Apr 29, 2023

Three quarterbacks in the top four picks. Two running backs in the top 12. Back-to-back-to-back-to-back wide receiver selections in the middle of Round 1. And all 31 first-round picks came from major conferences for the first time in the common draft era. The 2023 NFL draft started with a bang on Thursday with a surprise trade up to No. 3, and there were five more deals on the night. It was one of the wildest drafts in my time at ESPN; this was No. 40 in my current role.

Now that we've been through all 259 picks, it's time for my favorite exercise of the year: grading how all 32 teams fared. I love doing these draft grades because it helps me put each class into perspective. I can survey the good, the bad, the reaches, the steals. Which teams actually got value with their picks? That's the biggest question I try to answer.

Same rules apply, as always: I grade all 32 classes using my Big Board and position rankings as the prism to gauge how effectively each team addressed key personnel holes as well as how efficient each was in maneuvering the board and adding extra picks or future assets. I'll also mention a few of my favorite prospects in the class. I recapped Round 1 on Thursday night and Day 2 on Friday evening, but I'll dump all of my notes below.

Let's get into the team-by-team grades. We'll start with the best grades and go to the worst, with teams that have identical grades listed in alphabetical order:

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Philadelphia Eagles: A

Top needs entering the draft: DE, DT, S, RB, G

General manager Howie Roseman has had an outstanding run in Philly, and he crushed Round 1. The Eagles had two first-rounders thanks to last year's trade with New Orleans, and they were able to maneuver the board for two prospects in my top 12, including the No. 1 overall prospect, Jalen Carter, landing him at No. 9. Carter has some off-field questions -- his draft status was clouded after he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal crash in January -- but there's no denying his talent level. And if you look at this team's biggest weakness from last season, it was stopping the run; Philly ranked 24th in yards allowed per carry (4.6). As I wrote Thursday, putting Carter next to Jordan Davis again makes total sense.

The Eagles might have gotten a premier edge rusher at the end of Round 1. I thought Nolan Smith (30) could have gone as high as No. 8 to Atlanta. At 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, he is undersized, but you can't teach his physical traits. He ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine. We know Roseman builds through the trenches, and I love this addition.

Offensive tackle Tyler Steen (65) has some interesting traits if he can improve his technique, and he might also move inside to guard. I would have gone with Ji'Ayir Brown or Riley Moss over Sydney Brown (66) if I were taking a safety, but I don't have a huge issue with the Eagles preferring Brown. He is undersized, but he tested well during combine workouts and had six interceptions last season. Roseman went back to Georgia with cornerback Kelee Ringo (105) on Day 3 for a nice value. I never bought in on Ringo as a top-40 guy -- he is too inconsistent -- but he has some upside if he can take the next step. Moro Ojomo (249) is a solid depth defensive tackle late in Round 7.

With Carter and Smith filling clear needs -- and the trade for running back D'Andre Swift filling another -- I really like this class. Roseman has done it again.

All of Philadelphia's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/9	Jalen Carter	DT	Georgia
1/30	Nolan Smith	OLB	Georgia
3/65	Tyler Steen	G	Alabama
3/66	Sydney Brown	S	Illinois
4/105	Kelee Ringo	CB	Georgia
6/188	Tanner McKee	QB	Stanford
7/249	Moro Ojomo	DE	Texas

Seattle Seahawks: A

Top needs entering the draft: DE, DT, CB, WR, QB

I really liked Seattle's 2022 class and gave it a B+ last April, adding that "it's not quite an A because the quarterback issue could linger into 2023." Well, if I were doing a regrade, it'd have to be an A+, right? The Seahawks struck gold with cornerback Tariq Woolen and found solid rookie starters in offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas and running back Kenneth Walker. And that quarterback issue? Geno Smith went out and threw 30 touchdown passes, earning himself a big new contract. He is going to be the starter in 2023, though the deal he signed gives the team an out after a year if he doesn't star again.

A year later, all the Seahawks had coming into this draft was ... four more picks in the first two rounds, thanks to the last of the Russell Wilson trade haul. They hit a home run in Round 1 with cornerback Devon Witherspoon (5) and wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba (20), both of whom fill an immediate need. They're going to make an early impact. Seattle landed two of my top 14 prospects.

Editor's Picks

I'm more down on the value of the Seahawks' two second-round picks, though, as I wrote Friday night. Edge rusher Derick Hall (37) had 16 sacks over the past two seasons, but he went over a couple of other better pass-rushers. And they had bigger needs to fill when they took running back Zach Charbonnet (57). There was a run on defensive tackles in Day 2, and I was surprised Seattle didn't jump on one instead of taking a second-round running back in back-to-back drafts. In fact, after Pete Carroll & Co. added Kenny McIntosh (237), they have now selected 11 backs in the past 10 drafts, most in the NFL.

The Seahawks went with two Michigan players I like on Day 3 -- defensive end Mike Morris (151) and center Olusegun Oluwatimi (154) -- and LSU's Anthony Bradford (108) is my fifth-ranked guard. I think Bradford could push for early playing time.

This team made a surprise playoff run in 2022, and after it snagged two rookie starters in Round 1, it is primed to compete again in the NFC. While I didn't love the two running back picks, I'm having a hard time downgrading the rest of this class much. Plus, maybe I owe general manager John Schneider an A after not giving him one last year.

All of Seattle's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/5	Devon Witherspoon	CB	Illinois
1/20	Jaxon Smith-Njigba	WR	Ohio State
2/37	Derick Hall	OLB	Auburn
2/52	Zach Charbonnet	RB	UCLA
4/108	Anthony Bradford	G	LSU
4/123	Cameron Young	DT	Mississippi State
5/151	Mike Morris	DE	Michigan
5/154	Olusegun Oluwatimi	C	Michigan
6/198	Jerrick Reed II	S	New Mexico
7/237	Kenny McIntosh	RB	Georgia

Arizona Cardinals: A-

Top needs entering the draft: DE, CB, RB, WR, C/G

I liked what Arizona did on Day 1. It added extremely valuable 2024 picks (a first and third) from Houston and got my top-ranked offensive tackle in Paris Johnson Jr. (6), though trading back up to get Johnson cost them another second-rounder. This roster needs a lot of work, and general manager Monti Ossenfort has his work cut out for him. Johnson can be a building block as Kyler Murray's blindside protector. The Cardinals came away from this draft with a bevy of 2024 picks -- here's Adam Schefter summing up everything -- and it's clear Ossenfort is taking a long view with this team. The Cardinals might be rough this season, but there's hope next year and beyond.

As for whom the Cardinals drafted on Friday and Saturday? They found a few values and got my favorite Day 3 quarterback, Clayton Tune (139). Tune is accurate and experienced, and he throws a smooth ball. Edge rusher BJ Ojulari (41) was a pressure factory on passing downs last season, while cornerback Garrett Williams (72) is recovering from a torn ACL but might be a steal once he returns. Owen Pappoe (168) has tremendous speed for his position with upside as a cover linebacker. Michael Wilson (94), a 6-foot-2 wideout, had a nice combine workout, which boosted his stock.

Overall, I was impressed with what Ossenfort did in his first class as a GM, getting a plug-and-play left tackle and prime 2024 picks. If there's a quibble here, it's that he didn't take a running back on Day 3 to try to improve the depth chart there. That's where the Cardinals could have found value.

