This is my spin on draft grades — after the draft ends each year, I rank the classes, 1 to 32.
I don’t use any special formula or analytical metric to come up with my rankings, I simply go with the vibes of which draft class got me the most excited. Your list probably looks different than mine.
There wasn’t a class that I truly disliked this year, though. All 32 teams got better in different ways during the 2025 NFL Draft, including those that ended up low on this list. But there certainly were numerous hauls I liked more than others.
Favorite pick: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
The Patriots drafted four offensive players in the top 100, all of whom project as early starters. I could make a case for any of the four as my favorite of the haul, but I’ll go with Williams because of the impact he brings to the passing game. Josh Downs was Drake Maye’s go-to target during Maye’s best college season, and Williams can become that type of weapon (and help correct New England’s Ladd McConkey miss).
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Bradyn Swinson, Edge, LSU
Craig Woodson can be a starter down the line, and Joshua Farmer should become part of the defensive line rotation. But Swinson might have the quickest impact, as a subpackage rusher. New England ranked dead last in sacks last season, so Swinson should get opportunities to use his speed and flexibility to win off the edge.Â
Favorite pick: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
The Browns had a big grade on Mason Graham, who will factor into the pass-rush plan from day one. I also love what Quinshon Judkins will bring on offense for a depth chart that was missing a true RB1. But Schwesinger was one of my favorite players in the draft and should be an immediate starter in Jim Schwartz’s defense. His speed and instincts are outstanding, and his coverage talent will give Cleveland options with its personnel packages.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Even if I couldn’t get on board with Shedeur Sanders as a first-round pick, he became outstanding value in the fifth round and will be part of an open quarterback competition. Sampson, though, has the speed and pass-catching talent to overtake Jerome Ford as Cleveland’s second back (behind Judkins) as a rookie.
Favorite pick: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
This was another tough call, because there are reasons to be excited about all four of Seattle’s top-100 picks. Grey Zabel answers a major need and Elijah Arroyo has big-time potential, but Emmanwori could separate himself as an impact defender very early in his career. Some questioned Emmanwori’s best positional fit in the NFL, but he is in great hands with head coach Mike Macdonald. Emmanwori is a unique athlete who can play a variety of roles as a hybrid safety.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tory Horton, WR Colorado State
I’m eager to see the development of Bryce Cabeldue (my highest-graded non-combine prospect in this class) — he could become a factor in Seattle’s guard rotation in 2025. I am also excited to see Rylie Mills once he returns from injury. But Horton can make an impact from day one as a rotational flanker capable of creating big plays with fluidity, speed and natural tracking skills. With Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a one-year deal, Horton has the talent to be a long-term answer at outside receiver.
Favorite pick: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Kaleb Johnson will be as good as his volume allows in the Steelers’ backfield committee. But I have to go with Harmon, who is my favorite prospect in the draft class and landed in the perfect spot. The Detroit native is consistently disruptive and can line up anywhere on the Steelers’ defensive line. Despite some medical concerns related to his back and hip, it won’t be surprising if he becomes the next Cam Heyward.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
The Steelers are always looking to bolster their pass rush, and they did so with Sawyer. He might not have ideal suddenness or length, but his activity level allows him to impact the backfield. With strong hands and instincts, he can play on both run and pass downs and quickly make an impact.
Favorite pick: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Darius Alexander was exactly what the Giants needed to complement Dexter Lawrence, and Cam Skattebo is an ideal running mate to pair with Tyrone Tracy. But let’s not overthink this one. Carter has the type of burst off the ball that strikes fear in the eyes of blockers and will help the Giants’ defense get off the field. New York has an impressive collection of talent on that side of the ball.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Marcus Mbow, G, Purdue
Considered a potential top-100 pick, Mbow fell to Round 5, mostly because of positional-fit questions. The Giants will be hoping he can provide depth at both guard and tackle as a rookie and show enough to be considered a long-term option, especially with right guard expected to be a need after the season.
