NFL Draft Grades 2024: Which Teams Nailed It (And Who Flopped)?

The NFL Draft Grades 2024 has concluded, and while some teams walked away with franchise-changing talent, others left fans scratching their heads. In this comprehensive 1,500+ word breakdown, we’ll analyze every team’s draft performance, highlighting the biggest winners, most questionable decisions, and surprise steals that could reshape the league’s future.

Grading Methodology

Before diving into team evaluations, let’s establish our grading criteria:

✔ Value vs. Draft Position
✔ Team Needs Addressed
✔ Potential Immediate Impact
✔ Long-Term Upside
✔ Overall Draft Strategy

With these factors in mind, here’s our definitive report card for the 2024 NFL Draft.

A+ Grades: Draft Dominators

Chicago Bears

Key Picks: Caleb Williams (QB), Rome Odunze (WR), Kiran Amegadjie (OT)
Analysis: The Bears executed a near-perfect draft, landing their franchise QB in Williams and pairing him with a true WR1 in Odunze. Third-round tackle Amegadjie provides crucial protection.
Steal: Tory Taylor (P, Rd 4) – Best punter in college football
Grade: A+

Arizona Cardinals

Key Picks: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR), Darius Robinson (DE), Max Melton (CB)
Analysis: Harrison Jr. is the best WR prospect since Ja’Marr Chase. Robinson adds immediate pass rush help, while Melton shores up the secondary.
Steal: Tip Reiman (TE, Rd 3) – Athletic red-zone threat
Grade: A+

 For more on Marvin Harrison Jr.’s potential impact, visit NFL NewsZ.

A Grades: Strong Performers

Pittsburgh Steelers

Key Picks: Troy Fautanu (OT), Zach Frazier (C), Roman Wilson (WR)
Analysis: Pittsburgh rebuilt their offensive line with two Day 1 starters and added a perfect slot receiver in Wilson.
Steal: Payton Wilson (LB, Rd 3) – First-round talent with injury concerns
Grade: A

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Picks: Quinyon Mitchell (CB), Cooper DeJean (DB), Jalyx Hunt (DE)
Analysis: The Eagles landed two potential Pro Bowl defensive backs and added developmental pass rush depth.
Steal: DeJean (Rd 2) – Versatile playmaker
Grade: A-

B Grades: Solid But Unspectacular

Kansas City Chiefs

Key Picks: Xavier Worthy (WR), Kingsley Suamataia (OT), Jared Wiley (TE)
Analysis: Worthy’s speed is exciting, but questions remain about his size. Solid but not spectacular class.
Missed Opportunity: Didn’t address cornerback early
Grade: B

Detroit Lions

Key Picks: Terrion Arnold (CB), Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB), Giovanni Manu (OT)
Analysis: Fixed their biggest need at cornerback but reached for developmental OT Manu in Round 4.
Steal: Arnold (Rd 1) – Arguably best CB in draft
Grade: B+

C Grades: Questionable Decisions

Atlanta Falcons

Key Picks: Michael Penix Jr. (QB), Ruke Orhorhoro (DT), Bralen Trice (DE)
Analysis: Taking Penix at No. 8 after signing Kirk Cousins for $180M remains baffling. Defensive picks were reached in NFL Draft Grades 2024.
Biggest Question: Why not build around Cousins?
Grade: C-

 For more on the Falcons’ controversial draft, check NFL NewsZ.

Las Vegas Raiders

Key Picks: Brock Bowers (TE), Jackson Powers-Johnson (C), Delmar Glaze (OT)
Analysis: Bowers is talented but TE wasn’t a pressing need. Failed to address QB situation.
Missed Opportunity: Could’ve traded up for QB
Grade: C

D/F Grades: Draft Disasters

Tennessee Titans

Key Picks: JC Latham (OT), T’Vondre Sweat (DT), Cedric Gray (LB)
Analysis: Latham was a reach at No. 7, Sweat has conditioning concerns, and they ignored WR needs.
Biggest Mistake: Passing on Joe Alt for Latham
Grade: D

New York Giants

Key Picks: Malik Nabers (WR), Tyler Nubin (S), Andru Phillips (CB)
Analysis: Nabers is great but failing to address QB (again) is franchise malpractice.
Head-Scratcher: Sticking with Daniel Jones
Grade: D+

Biggest Steals of the Draft

1. Spencer Rattler (QB, Saints – Rd 5)

2. Cooper Beebe (G, Cowboys – Rd 3)

3. Roman Wilson (WR, Steelers – Rd 3)

4. Christian Haynes (G, Seahawks – Rd 3)

5. Javon Baker (WR, Patriots – Rd 4)

Teams That Improved Their Playoff Chances Most

1. Chicago Bears – Transformed offense

2. Pittsburgh Steelers – Fixed offensive line

3. Arizona Cardinals – Added elite weapons

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Revamped secondary

5. New Orleans Saints – Found QB of future

Read More: Meet the 2024 NFL Draft featured Biggest Sleeper Picks – Future Stars?

Final Draft Takeaways

• Best Draft: Chicago Bears

• Worst Draft: Tennessee Titans

• Most Controversial Pick: Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons)

• Best Late-Round Value: Spencer Rattler (Saints)

Which team do you think had the best draft? Let us know in the comments!