The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and it’s time to hand out some grades for each team’s rookie haul. Grading a draft class is always a bit like trying to predict the weather a year out—there’s a lot of guesswork, but you can spot the teams that came prepared with a plan and those that got caught in the rain. The best draft classes blend immediate impact with long-term potential, snagging players who fit the team’s needs while also nabbing great value—think grabbing a future star in the fourth round or a plug-and-play starter later than expected. It’s about talent, fit, and a little bit of front-office magic. Let’s dive into how all 32 teams fared, breaking down why their picks earned them a spot at the head of the class or a seat in the back.
Arizona Cardinals: A-
The Cardinals kicked things off with a bang, landing two instant-impact defenders who could transform their front seven. Their first-round pick was a steal, sliding down the board due to injury concerns but bringing All-Pro potential to the secondary. They took a couple of swings on defense later that felt like reaches, but the upside of their early picks and a late-round gem at corner push this class into the upper tier. Arizona’s offense didn’t get much love until the sixth round, but with this defensive haul, they’re betting on stopping opponents first.
Atlanta Falcons: A
The Falcons crushed it, plain and simple. They doubled up on athletic pass-rushers in the first round, addressing a glaring need with players who can get after the quarterback from Day 1. Their second-round linebacker was a perfect marriage of need and value, sliding further than expected but bringing elite playmaking to the defense. Atlanta’s front office played the board like a fiddle, and this class could be the foundation for a playoff push.
Baltimore Ravens: A+
Baltimore’s draft was a masterclass in letting the board come to them. They snagged a top-five talent in the first round without moving an inch, then kept adding versatile, high-upside players who fit their physical, smart brand of football. The safety they grabbed can play all over the secondary, and their late-round running back has the burst to complement their ground game. This is the kind of draft that keeps the Ravens perennial contenders.
Buffalo Bills: A+
The Bills went all-in on their defense, and it’s hard to argue with the results. Their first five picks were defensive studs, from a lockdown corner in the first round to a massive defensive tackle who fell further than he should’ve. The value they got on a run-stuffing tight end in the fifth round was just icing on the cake. Buffalo’s offense is already a juggernaut, so bulking up the defense with this kind of talent and value makes them downright scary.
Carolina Panthers: A+
Carolina’s draft was a home run, addressing their pass-rush woes with two edge rushers who bring different flavors of disruption. Trading up to secure their guys didn’t cost them much, and both players could start right away. Their third-round receiver adds a dynamic weapon to an offense that’s been begging for playmakers. The Panthers got better in a hurry, and this class could be the spark for a turnaround.
Chicago Bears: A
The Bears are loading up around their young quarterback, and this draft was a big step forward. Their first-round tight end is a matchup nightmare who’ll make life easier for the signal-caller, and the second-round running back has the vision and burst to keep defenses honest. Chicago didn’t ignore the trenches, adding a versatile lineman who could start by midseason. This class is all about giving their QB the tools to succeed, and they nailed it.
Cincinnati Bengals: D-
The Bengals took a big swing on a raw, athletic defensive end in the first round, but it’s a risky bet given their immediate needs. Their linebacker picks in the second and fourth rounds feel like insurance for potential roster turnover rather than surefire starters. The offensive line got some late love, but this class lacks the immediate impact Cincinnati needed to stay in the AFC North hunt. They’re banking on traits over polish, and that’s a tough sell.
Cleveland Browns: B
Cleveland’s draft was a wild ride. Trading back from the No. 2 pick was a savvy move, netting them extra capital, including a 2026 first-rounder. Their first-round defensive tackle is a stud who’ll pair nicely with their pass-rushers, but the decision to take two running backs early raised eyebrows for a rebuilding team. The fifth-round quarterback pick was a head-scratcher, muddling an already crowded QB room. Still, their linebacker and tight end additions bring dynamism to a defense that’s shaping up as a strength.
