2025 NFL Draft Day 3 Grades: Browns get D for Shedeur Sanders pick, Cowboys get C-, and more

The second day of the 2025 NFL Draft finished with teams adding to their roster depth. Quarterbacks Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel all found spots. Mike Green and Will Johnson, two players expected to be superstars if they meet their potential, also found homes.

Day 3 was for teams to plug up the remaining spots and unearth some hidden gems. It was also a chance for Shedeur Sanders and Will Howard to redeem themselves after not being picked after the first two days. Here is how it shook out and the grades for every team's picks on Saturday.

2025 NFL Draft Day 3 Grades by Team

Arizona Cardinals (Grade C)

• Round 4, pick 115: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
• Round 5, pick 174: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
• Round 6, pick 211: Hayden Conner, IOL, Texas
• Round 7, pick 225: Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada

The Cardinals continued to focus on defense to begin the third day and did not prioritize any help for Kyler Murray.

Atlanta Falcons (Grade C)

• Round 4, pick 118: Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
• Round 7, pick 218: Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin

The Falcons added another safety after taking one in the third round. They could have addressed the other positions first.

Baltimore Ravens (Grade A)

• Round 4, pick 129: Teddye Buchanan, LB, Cal
• Round 5, pick 141: Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M
• Round 6, pick 178: Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan
• Round 6, pick 186: Tyler Loop, K, Arizona
• Round 6, pick 203: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado
• Round 6, pick 210: Aeneas Peebles, DL, Virginia Tech
• Round 6, pick 212: Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers
• Round 7, pick 243: Garrett Dellinger, IOL, LSU

The Ravens have always been good drafters, and they added on both offense and defense. Interestingly, they added a kicker too, and given Justin Tucker's on-field decline and off-field issues, that could be a significant addition too.

Buffalo Bills (Grade C)

• Round 4, pick 109: Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky
• Round 5, pick 170: Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State
• Round 5:, pick 173: Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech
• Round 6, pick 177: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
• Round 6, pick 206: Chase Lundt, OT, UCONN
• Round 7, pick 240: Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland

The Buffalo Bills continued focusing on their defense by taking a defensive lineman to open their third day in the 2025 NFL Draft. Help for Josh Allen was not prioritized.

Carolina Panthers (Grade A)

• Round 4, pick 114: Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
• Round 4, pick 122: Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
• Round 5, pick 140: Cam Jackson, DL, Florida
• Round 5, pick 163: Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
• Round 6, pick 208: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado

The Panthers focused on adding weapons to their offense with running backs and tight ends, and also strengthened their defense. This was a good day for Carolina.

Chicago Bears (Grade A-)

• Round 4, pick 132: Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland
• Round 5, pick 169: Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
• Round 6, pick 195: Luke Newman, OT, Michigan State
• Round 7, pick 233: Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers

After a great Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears prioritized their defense, having focused on offense in the top rounds. A few more picks would have made it ideal.

Cincinnati Bengals (Grade B-)

• Round 4, pick 119: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
• Round 5, pick 153: Jalen Rivers, IOL, Miami
• Round 6, pick 193: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech

The Bengals continued their fixation on defense by refusing to add any offensive players at the beginning of Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Some variety on offense would have been welcome.

Cleveland Browns (Grade D)

• Round 4, pick 126: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
• Round 5, pick 144: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Browns took a running back and quarterback in Day 2 and followed up by repeating the trick on Day 3 instead of fortifying any other positions. They now have five quarterbacks on their roster, including two rookies.

Dallas Cowboys (Grade C-)

• Round 5, pick 149: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
• Round 5, pick 152: Shemar James, LB, Florida
• Round 6, pick 204: Ajani Cornelius, IOL, Oregon
• Round 7, pick 217: Jay Toia, DL, UCLA
• Round 7, pick 239: Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson
• Round 7, pick 247: Tommy Akingbesote, DL, Maryland

The Cowboys opened the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft by refusing to add any wide receivers to their existing roster. They did not address the issue adequately about who will play opposite CeeDee Lamb.

Denver Broncos (Grade B-)

• Round 4, pick 134: Que Robinson, EDGE, Alabama
• Round 6, pick 216: Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida
• Round 7, pick 241: Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah

The Broncos were not too active on Saturday and began by taking a defensive end to shore up their defense further.

Detroit Lions (Grade C)

• Round 5, pick 171: Miles Frazier, IOL, LSU
• Round 6, pick 196: Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State
• Round 7, pick 230: Dan Jackson, S, Georgia
• Round 7, pick 244: Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia

The Lions had a very quiet Round 4, and they did not make much headway in finding some unpolished diamonds to improve their team further. When they did come on, they added on both sides of the ball.

