The offseason grades of all 32 NFL teams will be determined by immediate impact rather than future. The higher the grade, the higher the team will improve by the time the season starts. If a team trades out of the first round, its draft grade will immediately decrease. Below, The Panther analyzes the offseason grades for various teams.
Arizona Cardinals: B
In the first round, the Arizona Cardinals selected franchise nose tackle Walter Nolen, and cornerback Will Johnson has franchise potential if he can overcome his injuries. Overall, the Cardinals addressed their defensive needs, but did not draft a true blue-chip player.
Atlanta Falcons: B+
One of the worst pass-rushing defense teams finally addressed its needs, but only took projects in linebackers Jalon Walker and edge James Pearce Jr. Neither player had extremely high production in college, but they now offer more potential. The Falcons also secured a safety in Xavier Watt, who will be paired with safety Jessie Bates; the two should make an elite duo.
Baltimore Ravens: A
Every year, the Baltimore Ravens always get amazing players. This year was no different, with an advanced, versatile safety in Malaki Starks and an elite edge rusher in Mike Green. This defense should be able to take the Ravens to the next step, before quarterback Lamar Jackson comes out of his prime.
Buffalo Bills: B
The Buffalo Bills remain a good AFC playoff contender with quarterback Josh Allen leading an air raid and defensive stinginess. While they have been making regular playoff appearances, they failed to qualify for the Super Bowl with Allen. So, the next two years are a vital period in which they can maximize their championship window. They picked up cornerback Maxwell Hairston in the first round, who should help support the Bills’ weak defense. They also focused on their defensive line in the following three rounds, taking defensive lineman TJ Sanders, Landon Jackson and Deone Walker.
Carolina Panthers: A
The Carolina Panthers are rebuilding around young quarterback Bryce Young, who has shown glimpses of greatness with an underachieving offense. The Panthers picked up receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who should help improve the team’s consistent underperformance among receivers. They also notably focused on their edge in the later rounds, by taking edge players Princely Umanmielen and Nic Scourton.
Chicago Bears: A-
The Bears built perfectly around young quarterback Caleb Williams, who was decent under a feeble offensive line. Both tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden should be day one starters and will support the plan for Caleb Williams to throw to behind the new offensive line they built in the offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals: C-
The Bengals addressed their needs but failed to acquire true blue-chip players. Edge Shemar Stewart could become the face of the team’s defense if they fail to keep edge Trey Hendrickson. In the other rounds, both linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. and guard Dylan Fairchild should be immediate starters.
Cleveland Browns: B
From a futuristic standpoint, the Browns likely had the best draft. Player-wise, the Browns are a B grade. They traded down from the second to the fifth pick and, in turn, received a future first-round draft pick and an elite defensive tackle in Mason Graham. The Browns also got Shedeur Sanders and Dillion Gabriels, with hopes that either of them can fix the true quarterback drought in Cleveland.
Dallas Cowboys: D
The Cowboys reached in the first round on guard Tyler Booker, who could have very easily been available late first round or early second. The only redeeming quality in this draft was a steal in cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., who fell to the third round due to injury concerns.
Denver Broncos: B+
The Denver Broncos are making a comeback from last season due to their elite signings of impressive defensive players such as linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, as well as their draft pick of cornerback Jahdae Barron. Barron tied for second in the SEC with five interceptions in 2024, and this upcoming season, we can hope for that same kind of grit and spirit playing under the Broncos.
Detroit Lions: D+
The Lions signed defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, whose impressive track record dictates 100 tackles. The Lions went an unexpected route and picked Williams, who was outside the first-round boards in the draft analysis. He is predicted to accelerate the Detroit Lions’ run game and give them an elite edge in the upcoming season.
Green Bay Packers: D-
For the first time in several years, the Packers took a wide receiver in the first round, Matthew Golden, from Texas. Matthew Golden has concerns about whether his skills will translate to the league. Outside of tackle Anthony Belton, the Packers failed to pick standout players in the other rounds, as compared to other teams.
Houston Texans: D
The Texans traded out of the first round and, in turn, got good capital. In the second round, they selected tackle Aireontae Ersery and wide reciever Jayden Higgins, who should both be day one starters and support quarterback CJ Stroud. They also drafted strong players later on, such as receiver Jaylin Noel and running back Woody Marks, who should both see the field.
Indianapolis Colts: B
The Indianapolis Colts fought hard to get tight end Tyler Warren on their team and stayed ready to trade up throughout the entire first day. Warren is described as a versatile player due to his ability to be in the middle field. He is fast and aggressive and the perfect player to boost the Colts’ chances in the 2025 season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C
The Jacksonville Jaguars were able to snag the Heisman winner, wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter, during the 2025 NFL draft. The Jaguars picked other players who would complement each other during their games, such as guard Wyatt Milum and running back Bhayshul Tuten. The Jaguars are starting off the 2025 season strong, climbing to the top player by player.
