Shocking NFL Draft Grades That You Won't Expect
From shock picks to Shedeur Sanders' epic slide, here are the full 2025 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams. Honest, funny, and sharper than your GM’s scouting report. Edition #239
Some teams drafted for need. Others drafted for vibes. A few drafted like their internet cut out mid-pick.
And Shedeur Sanders? He went from QB1 to “wait, is this still the 5th round?”
Welcome to the most unpredictable, chaotic, and downright hilarious NFL Draft in years.
I graded all 32 teams — brutally honest, slightly petty, and Shedeur-approved (probably). Let’s ride.
First off, we need to talk about Shedeur Sanders, who, as a projected early first-rounder, went down so badly that it made history. Sanders is probably the first QB whose stock fell by 141 picks. Well, if you think about it, at the start of 2025, Sanders was the projected #1 overall pick, so his stock fell by 144!
Teams passed on him on Thursday. They passed him on Friday as well. Shedeur was finally picked on Saturday, with the 144th pick in the 5th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Even though they drafted a quarterback in Dillon Gabriel in the 3rd round.
Shedeur’s attitude was one of the main causes of his fall. Not only was it Shedeur’s fault, but it was also because of Deion and his pressure that had teams second-guessing drafting Sanders.
The draft has set teams in interesting positions. Teams like the Steelers, Bucs, and others are in peril.
Anyway, let’s go through all the picks, shall we? If you’re only interested in specific teams, use the bar on the side to navigate through all the teams. This took an extremely long time to make, and I put a lot of effort into this, so the least you can do is like this post. I’m also here to respond to your comments in the section below!
EXPLANATIONS FOR A FEW TEAMS MAY BE SLIGHTLY SHORTER THAN OTHERS, AS FOR SOME REASON THE DRAFT FOR THE ARTICLE DIDN’T SAVE.
Buffalo Bills
Needs: CB, WR, DT, EDGE, S
Drafted:
Maxwell Hairston, CB (1 | 30)
T.J. Sanders, DT (2 | 9)
Landon Jackson, EDGE (3 | 8)
Deone Walker, DT (4 | 7)
Jordan Hancock, CB (5 | 34)
Jackson Hawes, TE (5 | 37)
Dorian Strong, CB (6 | 1)
Chase Lundt, OT (6 | 30)
Kaden Prather, WR (7 | 24)
These are some awesome picks by the Buffalo Bills. They covered every single one of their key needs, except for the safety position, which was ranked 5 out of 5 needs, so it’s fine. Hairston ran the fastest 40-yard dash in the combine. TJ Sanders wins with his hands, and the fact that he can change directions well. Landon Jackson did awesome at the combine, and is one of those guys who shoots his hands and drives blockers. While the WR room could have been improved, this puts the Bills in a good position, too. Most importantly, to beat Patrick Mahomes.
Draft: A-
Miami Dolphins
Needs: S, OG, OT, DT, LB
Drafted:
Kenneth Grant, DT (1 | 13)
Jonah Savaiinaea, OG (2 | 5)
Jordan Phillips, DT (5 | 5)
Jason Marshall Jr., CB (5 | 13)
Dante Trader Jr., S (5 | 19)
Ollie Gordon II, RB (6 | 3)
Quinn Ewers, QB (7 | 15)
Zeek Biggers, DT (7 | 37)
Grant is the type of guy who stacks blockers and gets off blocks late, rushing the passer. The interior defensive line has been a problem for the Dolphins, so drafting Grant is a huge plus for them. After Terron Armstead retired, Miami needed an OG badly, so Jonah Savaiinaea is a great pick and fit, and it’s extremely tough to get around him. While the safety they acquired may become a huge contributor for the Dolphins in the future, he wasn’t the greatest, and that’s a position the Dolphins should’ve prioritized earlier in the draft.
