NFL Draft grades 2025: All 32 draft classes ranked from best (Seahawks, Giants) to worst (Vikings, Saints)

How do you grade a team's draft class despite not knowing what kind of returns it will get from all the players it just picked? There are a few simple rules Sporting News applies to this annual exercise of instant analysis.

First, did the team get the right kind of talent with every opportunity while on the clock? Second, teams' initial grades should be based more on whether they did well addressing remaining roster needs after free agency.

Third — and most important — it's critical to consider whether a team drafted well for its current league status, with playoff contenders going for more immediate impact and rebuilding franchises going for more valuable future help.

Putting that all together, it's about answering this question: "How much did a team improve overall through the draft?" Here's SN's latest round of draft grades for the best and worst 2025 NFL Draft classes, ranked from No. 1 to No. 32.

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NFL Draft grades 2025: Ranking the best & worst classes, 1-32

1. Seattle Seahawks

• Grade: A

Draft picks: G Grey Zabel, S Nick Emmanwori, TE Elijah Arroyo, QB Jalen Milroe, DT Rylie Mills, WR Tory Horton, TE Robbie Ouzts, G Bryce Cabeldue, RB Damien Martinez, OT Mason Richman, WR Ricky White III

Analysis: The Seahawks went down the line filling some key holes, as Zabel and Emmanwori provide immediate blocking and coverage help. Arroyo is a good target to add to their wide receivers in the new Klint Kubiak offense led by Sam Darnold. They didn't stop there with Horton's big-play threat and another option for 12 personnel. Milroe gives them a strong contingency for Darnold in the Jalen Hurts behind Carson Wentz mold. This was a great showing by John Schneider and Mike Macdonald in Year 2.

2. New York Giants

• Grade: A

Draft picks: EDGE Abdul Carter, QB Jaxson Draft, DT Darius Alexander, RB Cam Skattebo, C/G Marcus Mbow, TE Thomas Fidone II, CB Korie Black

Analysis: The Giants could have smashed this draft by just ending with a dominant defender (Carter), the ideal dual-threat passer for their system (Dart), and a needed, nasty power running (Skattebo). The pressure was on GM Joe Schoen to deliver, and he got aggressive early and kept up the strength late with Alexander and Mbow.

3. Dallas Cowboys

• Grade: A

Draft picks: G Tyler Booker, EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, CB Shavon Revel Jr., RB Jaydon Blue, LB Shemar James, OT Ajani Cornelius, DT Jay Tola, RB Phil Mafah, DT Tommy Akingbesote

Analysis: Jerry Jones didn't end up with a wide receiver or tight end to help Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, but it was OK to table that position in lieu of boosting others. Booker is a great replacement for Zack Martin, and Cornelius has starting potential inside or out for their offensive line. Blue is their kind of speedy, power runner, and Ezeiruaku and Revel were absolute steals, given both could have gone at the end of the first round. Dallas addressed most key weaknesses as it tries to become tougher overall.

4. Baltimore Ravens

• Grade: A

Draft picks: S Malaki Starks, EDGE Mike Green, OT Emery Jones Jr., LB Teddye Buchanan, OT Carson Vinson, CB Bilhal Kone, K Tyler Loop, WR LaJohntay Webster, CB Aeneas Peebles, CB Robert Longerbeam, G Garrett Dellinger

Analysis: The Ravens should be the prime example of "letting the draft come to them." They needed more safety playmaking and added a lot more production to the pass rush while getting two early first-round defensive talents in Starks and Green. Jones also filled a need for a backup tackle option. Don't sleep on Buchanan being a dream tackler for them. 

5. Las Vegas Raiders

• Grade: A

Draft picks: RB Ashton Jeanty, WR Jack Bech, CB Darien Porter, G Caleb Rogers, OT Charles Grant, WR Dont'e Thornton Jr., DT Tonka Hemingway, DT/RB J.J. Pegues, WR Tommy Mellott, QB Cam Miller, LB Cody Lindenberg

Analysis: The collaboration of Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, and John Spytek made this team a mentally and physically tougher team. This offense is downright dangerous now with Jeanty helping Geno Smith and Bech being the ideal outside target to play well off Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers. They also added some key wideout depth for the slot and a vertical threat. Porter has some shutdown potential, and they also didn't forget about interior line support for both sides. Watch out for Lindenberg acing special teams.

