From the best of the bunch Trevor Lawrence going No. 1 overall, to a long-haired linebacker out of Houston being bestowed “Mr. Irrelevant” as the last selection, the 2021 NFL Draft was quite a spectacle of franchise-altering moves and head-scratching gambles. Above all else, teams made their marks during the three-day fest in many ways. Beginning to end, this draft was full of surprises.
Below are my 2021 NFL Draft grades, with most teams passing the draft tests, while a select number of others have some “’splaining to do”:
Arizona Cardinals: B
The Cards top off a major free agency run with some home-run picks early on. LB Zaven Collins is a massive addition to the defensive unit, combining playmaking with intensity to make for an excellent complement to upstart Isaiah Simmons. WR Rondale Moore was a steal in the second round, mainly due to durability concerns, and he will add a definitive downfield threat for Kyler Murray. Despite addressing cornerback a little late in the draft, CBs Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan are nice depth additions to a group that needs a boost.
Atlanta Falcons: A
That bad man at No. 4 alone spelled A for A-Town. TE Kyle Pitts is the angel drafted to bring Matt Ryan back into MVP form, and the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history could turn the already-potent Falcons offense into the greatest show on turf next season. The Falcons, however, continued to do their homework, stealing S Richie Grant in the second round to immediate add punch to their sub-par secondary, and being blessed with OT Jalen Mayfield in the third to try to cut down on the 40-plus sacks Ryan endured in each of the past three seasons. CB Darren Hall and OC Drew Dalman are hidden gems in the middle rounds and could become starters sooner than later. An overall great draft for Atlanta.
Baltimore Ravens: B
Injury concerns about Sammy Watkins may not be much of a concern anymore, because WR Rashod Bateman’s arrival will make that an afterthought. With two picks in the first round, the Ravens addressed some immediate needs, selecting the uber-talented wideout out of Minnesota to finally get a consistent chain-moving wideout for Lamar Jackson. DE Jayson Oweh, while still raw, has a lot to offer this talented defensive group needing to replenish its edge rushing. While OG Ben Cleveland was a mauler pick-up for the offensive line, the elephant in the room was offensive tackle, which they didn’t address after trading Orlando Brown Jr. That kept the still-contender Ravens from an A.
Buffalo Bills: D
Okay, Buffalo, I get it. After relying on 30-something-year-old ends Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison to get subpar sack production last year, I totally understand upgrading the pass rush. But with their first two picks, that could rush back on them, so to speak. The Bills were also a breakout RB and TE away from possibly upending the Chiefs in the AFC Championship, and neither positions were tackled in this draft. While DEs Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham Jr. (great name for his position) will add some youth and assertiveness up front, cornerback could’ve been handled somewhere early on, as Tre’Davious White needs a complementary star. On a bright note, OT Spencer Brown in the third round was a solid pickup with starter potential.
Carolina Panthers: A
I was shocked to see CB Jaycee Horn selected before CB Patrick Surtain II, but Horn is not too far away from Surtain II in talent, and the Panthers have a preference, which is fine with me at No. 8 overall. WR Terrace Marshall fell to new starting QB Sam Darnold and reunited with offensive coordinator Joe Brady (from LSU days) in the second round, and he completes a receiving corps (D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, David Moore) that’s now amongst the best in the league. But what got the Panthers a five-star draft was on the second and third days, selecting three eventual starters in OT Brady Christensen, TE Tommy Tremble and arguable steal of the draft DT Daviyon Nixon. This Panthers squad is trending way up after this fantastic draft.
Chicago Bears: A
Now the Bears have their QB1. Justin Fields comes into Chi-Town with a huge chip on shoulder for a franchise that has longed for a QB with one. The Bears gave up a package to get Fields, but it had to be done, as this team is a QB away from making some real noise in the NFC. And noise they made in this draft, trading up again in the second round to nab a diamond in the rough in OT Teven Jenkins, another perfect fit for the Bears who is a bulldozer up front. Despite the trades, the Bears were able to snag another starter in OT Larry Borom in the fifth round, after waiting two rounds for their next pick. RB Khalil Herbert and WR Dazz Newsome are great depth additions with far more to offer when game time hits. Da Bears may just be back, baby.
