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Welcome to the 2025 rookie draft grades. This completely objective analysis will be written by both Anton Hof (AZA) and Reese Thompson (CAP). All complaints can be directed at Anton.
We will evaluate the overall draft grade per team, looking at each of their selections so that we can more contextualize our analysis more holistically into each team's roster as opposed to analyzing each individual selection. Enjoy!
IOWA
Selections:
1.01 - Travis Hunter, WR, DB - JAX
2.01 - Cameron Ward, QB - TEN
3.01 - Elijah Arroyo, TE - SEA
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Elite athleticism in Hunter plus IDP upside makes the case to be selected over Jeanty, along with a longer runway of likely relevance. Ward at the 2.01 is a great value and there is nothing wrong with the shot at Arroyo in the 3rd. IOWA got talent at positions of need and found good value along the way.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Iowa had one goal in this draft, swing for the fences with high upside selections. Hunter is a
true 1 of 1 opportunity. Ward and Arroyo could be starters in the long run. Time will tell if
the gambles work, but for now the future is looking bright
VFT
Selections:
1.04 - Quinshon Judkins, RB - CLE
1.11 - Abdul Carter, DL - NYG
2.02 - Cam Skattebo, RB - NYG
2.05 - Jaxon Dart, QB - NYG
3.11 - Jihaad Campbell, LB - PHI
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C+
A lot of talent was added through the draft, but value has to be considered. Skattebo at the 2.02 and Dart at the 2.05 look to be solid selections, and Judkins adds some elite RB talent. There are concerns with selecting Carter over the remaining available offensive talent. Wide receiver is a position of need that was seemingly skipped in favor of defensive talent. The other concern is the heavy drafting of players from poverty franchises with 3 selections from the New York Giants and a pick from the Cleveland Browns
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C+
One of the most interesting drafts, 4 top 20 selections added lots of talent to Vermont’s
roster. The sheer amount of talent added projects for a high grade, but the value at those
selections left more to be desired. Trading up to a higher contract tier to select Judkins
above ADP was a surprising choice, and an IDP pick is always controversial in the 1st round
SIR
Selections:
1.03 - Omarion Hampton, RB - LAC
1.13 - Matthew Golden, WR - GB
2.12 - Mason Taylor, TE - NYJ
3.03 - Jalen Milroe, QB - SEA
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A-
Nothing wrong with Hampton at 1.03 compared to ADP, but you have to wonder how this roster would look with Tetaiora McMillan and Golden on this team. Golden was a good value at 1.13, Taylor adds some needed depth at TE, and Milroe is a great long term bet on athleticism in the 3rd round.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A+
Ohio was able to address needs at all their offensive positions in this draft. They found a
couple starters in the first round with some strong high upside pieces late. Ohio needed to
have strong draft, and they were able to nail the best value at each of their selections and
fill a lot of holes in the roster.
WISC
Selections:
1.12 - Colston Loveland, TE - CHI
2.13 - Jaylin Noel, WR - HOU
3.04 - Tyler Shough, QB - NO
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
Shough is fine as a player, and a 3rd round value for a possible starting QB with the amount of experience he has is a solid value. However, QB is not a position of need for this team with both Nix and Prescott. Depth could have been given elsewhere. Loveland late in the first to get depth behind Hockenson is a good pick, especially with the players who went just after. Noel late in the 2rd is a dynamic collegiate player who’s only knock is being projected as the odd man out of a 4 man wide receiver group. If he gets the chance to play, he could turn into a great depth piece for the Gamecocks.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B-
Wisconsin was able to find solid value in their selections. Unfortunately, they missed out
on being able to fill some glaring holes in their roster as they look to take the next step in
contention. Sometimes the draft board doesn’t work out in your favor.
VRG
Selections:
1.02 - Ashton Jeanty, RB - LV
2.11 - Traded to AZA for Michael Pittman
3.05 - Isaac TesLaa, WR - DET
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Strong draft by a team with a lot of needs heading into draft day. Calling his shot on Jeanty and moving up to the 1.02 was aggressive, but allows more flexibility with his current RB situation. 2.11 is a great value for a trade for a mid-career (still only 27) Michael Pittman on a team friendly contract. Pittman has a lot more upside and proven production in the NFL than many of the available options at 2.11. Considered giving an A- for sniping my target in the 3rd round, but I have to respect reaching to take a shot on a player on a high level offense who’s team effectively spent three third round picks to select.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Getting a potential superstar like Geanty warrants a grade in the A range. Locking down a starting spot for years to come. Due to a draft day trade, the only other selection was 3
rd round pick,TeSlaa, who was a popular sleeper across the league.
