After the conclusion of the NFL Draft, rosters are starting to get settled. While the draft, and scouting, is based on projection, on paper some teams fared better than others in the draft. Here are their respective grades:

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills: B+ 

Adding Dalton Kincaid and O’Cyrus Torrence filled two important positions on offense. Last season the Bills relied too heavily on Josh Allen, which led to a career-high 57 scrambles for him. Adding Torrence is an investment in the run game, and Kincaid gives them a player who can find space down the seam and also split out wide like a receiver. The selection of Justin Shorter gives them another big-bodied receiver who provides some upside, especially as a complimentary piece in this offense. With their draft capital, Buffalo was able to address their most pressing needs with a few high-ceiling players. 

Miami Dolphins: B

Miami didn’t have much capital going into the draft, but the Dolphins were able to land at least two players with their top two picks who have the ability to contribute right away. Adding depth and competition at cornerback was crucial for Miami, especially given the offenses they will be facing in their division, and Cam Smith provides them with a sticky corner who could become a key fixture in their secondary. The selection of Devon Achane was a good fit for this offense, and he provides a spark to the backfield. While Achane is known for his speed, he can also take on contact well, and should carve out a role quickly.

New England Patriots: B+

New England drafted in very typical Patriots fashion, with their top three picks going towards fortifying the defense. Raising the floor of this defense means taking pressure of Mac Jones and the offense. With Christian Gonzalez they get a physical corner who can do what their other corners can’t, and that’s matchup with big receivers. Adding Keion White—who enters the NFL with a big chip on his shoulder—could be seen as one of the best selections of the entire draft. White is versatile and still only scratching the surface as a player. Taking a flier on Kayshon Boutte at receiver could pay off, and if there is an organization that will demand a lot of him, it’s New England—he’ll either flame out quickly, or become a solid role player down the road.

New York Jets: A-

This grade reflects the capital required to go get Aaron Rodgers, who instantly makes this team a contender in the AFC. Instead of going all-in on winning right now, the Jets were able to also look to the future and draft a player in Will McDonald who could become a key player on their front seven. His bend and ability to track down the quarterback makes him an intriguing piece on a defense that is brimming with young talent. Grabbing Zack Kuntz in the seventh round could pay dividends, while the investment in the offensive line early was absolutely necessary for the Jets. This team knows that they are good enough to make a deep playoff run, and they were able to both secure depth for the future and also add a key piece or two to try to help them do that.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: A-

In one off-season, the Ravens were able to improve what has been a position of severe need over the last few years: wide receiver. With Odell Beckham set to lineup opposite Rashod Bateman, the selection of Zay Flowers gives Baltimore a shifty player who can eat up yards underneath. Flowers is also physical and can play bigger than his size—given the injury history of both Bateman and Beckham, he could lead their receivers in receptions by season’s end. The Ravens were also able to add quality depth later, and with Trenton Simpson they get a player to develop at linebacker who is rangy and fits their scheme. He’s someone who gives them flexibility at a position they highly value. The selection of Andrew Vorhees moved the needle for this grade, and he could eventually become a valuable starter for this offensive line.

Cincinnati Bengals: A-

Another team that drafted for the future, and was able to draft high-upside players in the process, the Bengals had a solid draft. By selecting DJ Turner and Jordan Battle, the Bengals landed two players who they can move around their secondary—as they like to do—without expecting them to be immediate contributors. First-round selection Myles Murphy gives Cincinnati a long, high-motor pass rusher who they can rotate along their front-seven and still see production early. Both Chase Brown and Charlie Jones are positioned to see playing time early, though neither were drafted to be starters. From top to bottom, the Bengals hit areas of need while also adding key depth players.

Cleveland Browns: B

Without any picks in the first two rounds, the Browns were still able to select a couple of players who could contribute sooner than later. Cedric Tillman gives them an X-receiver to compliment Amari Cooper, which the offense needed, while Dawand Jones projects as a boom-or-bust player on the offensive line. Jones fell due to character concerns, so if the Browns can get the most out of his potential, they might have landed a steal in the 4th round. Shoring up the interior of the defensive line was also a priority, as this was a position of weakness last season, and Siaki Ika gives them a big-bodied player who can eat up space and help apply pressure on the interior. As it stands, the Browns filled needs with a few quality players, but they could also see this grade improve if Jones is able to take that next step in becoming a pro.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A-

With their first five picks, the Steelers landed a handful of players who could become quality starters down the road. Both Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. provide the most upside as immediate contributors, while Keeanu Benton and Darnell Washington are poised to begin as rotational players at their respective positions. Porter Jr. landed in an ideal situation, and should be able to correct some of his flaws in coverage through both good coaching and learning from Patrick Peterson. With Washington, they get a player who helps in the run game, but could develop into a solid receiving threat down the road. This was a classic Pittsburgh draft, and we could look back on this class in a few years and find a handful of players that hit.

