NFL draft grades: What do Browns get for ceding Hunter, taking Shedeur?
Now complete, the 2025 NFL draft will go down as one of the league’s more memorable ones – though it’s destined to mostly be remembered for Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders’ free fall to the fifth round, which made Aaron Rodgers’ infamous wait 20 years before seem like a mere glitch.
The Sanders saga aside, this draft also produced the drama, head-scratching decisions and OMG moments inherent to the annual “Player Selection Meeting.” And speaking of any draft’s endemic components, it’s now time to prematurely grade its results … about three years before that’s a remotely fair exercise. But we eat from microwaves far more routinely than slow cookers, right?
One note about the report card methodology: As I grade each team, the goal is to pull back for a big-picture look at its performance holistically rather than judging from a narrow perspective that doesn’t include trades and other considerations that more accurately frame the decisions.
With that in mind, here are your ridiculously hasty 2025 NFL draft grades, with team classes ranked from best to worst:
1. New England Patriots (A)
A team that had to get a transfusion of offensive talent – regardless of circumstances, but especially to give QB Drake Maye a fighting chance in his second NFL season – wisely spent its first four picks on that side of the ball. First-round OT Will Campbell, second-round RB TreVeyon Henderson, third-round WR Kyle Williams and third-round C Jared Wilson will likely not only play significant snaps as rookies – even if they’re not all necessarily starters – but could all have exceptional impacts. Henderson’s could be the most noticeable given his ability to thrive on every down – though the large chunks he rips off as a runner and the protection he provides on passing downs should most benefit Maye.
2. New York Giants (A-)
They might have gotten the draft’s best player in OLB Abdul Carter, who could be a reasonable facsimile of fellow Penn Stater Micah Parsons … even if Carter doesn’t understand he’s not worthy of wearing GOAT OLB Lawrence Taylor’s No. 56. But to get back into the first round for QB Jaxson Dart, essentially at the cost of two third-rounders and with no reason to play him prematurely with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston round, might be the move that truly gets this franchise back on course … while keeping HC Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen in their posts. All that aside, good odds that bulldozing fourth-round RB Cam Skattebo winds up as the favorite pick of Big Blue’s starved fans.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (A-)
No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty was one of this draft’s few apparent blue-chippers and should instantly catalyze what was the league’s worst ground game in 2024. Aside from being inspirational, second-rounder Jack Bech might immediately emerge as new QB Geno Smith’s top wide receiver. Third-rounders Darien Porter, a corner, and Charles Grant, an offensive tackle, could wind up as high-quality starters at mid-range draft cost. Seemingly nice debut by rookie GM John Spytek.
4. New York Jets (A-)
Notable that they hired a defensive-minded coach – and one of the best corners in franchise history – in Aaron Glenn only to opt for an offensive-centric draft, and one that seemed modeled on the Lions blueprint Glenn saw work so well as their defensive coordinator. First-round RT Armand Membou and second-round TE Mason Taylor, son of former Jets OLB Jason Taylor, should either provide immediate help to new QB Justin Fields … or whomever replaces him in a year or two. Third-round CB Azareye’h Thomas will be tested opposite Sauce Gardner but represents good value. Fourth-round WR Arian Smith is pure speed, which could open the field for Mason and WR Garrett Wilson. Glenn and rookie GM Darren Mougey nicely drove the fairway on their first tee shot.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (B+)
Let’s call this a progress report grade – at least until they officially have Rodgers in the building (though worth noting that HC Mike Tomlin didn’t seem too worried about it during an NFL Network interview Saturday). But assuming Rodgers ultimately arrives, he should walk into a locker room that’s more talented than the version that qualified for the playoffs last season. First-round DL Derrick Harmon could be the next Cam Heyward, even as he plays alongside the perennial All-Pro in the short run. Fourth-round OLB Jack Sawyer should juice a pass rush that already had plenty of it beyond T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. But the real delta here could be third-round RB Kaleb Johnson, perhaps a substantial upgrade from departed Najee Harris and who ought to really thrive if a heavily resourced offensive line fully jells in 2025. And getting Ohio State QB Will Howard in Round 6 at least indicates something of a developmental plan for a team that’s spun its wheels behind center since Ben Roethlisberger retired.
