{"id":895469,"date":"2026-05-19T12:21:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T12:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/895469\/"},"modified":"2026-05-19T12:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T12:21:22","slug":"regrading-2023-nfl-draft-seahawks-rams-rise-to-perfection-cowboys-flop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/895469\/","title":{"rendered":"Regrading 2023 NFL Draft: Seahawks, Rams rise to perfection, Cowboys flop"},"content":{"rendered":"

The defending\u00a0Super Bowl<\/a>\u00a0champion\u00a0Seattle Seahawks<\/a>\u00a0will once again push to win it all this year, while their division rival\u00a0Los Angeles Rams<\/a>\u00a0are right there with them in terms of being considered Super Bowl contenders.<\/p>\n

The 2023\u00a0NFL Draft<\/a>\u00a0is a big reason why.<\/p>\n

It always takes three years to truly grade a draft, so I always go back and do a regrade of the teams and myself based on my initial draft grades.<\/p>\n

Sometimes the teams look bad. Sometimes I do. Sometimes we both do in terms of the same evaluations and, yes, there are times when we both even get it right.<\/p>\n

As it relates to the 2023 drafts for the Rams and Seahawks, they both look great right now. In fact, after giving them solid grades immediately after the draft, the new grade for both is A+.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Seahawks had two first-round picks and hit on cornerback\u00a0Devon Witherspoon<\/a>\u00a0and receiver\u00a0Jaxon Smith-Njigba<\/a>, two of the best in the game at their positions. But they also got three other players in that draft who have started or will start this year. That’s great drafting.<\/p>\n

The Rams landed five starters in that draft, including the steal of the draft by taking receiver\u00a0Puka Nacua<\/a>\u00a0in the fifth round. He is now considered one of the top offensive players in the league.<\/p>\n

There was a lot more, too. The Rams landed four other starters in defensive linemen\u00a0Byron Young<\/a>\u00a0(third) and\u00a0Kobie Turner<\/a>\u00a0(third) and offensive linemen\u00a0Steve Avila<\/a>\u00a0(second) and\u00a0Warren McClendon<\/a>\u00a0(fifth). That’s how you build a winner.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They are the only teams to get the A+ grades, but five other teams got A grades. They are the\u00a0Chicago Bears<\/a>,\u00a0Detroit Lions<\/a>,\u00a0Houston Texans<\/a>,\u00a0Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>. All five are playoff contenders and maybe more this season.<\/p>\n

