NFL Draft 2023 Grades: Analysis of Every Team’s Picks
The 2023 NFL draft delivered plenty of memorable moments, with three quarterbacks taken within the first four picks and then two running backs drafted inside the top 12.
Of course, the MMQB crew had plenty to say about those notable draft picks, from quarterback Anthony Richardson landing in Indianapolis at No. 4 to Detroit possibly reaching for running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12.
The running backs made a comeback, but the quarterbacks again dominated the draft, with 11 being taken through the first 150 picks, an NFL record. Quarterback Bryce Young went first to the Panthers, thanks to the trade they made with the Bears in March to move up from No. 9.
Panthers coach Frank Reich was still smiling about the Young pick during his interview Saturday afternoon with NFL Network after his team wrapped up the draft.
Richardson, Young and Stroud were three of the first four picks selected in Thursday's first round.
Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun/USA TODAY Network (Richardson); Gary Cosby Jr./USA TODAY Sports (Young); Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports (Stroud)
We graded every pick of the first round, and then every pick on Day 2, and now it’s time to analyze each team’s full class.
Note: Teams are in order ranked from best grades to worst. New teams will be added as they make their final selections.
Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: A+
- Round 1: No. 10 (from Carolina and Chicago): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
- Round 1: No. 30: Nolan Smith, DE, Georgia
- Round 3: No. 65 (from Houston): Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
- Round 3: No. 66 (from Arizona): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
- Round 4: No. 105 (from Arizona and Houston): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
- Round 6: No. 188 (from New Orleans and Houston): Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
- Round 7: No. 249 (from Kansas City and Detroit): Moro Ojomo, DE, Texas
Analysis: The best way to get a perfect grade in the draft is by loading up on Georgia defenders. The Eagles might have the best defensive front in the NFL next season with the arrivals of Carter and Smith. Philadelphia also landed Brown to plug into their secondary after losing veteran safeties in free agency. Somehow Ringo was available on the third day of the draft, giving the Eagles a stacked cornerbacks rotation along with Darius Slay and James Bradberry. The Eagles also took McKee to possibly be a backup for Jalen Hurts next season. — G.M.
Carolina Panthers
Grade: A
- Round 1: No. 1 (from Chicago): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
- Round 2: No. 39: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
- Round 3: No. 80 (from Pittsburgh): DJ Johnson, DE, Oregon
- Round 4: No. 114: Chandler Zavala, OG, NC State
- Round 5: No. 145: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
Analysis: The Panthers received an A the second they submitted their draft card with Young’s name on it. Carolina has its franchise quarterback and the team didn’t waste time providing him with help. Mingo could develop into a quality downfield threat because of his sizable catch radius and sturdy hands. Some viewed Mingo as a reach pick, but his skillset will fit with wideouts DJ Chark and Adam Thielen. Johnson is long and explosive, similar to his new teammate Brian Burns. Robinson could help at safety with Jeremy Chinn possibly moving to linebacker. — G.M.
Houston Texans
Grade: A
- Round 1: No. 2: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
- Round 1: No. 3 (from Cardinals): Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama
- Round 2: No. 62 (from Eagles): Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
- Round 3: No. 69 (from Rams): Tank Dell, WR, Houston
- Round 4: No. 109 (from Raiders): Dylan Horton, DE, TCU
- Round 5: No. 167 (from Rams): Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama
- Round 6: No. 201 (from Vikings): Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame
- Round 6: No. 205 (from Bills): Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
- Round 7: No. 248 (from Eagles): Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh
Analysis: The Texans are apparently tired of being a speed bump for good teams. Houston was ultra-aggressive in the first round, spending consecutive picks on Stroud and Anderson. If those two live up to expectations, the days of the Texans being a contender for the league's worst record are over. Houston also landed a local product in Dell, who despite being 165 pounds was incredibly productive with the Cougars, totaling 2,727 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns over the past two years. Scruggs is also a nice piece with potential, giving Texans fans reason to believe for the first time in years. — M.V.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: A
- Round 1: No. 14 (from Patriots), Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
- Round 2: No. 32 (from Bears), Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
- Round 2: No. 49: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
- Round 3: No. 93 (from Panthers and 49ers), Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
- Round 4: No. 132 (from Panthers and 49ers), Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
- Round 7: No. 241 (from Vikings and Broncos), Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
- Round 7: No. 251 (from Rams), Spencer Anderson, G, Maryland
Analysis: The Steelers might have had the best draft of any team. Pittsburgh found a left tackle in Jones, who could prove to be the best of his loaded class. In the second round, general manager Omar Khan took Porter Jr., a legacy in the Steel City with a ton of ability. He should start as a rookie opposite Patrick Peterson. Later on, the Steelers took Washington, a hulking tight end at 6'7'' who should provide second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett with a large red-zone target. Finally, Herbig was a productive linebacker at Wisconsin. Look for him to be good depth and a solid special teams contributor. — M.V.