All of Arizona's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/6	Paris Johnson Jr.	OT	Ohio State
2/41	BJ Ojulari	OLB	LSU
3/72	Garrett Williams	CB	Syracuse
3/94	Michael Wilson	WR	Stanford
4/122	Jon Gaines II	G	UCLA
5/139	Clayton Tune	QB	Houston
5/168	Owen Pappoe	ILB	Auburn
6/180	Kei'Trel Clark	CB	Louisville
6/213	Dante Stills	DT	West Virginia

New York Giants: A-

Top needs entering the draft: CB, C, WR, DT, ILB

I mentioned this Friday night, but the Giants landed three of my top 45 prospects in the first two days of the draft. That's impressive stuff from general manager Joe Schoen. Cornerback Deonte Banks (24) was consistently impressive when I watched his 2022 tape, and he stuck to receivers in man coverage. He is both experienced (he started eight games as a freshman) and toolsy (42-inch vertical leap at the combine). We can slot him in as a starter on the other side of Adoree' Jackson.

John Michael Schmitz (57) is my top-ranked center, and he fills a huge hole. He's going to start as a rookie. Coach Brian Daboll helped make a trade up for wideout Jalin Hyatt (73), whom I had rated as the No. 44 player in this class. You might remember Hyatt from his five touchdown catches against Alabama, and he can fly out of the slot. I was surprised he was still available in Round 3.

I like running back Eric Gray (172) as a potential steal on Day 3; he isn't a burner, but he can be a one-cut back behind Saquon Barkley. Safety Gervarrius Owens is an intriguing flier in Round 7.

This class is lifted up by those first three picks, which all fit positions of need. Nice job by Schoen and Daboll.

All of New York's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/24	Deonte Banks	CB	Maryland
2/57	John Michael Schmitz	C	Minnesota
3/73	Jalin Hyatt	WR	Tennessee
5/172	Eric Gray	RB	Oklahoma
6/209	Tre Hawkins III	CB	Old Dominion
7/243	Jordon Riley	DT	Oregon
7/254	Gervarrius Owens	S	Houston

Baltimore Ravens: B+

Top needs entering the draft: CB, WR, OLB, DT, QB

Baltimore's best move on Thursday? Signing Lamar Jackson to a long-term deal, of course. Everything else was overshadowed by the news that the quarterback would be back. And still, getting my top-ranked wideout, Zay Flowers (22), a few hours later had to have made Jackson even more happy. Ravens receivers caught just seven touchdown passes all of last season, and general manager Eric DeCosta has now added Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. to the depth chart. Flowers will make plays out of the slot, but he can line up outside too. He can break tackles or run by defensive backs. This is an awesome addition.

Baltimore traded away its second-round pick in this draft to land off-ball linebacker Roquan Smith, and it took my top-ranked off-ball 'backer in this class in Round 3. Trenton Simpson (86) could be a steal; I had him ranked No. 35 on my board. He can play on third downs and stick to tight ends in coverage. This pick might be an admission that Patrick Queen hasn't quite worked out since being taken in the first round in 2020.

Cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (157) was a value on my board, and I like the stash pick of guard Andrew Vorhees (229), who likely will sit out all of 2023 after a recent knee injury. He would have been a second- or third-rounder without the injury.

DeCosta didn't do his usual wheeling and dealing with trades this weekend, but he landed a nice class, headlined by my guy Flowers.

All of Baltimore's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/22	Zay Flowers	WR	Boston College
3/86	Trenton Simpson	ILB	Clemson
4/124	Tavius Robinson	DE	Ole Miss
5/157	Kyu Blu Kelly	CB	Stanford
6/199	Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu	OT	Oregon
7/229	Andrew Vorhees	G	USC

Chicago Bears: B+

Top needs entering the draft: OT, DE, RB, CB, DT

The Bears received a spectacular haul when they traded down from No. 1 with the Panthers, adding pick Nos. 9 and 61 plus a 2024 first-rounder, a 2025 second-rounder and wide receiver DJ Moore. They got help for now and later, setting themselves up to fill crucial needs in this draft. Even though they traded at midseason what ended up as the top pick of Round 2, they still had four selections in the top 64. So how did they do?

Chicago had been connected with Darnell Wright (9) for months -- I matched this one in my two-round mock draft -- mostly because of its gaping void at right tackle. Wright is the best right tackle in this class, a 333-pound lineman who started 42 games in college. He is ready to play right now. I was more down on two of its Day 2 picks, as I mentioned Friday, but I get building through the trenches. It's just that both Gervon Dexter (53) and Zacch Pickens (64) were a round early based on my rankings. Some of this had to do with getting ahead on the DTs early in a thinner-than-normal class, but I'm grading each class on value, and so the Bears have to get dinged.

As for the rest of this class? I'm a fan. Running back Roschon Johnson (115) played behind Bijan Robinson at Texas, but Johnson probably would have started at most other FBS schools. He is powerful between the tackles. Tyler Scott (133) is a slot wideout who runs after the catch like a tailback. Linebacker Noah Sewell (148) was a tackling force in college, and now he'll get to try to blitz past his brother, Penei, in the NFC North. Terell Smith (165) is my 14th-ranked cornerback, and the Bears got him a round later than I had him going.

I like what general manager Ryan Poles is building in Chicago, and 2024 draft capital he acquired combined with another step forward from quarterback Justin Fields means this team will challenge in the NFC quickly -- just not this season.

All of Chicago's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/10	Darnell Wright	OT	Tennessee
2/53	Gervon Dexter Sr.	DT	Florida
2/56	Tyrique Stevenson	CB	Miami
3/64	Zacch Pickens	DT	South Carolina
4/115	Roschon Johnson	RB	Texas
4/133	Tyler Scott	WR	Cincinnati
5/148	Noah Sewell	ILB	Oregon
5/165	Terell Smith	CB	Minnesota
7/218	Travis Bell	DT	Kennesaw State
7/258	Kendall Williamson	S	Stanford

Cincinnati Bengals: B+

Top needs entering the draft: RB, CB, S, TE, G

I was a little surprised by the Bengals' choice to take edge rusher Myles Murphy (28) in Round 1, if only because there were solid tight ends, safeties and cornerbacks available. Credit to them for not reaching for a direct need, though, as a team can never have too many pass-rushers. Murphy likely will slot in as a rotational player behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard as a rookie, but Murphy is going to make an impact. I like his chances to be a starter in 2024 and beyond.

Cincinnati filled needs on Day 2. You're going to hear about the speed of Michigan cornerback DJ Turner (60) -- he ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the combine -- but he had good tape last season too. He isn't just a burner. And now he'll get to play with former college teammate Dax Hill in this secondary. Safety Jordan Battle (95) is extremely versatile; he started three years for Nick Saban's defense, so you know he has been well-coached. Wide receiver Charlie Jones (131) and running back Chase Brown (163) were nice values on my board. Joe Mixon had a down 2022 season, and I could see Brown getting some carries as a rookie. Andrei Iosivas (206) is a raw wideout from the Ivy League with sprinter's speed in a 6-foot-3 frame. This is a dart throw, but it's the kind of Round 7 pick I can get behind.

The Bengals did a solid job filling their needs, though I'm not going to give them an A because they didn't take a tight end in one of the deepest tight end classes over the past 20 years. That's a miss. Overall, if Murphy develops into an every-down player, we could be looking at an A class in a few years.

All of Cincinnati's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/28	Myles Murphy	DE	Clemson
2/60	DJ Turner	CB	Michigan
3/95	Jordan Battle	S	Alabama
4/131	Charlie Jones	WR	Purdue
5/163	Chase Brown	RB	Illinois
6/206	Andrei Iosivas	WR	Princeton
6/217	Brad Robbins	P	Michigan
7/246	DJ Ivey	CB	Miami

Cleveland Browns: B+

Top needs entering the draft: DE, DT, ILB, RB, WR

The Browns sent their first-rounder to the Texans in the Deshaun Watson deal and their second-rounder to the Jets in the Elijah Moore trade (Cleveland got a third-round selection in return), which meant the Browns waited all the way into the middle of Round 3 to be on the clock. And I have to say, I'm impressed by several of the prospects general manager Andrew Berry landed.

