From Fernando Mendoza to Red Murdock, there were 257 players were selected in the 2026 NFL draft from Thursday to Saturday in Pittsburgh.
Some will have instant success. Others will need more time to develop, if they ever do. Not all of them will even make the roster this year.
Teams spent several months scouting, interviewing, dissecting each prospect’s physical skills and character before the draft. It will take at least a couple of years to determine whether they got it right, but here are the early draft grades from the AP for each of the league’s 32 teams, listed in alphabetical order.
Arizona Cardinals: B-minus
Running back Jeremiyah Love is a special talent and instant upgrade, but the positional value at No. 3 is questionable. Offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (the No. 34 overall pick) should open running lanes for Love. Interior defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor (104) has potential. In a thin quarterback class, the Cardinals took a shot by taking Carson Beck (65) early.
Atlanta Falcons: B
They got a first-round talent in the second round in cornerback Avieon Terrell (48). He’ll join his brother, fellow former Clemson standout AJ Terrell, in the secondary for their hometown NFL team. Receiver Zachariah Branch (79) is a playmaker in the slot. Linebacker Kendal Daniels (134) should at least be a special teams contributor. Atlanta entered the draft with just five picks (and none in Thursday’s first round) but traded to get a sixth.
Baltimore Ravens: B-plus
Offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (14) will be a starter from the start. Edge rusher Zion Young (45) was often mocked in the first round. The Ravens got two receivers with size in Ja’Kobi Lane (80) and Elijah Sarratt (115), and tight end Matthew Hibner (133) fills a void.
Buffalo Bills: B
They traded out of the first round, added draft capital and landed a talented edge rusher in T.J. Parker (35). Davison Igbinosun (62) adds depth at cornerback. Offensive tackle Jude Bowry (102), receiver Skyler Bell (125) and linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr (126) address areas of need.
Carolina Panthers: A-minus
Offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (19), often considered a top-10 pick, is a prototypical left tackle. Defensive lineman Lee Hunter (49) is a playmaker on the interior. Receiver Chris Brazzell II (83), cornerback Will Lee III (129), offensive lineman Sam Hecht (144) and safety Zakee Wheatley (151) were part of Carolina’s third-day haul.
Chicago Bears: B-minus
They addressed a major need in the first round with safety Dillon Thieneman (25), and center Logan Jones (57) went earlier than some expected. Tight end Sam Roush (69) is a run-blocking specialist. Receiver Zavion Thomas (89) improves the return unit, while cornerback Malik Muhammad is a value pick.
Cincinnati Bengals: B-plus
They didn’t have a first-rounder after giving up the 10th overall pick for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, but they landed an edge rusher with first-round grades in Cashius Howell (41). Cornerback Tacario Davis (72) should improve a defense that has struggled. Center Connor Lew (128) is a potential starter found out of the fourth round. At 6-foot-5, receiver Colbie Young (140) adds size to a deep group.
Cleveland Browns: A
They traded down, added more picks and came away with an impressive overall haul. Offensive tackle Spencer Fano (9) should start right away, and receiver KC Concepcion (24) has all the tools. They got another in the second round in receiver Denzel Boston (39). Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (58) had first-round grades. Offensive tackle Austin Barber (86) provides more depth and options for the line, while center Parker Brailsford (146) fills a need. Linebacker Justin Jefferson (149) is athletic and talented.
Dallas Cowboys: A-minus
Moving up one spot to get the best safety in the draft, Caleb Downs, at No. 11 was an excellent move for the defense. Moving back three spots to No. 23 might have cost them a better option but ended up with the addition of Malachi Lawrence, who wasn’t a consensus first-round pick. Edge rusher Jaishawn Barham (92), cornerback Devin Moore (114) and edge rusher LT Overton (137) give new defensive coordinator Christian Parker more talent to develop. Offensive tackle Drew Shelton (112) has high upside.
Denver Broncos: B
Their first pick wasn’t until the third round, when they got defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim (66). Running back Jonah Coleman (108) adds depth, offensive lineman Kage Casey (111) is versatile, and tight end Justin Joly (152) gives them a downfield pass receiver. Denver traded a first-round pick for Jaylen Waddle, so it got a receiver before the draft.
Detroit Lions: B-plus
Blake Miller (17) fills a major need at offensive. tackle. Edge rusher Derrick Moore (44) stays in Michigan and gives the Lions another pass rusher with energy, while linebacker Jimmy Rolder (118) is another Michigan player staying close to home. Cornerback Keith Abney II (157) and receiver Kendrick Law (168) offer solid value.
Green Bay Packers: B-plus
They snagged a first-round talent with cornerback Brandon Cisse (52). Defensive tackle Chris McClellan (77) is a needed run-stuffer. Edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton (120) could be a fourth-round steal. Versatile lineman Jager Burton (153) fits the offense’s personality.