6. Dallas Cowboys (B+)
It might not have been exactly what the fan base was hoping for – Jeanty – but owner Jerry Jones and his front office generally do a pretty solid job this time of year. Aside from being a bully on the field, first-round G Tyler Booker not only fills a need but could provide fresh leadership in the locker room in time. Second-round DE Donovan Ezeiruaku and third-round CB Shavon Revel Jr. were certainly worthy of being taken a round earlier than they were. Fifth-round RB Jaydon Blue brings sub-4.4 speed if not the background to suggest he can shoulder the load on the ground. Receiving depth behind WR CeeDee Lamb still looms as a significant question.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (B+)
EVP/GM Howie Roseman isn’t satisfied unless he’s made a few trades, added blockers … and reeled in a University of Georgia defender. Check, check and check, ex-Bulldogs LB Smael Mondon Jr. arriving in Round 5. Nearer the top, it’s also very Roseman to get a sublime talent such as multi-dimensional LB Jihaad Campbell, who could fill multiple needs in Philly once his shoulder is sound, at the end of Round 1. Same goes for second-round S Andrew Mukuba. Sixth-round QB Kyle McCord could blossom into a quality backup in time. And, yes, Roseman added three O-linemen.
8. Green Bay Packers (B+)
Nice to see them break their 23-year streak of not taking a wideout in Round 1, especially considering what Matthew Golden can bring to this offense in terms of game-changing speed and clutch plays. GM Brian Gutekunst stuck with the TLC theme for the offense, adding OT Anthony Belton in the second round and a nice toy in the third with plus-sized WR Savion Williams (6-4, 220) – the classic “find a way to get the ball into his hands” guy.
9. Houston Texans (B+)
Already set up nicely in 2026 with extra picks in Rounds 2, 3 and 4 – two courtesy of the Laremy Tunsil trade to Washington – GM Nick Caserio did a nice job working the board this year, too. And the focus was helping QB C.J. Stroud after a slight sophomore slump largely beyond his control. Moving forward, he’ll operate behind a promising blocker – second-rounder Aireontae Ersery – on a new-look line and will be throwing to talented former Iowa State WRs Jayden Higgins (Round 2) and Jaylin Noel (Round 3), who round out a receiver group that was wiped out at times in 2024.
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10. Jacksonville Jaguars (B+)
Mid-rounders like CB Caleb Ransaw, OL Wyatt Milum and RB Bhayshul Tuten all have nice upside, lightning fast and powerful Tuten in particular. But rookie GM James Gladstone’s first draft will be completely defined by the bold move to trade up three spots for WR/CB Travis Hunter with the second overall pick – a gambit that also cost the Jags their second-rounder and a first in 2026. Yet Hunter just might be the generational prospect worth the price – especially if he can become a security blanket for QB Trevor Lawrence while Brian Thomas Jr. hits the home runs. And maybe Hunter provides situational reps at corner.
11. Denver Broncos (B+)
They got a ‘joker’ … on defense. DB Jahdae Barron might turn out to be a steal with the 20th pick and could elevate an already formidable D to the elite tier. Second-round RB RJ Harvey will give the ground game needed horsepower, though it remains to be seen who primarily shares the load since he wouldn’t seem well suited at his size (5-8, 205) to take 20 touches a game in the NFL. Third-round WR Pat Bryant has a chance to chip in early.
12. Seattle Seahawks (B+)
GM John Schneider and HC Mike Macdonald sure have been busy transforming the roster during a frenetic offseason. That continued in a draft that should be a boon to the present and possibly the longer-range future. First-round OL Grey Zabel addresses a clear and present need at guard. Second-round S Nick Emmanwori, whom Schneider moved up for, could be the next coming of Kam Chancellor. Second-round TE Elijah Arroyo will also have a chance to be a significant presence in a new-look passing attack. But the obvious wild card is third-round QB Jalen Milroe, a tantalizing prospect whom the Seahawks should have the luxury of developing on a reasonable timeline … especially if new QB1 Sam Darnold retains his newly found Pro Bowl form.
13. Tennessee Titans (B)
This haul will rise or fall depending on the success, or lack thereof, realized by No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. And while there’s not a ton of doubt the Titans got this year’s best quarterback – and filled a glaring need in doing so – what’s less clear is how good Ward actually is. After pulling out of the 2024 draft – when he likely would have been no better than the sixth quarterback selected – he truly blossomed at the University of Miami. Whether that success and his alpha personality translate to Nashville is TBD, but rookie GM Mike Borgonzi was confident enough in Ward to resist the significant trade overtures he received. As for the rest of Borgonzi’s first crop? Meh?
14. Kansas City Chiefs (B)
After watching their defense and blocking collapse in Super Bowl 59, HC Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach targeted fortifications – first-round LT Josh Simmons the most intriguing, particularly if he’s available ahead of schedule coming off the torn patellar tendon he suffered last October. Reid expressed confidence in Simmons’ progress, so the Chiefs might have committed quite the heist. Second-round DT Omarr Norman-Lott, third-round DE Ashton Gillotte and third-round CB Nohl Williams could all provide valuable reps immediately, the latter potentially allowing All-Pro Trent McDuffie to revert to slot duties.