Some teams had a higher grade on wideout Cedric Tillman (74) than his Tennessee teammate Jalin Hyatt, who went a pick before him. Tillman was limited by an ankle injury last season, but at 6-foot-3, he can go up and get a 50-50 ball. Siaki Ika (98) is a 335-pound run-plugger of a defensive tackle. He isn't going to get many sacks, but he'll eat up blockers. Dawand Jones (111) is a mountain of a man who could develop into the starting right tackle. Isaiah McGuire (126) can be a rotational pass-rusher as a rookie. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (140) is a solid dual-threat, developmental quarterback. Luke Wypler (190) actually is my third-ranked center; I thought he might go two rounds before Cleveland got him.

Again, for what Berry had in this draft, he did a great job. He never reached, and he used his selections on premium positions.

All of Cleveland's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
3/74	Cedric Tillman	WR	Tennessee
3/98	Siaki Ika	DT	Baylor
4/111	Dawand Jones	OT	Ohio State
4/126	Isaiah McGuire	DE	Missouri
5/140	Dorian Thompson-Robinson	QB	UCLA
5/142	Cameron Mitchell	CB	Northwestern
6/190	Luke Wypler	C	Ohio State

Green Bay Packers: B+

Top needs entering the draft: TE, OLB, S, WR, DT

The Jordan Love era in Green Bay starts with ... an edge rusher. Aaron Rodgers knows that feeling; the Packers have now drafted a defensive player with 12 of their past 13 first-round picks, according to ESPN Stats & Info research. As part of the trade with the Jets for Rodgers, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst received pick Nos. 13, 42 and 207 and a conditional second-rounder in 2024, while giving up a disgruntled quarterback and pick Nos. 15 and 170. That's a decent haul. The Packers had three picks on Day 2 to try to improve things around Love, and that's exactly what they did, which redeems the slight reach of Lukas Van Ness (13) on Thursday. As I wrote, I had higher-ranked pass-rushers available.

Gutekunst took my fifth- and sixth-ranked tight ends in Luke Musgrave (42) and Tucker Kraft (78), and he added wideout Jayden Reed (50) to try to alleviate some of the pressure off Love. I wrote more Friday night about these picks, but in short, I like them. Musgrave and Kraft both have pass-catching potential, and Green Bay needs it. Last season, it ranked 25th in receiving yards by tight ends (670). Reed is only 5-foot-11, but he plays bigger on tape. This is how to support an inexperienced passer.

Of Saturday's picks, I like defensive backs Carrington Valentine (232) and Anthony Johnson Jr. (242) the most. I had undrafted grades on quarterback Sean Clifford (149) and 6-foot-5 kicker Anders Carlson (207). Colby Wooden (116) is a tweener defensive lineman who is a little too undersized right now to play as a 3-technique as a rookie.

This Green Bay offseason is going to be remembered for all of the theatrics around Rodgers, but I thought the Packers did well in this draft, especially if Van Ness turns into an All-Pro. We're going to find out a lot more about Love and his future in a few months. Plus, if Rodgers plays a bunch for the Jets, New York will owe the Packers its 2024 first-rounder.

All of Green Bay's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/13	Lukas Van Ness	DE	Iowa
2/42	Luke Musgrave	TE	Oregon State
2/50	Jayden Reed	WR	Michigan State
3/78	Tucker Kraft	TE	South Dakota State
4/116	Colby Wooden	DT	Auburn
5/149	Sean Clifford	QB	Penn State
5/159	Dontayvion Wicks	WR	Virginia
6/179	Karl Brooks	DE	Bowling Green
6/207	Anders Carlson	K	Auburn
7/232	Carrington Valentine	CB	Kentucky
7/235	Lew Nichols III	RB	Central Michigan
7/242	Anthony Johnson Jr.	S	Iowa State
7/256	Grant DuBose	WR	Charlotte

New England Patriots: B+

Top needs entering the draft: CB, OT, WR, TE, OLB

At No. 14 overall, the Patriots were in an interesting spot in this draft. In fact, that was right around the cutoff point for where most NFL execs and scouts had their first-round grades. That's right: There are 31 first-round picks, but there never are 31 prospects who have first-round grades on teams' boards. It's usually 20 or so, but this class wasn't considered to be as good as recent drafts. Still, New England was in a spot to get a starter, either at cornerback, offensive tackle or wide receiver. And that's what Bill Belichick was able to do, trading down for cornerback Christian Gonzalez (17), a player I had ranked in the top 10. This is a fantastic get.

I also liked the Keion White (46) selection in the middle of Round 2. He has the position flexibility to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up on the edge of the D-line. I thought the Pats reached a little bit for linebacker Marte Mapu (76), but he is a solid player, so I'm not going to ding them much. The biggest question I had Friday night was: Why didn't they get Mac Jones any help? They passed on the tight ends and receivers. In fact, they ended up not taking a pass-catcher until Round 6.

On Day 3, New England added both my top-ranked kicker Chad Ryland (112) and punter Bryce Baringer (192), becoming the first team since the 2000 Raiders to take a kicker and a punter in the same draft. This definitely fills holes, and Belichick had a few extra picks with which to work. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (187) is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft. Coming into the 2022 season, we thought he might be a first-round pick; he had nine touchdowns on just 38 catches in 2021. Then he had a poor season and an even worse pre-draft process, testing terribly at the combine. If the Patriots can untap his talent, he could be a major steal, but I have doubts.

This grade might be clouded a bit by the first two selections, both of which I loved; but overall, it's tough to downgrade this class too much.

All of New England's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/17	Christian Gonzalez	CB	Oregon
2/46	Keion White	DE	Georgia Tech
3/76	Marte Mapu	ILB	Sacramento State
4/107	Jake Andrews	C	Troy
4/112	Chad Ryland	K	Maryland
4/117	Sidy Sow	G	Eastern Michigan
5/144	Atonio Mafi	G	UCLA
6/187	Kayshon Boutte	WR	LSU
6/192	Bryce Baringer	P	Michigan State
6/210	Demario Douglas	WR	Liberty
6/214	Ameer Speed	CB	MIchigan State
7/245	Isaiah Bolden	CB	Jackson State

Pittsburgh Steelers: B+

Top needs entering the draft: CB, OT, ILB, WR, DT

With three picks in the top 50, the Steelers entered the draft with a real chance to come away with multiple new rookie starters. They need help on both sides of the ball. And I'm a fan of what they did on the first two days of the draft. They traded a fourth-round pick to move up three spots in Round 1 to grab Broderick Jones (14), who will start at one of the tackle spots. He had an elite 2022 season.

On Day 2, they added cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (32), defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (49) and tight end Darnell Washington (93), all of whom could play significant roles this season. Porter is 6-foot-2 with long arms, and he can flip his hips in coverage. This is a great spot for him, being able to be mentored by Patrick Peterson. Benton's traits didn't match his college production, but if he keeps developing some pass-rush moves, he could be a three-down player. He was a slight reach on my board. Washington dropped because of some medical concerns, but he'll step into the NFL as one of the league's best blocking tight ends; and if he can up his game as a pass-catcher, he could be a steal.

Pittsburgh had just three picks in the last four rounds, with Nick Herbig (132) the most notable. He is my No. 7 inside linebacker. The light Day 3 keeps this class under an A -- teams that have more picks obviously have greater chances to find those diamonds in the rough -- but there are some instant-impact players here.

