NFL · 2 hours ago

ESPN Reveals Draft Grades for All 32 Teams Following 2026 NFL Draft: Highlighting Winners, Losers & Steals

John Canady

Host · Writer

San Francisco 49ers: C
San Francisco bet on its own board, but too many of those bets came earlier than expected. There’s talent here, just not at the value or positions you’d expect for a contender.

"It seemed like John Lynch went off the board to get the guys he wanted." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: OT, OG, S, EDGE, TE, WR

Notable Draft Picks:

WR De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
EDGE Romello Height, USC
RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
ESPN Reveals Draft Grades for All 32 Teams Following 2026 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is officially in the books, and every team has now shaped its roster, intending to fill key needs and build for the future. This breakdown leans on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. evaluations to sort through the chaos, from the biggest winners to the toughest reaches and the hidden gems that could pay off down the road. Here’s how each class stacks up through his lens.
Cleveland Browns: A
Cleveland attacked its biggest weaknesses head-on, doubling up at tackle and wide receiver while stacking value across the board in a clear roster reset. It might not mirror last year’s immediate impact, but this class is built to contribute right away.

“I love that Cleveland was able to trade back, add picks, and still get one of the top two tackles in the class.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: LT, WR, DT, S, OG, CB

Notable Draft Picks:

OT Spencer Fano, Utah
WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
WR Denzel Boston, Washington
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Dallas Cowboys: A
Dallas went all-in on fixing a broken defense, landing difference-makers early and flooding the front seven with the juice it needed. If the pass rush rebounds, this class could flip the identity of the team overnight.

“He's just a tremendous football player, and he's going to change everything in that secondary.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: EDGE, LB, CB

Notable Draft Picks:

S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
EDGE Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
OT Drew Shelton, Penn State
Las Vegas Raiders: A
It all starts with Fernando Mendoza, and the Raiders finally have a real answer under center after years of instability. The supporting class adds upside, even if the lack of receiver help leaves one glaring question.

“But Mendoza changes everything there -- there is suddenly real promise under center.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: QB, DT, OL, WR, CB

Notable Draft Picks:

QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
S Treydan Stukes, Arizona
EDGE Keyron Crawford, Auburn
C Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
Philadelphia Eagles: A
Philadelphia stayed aggressive, jumping the line for a needed playmaker while quietly building for the future in the trenches. It is a classic Eagles draft that balances urgency with long-term planning.

“If you have any doubt a trade-up was needed to get him, look no further than the video circulating of Lemon on the phone with the Steelers.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: OL, EDGE, TE, S, WR

Notable Draft Picks:

WR Makai Lemon, USC
TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
OT Markel Bell, Miami
QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State
New York Jets: A-
The Jets loaded up on explosive talent early, reshaping a lifeless offense and adding a much-needed edge presence. The quarterback question lingers, but the playmakers are finally in place.

“Coming right back with Omar Cooper Jr. after trading back into the first round suddenly turns one of the worst pass-catching groups in the NFL into a promising unit.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: QB, WR, EDGE, CB, LB

Notable Draft Picks:

EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Baltimore Ravens: B+
Baltimore reinforced the trenches and added playmakers on both sides, leaning into its identity while patching key holes. It may not be flashy, but it is a steady, well-rounded haul.

“I like this pick for a lot of reasons. He was No. 22 on my board, and the Ravens got him at No. 45.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: OG, C, TE, WR, EDGE, CB, DT

Notable Draft Picks:

G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
WR Ja'Kobi Lane, USC
WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Indianapolis Colts: B+
Without a first-round pick, the Colts still found real value, headlined by a tone-setting linebacker who should anchor the defense. It is a quieter class, but one that fills needs with purpose.

“He [CJ Allen] was a steal at No. 53 -- I had him 28th on the board.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: EDGE, WR, LB, S, OT

Notable Draft Picks:

LB CJ Allen, Georgia
S A.J. Haulcy, LSU
OG Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
New York Giants: B+
The Giants leaned into talent over need, landing one of the best defenders in the class before addressing protection and skill positions. It is an upside swing that could redefine the defense.

“I have no problem with taking an elite player and figuring out the perfect way to use him later.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: DT, OG, CB, WR

Notable Draft Picks:

LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
OT Francis Mauigia, Miami
CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Arizona Cardinals: B
Arizona made the bold call to inject life into its offense with a dynamic weapon who can change games in multiple ways. The offense is taking shape, even if the defense still trails behind.

“He's [Jeremiyah Love] a dynamic offensive playmaker who is going to spark an otherwise dull Arizona offense.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: QB, RT, EDGE, WR, OG

Notable Draft Picks:

RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
OG Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
QB Carson Beck, Miami
DT Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana
Carolina Panthers: B
Carolina added solid pieces without fully addressing its biggest needs, resulting in a class that feels steady but unspectacular. There is talent here, just not a clear identity.

