NFL Draft grades: Bears, Browns get full marks

Buffalo Bills: B+

It’s obvious the Bills wanted to upgrade their pass rush in this year’s draft. Grabbing Gregory Rousseau at No. 30 gives them a player who can immediately step into their defensive end rotation.

Landing former Wake Forest star Carlos “Boogie” Basham at No. 61 gives Buffalo even more value. He can hold up as a two-way defensive end on first and second down, but his real value should be rushing the passer from the interior on obvious passing situations.

Interestingly, Buffalo went back to back with offensive tackles after performing that trick with defensive ends. Both Spencer Brown and Tommy Doyle are massive lineman with solid long-term potential. Credit the Bills for having a clear plan and executing it in this year’s draft.

Miami Dolphins: A-

The Dolphins entered the draft with a ton of capital at their disposal. The Dolphins front office deserves a lot of credit for landing value over and over again as the event rolled along.

Jaylen Waddle gives serious Tyreek Hill vibes at wide receiver. Jaelan Phillips might have been this class’ most talented edge rusher. Both Jevon Holland and Liam Eichenberg should emerge as immediate starters from Round 2.

The series of gambles Miami took on Day 3 are all gravy. The Dolphins got the big calls right and that powers their excellent grade.

New England Patriots: D

The Patriots are getting credit in some circles for stopping Mac Jones’ slide at No. 15. That shouldn’t help their grade. Jones graded out as a late first round pick at best. He was a reach for New England at that spot in Round 1.

The same can’t be said about Christian Barmore in Round 2. The Pats’ did a really good job of finding an instant-impact player at No. 38. Don’t be shocked if he becomes a star under Bill Belichick’s watchful eye.

Ronnie Perkins has big-time ability from Round 3, but he’ll miss time due to a failed drug test. His college teammate, Rhamondre Stevenson should make an impact as a short-yardage back during his rookie season.

The Patriots aren’t afraid to go against the grain and they did it in this year’s draft. This grade doesn’t give them the benefit of the doubt.

New York Jets: C

The Jets zeroed in on Zach Wilson so early in the pre-draft process that people declined to debate whether or not he deserved to be selected that high. That is a mistake. The Jets’ grade gets dinged because Wilson was not the second-best quarterback in this year’s draft class.

New York followed that call up by paying a steep price to make Alijah Vera-Tucker the No. 14 overall selection. He should be a high-level starter by the time Week 10 rolls around.

Landing Elijah Moore at No. 34 was grand larceny. He’ll be a huge help for the team’s offense right away. Fourth round running back Michael Carter could also be a Week 1 starter in support of Wilson.

One of New York’s late round picks, Hamsah Nasirildeen could turn into one of the best players in their class. The talented safety is recovering from a knee injury, but his versatility could play well at the next level. Jets fans should keep a close eye on him during the preseason.