The 2023 NFL Draft is over, and now it’s time to reflect on the performances of all 32 clubs at the draft table.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., one of the most respected and accomplished NFL draft gurus ever, has shared his grades for all 32 teams. Kiper Jr. was actually generous with his grading, giving out grades no lower than a B-minus.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks garnered the best grades from Kiper Jr. with A’s. The four teams with the worst grades? The Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.
The Falcons surprised many when they took Texas running back Bijan Robinson eighth overall despite having a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022 rookie stalwart Tyler Allgeier. Kiper Jr. was especially critical of the Robinson pick:
“Check out the positions I listed above. There’s no running back there. The Falcons got a fantastic rookie season from fifth-rounder Tyler Allgeier, and yet they took Bijan Robinson at No. 8 overall. For a team that went 7-10 and has more than a few roster holes, I just don’t get it. If Atlanta was a Super Bowl favorite? OK, go for a luxury pick in the top 10. I wouldn’t love it, but I’d get the logic.
Look, Robinson is a tremendous prospect. He might win Rookie of the Year in Arthur’s Smith’s offense. But the Falcons could get 90% of his production from Allgeier and a couple of Day 3 options.”
For the Raiders, Kiper Jr. criticized the decision to take Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson over Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Kiper Jr. added that though Wilson will start and that the Raiders plucked tight end Michael Mayer, he simply doesn’t “see value with the rest of this class.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Kiper Jr. thought Isaiah Foskey was a reach in the No. 40 spot, and he suggested the Saints would have been better off taking Devon Achane at No. 71 overall over Kendre Miller. Kiper Jr.’s grade on New Orleans stemmed from “a few significant reaches.”
Finally, Kiper Jr. couldn’t comprehend the 49ers’ decision to use a third-round pick on kicker Jake Moody. He also criticized their decision to ignore offensive tackle:
“What a strange class to try to grade…
And yet, I like a bunch of these picks, except for kicker Jake Moody (99) in Round 3. I get that it’s a need, but that’s incredibly early, and I didn’t even have him as the best kicker in the class. I had a second-round grade on safety Ji’Ayir Brown (87), so I’m a fan of his potential. Tight end Cameron Latu (101) has upside, and he’ll get to learn the ropes from George Kittle. Linebacker Dee Winters (216) went about 60 picks after I thought he would. Brayden Willis (247) is going to make an impact as a rookie special-teamer.
The biggest issue with this class is: Where’s the offensive tackle? With Mike McGlinchey gone, is Colton McKivitz really going to be the starting right tackle? That’s a miss based on my list of pre-draft needs.”
