NFL Draft News & Analysis

2024 NFL Draft grades for all 16 NFC teams

2X3G11C Atlanta Falcons first round draft choice quarterback Michael Penix Jr., holds a Falcons jersey during a news conference Friday, April 26, 2024, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

The 2024 NFL Draft is officially in the books. After a flurry of selections from Thursday to Saturday, 257 players were selected to join the NFL. With that, we give you our full draft recap, with an analysis of each team’s day and every notable selection made during the weekend.

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Arizona Cardinals: B+

Harrison — The Cardinals didn’t receive a trade offer that enticed them to move down for the second straight season. Instead, they get the No. 1 overall prospect on the consensus big board and one of the cleanest projections in the entire draft. Despite dealing with a step down in quarterback play last year, Harrison is one of two wide receivers who generated more than 1.0 PFF Wins Above Average (WAA) over the last two seasons.

Robinson — Robinson’s strength is his calling card. He played primarily on the interior before moving to the edge and posting career-highs with an 83.1 overall PFF grade and nine sacks. He was also the only SEC edge player to earn a 76.0-plus grade in run defense and rushing the passer. Arizona desperately needed to get more physical up front. The Cardinals accomplished that, but it’s possible that he would’ve been on the board early in the next round.

Melton — The run on cornerbacks continues. Melton, the 72nd-ranked player on the PFF big board, allowed just a 65.7 passer rating into his coverage in 2023 and totaled 15 pass breakups since 2021, the fourth-best mark in the Big Ten. The Cardinals could have targeted almost any position here and been filling a need. Melton projects as a slot cornerback but brings versatility, having played inside and outside in college.

Benson — The second running back off the board, Benson earned a 91.3 PFF grade over the last two seasons, eighth among Power Five running backs. Dynamic with the ball in his hands, he forced 124 missed tackles on 310 carries since 2022. He should immediately compete for touches behind James Conner in Arizona.

Adams — Adams played at Illinois but will likely kick inside to guard at the next level. He put up an 81.1 run-blocking grade over the past two seasons, sixth among draft-eligible tackles in this class. However, he gave up nine sacks from 518 pass-blocking snaps in 2023 alone and 13 sacks on 992 pass-blocking snaps over the past two seasons.

Reiman — A late riser through the pre-draft process, Reiman was a workout warrior and caught a ton of attention at the Shrine Bowl and NFL scouting combine. He wasn’t asked to be much more than a dump-off threat for Illinois and didn’t drop a pass on his 24 targets in 2023. He really shines as a run-blocker, where his play strength and competitiveness stand out.

Jones — The Cardinals continue to add to the secondary and pick an enforcer in Jones. The Boston College product is PFF’s 225th-ranked player but allowed just an 18.1 passer rating on throws into his coverage, the third-best mark among CBs, while his 89.8 coverage grade ranked eighth. Jones brings a physical playstyle as the Cardinals look to fill holes in their roster.

Dadrion-Demerson — Taylor-Demerson has been a ball hawk his entire college career, with his 10 interceptions since 2021 ranking third among Power Five safeties in that span. Opposing quarterbacks managed a passer rating of 58.4 when throwing into his coverage during his college career.

Thomas — Thomas gained a ton of experience in his six-year college career while racking up 153 quarterback pressures and 22 sacks, capped by a career-high 43 pressures in his final college season. He gives the Cardinals another solid piece in their defensive line overhaul.

Jones — Jones brings plenty of experience, having played 3,219 career offensive snaps for Texas over the past five seasons. He showed improvement throughout his college career, too. Jones’ 77.8 PFF grade in 2023 was the highest of his college career. Arizona brought in Jonah Williams this offseason as the projected starter opposite 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr., but Jones is a nice depth addition to that group.

Palmer — Palmer was productive in each of his final two seasons at UAB, averaging 2.00 and 2.15 yards per route run in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He dropped just 2.1% of the catchable passes thrown his way and averaged 8.8 yards after the catch in 2023.

Davis — Davis was targeted 49 times in coverage in 2023. He allowed 28 receptions and one touchdown, adding five forced incompletions and six defensive stops.


Atlanta Falcons: C-

Penix — This is the first shocker of the night. Penix had gained more first-round buzz leading up to tonight, but no one thought the Falcons were in the quarterback market after signing Kirk Cousins this offseason. Penix was the only quarterback in college football who recorded more than 40 big-time throws during the 2023 season. Atlanta clearly values his skill set and will look to develop him behind Cousins.

