Overall Team Grades for the 2023 NFL Draft
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 2023 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.
- Chicago Bears: B+
What went well: They traded the #1 pick for a pile of assets, including #1 WR DJ Moore. GM Ryan Poles got Justin Fields some help during the draft, acquiring a new tackle, RB, and slot WR. The team spent 7 picks on defense to restock a talent-bare roster.
What didn’t go well: Peter Skoronski was probably the better available lineman at #10. Gervon Dexter and Tyrique Stevenson have great upside, but they come with considerable risks.
Final thoughts: The Bears were never going to fix all their problems in one draft, as the roster is in such poor shape. Chicago ensured that it will have a plethora of premium picks next year to continue the rebuild (or even draft a QB like Caleb Williams). It was smart to go after developmental picks on defense due to Chicago’s timeline, but it was wise to pick ready-to-play offensive players to evaluate Justin Fields. - Houston Texans: C+
What went well: Houston managed to obtain the #1 player in the class (excluding RBs) in Will Anderson Jr. Their day 3 picks were all steals.
What didn’t go well: The trade for Anderson cost an arm and a leg (specifically, a likely top-10 pick next year). The Deshaun Watson trade continued to pay dividends. Day 2 went horribly with just 2 major reaches. CJ Stroud probably shouldn’t have been the choice at #2.
Final thoughts: Houston mismanaged the top of the draft in my opinion. I would have chosen Anderson at 2 and then refrained from trading back up. However, the owner appears to have overruled the GM and coach. That feels scary for the long term. The Texans gained great players like Henry To’o To’o and Jarrett Patterson on day 3, but they blew too many premium picks to earn a good grade here. - Arizona Cardinals: A+
What went well: They fleeced the Texans in a trade for the #3 pick, then paid pennies on the dollar to move up to #6 and pick the guy (Paris Johnson Jr) they wanted all along. Monti Ossenfort traded down numerous times (and never traded up), adding capital for their current rebuild. They didn’t ship DeAndre Hopkins away.
What didn’t go well: A few of their picks have limited upside. You might argue that the Cardinals played things too safely.
Final thoughts: Arizona navigated Ossenfort’s first draft spectacularly. They’re likely going to have two top-10 picks next year (their own plus Houston’s), and they acquired a bunch of quality players for today. This is my favorite draft among all 32 teams. - Indianapolis Colts: B
What went well: Days 2 and 3 were filled with ultra-athletic players possessing high upside. The team finally drafted their own QB instead of signing a veteran in decline. The sheer volume of good players will help a roster that has become stagnant.
What didn’t go well: That QB may possess generational traits, but he’s a poor passer at this point, posing major risk.
Final thoughts: It’s a shame that the Colts’ one questionable move came at #4 overall, because it’s heavily weighted in this grade. I don’t really have complaints about anything else they did, and they get an easy A for the last two days. This draft is all about how Anthony Richardson develops, and it may be a few years before we know if we were all really smart or really stupid. - Denver Broncos: D
What went well: Drew Sanders is my #2 LB and a fringe 1st-round talent, but Denver managed to snag him in round 3.
What didn’t go well: The Russell Wilson and Sean Payton trades kept Denver out of the first round, and they only participated in round 2 through a trade up. That trade landed them Marvin Mims, who wasn’t even the best WR on the board at that point.
Final thoughts: The Broncos weren’t very active, and their grade suffers for it because the trade that caused this dilemma was so awful. If you burn draft picks trading for good players, then those picks are well-spent. In this case, it looks like Denver whiffed on Wilson while paying a first-rounder for a coach out of desperation. Payton will have to fix things here because the draft won’t be able to help much until next year. - Los Angeles Rams: A-
What went well: Steve Avila and Byron Young were excellent day 2 picks. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson might be an amazing steal for a team in need of cheap, young talent. The team continuously traded down to stockpile picks.
What didn’t go well: They took a QB (Stetson Bennett) with limited ability, and it was a somewhat high pick to waste on a backup QB. The Rams won’t have a first-rounder until next season; they’ve gone without one since 2016.
