GRADING THE AFC
AFC SOUTH TEXANS
General manager Nick Caserio addressed every need but an edge rusher. CB Derek Stingley Jr., LG Kenyon Green and S Jalen Pitre should start from day one. RB Dameon Pierce is under pressure to improve the worst running game in team history. When WR John Metchie III is healthy, he’ll become a contributor in the slot for Davis Mills.
TITANS
Trading WR A.J. Brown takes a bite out of the offense. WR Treylon Burks is under a lot of pressure to replace him. CB Roger Mccreary should be an immediate contributor. Trading up to get QB Malik Willis was a shrewd move because he could replace Ryan Tannehill in 2023. OT Nicholas Petit-frere and RB Hassan Haskins were good picks.
COLTS
Without a selection in the first round, they solved needs with WR Alec Pierce and TE Jelani Woods in the second and third rounds. OT Bernhard Raimann was projected to go in the first round by some scouts. He could start as a rookie. S Nick Cross has the kind of speed, range and tenacity they’re looking for on the back end.
JAGUARS
Drafting first for the second consecutive year, they took potential over production. DE Travon Walker’s talent outmatched his production, but if he stays on the right side, he can become a dynamic pass rusher. They passed up proven DE Aidan Hutchinson. They were smart to trade up to get LB Devin Lloyd, a terrific prospect.
AFC NORTH BENGALS
The defending AFC champions wanted to bolster their secondary, and they did a splendid job in the first two rounds with S Dax Hill and CB Cam Taylor-britt. Hill can play safety or cornerback. DE Zachary Carter might help the pass rush and run defense off the bench. They improved the offensive line with G Corell Volson.
RAVENS
Two excellent picks in the first round with S Kyle Hamilton and C Tyler Linderbaum. Both should start as rookies. Taking DE David Ojabo and giving him time to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon was a brilliant move. Kudos for DT Travis Jones and OT Daniel Faalele, too. They filled every need position by making wise decisions.
BROWNS
Because of trades, they waited until the third round and selected CB Martin Emerson, DE Alex Wright and WR David Bell. They filled needs and should provide depth as rookies. DT Perrion Winfrey is a mauler against the run and is able to get an inside push. RB Jerome Ford can run and catch. K Cade York could be the most productive rookie.
STEELERS
QB Kenny Pickett may have been the happiest player in the draft because he gets to stay in Pittsburgh and could start as a rookie. He was the only quarterback drafted in the first round. WR George Pickens is a big target with speed. DE Demarvin Leal fits nicely on the outside in their 3-4 scheme before moving inside in passing situations.
AFC WEST CHIEFS
Andy Reid’s goal was to improve his defense. He accomplished that with CB Trent Mcduffie, DE George Karlaftis, S Bryan Cook, LB Leo Chenal and CB Joshua Williams. Mcduffie and Karalaftis are so good they could start as rookies. Patrick Mahomes is going to love WR Skyye Moore, who should become a big-time contributor:
RAIDERS
The new regime didn’t have picks in the first two rounds because of the Davante Adams trade with Green Bay. The Raiders waited until the third round to get G Dylan Parham, who should be good enough to start right away. RB Zamir White, who helped Georgia win the national championship, should get a lot of playing time as a rookie.
BRONCOS
With no first-round selection because of the Russell Wilson trade, the Broncos worked on their defense with Nick Bonitto, one of the more impressive edge rushers, CB Damarri Mathis and DT Eyioma Uwazurike. All should contribute as rookies. TE Greg Dulcich has a chance to help replace the traded Noah Fant.
CHARGERS
For the second consecutive year, they selected an offensive lineman in the first round. G Zion Johnson should become an immediate starter who helps improve the run game and Justin Herbert’s pass protection. S J.T. Woods has size and speed and should provide depth in the secondary. Isaiah Spiller was a fourth-round bargain.
AFC EAST BILLS
They made impressive moves with their first two picks, CB Kaiir Elam and RB James Cook. Elam might start as a rookie. At worst, he’s the first cornerback off the bench. Cook is a strong runner and an exceptional receiver who brings versatility to the backfield. They reached for LB Terrel Bernard, but he’s a tackling machine when healthy.
DOLPHINS
Because of trades, they sat on the sideline until the third round and selected LB Channing Tindall. He’s got talent but didn’t start last season for Georgia’s national title team even though he played a substantial role. He should help right away. WR Erik Ezukanma is a large target who gains a lot of yards after the catch.
PATRIOTS
They reached in the first two rounds with G Cole Strange and WR Tyquan Thornton. Strange fills a desperate need. Thornton was the fastest receiver at the combine. CB Marcus Jones was the nation’s best return specialist and should help field position. RB Pierre Strong was a terrific pick. QB Bailey Zappe was an interesting pick.
JETS
They didn’t just hit home runs — they hit grand slams with three starters in the first round: CB Sauce Gardner, WR Garrett Wilson and DE Jermaine Johnson II. Then they got RB Breece Hall, the best at his position. TE Jeremy Ruckert could become a steal in the third round. Keep an eye on DE Michael Clemons as a pass rusher.