Grade: B-
New England Patriots
Needs: OT, WR, RB, S, EDGE
Drafted:
Will Campbell, OT (1 | 4)
TreVeyon Henderson, RB (2 | 6)
Kyle Williams, WR (3 | 5)
Jared Wilson, C (3 | 31)
Craig Woodson, S (4 | 4)
Joshua Farmer, DT (4 | 35)
Bradyn Swinson, EDGE (5 | 8)
Andres Borregales, PK (6 | 6)
Marcus Bryant, OT (7 | 4)
Julian Ashby, LS (7 | 35)
Kobee Minor, CB (7 | 41)
What the Patriots did in this draft class is superb. Drafting Campbell for protection, Henderson for a run game, getting Williams as a weapon for Drake Maye, and drafting Woodson and Swinson for the defense, I have to say that I’m really optimistic about this team, even though there isn’t a high chance they make the playoffs. The Patriots covered all their needs this draft, and everyone should be really excited about this team.
Grade: A+
New York Jets
Needs: OT, DT, WR, S, TE
Drafted:
Armand Membou, OT (1 | 7)
Mason Taylor, TE (2 | 10)
Azareye’h Thomas, CB (3 | 9)
Arian Smith, WR (4 | 8)
Malachi Moore, S (4 | 28)
Francisco Mauigoa, LB (5 | 26)
Tyler Baron, EDGE (5 | 40)
Not sure why the Jets didn’t go with a defensive tackle in this draft, especially because it was their 2nd position of need. Regardless, still a good draft from the Jets. Membou is going to be crazy. He’s an amazing drive and pass blocker, and moves super well for his size. Mason Taylor is probably going to be the most impactful, though, and this was an awesome pick.
Grade: B+
Baltimore Ravens
Needs: DT, CB, OG, EDGE, WR
Drafted:
Malaki Starks, S
Mike Green, EDGE
Emery Jones Jr., OT
Teddye Buchanan, LB
Tyler Loop, PK
LaJohntay Wester, WR
Aeneas Peebles, DT
Robert Longerbeam, CB
Garrett Dellinger, OG
I have to say: Malaki Starks is an awesome pickup for this Ravens team. It’s not a position that they needed, because of Kyle Hamilton, but with this pickup, it just makes them better and better at the safety position. The Ravens are another team that fulfilled their team needs, and in a great way as well.
Grade: A+
Cincinnati Bengals:
Needs: CB, EDGE, WR, TE, OG
Drafted:
Shemar Stewart, EDGE
Demetrius Knight Jr., LB
Dylan Fairchild, OG
Barrett Carter, LB
Jalen Rivers, OG
Tahj Brooks, RB
I’m not very happy with the Bengals’ draft, even though they drafted a stud in Shemar Stewart. They need a CB, WR, and TE, yet they didn’t attempt to draft one. They barely cleared their OG needs in the 5th round, but even then, they just picked someone for depth. The Bengals could’ve done a lot in this draft, but they chose not to.
Grade: C+
Cleveland Browns
Needs: QB, OT, WR, DT, LB
Drafted:
Mason Graham
Carson Schwesinger
Quinshon Judkins
Harold Fannin Jr.
Dillon Gabriel
Dylan Sampson
Shedeur Sanders
No one is sure how this team acquired Shedeur Sanders this late in the draft. I loved the trade back the Browns put in place on Thursday, and gave the Jaguars the #2 pick to select Travis Hunter. The Cleveland Browns traded the No. 2 overall pick, a fourth-round pick (No. 104), and a sixth-round pick (No. 200) to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars sent the No. 5 overall pick, a second-round pick (No. 36), a fourth-round pick (No. 126), and their 2026 first-round pick to the Browns. The latter is very important.