“The team's first two picks were good prospects and in line value-wise, but I didn't consider either position as a big need.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: TE, EDGE, S, WR, CB

Notable Draft Picks:

OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M
Chicago Bears: B
The Bears finally pivoted to defense early, grabbing a versatile playmaker to stabilize a shaky unit. Still, the lack of attention to the pass rush leaves the job unfinished.

“He's an instinctive player who had a six-interception season in 2023 while still at Purdue.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: EDGE, DT, S, C, WR

Notable Draft Picks:

S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
C Logan Jones, Iowa
TE Sam Roush, Stanford
WR Zavion Thomas, LSU
Cincinnati Bengals: B
Cincinnati added production and depth, but it is fair to question whether it truly moved the needle on a defense that needed real answers. The pieces are there, but the ceiling feels limited.

“Did the Bengals do enough? I'm not so sure.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: CB, WR, OL

Notable Draft Picks:

EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
CB Tacario Davis, Washington
C Connor Lew, Auburn
WR Colbie Young, Georgia
Detroit Lions: B
Detroit prioritized protection and stuck to its long-term vision, even if it passed on flashier options. The foundation is stronger, but questions remain along the edge.

“It's tough to beat Miller, no matter the pass-rush move.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: OT, OG, EDGE, CB, S

Notable Draft Picks:

OT Blake Miller, Clemson
EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan
LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State
Kansas City Chiefs: B
Kansas City made a bold move to fix its secondary, landing a true difference-maker at corner while adding pass-rush help behind him. It is a targeted class built around immediate needs.

“Delane is an instinctive, technically sound cover man who creates turnovers.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: EDGE, CB, WR, DT, TE, OL

Notable Draft Picks:

CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
DT Peter Woods, Clemson
EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
S Jadon Canady, Oregon
Los Angeles Chargers: B
The Chargers added talent, but the biggest issue up front still feels only partially addressed. There is upside here, though it may not be enough to protect their franchise quarterback fully.

“He's [Akheem Mesidor] one of my favorite players to watch in this class.” - Mel Kiper

Top Draft Needs: OG, EDGE, S, LB, DT

Notable Draft Picks:

EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
C Jake Slaughter, Florida
WR Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State
OT Travis Burke, Memphis
Miami Dolphins: B
Miami threw volume at its roster overhaul, hitting key spots but leaving wide receiver thinner than expected. There are contributors here, but the offensive ceiling remains a concern.

“This roster needed everything. Everything.” - Mel Kiperno,

Top Draft Needs: WR, EDGE, CB, RT, S

Notable Draft Picks:

OT Kadyn Proctor, Miami
CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech
New England Patriots: B
New England doubled down on fixing Drake Maye’s protection, and Caleb Lomu gives them a more physically prototypical option with real upside at multiple spots. The pass rush helps with Gabe Jacas, who feels like a projection play that could pay off if they let him attack.

"If the Patriots let him pin his ears back, he could be a real factor in getting to the QB." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: EDGE, OL, LB, WR, TE, S

Notable Draft Picks:

OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois
TE Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
CB Karon Prunty, Wake Forest
New Orleans Saints: B
This was all about giving Tyler Shough a real chance, and Jordyn Tyson has WR1 traits if he stays healthy. The offense got deeper, but passing on an early edge rusher leaves a noticeable long-term hole.

"He [Jordyn Tyson] is exactly what Shough needs in Year 2." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: WR, EDGE, DT, CB

Notable Draft Picks:

WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
DT Christen Miller, Georgia
TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
Pittsburgh played the long game at quarterback with Drew Allar while quietly stacking depth across the roster. It’s a steady, unspectacular class that hinges on the Aaron Rodgers domino falling their way.

"Pittsburgh at least has a few developmental options now, with the assumption that Rodgers is in black and yellow once more." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: QB, OG, WR, CB, S

Notable Draft Picks:

OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
WR Germie Bernard, Alabama
QB Drew Allar, Penn State
CB Daylen Everette, Georgia
Washington Commanders: B
Sonny Styles gives Washington a tone-setter on defense, the kind of centerpiece they desperately needed after last year’s collapse. The offensive additions help, but this class will be judged by how fast Styles changes the identity.

"He's [Sonny Styles] a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect who is going to make this team better." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: WR, CB, S, C, EDGE

Notable Draft Picks:

LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
EDGE Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Buffalo Bills: B-
Buffalo got aggressive by trading back repeatedly, turning one pick into multiple contributors, even if the value didn’t always match the board. This class feels more about patching holes than pushing them over the top.