Orhorhoro — Atlanta gives up its third-round pick to move up eight spots and take the 67th-ranked player on the PFF big board. Orhorhoro is a powerful, athletic defensive lineman with some versatility along the defensive line. That didn’t translate to high-level production at the college level, though, as he posted a sub-50th percentile pass-rush grade on true pass sets over the past two seasons. With several talented interior defensive linemen left on the board, this is a bet on his athleticism and continued development in the NFL.

Trice — Trice was one of the most productive pass-rushers over the past two seasons. This is the right spot for him, as the Falcons finally get the edge defender many expected them to grab early in the first round. Trice earned 90.0-plus pass-rush grades in each of the past two seasons and racked up 150 total pressures from 869 pass-rushing snaps in that span.

Dorlus — Dorlus was a force for the Ducks in 2023, as his 46 QB pressures ranked third among draft-eligible defensive tackles. His 134 total pressures since 2021 is the best mark in the country in that span for his position.

Bertrand — An intelligent and competitive linebacker, Bertrand provided value in coverage and as a pass-rusher over the past few seasons and should be a solid contributor on special teams at the next level. He has allowed no touchdowns in coverage the past two seasons and tallied a career-high 30 quarterback pressures as a blitzer in 2023.

McClellan — A reliable back out of Alabama, McClellan has lost just one fumble in his career on over 350 carries, displaying solid wiggle and contact balance on his way to forcing 49 missed tackles in 2023. He joins a stable of backs behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, limiting his offensive ceiling in Year 1.

WashingtonIt took a few years in Illinois’ offensive system to finally break out, but Washington is a reliable blocker and smooth mover who racked up 13 contested catches in 2023. He could find his way into a rotation if he can prove his value on special teams, something worth betting on due to his competitiveness and sneaky athleticism.

Logue — The Falcons draft an interior defender for the third time in this draft. Logue is coming off his best season, earning career-highs in overall grade (71.2) and run-defense grade (72.7) in 2023. Given the players drafted ahead of him, he will face an uphill battle for snaps as a rookie.


Carolina Panthers: C

Legette — Carolina trades into the first round to take Legette, who broke out in 2023 after several nondescript seasons. Legette impressed all season with his strength and speed in an offense where he was the only legitimate threat. He consistently won downfield, posting an FBS-leading 97.7 PFF receiving grade on 10-plus yard throws. The Panthers add their second legitimate weapon at wide receiver to go along with Diontae Johnson.

Brooks — Brooks has ideal size, speed, strength and agility but tore his ACL in 2023, which will raise concerns about his ability to contribute in 2024. Brooks earned a career-best 91.5 PFF grade in 2023, fourth among Power Five running backs, and forced a career-high 63 missed tackles.

Wallace — Wallace is being drafted highly because of his athleticism, so it’s not too shocking to see him coming off the board on Day 2. That said, the production wasn’t there in college, with Wallace earning just a 61.4 run-defense grade and a 58.6 PFF coverage grade in 2023. He absolutely can develop in the NFL, but there will be some work to do to get him there.

Sanders — Sanders was a key cog in Texas’ potent offense in 2023. He posted a 91.3 grade on contested targets and did not drop a single catchable target, both class-leading marks.

Smith-Wade — The Panthers have focused on offense in this draft, but they get good value here at cornerback after trading away Donte Jackson earlier this offseason. Smith-Wade earned PFF grades of at least 70.0 in each of the past three seasons. He allowed just one touchdown in coverage and forced nine incompletions last season.

Crumedy — Crumedy doesn’t provide a ton of pass-rush upside, with just 64 quarterback pressures across 1,149 career pass-rush snaps at Mississippi State. But he is a solid interior presence against the run, having earned PFF run-defense grades above 74.0 in each of the past two seasons.

Barrett — Barrett ranked 198th on PFF’s big board, so this is an excellent value selection. He was one of the leaders and captains for Michigan, and his 84.3 PFF grade ranked ninth among FBS linebackers. He is a consistent player in both run defense and coverage. Carolina is getting a three-down linebacker who played against offenses of all types in his time as a Wolverine.


Chicago Bears: A

Williams — This decision came into focus after Chicago traded Justin Fields away earlier in the offseason. It’s the right decision for the Bears. Williams has the kind of unique playmaking ability that every team is looking for at the quarterback position, and he earned 90.0-plus PFF grades in three consecutive years to end his college career.

Odunze — The sixth-ranked player on the PFF big board falls to Chicago at the back end of the top 10. Odunze is able to tilt the scales on 50-50 balls and brought in 21 of his 28 contested targets last season. That’s a nice weapon for new quarterback Caleb Williams, who will have one of the better wide receiver trios in the NFL as a rookie — D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and Odunze.

