn’t go well: Drafting RB Jeremiyah Love at #3 was a major unforced error. QB Carson Beck is a backup prospect, not a franchise QB. Most of the Cardinals’ other picks were lackluster.
Final thoughts: I made myself very clear on day 1 about the Love pick. If the Cardinals wanted to trade down, they didn’t try very hard. Taking an elite defender or even one of the tackles would’ve been so much better. Arizona nearly got an F, but Bisontis and Proctor saved them. In all honestly, another team’s stupidity is what kept the Cards from looking like complete failures.
4. Tennessee Titans: C-
What went well: Trading back into round 1 to catch a falling Keldric Faulk was a shrewd move. LB Anthony Hill is a nice piece for Robert Saleh’s defense. The day-3 picks are good depth pieces with some upside.
What didn’t go well: Their surprise pick of WR Carnell Tate at #4 was awful with Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese still on the board. Cam Ward probably feels no better about his blocking than he did a week ago.
Final thoughts: Tennessee acted as the anti-Jets: their draft began horribly but steadily improved as the weekend progressed. Tate at least helps Ward out, but he’s a WR2 who didn’t warrant a top-10 pick. I like more of what they did later on, but that blunder with such a premium selection really drags Tennessee’s grade down. This team still has plenty of work to do.
5. New York Giants: C
What went well: LB Arvell Reese and OT Francis Mauigoa unexpectedly fell to them at picks 5 and 10, respectively. CB Colton Hill was a tremendous value in round 2.
What didn’t go well: Neither Reese nor Mauigoa fills a need and are in fact very redundant relative to the Giants’ roster (ask Malik Nabers). Trading up in the 3rd frame for WR Malachi Fields cost way too much. The day-3 picks didn’t move the needle.
Final thoughts: For those who argue against a pure best-player-available approach, New York’s draft could be your Exhibit A. The Giants used that method in the first round and got a superfluous edge rusher and a tackle who will have to at least temporarily move inside to guard. You can’t deny that the G-Men added exceptional talent. I’m just not sure how they plan to utilize it.
6. Cleveland Browns: A-
What went well: Trading down in the first round while still managing to pick OT Spencer Fano was great maneuvering by GM Andrew Berry. Instead of choosing between WRs KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, they got both! S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could end up being one of the steals of the draft.
What didn’t go well: Fano’s short arms could eventually force him to move to guard. Cleveland’s late-round picks, especially QB Taylen Green, were perplexing.
Final thoughts: It’s so weird to be showing praise on the Browns, but that’s two years in a row now that they’ve done well. Last year’s trade down with Jacksonville paid dividends here by giving Cleveland options. They followed that up by crushing day 2. There’s still likely no franchise QB on this team, but the Browns appear to be waiting for 2027. This was an excellent draft.
7. Washington Commanders: B
What went well: Landing the player they wanted in LB Sonny Styles had to feel awesome. Fifth-round edge rusher Joshua Josephs was a sneaky-good pick who will help the pass rush.
What didn’t go well: Third-round WR Antonio Williams wasn’t the best option available, especially for a team with just one day-2 pick. I have no idea why they chose QB Athan Kaliakmanis.
Final thoughts: Washington’s haul starts and ends with Styles. Despite his relative lack of positional value, he will likely end up being a top-3 player from this class. When looking at the Commanders’ draft, we have to remember that some capital went toward their Laremy Tunsil trade, which was a very good move. Therefore, I think the team acquitted themselves pretty well.
8. New Orleans Saints: B
What went well: New Orleans added four promising pass catchers to help 2nd-year QB Tyler Shough. They took one of my favorite returners in round 6 (Barion Brown). S Lorenzo Styles is an exciting athlete.
What didn’t go well: First-round WR Jordyn Tyson comes with a major injury risk. The Saints chose the incorrect second-round DT in Christen Miller. I didn’t think NO helped their defense enough.
Final thoughts: Truthfully, this draft looked better upon my second viewing. Miller was really the only dud pick, but the Saints did go with several boom-or-bust options. The payoff from guys like Tyson, Bryce Lance, and Oscar Delp could be immense, but it could also underwhelm. This was a very Mickey Loomis draft, so I’m not at all surprised to see the Saints swing for the fences.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: C+
What went well: KC landed the draft’s only top-shelf CB in Mansoor Delane. They smartly added another CB in slot man Jadon Canady.