Final thoughts: LA is still paying the price for making a bunch of veteran trades to try and win a Super Bowl. I’m not penalizing them much for that because they got their rings, so the picks were worth it. I don’t think the team managed to acquire a premium player unless one of their projects develops well, but they added sorely-needed depth. - Las Vegas Raiders: C-
What went well: LV managed to snag Tyree Wilson after Seattle surprised with a CB pick. They passed on all early-round QBs.
What didn’t go well: Most of their day 2 and day 3 selections were misguided. The team chose a bunch of limited athletes possessing low upside. Their few traits-based picks are major projects.
Final thoughts: I didn’t like Vegas’ draft overall. Looking back at my notes, I didn’t have much glowing to say about any of their later picks. Even their one good selection (Wilson) comes with a major red flag, as his foot caused teams to remove him from their boards. I think Josh McDaniels is trying to win now with a roster that needs an overhaul, and that conflicting style carried over to their draft. They didn’t do anything completely bonkers, but it was pretty boring. - Atlanta Falcons: D+
What went well: Zach Harrison has good upside, and Bijan Robinson is a fantastic player (#1 in the class for me). Phillips looks like a steal if he moves to the slot.
What didn’t go well: A noncontender chose an RB with the 8th overall pick. They ignored most of their needs.
Final thoughts: Atlanta confuses me. They had a great rushing attack last year, a promising 2nd-year back (Tyler Allgeier), and a good line, yet they spent their first two picks on an RB and a lineman. I don’t dislike the players they got; in fact, I think they’re very good. The team just still has numerous holes remaining and might be picking high again in 2024. - Carolina Panthers: C
What went well: They got the guy they think is their franchise QB. Jonathan Mingo is one of the few big-bodied WRs in the class who can be a legitimate X receiver.
What didn’t go well: That QB will not have DJ Moore catching his passes, as he and numerous high picks went to Chicago in the trade up for Bryce Young. Carolina had few other picks, and their later ones weren’t inspiring.
Final thoughts: Bryce Young is all that matters here. We’ll forget about every other pick they made in a few months while judging whether a 5’10” QB can rescue the franchise. I must also mention that the coaches seemed to prefer CJ Stroud, so this team might be in disarray. Young is likely the best QB in the class, but that means less given how I felt about the class in general. For his sake, I hope he proves me wrong, but history isn’t on his side. - New Orleans Saints: B+
What went well: Isaiah Foskey and Kendre Miller were excellent values on day 2. Bryan Bresee is a great story who also possesses considerable upside. Jake Haener is a quality developmental backup QB. They got a 1st-rounder for a coach that wasn’t even with the team.
What didn’t go well: Last year’s ill-fated pick swap had them picking 29th instead of 10th. The Saints traded up too much for my liking.
Final thoughts: I like New Orleans’ draft more looking back on it holistically than I did in real time. Mickey Loomis resisted the urge to trade up in round 1 but couldn’t fight that temptation later on. The Saints addressed some needs while adding youth at positions where the team has gotten a bit old. Solid work. - Tennessee Titans: B+
What went well: The best overall lineman (Peter Skoronski) fell to them at #11, and they took him. They resisted the urge to trade up to #3 to grab a QB. Jaelyn Duncan is the biggest steal of the whole draft.
What didn’t go well: They traded up to select a falling Will Levis despite his flaws; this process didn’t work with Malik Willis last year. This move cost them some picks later, which is a shame because they were hitting on those.
Final thoughts: Tennessee seems to have found the replacement for Ryan Tannehill that they’ve been wanting for more than a year. Be careful what you wish for Titans fans; you might miss Tannehill once he’s gone. Duncan and TE Josh Whyle are going to be good support for whoever is under center, and Tyjae Spears should take some of the load off Derrick Henry. This was solid work aside from the QB pick. - Cleveland Browns: A-
What went well: Their first two selections, both in the 3rd round, were excellent. Cleveland picked up more steals on day 3, such as Dawand Jones and Luke Wypler out of Ohio State.
What didn’t go well: Deshaun Watson still looms over this team’s draft, and his acquisition kept the Browns out of the first and second rounds. They wasted a pick on a mediocre QB.