All of Pittsburgh's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/14	Broderick Jones	OT	Georgia
2/32	Joey Porter Jr.	CB	Penn State
2/49	Keeanu Benton	DT	Wisconsin
3/93	Darnell Washington	TE	Georgia
4/132	Nick Herbig	OLB	Wisconsin
7/241	Cory Trice	CB	Purdue
7/251	Spencer Anderson	G	Maryland

Tennessee Titans: B+

Top needs entering the draft: WR, QB, G/C, TE, CB

I went long on the Titans' Day 2 in my Friday night "winners" column, so go there if you don't want to see me repeat myself. The synopsis is: I'm a believer in Will Levis (33). I think he will be Tennessee's starting quarterback, maybe even as soon as this season. He has all the tools to be a longtime starter in the NFL, and I was stunned he lasted into Round 2. Does he have flaws? Absolutely. He was downright reckless at times last season, trusting his strong arm to fit throws into tight spaces but instead getting picked off. He took too many sacks. But he has a high ceiling, and I think he could thrive with pro talent around him.

Ultimately, Ran Carthon's first draft as Tennessee general manager will be remembered for what happens with this pick. The strange thing is I said something similar after last year's draft, when former Titans general manager Jon Robinson landed Malik Willis in Round 3. It's clear the new regime doesn't see Willis as its future franchise signal-caller, however, and my grade for Levis is much higher than it was for Willis a year ago.

The downside of landing Levis, as I mentioned Friday, is that it involved a significant trade up. The Titans moved up eight spots in a trade with the Cardinals, giving up Nos. 41 and 72 plus a third-rounder next year (and adding No. 81 in this draft).

In the rest of Carthon's group, Peter Skoronski (11) was my top-ranked offensive lineman in the entire class, and running back Tyjae Spears (81) is extremely talented, assuming his medical reports check out. Offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan (186) has starter tools if he can put everything together.

I still have questions about the receivers on this depth chart, but maybe Carthon can work some magic in the veteran market after the draft. One thing is for sure: The AFC South got much more interesting after this draft.

All of Tennessee's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/11	Peter Skoronski	OT	Northwestern
2/33	Will Levis	QB	Kentucky
3/81	Tyjae Spears	RB	Tulane
5/147	Josh Whyle	TE	Cincinnati
6/186	Jaelyn Duncan	OT	Maryland
7/228	Colton Dowell	WR	UT Martin

Buffalo Bills: B

Top needs entering the draft: ILB, CB, S, WR, RB

I didn't have tight end listed among the Bills' pre-draft needs, but we ought to consider their first pick as a player who could fill the void at slot receiver. They traded up two spots to take Dalton Kincaid (25), the best pass-catching tight end in this class. He led all FBS tight ends with 70 catches last season and did a lot of damage out of the slot. This is a team that needed a playmaker to take the load off Stefon Diggs, and Kincaid will help. Josh Allen now has Kincaid and Dawson Knox as his top two tight ends, and he has to be thrilled.

O'Cyrus Torrence (59) is a road-grading guard who should push for early playing time. Off-ball linebacker Dorian Williams (91) ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and he has some coverage ability. After Tremaine Edmunds left in free agency, Buffalo has a need at inside 'backer, though I'm not sure Williams is the perfect fit. Nick Broeker (230) is a decent guard prospect who is definitely worth a Round 7 flier.

I question the Bills not taking a corner until the seventh round, but the first three selections in this class are enough for a solid B.

All of Buffalo's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/25	Dalton Kincaid	TE	Utah
2/59	O'Cyrus Torrence	G	Florida
3/91	Dorian Williams	ILB	Tulane
5/150	Justin Shorter	WR	Florida
7/230	Nick Broeker	G	Ole Miss
7/252	Alex Austin	CB	Oregon State

Carolina Panthers: B

Top needs entering the draft: QB, DE, WR, DT, ILB

After an offseason coaching change and a huge trade up the board to acquire the No. 1 overall pick, the Panthers have a fresh start and a new franchise quarterback. Bryce Young, my top-ranked passer in this class, can be a superstar. The 5-foot-10 passer processes the game so quickly and sees things before they happen. I've said before that if he were four inches taller, he'd have a similar grade as some of the best I've ever scouted. The reality is this pick has some risk because we've never seen a pocket passer under 6 feet tall have consistent success at the NFL level; Young is 2 inches shorter than Drew Brees. Young can maneuver the pocket and scramble better than Brees, but Young isn't a great runner like Kyler Murray, who also is 5-foot-10. This pick is going to be a litmus test for how NFL teams evaluate signal-callers going forward.

This Carolina roster has a ways to go, especially after losing wideout DJ Moore as part of the trade with Chicago. The organization gave up a 2024 first-rounder and a 2025 second-rounder in the deal too, and it had just five picks in this draft. Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (39) is a big riser since the end of the season; he has a great mix of size and speed, and he is great after the catch. I'm lower on edge rusher DJ Johnson (80), who I thought went about two rounds too early. Chandler Zavala (114) could be an impact guard. Safety Jammie Robinson (145) had a stellar week of practices at the Senior Bowl in February. I like his potential.

This class is all about Young and what he becomes, but the 2024 first-rounder Carolina gave up looms large over the next year. If Young & Co. struggle, Chicago might have a top-five choice.

All of Carolina's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/1	Bryce Young	QB	Alabama
2/39	Jonathan Mingo	WR	Ole Miss
3/80	DJ Johnson	OLB	Oregon
4/114	Chandler Zavala	G	NC State
5/145	Jammie Robinson	S	Florida State

Dallas Cowboys: B

Top needs entering the draft: TE, RB, WR, DT, K

After another early playoff exit that saw the offense sputter late in the season, the Cowboys fired coordinator Kellen Moore and promoted Brian Schottenheimer. Coach Mike McCarthy will go back to calling the plays, like he did in Green Bay. With tight end Dalton Schultz leaving in free agency and running back Ezekiel Elliott getting cut, Dallas had holes at both positions heading into the draft, and I thought it could address each of them on the first two days.

In Round 1, however, the Cowboys went a different direction, and I have no qualms about it. Mazi Smith (26) is the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in this class, a 323-pounder who will instantly improve their run defense. Their D-line too often last season was blown up at the line of scrimmage, so adding an anchor like Smith will help the entire front seven. If you look at the other NFC East teams, Dallas needed to beef up to stop the run.

I would have taken other tight ends over Luke Schoonmaker (58), but he does have intriguing traits. Tucker Kraft and Brenton Strange were available and higher on my board. Schoonmaker will turn 25 as a rookie, so the question is about how much more room he has to develop. DeMarvion Overshown (90) is one of analyst Louis Riddick's favorites in this class; he can be impressive as a blitzer.

Edge rusher Viliami Fehoko (129) had 23 sacks over the past three seasons; I highlighted him as a potential sleeper in December. Running back Deuce Vaughn (212) is a great player in a 5-foot-5 package. I'd love to see him succeed in Dallas, where his dad is a scout.

There's not much flash in this class, which is not usually how team owner Jerry Jones does things, but I can't knock many of these selections. Dallas did well.

All of Dallas' 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/26	Mazi Smith	DT	Michigan
2/58	Luke Schoonmaker	TE	Michigan
3/90	DeMarvion Overshown	ILB	Texas
4/129	Viliami Fehoko	DE	San José State
5/169	Asim Richards	OT	North Carolina
6/178	Eric Scott Jr.	CB	Southern Miss
6/212	Deuce Vaughn	RB	Kansas State
7/244	Jalen Brooks	WR	South Carolina

Denver Broncos: B

Top needs entering the draft: C, OLB, RB, DT, CB

The Broncos spent big money on offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers in free agency, hoping to shore up a line that allowed a league-worst 63 sacks last season. With their top two picks going to Seattle as the last remnants of the Russell Wilson trade -- and another first-rounder, acquired for edge rusher Bradley Chubb, going to New Orleans for coach Sean Payton -- it was a step to get ahead of their biggest needs.

