Final NFL Draft Grades: Evaluating Every Team’s 2024 Draft Class
The anticipation surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft was palpable, with teams making bold moves to secure top talent and address pressing needs. As the dust settles and the grades are handed out, each team’s draft class is under scrutiny, evaluated for its impact and potential for the upcoming season and beyond.
Arizona Cardinals – Grade: A- GM Monti Ossenfort’s aggressive approach paid dividends for the Cardinals, who made a flurry of trades to bolster their roster. Landing standout receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and addressing key areas like pass rush and cornerback position, Arizona’s draft class looks promising for the future.
Atlanta Falcons – Grade: C- The Falcons’ decision to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. early in the draft raised eyebrows, especially after recent investments in Kirk Cousins. While they aimed to shore up their defensive front, the overall impact of their draft class feels underwhelming.
Baltimore Ravens – Grade: B Displaying their trademark patience, the Ravens focused on fortifying their offensive line and adding depth at key positions. Despite some surprises in their selections, Baltimore’s draft strategy appears calculated and could pay off in the long run.
Buffalo Bills – Grade: B- GM Brandon Beane’s focus on addressing team needs resulted in a draft class that filled several gaps in the Bills’ roster. While some selections may have been reaches, Buffalo’s overall approach suggests a methodical effort to strengthen the team for the upcoming season.
Carolina Panthers – Grade: B- The Panthers’ ambitious trades to secure top prospects like WR Xavier Legette and RB Jonathon Brooks showcased their commitment to bolstering their roster. However, the lack of defensive impact raises questions about the overall effectiveness of their draft strategy.
Chicago Bears – Grade: A- With savvy picks like quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze, the Bears emerged as one of the draft’s winners. Their focus on addressing key positions and adding depth across the roster bodes well for their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Cincinnati Bengals – Grade: A The Bengals’ forward-thinking approach paid off, as they strategically addressed future needs while solidifying their roster. From securing talent on the offensive line to adding depth on defense, Cincinnati’s draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
Cleveland Browns – Grade: C Limited draft capital and a focus on depth rather than immediate impact resulted in a modest draft class for the Browns. While they addressed key positions, the overall lack of standout selections may hinder their ability to make significant strides in the upcoming season.
Dallas Cowboys – Grade: B The Cowboys’ draft strategy raised eyebrows with some unconventional picks, but their focus on shoring up the offensive line and adding defensive depth could pay off in the long run. However, questions remain about the impact of their selections on the team’s immediate competitiveness.
Denver Broncos – Grade: B- Banking on the potential of quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos aimed to bolster their offensive arsenal with key selections like wide receiver Troy Franklin. While their draft class shows promise, much will depend on Nix’s performance and development in the coming seasons.
Detroit Lions – Grade: B+ GM Brad Holmes’ shrewd maneuvering resulted in a draft class that addressed key needs while adding depth and potential impact players. With a focus on securing talent across the roster, the Lions emerge as one of the draft’s winners.
Green Bay Packers – Grade: B Despite limited draft capital, the Packers strategically added talent to key positions, showcasing GM Brian Gutekunst’s knack for finding value in later rounds. While their draft class lacks standout selections, Green Bay’s focus on building depth could pay dividends in the long run.
Houston Texans – Grade: A- GM Nick Caserio’s emphasis on building depth and securing future talent paid off for the Texans, who addressed key positions while bolstering their roster. With a focus on developing young talent, Houston’s draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
Indianapolis Colts – Grade: C+ The Colts’ draft strategy, focused primarily on offense, raised questions about their priorities and overall competitiveness. While they secured talent to support quarterback Anthony Richardson, the lack of focus on key defensive positions could hinder their ability to contend in the upcoming season.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Grade: A- The Jaguars’ draft class showcased their commitment to building a competitive roster, with strategic moves to secure top prospects and address key areas of need. From bolstering their offensive line to adding depth on defense, Jacksonville’s draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
Kansas City Chiefs – Grade: A- Boasting an elite defense and seeking to support quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ draft strategy focused on adding offensive firepower. With key selections like wide receiver Xavier Worthy, Kansas City’s draft class positions them for success in the upcoming season.
