1st Overall – Tennessee Titans
QB – Cam Ward (Miami)
Grade: B
The Titans were in no position to pass on the top quarterback in this year’s class, and Ward was the logical choice. He’s a dynamic athlete with a live arm and natural playmaking ability, though there are concerns about consistency and decision-making. Tennessee has quietly built a strong offensive line, but the offensive skill positions remain a concern. Ward isn’t a guaranteed franchise-changer, but he fills a massive need for the Titans who will now look to add some supporting weapons around their new franchise quarterback.
2nd Overall – Jacksonville Jaguars (via Cleveland Browns)
WR/CB – Travis Hunter (Colorado)
Grade: A
TRADE:
Jacksonville receives: No. 2, No. 104, No. 200
Cleveland receives: No. 5, No. 36, No. 126, 2026 1st-round pick
In a bold move, new head coach Liam Coen made his mark by trading up for Travis Hunter, the most electric player in the class. Coen immediately addressed the media and let it known that Hunter will start out his NFL career focussed on offense, giving the Jaguars a formidable duo of Sophomore Brian Thomas Jr and Hunter at receiver. While the price was steep, his unique versatility and star power are exactly what Jacksonville needs to spark a franchise in search of an identity.
3rd Overall – New York Giants
EDGE – Abdul Carter (Penn State)
Grade: A+
The Giants may have had bigger needs, but Carter was too good to pass up. A freakish athlete with elite pass-rushing traits, Carter will form a terrifying trio alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns while Dexter Lawrence continues to dominate in the middle. With this pick, the Giants are doubling down on a defensive identity reminiscent of their past Super Bowl teams.
4th Overall – New England Patriots
T – Will Campbell (LSU)
Grade: A
Campbell was a three-year starter at left tackle in the SEC and plays with a polished, technically sound style. While his shorter arms might limit his margin for error, his tape shows little to no signs of struggle. The Patriots had a massive hole at left tackle, and Campbell gives them a plug-and-play solution as they begin the post-Jerod Mayo era and helps fill the team’s biggest need.
5th Overall – Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
DT – Mason Graham (Michigan)
Grade: A-
The Browns pivoted from Hunter and grabbed a potential cornerstone on the defensive line in Mason Graham. Paired with Myles Garrett, Graham gives Cleveland a fearsome interior pass-rush presence. The added draft capital from the trade down only sweetens the deal. Missing out on Hunter hurts, but this was the right move for a team that needs to reset while they try and get their quarterback contracts in order.
6th Overall – Las Vegas Raiders
RB – Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
Grade: C-
There’s no denying Jeanty’s talent — he’s explosive, versatile, and productive — but using the sixth overall pick on a running back in a rebuild is highly questionable for the Raiders. The team has too many holes, especially on the offensive line and defensive backfield to justify this luxury pick. He’ll be fun to watch in the Pete Carroll–Chip Kelly offense, but the value just doesn’t add up and it probably won’t lead to too many more additional wins for the franchise.
7th Overall – New York Jets
T – Armand Membou (Missouri)
Grade: A-
Membou is a high-upside tackle with a mean streak in the run game and athleticism in pass protection. He’ll pair with 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu to give the Jets a potential top-tier tackle duo. There may be growing pains with Membou, but this is a pick focused on long-term trench dominance — a smart move for a team starting Justin Fields at quarterback.
8th Overall – Carolina Panthers
WR – Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)
Grade: B+
McMillan gives Bryce Young a long, smooth outside receiver who can win in contested catch situations. His addition helps balance the WR room by bumping Xavier Legette to WR2 and keeping Jalen Coker in the slot to do some short and intermediate work. While McMillan may not become a WR1 superstar in his NFL career, his presence significantly upgrades the overall passing attack and gives Trevor Lawrence a red zone target that has been lacking on this team for quite a while.
9th Overall – New Orleans Saints
T – Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)
Grade: A
Banks was in the conversation for OT1 and brings prototypical size, athleticism, and nastiness in both pass and run blocking. With Ryan Ramczyk retiring and Trevor Penning struggling, the Saints wisely addressed a looming crisis on their offensive line. This is a foundational piece and a great value at No. 9.
10th Overall – Chicago Bears
TE – Colston Loveland (Michigan)
Grade: B
Loveland is a versatile tight end who fits Ben Johnson’s offensive vision — he’s athletic, reliable, and a capable blocker. But with Cole Kmet already on the roster and more pressing needs elsewhere, this feels a bit early. Loveland will help, but this pick makes more sense if the Bears believe he can be a true offensive focal point.
