John McClain: Texans get an ‘A’ on their post-draft report card

A draft can’t legitimately be graded until after three seasons, but that doesn’t stop NFL observers from doing it, anyway.

AFC SOUTH

Texans

An excellent draft for general manager Nick Caserio. The Texans got a franchise quarterback (C.J. Stroud) and the No. 1 defensive prospect (end Will Anderson Jr.) in the draft. WRs Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson were terrific third- and sixth-round picks. MLB Henry To’oTo’o could start as a rookie and possibly lead the team in tackles. C Juice Scruggs and C Jarrett Patterson also can play guard.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 2

C.J. Stroud, QB | Ohio State

•Round 1. Pick 3 (from ARI)

Will Anderson Jr., EDGE | Alabama

•Round 2, Pick 62 (From PHI)

Juice Scruggs, CB | Penn State

•Round 3, Pick 69 (From LAR)

Tank Dell, WR | Houston

•Round 4, Pick 109 (From LV)

Dylan Horton, EDGE | TCU

•Round 5, Pick 167 (From LAR)

Henry To’oTo’o, LB | Alabama

•Round 6, Pick 201 (From MIN)

Jarrett Patterson, C | Notre Dame

•Round 6, Pick 205 (From BUF)

Xavier Hutchinson, WR | Iowa State

•Round 7, Pick 248 (From PHI)

Brandon Hill, S | Pittsburgh

Grade: A

Titans

In OT Peter Skoronski, Mike Vrabel got a left tackle to replace Taylor Lewan. He should be an immediate starter. The Titans tried to trade up at the end of the first round to get QB Will Levis, but the price was too steep, so they traded up in the second round to get him. He’ll watch and learn behind Ryan Tannehill until Tannehill gets injured or benched. Malik Willis is still in the picture.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 11

Peter Skoronski, OT | Northwestern

•Round 2, Pick 33 (From ARI)

Will Levis, QB | Kentucky

•Round 3, Pick 81 (From ARI)

Tyjae Spears, RB | Tulane

•Round 5, Pick 147

Josh Whyle, TE | Cincinnati

•Round 6, Pick 186 (From ATL)

Jaelyn Duncan, OT | Maryland

•Round 7, Pick 228

Colton Dowell, WR | Tennessee-Martin

Grade: B

Jaguars

If there’s strength in numbers, then the Jaguars had a great draft. But quality means more than quantity. OT Anton Harrison was a solid pick at 27. He should replace Jawaan Taylor, who signed with the Chiefs. TE Brenton Strange could start as a rookie. RB Tank Bigsby should help off the bench. The best value pick was S Antonio Johnson in the fifth round. He was projected to go a lot higher.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 27 (From BUF)

Anton Harrison, OT | Oklahoma

•Round 2, Pick 61 (From CHI via SF via CAR)

Brenton Strange, TE | Penn State

•Round 3, Pick 88

Tank Bigsby, RB | Auburn

•Round 4, Pick 121 (From TB)

Ventrell Miller, LB | Florida

•Round 4, Pick 130 (From BUF)

Tyler Lacy, EDGE | Oklahoma State

•Round 5, Pick 136 (From CHI)

Yasir Abdullah, EDGE | Louisville

•Round 5, Pick 160 (From NYG)

Antonio Johnson, CB | Texas A&M

•Round 6, Pick 185 (From NYJ)

Parker Washington, WR | Penn State

•Round 6, Pick 202

Christian Braswell, CB | Rutgers

•Round 6, Pick 208 (From PHI)

Erick Hallett II, S | Pittsburgh

•Round 7, Pick 226 (From CAR)

Cooper Hodges, OT | Appalachian State

•Round 7, Pick 227 

Raymond Vohasek, DT | North Carolina

•Round 7, Pick 240 (from NYG via BAL)

Derek Parish, EDGE | Houston

Grade: C

Colts

GM Chris Ballard made 12 picks. The first, QB Anthony Richardson, is a huge risk. Great physical skills but only 13 games at Florida. New coach Shane Steichen did a tremendous job developing Jalen Hurts. CB Julius Brents and WR Josh Downs were splendid picks who’ll contribute as rookies. DE Adetomiwa Adebawore and TE Will Mallory were good value draft choices.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 4