AFC South

Houston Texans: A-

This draft was about establishing an identity as a team, and in the process finding cornerstone players for both sides of the ball. The Texans did that—albeit, at a steep price—when they drafted CJ Stroud and then traded up for Will Anderson. With Stroud, the floor for this offense became instantly elevated. While they had the capital to move up, the team took a gamble that Anderson will give them an impact edge rusher like Von Miller and Khalil Mack did for their respective teams. Landing Henry To’oTo’o in the fifth has the potential to become a steal, while the selection of Tank Dell gives them a speedy slot receiver who can not only stretch the field but also compliment their current corp of big-bodied receivers. As long as the draft pick that they gave up for Anderson doesn’t become a top selection in 2024, this class could be looked at as the one that helped this organization turn the corner. 

Indianapolis Colts: B+

Based on the trajectory of Anthony Richardson, this grade could change significantly over the next few years. While immensely gifted as an athlete, Richardson comes into the league raw, and had enough moments in college that raised questions about his ability to adapt to the NFL game. His development will shape this organization over the next few years, for better or worse. Outside of quarterback—easily the Colts biggest need—the team was able to land quality players in Julius Brents and Josh Downs. While Downs isn’t the most imposing, he should be able to give them the sort of production they sought from Paris Campbell in the slot. Brents is a physical, long corner who could become a key player for a secondary that severely lacked depth and star-power. If Darius Rush also hits, this class could give the Colts a pair of cornerbacks they rely on for years to come. One more name to keep an eye on is Will Mallory at tight end.

Jacksonville Jaguars: B

After loading up the defense—and seeing mixed results—during last year’s free agency period and draft, the Jaguars were able to focus on adding to the offense. Anton Harrison gives them insurance at the tackle position, and could see play time sooner than later. If nothing else, he’s a relatively safe prospect who could turn into a quality starter. With Tank Bigsby, the Jaguars get a down-hill runner to compliment Travis Etienne, who they will likely be looking to move around the formation and use in different ways. Bigsby is more of a traditional back, and could end up producing at a high level, especially if Etienne misses time. All in all, the Jaguars left the draft with players who could become key contributors, but no true star power like they received in the last two drafts. 

Tennessee Titans: B+

With a little luck, the Titans landed a top prospect at tackle in Peter Skronoski, and a potential future quarterback in Will Levis. The fact that Levis fell to them in the second round should give pause on rating the class too high, but he also has the potential to develop behind Ryan Tannehill, who shares similar traits as a physical runner and deep-ball thrower. It also helps that they did not have to sacrifice significant capital on Levis, which gives them breathing room in his development and takes some of the pressure off. With Tyjae Spears, the Titans get a back who can spell Derrick Henry and perhaps succeed him in the near future. He’s physical as a runner and also provides value as a receiver; this pick is a good fit for both team and player. With Levis being the key to this class, the Titans could see this grade improve significantly over the next few years, though it also presents a respectable floor for where they are at as a team.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: B+

Considering the Broncos did not have a first round pick, what they were able to do with their selections should bolster their chances of competing in a stacked AFC West. Marvin Mims should make a good case to play inside as a slot receiver, and gives them a player who can stretch the field. By emphasizing the offense early, Broncos showed they’re serious about getting the most out of Russel Wilson in a pivotal year. Adding Drew Sanders and Riley Moss also gives the defense important depth with players who have the chance to contribute right away. Moss might make a bigger impact at safety, but he could push for playing time at corner right away. Sanders is a sideline-to-sideline player who can also rush the passer. Between these picks and what they have in place, the Broncos are positioned to improve upon an underwhelming 2022 season.

Kansas City Chiefs: B+

After crushing last year’s draft, the Chiefs came into this off-season without any glaring holes. Coming off a Super Bowl title, they were able to add depth at key positions and help maintain the strengths of this roster. Rashee Rice in the second-round offers them a player with a wide catch-radius and receiver who is physical at the point of attack. He should compliment their current set of weapons, which is deep and filled with similarly high-upside players. The Felix Anudike-Uzomah pick in the first-round gives them a future running mate to George Karlaftis. Emphasizing these positions shows the Chiefs are looking to fully maximize their Super Bowl window under Patrick Mahomes. 