Final thoughts: It’s actually a trade that started before last year’s draft that will determine Cleveland’s future. Deshaun Watson looked rusty as expected in his return late last year. He has to be the guy who the team felt was worth $230M guaranteed for this team to avoid a half-decade setback. The players they were able to select this year were mostly great values; none of that will matter if the Browns descend back into the QB abyss. I like what they did this week enough though that they get a grade in the A range. - New York Jets: B-
What went well: Aaron Rodgers. Joe Tippman will help Rodgers. The team traded down often on day 3 and had a great haul.
What didn’t go well: Pittsburgh traded up to steal the Jets’ desired tackle prospect right before their pick. Will McDonald was a major reach in round 1.
Final thoughts: Anyone who criticizes this draft will be given a brief reply by GM Joe Douglas: “Aaron Rodgers”. Green Bay made the Jets pay, but they have their first franchise QB since Joe Namath. It’s been a while since this fanbase had hope. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the draft board go their way in round 1 due to that very trade. That really impacted the rest of their draft, but the team rebounded well on day 3. - New England Patriots: C+
What went well: Bill Belichick ruined the Jets’ plans by trading down with Pittsburgh in round 1, and he then got a top-10 value in Christian Gonzalez at 17. Kayshon Boutte and Keion White are strong values. The team added a pair of good guards to help fix the offensive line.
What didn’t go well: Belichick traded up for a 4th-round kicker and then spent two more picks on specialists! They took a player I’ve never even heard of in round 3 (do you get extra points for that, or is it a penalty because that means the player wasn’t in my top 300 prospects?).
Final thoughts: For the first two rounds, it looked like classic Belichick had returned. He demonstrated mastery of the draft board, obtaining two premium players at great values and hurting the Jets in the process. Once round 3 started, the Belichick of 2021 returned, and the results were disastrous for the most part. Apart from a couple of solid offensive picks, the Pats just drafted weirdly. A kicker, punter, AND returner?? An FCS safety with limited skill coming off an injury in round 3? This team is lucky that I weight the early rounds higher. - Green Bay Packers: C
What went well: The Packers drafted a high-upside DE in the first round. They added some quality pass catchers on day 2. Brian Gutekunst spent day 3 trading down.
What didn’t go well: The team spent TOO many picks on WRs somehow. They threw away a pick with the selection of Sean Clifford. Most of their selections later in the draft were reaches. GB allowed Detroit to trade up and grab Brian Branch at a great price.
Final thoughts: Green Bay stuck to their history and refused to take a talented pass catcher on day 1. They settled for lesser but still decent options in the later rounds. Despite the volume of day 3 picks, I don’t see a whole lot of potential. The Packers will spend this year evaluating Jordan Love, but even if he’s good, the Packers didn’t improve their roster enough to be a playoff team. - Washington Commanders: B-
What went well: They aggressively attacked the secondary, which was a major weakness on their defense. Washington took a couple of fliers on edge rushers in case they trade Chase Young or Montez Sweat.
What didn’t go well: They reached wildly on a center when superior options were available. Chris Rodriguez is too similar to the team’s other backs. Only one offensive lineman was selected in round 4 despite the huge need.
Final thoughts: Washington’s draft was the epitome of average. I gave them grades in the B range all weekend with the exception of 1 pick (Ricky Stromberg). My biggest complaint is that they didn’t do much to support Sam Howell, the QB they need to evaluate this season. However, they addressed a major need. They still feel like the 4th-best team in the NFC East. - Pittsburgh Steelers: A
What went well: A small trade up earned Pittsburgh the last of the high-end tackles (Broderick Jones), who will be critical for protecting Kenny Pickett and opening lanes for Najee Harris. The team selected the second Porter in franchise history at a great value while also filling a need. Day 2 was fantastic overall.
What didn’t go well: Only one day 3 pick (Cory Trice) felt like a good move. I’m mostly nit-picking because the draft went so well for the Steelers.
Final thoughts: GM Omar Khan was overseeing his first draft, but he looked like a seasoned veteran He filled his top 2 needs (OL, CB). Pittsburgh stopped 2 talented players (Joey Porter Jr and Darnell Washington) from falling for no good reason. Every pick was good on days 1 and 2. Although day 3 wasn’t as good, the big picks were all stellar, and that’s reflected in this grade. - Detroit Lions: C
What went well: I really like Jack Campbell; he may have gone a bit early, but he’s definitely a first-round player. Day 2 went great for the Lions, with a first-round talent, a top-3 TE, and a developmental QB.