Anthony Richardson, QB | Florida

•Round 2, Pick 44 (From ATL)

Julius Brents, CB | Kansas State

•Round 3, Pick 79 (From WAS)

Josh Downs, WR | North Carolina

•Round 4, Pick 106

Blake Freeland, OT | BYU

•Round 4, Pick 110 (From ATL via TEN)

Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT | Northwestern 

•Round 5, Pick 138

Darius Rush, CB | South Carolina

•Round 5, Pick 158

Daniel Scott, S | California

•Round 5, Pick 162 (From BUF)

Will Mallory, TE | Miami (FL)

•Round 6, Pick 169 (From DAL)

Asim Richards, OT | North Carolina

•Round 6, Pick 211 (From MIN)

Titus Leo, LB | Wagner

•Round 7, Pick 221

Jaylon Jones, CB | Texas A&M

•Round 7, Pick 236 (From TB)

Jake Witt, OT | Northern Michigan

Grade: A-minus

AFC EAST

Bills

Just what Josh Allen needed – more weapons. TE Dalton Kincaid, the best receiver at his position, and G O’Cyrus Torrence, the most physical blocker, were outstanding picks. They should be big-time contributors right away. LB Dorian Williams could take care of a need, at least providing depth as a rookie.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 25 (From JAX via NYG)

Dalton Kincaid, TE | Utah State

•Round 2, Pick 59

O’Cyrus Torrence, G | Florida

•Round 3, Pick 91

Dorian Williams, LB | Tulane

•Round 5, Pick 150 (From WAS)

Justin Shorter, WR | Florida

•Round 7, Pick 230 (From HOU via PHI via HOU via NYJ via TB)

Nick Broeker, OT | Ole Miss

Grade: B

Jets

The Jets didn’t reach for a pass blocker for Aaron Rodgers. They did reach for DE Will McDonald IV. He’s an undersized edge rusher, but they would have been better served with a tackle. C Joe Tippmann was the first- or second-rated player at his position. They waited until the fourth round to get an offensive tackle, and there’s a chance Carter Warren could start as a rookie.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 15 (from GB)

Will McDonald IV, EDGE | Iowa State

•Round 2, Pick 43

Joe Tippmann, C | Wisconsin

•Round 4, Pick 120 (From NE via PIT)

Carter Warren, OT | Pittsburgh

•Round 5, Pick 143

Israel Abanikanda, RB | Pittsburgh

•Round 6, Pick 184 (From NE via LV)

Zaire Barnes, LB | Penn State

•Round 6, Pick 204 (From LV via DAL)

Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB | LSU

•Round 7, Pick 220 (From LV via ARI)

Zack Kuntz, TE | Old Dominion

Grade: C-minus

Dolphins

They had to forfeit their first-round pick because of owner Stephen Ross’ shenanigans trying to recruit Tom Brady while he was under contract to the Bucs. They also were short on picks because of the Tyreek Hill trade last year. CB Cam Smith and RB Devon Achane, perhaps the fastest back in the draft, should help the Dolphins right away.

Draft Picks:

•Round 2, Pick 51

Cam Smith, CB | South Carolina

•Round 3, Pick 84 (From NE)

Devon Achane, RB | Texas A&M

•Round 6, Pick 197 (From CHI)

Elijah Higgins, TE | Stanford

•Round 7, Pick 238

Ryan Hayes, OT | Michigan

Grade: D

Patriots

Bill Belichick selected 12 players, including three cornerbacks, a kicker, and a punter. The first three picks were on defense. CB Christian Gonzalez was ranked first or second at his position. DE Keion White was projected in the first round in some mock drafts. S Marte Mapu should help the defense as a rookie. They got good value with WR Kayshon Boutte in the sixth round.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 17 (from PIT)

Christian Gonzalez, CB | Oregon

•Round 2, Pick 46

Keion White, EDGE | Georgia Tech

•Round 3, Pick 76 (From CAR)

Marte Mapu, S | Sacramento State

•Round 4, Pick 107 (From LAR)