Green Bay Packers (Grade A)

• Round 4, pick 124: Barryn Sorrell, EDGE, Texas
• Round 5, pick 159: Collin Oliver, LB, Oklahoma State
• Round 6, pick 198: Warren Brinson, DL, Georgia
• Round 7, pick 237: Micah Robinson, CB, Tulane
• Round 7, pick 250: John Williams, OT, Cincinnati

After focusing on offense, the Packers pivoted to defense on the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft. They added an edge and and linebacker to improve their pass rushing options.

Houston Texans (Grade C)

• Round 6, pick 116: Woody Marks, RB, USC
• Round 6, pick 187: Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State
• Round 6, pick 197: Graham Mertz, QB, Florida
• Round 7, pick 224: Kyonte Hamilton, DL, Rutgers
• Round 7, pick 255: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa

The Texans were one of the quieter teams to begin Saturday and added a running back in the sixth round to get them going.

Indianapolis Colts (Grade A)

• Round 4, pick 127: Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State
• Round 5, pick 151: DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
• Round 6, pick 189: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
• Round 6, pick 190: Tim Smith, DL, Alabama
• Round 7, pick 232: Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin

The Colts added to the offensive line and running offense to open Day 3. They had focused on defense on Day 2, hence this was a good pivot.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Grade A)

• Round 4, pick 104: Bhayshul Tuten, RB Virginia Tech
• Round 4, pick 107: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
• Round 6, pick 194: Jalen McLeod, LB, Auburn
• Round 6, pick 200: Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
• Round 7, pick 221: Jonah Monheim, OT, USC
• Round 7, pick 236: LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse

The Jaguars had a good day on Saturday as they had a potential steal with running back Bhayshul Tuten before focusing on defense.

Kansas City Chiefs (Grade B+)

• Round 4, pick 133: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
• Round 5, pick 156: Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
• Round 7, pick 228: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU

After focusing on defense on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the AFC Champions chose to add some help for Patrick Mahomes with a wide receiver before moving to more pass-rushing options.

Las Vegas Raiders (Grade B+)

• Round 4, pick 108: Dont'e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee
• Round 4, pick 135: Tonka Hemingway, DL, South Carolina
• Round 6, pick 180: JJ Pegues, DL, Ole Miss
• Round 6, pick 213: Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State
• Round 6, pick 215: Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
• Round 7, pick 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

The Raiders were active on Day 3 by starting with a wide receiver, but this draft has been focused on offense more than plugging holes on defense. Prioritizing that side of the ball, when they had picked a wideout in earlier rounds, might have been a better strategy.

Los Angeles Chargers (Grade A)

• Round 4, pick 125: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
• Round 4, pick 158: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn
• Round 5, pick 165: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
• Round 6, pick 199: Branson Taylor, OT, Pittsburgh
• Round 6, pick 214: R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson
• Round 7, pick 256: Trikweze Bridges, CB, Florida

The Chargers had a fruitful third day of the 2025 NFL Draft adding on both sides of the ball as they look to kick on from their one-and-done playoff appearance last year.

Los Angeles Rams (Grade A)

• Round 4, pick 117: Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
• Round 5, pick 148: Ty Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
• Round 5, pick 172: Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss
• Round 7, pick 242: Konata Mumpfield, WR, Pittsburgh

The Rams got on the board on Day 2 and kept the momentum going on Day 3. They added some intriguing prospects on both sides of the ball.

Miami Dolphins (Grade B-)

• Round 5, pick 143: Jordan Phillips, DL, Maryland
• Round 5, pick 150: Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida
• Round 5, pick 155: Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland
• Round 6, pick 179: Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
• Round 7, pick 231: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
• Round 7, pick 253: Zeek Biggers, DL, Georgia Tech

The Dolphins dropped out of the fourth round and made their debut on Day 3 in the fifth. They focused on rebuilding their defense before taking a running back in the sixth. More weapons and help for Tua Tagovailoa were not so forthcoming.

Minnesota Vikings (Grade A)

• Round 5, pick 139: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL, Georgia
• Round 6, pick 201: Kobe King, LB, Penn State
• Round 6, pick 202: Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh

The Vikings added on both defense and offense, starting in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. But their biggest addition of the day might have been in a trade for Sam Howell from the Seahawks. They now have a backup quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy.

New England Patriots (Grade A)

• Round 4, pick 106: Craig Woodson, S, Cal
• Round 5, pick 137: Joshua Farmer, DL, Florida State
• Round 5, pick 146: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
• Round 6, pick 182: Andres Borregales, K, Miami
• Round 7, pick 220: Marcus Bryant, OT, Missouri
• Round 7, pick 251: Julian Ashby, LS, Vanderbilt
• Round 7, pick 257: Kobee Minor, CB, Memphis

After focusing on their offense on the first two days, the Patriots pivoted to adding to the defense on Day 3. Given how many holes they had coming into the 2025 NFL Draft, this was a smart choice.

