Re-Grading Every Team's 2025 NFL Draft Class After Rookie Seasons

As former Atlanta Falcons head coach Jerry Glanville once said, "This is the NFL, which stands for not for long." The league is even less patient today than it was 35 years ago. Everything is expedited, including how everyone viewed rookie development.

These days, it's not uncommon to see a head coach fired after only one season. Part and parcel, high-round draft picks aren't given numerous years to prove themselves before an organization decides to go in another direction. The NFL has become a win-now league, because the stakes are too high.

Sometimes, this approach backfires. Case in point, Sam Darnold is now a Super Bowl-winning quarterback after being the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft before bouncing between four teams and then finding a home with the Seattle Seahawks.

The 28-year-old is a silver lining to a dark cloud of disquietude found around the rest of the league.

The general rule of thumb to wait a few years before evaluating a draft class should be thrown out the window. Teams need young players (and their accompanying cheaper contracts) to produce now instead of waiting three or four years down the road, which changes the entire perception of how successful a team is at drafting.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Cornerback Will Johnson

Grade: D+

Injuries marred any progress the Arizona Cardinals could make with last year's rookie class, particularly among their top two investments.

First-round defensive tackle Walter Nolen played in only six games due to calf and knee injuries. Cornerback Will Johnson looked like the same first-round talent he was on tape at Michigan, but injuries once again played a part in limiting his value. Johnson fell into the second round due to a knee issue. His rookie season ended because of a knee issue.

From there, fellow defensive lineman Jordan Burch played in all 17 games but didn't provide much of an impact. Linebacker Cody Simon and cornerback Denzel Burke, who were Day 3 selections, both received extensive looks as part of the Cardinals' defense. Simon finished fourth on the team with 76 total tackles. Burke, meanwhile, had significant struggles in coverage and run support.

In the end, this class didn't show enough promise to build a foundation worth keeping the previous coaching staff in place.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Safety Xavier Watts

Grade: B

What happens with James Pearce Jr. will ultimately define how the Atlanta Falcons' 2025 class will forever be defined.

On the field, Pearce was one of the NFL's best first-year pass-rushers. He led all rookies with 10.5 sacks and finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The Falcons needed a pass rush and got one with Pearce and fellow first-round pick Jalon Walker.

According to an Associated Press report, Pearce was arrested earlier this month and now faces felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon as well as aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police. The case is ongoing, and Pearce has not been convicted of any crime.

As a player, his future is up in the air. Not only did Atlanta decide to take a chance on the edge-rusher's potential, but the team also traded away this year's first-round selection to the Los Angeles Rams so it could select him.

What happens next could create massive ripple effects throughout the Falcons organization.

One risky investment currently overshadows an otherwise outstanding group, starting with Walker and ending with safety Xavier Watts, who finished fourth in the previously mentioned voting.

Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Safety Malaki Starks

Grade: B

The Baltimore Ravens have consistently been one of the NFL's best drafting franchises since the team moved from Cleveland and initially selected Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis in the first round of the 1996 class.

Obviously, not every pick hits, but the Ravens' track record shows an organization capable of identifying talent and proper development. This past year was no different, albeit the group doesn't reach the highest standard the franchise has previously achieved.

First-round safety Malaki Starks slid in comfortably alongside All-Pro defensive back Kyle Hamilton and improved throughout his first campaign. To be clear, the Ravens defense didn't dramatically improve when the team acquired Alohi Gilman to join the defensive backfield. Still, Starks definitely wasn't a liability and allows for even more flexibility within the scheme.

Interestingly, a strong argument can be made in fourth-round linebacker Teddye Buchanan's favor as Baltimore's best selection last year. Buchanan amassed 93 tackles and was named to the 2025 All-Rookie Team.

Throw kicker Tyler Loop (excluding his critical postseason miss) and returner LaJohntay Wester into the mix and the Ravens found some legit pieces once again.

Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Defensive lineman Deone Walker

Grade: C-

The Buffalo Bills were looking for talent to push the team over the top, and the front office failed to deliver.

First-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston opened the season on injured reserve thanks to an LCL sprain and ended it out of the lineup due to an ankle issue. Second-round defensive tackle T.J. Sanders struggled mightily against the run. Third-round defensive end Landon Jackson barely played.

The Bills didn't really find much quality until the fourth and fifth rounds upon selecting defensive tackle Deone Walker and tight end Jackson Hawes. Even then, those picks are limited. Walker looked more like the preseason first-round projection than where he was actually drafted, but he was still inconsistent. Hawes is an awesome blocking tight end but not much of a weapon in the passing game.

A look at this class and it makes a person wonder why the Bills retained general manager Brandon Beane instead of previous head coach Sean McDermott.

Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan

Grade: A

Anytime a draft class features the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, something definitely went right.

The Carolina Panthers chose wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eight overall pick in last year's class. He was the only rookie to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. His seven touchdown catches also led all first-year players.

"TMac, he was him," quarterback Bryce Young said of his top target. "He was, he's exactly who he's been. He was elite; he's a special player."

Nic Scourton's five sacks tied for the team lead and ranked third among all rookies. Fellow edge-defender Princely Umanmielen appeared in every game. Fourth-round safety Lathan Ransom started multiple games. Fifth-round tight end Mitchell Evans even contributed a pair of touchdown grabs.

While this particular class may be top-heavy, the Panthers definitely hit big by getting a true WR1.

Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Tight end Colston Loveland

Grade: A

The Chicago Bears finally experienced a significant turnaround, with their latest rookie class playing a large part. Obviously, Caleb Williams' development in his second year under the current tutelage of Ben Johnson was the biggest factor. Still, let's not overlook how Chicago's draft investments went a long way toward helping the Bears win their first NFC North title since the 2018 campaign.

First-round tight end Colston Loveland started slowly after requiring offseason shoulder surgery. By the end of the regular season, Loveland turned into one of the game's most dangerous offensive weapons. Last year's 10th overall pick led the Bears in receptions, receiving yardage and touchdown catches.

Second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III was also used more effectively as the season progressed. His ability to create after the catch added yet another dynamic threat to Johnson's scheme. Once December began, Burden provided the Bears with 390 receiving yards.

Third-round offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo emerged as the team's starting left tackle.

Lastly, seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai finished fifth among rookies and 24th overall in rushing yardage despite being Chicago's clear RB2 behind D'Andre Swift.

Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Linebacker Demetrius Knight

Grade: C

The Cincinnati Bengals knew they had to fix their defense going into the 2025 NFL draft. They didn't. However, they did find at least two pieces to help jumpstart the rebuild on that side of the ball.

First-round defensive end Shemar Stewart was not one of those pieces. After an extended old-school contractual holdout, Stewart fell behind and never quite recovered. Injuries made matters worse. Ultimately, last year's 17th overall pick played in eight games and managed only one sack.

Conversely, second- and fourth-round linebackers, Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter, displaced veterans in the lineup and managed 106 total tackles apiece. They have a chance to grow into a pair of long-term starters.

Third-round guard Dylan Fairchild proved to be wildly inconsistent, but he flashed enough to think he could be a long-term solution along the interior. Fellow rookie blocker Jalen Rivers also experienced significant ups and downs, but he may be the roster's ideal swing lineman of the future.

This group wasn't particularly good, but it does have a chance to get much better.

Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/David Richard

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger

Grade: A-

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry nearly hit a grand slam with his 2025 NFL draft class. Instead, the ball caught the top of the wall and came back into play.

The mixed sports metaphor serves as an attempt to give the Browns credit for an outstanding group of rookies, while admitting they fell just short of the goal.

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Quinshon Judkins led all rookies in rushing yardage prior to suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 16. First-round defensive tackle Mason Graham proved to be a disruptive force alongside Myles Garrett. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as a legitimate weapon within the offense.

