The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and it's time to grade the AFC teams' performances. While the Raiders made headlines for their first-round pick, the real story lies in the depth and strategic moves made by several teams. From the Jaguars' surprising choices to the Bills' strategic trades, each team's draft class has its own unique story. Let's dive into the analysis and commentary on each team's performance, starting with the Jacksonville Jaguars and ending with the New York Jets, who made a bold statement with their first-round picks.
Jacksonville Jaguars: A Missed Opportunity
The Jaguars' draft class was a mix of intriguing picks and perplexing choices. While they found Emmanuel Pregnon in the third round, who should help fill a need at guard, their early-round selections were questionable. Taking a blocking tight end in Nate Boerkircher to kick off their selections was a curious move, especially since they already had Hunter Long. The late-round picks of CJ Williams and Parker Hughes, both primarily viewed as undrafted free agent material, were also puzzling. The Jaguars' draft class could have been stronger if they had focused on addressing their needs more effectively.
Buffalo Bills: A Strategy in Motion
The Bills' draft strategy was about finding players with odd fits for their scheme. Their first-round pick, Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker, is a 4-3 fit, which is interesting given their transition to a 3-4 scheme. The Bills also took corner Davison Igbinosun, who committed 30 penalties in college, which is a red flag. However, their most inspired pick was UConn receiver Skyler Bell, who had a 1,000-yard season in 2025. The Bills' draft class is a mix of intriguing talents and odd fits, which could be a double-edged sword.
Denver Broncos: Decent Value, Limited Upside
The Broncos' draft class was limited by their lack of picks in the first three rounds. They found decent value at times on Day 3, but there's not much more than depth here. Running back Jonah Coleman is the best bet for an early impact, but the crowded backfield makes it challenging. The Broncos' draft class is solid but not outstanding, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A Mix of Potential and Long Shots
The Steelers' draft class became perplexing in the third round with the selection of quarterback Drew Allar, who will now battle with Will Howard for the backup role. The class has potential with Max Iheanachor and Germie Bernard, but the other picks feel like long shots. The Steelers' draft class is a mix of potential and long shots, and it will be interesting to see how they develop in the coming seasons.
Los Angeles Chargers: A Strange Offseason Continues
The Chargers' draft class was a continuation of their strange offseason. They didn't take a natural guard until the sixth round and selected a center in the second round, which is unusual. The depth chart is perilously thin behind Ladd McConkey, and the Chargers didn't draft a receiver until the fourth round. Akheem Mesidor is a quality choice at No. 22, but the Miami product is likely a finished product after six collegiate seasons. The Chargers' draft class is a mix of necessary moves and curious choices.
Miami Dolphins: A League-High 13 Selections
The Dolphins' draft class is a mix of good talent and questionable work ethics. They selected Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor with the No. 12 pick, who has a questionable work ethic. The Dolphins also acquired some good talent, such as San Diego State corner Chris Johnson and Louisville receiver Chris Bell. However, Bell might miss a chunk of 2026 recovering from a torn ACL. The Dolphins' draft class is a mix of good talent and potential disappointments.
Houston Texans: An Elite Super Bowl Contender
The Texans' draft class was about filling out one of the league's best rosters. They added arguably the draft's best run defender, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, and continued building up their offensive line with Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge. If general manager Nick Caserio gets nothing other than good depth and starting-level contributions from Rutledge and McDonald, this was a worthwhile class. The Texans' draft class is a mix of necessary moves and strategic choices.
Baltimore Ravens: A Nice Job with Almost Everything
The Ravens' draft class was about adding defensive talent to complement an offense loaded with stars. They landed the best interior prospect in the draft, Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane, and took Missouri edge rusher Zion Young to rotate into the pass rush. The Ravens' draft class is a mix of strategic choices and necessary moves, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
Cincinnati Bengals: A Strong Defensive Class
The Bengals' draft class was about adding defensive talent to complement an offense loaded with stars. They found a terrific value pick in edge rusher Cashius Howell, who fell to No. 41. The Bengals' draft class is a mix of strategic choices and necessary moves, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
Indianapolis Colts: A Strong Draft Despite No First-Round Pick
The Colts' draft class was about finding talent despite not having a first-round pick. They found Georgia linebacker CJ Allen in the second round to replace Zaire Franklin and selected LSU safety A.J. Haulcy to replace Nick Cross. The Colts' draft class is a mix of strategic choices and necessary moves, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders: A Franchise Quarterback and Strong Draft
The Raiders' draft class is going to hinge entirely on whether Fernando Mendoza works out. Mendoza went No. 1 to the Raiders, and they hope he becomes the first franchise quarterback the team has drafted and developed since the days of Ken Stabler in the 1970s. Beyond Mendoza, the Raiders had a strong draft, selecting safety Treydan Stukes and edge rusher Keyron Crawford. The Raiders' draft class is a mix of hope and potential, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
New England Patriots: A Mix of Necessary Moves and Curious Choices
The Patriots' draft class was a mix of necessary moves and curious choices. They doubled down by taking Caleb Lomu out of Utah to start their draft, potentially seeing him as a right tackle for this year or next. The Patriots' draft class is a mix of strategic choices and curious choices, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
Cleveland Browns: A Hopeful Draft Class
The Browns' draft class is a mix of necessary moves and strategic choices. They are hoping to mirror the success of last year's draft class, which included linebacker Carson Schwesinger and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The Browns' draft class is a mix of hope and potential, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
Tennessee Titans: A Jumpstart for the Odyssey
The Titans' draft class was about finding value and jumpstarting their odyssey. They landed Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate as a weapon for second-year quarterback Cam Ward and traded back into the first round to select Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk. The Titans' draft class is a mix of strategic choices and necessary moves, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
Kansas City Chiefs: A Chance to Reach Another Super Bowl
The Chiefs' draft class was about upgrading their roster and reaching another Super Bowl. They traded up three spots with Cleveland and plucked LSU corner Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 pick. The Chiefs' draft class is a mix of strategic choices and necessary moves, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
New York Jets: A Bold Statement with First-Round Picks
The Jets' draft class was about making a bold statement with their first-round picks. They landed edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, giving the offense a nice tandem with Mason Taylor. The Jets' draft class is a mix of strategic choices and necessary moves, and it will be interesting to see how they utilize their picks in the coming seasons.
