The 2026 NFL Draft is underway. Months of scouting, planning and — for some teams — aggressive trading led to these three days. All 32 franchises are now adding rookies to their rosters throughout the seven-round event, and every selection is ripe for scrutiny.
Using an internal formula based on our analysts’ individual pick grades, we will hand out team-by-team grades to assess how effectively each franchise uses its draft capital. Early rounds carry more weight than later selections, and picks at the top of the board are valued more heavily than those at the back end of each round.
This page tracks how each team is building its class in real time, with team grades updating after every selection.
Individual pick grades are determined by two CBS Sports NFL Draft analysts. Mike Renner handles Rounds 1–3, while Josh Edwards takes over for Rounds 4–7.
Here are our team-by-team grades for the 2026 NFL Draft.
2026 NFL Draft essentials
Arizona Cardinals — C+
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (3) | Jeremiyah Love — RB, Notre Dame | C+ |
| R2 (34) | ||
| R3 (65) | ||
| R4 (104) | ||
| R5 (143) | ||
| R6 (183) | ||
| R7 (217) |
Selecting a running back is about as aggressive as the Cardinals could have possibly been at No. 3. They made Jeremiyah Love the first running back selected in the top five since Saquon Barkley went second overall in 2018. They are now invested heavily into the position even though they don’t have their long-term quarterback, which makes this a “C+” pick, according to Renner. That is no knock against Love himself, though. Many analysts view him as the best player in the draft. He has superstar potential.
Atlanta Falcons
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R2 (48) | ||
| R3 (79) | ||
| R4 (122) | ||
| R6 (215) | ||
| R7 (231) |
Baltimore Ravens
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (14) | ||
| R2 (45) | ||
| R3 (80) | ||
| R4 (115) | ||
| R5 (154) | ||
| R5 (162) | ||
| R5 (173) | ||
| R5 (174) | ||
| R6 (211) | ||
| R7 (250) | ||
| R7 (253) |
Buffalo Bills
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (26) | ||
| R3 (91) | ||
| R4 (126) | ||
| R5 (165) | ||
| R5 (168) | ||
| R6 (182) | ||
| R7 (220) |
Carolina Panthers
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (19) | ||
| R2 (51) | ||
| R3 (83) | ||
| R4 (119) | ||
| R5 (158) | ||
| R5 (159) | ||
| R6 (200) |
Chicago Bears
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (25) | ||
| R2 (57) | ||
| R2 (60) | ||
| R3 (89) | ||
| R4 (129) | ||
| R7 (239) | ||
| R7 (241) |
Cincinnati Bengals
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R2 (41) | ||
| R3 (72) | ||
| R4 (110) | ||
| R6 (189) | ||
| R6 (199) | ||
| R7 (221) | ||
| R7 (226) |
Cleveland Browns — A+
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (9) — via trade with Chiefs | Spencer Fano — OT, Utah | A+ |
| R1 (24) | ||
| R2 (39) | ||
| R3 (70) | ||
| R4 (107) | ||
| R5 (146) | ||
| R5 (149) | ||
| R6 (206) | ||
| R7 (248) |
Shoring up the offensive line is a necessity if the Browns are ever to develop a franchise quarterback. Renner says they got the cleanest offensive line prospect in the draft, so filling a need with such an elite talent makes the pick an unquestionable “A+.” It would not have been a surprise to see Cleveland use its first pick on a wide receiver, but there will be skill position standouts to be had further down the board.
Dallas Cowboys — A
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (11) — via trade with Dolphins | Caleb Downs — S, Ohio State | A |
| R1 (20) | ||
| R2 (55) | ||
| R3 (92) | ||
| R4 (112) | ||
| R5 (152) | ||
| R5 (177) | ||
| R5 (180) | ||
| R7 (218) |
The talk of draft season was that the Cowboys would trade up if one of their favorite defensive prospects was there for the taking. Caleb Downs remaining on the board outside the top 10 was the catalyst for a transaction with the Dolphins, and it’s not a bad deal whatsoever for Jerry Jones, who moved up a spot and still retained the second of the team’s two first-round picks.