Jake Andrews, G | Troy

•Round 4, Pick 112 (From NYJ

Chad Ryland, K | Maryland

•Round 4, Pick 117

Sidy Sow, G | Eastern Michigan

•Round 5, Pick 144 (From LV via ATL)

Atonio Mafi, OL | UCLA

•Round 6, Pick 187 (From CAR)

Kayshon Boutte, WR | LSU

•Round 6, Pick 192

Bryce Baringer, P | Michigan State

•Round 6, Pick 210

Demario Douglas, WR | Liberty

•Round 6, Pick 214 (From LV)

Ameer Speed, CB | Michigan State

•Round 7, Pick 245 (From BUF via ATL)

Isaiah Bolden, CB | Jackson State

Grade: B

AFC NORTH

Bengals

The Bengals bolstered their defense with their first three draft choices – DE Myles Murphy, CB D.J. Turner, and S Jordan Battle. Murphy, one of the draft’s best edge rushers, could start as a rookie. They also drafted two receivers for Joe Burrow in the fourth and sixth rounds. Overall, they took three defensive backs to try to improve their secondary.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 28

Myles Murphy, EDGE | Clemson

•Round 2, Pick 60

DJ Turner, CB | Michigan

•Round 3, Pick 95

Jordan Battle, S | Alabama

•Round 4, Pick 131

Charlie Jones, WR | Purdue

•Round 5, Pick 163

Chase Brown, RB | Illinois

•Round 6. Pick 206

Andrei Iosivas, WR | Princeton

•Round 6, Pick 217 (From KC)

Brad Robbins, P | Michigan

•Round 7, Pick 246

DJ Ivery, CB | Miami (FL)

Grade: B-minus

Ravens

The best news for the Ravens was Lamar Jackson signing his new contract. After signing Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency, they used their first-round pick on WR Zay Flowers, a tremendous deep threat who makes catches all over the field.

LB Trent Simpson was a solid addition in the third round. Overall, they had only six selections.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 22

Zay Flowers, WR | Boston College

•Round 3, Pick 86

Trenton Simpson, LB | Clemson

•Round 4, Pick 124

Tavius Robinson, EDGE | Ole Miss

•Round 5, Pick 157

Kyu Blu Kelly, CB | Stanford

•Round 6, Pick 199

Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT | Oregon

•Round 7, Pick 229 (From CLE)

Andrew Vorhees, G | USC

Grade: C-plus

Steelers

Mike Tomlin had seven picks but made the most of them. OT Broderick Jones takes care of a need and should start from Day One. CB Joey Porter Jr. was a steal in the second round. NT Keeanu Benton should be an ideal fit in the Steelers’ 3-4 scheme. TE Darnell Washington was an outstanding selection in the third round.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 14 (From NE)

Broderick Jones, OT | Georgia

•Round 2, Pick 32 (From CHI)

Joey Porter Jr., CB | Penn State

•Round 2, Pick 49

Keeanu Benton, DT | Wisconsin

•Round 3, Pick 93 (From CAR via SF)

Darnell Washington, TE | Georgia

•Round 4, Pick 132 (From CAR via SF)

Nick Herbig, EDGE | Wisconsin

•Round 7, Pick 241 (From MIN via DEN)

Cory Trice, CB | Purdue

•Round 7, Pick 251

Spencer Anderson, OT | Maryland

Grade: A-minus

Browns

Despite not having draft choices in the first two rounds, the Browns made out quite nicely with their seven picks. WR Cedric Tillman provides Deshaun Watson with another target. DT Siaki Ika should contribute right away. He’s best suited to play over the center. C Luke Wypler was a steal in the sixth round as was QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the fifth.