CAP
Selections:
1.05 - TreVeyon Henderson, RB - NE
2.14 - Pat Bryant, WR - DEN
3.13 - Elic Ayomanor, WR - TEN
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A-
It is tough to grade your own team. I like Henderson as the best RB available at the 1.05 in a position of need. With both my 2nd and 3rd round targets taken ahead of me, picking what I viewed as the best player available with upside was the strategy. Bryant has a shot at a starting role on a rising offense, and Ayomanor also has the chance to start in year 1 with fellow rookie QB Cam Ward. CAP doesn’t need immediate contributors at WR, so these players offer good upside on rising teams. Running back is still a need after picking Henderson, but with a deeper WR rookie class and stronger RB FA class, I think this approach makes sense.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B+
California’s shrewd maneuvering with trades to end up at the 1.05 worked out nicely to get
Henderson. Losing out on some of their favorite sleepers required looking elsewhere for the later picks slightly drops the grade.
TXTF
Selections:
2.06 - Jack Bech, WR - LV
2.07 - Kyle Williams, WR - NE
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
I like taking 2 shots at the WR group at this point in the 2nd round with pretty minimal draft capital available to TXTF. Although new to the league through the 2025 expansion, TXTF have a solid starting roster, and looking for future contributors and depth is a great decision. WR hit rates are usually higher, and both Bech and Williams are in intriguing situations.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C+
Limited capital entering the draft as they focused on building an immediate contender in
the expansion draft. I like the odds that at least one of these two WR develops into a
starting level player down the road
MI
Selections:
1.07 - Emeka Egbuka, WR - TB
1.08 - Tetairoa McMillan, WR - CAR
2.08 - Jaydon Blue, RB - DAL
3.06 - traded for in a deal with AZA - Ollie Gordon, RB - MIA
MI receives Garret Wilson, 2026 1st Rd pick, 2025 3.06
AZA received Puka Nacua, $5,000
3.08 - Harold Fannin, TE - CLE
3.14 - Tory Hilton, WR - SEA
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Walking out of the first round with Egbuka and McMillan after not having a top-5 selection is great value and adds some elite talent. MI took multiple shots at running back, adding needed depth. Fannin and Hilton are good upside swings in the late rounds. I really like the trade with AZA which brought over Garret Wolson and a 2026 1st. MI added a lot of talent and upside with most players on the roster fitting together to put the team as a contender in the coming years.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A-
Commitment to the long game by adding the best talent available while mixing in the Ohio
State fandom, defined the important 1st round selections. Overall adding strong depth
across the roster. This draft was a strong step towards building a team that will be
competitive for a long time. One question, who will play QB?
DUCK
Selections:
1.09 - Tyler Warren, TE - IND
2.09 - Bhayshul Tuten, RB - JAX
3.09 - Dylan Sampson, RB - CLE
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B+
After getting stuck drafting in no-man’s land after the top talent in both the first and second rounds was gone, DUCK still managed to get their guy in Warren at the 1.09. Given the players available and positional need at RB, I like the double back to take 2 shots at relevant and inexpensive RBs.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
Warren provides the answer for the glaring opening at TE. Some late round RBs should
provide some nice chances at finding a potential starter. GEO sits at an interesting
transition period for their roster.
MIN
Selections:
1.10 - Kaleb Johnson, RB - PIT
2.10 - Shedeur Sanders, QB - CLE
3.10 - Jalen Royals, WR - KC
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B-
Johnson at the 1.10 and Royals at the 3.10 are great selections at positions of need, with good value, and great possible upside. Sanders at the 2.10 is a bit of a head-scratcher as the 3rd QB off the board. Not only is Sanders buried on the depth chart in Cleveland and other relevant QBs still being available who were drafted much earlier by the NFL, but QB was just not a positional need for MN in a weaker class with 2 young QBs already on the roster. Increasing depth at TE, RB, or WR would have seemingly made more sense here.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B+
The Kaleb Johnson selection worked out great for Minnesota as they were able to fill their
greatest need with the best player available. The Shedeur Sanders pick was too risky of a
pick for the other depth potential available
AZA
Selections:
2.03 - Luther Burden, WR - CHI
2.11 - traded for with VRG - Terrance Ferguson, TE - LAR
VRG received Michael Pittman
AZA received pick 2.11
3.06 - traded away in a deal with MI
MI receives Garret Wilson, 2026 1st Rd pick, 2025 3.06
AZA received Puka Nacua, $5,000
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
I had Burden ranked lowest out of the tier of Wide Receivers that went around him and the target share in Chicago is too crowded to get very excited for, especially for an offense that consistently underperforms expectations (regardless of coaching staff). Furguson was a nice selection late in the 2nd round with a chance at starting this year. I believe the trade with VRG to be a win-win with Pittman not fitting in as a contributor to the AZA roster, even if the 2.11 is a bit low of value for that caliber of player. Sending away the 3.06 to get a deal done is a solid move for a roster move that AZA obviously believes in.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
Arizona selected Burden slightly below his ADP and took a shot at their tight end of the
future in Fergurson. 0 first round selections limited the ceiling of their draft but still able to target some long-term upside.
