2024 NFL Draft Grades
jaker5000. Getty Images.Now that the 2024 NFL Draft has completed, I'll grade out how I think your team did! Do I hate your team? Probably, yes. We'll go alphabetically.
Arizona Cardinals: A
I love what the Cardinals did. Monti Ossenfort shows again he's ahead of the curve. He did a good move just by staying pat and taking the best player in the Draft that also matches a need in Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. In the 2nd round at #43 he took the only guy who came close to stopping him in Rutgers' CB Max Melton. I like DE/DT Darius Robinson at #27 as well. They are in a division with Christian McCaffrey, Kenneth Walker III, and the duo of Kyren Williams and new Rams RB Blake Corum, so getting a big body up front that can clog up lanes and get after the RB is good. Trey Benson is also a very good RB out of Florida State and seems to have his major injuries behind him after transferring from Oregon. My only gripe that kept them from being an A+ is not addressing the Offensive Tackle position until Round 5 in Texas' Christian Jones. But if he hits, this is a homerun draft.
Atlanta Falcons: D-
It all starts with Michael Penix Jr. at #8. That is just insanity. Sitting him 4-5 years?! I get they have to say that cause they'll probably move on from Kirk Cousins in two years, but this is still crazy. Penix has an outstanding arm but an injury history that is the size of a CVS receipt. He needs a perfect pocket to utilize that cannon he has and I'm not sure the Falcons will be able to provide that. In the 2nd Round, Clemson DT Ruke Orhorhoro has an outstanding name but was a bit of a reach at #35. I like the Bralen Trice pick in Round 3, but they also failed to address the CB need.
Baltimore Ravens: C+
I hate the Nate Wiggins pick at #30. He's small and oft-injured. I get it, he's fast as lighting, blazing a 4.28 40 at the Combine. But he also got hurt at the end of that run. I think he'll get buried in the AFC North where tackling is not desired, but required from CBs. OT Roger Rosengarten out of Washington will help keep Lamar upright. EDGE Adisa Isaac out of Penn State helps get them a little more juice as a rusher and I like the value of CB TJ Tampa at the end of Round 4. At the end of the 5th, if Rasheen Ali, the RB out of Marshall has a legit shot to make their team after they lost both Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins.
Buffalo Bills: B+
He's polarizing, but I am a Keon Coleman guy. The WR out of Florida State can just go get balls. Late in Round 2 Cole Bishop helps replenish what was always a strong back half of the secondary in Buffalo. At pick #128, Kentucky RB Ray Davis has a legit chance to be a force in the run game.
Carolina Panthers: B
South Carolina WR Xavier Legette, who instantly has the best voice in the NFL gives Bryce Young a legit X Receiver if he pans out with his size. Kentucky LB Tevin Wallace is a nice pick early in Round 3 and can help shore up the Run D. But Texas RB Jonathan Brooks out of Texas in Round 2 is a weird pick to me. Yes, they need an upgrade at that position, but the guy just tore his ACL in November. I get recoveries are quicker nowadays, but are you really counting on him to contribute much this season? Seems rich for a 2nd Round pick with one real year of production.
Chicago Bears: A+
Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze is just fantastic at #1 and #9. I thought Odunze wouldn't even make it to #7 so I love the value at #9. Those two should grow together and help each other have terrific careers. They only had three more picks and took a punter in the 4th round. So not a whole lot to go off of, but Yale OT Kiran Amegadjie will help give Williams more time to throw to Odunze and Kansas EDGE Austin Booker has a shot to contribute year one.
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
The Bengals got bigger and meaner with this draft. Amarius Mims is a big question mark. At nearly 6'8" 340 lbs. with a wingspan that rival Giannis he is an intriguing prospect. But only eight career starts gives me pause. Michigan DT Kris Jenkins has NFL bloodlines from his dad and was a force in Ann Arbor. Alabama WR Jermaine Burton in the middle of Round 3 has a shot to have a real impact if they deal Tee Higgins and I like the late Round 6 pick of Ole Miss EDGE Cedric Johnson after Trey Hendrickson requested a trade.
Cleveland Browns: B
They had no picks in Round 1 and two picks on Day 2, but they got tougher up front with Ohio State DT Mike Hall Jr. and Michigan Guard Zak Zinter. Nathaniel Wilson, the LB out of Mississippi State and South Dakota CB Myles Harden have ability to contribute on Special Teams early.
