2026 NFL Draft team-by-team rankings: Best and worst classes, from 1 to 32

This is my version of draft grades — ranking the draft hauls from 1 to 32.

Last year, my three favorite classes included the eventual Super Bowl teams (Patriots at No. 1 and Seahawks at No. 3) plus the Browns, who had multiple Rookie of the Year contenders. This year, the Browns are back at the top of the stack.

Naturally, teams that made multiple first-round picks or a larger volume of picks have a better chance of being higher on this list.

1. Cleveland Browns

Favorite pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Browns found outstanding value with each pick while also attacking key needs. Landing Emmanuel McNeil-Warren outside the top 50 was tremendous value, and both wide receivers will have opportunities. But I’ll go back to their first pick (acquired in a trade back that also netted Cleveland an extra Day 2 pick). Fano has rare movement ability for his size, top-tier football IQ and competitive toughness, plus he can play multiple spots on the line.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati

Justin Jefferson is an ascending player with big-time speed; tight end Carsen Ryan has “make it” traits; center Parker Brailsford is undersized but has tremendous movement skills. However, Royer has an opportunity to make an immediate impact, with a skill set that favorably complements Harold Fannin Jr.

2. New York Giants

Favorite pick: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State

There are multiple contenders for this spot — Francis Mauigoa, Colton Hood, Malachi Fields. But Reese was my No. 1 player in the entire class, and his addition will allow the Giants to mix up their pressure packages. Quarterbacks won’t have fun facing this front seven.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jack Kelly, LB, BYU

With his explosive speed and compete skills, Kelly likely wasn’t a hard sell in the war room. He’ll be a special teams dynamo from day one and will push for defensive snaps early in his career.

3. Las Vegas Raiders

Favorite pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

This is the boring but correct answer. Mendoza represents a fundamental (and drastic) upgrade at QB. Whenever he gets on the field, the Raiders’ offense will be interesting to watch — and I haven’t said those words in a long time.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon

If there is one criticism about the Raiders’ draft class, it’s that they didn’t upgrade the wide receiver position earlier. But Benson has “see ya” speed and an opportunity to earn his way onto the field as a rookie. He should also make his presence felt as a return man.

4. Dallas Cowboys

Favorite pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

A top-five player on my board, Downs is a culture changer and the perfect player to usher in Dallas’ new Christian Parker-led defense. Downs’ play speed, processing and tackling ability are all well above average, and his nickel versatility (both physically and mentally) will make him a difference-maker — especially in a Vic Fangio-inspired scheme.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: LT Overton, edge, Alabama

Five of Dallas’ first six picks were spent on defense. Though Overton failed to live up to the early-round hype he had entering the season, he is a toolsy big man with gap-sound principles and long arms to own the point of attack.

5. New York Jets

Favorite pick: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

The Jets drafted three impact players in the first round, but Ponds was my favorite. What he lacks in size he more than makes up for with speed, energy and natural coverage talent. Whether he lines up inside or outside, his fit with Aaron Glenn made too much sense.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

At 6 feet 3 inches tall and 206 pounds, with 4.4 speed, Payne is an impressive athlete who can overlap zones in coverage and stay attached to tight end routes. I expected him to come off the board earlier on Day 3, which made him a no-brainer in the final round.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Favorite pick: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

After going through their pre-draft simulations, the Buccaneers did not expect to have any chance at Bain at pick No. 15. But the power-packed pass rusher fell in their laps. Even if he doesn’t become a Pro Bowl-level player, Bain has a high floor as an NFL starter.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Keionte Scott, DB, Miami

Scott was universally liked by NFL teams, but he fell in the draft because of “fit” concerns. An attacking downhill nickel, he is a linebacker in a cornerback’s body, and I am eager to see how Todd Bowles uses his skill set. It will be tough to keep Scott — and his competitive energy — off the field.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Arguably the most quarterback-friendly pass catcher in this class, Lemon represents a philosophical shift for the Eagles’ offense. With his play strength and route manipulation, he has a realistic chance to lead all rookies in targets.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

The Eagles made some fun dart throws in the seventh round. But I’m most interested to see if Philadelphia puts together any Taysom Hill-type packages for Payton (6-3, 232, with 4.5 speed), who was viewed last season as a tight end by NFL scouts. Payton has the toughness and traits to find his way onto the field.