Indianapolis Colts
Grade: A-
- Round 1: No. 4: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
- Round 2: No. 44 (from Falcons), Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
- Round 3: No. 79 (from Commanders), Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
- Round 4: No. 106: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
- Round 4: No. 110 (from Falcons and Titans), Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
- Round 5: No. 138: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
- Round 5: No. 158 (from Vikings): Daniel Scott, S, California
- Round 5: No. 162 (from Bills): Will Mallory, TE, Miami
- Round 5: No. 176 (from Cowboys): Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
- Round 6: No. 211 (from Vikings): Titus Leo, DE, Wagner
- Round 7: No. 221: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
- Round 7: No. 236 (from Buccaneers): Jake Witt, OT, Northern Michigan
Analysis: The Colts had a deep draft, starting with a potential franchise quarterback in Richardson, who has elite traits but can he and first-year coach Shane Steichen pair to mitigate his rawness as a rookie starter? Downs should help him, giving the youngster a nice target opposite Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. The secondary also got a pair of high-end talents at corner in Brents and Rush, and both could have a significant role in 2023 and beyond. General manager Chris Ballard needed to nail this draft, and the early snapshot is a hopeful one. — M.V.
Seattle Seahawks
Grade: A-
- Round 1: No. 5 (from Denver): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
- Round 1: No. 20: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
- Round 2: No. 37 (from Denver), Derick Hall, DE, Auburn
- Round 2: No. 52: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
- Round 4: No. 108 (from Denver), Anthony Bradford, OG, LSU
- Round 4: No. 123: Cameron Young, DT, Mississippi State
- Round 5: No. 151 (from Pittsburgh), Mike Morris, DE, Michigan
- Round 5: No. 154: Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
- Round 6: No. 198: Jerrick Reed II, S, New Mexico
- Round 7: No. 237: Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
Analysis: The Seahawks might have won the first round with the selections of Witherspoon, a tenacious defender, and Smith-Njigba, a smooth route runner. Seattle now has a strong cornerback duo with Witherspoon and last year’s gem, Tariq Woolen, to defend the game’s best skill players, including the offensive weapons in San Francisco. The Seahawks also addressed a need at edge rusher by adding Hall, who had seven sacks last season. Drafting Charbonnet was somewhat of a head-scratcher because the Seahawks already have Kenneth Walker III, but having a dominant rushing attack is a part of coach Pete Carroll’s philosophy. — G.M.
Baltimore Ravens
Flowers will form a dynamic duo with Odell Beckham Jr.
Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports
Grade: B+
- Round 1, No. 23: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
- Round 3, No. 86: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
- Round 4: No. 124: Tavius Robinson, DE, Ole Miss
- Round 5: No. 157: Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
- Round 6: No. 199: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT, Oregon
- Round 7: No. 229 (from Browns): Andrew Vorhees, G, USC
Analysis: The Ravens had another good draft. What else is new? Baltimore signed quarterback Lamar Jackson to a five-year extension before the draft began, and then gave him a new weapon in Flowers. A four-year contributor with Boston College, Flowers should step in and form a nice trio with veterans Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman. Baltimore also did a nice job to land Simpson in the second round, who should provide a nice rotational piece alongside Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen at the second level. Kelly is also a sleeper in the fourth, a Senior Bowl standout who could eventually replace Marcus Peters, who is currently a free agent. — M.V.