However, the quarterback situation remains unsolved, which was the biggest question Cleveland had entering the draft. Shedeur Sanders did make the Pro Bowl (as an alternate) and Dillon Gabriel started multiple games. If Sanders emerges as a bona fide starter, Berry will have officially hit it out of the park. But the team could still go in a completely different direction at the game's most important position.

Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Guard Tyler Booker

Grade: B

The Dallas Cowboys always draft well when they're sensible instead of veering toward a glitzier, more high-profile option.

Case in point, the Cowboys could have drafted wide receiver Emeka Egbuka or even tight end Tyler Warren to provide Dak Prescott with another offensive weapon. Instead, the organization chose guard Tyler Booker with the 17th overall pick.

Booker has the makings of a long-term tone-setter for the Cowboys' offensive line. Dallas is always more successful when it can lean on a talented front five.

At the time of Donovan Ezeiruaku's selection, no one knew Micah Parsons would never play another down for the Cowboys. Even without Parsons playing opposite, the rookie had a strong season creating pressure overall and should take on a bigger role in Year 2.

Third-round cornerback Shavon Revel was consistently targeted by opposing quarterbacks. Fifth-round linebacker Shemar James has the potential to be a future starter.

All in all, the Cowboys could have done more, but they got plenty from their first two picks.

Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Bart Young

Running back RJ Harvey

Grade: C+

The Denver Broncos drafting strategy had a tinge of "We're smarter than you, and we'll show you" to it, particularly with how the team stacked its draft class.

No one questioned Jahdae Barron's ability coming out of Texas. The question was whether his first professional squad had a proper plan to fully utilize his varied skill set. The Broncos coaching staff chose to bring him along slowly and never weaponized his on-field functionality. He played more than 25 snaps in only three games.

Running back RJ Harvey was a nice player coming out of UCF but was generally viewed as a Day 3 talent, not a second-round selection. Even so, he was a good fit in the system, particularly as a checkdown option in the passing game.

A similar conversation can be had about third-round wide receiver Pat Bryant, who has a little Marques Colston to his game. Bryant started slowly but really became part of the offense by mid-November.

On special teams, rookie Jeremy Crawshaw finished among the league's top three punters in both fair catches forced and punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Guard Tate Ratledge

Grade: B-

It's difficult to be enthusiastic about anything the Detroit Lions did this past year considering the squad's significant downturn from posting the NFL's best regular-season record to not making the postseason the next season.

Even so, the Lions did add a few intriguing pieces from the 2025 class.

First-round defensive tackle Tyleik Williams provided some juice as an interior pass-rusher, but he needs to be more consistent at the point of attack as a run defender.

Offensive lineman Tate Ratledge became the real find. The second-rounder started every game at right guard and showed a strong upward trajectory as the season progressed. His physical presence next to Penei Sewell can give Detroit a dominant right side for years to come.

Wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa was a surprise, not only as a Day 2 selection but also as a weapon that Detroit loved to target downfield or in the red zone. Six of TeSlaa's 16 rookie receptions resulted in a score.

The team's Day 3 provided almost nothing, but the first three picks were relatively strong on what had been a loaded roster.

Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Wide receiver Matthew Golden

Grade: D

If first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden didn't show up like he did in the Green Bay Packers' postseason appearance against the Chicago Bears, this grade may have been an outright 'F.'

Golden was meant to give the Packers a more consistent threat in the passing game. Davante Adams provided the franchise's last 1,000-yard campaign in 2021. Green Bay has featured multiple young receivers capable of producing in recent years, yet individuals failed to shine on a week-to-week basis. Golden suffered from the same issue. Still, he played well in the team's biggest game.

Second-round offensive lineman Anthony Belton was given every opportunity to secure a spot along the front five and failed at three different positions. Maybe he sticks at right guard long term.