8. Kansas City Chiefs

Favorite pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

My No. 6 prospect in this class, Delane was drafted in that exact spot. It doesn’t matter if he’s in man or zone, press or off coverage, he plays with outstanding route anticipation and spacing to disrupt catch windows.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon

Kansas City addressed its nickel spot in free agency with Kader Kohou, but he missed last season because of a knee injury. With his urgent athleticism, Canady will provide immediate competition for Kansas City’s secondary.

9. Miami Dolphins

Favorite pick: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Not much of a surprise here for anyone familiar with my scouting work. A smooth athlete with cover instincts, Johnson was one of my favorite prospects all season, and that continued throughout the draft process — he finished as my No. 3 cornerback (behind Delane and Jermod McCoy). I also loved the value of the Jacob Rodriguez and Chris Bell picks, and Will Kacmarek was one of my favorite tight ends.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt

I can’t wait to see how Jeff Hafley plans to utilize Louis’ skill set. Louis doesn’t have the take-on skills of a traditional linebacker and is somewhat unproven as a true safety, but with his speed and football character, he is too talented to keep off the field.

10. New Orleans Saints

Favorite pick: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

Jordyn Tyson is going to become an immediate weapon, and Oscar Delp should become a better pro than college player. But Miller was my favorite pick because of the steadying presence he’ll bring to New Orleans’ defensive line. Opponents will learn about his violent play style very quickly.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

The Saints revamped their wide receiver depth chart in the draft. Lance is still unpolished in areas, so I don’t expect him to be a high-volume target early. With his vertical speed and size, though, it won’t be surprising if he puts up early touchdown numbers.

11. Baltimore Ravens

Favorite pick: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

It was hard not to pick Zion Young here, but Ioane should be one of the league’s most impactful rookies. He is a plug-and-play option who can be an athletic bulldozer and will immediately upgrade the Ravens’ guard play.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

I’ll bet Chandler Rivers and Evan Beerntsen outplay their draft spot, but Sarratt was my favorite of Baltimore’s Day 3 picks. He might not be the best separator, but he plays with outstanding timing, reliability and a level of craftiness that will earn him early looks.

12. Tennessee Titans

Favorite pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Though most, including me, thought the Titans would go defense at No. 4, I love the idea of giving Cam Ward a three-level presence on the outside. Given Tate’s vertical pacing and tracking skills, Ward can let the ball fly with confidence.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Fernando Carmona, G, Arkansas

Right guard could be a trouble spot for the Titans, so Carmona should have every opportunity to compete for playing time. Experienced at both tackle and guard, he will be a swing backup from day one, with the chance to be more.

13. Carolina Panthers

Favorite pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Had Freeling returned to Georgia for his senior year, there’s a good chance we would have been talking about him as a top-10 pick in the 2027 draft. He needs more experience but has all the ability to become a long-term left tackle — currently a question mark for the Panthers.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

Carolina brought in Luke Fortner to replace Cade Mays at center, but it won’t be a surprise if Hecht makes a serious push for the top spot on the depth chart. Zakee Wheatley should challenge for playing time in the secondary, too.

14. Detroit Lions

Favorite pick: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Miller is a plug-and-play right tackle who doesn’t miss time and consistently executes. At some point in the not-too-distant future, expect debates about just how high the Lions’ bookend tackles (Penei Sewell and Miller) should rank in the NFL.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

Jimmy Rolder is an ascending linebacker, and Kendrick Law has big-play potential. But Abney gives the Lions quality depth at a key position and presented tremendous value in Round 5. His competitive toughness will make him easy to appreciate.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Favorite pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Chase Bisontis will upgrade the offensive line, but it’s hard not to go with Love. We can debate the strategy to draft this position given the current state of the roster, but the Cardinals came away with the draft’s most explosive weapon. Though the value can be criticized, Love is immediately going to make Arizona’s offense exponentially better.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana

Reggie Virgil was a great pick in the fifth round, and Karson Sharar will quickly earn his keep on special teams. But Proctor has a chance to become an important building block on the defensive front. He moves well for a 291-pounder and has a knack for defeating blocks.