15. New Orleans Saints (B)
There’s a reason underrated GM Mickey Loomis has been on the job for a quarter century. Good chance he just about perfectly married value to need with his first three selections, who might all be starters in 2025: First-round OT Kelvin Banks Jr., second-round QB Tyler Shough and third-round DL Vernon Broughton. Third-round S Jonas Sanker and fourth-round LB Danny Stutsman could find themselves in prominent roles – and making an impact – soon enough.
16. Baltimore Ravens (B)
From a football perspective, they got two standouts in the first two rounds with S Malaki Starks and OLB Mike Green, respectively – each addressing what are among the few needs for one of the league’s powerhouses, Starks likely to start from Day 1. Green led FBS with 17 sacks in 2024 and could make an immediate splash, too. Still, as much as GM Eric DeCosta defended Green’s selection, it’s a pretty bad organizational look. The Ravens have significant issues here currently with K Justin Tucker (who they are apparently in the process of replacing with sixth-rounder Tyler Loop) and in their past – yet chose a guy with multiple sexual assault allegations in his past (Green has denied both). Baltimore is a more talented football team today than it was a week ago, but at what cost?
17. Indianapolis Colts (B)
First-round TE Tyler Warren fell into their lap at No. 14 – and could be ideal for a team that ought to be running the ball while providing help to its muddled quarterback situation … which has a new ingredient in sixth-rounder Riley Leonard, most recently of Notre Dame. Second-round DE JT Tuimoloau arrives at the intersection of value and need.
18. Detroit Lions (B)
It’s gotten to a point where GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell are almost above reproach as it pertains to their roster-building acumen. Did DT Tyleik Williams seem like a bit of a reach at the end of Round 1? Maybe … but you tell Holmes and Campbell they’re wrong. Second-round G Tate Ratledge seems made to order for this culture while patching a hole.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (B)
GM Jason Licht is another guy – one who doesn’t seem to get deserved credit – who does a heckuva job in the draft-and-develop space. A bit surprising the Bucs went with a wideout – Emeka Egbuka – in Round 1, but he’s among this draft’s safest players … and Mike Evans isn’t getting any younger (though Egbuka’s game more closely resembles Chris Godwin’s). The team needed reinforcements at corner, and second-rounder Benjamin Morrison and third-rounder Jacob Parrish should check that box nicely. Might have been nice to see NT Vita Vea get some help on the D-line, though.
20. Los Angeles Rams (B)
Not especially sexy, but second-round TE Terrance Ferguson, third-round OLB Josaiah Stewart and fourth-round RB Jarquez Hunter should all be able to claim instant roles on a team that could be the biggest threat to the Eagles in the NFC next season. But the big win was GM Les Snead obtaining the Falcons’ first-rounder in 2026, which he might need for QB Matthew Stafford’s successor.
21. Atlanta Falcons (B)
They’re not afraid, that’s for sure – and the decision to take QB Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 a year ago has aged well despite all the handwringing at the time. This year, GM Terry Fontenot snagged OLB Jalon Walker at No. 15, potentially one of this draft’s best selections – particularly given the Falcons’ years-long inability to rush the quarterback. Yet dealing back up to No. 26 for OLB James Pearce – generally nothing wrong with doubling down – will likely render as the tipping point. Pearce’s talent is undeniable, so there was a reason he was still available at that juncture. Also, Fontenot mortgaged that 2026 first-rounder to get him – quite a risk since this team doesn’t exactly appear ready to win the Super Bowl given it still hasn’t managed to win the NFC South since 2016. Safeties Xavier Watts (Round 3) and Billy Bowman Jr. (Round 4) will add juice to a secondary that shed Justin Simmons.
22. San Francisco 49ers (B)
This defense badly needed attention, so credit GM John Lynch for earmarking his first five picks on it. First-round DE Mykel Williams and second-round DT Alfred Collins could help Nick Bosa get back to being the dominant player he should be. Third-round LB Nick Martin ought to flourish alongside All-Pro Fred Warner.
23. Washington Commanders (B-)
It was a lighter class in part because veteran CB Marshon Lattimore came at the price of a third- and fourth-rounder at last year’s trade deadline, a transaction that has yet to bear sufficient fruit. Still, GM Adam Peters did a nice job while picking OT Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round and CB Trey Amos in the second. Fourth-round WR Jaylin Lane could capably take over for departed Dyami Brown as the deep threat.
24. Buffalo Bills (B-)
A team that seems oh-so-close to its first Super Bowl win didn’t seem to come out of this draft with that player or two who seem capable of putting it over the top. We’ll see how the trade up for DT T.J. Sanders in the second round plays out, but going heavy on defense – including Round 1 CB Maxwell Hairston and Round 3 DE Landon Jackson – seems sensible given how the AFC East champs faltered on that side of the ball down the stretch in 2024.