Draft Picks:

•Round 3, Pick 74 (From NYJ via LAR via HOU)

Cedric Tillman, WR | Tennessee

•Round 3, Pick 98

Siaki Ika, DT | Baylor

•Round 4, Pick 111

Dawand Jones, OT | Ohio State

•Round 4, Pick 126 (From MIN)

Isaiah McGuire, EDGE | Missouri

•Round 5, Pick 140 (From LAR)

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB | UCLA

•Round 5, Pick 142

Cameron Mitchell, CB | Northwestern

•Round 6, Pick 190

Luke Wypler, C | Ohio State

Grade: C-plus

AFC WEST

Chiefs

Andy Reid made seven picks, including DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the last selection in the first round. He’s an edge rusher who’ll replace Frank Clark unless he re-signs for less money. WR Rashee Rice is an underrated pass catcher who could make an immediate impact playing with Patrick Mahomes. Of their seven picks, five were on defense, including three in the secondary.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 31

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE | Kansas State

•Round 2, Pick 55 (From DET via MIN)

Rashee Rice, WR | SMU

•Round 3, Pick 92 (From CIN)

Wanya Morris, OT | Oklahoma

•Round 4, Pick 119 (From MIN via DET)

Chamarri Conner, CB | Virginia Tech

•Round 5, Pick 166

BJ Thompson, DE | Stephen F. Austin

•Round 6, Pick 194 (From DET)

Keondre Coburn, DT | Texas

•Round 7, Pick 250

Nic Jones, CB | Ball State

Grade: C

Chargers

The Chargers’ draft included three TCU players – WR Quentin Johnston with the first pick and QB Max Duggan with the last. WR Derius Davis came in the fourth round. That’s a lot of purple. Johnston will love playing with Justin Herbert. LB Daiyan Henley in the third round should be a splendid addition to the defense.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 21

Quentin Johnston, WR | TCU

•Round 2, Pick 54

Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE | USC

•Round 3, Pick 85

Daiyan Henley, LB | Washington State

•Round 4, Pick 125

Derius Davis, WR | TCU

•Round 5, Pick 156

Jordan McFadden, OT | Clemson

•Round 6, Pick 200

Scott Matlock, DT | Boise State

•Round 7, Pick 239

Max Duggan, QB | TCU

Grade: B

Raiders

In the first round, the Raiders selected DE Tyree Wilson as a bookend with Maxx Crosby, one of the league’s better pass rushers. TE Michael Mayer had been projected as a first-round pick in every mock draft, and they got him in the second. DT Byron Young, WR Tre Tucker, and CB Jakorian Bennett were terrific picks where the Raiders got them. They also drafted QB Aidan O’Connell, who’ll watch and learn.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 7

Tyree Wilson, EDGE | Texas Tech

•Round 2, Pick 35 (From IND)

Michael Mayer, TE | Notre Dame

•Round 3, Pick 70

Bryon Young, DL | Alabama

•Round 3, Pick 100 (From KC via NYG)

Tre Tucker, WR | Cincinnati

•Round 4, Pick 104 (From HOU)

Jakorian Bennett, CB | Maryland

•Round 4, Pick 135 (From NE)

Aidan O’Connell, QB | Purdue

•Round 5, Pick 170 (from NYJ via GB)

Christopher Smith, S | Georgia

•Round 6, Pick 203 (From HOU via NYG)

Amari Burney, LB | Florida

•Round 7, Pick 231 (From NE)

Nesta Jade Silvera, DT | Arizona State

Grade: A-minus

Broncos

With the Russell Wilson trade still haunting them, the Broncos had only five draft choices for new coach Sean Payton. The first two – WR Marvin Mims Jr. and LB Drew Sanders – were outstanding picks. Both should contribute as rookies. They hope CB Riley Moss also provides some immediate help.

Draft Picks:

•Round 2, Pick 63 (From DET via KC)

Marvin Mims, WR | Oklahoma

•Round 3, Pick 67 (From IND)

Drew Sanders, LB | Arkansas

•Round 3, Pick 83 (From SEA)

Riley Moss, CB | Iowa

•Round 6, Pick 183 (From DET)

JL Skinner, S | Boise State

Grade: C-minus

NFC EAST

Cowboys

Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy wanted a road grader on the inside of their defensive line. DT Mazi Smith is going to be hard to move. They needed a tight end to replace Dalton Schultz and drafted Luke Schoonmaker in the second round. They may have reached on LB DeMarvion Overshown in the third round, but he’ll have a chance to prove a lot of people wrong. Keep an eye on undersized RB Deuce Vaughn, who terrorized the Big 12.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 26