SD
Selections:
2.04 - Tre Harris, WR - LAC
3.12 - Jordan James, RB - SF
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
With limited selections and positional need, SD took talent and opportunity in this draft. Harris was a very productive receiver in college that has opportunities for quality targets this year. James is a good late round flier to handcuff one of the most fluid and often injured RB rooms in the league who lost a lot of depth this offseason.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C+
South Dakota was able to find some potential future rosters pieces with their late draft
selections. Buried on the depth chart, these players will have time to develop before they
need to be in the starting lineup
MAR
Selections:
3.02 - Devin Neal, RB - NO
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C
Nothing to get excited about here. MAR needs depth at every position, so using their only pick on the best player available was the right decision. It is hard to get too excited about a 3rd round pick who likely won’t make an impact this year, which is what MAR needs.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C
Maryland took the best player available at their only selection in Neal. However, that pick
being in the 3rd round caps their grade. Big roster decisions lie ahead for navigating the cap and adding depth
OKO
Selections:
1.06 - RJ Harvey, RB - DEN
1.14 - Jayden Higgens, WR - HOU
3.07 - Malaki Starks, DB - BAL
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B+
In a 14 team league, Higgens is a great pick at the 1.14. Lots of talent and opportunity to be a contributor early, with a more favorable contract than other positional groups. Based on value and positional need, I would wonder what this team would look like with Tetaiora McMillan at the 1.06 instead of Harvey, but OKO obviously sees something special in Denver. I don’t love Starks at the 3.07 based on other player availability and the need for flexible and cost effective depth at other positions, but I can’t dock a 3rd round pick too much.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B-
Oklahoma added some potential cornerstone pieces in their first-round picks. They were
thrilled to be able to add Harvey. Both picks were aggressive as they were taken a few slots
ahead of their ADP
Welcome to the 2025 rookie draft grades. This completely objective analysis will be written by both Anton Hof (AZA) and Reese Thompson (CAP). All complaints can be directed at Anton.
We will evaluate the overall draft grade per team, looking at each of their selections so that we can more contextualize our analysis more holistically into each team's roster as opposed to analyzing each individual selection. Enjoy!
IOWA
Selections:
1.01 - Travis Hunter, WR, DB - JAX
2.01 - Cameron Ward, QB - TEN
3.01 - Elijah Arroyo, TE - SEA
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Elite athleticism in Hunter plus IDP upside makes the case to be selected over Jeanty, along with a longer runway of likely relevance. Ward at the 2.01 is a great value and there is nothing wrong with the shot at Arroyo in the 3rd. IOWA got talent at positions of need and found good value along the way.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Iowa had one goal in this draft, swing for the fences with high upside selections. Hunter is a
true 1 of 1 opportunity. Ward and Arroyo could be starters in the long run. Time will tell if
the gambles work, but for now the future is looking bright
VFT
Selections:
1.04 - Quinshon Judkins, RB - CLE
1.11 - Abdul Carter, DL - NYG
2.02 - Cam Skattebo, RB - NYG
2.05 - Jaxon Dart, QB - NYG
3.11 - Jihaad Campbell, LB - PHI
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C+
A lot of talent was added through the draft, but value has to be considered. Skattebo at the 2.02 and Dart at the 2.05 look to be solid selections, and Judkins adds some elite RB talent. There are concerns with selecting Carter over the remaining available offensive talent. Wide receiver is a position of need that was seemingly skipped in favor of defensive talent. The other concern is the heavy drafting of players from poverty franchises with 3 selections from the New York Giants and a pick from the Cleveland Browns
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C+
One of the most interesting drafts, 4 top 20 selections added lots of talent to Vermont’s
roster. The sheer amount of talent added projects for a high grade, but the value at those
selections left more to be desired. Trading up to a higher contract tier to select Judkins
above ADP was a surprising choice, and an IDP pick is always controversial in the 1st round
SIR
Selections:
1.03 - Omarion Hampton, RB - LAC
1.13 - Matthew Golden, WR - GB
2.12 - Mason Taylor, TE - NYJ
3.03 - Jalen Milroe, QB - SEA
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A-
Nothing wrong with Hampton at 1.03 compared to ADP, but you have to wonder how this roster would look with Tetaiora McMillan and Golden on this team. Golden was a good value at 1.13, Taylor adds some needed depth at TE, and Milroe is a great long term bet on athleticism in the 3rd round.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A+
Ohio was able to address needs at all their offensive positions in this draft. They found a
couple starters in the first round with some strong high upside pieces late. Ohio needed to
have strong draft, and they were able to nail the best value at each of their selections and
fill a lot of holes in the roster.