New Orleans Saints (Grade C)

• Round 4, pick 112: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
• Round 4, pick 131: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
• Round 6, pick 184: Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
• Round 7, pick 248: Moliki Matavao, TE, UCLA
• Round 7, pick 254: Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse

The Saints continued focusing on their defense, which needs improvement, but ignored the offense. They did not get a difference maker who could improve their immediate prospects.

New York Giants (Grade C)

• Round 4, pick 105: Cameron Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
• Round 5, pick 154: Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue
• Round 7, pick 219: Thomas Fidone II, TE, Nebraska
• Round 7, pick 246: Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State

Cam Skattebo is a great passing option in addition to his running ability. However, that does not excuse the Giants for ignoring getting more help for their quarterbacks in the throwing game.

New York Jets (Grade B+)

• Round 4, pick 110: Arian Smith, WR, Georgia
• Round 5, pick 130: Malachi Moore, DB, Alabama
• Round 5, pick 162: Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami
• Round 5, pick 176: Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami

The Jets added a wide receiver finally on the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft, and then focused on improving the defense with their next picks.

Philadelphia Eagles (Grade C-)

• Round 4, pick 111: Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska
• Round 5, pick 145: Mac McWilliams, CB, UCF
• Round 5, pick 161: Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia
• Round 5, pick 168: Drew Kendall, IOL, Boston College
• Round 6, pick 181: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
• Round 6, pick 191: Myles Hinton, OT, Michigan
• Round 6, pick 207: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
• Round 6, pick 209: Antwaun Powell-Ryland, EDGE, Virginia Tech

The Eagles continued to fixate on their defense, and when they did move to their offense, it was to get an offensive lineman and then a quarterback. But instead of taking national champion Will Howard, they chose the player he replaced, Kyle McCord.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Grade B+)

• Round 4, pick 123: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
• Round 5, pick 164: Yahya Black, DL, Iowa
• Round 6, pick 185: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
• Round 7, pick 226: Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
• Round 7, pick 229: Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan

The Steelers focused on their defense, but not so much on offense. When they turned their attention to that side of the ball, they took quarterback Will Howard, who might end up an eventual steal.

San Francisco 49ers (Grade B-)

• Round 4, pick 113: CJ West, DL, Indiana
• Round 4, pick 138: Jordan Watkins, WR, Ole Miss
• Round 5, pick 147: Jordan James, RB, Oregon
• Round 5, pick 160: Marques Sigle, S, Kansas State
• Round 7, pick 227: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana
• Round 7, pick 249: Connor Colby, IOL, Iowa
• Round 7, pick 252: Junior Bergen, WR, Montana

The 49ers have prioritized the defense throughout Days 1 and 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. They continued with a defensive lineman before finally selecting a wide receiver. Having lost Deebo Samuel and doubts about Ricky Pearsall, one wonders if that was a smart choice.

Seattle Seahawks (Grade B+)

• Round 5, pick 142: Rylie Mills, DL, Notre Dame
• Round 5, pick 166: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
• Round 5, pick 175: Robbie Ouzts, TE, Alabama
• Round 6, pick 192: Bryce Cabeldue, OT, Kansas
• Round 7, pick 223: Damien Martinez, RB, Miami
• Round 7, pick 234: Mason Richman, OT, Iowa
• Round 7, pick 238: Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

The Seahawks got some help in the pass rush first before focusing on improving the offensive line, running game, and adding a wide receiver. It was a balanced Saturday for them, which also included trading away Sam Howell to the Vikings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Grade B-)

• Round 4, pick 121: David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
• Round 5, pick 157: Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU
• Round 7, pick 235: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

The Buccaneers chose to improve their pass rush on the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft. They did not add so much on the other side of the ball.

Tennessee Titans (Grade B-)

• Round 4, pick 103: Chimere Dike, WR, Florida
• Round 4, pick 120: Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
• Round 5, pick 136: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
• Round 5, pick 167: Jackson Slater, IOL, Sacramento State
• Round 6, pick 183: Marcus Harris, S, California
• Round 6, pick 188: Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan

The Titans have a lot of holes to plug and decided to focus on offense with wide receiver and tight end picks on Saturday. They could have balanced it better with some defensive picks earlier, too.

Washington Commanders (Grade C+)

• Round 4, pick 128: Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia
• Round 6, pick 205: Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
• Round 7, pick 245: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona

The Commanders added a wide receiver on Day 3 of the draft, but a bigger focus on defense, given how they were dumped out in the NFC Championship game, might have been encouraged.