While the Browns set aside their OT and WR needs, they still heavily invested in drafting a QB, a DT, and an LB. The Nick Chubb era in Cleveland is over. Welcome Judkins. There’s still a long way to go for this Browns team, but they made the moves they needed to in this draft. If you’re a Browns fan, you should be happy. The Cleveland Browns seem to be headed in the right direction. As long as Andrew Berry doesn’t make a bad decision…
Grade: A-
Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: QB, CB, WR, RB, OT
Drafted:
Derrick Harmon, DT
Kaleb Johnson, RB
Jack Sawyer, EDGE
Yahya Black, DT
Will Howard, QB
Carson Bruener, LB
Donte Kent, CB
So, are the Steelers really going after Aaron Rodgers? The Steelers didn’t draft a WR or an OT, which is fine (they have DK Metcalf, remember?), because they may have found a QB in Will Howard and a running back in Kaleb Johnson. The questions along the defensive line prompted the Steelers to make the Derrick Harmon pick, which, to me, is like the Malaki Starks pick. Just makes everything a little bit better. I believe that if the Steelers had picked Shedeur, they would’ve been in a better position, but Shedeur went a bit earlier, and if they really wanted him, they would’ve had to pick him in the 4th round.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Needs: DT, WR, TE, CB, S
Drafted:
Jayden Higgins, WR
Aireontae Ersery, OT
Jaylin Noel, WR
Jaylin Smith, CB
Woody Marks, RB
Jaylen Reed, S
Graham Mertz, QB
Kyonte Hamilton, DT
Luke Lachey, TE
The Texans did really well in this draft, clearing 4 of their 5 needs, though they achieved 2 of them with their final 2 picks in this draft. Not the greatest, but they tackled the WR position, drafted a running back for Stroud, and while they couldn’t bring in an offensive guard to protect Stroud, they brought in an awesome offensive tackle. The Texans were smart to trade out of the first round.
Grade: B
Indianapolis Colts
Needs: TE, OG, CB, LB, EDGE
Drafted:
Tyler Warren, TE
JT Tuimoloau, EDGE
Justin Walley, CB
Jalen Travis, OT
DJ Giddens, RB
Riley Leonard, QB
Tim Smith, DT
Hunter Wohler, S
No one can still believe that Colston Loveland was taken before Tyler Warren, so it was very beneficial for the Colts when they saw Tyler Warren still on the board. Warren was their #1 guy. While they could’ve went it and gotten some protection for Richardson, or maybe invested in a linebacker, they still tackled their #1 need in a tight-end, drafted a pass rusher, and got someone amazing in Justin Walley. Great draft class for the Colts.
Grade: B
Jacksonville Jaguars
Needs: DT, WR, TE, CB, S
Drafted:
Travis Hunter, CB
Caleb Ransaw, CB
Wyatt Milum, OG
Bhayshul Tuten, RB
Jack Kiser, LB
Jalen McLeod, LB
Rayuan Lane III, S
Jonah Monheim, C
LeQuint Allen, RB
Well, trading up is a great way to tackle 2 of your needs, eh? Travis Hunter, the dual-threat, is now a Jacksonville Jaguar. Just 1 pick into the NFL Draft, and the Jags went ahead with the move, and while they surrendered a little bit to acquire their guy, it’s definitely worth it. I feel like the Jaguars should’ve drafted a tight end, considering their current guy is Brenton Strange. Regardless, good job by the Jaguars to get their guy in Travis Hunter. Just need to perform in-game now, guys.
Grade: A-
Tennessee Titans
Needs: QB, WR, EDGE, OG, S
Drafted:
Cam Ward, QB
Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE
Kevin Winston Jr., S
Chimere Dike, WR
Gunnar Helm, TE
Elic Ayomanor, WR
Jackson Slater, OG
Marcus Harris, CB
Kalel Mullings, RB
The Tennessee Titans finally have a QB on their hand in Cam Ward. They not only have a QB, but also some weapons in Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, and drafted some protection with Jackson Slater. They drafted a safety, something they for sure needed, and went after an edge rusher in the 2nd round, who drives offensive tackles. Awesome, awesome, awesome job by the Titans in completing this first part of the rebuild.
GRADE: A+
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Needs: RB, WR, DT, C, TE
Drafted:
Jahdae Barron, CB
RJ Harvey, RB
Pat Bryant, WR
Sai’vion Jones, EDGE
Que Robinson, EDGE
Jeremy Crawshaw, P
Caleb Lohner, TE
This was a stinker draft class for the Broncos. Nothing much else to say about it. It’s great that they finally got a running back, though I am not very convinced about Harvey. Nix really needed a TE, but the Broncos drafted one in the 7th round. A basketball player, out of all that. Luke Wattenberg is not a starting center, no matter what you say. One plus is that they drafted Pat Bryant, but even he has many flaws to the name of his game, and while many in the business consider him a sleeper, I don’t consider him to be a great WR. I may be terribly wrong on this one, though, because you never know what Sean Payton can do.