"The Bills turned their first two picks into T.J. Parker and Davison Igbinosun." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: LB, WR, EDGE, CB

Notable Draft Picks:

EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
OT Jude Bowry, Boston College
WR Skyler Bell, UConn
Seattle Seahawks: B-
Seattle flipped limited draft capital into a full class and may have found its next lead back in Jadarian Price. It’s a volume-over-star-power haul, but one that fits how this roster is built.

"He [Jadarian Price] can step in as the new RB1 in Seattle." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: RB, CB, EDGE, OG

Notable Draft Picks:

RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
S Bud Clark, TCU
CB Julian Neal, Arkansas
OG Beau Stephens, Iowa
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B-
Reuben Bain Jr. headlines a class that could redefine Tampa’s pass rush, giving them a real identity shift up front. Still, waiting too long at tight end feels like a missed opportunity in an evolving offense.

"There's no denying his consistent ability to get home with all of his other traits." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: TE, EDGE, LB, OG

Notable Draft Picks:

EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri
WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
CB Keionte Scott, Miami
Atlanta Falcons: C+
Atlanta made the most of limited picks early, landing two explosive playmakers, but the lack of depth shows everywhere else. This class feels top-heavy in a year they couldn’t afford it.

"It's tough to tackle needs with just five non-first-rounders at your disposal." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: WR, OT, DL, CB, LB

Notable Draft Picks:

CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
LB Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
Denver Broncos: C+
The Jaylen Waddle move defines this class more than any draft pick, giving Bo Nix a legitimate weapon. Beyond that, it’s a thin group that doesn’t move the needle much.

"It's hard to argue with that logic." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: OL, LB, CB

Notable Draft Picks:

DT Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M
RB Jonah Coleman, Washington
OT Kage Casey, Boise State
TE Justin Joly, NC State
Green Bay Packers: C+
Green Bay filled needs, but the absence of a first-round pick kept them from landing true difference-makers. Brandon Cisse helps, but this feels more like maintenance than improvement.

"The missing first-round pick hurt Green Bay's ability to find Day 1 starters." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: CB, EDGE, DT, OL

Notable Draft Picks:

CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
DT Chris McClellan, Missouri
EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
C Jager Burton, Kentucky
Houston Texans: C+
Houston did what it had to up front to protect C.J. Stroud, and that alone gives this class value. But reaching on Marlin Klein keeps this from being a clean win.

"I was shocked to hear Marlin Klein's name in Round 2." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: OL, DT, LB

Notable Draft Picks:

G Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
TE Marlin Klein, Michigan
G Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma
Los Angeles Rams: C+
The Rams are chasing a Super Bowl, which makes the Ty Simpson pick feel completely out of sync with their window. It’s a future-facing move for a team that should be all-in right now.

"It did nothing to make the team better today." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: WR, RT, LB, QB

Notable Draft Picks:

QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
TE Max Klare, Ohio State
OT Keagen Trost, Missouri
WR CJ Daniels, Miami
Tennessee Titans: C+
Tennessee finally gave Cam Ward a legitimate WR1 in Carnell Tate, but the rest of the class lacks real punch. This hinges heavily on Tate hitting early.

"He [Carnell Tate] slots in as an immediate impact player." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: EDGE, OG, C, WR, LB

Notable Draft Picks:

WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Jacksonville Jaguars: C
Jacksonville had volume but failed to maximize it, repeatedly reaching while leaving key needs exposed. Emmanuel Pregnon was the lone clear win in a frustrating class.

"Pregnon was a fantastic pick." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: LB, DT, RB, S

Notable Draft Picks:

TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
DT Albert Regis, Texas A&M
IOL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Minnesota Vikings: C
The Vikings added talent in spots, but reaching on Caleb Banks while passing on better options limits the overall impact. This class feels like it left value on the board.

"Taking him [Caleb Banks] at No. 18 was too rich." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: S, CB, DT, RB, C

Notable Draft Picks:

DT Caleb Banks, Florida
LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
DT Domonique Orange, Iowa State
OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
San Francisco 49ers: C
San Francisco bet on its own board, but too many of those bets came earlier than expected. There’s talent here, just not at the value or positions you’d expect for a contender.

"It seemed like John Lynch went off the board to get the guys he wanted." — Kiper

Top Draft Needs: OT, OG, S, EDGE, TE, WR

Notable Draft Picks:

WR De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
EDGE Romello Height, USC
RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
ESPN Reveals Draft Grades for All 32 Teams Following 2026 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is officially in the books, and every team has now shaped its roster, intending to fill key needs and build for the future. This breakdown leans on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. evaluations to sort through the chaos, from the biggest winners to the toughest reaches and the hidden gems that could pay off down the road. Here’s how each class stacks up through his lens.

ESPN Reveals Draft Grades for All 32 Teams Following 2026 NFL Draft: Highlighting Winners, Losers & Steals

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