Grading NFL First Round Picks

1. Tennessee Titans — Cam Ward, University of Miami (QB): A-

Cam Ward is a solid quarterback who could lead the Titans to around seven wins next season. While their issues go far beyond the quarterback position, Tennessee gained a good talent and enthusiastic quarterback in Ward.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (TRADE) — Travis Hunter, University of Colorado (CB/WR): B

Could Travis Hunter be a generational talent? Yes. Would I give up next year’s first-round pick to get him? Absolutely not. This move will improve their roster in a weak AFC South, although the competition is only improving. While I love Hunter, giving up a first-round pick, likely a top-five pick in next year’s draft, is not worth it in the slightest.

3. New York Giants — Abdul Carter, Pennsylvania State University (EDGE): A+

As an elite talent joining an already gifted defense, Abdul Carter will find great success in New York.

4. New England Patriots — Will Campbell, Louisiana State University (OT): B+

The Patriots made a good call repairing the holes in the offensive line, but is Will Campbell the guy to do it? I say yes, but he will have to find a way to elevate his game in the NFL, considering his arm length concerns and how crucial arm length is at the professional level.

5. Cleveland Browns — Mason Graham, University of Michigan (DT): B+

Mason Graham is one of the best defensive tackles in the draft, but it’s a shame he has to play in Cleveland. He could become a great player in a bad situation, much like Myles Garrett, but he will have to be exceptional.

6. Las Vegas Raiders — Ashton Jeanty, Boise State University (RB): B

The Raiders’ pick here is complicated for me: It’s hard to know if an elite talent that should’ve won the Heisman can make a difference behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Ashton Jeanty could be great, but Saquon Barkley’s stint in New York would suggest otherwise.

7. New York Jets — Armand Membou, University of Missouri (OT): A+

Armand Membou is heavily underrated, possibly the offensive tackle with the highest ceiling. I wouldn’t say that they reached, given his fellow offensive tackle Campbell’s placement in the draft, so it’s a great pick all around.

8. Carolina Panthers — Tetairoa McMillan, University of Arizona (WR): B-

In my professional opinion, the Panthers never had a problem with receivers. Tetairoa McMillan is a solid receiver who could become a great talent, but why not improve in the countless other positions? A tight end, defensive lineman, or an offensive lineman would fit better here.

9. New Orleans Saints — Kelvin Banks Jr., University of Texas (OT): B+

Well done Saints, you did something right. Kelvin Banks Jr. may be a reach at this pick, but he will be a great addition to this team. Hopefully, the Saints can lose out next season and grab a generational talent in the next draft.

10. Chicago Bears — Colston Loveland, University of Michigan (TE): C+

The Bears and coach Ben Johnson took a stance with this pick, and I don’t love it. Colston Loveland was my second favorite tight end in the draft, and the Bears’ Cole Kmet is great. However, I look forward to being proven wrong and seeing what unique plays Johnson draws up for Loveland.

11. San Francisco 49ers — Mykel Williams, University of Georgia (EDGE): B

Good length and high potential boost Mykel Williams’ grade, but I can’t get excited about this pick. I would have addressed other defensive positions, like cornerback.

12. Dallas Cowboys — Tyler Booker, University of Alabama (OG): A

Tyler Booker is an excellent pickup for the Cowboys. Zack Martin’s retirement in March meant they needed a new guard to step in, and Booker will get the job done. Great pick at an appropriate spot, too.

13. Miami Dolphins — Kenneth Grant, University of Michigan (DT): C+

The Dolphins could have gone in many other directions to improve their team, and defense is a fair choice. Kenneth Grant, however, is not even worthy of a first-round pick given the other great defensive tackles in this draft.

14. Indianapolis Colts — Tyler Warren, Pennsylvania State University (TE): A+

The Colts lost crucial offensive linemen this offseason, but drafting an exceptional tight end like Tyler Warren is worth missing out on solid linemen. Warren will be the missing piece in the stacked Colts offense.

15. Atlanta Falcons — Jalon Walker, University of Georgia (LB): B+

Jalon Walker is a slight steal for the Falcons, but his production history worries me if he were to start on day one.

16. Arizona Cardinals — Walter Nolen, University of Mississippi (DT): B+

The Cardinals made an alright choice with Walter Nolen, who should hopefully learn something from veteran Calais Campbell. He could turn out to be great, or he could be just fine.

17. Cincinnati Bengals — Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M University (EDGE): C-

Bad efficiency deters me from grading this pick any higher than a C. He’s a great athlete who could blossom, but he’ll need much help from the Bengals’ coaching staff.

