Grading all 32 teams on the entirety of their 2021 NFL Draft classes to see which teams came out on top and which didn’t move the needle.
Over the course of three days and seven rounds, the NFL Draft tends to see excitement levels wane as it goes on. That’s only natural as, especially in the first round, you see the big names come off the board. For instance, we know that Trevor Lawrence going to the Jacksonville Jaguars will have a big impact on their future after the 2021 NFL Draft.
While hitting on first-round picks is hugely important, making the most of the rest of a draft class can be just as — if not more — impactful. That’s why you see a team like the Dallas Cowboys jubilant that they got Dak Prescott in the middle rounds. And it’s also simply why the draft isn’t just three rounds or even one round.
So that’s the focus of today. With a bit of time to measure it all out, we’re reviewing the full 2021 NFL Draft class of all 32 teams and handing out grades. Going in alphabetical order, we start with the Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals 2021 NFL Draft Grade: B
- Round 1, Pick 16: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
- Round 2, Pick 49: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
- Round 4, Pick 136: Marco Wilson, CB, Florida
- Round 6, Pick 210: Victor Dimukeje, EDGE, Duke
- Round 6, Pick 223: Tay Gowan, CB, UCF
- Round 7, Pick 243: James Wiggins, S, Cincinnati
- Round 7, Pick 247: Michal Menet, IOL, Penn State
Frankly, I almost could’ve pushed this grade into the A-range if not for the Zaven Collins pick. The rest of the class makes a ton of sense for the Cardinals, adding high-upside players with value in the secondary while getting some beef for the trenches and an explosive playmaker with Rondale Moore.
But it comes back to Collins. The Cardinals, for whatever reason, have an affinity for positionless linebackers. That’s not a bad thing if they have a track record of success, but Arizona doesn’t, Isaiah Simmons notwithstanding. This wasn’t a primary need they should’ve been addressing at No. 16.
Atlanta Falcons 2021 NFL Draft Grade: A
- Round 1, Pick 4: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
- Round 2, Pick 40: Richie Grant, S, UCF
- Round 3, Pick 68: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
- Round 4, Pick 108: Darren Hall, CB, San Diego State
- Round 4, Pick 114: Drew Dalman, IOL, Stanford
- Round 5, Pick 148: Ta’Quon Graham, IDL, Texas
- Round 5, Pick 182: Adetokunbo Ogundeji, EDGE, Notre Dame
- Round 5, Pick 183: Avery Williams, CB, Boise State
- Round 6, Pick 187: Frank Darby, WR, Arizona State
Hats off in my book to the Falcons for not overthinking the No. 4 overall pick and taking Kyle Pitts, the most talented player on the board. And beyond that, they continued to address needs and find value.
Richie Grant went in the proper spot, they got a bit of value with Jalen Mayfield then took some high-upside swings on talented players in the fifth and sixth round. Outside of Pitts, this isn’t a draft class full of exceptional prospects. But it’s a class that could be filled with solid contributors across the board, which is what Atlanta needed to come away with.