Mazi Smith, DT | Michigan

•Round 2, Pick 58

Luke Schoonmaker, TE | Michigan

•Round 3, Pick 90

DeMarvion Overshown, LB | Texas

•Round 4, Pick 129

Viliami Fehoko, EDGE | San Jose State

•Round 5, Pick 169

Asim Richards, OT | North Carolina

•Round 5, Pick 176

Evan Hull, RB | Northwestern

•Round 6, Pick 178 (From KC via CHI via MIA)

Eric Scott Jr., CB | Southern Mississippi

•Round 6, Pick 212

Deuce Vaughn, RB | Kansas State

•Round 7, Pick 244

Jalen Brooks, WR | South Carolina

Grade: C-plus

Eagles

A couple of teams that needed defensive linemen passed up Jalen Carter, but the Eagles traded up a spot to get him. He’s got off-the-field issues and doesn’t always play hard, but there’s no ignoring his talent. DE Nolan Smith was a steal at the bottom of the first round. OT Tyler Steen, S Sydney Brown, and CB Kelee Ringo were outstanding value picks.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 9 (From CHI via CAR)

Jalen Carter, DT | Georgia

•Round 1, Pick 30

Nolan Smith, EDGE | Georgia

•Round 3, Pick 65 (From HOU)

Tyler Steen, OT | Alabama

•Round 3, Pick 66 (From ARI)

Sydney Brown, S | Illinois

•Round 4, Pick 105 (From HOU)

Kelee Ringo, CB | Georgia

•Round 6, Pick 188 (From HOU via NO)

Tanner McKee, QB | Stanford

•Round 7, Pick 249 (From DET via KC)

Moro Ojomo, DT | Texas

Grade: A-plus

Giants

Brian Daboll got one of the best cornerbacks in Deonte Banks and perhaps the best center in John Michael Schmitz in the first two rounds. WR Jalin Hyatt was a steal in the third round. He’s got great speed and caught 15 touchdown passes for Tennessee last season. They had only three picks in the first four rounds.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 24 (From JAX)

Deonte Banks, CB | Maryland

•Round 2, Pick 57

John Michael Schmitz, C | Minnesota

•Round 3, Pick 73 (From LAR via HOU via CLE)

Jalin Hyatt, WR | Tennessee

•Round 5, Pick 172

Eric Gray, RB | Oklahoma

•Round 6, Pick 209 (From KC)

Tre Hawkins, S | Old Dominion

•Round 7, Pick 243

Jordon Riley, DT | Oregon

•Round 7, Pick 254

Gervarrius Owens, S | Houston

Grade: B-minus

Commanders

Ron Rivera may have reached a little with CB Emmanuel Forbes in the first round when Christian Gonzalez was on the board. Forbes will be a pick to watch while being compared to Gonzalez. S Jartavius Martin was a good pick who should fill a need. G Ricky Stromberg should contribute as a rookie.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 16

Emmanuel Forbes, CB | Mississippi State

•Round 2, Pick 47

Jartavius Martin, CB | Maryland

•Round 3, Pick 97

Ricky Stromberg, C | Arkansas

•Round 4, Pick 118

Braeden Daniels, OT | Utah

•Round 5, Pick 137 (From BUF via ARI)

K.J. Henry, EDGE | Clemson

•Round 6, Pick 193

Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB | Kentucky

•Round 7, Pick 233

Andre Jones, LB | Louisiana

Grade: C-minus

NFC SOUTH

Falcons

RB Bijan Robinson is the leading candidate to be voted NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. They already had Tyler Allgeier, who rushed for 1,000 yards as a rookie. Robinson is a great receiver. They’ll be an awesome one-two punch. OT Matthew Bergeron should help open holes for them. DE Zach Harrison and CB Clark Phillips III were exceptional value picks.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 8

Bijan Robinson, RB | Texas

•Round 2, Pick 38 (From IND via LV)

Matthew Bergeron, G | Syracuse

•Round 3, Pick 75

Zach Harrison, EDGE | Ohio State

•Round 4, Pick 113

Clark Phillips III, CB | Utah

•Round 7, Pick 224 (From LV)