Looking back three years after a draft really does show the value in it. So dive in and see how your team did and how I did, with the latter not being great for some of my original evaluations. But at least I can say I am wrong, which many other analysts out there won’t do. Of course, they invented the game. Just ask them.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They traded down in the first round with the\u00a0Texans<\/a>\u00a0and still landed starting left tackle\u00a0Paris Johnson Jr.<\/a>, although they could have taken star edge\u00a0Will Anderson Jr.<\/a>. They got another first-round pick in 2024 in that trade and used it on edge\u00a0Darius Robinson<\/a>, who started 12 games last season but had just one sack. In this draft, they had nine picks and eight are still on the roster, and three are good starters in Johnson, third-round corner\u00a0Garrett Williams<\/a>\u00a0and third-round receiver\u00a0Michael Wilson<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I liked the pick of edge\u00a0BJ Ojulari<\/a>\u00a0in the second round, but after flashing as a rookie he suffered a devastating knee injury during the 2024 training camp. He played just eight games last season with one sack. I didn’t love the Williams pick because he was coming off a knee injury, but he has been a good player. I did like the overall draft and the move to trade down.<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They took running back\u00a0Bijan Robinson<\/a>\u00a0with the ninth pick, which has worked out well for them. He is a star back. They took starting guard\u00a0Matthew Bergeron<\/a>\u00a0in the second and third-round edge\u00a0Zach Harrison<\/a>\u00a0started seven games last year, but missed time with a knee injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I didn’t love the Robinson pick, even though I thought he’d be a good player. I just don’t like taking backs that high. I liked fourth-round corner\u00a0Clark Phillips III<\/a>, who started every game in 2024, but played just one last season after suffering a triceps injury. This was a solid draft.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0B<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Baltimore Ravens<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0 C+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had six picks and just two — first-round receiver\u00a0Zay Flowers<\/a>\u00a0and fourth-round edge\u00a0Tavius Robinson<\/a>\u00a0— go into this season as a starter. That is not a great haul for a team that traditionally drafts well. Third-round linebacker\u00a0Trenton Simpson<\/a>\u00a0and seventh-round guard\u00a0Andrew Vorhees<\/a>\u00a0have started in the past.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I liked the pick of Flowers in the first and he has proven to be a good player. I didn’t like the pick of Simpson in the third. He just hasn’t been what they expected. I didn’t really like the overall draft then and don’t love it now.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They took tight end\u00a0Dalton Kincaid<\/a>\u00a0in the first and he has flashed at times, but injuries have slowed him some. This is a big year for him coming up. They also got starting guard\u00a0O’Cyrus Torrence<\/a>\u00a0in the second and third-round linebacker\u00a0Dorian Williams<\/a>\u00a0is a starter. Seventh-round tackle\u00a0Nick Broeker<\/a>\u00a0is a backup.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I loved the pick of Torrence, who has proven to be a big part of their offensive line. I didn’t love the pick of Williams, saying there were better options on the board, but he has proven to be a solid pick.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0B-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They made the bold move to trade up with Chicago to land quarterback\u00a0Bryce Young<\/a>. While he flashed last year, the verdict on the trade is still tilted to the\u00a0Bears<\/a>\u00a0in a big way. If he continues to develop, it could be worth it. If not, it will be a disaster. They missed big on second-round receiver\u00a0Jonathan Mingo<\/a>\u00a0and third-round edge\u00a0DJ Johnson<\/a>, who are both with other teams now. This draft is now all about Young, which it was anyway.<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0Not good. Why in the hell did I give this grade a B+? I didn’t love the Young pick, but did say he was a good passer. I was worried about his size and was never really in on the hype. I liked Mingo, so that’s a big miss. But I said Johnson was their worst pick, so that’s a hit. This draft is not good, but Young can save it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0D<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Chicago Bears<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They traded down with Carolina from the top spot and landed a nice haul in return, which has led to them drafting the foundation of this team. One of those players is right tackle\u00a0Darnell Wright<\/a>, who they took in the first round. He’s a good player. They had nine other picks in the draft. Of those nine, five are still on the roster and two are starters. They are second-round defensive tackle\u00a0Gervon Dexter Sr<\/a>. and second-round corner\u00a0Tyrique Stevenson<\/a>. But they also took quarterback\u00a0Caleb Williams<\/a>\u00a0with the 2024 first overall pick they got in the Young trade. They won that trade big time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I didn’t like them trading down for a second time from No. 9 to No. 10 to take Wright. I said they should have taken\u00a0Jalen Carter<\/a>. I didn’t love the Dexter pick because of inconsistency questions. I liked the pick of back\u00a0Roschon Johnson<\/a>\u00a0in the fourth, but after flashing as a rookie he had just two carries last season and would seem to be in jeopardy of being cut. While the draft itself was just OK, the trade saved it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0A<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Cincinnati Bengals<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0A<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had eight picks in this draft and four are solid starters. First-round edge\u00a0Myles Murphy<\/a>\u00a0finally lived up to the expectations in the second half of last season. Second-round corner\u00a0DJ Turner<\/a>\u00a0is a good player and third-round safety\u00a0Jordan Battle<\/a>\u00a0is a quality starter. They hit big on fifth-round running back\u00a0Chase Brown<\/a>. They also got backups in receivers\u00a0Charlie Jones<\/a>\u00a0(fourth) and\u00a0Andrei Iosivas<\/a>\u00a0(sixth) and corner\u00a0DJ Ivey<\/a>\u00a0(seventh).<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0My favorite pick was Turner and my only question was with their draft was them not taking offensive lineman. I liked that they focused on improving a defense and landed three staters.