Draft Grades By Team: Assessing the 2024 NFL Draft Class

Introduction

The NFL Draft is arguably the most exciting and impactful event of the offseason, a time of hope, anticipation, and the potential for franchise-altering additions. It’s a three-day spectacle where general managers, coaches, and scouts make crucial decisions that shape the future of their organizations. Every pick is a gamble, a calculated risk based on player projections, needs assessments, and a belief in the potential for long-term success. This year’s draft, like every year, delivered its share of surprises, triumphs, and head-scratching selections.

This article aims to provide comprehensive draft grades by team, offering a detailed assessment of each team’s performance. We will delve into the strategies employed, the positional needs addressed, and the potential impact of the newly drafted players. Our goal is to offer an insightful evaluation of each team’s decisions, giving you a clear understanding of how they fared in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Grading Criteria and Methodology

Before we dive into the team-by-team analysis, it’s crucial to understand the criteria and methodology we’ve employed to assign these draft grades. Our assessment is based on a multi-faceted approach, taking into account several key factors:

Grading Factors

We evaluate the value of each pick. Did the team select a player at the appropriate draft slot, or did they reach for a player earlier than projected? We consider the consensus rankings and expert opinions to gauge how well a team utilized their draft capital.

Positional needs met is another critical element. Did the team address their most pressing needs in the draft, or did they prioritize other positions? Addressing immediate needs allows a team to improve more quickly, while neglecting them can create longer-term problems.

The immediate impact a player is expected to make is a significant factor. Can a rookie contribute right away, or will they need time to develop? We consider a player’s athleticism, skill set, and readiness to compete at the NFL level.

We also look at the long-term potential of each player. Do they possess the traits and upside to develop into a star? Assessing potential requires looking beyond their immediate performance and analyzing their character, work ethic, and physical attributes.

Finally, we consider the risk assessment involved in each pick. Was the player’s injury history a concern? Are there character issues that could affect their performance? We weigh the risks against the rewards to arrive at a well-rounded grade.

Methodology and Grading Scale

Our methodology incorporates expert opinions, draft analytics, and a thorough analysis of player film and statistics. We aim to deliver grades that are as objective as possible, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of each team’s draft class and its potential impact. The grading scale is as follows:

A: An exceptional draft class, demonstrating excellent value, need fulfillment, and high potential.
B: A solid draft class, with smart selections and a good balance of short-term and long-term value.
C: An average draft class, with some good picks and some questionable ones.
D: A below-average draft class, with several reaches or missed opportunities.
F: A poor draft class, with significant blunders and few redeeming qualities.

Team-by-Team Draft Breakdown

Let’s embark on our journey through each team’s draft class, providing detailed assessments and insights.

Arizona Cardinals

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Cardinals entered the draft with a clear focus on building around their quarterback, Kyler Murray. They secured some exciting talents to boost their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Notable Draft Picks: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR), Darius Robinson (DE)
Positional Needs Addressed: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line, Cornerback
Best Pick: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR). The consensus top receiver in the draft, offering immediate impact and a high ceiling.
Overall Impression: The Cardinals had a strong draft, making smart selections and addressing critical needs. They are in a good position to improve and become a competitive team.

Atlanta Falcons

Overall Grade: C+
Summary: The Falcons had a somewhat controversial draft. They took a quarterback with the eighth overall pick.
Notable Draft Picks: Michael Penix Jr. (QB), Ruke Orhorhoro (DT)
Positional Needs Addressed: Quarterback, Defensive Tackle
Best Pick: Ruke Orhorhoro (DT). A defensive tackle with significant upside.
Overall Impression: The Falcons addressed their needs in the draft, although their quarterback decision raised questions.

Baltimore Ravens

Overall Grade: A
Summary: The Ravens, known for their savvy drafting, delivered again. Their picks aligned perfectly with their roster needs, and they landed some quality players.
Notable Draft Picks: Nate Wiggins (CB), Adisa Isaac (DE)
Positional Needs Addressed: Cornerback, Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Best Pick: Nate Wiggins (CB). A cornerback with impressive talent.
Overall Impression: The Ravens had a fantastic draft, bolstering their already strong roster with top-tier talent.

Buffalo Bills

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Bills, who needed to reload after making some changes this offseason, performed well in the draft.
Notable Draft Picks: Florida WR Ricky Pearsall, LB Payton Wilson
Positional Needs Addressed: Wide Receiver, Linebacker, Offensive Line
Best Pick: LB Payton Wilson. A versatile linebacker with an excellent nose for the ball.
Overall Impression: The Bills managed their draft well, adding valuable pieces.

