Grading Every NFL Team's 2024 Draft Class

Published on 30 April 2024 at 09:58

       Welcome to InSzn Sport's 2024 NFL Draft grades for every team. Each team's grade will be based on their own biggest needs, overall value and the potential of the drafted player. Not every team's selection will be mentioned, but notable selections will be highlighted and mainly used for each team's grade. For more articles like this one, subscribe to our InSzn + newsletter and enjoy reading!

 

Arizona Cardinals - A 

Notable Selections: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State), Max Melton (CB, Rutgers) and Christian Jones (Texas)

         Arizona definitely bolstered their roster with elite talent at some of their biggest needs. With their first pick, they provided QB Kyler Murray with a superstar wideout in Marvin Harrison Jr, who is arguably the best player in this class. Further down the board, they acquired edge rusher Darius Robinson and cornerback Max Melton, which are some of the best athletes at their positions in the entire draft. In the 5th round, the Cardinals somehow snag OT Christian Jones from Texas, who is a physical linemen with upside to become a starter one day.

 

Atlanta Falcons - D+

Notable Selections: Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington), Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson) and JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)

        Atlanta made the most confusing pick of the entire draft, selecting QB Michael Penix Jr. when they already have Kirk Cousins on the roster, whom they gave over $100 million. To add insult to injury, the falcons traded up to pick 36 to select Ruke Orhorhoro, when better players at the position were available. With needs all across the defense, the Falcons addressed none of those in a significant way, whether that be through a trade or a selection.

 

Baltimore Ravens - B+

Notable Selections: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson), Adisa Isaac (OlB, Penn State) and Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)

       Eric Decosta has continued the legacy of Ozzie Newsome's great NFL Draft classes over the years. At the back end of the first round, Baltimore secures a top 5 cornerback prospect in Nate Wiggins, who has massive potential, but also injury concerns simultaneously. Adisa Isaac is a solid linebacker/edge prospect out of Penn State, but their best selection came in the 4th round with Tez Walker. Walker is a deep threat wide receiver that provides a complementary piece to Zay Flowers. Overall, the Ravens did nothing too crazy this draft, but definitely got solid value at each of their picks.

 

Buffalo Bills - A+

Notable Selections: Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State), Dewayne Carter (DT, Duke) and Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (G/c, Georgia)

       The Bills traded out of the first round twice, yet still managed to get an ELITE wide receiver prospect in Keon Coleman. Coleman is aggressive at the catch point and excels at securing the deep ball and jump ball. They also got him while acquiring future draft capital. Dewayne Carter projects to be a solid bull rusher who needs work with developing his hands as a pass rusher. Any time an offensive linemen from the SEC falls late in the draft, you know they will be a good value pick. In this case, it's Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, who has guard and center flexibility across the line.

 

Carolina Panthers - C

Notable Selections: Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina), Johnathan Brooks (RB, Texas) and Ja'tavion Sanders (Te, Texas)

       The Panthers did not do much to help Bryce Young across the O-Line, but they did acquire a high upside wideout in Xavier Legette. Although I like the pick, other prospects like Ladd McConkey and Adonai Mitchell would have been better fits for the Panthers. I like the Texas pickups in Johnathan Brooks and Ja'Tavion Sanders, but they could have addressed the O-line and D-Line in this draft.

 

Chicago Bears - A

Notable Selections: Caleb Williams (QB, USC), Rome Odunze (WR, Washington), Austin Booker (DL, Kansas)

       CHICAGO IS BACK! Caleb Williams has all the potential in the world the become the franchise QB the Bears have wanted for so long. Not only that, but Rome Odunze falls to their lap at pick 9, who makes their offense so dynamic. Just these two picks alone deserve an A grade with how much potential both of these players have. The Bears also got decent late-round value in Austin Booker, who can be a rotational pass rusher in certain situations.

 

Cincinnati Bengals - A-

Notable Selections: Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia), Kris Jenkins (DT, Michigan) and Mckinnley Jackson (DL, Texas A&M)

       Amarius Mims in the first round provides a safety net for the offensive line if injuries happen. Mims also has starter potential in his first season and is one of the best pass protectors in the draft. Kris Jenkins is a steal in the middle of the second round. Jenkins has a high motor and is a great run defender with potential to become a solid pass rusher. McKinnley Jackson is a good player, but was not the right fit for the Bengals after signing D.J. Reader and drafting Kris Jenkins earlier on in the draft.