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns\u00a0<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They didn’t have a first- or second-round pick, having traded them to land\u00a0Deshaun Watson<\/a>\u00a0in that now infamous deal. In the third, they took receiver\u00a0Cedric Tillman<\/a>\u00a0and defensive tackle\u00a0Siaki Ika<\/a>. Tillman is a solid player, who has started 19 games, including 10 last year, while Ika was cut after one season and is now in the UFL. Fourth-round tackle\u00a0Dawand Jones<\/a>\u00a0has started games and could win a job this year. Fourth-round edge\u00a0Isaiah McGuire<\/a>\u00a0is a solid backup. Sixth-round center\u00a0Luke Wypler<\/a>\u00a0is also a backup.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I was as bad as the\u00a0Browns<\/a>\u00a0were in trading for Watson. I loved Ika, although I did say he needed to keep his weight in check. I also liked Tillman in the third. The worst pick in my eyes was Jones, but I did write he could become the best pick if he kept his weight in check. This draft, coupled with the Watson trade, wasn’t good.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0D-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0A<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They took defensive tackle\u00a0Mazi Smith<\/a>\u00a0with their first-round pick and he busted and was traded to the\u00a0Jets<\/a>. Second-round tight end\u00a0Luke Schoonmaker<\/a>\u00a0is a backup. Third-round linebacker\u00a0DeMarvion Overshown<\/a>\u00a0was a big hit before he tore up his knee in 2024. He was back last year, but wasn’t quite the same. He is still a starter. None of their remaining five picks is still on the roster.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0Let’s just say I was terrible. I loved the pick of Smith, who never worked out. I said he would be a force in the run game. My favorite pick was fourth-round edge\u00a0Viliami Fehoko<\/a>, who was a big-time bust. He was the captain of my Better-Than team that year. Bad.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0F<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Denver Broncos<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0The\u00a0Broncos<\/a>\u00a0traded their first-round and second-round picks in the trade to get\u00a0Russell Wilson<\/a>. Oh, was that bad. They had five picks in the draft and all five are still with the team. The best pick was corner\u00a0Riley Moss<\/a>\u00a0in the third. They also got receiver\u00a0Marvin Mims<\/a>\u00a0in the second, trading up to take him. If only they hadn’t made the trade for Wilson.<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I had Mims as their best pick, but that goes to Moss. Mims is still a nice part of their offense and return game. I made the trade for Wilson the worst part of this draft and it was — even before he was let go by the Broncos. I thought third-round linebacker\u00a0Drew Sanders<\/a>\u00a0could be a starter, but he’s been limited to 21 games because of injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0C<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Detroit Lions\u00a0<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0A<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0The\u00a0Lions<\/a>\u00a0killed this draft. It started by taking running back\u00a0Jahmyr Gibbs<\/a>\u00a0in the first and he has proven to be a star in this league. They followed that up by taking linebacker\u00a0Jack Campbell<\/a>\u00a0in the first, tight end\u00a0Sam LaPorta<\/a>\u00a0in the second and safety\u00a0Brian Branch<\/a>\u00a0in the second. All four have been outstanding when on the field, but injuries have limited Branch and LaPorta some. The only other player still on the roster is sixth-round offensive lineman\u00a0Colby Sorsdal<\/a>. They missed on third-round quarterback\u00a0Hendon Hooker<\/a>\u00a0and third-round defensive tackle\u00a0Brodric Martin<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0My favorite pick was LaPorta in the second. I liked Gibbs as a true air back, but questioned taking him so high. That has proven to be a wrong assessment on my part. I liked the pick of Martin in the third, which didn’t play out. He never developed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0A<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had 13 picks in this draft and five head into the season as starters, although some will be challenged. First-round pick\u00a0Lukas Van Ness<\/a>\u00a0starts, but hasn’t come close to living up to the billing. Second-round tight end\u00a0Luke Musgrave<\/a>\u00a0was passed on the depth chart by third-round tight end\u00a0Tucker Kraft<\/a>, who is coming off a knee injury. Both will play, but Kraft is the top guy. Second-round receiver\u00a0Jayden Reed<\/a>\u00a0starts and seventh-round corner\u00a0Carrington Valentine<\/a>\u00a0has been a starter, but will be challenged this season for his job. Sixth-round defensive end\u00a0Karl Brooks<\/a>\u00a0is also a starter.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I liked the pick of Musgrave, who has flashed at times but isn’t as good as Kraft. I didn’t love the pick of Reed, who is better than I thought. This was a solid draft. They got starters, but only Kraft was a real star before his injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0B<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Houston Texans<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had eight picks in this draft and three go into the season as starters — two being first-round picks. Quarterback\u00a0C.J. Stroud<\/a>, taken second overall, is their starter, but he faces a big prove-it season in 2026. Edge Will Anderson Jr., taken third after a trade with Arizona, has developed into one of the best in the league. Fifth-round linebacker\u00a0Henry To’oTo’o<\/a>\u00a0is a solid starter. The rest of the draft produced little, although third-round receiver\u00a0Tank Dell<\/a>\u00a0flashed before a devastating knee injury two years ago. Three other picks are backups.<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I loved the pick of Dell, who was real value before the injury. Maybe he can get back to that form this year. I questioned giving up so much for Anderson, saying he better be a Hall of Fame player. He just might be. So that’s a miss for me. I also said second-round center\u00a0Juice Scruggs<\/a>\u00a0was overdrafted, and he was. He was traded to the Lions this year. If Stroud shows his rookie form this season, this is one hell of a draft.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0A<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts\u00a0<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0This draft was all about taking quarterback\u00a0Anthony Richardson<\/a>\u00a0with the fourth overall pick. So far, it’s been a major fail. Injuries have impacted his play, but he wasn’t good when he did play. He is still young and raw. The rest of the 12-man draft class didn’t produce a lot either. Third-round receiver\u00a0Josh Downs<\/a>\u00a0is a good player and seventh-round corner\u00a0Jaylon Jones<\/a>\u00a0has started. Fourth-round defensive tackle\u00a0Adetomiwa Adebawore<\/a>\u00a0is a rotational player\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0Not good. I thought their best pick was second-round corner JuJu Brents, but he is now in Miami after being let go. I thought Downs went higher than expected, but he has played well. I also said the draft would be defined by Richardson, who I thought had the tools with some development. That clearly hasn’t happened.