Amegadjie — The Bears continue to add pieces to their offense, grabbing a versatile offensive lineman in Amegadjie. The 57th overall player on the PFF big board, he played left tackle at Yale and dominated, earning an 89.5 PFF grade on just 234 snaps last season. He could be a guard at the next level, but as a third-round pick, he will have time to sit and develop at whichever spot he winds up.

Taylor — The Bears round out their draft with a key producer on special teams by grabbing a quality punter. Taylor earned a great 81.4 PFF punting grade after producing 35 punts inside the 20-yard and punting up to 67 yards.

Booker — After trading back into the draft, the Bears pick up a high-upside pass-rusher. Booker racked up 38 pressures and nine sacks in 2023 while posting a 14.8% pass-rush win rate. He has instant upside as a designated pass-rusher and could develop his play strength to become a three-down player.


Dallas Cowboys: B-

Guyton — Dallas selects the former defensive end Guyton out of Oklahoma to reinforce their offensive line. He’s the 39th-ranked player on the PFF big board and is considered something of a project with outstanding athletic ability. He didn’t allow a sack in 355 pass-blocking reps this season, but he only earned a 59.0 PFF true pass-blocking grade.

Kneeland — The Cowboys recover some defensive line depth that they lost in free agency, as they pick up Western Michigan‘s Marshawn Kneeland. He is a natural run defender who improved as a pass-rusher as his career progressed. Over the past two seasons, he posted an 88.0 PFF run-defense grade, which is the best among FBS edge defenders who played at least 300 run-defense snaps in that span.

Beebe — The Cowboys continue to address their offensive line and grab one of the best offensive linemen in college football over the past two seasons. Beebe’s 91.8 pass-blocking grade since 2021 ranks first among all FBS guards in that span, and he allowed just two sacks from 1,206 pass-blocking snaps over that time. The question is where he plays in the NFL, with a move to center a possibility.

Liufau — Liufau plays with a competitiveness and violence that lends itself to some tackling inconsistencies. He is also a bit of a slower processor, but when able to read and trigger, he can make splash plays — as evidenced by his 35 defensive stops between the run and pass games over the past two seasons. He projects as a core special teamer with the upside to be a rotational linebacker.

Carson — Like many who play under head coach Dave Clawson, Carson is a physical prospect. He earned an impressive 83.4 run-defense grade in 2023, ranking 33rd among FBS cornerbacks. Carson will fit in well in a cornerback room stacked with playmakers such as DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs, having forced five incompletions from single coverage in 2023. The Cowboys get a projected two-round steal by selecting the Wake Forest product.

Flournoy — Flournoy offers solid production, averaging 2.67 yards per route run over the past two seasons. His best attribute is his hands, as he dropped just 3.2% of the catchable passes thrown his way since 2022.

Thomas — When you turn on Nathan Thomas’ tape, expect a mauler in the run game. Although he struggled in pass protection in each of the past two seasons, Thomas shows off his athleticism on run concepts. His 76.1 PFF run-blocking grade in 2023 ranked 18th among FBS offensive tackles.

Rogers — Rogers was better in 2022, when he earned a 70.9 PFF grade. He was better against the run than as a pass rusher this past season, recording a 65.3 PFF run-defense grade.


Detroit Lions: A

Arnold — Detroit traded up to acquire the 14th-ranked player on the PFF big board, Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold. Arnold is an alpha presence in the secondary who plays with a fearless mentality. He led all SEC cornerbacks in interceptions and pass breakups in 2023 and led the conference with a 90.6 PFF run-defense grade. Detroit has officially overhauled its cornerback room with the additions of Arnold, Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson.

Rakestraw — The Lions continue to rebuild a defense that ranked 30th in coverage grade in 2023. Rakestraw, the 46th-ranked player on the PFF big board, is a physical cornerback who excels in zone coverage. He posted an 85.2 PFF zone coverage grade in 2023. The Lions have completely revamped their cornerback room in just one offseason.

Manu — Manu isn’t on the PFF big board because we don’t have any data on him, but he received a lot of hype in the final weeks leading up to the draft. He ran a 4.96-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds.

Vaki — Lions fans, get ready to love Vaki, one of the most athletic players in the 2024 NFL Draft. He played safety and running back at Utah, but he is a solid safety in coverage. Don’t expect him to make exceptional plays on the football very often, but Vaki packs a mean punch. He’s a plus tackler in run defense and perfectly fits Aaron Glenn’s mentality in the Motor City.

Wingo — This is a great spot to get Wingo, a good athlete for someone his size. His 84.9 run-defense grade since 2022 is the best among SEC defensive tackles in that span, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him develop into a good rotational player in Detroit.

Mahogany — Mahogany fell further than expected, enabling the Lions to land a bit of a steal here in the sixth round. Over the past three seasons, he has allowed just one sack and seven total quarterback pressures from 711 pass-blocking snaps.