Las Vegas Raiders – Grade: B- The Raiders’ draft class featured solid selections across multiple positions, with a focus on adding depth and potential impact players. While they missed out on a quarterback, Las Vegas’ draft class shows promise for the future.
Los Angeles Chargers – Grade: A- New head coach Jim Harbaugh’s emphasis on bringing in talent from Power 5 conferences paid off for the Chargers, who secured key prospects to bolster their roster. With strategic picks like offensive tackle Joe Alt and linebacker Junior Colson, Los Angeles’ draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
Los Angeles Rams – Grade: B Preparing for the future without Aaron Donald, the Rams focused on adding defensive talent to complement their roster. While their draft class lacks standout selections, Los Angeles’ strategic approach positions them for continued success in the upcoming season.
Miami Dolphins – Grade: A- The Dolphins’ draft class showcased their commitment to adding speed and talent to their roster, with key selections like edge rusher Chop Robinson and offensive tackle Patrick Paul. With a focus on addressing key areas of need, Miami’s draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
Minnesota Vikings – Grade: A Aggressive moves to secure top prospects like quarterback J.J. McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner paid off for the Vikings, who bolstered their roster with key additions. With a focus on addressing key areas of need, Minnesota’s draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
New England Patriots – Grade: B+ The Patriots’ draft strategy, focused on bolstering their offense, showcased their commitment to supporting quarterback Drake Maye. With key selections like receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, New England’s draft class positions them for success in the upcoming season.
New Orleans Saints – Grade: B Strong picks at key positions like tackle Taliese Fuaga and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry highlighted the Saints’ draft class, which focused on addressing key areas of need. While their draft lacked standout selections, New Orleans’ strategic approach positions them for continued success in the upcoming season.
New York Giants – Grade: B+ The Giants’ draft class featured solid selections across multiple positions, with a focus on adding playmakers to their roster. While they missed out on a franchise quarterback, New York’s draft class shows promise for the future.
New York Jets – Grade: B Strategic moves to address key areas of need like offensive tackle and wide receiver paid off for the Jets, who secured top prospects to bolster their roster. With a focus on building depth and talent, New York’s draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles – Grade: A- GM Howie Roseman’s shrewd maneuvering and focus on securing top talent paid off for the Eagles, who addressed key positions while adding depth to their roster. With strategic picks like cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Philadelphia’s draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Grade: A+ Aggressive moves to bolster their offensive line and add playmakers highlighted the Steelers’ draft class, which focused on addressing key areas of need. With top prospects like offensive tackle Troy Fautanu and wide receiver Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh’s draft class stands out as one of the most promising in the league.
San Francisco 49ers – Grade: B- The 49ers’ draft class showcased their commitment to adding talent to their roster, with key selections like receiver Ricky Pearsall and cornerback Renardo Green. While they missed out on addressing key positions early in the draft, San Francisco’s strategic approach positions them for continued success in the upcoming season.
Seattle Seahawks – Grade: B Limited draft capital didn’t deter the Seahawks from adding depth and potential impact players to their roster. With strategic picks like defensive tackle Byron Murphy and offensive lineman Christian Haynes, Seattle’s draft class shows promise for the future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Grade: B+ The Buccaneers’ draft class focused on addressing key needs while adding potential impact players to their roster. With solid selections like center Graham Barton and edge rusher Chris Braswell, Tampa Bay’s draft class positions them well for the upcoming season.
Tennessee Titans – Grade: B- A commitment to physicality and bolstering the trenches highlighted the Titans’ draft class, which addressed key areas of need while adding depth to their roster. With strategic picks like offensive lineman JC Latham and nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, Tennessee’s draft class shows promise for the future.
Washington Commanders – Grade: B+ While the Commanders’ draft focused heavily on defense, with standout selections like defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and cornerback Mike Sainristil, their failure to address key areas like the offensive line could be a concern. However, Washington’s draft class positions them for continued success in the upcoming season.
In summary, the 2024 NFL Draft saw teams make strategic moves to address key areas of need while adding depth and talent to their rosters. With standout selections and strategic maneuvering, several teams positioned themselves well for success in the upcoming season. As training camps approach, the impact of these draft classes will become clearer, but for now, teams and fans alike can be optimistic about the future based on the promising talent acquired in the draft.