Cincinnati Bengals: A
One of many QB-WR reunions in this draft, Joe Burrow with Ja’Marr Chase may just be the most fascinating. These two set records during their championship run at LSU, and with Chase joining an already-capable set of receivers in Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, Burrow may be feeling like his ol’ Tiger self when he has candy store of wideouts to work with next season. After Chase, Cincy checked off needs in a big way, netting OT Jackson Carman in the second round and stealing DE Joseph Ossai in the third. Burrow finds protection on both sides of the field, and the Bengals walk away with greater upside for 2021.
Cleveland Browns: A
Cleveland had a Super Bowl last weekend. Hosting the draft and excelling in it should make the Browns feel the like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their home-field championship rout in February. They knocked their needs out of the park, adding a surefire top cornerback in Greg Newsome II in the first round to pair with Denzel Ward, while highway-robbing LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, a first-round rated prospect, in the second round. Both are starters and impact players for a much-improved defense. The Browns also gained some much-needed burner speed to their wideouts in WR Anthony Schwartz, whose sprinter background will net plenty of big plays for Baker Mayfield. Cleveland will have plenty to say about the AFC North title next season.
Dallas Cowboys: C
While I admired the Cowboys’ frantic aim at defense throughout the draft, offensive line and safety remain an issue for Jerry Jones. LB Micah Parsons (traded down to No. 12) was a very Jerry Jones-pick: brash, and all sizzle and pop. Parsons will deliver on the hype and then some, instantly surpassing underwhelming LBs Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith as the de facto No. 1. Loved Dallas coming back in the second round with CB Kelvin Joseph, a Kentucky product with good cover skills. DE Osa Odighizuwa is a hidden gem whose raw skill and aggression could surprise on the defensive line. However, their first offensive lineman chosen, Josh Ball in the fourth round, is already facing a legal issue, and their current safety depth is a scary concern.
Denver Broncos: B
Aaron Rodgers by himself in any type of draft day trade would’ve given this team an A grade. He turns the Broncos into an instant Super Bowl contender with this talent. In the meantime, Denver still shined a bit in this draft. CB Patrick Surtain II was one of the more excellent first-round decisions, as he has All-Pro written all over him. Denver then selected gifts for their starting quarterback in the second and third round by addressing the ground game with RB Javonte Williams and OG Quinn Meinerz, both who should see starting time sooner than expected. Thought defensive tackle could use a little help, but the best thing Denver did was not draft a quarterback, something Rodgers paid close attention to while at the Kentucky Derby.
Detroit Lions: D
After this year’s draft, Dan Campbell’s Lions era will be biting the kneecaps…of their fans. OT Penei Sewell at No. 7 overall was what kept this draft from an F because of his sheer talent and ceiling, while the rest of their draft was an inadequate one. With two wideouts that are more known as IR than WR, Detroit desperately needed a breakout receiver, and could’ve with local product D’Wayne Eskridge or Terrace Marshall on the second day. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round is likely their top receiver now, and he’s a steady possession type. DT Levi Onwuzurike is a solid addition, but LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could’ve be an even bigger difference-maker who will address linebacker and safety concerns at once. An awkward draft that’ll result in Detroit likely picking higher next year.
Green Bay Packers: B
Finally, a wide receiver. And one that can go by…A. Rodgers. I’ve seen it all now. I’ll get to that selection in a moment, but credit the Packers for working through the Aaron Rodgers turmoil (that they’ve created, for the most part) and targeting needs early on. Kevin King’s peasant-like performance in the NFC Championship game led to Green Bay lunging for his replacement, and CB Eric Stokes is a good-sized, quick prospect who will make an early impact. OC Josh Myers in the second round is a great rebound from losing Corey Linsley in free agency. And the crème-de-la-crème is the tongue-in-cheek pick of WR Amari Rodgers in the third round, and this wideout is a tough-minded, physical one who’ll get in the good graces of his fellow Rodgers, or incumbent starter Jordan Love. There’s still some uncertainty in the team’s interior defense, particularly at inside linebacker, but the Pack had a serviceable draft. Imagine what this draft would’ve been like if Denver had done the deal of deals for Rodgers…
Houston Texans: B
Easily the most headline-grabbing move in the NFL Draft, the Texans gave their official reply to the Deshaun Watson drama by electing a successor, and this one could stick. QB Davis Mills crept up the draft boards with a massive pro day, and his big arm and even bigger delivery on his throws will give Houston a potential out from under Watson much sooner than later. The Bill O’Brien era led to many dismal trades, putting their first pick in the third round (Mills), but Houston was solid in making the most of that round with two eventual starters, including WR Nico Collins, a sizeable stud with tremendous upside. The Texans then put a definitive stamp on their offense with a fifth-round steal in TE Brevin Jordan, immediately upgrading a tight end position that has been lacking for a while. The porous defense remains porous after this draft, but Houston did what they could with the limited draft capital this year, and they did it well.