Dallas Cowboys: A
The Cowboys got back to being the Cowboys and build through the trenches. They got Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton and Kansas State OG Connor Beebe with two of their first three picks. They stayed on that course through the 7th Round drafting Louisiana-Lafayette OT Nathan Thomas. In the 2nd Round they went with a pass rusher in Western Michigan EDGE Marshawn Kneeland at pick #56, which was a savvy move as the Bucs went EDGE right after. Dallas continued to go trenches with their final 7th rounder in Auburn DT Justin Rogers.
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Denver Broncos: C-
Bo Nix at #12 overall is crazy. Not Michael Penix Jr. at #8 with the ink on Kirk Cousins' 4-year $180 million dollar deal barely dry, but it's a wild reach. I fully expect the Broncos to be picking near the top of the Draft next season being in a division with the Chiefs, Chargers, and feisty Raiders. Utah EDGE Jonah Elliss in the middle of the 3rd round can hopefully provide some much needed juice rushing the passer and I love the value of Troy Franklin early Round 4. This really improved the grade, not only because he was a great value, but pairing Nix with him will hopefully get them both comfortable early on.
Detroit Lions: A
The Lions had a need a Cornerback going into this off-season. They traded for Bucs CB Carlton Davis and then flooded the position in the Draft, trading up for Alabama's Terrion Arnold and then getting Missouri's Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the late 2nd. Rakestraw is a perfect fit with Detroit's head man, Dan Campbell. He plays a feisty brand of ball Detroit will love. Late in the 6th, Christian Mahogany out of Boston College has a legit chance to make the team and UBC (Canada) OT Giovanni Manu is a freakshow athlete at 6'7" 350 lbs. who is absolutely worth a flier at pick #126.
Green Bay Packers: A-
The Packers had a whopping 11 picks and they definitely got younger, faster, and tougher this weekend. First priority is protecting Jordan Love and Arizona OG Jordan Morgan will certainly help do that. They also took Duke C Jacob Monk in the 5th and Georgia State OT Travis Glover in the 6th so they definitely addressed that need. With Aaron Jones gone they took MarShawn Lloyd out of USC in the late 3rd as insurance for Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon. They got faster at Safety and Linebacker with Javon Bullard (Georgia) and Evan Williams (Oregon) at Safety and Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M) and Ty'Ron Hopper (Missouri), all of whom should have a role on the Defense and Special Teams at worst in year one.
Houston Texans: C-
Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter ran a really bad (4.64) 40 which almost disqualifies him from playing the position. So taking him at #42 overall was a stretch. I do like the Notre Dame OT Blake Fisher pick at #59 as you gotta keep CJ Stroud upright. A sneaky good pick was USC EDGE Solomon Byrd in the middle of the 7th Round who has a shot to make the team, which is all you can really ask of a 7th rounder.
Indianapolis Colts: C
I placed a wager on UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu to win rookie of the year at +700 on DraftKings. He's the most polished pass rusher to come out this season and playing on that fast track will help him. That being said, he is a major injury risk as he was medically retired at Washington. I think he'll be ok this year, but I wonder if he'll get a second contract. That makes this a risky pick at #15 overall. Texas WR AD Mitchell is fair value at #52, but he is a bit of a headcase. Drafting back-to-back Safeties with very similar names in the 5th round with Jaylon Carlies (Missouri) and Jaylin Simpson (Auburn) is a move. You're hoping at least one of them works out. Earlier in the 5th round you're hoping Oregon State WR Anthony Gould can play Special Teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B+
The Jags had nine picks in this draft, some of which was thanks to trading down a few spots and still getting their guy, LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the 1st Round. After losing Calvin Ridley, it was a hole, one I'm not sure Gabe Davis can fill, so I liked that pick a lot. They went back to LSU with DT Maason Smith at #48 and went with his buddy, LSU DT Jordan Jefferson just two rounds later. Those moves will help them plug up the middle. I like the Arkansas Kicker Cam Little at #212 overall. Good Kickers are hard to come by and they spent low level draft capital to secure the position.