What didn’t go well: I don’t think trading up was necessary to secure Delane. Second-round edge rusher R Mason Thomas is a liability in run support. The Chiefs had just one day-2 pick.
Final thoughts: We don’t see the Chiefs drafting in the top 10 very often, but that apparently wasn’t good enough for them. They moved up to #6 in a pricey trade, leaving themselves without a 3rd-round pick. I’m glad they took a pair of corners, but expecting either to be Trent McDuffie 2.0 is a big ask. Their draft was just alright; this team is still overly dependent on Patrick Mahomes.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: B
What went well: Cincinnati smartly focused on defense and the interior offensive line. They learned from their Shemar Stewart mistake and prioritized production over traits with Cashius Howell.
What didn’t go well: Not having a first-round pick with Caleb Downs and Rueben Bain on the board stings. Even with several new defenders, that unit needs more help.
Final thoughts: How you feel about the Bengals’ draft likely comes down to your view of the Dexter Lawrence trade. I think Cincy was right about Lawrence being better than anyone they could’ve taken at #10, but his contract is anything but a rookie deal. I’m splitting the difference and calling that trade a draw. The rest of the Bengals’ draft was good but not amazing.
11. Miami Dolphins: B-
What went well: Swiping two fifth-round picks from Dallas for a one-spot drop in round 1 was a deft move. OT Kadyn Proctor has immense potential. Third-round WR Chris Bell could be a steal if he returns to form following his ACL tear.
What didn’t go well: I don’t understand trading up for CB Chris Johnson when Colton Hill was also on the board. The Dolphins took too many linebackers, one of the only positions they didn’t need.
Final thoughts: Miami’s draft looks great from a value standpoint but only average as far as filling needs goes. For example, Jacob Rodriguez was a steal when they got him in round 2, but an LB wasn’t something the Dolphins needed. This team had needs all over, so it was hard to choose something unnecessary. In general though, I like the bulk of their picks.
12. Dallas Cowboys: A-
What went well: The Cowboys got the draft’s best player (S Caleb Downs) at #11. Edge rushers Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham are both excellent additions to a poor pass rushing group. Their day-3 picks have good upside.
What didn’t go well: Trading up from #12 to #11 felt pointless. As much as trading down from pick 20 was smart, letting the rival Eagles land Makai Lemon, the WR they coveted, wasn’t.
Final thoughts: What a model of consistency! I actually gave Dallas an A- for each day of the draft. As oddly as Jerry Jones behaves in free agency, his team does excellent work picking rookies. I agree with their decision to pepper the defense with prospects. With an already-great offense, don’t be surprised if this draft helps the Cowboys reclaim the NFC East.
13. Atlanta Falcons: B
What went well: Reuniting the Terrell brothers was a great moment with Avieon also being an excellent pick. The Falcons’ other day-2 selection, WR Zachariah Branch, was a strong choice as well.
What didn’t go well: Atlanta ceded the 13th pick in last year’s trade up for DE James Pearce. Aside from LB Harold Perkins, the day-3 picks aren’t likely to be much help.
Final thoughts: I can’t punish the Falcons too much for their poor trade last year because it’s a different draft, but it definitely had a detrimental effect. Therefore, it hurts the grade somewhat. I think Atlanta did a pretty good job with the picks they did possess. That #13 pick really would’ve been nice to use on a right tackle for the retired Kaleb McGary though.
14. Baltimore Ravens: A
What went well: G Olaivavega Ioane is a perfect fit for this team. Both day-2 picks, DE Zion Young and WR Ja’Kobi Lane, are great athletes with loads of potential. The offense got plenty of reinforcements on day 3.
What didn’t go well: Letting the owner draft an unnecessary RB had better remain a one-off occurrence. Drafting a punter in round 6 is…not for me.
Final thoughts: Oh look: Baltimore had a good draft. What a surprise (not). As always, the Ravens blended value and need in a masterful fashion. They targeted their 3 most pressing needs (a guard upgrade, an edge rusher, and a WR2 in that order) with their first 3 picks according to those priority rankings. This type of drafting is why the Ravens have such staying power.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
What went well: Tampa did the smart thing and quickly grabbed DE Rueben Bain when he surprisingly fell to them. The Bucs addressed their needs pretty well.