Indianapolis Colts: C
Not sure what the Colts were thinking early on in this draft, but it looks like Carson Wentz will continue to look over his shoulder when he drops back in the pocket without a solid left tackle. DE Kwity Paye was a necessary addition in the first round and will make serious noise on that defense, but Indy, of all teams, needed to land an offensive tackle in wake of Anthony Castonzo’s retirement. The Colts did not on the second day, opting for another edge rusher, yet a good one in Dayo Odeyingbo, a massive, strong prospect with room to grow in ability. TE Kylen Granson in the fourth round is an H-back type of player who had a knack for the end zone at SMU (14 TD in 23 games). However, missing out on Christian Darrisaw and Jalen Mayfield hurt the Colts’ grade and the outlook of their blind side.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B
School is finally out for Lawrence, and business has truly picked up for the Jaguars, who have finally landed a franchise QB. Lawrence will change the reputation of the basement-dwelling Jags, and he comes with plenty of good selections in tow. Jacksonville went with a buddy cop mindset on the first night selecting Lawrence’s college RB, Travis Etienne, with their second first-rounder, and that will pay dividends for a ground game that is suddenly very lethal with Jerome Robinson and Carlos Hyde in the rotation. CB Tyson Campbell and S Andre Cisco add talent and depth to a woeful defense, while OT Walker Little completes their second day by bolstering the offensive line. New head coach Urban Meyer could’ve done better at tight end than be an Ohio State homer taking Luke Farrell in the fifth round, especially with Hunter Long still available. But Meyer and Lawrence enter 2021 with a solid draft and even better future.
Kansas City Chiefs: B
Another year, another steady draft for the Chiefs. They hustled before and during the draft, trading their first-round pick to net their starting left tackle in Orlando Brown Jr., then working the second day to their fitting and getting instinctive, tackle-heavy LB Nick Bolton to directly help improve a rush defense that ranked 21st last season. After Patrick Mahomes ran like The Fugitive throughout the Super Bowl, Kansas City made sure it completed its rebuild of the offensive line with the draft’s best center, Creed Humphrey, in the second round, and an absolute sixth-round steal in OG Trey Smith. The Chiefs fell short of addressing cornerback, and DE Joshua Kaindoh in the fourth round is a project for their edge rush need, but they absolutely took care of their best player in this draft, and that’s worthy of a passing grade.
Las Vegas Raiders: B
There’s no team as unconventional in drafting players as the Raiders. But mad scientists Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock did some interesting things in their lab early on. They drew plenty of criticism for going early with OT Alex Leatherwood, who many felt could’ve been had with a trade down. But the Raiders addressed a serious need after enduring many changes to their offensive line through free agency, then reversed gear and stole a first-round graded safety in Trevon Moehrig in Round 2 to immediately bolster their pass defense (memories of Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins here). And while adding DE Malcolm Koonce in the third round will give the pass rush a bit of a facelift, the pick for this team – in both name and talent – is hybrid LB/S Divine Deablo in the same round. A last name like Deablo belongs in the black and silver, and this swiss-army knife can wreak real havoc both in coverage and in the trenches.