Los Angeles Chargers: A-

This grade especially reflects the Chargers first two founds. Quentin Johnson is a big wide receiver who is dangerous after the catch. His basketball frame pairs well with what the team currently has, and he could become a red zone-favorite. The versatility and power that Tuli Tuipulotu brings gives this defense a potential star, especially considered his supporting cast. Johnson’s teammate, Derius Davis, is another weapon for this team, and he could offer the Chargers a spark on special teams—he set the TCU record for all-time punt returns. Daiyan Henley is another player that should contribute soon on special teams, and has starter ability in the future. The Chargers got better at key positions, and should feel good about this class.

Las Vegas Raiders: B+

The Raiders must have went into this draft feeling good about quarterback. Even still, they were able to land one of the higher-upside prospects in Aidan O’Connell. Quarterbacks dominate this league, and if this team landed a potential starter in O’Connell, this grade looks a lot better in a few years. For O’Connell, it’s a good fit. Drafting Michael Mayer in the second round was also smart, and gives them a replacement for Darren Waller. With Tyree Wilson, they get a player that could have a Khalil Mack-like impact for this team. He gives them a presence off of the edge that they were missing last year. Even though they didn’t have a lot of picks, none were used to draft an offensive linemen. The Raiders probably didn’t expect Mayer to fall, and quite possibly Wilson either. They did well, but they could have done better with their later picks. 

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: B-

The Cowboys, though picking in the later part of round-one, seemed to have drafted for need. In Mazi Smith they get a true nose tackle, but his game might not fully translate to the NFL. If he hits, this unit is well-positioned moving forward, as there are few dominant nose tackles in the league. After the Bills jumped them for Dalton Kincaid, drafting Luke Schoonmaker in the next round feels like they settled. Given how many trades happened in round-two, one could argue Dallas could have jumped up for one of the more premier tight ends. Smith and Schoonmaker will be how this class will be remembered, even though getting DeMarvion Overshown in the third-round could give Dallas the sort of fixture they’ve been looking at at off-ball linebacker for some time now. This grade gets a significant raise if Deuce Vaughn can become the sort of Darren Sproles-type weapon that many saw him as entering the draft.

New York Giants: A-

Through the first five rounds, the Giants landed a handful of likely starters, and also some quality depth at key positions. Improving the receiver room was looked at as being a high priority for New York coming into the draft, though the team was able to wait until the third-round for Jalin Hyatt. Even with the transition ahead of him, Hyatt has the potential to make an impact on this offense as a true deep threat. Landing John Michael Schmitz means the Giants can continue to strengthen their offensive line, which made strides last season; he was a good value and should be a starter right away. With Deonte Banks, they get a corner that fits what Wink Martindale wants to do on defense, and that’s play tight press coverage—his presence should make life easier on what is becoming a talented stable of pass rushers. In Eric Gray, they get a solid backup running back that also fits this offense well. This draft class added quality depth to a young, budding team trying to catch up with the Eagles and Cowboys in terms of talent.

Philadelphia Eagles: A+

With potential hits across the first four rounds, the rich might have just gotten a lot richer. The Jalen Carter-drop gave Philly a potential game-wrecker—on an already stacked defensive line, no less. Philadelphia played the board well, addressing key positions with both of their first and third-round selections. Sydney Brown at safety gives them a smart player who could work his way up the depth chart quickly. Taking advantage of Kelee Ringo sliding in the draft also could pay dividends down the road—he has a high ceiling in this defense. With Nolan Smith, the Eagles get a gifted player who they can shuffle into the rotation of pass rushers that was dominate last year. By Tanner McKee was a flier in the sixth-round who has the potential to outplay Ian Book for a roster spot. Add in the trade for D’Andre Swift and this team looks like the deepest roster in the league. 

Washington Commanders: B-

The class of cornerbacks this year was much like the receivers—different teams had different flavors—which is why the decision to pick Emmanuel Forbes over other cornerbacks on the board is not considered to be a reach. Forbes has elite ball-skills, with production that goes back to his high school days, and could be a sneaky pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year. If Forbes gives them the sort of production they’re hoping for, this draft looks a lot better. Adding to the defensive secondary with the versatile safety Jartavius Martin—an area of need—before adding depth to the offensive line goes to show how much this organization believes in its current roster, and that includes at quarterback. If anything, this team is set up to drop a high-profile quarterback into the lineup next offseason and enjoy the work they’ve put in over the last few years by building a solid roster. While not flashy, this class was efficient in landing a few players who should make their impact felt sooner than later.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: A-

After turning the first overall pick into a big haul for the future, including the acquisition of DJ Moore, the Bears were able to still land a premier player at a position of high need with the selection of Darnell Wright. Protecting Justin Fields, and surrounding him with a slew of new weapons, was clearly an emphasis for the Bears, and they have so far succeeded in doing that throughout the off-season. From Noah Sewell in the fifth-round, to both Tyler Scott and Roschon Johnson in the fourth-round, Chicago was able to add some interesting players with both upside and scheme-fit for their respective positions. While the defense still has a ways to go, in terms of both depth and talent, the trajectory of this team appears to be going up. If cornerback Tyrique Stevenson can be a compliment to Jaylon Johnson—who plays a similar style of ball—then this draft looks that much better. 