Grade: D+
Kansas City Chiefs
Needs: EDGE, DT, CB, RB, OT
Drafted:
Josh Simmons, OT
Omarr Norman-Lott, DT
Ashton Gillotte, EDGE
Nohl Williams, CB
Jalen Royals, WR
Jeffrey Bassa, LB
Brashard Smith, RB
Well, they got Gillote for an edge, Lott for their DB, Simmons for their offensive tackle, Smith as their running back, and Williams for the cornerback position. Either way, though, the draft helps the Chiefs little. The Chiefs are going back for a Super Bowl run. One way or another.
Grade: B+
Las Vegas Raiders
Needs: WR, RB, CB, S, OG
Drafted:
Ashton Jeanty, RB
Jack Bech, WR
Darien Porter, CB
Charles Grant, OT
Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR
Tonka Hemingway, DT
JJ Pegues, DT
Tommy Mellott, WR
Cam Miller, QB
Cody Lindenberg, LB
Yes, yes, yes, Las Vegas. You finally hit on your draft picks. Jeanty is going to be an absolute superstar. Bech is going to be an awesome weapon for Geno Smith, and whoever the QB is in the future (maybe Arch Manning???)? The offensive tackle picks in the middle kind of irk me, but the Raiders fulfilled all their needs except a safety and an offensive guard. The moves they made, though, is going to take them a long way in the next couple of years.
Grade: A-
Los Angeles Chargers
Needs: WR, TE, DT, OG, RB
Drafted:
Omarion Hampton, RB
Tre Harris, WR
Jamaree Caldwell, DT
Kyle Kennard, EDGE
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR
Oronde Gadsden II, TE
Branson Taylor, OT
R.J. Mickens, S
Trikweze Bridges, S
The Chargers made some great picks, and while they missed out on an offensive guard in this draft, the picks they made were absolutely awesome, and this is really going to help them keep up with the Chiefs in that weird AFC West division.
Grade: C
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Needs: WR, RB, EDGE, CB, OG
Drafted:
Tyler Booker, OG
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE
Shavon Revel Jr., CB
Jaydon Blue, RB
Shemar James, LB
Ajani Cornelius, OT
Jay Toia, DT
Phil Mafah, RB
Tommy Akingbesote, DT
Urgh Dallass. CeeDee can’t do everything, Jerry!
Grade: D-
Washington Commanders
Needs: EDGE, S, CB, WR, RB
Drafted:
Josh Conerly Jr., OT
Trey Amos, CB
Jaylin Lane, WR
Kain Medrano, LB
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB
Not as good as the 2024 Draft Class for the Commanders. They didn’t fulfill all of their needs.
Grade: D+
New York Giants:
Needs: QB, WR, DT, OG, LB
Drafted:
Abdul Carter, EDGE
Jaxson Dart, QB
Darius Alexander, DT
Cam Skattebo, RB
Marcus Mbow, OG
Thomas Fidone II, TE
Korie Black, CB
Abdul Carter is an awesome pick and is going to be extremely beneficial. Unfortunately, Jaxson Dart is just not the guy that’s going to lead the Giants. No matter what. That’s the unfortunate problem. Alexander and Mbow are awesome picks. They missed on a linebacker, but that’s fine.
Grade: B-
Philadelphia Eagles:
Needs: EDGE, TE, WR, OG, DT
Drafted:
Jihaad Campbell, LB
Andrew Mukuba, S
Ty Robinson, DT
Mac McWilliams, CB
Smael Mondon Jr., LB
Drew Kendall, C
Kyle McCord, QB
Myles Hinton, OT
Cameron Williams, OT
Antwuan Powell-Ryland, EDGE
Jihaad Campbell is an awesome pick for the Eagles, even though a linebacker wasn’t their biggest need. In fact, Howie didn’t look at any of the needs. He just did what Howie does. Wing it. Ty Robinson is a huge addition for this team, and while they acquired Ryland in the 6th round, he’s a great depth piece that can definitely be leveraged to the Eagles’ needs.