18. Seattle Seahawks — Grey Zabel, North Dakota State University (OG): B

The Seahawks needed a good offensive lineman, and Grey Zabel fits the description.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Emeka Egbuka, The Ohio State University (WR): A-

Mike Evans will eventually retire, and Emeka Egbuka could develop into a nice replacement. Evans is a Hall of Fame wide receiver, so Egbuka has large shoes to fill, but he will turn out just fine.

20. Denver Broncos — Jahdae Barron, University of Texas (CB): A+

The Broncos made the right call drafting Jahdae Barron, an absolute steal at the 20th overall pick. They could have addressed their running back room with this pick, but Barron makes the Broncos’ secondary even more elite.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Derrick Harmon, University of Oregon (DT): B+

The Steelers got an incredible steal with Derrick Harmon, although the team will need to develop Harmon’s athleticism and readiness for the NFL.

22. Los Angeles Chargers — Omarion Hampton, University of North Carolina (RB): B+

The Chargers just picked up veteran running back Najee Harris, and using the 22nd pick on a running back may have been a reach. Despite these concerns, Omarion Hampton is a great athlete and has produced excellent results at Chapel Hill. He should be a part of a good one-two punch in the run game.

23. Green Bay Packers — Matthew Golden, University of Texas (WR): B

Green Bay may have a wide receiver issue in the upcoming seasons, but was now the time to invest in a good receiver? I think not. He reached almost 1,000 yards in the 2024 season, but his lack of success outside of this past season leaves me skeptical. For reference, elite NFL receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Malik Nabers all had seasons with 1,500+ yards. At best, Golden could become a solid wide receiver if many receivers leave the team in 2026. At worst, he could be a mediocre version of Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who reached 1,000 yards not once, but twice in 2020 and 2021.

24. Minnesota Vikings — Donovan Jackson, The Ohio State University (OG): B

The Vikings are strong in almost every position, so choosing Donovan Jackson is neither a bad nor a great move. Jackson is a solid guard who could make the jump to the professional level, but who knows if he’ll get the opportunity. The Vikings’ pick here seems to be a player who will pay off in a few years or be a plug-and-play, depending on injuries. Jackson could turn out to be great depending on playtime, but I’m hesitant to call it a good pick just yet.

25. New York Giants (TRADE) — Jaxson Dart, University of Mississippi (QB): C-

The Giants traded up to get their possible next-in-line quarterback and decided to draft Jaxson Dart. What an awful move, as Dart is not even a top-three quarterback prospect in this draft. This pick can join the many decisions on Joe Schoen’s resume as a failed general manager.

26. Atlanta Falcons (TRADE) — James Pearce Jr., University of Tennessee (EDGE): B-

I don’t hate how much the Falcons are bolstering their edge rushing game, but there are better prospects to grab when trading up for a pick.

27. Baltimore Ravens — Malaki Starks, University of Georgia (S): B

The Ravens desperately need help in their secondary, so Malaki Starks is a good pick. There are a few players I’d prefer for Baltimore before Starks, but he’ll turn out fine.

28. Detroit Lions — Tyleik Williams, The Ohio State University (DT): B

The Ohio State University’s Tyleik Williams is a solid pick for the Lions and could turn into a great starting piece. That reality, however, seems a bit far from the present, and Williams will need some time to gain traction in the NFL.

29. Washington Commanders — Josh Conerly Jr., University of Oregon (OT): A-

The Commanders’ success last season had much to do with elite, veteran linemen on cheap deals. Building an offensive line to grow with your possible franchise quarterback is key, and Washington has taken a necessary step in that direction by picking Josh Conerly Jr.

30. Buffalo Bills — Maxwell Hairston, University of Kentucky (CB): D

His draft profile has many people believing that Maxwell Hairston will be a solid player in the NFL. His awful stats this past season suggest otherwise. Despite playing only six fewer games in 2024 than 2023, he recorded 49 fewer total tackles and four fewer interceptions. I strongly dislike Hairston, so much that I believe he will be this year’s biggest bust.

31. Philadelphia Eagles (TRADE) — Jihaad Campbell, University of Alabama (LB): A

I’m tired of the Eagles getting away with highway robbery in the drafts. Jihaad Campbell is a stud player with some injury concerns, but a freak athlete whose production is incredible. The Eagles’ general manager, Howie Roseman, has pulled off another draft steal.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (TRADE) — Josh Simmons, The Ohio State University (OT): A+

Moving down one spot and drafting an incredible offensive tackle like Josh Simmons while gaining a fifth-round pick is excellent work for Kansas City. Simmons went down with an injury midway through last season, but his pre-injury excellence makes me confident in his NFL capabilities.