The NFL draft is complete, and with its conclusion, industry experts have given their grades and analysis of how teams fared with their picks.
After the draft concluded Sunday, NFL.com's Chad Reuter gave his grades for each NFL team.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Seattle Seahawks topped his list as each team filled some needs heading into the 2024 season.
Here’s a detailed look at Reuter’s analysis and grades for these top teams:
The NFL Draft logo on the stage during day 1 of the NFL Draft on April 25, 2024 at Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI. (Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Kansas City Chiefs
Reuter gave the Chiefs an A and commended them for their top pick in Worthy, who will give quarterback Patrick Mahomes an exciting target down the field. He also praised Kansas City for getting some offensive line help with Suamataia.
The Chiefs' list of picks includes wide receiver Xavier Worthy, offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia, and others.
"Worthy is the sort of speedy difference-maker the Chiefs have searched for since trading Tyreek Hill away in 2022, and they did not give up much value to AFC rival Buffalo in the trade up to select him," Reuter wrote.
"They also did not have to reach for Suamataia, who should work himself into the lineup at tackle or guard if he's able to improve on his footwork."
Reuter said the Chiefs' fourth-round pick, tight end Jared Wiley, was one of the best picks of the fourth round and mentioned they got a bargain in defensive back Jaden Hicks.
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Key Picks for the Chiefs
- Xavier Worthy (WR): Adds speed and playmaking ability.
- Kingsley Suamataia (OT): Provides crucial offensive line support.
- Jared Wiley (TE): A standout pick in the fourth round.
- Jaden Hicks (DB): Considered a bargain.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers also received an A and Reuter complimented the value they got and said that wide receiver Roman Wilson and linebacker Payton Wilson were "fantastic finds."
The Steelers drafted offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, center Zach Frazier, and more.
"It was just another value-filled draft for Pittsburgh," Reuter wrote.
"It was likely the Steelers would take offensive linemen on Day 1 or 2, and they found good value in Fautanu and (Frazier. Both Wilsons selected on Day 2 were also fantastic finds and should make impacts in 2024 and beyond."
Key Picks for the Steelers
- Troy Fautanu (OT): Strengthens the offensive line.
- Zach Frazier (C): Adds stability in the center position.
- Roman Wilson (WR): A valuable addition at wide receiver.
- Payton Wilson (LB): Expected to make an immediate impact.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks, another team receiving an A, got plenty of solid picks, and Reuter complimented an all-around good draft from Seattle.
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Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and offensive guard Christian Haynes highlight the Seahawks' picks.
"Murphy was always the pick for Seattle if available at No. 16 because of his ability to pressure quarterbacks and play the run," Reuter wrote.
"Haynes will start as a rookie for the Seahawks due to his athleticism and toughness."
Key Picks for the Seahawks
- Byron Murphy II (DT): Enhances the defensive line with pass-rushing and run-stopping abilities.
- Christian Haynes (OG): Expected to start immediately due to his athleticism and toughness.
Additional Insights from Chad Reuter
Chad Reuter's background and approach to evaluating football talent are unique. Unlike many analysts, Reuter doesn't have a traditional football playing background. Instead, he honed his skills through analytical work and a deep passion for the game.
Chad Reuter: I came into it kind of backwards. I’m not Mr. Athlete by any stretch. I was not a player. But I knew enough about the game.
Chad Reuter profile picture
He emphasized the importance of balancing data analysis with the "feel" of the game.
Reuter: I think data analysis is little more than a study of history. But you can’t be a slave to it. There will always be a role for “feel” in the scouting process. You also have to understand when the exception to the rule could be involved.
Reuter also touched on the difficulty of evaluating certain positions, particularly safeties.
Chad Reuter: As a general statement, a position that is difficult to project is safety, especially those that don’t spend most of their time in the box. Mostly because safeties are just not challenged enough on tape.
Here's a summary of the grades Chad Reuter gave to the teams mentioned:
| Team | Grade | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | A | Speedy WR Xavier Worthy, Offensive Line Support |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | A | Value-filled draft, Fantastic finds in Wilson(s) |
| Seattle Seahawks | A | Solid picks, Byron Murphy II and Christian Haynes |