2023 NFL Draft grades: Biggest winners and losers

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OT Broderick Jones. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) /

2023 NFL Draft Grades – AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Getting Lamar Jackson’s contract done ahead of the draft freed up Baltimore to focus on his supporting cast, including another weapon in the first round with Zay Flowers, who should pair nicely with Odell Beckham Jr on the outside.

The Ravens also got good value on defense with linebackers Trenton Simpson and Tavius Robinson, who should contribute as rookies.

It would have been nice if they could have targeted cornerback a bit earlier but this is a solid overall class.

Grade: B

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are concerned about beating the Kansas City Chiefs so getting three top defenders in their first three picks was a good step towards that goal. Myles Murphy adds another pass rusher who can get after Mahomes while D.J. Turner and Jordan Battle bolster a secondary that lost some pieces in free agency.

Cincinnati was also smart to draft a pair of developmental receivers on Day 3 to give themselves insurance in the event they can’t get Tee Higgins to agree to a long-term contract.

Grade: A-

Cleveland Browns

The Browns’ draft haul was impacted by trading away picks for Deshaun Watson and Elijah Moore, forcing them to wait until Round 3 to start picking players. There were good value plays in the mix, including defensive tackle Siaki Ika and offensive tackle Dawand Jones, but there will be little instant impact from this class.

Watson’s overall impact raises the floor of the group but Cleveland didn’t move the needle here.

Grade: C-

Pittsburgh Steelers

Aggressive was the word to describe Pittsburgh in this class and they got some excellent value.

Moving ahead of the tackle-needy Jets to grab Broderick Jones was excellent work since the tackle class dropped off significantly after him while bringing Joey Porter Jr home in the second round filled a big hole in the secondary.

Tight end Darnell Washington and linebacker Nick Herbig also were excellent value plays where they were drafted to add to an excellent class for the Steelers.

Grade: A

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