It’s time for that annual labor of love – or maybe indulgence, or maybe simply a fool's errand given the nature of our instant gratification culture. Nevertheless, I’m breaking out that digital red pen − at least three years before it’s remotely fair to evaluate any of the players taken in the 2026 NFL Draft or the teams that picked them − and issuing post-draft report cards, which aren’t even informed by progress reports, because I know you want and demand them. Furthermore, all 32 are (prematurely) ranked for your added enjoyment.
One note about the methodology: As I grade each team, the goal is to pull back for a bigger-picture look at its performance holistically rather than judging from a narrow perspective that doesn't include trades and other considerations that more accurately frame its draft decisions.
With that in mind, here are your ridiculously hasty 2026 NFL draft grades, the individual classes ranked best to worst:
It felt like Part 1 of a summer blockbuster, the highly anticipated draft sequel – generally and specifically to the NYJ – still a year away. But if things unfold as nicely in 2027 as well as Gang Green’s haul seemed to go this year, then New York should actually be a legitimate playoff contender by 2028 … or so. But OLB David Bailey, the second overall pick, TE Kenyon Sadiq, WR Omar Cooper and CB D’Angelo Ponds all project as immediate starters – Ponds and Sadiq both arriving courtesy of trades GM Darren Mougey made at last year’s November deadline. Even fourth-round QB Cade Klubnik could get an extended audition at some point this season – think Davis Mills in Houston. A team that also needs to progress with a significant cultural shift, was also probably wise to bring in Cooper and Ponds fresh off their championship run at Indiana. Admittedly, the Jets have “won” offseasons before, but it's time to find out if potential starts translating to a much better product on the field.
