Since taking up as the final supervisor of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014, Jason Licht’s draft picks have been nearly as good as any within the league, but Licht doesn’t get the due he deserves for his drafting prowess.
It’s time he does.
Licht’s Bucs had one other excellent draft this 12 months, the most effective in truth. Tampa Bay acquired one of many three “A” grades I gave out this 12 months. The opposite two went to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, each groups doing a little spectacular issues over the seven rounds, together with Jacksonville’s daring transfer to go as much as No. 2 to get Travis Hunter, the very best participant within the draft.
These draft grades are speedy, so I do know they’re infuriating for some. However our bosses love them — and also you eat them up. So we do them.
However earlier than you go nuts, simply bear in mind I am going again three years later to guage the draft and consider how I did grading it.
For now, Licht’s Bucs once more stand out. From the primary choose, taking receiver Emeka Egbuka to the ultimate choose of receiver Tez Johnson within the seventh — a participant I actually like — the Bucs had a heck of a weekend. The choose of Egbuka was stunning since they’ve three beginning receivers, nevertheless it’s extra concerning the future. They then took two high quality corners after that to handle a significant want.
Historical past says this will likely be a superb draft for Licht — and it ‘s exhausting to argue with that monitor document.
Jacksonville first-time GM James Gladstone made the daring transfer to get Hunter after which maneuvered the board to land a variety of gamers on my Higher-Than Group. Three in truth. Chiefs GM Brett Veach had an incredible three days as properly, touchdown many gamers I cherished, together with first-round choose Josh Simmons.
As for the groups with drafts I didn’t love, they have been the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. They weren’t terrible, however none of these earned greater than a “C” grade.
Simply bear in mind, although, it takes three years to guage a draft class, but right here I’m two days later doing it.
Settle down. Normally the three-year assessment makes me look dangerous, but in addition makes a few of these groups look dangerous. Till then, attempt to management your rage about these grades. At the least attempt.
Greatest Choose: Third-round edge Jordan Burch was a big-time recruit popping out of highschool and final season flashed that expertise. He has pass-rush expertise inside and outside, which the Cardinals wanted.
Worst Choose: It’s not that second-round nook Will Johnson doesn’t have expertise, nevertheless it’s his well being considerations that fearful groups. He additionally didn’t run a 40, and his velocity is a priority. However he does have nice ball expertise.
The Skinny: I preferred what they did. They addressed main wants on protection with their first three picks. First-round choose Walter Nolen provides a pleasant push-the-pocket participant to the protection. Burch and fourth-round linebacker Cody Simon each could possibly be steals.
Greatest Choose: It was their first choose, edge Jalon Walker. He was thought of a top-10 choice by some, but ended up going 15. He can do a variety of issues, which they’ll love on their protection.
Worst Choose: It’s not that edge James Pearce Jr. is a foul participant. In reality, I believe he has top-10 expertise. However there have been some character considerations they usually gave up a bunch to commerce up and get him, together with a 2026 first-round choose. Pearce has the go off the sting, which might make him a star.
The Skinny: They have been daring on the primary day, including two speedy edge gamers who can brighten up the move rush. Walker got here with the fifteenth choose after which including Pearce was one other huge transfer. The draft will likely be outlined by Pearce. If he performs to his top-10 expertise, they nailed it. Additionally they took two safeties, which they wanted to do.
Greatest Choose: Third-round sort out Emery Jones was on my Higher-Than workforce as a participant who might transfer inside to protect. The Ravens have had success doing that with gamers over time, and Jones will likely be no completely different.
Worst Choose: Second-round choose Mike Inexperienced has pass-rush expertise, however there are character considerations. The Ravens mentioned they felt snug along with his background, in order that they made the choose. Nevertheless it’s one thing to look at going ahead. He actually fills a necessity.
The Skinny: The Ravens are a kind of groups that all the time appear to draft properly. Basic supervisor Eric DeCosta does an incredible job of touchdown gamers who match what they need. This draft was no completely different. First-round security Malaki Starks provides a rangy participant to the protection and I like Jones within the third and receiver LaJohntay Wester within the sixth. If Inexperienced hits, it’s a heck of a draft.