Kansas City Chiefs: B-
I absolutely hate the Xavier Worthy pick in Round 1. They traded up with the Bills, who needed Receiver help to get him. The fact that the Bills were willing to deal that pick to their rival knowing they'd pick Worthy tells you all you really need to know there. But as much as I hate that pick, I love the BYU OT Kingsley Suamataia pick just as much at #63. He'll likely step in Day 1 and start as Patrick Mahomes' blindside protector. Washington State S Jaden Hicks should compete for a starting gig which is great value at the end of Round 4 and TCU TE Jared Wiley will learn from the best in Travis Kelce.
Las Vegas Raiders: B
Brock Bowers Round 1 was so weird considering they drafted Michael Mayer near the top of the 2nd Round last year. But I think this shows you the Raiders are truly going best player available, despite need. Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson is a jumbo sized Center who should help keep whoever ends up throwing the ball clean. At the end of Round 6, New Hampshire RB Dylan Laube will likely have a role as a 3rd Down/Receiving back which is tremendous value.
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LA Chargers: A
I love the Joe Alt pick to start the Jim Harbaugh era. Just a big, sturdy, OT that should keep Justin Herbert clean for a decade. Georgia WR Ladd McConkey is small, but he is ALWAYS OPEN. Harbaugh dipping into his Michigan routes to nab Wolverines LB Junior Colson, who a lot of people had as the best Linebacker in the Draft. They also took Jerry Rice's kid in the 7th Round in USC's Braden Rice.
LA Rams: B+
They hadn't picked in the 1st round since 2016 and then Florida State pass rusher Jared Verse falls into their lap. They took his teammate 20 picks later in FSU DT Braden Fiske who blew up the combine. Can he replace Aaron Donald? Absolutely not. But can he at least give them something to work with at the position? For sure. Kyren Williams was terrific last year, but they gave him some competition with Michigan RB Blake Corum in Round 3. I also like Stanford Kicker Josh Karty late in Round 6. Again, good value on a guy who will make your team.
Miami Dolphins: B
Miami needed a pass rusher after Bradley Chubb's injury and took Penn State's Chop Robinson at #21. He has limited production but a ton of good traits to build on. They went OL with Houston's Patrick Paul at #55. He's got a bright future and Tua Tagovailoa needs a lot of protection to succeed. I was surprised they didn't go Defensive Tackle after losing one of the best in the game in Christian Wilkins.
Minnesota Vikings: B+
Hey, they got their guy in JJ McCarthy. Whether you like him or hate him, the value seemed there at least for him. Trading up for Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner was a great move to address their pass rush. Wake Forest Center Michael Jurgens is a depth play in the 7th round at again, a Kicker in the 6th round is beautiful. Alabama Kicker Will Reichard is great value at #203 as he'll likely make the team.
New England Patriots: A
They got a franchise QB in Drake Maye so I love that pick at #3 overall. Washington WR Ja'Lynn Polk was overshadowed by Rome Odunze but is a dynamic player. They also took UCF Javon Baker in the 4th. The Patriots Receiver room is…politely…dog shit, so those two will hopefully make this team watchable. I also really like the flier on Tennessee QB Joe Milton at #193. The Commanders did that a very long time ago, but in the 4th round and that guy turned into Kirk Cousins. I'm not saying Milton will turn into a high quality QB, but you at least get guys learning together as I'm not sure you want to pay Jacoby Brissett for multiple years.
New Orleans Saints: A
This pains me to say, but I like their draft. Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga was a tremendous pick at #14 overall. Fills a major position of need with one of the top OTs in the draft. At #41, Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry was touted as the best Cornerback both 1st Round LSU WRs (Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.) played against. Taking a flier on South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler, who has a checkered past is well worth it. He has the talent to be a top pick but just hasn't put it all together. A low risk, very high reward play.
New York Giants: A-
Malik Nabers is a showstopping playmaker at the Wide Receiver position. That's something the G-Men haven't had since OBJ. I like them addressing the secondary in Minnesota S Tyler Nubin and Kentucky CB Andru Phillips on Day 2, but my favorite pick was in the 4th Round going Penn State TE Theo Johnson. At 6'6" 260 lbs., he has the potential to be an absolute monster and he'll get to learn from one of the best in Darren Waller.