Green Bay Packers: B+

Morgan — Morgan returned from a torn ACL in 2023 and had an excellent season for a resurgent Arizona squad. There are questions about his play strength and arm length, so he may move inside in the NFL. Those shortcomings weren’t an issue in college, though, as Morgan ranked inside the top seven in overall and pass-blocking grade this past season. Green Bay now has several versatile players on its offensive line and is sure to shuffle them around during the preseason to find the optimal combination.

Cooper — The first linebacker comes off the board. Cooper has length and athleticism and led all linebackers in 2023 in PFF grade (90.8). With very few weaknesses in his grading profile, Cooper was the only linebacker in college football to earn 85.0-plus grades in coverage, run defense and pass rush. He’ll need to develop better coverage instincts, but he has the goods to be a starting-caliber linebacker.

Bullard — The Packers desperately needed safety depth beyond Xavier McKinney and Anthony Johnson Jr. heading into this draft. They found that in the versatile Georgia Bulldog Javon Bullard. He is an excellent coverage safety who has extensive experience playing in the slot. He is one of just four Power Five players who earned 80.0-plus grades in PFF coverage and run-defense grades from the slot over the past two years. His versatility makes the Packers’ secondary substantially better.

Lloyd — Lloyd offers an explosive skill set and solid vision, which should fit in nicely in Matt LaFleur’s multiple run scheme. Lloyd tallied 47 missed tackles and 14 runs of 15-plus yards in 2023. He has some intriguing flashes as a receiver but has some major holes in his pass-protection technique that will limit him to an early-down, rotational role in Year 1.

Hopper — PFF’s 191st-ranked player and 13th-ranked linebacker, Hopper is more athletic than his measurables suggest. His athleticism does provide upside for him to find the field early on special teams, and he can contribute on defense if he develops. He was excellent as a pass-rusher, recording 49 pressures since 2022, and he showed promise in coverage by allowing just one touchdown in his career.

Williams — Williams earned a 75.0-plus PFF grade in three straight seasons and offers some value as a blitzer. From 20 pass-rushing attempts in 2023, he racked up eight quarterback pressures, including five sacks.

Monk — Monk wasn’t among the top 300 players on the PFF big board and came in at 272nd overall on the consensus big board. But the Packers tabbed him as their guy here in a trade-up, continuing to add depth on the interior. Monk showed some versatility over the past few years at Duke, playing over 200 snaps at both center and right guard in each of the past two seasons.

Oladapo — The Packers add Oladapo, who is coming off his best college season. This past year, he earned an impressive 88.3 PFF overall grade and a 91.3 run-defense grade, the latter ranking as the best mark among Power Five Safeties.

Glover — Glover offers plenty of length on the inside at 6-foot-6 with nearly 35-inch arms. He played more than 4,000 defensive snaps for Georgia State but didn’t record a 70.0-plus PFF grade until his final season in 2023, led by an 80.8 PFF run-defense grade.

Pratt — The Packers get excellent value in Pratt, who can compete immediately to be Jordan Love’s backup in Green Bay. Pratt was at his best throwing downfield this past season, earning an 88.5 PFF passing grade on throws 20-plus yards downfield.

King — King was once pegged as a potential first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He struggled in 2023, earning a 60.3 PFF grade that ranked 308th among FBS cornerbacks. However, he recorded an 89.0 PFF grade in 2022, good for sixth at his position. He’s shown he’s fully capable in pass coverage and is a solid value pick here for Green Bay.


Los Angeles Rams: B+

Verse — The Rams desperately needed edge help, and they select arguably the best power rusher in the class. Verse burst onto the scene over the past two years at Florida State, ranking second among Power Five edge rushers in pass-rush win rate. The Rams use their highest selection since 2016 to reset their pass rush after Aaron Donald‘s retirement.

Fiske — Los Angeles gives up significant draft capital to move up and get their Aaron Donald “replacement,” pairing Fiske back up with college teammate Jared Verse. Fiske has limited length (31-inch arms), but he’s a very good athlete who has the quickness to get into the backfield regularly. Fiske’s grading profile did take a step back after transferring to Florida State, with his 73.9 PFF grade a dip from the 88.6 PFF grade he put up in his final season at Western Michigan in 2022.

Corum — After racking up 27 touchdowns and earning an 83.4 rushing grade for Michigan last season, Corum should push for significant touches right off the bat in the Rams’ multiple run schemes. Corum offers elite vision and change-of-direction ability, two things clearly valued by head coach Sean McVay, as Kyren Williams brings a similar skill set.