2025 NFL Draft winners and losers: Shedeur Sanders falls into each classes, Tom Brady makes the checklist
John Breech
Greatest Choose: I cherished their first choose of nook Maxwell Hairston. They needed to get an improve at that place and he ought to begin as a rookie. He excels as a man-cover participant, which implies possibly the Payments will play extra of it this season.
Worst Choose: Second-round inside D-lineman T.J. Sanders is an efficient participant, however I believe there have been higher choices after they took Sanders they usually traded as much as get him. I’d have taken Jamaree Caldwell, who went to the Chargers within the third.
The Skinny: The Payments needed to get a nook, a younger edge and inside participant for his or her protection. They received all three within the first 4 rounds. That’s good drafting. Hairston will likely be a star. He performs with an perspective that you simply love on the place. Third-round edge Landon Jackson is an influence participant who did some good issues in opposition to fourth-overall choose Will Campbell after they confronted off. Fourth-round defensive sort out Deone Walker could possibly be a steal and he’s a monster inside — if he stays in form.
Greatest Choose: I like fourth-round security Lathan Ransom from Ohio State. He’s a thumper within the run sport and a man who made a variety of performs for a superb Buckeyes protection.
Worst Choose: I didn’t actually just like the choose of Ole Miss edge Princely Umanmielen within the third. He has expertise, however he isn’t nice in opposition to the run and he must get stronger.
The Skinny: They clearly needed to get a weapon for Bryce Younger and a few edge assist, which they did with their second- and third-round picks. They took receiver Tet McMillan within the first, which is able to assist Younger, however I fear about his separation velocity. The 2 move rushers in Nic Scourton (second) and Umanmielen have expertise, however they didn’t all the time play to it. Tight finish Mitch Evans within the fifth could possibly be a pleasant choose.
Chicago Bears: C+
Greatest Choose: It was their first-round choose in tight finish Colston Loveland. He’s good for the Ben Johnson offense, and I preferred him greater than Tyler Warren. Assume Sam LaPorta on this offense.
Worst Choose: Second-round choose Luther Burden wasn’t actually a necessity and I don’t assume he performs to his velocity. There was additionally speak he wasn’t an incredible observe participant.
The Skinny: They’d 4 picks within the high 62 and added two move catchers, an offensive lineman (Ozzy Trapilo) and a defensive lineman in Shemar Turner. I didn’t love the choose of Burden, however the remainder of the category was stable — even when it was slightly excessive for Trapilo. However tackles do go quick. Fifth-round nook Zah Frazier is lengthy and athletic.
Greatest Choose: Fourth-round linebacker Barrett Carter can flat-out fly and can problem for time early in his profession. His play tailed off some final season, however he’s a man I’ve had my eye on for years.
Worst Choose: I get that first-round edge Shemar Stewart fills a necessity, however he’s uncooked. The expertise is there. The manufacturing wasn’t and I believe he lacks soccer instincts. Teaching will likely be large for him.
The Skinny: I didn’t love their draft. Stewart is so uncooked that it might take time. Second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight has some pop and can assist at a necessity spot. I do like guard Dylan Fairchild within the third. However this can be a draft that will likely be all about Stewart and his growth. Sixth-round working again Tahj Brooks has expertise and I like his probabilities as a third-down again.
Greatest Choose: Second-round linebacker Carson Schwesinger is an efficient choose. They need assistance there and he’s a playmaker. Browns followers will come to like him.
Worst Choose: Buying and selling away the No. 2 choose to Jacksonville will likely be a choice that’s dissected for years. They handed on an opportunity to take Travis Hunter, the very best participant within the draft, to maneuver down. They did add a first-round choose subsequent 12 months, which implies they’ve the arsenal to get a quarterback subsequent 12 months if both of the 2 they picked this 12 months don’t work out.
The Skinny: They clearly have a watch on the 2026 draft with the commerce they made. They’ll get their quarterback then, even when they took Dillon Gabriel within the third and Sheduer Sanders within the fifth this 12 months. First-round choose Mason Graham is an efficient participant who will likely be an instantaneous starter. Fourth-round working again Dylan Sampson has an opportunity to be a superb runner and compete with second-round again Quinshon Judkins. The main target will likely be on Sanders, nevertheless it shouldn’t be.