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0D<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Jacksonville Jaguars<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had 13 picks in the draft — trading down in the first to land some — and five of them are projected to be starters in 2026. First-round tackle\u00a0Anton Harrison<\/a>\u00a0and second-round tight end\u00a0Brenton Strange<\/a>\u00a0are good players on their offense. Fifth-round safety\u00a0Antonio Johnson<\/a>\u00a0had his breakout season in 2025 and sixth-round receiver\u00a0Parker Washington<\/a>\u00a0did as well. He was their go-to guy at times last season. Fourth-round linebacker\u00a0Ventrell Miller<\/a>\u00a0will take over for the departed\u00a0Devin Lloyd<\/a>\u00a0and has started in the past. Third-round running back\u00a0Tank Bigsby<\/a>\u00a0was traded to the\u00a0Eagles<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I liked the idea of trading down to add picks and still landing Harrison. I didn’t love the pick of Strange, which has proven to be a miss by me, but I also didn’t like the Bigsby pick, which is a win for me. I liked fifth-round edge\u00a0Yasir Abdullah<\/a>, who has been little more than a backup and also thought Johnson would be a good player. \u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0A<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Kansas City Chiefs<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They took edge\u00a0Felix Anudike-Uzomah<\/a>\u00a0in the first round and he has been a major flop so far. They then took receiver\u00a0Rashee Rice<\/a>\u00a0in the second. He’s been a good player — when he’s been on the field. Third-round tackle\u00a0Wanya Morris<\/a>\u00a0has started games. Fourth-round safety\u00a0Chamarri Conner<\/a>\u00a0has been a good solid player at a couple of spots. The rest of the draft produced little help.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I questioned taking Anudike-Uzomah, which has played true. I said I didn’t like his tape and I was right about that. I also praised the pick of Rice in the second. This was not a draft I liked then and it isn’t one I like now.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They used the seventh-overall pick on defensive end\u00a0Tyree Wilson<\/a>, who was a major flop. So much so they traded him to the\u00a0Saints<\/a>\u00a0last month for essentially a fifth-round pick. Tight end\u00a0Michael Mayer<\/a>\u00a0came in the second. He’s a solid player, but not special. Third-round pick\u00a0Byron Young<\/a>\u00a0was cut two years ago. The best pick might be receiver\u00a0Tre Tucker<\/a>\u00a0in the third. He had 57 catches and five touchdowns last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0Not good. I loved the pick of Wilson in the first and also liked fourth-round corner\u00a0Jakorian Bennett<\/a>, who is now with the\u00a0Eagles<\/a>. He did start for the\u00a0Raiders<\/a>\u00a0before the trade to Philly. I didn’t love Tucker in the third, but he has been OK. I did think they had a good draft. The reality is it’s below average with the big miss on Wilson, who is now with the Saints after being traded there in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0F<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Los Angeles Chargers<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0C+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had seven picks and five are still on the roster and three head into the season as starters. They are first-round receiver\u00a0Quentin Johnston<\/a>, second-round edge\u00a0Tuli Tuipulotu<\/a>\u00a0and third-round linebacker\u00a0Daiyan Henley<\/a>. The two defensive players have been better than Johnson, who has been inconsistent. Fourth-round receiver\u00a0Derius Davis<\/a>\u00a0has been a returner and backup on offense.<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0My favorite pick was Henley and my worst was Johnston, stating then I thought there were better options on the board. I also said he had to be a Pro Bowl-type talent for the draft to really hit. He certainly hasn’t been that.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0B-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had 14 picks in the draft and five of them are starters with the best of them being fifth-round receiver\u00a0Puka Nacua<\/a>. He has proven to be a star and a steal. They also got starters in guard\u00a0Steve Avila<\/a>\u00a0(second), defensive linemen Byron Young and\u00a0Kobie Turner<\/a>\u00a0in the third and right tackle\u00a0Warren McClendon<\/a>\u00a0in the fifth. Backup tight end\u00a0Davis Allen<\/a>\u00a0also came in the fifth. Backup quarterback\u00a0Stetson Bennett<\/a>\u00a0came in the fourth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I thought Avila was their best pick and Bennett was their worst. I went on to say how much I liked their draft, mentioning Young as a player I liked. I thought it was the type of draft to help overhaul the roster, which it did. I didn’t mention Nacua, which means I missed on him like the rest of the league.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0A+<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0The\u00a0Dolphins<\/a>\u00a0didn’t have a first-round pick, losing it for tampering with\u00a0Tom Brady<\/a>. Their second-round pick, corner\u00a0Cam Smith<\/a>, was a bust and is now in the UFL. The Dolphins hit big on third-round running back\u00a0De’Von Achane<\/a>, who is a star and a cornerstone piece for the rebuild. The Dolphins waived sixth-round pick\u00a0Elijah Higgins<\/a>\u00a0and he has caught 64 passes the past three seasons for the\u00a0Cardinals<\/a>. Oops. Achane saves this from being a disaster.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I loved the Achane pick, saying he would be a home run threat right away. He has become that and more. I made Smith my worst pick, which played true. I didn’t like their draft.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had six picks and two are still on the roster, with both being projected starters. One is first-round receiver\u00a0Jordan Addison<\/a>, who has proven to be a good player. The other is fourth-round safety\u00a0Jay Ward<\/a>, who is expected to take over for\u00a0Harrison Smith<\/a>\u00a0this season. The rest of the draft produced little.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0My favorite pick was Addison, who I said would be the best receiver in his class. He is not that, but he’s been a really productive player for them. I didn’t like the pick of corner\u00a0Mekhi Blackmon<\/a>\u00a0in the second round, but he tore and ACL after a promising start to his career and is now in Indianapolis. This was not one of my favorite drafts then, and it isn’t now.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

