2025 NFL Draft Grades & Rankings: Rookie Class Impact, All 32 Teams

The 2025 NFL draft is in the books, which means it's time to hand out grades.

I know some people roll their eyes at draft grades because we won't actually know how teams fared until a few years down the road, but here's my argument for why draft grades matter.

It's important to understand the initial impression of each class because it will inform our perception down the road.

Let's say Tyler Warren turns into a bust.

Does Chris Ballard deserve criticism for that selection?

Maybe a little, but it's likely each of the other 31 teams would have made the same call.

No matter what happens to Warren, that selection was the correct choice in the moment.

Now, let's say Jaxson Dart is a bust.

Does Joe Schoen deserve criticism for trading up to select a quarterback few others would have gambled on in the first round?

Of course! That was a decision very few others would have made in his shoes.

So if both Dart and Warren are busts, the result is the same for each franchise, but we'll look at Schoen and Ballard very differently.

That's not to say my draft grades are perfect.

They're just one set of many grades worth looking at this week.

What is valuable is the collective perception of these draft classes, because these grades will inform our perception of what happened when we eventually look back on the draft years later.

So here is my letter grade for each franchise in addition to a few superlatives for each draft class.

2025 NFL Draft Grades:

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2025 NFL Draft Grades Analysis

Arizona Cardinals Draft Grade: C+

Instant impact: Will Johnson, CB

Best value: Cody Simon, LB

Riskiest pick: Walter Nolen, DL

Monti Ossenfort took some big swings with Nolen, who was criticized for his poor practice habits, and Johnson, who is still recovering from torn ligaments in his toe. If this draft class pans out, it will transform the Cardinals defense, though only Johnson (if healthy) appears to have a guaranteed path to a starting job this fall.

Atlanta Falcons Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE

Best value: Xavier Watts, S

Riskiest pick: James Pearce Jr, EDGE

Terry Fontenot might be betting his job on Pearce — trading a future first-round pick for a player whose maturity and motivation have been questioned is a bold move. Pearce is talented enough to prove Fontenot right, though. If he and Walker both pan out, it will drastically change the Falcons' pass-rush production.

Baltimore Ravens Draft Grade: B-

Instant impact: Malaki Starks, S

Best value: Mike Green, EDGE

Riskiest pick: Green

Green is potentially a good value for the Ravens, as he would have likely been selected in the first round if not for multiple sexual assault accusations against him in both high school and college. He'll be in the edge rusher rotation as a rookie and should eventually replace Kyle Van Noy. Starks should serve as the Ravens' full-time free safety next to Kyle Hamilton, though he'll have to compete with Ar'Darius Washington as a rookie.

Buffalo Bills Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: None?

Best value: Landon Jackson, EDGE

Riskiest pick: Maxwell Hairston, CB

It's easy to understand why the Bills liked the value with most of their selections, but it's surprising to see a Super Bowl contender get such little immediate help. Hairston will compete for a starting job, but he's a developmental prospect who struggled at times in the SEC last year and probably needs time to develop.

Carolina Panthers Draft Grade: A

Instant impact: Tetairoa McMillan, WR

Best value: Nic Scourton, EDGE

Riskiest pick: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE

The Panthers needed to help out Bryce Young, and McMillan, a big outside target, will do exactly that. Scourton also looks like a potential steal on Day 2. His production dropped off in 2024 after Texas A&M asked him to add weight, but he terrorized the Big Ten as a 19-year-old at Purdue the previous season. Umanmielen needs to prove that maturity and attitude concerns are overblown, but he too has the potential to make an instant impact.

Cleveland Browns Draft Grade: A

Instant impact: Mason Graham, DL

Best value: Dylan Sampson, RB

Riskiest pick: Dillon Gabriel, QB

The Browns landed four players who should be starters by 2026 at the latest: Graham, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, running back Quinshon Judkins, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Plus Sampson, who should be the pass-catching complement to the more powerful Judkins. Oh, and they also added a future first-round pick from the Jaguars.