16. Washington Commanders

Favorite pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Antonio Williams was a quality addition in Round 3, but Styles’ potential impact on Washington’s defense makes him the easy choice. Physically, he has a rare size-speed combination, although his coaches would argue that his mental toughness and intangibles are even more impressive. This was a perfect fit.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

Allen was the ninth running back drafted, but outside of the two first-rounders, I would argue he landed the best opportunity to get on the field and be productive. The Commanders have a crowded running back roster, but the order of the depth chart feels very unsettled. I like Allen’s chances to carve out a meaningful role.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite pick: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Max Iheanachor — despite being raw — has a high ceiling, but Bernard was my favorite pick because of the way he will complement DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. Aside from Roman Wilson, the Steelers have a strong track record of drafting quality wide receivers in the second round; Bernard will continue that pipeline.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana

One of my favorite players in the class, Nowakowski is an extremely useful player because of his ability to impact the offense as both a blocker and pass catcher. He is going to play in the NFL for a decade, thanks to that proven versatility. Eli Heidenreich could also surprise — hopefully the Steelers find a role for him.

18. Indianapolis Colts

Favorite pick: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Of the teams that didn’t pick in Round 1, the Colts had my favorite haul. A speedy flow-and-scrape linebacker, Allen is quick to sort and stay one step ahead of everyone else. His intangibles will make him a tone-setter in the middle of that defense, which is exactly what the Colts needed.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

Take your pick — Jalen Farmer has starting tools, Bryce Boettcher will be a special teams demon until he gets his shot on defense, George Gumbs Jr. has explosive talent, and Caden Curry already plays like a pro. But Burks gets the edge, especially considering the value. Though he’s undersized, his speed can be weaponized.

19. Chicago Bears

Favorite pick: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Most Bears fans were hoping to see an edge rusher at this pick, but I don’t think many expected Thieneman to still be available. Chicago had to remake its safety depth chart this offseason, and Coby Bryant and Thieneman have turned a potential weakness into a strength.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State

The Bears needed to add more linebacker competition, and finding Elliott in Round 5 was highway robbery. He will play on special teams to start, but I expect him to open eyes if he gets a chance to see defensive snaps. The same goes for cornerback Malik Muhammad.

20. New England Patriots

Favorite pick: Gabe Jacas, edge, Illinois

Caleb Lomu was a strong pick, especially with several teams attempting to trade up to get him. But I love Jacas’ fit. He is a relentless player with the hand usage, quickness and play demeanor that show as both a pass rusher and run defender. It will be interesting to see his role alongside Dre’Mont Jones and Harold Landry.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

Though he doesn’t have nearly the same ceiling as Lomu, Crownover is a former tight end with outstanding length (86-inch wingspan) and a skill set that suggests his best football is still ahead of him. Quintayvious Hutchins in the late seventh round was also solid value.

21. Los Angeles Chargers

Favorite pick: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami

Age and injury history were complicating factors for Mesidor, but it is hard not to like his potential impact in the Chargers’ front seven, as he joins Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. Whether lined up inside or outside, Mesidor plays 100 miles per hour and can get pressure on the quarterback.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis

No surprise here — the Chargers spent four of their draft picks on offensive linemen. At 6-9, 325, Burke is a massive player who looks to overwhelm defenders on every snap. Obviously, the Chargers have their starters at tackle, but Burke might surprise if pressed into action.

22. Buffalo Bills

Favorite pick: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson

The Bills needed more pass-rush depth. They easily could have drafted Parker at No. 26, but he was still there after multiple trade downs. With his size, motor and three-down ability, Parker fits what the Bills have traditionally targeted at the position.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jalen Kilgore, S, South Carolina

Buffalo cleaned up in the fourth round, adding key depth at three positions: offensive line, wide receiver and linebacker. But I’m eager to see how Buffalo uses Kilgore (and his athleticism). He made an immediate impact as a freshman in college, and it won’t be surprising if he finds his way onto the field as a rookie.

23. Houston Texans

Favorite pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

I liked the Keylan Rutledge pick, especially after talking to other teams that were not happy he went before they could get him. But McDonald was my favorite here because of his potential impact on an already impressive defense. He has dominant run-defending qualities.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Febechi Nwaiwu, G/C, Oklahoma

Nwaiwu is underwhelming as an athlete, but he more than makes up for it with his intelligence and play strength. He logged starts at four of the five offensive line positions in college, and he counts as another step in the right direction as the Texans look to solidify their line.

