The 2023 NFL Draft is over. After months of scouting players and planning, all 32 teams made their picks to get the players they wanted in order to improve their team. There were a bunch of trades, some surprises, and 259 players drafted through three days. With the 2023 NFL Draft comes 2023 NFL Draft Grades. Which teams won the draft, and which teams were headscratchers? Let’s find out.
Grades are based on the players selected, filling the needs of the team, as well as the value of when players were selected.
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2023 NFL Draft Grades For All 32 Teams
AFC East 2023 NFL Draft Grades
Buffalo Bills
1.25 – TE – Dalton Kincaid
2.59 – G – O’Cyrus Torrence
3.91 – ILB – Dorian Williams
5.150 – WR – Justin Shorter
7.230 – G – Nick Broeker
7.252 – CB – Alex Austin
The Bills didn’t have a lot of needs. The interior linebacker was one of those needs, and they took care of that on Day 3. Adding a playmaker at tight end like Dalton Kincaid is bad news for Dawson Knox but great news for Josh Allen. They were already pretty solid at guard, but offensive line depth never hurts. I think they won their division in the 2023 NFL draft grades.
Grade: B
Miami Dolphins
2.51 – CB – Cam Smith
3.84 – RB – Devon Achane
6.197 – WR – Elijah Higgins
7.238 – OT – Ryan Hayes
The Dolphins didn’t have a lot of draft picks due to previous trades. However, each pick filled one of their needs. My favorite pick of theirs is Devon Achane, who will push for playing time. Cam Smith could be a Day 1 starter but doesn’t have the ideal size or speed.
Grade: B-
New England Patriots
1.17 – CB – Christian Gonzalez
2.46 – DE – Keion White
3.76 – ILB – Marte Mapu
4.107 – C – Jake Andrews
4.112 – K – Chad Ryland
4.117 – G – Sidy Sow
5.144 – G – Atonio Mafi
6.187 – WR – Kayshon Boutte
6.192 – P – Bryce Baringer
6.210 – WR – Demario Douglas
6.214 – CB – Ameer Speed
7.245 – CB – Isaiah Bolden
The Patriots had a slew of picks. It’s interesting to me that they didn’t help Mac Jones and the offense until Day 3, though. Their defense is normally very solid. However, it’s the offense that left a lot to be desired last year. I would have liked to see them make that more of a priority, even though I love the selection of Christian Gonzalez.
Grade: B
New York Jets
1.15 – OLB – Will McDonald IV
2.43 – C – Joe Tippmann
4.120 – OT – Carter Warren
5.143 – RB – Israel Abanikanda
6.184 – OLB – Zaire Barnes
6.204 – CB – Jarrick Bernard-Converse
7.220 – TE – Zack Kuntz
I like Will McDonald a lot. However, the 15th pick seemed like a reach. After that, they helped new quarterback Aaron Rodgers by adding to the line. Their last pick of Zack Kuntz is one of my favorites. The running back selection is interesting, given all the running back success last year.
Grade: C+
AFC West Draft Grades
Denver Broncos
2.63 – WR – Marvin Mims
3.67 – ILB – Drew Sanders
3.83 – CB – Riley Moss
6.183 – S – JL Skinner
7.257 – C – Alex Forsyth
The first team in five teams on the 2023 NFL draft grades list that gets above a B. I love every single pick the Broncos made. Marvin Mims is an underrated receiver, and Russell Wilson will love him. I felt Drew Sanders and Riley Moss were Day 1 starters that could have been taken earlier. I like the Skinner and Forsyth pick as well.
Grade: A-
Kansas City Chiefs
1.31 – DE – Felix Anudike-Uzomah
2.55 – WR – Rashee Rice
3.92 – OT – Wanya Morris
4.119 – S – Chamarri Conner
5.166 – OLB – BJ Thompson
6.194 – DT – Keondre Coburn
7.250 – CB – Nic Jones
I was surprised the Chiefs went defensive end with their first pick, but I think Felix Anudike-Uzomah fits their scheme. Rashee Rice could end up being a top rookie wide receiver because he will fit this scheme so well. Wanya Morris may not be a Day 1 starter, but he’s not that far behind it.
Grade: B+
Las Vegas Raiders
1.7 – DE – Tyree Wilson
2.35 – TE – Michael Mayer
3.70 – DT – Byron Young
3.100 – WR – Tre Tucker
4.104 – CB – Jakorian Bennett
4.135 – QB – Aidan O’Connell
5.170 – S – Christopher Smith
6.203 – OLB – Amari Burney
7.231 – DT – Nesta Jade Silvera
The first selection of Tyree Wilson was interesting. Teams are reportedly worried about his foot injury, and I wouldn’t say edge was the Raiders’ top priority. Their best pick was Michael Mayer. He’s not a Darren Waller-type tight end, but he generally fits the Raiders. Aidan O’Connell going in the fourth was also a headscratcher to me. I had him going with pick 189 in my mock.