WISC
Selections:
1.12 - Colston Loveland, TE - CHI
2.13 - Jaylin Noel, WR - HOU
3.04 - Tyler Shough, QB - NO
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
Shough is fine as a player, and a 3rd round value for a possible starting QB with the amount of experience he has is a solid value. However, QB is not a position of need for this team with both Nix and Prescott. Depth could have been given elsewhere. Loveland late in the first to get depth behind Hockenson is a good pick, especially with the players who went just after. Noel late in the 2rd is a dynamic collegiate player who’s only knock is being projected as the odd man out of a 4 man wide receiver group. If he gets the chance to play, he could turn into a great depth piece for the Gamecocks.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B-
Wisconsin was able to find solid value in their selections. Unfortunately, they missed out
on being able to fill some glaring holes in their roster as they look to take the next step in
contention. Sometimes the draft board doesn’t work out in your favor.
VRG
Selections:
1.02 - Ashton Jeanty, RB - LV
2.11 - Traded to AZA for Michael Pittman
3.05 - Isaac TesLaa, WR - DET
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Strong draft by a team with a lot of needs heading into draft day. Calling his shot on Jeanty and moving up to the 1.02 was aggressive, but allows more flexibility with his current RB situation. 2.11 is a great value for a trade for a mid-career (still only 27) Michael Pittman on a team friendly contract. Pittman has a lot more upside and proven production in the NFL than many of the available options at 2.11. Considered giving an A- for sniping my target in the 3rd round, but I have to respect reaching to take a shot on a player on a high level offense who’s team effectively spent three third round picks to select.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Getting a potential superstar like Geanty warrants a grade in the A range. Locking down a starting spot for years to come. Due to a draft day trade, the only other selection was 3
rd round pick,TeSlaa, who was a popular sleeper across the league.
CAP
Selections:
1.05 - TreVeyon Henderson, RB - NE
2.14 - Pat Bryant, WR - DEN
3.13 - Elic Ayomanor, WR - TEN
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A-
It is tough to grade your own team. I like Henderson as the best RB available at the 1.05 in a position of need. With both my 2nd and 3rd round targets taken ahead of me, picking what I viewed as the best player available with upside was the strategy. Bryant has a shot at a starting role on a rising offense, and Ayomanor also has the chance to start in year 1 with fellow rookie QB Cam Ward. CAP doesn’t need immediate contributors at WR, so these players offer good upside on rising teams. Running back is still a need after picking Henderson, but with a deeper WR rookie class and stronger RB FA class, I think this approach makes sense.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B+
California’s shrewd maneuvering with trades to end up at the 1.05 worked out nicely to get
Henderson. Losing out on some of their favorite sleepers required looking elsewhere for the later picks slightly drops the grade.
TXTF
Selections:
2.06 - Jack Bech, WR - LV
2.07 - Kyle Williams, WR - NE
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
I like taking 2 shots at the WR group at this point in the 2nd round with pretty minimal draft capital available to TXTF. Although new to the league through the 2025 expansion, TXTF have a solid starting roster, and looking for future contributors and depth is a great decision. WR hit rates are usually higher, and both Bech and Williams are in intriguing situations.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C+
Limited capital entering the draft as they focused on building an immediate contender in
the expansion draft. I like the odds that at least one of these two WR develops into a
starting level player down the road
MI
Selections:
1.07 - Emeka Egbuka, WR - TB
1.08 - Tetairoa McMillan, WR - CAR
2.08 - Jaydon Blue, RB - DAL
3.06 - traded for in a deal with AZA - Ollie Gordon, RB - MIA
MI receives Garret Wilson, 2026 1st Rd pick, 2025 3.06
AZA received Puka Nacua, $5,000
3.08 - Harold Fannin, TE - CLE
3.14 - Tory Hilton, WR - SEA
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A
Walking out of the first round with Egbuka and McMillan after not having a top-5 selection is great value and adds some elite talent. MI took multiple shots at running back, adding needed depth. Fannin and Hilton are good upside swings in the late rounds. I really like the trade with AZA which brought over Garret Wolson and a 2026 1st. MI added a lot of talent and upside with most players on the roster fitting together to put the team as a contender in the coming years.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
A-
Commitment to the long game by adding the best talent available while mixing in the Ohio
State fandom, defined the important 1st round selections. Overall adding strong depth
across the roster. This draft was a strong step towards building a team that will be
competitive for a long time. One question, who will play QB?