Greatest Choose: I like third-round nook Shavon Revel. He suffered a torn ACL final 12 months, however is predicted to be prepared for the season. If not for the damage, he’s a first-round choose.
Worst Choose: It’s not any of their picks, however fairly not addressing receiver with their first three picks. They need to get any person who will help stability the sphere for CeeDee Lamb.
The Skinny: They added some good gamers, even when taking a guard at No. 12 appears excessive. Tyler Booker, that guard, will likely be a superb participant. I do like Revel within the third-round edge Donovan Ezeiruaku within the second. I like working again Jaydon Blue within the fifth. It was a superb haul, however I needed to see an early receiver taken.
Greatest Choose: Third-round edge Sai’vion Jones has an opportunity to be a pleasant rotational participant on their protection. He has the twitch they love from their outdoors rushers.
Worst Choose: I like second-round working again R.J. Harvey, however I believed it was slightly excessive for him. He isn’t nice in move safety, which is one thing that has to enhance on this offense. He does have big-play capability.
The Skinny: Taking nook Jahdae Barron within the first provides them one other good participant on the again finish. Harvey can rip off huge performs, however he went too excessive by my e-book. I do know Sean Payton sees him as Alvin Kamara-like. I like Jones within the third, and third-round receiver Pat Bryant can play.
Detroit Lions: C-
Greatest Choose: I like second-round guard Tate Ratledge. He’ll compete to begin at proper guard immediately. He’s a nasty participant, who matches their offense completely.
Worst Choose: I believe taking defensive sort out Tyleik Williams within the first spherical was a bit excessive. He performs quite a bit like Alim McNeil, who they’ve on their roster. There have been higher choices in my e-book.
The Skinny: This isn’t a draft that I cherished, which is a departure from their current drafts. Williams is an efficient participant, however was that actually a necessity? Why not an edge? Third-round receiver Isaac TeSlaa is a challenge who didn’t do quite a bit in faculty they usually traded as much as get him. Fifth-round guard Miles Frazier has beginning expertise.
Greatest Choose: I like third-round receiver Savion Williams. He can do a variety of issues. He’s uncooked, however there’s a ton of expertise. He’s huge and quick. He can return kicks, too.
Worst Choose: I didn’t love second-round sort out Anthony Belton. I believed he went slightly increased than I anticipated. He’s huge, however uncooked. Then once more, the Packers do a pleasant job creating offensive lineman.
The Skinny: They added two receivers of their first three picks, which was a should. Taking Matthew Golden within the first was a superb transfer after which getting Williams within the third was one other good one. Belton has expertise and can match their offense, however he went slightly excessive for me. Fifth-round linebacker Collin Oliver was spectacular earlier than a foot damage derailed him after two video games final season.
Greatest Choose: Second-round receiver Jayden Higgins is an efficient participant and can assist at a place of main want. Taking him made a variety of sense with Tank Dell coming off damage.
Worst Choose: Buying and selling out of the primary spherical with an opportunity to assist the offensive line is a questionable resolution. They did tackle the road within the second spherical by taking Aireontae Ersery, however they’d an opportunity to get one other within the first.
The Skinny: They did a variety of shifting round and added two receivers, a guard-tackle, a nook and mainly with their first 5 picks. It didn’t actually do quite a bit for me, even when I do like Higgins. They need to actually like working again Woody Marks since they traded as much as get him within the fourth. Seventh-round defensive sort out Kyonte Hamilton is a sleeper.
Greatest Choose: Third-round nook Justin Walley was one in all my favourite corners on this draft. He performed outdoors at Minnesota, however I believe he is usually a actually good nickel again down the road.
Worst Choose: It’s not a participant; it’s that they waited to take an offensive lineman till the fourth spherical. They landed Iowa State sort out Jordan Travis with the choose, however I may need gone offensive line within the second.
The Skinny: Tight finish Tyler Warren was a pleasant first choose, giving them one thing they haven’t had since Dallas Clark, which is a participant groups need to defend from the tight finish spot. Walley will likely be a steal and I do like second-round edge J.T. Tuimoloau, however offensive line may need been a better option there. Fifth-round working again D.J. Giddens is a pleasant participant.