Grade: C-
Los Angeles Chargers
1.21 – WR – Quentin Johnston
2.54 – OLB – Tuli Tuipulotu
3.85 – ILB – Daiyan Henley
4.125 – WR – Derius Davis
5.156 – G – Jordan McFadden
6.200 – DT – Scott Matlock
7.239 – QB – Max Duggan
Another team that seems to really hit it out of the park with their 2023 NFL Draft Grades is the Los Angeles Chargers. Quentin Johnston is going to be great with Justin Herbert. Tuli Tuipulou and Daiyan are going to add youth and revitalize this defense. This team was already really good, and they just got better. I also love taking Max Duggan in the seventh round. He fits this offense and will be an excellent backup for them. They win their division for 2023 NFL draft grades.
Grade: A
AFC North 2023 NFL Draft Grades
Baltimore Ravens
1.22 – WR – Zay Flowers
3.86 – ILB – Trenton Simpson
4.124 – OLB – Tavius Robinson
5.157 – CB – Kyu Blu Kelly
6.199 – OT – Malaesala Aumavae–Laulu
7.229 – G – Andrew Vorhees
The Ravens selecting another weapon for Lamar Jackson now that they’ve signed him was smart. I like Zay Flowers, too, and I think he will do well. But beyond that, I’m not sure I like what they did. Given their depth, taking two linebackers in the third and fourth rounds was interesting. However, I feel an edge rusher or defensive lineman would have made more sense.
Grade: C-
Cincinnati Bengals
1.28 – DE – Myles Murphy
2.60 – CB – DJ Turner
3.95 – S – Jordan Battle
4.131 – WR – Charlie Jones
5.163 – RB – Chase Brown
6.206 – WR – Andrei Iosivas
6.217 – P – Brad Robbins
7.246 – CB – DJ Ivey
The Bengals used their first three selections on defense. It makes sense, given that their offense is so good. I would have liked to see them take a tight end, but I can’t fault them for grabbing Myles Murphy. My favorite pick for them is Chase Brown, who can spell Joe Mixon this year before replacing him next year.
Grade: B
Cleveland Browns
3.74 – WR – Cedric Tillman
3.98 – DT – Siaki Ika
4.11 – OT – Dawand Jones
4.126 – DE – Isaiah McGuire
5.140 – QB – Dorian Thompson-Robinson
5.142 – CB – Cameron Mitchell
6.190 – C – Luke Wypler
The Browns didn’t have a selection until the third round due to the Watson trade. However, they grabbed two players who could contribute right away. Getting Dawand Jones in the fourth was an excellent grab as well. Some had him graded as high as the second round. The same goes for Luke Wypler. Browns fans should be excited about this draft.
Grade: B+
Pittsburgh Steelers
1.14 – OT – Broderick Jones
2.32 – CB – Joey Porter, Jr.
2.49 – DT – Keeanu Benton
3.93 – TE – Darnell Washington
4.132 – OLB – Nick Herbig
7.241 – CB – Cory Trice
7.251 – G – Spencer Anderson
The Steelers knocked this one out of the park, in my opinion. Broderick Jones is a monster who will help in the pass and run game. I predicted the Steelers drafting Joey Porter in my mock draft but in the first round. Getting him in the second makes their grade better. Benton will do great on the defensive line, and Darnell Washington fits a Pittsburgh Steelers tight end to a T. They win their division and maybe the NFL for the 2023 NFL draft grades.
Grade: A+
AFC South 2023 NFL Draft Grades
Houston Texans
1.2 – QB – C.J. Stroud
1.3 – OLB – Will Anderson
2.62 – C – Juice Scruggs
3.69 – WR – Nathaniel Dell
4.109 – DE – Dylan Horton
5.167 – ILB – Henry To’oTo’o
6.201 – C – Jarrett Patterson
6.205 – WR – Xavier Hutchinson
7.248 – S – Brandon Hill
The Texans got who I think was the top quarterback in this draft. Right after that, they traded up to the very next pick and took who I think was the top player in this draft. They landed a playmaker on both sides of the ball by picking at two and three. I was surprised they didn’t grab a receiver until the third round. However, getting Dell and Hutchinson are great additions. I also really like the addition of Henry To’oTo’o. They win their division and maybe the NFL for the 2023 NFL draft grades.