Green Bay Packers
Grade: B+
- Round 1: No. 13 (from N.Y. Jets): Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
- Round 2: No. 42 (from Cleveland and N.Y. Jets): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
- Round 2: No. 50 (from Tampa Bay): Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
- Round 3: No. 78: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
- Round 4: No. 116: Colby Wooden, DT, Auburn
- Round 5: No. 149: Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State
- Round 5: No. 159 (from Jacksonville, Atlanta, Detroit): Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia
- Round 6: No. 179 (from Houston and Tampa Bay): Karl Brooks, DE, Bowling Green
- Round 6: No. 207 (from San Francisco, Houston, N.Y. Jets): Anders Carlson, K, Auburn
- Round 7: No. 232: Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
- Round 7: No. 235: Lewis Nichols III, RB, Central Michigan
- Round 7: No. 242: Anthony Johnson Jr., S, Iowa State
- Round 7: No. 256: Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte
Analysis: The Packers went with the versatile Van Ness instead of adding an offensive lineman for first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love. Van Ness has high upside and will form a strong pass-rushing trio with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. Love later got plenty of help with Musgrave, a polished pass catcher, and Kraft, a solid blocker. Reed has the potential to develop into a standout downfield threat because of his speed and reliable hands. — G.M.
New York Giants
Grade: B+
- Round 1: No. 25 (from Jacksonville): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
- Round 2: No. 57: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
- Round 3: No. 73 (from Cleveland): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
- Round 5: No. 172: Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma
- Round 6: No. 209 (from Kansas City): Tre Hawkins III, CB, Old Dominion
- Round 7: No. 243: Jordon Riley, DT, Oregon
- Round 7: No. 254: Gervarrius Owens, S, Houston
Analysis: The Giants pounced on Banks, a lengthy and athletic cornerback, and might have gotten a steal by adding Hyatt in the third round. Banks could form a solid cornerback duo with Adoree’ Jackson. Suddenly, quarterback Daniel Jones has an abundance of downfield threats with Hyatt, Darius Slayton and Parris Campbell. Jones also benefited with the addition of Schmitz, a powerful blocker who excels in the running game. — G.M.
Tennessee Titans
Grade: B+
- Round 1: No. 11: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
- Round 2: No. 33 (from Cardinals through Texans): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
- Round 3: No. 81 (from Cardinals through Lions): Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
- Round 5: No. 147: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
- Round 6: No. 186: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
- Round 7: No. 228: Colton Dowell, WR, UT Martin
Analysis: In general manager Ran Carthon's first draft, he found a litany of offensive pieces for the future. Skoronski will play either at tackle or guard, and either way replaces a veteran in Taylor Lewan or Nate Davis. In the second round, Levis’s slide finally ended, and he will now sit behind Ryan Tannehill for a year while he learns the pro game. Spears should immediately form a dynamic duo with Derrick Henry in the backfield, giving Tennessee a back with wiggle and great balance. Finally, Duncan is a sleeper from Maryland who could end up starting down the line. — M.V.
Atlanta Falcons
Grade: B
- Round 1: No. 8: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
- Round 2: No. 38 (from Las Vegas and Indianapolis): Matthew Bergeron, OL, Syracuse
- Round 3: No. 75: Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State
- Round 4: No. 113: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
- Round 7: No. 224 (from Las Vegas): DeMarcco Hellams, S, Alabama
- Round 7: No. 225: Jovaughn Gwyn, G, South Carolina
Analysis: The Falcons ignored analytics and viewed Robinson as an offensive weapon instead of just a running back. Robinson could be a security blanket for second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder and will add to coach Arthur Smith’s powerful rushing attack. Suddenly, Atlanta has one of the best offensive trios in the league with Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Atlanta got a little greedy by drafting an offensive lineman instead of a defensive player for the second pick, but Bergeron is a rugged run blocker and fits the offensive scheme. Harrison will be needed to contribute immediately because the Falcons struggled with generating a pass rush last season. — G.M.
Buffalo Bills
Grade: B
- Round 1: No. 25 (from team): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
- Round 2: No. 59: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
- Round 3: No. 91: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
- Round 5: No. 150 (from Commanders): Justin Shorter, WR, Florida
- Round 7: No. 230 (from Houston, Eagles, Buccaneers and Jets): Nick Broeker, G, Ole Miss
- Round 7: No. 252 (from Buccaneers through Rams): Alex Austin, CB, Oregon State
Analysis: The Bills got excellent value over the first two rounds, snagging Kincaid on the first night before landing Torrence to beef up their interior on Friday evening. Buffalo wasn't expected to take a tight end after extending Dawson Knox last offseason, but Kincaid gives it another weapon to stretch defenses down the seam. In the latter round, the Bills again focused largely on offense with Shorter and Broeker, who should be depth pieces for the next year or two, with Shorter playing on special teams. Williams is intriguing, as Buffalo is thin at linebacker after watching Tremaine Edmunds leave in free agency. — M.V.
Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: B
- Round 1: No. 28: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
- Round 2: No. 60: DJ Turner II, CB, Michigan
- Round 3: No. 95 (from Chiefs): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
- Round 4: No. 131: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
- Round 5: No. 163: Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
- Round 6: No. 206: Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
- Round 7: No. 246: DJ Ivey, CB, Miami
Analysis: The Bengals prioritized defense in the first two days of the draft. Cincinnati got a steal in Murphy, who will pair with Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson to give coordinator Lou Anarumo a terrific trio off the edge. In Day 2, the Bengals added high-upside depth in the secondary, with Battle having a chance to start as a rookie alongside last year's first-round pick in Dax Hill. On Saturday, the Bengals took a chance on Jones, who broke out with Purdue after spending time with Buffalo and Iowa before transferring a second time. In 2022, he amassed 110 catches, 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns. — M.V.
Los Angeles Rams
Grade: B
- Round 2: No. 36: Steve Avila, OL, TCU
- Round 3: No. 77 (from New England and Miami), Byron Young, LB, Tennessee
- Round 3: No. 89 (from N.Y. Giants), Kobie Turner, DT, Syracuse
- Round 4: No. 128 (from N.Y. Giants), Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
- Round 5: No. 161(from Dallas and Houston), Nick Hampton, DE, Appalachian State
- Round 5: No. 174 (from Las Vegas’ compensatory selection): Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
- Round 5: No. 175 (from Tampa Bay’s compensatory selection), Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
- Round 5: No. 177: Puka Nacua, WR, BYU
- Round 6: No. 182: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
- Round 6: No. 189 (from Tennessee): Ochaun Mathis, DE, Nebraska
- Round 6: No. 215 (from Buffalo’s compensatory selection): Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
- Round 7: No. 223: Ethan Evans, P, Wingate
- Round 7: No. 234 (from Pittsburgh): Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma State
- Round 7: No. 259 (from Houston’s compensatory selection): Desjuan Johnson, DE, Toledo
Analysis: The Rams were smart to add depth to the offensive line after the starting unit was decimated by injuries in 2022. Avila could compete for a guard spot next year and possibly become the center of the future. L.A. followed with another smart decision, addressing its pass-rushing need by selecting Young, who could provide that after recording seven sacks last season. Turner lacks ideal size as a defensive tackle, but he’s a polished pass rusher and will get to learn from Aaron Donald. The Rams made noise on Day 3 after selecting Bennett to be the backup for Matthew Stafford. — G.M.
Minnesota Vikings
Addison should take the heat off Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson with the Vikings.
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
Grade: B
- Round 1: No. 24: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
- Round 3: No. 102 (from San Francisco’s compensatory selection): Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
- Round 4: No. 134 (from Kansas City): Jay Ward, S, LSU
- Round 5: No. 141 (from Las Vegas): Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU
- Round 5: No. 164 (from San Francisco): Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
- Round 7: No. 222: DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
Analysis: To start the draft, the Vikings passed on adding a future replacement for Kirk Cousins and found help for Justin Jefferson. Addison has the speed to be a downfield threat, but he can also help in the intermediate game because of his smooth route running. Addison has the skillset to punish teams that decide to double Jefferson. Blackmon is a competitive cornerback, and one who pushed Addison during USC practices. After a disastrous season defending the pass, Minnesota suddenly has an intriguing secondary with Blackmon, Ward and free-agent addition Byron Murphy Jr. Later in the draft, Minnesota found Hall to be Cousins’s backup, and maybe as a potential replacement. — G.M.
