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NFL Draft Grades 2023: Analysis and Grades For All 7 Rounds in 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is over and our analysts have graded every pick for every team. Which teams impressed, and who struggled?

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NFL Draft Grades 2023: Analysis and Grades For All 7 Rounds in 2023 NFL Draft

By Ryan Gosling
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The 2023 NFL Draft is over, and our analysts here at Pro Football Network have grades for all 32 teams. Which teams will pass with flying colors, and who will be the ones to make the head-scratching selections?

NFL Draft Grades 2023

Looking to filter this article by team? Use the black jump around bar above the first paragraph to go straight to your favorite team.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals started the draft on a tear, finding a suitor for the third overall pick and still grabbing the top tackle on the board in Paris Johnson Jr. Arizona then grabbed some potential top-tier talent with BJ Ojulari filling a need off the edge and Garrett Williams locking down one side of the field.

On Day 3, the Cardinals then picked up some high-ranked players on PFN’s board that somehow fell in Kei’Trel Clark, Owen Pappoe, and Dante Stills – all players who could not only make their roster this fall but make meaningful contributions on their rookie deals.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Arizona Cardinals draft class, make sure to check out our full Cardinals draft grades.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons started off confident with Bijan Robinson, and while positional value marred that selection for some, there’s no denying that Robinson is a game-changing talent. Atlanta carried the momentum forward from there, getting a potential starter at guard in Matthew Bergeron, and a talented EDGE in Zach Harrison.

Then they came away with one of the draft’s best value deals on Day 3, swiping up Clark Phillips III in Round 4. Overall, the Falcons did well every step of the way, and while questions will linger about the viability of the Robinson selection, they can prove themselves right by equipping him to succeed.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Atlanta Falcons draft class, make sure to check out our full Falcons draft grades.

Baltimore Ravens

With Lamar Jackson safely under contract, the Ravens went to work addressing their most significant needs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Zay Flowers gives them an electric, game-changing WR while they addressed the offensive tackle need late in the draft. Defensive holes were plugged with Kyu Blu Kelly, underrated edge Tavius Robinson, and do-it-all linebacker Trenton Simpson who was great value in the third round.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Baltimore Ravens draft class, make sure to check out our full Ravens draft grades.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills were gifted Dalton Kincaid during the Utah tight end’s slight fall and continued that momentum throughout their limited draft. Kincaid is the most talented TE in this class, and the need that O’Cyrus Torrence fills on the offensive line was imperative to grab during the weekend.
Alex Austin and Dorian Williams are knockout picks and have high ceilings as NFL players. Buffalo’s SEC selections in Justin Shorter and Nick Broeker come with question marks but help fill out their roster nonetheless.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Buffalo Bills draft class, make sure to check out our full Bills draft grades.

Carolina Panthers

First and foremost, the Panthers got their franchise QB in Bryce Young and gave him an explosive weapon in Jonathan Mingo. They also scored exceptional value on Day 3, getting a potential starting guard in Chander Zavala and a versatile DB in Jammie Robinson.

The only major reach on Carolina’s draft card was DJ Johnson in Round 3, but even he has the athletic tools that Ejiro Evero can work with. The Panthers’ brass has a lot to be happy about.

Overall Grade: A-

To see the full analysis of the Carolina Panthers’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Panthers draft grades.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears’ second draft under Ryan Poles was very solid all around. Darnell Wright is a safe headliner to get behind, and he should protect Justin Fields for years to come. The Bears also added two quality CB prospects with plus traits and used their late-round picks well.

The main source of uncertainty is Chicago’s work on the defensive line. They notably neglected the EDGE position, and while the DTs they picked have upside, they’re both relatively raw. It’s up to Matt Eberflus to get the most out of this group, but the groundwork has been set.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Chicago Bears’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Bears draft grades.

Cincinnati Bengals

Solid. That’s the best way to describe the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2023 NFL Draft class. They added size and strength on the defensive front with Clemson’s Myles Murphy, speed at the CB position with DJ Turner, while bolstering the pass-catching options for Joe Burrow with the addition of Charlie Jones and Andrei Iosivas. Counterweighting the most positive selections with some reaches.

Overall Grade: B

To see the full analysis of the Cincinnati Bengals’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Bengals draft grades.

Cleveland Browns

Although they didn’t open their account at the 2023 NFL Draft until the third round, the Cleveland Browns put together a tidy haul that ticked off several pre-draft needs.
Cedric Tillman will be an impactful outlet for their offense, while two Ohio State OL additions provide depth and potential future starters.