What didn’t go well: A non-Bijan Robinson running back at #12 was hilariously bad. Seattle poached Devon Witherspoon, which made Detroit take a trade back to that 12th pick with poor compensation. Day 3 was a lot of nothing.
Final thoughts: Detroit’s draft was a tale of 3 days. Round 1 started about as poorly as you can imagine, with the team missing out on their top prospect, making a bad trade back, and taking an RB. Campbell was a much better pick. Brian Branch was a round 2 steal, and Sam LaPorta is highly underrated. Hendon Hooker was worth a 3rd-round pick to see what he can do. I think he could be a pleasant surprise. The team took 2 UDFAs on day 3, but it’s really the team’s first pick that harms this grade most. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C-
What went well: I seem to like Calijah Kancey more than most. Cody Mauch is sorely needed on Tampa’s miserable line.
What didn’t go well: With the exception of Trey Palmer, all of the team’s picks in rounds 3 through 7 were reaches. None of the top tackles made it to #19.
Final thoughts: Tampa is participating in an unwilling rebuild. Todd Bowles wants to compete now, but this draft didn’t make that possible. Only one interior lineman was added, and nobody was picked to replace Donovan Smith. The defensive line was upgraded, but unless Kyle Trask plays well, this team needs a QB next offseason. It was middling haul at best for the Bucs, who might have a much higher pick in 2024. - Seattle Seahawks: D-
What went well: I love Devon Witherspoon even if he doesn’t fill a need. John Schneider grabbed a couple of run-stuffing defensive linemen to address a major weakness. Olusegun Oluwatimi was a great value in round 5.
What didn’t go well: Seattle wasted 2 picks (including a second rounder) on RBs despite hitting with their pick of Kenneth Walker last year. Witherspoon wasn’t a good #5 pick because Seattle didn’t have a CB problem (he’s a good player though). A WR at 20 was expected, but it makes no sense.
Final thoughts: Here we have what might be the worst draft in the league. I think Seattle missed the mark on both of their first-round picks, even though I’m fond of both players. Witherspoon is alright I suppose because he’s such a good corner, but it wasn’t a need. Smith-Njigba serves no purpose with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett on the roster. The team’s best picks all came on day 3, which isn’t a great sign. Seattle is known for doing that, but whiffing on 2 first rounders is painful. That day 3 collection is what keeps this grade from being an F. - Miami Dolphins: D+
What went well: Miami’s day 2 picks were both stellar values. They added one tackle in the final round.
What didn’t go well: Just one 7th-round pick was spent on offensive line help for Tua Tagovailoa. Chris Grier’s draft strategy clearly was “best player available”, as needs weren’t considered with almost any of the team’s 4 picks.
Final thoughts: Miami had only 4 picks for the second consecutive year. Part of that had to do with trades for RB Jeff Wilson, EDGE Bradley Chubb, and most importantly WR Tyreek Hill. You don’t lose points for traded picks if the players you got were worth it, and all 3 here were. The loss of Miami’s OTHER first-round pick due to tampering by owner Steven Ross was inexcusable. I’m fond of both Cam Smith and Devon Achane, but Miami has 2 elite corners and a pair of former SF running backs. Elijah Higgins is likely meant to replace Mike Gesicki, but pass catchers weren’t needed either. I think Miami got good value out of the picks they had, but did they improve at all as a team? I don’t really think so. - Los Angeles Chargers: B+
What went well: Both day 2 picks will be excellent defensive contributors. Jordan McFadden is a good day 3 lineman. Max Duggan is a fine developmental backup QB for the TCU-obsessed Chargers.
What didn’t go well: Tom Telesco thought a first-round WR was a good idea despite still possessing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The team doubled down on that odd plan in the 4th round.
Final thoughts: With the defensive-minded Brandon Staley as head coach, surely the Chargers would prioritize their awful run defense. Wrong. He went offense his first pick and added a second WR later on. Day 2 was great; Tuli Tuipulotu led the nation in sacks, and Daiyan Henley will be a better version of Kenneth Murray. I like most of the players LAC selected. I just wish they addressed their Achilles heel. - Baltimore Ravens: A
What went well: The Ravens finally drafted a good WR, and he’ll fit well with Odell Beckham. As usual, Baltimore found good value in rounds 3-7. Roquan Smith was well worth their 2nd-round pick.