New England Patriots\u00a0<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0C+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0Bill Belichick had 12 picks in this draft and four are still with the team. The best pick was first-round corner\u00a0Christian Gonzalez<\/a>, who is a star at his position. Second-round edge\u00a0Keion White<\/a>\u00a0flashed at times, but he was traded to the\u00a049ers<\/a>\u00a0last year. Third-round linebacker\u00a0Marte Mapu<\/a>\u00a0started some, but is now in Houston after being traded this year. The hits were Gonzalez, sixth-round receivers\u00a0Kayshon Boutte<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Demario Douglas<\/a>\u00a0and sixth-round punter\u00a0Bryce Baringer<\/a>. The genius Belichick also used a fourth-round pick on kicker\u00a0Chad Ryland<\/a>, who flopped and is now in Arizona. Fourth-round center\u00a0Jake Andrews<\/a>\u00a0is now the starter in Houston after being waived last year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I said Gonzalez would be a star, and he is. But who didn’t think that? I liked fifth-round guard\u00a0Atonio Mafi<\/a>, but he didn’t work out after starting five games as a rookie. He’s now with the Raiders. I didn’t love the pick of White or fourth-round guard\u00a0Sidy Sow<\/a>\u00a0and both are gone. Douglas was on my Better-Than team, so I loved that pick. I didn’t love the draft then, but it’s slightly better now despite the big misses.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0B-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