Grade: B
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Needs: DT, RB, WR, CB, EDGE
Drafted:
Colston Loveland, TE
Luther Burden III, WR
Ozzy Trapilo, OT
Shemar Turner, DT
Ruben Hyppolite II, LB
Zah Frazier, CB
Luke Newman, OT
Kyle Monangai, RB
Luther Burden is an awesome addition to this team, but drafting Colston Loveland over Tyler Warren and not tackling the runningback position is going to hurt this team.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions
Needs: DT, EDGE, OG, WR, C
Drafted:
Tyleik Williams, DT
Tate Ratledge, OG
Isaac TeSlaa, WR
Miles Frazier, OG
Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE
Dan Jackson, S
Dominic Lovett, WR
Tyleik Williams is an awesome pick for this Detroit Lions team, and is going to be an awesome asset for this Detroit Lions team. He recorded 100 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks over the last 2 seasons. This guy was outside of most of the first-round boards, so this was a true surprise. While the Lions didn’t draft a center, they tackled every other position, and I think this was a very good draft class for this team.
Grade: A
Green Bay Packers
Needs: CB, OT, WR, EDGE, DT
Drafted:
Matthew Golden, WR
Anthony Belton, OT
Savion Williams, WR
Barryn Sorrell, EDGE
Collin Oliver, LB
Warren Brinson, DT
Micah Robinson, CB
John Williams, OT
Matthew Golden was an awesome pick and the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love finally have a receiver. The Packers also drafted a player for every single position. The Packers, along with the Patriots, had an awesome draft class. More specifically, a perfect one.
Grade: A+
Minnesota Vikings
Needs: CB, OG, DT, S, WR
Drafted:
Donovan Jackson, OG
Tai Felton, WR
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, EDGE
Kobe King, LB
Gavin Bartholomew, TE
Yeah, what are the Vikings doing? Jackson is still an awesome pick for protecting McCarthy, though.
Grade: C-
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Needs: EDGE, DT, C, S, WR
Drafted:
Jalon Walker, LB
James Pearce Jr., EDGE
Xavier Watts, S
Billy Bowman Jr., S
Jack Nelson, OT
No WR, No center, No DT. James Pearce Jr. is an awesome pick, though, and the only edge to run a sub-4.5 40. He had the quickest 10-yard split, and he’s an explosive speed rusher with great get-off and closing burst. Watts is also a great pick to fill that hole in the safety position. Things could be better for the Falcons, but this is still okay.
Grade: B-
Carolina Panthers
Needs: EDGE, S, CB, WR, DT
Drafted:
Tetairoa McMillan, WR
Nic Scourton, EDGE
Princely Umanmielen, EDGE
Trevor Etienne, RB
Lathan Ransom, S
Cam Jackson, DT
Mitchell Evans, TE
Jimmy Horn Jr., WR
Yes! Bryce Young has weapons and defense. Nic Scourton is an awesome addition, McMillan is an awesome wide receiver, and Ransom is a great one at the safety position. They could’ve went for a better defensive tackle in the third round instead on of Umanmielen, but they covered all of their needs except a cornerback, and that’s what matters.
Grade: B
New Orleans Saints
Needs: WR, CB, EDGE, OG, QB
Drafted:
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT
Tyler Shough, QB
Vernon Broughton, DT
Jonas Sanker, S
Danny Stutsman, LB
Quincy Riley, CB
Devin Neal, RB
Moliki Matavao, TE
Fadil Diggs, EDGE
So, the Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the 2nd round, and with them already facing injury-prone QBs all the time, Shough is no less. When you have this type of QB, you would probably want some weapons to accompany him. But, no. The Saints didn’t do that, instead drafting a defensive tackle, when they should’ve gone for a WR. Personally, this was a stinker draft class for the Saints. Things just keep getting worse in New Orleans.