DUCK
Selections:
1.09 - Tyler Warren, TE - IND
2.09 - Bhayshul Tuten, RB - JAX
3.09 - Dylan Sampson, RB - CLE
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B+
After getting stuck drafting in no-man’s land after the top talent in both the first and second rounds was gone, DUCK still managed to get their guy in Warren at the 1.09. Given the players available and positional need at RB, I like the double back to take 2 shots at relevant and inexpensive RBs.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
Warren provides the answer for the glaring opening at TE. Some late round RBs should
provide some nice chances at finding a potential starter. GEO sits at an interesting
transition period for their roster.
MIN
Selections:
1.10 - Kaleb Johnson, RB - PIT
2.10 - Shedeur Sanders, QB - CLE
3.10 - Jalen Royals, WR - KC
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B-
Johnson at the 1.10 and Royals at the 3.10 are great selections at positions of need, with good value, and great possible upside. Sanders at the 2.10 is a bit of a head-scratcher as the 3rd QB off the board. Not only is Sanders buried on the depth chart in Cleveland and other relevant QBs still being available who were drafted much earlier by the NFL, but QB was just not a positional need for MN in a weaker class with 2 young QBs already on the roster. Increasing depth at TE, RB, or WR would have seemingly made more sense here.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B+
The Kaleb Johnson selection worked out great for Minnesota as they were able to fill their
greatest need with the best player available. The Shedeur Sanders pick was too risky of a
pick for the other depth potential available
AZA
Selections:
2.03 - Luther Burden, WR - CHI
2.11 - traded for with VRG - Terrance Ferguson, TE - LAR
VRG received Michael Pittman
AZA received pick 2.11
3.06 - traded away in a deal with MI
MI receives Garret Wilson, 2026 1st Rd pick, 2025 3.06
AZA received Puka Nacua, $5,000
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
I had Burden ranked lowest out of the tier of Wide Receivers that went around him and the target share in Chicago is too crowded to get very excited for, especially for an offense that consistently underperforms expectations (regardless of coaching staff). Furguson was a nice selection late in the 2nd round with a chance at starting this year. I believe the trade with VRG to be a win-win with Pittman not fitting in as a contributor to the AZA roster, even if the 2.11 is a bit low of value for that caliber of player. Sending away the 3.06 to get a deal done is a solid move for a roster move that AZA obviously believes in.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
Arizona selected Burden slightly below his ADP and took a shot at their tight end of the
future in Fergurson. 0 first round selections limited the ceiling of their draft but still able to target some long-term upside.
SD
Selections:
2.04 - Tre Harris, WR - LAC
3.12 - Jordan James, RB - SF
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B
With limited selections and positional need, SD took talent and opportunity in this draft. Harris was a very productive receiver in college that has opportunities for quality targets this year. James is a good late round flier to handcuff one of the most fluid and often injured RB rooms in the league who lost a lot of depth this offseason.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C+
South Dakota was able to find some potential future rosters pieces with their late draft
selections. Buried on the depth chart, these players will have time to develop before they
need to be in the starting lineup
MAR
Selections:
3.02 - Devin Neal, RB - NO
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C
Nothing to get excited about here. MAR needs depth at every position, so using their only pick on the best player available was the right decision. It is hard to get too excited about a 3rd round pick who likely won’t make an impact this year, which is what MAR needs.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
C
Maryland took the best player available at their only selection in Neal. However, that pick
being in the 3rd round caps their grade. Big roster decisions lie ahead for navigating the cap and adding depth
OKO
Selections:
1.06 - RJ Harvey, RB - DEN
1.14 - Jayden Higgens, WR - HOU
3.07 - Malaki Starks, DB - BAL
Reese’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B+
In a 14 team league, Higgens is a great pick at the 1.14. Lots of talent and opportunity to be a contributor early, with a more favorable contract than other positional groups. Based on value and positional need, I would wonder what this team would look like with Tetaiora McMillan at the 1.06 instead of Harvey, but OKO obviously sees something special in Denver. I don’t love Starks at the 3.07 based on other player availability and the need for flexible and cost effective depth at other positions, but I can’t dock a 3rd round pick too much.
Anton’s Draft Grade & Analysis:
B-
Oklahoma added some potential cornerstone pieces in their first-round picks. They were
thrilled to be able to add Harvey. Both picks were aggressive as they were taken a few slots
ahead of their ADP
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