6. Cleveland Browns

• Grade: A

Draft picks: DT Mason Graham, LB Carson Schwesinger, RB Quinshon Judkins, TE Harold Fannin Jr., QB Dillon Gabriel, RB Dylan Sampson, QB Shedeur Sanders

Analysis: The Browns traded down to get extra future draft capital and started off filling key defensive needs with impact playmakers Graham and Schwesinger. Judkins and Sampson can form the new Nick Chubb-Kareem Hunt duo for the backfield. Fannin is a hybrid wideout type who can support the QB competition ahead with Gabriel and Sanders battling Kenny Pickett to ensure Joe Flacco remains the seasoned backup. Sanders now can be pushed to compete and win the job vs. being handed the honor.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Grade: A

Draft picks: DT Derrick Harmon, RB Kaleb Johnson, EDGE Jack Sawyer, DT Yahya Black, QB Will Howard, LB Carson Bruener, CB Donte Kent

Analysis: The Steelers didn't show much interest in a starting QB option, which suggests Aaron Rodgers is still in play. GM Omar Khan still added the ideal developmental option given Howard's big arm and underrated athleticism are right for their offense. Before that, he got three potential immediate impact players in Harmon and Sawyer for the defensive front and Johnson to take over as their lead early-down power back. Bruener, son of former Steelers tight end Mark, can do plenty for them as a backup defender and special teamer.

8. Carolina Panthers

• Grade: A-

Draft picks: WR Tetairoa McMillan, EDGE Nic Scourton, EDGE Princely Umanmielen, RB Trevor Etienne, S Lathan Ransom, DT Cam Jackson, TE Mitchell Evans, WR Jimmy Horn Jr.

Analysis: The Panthers saw some offensive promise from the Bryce Young-Dave Canales combination down the stretch last season, and before getting to a defensive overhaul, former linebacker turned GM Dan Morgan made sure he gave Young a dominant go-to guy with McMillan. Scourton and Umanmielen shoot up the pass rush as first-round talents. Etienne can be another dangerous cog for Young, and Ransom and Jackson also can sneakily compete to start on defense.

9. Arizona Cardinals

• Grade: A-

Draft picks: DT Walter Nolen, CB Will Johnson, EDGE Jordan Burch, LB Cody Simon, CB Denzel Burke, G Hayden Conner, S Kitan Crawford

Analysis: GM Monti Ossenfort wisely made defense a consistently high priority. Nolen can be a superstar disruptor, and once Johnson clears any health concerns, he will compete to start to give them improved single coverage against bigger targets. Burch and Simon add more active playmaking to the front seven.

10. Atlanta Falcons

• Grade: A-

Draft picks: LB Jalon Walker, EDGE James Pearce, S Xavier Watts, S Billy Bowman, OT Jack Nelson

Analysis: The Falcons got tired of hearing about the need to make major pass-rush upgrades and dove right in with GM Terry Fontento for the 1-2 versatile and freakish athletic punch of Walker and Pearce. Watts is also a borderline first-round clean-up man who will further boost their pass defense. Nelson was an additional great value as a development backup late.

11. Los Angeles Chargers

• Grade: A-

Draft picks: RB Omarion Hampton, WR Tre Harris, DT Jamaree Caldwell, EDGE Kyle Kennard, WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, TE Oronde Gadsden II, OT Branson Taylor, S R.J. Mickens, CB Trikweze Bridges

Analysis: Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh worked on further establishing the latter's winning team identity. Hampton and Harris are huge for pushing the offense to a new explosive level for Greg Roman, and Gadsden is a also high-upside athletic sleeper. Kennard was the ideal pass rusher to add next to Khalil Mack after losing Joey Bosa. Caldwell fills a literal huge need, as well.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Grade: A-

Draft picks: CB/WR Travis Hunter, CB Caleb Ransaw, G/OT Wyatt Milum, RB Bhayshul Tuten, LB Jack Kiser, LB Jalen McLeod, S Rayuan Lane III, C Jonah Monheim, RB LeQuint Allen

Analysis: The Jaguars didn't waste time making a splash with 34-year-old wunderkind GM James Gladstone, giving up big draft capital to get the transcendent two-way star Hunter, who fills big needs opposite both Brian Thomas Jr. and Tyson Campbell. Ransaw and Milum were key addresses of the offensive line. Tuten gave them a new speed option that can displace Travis Etienne. Trevor Lawrence should love this haul. They also got someone who can be their new defensive leader, Jack Kiser.