The selection of Isaiah McGuire probably won’t command the amount of respect that it deserves. Meanwhile, Browns fans, at minimum, should be intrigued by Dorian Thompson-Robinson. At the most, he could develop into a mobile playmaker under center.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Cleveland Browns’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Browns draft grades.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are renowned for their ability to build through the NFL Draft. The trust they’ve built over the years is partly why their grade is as high as it is. Although the class overall feels a bit uninspired, Dallas’ scouts, particularly on Day 3, have been able to find gems. But they’ll need Mazi Smith to be an impact player early to see significant results from this class.

Overall Grade: C

To see the full analysis of the Dallas Cowboys’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Cowboys draft grades.

Denver Broncos

From the selection of Marvin Mims to the pick of Alex Forsyth, the Denver Broncos did a good job of finding value at positions of need across their minimal class. The selections of Mims and Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders were the highlights, with those two players set to make an impact in year one.

In some respects, they already are, with the selection of the former Oklahoma WR resulting in Denver taking trade calls on some of the big-name WRs already on their roster.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Denver Broncos’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Broncos draft grades.

Detroit Lions

  • Round 1, Pick 12
    Jahmyr Gibbs     | RB, Alabama
    Grade: C+
  • Round 1, Pick 18
    Jack Campbell     | LB, Iowa
    Grade: B-
  • Round 2, Pick 34
    Sam LaPorta | TE, Iowa
    Grade: C-
  • Round 2, Pick 45
    Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
    Grade: A+
  • Round 3, Pick 68
    Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
    Grade: B
  • Round 3, Pick 96
    Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
    Grade: D+
  • Round 5, Pick 152
    Colby Sorsdal, OL, William & Mary
    Grade: B+
  • Round 7, Pick 219
    Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina
    Grade: A-

The Lions didn’t flunk. It’s important to make that clear. But there were times where it felt as though Detroit could’ve attained better value. Pick 12 seemed a little early for Jahmyr Gibbs. No. 18 seemed a little early for Jack Campbell. Fringe first-round seemed a little early for Sam LaPorta. Brodric Martin, while a valuable niche player, was a notable reach on Day 2.

Detroit stuck to the value board, for better or worse. Luckily, they were able to get capital back for D’Andre Swift, and Gibbs could end up being a better player. But now that the picks have been made, the Lions are in prove-it mode, because their strategy was more “out there” than most.

Overall Grade: C+

To see the full analysis of the Detroit Lions’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Lions draft grades.

Green Bay Packers

  • Round 1, Pick 13
    Lukas Van Ness     | EDGE, Iowa
    Grade: A-
  • Round 2, Pick 42
    Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
    Grade: B
  • Round 2, Pick 50
    Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
    Grade: A
  • Round 3, Pick 78
    Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
    Grade: A+
  • Round 4, Pick 116
    Colby Wooden, DL, Auburn
    Grade: A
  • Round 5, Pick 149
    Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State
    Grade: C
  • Round 5, Pick 159
    Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia
    Grade: A-
  • Round 6, Pick 179
    Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green
    Grade: A-
  • Round 6, Pick 207
    Anders Carlson, K, Auburn
    Grade: C
  • Round 7, Pick 232
    Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
    Grade: A+
  • Round 7, Pick 235
    Lew Nichols III, RB, Central Michigan
    Grade: B
  • Round 7, Pick 242
    Anthony Johnson Jr., S, Iowa State
    Grade: A-
  • Round 7, Pick 256
    Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte
    Grade: A

The Packers had a whopping 13 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, and nine of those selections earned some type of A. Lukas Van Ness was a viable upside swing in Round 1. Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft were phenomenal picks on Day 2, and the Luke Musgrave pick, while a bit early, made a lot of sense – especially for Jordan Love.

Then, on Day 3, the Packers bolstered the line with versatile pieces in Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks and landed major steals like Carrington Valentine and Grant DuBose. The biggest knocks for Green Bay? They spent a mid-Day 3 pick on a middling backup and a Round 6 pick on a kicker with a very shaky background. But overall, when looking at the most vital roster construction pieces, Green Bay did extremely well.

Overall Grade: A-

To see the full analysis of the Green Bay Packers draft class, make sure to check out our full Packers draft grades.