That left the first draft picks of the Payton era falling at the top of Round 3, though they ended up packaging together selections to take wideout Marvin Mims Jr. (63) at the end of Round 2. It's a good fit for Mims, who has upside as a deep threat, though Denver has a deep depth chart for now.

I mentioned inside linebacker Drew Sanders (67) and defensive back Riley Moss (83) in my Friday recap; they're both good players. The issue is the 2024 third-rounder Denver gave up to grab Moss, which dings this class. I had a fourth-round grade on safety JL Skinner (183), so the Broncos got good value on Day 3.

We know Wilson had a horrid Year 1 in Denver, but is there reason for optimism now with Payton on board? I think so, even if it doesn't quite make Denver a Super Bowl contender. The Broncos did decently with what they had this weekend.

All of Denver's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
2/63	Marvin Mims Jr.	WR	Oklahoma
3/67	Drew Sanders	ILB	Arkansas
3/83	Riley Moss	CB	Iowa
6/183	JL Skinner	S	Boise State
7/257	Alex Forsyth	C	Oregon

Detroit Lions: B

Top needs entering the draft: TE, DE, ILB, WR, RB

For the past couple of mock drafts that I did, as I studied depth charts and free agent and trade additions, I found it really hard to identify clear needs for the Lions. That's because general manager Brad Holmes has done an outstanding job of filling holes and putting together a roster that is the NFC North favorite in 2023. In my two-round mock -- which came out just before Detroit dealt cornerback Jeff Okudah -- I gave this team a luxury pick at No. 18, with top running back Bijan Robinson still on the board. With the pick they got from the Rams at No. 6, though, I thought the Lions needed to grab an impact defensive lineman. So how did they fare?

Let's say there were mixed results, as I wrote Thursday night. They traded down from No. 6 to No. 12, but the reached for running back Jahmyr Gibbs there. While I like Gibbs' game, this is too high. Even Gibbs was shocked at being taken so early. At No. 18, the Lions did what great teams don't do, and that's reach for a need. Off-ball linebacker Jack Campbell is No. 58 overall on my Big Board and is ranked third at the position. There were better players available at both spots. I thought an edge rusher made more sense.

They flipped the script in Rounds 2 and 3, however, and I thought they had a really nice Friday. Tight end Sam LaPorta (34) is going to help as a pass-catcher as a rookie, while Brian Branch (45) is my top-ranked safety. Branch can cover like a cornerback, and he isn't afraid to tackle. I would have been harsher on a team taking quarterback Hendon Hooker (68) in Round 1, but Detroit was able to land him at the top of Round 3. I was surprised he dropped that far. Hooker has some holes in his game, but this is good value, even if he never develops into a high-end starting quarterback. The strange thing is he's only three years younger than starter Jared Goff, who just wrapped up Year 7 in the NFL.

I mentioned defensive end as a need, and the Lions didn't address it at all in this class; they had just two Day 3 picks. Will they go after veteran free agents in May instead? They at least were able to get something for 2020 second-rounder D'Andre Swift, who was traded to the Eagles on Saturday; the Gibbs pick made him expendable.

I still have a few questions about this Detroit defense, but Holmes' Day 2 saved a C here.

All of Detroit's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/12	Jahmyr Gibbs	RB	Alabama
1/18	Jack Campbell	ILB	Iowa
2/34	Sam LaPorta	TE	Iowa
2/45	Brian Branch	S	Alabama
3/68	Hendon Hooker	QB	Tennessee
3/96	Brodric Martin	DT	Western Kentucky
5/152	Colby Sorsdal	OT	William & Mary
7/219	Antoine Green	WR	North Carolina

Houston Texans: B

Top needs entering the draft: QB, WR, DE, CB, OT

After going a league-worst 11-38-1 over the past three seasons, this draft was Houston's chance to accelerate its rebuild and get the ship righted. With 12 total picks entering Day 1 -- tied for most in the league with Las Vegas -- including two in both Rounds 1 and 3, the Texans needed to find starters on both sides of the ball. They ranked near the bottom of the league in both offense and defense last season. Like the Panthers, they needed a face of the franchise, someone to build around.

That's why I was always confused by the rumblings they could pass on a quarterback at No. 2. Were they really going to trot out Davis Mills in Week 1 again? Sanity prevailed, and they took C.J. Stroud there. The stunner happened right afterward. Houston traded pick Nos. 12 and 33 plus first- and third-rounders in 2024 for pick Nos. 3 and 105. It then drafted top-ranked edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. (3), giving the team two of my top-five prospects overall. Normally, I'd say that's amazing for the Texans, but they gave up a ton to make it happen, as I wrote Thursday night. I don't expect them to compete for the AFC South title this season, which means that 2024 first-round selection could be a coup for the Cardinals. Ultimately, general manager Nick Caserio & Co. will talk about the prospects they added; but at this time next year, they could be in real trouble.

On Day 2, Houston reached significantly -- and traded up to do so -- for center Juice Scruggs, though I'm a fan of wideout/returner Tank Dell and what he could bring to this offseason. Give Dell the ball in space and let him score touchdowns. On Day 3, Houston added back a 2024 third-rounder in a deal with Philadelphia, which was a nice move. I also think linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (167) and wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (205) could be solid finds.

This is another class that will hinge on what happens with the quarterback. And though I didn't love giving up the future draft capital, I do think Anderson has All-Pro potential. That's why I'll leave this as a B.

All of Houston's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/2	C.J. Stroud	QB	Ohio State
1/3	Will Anderson Jr.	OLB	Alabama
2/62	Juice Scruggs	C	Penn State
3/69	Nathaniel Dell	WR	Houston
4/109	Dylan Horton	DE	TCU
5/167	Henry To'oTo'o	ILB	Alabama
6/201	Jarrett Patterson	C	Notre Dame
6/205	Xavier Hutchinson	WR	Iowa State
7/248	Brandon Hill	S	Pittsburgh

Indianapolis Colts: B

Top needs entering the draft: QB, CB, S, G/C, WR

We have to give Indianapolis credit for not panicking and trading up for a quarterback. General manager Chris Ballard stuck at No. 4 and still got Anthony Richardson. While I would have gone with Will Levis over Richardson, there's no denying the talent and traits the former Florida passer possesses. At 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, there aren't many quarterbacks in the history of the league with Richardson's size, speed and arm strength. The problem? He really struggled with accuracy in his lone season as the full-time starter, and he needs a lot of improvement on his footwork and mechanics. The upside is tremendous -- and the Colts have a solid offense around him to help -- but I'd be worried to throw him into the fire in Week 1, as the team seems eager to do.

Josh Downs (79) is a quarterback-friendly slot receiver, and he is a great addition to help Richardson. I mentioned after Day 2 I would have preferred other corners over Julius Brents (44), but he does fill an immediate hole. The Colts must think he can start as a rookie.

On Day 3, the Colts hit on some nice prospects. Offensive tackle Blake Freeland (106) has excellent traits in a 6-foot-8 frame, while defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore (110) is a top-50 prospect on my board. I thought Adebawore had a chance to go in the top 40 picks. I actually have Darius Rush (138) as my 11th-best corner in the class, one spot below Brents. At 6-foot-2, he ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine. I picked tight end Will Mallory (162) as one of my combine risers in March. Jake Witt (236) is an intriguing dart throw in Round 7; he is my 17th-ranked offensive tackle.