Chicago Bears Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: Luther Burden III, WR

Best value: Zah Frazier, CB

Riskiest pick: Ozzy Trapilo, OT

The Bears' first three picks (Colston Loveland, Burden, and Trapilo) all have the potential to support Caleb Williams. That's a smart way to approach the draft after investing the top pick in a quarterback. Burden is probably a slot-only receiver, but that pairs well with last year's first-round receiver Rome Odunze. Trapilo excelled at right tackle in college, so the Bears will have to decide whether he or Darnell Wright is moving to the left side.

Cincinnati Bengals Draft Grade: C

Instant impact: Shemar Stewart, EDGE

Best value: Barrett Carter, LB

Riskiest pick: Stewart

The Bengals needed to address the defense, and Stewart should make an immediate impact. His production dropped off last year, but he ranked 20th among Power Five edge rushers in pressure rate the previous season. Cincy also added two linebackers, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, who could compete for playing time. However, the Bengals needed more speed at the position, and neither Knight nor Carter offers a significant upgrade in that area.

Dallas Cowboys Draft Grade: B+

Instant impact: Tyler Booker, OG

Best value: Jaydon Blue, RB

Riskiest pick: Shavon Revel Jr, CB

Taking Booker in the first round filled a need and should help the run game, but it was a questionable reach when better prospects like Tyler Warren were on the board. Dallas partially made up for it with Revel, Blue, and edge-rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku with its next three picks. Revel's ACL injury makes him a risky selection, but when healthy, he looked like a first-round prospect.

Denver Broncos Draft Grade: C

Instant impact: Jahdae Barron, CB

Best value: Barron

Riskiest pick: RJ Harvey, RB

Barron is a physical nickel corner who should start immediately in that role. The Harvey pick was an odd one, though. He's an early-down back who likely doesn't offer much on passing downs, so how does he fit with Audric Estime, who is the same type of runner? Failing to add an impact pass-catcher until Pat Bryant in the third round was a failure.

Detroit Lions Draft Grade: C

Instant impact: Tate Ratledge, OG

Best value: Miles Frazier, OG

Riskiest pick: Tyleik Williams, DT

Ratledge will compete with Christian Mahogany for the starting job at right guard, but there's not much immediate help elsewhere in this class. Williams played the three-tech role for Ohio State but made minimal impact as a pass rusher and is better suited at nose tackle, where DJ Reader is entrenched as the starter. For a Super Bowl contender, there's surprisingly little immediate help from this class.

Green Bay Packers Draft Grade: C+

Instant impact: Matthew Golden, WR

Best value: Barryn Sorrell, DL

Riskiest pick: Matthew Golden, WR

The Packers needed to add to the wide receiver room due to Christian Watson‘s ACL tear in January. However, there's a long history of speedy undersized receivers with minimal collegiate production falling flat in the NFL. Third-round receiver Savion Williams might also contribute, though he's more of a developmental prospect. Sorrell is a fun Day 3 selection — his interior/edge versatility is something Green Bay always covets.

Houston Texans Draft Grade: B+

Instant impact: Jayden Higgins, WR

Best value: Aireontae Ersery, OT

Riskiest pick: Jaylin Smith, CB

Houston traded out of the first round, but only back to No. 34 while adding two third-round picks. I appreciate Houston's willingness to double up on wide receiver (Higgins and Jaylin Noel) to support C.J. Stroud.

Indianapolis Colts Draft Grade: A-

Instant impact: Tyler Warren, TE

Best value: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE

Riskiest pick: Riley Leonard, QB

Warren and Tuimoloau were home runs for Chris Ballard. Third-round cornerback Justin Walley and fourth-round offensive linemen Jalen Travis have upside of potential future starters as well. However, I'm not crazy about bringing a popular Notre Dame quarterback to Indianapolis — Irish/Colts fans are not going to tolerate Leonard sitting on the bench while they watch Anthony Richardson and/or Daniel Jones flounder.

Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Grade: C-

Instant impact: Travis Hunter, CB

Best value: Bhayshul Tuten, RB

Riskiest pick: Caleb Ransaw, CB

The Jaguars got the best player in the draft but gave up one of the most insane trade packages we have ever seen in a draft-day trade. It was the type of trade you would expect someone to make while trading up for an Andrew Luck or Joe Burrow-type quarterback prospect, not a cornerback/wide receiver.