DeMarcco Hellams, S | Alabama

•Round 7, Pick 225

Jovaughn Gwyn, OL | South Carolina

Grade: B-plus

Panthers

Frank Reich got QB Bryce Young with the first pick and WR Jonathan Mingo with the second. Overall, the Panthers had only five draft choices, but they got a franchise quarterback and an underrated receiver to play right away. DE D.J. Johnson and G Chandler Zavala should provide depth as rookies.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 1 (From CHI)

Bryce Young, QB | Alabama

•Round 2, Pick 39

Jonathan Mingo, WR | Ole Miss

•Round 3, Pick 80 (From PIT)

DJ Johnson, EDGE | Oregon

•Round 4, Pick 114

Chandler Zavala, G | NC State

•Round 5, Pick 145

Jammie Robinson, S | Florida State

Grade: B-minus

Saints

Dennis Allen wanted to improve his pass rush by getting stronger up front. The Saints used their first two picks on DE Bryan Bresee and DE Isaiah Foskey. They got an underrated RB in Kendre Miller in the third round. All should make immediate contributions. Keep an eye on Nick Saldiveri, an underrated offensive lineman who can play multiple positions.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 29 (From SF via MIA and DEN)

Bryan Bresee, DT | Clemson

•Round 2, Pick 40

Isaiah Foskey, EDGE | Notre Dame

•Round 3, Pick 71

Kendre Miller, RB | TCU

•Round 4, Pick 103 (From CHI)

Nick Saldiveri, OT | Old Dominion

•Round 4, Pick 127 (From JAX)

Jake Haener, QB | Fresno State

•Round 5, Pick 146

Jordan Howden, S | Minnesota

•Round 6, Pick 195 (From DEN via PIT)

A.T. Perry, WR | Wake Forest

•Round 7, Pick 257

Alex Forsyth, C | Oregon

Grade: C

Bucs

Just about everyone thought the Bucs were going to draft an offensive tackle in the first round, but they pulled a fast one and selected DT Calijah Kancey, who has outstanding speed for his size. He should start right away. OT Cody Mauch was an excellent second-round selection, and he could start, too. They used the draft to fill a lot of needs.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 19

Calijah Kancey, DT | Pittsburgh

•Round 2, Pick 48 (From GB via DET)

Cody Mauch, OT | North Dakota State

•Round 3, Pick 82

YaYa Diaby, LB | Louisville

•Round 5, Pick 153

SirVocea Dennis, C | Pittsburgh

•Round 5, Pick 171 (From LAR)

Payne Durham, TE | Purdue

•Round 6, Pick 181 (From IND)

Josh Hayes, CB | Kansas State

•Round 6, Pick 191 (From PHI via HOU via GB via LAR)

Trey Palmer, WR | Nebraska

•Round 6, Pick 196

Jose Ramirez, EDGE | Eastern Michigan

Grade: B

NFC NORTH

Vikings

Minnesota had six picks and used the first one wisely. WR Jordan Addison, ranked first or second at his position, could start with Justin Jefferson. Addison starred at Pitt and USC, and he can stretch the field. CB Mekhi Blackmon has talent and should help the secondary right away.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 23

Jordan Addison, WR | USC

•Round 3, Pick 102 (From SF)

Mekhi Blackmon, CB | USC

•Round 4, Pick 134

Jay Ward, S | LSU

•Round 5, Pick 141 (From IND via LV)

Jaquelin Roy, DT | LSU

•Round 5, Pick 164 (From SF)

Jaren Hall, QB | BYU

•Round 7, Pick 222 (From SF via DEN)

DeWayne McBride, RB | UAB

Grade: C-minus

Lions

When Dan Campbell used his first pick in the first round on RB Jahmyr Gibbs, just about everyone thought he was nuts. When they traded D’Andre Swift to the Eagles, the pick made sense. The Lions had an exceptional draft with talent like LB Jack Campbell, TE Sam LaPorta, and S Brian Branch in the first two rounds. They jumped on QB Hendon Hooker when he was available in the third round.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 12 (From ARI via HOU)

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB | Alabama

•Round 1, Pick 18

Jack Campbell, LB | Iowa

•Round 2, Pick 34 (From ARI)

Sam LaPorta, TE | Iowa

•Round 2, Pick 45 (From GB)