New Orleans Saints<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had seven picks in this draft and just one — first-round defensive lineman\u00a0Bryan Bresee<\/a>\u00a0— is a starter heading into this season. That’s bad. They whiffed on second-round edge\u00a0Isaiah Foskey<\/a>, who was released last summer and is now with the\u00a0Bengals<\/a>. Third-round running back\u00a0Kendre Miller<\/a>\u00a0is a backup who has been plagued by injuries. Fifth-round safety\u00a0Jordan Howden<\/a>\u00a0is a backup.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I liked the pick of Miller, but injuries have really hurt him as a player. I didn’t like the pick of Foskey, which has played out. I didn’t think he would solve their pass-rush issues — and he didn’t. I liked the pick of Bresee and fourth-round guard\u00a0Nick Saldiveri<\/a>, who has been mainly a backup as he’s battled injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0D<\/p>\n

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\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

New York Giants<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had seven picks in this draft, but just one is a projected starter heading into the season, that being second-round center\u00a0John Michael Schmitz<\/a>. They traded up to get corner\u00a0Deonte Banks<\/a>\u00a0in the first round and he has been a major disappointment and is a backup heading into this season. Third-round receiver\u00a0Jalin Hyatt<\/a>\u00a0has 10 starts and 36 catches in three seasons. Of the remaining four picks, only running back\u00a0Eric Gray<\/a>\u00a0is still on the roster.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I liked the pick of Hyatt, but did say he needs to learn the entire route tree rather than just being a speed threat. That hasn’t happened. I liked Banks, but didn’t love the rest of their draft. I didn’t like Schmitz as much as others and he’s been just OK as a starter.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0D<\/p>\n

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\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

New York Jets<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had seven picks in this draft and only one — second-round guard\u00a0Joe Tippmann<\/a>\u00a0— heads into the season as a sure starter. First-round pick\u00a0Will McDonald IV<\/a>\u00a0will be in a fight to start with\u00a0Joseph Ossai<\/a>, who is better against the run. McDonald is more of a pass-rush specialist. They missed on their other five picks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I liked sixth-round corner\u00a0Jarrick Bernard-Converse<\/a>, but he was let go last year and is now with the\u00a0Giants<\/a>. I thought McDonald went too high. While he has flashed, that has played true. I did like some of their down-the-line picks, but none worked out.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0D<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Philadelphia Eagles\u00a0<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0A<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had seven picks in this draft and six of the seven are on the roster and the seventh was traded to the\u00a0Falcons<\/a>\u00a0in March. Of the six on the roster, four are starters. They are first-round defensive tackle\u00a0Jalen Carter<\/a>, first-round edge\u00a0Nolan Smith<\/a>, third-round guard\u00a0Tyler Steen<\/a>\u00a0and seventh-round defensive tackle\u00a0Moro Ojomo<\/a>. The only miss was taking safety\u00a0Sydney Brown<\/a>\u00a0in the third, and he even started games before the trade to Atlanta.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I loved the pick of Carter, who I thought could be generational in terms of talent. While he has flashed at times, he didn’t come close to that level last year. He has to be better. I loved that they also landed Smith. Those two were big in the Eagles winning the\u00a0Super Bowl<\/a>\u00a0two years ago. Brown was my choice for the worst pick and that played out.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0A\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had seven picks and the first four would all be starters if left tackle\u00a0Broderick Jones<\/a>\u00a0didn’t suffer a neck injury last season. That is concerning going forward. Second-round corner\u00a0Joey Porter Jr<\/a>. has developed into a good player, as has second-round defensive tackle\u00a0Keeanu Benton<\/a>. Third-round tight end\u00a0Darnell Washington<\/a>\u00a0is a great blocker who has improved as a receiver. Fourth-round edge\u00a0Nick Herbig<\/a>\u00a0is a good backup who plays a lot. The only thing hurting this class is the uncertainty over Jones and his injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I really liked the pick of Herbig, who has proven to be a steal and some think he should be on the field even more. I didn’t love the pick of Washington, who I thought should be moved to tackle. He has been a better receiver than I expected. I liked this class then and like it now — especially if Jones returns.<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They didn’t have a first- or second-round pick heading into the draft, and traded up in the third to take safety\u00a0Ji’Ayir Brown<\/a>. He is a starter. They traded their first to get\u00a0Trey Lance<\/a>\u00a0the year before — bad miss — and then used a second, third and fourth to get running back\u00a0Christian McCaffrey<\/a>, which is a big hit. They did get compensatory picks in the third, but after taking Brown they took kicker\u00a0Jake Moody<\/a>, who is no longer with the team, and tight end\u00a0Cameron Latu<\/a>, who was cut and is now with the Eagles. This was not a good draft.<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I had sixth-round linebacker\u00a0Dee Winters<\/a>\u00a0as their best pick and he was a solid starter last year filling in for\u00a0Fred Warner<\/a>, but he was traded to Dallas on draft night. I hated the pick of Moody in the second, which played out that way. You don’t take kickers that high. I did not like this draft, but it’s even worse now than I originally thought.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0D<\/p>\n