Houston Texans

Nick Caserio and Co. absolutely crushed the 2023 NFL Draft. They were able to find value consistently while also filling needs along the roster, of which there were many entering Thursday. Adding C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. was a massive win for the franchise, and the Texans paired up on centers in the draft, which should create some good competition along the interior.

Overall Grade: A-

To see the full analysis of the Houston Texans’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Texans draft grades.

Indianapolis Colts

  • Round 1, Pick 4
    Anthony Richardson     | QB, Florida
    Grade: A
  • Round 2, Pick 44
    Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
    Grade: B
  • Round 3, Pick 79
    Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
    Grade: A
  • Round 3, Pick 106
    Blake Freeland, OL, BYU
    Grade: B+
  • Round 4, Pick 110
    Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
    Grade: A+
  • Round 5, Pick 138
    Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
    Grade: A
  • Round 5, Pick 158
    Daniel Scott, S, California
    Grade: B
  • Round 5, Pick 162
    Will Mallory, TE, Miami (FL)
    Grade: B
  • Round 5, Pick 176
    Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
    Grade: B-
  • Round 6, Pick 211
    Titus Leo, LB, Wagner
    Grade: C
  • Round 7, Pick 221
    Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
    Grade: A-
  • Round 7, Pick 236
    Jake Witt, OT, Northern Michigan
    Grade: B

Chris Ballard and the Colts have officially (if it wasn’t already official) leaned into the niche of simply drafting ridiculous athletes and telling the coaches to develop talent. With the team making so many selections in 2023, it was hilarious to see freak athlete after freak athlete come off the board. There might be better drafts in the class, but this was easily the most entertaining one to follow.

Overall Grade: A-

To see the full analysis of the Indianapolis Colts draft class, make sure to check out our full Colts draft grades.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars continued to have a mid-off with themselves throughout the entirety of the NFL Draft. While the class certainly could have been worse, a team that had a TON of capital and a lot of franchise momentum simply had a bit of an uninspiring go of things.

Anton Harrison is a fine pick at a position of need, and Tank Bigsby is a fun player, but the lack of a “whoa, great selection” moment when your team made more than 10 selections is a bit underwhelming.

However, C’s get degrees.

Overall Grade: C

To see the full analysis of the Jacksonville Jaguars draft class, make sure to check out our full Jaguars draft grades.

Kansas City Chiefs

This was a really nice draft for the Kansas City Chiefs, who doubled up at a position of need with two pass rushers who very much meet the mold of how this team likes to get after the quarterback. The NFL let a dangerous weapon like Rashee Rice fall into the hands of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, which could prove to be extremely foolish. While there were some bumps in the road on Day 3, the selection of Nic Jones with their final pick should see the Chiefs continue their astonishing run of Day 3 success in the secondary.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Kansas City Chiefs draft class, make sure to check out our full Chiefs draft grades.

Las Vegas Raiders

After landing Tyree Wilson and Michael Mayer to open their draft in emphatic style, the Raiders also added some key cogs at positions of need. Doubling up at defensive tackle was probably unnecessary, especially considering they failed to add any pieces to the offensive trenches.

That said, it’s a solid draft class that will produce multiple starters and could have the future face of the franchise in the form of Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell, who is a great fit for head coach Josh McDaniels.

Overall Grade: B

To see the full analysis of the Las Vegas Raiders draft class, make sure to check out our full Raiders draft grades.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers started the draft in emphatic style, earning an A- grade after Day 2 following the selections of immediate contributors like Quentin Johnston, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Daiyan Henley at good value positions. It felt like their draft lost it’s way a little on Day 3, although Jordan McFadden should have a long NFL career and Max Duggan has the potential to have more impact with the clipboard in his hand than he will on the field.

Overall Grade: B

To see the full analysis of the Los Angeles Chargers draft class, make sure to check out our full Chargers draft grades.

Los Angeles Rams

Honestly, had there not been a questionable decision to draft Stetson Bennett when they did, the Rams’ draft grade would be much higher. Given their lack of top-end draft picks, the value they were able to pull out of this class is staggering.

Nick Hampton and Warren McClendon highlight their early Day 3 hits, while Zach Evans, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, and Desjuan Johnson all showcase players that should make big-time contributions over their professional careers.

Overall Grade: B

To see the full analysis of the Los Angeles Rams draft class, make sure to check out our full Rams draft grades.

Miami Dolphins

It was puzzling that the Dolphins started their draft with CB Cam Smith in Round 2. Coverage is vitally important in the NFL, but with the team having answered their cornerback questions earlier this offseason, there were certainly other players of higher value who could’ve filled bigger needs that were available.