Grade: A+
Indianapolis Colts
1.4 – QB – Anthony Richardson
2.44 – CB – Julius Brents
3.79 – WR – Josh Downs
4.106 – OT – Blake Freeland
4.110 – DE – Adetomiwa Adebawore
5.138 – CB – Darius Rush
5.158 – S – Daniel Scott
5.162 – TE – Will Mallory
5.176 – RB – Evan Hull
6.211 – ILB – Titus Leo
7.221 – CB – Jaylon Jones
7.236 – OT – Jake Witt
I think Anthony Richardson will be a good player in the NFL. The main problem is I don’t think he’s ready to start now, and it’s hard to grade a pick high, especially the fourth pick of the draft when the player won’t make an impact this year. They also picked him as a weapon in Josh Downs in the third round. The focus on the defense was good.
Grade: B-
Jacksonville Jaguars
1.27 – OT – Anton Harrison
2.61 – TE – Brenton Strange
3.88 – RB – Tank Bigsby
4.121 – ILB – Ventrell Miller
4.130 – DE – Tyler Lacy
5.136 – OLB – Yasir Abdullah
5.160 – S – Antonio Johnson
6.185 – WR – Parker Washington
6.202 – CB – Christian Braswell
6.208 – S – Erick Hallett II
7.226 – G – Cooper Hodges
7.227 – DT – Raymond Vohasek
7.240 – FB – Derek Parish
Harrison was a great pick. I had the Jags taking Brenton Strange in my mock draft, so naturally, I really like the selection. As much as fantasy managers will not like the Tank Bigsby pick, it’s excellent for the Jacksonville Jaguars. I would have liked to see them focus on wide receiver earlier on, but Parker Washington looked great with Sean Clifford throwing to him. He may become amazing with Trevor Lawrence throwing to him.
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans
1.11 – OT – Peter Skoronski
2.33 – QB – Will Levis
3.81 – RB – Tyjae Spears
5.147 – TE – Josh Whyle
6.186 – OT – Jaelyn Duncan
7.228 – WR – Colton Dowell
My mock had the Titans taking Peter Skoronski. They didn’t let me down by selecting him in the first round. Levis fell to many people’s surprise. While I expected him to get drafted earlier, I don’t necessarily think he should have. They had Hendon Hooker sitting there to stay in Tennessee and took Levis. Spears will be a great backup plan for Derrick Henry.
Grade: B-
NFC East 2023 NFL Draft Grades
Dallas Cowboys
1.26 – DT – Mazi Smith
2.58 – TE – Luke Schoonmaker
3.90 – ILB – DeMarvion Overshown
4.129 – DE – Viliami Fehoko
5.169 – OT – Asim Richards
6.178 – CB – Eric Scott Jr.
6.212 – RB – Deuce Vaughn
7.244 – WR – Jalen Brooks
Mazi Smith was one of the strongest players in the draft, and even though 26 may have been a little high, the Cowboys filled a need. I felt taking Schoonmaker at the 58th pick was a big reach. The Cowboys rebounded some by taking Overshown and Fehoko. The Cowboys needed some running back help, but I don’t know if 5-5 Deuce was the right one for them.
Grade: C-
New York Giants
1.24 – CB – Deonte Banks
2.57 – C – John Michael Schmitz
3.73 – WR – Jalin Hyatt
5.172 – RB – Eric Gray
6.209 – CB – Tre Hawkins
7.243 – DT – Jordan Railey
7.254 – S – Gervarrius Owens
I thought the Giants were going to go receiver with their first pick. Instead, they took Banks, who I think is an excellent cornerback who will be a Day 1 starter. Then, they took center John Michael Schmitz, which was an interesting selection, in my opinion. However, grabbing Jalin Hyatt in the third was an absolute steal. It was my favorite pick of theirs. Gray will provide a little insurance if Barkley has an injury or moves on after this year.
Grade: B
Philadelphia Eagles
1.9 – DT – Jalen Carter
1.30 – OLB – Nolan Smith
3.65 – OT – Tyler Steen
3.66 – S – Sydney Brown
4.105 – CB – Kelee Ringo
6.188 – QB – Tanner McKee
7.249 – DE – Moro Ojomo
The Eagles traded up one spot to get Jalen Carter. 21 picks later, they took another Georgia Bulldog in Nolan Smith. I thought this defense might take a step back. I no longer think that, thanks to this draft. Brown, Ringo, and Ojomo are all good picks as well. I thought Tyler Steen was a little bit of a reach. McKee is good depth. They win their division for the 2023 NFL draft grades.