Favorite pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
I got yelled at on social media when Johnson fell into the 20s of my seven-round mock draft two weeks ago. He dropped even further than that in reality. The speed and injury concerns are real, but the gamble was well worth it at No. 47, especially for Jonathan Gannon’s scheme. Johnson has outstanding coverage instincts and ball skills that should help him get on the field quickly. I am also excited to see Walter Nolen and Jordan Burch on the Arizona defensive line.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
The glue of Ohio State’s national championship-winning defense, Simon needs to prove himself in coverage, but he is urgent and instinctive against the run and rarely put mental mistakes on tape. His smarts and intangibles will quickly make him a favorite of the coaching staff and get him into the starting rotation at linebacker.
Favorite pick: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
I can’t wait to see how Ben Johnson weaponizes Luther Burden III’s run-after-catch skills. And Shemar Turner was a very underrated addition who will bring an immediate spark to Chicago’s defensive line. But the answer has to be Loveland, who has the talent and upside to develop into a top-five NFL tight end. With his speed and pass-catching skills, Loveland should quickly become a go-to weapon for Caleb Williams.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Luke Newman, G, Michigan State
Jonah Jackson played in only four games last season, because of injuries. If he misses time in 2025, Newman will be competing for starting reps. A former left tackle at Holy Cross, Newman moved inside to guard at Michigan State in 2024 and became a draftable player with his quickness, hand strength and overall demeanor. Kyle Monangai could also factor into the Bears’ running back rotation early this season.
Favorite pick: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans did a great job hitting on all their areas of need without having to reach or overdraft at any positions. But Tennessee’s draft will be remembered for its pick at No. 1. An electric playmaker, Ward has been handed the keys to the organization, and his talent will give the Titans a legitimate chance to compete for the AFC South title over the next few years — and beyond.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
Tennessee needed to address its offense again early on Day 3 and did exactly that by taking three pass catchers in Round 4. Helm might not wow with his size or speed, but he can wiggle free from coverage and finish at the catch point. With Chig Okonkwo going into the final year of his rookie deal, the Titans will give Helm plenty of opportunities as a rookie to see what they have.
Favorite pick: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Obviously, Green fell in the draft because of off-field concerns, so time will tell if the Ravens were smart or foolish to take a chance on him. Talking strictly about his football talent, however, he was a top-10 prospect in the entire class. Baltimore has a very average pass-rush group, and Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo all are in contract years, so the opportunity is there for Green to emerge as an impact player.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan
Kone has one of the draft’s most unique backstories, but he is also one of its more promising Day 3 cornerbacks. For his size (6-foot-1, 190 pounds), he has good speed (4.43-second 40-yard dash) and redirect skills (6.89 three-cone). He’s yet to play his best football. I also wouldn’t rule out Robert Longerbeam (and his 4.39 speed) earning a spot on the Ravens’ depth chart.
Favorite pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Panthers had to upgrade at pass rusher, which they did by adding Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2. But McMillan was the Panthers’ headliner and sent a clear message that the organization is committed to helping its quarterback. Given McMillan’s tremendous catch radius and ball-winning ability, I don’t think Bryce Young has ever had a talent quite like this.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
With Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle (and Jonathon Brooks, when he returns from injury) already on the depth chart, the Panthers have a crowded running back room. But I’ll bet Etienne will be productive when he gets his chances. Built low to the ground, he runs with quickness, vision and tempo and offers promise as a pass catcher and blocker.
Favorite pick: Jihaad Campbell, Edge/LB, Alabama
With some teams concerned about his durability, Campbell fell to the bottom of Round 1 — and into Eagles general manager Howie Roseman’s sights. We don’t have a crystal-clear picture of how Philadelphia plans to use him, but it sounds like he might become the Eagles’ version of Micah Parsons, which is an ideal fit for his talent as a downhill force player. Sign me all the way up.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: The Eagles added another Georgia defender. And with former Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean on the mend, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will be leaning on the rest of his linebackers to play critical roles, including Mondon. He can get stuck at times in his reads, but he is an above-average athlete and can make stops all over the field.
Favorite pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
After McMillan went top 10, I loved the fit for Tyler Booker at No. 12. But Dallas got even better value with its two picks on Day 2. A bendy athlete with long arms, Ezeiruaku was my 22nd-ranked player because of his ability to reach the quarterback (No. 1 in the FBS with 1.38 sacks per game in 2024).
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jay Toia, DT, UCLA
A prospect who easily could have been drafted in the fourth round, Toia is a stout, wide-bodied run defender who can stack and shed the point with ease. With his ability to muck things up at the line, it won’t be surprising when he earns a valuable role as a one-technique tackle in coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme.
