Grading drafts is a popular piece of content immediately post-drat but as we all know, it takes multiple seasons to fully grade a class. In a world of subjectivity, we try to grade the 2023 NFL Draft with at least some consistency to truly grade every pick from every team to come up with an average that creates a team’s grade. A “0” equates to average. Anything above? We consider that a good draft. Anything below? That would be a draft that did not produce enough positive results. Below is a glimpse of what the points mean, and what the expectation is from each round a player is selected in.
2 Points = Exceeded Expectation by a lot
1 Point = Exceeded Expectation by a little
0 Points = Met expectations
-1 Points = Missed Expectation by a little
-2 Points = Missed expectation by a lot
Expectations:
1st round: Immediate contributor / above average starter
- Pro Bowl - +1, All Pro - +2
2nd-3rd round: Immediate rotational, solid starter within in year 2-3
4th-5th round: Backup/rotational - still on team
6th-7th round: still on team, special teams
- Top special teamer = +1
-
Waived but claimed = 0
(9 picks)
1(2): CJ Stroud - QB/Ohio State = 0 pts
1(3): Will Anderson - ED/Alabama = +2 pts
2(62): Juice Scruggs - OG/Penn State = 0 pts
3(69): Tank Dell - WR/Houston = 0 pts
4(109): Dylan Horton - ED/TCU = 0 pts
5(167): Henry To’oTo’o - LB/Alabama = +1 pt
6(201): Jarrett Patterson - OC/Notre Dame = 2pts
6(205): Xavier Hutchinson - WR/Iowa State = +1 pt
7(248): Brandon Hill - S/Pittsburgh = 0 pts
Points: 6
Grade: +.67
When you are picking two and three overall (which included a massive trade up), you better make contact. Not only did they make contact, but Will Anderson is already the highest paid non-quarterback in the league and CJ Stroud has won a playoff game in all three seasons as the starting quarterback. Juice Scruggs helped them land David Montgomery via trade and three day-three picks exceeded expectations by a notable margin. Success all around without a single fail in this draft class.
(6 picks)
1/8: Bijan Robinson - RB/Texas = 2 pts
2/38: Matthew Bergeron - OG / Syracuse = 1 pt
3/75: Zach Harrison - ED/Ohio State = 0 pts
4/113: Clark Phillips III - CB/Utah = 0 pts
7/224: DeMarcco Hallams - S/Alabama = 1pt
7/225: Jovaughn Gwyn - OC/South Carolina = 0 pts
Points: 4
Grade = +.67
Whether you endorse taking a running back in the top ten or not, Robinson is already an All-Pro and finished top five in Offensive Player of the Year voting. Not one of their six picks received a negative-mark and all phases (offense-defense-special teams) have benefitted from the class overall. Only their final pick, Jovaughn Gwyn (who was signed by Baltimore to compete for a starting job), is no longer with the team
(14 picks)
2(36): Steve Avila - OG/TCU = +1 pt
3(77) Byron Young - ED/Tennessee = +2 pts
3(89): Kobie Turner - DT/Wake Forest = +2 pts
4(128): Stetson Bennett - QB/Georgia = 0 pts
5(161): Nick Hampton - ED/Appalachian State = 0pts
5(174): Warren McClendon - OT/Georgia = +1 pt
5(175): Davis Allen - TE/Clemson = 0 pts
5(177): Puka Nacua - WR/BYU = +2 pts
6(182): Tre Tomlinson - CB/TCU = -1 pts
6(189): Ochaun Mathis - ED/Nebraska = -1 pt
6(215): Zach Evans - RB/Mississippi = -1 pt
7(223): Ethan Evans - P/Wingate = +1 pt
7(234): Jason Taylor II - S/Oklahoma State = 0 pts
7(259): Desjuan Johnson - ED/Toledo = +1 pt
Points: 7
Grade: +.50
A league-high 15 picks, not including a first round selection, further throws fuel on the notion that more swings in the batters box can create massive wins. Puka Nacua was the top value pick of the draft but going three for three on their first three selections ensured this was not just a single victory. Grabbing two offensive linemen that exceeded expectations along with two defenders who exceeded by a lot make this not only a balanced draft, but a deep one.
