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: B
The Bears getting Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 overall was one of the best values on Day 1. The range and playmaking skills enabled by his instincts and athletic profile should make him a real weapon on the back end of Dennis Allen's defense. I also love the move to shore up the offensive line with Logan Jones on Day 2. Sam Roush's ability as an in-line tight end makes him a nice long-term fit alongside Colston Loveland, but this is where I really start to question Chicago's willingness to bypass potential upgrades to the defensive front. Given the Bears' needs at that spot, both inside and on the edge, reaching for Zavion Thomas is even more surprising. The decisions made on Day 2 won't age well if Chicago's defense struggles up front again in 2026. But with Malik Muhammad, Keyshaun Elliott, and the freakishly athletic Jordan van den Berg representing some of my favorite Day 3 sleepers, it's still a solid class overall.
Grade: B-
Blake Miller is a sensible fit at right tackle with Penei Sewell sliding over to the left side, but I didn't love the value at No. 17. With both Monroe Freeling and Max Iheanachor still on the board, I thought Detroit passed on two tackles with more upside. Derrick Moore, the No. 63 overall player on the industry Consensus Big Board, was also a reach with the 12th pick of the second round. I'm a fan of the Michigan product's game as a power rusher, but a pair of borderline first-round talents were still available at that spot in Zion Young and Gabe Jacas. Jimmy Rolder is an interesting name to watch. He demonstrated impressive instincts for a player with just one year of starting experience and could eventually push for a role at linebacker. I'm also a fan of the value in adding Keith Abney II and Skyler Gill-Howard on Day 3.
Grade: B
The Packers didn't have a first-round pick due to the Micah Parsons trade, but this still ended up being a pretty solid draft haul. I think they did a great job of addressing obvious defensive needs with value additions at each of their first three picks. Brandon Cisse, one of the most athletic corners in this class, was considered by many to be a potential first-rounder. Chris McClellan is the rare Packers draft pick who falls outside the team's position-specific athletic thresholds, but I love that they were willing to make an exception based on the power and hand usage on his tape. Dani Dennis-Sutton could prove to be a steal in the fourth round, as he's a stout run defender whose athletic traits give him upside as a pass-rusher.
Grade: A
The Vikings put together one of my favorite draft hauls. Granted, I'm probably higher on Caleb Banks than most, but I think he has true superstar potential. His unique disruptive traits and Domonique Orange's run-stopping prowess should give Minnesota an excellent interior duo, addressing a problem spot up front. Jake Golday is another exciting addition for the front seven, and I think Caleb Tiernan was great value at the end of the third round. He could be an ideal option to develop at right tackle with Brian O'Neill heading into the last year of his contract. Don't sleep on Jakobe Thomas either. The Miami product is a physical, downhill safety whose instincts and blitz upside could really shine in a Brian Flores defense.