Dallas Cowboys: B
Dallas filled some holes with players who can contribute right away, like a stout guard in the first round and a high-motor pass-rusher in the second. But passing on elite talents at tight end and linebacker to take a guard felt like a reach, especially with their offensive weapons still thin beyond their star receiver. The Cowboys redeemed themselves with a late-round corner who could be a steal, but this class is more solid than spectacular.
Denver Broncos: B+
The Broncos played it smart, grabbing a versatile defensive back in the first round who can lock down multiple spots in the secondary. Their later picks added depth to the defensive line and offensive skill positions, with a running back who could be a sneaky good fit for their scheme. Denver didn’t make any splashy moves, but this is a well-rounded class that boosts their roster without breaking the bank.
Detroit Lions: B+
The Lions shored up their defensive front with a massive tackle in the first round, a security blanket for an injured starter. Their later picks added depth at edge and in the secondary, with a corner who could compete for snaps early. Detroit didn’t address their offensive line as much as expected, but this class keeps their defense trending upward, which is key in the NFC North.
Green Bay Packers: B-
The Packers took a conservative approach, grabbing a guard in the first round to solidify their interior line. It’s a safe pick, but passing on flashier playmakers felt like a missed opportunity for a team with playoff aspirations. Their receiver pick in the second round is a slot specialist who might struggle to carve out a role in a crowded room. Green Bay’s draft is solid but lacks the sizzle to push them over the top.
Houston Texans: C+
The Texans started strong, bolstering their offensive line in the second round to protect their young quarterback. But things went sideways with reaches on a safety, running back, and quarterback who don’t scream immediate impact. Houston needed more firepower to compete in the AFC South, and this class feels like a mixed bag that leans on hope rather than certainty.
Indianapolis Colts: A-
The Colts hit a grand slam with their first-round tight end, a do-it-all weapon who’ll make their quarterback’s life easier. Their edge rusher in the second round is a high-floor run-stopper who fits their defensive identity. Adding a tackle with All-Pro upside late was a coup. Indy’s draft is a perfect blend of need, value, and upside, setting them up for a big 2025.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B-
The Jaguars made waves trading up for a two-way star who can play receiver and corner, but the cost—two first-rounders and a second—was steep. Their guard in the third round is a plug-and-play starter, and their running back depth picks add versatility. Jacksonville’s betting big on their headliner, but the price tag dings their grade despite the talent.
Kansas City Chiefs: A+
The Chiefs played chess while others played checkers. Their late-round value picks, like a speedy receiver who fell way too far, were absolute steals. Their first-round defensive lineman is a high-upside pass-rusher who fits their aggressive scheme. Kansas City didn’t have to do much to stay elite, but this class keeps their roster deep and dangerous.
Las Vegas Raiders: A+
The Raiders nailed every pick, starting with a first-round quarterback who could be their long-term answer. Their second-round receiver and third-round corner add explosive playmaking on both sides of the ball. Vegas addressed every major need with high-upside players, and their late-round linebacker is a special teams ace with starter potential. This is a franchise-altering draft.
Los Angeles Chargers: B
The Chargers went heavy on the trenches, grabbing a defensive tackle and offensive lineman early to control the line of scrimmage. Their third-round running back is a bruising complement to their backfield. It’s a solid, if unspectacular, class that fits their physical identity but lacks the star power to elevate them in the AFC West.
Los Angeles Rams: C+
The Rams took a tight end in the second round to plan for the future, but it felt like a luxury pick for a team with bigger holes. Their edge rusher in the third round has upside but needs polish. The Rams didn’t do enough to address their secondary or offensive line, leaving this class feeling incomplete despite some intriguing pieces.
Miami Dolphins: B+
Miami landed a dominant nose tackle in the first round who’ll eat up double teams and free up their edge rushers. Their later picks added depth at receiver and in the secondary, with a corner who could be a steal if he stays healthy. The Dolphins didn’t swing for the fences, but this class strengthens their foundation.