What didn’t go well: I think pass rusher remains a need. A high-end CB would’ve been nice.
Final thoughts: In typical fashion, Baltimore nailed the draft. Their biggest need, a WR, was handled right away with Zay Flowers. Roquan Smith is their de facto 2nd-round selection, and he’s better than any day 2 prospect. Trenton Simpson is a steal in round 3 despite his lack of instincts; we can trust Baltimore to deploy him properly. Every day 3 pick served a purpose. None of these picks are likely to be whiffs given their fits with the Ravens. Another job well done. - Minnesota Vikings: B+
What went well: A pair of DBs were obtained to try and fix Minnesota’s atrocious secondary. The team acquired a high-upside RB in the 7th round (DeWayne McBride) for when the Vikings part ways with Dalvin Cook.
What didn’t go well: Both CB picks might be best in the slot. I don’t think Jordan Addison was the optimal 1st-round pick. He struck me as more of a 2nd-round WR.
Final thoughts: The Vikings had a pretty boring draft, but that’s not a bad thing. A #2 receiver, some corners, a new backup QB, and a potential 3-down running back aren’t flashy picks, but they’re important parts of the team. I can’t say that Minnesota got one really great player or even had a big-time steal. They simply stuck to their board and grabbed the best available players while accounting for need. - Jacksonville Jaguars: B+
What went well: A new OT was obtained to replace Jawaan Taylor and fill in for the suspended Cam Robinson. Day 3 went amazingly, with consistent trades down and high-value picks.
What didn’t go well: Day 2 was a mess with a wasted RB pick and a 5th-round TE selected in round 2.
Final thoughts: Jacksonville found themselves with a newly urgent need after they learned that their LT would be suspended. Maybe they wanted Anton Harrison anyway, but they calmly traded back 3 spots and got their guy in a better slot. I don’t know how Brenton Strange was a 2nd-round pick, nor do I understand a 3rd-round RB selection with Travis Etienne and D’Ernest Johnson on the roster. I loved everything about day 3 though for Jacksonville. Every pick either fills a role or presents a swing for the fences, which is what the final rounds are all about. They had so many day 3 picks that they actually boost the Jags’ grade quite a bit. - New York Giants: A-
What went well: NYG didn’t reach on a receiver in round 1 once the top 4 guys went off the board. The receiver they might have reached on (Jalin Hyatt) actually came to them in round 3. Both of the team’s second-day picks were outstanding.
What didn’t go well: A 1-slot trade up from 25 to 24 was weird and unnecessary. Their DT pick didn’t seem to have a purpose.
Final thoughts: The Giants pivoted from one need (WR) to another (CB) by grabbing the highly athletic Deonte Banks. I don’t know why they traded up for him, but I like the pick. John Michael Schmitz was a center NYG could have justifiably taken in round 1, but they got him a round later. Jalin Hyatt went after several inferior receivers, so even though New York traded up, it was a good move. I’m also fond of the day 3 picks, especially Eric Gray. The 1st-round trade up and an odd DT pick keep this grade from being a flat A, but this is a very good draft class. - Dallas Cowboys: B-
What went well: Dallas got a couple of strong defensive players in the middle rounds. Deuce Vaughn is a diminutive but effective running back who will likely prove doubters wrong.
What didn’t go well: Buffalo jumped right over Dallas to steal their preferred prospect (Dalton Kincaid). The Cowboys responded by reaching on two consecutive Michigan players, including an inferior TE (Luke Schoonmaker).
Final thoughts: The board really didn’t go Jerry Jones’ way. After Buffalo stole their TE, the Cowboys grabbed a massive DT in Mazi Smith. As an ineffective pass rusher, he really should’ve gone in round 2, but I get needing premier run stuffers when playing the Eagles twice a year. Schoonmaker really wasn’t a good pick; TE should’ve been addressed later once all their preferred prospects were taken. I really like the Viliami Fehoko pick; he was crazy productive in college. I’d say that Dallas made the best of a bad situation, but that TE pick felt like a panic move. - Buffalo Bills: B
What went well: They stole Dallas’ favorite TE (see above). G O’Cyrus Torrence would’ve been a viable 1st-round pick, but the Bills got him in round 2!
