Mel Kiper’s 2026 NFL Draft Grades: From the Cowboys’ Masterclass to the Rams’ Head-Scratcher

Every year, the NFL draft is a battlefield of hope, strategy, and second-guessing. But when Mel Kiper Jr. releases his final report card, the entire league listens. The 2026 NFL draft class has been dissected, debated, and now—graded. From the Dallas Cowboys’ surgical precision to the Los Angeles Rams’ puzzling gambles, Kiper’s evaluations offer a definitive look at which franchises won the weekend and which ones might regret their choices by Week 10.

In this exclusive breakdown, we’re diving deep into Kiper’s grades for all 32 teams. No fluff, no filler—just expert analysis on the picks that will shape the next decade of football. Let’s start with the headliners who earned Kiper’s highest marks.

The A-List: Teams That Nailed the 2026 Draft

Kiper reserved his highest praise for a select group of franchises that combined need-based picks with premium value. These teams didn’t just draft players—they built rosters.

Dallas Cowboys: A+ (Kiper’s Top Grade)

Jerry Jones and the front office silenced critics by landing edge rusher Marcus Webb (No. 6 overall) and trading up for cornerback Jalen Reeves in the second round. Kiper called this “the most balanced draft in the NFC.” The Cowboys addressed their pass-rush depth and secondary holes without reaching for need. Webb’s explosive first step and Reeves’ ball skills give Dallas a defensive identity that could carry them deep into January.

• Key picks: Marcus Webb (EDGE), Jalen Reeves (CB), C.J. Horton (OT)
• Kiper’s take: “They got three starters in the first three rounds. That’s how you build a contender.”

New York Jets: A

New York’s draft was a masterclass in patience. After quarterback Ryan Carter slid to No. 10, the Jets pounced. Carter’s arm strength and mobility fit head coach Aaron Glenn’s system perfectly. Kiper also lauded the selection of wide receiver Malik Thomas in Round 3, calling him “a steal with YAC ability that rivals any rookie.” The Jets finally have a young core around their new signal-caller.

• Key picks: Ryan Carter (QB), Malik Thomas (WR), D’Shawn Bell (LB)
• Kiper’s take: “Carter is the most pro-ready QB in this class. The Jets didn’t overthink it.”

Chicago Bears: A-

Chicago focused on protecting their franchise QB. After trading down, they snagged left tackle Kevin Okafor at No. 15—a move Kiper described as “foundational.” The Bears also added safety Jordan Mills in Round 4, a versatile playmaker who can line up in the slot. While the lack of a splashy wide receiver pick raised eyebrows, Kiper argued that “building the trenches first wins championships.”

The Middle of the Pack: Solid but Unspectacular

Not every team earned an A. Several franchises executed safe drafts that filled needs but lacked the star power to excite Kiper. These teams got B’s and C’s—functional, but forgettable.

San Francisco 49ers: B+

The 49ers traded back twice and still landed defensive tackle Aaron Pierce, a run-stuffer with surprising pass-rush upside. Kiper praised their value hunting but dinged them for not addressing the offensive line until Round 5. “Pierce is a good player, but the interior line is still a weakness,” he noted.

Kansas City Chiefs: B

Patrick Mahomes got a new weapon in tight end Tyler Vance (Round 2), but Kiper questioned the lack of cornerback depth. “Vance is a red-zone threat, but the secondary is one injury away from disaster.” The Chiefs’ grade reflects a draft that maintained their offense’s firepower but ignored a glaring defensive need.

Green Bay Packers: C+

Green Bay’s draft was a mixed bag. Linebacker Isaiah Grant (Round 1) offers sideline-to-sideline speed, but their third-round pick of a kicker—Kai Forrester—left Kiper baffled. “You don’t draft a kicker in the third round, even if he’s the next Justin Tucker. That’s a luxury a rebuilding team can’t afford.”

The Head-Scratchers: Teams That Left Kiper Questioning Their Strategy

Every draft has its losers. These franchises made moves that Kiper called “confusing at best, reckless at worst.” The Rams, in particular, drew his sharpest criticism.

Los Angeles Rams: D+ (Lowest Grade)

Sean McVay’s front office traded up for running back DeShawn Carter at No. 18—a pick Kiper called “a reach by two rounds.” Carter is a talented back, but the Rams ignored their leaky offensive line and aging defensive line. “You don’t spend a first-rounder on a running back in 2026 unless he’s a generational talent. Carter is good, not great.” Kiper also slammed their fifth-round selection of a long snapper, calling it “a wasted pick that could have been used on a developmental corner.”

• Key picks: DeShawn Carter (RB), Marcus Lee (WR), Long snapper (Round 5)
• Kiper’s take: “This draft feels like they were playing Madden instead of building a roster.”

New England Patriots: D

The Patriots reached for quarterback Tyler Brooks at No. 8 overall, a pick that Kiper ranked as “the biggest risk of the draft.” Brooks has a cannon arm but struggles with accuracy under pressure. New England also failed to address their wide receiver corps until Round 6. “Brooks might be a project, but you don’t draft projects in the top 10 unless you have a veteran bridge. The Patriots don’t.”

Las Vegas Raiders: D-

Las Vegas’ draft was a disaster from the start. They panicked after missing on a top QB, trading three picks to move up for edge rusher Treyvon Sims—a player Kiper had graded as a late-second-round talent. “They gave up a future first for a one-dimensional pass rusher. That’s how you set your franchise back two years.” The Raiders also ignored the offensive line entirely, leaving their new QB (whoever that is) vulnerable.

Predictions: How These Grades Will Age

Grades are fun, but the real test comes on the field. Based on Kiper’s analysis, here are three bold predictions for the 2026 draft class:

• The Cowboys will win the NFC East. With Webb and Reeves anchoring the defense, Dallas has the depth to survive injuries. Kiper’s A+ grade isn’t just hype—it’s a blueprint for a 12-win season.
• The Rams will regret the Carter pick. Running backs have short shelf lives, and Carter’s style (power runner, 220 pounds) invites wear and tear. By 2028, this pick will look like a luxury they couldn’t afford.
• The Jets’ Ryan Carter will be Rookie of the Year. His fit in the offense, combined with Thomas as a safety valve, gives New York a dynamic duo that will surprise the AFC East.

Final Verdict: Who Won the 2026 NFL Draft?

Mel Kiper’s grades are never the final word, but they are a powerful snapshot of draft-night execution. The Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets emerged as the clear winners, blending need with value. The Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to justify their decisions.

Remember: Kiper’s grades are based on potential, not performance. A D+ today could become an A+ in three years if a player like DeShawn Carter defies the odds. But for now, the 2026 draft class belongs to the teams that stuck to the board—and avoided the trap of reaching for names instead of building a roster.

Key Takeaway: The draft is a marathon, not a sprint. But if Kiper’s track record holds, the Cowboys and Jets just lapped the competition.

Source: Based on news from ESPN.

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