11th Overall – San Francisco 49ers
EDGE – Mykel Williams (Georgia)
Grade: B
Williams is one of the best run defenders in the class and will pair well with Nick Bosa on early downs. His pass-rush ceiling may be capped, but he brings a safe floor and solid motor. With the 49ers losing key defensive pieces, this was a need-based pick that fits the team’s physical identity.
12th Overall – Dallas Cowboys
G – Tyler Booker (Alabama)
Grade: C
Booker is a mauling, scheme-specific guard who should thrive in a power-run offense. The Cowboys may be planning a return to that style under new head coach Schottenheimer, but the value here is definitely questionable. The Cowboys were reportedly exploring trade-down options, and had they succeeded, this pick would’ve looked better if they were able to gain some more draft capital and select Booker later in the 20s or so. Still, Booker brings toughness and immediate help to a reshuffled O-line in Dallas.
13th Overall – Miami Dolphins
DL – Kenneth Grant (Michigan)
Grade: B
The Dolphins went best player available with Grant, a high-upside defensive tackle who brings athleticism and physicality to the trenches. They reportedly preferred an offensive tackle, but with none of the top options left, they pivoted to defence. Grant should be a Day 1 contributor against the run with potential as an interior disruptor.
14th Overall – Indianapolis Colts
TE – Tyler Warren (Penn State)
Grade: B+
Indianapolis continues to build around Anthony Richardson with the selection of Warren, an athletic tight end who adds a dynamic presence to the middle of the field. His size and versatility make him an ideal target in Shane Steichen’s offense, especially in red zone and play-action scenarios. While not a splash pick, Warren fills a positional need with a high-upside talent. There will be no more excuses for Richardson this season.
15th Overall – Atlanta Falcons
LB – Jalon Walker (Georgia)
Grade: B
The Falcons nabbed one of the fastest risers in the draft in Walker, who can play off-ball linebacker or rush off the edge. While Atlanta’s front seven has been bolstered recently, adding Walker gives them another chess piece on defense. His role might be a bit undefined early, but the talent and motor are undeniable. He is a little bit undersized at the position and will likely have to be used more in a rotation as opposed to being on the field for more than 80% of the team’s defensive snaps.
16th Overall – Arizona Cardinals
DT – Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)
Grade: B+
Arizona keeps investing in the trenches with Nolen, a former five-star recruit with freakish upside. He’s a disruptive presence on the interior and will immediately help against the run. If the Cardinals can harness his potential and develop his technique, Nolen could be a steal at 16.
17th Overall – Cincinnati Bengals
EDGE – Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)
Grade: B
Stewart is a physically imposing edge rusher who brings size and strength to the Bengals’ defensive front. It was no secret that the Bengals needed to rebuild their defense through the draft, and Stewart offers long-term upside across from Trey Hendrickson. His production wasn’t always consistent, but the tools are all there.
18th Overall – Seattle Seahawks
T – Grey Zabel (North Dakota State)
Grade: B-
Seattle has invested heavily in small-school linemen in recent years, and Zabel fits the mold. He’s a bit of a developmental prospect, but his athleticism and technique give him a real shot to start early. The Seahawks are betting on traits and coaching here.
19th Overall – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR – Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
Grade: A-
Egbuka may have slipped due to injuries, but when healthy, he was one of the most polished receivers in the class. With Mike Evans aging and Chris Godwin coming off a major injury, Tampa adds a smooth, reliable pass catcher who could become a QB’s best friend in short order. This pick was a shocker as Tampa just re-signed Godwin to a healthy contract, but stocking up on a high-value position with a true professional is a nice move.
20th Overall – Denver Broncos
CB – Jahdae Barron (Texas)
Grade: B+
The Broncos needed help in the secondary, and Barron brings positional versatility and a high football IQ. It looks like Denver sees him as their solution to their slot cornerback problem, and with the reigning defensive player of the year Patrick Surtain locking down the opponent’s top receiver, there will be no easy passing games in Denver. Barron’s toughness and tackling ability make him a great fit for Vance Joseph’s scheme.
21st Overall – Pittsburgh Steelers
DL – Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
Grade: B+
A high-motor interior lineman with a relentless drive, Harmon is the kind of pick Pittsburgh loves. He adds depth and flexibility to a defensive line that needed an infusion of youth. Though not flashy, he’s a classic Steelers pick: smart, tough, and dependable. He would have been long gone if not for some late injury concerns, so Pittsburgh would have done their due diligence on that to select Harmon here.