New Orleans Saints
Grade: B
- Round 1: No. 29 (from San Francisco, Miami and Denver): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
- Round 2: No. 40: Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
- Round 3: No. 71: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
- Round 4: No. 103 (from Chicago), Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion
- Round 4: No. 127 (from Jacksonville), Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
- Round 5: No. 146 (from Pittsburgh and Denver), Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota
- Round 6: No. 195: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
Analysis: It’s no surprise that the Saints prioritized defensive linemen in the draft after losing a few starters to free agency. If Bresee can stay healthy, he’ll make an impact as a starting rookie because he was a disruptor for Clemson. The win-now Saints reached in selecting Foskey, who has an intriguing skillset but will need time to improve against the run. New Orleans had the option of drafting edge rusher Keion White, a more polished prospect. For an intriguing pick, the Saints selected Haener to play behind Derek Carr and Jameis Winston. Perhaps New Orleans sees starting potential for the Fresno State product. — G.M.
Chicago Bears
Grade: B
- Round 1: No. 10 (from New Orleans and Philadelphia): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
- Round 2: No. 53 (from Baltimore): Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida
- Round 2: No. 56: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
- Round 3: No. 64: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
- Round 4: No. 115 (from New Orleans): Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
- Round 4: No. 133 (from Philadelphia): Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
- Round 5: No. 148 (from New England and Baltimore): Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
- Round 5: No. 165 (from Philadelphia and New Orleans): Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota
- Round 7: No. 218: Travis Bell, DT, Kennesaw State
- Round 7: No. 258: Kendall Williamson, CB, Stanford
Analysis: The Bears wisely upgraded the protection for quarterback Justin Fields, who was sacked a league-high 55 times last season. Wright plays with an edge, and he’s a polished right tackle. He does have experience playing on the left side, but he had better results as a right tackle in college. Chicago addressed its second biggest need drafting defensive tackles Dexter and Pickens during Day 2. Johnson, who was Bijan Robinson’s backup at Texas, could be a quality change-of-pace back. — G.M.
Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: B
- Round 1: No. 31: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
- Round 2: No. 55 (from Lions through Vikings): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
- Round 3: No. 92 (from Bengals): Wayna Morris, OT, Oklahoma
- Round 4: No. 119 (from Vikings through Lions): Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech
- Round 5: No. 166: BJ Thompson, DE, Stephen F. Austin
- Round 6: No. 194 (from Lions): Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas
- Round 7: No. 250: Nic Jones, CB, Ball State
Analysis: The Chiefs had three clear needs entering their hometown draft and addressed each over the first two days. Anudike-Uzomah was productive at Kansas State, notching 19.5 sacks over the past two years. He'll form a nice edge-rushing trio with George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu. Rice might have been drafted a bit early, but his size and physicality are pluses, along with a diverse skillset. Kansas City also appeared to have an excellent third day in taking Conner and Coburn, among others. Conner is a depth safety with elite special-teams upside, while Coburn will give the Chiefs a big body inside to stuff the run on early downs. — M.V.
Arizona Cardinals
Grade: B-
- Round 1: No. 6 (from L.A. Rams and Detroit): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
- Round 2: No. 41 (from Tennessee): BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU
- Round 3: No. 72 (from Tennessee): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
- Round 3: No. 94 (from Philadelphia): Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
- Round 4: No. 122 (from Miami, Kansas City, Detroit): Jon Gaines II, OG, UCLA
- Round 5: No. 139 (from Denver and Detroit): Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
- Round 5: No. 168 (from Detroit’s compensatory selection): Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
- Round 6: No. 180: Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville
- Round 6: No. 213: Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia
Analysis: The Cardinals started well by trading out of No. 3 and acquiring an extra first-round pick for 2024. But Arizona got antsy and traded back into the top 10 to select Johnson, the first tackle off the board. With so many needs, Arizona would have been better off selecting Darnell Wright or Broderick Jones at No. 12 while also retaining the second-round pick it relinquished to Detroit for Johnson. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon will benefit from the arrivals of Ojulari and Williams to help a defense that struggled last season. Taking Wilson in the third round was a gamble because of his injury history. — G.M.
