With the 2026 draft complete, theScore's senior NFL writer Dan Wilkins hands out his initial grades for each team's incoming rookies.
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Grade: A
Dallas is one of the big winners of this draft. Say what you will about positional value, but I can't believe other teams let Caleb Downs slide all the way to No. 11. The Ohio State safety was my No. 1 player in the class. As I see it, his unmatched instincts and reliable tackling skills significantly upgrade the Cowboys' defense in both pass coverage and the run game. Malachi Lawrence wasn't my favorite pick with Keldric Faulk still on the board at No. 23, but the defensive front got better by adding an explosive athlete with a great motor and polished rush skills off the edge. Don't overlook Jaishawn Barham, either. The Michigan standout is an incredibly physical linebacker who attacks linemen and ball-carriers alike in the run game. He also has the versatility to rotate down to the edge and get after the quarterback in passing situations. With this class of rookies joining several key veteran additions, the Cowboys' defense may have the pieces it needs to complement one of the league's premier scoring attacks.
Grade: A-
John Harbaugh seems to have brought the Ravens' drafting expertise with him to New York. This is exactly the kind of group the new head coach needs to help build a strong foundation for his second act. While the Arvell Reese pick may come as a surprise, it's hard to argue with the best-player-available approach at No. 5. Reese will likely be deployed as a linebacker early on before eventually making the transition to the edge as a long-term complement to 2025 No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter. Francis Mauigoa wasn't my favorite option at No. 10 - I saw Olaivavega Ioane as the better guard and Monroe Freeling as having the higher ceiling at tackle. Mauigoa is in the same tier of prospects, though, and it doesn't hurt that he has the versatility to play both spots. Colton Hood is an athletic press-man corner who fills an obvious need on the boundary, and Malachi Fields is a dominant ball-winner who could be a strong red-zone target opposite Malik Nabers. I think the Giants are probably still a year away from playoff contention, but this successful first offseason under Harbaugh suggests they'll make consistent progress on that path.
Grade: B+
Everyone expected the Eagles to take an offensive tackle in the first round. I love the move to go up and get Makai Lemon. That probably has something to do with the fact that he was my No. 1 receiver, but I also think his route-running and run-after-catch abilities will be an excellent fit alongside DeVonta Smith at receiver. I'm probably less excited than most about Eli Stowers, as I don't think he has the blocking skills to contribute in any sort of traditional role. That said, he's a dynamic receiver who could be an impact playmaker if the new offensive staff has the creativity to put him in the right positions. The rest of this class is mostly depth, but it's important to note that Philly included one of its third-round picks in a Day 2 trade package for Jonathan Greenard. Addressing a glaring need via a value deal for one of the league's most underrated edge rushers represents yet another stroke of genius from Howie Roseman.
Grade: B+
I think the Commanders should have done everything they could to trade down on Day 1. Their lack of draft capital really hurt their ability to turn over the roster after last year's disappointment. I really like what they did with the picks they had, though. Sonny Styles should be a great fit as the leader in the middle of Dan Quinn's defense. Not only is he one of the most athletic players we've ever seen at the position, but he's also an incredibly reliable tackler, and his safety background is evident in his coverage instincts. Antonio Williams, one of my favorite mid-round targets at receiver, could be a dynamic playmaker out of the slot. And while Joshua Josephs may lack the size to be a consistent edge setter in the run game, it's great to see the Commanders finally get some explosiveness off the edge. It could be a night-and-day difference in that department next season as the Tennessee product joins big-money free-agent additions Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson.