(7 picks)
1(9): Jalen Carter - DT/Georgia = +2 pts
1(30): Nolan Smith - ED/Georgia = 0 pts
3(65): Tyler Steen - OG/Alabama = 0 pts
3(66): Sydney Brown - S/Illinois = 0 pts
4(105): Kelee Ringo - CB/Georgia = 0 pts
6(188): Tanner McKee - QB/Stanford = 0 pts
7(249): Moro Ojomo - DT/Texas = +1 pt
Points: 3
Grade: +.43
At the very least, the Eagles got what they were supposed to get from each of these picks. Add an All-Pro into the middle of their defensive line and a key player to their defensive front with the 249 overall selection and this is the typical Howie Roseman draft that has led to the level of perennial Super Bowl Contender.
(7 picks)
1(14): Broderick Jones - OT/Georgia = -1 pt
2(32): Joey Porter Jr. - CB/Penn State = 0 pts
2(49): Keeanu Benton - DT/Wisconsin = +1 pt
3(93): Darnell Washington - TE/Georgia = 0 pts
4(132): Nick Herbig - ED/Wisconsin = +1 pt
7(241): Cory Trice Jr. - CB/Purdue = 0 pts
7(251): Spencer Anderson - OG/Maryland = +2 pts
Points: 3
Grade: +.43
The Steelers traded up for Broderick Jones, the hopeful (at the time) left tackle of the future. But just three years later, they used a first round pick to replace him. Besides the first round miss, this was a highly successful class with key starters on both sides of the ball, many of which exceeded expectations including one of the best seventh round selections in the league, starting guard Spencer Anderson.
(10 picks)
1(5): Devon Witherspoon - CB/Illinois = +2 pts
1(20): Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR/Ohio State = +2 pts
2(37): Derick Hall - ED/Auburn = 0 pts
2(52): Zach Charbonnet - RB/UCLA = 0 pts
4(108): Anthony Bradford - OG/LSU = +1 pt
4(123): Cameron Young - DT/Mississippi State = -2 pts
5(151): Mike Morris - ED/Michigan = 0 pts
5(154): Olu Oluwatimi - OC/Michigan = +1 pt
6(198): Jerrick Reed II - S/New Mexico = 0 pts
7(237): Kenny McIntosh - RB/Miami = 0 pts
Points: 4
Grade: +.40
Not only did they hit two home runs with their first two selections (both first team All-Pros), but there was just one negative finish among ten picks. In fact, all but one remains on the team with most playing the role of key starter or rotational asset for the 2025 Super Bowl champions.
(9 picks)
1/6: Paris Johnson - OT/Ohio State = 1 pt
2/41: BJ Ojulari - ED/LSU = -2 pts
3/72: Garrett Williams - CB/Syracuse = 1 pt
3/94: Michael Wilson - WR/Stanford = 2 pts
4/122: Jon Gaines - OG/UCLA = 0 pts
5/139: Clayton Tune - QB/Houston = -1 pt
5/168: Owen Pappoe - LB/Auburn = 0 pts
6/180: Kei’Trel Clark - CB/Louisville = 0 pts
7/213: Dante Stills - DT/West Virginia = 2 pts
Points: 3
Grade = +.33
The most important pick, the 6th overall selection of tackle Paris Johnson, panned out as he was just locked into a long term deal and has successfully transitioned from right tackle to left. Hitting on two of three day-two picks and finding a huge day three value nets a solid draft grade. All but one player from this group is still on the team (quarterback Clayton Tune).
(8 picks)
1(12): Jahmyr Gibbs - RB/Alabama = 1 pt
1 (18): Jack Campbell - LB/Iowa = 2 pts
2 (34): Sam LaPorta - TE/Iowa = 2 pts
2 (45): Brian Branch - S/Alabama = 1 pt
3 (68): Hendon Hooker - QB/Tennessee = -1 pt
3 (96): Brodric Martin - DT/Western Kentucky = -2 pts
5 (152): Colby Sorsdal - OT/William & Mary = 0 pts
7 (219): Antoine Green - WR/North Carolina = -1 pts
Points: 2
Grade: +.25
For a team that got blasted for spending two top 18 picks on the non-premium positions, the Lions sure proved that leaning into the identity and player grades is the way to go. You really couldn’t ask for a better first four picks, as all four of them look like key building blocks for the future with star power. They completely swung and missed in round three, however which brought down the grade considerably.