Brian Branch, S | Alabama

•Round 3, Pick 68 (From DEN)

Hendon Hooker, QB | Tennessee

•Round 3, Pick 96 (From CIN via KC)

Brodric Martin, DT | Western Kentucky

•Round 5, Pick 152

Colby Sorsdal, OT | William and Mary

•Round 7, Pick 219 (From PHI via HOU via MIN)

Antoine Green, WR | North Carolina

Grade: A

Packers

With the Aaron Rodgers era over in Green Bay, the Packers loaded up with 13 picks, including seven on offense. DE Lukas Van Ness should be a dangerous pass rusher. They drafted two tight ends, Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, in the first three rounds. WR Jayden Reed should help Jordan Love’s transition into the starting role in place of Rodgers.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 13 (from NYJ)

Lukas Van Ness, EDGE| Iowa

•Round 2, Pick 42 (from NYJ)

Luke Musgrave, TE | Oregon State

•Round 2, Pick 50 (From TB)

Jayden Reed, WR | Michigan State

•Round 3, Pick 78

Tucker Kraft, TE | South Dakota State

•Round 4, Pick 116

Colby Wooden, EDGE | Auburn

•Round 5, Pick 149

Sean Clifford, QB | Penn State

•Round 5, Pick 159 (From DET via JAX via ATL)

Dontayvion Wicks, WR | Virginia

•Round 5, Pick 179 (From TB)

Karl Brooks, DT | Bowling Green

•Round 6, Pick 207 (From SF via HOU and NYJ)

Anders Carlson, K | Auburn

•Round 7, Pick 232

Carrington Valentine, CB | Kentucky

•Round 7, Pick 235 (From DET via LAR)

Lew Nichols III, RB | Central Michigan

•Round 7, Pick 242 (From JAX)

Anthony Johnson Jr., S | Iowa State

Round 7, Pick 256

Grant DuBose, WR | Charlotte

Grade: B-plus

Bears

After trading out of the first overall pick with Carolina, the Bears stockpiled draft choices. Offensive tackle Darnell Wright should start as a rookie. DT Gervon Dexter should join the rotation up front. CB Tyrique Stevenson could start right away. Don’t be surprised if RB Roschon Johnson, who played behind Bijan Robinson at Texas, makes a strong impression as a rookie.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 10 (From PHI via NO)

Darnell Wright, OT | Tennessee

•Round 2, Pick 53 (From BAL)

Gervon Dexter, DT | Florida

•Round 2, Pick 56 (From JAX)

Tyrique Steveson, CB | Miami

•Round 3, Pick 64

Zacch Pickens, DT | South Carolina

•Round 4, Pick 115 (From NO)

Roschon Johnson, RB | Texas

•Round 4, Pick 133 (From PHI)

Tyler Scott, WR | Cincinnati

•Round 5, Pick 148 (From NE via BAL)

Noah Sewell, LB | Oregon

•Round 5, Pick 165 (From NO via PHI)

Terell Smith, CB | Minnesota

•Round 7, Pick 218 (From CAR via MIA)

Travis Bell, DL | Kennesaw State

•Round 7, Pick 258

Kendall Williamson, S | Stanford

Grade: B-plus

NFC WEST

49ers

Without draft choices in the first two rounds because of trades, the 49ers had to load up on picks, beginning with three in the third round. They selected K Jake Moody, who should replace Robbie Gould. CB Ji’Ayri Brown and TE Cameron Latu should make significant contributions in their first season. LB Dee Winters is a sleeper pick.

Draft Picks:

•Round 3, Pick 87 (From MIN)

Ji’Ayir Brown, S | Penn State

•Round 3, Pick 99

Jake Moody, K | Michigan

•Round 3, Pick 101

Cam Latu, TE | Alabama

•Round 5, Pick 155 (From MIA)

