2024 NFL Draft Grades: Initial Impressions of Each Team's Picks

Quick grades assigned to NFL draft picks offer an initial assessment based on various factors including the prospect’s skills, positional value, and the team’s needs. These evaluations often factor in trades and the overall draft strategy of each franchise. While these grades provide an immediate snapshot, they don’t always reflect the long-term success of the selections. Here’s a rundown of some notable picks from the 2024 NFL Draft:

• Arizona Cardinals (Grade: A): Secured wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and defensive tackle Darius Robinson addressing key needs with talented prospects.
• Atlanta Falcons (Grade: C): Drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. a risky move given his injury history and the team’s recent investment in Kirk Cousins.
• Baltimore Ravens (Grade: B): Added cornerback Nate Wiggins to bolster their secondary but overlooked offensive line needs.
• Buffalo Bills (Grade: C): Opted out of the first round to acquire additional picks, potentially missing out on top talent like Xavier Worthy.
• Carolina Panthers (Grade: A): Selected wide receiver Xavier Legette to add firepower to their offense showing boldness in their draft strategy.
• Chicago Bears (Grade: C): Drafted quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze setting the stage for a new era in their offense.
• Cincinnati Bengals (Grade: D): Picked offensive tackle Amarius Mims despite questions about his injury history and playing time.
• Cleveland Browns (Grade: A): Sat out the first round due to previous trades, banking on Deshaun Watson potential to elevate the team.
• Dallas Cowboys (Grade: C): Selected offensive tackle Tyler Guyton to address their offensive line making strategic moves to acquire additional picks.
• Denver Broncos (Grade: B+): Drafted quarterback Bo Nix to fill the void left by Russell Wilson departure acknowledging his potential despite limitations.
• Detroit Lions (Grade: B+): Traded up to select defensive back Terrion Arnold addressing a position of need with a promising talent.
• Green Bay Packers (Grade: A): Added offensive tackle Jordan Morgan to shore up their offensive line making a sensible pick considering their recent roster changes.
• Houston Texans (Grade: B+): Opted out of the first round showcasing a strategic approach to acquiring future draft capital.
• Indianapolis Colts (Grade: A): Secured defensive end Laiatu Latu acknowledging his potential impact despite injury concerns.
• Jacksonville Jaguars (Grade: A): Traded down and still managed to select wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. providing support for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
• Kansas City Chiefs (Grade: A): Drafted wide receiver Xavier Worthy to bolster their offense recognizing his game-changing potential.
• Las Vegas Raiders (Grade: B+): Selected tight end Brock Bowers to add versatility to their offense despite already having depth at the position.
• Los Angeles Chargers (Grade: A): Picked offensive tackle Joe Alt to fortify their offensive line potentially passing up on impact wide receivers in the process.
• Los Angeles Rams (Grade: B): Drafted defensive end Jared Verse to address their pass rush needs despite concerns about his consistency.
• Miami Dolphins (Grade: A-): Selected linebacker Chop Robinson to boost their pass rush recognizing his potential despite college production concerns.
• Minnesota Vikings (Grade: A-): Traded up to select quarterback J.J. McCarthy and linebacker Dallas Turner showcasing a bold move to secure top talent.
• New England Patriots (Grade: A-): Drafted quarterback Drake Maye to lead their offense acknowledging his potential while noting consistency issues.
• New Orleans Saints (Grade: B+): Added offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga to address their offensive line needs recognizing his potential despite average athleticism.
• New York Giants (Grade: B): Drafted wide receiver Malik Nabers to add playmaking ability potentially overlooking other positional needs.
• New York Jets (Grade: A): Selected offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu to bolster their offensive line despite having veteran options already in place.
• Philadelphia Eagles (Grade: A): Drafted defensive back Quinyon Mitchell to strengthen their secondary acknowledging his athleticism and playmaking ability.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (Grade: B+): Picked offensive tackle Troy Fautanu to provide depth on the offensive line despite concerns about his size and injury history.
• San Francisco 49ers (Grade: A): Selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall to add depth to their receiving corps recognizing his potential impact.
• Seattle Seahawks (Grade: A): Drafted defensive tackle Byron Murphy II to bolster their defensive line acknowledging his skills as a run-stopper and interior disruptor.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Grade: A): Added center Graham Barton to strengthen their interior offensive line making a sensible pick to address a position of need.
• Tennessee Titans (Grade: A): Selected offensive tackle JC Latham to provide protection for their quarterback recognizing his potential impact on their offensive line.
• Washington Commanders (Grade: A): Drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels to lead their offense acknowledging his improved play and potential for growth.

These draft grades provide insight into each team’s draft strategy and initial impressions of their selections but the true success of these picks will only be determined in the seasons to come.