2025 NFL Draft Grades: How the Giants, Raiders, and Commanders Excelled While the Steelers and 49ers Struggled

After an intense three-day event, the 2025 NFL Draft has wrapped up. Now, it’s time to dive into the analysis of each team’s picks and see how they fared.

Arizona Cardinals

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss (B)
• 2nd Round: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (A)
• 3rd Round: Jordan Burch, DL, Oregon (C-)

The Cardinals focused on bolstering their defense, picking players with potential impact. Nolen is seen as a promising pass rusher, while Johnson adds depth at cornerback. However, Burch’s selection raised eyebrows, as he didn’t have standout stats in college.

Grade: B-

Atlanta Falcons

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia (B+)
• 1st Round: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (B+)
• 3rd Round: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame (A)

The Falcons made waves by selecting two edge rushers in the first round, a bold strategy that indicates a strong defensive focus. Watts is a safe pick at safety, bringing versatility.

Grade: B-

Baltimore Ravens

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (B)
• 2nd Round: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (A+)
• 4th Round: Teddye Buchanan, LB, Cal (A+)

The Ravens continued their tradition of shrewd drafts. Starks adds versatility, while Green and Buchanan are expected to be impactful players on defense.

Grade: B+

Buffalo Bills

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (A)
• 2nd Round: T.J. Sanders, DL, South Carolina (A)
• 5th Round: Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State (A)

Buffalo aimed to strengthen their defense, making solid choices throughout. Hairston could be a starting cornerback, and Sanders adds depth inside.

Grade: A-

Cincinnati Bengals

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M (C)
• 2nd Round: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina (B+)

While Stewart possesses potential, he’s considered more of a risk. The Bengals also secured depth at linebacker but didn’t make impacts along the offensive line.

Grade: C

Chicago Bears

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (A)
• 2nd Round: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (A+)

The Bears focused on offensive weapons, making bold picks that are designed to assist their young quarterback. Burden brings big-play ability.

Grade: B+

Cleveland Browns

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan (C+)
• 2nd Round: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA (A)

The Browns had a unique approach, especially with two running backs early on, reflecting a strategy to revamp their offense.

Grade: B

Dallas Cowboys

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama (B-)
• 2nd Round: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (A-)

The Cowboys improved their offensive line while adding more defensive talent with Ezeiruaku, who could be impactful.

Grade: B

Denver Broncos

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas (B-)
• 2nd Round: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF (A)

The Broncos had a mixed draft, largely focusing on filling needs but making some head-scratching early selections.

Grade: B

Detroit Lions

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State (C+)
• 2nd Round: Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia (B+)

The Lions had a solid draft but missed a chance to enhance their pass rush earlier in the selections.

Grade: B

Green Bay Packers

Key Picks:

• 1st Round: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (A)
• 2nd Round: Anthony Belton, IOL, NC State (C+)

The Packers have one of the largest wide receiver groups, making significant moves to enhance their offense, though Belton could develop over time.

Grade: B-

For deeper insights, the impact of draft strategy can be observed in team performance after previous drafts. For instance, teams like the Ravens have consistently found success in the draft, often leading to playoff appearances. As for fan reactions, social media buzz shows excitement for new rookies, with hashtags trending around standout players.

In conclusion, the 2025 NFL Draft showcased a mix of strategic planning and bold moves by teams aiming to fill gaps and enhance performance. The effectiveness of these picks will unfold as the season progresses.

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