Los Angeles Chargers: A
I’m a Chargers fan, and I held back tears of joy after the Bolts’ draft. With momentum and a coveted franchise star QB in their favor, the Chargers continued their upward mobility with stellar draft selections. OT Rashawn Slater was argued to be the best offensive tackle prospect in this class, and he fell into Los Angeles’ lap at No. 13 to become Justin Herbert’s new blind side anchor. Another first-round prospect dropped to the Bolts in the second round with CB Asante Samuel Jr., son of former Patriots ball hawk Asante Samuel, who will be making plays anywhere and everywhere in the secondary. Jump-ball expert WR Josh Palmer and blocker/red zone threat TE Tre’ McKitty add much-needed depth options for Herbert to continue his rise to among the elite signal callers in the league. The Chargers are due after this draft. Book it.
Los Angeles Rams: D
Meanwhile, across the hallways at SoFi Stadium, I’m not a Rams fan, and I couldn’t stop yawning after their draft. It’s clear that the Rams start and end their offseason development in free agency, and the draft is a glorified garage sale for them as a result of gutting their draft capital. Needs at offensive line and defense are still needed, however, and Los Angeles takes…a…gadget wide receiver with their first pick. WR Tutu Atwell is good, but he’s small and only insurance in case WR DeSean Jackson goes down…again. OC Creed Humphrey, meanwhile, was ripe for the taking at No. 57, but not only did the Rams pass on that, they didn’t take an offensive lineman at all in the draft! I will credit the Rams with getting to defense with the corresponding picks, as DT Bobby Brown III’s upside is as big as he is, and CB Robert Rochell has the right tools to compete for a starting role.
Miami Dolphins: B
General manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores continue to develop this Dolphins team in contention, first reuniting Tua Tagovailoa with his former Alabama teammate WR Jaylen Waddle. Waddle is a dynamic home-run threat with the ball in his hands, something the ‘Fins have craved for years. DE Jaelan Phillips, when healthy and in the right hands coaching-wise, can be a double-digit sack menace for this blooming defense. S Jevon Holland was a little bit of a surprise in the second round, considering he was the first taken over Trevon Moehrig and Richie Grant, but OT Liam Eichenberg in the third round was more of a delight and will pay immediate dividends in protecting Tagovailoa. Be on the lookout for TE Hunter Long, who will form a formidable one-two punch at tight end with the improving Mike Gesicki (and could eventually replace him as starter).
Minnesota Vikings: B
The clock is officially ticking on Kirk Cousins’ tenure in Minnesota. Before I get to that, the Vikings get praise for still addressing a major need despite a trade down from No. 14 to No. 23, obtaining their left tackle in Christian Darrisaw. Now the juicy part: As a result of their first-round trade with the Jets, Minnesota was able to grab its successor to Cousins at No. 66, and succeed he will. QB Kellen Mond, who has a rocket arm and outstanding scrambling ability, has all the tools to be a starter in today’s NFL, and with time and grooming, he will leave a lot of franchises wondering what could’ve been if they drafted him. Three other third-rounders were wise picks, with OG Wyatt Davis and DE Patrick Jones being bigger need prospects who will see the field quite soon. We’ll see if free-agent signee Xavier Woods pans out at free safety, but one could’ve still been had in this draft for depth purposes.
New England Patriots: B
The post-Tom Brady quarterback conundrum could finally be over for Bill Belichick. QB Mac Jones was built to be a Patriot, and his solid decision-making and ball placement on all three levels will finally help Belichick usher in a new era at quarterback for the Pats. Snagging DT Christian Barmore in the second round, along with DE Ronnie Perkins in the third, were just as momentous, as both have major disruptive tendencies and fill holes in a defense that’s some pieces away from being back to its old, menacing self. Wide receiver should’ve been addressed early, perhaps at the RB Rhamondre Stevenson pick in the fourth round, but Stevenson was still a good pickup who will add physicality and durability to the running back position. Also, not addressing cornerback raised eyebrows, but New England still made good on its early picks.