What didn’t go well: Taking LB Josiah Trotter with CJ Allen still on the board was a big miss. Third-round WR Ted Hurst is more of a project than an immediate contributor.
Final thoughts: As you can likely tell, the Bain pick really boosted Tampa Bay’s grade. He fills the team’s biggest need at a great value. I wasn’t as happy with their second- or third-round selections, and their day-3 picks are mostly all-or-nothing propositions. The Buccaneers did get better, and they added more depth. However, I can’t say that they solidified their contender status.
16. Indianapolis Colts: B+
What went well: Trading down and then swiping LB CJ Allen was one of the smartest moves in this draft. If possible, the selection of WR Deion Burks in round 7 was an even bigger steal. G Jalen Farmer is a likely starter who run blocks well.
What didn’t go well: The Colts didn’t have a first-round pick. Their late-round edge rusher choices may not pan out.
Final thoughts: Here’s another team whose 2026 draft suffered because of something they did in 2025. I wasn’t crazy about the Sauce Gardner trade at the time, and that’s even more true now that I see how that 16th pick could’ve been utilized. Regardless, they spent the picks they had very effectively, so they ended up having a pretty good weekend after all.
17. Detroit Lions: C-
What went well: Detroit set out to find a new tackle in the first round, and they succeeded. Fifth-round CB Keith Abney II should be a starter in the slot right away, making him an excellent pick.
What didn’t go well: Selecting Blake Miller over Monroe Freeling was a bold choice. I hated Detroit’s trade up for DE Derrick Moore in round 2, and that would be true even if Zion Young weren’t available.
Final thoughts: The Lions march to the beat of their own drum. They pick the guys they like, even if the rest of us don’t see things the same way. That’s certainly the case here, as their first two picks were both players that most analysts didn’t have as the best available options at their positions. I still think they added some talent, but this wasn’t an ideal outcome.
18. Minnesota Vikings: D+
What went well: TE/FB Max Bredeson should help get the Vikings’ running game back to the level it was when they had CJ Ham as their lead blocker. Seventh-round C Gavin Gerhardt could prove immensely valuable in a year’s time.
What didn’t go well: First-round DT Caleb Banks was a major reach. Despite possessing four day-2 picks, Minnesota whiffed on most of them. They didn’t take a safety until the end of round 3 even though they had a shot at Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
Final thoughts: Like Detroit, their NFC North foes, Minnesota didn’t seem to fully understand value hierarchies. However, the Vikings did slightly worse. When my highlights for your team are a fullback and a 7th-round pick, it wasn’t a good weekend. I don’t think Minnesota adequately addressed any of their needs except maybe center. Hopefully these players can prove me wrong.
19. Carolina Panthers: A
What went well: Few teams found more value throughout the draft, and their picks got even stronger as the rounds passed. Carolina’s picks in rounds 2-5 (DT Lee Hunter, WR Chris Brazzell II, CB Will Lee III, and C Sam Hecht) all have a case to be the best picks in their respective rounds.
What didn’t go well: They weren’t able to truly target their needs until later in the draft. In particular, the board sort of pigeonholed them into a round-1 tackle pick.
Final thoughts: People aren’t talking much about the Panthers, but I think they had one of the best drafts in the entire league. Carolina didn’t force any picks; they took the best player available at each slot while not being too redundant in terms of their roster. I actually believe that the Panthers strengthened their position in the NFC South. Their draft was that good.
20. Green Bay Packers: A-
What went well: CB Brandon Cisse had no business being available for the Packers’ second-round pick. DT Chris McClellan should really help their run defense. All but two picks went toward the defense, their weaker side of the ball.
What didn’t go well: I’d have preferred GB to do more for their offensive line than a 5th-round backup center. A swing on a developmental backup QB might’ve been nice.
Final thoughts: Distinguishing themselves from the other teams without first-round selections, the Packers likely have no regrets about trading their pick for Micah Parsons. As a result, I’m not dropping their grade at all for the trade. I’m really nit-picking with my criticisms. Green Bay has almost no holes remaining, which is the sign of a well-managed draft.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
What went well: Pittsburgh took two of my favorite all-purpose weapons in Kaden Wetjen and Eli Heidenreich. They pivoted well by taking OT Max Iheanachor when their 1st choice went off the board. G Gennings Dunker should be a slam dunk (pun intended).