(8 picks)
1(28): Myles Murphy - ED/Clemson = -1 pt
2(60): DJ Turner - CB/Michigan = +1 pt
3(S): Jordan Battle - S/Alabama = 0 pts
4(131): Charlie Jones - WR/Purdue = 1 pt
5(163): Chase Brown - RB/Illinois = 2 pts
6(206): Andrei Iosivas - WR/Princeton = 1 pt
6(217): Brad Robbins - P/Michigan = -1 pt
7(246): DJ Ivey - CB/Miami = 0 pts
Points: 2
Grade: +.25
The lack of production from Myles Murphy led to several moves being forced at the position but he is still in line to be a starter in 2025. The rest of the class, for the most part, was filled with positive results. Chase Brown broke the 1,000-yard mark in year three and is a true number one back. Charlie Jones’ impact has been felt on special teams, with three return scores in three years in both roles.
(13 picks)
1(13): Lukas Van Ness - ED/Iowa = -2 pts
2(42): Luke Musgrave - TE/Oregon State = -1 pt
2(50): Jayden Reed - WR/Michigan State = +1 pt
3(78) Tucker Kraft - TE/South Dakota State = +1 pt
4(116): Colby Wooden - ED/Auburn = 0 pts
5(149): Sean Clifford - QB/Penn State = -1 pt
5(159): Dontayvion Wicks - WR/Virginia = +2 pts
6(179): Karl Brooks - DT/Bowling Green = +2 pts
6(207): Anders Carslon - K/Auburn = -1 pt
7(232): Carrington Valentine - CB/Kentucky = +2 pts
7(235): Lew Nichols III - RB/Central Michigan = 0 pts
7(242): Anthony Johnson Jr. - S/Iowa State = 0 pts
7(256): Grant DuBose - WR/Charlotte = 0 pts
Points: 3
Grade: +.23
The 13 selections were among the most in the league and it helped make up for Lukas Van Ness and Luke Musgrave, their first two picks, ending up as rotational pieces rather than key starters. They hit on multiple playmakers for the passing game on days two and three in addition to a sixth rounder, Karl Brooks, who quickly became a movable piece for their pass rush. The cherry on top was finding a starting corner with one of their four seventh rounders.
(5 picks)
2(63): Marvin Mims - WR/Oklahoma = +1 pt
3(67): Drew Sanders - LB/Arkansas = -1 pt
3(83): Riley Moss - CB/Iowa = 0 pts
6(183): JL Skinner - S/Boise State = 0 pts
7(257): Alex Forsyth - OC/Oregon = 1 pt
Points: 1
Grade: +.20
It is important to remember, the aftershock of the Russell Wilson trade had its heavy impact on this draft class. All five picks remain on the roster and even the final selection, center Alex Forsyth, has started seven games. Marvin Mims is more of a rotational asset at receiver but he is the team’s deep threat and he has been named an All-Pro returner each of the last two seasons.
12) New England Patriots
(12 picks)
1(17): Christian Gonzalez - CB/Oregon = +2 pts
2(46): Keion White - ED/Georgia Tech = 0 pts
3(76): Marte Mapu - LB/Sacramento State = 0 pts
4(107): Jake Andrews - OC/Troy = -1 pt
4(112): Chad Ryland - K/Maryland = -1 pt
4(117): Sidy Sow - Eastern Michigan = -1 pt
5(144): Atonio Mafi - OG/UCLA = -1 pt
6(187): Kayshon Boutte - WR/LSU = +2 pts
6(192): Bryce Baringer - P/Michigan State = +1 pt
6(210): Demario Douglas - WR/Liberty = +2 pts
6(214): Ameer Speed - CB/Michigan State = 0 pts
7(245): Isaiah Bolden - CB/Jackson State = -1 pt
Points: 2
Grade: +.17
The results of this draft class were all over the map. Most importantly, they acquired an All-Pro at a premium position with their first selection. Their next two picks ended up not being schematic fits (the coaching staff changed the next season) and were traded. They went 0 for 3 with the three offensive line picks in the middle rounds but made up for it with three successful sixth rounders, two of them were significant at wide receiver.
