With the 2025 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: A
Defense was bound to be the focus heading into this draft and the Bills didn't disappoint. Hairston is an elite athlete who brings some much-needed playmaking skills to the secondary. Sanders is an explosive pass-rush talent who could complement Ed Oliver nicely on the interior. Jackson is a three-down player with size, athleticism, and a great motor - he's a steal in the third round. The same can probably be said for 6-foot-7, 331-pound defensive tackle Deone Walker. He moves incredibly well for his size, and he likely would have been long gone by the fourth round if injuries didn't contribute to a down 2024 season. This is the exact draft haul the Bills needed coming off their latest playoff disappointment.
Grade: B-
Run defense will no longer be an issue in Miami. Grant is a massive defensive tackle who dominates in that area, and he's got more pass-rush upside than you'd expect for a player his size. Phillips is also a dominant run defender who provides great value in the fifth round. While Savaiinaea fills a need on the offensive line, and while his athleticism will certainly make him a fit in Mike McDaniel's zone run game, it's tough to get on board with giving up a third-round pick to move up 11 spots in the second round to get him. This roster could have used the extra Day 2 draft capital.
Grade: A+
The Patriots may be this draft's biggest winners. There was a clear focus on improving the situation around Drake Maye and they absolutely knocked it out of the park. All indications suggest the Patriots see Campbell as their left tackle of the future, and why wouldn't they? A lack of length didn't give him any issues against SEC competition. While Henderson may not profile as a true workhorse back, he's a big-play machine and he's got the best third-down skill set of any back in this draft. Williams is one of the more exciting mid-round receivers in this class, and Wilson should push Garrett Bradbury for the starting center job sooner than later. There's also a lot to like about New England's defensive picks on Day 3, giving Mike Vrabel some young pieces to contribute on that side. This is how it's done.
Grade: A
The Jets are making smart decisions. Membou was a great pick at No. 7, rounding out a talented, young offensive line with a potential Pro Bowl right tackle. Taylor should be an immediate starter at tight end, and Thomas is a perfect fit for a defense that figures to lean on a lot of man coverage. Don't sleep on Moore, either. He flew under the radar in this safety class, but he's got the instincts, range, and tackling skills to be a reliable contributor from the jump. This new regime is off to a great start.