Grade: B+
Washington Commanders
1.16 – CB – Emmanuel Forbes
2.47 – S – Jartavius Martin
3.97 – C – Ricky Stromberg
4.118 – G – Braeden Daniels
5.137 – DE – K.J. Henry
6.193 – RB – Chris Rodriguez Jr.
7.233 – OLB – Andrew Jones
I think the Commanders did a good job taking positions of need. However, I’m not sure I’m sold on the players they took. Forbes at pick 16 seemed like a bit of a reach. I feel the same way about Jartavius Martin. Don’t get me wrong, they got good players, and it filled their needs. However, I think they reached for the players they got.
Grade: C-
NFC West 2023 NFL Draft Grades
Arizona Cardinals
1.6 – OT – Paris Johnson Jr.
2.41 – OLB – BJ Ojulari
3.72 – CB – Garrett Williams
3.94 – WR – Michael Wilson
4.122 – G – Jon Gaines
5.139 – QB – Clayton Tune
5.168 – ILB – Owen Pappoe
6.180 – CB – Kei’Trel Clark
6.213 – DT – Dante Stills
The Cardinals traded from pick three to pick six. With pick six, they took Paris Johnson Jr. The pick is great, but it surprised me that they took an offensive tackle. With their second pick, they took BJ Ojulari, which I feel was a great selection for them. Garrett Williams fell in the draft due to his injury, but he could be excellent when healthy. Michael Wilson has also had some injury issues, but when healthy is very good.
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Rams
2.36 – G – Esteban Avila
3.77 – DE – Byron Young
3.89 – DT – Kobie Turner
4.128 – QB – Stetson Bennett
5.161 – OLB – Nick Hampton
5.174 – OT – Warren McClendon
5.175 – TE – Davis Allen
5.175 – WR – Puka Nacua
6.182 – CB – Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson
6.189 – DE – Ochaun Mathis
6.215 – RB – Zach Evans
7.223 – P – Ethan Evans
7.234 – S – Jason Taylor II
7.259 – DE – Desjuan Johnson
I feel the Rams did an interesting job of making a good selection and then reaching. Avila was a good grab for the interior offensive line. Byron Young is a project and a reach at 77. Turner was another solid choice, and Stetson Bennett in the fourth was surprising. McClendon at 174 also seemed like a reach. Nacua was a reach. I could go on, but I won’t. This was probably the biggest headscratcher in the draft.
Grade: D+
San Francisco 49ers
3.87 – S – Ji’Ayir Brown
3.99 – K – Jake Moody
3.101 – TE – Cameron Latu
5.155 – CB – Darrell Luter
5.173 – DE – Robert Beal Jr.
6.216 – ILB – Dee Winters
7.247 – TE – Brayden Willis
7.253 – WR – Ronnie Bell
7.255 – OLB – Jalen Graham
The 49ers also had an interesting draft. Ji’Ayir Brown was a good selection and will help out the defense. Also, taking a kicker at 99 was interesting. However, I understand they needed a kicker and had limited picks until the late rounds. Cameron Latu also seemed like a reach. However, I do like the Dee Winters and the Darrell Luter picks.
Grade: C
Seattle Seahawks
1.5 – CB – Devon Witherspoon
1.20 – WR – Jaxon Smith-Njigba
2.37 – OLB – Derick Hall
2.52 – RB – Zach Charbonnet
4.108 – G Anthony Bradford
4.123 – DT – Cameron Young
5.151 – DE – Mike Morris
5.154 – C – Olusegun Oluwatimi
6.198 – S – Jerrick Reed II
7.237 – RB – Kenny McIntosh
The Seahawks took my second-ranked cornerback with the number one pick. While I think he’s good, it seemed too early. The JSN pick was great and will make one of the best wide-receiving trios in league with Metcalf, Lockett, and now JSN. Taking two running backs was interesting with how good Kareem Walker looked, but you can never have too many. I think they also did a good job shoring up their interior offensive line. They win their division for the 2023 NFL draft grades.
Grade: B
NFC North 2023 NFL Draft Grades
Chicago Bears
1.10 – OT – Darnell Wright
2.53 – DT – Gervon Dexter
2.56 – CB – Tyrique Stevenson
3.64 – DT – Zacch Pickens
4.115 – RB – Roschon Johnson
4.133 – WR – Tyler Scott
5.148 – ILB – Noah Sewell
5.165 – CB – Terell Smith
7.218 – DT – Travis Bell
7.258 – CB – Kendall Williamson
The Bears definitely had an interesting draft. It seems as if they went after several players who are more of project players. Darnell Wright seemed like a reach. He has much experience, but I don’t think he was a top 10 pick. Dexter and Pickens seemed like a reach as well. Three defensive tackles and three cornerbacks. While they needed help there, it seemed like maybe there were some other positions they could have looked at.