(7 picks)
1(21): Quentin Johnston - WR/TCU = -1 pt
2(54): Tuli Tuipulotu - ED/USC = +1 pt
3(85): Daiyan Henley - LB/Washington State = +1
4(125) Derius Davis - WR/TCU = 0 pts
5(156): Jordan McFadden - OG/Clemson = 0 pts
6(200): Scott Matlock - DT/Boise State = +1 pt
7(239): Max Duggan - QB/TCU = -1 pt
Points: 1
Grade: +.14
While Quentin Johnston has been a starter since his rookie season, he has yet to break the 800-yard barrier. The team did exercise his fifth-year option, however so this cannot be considered a major disappointment. Their next three picks are important contributors to their team and even Scott Matlock was a win, as he transitioned to fullback and has excelled there.
(6 picks)
1/25: Dalton Kincaid - TE/Utah = 1 pt
2/59: O’Cyrus Torrence - OG/Florida = 0 pts
3/91: Dorian Williams - LB/Tulane = 0 pts
5/150: Justin Shorter - WR/Florida = -1 pt
7/230: Nick Broeker - OG/Mississippi = 0 pts
7/252: Alex Austin - CB/Oregon State = 0 pts
Points = 0
Grade = 0
Kincaid and Torrence are key parts to an offense that has made Buffalo a credible Super Bowl contender and they paid immediate dividends. The rest of the class is lackluster but with only three selections in the first 149 picks, the opportunities weren’t exactly plentiful.
(8 picks)
1(19): Claijah Kancey - DT/Pittsburgh = 0 pts
2(48): Cody Mauch - OG/North Dakota State = 0 pts
3(82): Yaya Diaby - ED/Louisville = 0 pts
5(153): SirVocea Dennis - LB/Pittsburgh = +1 pt
5(171): Payne Durham - TE/Purdue = 0 pts
6(181): Josh Hayes - CB/Kansas State = 0 pts
6(191): Trey Palmer - WR/Nebraska = 0 pts
6(196): Jose Ramirez - ED/Eastern Michigan = -1 pt
Points: 0
Grade: 0
The Bucs got what they wanted from this draft class, what they needed. This is exactly what the average group looks like in the NFL. Quality starters with their first four picks, a few backups, and late rounders who have either stuck around or got scooped up off waivers. Nothing special, nothing terrible but keys to a winning team.
(4 picks)
2(51): Cam Smith - CB/South Carolina = -2 pts
3(84): Devon Achane - RB/Texas A&M = +2 pts
6(197): Elijah Higgins - WR/Stanford = 0 pts
7(238): Ryan Hayes - OT/Michigan = 0 pts
Points: 0
Grade: 0
The smallest draft class in the NFL also produced one of the best day two values in the league. Devon Achane makes up for a big miss in round two, Cam Smith. Both of the late picks did not make it to week one of their rookie season, but they were immediately claimed on waivers.
(13 picks)
1(27): Anton Harrison - OT/Oklahoma = 0 pts
2(61): Brenton Strange - TE/Penn State = 0 pts
3(88): Tank Bigsby - RB/Auburn = 0 pts
4(121): Ventrell Miller - LB/Florida = 0 pts
4(130): Tyler Lacy - ED/Oklahoma State = -1 pt
5(136): Yasir Abdullah - ED/Louisville = 0 pts
5(160): Antonio Johnson - S/Texas A&M = +1 pt
6(185): Parker Washington - WR/Penn State = +2 pts
6(202): Christian Braswell - CB/Rutgers = 0 pts
6(208): Erick Hallett - S/Pittsburgh = 0 pts
7(226): Cooper Hodges - OT/Appalachian State = 0 pts
7(227): Raymond Vohasek - DT/North Carolina = -1 pt
7(240): Derek Parish - FB/Houston = -2 pts
Points: -1
Grade: -.08
A 13-draftee (10 of which came on day three) class netted them multiple valuable pieces to their starting lineup on both sides of the ball. Two important players added on day three make up for multiple players who could not last two years with the club, which is common for seventh rounders. This class lacks true star power but the solid assets make it nearly an evenly graded group overall.