What didn’t go well: Buffalo’s draft fell off after their second pick. Most of their later picks were underwhelming.
Final thoughts: The Bills had a relatively small class, and it started out great. Dalton Kincaid and Torrence will be welcome additions for Josh Allen, who needs some of the weight lifted off his shoulders. I didn’t find anything remarkable about the rest of their picks; only lineman Nick Broeker really stuck out as someone who could contribute meaningfully. - Cincinnati Bengals: A
What went well: A top 5 player (Myles Murphy) fell to them at #28, and they pounced. They grabbed a CB and an S to upgrade Eli Apple and replace one of the two departed safeties, respectively. Both WR selections look very good.
What didn’t go well: DJ Turner might not have a lot more than speed to his game. The last time the Bengals grabbed the Combine’s fastest player was when they took John Brown, which was a disaster.
Final thoughts: I graded all 3 days of the Bengals’ draft in the A range, so obviously they earn an A in the overall grade too. Myles Murphy is one of my favorite players and was a great value late in round 1. Both of the team’s day 2 picks targeted needs in the secondary. Cincy acquired a backup RB for Joe Mixon, a new punter, and a pair of receivers in case Tyler Boyd or Tee Higgins have to be traded due to cap constraints. I’m very high on this class. - San Francisco 49ers: B
What went well: Their first pick, Ji’Ayir Brown, has a ton of upside and might be a key contributor this year as a replacement for Jimmie Ward. Every day 3 pick felt like a strong selection.
What didn’t go well: The Trey Lance trade kept the Niners out of rounds 1 and 2 again. SF selected a kicker in the 3rd round.
Final thoughts: The Lance trade really damages the Niners’ draft yet again. He has fallen behind last year’s Mr. Irrelevant on the depth chart, and he’s looking like a complete bust. We still don’t really know if he can play. San Francisco couldn’t participate until round 3, which is disappointing because every pick except for two looked good. One is a 3rd-round kicker. Just sign a veteran if you’re a Super Bowl contender. The other is TE Cameron Latu, who did not look special at all at Alabama. I like SF’s other TE (7th rounder Brayden Willis) better. - Philadelphia Eagledogs: A-
What went well: Four more talented Bulldogs joined the team, and two were acquired at opportune times. The defensive line got much deeper, and Tyler Steen might be a viable replacement for Isaac Seumalo.
What didn’t go well: Jalen Carter is a risky pick due to his character concerns. If he works out, the pick is great. If not, Howie Roseman will have to address the fallout. The Eagles tossed a 6th-round pick in the draft by selecting QB Tanner McKee.
Final thoughts: The Bulleagles had a mostly stellar draft. They traded up to #9 (stupidly in my opinion) to land their most coveted prospect, star DT Jalen Carter. That pick may look fantastic or horrible 2 years down the line, and it won’t have anything to do with his play. Nolan Smith could’ve gone at 10, but Roseman snagged him 30th overall! Tyler Steen, Sidney Brown, and Kelee Ringo were all great values. Philly even added RB D’Andre Swift with a future 4th-round pick via trade. Aside from the McKee selection, every one of these picks could become excellent players. The rich get richer. - Kansas City Chiefs: C
What went well: DT Keondre Coburn can replace Khalen Saunders; the run defense suffered mightily when Saunders was subbed out last season. Wanya Morris can replace one of the 2 tackles lost in free agency.
What didn’t go well: Their first-round pick was a bit of a reach, and WR Rashee Rice wasn’t worth a 2nd-round pick or a trade up. All but 1 day 3 pick (Coburn) failed to impress.
Final thoughts: I shouldn’t doubt the Chiefs given their clear skill at drafting and developing players, but I’m not high on this draft class. The two linemen mentioned above were good picks. The rest will depend on how the team develops them. Felix Anudike-Uzomah has plenty of upside at least. Rice profiles as a #2 wideout at best, and the others are athletically limited. They’re the champs for a reason though, so I’ll withhold some judgment until we see them play key roles in January.