It’s time for that annual labor of love – or maybe indulgence, or maybe simply a fool's errand given the nature of our instant gratification culture. Nevertheless, I’m breaking out that digital red pen − at least three years before it’s remotely fair to evaluate any of the players taken in the 2026 NFL Draft or the teams that picked them − and issuing post-draft report cards, which aren’t even informed by progress reports, because I know you want and demand them. Furthermore, all 32 are (prematurely) ranked for your added enjoyment.
One note about the methodology: As I grade each team, the goal is to pull back for a bigger-picture look at its performance holistically rather than judging from a narrow perspective that doesn't include trades and other considerations that more accurately frame its draft decisions.
With that in mind, here are your ridiculously hasty 2026 NFL draft grades, the individual classes ranked best to worst:
1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaThe first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.See how picks 1 through 32 came off the clock as the next generation of NFL talent enters the league.
Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns) − CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Washington Commanders − LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
New Orleans Saints − WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Cleveland Browns (from Chiefs) − OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals) − OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Dallas Cowboys (from Dolphins) − S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Miami Dolphins (from Cowboys) − OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) − QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Tampa Bay Buccaneers − DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) − TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Philadelphia Eagles (from Green Bay Packers via Cowboys) − WR Makai Lemon, USC
Pittsburgh Steelers − OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Los Angeles Chargers − DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Cowboys (from Eagles) − DE Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida
Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) − WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Dolphins (from 49ers) − CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State