Both Elijah Higgins and Ryan Hayes have good upside but may struggle to find a home in the NFL right away. Had it not been for Devon Achane and his perfect fit in this Miami offense, the grade would’ve been lower than it is here.

Overall Grade: C

To see the full analysis of the Miami Dolphins draft class, make sure to check out our full Dolphins draft grades.

Minnesota Vikings

For the most part, the Vikings did what they needed to do. Getting Jordan Addison was the biggest accomplishment – a viable counter-threat to Justin Jefferson. And on Day 3, the Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, DeWayne McBride, and Jaren Hall picks all provided solid value. Ward, in particular, has the potential to outperform his capital and fulfill a vital role for Minnesota.

The selection of Mekhi Blackmon late on Day 2 was the lone blemish on Minnesota’s record. Blackmon had an intriguing profile for the Day 3 range, but Round 3 was too rich for him. Luckily, Minnesota wasn’t dependent on that pick to stay afloat at CB. They have talent already. But they passed on a lot of other good cornerbacks, so it’ll be interesting to watch how this outcome diverges.

Overall Grade: B

To see the full analysis of the Minnesota Vikings draft class, make sure to check out our full Vikings draft grades.

New England Patriots

  • Round 1, Pick 17
    Christian Gonzalez     | CB, Oregon
    Grade: A+
  • Round 2, Pick 46
    Keion White | EDGE, Georgia Tech
    Grade: B+
  • Round 3, Pick 76
    Marte Mapu, S, Sacramento State
    Grade: A-
  • Round 4, Pick 107
    Jake Andrews, iOL, Troy
    Grade: D+
  • Round 4, Pick 112
    Chad Ryland, K, Maryland
    Grade: C-
  • Round 4, Pick 117
    Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan
    Grade: A-
  • Round 5, Pick 144
    Atonio Mafi, G, UCLA
    Grade: C+
  • Round 6, Pick 187
    Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
    Grade: B+
  • Round 6, Pick 192
    Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
    Grade: B+
  • Round 6, Pick 210
    Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty
    Grade: B+
  • Round 6, Pick 214
    Ameer Speed, CB, Michigan State
    Grade: C-
  • Round 7, Pick 245
    Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State
    Grade: B+

It was an interesting draft for the Patriots after landing Christian Gonzalez, the top cornerback on the PFN Big Board. Marte Mapu is talented and an intriguing prospect but certainly should have been there on Day 3. New England then drafted both a punter and a kicker before tripling down on interior offensive linemen. It wasn’t an attractive draft to onlookers, but it did fill some needs that they had yet to fill this offseason.

Overall Grade: C+

To see the full analysis of the New England Patriots draft class, make sure to check out our full Patriots draft grades.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints needed a strong draft after tying their wagon to Derek Carr, and that’s what they got. Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey should give the defensive line a facelift on Day 1. Kendre Miller has the potential to carry the torch as the team’s next dynamic runner. Jake Haener, while unspectacular, functions as an excellent insurance plan at QB.

Nick Saldiveri is a versatile depth piece with starting upside on the OL, and the cherry on top was A.T. Perry in Round 6. Perry has the tools to be a legitimate weapon for New Orleans and drastically outperform his capital alongside Chris Olave and Michael Thomas.

Overall Grade: A-

To see the full analysis of the New Orleans Saints draft class, make sure to check out our full Saints draft grades.

New York Giants

The Giants didn’t have a ton of draft capital to work with, but they put the hammer down with the high-end capital they had. Deonte Banks, John Michael Schmitz, and Jalin Hyatt all filled needs and were good value selections, and then they added to the RB room with a solid talent in Eric Gray.

Overall Grade: A-

To see the full analysis of the New York Giants draft class, make sure to check out our full Giants draft grades.

New York Jets

The Jets did a great job of adding value picks and selecting for need at the same time. Will McDonald IV was a big reach to start the draft in the first round, but Joe Tippmann started to right their ship. In the end, players like Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Israel Abanikanda, and Carter Warren are truly talented players in crowded spots that should crack the lineup. Zack Kuntz is a huge target that Aaron Rodgers should quickly become enamored with.

Overall Grade: B-

To see the full analysis of the New York Jets’ draft class, make sure to check out our full Jets draft grades.