Look, new Indy coach Shane Steichen worked magic with Jalen Hurts when he was the Eagles' offensive coordinator, but he has a long ways to go to build up Richardson's passing mechanics. I love what Ballard did on Day 3 -- and grabbing Downs in the third round -- but this class will be defined by Richardson and how the quarterback's career goes.

All of Indianapolis' 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/4	Anthony Richardson	QB	Florida
2/44	Julius Brents	CB	Kansas State
3/79	Josh Downs	WR	North Carolina
4/106	Blake Freeland	OT	BYU
4/110	Adetomiwa Adebawore	DE	Northwestern
5/138	Darius Rush	CB	South Carolina
5/158	Daniel Scott	S	California
5/162	Will Mallory	TE	Miami
5/176	Evan Hull	RB	Northwestern
6/211	Titus Leo	ILB	Wagner
7/221	Jaylon Jones	CB	Texas A&M
7/236	Jake Witt	OT	Northern Michigan

Jacksonville Jaguars: B

Top needs entering the draft: CB, OT, DE, OLB, TE

Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke made two trades down in Round 1, acquiring extra fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round picks in the process. That's a coup for dropping down just three spots and still getting an offensive tackle who could start as a rookie. With Cam Robinson facing a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, Anton Harrison (27) might have to be thrown into the fire on the left side. Harrison allowed just one sack over the past two seasons. He had a lot of fans inside the NFL.

If Baalke & Co. didn't go with a tackle in the first round, I thought they might go with a tight end. The Jags filled that need with Brenton Strange (61) in Round 2. Strange had been rising since the combine; I went back to study his tape after his combine workout, and I liked what I saw. He has the talent to turn into a solid pass-catcher. I also liked the value for edge rusher Yasir Abdullah (136) and safety Antonio Johnson (160) on Day 3, but I would have gone with running back Roschon Johnson over Tank Bigsby (88) in the third round. Bigsby is a physical runner, but does he have the speed to rip off chunk yardage? It was just a little high for me.

Jacksonville ended up with six selections in the final two rounds, and my favorite was wideout Parker Washington (185), who has a chance to contribute early out of the slot. Baalke took a few fliers late, which I always recommend.

There's not much flash about this class, but the substance is important, as Harrison and Strange fill holes and have high-level potential.

All of Jacksonville's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/27	Anton Harrison	OT	Oklahoma
2/61	Brenton Strange	TE	Penn State
3/88	Tank Bigsby	RB	Auburn
4/121	Ventrell Miller	ILB	Florida
4/130	Tyler Lacy	DE	Oklahoma State
5/136	Yasir Abdullah	OLB	Louisville
5/160	Antonio Johnson	S	Texas A&M
6/185	Parker Washington	WR	Penn State
6/202	Christian Braswell	CB	Rutgers
6/208	Erick Hallett II	S	Pittsburgh
7/226	Cooper Hodges	G	Appalachian State
7/227	Raymond Vohasek	DT	North Carolina
7/240	Derek Parish	FB	Houston

Kansas City Chiefs: B

Top needs entering the draft: DE, WR, OT, DT, TE

In my eyes, the Super Bowl champs had to add two of these three positions with their top two picks: edge rusher, tight end and wide receiver. And while I thought they could use their first-rounder on Michael Mayer, Sam LaPorta or Luke Musgrave as a promising TE2 to back up Travis Kelce, they opted for raw pass-rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah (31), who had 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. It's a solid if unspectacular move to replenish the D-line after Frank Clark was released.

The Chiefs added a fun wideout on Day 2, taking Rashee Rice (55), a 6-foot-1 deep threat. With JuJu Smith-Schuster signing in New England, the Chiefs can increase the snaps for Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney while rotating in Rice to try to replace Smith-Schuster. I wasn't as high on offensive lineman Wanya Morris (92), but he has a chance to challenge Lucas Niang for the right tackle spot. Morris was a little too inconsistent on tape; he is my No. 13 tackle. Keondre Coburn (194), a 332-pound space-eating defensive tackle, is my favorite of the Chiefs' Day 3 choices.

If Rice comes in as a rookie and climbs the depth chart, this class could be tremendous. For now, because it's so thin and because there were a couple of reaches, I'll put it in the middle tier of teams.

All of Kansas City's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/31	Felix Anudike-Uzomah	DE	Kansas State
2/55	Rashee Rice	WR	SMU
3/92	Wanya Morris	OT	Oklahoma
4/119	Chamarri Conner	S	Virginia Tech
5/166	BJ Thompson	OLB	Stephen F. Austin
6/194	Keondre Coburn	DT	Texas
7/250	Nic Jones	CB	Ball State

Los Angeles Chargers: B

Top needs entering the draft: WR, TE, CB, DT, RB

When the Chargers got on the clock in Round 1, I thought they'd take Zay Flowers or Jordan Addison. That would have been a spectacular start. Both of the small, quick wide receivers would have fit perfectly around Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. So when they went for wideout Quentin Johnston (21) instead, I was surprised. Not necessarily about the value -- Johnston is No. 29 overall on my board -- but because he has similar size and traits as Williams. They're both over 6-foot-3 and love vertical routes.

Johnston is going to come down with his fair share of 50-50 balls, but Flowers or Addison would have made Justin Herbert's life a little bit easier, because they can run crossers and help in the quick game, which just isn't Johnston's strength. This is a case of liking the player but not loving the fit.

On Day 2, L.A. went for a couple of defensive tweeners in Tuli Tuipulotu (54) and Daiyan Henley (85). Tuipulotu had 13.5 sacks last season, but if he bulks up, he could play some tackle too. Henley stuffed the stat sheet in one season at Washington State, and he has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the pass game. He could make an immediate impact. When I studied Derius Davis (125), a college teammate of Johnston, I saw a better return man than route runner, though Davis is super fast. I don't mind spending a seventh-rounder on TCU quarterback Max Duggan (239), though I have questions about his ceiling. In L.A., he'll get reunited with two of his former wide receivers in Johnston and Davis.

The Chargers passed on running backs, so I guess that means they won't give in to Austin Ekeler's trade demand. Overall, there are some early contributors in their class, even though I would have gone in different directions at a couple of spots.

All of Los Angeles' 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/21	Quentin Johnston	WR	TCU
2/54	Tuli Tuipulotu	OLB	USC
3/85	Daiyan Henley	ILB	Washington State
4/125	Derius Davis	WR	TCU
5/156	Jordan McFadden	G	Clemson
6/200	Scott Matlock	DT	Boise State
7/239	Max Duggan	QB	TCU

Los Angeles Rams: B

Top needs entering the draft: OLB, CB, S, DT, QB

The Rams blew up their roster this offseason -- Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner, Taylor Rapp, Leonard Floyd and Troy Hill are among the defenders no longer on the team -- and clearly are entering a rebuild. And with their first-round pick gone to Detroit, they're starting that rebuild at a disadvantage. Still, general manager Les Snead had a bunch of picks to work with on Friday and Saturday. So how'd he do?

Steve Avila (36) is a plug-and-play starter at guard, while edge rusher Byron Young (77) is stellar value on my board. I have Young No. 51 overall. As I mentioned Friday night, defensive tackle Kobie Turner (89) was the first player outside my top 200 to be drafted. That's extremely high for a player I don't think has starter-level tools.

I thought I was high on quarterback Stetson Bennett (128), but I had heard he was more likely to go in Rounds 5 or 6. He'll be a nice backup for Matthew Stafford, but I'm not sure how high his ceiling is overall. Wideout Puka Nacua (177), tight end Davis Allen (175) and edge rusher Ochaun Mathis (189) were all reaches on my board, and L.A. ended up taking my sixth-ranked punter Ethan Evans (223).