Third-round wide receiver Savion Williams basically served as a gadget player.

Day 3 defenders Barryn Sorrell and Warren Brinson contributed quite a bit. Both could see their roles grow in Year 2. Right now, they're pieces that could fit but need more time.

Houston Texans

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

Wide receiver Jayden Higgins

Grade: B+

The Houston Texans didn't make a first-round pick in the 2025 draft. It didn't matter. The team still did an excellent job picking up contributors with four of its first five selections.

Houston moved out of the opening frame so the New York Giants could jump up and select quarterback Jaxson Dart. After moving back, the Texans still landed wide receiver Jayden Higgins with the 34th overall pick. Higgins gave Houston another massive target opposite Nico Collins and tied for the team lead with six touchdown grabs.

Fourteen picks later, the Texans grabbed Minnesota offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery, who looks like their long-term answer at left tackle.

The team then doubled-up at wide receiver by bringing in Higgins' collegiate teammate, Jaylin Noel. Noel managed 26 receptions and served as the squad's primary returner.

Due to injuries at running back, fourth-round rookie Woody Marks ended up as the team's top option. Marks led the way with 703 rushing yards and contributed five total touchdowns.

The Texans are ascending, and their recent first-year players are helping propel the team's status.

Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Tight end Tyler Warren

Grade: C+

The Indianapolis Colts got exactly what they wanted when they drafted Tyler Warren with last year's 14th overall pick. The team desperately needed a weapon at tight end and got one. Warren led all rookies with 76 receptions and went to his first Pro Bowl.

Beyond Warren, the Colts' rookie class failed to deliver. Outside of offensive tackle Jalen Travis showing some promise as a future starter late in the campaign, the rest of the group provided next-to-nothing.

Indianapolis desperately needed more punch from its pass-rush, which second-round defensive end JT Tuimoloau failed to provide. Third-round cornerback Justin Walley was earmarked for a starting slot but suffered a torn ACL in training camp. Fifth-round running back DJ Giddens garnered only 26 carries. Riley Leonard started one game at quarterback once the Colts were out of playoff contention and Philip Rivers called it quits (again). Defensive tackle Tim Smith spent the season on the practice squad, while safety Hunter Wohler also dealt with a major injury from training camp.

Warren was great, which makes this group passable.

Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Travis Hunter

Grade: D+

The Jacksonville Jaguars took a huge swing and whiffed, yet somehow ended up in a better position. Yes, the previous sentence is counterintuitive, but that's how the season played out in Duval.

Jacksonville brass felt like Travis Hunter was the class' best player in the draft and a truly unique talent, hence why the Jaguars acquired the second overall pick from the Cleveland Browns to select him.

It was a risky move giving up a second-round selection and a future first-rounder. In hindsight, the Jaguars didn't get anywhere near the return they expected when Hunter's rookie season ended by mid-November thanks to knee surgery.

The rest of the group didn't emerge as difference-makers or even major contributors. But the Jaguars did utilize running backs Bhaysul Tuten and LeQuint Allen as well as offensive linemen Wyatt Milum and Jonah Monheim. All the while, Jacksonville played as well as any team entering the most recent postseason.

Hunter's injury certainly complicated matters. Even so, Jacksonville is better off today than it was at the same point last year.

Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Left tackle Josh Simmons

Grade: B

The cracks finally started to show for the Kansas City Chiefs after a near-decade-long streak of dominance.

Andy Reid's team didn't win the AFC West for the first time since 2015. Kansas City failed to reach the postseason for the first time since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback.

These issues don't necessarily reflect on the rookie class, though the group could have done more.

Josh Simmons has all the makings of a 10-year starter at left tackle. He suffered through his share of mistakes but generally looked like he belonged. However, he missed multiple games in the middle of the season due to personal reasons and his rookie campaign ended due to a wrist injury.

Day 2 defenders, Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte, both played. Norman-Lott suffered a torn ACL, though. Gillotte wasn't particularly explosive as an edge-rusher.

