2024 NFL Draft Grades A Team-by-Team Breakdown

The 2024 NFL Draft brought excitement and hope to fans. Teams aimed to strengthen their rosters with fresh talent. Let’s explore how each team fared, highlighting key picks and overall performance.

Arizona Cardinals

Grade: B+

Key Picks: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Round 1), EDGE Darius Robinson (Round 1), CB Max Melton (Round 2)

The Cardinals secured top talent with Harrison Jr., a standout wide receiver. Robinson adds strength to their defensive line. Melton bolsters the secondary. These selections address critical needs and promise immediate impact.

Atlanta Falcons

Grade: C-

Key Picks: QB Jayden Daniels (Round 1)

The Falcons made a bold move by selecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. His dual-threat ability is intriguing. However, some analysts question if this was the right choice, given other pressing needs.

Baltimore Ravens

Grade: A-

Key Picks: CB Kalen King (Round 1), WR Emeka Egbuka (Round 2)

The Ravens focused on enhancing their pass defense with King, a top cornerback. Egbuka adds depth to the receiving corps, providing quarterback support. These picks align well with the team’s strategic goals.

Buffalo Bills

Grade: B-

Key Picks: LB Tommy Eichenberg (Round 1), RB Blake Corum (Round 2)

Buffalo aimed to strengthen its defense with Eichenberg, a solid linebacker. Corum brings versatility to the backfield. While these selections are solid, some feel the Bills could have addressed other areas more urgently.

Carolina Panthers

Grade: B

Key Picks: QB Bo Nix (Round 1), WR Rome Odunze (Round 2)

The Panthers invested in their offense by drafting Nix, a promising quarterback. Odunze offers a reliable target downfield. This duo could rejuvenate Carolina’s offensive production.

Chicago Bears

Grade: A+

Key Picks: QB Caleb Williams (Round 1)

The Bears made a significant move by selecting Caleb Williams, a highly touted quarterback prospect. This pick has the potential to transform their offense and provide long-term stability at the position.

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: B+

  • Key Picks: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Round 1), CB Cooper DeJean (Round 2)

Cincinnati prioritized protecting their quarterback with Fashanu, a strong offensive tackle. DeJean enhances the secondary, aiming to improve pass defense. These choices address key areas for the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns

Grade: B-

Key Picks: WR Xavier Worthy (Round 1), DT Maason Smith (Round 2)

The Browns added speed to their offense with Worthy, a dynamic receiver. Smith strengthens the interior defensive line. While solid, some analysts believe other needs remain unaddressed.

Dallas Cowboys

Grade: B*

Key Picks: TE Brock Bowers (Round 1), S Kamren Kinchens (Round 2)

Dallas enhanced its offensive options with Bowers, a talented tight end. Kinchens adds depth to the safety position. These selections aim to balance both sides of the ball.

Denver Broncos

Grade: B*

Key Picks: QB Bo Nix (Round 1), WR Rome Odunze (Round 2)

The Broncos selected Bo Nix, adding competition to the quarterback room. Odunze provides a new target in the passing game. These picks could spark offensive improvement.

Detroit Lions

Grade: B+*

Key Picks: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Round 1), RB TreVeyon Henderson (Round 2)

Detroit focused on defense with McKinstry, a top cornerback. Henderson adds explosiveness to the running game. These choices aim to elevate the Lions’ competitiveness.

Green Bay Packers

Grade: B*

Key Picks: OT Graham Barton (Round 1), WR Malik Nabers (Round 2)

The Packers invested in their offensive line with Barton, a versatile tackle. Nabers offer a new weapon to the receiving corps. These selections support their young quarterback’s development.

Houston Texans

Grade: B*

Key Picks: EDGE Jared Verse (Round 1), S Calen Bullock (Round 2)

Houston strengthened its defense with Verse, a dynamic edge rusher. Bullock adds talent to the secondary. Thesepicks help build a stronger defense for the Texans. These improvements aim to make the team more competitive in the coming season.

Indianapolis Colts

Grade: B+

Key Picks: QB Anthony Richardson (Round 1), CB Christian Gonzalez (Round 2)

The Colts made a bold move by drafting Anthony Richardson, a highly anticipated quarterback. His athleticism and potential could reshape the offense. Christian Gonzalez adds stability to the secondary, boosting the Colts’ defensive unit. These moves were crucial for the Colts’ rebuilding process. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade: A-

Key Picks: EDGE Isaiah Foskey (Round 1), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Round 2)

The Jaguars made smart picks with Foskey, a powerful edge rusher, and Smith-Njigba, a playmaking wide receiver. Both selections address significant team needs. Foskey will fortify the defensive line, while Smith-Njigba can immediately contribute to the offense. This draft sets the Jaguars up for a competitive future. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Grade: B

Key Picks: OT Paris Johnson Jr. (Round 1), CB Tyrique Stevenson (Round 2)

Kansas City focused on strengthening its offensive line with Johnson Jr. to provide better protection for Patrick Mahomes. Stevenson adds depth to the secondary. The Chiefs’ draft strategy was solid, although some believe they could have done more to enhance the defense. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Grade: B-

Key Picks: QB Will Levis (Round 1), WR Zay Flowers (Round 2)

The Raiders took a chance on quarterback Will Levis in the first round, hoping he could be their franchise leader. Zay Flowers is a fast, reliable receiver who will help diversify the offense. However, some analysts question whether the team should have focused more on defense, which remains a major concern.

Los Angeles Chargers

Grade: B+

Key Picks: WR Quentin Johnston (Round 1), TE Michael Mayer (Round 2)

The Chargers focused on enhancing their offensive weapons, selecting Johnston and Mayer. Both picks provide Justin Herbert with more options in the passing game. These players should help the Chargers improve their offensive balance and make a push for the playoffs. 

Los Angeles Rams

Grade: B

Key Picks: EDGE Nolan Smith (Round 1), WR Puka Nacua (Round 2)

The Rams strengthened their defense with Smith, a powerful pass rusher, and added Nacua, a promising wide receiver. These selections address team needs, though some feel the Rams should have done more to bolster their aging offensive line. Nonetheless, these picks should provide long-term value. 

Miami Dolphins

Grade: B-

Key Picks: RB Jahmyr Gibbs (Round 1), CB Deonte Banks (Round 2)

Exploring The Dolphins focused on adding talent to their offense with Gibbs, a dynamic running back. Banks brings skill and speed to the secondary, which is a growing concern for Miami. Although the team strengthened key areas, the Dolphins’ draft was viewed as more of a solid improvement rather than a game-changer. 

Minnesota Vikings

Grade: A

Key Picks: WR Jordan Addison (Round 1), S Brian Branch (Round 2)

The Vikings hit a home run with Addison, a top wide receiver, and Branch, a versatile safety. These selections should elevate both the passing game and defense. The Vikings made strategic decisions that should keep them competitive in their division.

New England Patriots

Grade: B+

Key Picks: LB Jack Campbell (Round 1), CB Kelee Ringo (Round 2)

The Patriots focused on improving their defense with Campbell, a linebacker with excellent coverage skills, and Ringo, a cornerback capable of making an impact early. Both selections were made with the long-term vision in mind. New England’s strategy was solid but could have used more firepower on offense.

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