New Orleans Saints: C
One Payton is putting a lot of pressure on another to strike early. Head coach Sean Payton will see first-round reach DE Payton Turner enter New Orleans with expectations to be a big-time contributor off the edge. Perhaps seeing CB Greg Newsome II go two picks early changed the trajectory of their draft board, because cornerback was a bigger need. But the Saints bounced back with two solid second-day selections in LB Pete Werner and CB Paulson Adebo, both whom are value picks with tremendous ability. But just when the Saints were turning the corner, they throw the “Book” at us by taking QB Ian Book in the fourth round. Book was a textbook game manager in college who was nowhere near a wow-factor signal caller. He belonged on the third day or undrafted. Wide receiver was a far better option at that spot, and that selection alone sunk this team’s grade.
New York Giants: A
The G-Men were the trade giants of this draft, trading down twice for major draft compensation and still netting impact players. After losing out on DeVonta Smith, the Giants fell back and saw WR Kadarius Toney, a fellow dynamic receiver to pair with No. 1 option Kenny Golladay, fall into their laps, walking away with Chicago’s 2022 first-rounder in the process (because of the Bears trading up for Fields). They then traded back with the Dolphins in the second round and still grabbed first-round talent in fleet-footed edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, skipping away with Miami’s 2022 third-rounder as well. CB Aaron Robinson was a nice third-round selection, adding depth and coverage ability to the secondary. How well this draft class fares depends on Daniel Jones, who has the world on his shoulders entering a career-defining third season.
New York Jets: A
The New York state of mind was quite a smart one in this draft. QB Zach Wilson was selected No. 2 overall to do what Sam Darnold could not: Win, and look good doing it. While Darnold didn’t have a lot to work with during his time in New York, he still underachieved, and Wilson has the skillset, mobility and moxie to turn Gang Green’s hopes around. Wilson will do so with a major talent on the offensive line in OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, who the Jets smartly traded up for in the first round. He can play tackle as well, and his upside is tremendous. Adding to the Jets’ brilliance were second-day selections that stole the show: WR Elijah Moore, a much-needed spark at wideout who will be a fan favorite, and RB Michael Carter, a scat back with great hands and major dependability on third downs. Also, when you select two guys with the same name (fifth-round pick S Michael Carter II), you deserve a good grade.
Philadelphia Eagles: B
Reunions are fun, aren’t they? And this one was needed the most from the quarterback, as Jalen Hurts gets to develop with the help of reigning Heisman Trophy winner WR DeVonta Smith, whom Philly had to trade up for to keep him from the Giants. Smith isn’t the biggest, but he’s the smoothest operator at receiver and will see plenty of open looks throughout his career. The offensive line is an injury-prone mess. I thought OC Creed Humphrey was a more dependable option over Landon Dickerson solely due to injury concerns for the latter, but fit is fit, and Dickerson is a bulldozer of a lineman who will promise major gaps for Hurts and the ground game to run wild. DT Milton Williams and CB Zech McPhearson were reaches in the third and fourth rounds, respectively, but they were picks of need for a defense that needs as much depth as possible as the Eagles enter a lengthy rebuilding period.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C
For starters, I don’t have an issue with who the Steelers drafted with their first two picks; the issue lies with where they were taken. As great as first-round pick RB Najee Harris will be in the pros, his workload will be much tougher behind a suspect offensive line, which the Steelers still have after this draft. TE Pat Freiermuth, nicknamed “Baby Gronk” in college, looks like he was meant to be a Steeler, and his size and dependable hands will spell some Pro Bowls for him, but then again, a struggling offensive line could hinder his progress. OG Kendrick Green and OT Dan Moore were blessing picks in the third and fourth rounds, respectively. Both have starter potential, but better prospects like OT Teven Jenkins and centers Creed Humphrey and Landon Dickerson would’ve moved the needle better early on, while a talented running back like Trey Sermon and quality tight end like Brevin Jordan could’ve still been there later. A harsh grade for Pittsburgh, but if that offensive line comes up short again in 2021, it’ll be a fair grade.
San Francisco 49ers: C
“Trey Area” has arrived! The 49ers chose their destiny at No. 3, opting for the big-armed, gazelle-legged wonder out of North Dakota State and secured a 10-year franchise man. However, San Francisco must’ve been so high on Lance, they operated the rest of the draft like they were high, period. There was a bigger need at cornerback in the second round, as OG Aaron Banks is a depth pick for an offensive line that can still get it done on the ground. And on that subject, RB Trey Sermon in the third round, albeit a good player, was a waste of a pick. The 49ers are a running back factory right now with Raheem Mostert, Wayne Gallman and Jeff Wilson, all very formidable backs. Targeting a back in later rounds, while using a second-day pick on securing more help on a defensive front that was ravaged with injuries last year, was more feasible.