New England Patriots
Grade: B-
- Round 1: No. 17 (from Steelers), Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
- Round 2: No. 46: Keion White, OLB, Georgia Tech
- Round 3: No. 76 (from Panthers), Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
- Round 4: No. 107 (from Rams), Jake Andrews, C, Troy
- Round 4: No. 112 (from Jets), Chad Ryland, K, Maryland
- Round 4: No. 117: Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan
- Round 5: No. 144 (from Raiders and Falcons), Atonio Mafe, G, UCLA
- Round 6: No. 187 (from Panthers), Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
- Round 6: No. 192: Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
- Round 6: No. 210: Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty
- Round 6: No. 214 (from Raiders), Ameer Speed, CB, Michigan State
- Round 7: No. 245 (from Bills through Falcons): Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State
Analysis: The Patriots did what they normally do, moving all over the board and acquiring a hoard of picks. New England made 12 selections in all, including being the only team to take both a kicker and a punter. The Patriots’ best choice was their first, somehow getting Gonzalez at No. 17. New England also got tremendous value in White, who fell to the mid-second round while Mapu was a favorite of many evaluators in the pre-draft process. The latter rounds were about special teams and perimeter talent, with Bill Belichick selecting an additional two corners and two receivers. — M.V.
New York Jets
Grade: B-
- Round 1: No. 15 (from Packers), Will McDonald IV, OLB, Iowa State
- Round 2: No. 43: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
- Round 4: No. 120 (from Patriots and Steelers), Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh
- Round 5: No. 143: Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
- Round 6: No. 184 (from Patriots through Raiders): Zaire Barnes, LB, Western Michigan
- Round 6: No. 204 (from Raiders through Cowboys), Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, LSU
- Round 7: No. 220 (from Raiders through Cardinals), Zach Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
Analysis: The Jets entered a new world this week after trading for Aaron Rodgers. They immediately upgraded his situation by taking Tippmann from Wisconsin, who is arguably the best center in this class. General manager Joe Douglas doubled down up front with his next choice, landing Warren in the fourth round. McDonald is an older first-round pick after spending five years with the Cyclones, but if he works out, the Jets have a nice group up front featuring McDonald, Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and others. Finally, Kuntz is a good value in the seventh round, a talent some thought would go significantly earlier in Day 3. — M.V.
Cleveland Browns
Grade: C+
- Round 3: No. 74 (from team): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
- Round 3: No. 98: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
- Round 4: No. 111: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
- Round 4: No. 126 (from Vikings): Isaiah McGuire, DE, Missouri
- Round 5: No. 140 (from Rams): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
- Round 5: No. 142: Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern
- Round 6: No. 190: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
Analysis: The Browns are low on picks due to the Deshaun Watson trade, making their first choice in the third round. Cleveland found great value in Tillman, who some believe was a better prospect coming from Knoxville than teammate Jalin Hyatt. The Browns also took a high-upside swing on Jones, a local product from Ohio State who is a mountain at 375 pounds. For Cleveland, Jones can provide a nice swing tackle behind Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin. However, the pick of Thompson-Robinson seems wasteful considering the holes across the Browns’ roster, and his relative low upside behind Watson. — M.V.
Detroit Lions
Hooker was picked in the third round and could end up starting for the Lions in 2024.
Saul Young/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK
Grade: C+
- Round 1: No. 12 (from Cleveland, Houston and Arizona): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
- Round 1: No. 18: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
- Round 2: No. 34 (from Arizona): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
- Round 2: No. 45 (from Green Bay): Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
- Round 3: No. 68 (from Denver): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
- Round 3: No. 96 (from Arizona’s compensatory selection): Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
- Round 5: No. 152: Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary
- Round 7: No. 219 (from Houston, Minnesota, Philadelphia): Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina
Analysis: The Lions opened with three consecutive head-scratching picks. Instead of prioritizing the defense, the Lions reached for Gibbs, and later traded D’Andre Swift to the Eagles to make room for him in the crowded backfield. Detroit might regret the trade if they face the Eagles in the postseason. Coach Dan Campbell wants a physical team, but the Lions passed on tight end Michael Mayer, who’s probably a better blocker than LaPorta. Jack Campbell might have been available in the second round, but he’ll help the Lions’ defense because of his size and speed. Detroit, however, was smart to pounce on Hooker on Day 2 to possibly become the quarterback of the future. — G.M.