This is a bit of a mixed bag overall, but the top two picks were excellent value.

All of Los Angeles' 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
2/36	Steve Avila	G	TCU
3/77	Byron Young	OLB	Tennessee
3/89	Kobie Turner	DT	Wake Forest
4/128	Stetson Bennett	QB	Georgia
5/161	Nick Hampton	OLB	Appalachian State
5/174	Warren McClendon	OT	Georgia
5/175	Davis Allen	TE	Clemson
5/177	Puka Nacua	WR	BYU
6/182	Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson	CB	TCU
6/189	Ochaun Mathis	OLB	Nebraska
6/215	Zach Evans	RB	Ole Miss
7/223	Ethan Evans	P	Wingate
7/234	Jason Taylor II	S	Oklahoma State
7/259	Desjuan Johnson	DE	Toledo

Miami Dolphins: B

Top needs entering the draft: G, TE, RB, ILB, OLB

Miami entered this draft with just four picks, the fewest in the league, and it had already filled its biggest roster hole via the March trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This is a really solid team, though its success hinges a great deal on the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was in the MVP discussion before concussions caused him to miss five games. I wanted to see the Dolphins get immediate help somewhere, and I love their first two picks.

Cornerback Cam Smith (51) excelled in zone coverage in college, and he locked down SEC wideouts. Running back Devon Achane (84) could be one of the steals of the draft. He should be on preseason Rookie of the Year watchlists. Achane is super fast and has ability in the pass game; what's not to like? Ryan Hayes (238) is my 15th-ranked offensive tackle; I was surprised he lasted that late. His 2022 tape is very solid.

This class was handcuffed by the forfeited first-round pick, but general manager Chris Grier landed two tremendous players on Day 2.

All of Miami's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
2/51	Cam Smith	CB	South Carolina
3/84	Devon Achane	RB	Texas A&M
6/197	Elijah Higgins	WR	Stanford
7/238	Ryan Hayes	OT	Michigan

Minnesota Vikings: B

Top needs entering the draft: CB, QB, WR, G, DT

The Vikings got just two defensive snaps from rookie safety Lewis Cine, last year's first-round pick, and they entered this draft without a second-rounder because it was dealt for tight end T.J. Hockenson last fall. So while I thought for a little bit on Thursday that they might go for quarterback Will Levis at No. 23, they opted for a prospect who can make an immediate impact. Jordan Addison will fit well as the No. 2 wideout behind Justin Jefferson. Addison can run any route, and he can line up all across the formation. He just knows how to get open.

Minnesota went back to USC for cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (102) in Round 3. I had that one as a little bit of a reach with better corners on the board. I liked defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (141) in Round 5; he can be solid nose tackle. I don't see NFL starter traits for quarterback Jaren Hall, but he was extremely productive over the past two years. I never mind a Day 3 quarterback selection too much. Running back DeWayne McBride (222) is my favorite selection for Minnesota; he is a top-100 prospect on my board. He averaged 155.7 rushing yards per game last season, and he can break tackles in the open field. He isn't likely to be a third-down back as a rookie, but he's a natural runner once he gets the ball.

This is a small class, but Addison fills a massive need. I'm just curious to see how much Blackmon can play as a rookie, because Minnesota has available snaps for him.

All of Minnesota's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/23	Jordan Addison	WR	USC
3/102	Mekhi Blackmon	CB	USC
4/134	Jay Ward	S	LSU
5/141	Jaquelin Roy	DT	LSU
5/164	Jaren Hall	QB	BYU
7/222	DeWayne McBride	RB	UAB

New York Jets: B

Top needs entering the draft: OT, C, WR, S, DT

The Jets had two first-round picks last year, but 2023 was much more of a low-key draft -- unless you expand that out to the few days before, when they finally completed the Aaron Rodgers trade. In that deal, they swapped Round 1 selections with Green Bay, dropping down two spots. They also gave up Nos. 42 and 207 plus a conditional second-rounder in 2024 (that likely will be a first-rounder). The Packers sent back No. 170, as well.

We had connected New York with the offensive tackles in the class, but four already were off the board by the time it got on the clock at No. 15. I'm a fan of whom general manager Joe Douglas opted for; edge rusher Will McDonald IV (15) can fly to the football. He is one of my favorite prospects in the entire class. He had 33 sacks over the past four seasons. Expect McDonald to be a menace in passing situations as a rookie as he bulks up to improve as a three-down player.

I preferred John Michael Schmitz over Joe Tippmann (43) in the center class, but I know several teams that had Tippmann at No. 1 on their boards at the position. This was a clear need area for the Jets. Running back Israel Abanikanda (143) likely is insurance for Breece Hall returning healthy, but Abanikanda was productive in college, tallying 21 scores last season. Tight end Zack Kuntz (220) lit up the combine workouts, and he is a worthy risk in Round 7.

The lingering question about this Jets class is: Are they sure they're OK at offensive tackle? They must trust that Mekhi Becton will return healthy and productive after back-to-back lost seasons. I don't know that Carter Warren (120) is a candidate to play as a rookie.

All of New York's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/15	Will McDonald IV	OLB	Iowa State
2/43	Joe Tippmann	C	Wisconsin
4/120	Carter Warren	OT	Pittsburgh
5/143	Israel Abanikanda	RB	Pittsburgh
6/184	Zaire Barnes	OLB	Western Michigan
6/204	Jarrick Bernard-Converse	CB	LSU
7/220	Zack Kuntz	TE	Old Dominion

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B

Top needs entering the draft: OT, G, S, RB, DE

This Bucs class isn't flashy, but it shouldn't go under the radar. General manager Jason Licht landed three really good players with his top selections. Calijah Kancey (19) is a penetrating defensive tackle with elite first-step quickness who had 7.5 sacks last season. He might have been a top-five pick if he were a couple of inches taller.

Offensive lineman Cody Mauch (48) impressed by taking a step up in talent level at the Senior Bowl. It sounds like the Bucs see him as guard, but I think he could start at right tackle in time. And defensive end YaYa Diaby (82), who made my pre-draft favorites list, has the tools to become a steal. He had nine sacks last season and was extremely impressive during the athletic testing at the combine.

On Day 3, I liked edge rusher Jose Ramirez (196) as a late flier and tight end Payne Durham (171) as an upside play to find a pass-catcher. Licht did a good job this weekend.

All of Tampa Bay's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/19	Calijah Kancey	DT	Pittsburgh
2/48	Cody Mauch	OT	North Dakota State
3/82	YaYa Diaby	OLB	Louisville
5/153	SirVocea Dennis	ILB	Pittsburgh
5/171	Payne Durham	TE	Purdue
6/181	Josh Hayes	CB	Kansas State
6/191	Trey Palmer	WR	Nebraska
6/196	Jose Ramirez	OLB	Eastern Michigan

Washington Commanders: B

Top needs entering the draft: CB, G/C, OT, QB, TE

So the Commanders really are going to go into the season with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett as their quarterbacks, huh? They passed on Will Levis and Hendon Hooker. I would have done differently, but at least I liked who they added in Round 1. I've been calling cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (16) this draft's "Splendid Splinter," because of his frame. He is a thin 6-foot-1 and 166 pounds. All he does is make plays, though. He had six pick-sixes and 14 total interceptions in his college career. He should play early and often in Washington.

The Commanders went back to the secondary in Round 2, picking my fourth-ranked safety Jartavius Martin (47), who played a lot as a nickel. They ranked 26th in takeaways last season (18), so they went all-in on needs. They also added two interior linemen with their next two picks. I thought they reached a round for center Ricky Stromberg (97), but the four-year starter is technically sound. Braeden Daniels (118) is light on his feet but undersized; he is my seventh-ranked guard.

