NFL Draft Grades: All 32 teams under the microscope
With the 2015 NFL Draft officially complete, theScore's NFL editors handout their initial grades for how teams fared during all seven rounds.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Atlanta Falcons
| Rd | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | LB Vic Beasley |
| 2 | CB Jalen Collins |
| 3 | RB Tevin Coleman |
| 4 | WR Justin Hardy |
| 5 | DT Grady Jarrett |
| 7 | OT Jake Rodgers |
| 7 | CB Akeem King |
The Falcons have to be happy with the level of talent they came away with. Bringing in an elite pass-rusher was their top need and there may not have been a more NFL-ready option than Beasley. Collins was a good value at No. 10, and fills a need on that league-worst pass defense. Coleman could excel in Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme, and it will be fun to watch Hardy catch passes from Matt Ryan. Jarrett in the fifth round is a steal - he can be a starter on that defensive line for years to come.
Grade: A-
Carolina Panthers
| Rd | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | LB Shaq Thompson |
| 2 | WR Devin Funchess |
| 4 | G Daryl Williams |
| 5 | LB David Mayo |
| 5 | RB Cameron Artis-Payne |
The Panthers didn't have a full complement of picks, but they were able to check off a few boxes on their list of needs. Thompson is an extremely versatile player who figures to be the successor to Thomas Davis, who himself enjoyed a long and successful career in Charlotte. Funchess is another big bodied pass-catcher who should help minimize the damaging effects of Cam Newton's overthrows. Artis-Payne is a more mature player who has the skills to contribute from day one as a complement to Jonathan Stewart.
Grade: B-
New Orleans Saints
| Rd | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | OT Andrus Peat |
| 1 | LB Stephone Anthony |
| 2 | LB Hau'oli Kikaha |
| 3 | QB Garrett Grayson |
| 3 | CB P.J. Williams |
| 5 | LB Davis Tull |
| 5 | DT Tyeler Davison |
| 5 | CB Damian Swann |
| 7 | RB Marcus Murphy |
New Orleans didn't take the flashiest names with its two first-round picks but did a good job of executing its strategy, particularly on the latter selection of Anthony. The Saints found two defensive starters in Anthony and Hau'oli, and a potential third in cornerback Williams. However, one could criticize the Saints for selecting Peat at 13th overall, with more pressing needs at edge rusher and interior offensive line. On Day 2 and Day 3, the Saints acquired a number of depth pieces, none of whom will make an immediate impact, and their latter four picks all will have to fight for a roster spot.
Grade: C+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Rd | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | QB Jameis Winston |
| 2 | OT Donovan Smith |
| 2 | OL Ali Marpet |
| 4 | LB Kwon Alexander |
| 5 | WR Kenny Bell |
| 6 | WR Kaelin Clay |
| 7 | FB Joey Iosefa |
There's no clear-cut favorite in the NFC South, and it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see Tampa Bay ascend from worst to first in the division after a great haul over the weekend. The Buccaneers selected their franchise quarterback in Winston, and provided him with some quality on the offensive line. Tampa Bay surrendered 52 sacks last season, but did a great job of upgrading an anemic unit. Alexander possesses plenty of upside, and the Buccaneers are significantly better than they were Wednesday.
Grade: A-