Kansas City Chiefs: F
The Chiefs did not get any elite standout players, but they did get good depth and potential starters in receiver Jalen Royals and tackle Josh Simmons. Both defensive tackle Omar Norman-Lott and edge Ashton Gilotte will likely be used as rotational pieces in the defensive line.
Las Vegas Raiders: A+
The Raiders are by far the best dark horse of the season. They secured an elite running back, Ashton Jeanty, and an excellent receiver, Jack Bech, who is a big body receiver and should be an amazing weapon for quarterback Geno Smith. After this offseason, it is not ridiculous to predict that the Raiders have a true shot of going all the way this season.
Los Angeles Chargers: C
The Chargers drafted running back Omarion Hampton to secure the team’s love of running the ball. Hampton had impressive stats during his college football career and was predicted to be a lock in round one. His speed and ability to play the game with strategy and agility speak volumes for his future football career.
Los Angeles Rams: D
The Rams picked tight end Terrance Ferguson, who was a second-round pick during the 2025 draft. He was out most of the 2024 season due to injuries, but ran the fastest 40-yard dash for the tight end at the combine. His speed will complement the Rams team nicely as a receiver, if they can build a great support system behind him.
Miami Dolphins: B-
The Dolphins got an elite defensive tackle in Kenneth Grant, who will replace the loss of the previous defensive tackle, Calais Campbell. The Dolphins also picked guard Jonah Savaiinaea, who should help protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa so he does not receive another concussion.
Minnesota Vikings: D
The Vikings focused on their offense this season by selecting elite guard Donovan Jackson. Though Jackson was an amazing pick, cornerback and safety were thought to be the focus for round one. Guard Will Fries was also signed to line up on the right side, while Jackson takes the left. The Vikings appear to be building a team around Jackson, where he will be the star next season.
New England Patriots: A+
The Patriots built their picks around quarterback Drake Maye perfectly, getting him an offensive tackle in Will Campbell, a running back in Treveyon Henderson and a steal wide receiver in Kyle Williams. Overall, they set Maye up for success this upcoming season and bolstered the trenches well in free agency.
New Orleans Saints: A-
The New Orleans Saints signed tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. in round one. Banks was a smart choice for the Saints in the run game, since. He can predict plays and knows how to play football in a strategic sense. Banks provides a strong backbone to the team and can be seen taking the Saints far in the 2025 season.
New York Giants: A+
The Giants had two first-round picks: elite Edge rusher Abdul Carter, who should give the Giants the greatest D-line in the league, and a hopeful starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart, who can learn from quarterback Russel Wilson if the Giants do not immediately start him.
New York Jets: A-
The Jets acquired quarterback Justin Fields in the offseason and built around him by getting tackle Armand Membou, tight end Mason Taylor, and wide receiver Arian Smith. The Jets also got steals in the later rounds by acquiring safety Malachi Moore and cornerback Azareye’h Thomas. Overall, they did a good job giving this team a hopeful future.
Philadelphia Eagles: B+
Similarly to the Ravens, great players always fall to the Eagles. This year was no different, as the Eagles were able to pick up linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Since safety CJ Gardner-Johnson left this offseason, the Eagles also picked up safety Andrew Mukuba, who should be a decent enough replacement.
Pittsburgh Steelers: D
The Steelers built up a powerful team in the offseason by getting receiver DK Metcalf, but at the end of the day, they could not find a quarterback to throw the ball. They will likely sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and if they do, the Steelers would have a better grade. Since they went with defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round, their current roster will likely not win games. They had no notable steals but rather a potential starting quarterback in Will Howard in the sixth round.
San Francisco 49ers: A-
This year’s draft class was heavily focused on the defense, something that weakened dramatically over this year’s offseason. The selection of edge Mykel Williams in the first round will be an elite addition to the defensive line, along with defensive tackle Alfred Collins in the second round.
Seattle Seahawks: A+
The Seattle Seahawks got a versatile lineman in Grey Zabel and one of the most athletic safeties in years in Nick Emmanwori. In the later rounds, the Seahawks got weapons for the offense, including tight end Elijah Arroyo, wide receiver Tory Horton and elite high upside quarterback Jalen Milroe. They managed a successful rebuild in one off-season, with bright hopes and loads of pressure for the rookies.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
In the first round, the Buccaneers picked wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who is 100% a blue-chip prospect. The issue with this pick is that the Buccaneers do not need wide receivers as much as they need other positions, and it is odd they went this direction when safety Malaki Starks was still on the board. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison was also a major steal in the second round.
Tennessee Titans: B
The Tennessee Titans were very successful with their picks. They needed a quarterback, and they arguably got the best one: Cameron Ward. Additionally, they got a steal in the third round with safety Kevin Winston Jr. and receiver depth Elic Ayomanor. The Titans did not have a second-round pick, yet they hit on all of the picks they had.
Washington Commanders: D
Similar to the Chiefs, nothing crazy occurred in this draft, but they did get potential starters in tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and cornerback Trey Amos. Although they did not receive any standout players, they strengthened some weaknesses on the team.