22nd Overall – Los Angeles Chargers
RB – Omarion Hampton (UNC)
Grade: C+
The Chargers reportedly turned down multiple offers to trade down to stay put and select Hampton, the second running back taken in the draft. Hampton is a bruiser with good contact balance, and he should thrive in Greg Roman’s downhill rushing attack — but the positional value makes this a bit rich.
23rd Overall – Green Bay Packers
WR – Matthew Golden (Texas)
Grade: A
Finally, the Packers take a receiver in Round 1! Golden is an explosive playmaker with reliable hands and great burst off the line. Adding him to an already exciting WR room gives Jordan Love yet another weapon. The Packers nailed this pick from both a need and value perspective, especially considering the question marks regarding Christian Watson’s health.
24th Overall – Minnesota Vikings
G – Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)
Grade: B-
Minnesota boosts its interior offensive line with Jackson, a solid but unspectacular prospect who brings size and strength. While he doesn’t have elite movement skills, he plays with a mean streak and could anchor the left guard spot for years. A safe, floor-over-ceiling selection.
25th Overall – New York Giants (via Houston Texans)
QB – Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)
Grade: C+
Trade:
New York Receives: No. 25
Houston Receives: No. 34, No. 99, 2026 3rd-Round Pick
The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason, so theoretically, they could have forgone drafting a quarterback and added a rookie to what is sure to be an interesting quarterback room. Dart is talented and fiery, but questions linger about his consistency and decision-making. As a developmental pick, he makes sense — but at No. 25, it’s a bit of a reach. Still, he could push for playing time sooner than expected.
26th Overall – Atlanta Falcons (via Los Angeles Rams)
EDGE – James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)
Grade: B-
Trade:
Atlanta receives: No. 26, No. 101
Los Angeles receives: No. 46, No. 242, 2026 1st-Round Pick
Pearce Jr. was viewed by some as a top-10 talent but, as expected, dropped down draft boards due to some off-field concerns. He’s explosive off the edge and has natural bend and closing speed. If the Falcons can get him to play with more consistency, he could become their premier pass rusher for years to come. However, the Falcons already drafted an undersized edge rusher in Jalon Walker earlier in the draft, and giving up next year’s first for a team who has questions entering the season at quarterback is quite the risk and lowers the grade here.
27th Overall – Baltimore Ravens
S – Malaki Starks (Georgia)
Grade: A-
The Ravens continue to target smart, physical defenders. Starks can play deep, in the slot, or even in the box — a true modern safety. He brings leadership and versatility to an already stout Baltimore secondary. Great scheme and culture fit.
28th Overall – Detroit Lions
DL – Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)
Grade: B+
Williams adds more power and nastiness to a Lions front that’s already one of the league’s most physical. His motor and ability to collapse the pocket from the interior are exactly what Detroit loves. This team keeps getting tougher in the trenches and brings in more depth to a position that was devastated by injuries last season.
29th Overall – Washington Commanders
OT – Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon)
Grade: B
Washington needed help at tackle, and Conerly Jr. has the athletic profile to develop into a long-term starter. He may not be plug-and-play ready, but his upside in pass protection is intriguing. A good value pick for a rebuilding offense.
30th Overall – Buffalo Bills
CB – Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)
Grade: B+
Hairston is a ballhawk with great instincts and a nose for the football. The Bills’ secondary is in transition, and Hairston brings youth, athleticism, and upside. He could find himself starting by midseason if he adapts quickly.
31st Overall – Philadelphia Eagles (via Kansas City Chiefs)
LB – Jihaad Campbell (Alabama)
Grade: A
Philadelphia jumped ahead of Kansas City to grab Campbell, a speedy linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range. He’s a modern hybrid LB who fits perfectly in Philly’s aggressive defense. A calculated move that could pay off quickly. I would assume they had to sacrifice a fifth-round pick to keep the Chiefs from trading back with someone else, and for a team who was projected to have 20 picks between this year and next year’s draft, that’s not even a consideration in the grade here.
32nd Overall – Kansas City Chiefs
OT – Josh Simmons (Ohio State)
Grade: B
The Chiefs needed offensive line help and grabbed a developmental tackle in Simmons. He has the size and strength but needs refinement in pass protection. With the right coaching, he could take over a starting role in a year or two. His biggest concern surrounds the injury — he missed most of the 2024 college season with a patellar injury, which has been something that has bothered offensive linemen throughout their career.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: Maize & Blue Nation. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license