Third-round cornerback Nohl Williams is the rookie who demanded he be on the field through his play. Williams was a starter by the end of his first season and thrived in coverage. He's the class' potential gem on a team known for developing mid-to-late-round defensive backs.

Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Running back Ashton Jeanty

Grade: C

The Las Vegas Raiders' most recent rookie class was set up to fail. Actually, it's worse than that. They weren't even placed in a position to really contribute. It's a credit to those first-year players that they accomplished anything of note.

First, Ashton Jeanty's talent warranted a top-10 selection. In the Raiders' case, they didn't have the foundation in place for a running back to make an impact. Too often, defenders were in the backfield hitting Jeanty before he could even get started. Awful offensive line play ruined any chance of last year's sixth pick to truly flourish. Despite all of these issues, the Boise State product still led all rookies with 975 yards.

Second-round cornerback Darien Porter emerged as a starter by the end of the season, which gives him an inside track to do the same in 2026. He has the size and athletic profile to thrive with Rob Leonard taking over as the Raiders' defensive coordinator.

Aside from Caleb Rogers possibly earning a starting spot late in 2025, there's really nothing else to say about a Raiders' rookies since the team went all in with the NFL's oldest coach and veteran additions only to fail spectacularly.

Los Angeles Chargers

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Tight end Oronde Gadsden II

Grade: B

The Los Angeles Chargers season was derailed by an injury-plagued offensive line. It offset nearly everything during a campaign where the organization had legitimate aspirations to compete at the highest level.

An immediate argument emerges that the Chargers should have invested in their offensive line. They did. The organization can't expect both of their starting offensive tackles to suffer season-ending injuries and guard Mekhi Becton to be dinged as well.

Instead, Los Angeles invested in other areas and those rookies performed well.

First-round running back Omarion Hampton ran for 545 yards in nine appearances. Second-rounder Tre Harris caught 30 passes among a crowded group of wide receivers. Third-round defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell did exactly what he needed to do as a load against the run. Fifth-round tight end Oronde Gadsden II emerged as a legitimate threat in the passing game with 49 receptions.

The Chargers fielded a rock-solid cast of first-year performers only to have the team let down by a specific position group.

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/John Froschauer

Tight end Terrance Ferguson

Grade: D

After selecting the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse followed by fellow defensive lineman Braden Fiske, the Los Angeles Rams had a high bar to clear. They didn't.

General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay continued to look for an athletic tight end to open up the offense. The Rams finally settled on Terrance Ferguson after trading out of last year's first round. The coaching staff never really found a way to fully incorporate Ferguson into the offense. He had only three games with two or more receptions.

In round three, the team added edge-defender Josiah Stewart, who provided rotational depth along the defensive front.

The Rams have been exceptional at finding quality contributors from the draft's second and third days during Snead's tenure. Some of last year's picks have plenty of potential but they all need to see the field more in 2026.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Defensive tackle Kenneth Grant

Grade: F

The best way to describe the Miami Dolphins 2025 draft class is as follows: The group has the potential to be good. It wasn't last season.

Kenneth Grant's selection with the 13th overall pick was based purely on need. He didn't have enough upside as a nose tackle to warrant the choice, not with poor technique and limited effectiveness as an interior pass-rusher.

Unsurprisingly, Grant struggled in Year 1, though he deserves credit for improving as the season progressed.

Second-round guard Jonah Savaiinaea was easily one of the NFL's worst pass-blockers in 2025. The hope remains that he naturally improves.

Jordan Phillips' skill set is almost redundant after Grant's selection. Maybe the two can form a long-term tandem for Miami's defensive front.

Day 3 defensive backs Jason Marshall Jr. and Dante Trader Jr. were thrown into the mix and got burnt by the baptism of fire. Sixth-round running back Ollie Gordon II averaged 2.9 yards per carry. Seventh-round quarterback Quinn Ewers started three games after previous head coach Mike McDaniel benched Tua Tagovailoa. Ewers proved the Dolphins need a new quarterback.