Kinchens — Kinchens’ 11 interceptions since 2022 are the most at the position. Kinchens is a well-rounded athlete with good awareness and instincts at the safety position. While he’s on the lighter and smaller side, Kinchens’ ball skills enable him to profile well to a deep free safety role in the NFL. His 90.0 grade in 2022 ranked fifth in all of college football.

Jackson — Jackson tallied 83 total pressures over the past two seasons with an impressive 16 sacks. He also showed an ability to bat passes down, notching seven during his career at Washington State.

Davis — Davis was a monster against the run in college. His 90.8 run-defense grade in 2023 was the best of his career, and his 91.1 run-defense grade over the past two seasons was the third-best among interior defenders in this draft class.

Karty — Karty graded higher than Alabama’s Will Reichard (who was drafted a few spots before him) since 2021. His 97.0 PFF grade on field goals and extra points since 2021 led all of college football, and he went 24-of-27 on field goals of at least 40 yards over the past two seasons.

Whittington — Whittington is one of PFF lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema‘s favorite late-round receivers. His 27 missed tackles forced after the catch since 2022 ranked third among Big 12 receivers in that span.

Limmer — The Rams get solid value in Limmer here in the sixth round. He earned a 74.0-plus PFF grade in each of the past three seasons. He is a better run blocker than a pass blocker and is coming off a season where he led all draft-eligible centers in PFF run-blocking grade on gap plays (77.4).

Leveston — The Rams continue bulking up their trenches with the selection of KT Leveston out of Kansas State. He allowed 18 pressures on 430 pass-blocking snaps at left tackle in 2023, but his frame and movement skills likely make him a guard at the next level.


Minnesota Vikings: B+

McCarthy — With Michael Penix Jr. being drafted before McCarthy, Minnesota had to move up only one selection to get their quarterback competition for Sam Darnold. McCarthy has traits to work with and was excellent when Michiganneeded him to make a play in third-and-long situations, but he wasn’t asked to carry the offense much at the college level. He does land in one of the league’s better situations for a rookie quarterback, as Minnesota has a solid offensive line and a talented receiving corps.

Turner — The Vikings draft an explosive pass rusher in Turner, adding him to a unit that includes free-agent acquisitions Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Turner is an incredible athlete who is capable of rushing the passer from a two-point stance and dropping into coverage. He ranked among the top three edges in the SEC in pass-rush grade, pressures and coverage grade in 2023.

Jackson — Jackson played 320 coverage snaps last season but allowed just one touchdown. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound cornerback allowed a passer rating of just 41.6 on throws into his coverage in 2023, the second-best mark among all Pac-12 players at the position.

Rouse — Minnesota adds depth to its offensive line with Walter Rouse. He led all FBS tackles in pass-blocking efficiency in 2023 (99.3), allowing zero sacks and just six pressures across 481 pass-blocking snaps.

Reichard — The first kicker comes off the board. Reichard ranked fourth among college football kickers with a 94.9 field goal/extra point grade over the past three season, connecting on 10 of 13 tries over 50 yards for his career.

Jurgens — Jurgens earned an impressive 93.1 run-block grade on 143 outside-zone runs in 2023. In pass protection, he allowed just 10 total pressures last season, two ending in sacks.

Rodriguez — Rodriguez did exactly what you’d expect from a player of his caliber at Texas A&M-Commerce. He recorded an impressive 16.4% pass-rush win rate and 24 pressures on 249 pass-rush snaps. His 91.0 PFF pass-rushing grade ranked first among FCS interior defenders in 2023.


New Orleans Saints: A+

Fuaga — New Orleans needed to address the tackle position amid questions surrounding Ryan Ramczyk’s health and a disappointing start to Trevor Penning’s career. There’s a lot to like about Fuaga as a run blocker, coming off an elite 90.9 PFF run-blocking grade for Oregon State in 2023.

McKinstry — McKinstry started as a true freshman for Alabama, which speaks to his talent. This is a strong selection for New Orleans and addresses a need, given how much the Saints put on their cornerbacks and the trade rumors swirling around Marshon Lattimore. McKinstry has played more than 800 snaps for Alabama and earned PFF grades above 80.0 in each of the past two seasons.

Rattler — Since entering college (Oklahoma) in 2020, Rattler earned an 88.9 overall PFF grade. His 63 big-time throws in that time rank 13th among all quarterbacks.

Means — The Saints supplement their receiving depth here with Means. The Pittsburgh playmaker racked up 16 receptions of 15-plus yards in 2023, earning a quality 72.0 receiving grade.

Ford — Ford is extremely reliable in run defense, ranking 20th among FBS linebackers with an 80.2 run-defense grade in 2023. However, he noticeably struggles in coverage. Ford has the horizontal ability to be a solid two-down linebacker in the league but will need to improve in coverage.