Las Vegas Raiders
Grade: C+
- Round 1: No. 7: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
- Round 2: No. 35 (from Colts): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
- Round 3: No. 70: Byron Young, DT, Alabama
- Round 3: No. 100 (from Giants through Chiefs): Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati
- Round 4: No. 104 (from Texans): Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
- Round 4: No. 135 (from Patriots): Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue
- Round 5: No. 170 (from Jets through Packers): Christopher Smith II, S, Georgia
- Round 6: No. 203 (from Texans through Giants): Amari Burney, LB, Florida
- Round 7: No. 231 (from Patriots): Nesta Jade Silvera, DT, Arizona State
Analysis: The Raiders nailed the first two picks of their class, getting excellent value in both Wilson and Mayer. Wilson should form an incredible duo with Max Crosby off the edge, while Mayer is a long-term replacement for Darren Waller at an excellent value. However, Las Vegas desperately needs to fix its lack of corner talent and didn't address the need until the third day. The Raiders also took a backup quarterback in the fourth round despite some defenders being available who could have competed for snaps early on. It's a solid class, but the Raiders left some questions behind. — M.V.
San Francisco 49ers
Grade: C+
- Round 3: No. 87 (from Minnesota), Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
- Round 3: No. 99 (special compensatory selection), Jake Moody, K, Michigan
- Round 3: No. 101 (special compensatory selection), Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
- Round 5: No. 155 (from Miami), Darrell Luter Jr., CB, South Alabama
- Round 5: No. 173: Robert Beal Jr., DE, Georgia
- Round 6: No. 216: Dee Winters, LB, TCU
- Round 7: No. 247: Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
- Round 7: No. 253: Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
- Round 7: No. 255: Jalen Graham, LB, Purdue
Analysis: San Francisco got it right with Talanoa Hufanga two years ago in the fifth round. Brown has similar traits to Hufanga as a physical playmaker with solid ball skills. With a stacked roster, the 49ers had the flexibility to reach for Moody, the best kicker in the draft. Moody could become a reliable kicker in the NFL, but it’s risky to expect a rookie to make game-winning kicks for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The 49ers added to their talented defense with Luter and Beal. — G.M.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: C+
- Round 1: No. 19: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
- Round 2: No. 48 (from Detroit and Green Bay): Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
- Round 3: No. 82: Yaya Diaby, DE, Louisville
- Round 5: No. 153: SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh
- Round 5: No. 171 (from L.A. Rams’ compensatory selection): Payne Durham, TE, Purdue
- Round 6: No. 181 (from Indianapolis): Josh Hayes, CB, Kansas State
- Round 6: No. 191 (from Green Bay): Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
- Round 6: No. 196: Jose Ramirez, DE, Eastern Michigan
Analysis: Tampa Bay started by adding Kancey, an athletic playmaker who can pair with Vita Vea in the middle of the defensive line. However, he lacks ideal size and strength for the position. The Buccaneers had the option of drafting offensive tackle Anton Harrison, and probably should have prioritized the offensive line in the first round. Mauch, however, offers versatility because he plays tackle and guard. Perhaps Diaby is a value pick because some viewed the athletic edge rusher as a second-round prospect. — G.M.
Dallas Cowboys
Grade: C
- Round 1: No. 26: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
- Round 2: No. 58: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
- Round 3: No. 90: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
- Round 4: No. 129: Viliami Fehoko, DE, San Jose State
- Round 5: No. 169: Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina
- Round 6: No. 178 (from Chicago): Eric Scott Jr., CB, Southern Miss
- Round 6: No. 212: Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
- Round 7: No. 344: Jalen Brooks, WR, South Carolina
Analysis: The Cowboys went for need with the run-stopper Smith, but they probably would have gotten a more complete player in Bryan Bresee, who went three picks later to the Saints. Dallas reached for Smith and waited too long to fill the tight end void left by Dalton Schultz. Schoonmaker is a versatile player, but Michael Mayer would have made a bigger immediate impact. Dallas added defensive depth with players Overshown and Fehoko. — G.M.
Los Angeles Chargers
Johnston has 60 receptions for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns in 2022 for the Horned Frogs.