Seattle Seahawks: A
With as few at-bats as any team in this draft, the Seahawks knocked all three out of the park. The Jamal Adams trade set them back in draft capital, and they turned pennies into bigger profit, answering some of Russell Wilson’s frustrations with an excellent slot wideout in D’Wayne Eskridge in the second round. Eskridge is another Tyler Lockett who will do more than fill the void of David Moore’s departure, completing a deep-ball trifecta (along with freak of nature DK Metcalf) for a franchise QB that loves to throw them. CB Tre Brown desperately fills a need in the secondary, and his quickness and scrappiness will surely spell starting time early next season. The cherry on top for Wilson will be OT Stone Forsythe, a massive left anchor who protected Kyle Trask for two seasons at Florida. Seattle helped Russ in this draft, while addressing their biggest need on defense in the process.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
“Tompa Bay” has been money since giving money to the G.O.A.T. to deliver another Super Bowl to the franchise. The offseason saw them retain all 22 starters from last season, and this draft saw even more improvements on both sides of the football. DE Joe Tryon is an excellent depth selection in the first round, and he could groom himself behind Jason Pierre-Paul to become an even more disruptive force for the future. QB Kyle Trask is the perfect prospect for both Tom Brady and Bruce Arians. Trask, while very accurate, could use better pocket awareness and feel when pressured, something Brady has excelled at most of his career. Trask has also drawn comparisons to Arians’ former prodigy Ben Roethlisberger, and with enough time to groom, he could become a Big Ben copycat in the pros. Third-round pick OT Robert Hainsey adds depth and versatility from Notre Dame, which is O-line U in this draft. Defensive line, while currently a great unit, is leaning on short contracts from Ndamukong Suh and William Gholston next season, and it could’ve used a fresher prospect to develop for a year. But the Bucs are primed for a repeat performance with a draft like this.
Tennessee Titans: A
Of the A grades I have given to teams, this was the quietest of all of them. Tennessee kept things rolling along as one of the better franchises in football, hitting on quality in this draft. CB Caleb Farley, if and only if healthy, is considered the best cornerback in this class. Back surgery and sitting out last season hurt his stock, but the Titans were lucky to see him fall to their number in the first round. He’s Pro Bowl material if things pan out medically. OT Dillon Radunz, meanwhile, is such a snug fit and need-filler for the Titans’ zone blocking ways on the line. He’s a starter-level grab in the second round and will fill the right tackle spot that Isaiah Wilson was supposed to assume before his off-field transgressions doomed him. After a strong outing at the Senior Bowl, WR Dez Fitzpatrick could prove to be much more valuable than a fourth-round pick. He’s long and goes for the jump balls much like the Titans’ Pro Bowl wideout A.J. Brown. The Titans targeted the right players, and their trajectory is trending upward as a result.
Washington Football Team: A
Amazing how Washington soars through the draft with flying colors without a quarterback to boot. Well, they did so by spreading the draft wealth amongst various talent, starting with LB Jamin Davis in the first round. Davis skyrocketed up the draft ranks with his outstanding 2020 tape, showing his prowess and heat-seeking ability to make any tackle. He has Defensive Rookie of the Year skills to place this defense at the top of the league. OT Samuel Cosmi, another starter-type in the second round, has quickness and solid footwork to be a dependable left tackle for Ryan Fitzpatrick…or whomever Rivera points at to start at QB. CB Benjamin St. Juste is a tall and long defender who should see plenty of playing time alongside newly signed William Jackson. And WR Dyami Brown is the gem of this group, as his eye-popping 20-plus yards per catch in college makes him a sleeper deep threat Washington will benefit aplenty from. Much like the Giants, this class will depend on the success of the quarterback, but this ferocious defense may just be better enough to carry this squad another year.
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