13. New England Patriots

• Grade: A-

Draft picks: OT Will Campbell, RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Kyle Williams, C Jared Wilson, S Craig Woodson, DT Joshua Farmer, EDGE Bradyn Swinson, K Andres Borregales, OT Marcus Bryant, LS Julian Ashby, CB Kobee Minor

Analysis: The Patriots took care of their key offensive needs early with Elliot Wolf catering to second-year QB Drake Maye most. Campbell is a rock of a left tackle, and Henderson has a shot to displace Rhamondre Stevenson as a more efficient lead back. Williams' size is a concern, but he does fit their classic offense slot mentality. New defensive-minded coach Mike Vrabel also got some rangy thumpers after the team was strong on that side in free agency.

14. Kansas City Chiefs

• Grade: B+

Draft picks: OT Josh Simmons, DT Omarr Norman-Lott, EDGE Ashton Gillotte, CB Nohl Williams, WR Jalen Royals, LB Jeffery Bassa, RB Brashard Smith

Analysis: Andy Reid and Brett Veach toggled well between offense and defense, starting with the worthy stash of Simmons to be groomed to start on either side — and maybe right away at right tackle when healthy. Norman-Lott and Gillotte gave them good pass-rush depth, while Williams and Bassa do the same for coverage in the back seven. They also added two more dynamic open-field weapons for Patrick Mahomes in Royals and Smith.

15. Buffalo Bills

• Grade: B+

Draft picks: CB Maxwell Hairston, DT T.J. Sanders, EDGE Landon Jackson, DT Deone Walker, CB Jordan Hancock. TE Jackson Hawes, CB Dorian Strong, OT Chase Lundt, WR Kaden Prather

Analysis: GM Brandon Beane avoided the outside noise asking for more offense and wisely focused the draft on defense, almost to a fault. Buffalo missed out on getting a needed impact receiver, which wasn't addressed until late at tight and and wideout. Hairston filled the biggest need for a speedy cover corner, while Sanders, Jackson, and Walker are good fits for Sean McDermott's rotation replenishment. Lundt is a sneaky-good developmental tackle.

16. New York Jets

• Grade: B+

Draft picks: OT Armand Membou, TE Mason Taylor, CB Azareye'h Thomas, WR Arian Smith, S Malachi Moore, LB Francisco Mauigoa, EDGE Tyler Baron

Analysis: The Jets had a solid first draft with Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, starting off by addressing key needs with Membou and Taylor for the new-look Justin Fields offense. Thomas can start soon for the defense with his size and shutdown potential replacing D.J. Reed opposite Sauce Gardner.

17. San Francisco 49ers

• Grade: B+

Draft picks: EDGE Mykel Williams, DT Alfred Collins, LB Nick Martin, S/CB Upton Stout, DT C.J. West, WR Jordan Watkins, RB Jordan James, S Marques Sigle, QB Kurtis Rourke, G Connor Colby, WR Junior Bergen

Analysis: The 49ers often march to the beat of their own evaluations with GM John Lynch. But the decision to go defense-dominant early made sense with all the salary-related personnel hits. Williams was a smash pick opposite Nick Bosa, and the combination of Collins and West can help right away, too. Martin and Stout were mild head-scratchers. The team also couldn't quite resist taking a wideout-running back-quarterback trio late.

