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: C
I love Jeremiyah Love as a player - who wouldn't? And in most cases, I'm the one to push back on criticisms of premium investments at running back. But with an elite edge-rush talent (Arvell Reese) still available, and the Cardinals already having a crowded backfield, I just can't get on board with the process here. Spending an early third-round pick on Carson Beck certainly doesn't do it for me, either. With a lack of athleticism and some decision-making issues under pressure, he profiles as a backup at the next level. I do like Chase Bisontis, though, and Kaleb Proctor was one of my favorite players in this entire class. He'll need time to adjust to a major jump in competition, but the Southeastern Louisiana product has the rare movement traits needed to be a disruptive presence on the interior.
Grade: D
I truly have no idea what the Rams were doing this week. The No. 13 pick, acquired in last year's draft trade with the Falcons, provided a clear opportunity to add the kind of player who could help the team maximize its Super Bowl window right now. Perhaps that could have been another receiver to deploy alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. And even if you want to make the case for planning for the future, I simply didn't see Ty Simpson as the kind of quarterback worth drafting at any point in the first round. This was easily the worst pick of Day 1. It didn't get much better from there, either. As much as I like Max Klare's upside in the pass game, did the Rams really need to use a premium pick on another tight end? I'll probably look at this haul a little more favorably if Los Angeles swoops in and beats the Patriots to a trade for A.J. Brown after June 1. For the time being, though, it's a rare letdown from one of the league's best front offices.
Grade: C-
The 49ers' draft class is a bit of a mixed bag. I love the fit of De'Zhaun Stribling in Kyle Shanahan's offense, but it's tough to get on board with the value here. The Ole Miss wideout finished as the No. 99 player on the industry Consensus Big Board. And while the physical Kaelon Black is an intriguing addition to provide a change-of-pace back behind Christian McCaffrey, third-round draft capital feels extremely rich. He was the consensus No. 214 overall player. I love the additions to the defensive line, though. Romello Height provides some much-needed explosiveness off the edge, and Gracen Halton is an incredible athlete who should immediately contribute as a designated pass-rusher on the inside. This group could really help the 49ers get back on track, even if the value of a few early picks does drag down the overall grade.
Grade: C
I wasn't super high on the idea of spending first-round capital on a running back. With some top talents still available at cornerback, safety, and on the edge, the Seahawks probably should have looked elsewhere. That said, I'm a fan of Jadarian Price as a prospect. His combination of vision and contact balance could make him a productive lead back in Seattle. Bud Clark is my favorite pick from this group. The TCU safety is a true ballhawk - he led all FBS players with 15 INTs over the last four years - and his playmaker instincts should be a valuable addition to the back end of Mike Macdonald's defense.