Houston Texans: B-plus
Keylan Rutledge (26) provides a boost for an offensive line that’s been a weakness the past two seasons. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (36) is an elite run defender who complements edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Tight end Marlin Klein at No. 59 was a stretch. Febechi Nwaiwu (106) is a versatile offensive lineman. Wade Woodaz (123) has good upside as a linebacker, while safety Kamari Ramsey (141) is a value pick.
Indianapolis Colts: B-plus
CJ Allen (53) fills a big need at linebacker, and he was projected to go higher, so the Colts get great value. A.J. Haulcy could start at safety as a rookie. Offensive lineman Jalen Farmer (113) is powerful and versatile. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher (135) and edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. (156) have a chance to develop well in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C
They got a pair of Texas A&M teammates with their first two picks. Tight end Nate Boerkircher (56) is a physical player who will boost the ground game with his blocking, but the Jaguars could’ve used defensive help. Defensive lineman Albert Regis (81) is mainly a run-defender in the interior. Offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon (88) has strong potential, while safety Jalen Huskey (100) and edge rusher Wesley Williams (119) provide depth at areas of need. Tight end Tanner Koziol (164) and receivers Josh Cameron (191) and CJ Williams (203) give Liam Coen more options on offense in his second season as Jacksonville’s head coach.
Kansas City Chiefs: B
They traded up three spots and gave up a third-rounder to get a cornerback they need in Mansoor Delane at No. 6. They landed veteran Chris Jones’ potential successor later in the first round with defensive lineman Peter Woods (29). R Mason Thomas (40) is a speedy backfield rusher on the edge. Cornerback Jadon Canady (109) boosts a depleted secondary. Running back Emmett Johnson (161) and receiver Cyrus Allen (176) offer decent value in the fifth round.
Las Vegas Raiders: A
Mendoza won’t play right away, but the Raiders don’t have to wait on the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to the national championship in January to see the impact from this draft class. Cornerback Treydan Stukes (38) and defensive end Keyron Crawford (67) should play right away. Offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III (91) is a versatile fit for new coach Klint Kubiak. Cornerback Jermod McCoy (101) is one of the best prospects in this draft; he slipped only because of injury concerns that forced him to miss his final college season. Running back Mike Washington Jr. (122) could provide a 1-2 punch with Ashton Jeanty. Safety Dalton Johnson (150), cornerback Hezekiah Masses (175) and receiver Malik Benson (195) add depth.
Los Angeles Chargers: B-minus
Edge rusher Akheem Mesidor (22) played like a top-10 pick for the national runner-up Miami Hurricanes. Offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (63) doesn’t seem like a fit because the Chargers signed center Tyler Biadasz. Speedy receiver Brenen Thompson (105) stretches the field. Offensive tackle Travis Burke (117) and safety Genesis Smith (131) capped a productive fourth round. The Chargers bolstered the trenches even more with defensive lineman Nick Barrett (145) and offensive linemen Logan Taylor (202) and Alex Harkey (206).
Los Angeles Rams: C-minus
Ty Simpson might end up becoming a franchise quarterback, but it’s hard to justify using the 13th pick on someone who won’t get an opportunity until Matthew Stafford retires instead of taking a player who can help the team make a Super Bowl run. Tight end Max Klare (61) is another talented player who doesn’t necessarily address an immediate void. Offensive lineman Keagen Trost (93) is a 25-year-old prospect who provides depth. CJ Daniels (197) could flourish as receiver in veteran head coach Sean McVay’s offense. Tim Keenan III (232) is a run stuffer at defensive tackle.
Miami Dolphins: B-plus
Offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (12) could be a dominant player. Cornerback Chris Johnson (27) gives Jeff Hafley’s defense a player who can anchor the secondary. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (43) has high upside. They reached on receiver Caleb Douglas (75), who was projected to go in the middle of the third day, but the Dolphins got great value with receiver Chris Bell (94). Tight end Will Kacmarek (87), linebacker Kyle Louis and safety Michael Taaffe (158) were among a 13-player haul. Kevin Coleman Jr. (177) could be a fifth-round gem for Miami’s receiver corps.
Minnesota Vikings: C
Defensive tackle Caleb Banks is a superb talent but coming off two foot surgeries. Linebacker Jake Golday (51) could thrive under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Defensive lineman Domonique Orange (82) adds more depth. Offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan (97) is versatile and ready to play. Safety Jakobe Thomas (98) is a dynamic player. The Vikings made a trade to get speedy running back Demond Claiborne at 198, the potential highlight among their four picks on the last day.