What didn’t go well: It seems as though the Eagles poached WR Makai Lemon from under their noses. Third-round QB Drew Allar was one the worst picks of the draft.
Final thoughts: The draft hosts had themselves a solid weekend, with several picks spent upgrading their sleepy offense. Two of the selections went toward the offensive line, and 3 of them produced weapons. I still don’t know if Aaron Rodgers is coming back, but I hope he spares us from seeing Allar play a snap. Other than that awful pick, Pittsburgh did a good job.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: D+
What went well: LA’s trio of day-3 linemen will provide much-needed depth while also offering some upside. WR Brenen Thompson’s 4.26 speed can’t be taught, and QB Justin Herbert has the arm to use him.
What didn’t go well: Neither of the Charger’s first two picks (their only selections until Saturday) were good. DE Akheem Mesidor is an older and injury-prone prospect, while 2nd-round C Jake Slaughter was a reach who will probably be a backup this year.
Final thoughts: GMs make their money in the early rounds of each draft, and Joe Hortiz didn’t handle LA’s first three rounds very well. Putting aside the Chargers’ lack of a 3rd-round pick, the team simply didn’t give themselves high ceilings with their initial picks. What they did on day 3 was actually excellent, but it doesn’t make up for the damage done on the prior two nights.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: B+
What went well: Their round-1 trade up for WR Makai Lemon was actually necessary, as Pittsburgh was going to take him. Both of Philly’s day-2 picks are fantastic athletics with high potential, especially TE Eli Stowers.
What didn’t go well: Lemon is a polarizing pick with odd character who may be a slot-only receiver. The Eagles’ selection of QB Cole Payton is a mystery to me.
Final thoughts: In typical fashion, the Eagles had an above-average draft. I wouldn’t say that it was to their usual (albeit lofty) standards though. Don’t count me among the people who are sold on Lemon, especially for a team that just (indirectly) declared themselves done with AJ Brown, another diva WR. For the most part though, this was a good drafting job by Philadelphia.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: D
What went well: G Emmanuel Pregnon was one of the best value picks made by any team. TE Tanner Koziol was one of my favorite players at his position.
What didn’t go well: Jacksonville selected a blocking TE with their first pick (2nd rounder). Most of their picks were reaches, with a couple not even considered draftable on my board.
Final thoughts: The ill-conceived Travis Hunter trade hurt the Jags, but they hurt themselves even more this weekend. It really doesn’t matter what picks you have if you don’t know how to use them. Jacksonville won the AFC South, but between their inactive free agency period and this draft class, they’ll be hard-pressed to repeat. With or without Liam Coen magic.
25. Chicago Bears: B
What went well: S Dillon Thieneman fell right into their laps. CB Malik Muhammad was another player who slid for the Bears to take. C Logan Jones and TE Sam Roush should be solid blockers for Caleb Williams.
What didn’t go well: The rest of Chicago’s day-3 group doesn’t provide anything more than depth. Somehow, the Bears didn’t take a single edge rusher.
Final thoughts: Chicago seemed poised to target the line of scrimmage early and replace Jaquan Brisker later, but Thieneman was too good of a value to pass up. I couldn’t identify a single likely starter in the front 7. The Bears focused on offense and the secondary, and they got some nice bargains there. This is the epitome of an average class, which is not bad at all.
26. Buffalo Bills: B-
What went well: DE TJ Parker was a good value early in round 2. Buffalo’s day-3 haul was one of the best in the league. Specifically, six of their seven picks in rounds 4-7 were good (I can’t count the punter).
What didn’t go well: STOP TRADING OUT OF ROUND 1!! Few trades up were worse than the one Buffalo made for CB Davison Igbinosun in round 2.
Final thoughts: I’m starting to penalize the Bills for their almost yearly need to trade out of the first round. You can’t amass premium players if you give up your premium picks. Trading down is fine, but they have a habit of letting their rivals move up for their coveted players. Aside from that, I liked what the Bills did. They amassed a ton of depth and potential late in the draft.