Detroit Lions: A-

The public perception is that Lions reached on day one of the draft—as both Jack Campbell and Jahmyr Gibbs could have very likely been available at later points in the draft—but Detroit also knew the two positions they wanted to address with premier talent. Gibbs will give this squad a spark, as he can immediately contribute with his ability to score as a runner, receiver and returner. Campbell gives them a rangy, tough linebacker who has the opportunity to excel, and produce, behind a budding defensive line. By nabbing Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch in the second round, and then landing Hendon Hooker and Brodric Martin in the third, this organization was able to recover for their perceived reaches early. LaPorta gives them a receiving threat who is also solid as a blocker, and he should slide in right away and contribute; Branch is also a strong fit for their defensive scheme, and he wound up in an ideal spot to learn behind Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who offers a similar skillset. The early picks were rich, but if Hooker hits, this class could end up being very good.

Green Bay Packers: A-

By hitting positions of need with their day-two picks, this draft class looks strong on paper. With the way the Packers value, and are able to develop, athletically gifted pass rushers, the Lukas Van Ness pick could pay dividends in a big way—his trajectory could resemble that of Rashan Gary. Both Luke Musgrave and Tucker Craft give Green Bay juice at a position group that needed a lot of help—they could both help shift the identity of this offense. Given the way Matt Lafluer has been able to scheme his tight ends open, both guys have the opportunity to make an impact on this team. Jayden Reed plays bigger than his size, and excels at creating yards after the catch—he should be a day-one starter, and compliments the current players that Green Bay has at receiver. Another name to watch is Dontayvion Wicks, who could end up finding meaningful snaps sooner than later. With a new quarterback under center, the Packers did a solid job of adding young, versatile weapons who should make Jordan Love’s transition that much easier.

Minnesota Vikings: B

Going into this draft, the Vikings needed a receiver. They got one in the first round in Jordan Addison who should carve out a nice role and contribute quickly. He presents a high floor in this offense, though he must stay healthy. Also a need for the team was cornerback, which they hit with their next two picks. Mekhi Blackmon has potential to be a starter at cornerback for them, but the picks didn’t start to get interesting until the fifth and seventh round. Minnesota could get something out of Jaren Hall, and he is a name to watch. The fall of DeWayne McBride could also be remembered, as he has NFL traits but dealt with character concerns coming out of college. McBride has the potential to be this year’s Isaiah Pacheco. If Addison becomes the compliment to Justin Jefferson that the Vikings need, this grade will look a lot better in the future. Otherwise, it’s mostly banking on their late-round picks hitting.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: A-

To land three starters at positions of need was a win for Atlanta. Between the draft and their savvy free agency signings on defense, this team looks vastly improved on paper. Specifically the selection of Bijan Robinson—a true bell cow back—will make this team more fun to watch in 2023. Robinson will be the focal point of this offense, and his presence immediately raises their floor. Beefing up the offensive line with Matthew Bergeron should help this come to fruition. After opting to upgrade their group of pass catchers in free agency, the Falcons get a pass for not selecting a receiver with any of their draft picks. It still would have been nice to see them take a flier on a receiver late, because the current depth at the position is uninspiring. The rebuild for this Falcons team is still fully underway, but they should be significantly more competitive this year.

Carolina Panthers: B+

It’s hard to love giving up loads of future capital for one player, but the Panthers recognize that they’re in a window to win now, especially in a retooled division, so their decision to trade with Chicago has merit. Bryce Young, if he can remain healthy, has the potential to turn this team into perennial playoff contenders. His game against LSU in 2022, plus his slight frame, leave some cause for concern, but he had enough moments at Alabama that underscored exactly why he was the first pick in the draft. Adding Jonathan Mingo in the second round was what helped tilt this grade even further, and Mingo gives this offense a power slot receiver who should make an immediate impact. This draft will be remembered by how Young fares, even if their other picks hit.