18. Tennessee Titans

• Grade: B

Draft picks: QB Cam Ward, EDGE Femi Oladejo, S Kevin Winston Jr., WR Chimere Deke, TE Gunnar Helm, WR Elic Ayomanor, G Jackson Slater, CB Marcus Harris, RB Kalel Mullings

Analysis: The Titans went to work well in GM Mike Borgonzi's first draft, kicking off with their biggest franchise passer promise since Steve McNair. Oladejo, and Deke were reaches, but Winston, Helm, and Ayomanor made up for that with their great values at positions of need. The key for Ward is what they have already with their offensive system and personnel.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

• Grade: B

Draft picks: LB Jihaad Campbell, S Andrew Mukuba, DT Ty Robinson, CB Mac McWilliams, LB Smael Mondon Jr., G Drew Kendall, QB Kyle McCord, OT Myles Hinton, OT Cameron Williams, OT Antwaun Powell-Ryland

Analysis: GM Howie Roseman is now well aware of what his team needs schematically to keep flexing defensively under Vic Fangio with young talent after taking some free-agent hits. Loading up at linebacker with Campbell and Mondon is great extra support for Zack Baun. Mukuba can start, and Robinso and McWilliams are great for rotational depth. The pivot to offensive line depth was also smart, and they managed to squeeze in a good new developmental QB in between.

20. Los Angeles Rams

• Grade: B

Draft picks: TE Terrance Ferguson, EDGE Josaiah Stewart, RB Jarquez Hunter, DT Ty Hamilton, LB Chris Paul Jr., WR Konata Mumpfield

Analysis: The Rams, after an ace 2024 draft, did some moving back to 2026 and then made the most of what they could to fill key needs, including for a promising receiving tight end, a big-play back, and edge rush depth. Paul might end up being their best pick as a rangy playmaker to clean up plenty of issues in the middle.

21. Green Bay Packers

• Grade: B

Draft picks: WR Matthew Golden, OT Anthony Belton, WR Savion Williams, EDGE Barryn Sorrell, EDGE Collin Oliver, DT Warren Brinson, CB Micah Robinson, G John Williams

Analysis: GM Brian Gutekunst didn't get cute in their hometown draft, going right after more big-play potential in the receiving corps to help Jayden Reed given the injury issues elsewhere. Belton is the ideal developmental swing tackle/guard for them. Sorrell was not just a nice story but a fine fit for Jeff Halfey's pass rush. They landed plenty more depth there to address a consistent need.

22. Denver Broncos

• Grade: B

Draft picks: CB Jahdae Barron, RB R.J. Harvey, WR Pat Bryant, EDGE Sai'vion Jones, EDGE Que Robinson, P Jeremy Crawshaw, TE Caleb Loehner

Analysis: The Broncos took care of what was needed with a nickel corner and dynamic receiving back in their first two picks. Bryant and Jones fill other needs, even if there is some question about whether they reached a bit on the talent. Robinson might end up being a versatile pass-rush steal for Vance Joseph.

23. Detroit Lions

• Grade: B-

Draft picks: DT Tyleik Williams, G Tate Ratledge, WR Isaac TeSlaa, G Miles Frazier, EDGE Ahmad Hassanein, S Dan Jackson, WR Dominic Lovett

Analysis: GM Brad Holmes has hit the past few offseasons out of the park and operated well in 2025 free agency. Williams and Ratledge were solid picks for needs, but there were some questionable reaches save for Hassanein, the ideal lunchpail grinder for Dan Campbell to develop opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

24. Houston Texans

• Grade: B-

Draft picks: WR Jayden Higgins, OT Aireontae Ersery, WR Jaylin Noel, CB Jaylin Smith, RB Woody Marks, S Jaylen Reed, QB Graham Mertz, DT Kyonte Hamilton, TE Luke Lachey

Analysis: The Texans went nuts for offensive help for C.J. Stroud, getting Higgins and Noel to add to trade addition Christian Kirk. Ersery is more of a project tackle, however, and the the team reached with most of its other picks. Everything kind of hinges on Higgins and Noel coming through sooner rather than later.

25. Washington Commanders

• Grade: B-

Draft picks: OT Josh Conerly Jr., CB Trey Amos, WR Jaylin Lane, LB Kain Medrano, RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Analysis: GM Josh Peters couldn't match his amazing 2025 offseason haul because there wasn't a Jayden Daniels needed this year. But this was a solid follow-up, addressing offensive tackle and cornerback again with good picks with limited capital.