25. Chicago Bears (B-)
GM Ryan Poles, who’s known for his aggressive maneuvers, continues to build out the support system for second-year QB Caleb Williams. But did Poles hit the optimal notes? Time will tell if first-round TE Colston Loveland was the correct choice over Warren. Poles also stood pat at No. 39 and wound up with WR Luther Burden III, who loosely compares to Deebo Samuel, but Chicago missed out on what appeared to be this draft’s top running back prospects. Poles did wind up with three stabs in Round 2, and DT Shemar Turner might have been the best of the trio (OT Ozzy Trapilo being the other).
26. Arizona Cardinals (B-)
Could be an especially wide variance of outcomes with their first two picks, first-round DT Walter Nolen and CB Will Johnson – the latter’s knee likely to determine if he was a steal or a player with diminishing returns. Third-rounder Jordan Burch joins a D-line that may be morphing from weakness to strength.
27. Los Angeles Chargers (C+)
Nothing wrong with amassing quality depth. But what if it’s overly redundant? First-round RB Omarion Hampton might not need long to displace fellow banger Najee Harris, but would a back like Henderson have provided a better change-of-pace option? Second-round WR Tre Harris is a nice player but not the deep threat this passing game seemingly needs. Outside corner and tight end remain open questions.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (C)
From a macro perspective, they resourced their draft properly by investing heavily in the defense and offensive line – this team’s major issues in 2024 giving up too many points and its ongoing penchant for getting QB Joe Burrow sacked three times a week. But first-round DE Shemar Stewart is your classic boom-or-bust prospect – how often does that work out in Cincinnati? – and going for a pair of linebackers afterward seemed a bit … odd. The best thing that arguably “happened” was retaining 2024 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Trey Hendrickson on the roster, though it’s past time to address his woefully underfunded contract.
29. Carolina Panthers (C)
They might have overspent on WR Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8. And they might have struck gold on OLB Nic Scourton at No. 51. Fourth-round RB Trevor Etienne is a nice player, though it’s worth wondering if GM Dan Morgan should have attacked other parts of the roster given the presence of recently extended RB Chuba Hubbard and newly signed Rico Dowdle in the backfield.
30. Minnesota Vikings (C)
Previous deals left them with one pick in the top 100, though taking G Donovan Jackson was prudent with QB J.J. McCarthy coming back from his knee injury … even if Jackson is a Buckeye protecting a Wolverine. Otherwise, a team that spent freely in free agency seemed largely relegated to targeting depth, including backup QB Sam Howell via a pick swap.
31. Miami Dolphins (C-)
They absolutely needed to get tougher in the trenches – on both sides of the ball. So from that standpoint, spending their only picks ahead of the fifth round on DT Kenneth Grant (Round 1) and G Jonah Savaiinaea (Round 2) made sense. Conversely, were they both slight reaches relative to their draft position or even the best available options at their respective positions? The team’s spotty track record, especially on the O-line, makes one wonder.
?. Cleveland Browns (I – for incomplete)
Think this assessment is a copout? Fine. But there’s no legitimate way to know what to make of this until the bigger picture comes into focus – at least a year from now. It’s tough to even know where to begin.
But let’s start with Thursday, when the Browns stunningly vacated the No. 2 spot and opportunity to take Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner quite possibly a generational prospect – not to mention one who seemingly would have fit well onto this roster and was glowingly praised by GM Andrew Berry the week before the draft. But Berry punched out and wound up with DT Mason Graham (No. 5 pick) and battering ram RB Quinshon Judkins (No. 36 pick) as part of the compensation – both very good football players and doubtless Week 1 starters. Second-round LB Carson Schwesinger should also be instantly productive, while electric fourth-round RB Dylan Sampson could be a fantastic foil to Judkins, who paired so well with Henderson at Ohio State.
But what to make of the quarterback situation, which was the scintillating tandem of Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett a week ago? By obtaining Jacksonville’s 2026 first-rounder, the Browns seemed well positioned to draft a passer next year, which is expected to have far better options as it pertains to the slingers likely inbound from NIL land. Taking former college star Dillon Gabriel, most recently of Oregon, in Round 3 added intrigue to the mix – which, sure, fine.
But by taking Sanders in the fifth round, the quarterback situation is now as muddled as ever (and this is a team that’s been paying Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million to be horrible), the body language of Berry and HC Kevin Stefanski after taking Sanders leading many to wonder if owner Jimmy Haslam had mandated the pick. Put such speculation aside, and Berry and Stefanski tried to downplay it afterward. Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year who’s gotten a ton out of this roster – when Watson isn’t on the field, and he won’t be in 2025 after multiple Achilles surgeries. Yet the worse the Browns are next season – and, just maybe, the worse Sanders is (and after all the NFL has already put him through) – the better the shot Cleveland will have to get a 2026 rookie quarterback who could quite reasonably be clearly better than anyone currently on this depth chart.
So, yeah … get back to me in a year.