New Orleans Saints: B

Two of the Saints’ top picks are projects, or at least prospects that will need some seasoning before making a significant impact, so the grade on this team is less defined than others. Bryan Breese is slotted to start at defensive tackle, and could very well acclimate to the NFL game, but he is still raw as a player and is no sure-thing. Similarly, Isaiah Foskey is just scratching the surface as a pass-rusher, but he landed in a good scheme to maximize his talents. He flashed on tape, and could wind up being a quality piece for this team. Adding Jake Haener to the quarterback room was an intriguing decision, and there’s a chance he succeeds Derek Carr in the next few years—if so, this class looks considerably stronger. Also, A.T. Perry in the sixth round gives the Saints, who tend to get the most out of late-round picks at receiver, another guy who could make an impact in the near future. Despite his draft slot, he could become a dangerous #3 option in this offense and be considered a steal of the draft. There’s a chance this class offers New Orleans four quality contributors down the road, but right now it is based more on potential than expected production.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+

On the Calijah Kancey pick alone, this class could be memorable. Considered to be a high-risk player because of his size—particularly, his arm length—Kancey has all the physical ability to be a high-impact player in the NFL. Putting Kancey alongside Vita Vea was a great fit, and he enters the season with strong odds to secure Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Shoring up an offensive line that needs to be a strength of this team was also wise, and Tampa Bay addressed the interior of their line with a versatile player in Cody Mauch. Protecting Baker Mayfield is going to maximize the ceiling of this team, and Mauch gets the Buccaneers closer to that. Overall, the class is buoyed by Kancey and Mauch, which could be enough to make it a success, even if the other picks don’t stick.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: A

The fact that the Cardinals were able to move back—and acquire what could be an early first-round pick in 2024—and then trade back up to get the top tackle to help build out their offensive line was a promising way to start Monti Ossenfort’s tenure in Arizona. Add in their infusion of a young talented pass-rusher in BJ Ojulari, plus the selection of Garrett Williams, and this team received upgrades at positions of severe need. Ojulari will require some help around him to reach his ceiling, but his potential to be a consistent sack-artist for this defense is high. With Michael Wilson at receiver, the Cardinals got a big-bodied receiver that this offense lacked, and he was a good value in the third round. If Jon Gaines can work his way into the lineup on the offensive line, the first four rounds of this draft look strong. No matter how the season shakes out for Arizona, this class could be a turning point for a team that needed it.

Los Angeles Rams: B-

For a team that eschewed building through the draft for years, the Rams went into 2023 with an agenda: build their team through the draft. Even without a first-round pick, the Rams made 14 draft picks. Starting up front with Steve Avila was the best way to kick off the draft, as Los Angeles lacks depth at the offensive line, and Avila gives them a potential anchor at guard. Getting younger at pass rusher was also a point of need, and in the third round the Rams doubled down. Byron Young offers potential as an impact edge defender, but has limitations to his game. Kobe Tuner could turn out to be a solid, if unspectacular defensive tackle, and at least landed in a good place to learn and develop. Other highlights include Zach Evans in the sixth round and Puka Nacua in the fifth, as both players could challenge for significant starting time by season’s end. Add in the likelihood that Stetson Bennett (who enters the year as the top backup to Matthew Stafford) takes significant snaps in 2023, and this class could churn out a few players that help them stay competitive not only this season, but also in the future.

San Francisco 49ers: B-

Another team that had to wait to add premier prospects, the 49ers hit a few positions of need with their nine draft picks. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown gives them a player that fits the mold of what they like to do on defense, and he offers versatility on the back end of their defense. It would not be a surprise to see Brown play 10+ years for this team. Receiver, tight end and cornerback depth was needed, and the team addressed these needs with a handful of solid players, even if none of those picks were necessarily big names coming into the draft. Ultimately, this team has been built with savvy free agent signings—especially with players that were castoffs elsewhere—and quality drafting in the later rounds. Trusting that they’re knowing what they’re doing, the floor on this class appears moderately high. 

Seattle Seahawks: A+

Coming off a year where they were among the worst teams for allowing touchdowns of 20+ yards, Devon Witherspoon gives this defense a potential shutdown corner that they have been missing since Richard Sherman left. Staying patient and still drafting the best receiver in this class—Jaxon Smith-Njigba—was a huge boon for the Seahawks. With Derick Hall and Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks used their two second-round selections just as wisely. Even with the presence of Kenneth Walker III, having Charbonnet in rotation gives Seattle a back who can not only step up if injuries strike, but also one that can carry the ball 20+ times in a game. Hall went ahead of a handful of pass rushers who have higher ceilings, and this pick could be remembered for that reason alone. After adding blue-chip talent at cornerback and receiver, fortifying the trenches made the most sense for this organization. As long as Geno Smith does not regress, the pieces are there for Seattle to take the next step and contend deep into the post season.