27. San Francisco 49ers: C
What went well: DE Romello Height should help the team’s pass rush quite a bit. The 49ers cooked with their 4th-round defenders (DT Gracen Halton and CB Ephesians Prysock).
What didn’t go well: Like Buffalo, the 49ers traded out of round 1 entirely, and it didn’t serve them well. SF reached badly on their 2nd-rounder (WR De’Zhaun Stribling). Why must Kyle Shanahan keep drafting mid-round RBs every year?
Final thoughts: San Francisco’s draft philosophy isn’t making a lot of sense. They traded down THREE times until they were out of the first frame, and then they took a WR that I had behind at least 5 other prospects. I didn’t think their OL picks were that good, but they did a better job of identifying defenders. Most of the NFC West honestly didn’t have a great weekend.
28. Houston Texans: C-
What went well: DT Kayden McDonald gives the Texans an embarrassment of riches. LB Aiden Fisher and S Kamari Ramsey do the same at the other two levels of their defense.
What didn’t go well: Houston traded up and took a mid-level guard with Caleb Lomu available. They took a mediocre blocking TE in round 3 before wasting a couple of their day-3 selections.
Final thoughts: It’s hard to go after a team that didn’t have many needs. The Texans didn’t have an “ideal” draft except going for the best players available thanks to the strong state of their roster. However, they had one crucial assignment: bolster the offensive line. They took two guards but no tackles, and I’m not even high on those guards. Suspect work to be honest.
29. Los Angeles Rams: F
What went well: Pretty much everything after round 1. All 3 offensive players and nose tackle Tim Keenan II were good to great picks. LA traded pick #29 to the Chiefs for Trent McDuffie, preventing them from wasting BOTH of their first-rounders.
What didn’t go well: Ty Simpson. That’s it. A Super Bowl contender with the reigning MVP at QB spent their very best draft pick on someone who won’t even take a single snap outside of mop-up duty if things go well.
Final thoughts: While I liked what the Rams did with their (very few) selections following round 1, the first-rounder overrode everything else. Despite how happy Dan Orlovsky is, taking Simpson was an absolute failure. He does nothing to supplement a team that could’ve called themselves Super Bowl favorites. Maybe the Rams can win it anyway, but they badly hurt their chances.
30. Denver Broncos: B
What went well: Armed with mostly late-round picks, the Broncos used them well. DT Tyler Onyedim, TE Justin Joly, and LB Red Murdock in particular were strong selections. They got to draft Mr. Irrelevant (Murdock)!
What didn’t go well: Denver was the only team without a first- or second-round pick after trading the former for Jaylen Waddle and trading back from their late round-2 selection. Therefore, the Broncos couldn’t add any premium players.
Final thoughts: Out of all 32 teams, Denver was by far the most hamstrung squad. They were the very last team to make a pick in this draft, and it shows in their lack of blue-chip prospects. However, given those constraints, Denver had a solid draft. GM George Paton found value in the later rounds, adding developmental projects and depth pieces in equal measure. They did alright.
31. New England Patriots: B-
What went well: Once Caleb Lomu became the last really good tackle on the board, I love that NE traded up for him. DE Gabe Jacas was one of the more underrated pass rushers in this class.
What didn’t go well: Basically every pick after round 2 was weak. I didn’t like a single day-3 selection the Pats made.
Final thoughts: Luckily for New England, their first two selections were weighted more heavily in this grade. I really liked them both, especially Lomu given Will Campbell’s playoff struggles. The team can’t get a high-end grade though because they whiffed on so many selections, even if they weren’t high picks. If they did indeed get those first two right though, it may not matter.
32. Seattle Seahawks: B+
What went well: Seattle seamlessly replaced Kenneth Walker with my RB1 in the class (Jadarian Price). They drafted two DBs on day 2 to replace their departed secondary members. The Seahawks finally traded back to add 3 more picks after coming into the draft with just 4.
What didn’t go well: Spending a first-round pick on an RB is usually a poor use of draft capital. I really wanted to see a pass rusher that could replace Boye Mafe.
Final thoughts: When you’re Super Bowl champs, you pick last in every single round by default. Regardless, the Seahawks came away with some good players, especially those of the developmental type. If your calling card is player development, then you can take projects without as much scrutiny. Most importantly, Seattle had the best draft in the NFC West by far.