Boyd — Boyd brings good size and power on the interior defensive line at 325 pounds. He was extremely productive over the course of his Northern Iowa career, with PFF grades above 88.0 in each of the past two seasons, albeit at a lower level of competition. He’ll have an opportunity to compete for a depth role on the Saints’ interior defensive line.

Ezirim — Ezirim dominated his FCS foes, allowing no sacks or hurries across 467 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. His 84.3 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked fifth among FCS offensive tackles. Ezirim has solid feet and consistently puts his frame in athletic positions. He can be a hidden gem.


New York Giants: A-

Nabers — The Giants were linked to several of the quarterbacks in the draft process. Instead of packaging picks to move up or sticking at No. 6 to bring in J.J. McCarthy, they bring an explosive receiver into a receiving corps in need of talent. Nabers recorded 44 receptions of 20-plus yards over his last two seasons, second-most among FBS wide receivers.

Nubin — PFF’s top-ranked safety prospect, Nubin is versatile and impactful. He can be moved all over the secondary and handle the role, as he possesses a high-level football IQ and can stop the run with instincts to cover on the back end. Nubin sported a career-best 90.1 coverage grade in 2023 (first among Power Five safeties) and allowed a 33.0 passer rating in coverage from 2021 to 2023.

Phillips — The Giants drafted Deonte Banks in the first round of last year’s draft and now add more youth to that group early in the third round this year. His career-best 23 defensive stops led all SEC cornerbacks in 2023, and his 72.9 PFF coverage grade was also the best mark of his career.

Johnson — Since 2022, Johnson generated a Big Ten-best 146.6 passer rating when targeted. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed 669 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Tracy — Tracy is a good athlete — he recorded a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump — and should add some explosiveness to a backfield led by Devin Singletary. Despite being a six-year player in college, Tracy has only one season at running back, and he forced 46 missed tackles on just 114 carries in that 2023 season.

Muasau — A well-rounded linebacker, Muasau racked up 137 run stops since 2019 between Hawaii and UCLA in addition to providing value in pressure packages, with 107 total pressures in that time. Likely a core special teamer, Muasau has the football intelligence and tackling ability to hold up in a rotational role in a pinch.


Philadelphia Eagles: A+

Mitchell — Philadelphia fortifies its 28th-ranked coverage unit with arguably the most talented cornerback in this class. Mitchell led all FBS cornerbacks in PFF overall grade in each of the past two seasons. His outstanding athleticism and ability to make plays in off-coverage make him a perfect fit in Vic Fangio’s defense.

DeJean — The Eagles add two top-10 players on the PFF big board in the first two rounds of this draft, both at the cornerback position. DeJean projects as a movable piece in Vic Fangio’s defense who could theoretically end up outside, in the slot or at safety. He’s been extremely productive in the Iowa secondary, allowing just a 45.0 passer rating into his coverage over the past two seasons.

Hunt — A small-school player, Hunt dominated the lower levels, racking up 78 pressures, 14 hits and 14 sacks since 2022. He has athleticism, explosiveness and power that many edge rushers in this class don’t possess. He needs development to win at the next level, but his traits give him a great chance at reaching his potential.

Shipley — Shipley is one of the better athletes among running backs in this draft class, with a 99th-percentile PFF Game Athleticism Score. He was solid with the ball in his hands, too, and he earned a PFF grade above 70.0 in each of the past three seasons.

Smith — Smith proved a dangerous receiver after the catch at Texas A&M, as he forced 20 missed tackles after the catch in 2023 (seventh among all WRs). On 102 combined targets the past two seasons, he dropped just two passes.

Trotter — Sure to be one of the big stories of the day due to him heading to the same place where his father enjoyed an outstanding career, Trotter ranked fourth among all linebackers the past two seasons with a 91.3 overall grade. He also ranked fourth nationally in that time with a 92.1 coverage grade.

Keegan — Supplementing the interior is a sound approach here for the Eagles, who needed to fill some voids. Keegan didn’t allow a sack in 2023 and earned a career-high pass-blocking grade (80.7). He played eight games without allowing a single quarterback pressure.

Wilson — The massive receiver out of Florida State finally comes off the board in the sixth round. At 6-foot-6 and 231 pounds, Wilson ran an impressive 4.52-second 40-yard dash. While not a super-developed route runner, there is certainly a role at the next level for a vertical threat who converted 21 contested catches over the past two seasons.

McMahon — A depth pick at this point in the draft, McMahon allowed just one sack and 12 total pressures from 361 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. He put up career highs in overall grade (69.7) and pass-blocking grade (71.3) last season.