(7 picks)
1(15): Will McDonald IV - ED/Iowa State = +1 pt
2(43): Joe Tippmann - OC/Wisconsin = +1 pt
4(120): Carter Warren - OT/Pittsburgh = -1 pt
5(143): Israel Abanikanda - RB/Pittsburgh = -1 pt
6(184): Zaire Barnes - LB/Western Michigan = 0 pts
6(204): Jarrick Bernard-Converse - CB/LSU = 0 pts
7(220): Zack Kuntz - TE/Old Dominion = -1 pt
Points: -1
Grade: -.14
Two key pieces to this team’s future were taken with the first two picks of the class. It had a lot of potential to be a strong class overall but the rest of the class failed to stick around and this is a team sorely lacking depth. Just one or two of them hitting expectations would have made this a strong group.
(6 picks)
1/22: Zay Flowers - WR/Boston College = +1 pt
3/86: Trenton Simpson - LB/Clemson = -1 pt
4/124: Tavius Robinson - ED/Mississippi = 0 pts
5/157: Kyu Blu Kelly - CB/Stanford = -2 pts
6/199: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu - OG/Oregon = -1 pt
7/229: Andrew Voorhees - OG/USC = 2 pts
Points = -1
Grade = -.17
The hit on the most important pick was Zay Flowers, who has made two straight Pro Bowls and finished seventh in the NFL in receiving in 2025. Third rounder Trenton Simpson lost his starting job to a 2025 fifth rounder and two of their four day three picks did not make it to year three. Andrew Voorhees, who was drafted despite knowing he would not play in his rookie season as he recovered from a knee injury, started 17 games in 2025.
(10 picks)
1(10): Darnell Wright - OT/Tennessee = 0 pts
2(53): Gervon Dexter - DT/Florida = 0 pts
2(56): Tyrique Stevenson - CB/Miami = 0 pts
3(64): Zacch Pickens - DT/South Carolina = -2 pts
4(115): Roschon Johnson - RB/Texas = 0 pts
4(133): Tyler Scott - WR/Cincinnati = -1 pt
5(148): Noah Sewell - LB/Oregon = +1 pt
5(165): Terell Smith - CB/Minnesota = 0 pts
7(218): Travis Bell - DT/Kennesaw State = 0 pts
7(258): Kendall Williamson - S/Stanford = 0 pts
Points: -2
Grade: -.20
The defensive line issues, particularly inside, can be attributed to this draft class where both have failed to exceed expectations and one did not even make it to regular season number three. There are multiple usable pieces to their rising franchise, so this class cannot be viewed as a fail. It would help a lot if someone took a big step up in their performance to get them over the hump as a draft class, but also as an NFC contender.
(9 picks)
3(87): Ji’Ayer Brown - S/Penn State = 0 pts
3(99): Jake Moody - K/Michigan = -1 pts
3(101): Cameron Latu - TE/Alabama = -2 pts
5(155): Darrell Luter Jr. - CB/South Alabama = 0 pts
5(173): Robert Beal Jr. - ED/Georgia = -1 pts
6(216): Dee Winters - LB/TCU = +2 pts
7(247): Brayden Willis - TE/Oklahoma = 0 pts
7(253): Ronnie Bell - WR/Michigan = 0 pts
7(255): Jalen Graham - LB/Purdue = 0 pts
Points: -2
Grade: -.22
It is an uphill battle winning in the draft when you don’t pick until #87 overall. It’s an even tougher uphill battle when two of the three third-round picks are off your roster in years two and three respectively. There are multiple depth pieces hanging around from this class and they just flipped Winters for a fifth round pick after leading the team in tackles, proving value in multiple ways.
(7 picks)
1(29): Bryan Bresee - DT/Clemson = 0 pts
2(40): Isaiah Foskey - ED/Notre Dame = -2 pts
3(71): Kendre Miller - RB/TCU = -1 pt
4(103): Nick Saldiveri - OT/Old Dominion = 0 pts
4(127): Jake Haener - QB/Fresno State = 0 pts
5(146): Jordan Howden - S/Minnesota = 1 pt
6(195): AT Perry - WR/Wake Forest = 0 pts
Points: -2
Grade: -.26
This was the draft that was supposed to rebuild the trenches but second rounder Isaiah Foskey did not start a game in two years (with zero sacks) before being released. Kendre Miller was passed on the depth chart multiple times as well. Jordan Howden gave some life to the class with multiple starts all three seasons to this point.