Grade: F
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: CB, EDGE, LB, WR, TE
Drafted:
Emeka Egbuka, WR
Benjamin Morrison, CB
Jacob Parrish, CB
David Walker, EDGE
Elijah Roberts, EDGE
Tez Johnson, WR
Baker Mayfield got another weapon in Emeka, and the Bucs finally filled their need for the cornerback position with 2 of them. They also drafted 2 amazing edges. While the Bucs didn’t fulfill all their needs, what they did this year is awesome and is going to help them get back to the playoffs and maybe even win or game or two when they’re there.
Grade: B
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Needs: EDGE, WR, CB, OG, DT
Drafted:
Walter Nolen, DT
Will Johnson, CB
Jordan Burch, EDGE
Cody Simon, LB
Denzel Burke, CB
Hayden Conner, OG
Kitan Crawford, S
Okay. This is pretty good. They got a defensive tackle, cornerback, edge rusher, and offensive guard to fill up 4 of their 5 needs. They could’ve drafted a wide-receiver as well, but totally fine fixing the defense and the protection for Murray. Okay-good draft class for the Cardinals.
Los Angeles Rams
Needs: CB, LB, WR, QB, RB
Drafted:
Terrance Ferguson, TE
Josaiah Stewart, EDGE
Jarquez Hunter, RB
Ty Hamilton, DT
Chris Paul Jr., LB
Konata Mumpfield, WR
The Rams are now lacking Cooper Kupp, who is now a Seattle Seahawk and has been paired up with Sam Darnold. They have a need for the QB position with Stafford again, but it’s not their biggest priority. Ferguson is awesome because Tyler Higbee is very injury-prone, and the addition Chris Paul Jr (😂) is helpful for the Rams. Not the best draft class if we’re comparing it to their needs, but it’s going to be very helpful for this Rams team.
Seattle Seahawks
Needs: WR, OG, C, OT, EDGE
Drafted:
Grey Zabel, OG
Nick Emmanwori, S
Elijah Arroyo, TE
Jalen Milroe, QB
Rylie Mills, DT
Tory Horton, WR
Robbie Ouzts, TE
Bryce Cabeldue, OT
Seahawks could be the division winner next season and I’m not even playing. They drafted Zabel, who fires off the ball and is extremely good in the run game. Emmanwori is going to take a Kyle Hamilton type role for the Seahawks in this Mike MacDonald defense. Noah Fant is in the final year of his deal, so Arroyo is a very good replacement option for him if he decides to walk or if the Seahawks let him walk. Jalen Milroe could be the future (or the present if Sam Darnold sucks in his new contract). Horton is going to be an awesome weapon for Darnold, especially because of DK Metcalf now in a Steelers uniform. Cabeldue is going to be a good depth piece and someone who can offer Darnold some good protection.
Grade: A
San Francisco 49ers
Needs: OT, CB, EDGE, DT, C
Drafted:
Mykel Williams, EDGE
Alfred Collins, DT
Nick Martin, LB
Upton Stout, CB
CJ West, DT
Jordan Watkins, WR
Jordan James, RB
Marques Sigle, S
Kurtis Rourke, QB
Connor Colby, OG
Junior Bergen, WR
Mykel Williams is an awesome start for the 49ers getting back to their usual form. He’s ready to be a throwback type of guy with the 49ers, and the crew is really excited about his prospectus. Stout is going to be a great cornerback for the 49ers, and while undersized, he has excellent quickness, chases pretty well, and even for his size (5’9”), he’s a strong tackler. While they didn’t draft an offensive tackle, they did draft 2 defensive tackles. One in the 2nd round in Alfred Collins, and another one in CJ West, in an attempt to make up for what they lost in free agency, and to improve their defense. Robert Saleh is also going to play a huge role in all of this. With the 49ers, especially at this point, what’s going to matter is the cash.
Thanks for reading, and please do leave a like on this article. It took me around 6 hours to compile this all together to make this, so every time someone reads and likes, it’s so soothing. I don’t usually do 30-minute reads like these.
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