New York Jets: B+
Penn State OT Olu Fashanu will be a great match with the Jets and help keep Aaron Rodgers healthy all season. I am a big fan of Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley who they got to start the 3rd Round. He can pair with Garrett Wilson to form a young, exciting WR duo. Late in the Draft, Alabama Safety Jaylen Key has a shot to play on Defense in addition to Special Teams which is amazing at #257 overall.
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Philadelphia Eagles: A
No Georgia players! Can you believe it?! But they had a glaring need at Cornerback and they flooded that position early with Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell and Iowa CB Cooper DeJean. Houston Christian's Jalyx Hunt addressing Howie Roseman as "Big Pimpin" also is a promising move. I'm not a big Florida State WR Johnny Wilson fan, but early in the 6th round is fair value. They also had a nice homecoming story drafting Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A+
The Steelers had big needs at Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Linebacker, Center, and Cornerback going in. They addressed all those and got a lot tougher. Washington OT Troy Fautanu is an ass kicker who is looking for a fight. Perfect Steeler. The same can be said about West Virginia C Zach Frazier. They also got faster on the outside with Michigan WR Roman Wilson who burned a 4.39 40 at the Combine. NC State LB Payton Wilson was my favorite pick at the end of Round 3. He's got shorter arms and an injury history, but if he can stay healthy, he will be very good. In the middle of Round 6, Texas CB Ryan Watts has a chance to make an impact which is all you can hope for. At #178 overall, Logan Lee out of Iowa provides good depth in case Cam Heyward misses time again. Terrific Draft.
San Francisco 49ers: B-
"Slick Rick", Ricky Pearsall was a curious selection at #31, but we know Brandon Aiyuk liked the pick, texting GM John Lynch right after saying "Fire pick. Can't lie." The team also addressed the Guard position takting Kansas' Dominick Puni at #86 and USC's Jarrett Kingston at #215. RB Isaac Guerendo out of Louisville has a shot to be a depth piece at RB early on.
Seattle Seahawks: B-
The Seahawks have been a 'get off the bus' team for a long time. They want to look big and tough and while Byron Murphy II isn't massive at 297 lbs., he is a freakshow running a 4.87 40-yard dash. Putting him next to Leonard Williams is a dynamic combo inside. Michigan TE AJ Barner in the 4th Round stood out as a guy who can step in and contribute right away.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A
This team has been missing consistency and a certain toughness at the Center position since Ryan Jensen got hurt. He had to retire and the team hasn't been the same since that fateful training camp injury in 2022. Duke's Graham Barton looks to fill in at that position and he is a sharp guy. He values everything he eats as his fuel and he ain't a fat boy. He ran his 3-cone shirtless at his Pro Day and after hearing his interview, I came away very impressed. His tape is a great too and he plays with a similar nastiness as Jensen. Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell got overshadowed as he was buried behind Will Anderson and Dallas Turner. But when he played he produced and he should make an impact year one. Georgia Safety Tykee Smith is described as a "goon" by Liam Blutman and I love his toughness. He'll compete at Nickel and he's got Safety versatility. At the end of Round 3 the Bucs went Washington WR Jalen McMillan who has some juice if he can stay healthy. He's got a big catch radius and big hands and does everything naturally. I love the Oregon RB Bucky Irving pick. He doesn't have homerun speed, but he's shifty with great contact balance and can catch the ball. He'll not only make the roster but play. UTEP Guard Elijah Klein has a shot to start year one which is awesome for the 220th pick. Washington TE Devin Culp is an athletic freak who ran a 4.47 40 at 6'3" 237 lbs. and will compete to make the team. The only guys 230+ that have run that fast as Tight Ends are Evan Engram and Darren Waller so that's good company.
Tennessee Titans: C+
Alabama OT JC Latham is a big ass kicker and he'll help Tennessee establish a run-first identity in a post-Derrick Henry world. Texas DT T'Vondre Sweat could've gone undrafted after a recent DUI. He's got a lot of sloppy weight and bad decision making isn't a good pairing with a guy who needs to shed pounds. Tulane WR Jha'Quan Jackson has some juice for a 6th rounder running 4.42.
Washington Commanders: A
Jayden Daniels at #2 is your franchise guy. Gotta love that pairing with Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Illinois DT Johnny Newton at #36 is great value as a guy who could've gone in the 20s. I love the Michigan CB Mike Sainristil pick at #50. The guy is just a winner and with Daniels and others should help turn around the culture in Washington.