 

Cleveland Browns - B-

Notable Selections: Michael Hall Jr. (Dt, Ohio State), Zak Zinter (OG, Michigan) and Jamari Thrash (Wr, Louisville)

       The Browns did nothing too crazy in this draft. Michael Hall Jr. is a solid prospect, but their best pick is Zak Zinter, who is a plug and play interior offensive linemen for them right away. Plus, they drafted Jamar Thrash to add a slight boost to their aerial attack on offense. The Browns could have done much more to branch themselves as the second best team in the AFC North, but picked good players nonetheless.

 

Dallas Cowboys - B

Notable Selections: Tyler Guyton (Ot, Oklahoma), Marshawn Kneeland (De, Western Michigan) and Cooper Beebe (OG, Kansas State)

       Dallas addressed their top need without having to trade any of their future assets; offensive line. Guyton is an immediate starter who can replace Tyron Smith's departure and provide long-term stability at the position. Marshawn Kneeland is a violent edge who tested well at the combine and can be an impact player year one. Finally, Cooper Beebe provides O-Line depth for a Cowboys team that has suffered from O-Line injuries in the past.

 

Denver Broncos - C+

Notable Selections: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon), Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon) and Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)

       It is understandable for Denver to select Nix with their first round pick, but I believe they should have either addressed other needs or traded down for a different QB. His teammate, Troy Franklin, is a yards after the catch beast who is very smooth and sudden out of press coverage. For the Broncos, adding a secondary player in Abrams-Draine fills the minor need for a 3rd cornerback.

 

Detroit Lions - A-

Notable Selections: Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama), Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri) and Mekhi Wingo (DL, LSU)

       Brad Holmes adds to this young and promising Lions team with two amazing players in the secondary, which is a need for them. Terrion Arnold is a fluid and skilled defensive back, and has enough athleticism to compete on the boundary if necessary. Rakestraw Jr. is a physical slot and nickel corner who thrives in man coverage. They added another rotational defensive linemen in Mekhi Wingo from LSU.

 

Green Bay Packers - B

Notable Selections: Jordan Morgan (OT/g, Arizona), Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M) and Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)

         Green Bay's draft mainly is summarized with their first three selections; Jordan Morgan, Edgerrin Cooper and Javon Bullard. Morgan is a physical offensive linemen who can stick at tackle, but would be much better as a guard. Edgerrin Cooper is arguably the best linebacker prospect in this class and Javon Bullard was a steal at the back end of the 2nd round. The Packers could have addressed certain offensive needs such as a linemen or an extra weapon for Jordan Love.

 

Houston Texans - B-

Notable Selections: Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia), Calen Bullock (s, USC) and Cade Stover (Te, Ohio State)

        The Texans bolstered their skill positions by acquiring Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills this offseason. In this draft, they decided to focus on secondary needs and filling out the backup positions. Kamari Lassiter is a great cornerback prospect from the SEC that can start right away. I like the additions of Calen Bullock and Cade Stover, who both produced at some point in their college careers at a high level.

 

Indianapolis Colts - A+

Notable Selections: Laitu Latu (Edge, UCLA), Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas) and Tanor Bortilini (C, Wisconsin)

       Man oh man did the Colts have the BEST draft this year! With their first round pick, they take a top 2 defensive player in this class in Laitu Latu, who is a technician at the edge position. Then, they get the best value pick of the draft in the back end of the 2nd round with Adonai Mitchell, who is a top 35 player in this class. To round it off, they end up snagging an elite athlete on the offensive line with Tanor Bortilini, a player who could potentially replace C Ryan Kelly on that line.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars - C+

Notable Selections: brian Thomas Jr. (Wr, LSU), Maason Smith (Edge, LSU) and Javon Foster (OT, Missouri)

       Jacksonville gave Trevor Lawrence a dynamic deep threat in Brian Thomas Jr, who is an explosive athlete, but needs to expand his route tree. Maason Smith could have been a top pick in this draft if not for injuries, but I think they could have waited a little longer in the draft. I like Javon Foster and his upside, but Jacksonville needs upgrades on the defensive side of the ball as well.

 

Kansas City Chiefs - A

Notable Selections: Xavier Worthy (Wr, Texas), Kingsley Suamataia (Ot, BYU) and Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)

       Kansas City added another speed demon on to the receiving corps in Xavier Worthy, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash in combine history. However, the Chiefs did not stop there. They acquired one of the most promising offensive tackles in this draft in Kingsley Suamataia, who still needs to develop as a run blocker, but has all of the tools to be a franchise tackle for them. To cap off their draft, they get Kamal Hadden, an athletic defensive back in the 6th round.