Everything went wrong in Miami. The rookie class serves as a microcosm to the entire organizational failure.

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Guard Donovan Jackson

Grade: D-

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is no longer the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings. Multiple reasons exist for his dismissal, but his record of drafting certainly played its part.

Aside from Sam Darnold's success with the Seattle Seahawks after letting the quarterback walk in free agency, the 2025 NFL draft class didn't help matters.

Minnesota only had five draft picks, with three of them in the fifth round or later. A potential impact from that type of class should be minimal anyway. First-round guard Donovan Jackson will almost certainly be a long-term starter. From there, the Vikings may not get much out of last year's rookies.

Third-round wide receiver Tai Felton entered a crowded wide receiver room and caught three passes in 17 games. That's a difficult outcome since the Tennessee Titans chose Chimere Dike with the very next pick.

Defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins can be a rotational piece, but that's it. Fellow sixth-rounders Kobe King (released) and Gavin Bartholomew (back injury) did little of note.

New England Patriots

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Left tackle Will Campbell

Grade: A-

Super Bowl LX may have tainted this draft class ever so slightly, but the team wouldn't have even reached that point without strong contributions from its rookies.

Too many played the blame game after Will Campbell's struggles during the postseason. At the same time, he helped anchor a unit that finished second overall in scoring offense. Does he have some limitations compared to more traditionally built left tackles? Yes. However, improved technique and consistency will go a long way for last year's fourth overall pick to bounce back and no longer be at the forefront of conversations.

Second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson quickly turned into one of the NFL's best big-play running threats thanks to his impressive burst.

From the third round, wide receiver Kyle Williams had his moments, with three touchdown receptions. Jared Wilson became a Week 1 starter at left guard alongside Campbell. That duo should only get better the longer they play together.

Fourth-round safety Craig Woodson became critical to the Patriots' defensive success. The rookie filled the stat sheet with 79 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three defensed passes and two fumble recoveries.

No one should forget about kicker Andrés Borregales, who made all four of his regular-season attempts of 50 or more yards.

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Quarterback Tyler Shough

Grade: A

Tyler Shough's rise as the 2025 campaign's best rookie quarterback, thus giving the New Orleans Saints an answer at the game's most important position, is more than enough to warrant an A grade on its own.

"Tyler's done an awesome job through this entire process," head coach Kellen Moore told reporters in January. "He's gotten a ton better. He's taken advantage of a bunch of opportunities. We're excited to have a full offseason to build."

With the biggest area of concern addressed, the rest of the class basically serves as icing on the cake.

Despite the Saints using last year's ninth overall pick to rectify two previous first-round offensive tackle selections, Kelvin Banks Jr. looked right at home as New Orleans' blindside protector.

Third-round safety Jonas Sanker became a starter in Week 2 and never relinquished the position. Fourth-round cornerback Quincy Riley also started multiple games.

The class wasn't perfect, but it hit all the right notes after the Saints entered the 2025 campaign with little-to-no expectations.

New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Quarterback Jaxson Dart

Grade: B+

At one point during the 2025 campaign, the New York Giants were riding high with the NFL's best rookie class. Then, injuries hit hard.

The Giants were one of the most fun teams to watch with Jaxson Dart behind center and Cam Skattebo doing his best impression of the Juggernaut. Skattebo didn't make it to November before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Dart, meanwhile, suffered a concussion. Considering New York's reliance on the quarterback's running prowess, the team played it safe before allowing him to play again.

When healthy, the Giants featured an exciting young backfield. As Year 2 approaches, both Dart and Skattebo must be more cognizant of the risks they take.

Amazingly, Abdul Carter wasn't even mentioned until now. Last year's third overall draft pick generated more pressure than any other rookie, though he managed only four sacks. Carter will be a problem for years to come.