Favorite pick: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Jets did an outstanding job in the first three rounds addressing needs with starter-level talent — I loved the Mason Taylor and Azareye’h Thomas picks. But I have to go with Membou here. The 21-year-old right tackle immediately became one of my favorite players in the class once I studied him in the fall. He plays with outstanding body control and patience plus the finishing attitude that fits what Aaron Glenn is looking to build.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
The Jets brought in Andre Cisco, but Tony Adams is in a contract year and Moore will have a chance to see defensive snaps as a rookie. The former Alabama safety won’t stand out based on size or speed alone, but he is solid against both the pass and run. He was a two-time team captain and core special-teamer in college.
Favorite pick: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Tampa Bay bolstered a strength with Emeka Egbuka, then doubled up at corner on Day 2. Parrish probably was in the second-round discussion for the Buccaneers, so they couldn’t pass him up again when he was available in the third. The former Kansas State corner has ordinary size but outstanding read-react quickness and a nose for the ball, which allows him to play inside and outside.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: David Walker, Edge, Central Arkansas
Tampa Bay needed to add a pass rusher (or two) in this class and did so early on Day 3. Short and sawed-off from the FCS, Walker doesn’t fit the prototypical profile of what teams look for at the position, but his quick-reaction athleticism and violent hands lead to production — no one had better pass-rush production in this class than Walker (82.5 career tackles for loss and 39 sacks).
Favorite pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
With 11 total picks, including five in the top 100, the Raiders should look back at this class as a great start to the John Spytek-Pete Carroll era. I’m eager to see Jack Bech’s role in the offense, and both offensive linemen could be long-term pieces. But it all starts at the top with Jeanty, who was drafted to be a difference-maker.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
The Raiders needed to address the interior of the defensive line, and Pegues will bring immediate competition alongside Christian Wilkins. Along with his versatility on the line, he also can give the Raiders a short-yardage option on offense (21 carries in 2024, 18 resulting in a touchdown or first down).
Favorite pick: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Najee Harris was a logical addition in free agency, but it will be an upset if Hampton doesn’t lead the team in rushing as a rookie. With his speed, vision and run strength, the former Tar Heel brings a balanced mix of athleticism and physicality at contact. He is a complete player and gives Jim Harbaugh fresh legs to really open the offense.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
Tyler Conklin is a fine short-term option, but Gadsden gives the Chargers’ offense the athletic pass-catching threat it was missing. Not only can he threaten vertical seams, but also he was one of the best contested catchers I studied in the 2025 class.
Favorite pick: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
With a lone selection in the first 87 picks, the Jaguars might come out of this draft with just one or two long-term starters. But they also added the draft’s best player, so I couldn’t let them fall too far down this list. Time will tell if the trade was worth it, but Hunter will provide an immediate upgrade at both cornerback and wide receiver.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
We’ll see if Lane can break through on defense, but it is a safe bet he will make an immediate impact on special teams. With his athleticism and toughness, he shined as a gunner in college (23 career special-teams tackles).
Favorite pick: Nohl Williams, CB, California
Getting Williams at No. 85 was outstanding value for the Chiefs, who have plenty of bodies but more questions than answers beyond Trent McDuffie on their cornerback depth chart. Given Williams’ competitive toughness, I’ll bet we see him become an important part of the rotation for Steve Spagnuolo in 2025. I could have said the same exact things about Ashton Gillotte at edge rusher, as well.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
With Rashee Rice’s future uncertain, Royals gives the Chiefs options inside and outside. Thanks to his controlled strides and natural body coordination, he can be a weapon before and after the catch — no one in the FBS had more receptions of 50-plus yards over the past two seasons.
Favorite pick: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
A top-40 prospect on my board (and a player some thought could sneak into the first round), Amos “slipped” to the late second, where the Commanders addressed a need and found terrific value. At 6-1, 195 with 4.43 speed, Amos was an All-SEC corner in 2024 (16 passes defended) and showed he could smother in man coverage or be disruptive from zone.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
The Commanders are set at linebacker for 2025, but Medrano will provide much needed depth — and I’ll bet he makes a name for himself as a rookie special-teamer. The running back depth chart is a little crowded in Washington, too, but Jacorey Croskey-Merritt offers better home-run potential than the players ahead of him.
