2024 NFL Draft Grades - NFC

The NFL Draft is over, teams are preparing for rookie mini-camps and then looking ahead to training camp and the season. For us, it’s time to take stock and look back at the draft just been. Without further ado, here are our draft grades for the NFC teams.

The Cowboys had a solid, if not spectacular draft. Chris Trapasso for CBS Sports wrote, “I, personally, am not sure what the Cowboys are doing,” which seems harsh as they addressed some needs as best they could given how the board fell. Tyler Guyton has the tools to be elite, he just may never realize that potential, which, weirdly, doesn’t mean it is a bad draft pick.

The Eagles looked to have nailed this class, picking Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with their first two picks. Jalyx Hunt in the third is a swing for the fences-type pick but given the roster already in place, it’s worth a shot. Pro Football Focus ranked both the Eagles’ top two picks in their pre-draft top 10.

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The Giants stuck at six and selected Malik Nabers, who many have suggested is the best wide receiver in the class. Theo Johnson could be a good value pick in the fourth round given his athletic profile. The Giants are slowly building a competitive roster, it’s just a shame they weren’t able to upgrade at QB.

We just don’t love Jayden Daniels like some seem to. He is a good prospect, but his game has so many flaws that worry us. Johnny Newton in the second round is a good pick, while Mike Sainristil has the potential to be a useful player in the secondary. PFF gave him a 90.3 grade for his performance in 2022. The Commanders acquired talent, it all just hangs on Daniels.

The Bears only had five picks in the draft and used one on a punter, which should knock them a grade or two if it wasn’t for their first two selections. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, plus the other recent additions to the offense, has the Bears looking like one of the most exciting teams in football. They could have taken 3 punters, and we would still give them an A+.

The Lions’ best selection was Terrion Arnold, who Cory Giddings for Bleacher Report described as, “A complete and well-rounded defender.” Elsewhere, they took big swings on Giovanni Manu from British Columbia in the fourth and Sione Vaki (who’s either a safety or RB?). This is a big year for the Lions, so perhaps taking less risky picks could have been smart? We’ll see.

Jordan Morgan wasn’t a first-round-worthy player in our opinion, but he does add versatility to the Packers offensive line. Edgerrin Cooper in the second round could be great value given his 90.8 grade by PFF. Javon Bullard should contribute early, too, given his starting experience at UGA.

If the Vikings hadn’t pulled off the Dallas Turner trade and were just left with J.J. McCarthy in the first, this would be D. We don’t think he has what it takes to be a successful NFL QB, but we will hold our hands up if we’re wrong. The Turner trade was genius as they added the best EDGE prospect in the draft in our book.

We just don’t get it. If Michael Penix Jr. is your guy, why give Kirk Cousins all that money (and vice versa)? This stinks of an organization without a clear direction. Ruke Orhorhoro is a high-floor, low-ceiling swing that a team like the Falcons can’t afford to be wrong on. PFF recorded him as having a below 50% win rate on pass-rushing downs. Not good.

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We love Xavier Legette given his size and athleticism, it does feel that trading up into the 32nd overall pick is a little bit of a reach, however. Jonathon Brooks in the second and Ja'Tavion Sanders in the fourth at least shows they are desperately trying to give Bryce Young the weapons he needs to succeed.

Another team that upgraded during the draft yet still leaves you feeling uninspired. The Saints selections of Taliese Fuaga and Kool-Aid McKinstry were both graded as B+s by Chris Trapasso for CBS Sports, which is about where we have them, too. Spencer Rattler in the fifth is a fun swing, even if history suggests he’ll probably not see much playing time.

As Bleacher Report puts it, "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did the sensible thing at No. 26." The sensible thing being described is taking Graham Barton, the Duke interior lineman who should immediately solidify either guard or center. Bucky Irving in the fourth round is a fun running back prospect.

It’s tough to have too much to say about Arizona’s draft class. Marvin Harrison Jr. made sense once they stuck at four and Darius Robinson at 27 could prove to be a smart piece of business given his nine sacks for Missouri in 2023, per PFF. Max Melton was a draft-expert favorite, too.

Jared Verse and Braden Fiske go from Florida State to LA together. A nice pair of selections from the Rams, who needed some help rushing the passer following Aaron Donald’s retirement. Chris Trapasso’s description of the pair feels apt, describing them as, “Older but instant-impact types,” which is exactly what the Rams need.

Mike Shanahan knows more about football than almost every draft ‘expert’ combined, but it still feels like Ricky Pearsall at 31 was a reach. Bleacher Report had him as the 66th-ranked player on their big board. Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round could be a fun selection given his ludicrous athletic testing.

The Seahawks needed defensive line help and went and selected Byron Murphy II, one of the top-rated defensive players in the class. Christian Haynes from UConn gives their o-line a jolt of athleticism who, “should push for a starting gig from day one,” per PFF.

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