Offensive and defensive linemen Marcus Mbow and Darius Alexander present starting potential as well.

New York Jets

AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes

Right tackle Armand Membou

Grade: B+

The New York Jets' season went as poorly as it possibly could. Even so, not everything went wrong. The team has some promising young players to start an earnest rebuild, especially if the organization finds a competent quarterback.

Offensive tackle is a specific position to identity, especially after Armand Membou looked good during his first season opposite Olu Fashanu. Membou hasn't even turned 22. His physical approach and remaining upside could eventually turn him into the game's best right tackle.

Second-round tight end Mason Taylor led the Jets with 44 receptions. Like Membou, he's only 21 with significant growth potential. Taylor can easily be the security blanket for whomever takes over at quarterback.

Cornerback Azareye'h Thomas is also 21 years old. He started five games before a shoulder injury ended his season. Safety Malachi Moore, an old hand at 24, became a starter in Week 5 through the rest of the season. Fifth-round linebacker Francis Mauigao could assume a starting role if Quincy Williams leaves in free agency.

The Jets have a steep hill to climb, but a few building blocks are in place to begin the trek.

Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell

Grade: C+

The Philadelphia Eagles' latest draft class should be viewed as top-heavy, because their first- and second-round selections already showed out in their first season.

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell was one of the NFL's best rookie defenders. Interestingly, the Eagles coaching staff didn't fully utilize Campbell's skill set even though he brought previous experience as an edge-rusher. The first-year 'backer thrived playing off the ball, with 80 total tackles. Although, his usage was dependent on Nakobe Dean's weekly status.

As good as Campbell was as a rookie, he could and should be used even more during his second season, particularly if Dean departs in free agency.

Safety Andrew Mukuba is another keeper. His ball skills fits in nicely alongside the Eagles' standout defensive backs, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Unfortunately, Mukuba suffered a broken ankle in Week 12 that ended his season.

From there, the Eagles' draft class provided little, with hopes of the remaining six selections contributing more in Year 2.

Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon

Grade: C

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a quarterback, but they didn't draft one until the sixth round. Instead, they chose to ride with an aging Aaron Rodgers and the outcome was predictable.

The Steelers were just good enough to make the postseason but nowhere near good enough to actually compete against the league's best.

Mike Tomlin then walked away after 19 seasons as head coach. Plus, the Steelers don't have a strong core of talent to drastically improve in the short term. The 2025 class provided one, maybe two, building blocks along the defensive line. Otherwise, the group did little to inspire long-term hope.

Derrick Harmon is an ideal fit in the Steelers' traditional defense. His rookie season got off to a slow start due to injury. But his time playing alongside Cam Heyward should be invaluable. Fifth-round nose tackle Yahya Black has the size, strength and length to eventually become a starter as well.

Unless the Pittsburgh front office and new coaching staff think Will Howard can eventually start at quarterback, the rest of the class members are likely rotational pieces at best.

San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Cornerback Upton Stout

Grade: C-

The San Francisco 49ers didn't make much progress based on their last draft effort.

The organization invested in upside with the selection of Mykel Williams, knowing he was far from a polished prospect. A season-ending injury didn't help matters.

Williams is a violent and athletic defender, but those traits have yet to result in production. He managed four tackles for loss and one sack in nine games before suffering a season-ending ACL injury.

Conversely, the second-round selection of Alfred Collins should have provided a very specific skill set as a massive interior defender. Instead, he struggled against the run during his first season.

The third round provided mixed results. Linebacker Nick Martin played sparingly before his season ended with a concussion. Cornerback Upton Stout has limitations as a smaller nickel corner, who lacks length, but his competitiveness is contagious. He'll have the slot covered for years to come.

Day 3 defenders C.J. West and Marques Sigle received significant playing time but didn't flourish. They should remain rotational pieces as they continue their development.

Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Safety Nick Emmanwori

Grade: A

Safety Nick Emmanwori unlocked Mike Macdonald's scheme as a defensive chess piece capable of wrecking games, which is exactly why he deserves first mention.

The Seahawks defense had the New England Patriots offense completely befuddled during Super Bowl LX. Interestingly, that's not how the season started, because Emmanwori missed three games due to a high-ankle sprain. Once the Seahawks' were able to implement the hybrid prospect into the system, Seattle's defense leveled up and made life hell on opposing quarterbacks.

As a result, Emmanwori finished second in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Not to be outdone, first-round left guard Grey Zabel started all 20 games during the Seahawks' championship run. Zabel's movement skills allowed Seattle's offensive staff to get him out into space and lead the way for a potent rushing attack.

Tight end Elijah Arroyo, defensive tackle Rylie Mills, wide receiver Tory Horton and fullback Robbie Ouzts all contributed at points. Seattle pieced together a complete class, which helped the team raise its second Lombardi Trophy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka

Grade: B+

The start of the 2025 season looked very different for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookie class compared to the end, specifically wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Egbuka was the runaway favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as Thanksgiving approached. During Tampa's first nine games, he caught 40 passes for 677 yards and six touchdowns. During his next eight appearances, Egbuka managed only 23 grabs for 261 yards and no scores.

Granted, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans eventually returned to the lineup. But opposing defenses already began to key on the rookie.

Despite the downturn in production, Egbuka's first season should be viewed as a success. He'll go into Year 2 as Tampa's clear WR1.

The Bucs reworked their secondary during the draft's second day, with two potential long-term starters in Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. Morrison had to bounce back from injuries and his play fluctuated. Still, both have the makings of NFL defensive backs.

Tez Johnson's contributions shouldn't be overlooked. The undersized target managed five touchdown receptions, though his play dipped during the season's second half as well.

Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/Stew Milne

Quarterback Cam Ward

Grade: B+

Two picks define the Tennessee Titans' 2025 class.

First, Cam Ward showed more than enough to believe he can develop into a franchise quarterback. Granted, he experienced his rookie moments and the Titans didn't do him many favors with a poor surrounding cast and upheaval among the coaching staff. Even so, Ward continued to show incremental growth on a weekly basis. As the Miami product grew more comfortable, he began to make more plays and look like the prospect who warranted the No. 1 overall pick.

With Brian Daboll now serving as the Titans' offensive coordinator, Ward has an excellent opportunity to elevate the entire organization.

Chimere Dike wasn't heralded as a fourth-round draft pick, yet he immediately showed promise as a returner and emerged as one of the NFL's most dangerous with the ball in his hands. As a result, the rookie was named to the Pro Bowl. His special teams performance eventually provided opportunities on offense. Dike finished second on the squad with 48 receptions.

Fellow rookies Elic Aymanor and Gunner Helm combined for 85 catches, 872 yards and six touchdowns.

The Titans endured a difficult season. It may all be worth it as the organization continues to build around Ward and the rest of his class.

Washington Commanders

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Running back Bill Croskey-Merritt

Grade: B

The Washington Commanders only made five picks in last year's draft, though the front office did a solid job making most of them count.

First-rounder Josh Conerly Jr. started every game at right tackle. More importantly, he improved as the season progressed. The start of the campaign was a little rough. By the end, he definitely held his own—which gives the Commanders a long-term bookend to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Similarly, second-round cornerback Trey Amos found his way into the starting lineup very quickly. Although, his season ended early after suffering a fractured fibula.

Jaylin Lane, whom the Commanders chose in the fourth round, ranked third among the team's wide receivers in catches and yardage, while also serving as the squad's punt returner. However, he wasn't much of a factor over the last month due to an ankle injury.

Interestingly, Washington's final selection proved to be its best. Running back Bill Croskey-Merritt built significant momentum very early in the process to the point where he pushed Brian Robinson Jr. off the roster, took over as the team's lead back and provided 805 rushing yards.