 

Las Vegas Raiders - B

Notable Selections: Brock Bowers (Te, georgia), Jackson Powers-Johnson (OG, Oregon) and Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)

       The Raiders opted to not take a QB this draft and focus their attention on the surrounding pieces. Brock Bowers is a steal at no. 13 overall, and I love what Jackson-Powers Johnson could provide for this team. However, their draft starts to take a decline afterwards. Besides those two picks, none of their late-round draft picks seem to be able to make an impact for them soon.

 

Los Angeles Chargers - A+

Notable Selections: Joe Alt (Ot, Notre Dame), Ladd McConkey (WR, georgia) and Junior Colson (Lb, Michigan)

       The Chargers ended up with one of the best draft classes this year. Joe Alt was the right pick for them, where they desperately needed to replace Trey Pipkins on that offensive line. Ladd McConkey is an elite separator with tremendous speed who will make an impact for them immediately. But their 3rd round pick is by far their best one, taking one of the best linebackers in this class in Junior Colson, who perfectly fits the Harbaugh style of coaching.

 

Los Angeles Rams - B-

Notable Selections: Jared Verse (Edge, Florida State), Blake Corum (RB, Michigan) and Brennan Jackson (LB, Washington State)

        Jared Verse is a great first round selection for the Rams, as they need a pass rusher to replace Aaron Donald, who ended up retiring. They traded a lot of assets to acquire Braden Fiske, who does not fit the scheme of the Rams too well, which is partly why their grade is not as high as expected. Blake Corum and Brennan Jackson are both solid mid-round value picks that will contribute to the team's success at some point.

 

Miami Dolphins - A

Notable Selections: Chop Robinson (Edge, Penn State), Patrick Paul (OT, Houston) and Mohamed Kamara (Edge, Colorado State)

       Miami addressed two of their biggest needs heading into the 2024-2025 season; Pass rushers and Offensive linemen. Chop Robinson is a great athlete who has immense upside at the position. Patrick Paul is a project player who will not develop right away, but has the physical tools to become an eventual starter. Mohamed Kamara is one of the more underrated picks in this year's draft.

 

Minnesota Vikings - B+

Notable Selections: JJ McCarthy (Qb, Michigan), Dallas Turner (Edge, Alabama) and Michael Jurgens (OL, Wake Forest)

        Minnesota got their potential franchise QB in JJ McCarthy at pick 10, which was a great pick. Based on the selection alone, Dallas Turner is a steal at no. 17 overall, but they traded too many assets for me to give them an A grade. Michael Jurgens is a nice addition to this young Vikings O-Line and may sneak his way onto the final 53-man roster.

 

New England Patriots - B

Notable Selections: Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina), Ja'lynn POlk (Wr, Washington) and Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)

        New England got arguably the best QB in some people's eyes in Drake Maye at no. 3 without having to trade any assets. Maye has great arm talent and is able to throw with anticipation almost every time. Ja'Lynn Polk is a good wideout prospect, but there were at least 3 other guys I would have taken over him. Layden Robinson was a good pick down the board, but their late-round selections did not complement their roster construction.

 

New Orleans Saints - A

Notable Selections: Taliese Fuaga (Ot, Oregon State), Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina) and Kool-aid Mckinstry (CB, Alabama)

       New Orleans addressed all of their needs in a big way without needing to trade up or down. Taliese Fuaga projects as a guard, but has the ability and athleticism to stick at tackle. Spencer Rattler has the potential to be their starting quarterback this season, and if the character/maturity concerns are no longer there, he will be regarded as a steal. Kool-Aid McKinstry is just a solid player who will make impact on day one.

 

New York Giants - A

Notable Selections: Malik Nabers (WR, lSU), Tyler NUbin (S, Minnesota) and Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)

       The Giants arguably got the best wide receiver in the draft not named Marvin Harrison Jr. in Malik Nabers. Nabers is a great deep threat who also has a somewhat developed route tree. Nubin and Phillips are not the best athletes, but are very smart and instinctive football players.