(7 picks)
3(74): Cedric Tillman - WR/Tennessee: -1 pt
3(98): Siaki Ika - DT/Baylor: -2 pts
4(111): Dawand Jones - OT/Ohio State: 0 pts
4(126): Isaiah McGuire - ED/Missouri: 1 pt
5(140): Dorian Thompson-Robinson - QB/UCLA: 0 pts
5(142): Cameron Mitchell - CB/Northwestern: 0 pts
6(190): Luke Wypler - OC/Ohio State: 0 pts
Points: -2
Grade: -.29
The impact of the Deshaun Watson trade made this draft class bottom-heavy in relation to where they picked, waiting until 74th overall to be on the clock. Both of their day two picks did not result in a single positive result, but day three at the very least provided some quality depth.
(12 picks)
1(4): Anthony Richardson - QB/Florida = -2 pts
2(33): JuJu Brents - CB/Kansas State = -2 pts
3(79): Josh Downs - WR/North Carolina = 0 pts
4(106): Blake Freeland - OT/BYU: 0 pts
4(110): Adetomiwa Adebawore - DT/Northwestern: = 0 pts
5(138): Darius Rush - CB/South Carolina = -1 pts
5(158) Daniel Scott = S/California = 0 pts
5(162): Will Mallory = TE/California = 0 pts
5(176): Evan Hull - RB/Northwestern = -1
6(211): Titus Leo - ED/Wagner = 0 pts
7(221): Jaylon Jones - CB/Texas A&M = +2 pts
7(236): Jake Witt - OT/Northern Michigan = -1 pts
Points: -5
Grade: -.41
The Colts knew the risk they were taking in drafting a one-year starter so high and it blew up in their faces, putting them right back into “Quarterback Abyss” they hope Daniel Jones can pull them out of. Failing on the first pick of the second round put this class on skates. The only real positive that saved this from being a big-time failure was Jaylon Jones getting in, and staying in, the cornerback rotation as a seventh rounder. While they did find a few solid pieces, finishing with such poor results after 12 picks is a tough indictment.
(9 picks)
1(7): Tyree Wilson - ED/Texas Tech = -1 pt
2(35): Michael Mayer - TE/Notre Dame = 0 pts
3(70): Byron Young - DT/Alabama = -1 pt
3(100): Tre Tucker - WR/Cincinnati = 0 pts
4(104): Jakorian Bennett - CB/Maryland = 0 pts
4(135): Aidan O’Connell - QB/Purdue = 0 pts
5(179): Chris Smith II - S/Georgia = 0 pts
6(203): Amari Burney - LB/Florida = -1 pt
7(231): Nesta Jade Silvera - DT/Arizona State = -1 pt
Points: -4
Grade: -.44
One of the biggest misses of the first round, Tyree Wilson, is not the primary problem with this draft class. The fact that not one of the nine selections exceeded expectations is what made this class a failure even though there have been usable pieces like Michael Mayer and Tre Tucker.
(8 picks)
1(26): Mazi Smith - DT/Michigan = -1 pt
2(58): Luke Schoonmaker - TE/Michigan = 0 pts
3(90): DeMarvion Overshown - LB/Texas = 1 pt
4(129): Viliami Fehoko Jr. - LB/San Jose State = -2 pts
5(169): Asim Richards - OT/North Carolina = -1 pt
6(178): Eric Scott Jr. - CB/Southern Mississippi = 0 pts
6(212): Deuce Vaughn - RB/Kansas State = -1 pt
7(244): Jalen Brooks - WR/South Carolina = 0 pts
Points: -4
Grade: -.50
Only two players from the 2023 class remain on the team, albeit Mazi Smith and Asim Richards were both traded. Luke Schoonmaker is a viable number two and DeMarvion Overshown shined as a rookie prior to an injury in 2024 that altered his trajectory, but he is still very much a part of their defense as they try to rebuild. He was the only positive grade out of the eight picks.
(6 picks)
1(23): Jordan Addison - WR/USC = 0 pts
3(102): Mekhi Blackmon - CB/USC = 0 pts
4(134): Jay Ward - CB/LSU = 0 pts
5(141): Jaquelin Roy - DT/LSU = -1 pt
5(164): Jaren Hall - QB/BYU = -1 pt
7(222): DeWayne McBride - RB/UAB = -1
Points: -3
Grade: -.50
The class netted them two starters but the other four did not provide much, if anything at all. Each of their last three picks did not make it to year three and while that is often the result, keeping at least one of them around is a reasonable expectation. As of now, it looks like Jay Ward will finally get an opportunity to start.