Grade: C-
Detroit Lions
1.12 – RB – Jahmyr Gibbs
1.18 – ILB – Jack Campbell
2.34 – TE – Sam Laporta
2.45 – S – Brian Branch
3.68 – QB – Hendon Hooker
3.96 – DT – Brodric Martin
5.152 – OT – Colby Sorsdal
7.219 – WR – Antoine Green
The Lions Day 1 could be summed up by saying they took good players but earlier than they should have gone. However, on Day 2, the Lions cleaned up. Laporta will step in where Hockenson left. Branch was great value, and Hendon Hooker will likely be the face of their franchise after Goff is gone. I still have to fault them for those reaches in Round 1. They won their division in the 2023 NFL draft grades.
Grade: B-
Green Bay Packers
1.13 – DE – Lukas Van Ness
2.42 – TE – Luke Musgrave
2.50 – WR – Jayden Reed
3.78 – TE – Tucker Kraft
4.116 – DT – Colby Wooden
5.149 – QB – Sean Clifford
5.159 – WR – Donayvion Wicks
6.179 – DE – Karl Brooks
6.207 – K – Anders Carlson
7.232 – CB – Carrington Valentine
7.235 – RB – Lew Nichols
7.242 – S – Anthony Johnson Jr.
7.256 – WR – Grant DuBose
The Packers’ first selection was an excellent one in Lukas Van Ness. He’ll immediately elevate their defense. Day 2 was a bit of a headscratcher as they took two tight ends and reached on a wide receiver. I like the players. I don’t know if I like that they added two tight ends. Sean Clifford likely shouldn’t have been drafted, let alone in the fifth round.
Grade: C
Minnesota Vikings
1.23 – WR – Jordan Addison
3.102 – CB – Mekhi Blackmon
4.134 – S – Jay Ward
5.141 – DT – Jaquelin Roy
5.164 – QB – Jaren Hall
7.122 – RB – DeWayne McBride
I love the selection of Jordan Addison, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride. I even like Jaquelin Roy. However, Mekhi Blackmon and Jay Ward really felt like a reach. I didn’t think they’d go that early, and it seemed like there were better players on the board that fit their needs better.
Grade: C
NFC South 2023 NFL Draft Grades
Atlanta Falcons
1.8 – RB – Bijan Robinson
2.38 – G – Matthew Bergeron
3.75 – DE – Zach Harrison
4.113 – CB – Clark Phillips III
7.224 – S – DeMarcco Hellams
7.225 – G – Jovaughn Gwyn
I honestly didn’t think the Falcons needed a running back, given they already had two young running backs. However, passing on a player like Bijan Robinson is tough. Did it throw their draft too much, though? They took two guards, though I don’t think it was a huge need. I like Clark Phillips’s selection, especially since I mocked him going to the Falcons.
Grade: B-
Carolina Panthers
1.01 – QB – Bryce Young
2.39 – WR – Jonathan Mingo
3.80 – OLB – DJ Johnson
4.114 – G – Chandler Zavala
5.145 – S – Jammie Robinson
I thought it should have been Stroud. However, I won’t grade them based on my personal thought that Young isn’t going to be a franchise quarterback. They got their guy. I like them picking Mingo to help him, especially since I mocked him to them later in the draft. I think Jammie Robinson at 145 was a steal.
Grade: B
New Orleans Saints
1.29 – DT – Bryan Bresee
2.40 – DE – Isaiah Foskey
3.71 – RB – Kendre Miller
4.103 – OT – Nick Saldiveri
4.127 – QB – Jake Haener
5.146 – S – Jordan Howden
6.195 – WR – A.T. Perry
The Saints filled a lot of different needs in their draft. Breesee was first-round value, and they got him at the very end. I think Miller fits their scheme well, and Jake Haener could learn behind Carr and become the next starter. They win their division in the 2023 NFL draft grades.
Grade: B+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1.19 – DT – Calijah Kancey
2.48 – OT – Cody Mauch
3.82 – DE – Yaya Diaby
5.153 – ILB – SirVocea Dennis
5.171 – TE – Payne Durham
6.181 – CB – Josh Hayes
6.191 – WR – Trey Palmer
6.196 – OLB – Jose Ramirez
The Bucs’ first two picks were excellent, with Calijah Kancey and Cocy Mauch. After that, I felt like they reached too much on their picks. It takes more than just the first two picks to win the draft.
Grade: C