Jacksonville Jaguars: A
Greatest Choose: It was making the daring transfer to go up and get Travis Hunter with the second total choose. Sure, they gave up quite a bit to take action, however he’s the very best participant on this draft. They wanted to be daring — they usually have been.
Worst Choose: I like fourth-round linebacker Jack Kiser as a participant, however they’d more-pressing wants when he was taken. This was a choose true to their board. He will likely be good on particular groups immediately.
The Skinny: In his first draft working issues, new basic supervisor James Gladstone had an incredible draft. The commerce to get Hunter was huge, and provides them one other playmaker, however they added a bunch of fine gamers. I like guard Wyatt Milan within the third and working again Bhshul Tuten within the fourth. This once-slow workforce can now fly. Seventh-round heart Jonah Monheim is an efficient participant.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: A
Greatest Choose: First-round sort out Josh Simmons is the very best offensive lineman on this draft. If not for a torn meniscus suffered early final season, he would have been a top-10 choose. The Chiefs may be affected person with him, however he’s their long-term left sort out.
Worst Choose: Second-round defensive sort out Omarr Norman-Lott has expertise, however there have been questions on his perspective main into the draft. Some groups have been turned off by him. The second appears slightly excessive for him.
The Skinny: I actually preferred their draft. Simmons will likely be a star. Norman-Lott may be actually good. Third-round edge Ashton Gillotte was one in all my favourite gamers on this draft and was on my Higher-Than workforce. Third-round nook Nohl Williams and fourth-round receiver Jalen Royals will likely be good additions and I preferred seventh-round again Brashard Smith.
Greatest Choose: I like the choose of receiver Jack Bech within the second spherical. Geno Smith will love throwing to him. He’s robust, can run routes and will likely be a productive NFL participant early in his profession.
Worst Choose: Third-round guard Caleb Rogers went a spherical or two too excessive. He’s a stable participant, however he isn’t an influence participant with regards to motion. He can play some sort out, too, although.
The Skinny: New basic supervisor John Spytek had a superb first draft. Taking working again Ashton Jeanty within the first was a superb transfer, however he added a variety of good gamers. Bech and fourth-round receiver Dante Thornton Jr. will assist the passing sport. Third-round nook Darien Porter could possibly be a steal. Sixth-round quarterback Tommy Mellott is a participant they’ll transfer to receiver.
Los Angeles Chargers: B+
Greatest Choose: They landed my Higher-Than captain Jamaree Caldwell within the third spherical, which is a steal. They lastly have a participant who can dominate inside in opposition to the run and push the pocket. Watch how good he turns into.
Worst Choose: Second-round receiver Tre Harris is a stable participant, however I believe there have been higher choices on the board after they took him. He isn’t a velocity man.
The Skinny: They landed good soccer gamers up and down the draft board, guys I actually preferred. Taking working again Omarion Hampton within the first will give the offense some juice within the working sport. Caldwell will likely be a steal. I like tight finish Orande Gadsden Jr. within the fifth. It was good haul.
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Jeff Kerr
Greatest Choose: I like third-round edge Josaiah Stewart from Michigan. He’s as robust as any participant on this draft. Getting him within the third will show to be a steal.
Worst Choose: It’s not anyone choose, however fairly that they didn’t get a velocity participant outdoors early for his or her offense. They lack velocity of their passing sport, which they didn’t get. They didn’t take a receiver till the seventh spherical.
The Skinny: They traded out of the primary spherical to land a 2026 first-round choose from the Falcons. That’s a special strategy for them, nevertheless it made sense. I do like second-round tight finish Terrance Ferguson and Stewart. Each will likely be good gamers. Fifth-round linebacker Chris Paul is an efficient participant.
Miami Dolphins: C
Greatest Choose: In contrast to most, I like their first-round choose in Kenneth Grant. He’s an influence participant who fills a significant want inside on their line.
Worst Choose: I like guard Jonah Savaiinaea within the second, however they gave up some picks to go up and get him. They might have waited, stored the picks and brought a special guard later. After that choice, they didn’t choose once more till the fifth spherical.