Denver Broncos
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R2 (62) | ||
| R4 (108) | ||
| R4 (111) | ||
| R5 (170) | ||
| R7 (246) | ||
| R7 (256) | ||
| R7 (257) |
Detroit Lions
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (17) | ||
| R2 (50) | ||
| R4 (118) | ||
| R4 (128) | ||
| R5 (157) | ||
| R5 (181) | ||
| R6 (205) | ||
| R6 (213) | ||
| R7 (222) |
Green Bay Packers
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R2 (52) | ||
| R3 (84) | ||
| R4 (120) | ||
| R4 (153) | ||
| R5 (160) | ||
| R6 (201) | ||
| R7 (236) | ||
| R7 (255) |
Houston Texans
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (28) | ||
| R2 (38) | ||
| R2 (59) | ||
| R3 (69) | ||
| R4 (106) | ||
| R5 (141) | ||
| R5 (167) | ||
| R7 (243) |
Indianapolis Colts
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R2 (47) | ||
| R3 (78) | ||
| R4 (113) | ||
| R5 (156) | ||
| R6 (214) | ||
| R7 (249) | ||
| R7 (254) |
Jacksonville Jaguars
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R2 (56) | ||
| R3 (81) | ||
| R3 (88) | ||
| R3 (100) | ||
| R4 (124) | ||
| R5 (164) | ||
| R5 (166) | ||
| R6 (203) | ||
| R7 (233) | ||
| R7 (240) | ||
| R7 (245) |
Kansas City Chiefs — B-
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (6) — via trade with Browns | Mansoor Delane — CB, LSU | B- |
| R1 (29) | ||
| R2 (40) | ||
| R3 (74) | ||
| R4 (109) | ||
| R5 (148) | ||
| R5 (169) | ||
| R5 (176) | ||
| R6 (210) |
The mass exodus from Kansas City’s secondary this offseason made cornerback a key need — so much so that the Chiefs traded up from No. 9 to select Mansoor Delane. The trade with the Browns opened the door for GM Brett Veach to take a player Renner calls the “safest pick at corner in this draft class.” The only knock against this pick is that Kansas City gave up a third-rounder in the trade.
Las Vegas Raiders — A
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (1) | Fernando Mendoza — QB, Indiana | A |
| R2 (36) | ||
| R3 (67) | ||
| R4 (102) | ||
| R4 (117) | ||
| R4 (134) | ||
| R5 (175) | ||
| R6 (185) | ||
| R6 (208) | ||
| R7 (219) |
It would have been the surprise of all surprises if the Raiders did anything with the No. 1 pick other than select Fernando Mendoza. There is no drama here, and as such, it’s an “A” for Las Vegas right out of the gate. Klint Kubiak has his quarterback of the future.
Los Angeles Chargers
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (22) | ||
| R2 (55) | ||
| R3 (86) | ||
| R4 (123) | ||
| R6 (203) |
Los Angeles Rams
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (13) | ||
| R2 (61) | ||
| R3 (93) | ||
| R6 (207) | ||
| R7 (232) | ||
| R7 (251) | ||
| R7 (252) |
Miami Dolphins — A+
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (12) — via trade with Cowboys | Kadyn Proctor — OT, Alabama | A+ |
| R1 (30) | ||
| R2 (43) | ||
| R3 (75) | ||
| R3 (87) | ||
| R3 (90) | ||
| R3 (94) | ||
| R4 (130) | ||
| R5 (151) | ||
| R7 (227) | ||
| R7 (238) |
Miami signed what might be its franchise quarterback in Malik Willis in free agency, and now it has added protection for him. Kadyn Proctor was a polarizing prospect in the pre-draft process because of his size — a major asset that could also limit him if he isn’t able to play at the right weight. If Miami gets the best version of him, he can stick at left tackle and become a building block of this rebuild.
Minnesota Vikings
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (18) | ||
| R2 (49) | ||
| R3 (82) | ||
| R3 (97) | ||
| R5 (163) | ||
| R6 (196) | ||
| R7 (234) | ||
| R7 (235) | ||
| R7 (244) |
New England Patriots
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (31) | ||
| R2 (63) | ||
| R3 (95) | ||
| R4 (125) | ||
| R4 (131) | ||
| R5 (171) | ||
| R6 (191) | ||
| R6 (198) | ||
| R6 (202) | ||
| R6 (212) | ||
| R7 (247) |
New Orleans Saints — B+
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (8) | Jordyn Tyson — WR, Arizona State | B+ |
| R2 (42) | ||
| R3 (73) | ||
| R4 (132) | ||
| R4 (136) | ||
| R5 (150) | ||
| R5 (172) | ||
| R6 (190) |
The discourse around Jordyn Tyson’s injury history didn’t stop the Saints from making him a top-10 pick. Torn knee ligaments, a broken collarbone and, most recently, a hamstring issue raised concerns about his ability to stay on the field, but the talent is undeniable. As long as he stays healthy, he will be an excellent weapon for Tyler Shough as the quarterback enters his first full year as New Orleans’ starter. There’s a fun young core growing in this offense.