Philadelphia Eagles

Aside from the Tanner McKee selection that simply doesn’t make much sense, the Philadelphia Eagles crushed the draft. They added two blue-chip Georgia defenders on Day 1 and also added a high-ceiling cornerback in Kelee Ringo on Day 3. Sydney Brown and Tyler Steen were solid Day 2 picks, and they took a nice upside swing on Moro Ojomo.

Overall Grade: A

To see the full analysis of the Philadelphia Eagles draft class, make sure to check out our full Eagles draft grades.

Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s difficult to imagine the 2023 NFL Draft going much better for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They landed an explosive offensive tackle who can benefit the ground game from the get-go while honing his craft as a pass protector. Pittsburgh bolstered the CB room with two impact players, including legacy pick Joey Porter Jr. Multiple times, the Steelers took advantage of falling talent, most notably with Georgia TE Darnell Washington.

Overall Grade: A-

To see the full analysis of the Pittsburgh Steelers draft class, make sure to check out our full Steelers draft grades.

San Francisco 49ers

They weren’t too busy until Day 2 and ultimately cleaned up on the third day of the draft, but this class lacks star power. There is plenty of value, including late-round selections Darrell Luter Jr., Ronnie Bell, and Dee Winters, but the trade up for Ji’Ayir Brown felt like a bit of a reach. Again, it’s a sound draft that helped fill needs and took care of some holes on the roster – a draft more of necessity as opposed to desire.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the San Francisco 49ers draft class, make sure to check out our full 49ers draft grades.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks had some terrific selections all throughout the weekend, including Devon Witherspoon to lock down the field opposite Tariq Woolen and PFN’s top wide receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all on the first night.

Securing Derick Hall off the edge in Round 2 was huge for Seattle’s defensive overhaul, as was grabbing both Michigan trench players Mike Morris and Olusegun Oluwatimi. There’s a lot to like, including the best pass-catching back available after Bijan Robinson in Kenny McIntosh as John Schneider nailed almost every pick out of the park.

Overall Grade: A

To see the full analysis of the Seattle Seahawks draft class, make sure to check out our full Seahawks draft grades.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay’s first-round pick is tied to a massive outlier, and there’s a trepidatious feeling that comes with that. No matter how good of a football player Calijah Kancey is, he will face challenges being as undersized as he is. But it’s a gamble the Buccaneers were comfortable taking with Vita Vea in tow, and the rest of the class was strong.

Cody Mauch will be a tone-setting starter at tackle or guard. YaYa Diaby and Jose Ramirez provide contrasting flavors to an EDGE rotation that needed depth. And on Day 3, SirVocea Dennis and Trey Palmer were both steals at their selections.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft class, make sure to check out our full Buccaneers draft grades.

Tennessee Titans

  • Round 1, Pick 11
    Peter Skoronski     | OL, Northwestern
    Grade: A
  • Round 2, Pick 33
    Will Levis | QB, Kentucky
    Grade: A
  • Round 3, Pick 81
    Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
    Grade B
  • Round 5, Pick 147
    Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
    Grade: B-
  • Round 6, Pick 186
    Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
    Grade: A
  • Round 7, Pick 228
    Colton Dowell, WR, Tennessee-Martin
    Grade: B

The Tennessee Titans didn’t have a lot of draft capital to work with, meaning they needed to do the most with what they had. Adding Peter Skoronski and Will Levis is something that I’m confident nobody would have thought possible a week ago, and adding Tyjae Spears to be the lightning to Derrick Henry’s thunder is a solid complement. Jaelyn Duncan is one of my favorite picks of the entire draft because of the Titans’ needs along the offensive line and his upside.

Overall Grade: B+

To see the full analysis of the Tennessee Titans draft class, make sure to check out our full Titans draft grades.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders didn’t necessarily hit any home runs with their draft, but they consistently hit balls into the gap to pick up two bags at a time. Pairing Jartavius Martin with Emmanuel Forbes was a solid double-up in the secondary, and they did everything they could on Day 3 to add depth on the edge.

Overall Grade: B-

To see the full analysis of the Washington Commanders draft class, make sure to check out our full Commanders draft grades.

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About the Author

Ryan Gosling
Ryan Goslinghttps://www.profootballnetwork.com
Ryan Gosling is Pro Football Network's Director of Search Intent and Strategy. With a background in business and a graduate of both Concordia University and McGill University in Quebec, Canada, Ryan joined PFN in its infancy stage. He has held a number of titles from editing to operations over the past two years.

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