San Francisco 49ers: B+

Pearsall — The 49ers take Pearsall, a slot receiver from Florida who excelled during the pre-draft process. Pearsall was productive and reliable, and his measurables are up to NFL standards. He only dropped five passes since the beginning of 2020, which is tied for the fewest among Power Five receivers with at least 200 targets in that span. This pick could also add intrigue to trade rumors swirling around Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Green — Green, PFF’s 89th-ranked player in the class, had a spectacular season at Florida State. He posted a 90.0 PFF coverage grade in 2023. The strange part about the fit with the 49ers is that they are generally a zone-heavy defense. They do run a high rate of press coverage, though, so they may have a plan in place for Green’s role in their defense.

Puni — A powerful mauler in the run game, Puni started 27 games at left tackle over the past four seasons at Kansas but likely projects inside due to his desire to win in a phone booth as well as a lack of flexibility and inconsistent hand usage in his pass sets. He can help out at tackle in a pinch, offering the 49ers a nice depth piece with positional versatility in the third round.

Mustapha — Mustapha is coming off his best season in 2023, earning a 79.6 PFF grade. He was particularly impressive against the run, earning an 87.5 PFF run-defense grade, fifth among Power Five safeties.

Guerendo — Guerendo makes fast people look… not so fast. His 4.33-second 40-yard dash ranked first among running backs at the NFL scouting combine. He has the ability to make people miss once he reaches the second level of the defense. Guerendo is also a capable receiving threat out of the backfield, earning an 84.1 receiving grade in 2023.

Cowing — This is a strong fit for Cowing and his skill set. He’s a very solid route runner and a lethal weapon in the red zone. He racked up nine receiving touchdowns in 2023, tied for second among FBS receivers, in large part due to his ability to win quickly. In the Shanahan-style offense, Cowing will not only be a tremendous threat in the passing game, but also a decoy defensive coordinators have to worry about in unique formations/motion concepts.

Kingston — Kingston was a solid pass blocker in college, at Washington State and then USC. He earned a 74.0-plus PFF pass-blocking grade in every season and allowed 17 quarterback pressures, including one sack, from 464 pass-blocking snaps this past season.

Bethune — Bethune flashes solid ability in coverage. He recorded two forced incompletions and an interception with the Seminoles in 2023. Bethune’s 76.0 PFF grade ranked 50th at the position in 2023.


Seattle Seahawks: B+

Murphy — The Seahawks opt to improve a position where they already have some pieces in place with one of the best defensive players in the draft. Since 2021, Murphy’s 12.5% pressure rate ranks third among defensive tackles with at least 500 pass-rushing snaps, trailing only 2023 first-round picks Jalen Carter and Calijah Kancey. A Murphy and Leonard Williams tandem on the interior creates a clear strength for Seattle heading into 2024.

Haynes — An elite athlete for the guard position, Haynes has the nastiness to be a solid pull-blocker in a gap scheme but really thrives in wide zone, where he posted an 89.2 run-blocking grade in 2023. Haynes is also solid as a pass-blocker and should push for a starting gig from day one in Ryan Grubb’s offense.

Knight — Knight wasn’t on the PFF big board but ranked just inside the top 200 of the consensus board. He recorded 75 defensive stops and earned a 74.0-plus PFF grade in each of his four college seasons.

Barner — Seattle adds more in-line blocking ability. His 82.2 PFF grade in 2023 ranked third among all draft-eligible tight ends, and he also recorded a fantastic 81.4 run-blocking grade this past season.

Pritchett — A lean cornerback with long arms and great long speed, Pritchett allowed just 12 catches in 2023, which ranked first among SEC cornerbacks. He offers a solid floor as a contributor on special teams with developmental upside as an outside cornerback.

Laumea — Laumea played 1,726 snaps at right tackle over the past two seasons and did not allow a single sack in 2023, but he projects to move back to guard, where he played 903 snaps in 2021.

James — The Seahawks add their second defensive back from Auburn in this draft in James. His 91.8 PFF coverage grade over the past two seasons ranks third among Power Five cornerbacks while his 24 forced incompletions in that span are fourth among cornerbacks in the SEC.

Jerell — Findlay’s Jerrell is the rare prospect who doesn’t have any PFF data, and he wasn’t on either the PFF big board or the consensus big board. He did test well with a 4.94-second 40-yard dash and 32.5-inch vertical at 309 pounds, bringing some athleticism to the Seahawks’ offensive line.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A

Barton — Tampa Bay is set at tackle with Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, so Barton is sure to play inside. He has experience at center and enough athleticism to play anywhere up front. Barton earned an 88.7 overall PFF grade across the last two seasons, which stands as the fifth-best among all FBS tackles in that span.