The Skinny: They solely had two picks within the first 4 rounds, which limits what you are able to do. Grant is nice and Savaiinaea is as properly, however he higher be particular for what they did to get him. Quinn Ewers within the seventh is an fascinating choose.
Minnesota Vikings: C+
Greatest Choose: I like third-round receiver Tai Felton. He can actually run. Vikings receiver coach Keenan McCardell will enhance his route working and he’ll grow to be a top quality third receiver.
Worst Choose: I preferred their picks, however I query why they didn’t take security early within the draft. They’ve age points there they usually misplaced Cam Bynum in free company.
The Skinny: They solely had two picks within the high 102, which restricted what they might do. First-round guard Donovan Jackson is an efficient participant who will improve the inside. Felton is a sleeper receiver, however the remainder of the draft didn’t add a lot. Sixth-round linebacker Kobe King has an opportunity to be a contributor down the highway.
Greatest Choose: Third-round receiver Kyle Williams was a receiver who actually impressed me in 2024. He has nice separation and can fill a necessity on this roster.
Worst Choose: I didn’t love third-round heart Jared Wilson as a lot as most analysts. He’s a stable participant, however I’m not positive he’s what most have him rated. He went slightly excessive for me.
The Skinny: Taking Will Campbell within the first provides them their blind-side left sort out for Drake Maye. I nonetheless assume he’s extra of a guard, however time will inform. Getting working again TreVeyon Henderson within the second and Williams within the third can even assist Maye. This draft was all about their second-year quarterback, and it ought to have been.
New Orleans Saints: C
Greatest Choose: Third-round defensive sort out Vernon Broughton is a participant who has his finest soccer in entrance of him. He’s a protracted, highly effective participant who must get stronger, however he’s fairly new to the sport. Love the choose.
Worst Choose: I didn’t love the choose of quarterback Tyler Shough within the second spherical. I do know he has a giant arm, however he’s uncooked and he’s going to be 26. There have been higher choices at quarterback in my e-book.
The Skinny: First-round offensive linemen Kelvin Banks will assist solidify that unit up entrance and can grow to be a superb participant. I didn’t like Shough within the second, however the remainder of their draft was stable. Shough has to develop right into a starter for this to be a superb draft — and I’m wondering if he can.
Greatest Choose: That’s simple. It was their first one, edge Abdul Carter. They handed on a quarterback at No. 3 to take the very best move rusher within the class. He will likely be a star.
Worst Choose: I didn’t love the commerce again into the primary spherical to take quarterback Jaxson Dart. I perceive why they did it, however I wouldn’t have completed that for Dart. It reeked of panic.
The Skinny: Getting Carter within the first spherical was simple, however they handed on a quarterback after which got here again in to get Dart at choose No. 25. This draft will likely be outlined by Dart’s progress as a participant. If he’s good, it’s an incredible draft. If he isn’t, it’s a foul one. I did just like the choose of fifth-round sort out Marcus Mbow.
Greatest Choose: I like second-round tight finish Mason Taylor. He’s going to be a big-time move catcher of their offense. They wanted that within the worst method.
Worst Choose: I get the choose of sort out Armand Membou within the first, however I didn’t love his tape as a lot as most analysts did. He’s uncooked. There’s expertise, however he wants some work.
The Skinny: They added some good soccer gamers in Membou, Taylor and third-round nook Azareye’h Thomas. However all of them have some questions. I do like fourth-round security Malachi Moore. He will likely be a pleasant participant.
Greatest Choose: Second-round security Andrew Mukuba would have been a better choose if he weighed slightly extra. He throws his physique round as a lot as anyone on this draft. However the concern is that if he’ll maintain up.
Worst Choose: I like their draft, so I’ll go along with this: They didn’t choose an offensive lineman till the fifth spherical. That surprises me for a workforce that all the time appears to have guys creating and able to play.
The Skinny: They went protection with their first 5 picks to fortify a unit that suffered some losses in free company and has some damage points. First-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell was the very best off-ball linebacker on this draft. I like quarterback Kyle McCord within the sixth. They added a bunch of different gifted gamers. Howie Roseman had one other good draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C+
Greatest Choose: It was their first one. They handed on a quarterback to take defensive sort out Derrick Harmon. He’s going to be a typical Steelers down participant for years to come back, which implies menacing.