The quarterback question likely will linger into 2024, and I'm not sure Washington hit all of its needs outside of the secondary with this class.

All of Washington's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/16	Emmanuel Forbes	CB	Mississippi State
2/47	Jartavius Martin	S	Illinois
3/97	Ricky Stromberg	C	Arkansas
4/118	Braeden Daniels	G	Utah
5/137	K.J. Henry	DE	Clemson
6/193	Chris Rodriguez Jr.	RB	Kentucky
7/233	Andre Jones	OLB	Louisiana

Atlanta Falcons: B-

Top needs entering the draft: DE, CB, WR, DT, QB

Check out the positions I listed above. There's no running back there. The Falcons got a fantastic rookie season from fifth-rounder Tyler Allgeier, and yet they took Bijan Robinson at No. 8 overall. For a team that went 7-10 and has more than a few roster holes, I just don't get it. If Atlanta was a Super Bowl favorite? OK, go for a luxury pick in the top 10. I wouldn't love it, but I'd get the logic.

Look, Robinson is a tremendous prospect. He might win Rookie of the Year in Arthur's Smith's offense. But the Falcons could get 90% of his production from Allgeier and a couple of Day 3 options. Smith said Thursday night that Robinson is "a lot more than a running back," but that doesn't make this a good selection. They could have gone with cornerback Christian Gonzalez or defensive tackle Jalen Carter or edge rusher Nolan Smith and gotten better value.

Elsewhere, I liked the addition of Matthew Bergeron (38), who it seems will move to guard for the Falcons. He started 39 games at tackle in college.

One question I have coming out of this draft for the Falcons: Who's rushing the passer? I don't see a vastly improved defensive depth chart. Calais Campbell, who will turn 37 before the season begins, is not going to get them 10 sacks. Third-round pick Zach Harrison (75) had just 3.5 sacks at Ohio State last season.

All of Atlanta's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/8	Bijan Robinson	RB	Texas
2/38	Matthew Bergeron	G	Syracuse
3/75	Zach Harrison	DE	Ohio State
4/113	Clark Phillips III	CB	Utah
7/224	DeMarcco Hellams	S	Alabama
7/225	Jovaughn Gwyn	G	South Carolina

Las Vegas Raiders: B-

Top needs entering the draft: CB, DT, G/C, DE, QB

The Raiders had a rough 2022 season, the first under new coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. Longtime starting quarterback Derek Carr is out, and Jimmy Garoppolo is in. And while there were lots of rumblings they could try to trade up into the top four for a passer, that didn't happen. Instead, Las Vegas -- which entered this draft with 12 total picks, tied for most in the league -- went straight to filling needs for a veteran roster that is built more for the short term than it is set up for long-term success.

The issues I have with edge rusher Tyree Wilson (7) is that cornerback Christian Gonzalez was still available, and Wilson's physical traits didn't always match his production. You can't teach the tools he has -- at 6-foot-6, he has fantastic first-step quickness -- but going in the top 10 means he has to put up double-digit sacks per season.

Michael Mayer (35), the most complete tight end in this draft, was a nice selection at the top of Day 2, but a few other of Ziegler's picks were reaches on my board. I had a fifth-round grade on defensive tackle Byron Young (70) and a sixth-round grade on quarterback Aidan O'Connell (135). Wideout Tre Tucker (100) went a round early. I liked the choice of safety Christopher Smith (170), but his tape is much better than his measurables, and I don't know if he'll ever develop into a starter.

Wilson will start, and Mayer is a ready-made replacement for Darren Waller, but I don't see value with the rest of this class.

All of Las Vegas' 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/7	Tyree Wilson	DE	Texas Tech
2/35	Michael Mayer	TE	Notre Dame
3/70	Byron Young	DT	Alabama
3/100	Tre Tucker	WR	Cincinnati
4/104	Jakorian Bennett	CB	Maryland
4/135	Aidan O'Connell	QB	Purdue
5/170	Christopher Smith	S	Georgia
6/203	Amari Burney	OLB	Florida
7/231	Nesta Jade Silvera	DT	Arizona State

New Orleans Saints: B-

Top needs entering the draft: DT, WR, TE, DE, G

This was an interesting draft for the Saints, who originally traded away their first-rounder last April then added one as a result of former coach Sean Payton getting hired by the Broncos. The Saints ended up picking 19 spots after their original selection. If they had their own pick at No. 10, they could have made the move up one spot to get Jalen Carter, like the Eagles did, and fill their biggest hole.

New Orleans instead landed my third-ranked DT Bryan Bresee (29), who isn't as good against the run as Carter but does have some pass-rush upside. After his freshman season in 2020, I thought Bresee was a future top-five pick, but he missed all of 2021 with an ACL injury. If he can put everything together, he could be worth it, because teams covet interior pass-rushers.

I thought the Saints reached a bit for edge rusher Isaiah Foskey (40) on Day 2, and I would have preferred running back Devon Achane over Kendre Miller (71). Nick Saldiveri (103) played mostly right tackle in college, but he likely will move inside to guard for New Orleans. Quarterback Jake Haener (127) landed in a fun spot; his closest comp in size and mechanics is Drew Brees. Now, if the 6-foot passer becomes as good as Brees, I'll be regrading this draft as an A+, but I see his ceiling as a really solid backup behind Derek Carr or a low-end starter. A.T. Perry (195), a 6-foot-3 wideout, had 26 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

There were a few significant reaches in this New Orleans class, which drops it to the lowest tier of these grades.

All of New Orleans' 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
1/29	Bryan Bresee	DT	Clemson
2/40	Isaiah Foskey	DE	Notre Dame
3/71	Kendre Miller	RB	TCU
4/103	Nick Saldiveri	G	Old Dominion
4/127	Jake Haener	QB	Fresno State
5/146	Jordan Howden	S	Minnesota
6/195	A.T. Perry	WR	Wake Forest

San Francisco 49ers: B-

Top needs entering the draft: OT, G, DE, CB, TE

What a strange class to try to grade. The 49ers entered Day 1 with 11 total picks -- but zero in Rounds 1 or 2. Trades for Trey Lance and Christian McCaffrey depleted their capital. Instant-impact rookies can come from any round, of course, but it's asking a lot to guarantee that any of these guys will play early and often. (And who knows, maybe they found the next Brock Purdy in here somewhere.)

And yet, I like a bunch of these picks, except for kicker Jake Moody (99) in Round 3. I get that it's a need, but that's incredibly early, and I didn't even have him as the best kicker in the class. I had a second-round grade on safety Ji'Ayir Brown (87), so I'm a fan of his potential. Tight end Cameron Latu (101) has upside, and he'll get to learn the ropes from George Kittle. Linebacker Dee Winters (216) went about 60 picks after I thought he would. Brayden Willis (247) is going to make an impact as a rookie special-teamer.

The biggest issue with this class is: Where's the offensive tackle? With Mike McGlinchey gone, is Colton McKivitz really going to be the starting right tackle? That's a miss based on my list of pre-draft needs.

All of San Francisco's 2023 draft picks

Round/Pick	Name	Pos	College
3/87	Ji'Ayir Brown	S	Penn State
3/99	Jake Moody	K	Michigan
3/101	Cameron Latu	TE	Alabama
5/155	Darrell Luter Jr.	CB	South Alabama
5/173	Robert Beal Jr.	DE	Georgia
6/216	Dee Winters	ILB	TCU
7/247	Brayden Willis	TE	Oklahoma
7/253	Ronnie Bell	WR	Michigan
7/255	Jalen Graham	OLB	Purdue

2023 nfl draft grades all 32 teams mel kiper steals sleepers favorite picks classes

2023-05-01 20:00:52