Carolina Panthers

Overall Grade: C-
Summary: The Panthers continued to build around their young quarterback. Their draft strategy included a few notable picks.
Notable Draft Picks: Xavier Legette (WR), Jonathon Brooks (RB)
Positional Needs Addressed: Wide Receiver, Running Back
Best Pick: Jonathon Brooks (RB). A potentially high-impact running back.
Overall Impression: The Panthers had a decent draft but might have needed to get a better haul to have a major impact.

Chicago Bears

Overall Grade: A-
Summary: The Bears, with two top-10 picks, had an opportunity to reshape their roster, which they took advantage of.
Notable Draft Picks: Caleb Williams (QB), Rome Odunze (WR)
Positional Needs Addressed: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Best Pick: Caleb Williams (QB). The consensus first overall pick with the chance to become a franchise player.
Overall Impression: The Bears made a statement.

Cincinnati Bengals

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Bengals drafted to fill specific needs, focusing on quality over quantity.
Notable Draft Picks: Amarius Mims (OT), Jermaine Burton (WR)
Positional Needs Addressed: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
Best Pick: Amarius Mims (OT). A potential game-changer.
Overall Impression: The Bengals drafted well and are still in good shape.

Cleveland Browns

Overall Grade: C
Summary: The Browns had a relatively quiet draft, focusing on depth and value picks.
Notable Draft Picks: Michael Hall Jr. (DT), Zak Zinter (OG)
Positional Needs Addressed: Defensive Tackle, Offensive Guard
Best Pick: Michael Hall Jr. (DT). A disruptive defensive tackle.
Overall Impression: The Browns made sensible picks.

Dallas Cowboys

Overall Grade: C+
Summary: The Cowboys focused on addressing specific needs, aiming to add quality players to their roster.
Notable Draft Picks: Tyler Guyton (OT), Marshawn Kneeland (DE)
Positional Needs Addressed: Offensive Tackle, Defensive End
Best Pick: Tyler Guyton (OT). A key addition to protect the quarterback.
Overall Impression: The Cowboys had a steady draft.

Denver Broncos

Overall Grade: C
Summary: The Broncos drafted to address needs on both sides of the ball.
Notable Draft Picks: Bo Nix (QB), Jonah Elliss (DE)
Positional Needs Addressed: Quarterback, Defensive End
Best Pick: Jonah Elliss (DE).
Overall Impression: The Broncos sought to get more options.

Detroit Lions

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Lions had a good draft, selecting a talented player.
Notable Draft Picks: Terrion Arnold (CB), Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB)
Positional Needs Addressed: Cornerback
Best Pick: Terrion Arnold (CB).
Overall Impression: The Lions improved their team with smart picks.

Green Bay Packers

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Packers are clearly rebuilding. They had a solid draft class.
Notable Draft Picks: Jordan Morgan (OT), Edgerrin Cooper (LB)
Positional Needs Addressed: Offensive Line, Linebacker, Safety
Best Pick: Jordan Morgan (OT). A valuable player.
Overall Impression: The Packers did well.

Houston Texans

Overall Grade: A
Summary: The Texans made a strong showing. They had a lot of good choices and addressed major areas.
Notable Draft Picks: C.J. Stroud (QB)
Positional Needs Addressed: QB
Best Pick: C.J. Stroud (QB).
Overall Impression: The Texans took this seriously.

Indianapolis Colts

Overall Grade: B-
Summary: The Colts picked strategically.
Notable Draft Picks: Laiatu Latu (DE)
Positional Needs Addressed: DE
Best Pick: Laiatu Latu (DE).
Overall Impression: The Colts got a few good choices.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Jaguars filled out their roster.
Notable Draft Picks: Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)
Positional Needs Addressed: WR
Best Pick: Brian Thomas Jr. (WR).
Overall Impression: The Jaguars were strong.

Kansas City Chiefs

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Chiefs got quality players.
Notable Draft Picks: Xavier Worthy (WR)
Positional Needs Addressed: WR
Best Pick: Xavier Worthy (WR).
Overall Impression: The Chiefs had good results.

Las Vegas Raiders

Overall Grade: C
Summary: The Raiders got a few players.
Notable Draft Picks: Brock Bowers (TE)
Positional Needs Addressed: TE
Best Pick: Brock Bowers (TE).
Overall Impression: The Raiders had alright results.