New England Patriots: A-minus
Caleb Lomu was considered the best offensive tackle in the draft by some analysts, so getting him at No. 28 could be a steal. Gabe Jacas (55) has the talent to contribute right away at edge rusher. Tight end Eli Raridon (95) and offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover (196) bolster both positions. Quarterback Behren Morton (234) was among New England’s other five picks.
New Orleans Saints: B
Receiver Jordyn Tyson is a tremendous talent who needs to stay healthy to justify the eighth overall pick. Defensive lineman Christen Miller (42) will help stop the run. Tight end Oscar Delp (73) fits Kellen Moore’s scheme. Receiver Bryce Lance (136) highlights the Saints’ third-day picks. Lorenzo Styles Jr. (172) and fellow cornerback TJ Hall (219) are value picks with upside.
New York Giants: A-plus
Edge rusher Arvell Reese (5) and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa (10) are foundation players. Cornerback Colton Hood (37) is a first-round talent. Receiver Malachi Fields (74) could’ve gone higher in this draft. Defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (186), offensive tackle J.C. Davis (192) and linebacker Jack Kelly (193) round out an impressive crop in veteran head coach John Harbaugh’s first draft with the Giants after a long run with the Ravens.
New York Jets: A-plus
They chose edge rusher David Bailey over Reese at No. 2 in the first of their three first-rounders. Kenyon Sadiq (16) is the best tight end in the draft. New York traded up to get receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (30) and another playmaker with Garrett Wilson. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds (50) is similar to coach Aaron Glenn. Defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. (103) and offensive lineman Anez Cooper (188) strengthen the trenches. They a chance on quarterback Cade Klubnik (110) in the fourth round.
Philadelphia Eagles: B-plus
They swiped Makai Lemon (20) from the Pittsburgh Steelers but gave up a pair of fourth-rounders to move up three spots. Tight end Eli Stowers (54) lacks size but is a versatile chip on offense. Offensive tackle Markel Bell (68) is a developmental talent. The University of Georgia’s recent pipeline to Philadelphia continued as they finally got a former Bulldog in the sixth round with offensive lineman Micah Morris (207). Quarterback Cole Payton (178) is an intriguing selection for a team that values backups.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C-plus
They’ll be remembered for the blunder involving Lemon but came away with plenty of talent among a 10-player class. Offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (21) gives four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, or whoever plays quarterback next season in the Steel City, more protection if he starts right away. Receiver Germie Bernard (47) was a makes up for losing out on Lemon. Quarterback Drew Allar (76) seems like a reach, but cornerback Daylen Everette (85) and offensive guard Gennings Dunker (96) have high upside. Kaden Wetjen (121), a receiver, should be a dynamic returner on special teams. Safety Robert Spears-Jennings (224) could be the best of the day three crop.
San Francisco 49ers: B
They traded out of the first round and tabbed receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (33) to start the second. On the defensive edge, Romello Height (70) should improve a pass rush that had the fewest sacks in the NFL last season. Running back Kaelon Black (90) could give the versatile and busy Christian McCaffrey a few snaps off. They added Carver Willis (127) and Enrique Cruz Jr. the final day. Gracen Halton (107) gives their defensive line a big boost inside.
Seattle Seahawks: B
Jadarian Price (32) replaces Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker at running back. Bud Clark (64) also fills a void at safety. Julian Neal (99) is a tough, physical cornerback who’s an ideal fit for this defense. Andre Fuller (236), another cornerback, might be a find among Seattle’s five picks from the third day.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B-plus
Rueben Bain Jr. (15) gives the Bucs an edge rusher they’ve desperately needed. Linebacker Josiah Trotter (46) plays coach Todd Bowles’ style of defense. Receiver Ted Hurst (84) has size, but he can’t be asked to fill the shoes left behind when Mike Evans signed with the 49ers in free agency. Safety Keionte Scott (116) is a physical tackler who can help the secondary. Offensive lineman Billy Schrauth (160) is a talented player who is solid value in the fifth round.
Tennessee Titans: B
They made Carnell Tate the first receiver off the board at No. 4 instead of taking Reese or another impact defender, but they traded back into the first round to get edge rusher Keldric Faulk (31). Linebacker Anthony Hill (60) is a versatile plug-and-play athlete. Fernando Carmona (142) can play several positions on the offensive line. Running back Nicholas Singleton (165) has the potential to be a fifth-round steal. Defensive lineman Jackie Marshall (184) is a nice fit for new head coach Robert Saleh, who will call the plays for Tennessee on that side of the ball.
Washington Commanders: B-plus
Linebacker Sonny Styles (7) gives head coach Dan Quinn one of the most athletic players to come out of college in years. Receiver Antonio Williams (71) can step into the slot or play outside. Edge rusher Joshua Josephs (147) is another potential defensive disruptor. The Commanders had just six picks but ended up with an excellent haul.