Braswell — The Buccaneers pick up a consistent power-based outside linebacker in Chris Braswell. He isn’t as explosive as his Alabama teammate Dallas Turner, but he led the SEC in pressures in 2023 and provides a solid anchor on the edge in the run game. He is likely to be an immediate starter for the Buccaneers.

Smith — The second Georgia safety to come off the board, Smith is the perfect player to stack the box and add aggressiveness to a defense. Smith will have no problem setting the edge in the run game and graded well in the SEC, earning the third-best run-defense grade among safeties (84.0). He lacks the long speed to be a deep coverage player but has a role in the Buccaneers' secondary.

McMillan — McMillan is the 15th receiver off the board and finds himself in a great situation in Tampa Bay. A weapon out of the slot, he recorded 14 touchdowns since 2022, most among Power Five receivers. In an offense with big-time playmakers, McMillan was prioritized in Washington. A nuanced route runner, he’ll need to lean into that strength, as he doesn’t have the top-end speed to take the top off defenses.

Irving — The Buccaneers add one of the toughest running backs to tackle in this draft, as Irving forced 136 missed tackles over the past two seasons to rank second among Power Five running backs. His 96.1 PFF rushing grade in that span also ranks second.

Klein — Klein wasn’t on the PFF big board or consensus board, but he did post some impressive numbers as a pass blocker in his final season at UTEP. He earned a 93.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2023, allowing just three total pressures from 372 pass-blocking snaps.

Culp — Culp was limited as a receiver, catching 16 passes for 208 yards on 23 targets. He was solid as a run blocker, though, earning a 73.2 PFF run-blocking grade in 2023.


Washington Commanders: A

Daniels — Daniels is QB3 behind Drake Maye on both the PFF big board and the consensus big board, but the new regime in Washington takes him at No. 2 overall. Daniels does make sense as a theoretical fit in a Kliff Kingsbury spread-to-run offense that will allow Daniels to add on in the run game and get the ball out to players in space.

Newton — This wasn’t a need for Washington, as two of their best players — Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne — play along the interior defensive line. However, this is a tremendous value selection at the top of the second round. Newton is the 11th-ranked player overall on the PFF big board and was extremely productive over his college career. Just three Power Five interior defensive linemen have recorded 100 or more pressures over a two-year stretch since PFF began charting college in 2014: Newton, his new teammate Jonathan Allen and DeForest Buckner.

Sainristil — The Commanders continue to draft good football players. Sainristil brings a fierce mentality to the team and provides positional versatility. He secured a career-best six interceptions in 2023, second among cornerbacks, and his 90.3 PFF grade since 2022 ranked fourth among Big Ten cornerbacks. Sainristil has great reaction speed and is fearless in run defense.

Sinnott — After previously getting great value in this draft, according to the PFF big board, the Commanders pick the 105th-ranked player in Round 2. Sinnott is an athletic tight end for Jayden Daniels to develop with for the next decade. He doesn’t do any one thing at an elite level but can do everything well. Sinnott’s 14 missed tackles forced in 2023 ranked third among tight ends, and he made 31 explosive plays over the past two seasons.

Coleman — The Commanders finally land an offensive lineman at the top of the third round, selecting Coleman out of TCU. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder struggled in 2023 but was far better in 2022 when he earned a 79.6 PFF grade. He could wind up on the inside in the NFL, but he has the experience on the outside, so he could still get a shot there first.

McCaffrey — McCaffrey has NFL bloodlines and is a natural athlete who knows the nuances of route running. He lacks an explosive element to his game but has strong hands, especially in contested catch situations, where his 32 receptions since 2022 are the most in college football. A former quarterback, McCaffrey has a good feel for finding open zones. While the Commanders already have weapons in the receiver room, McCaffrey provides a different style for the group.

Magee — A high-level competitor with a nonstop motor, Magee offers some solid run-and-chase ability, physicality in the box and upside as a blitzer. He posted a career-best 87.2 PFF grade in 2023 and an eye-catching 90.7 pass-rush grade that ranked fourth among all linebackers. At worst, Magee will be an impact core special teamer, but he has the competitive toughness and athletic traits to become a starter.

Hampton — Hampton is a supersized safety at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, and he comes with good athleticism. He’s an interesting addition to a Dan Quinn defense that prioritizes those kinds of hybrid athletes in the middle of the field. Hampton was at his best in coverage around the line of scrimmage, as he earned an 81st-percentile coverage grade in the box last season for the Huskies.

Jean-Baptiste — Jean-Baptiste recorded 43 total pressures a season ago, including six sacks and 11 quarterback hits. He also produced 21 run stops without missing a tackle.


 

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