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\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Seattle Seahawks<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had 10 picks in this draft, including two in the first round, and three are starters and the first five have all started games. The first-round picks were corner\u00a0Devon Witherspoon<\/a>\u00a0and receiver\u00a0Jaxon Smith-Njigba<\/a>, both superstar players. Second-round edge\u00a0Derick Hall<\/a>\u00a0has started and is rotational piece of the defense. Second-round running back\u00a0Zach Charbonnet<\/a>\u00a0was a big part of their offense before getting hurt late last season. Fourth-round guard\u00a0Anthony Bradford<\/a>\u00a0is a starter, even if he isn’t a good one. They also got some backups in this draft who are still with the team.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I loved the pick of Witherspoon, but who didn’t? I didn’t like taking Charbonnet because they had\u00a0Kenneth Walker<\/a>\u00a0III, but Walker signed with the\u00a0Chiefs<\/a>\u00a0this spring so maybe they knew. This was the draft that was the foundation of the Super Bowl champs. Getting Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba makes this a home run draft.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0A+<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B-<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had eight picks and the first six are still with the team and the first three are all starters. First-round defensive tackle\u00a0Calijah Kancey<\/a>\u00a0has been hurt by injuries, but has been a good player when on the field. Second-round guard\u00a0Cody Mauch<\/a>\u00a0missed last season, but he was developing into a good starter and will be back this year. Third-round edge\u00a0Yaya Diaby<\/a>\u00a0is a starter and fourth-round linebacker\u00a0SirVocea Dennis<\/a>\u00a0has started and will challenge again this year. They didn’t get stars, but they got starters. Injuries have held this class back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I liked the pick of Mauch saying he was a college tackle who would become a good guard. That’s a hit. I didn’t love the Diaby pick, so that’s a miss. I did like the pick of Kancey, but injuries have really held him back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0C+<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They took guard\u00a0Peter Skoronski<\/a>\u00a0in the first and he’s become a good starter. They then took quarterback\u00a0Will Levis<\/a>\u00a0in the second, but after starting games in his first two seasons — playing inconsistent football — he missed all of last season and is now a backup. They also took running back\u00a0Tyjae Spears<\/a>\u00a0in the third and he’s a nice change-of-pace back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I loved the pick of Levis in the second, and that hasn’t played out. I still think a change of scenery could help his career and lead to him being a starter somewhere else. I thought taking Spears because of injury history was risky, but he’s been solid. I liked the pick of Skoronski.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0C-<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"team
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Washington Commanders<\/p>\n