Worst Choose: I like working again Kaleb Johnson, who went within the third, however I believed there have been higher choices on the place when he was picked. I believe they see him as a Le’veon Bell kind of again, however that’s asking quite a bit.
The Skinny: They didn’t take a quarterback till taking Will Howard within the sixth, which says quite a bit about how they felt about this class. As an alternative, they did what the Steelers normally do, which is take huge individuals to assist their protection. Getting Harmon was a wise transfer, fairly than forcing a quarterback within the first.
Greatest Choose: I believe fourth-round choose defensive sort out C.J. West will show to be a steal. He’s an influence participant who can maintain up in opposition to the run and maintain the 49ers linebackers clear.
Worst Choose: I didn’t love the choose of Alfred Collins within the second. I believe there have been higher choices inside out there after they picked him. I needed to see extra once I watched his tape.
The Skinny: It was clear the 49ers needed to rebuild their line of defense to go along with Nick Bosa. They did a pleasant job of that by taking Mykel Williams within the first and getting defensive tackles from Collins within the second and West from Indiana within the fourth. Contemplate it rebuilt. Fifth-round working again Jordan James ought to discover a function as a backup.
Greatest Choose: Second-round tight finish Elijah Arroyo has nice pass-catching expertise. He ought to develop into an instantaneous a part of their offense for Sam Darnold.
Worst Choose: I didn’t love the choose of quarterback Jalen Milroe within the third spherical. He’s a challenge, a splendidly gifted challenge, however he’ll take time.
The Skinny: Getting offensive lineman Gray Zabel within the first was a superb, sound choose they usually adopted that up by taking South Carolina security Nick Emmanwori, who I believed might go to them within the first. It was a stable draft — if not particular. I do like fifth-round receiver Tory Horton.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A
Greatest Choose: Third-round nook Jacob Parrish ought to have the ability to push for time because the nickel nook immediately. He performed outdoors in faculty, however he has the look of a superb nickel on the following stage.
Worst Choose: I believe receiver Emeka Egbuka is a heck of a participant. However I may need gone nook or edge within the first. Having mentioned that, I perceive the choose due to the age of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin’s damage.
The Skinny: It’s time Bucs basic supervisor Jason Licht will get the due for being a superb drafter. He continues to nail his picks. This draft was no completely different. Egbuka going within the first was slightly odd — even when he is an efficient participant — however Licht made up for it the remainder of the draft. He received two corners in Benjamin Morrison and Parrish, which they wanted. I like seventh-round receiver Tez Johnson. He performs quicker than he ran on the mix.
Greatest Choose: Third-round security Kevin Winston is a playmaker who would have gone quite a bit increased had he not tore an ACL final 12 months. He’s anticipated again for the beginning of the season, so control him presumably profitable a job.
Worst Choose: I do know why they used the primary choose on quarterback Cam Ward, however I wouldn’t have completed it. I’d have taken Travis Hunter. I like Ward, however I don’t see franchise quarterback. They might have waited till subsequent 12 months.
The Skinny: This draft will likely be outlined by what Ward turns into as a participant. If he’s a star, it’s an incredible draft. If he’s simply OK, it’s an issue. I do like second-round edge Oluwafemi Oladejo and Winston within the third. Fourth-round Gunner Helm is an efficient tight finish. They picked a variety of gamers to assist Ward, which is wise.
Greatest Choose: I like second-round nook Trey Amos. He provides a participant who can enable them to maneuver Mike Sainristil again inside to nickel. Amos has expertise and talent to lock up in man protection.
Worst Choose: It’s not anyone choose, nevertheless it’s buying and selling away picks to land veterans like Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel. That’s good for the quick time period — and I just like the commerce for Tunsil greater than Samuel — however it will probably come again to hang-out you afterward.
The Skinny: They landed a younger offensive sort out with a variety of upside within the first in Josh Conerly Jr. He’ll compete immediately to begin. With a younger quarterback, you may by no means have sufficient good linemen. Getting Amos within the second was a pleasant choose. They didn’t have a variety of picks due to trades for veterans, however did a stable job with what they’d.