Los Angeles Chargers

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Chargers worked on their defense.
Notable Draft Picks: Joe Alt (OT)
Positional Needs Addressed: OT
Best Pick: Joe Alt (OT).
Overall Impression: The Chargers built.

Los Angeles Rams

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Rams had a good draft.
Notable Draft Picks: Jared Verse (DE), Braden Fiske (DT)
Positional Needs Addressed: DE, DT
Best Pick: Jared Verse (DE).
Overall Impression: The Rams had success.

Miami Dolphins

Overall Grade: C
Summary: The Dolphins sought players.
Notable Draft Picks: Chop Robinson (DE)
Positional Needs Addressed: DE
Best Pick: Chop Robinson (DE).
Overall Impression: The Dolphins made some moves.

Minnesota Vikings

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Vikings were strategic.
Notable Draft Picks: J.J. McCarthy (QB)
Positional Needs Addressed: QB
Best Pick: J.J. McCarthy (QB).
Overall Impression: The Vikings were good.

New England Patriots

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Patriots were effective.
Notable Draft Picks: Drake Maye (QB)
Positional Needs Addressed: QB
Best Pick: Drake Maye (QB).
Overall Impression: The Patriots were effective.

New Orleans Saints

Overall Grade: C
Summary: The Saints chose their players.
Notable Draft Picks: Taliese OluFisoye (OT)
Positional Needs Addressed: OT
Best Pick: Taliese OluFisoye (OT).
Overall Impression: The Saints picked.

New York Giants

Overall Grade: C-
Summary: The Giants had a draft.
Notable Draft Picks: Malik Nabers (WR)
Positional Needs Addressed: WR
Best Pick: Malik Nabers (WR).
Overall Impression: The Giants moved.

New York Jets

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Jets needed some players.
Notable Draft Picks: Olu Fashanu (OT)
Positional Needs Addressed: OT
Best Pick: Olu Fashanu (OT).
Overall Impression: The Jets did okay.

Philadelphia Eagles

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Eagles drafted some players.
Notable Draft Picks: Quinyon Mitchell (CB)
Positional Needs Addressed: CB
Best Pick: Quinyon Mitchell (CB).
Overall Impression: The Eagles had their way.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Steelers wanted players.
Notable Draft Picks: Troy Fautanu (OT)
Positional Needs Addressed: OT
Best Pick: Troy Fautanu (OT).
Overall Impression: The Steelers played.

San Francisco 49ers

Overall Grade: B-
Summary: The 49ers got some players.
Notable Draft Picks: Ricky Pearsall (WR)
Positional Needs Addressed: WR
Best Pick: Ricky Pearsall (WR).
Overall Impression: The 49ers got their way.

Seattle Seahawks

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Seahawks made some decisions.
Notable Draft Picks: Byron Murphy II (DT)
Positional Needs Addressed: DT
Best Pick: Byron Murphy II (DT).
Overall Impression: The Seahawks decided.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Buccaneers drafted.
Notable Draft Picks: Graham Barton (OG)
Positional Needs Addressed: OG
Best Pick: Graham Barton (OG)
Overall Impression: The Buccaneers did.

Tennessee Titans

Overall Grade: B
Summary: The Titans had a draft.
Notable Draft Picks: JC Latham (OT)
Positional Needs Addressed: OT
Best Pick: JC Latham (OT).
Overall Impression: The Titans moved.

Washington Commanders

Overall Grade: B+
Summary: The Commanders got their players.
Notable Draft Picks: Jayden Daniels (QB)
Positional Needs Addressed: QB
Best Pick: Jayden Daniels (QB).
Overall Impression: The Commanders did.

Risers and Fallers

Some teams truly shined in the draft, earning themselves “Riser” status. The Chicago Bears stand out. They addressed critical needs with Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, potentially launching them to a new level of contention. The Baltimore Ravens also deserve praise. Their selections were high value and will surely contribute.

Conversely, certain teams experienced a tougher draft. The Carolina Panthers might have reached for needs, potentially sacrificing value.

Biggest Draft Day Steals

Every draft brings opportunities for teams to find hidden gems. Several players selected later in the draft could significantly outperform their draft positions and become key contributors.

Areas for Improvement

While many teams succeeded, there is always room for improvement. Some teams could have benefited from more strategic trading to maximize their draft capital.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL Draft provided a thrilling display of talent and strategic decision-making. Some teams emerged as clear winners, while others face an uphill battle to realize their vision. The draft is only the first step. How these players develop will ultimately determine their success.

The future of the NFL is incredibly promising.