26. Cincinnati Bengals

• Grade: C

Draft picks: EDGE Shemar Stewart, LB Demetrius Knight Jr., G Dylan Fairchild, LB Barrett Carter, OT Jalen Rivers, RB Tahj Brooks

Analysis: The Bengals were trying to stay balanced in their moves, but they had to make defense a priority for DC Al Golden after last year's absolute mess. Stewart hopefully will be a 1-2 punch with Trey Hendrickson, who they should not trade. Knight and Carter can be moved around well to make a lot of plays. Though not spectacular, it was average in terms of checking key boxes.

27. Chicago Bears

• Grade: C

Draft picks: TE Colston Loveland, WR Luther Burden III, OT Ozzy Trapillo, DT Shemar Turner, LB Ruben Hippolyte II, CB Zah Frazier, G Luke Newman, RB Kyle Monangai

Analysis: GM Ryan Poles started with the odd move of taking Loveland over Tyler Warren, and then he still went ahead and added another receiver anyway with Burden. It was also weird not to make pass rusher and running back bigger priorities after being two of their most buzzed-about positions. Their smartest pick was Trapillo, who can help build on the free agent OL haul that included three new interior offensive line starters.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Grade: C

Draft picks: WR Emeka Egbuka, CB Benjamin Morrison, CB Jacob Parrish, EDGE David Walker, EDGE Elijah Roberts, WR Tez Johnson

Analysis: The Buccaneers did get a little cute with Jason Licht, going for wide receivers twice to think more about the future beyond Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan. Morrison was their best pick, and Parrish can contribute in the slot in time. But settling for Walker and Roberts and leaving early impact pass-rushers on the board was questionable.

29. Indianapolis Colts

• Grade: C-

Draft picks: TE Tyler Warren, EDGE J.T. Tuimoloau, S/CB Justin Walley, OT Jalen Travis, RB D.J. Giddens, QB Riley Leonard, DT Tim Smith, S Hunter Wohler

Analysis: Warren or Loveland was the expected pick early, but Leonard didn't seem like the needed developmental QB behind Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Tuimoloau's versatility fills a key defensive role, but Walley and Travis were reaches. They should have tapped into running back earlier ahead of Giddens.

30. Miami Dolphins

• Grade: C-

Draft picks: DT Kenneth Grant, G/OT Jonah Savaiinaea, DT Jordan Phillips, CB Jason Marshall Jr., RB Ollie Gordon II, QB Quinn Ewers, DT Zeek Biggers

Analysis: Chris Grier did well with the first three picks, but not going for edge or safety to help the defense was a bad decision. They also didn't get a true offensive tackle and could have used more skill help, such as a tight end instead of a meh late-round running back. This draft did little short-term favors for Mike McDaniel, with Anthony Weaver instead benefiting with two defensive tackles.

31. Minnesota Vikings

• Grade: D

Draft picks: G/OT Donovan Jackson, WR Tai Felton, DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, LB Kobe King, TE Gavin Bartholomew

Analysis: The Vikings had an underwhelming draft after some strong previous work from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. They ended up with some good offensive line depth early with Jackson, but the rest of the picks don't work to keep them as a playoff team in QB transition. They also should not have bothered trading for Sam Howell.

32. New Orleans Saints

• Grade: D

Draft picks: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., QB Tyler Shough, DT Vernon Broughton, S Jonas Sanker, LB Danny Stutsman, LB Quincy Riley, RB Devin Neal, TE Moliki Matavao, EDGE Fadil Diggs

Analysis: The Saints did OK with Banks, but then this draft went into full questionable reach mode in an important rebuild class for GM Mickey Loomis. Taking Shough for Kellen Moore as the third QB off the board was a crazy pass on Shedeur Sanders. Broughton was their second-best pick, but Sanker, Stutsman, and Riley all need work to become contributors to Brandon Staley's defense The lack of an edge rusher, wide receiver, or a cornerback from those loaded classes is a definiting whiff.