Stephen Spillman/AP
Grade: C
- Round 1: No. 21: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
- Round 2: No. 54: Tuli Tuipulotu, DE, USC
- Round 3: No. 85: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
- Round 4: No. 125: Derius Davis, WR, TCU
- Round 5: No. 156: Jordan McFadden, G, Clemson
- Round 6: No. 200: Scott Matlock, DT, Boise State
- Round 7: No. 239: Max Duggan, QB, TCU
Analysis: With a looming cap crunch in 2024, the Chargers got ahead of their issues at receiver by taking Johnston, who is an intriguing combination of size and speed coming out of TCU. He should play immediately while becoming a key contributor in the future once Keenan Allen and/or Mike Williams are moved on from. In the third round, Henley is a nice prospect who can learn from linebacker newly acquired linebacker Eric Kendricks before taking a bigger role in his second year. Meanwhile, he and Davis should contribute to special teams for the Chargers right away. — M.V.
Washington Commanders
Grade: C
- Round 1: No. 16: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
- Round 2: No. 47: Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois
- Round 3: No. 97: Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
- Round 4: No. 118: Braeden Daniels, OG, Utah
- Round 5: No. 137 (from Arizona and Buffalo), K.J. Henry, DE, Clemson
- Round 6: No. 193: Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
- Round 7: No. 233: Andre Jones, LB, Louisiana
Analysis: The Commanders prioritized the secondary, but they made a few head-scratching moves, starting with Forbes, whose 166-pound frame might give him fits at the next level. Forbes has length and he displayed a knack for making plays in college, but his lack of strength might not allow him to play as free in the NFL. Martin struggled with tackling and had subpar instincts on the field at Illinois. Washington gets a passing grade for addressing needs in the secondary, but perhaps it bet on the wrong players. — G.M.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: C-
- Round 1: No. 27 (from Bills): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
- Round 2: No. 61 (from Bears through Panthers, 49ers): Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State
- Round 3: No. 88: Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
- Round 4: No. 121 (from Buccaneers), Ventrell Miller, DE, Florida
- Round 4: No. 130 (from Bills), Tyler Lacy, LB, Oklahoma State
- Round 5: No. 136 (from Bears), Yasir Abdullah, LB, Louisville
- Round 5: No. 160 (from Giants), Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
- Round 6: No. 185 (from Jets), Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
- Round 6: No. 202: Christian Braswell, CB, Rutgers
- Round 6: No. 208 (from Eagles): Erick Hallett, S, Pittsburgh
- Round 7: No. 226: Cooper Hodges, G, Appalachian State
- Round 7: No. 227: Raymond Vohasek, DT, North Carolina
- Round 7: No. 240 (from Ravens and Giants), Derek Parish, FB, Houston
Analysis: The Jaguars had a bizarre draft in many ways. Jacksonville needed to find additional pass rush to supplement Josh Allen—who is in the final year of his deal—and yet didn't address that need. Instead, general manager Trent Baalke used a pair of Day-2 picks to land a blocking tight end and a reserve running back. Jacksonville found some good value on the third day with Johnson in the fifth round and Washington in the sixth, but outside of Harrison filling a clear need at right tackle, there are real questions about what the Jaguars walked away with. — M.V.
Denver Broncos
Grade: D+
- Round 2: No. 63 (from Lions through Chiefs): Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
- Round 3: No. 67 (from Colts): Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
- Round 3: No. 83 (from Seahawks): Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
- Round 6: No. 183 (from Lions): JL Skinner, S, Boise State
- Round 7: No. 257 (from Saints): Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon
Analysis: The Broncos moved all over the board, beginning with their first pick at the end of the second round. Denver was curious in its marriage of need and value, selecting Mims despite being stocked at receiver with Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton. Moss is a quality corner who starred at the Senior Bowl, and could be a nice piece across from star corner Patrick Surtain II. It was a surprise Denver didn't address the offensive line or a pass rusher, despite potential value being there for general manager George Paton. — M.V.
Miami Dolphins
Grade: D+
- Round 2: No. 51: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
- Round 3: No. 84: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
- Round 6: No. 197: Elijah Higgins, WR, Stanford
- Round 7: No. 238: Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan
Analysis: No team had fewer picks than the Dolphins, who were stripped of a first-round choice for tampering, and then sent a third-round pick to the Rams for star corner Jalen Ramsey. Miami was also still paying off its debt for receiver Tyreek Hill, but despite it all, it found some talent on Days 2 and 3. Achane will compete for snaps in a crowded but competitive backfield, while Smith and Higgins should fit in as depth pieces who can play special teams in the early going. Hayes is going to join an offensive line still looking for answers ahead of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, specifically on the right side. — M.V.