Favorite pick: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden wasn’t alive the last time the Packers drafted a wide receiver in the first round, so this pairing felt like a long shot ahead of the draft. But it was refreshing to see Green Bay buck the trend and add an ascending playmaker for Jordan Love. With his synchronized route running and strong ball skills, Golden will immediately factor into the Packers’ offensive plans.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Barryn Sorrell, Edge, Texas
One of my favorite prospects in the entire draft, Sorrell is a big, strong edge presence who moves well and can discard blocks with his heavy hands. He has top-notch intangibles and will provide an impact as a rookie, both on and off the field. It was awesome seeing him celebrate with the Green Bay fans after his selection.
Favorite pick: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
This was basically a tie between Tyleik Williams and Ratledge. Williams flashes dominance as a run defender and upside as a pass rusher, while Ratledge is going to start 10 years in the league. It won’t be surprising if the latter beats out Graham Glasgow or Christian Mahogany for a starting guard job.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dan Jackson, S, Georgia
I also won’t be surprised if Miles Frazier competes for starting reps very early in his NFL career. But I am not betting against Jackson, who perfectly fits the culture Dan Campbell has established. His speed and physicality jump off the film. After being a walk-on starter in Athens, Jackson is accustomed to overcoming the odds.
Favorite pick: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
Had the Bills drafted Jackson in Round 1, I don’t think anyone would have batted an eye. Despite being high cut and stiff, Jackson’s combination of explosiveness and raw power will keep him in the league for a long time. His play style and motor fit the mold of what Buffalo wants on its defensive line, and he could be a future starter with Joey Bosa and AJ Epenesa set to be free agents after the 2025 season.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
The Bills whiffed at cornerback in the first round of the 2022 draft (Kaiir Elam) but hit a home run in the sixth (Christian Benford). Though I don’t think Maxwell Hairston will be a bust, it wouldn’t be a shock if history repeated itself with this year’s sixth-round corner outplaying expectations. At 6-1, 185, Strong is a smooth cover man and posted one of the best three-cone times (6.56) in the entire class.
Favorite pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas
The Saints’ haul was more of a “like” than “love” situation for me. Even though I didn’t have Banks as a top-10 prospect in this class, there was an offensive line tax that pushed his value higher than expected. Despite some of my reservations about him, the Texas left tackle will be a quality pro, regardless if he moves to guard or competes at tackle.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
A top-100 prospect on my board, Riley was arguably the top cornerback during Senior Bowl week, which only verified what he put on tape in college. Given his athletic talent and coverage smarts, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him push for starting reps as a rookie. Devin Neal was a steal in the sixth round, too, and Fadil Diggs might have been my favorite pick of Round 7.
Favorite pick: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Despite not having a first-round pick, the Texans did a great job adding a potential left tackle of the future (Aireontae Ersery) and bolstering the receiver depth chart with a pair of former Iowa State teammates. It wasn’t surprising to see Jayden Higgins as the first of those Cyclones drafted, but Noel was one of “my guys” in this class, both because of the way he snares the football away from his body and his athleticism to create space before and after the catch. It is ironic that my comparisons for Higgins (Nico Collins) and Noel (Christian Kirk) are already on the Houston roster.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State
Reed consistently plays in overdrive, which leads to overaggressive misses but also physical tackles and ball production. He didn’t have the consistency to go on Day 2, but it was easy to get excited about adding him on Day 3. It would take an injury or two for Reed to crack the starting lineup, but he has the competitive urgency to carve out a role early in his career.
Favorite pick: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
For a team that traded out of the first round, the Rams found value with all six of their picks and I love it. Josaiah Stewart consistently plays bigger and faster than his measurables, and Los Angeles maximized each of its Day 3 picks. But Ferguson was one of my favorite players in the class, and I can’t wait to see his pass-catching talent with Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
There is a good chance all four of the Rams’ Day 3 picks outplay their draft spots. But I have to go with Hunter here, because of his run strength and contact balance to consistently churn out positive yardage. With more consistent run tempo, his role will continue to grow, especially if Kyren Williams and Blake Corum struggle to stay healthy.