(7 picks)
1(31): Felix Anudike-Uzomah - ED/Kansas State = -2 pts
2(55) Rashee Rice - WR/SMU = +1 pt
3(92): Wanya Morris - OT/Oklahoma = 0 pts
4(119) Chamarri Conner - S/Virginia Tech = 0 pts
5(166) BJ Thompson - ED/Stephen F. Austin = -1 pt
6(194) Keondre Coburn - DT/Texas = -1 pt
7(250) Nic Jones - CB/Ball State = -1 pt
Points: -4
Grade: -.57
While Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and Andy Reid can make up for poor drafting in the short-term, this goes to show it will eventually catch up to anyone. A first round pick who started three games in three years and all three of the final three picks failing to stick around for three seasons made building depth around an expensive quarterback difficult. Even their hit on Rashee Rice day two has an asterisk next to it with his off-field problems.
(6 picks)
1(11): Peter Skoronski - OG/Northwestern = 0 pts
2(33): Will Levis - QB/Kentucky = -1 pt
3(81): Tyjae Spears - RB/Tulane = 0 pts
5(147): Josh Whyle - TE/Cincinnati = -1 pt
6(186): Jaelyn Duncan - OT/Maryland = -1 pt
7(228): Colton Dowell - WR/Tennessee-Martin = -1
Points: -4
Grade: -.67
The draft could not have started better considering how big their need was along the offensive line. However the aggressive trade up in round two for a quarterback who has proven he can’t be the guy in addition to each of their last three picks failing to reach year three with the team makes this class overall a significant fail that has led to their struggles.
(7 picks)
1(24): Deonte Banks - CB/Maryland = -2 pts
2(57): John Michael Schmitz - OC/Minnesota = 0
3(73): Jalin Hyatt - WR/Tennessee = -2 pts
5(172): Eric Gray - RB/Oklahoma = 0
6(209): Tre Hawkins III - CB/Old Dominion = -1 pts
7(243): Jordon Riley - DT/Oregon = 0
7(254): Gervarrius Owens - S/Houston = 0
Points: -5
Grade: -.71
The Giants got just one starter out of this group and two significant disappointments within the first three picks. They have had to spend big money and/or draft picks at those positions in the next offseasons as a result. None of the day three picks exceeded expectations, making this class a nightmare that has led them down the path they’ve been on the last three seasons.
(5 picks)
1(1): Bryce Young - QB/Alabama = 0 pts
2 (39): Jonathan Mingo - WR/Mississippi = -2 pts
3 (80): DJ Johnson - ED/Oregon = -2 pts
4 (114): Chandler Zavala - OG/NC State = 0 pts
5 (145): Jammie Robinson - S/Florida State = 0 pts
Points: -4
Grade: -.80
It is important to note what exactly Carolina traded in order to wind up with the first overall pick. Their number one receiver DJ Moore, the ninth overall pick (ended up being DT Jalen Carter), the 61st overall pick (ended up being CB Tyrique Stevenson), their 2024 first rounder (ended up being QB Caleb Williams), and their 2025 second rounder (ended up being up being Luther Burden III). Young still meets the passing grade but the next two day-two picks netted them zero starters, nor did the rest of their class.
(6 picks)
1(16): Emmanuel Forbes - CB/Mississippi State = -2 pts
2(47): Quan Martin - S/Illinois = 0 pts
3(97): Ricky Stromberg - OC/Arkansas = -1
4(118): Braeden Daniels - OG/Utah = -1
5(137): KJ Henry - ED/Clemson = -1
6(193): Chris Rodriguez - RB/Kentucky = 0 pts
7(233): Andre Jones Jr. - ED/Louisiana = 0 pts
Points: -5
Grade: -.83
Forbes was the first rounder to be released by a team from the 2023 Draft. He was waived in the middle of his second year with the club. Three of the next four picks, including two offensive linemen, did not make it to their second regular season with the club. Only Quan Martin, a safety who may lose his starting job this upcoming season, remains on the roster.