Kansas City Chiefs Draft Grade: A-

Instant impact: Josh Simmons, OT

Best value: Brashard Smith, RB

Riskiest pick: Omarr Norman-Lott, DL

The start of his career might be delayed slightly due to injury, but Simmons should be the Chiefs' left tackle at some point in 2025. Norman-Lott is one of the most boom/bust prospects in this class. He struggled to get on the field at Tennessee, but was a pass rush terror when he did. Kansas City also landed one of the best Day 3 draft classes with Smith, Jeffrey Bassa, and Jalen Royals.

Las Vegas Raiders Draft Grade: B-

Instant impact: Ashton Jeanty, RB

Best value: Charles Grant, OL

Riskiest pick: Jeanty

Everyone loves Jeanty, but was a top-five running back really what a four-win team needed? And then they added Jack Bech in the second round, who will be, at best, the third option in the passing game. The value wasn't terrible for most of the Raiders' picks, but it's an odd collection of players for a team that needed a lot more.

Los Angeles Chargers Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: Omarion Hampton, RB

Best value: Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse

Riskiest pick: Jamaree Caldwell, DT

Kudos to Jim Harbaugh for letting Joe Hortiz add some skill position players for Justin Herbert. Hampton, Gadsden, Tre Harris, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith give the Chargers a much-needed influx of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Harbaugh will still run his conservative offense, but at least there's a larger stable of weapons there now.

Los Angeles Rams Draft Grade: A-

Instant impact: None

Best value: Jarquez Hunter, RB

Riskiest pick: None

The Rams didn't land anyone at an obvious position of short-term need, though tight end Terrance Ferguson could push Tyler Higbee for playing him. However, the Rams also never reached for anyone and wisely traded down in the first round, adding a future first-round pick from Atlanta. This class probably didn't produce any 2025 starters, but Ferguson, Hunter, and linebacker Chris Paul Jr. are all well-positioned to compete for jobs in 2026.

Miami Dolphins Draft Grade: D

Instant impact: Jonah Savaiinaea, OG

Best value: Quinn Ewers, QB

Riskiest pick: Kenneth Grant, DL

Stop drafting nose tackles in the first round. Grant will help the Dolphins' run defense, but he adds almost nothing as a pass rusher. At least the Dolphins rebounded and added a likely immediate starter to the offensive line in Savaiinaea on Day 2, but they had to part with their third-round pick and fourth-round picks to do so. It would be a shock if this class produced more than two starters, and that's a problem for a team that needed a lot more.

Minnesota Vikings Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: Donovan Jackson, OL

Best value: Kobe King, LB

Riskiest pick: Tai Felton, WR

The Vikings were lacking draft resources due to a series of trades that led to the acquisition of an extra first-round pick last year (Dallas Turner). Jackson pairs well with Christian Darrisaw to give Minnesota an imposing left side of the offensive line. The Vikings' most questionable move in this draft was the lack of a trade to recoup some draft capital.

New England Patriots Draft Grade: B+

Instant impact: Will Campbell, OT

Best value: Joshua Farmer, DT

Riskiest pick: Jared Wilson, C

The Patriots did well to build a large class (11 picks) to help replenish the roster. Their biggest mistake was failing to land a left tackle in free agency, forcing them to reach for Campbell rather than engage in trade talks to add more draft capital either this year or next.

New Orleans Saints Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT

Best value: Jonas Sanker, S

Riskiest pick: Tyler Shough, QB

The addition of Banks allows the Saints to move on from the Trevor Penning debacle. The addition of Shough, however, was disappointing — you never want to see a team reach for a quarterback out of pure desperation. Fortunately, the Saints rebounded with some nice picks later on. Safety Jonas Sanker, linebacker Danny Stutsman, and cornerback Quincy Riley all have starter potential.