New York Giants — A
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (5) | Arvell Reese — EDGE, Ohio State | A+ |
| R1 (10) | Francis Mauigoa — OT, Miami | A- |
| R2 (37) | ||
| R4 (105) | ||
| R5 (145) | ||
| R6 (186) | ||
| R6 (192) | ||
| R6 (193) |
New York’s front seven just got even more fearsome. The initial thought with the Reese selection was that the Giants were preparing to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux, but that is not the plan, per ESPN. With both of them in town, along with the rest of the existing group of defenders, the Giants will be a problem for opposing offenses if they can find a replacement for Dexter Lawrence in the trenches.
Speaking of the trenches, adding protection for Jaxson Dart in the form of Francis Mauigoa is another tremendous use of a first-round pick. Renner projects him to move inside to one of the guard spots for now, which will also help Cam Skattebo and the running game.
The only team with two top-10 picks came out of the first round a big winner.
New York Jets — C-
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (2) | David Bailey — EDGE, Texas Tech | C- |
| R1 (16) | ||
| R2 (33) | ||
| R2 (44) | ||
| R4 (103) | ||
| R4 (140) | ||
| R5 (179) | ||
| R7 (228) | ||
| R7 (242) |
The debate between David Bailey and Arvell Reese at No. 2 is settled. New York went with the Texas Tech edge rusher, whose projected ability to step right in as a ready-made prospect makes him a big weapon for Aaron Glenn in what is a prove-it year for the Jets coach. The only problem, though, is that his run defense ability lags behind his pass-rushing skills. And because the Jets already have an inconsistent run defender on the edge in Will McDonald IV, Renner gives the pick a “C-.”
Philadelphia Eagles
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (23) | ||
| R2 (54) | ||
| R3 (68) | ||
| R3 (98) | ||
| R4 (114) | ||
| R4 (137) | ||
| R5 (178) | ||
| R6 (197) |
Pittsburgh Steelers
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (21) | ||
| R2 (53) | ||
| R3 (76) | ||
| R3 (85) | ||
| R3 (99) | ||
| R4 (121) | ||
| R4 (135) | ||
| R5 (161) | ||
| R6 (216) | ||
| R7 (224) | ||
| R7 (230) | ||
| R7 (237) |
San Francisco 49ers
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (27) | ||
| R2 (58) | ||
| R4 (127) | ||
| R4 (133) | ||
| R4 (138) | ||
| R4 (139) |
Seattle Seahawks
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (32) | ||
| R2 (64) | ||
| R3 (96) | ||
| R6 (188) |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (22) | ||
| R2 (46) | ||
| R2 (55) | ||
| R3 (77) | ||
| R5 (155) | ||
| R6 (195) | ||
| R7 (229) |
Tennessee Titans — B
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (4) | Carnell Tate — WR, Ohio State | B |
| R2 (35) | ||
| R3 (66) | ||
| R4 (101) | ||
| R5 (142) | ||
| R5 (144) | ||
| R6 (184) | ||
| R6 (194) | ||
| R7 (225) |
It is no surprise to see Carnell Tate go in the top 10, but few would have thought the Titans would be the team to grab him. That does not make it a bad pick for Tennessee, though. With Jeremiyah Love off the board, the Titans switched their focus from running back to wide receiver in the search for weapons to pair with Cam Ward. That’s precisely what they got in Tate, who could be the second-year quarterback’s favorite target as a rookie.
Washington Commanders — A
| Pick | Player | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| R1 (7) | Sonny Styles — LB, Ohio State | A |
| R3 (71) | ||
| R5 (147) | ||
| R6 (187) | ||
| R6 (209) | ||
| R7 (223) |
The Commanders have their Von Miller replacement. The veteran linebacker remains a free agent, and selecting the best player at his position in the draft suggests Washington is content with letting him walk. There is always a positional value discussion to be had when it comes to taking inside linebackers in the first round, but Styles has been widely considered a top-10 talent since his remarkable showing at the combine.