2023 grade:\u00a0B+<\/p>\n

The skinny:\u00a0They had seven picks in the draft and only one has a real chance to be a starter this year. That’s second-round safety\u00a0Quan Martin,<\/a>who has 37 starts but even he has been just OK. First-round corner\u00a0Emmanuel Forbes<\/a>\u00a0flopped and was let go in November 2024. He’s now with the\u00a0Rams<\/a>\u00a0and started some last season. The only other hit was on running back Chris Rodriguez in the sixth and he signed as a free agent in Jacksonville in March.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How I did:\u00a0I was as bad as the\u00a0Commanders<\/a>. I actually liked this draft. Why? I thought Forbes, despite being skinny, would become a quality cover player. Oops. I did like Martin. Fifth-round pass rusher\u00a0K.J. Henry<\/a>\u00a0was another player I liked, but he didn’t work out. They were bad and so was I.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New grade:\u00a0F<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The defending\u00a0Super Bowl\u00a0champion\u00a0Seattle Seahawks\u00a0will once again push to win it all this year, while their division rival\u00a0Los Angeles…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":895470,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[3],"tags":[4997,14707,12103,1504,5934,8513,390,254,117,5929,1524,465,1476,53,1214,1036,9759,4132,391,256,54,31184,257,9598,1472,7354,9117,258,13603,14161,10722,113,5412,18950,11550,7,592,8288,345,21433,1211,26980,253,392,16688,125,5718,7370,16744,31346,10829,8265,6485,20415,9256,1509,7463,33749,110,7900,393,262,58,3998,18771,38886,6307,3896,7541,15626,11369,259,4672,249,55,56,6,15,6313,12510,8504,109,57,1088,9277,1514,7472,252,261,471,20581,250,3825,394,8699,2721,14233,28796,55693,22119],"class_list":{"0":"post-895469","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl","8":"tag-adetomiwa-adebawore","9":"tag-andrei-iosivas","10":"tag-anthony-bradford","11":"tag-anthony-richardson","12":"tag-anton-harrison","13":"tag-antonio-johnson","14":"tag-arizona-cardinals","15":"tag-atlanta-falcons","16":"tag-baltimore-ravens","17":"tag-brenton-strange","18":"tag-brian-branch","19":"tag-broderick-jones","20":"tag-bryce-young","21":"tag-buffalo-bills","22":"tag-byron-young","23":"tag-caleb-williams","24":"tag-carrington-valentine","25":"tag-chase-brown","26":"tag-chicago-bears","27":"tag-cincinnati-bengals","28":"tag-cleveland-browns","29":"tag-cody-mauch","30":"tag-dallas-cowboys","31":"tag-darius-robinson","32":"tag-darnell-wright","33":"tag-demario-douglas","34":"tag-demarvion-overshown","35":"tag-denver-broncos","36":"tag-deonte-banks","37":"tag-derick-hall","38":"tag-derius-davis","39":"tag-detroit-lions","40":"tag-devin-lloyd","41":"tag-dorian-williams","42":"tag-elijah-higgins","43":"tag-football","44":"tag-fred-warner","45":"tag-garrett-williams","46":"tag-green-bay-packers","47":"tag-harrison-smith","48":"tag-hendon-hooker","49":"tag-henry-tootoo","50":"tag-houston-texans","51":"tag-indianapolis-colts","52":"tag-jack-campbell","53":"tag-jacksonville-jaguars","54":"tag-jake-andrews","55":"tag-jake-moody","56":"tag-jalin-hyatt","57":"tag-jay-ward","58":"tag-jonathan-mingo","59":"tag-jordan-addison","60":"tag-jordan-battle","61":"tag-jordan-howden","62":"tag-joseph-ossai","63":"tag-josh-downs","64":"tag-juice-scruggs","65":"tag-k-j-henry","66":"tag-kansas-city-chiefs","67":"tag-keion-white","68":"tag-las-vegas-raiders","69":"tag-los-angeles-chargers","70":"tag-los-angeles-rams","71":"tag-lukas-van-ness","72":"tag-luke-schoonmaker","73":"tag-luke-wypler","74":"tag-marte-mapu","75":"tag-marvin-mims","76":"tag-mazi-smith","77":"tag-mekhi-blackmon","78":"tag-michael-wilson","79":"tag-minnesota-vikings","80":"tag-myles-murphy","81":"tag-new-england-patriots","82":"tag-new-orleans-saints","83":"tag-new-york-giants","84":"tag-nfl","85":"tag-nfl-draft","86":"tag-nick-herbig","87":"tag-nolan-smith","88":"tag-peter-skoronski","89":"tag-philadelphia-eagles","90":"tag-pittsburgh-steelers","91":"tag-puka-nacua","92":"tag-quentin-johnston","93":"tag-riley-moss","94":"tag-sam-laporta","95":"tag-san-francisco-49ers","96":"tag-seattle-seahawks","97":"tag-stetson-bennett","98":"tag-steve-avila","99":"tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers","100":"tag-tavius-robinson","101":"tag-tennessee-titans","102":"tag-tre-tucker","103":"tag-trey-lance","104":"tag-tucker-kraft","105":"tag-viliami-fehoko","106":"tag-warren-mcclendon","107":"tag-yaya-diaby"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=895469"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895469\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/895470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=895469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=895469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=895469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}