24. Cincinnati Bengals

Favorite pick: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M

The Bengals drafted an Aggies pass rusher for the second year in a row, although Howell is very different than Shemar Stewart. Howell can be overwhelmed at times at the point of attack, but he battles nonstop and will bring much needed juice to Cincinnati’s pass rush.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Landon Robinson, DT, Navy

I love what the Bengals did on Day 3 — Connor Lew has down-the-road starting talent; Colbie Young was one of my favorite mid-round receivers; Brian Parker II is a versatile backup; Jack Endries is a dependable pass catcher. But I love to see Robinson get this chance. The Ohio native was a high school linebacker who might be undersized for the interior, but he wins with quickness and relentlessness.

25. Seattle Seahawks

Favorite pick: Bud Clark, S, TCU

I expected to slot Jadarian Price in here — he could lead all rookies in rushing yards. But the more I think about Clark and his fit with the Seahawks, the more I love the pick. His rangy ball skills on the back end, as a two-high safety or nickel, will give Mike Macdonald options.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Emmanuel Henderson Jr., WR, Kansas

The Seahawks have their speed receiver in Rashid Shaheed, but Henderson should get a few looks on the outside because of his ability to win deep (four catches of 50-plus yards in 2025). His kick return ability can get him on the field quickly.

26. Green Bay Packers

Favorite pick: Dani Dennis-Sutton, edge, Penn State

Brandon Cisse was a quality pick (especially outside the top 50), and Chris McClellan should be a solid role player for a long time. But Dennis-Sutton’s value at No. 120 makes him my favorite of the Packers’ haul. Although he doesn’t perform up to his testing numbers, he is a commanding presence who plays with force on defense and special teams (blocked three punts in 2025).

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jager Burton, G/C, Kentucky

The Packers have an established starting five on the offensive line, but Burton started double-digit games at both guard and center in college and will be an immediate swing lineman on the interior.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Favorite pick: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

Kaelon Black was one of the most underrated players in this class, so it was good to see him go in the top 100. But Stribling’s fit in Kyle Shanahan’s West Coast scheme is going to be fun to watch. He offers the size to be a possession target and the speed to turn quick throws into big gains.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

The 49ers made several intriguing picks on Day 3, but Prysock — and his fit with Raheem Morris — is the most interesting. At 6-3, 196, with 4.45 speed, his transitions can be a tad clunky. He is patient and long, though, which allows him to stay within phase with route runners.

28. Atlanta Falcons

Favorite pick: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

This was not just my favorite Falcons pick, but it produced what was probably my favorite moment of the entire draft. With his talent and “Honey Badger” aura, Terrell had no business falling to No. 48. But the fact that he’ll team up with his older brother in the same secondary? Amazing.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington

Thompson is still figuring out how to maximize his skill set, but he has rare tools in his 6-2, 306-pound frame. He can be a rotational lineman as a rookie — and also might get his hands on a punt.

29. Minnesota Vikings

Favorite pick: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

This is true for most prospects, but Golday’s landing spot was going to be pivotal for his rookie-year success. Drop his rangy athleticism into a Brian Flores-led defense, and he’ll have a chance to make an immediate impact.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

Aside from Demmings always being a great quote, he leaves everything he has on the field. With his cover athleticism and mental toughness, Demmings was a worthy bet in the fifth round, and he landed with a team that needed cornerback depth.

30. Los Angeles Rams

Favorite pick: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

I didn’t love the Simpson pick, especially at No. 13. But of the Rams’ five selections, he was probably my favorite — there is a very realistic path for him to become a quality NFL starter. We can revisit this in three years …

Day 3 pick who could surprise: CJ Daniels, WR, Miami

There were only two options to choose from here, and I lean toward the offensive weapon who could see early playing time. Though I don’t think Daniels has a difference-making trait, he has a package of skills that’s easy to appreciate.

31. Denver Broncos

Favorite pick: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M

With just one pick in the top 100, the Broncos were going to be low on this list regardless — but Onyedim was one of my favorite Day 2 prospects. I like this fit. He plays with the radar and reaction quickness to find the football.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Justin Joly, TE, NC State

There were multiple contenders, especially with Red Murdock being selected as Mr. Irrelevant — he only fell in the draft because of injuries. But Joly will give the Broncos a different type of tight end. He is reliable when targeted and can line up across the formation.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Favorite pick: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

At 6-4, 314, with 11-inch hands, Pregnon brings a physical presence to the offensive line. Even if he doesn’t start from day one, he will push for playing time at some point during his rookie season.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston

The Jaguars attacked the tight end position in different ways during the draft — Nate Boerkircher will be a physical presence, especially in the run game. But Koziol and his pass-catching talent can give Trevor Lawrence a weapon.