1: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
B+
Trevor Lawrence, one of the most highly rated prospects in high school and college history, unsurprisingly went number 1 to the Jaguars. They desperately needed their QB1 of the future, and I wouldn't say they got it, but they sure got someone solid. Lawrence's first season was a disaster under HC Urban Meyer, but in his 2nd season he showed why he was the number 1 pick, leading the Jaguars to a 9-8 record and the playoffs, where they had one of the greatest comebacks in NFL History vs the Chargers, winning 31-30 before ultimately succumbing to the Chiefs in the Divisional. He also has earned 2 Pro Bowl honors as of now. While I would say the Jags still pick Lawrence 10 times out of 10, he hasn't been the franchise QB, more like a slightly above average quarterback. And comparing him to the other QBs in this draft class, he honestly was the best pick by a mile.
2: Zach Wilson, New York Jets
D-
Boy. This pick was the most New York Jets thing they could have done. The highly recruited talent out of BYU looked like he could lead a struggling Jets team to stardom, and he flopped hard. In 3 seasons with New York, he combined for 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, leading the Jets to a 13-21 record when he played. Not good numbers at all. The ONLY reason I don't have him as an F is because his supporting cast in New York was flaming hot garbage. He wasn't set up to succeed unfortunately. And it sucks, because there were stints where the Jets hinted they were a good team. But unfortunately, it just never worked out with Wilson at the helm. It just cycles through for the Jets. They can't find their QB1 of the future it seems. Another reason it isn't F is because...
3: Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
F
Wow. Watching draft day, I was shocked that the Niners would do this over Justin Fields or Mac Jones. But they did, and they paid the price hard. Through Lances two years in San Fran, he had 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. 2 full years. He couldn't stay healthy and he was eventually shipped off. He hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since 2021. Let that sink in. His rookie year. He now stands as the 3rd string for the Chargers, and this pick looks worse and worse by the year for SF. So Jets fans, Zach Wilson threw for more yards in his rookie season than Lance threw his whole career. Don't be too upset.
4: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons.
D+
Another shocking pick, I did not expect a tight end to go this high. And Atlanta kind of paid the price on this one. Although Pitts got over 1,000 yards his rookie season and hyped everyone up, he had a whopping 1 touchdown. Through the rest of his career so far, he has been an average tight end and Atlanta hasnt complained, but to go the 4th overall pick? There was so much talent on the board, and they chose a TE. Not the best choice. Since his rookie year, he hasn't cracked past 670 yards and the Falcons haven't made the playoffs in his tenure. The next pick though...
5: Ja'Marr Chase
A+
Now this pick was incredible. Chase won offensive rookie of the year, and he continued to blossom unlike Pitts. Last season, however, he was basically a demigod. He won the Triple Crown and solidified himself as the best WR in the NFL. For people who don't know, the Triple Crown is leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Incredible. And with former LSU teammate Joe Burrow at the helm, the Bengals have made the playoffs on multiple occasions and even shocked the world by going to the Super Bowl in Chase's rookie year and Burrow's second. Although they came up just short, losing to the Rams in a three point heartbreaker, Chase has been the best player in this draft and continues to show why he is a steal, even though he went high. Just imagine him with the Niners currently. My God, that team would be unstoppable.