New York Giants Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: Abdul Carter, EDGE

Best value: Darius Alexander, DL

Riskiest pick: Jaxson Dart, QB

Carter was an easy choice at No. 3 and gives the Giants a deep pass rush unit. Trading up for Dart, however, was a desperate move by a coach and general manager trying to save their job. A front office and coaching staff with more job security likely punts on the quarterback decision until Day 2 or maybe even 2026. I do like most of their other picks, though. Alexander and running back Cam Skattebo should contribute immediately. Seventh-round pick Thomas Fidone is also an exciting developmental tight end.

New York Jets Draft Grade: A-

Instant impact: Armand Mebou, OT

Best value: Azareye'h Thomas, CB

Riskiest pick: Arian Smith, WR

The Jets crushed the first two days of the draft, landing three players who plausibly could have been first-round picks. Membou pairs well with last year's first-rounder Olu Fashanu and gives the Jets bookend tackles. Thomas fell to the third round due to some poor testing numbers, but his ball-hawk skills are undeniable.

Philadelphia Eagles Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: Andrew Mukuba, S

Best value: Cameron Williams, OT

Riskiest pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB

This draft class was mostly about adding depth, as the Eagles need to load up on rookie contracts now that Jalen Hurts‘ cap hit is rising dramatically over the next few years. Campbell and Mukuba might be the only future starters, but there were plenty of capable contributors added on Day 3.

Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Grade: A

Instant impact: Derrick Harmon, DL

Best value: Jack Sawyer, EDGE

Riskiest pick: None

The Steelers avoided the temptation to reach for a quarterback and just drafted for value every time they were on the clock. Harmon is a prototypical Steelers defensive lineman in the Cam Heyward mold. It's possible Harmon, Sawyer, and Yahya Black could all be starting in the front seven by 2026.

Seattle Seahawks Draft Grade: B+

Instant impact: Grey Zabel, OL

Best value: Nick Emmanwori, S

Riskiest pick: Jalen Milroe, QB/Offensive Weapon

I like the Seahawks' strategy of a high-volume draft class (11 picks). Especially in a poor draft class, bringing in more rookies to compete for jobs increases the odds of finding a diamond in the rough. Zabel, Emmanwori, and Elijah Arroyo will compete for playing time immediately. I also like the addition of Milroe in the third round. He's years away from being ready as a passer, but coordinator Klint Kubiak learned how the Saints use Taysom Hill last year and could find creative ways to get Milroe on the field in Seattle.

San Francisco 49ers Draft Grade: C+

Instant impact: Mykel Williams, EDGE

Best value: Jordan Watkins, WR

Riskiest pick: Nick Martin, LB

Give the Niners credit for putting together a large draft class (11 picks), which increases the odds of finding some contributors. However, drafting a nose tackle in the second round and making a huge reach for Martin in the third were questionable choices.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Grade: B+

Instant impact: Emeka Egbuka, WR

Best value: Benjamin Morrison, CB

Riskiest pick: Morrison

Injuries forced Morrison to fall to the second round, but if he stays healthy, the Bucs landed two of the top 20 most talented players in this class. Third-rounder cornerback Jacob Parrish and fourth-round David Walker are also two of the most exciting developmental prospects at their positions.

Tennessee Titans Draft Grade: C

Instant impact: Cam Ward, QB

Best value: Elic Ayomanor, WR

Riskiest pick: Ward

Ward isn't a No. 1 overall pick type of talent, but the Titans felt desperate. The talent is there for him to succeed, but it will take time to coach his reckless play style out of him. To counter the risk of Ward, it would have been nice to see them find safer, instant-impact types on Day 2, but they went with some inexperienced developmental prospects in edge rusher Femi Oladejo and safety Kevin Winston Jr.

Washington Commanders Draft Grade: B

Instant impact: None

Best value: Trey Amos, CB

Riskiest pick: None

This class probably didn't produce a rookie starter, but Josh Conerly Jr. is the left tackle of the future, and Amos is ready to contribute whenever a job opens up in the secondary. It's frustrating to see a lack of instant-impact players after the team's breakout season, but the Commanders also didn't make any questionable decisions, and it should be a solid class in the long run.