Darrell Luter Jr., CB | South Alabama

•Round 5, Pick 173

Robert Beal Jr., EDGE | Georgia

•Round 6, Pick 216

Dee Winters, LB | TCU

•Round 7, Pick 247

Brayden Willis, TE | Oklahoma

•Round 7, Pick 253

Ronnie Bell, WR | Michigan

•Round 7, Pick 255

Jalen Graham, LB | Purdue

Grade: D-plus

Seahawks

Last year, the Seahawks had one of the best drafts in NFL history. This year, it was hard to go wrong with two picks in each of the first two rounds. CB Devon Witherspoon and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba were the highest-rated prospects at their positions. RB Zach Charbonnet is going to provide a lot of carries and yards from his reserve role.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 5 (From DEN)

Devon Witherspoon, CB | Illinois

•Round 1, Pick 20

Jaxon Smith Njigba, WR | Ohio State

•Round 2, Pick 37 (From DEN)

Derick Hall, EDGE | Auburn

•Round 2, Pick 52

Zach Charbonnet, RB | UCLA

•Round 4, Pick 108 (From DEN)

Anthony Bradford, OL | LSU

•Round 4, Pick 123

Cameron Young, DL | Mississippi State

•Round 5, Pick 151 (From PIT)

Mike Morris, EDGE | Michigan

•Round 5, Pick 154

Olusegun Oluwatimi, C | Michigan

•Round 6, Pick 198

Jerrick Reed II, S | New Mexico

•Round 7, Pick 237

Kenny McIntosh, RB | Georgia

Grade: A-plus

Rams

They didn’t have a selection in the first round, but they stockpiled 14 picks overall, beginning with G Steve Avila and DE Byron Young, both of whom could start as rookies. Sean McVay wanted depth, and he got it at a lot of positions. RB Zach Evans and CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson should be great value picks.

QB Stetson Bennett will play in the stadium where he led Georgia to the national championship.

Draft Picks:

•Round 3, Pick 89 (From NYG)

Kobie Turner, DT | Wake Forest

•Round 4, Pick 128 (From NYG)

Stetson Bennet, QB | Georgia

•Round 5, Pick 161 (From HOU via DAL)

Nick Hampton, EDGE | Appalachian State

•Round 5, Pick 174 (From HOU via LV)

Warren McClendon, OT | Georgia

•Round 5, Pick 175 (From TB)

Davis Allen, TE | Clemson

•Round 5, Pick 177

Puka Nacua, WR | BYU

•Round 6, Pick 182

Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB | TCU

•Round 6, Pick 189 (From TEN)

Ochaun Mathis, EDGE | Nebraska

•Round 6, Pick 215* (From BUF via WAS)

Zach Evans, RB | Ole Miss

•Round 7, Pick 223

Ethan Evans, P | Wyngate

•Round 7, Pick 234

Jason Taylor II, S | Oklahoma State

•Round 7, Pick 252 (From TB)

Alex Austin, CB | Oregon State

•Round 7, Pick 259 (From HOU)

Desjuan Johnson, EDGE | Toledo

Grade: B-minus

Cardinals

The Cardinals made a flurry of trades that netted them additional picks this year and next year, beginning with their deal with the Texans. OT Paris Johnson Jr. should be a starter on the left side as soon as he enters the practice facility. DE B.J. Ojulari has a chance to start since they lost both of their starting ends. DE Dante Stills, their last pick, made a lot of plays in the Big 12.

Draft Picks:

•Round 1, Pick 6 (From DET)

Paris Johnson, OT | Ohio State

•Round 2, Pick 41 (From TEN)|

B.J. Ojulari, EDGE | LSU

•Round 3, Pick 72 (From TEN)

Garrett Williams, CB | Syracuse

•Round 3, Pick 94 (From PHI)

Michael Wilson, WR | Stanford

•Round 4, Pick 122 (From DET via KC via  MIA)

Jon Gaines II, DL | UCLA

•Round 5, Pick 139 (From DET via DEN)

Clayton Tune, QB | Houston

•Round 5, Pick 168 (From DET via ARI)

Owen Pappoe, LB | Auburn

•Round 6, Pick 180

Kei’Trel Clark, CB | Louisville

•Round 6, Pick 213

Dante Stills, DT | West Virginia

Grade: B-plus

(John McClain writes four columns a week for GallerySports.com. He can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on Sports Radio 610 and Thursday on Texans Radio. He does three weekly Houtopia podcasts for 610. He also can be read three times a week on SportsRadio610.com).