Favorite pick: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
All three of the 49ers’ Day 2 picks were taken earlier than most expected. But Williams made perfect sense at No. 11. Still just 20, he is long, strong and athletic enough to be a high-floor run defender and high-upside pass rusher. It might take time, but Williams can become a worthy complement to Nick Bosa.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jordan James, RB, Oregon
Though I didn’t love the 49ers’ Day 2 haul, I really liked what they did on Day 3, especially in taking James in Round 5 — one of my favorite picks of the entire draft. With his inside quickness and no-nonsense run style, James might not rip off many 60-yard plays, but he will get you six yards consistently and maximize whatever the blocking gives him. I’m very intrigued to see his determination in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
Favorite pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Like many others, I think I had a first-round tight end to Indianapolis in each of my mock drafts, so it wasn’t surprising when it actually happened. But just because the pick lacked drama shouldn’t take away from the excitement of what Warren brings to the Colts’ offense. I also really liked the addition of JT Tuimoloau in the second round — he’s a perfect fit for the Colts’ scheme.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State
With the Colts breaking in a few new starters on the offensive line, we might see the coaches experiment with different combinations. And it wouldn’t be surprising if Travis sees snaps at right tackle, if Braden Smith moves inside or has to miss any time.
Favorite pick: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
The Broncos explored opportunities to move up for a running back in the second round, but they ultimately stayed put — that says a lot about their vision for Harvey. With his instinctive field vision and lateral quickness, 23.3 percent of his carries last season resulted in 10-plus yards, leading all FBS running backs. That ability will translate to the NFL field.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Que Robinson, Edge, Alabama
There are only three options from which to choose. Crawshaw should make an immediate impact and Lohner is a fun dart throw that Denver didn’t want to lose in a free agency bidding war post-draft, but Robinson — who struggled to find a consistent role at Alabama — will make an immediate impact on special teams while he competes for defensive reps.
Favorite pick: Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
In Round 1, the Bengals drafted Shemar Stewart, a high-risk, high-reward player that I liked. But Fairchild was another of “my guys” in this class, and I’m eager to see how quickly he can get on the field for a Bengals offense needing interior upgrades. If he can develop better consistency, Cincinnati will have its version of Wyatt Teller.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jalen Rivers, OT/G, Miami
A massive body with starting potential, Rivers looked like a future NFL starter at times during his week at the Senior Bowl. He was a worthwhile dice roll in Round 5 and can potentially give Cincinnati quality depth at tackle and guard.
Favorite pick: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
The Falcons’ draft was very conflicting for me. The expensive cost to move back into the first round for a high-risk player such as Pearce was surprising, but they also landed Walker, a top-five player on my board. I’m eager to see how he fits in Jeff Ulbrich’s scheme. Nabbing Xavier Watts near the end of the third round was awesome value, too.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
At 5-10, 192, Bowman can surmise that his size ultimately caused him to fall into Day 3, but his range and ballhawking skills will make it tough to keep him off the field. It won’t be surprising if Bowman emerges during his rookie season as the Falcons’ best option at nickel.
Favorite pick: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona
The cost was high, but Miami had to address its trenches with impact players early in the draft. Savaiinaea has experience outside at tackle, but he is a natural guard who should continue moving up the depth chart throughout his rookie season.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
Holding just two of the first 142 selections, it was going to be tough for Miami to place high on this list. But the Dolphins added a few intriguing talents on Day 3, including Quinn Ewers, who could become a factor if Tua Tagovailoa misses time. Jason Marshall Jr. and Dante Trader Jr. should be solid depth pieces in the secondary. But Phillips could end up looking like a steal if his consistency catches up with his young talent.
Favorite pick: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
With just five draft picks (one in the top 100), the Vikings were destined to appear low on this list. I saw Jackson as more of a second-round player than a first-rounder, but he will become a long-term starter if he can improve some of his sustain-and-recovery issues. Minnesota made a commitment to improving the interior of its offensive line, and Jackson definitely can help do that.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT, Georgia
Ingram-Dawkins was more of a flash player than consistent force in Kirby Smart’s front seven. But he is a good-sized athlete and brings enough inside-outside versatility on the defensive line to eventually develop from a rotational player into someone who pushes for starting reps.
(Top photo of Will Campbell: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
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