Minnesota Vikings: D
The Vikings played it safe with a first-round guard to protect their young quarterback, but it felt like a reach when playmakers were on the board. Their second-round receiver is a slot guy who might get lost in a crowded room. Minnesota needed more splash to keep pace in the NFC North, and this class feels like a missed opportunity.
New England Patriots: B-
The Patriots went offense-heavy, starting with a first-round tackle who’s an athletic marvel but needs time to develop. Their second-round running back and third-round receiver add weapons for their young quarterback, but the defense got little attention until late. New England’s building for the future, but this class lacks immediate juice.
New Orleans Saints: C
The Saints took a chance on a quarterback in the first round, a boom-or-bust pick that could define this class. Their later selections at running back and linebacker are solid but uninspiring. New Orleans needed more impact players to climb the NFC South, and this draft hinges on their QB panning out.
New York Giants: C
The Giants traded up for a quarterback in the first round, a bold move for a guy with starter traits but inconsistent tape. Their first-round edge rusher is a blue-chip talent who’ll wreak havoc, but the rest of the class feels like depth pieces rather than difference-makers. New York’s draft is a mixed bag with big potential and big risks.
New York Jets: B+
The Jets passed on a quarterback but still put together a strong class, starting with a first-round tackle who’ll anchor their line for years. Their second-round tight end and third-round receiver are weapons for whoever’s under center. New York addressed key needs with high-value picks, making this a sneaky-good draft.
Philadelphia Eagles: A
The Eagles reloaded with a first-round corner who’s a lockdown artist and a second-round edge rusher with double-digit sack potential. Their late-round linebacker is a special teams demon with starter upside. Philly didn’t have many holes, but this class plugs them with blue-chip talent and depth.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
The Steelers added a first-round defensive lineman who could be a long-term anchor next to their star veterans. Their third-round running back is a home-run threat who upgrades their backfield. Pittsburgh played it safe, but this class has the potential to keep their defense elite and their offense balanced.
San Francisco 49ers: D+
The 49ers had a golden opportunity to land elite talent but settled for a first-round edge rusher who’s solid but not spectacular. Their second-round defensive tackle raises the floor but won’t collapse pockets. San Francisco reached on multiple picks, including a receiver and linebacker who were projected much later. This class is a rare misstep for a usually sharp front office.
Seattle Seahawks: A
Seattle’s draft was a thing of beauty. Their first-round safety has All-Pro potential, and their third-round quarterback is a steal with upside as a runner and passer. The center they grabbed late could be a future All-Pro. The Seahawks addressed needs while adding dynamic players who fit their new era.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C+
The Bucs took a first-round receiver who’s a bit redundant in their crowded room, a questionable use of a high pick. Their edge rusher and corner in later rounds were solid value, but this class lacks the impact to push Tampa over the hump in the NFC South. They played it safe when they needed a spark.
Tennessee Titans: C
The Titans landed the top quarterback in the class, a big win for a team desperate for a franchise signal-caller. But their later picks, including a corner and guard, were reaches that don’t address immediate needs. Tennessee’s draft grade hinges on their QB, but the lack of value elsewhere hurts.
Washington Commanders: A
The Commanders crushed it, starting with a second-round corner who’s a man-coverage beast. Their later picks at edge and offensive line add depth and upside. Washington didn’t have a first-rounder, but they maximized their capital with players who fit their tough, physical identity.
This draft was a wild ride, with some teams laying the foundation for dynasties and others leaving fans scratching their heads. The beauty of the NFL Draft is that these grades are just the starting point—give it a few years, and we’ll see who’s hoisting trophies and who’s back at the drawing board. For now, the Ravens, Bills, Chiefs, Panthers, and Raiders look like they’re ahead of the curve, while the Bengals, Vikings, and 49ers have some work to do. Who’s your winner? Let’s talk about it.
