With another NFL draft in the books, many teams walked away with the talent they wanted, and many teams left the draft surprising the whole NFL. Regardless, only a few teams hit home with killer draft classes that left their lineup in a way better situation headed into the regular season. The teams on this list may have solidified a playoff push or just a big surprise season in general.
Number Five: New York Giants
The Giants upgraded at much-needed positions and brought in absolute studs. They were able to snag some later-round talent as well which really helped complete their draft class. But their best pick was their first round as it was for most teams, as there was Malik Nabers WR from LSU. Their steals were the stud safety from Minnesota in the second round Tyler Nubin who should immediately step in and help with their secondary along with their third-round pick who is definitely their second-best pick overall. The corner from Kentucky Dru Phillips, who was their third-round selection, is a very good, very athletic, fast corner that will help rebuild their secondary and lay the foundation again to what they used to have with Bradberry.
Number 4: Los Angeles Chargers
Along with the Giants, the Chargers were also able to address a lot of important needs but in my mind, they just snagged some great players later in the draft than expected and I think it will really help turn their roster around. They got the best offensive tackle in the draft in the first round which started their great draft run. Then in the second round, they drafted Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who was a projected first-round pick, and they got him in the second. He should turn out to be Herbert’s number one target which will help their pass game out a lot. They also got linebacker Junior Colsen from Michigan which allowed him and Harbaugh to reunite together which was pretty cool. Just alone they addressed all the positions of need on their roster and improved them very efficiently with each one of their selections.
Number 3: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles heading into the draft looked like they were in shambles and socially their defense was. But after this draft, they look like a force to be reckoned with once again and look ready to hit the new season head-on. With their first-round pick, I think they got the third-best corner in Quinyon Micthell, a super fast and versatile corner that will help improve their secondary. Then in the second round, in my opinion, they got an absolute steal in Cooper DeJean, the most athletic versatile cornerback this sealed the deal. The Eagles have now completely rebuilt their defense to an elite caliber level not to mention they added a pass rusher in the third round Jalyx Hunt along with some other pieces like a backup running back. But the Eagles addressed what needed to be done and got everything they needed again to be dangerous.
Number 2: Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers are a lot like the Eagles. The Steelers upgraded a multitude of positions and did it more effectively the Steelers drafted a tone of useful offensive linemen like Troy Fautanu with their first-round pick. Then in the second round, they drafted one of the best centers Zach Frazier. They also addressed other positions of need like wide receiver Roman Wilson and then corner and linebacker as well later. The Steelers just made the life of Russel Wilson and Justin Fields a lot easier with their selections and also made George Pickins’ life not as hectic either with another stud like Roman Wilson. The Steelers arguably have one of the best defenses in the league as well. It will be interesting to see just how useful these selections appear to be for the Steelers this season.
Number 1: Chicago Bears
Well for starters the Bears got the best player in the draft in Caleb Willams with the number one overall selection and instantly improved their quarterback position. Also, they gained, with the 9th overall pick, Rome Odunze, a wide receiver from Washington who is arguably the best wide receiver in the class. So right there you get the best quarterback and arguably the best wide receiver. On top of that, they also snagged a hidden gem in the fifth round, a pass rusher Austin Booker from Kansas who will pair very well with Montez Sweat. Even though they didn’t select that many players, they drafted amazing quality and it should definitely help them make a potential playoff push this year, especially with all their off-season signings as well. But by far the best draft class because of what they were able to snag in the first round and it really just completed their team, making it finally complete.
This year’s draft was definitely interesting, but a lot of teams drafted very stellar and solid leading to more complete rosters. However, only time will tell how good these rookies actually prove to be for their perspective teams.