 

New York Jets - A-

Notable Selections: OLumuyiwa Fashanu (OT, Penn State), Malachi Corley (WR, Rutgers) and Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)

       Joe Douglas and the Jets have had back-to-back amazing draft classes. Fashanu is a day 1 starter at the tackle position who is the best pass protector in this class. Corley is an explosive weapon for Aaron Rodgers and they drafted Jordan Travis to be a solid backup QB.

 

Philadelphia Eagles - A+

Notable Selections: Quinyon mitchell (CB, Toledo), Cooper DeJean (CB/s, Iowa) and Jalyx Hunt (Edge, Houston Christian)

       Howie Roseman continues to draft very well with this class being proof of it. Quinyon Mitchell might be CB 1 in this class and is a superb athlete that moves fluidly at the position. Cooper DeJean, a consensus top 30 player, falls to their lap at no. 40 overall in the 2nd round, which is incredible value. Jalyx Hunt also provides rotational pass rusher capabilities for this Eagles team.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers - a-

Notable Selections: Troy Fautanu (OT, Washington), Zack Frazier (OG, West Virginia) and Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)

       The Steelers did very well this draft, by selecting Troy Fautanu to complement Broderick Jones on the O-Line. He does have a problem with oversetting on blocks, but that is a minor issue. Zack Frazier is another day 1 starter for this team and is the best interior offensive linemen in this class. In the 3rd round, Pittsburgh gets a solid wide receiver prospect in Roman Wilson.

 

San Francisco 49ers - C

Notable Selections: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida), Renardo Green (CB, Florida State) and Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)

       One of the more surprising picks of this years draft came in the first round with Ricky Pearsall, meaning that maybe Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk are on their way out of San Francisco. Pearsall is a talented prospect with exceptional hands, but is not a great separator at the point of attack. Renardo Green is a good cornerback prospect, but nothing too special for a late 2nd-rounder. Malik Mustapha is one of the best safeties in this draft and was great value for San Francisco. The reason why they get a C is because Ricky Pearsall was a massive reach, when they had other talented wide receivers on the board. Instead of drafting cornerback in the 2nd round, they could have drafted a linemen to add depth in the trenches.

 

Seattle Seahawks - A

Notable Selections: Byron Murphy II (DT, Texas), Christian Haynes (OG, UCONN) and Tyrice Knight (LB, Utep)

       The Seahawks got the best defensive player in this class, at PICK 16! Murphy is an explosive athlete who can play traditional defensive tackle or 3-tech. Christian Haynes is a good guard prospect that fills the need for interior offensive linemen. Tyrice Knight is a high upside player that will most likely play the Will linebacker.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - C+

Notable Selections: Graham Barton (C/G, Duke), Chris Braswell (Edge, Alabama) and Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)

       Tampa decided to protect Baker Mayfield by selecting Graham Barton with their first round pick. This is a great pick as Barton will replace Ryan Jensen at center. Barton is a smart offensive linemen who has the ability to read the defense from the line. Braswell is a solid selection for the Bucs, but they could have gone elsewhere on the defense, specifically cornerback. Jalen McMillan is a depth receiver who will probably make impact as a kick returner.

 

Tennessee Titans - D

Notable Selections: JC Latham (OT, Alabama), T'Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas) and Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)

       Tennessee nailed their top 10 pick in JC Latham. Latham is an elite pass protector who can immediately start at a position of need. However, the rest of their draft was very questionable to say the least. In the second round, the Titans took T'Vondre Sweat, who projects to only be a nose tackle and has issues off the field. Sweat will not be a three-down player, which significantly reduces his value to be a second rounder. Cedric Gray is a solid linebacker, but they could have gone with a safety or a different linebacker prospect.

 

Washington Commanders - A

notable Selections: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU), Jer'Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois) and Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)

       Ending this article on a positive note, the Commanders drafted very well to amplify their offseason activity. Jayden Daniels may not be better than Drake Maye, but is still a top 3 QB in this class. Jer'Zhan Newton at no. 36 might be the best value pick in the entire draft. Newton is a dynamic defensive tackle who has the pass rushing ability to play 3-tech if needed. Luke McCaffrey, brother of Christian McCaffrey, is a solid receiver who can be a solid playmaker that Jayden Daniels could lean on. 

 

       Those are InSzn's 2024 NFL Draft Grades! Whether your team was graded highly or not, let us know your opinion in the comments below and check out our other NFL articles!

 

                                 Alex bailey

                                 Senior Writer

 


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Phil Goldsmith
5 months ago

Alex, very good job, though I think you were too kind to the Titans. They deserved a F.