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-
Barron was a great value pick at No. 20. Most had Denver looking at playmakers, but a potential top-10 talent is too good to pass up that late. Barron's playmaking skills and versatility should make him an excellent addition to an already strong secondary. Plus, the Broncos got a really fun pair of playmakers on Day 2. Harvey is an explosive back who's always making defenders miss. Bryant flew under the radar due to his average speed, but his route-running, ball skills, and run-after-catch ability should still make him a productive pro. Jones could also emerge as a key piece of the pass-rush rotation with some more development. Could this be the second straight draft class that pushes the Broncos to another level?
Grade: A-
The rest of the league will probably regret letting Simmons fall to the Chiefs at the end of the first round. He's still working his way back from a torn patellar tendon suffered in October, but he's the best pass-protector in this class. Simmons probably would've been a top-10 pick were it not for the injury. Norman-Lott and Gillotte provide some exciting pass-rush upside, and Williams is a great fit for a defense that loves to have its cornerbacks play press coverage. And it's easy to see Royals, my No. 7 receiver in this class, becoming a productive player. The rich get richer.
Grade: B+
There's always a case to be made against drafting a running back early, but Jeanty is a special case. The unique combination of vision, contact balance, and creativity made him my No. 3 overall player in this class. Bech is a physical wideout who should be a great addition to the receiver room, and Porter is an elite athlete with the size and ball skills to make him a playmaker in the secondary. Keep an eye on Thornton, too. He'll need to expand his route tree coming from that Tennessee offense, but there aren't many 6-foot-5 receivers with 4.3 speed. His ability to stretch the field could be a nice fit with Geno Smith. Pete Carroll and John Spytek suddenly have the Raiders trending in the right direction.
Grade: B
The Chargers' first-round strategy was a little confusing. Picking Hampton felt like a bit of a misstep with so many needs elsewhere and so many good players available at running back. The subsequent selections helped balance things out, though. Harris can be the big-play receiver they needed on the boundary to complement Ladd McConkey. Caldwell is a high-end run defender, and Kennard could provide some pass-rush upside in sub-packages. It's not a spectacular haul, but it's solid.
