So, the Eagles, Chiefs and Ravens drafted well again.
What else is new?
Actually, a lot is new with the 2024 NFL Draft.
A team that only made five picks and used one on a punter aced the draft. A couple teams usually found at the bottom of the draft rankings and the season standings came away with impressive hauls.
And the Rams — who usually are an afterthought during the first round of the draft — set an early tone for a strong class.
Here are The Post’s immediate 2024 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams, with a curve instituted for the first-, second- and third-round picks, and an emphasis on quality and value:
1. Bears
Grade: A
Key Picks: Caleb Williams (QB, USC), Rome Odunze (WR, Washington), Kiran Amegadjie (OT, Yale), Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
Analysis: Who needs quantity when you have quality? Odunze, Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore might be the NFL’s best receiver trio. And the off-script play-making, eccentric Williams should — should! — be the franchise quarterback the Bears have sought for 75 years.
2. Cardinals
Grade: A
Key Picks: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State), Darius Robinson (EDGE, Missouri), Max Melton (CB, Rutgers), Trey Benson (RB, Florida State), Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois), Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois), Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
Analysis: The first team to make seven of the first 90 picks since the Cowboys in their transformative 1991 class. Harrison was the consensus best non-quarterback prospect in the class. Robinson and the late-riser Melton should compete for immediate starting jobs.
3. Steelers
Grade: A
Key Picks: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington), Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia), Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan), Payton Wilson (LB, North Carolina State), Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
Analysis: For the first time since 1976, the Steelers used three of their first five picks on the offensive line to protect sack-prone QB Russell Wilson. Both Wilsons in their draft class went later than expected. Payton Wilson was voted the nation’s defensive player of the year.
4. Commanders
Grade: A
Key Picks: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU), Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois), Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan), Ben Sinnott (TE, Kansas State), Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice), Brandon Coleman (G, TCU)
Analysis: The Commanders chose the Heisman-winning Daniels over Drake Maye at No. 2 overall. A failed effort to trade up for a first-rounder worked out: Newton is a first-round talent and Sainristil (only 5-foot-9) and Sinnott (fullback versatile) were two of many analysts’ favorite players.
5. Eagles
Grade: A
Key Picks: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo), Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa), Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Texas Christian), Will Shipley (RB, Clemson), Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
Analysis: This is called attacking a weakness. DeJean could’ve been the Eagles’ pick at No. 22. Instead, Mitchell — the first cornerback selected — slipped to No. 22 and the Eagles doubled down. DeJean and Shipley are both electric returners. Trotter’s father was an Eagles great.
6. Chiefs
Grade: A-
Key Picks: Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas), Kingsley Suamataia (OT, BYU), Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
Analysis: Worthy, the fastest player in NFL combine history, will be catching deep balls from Patrick Mahomes in short order. Suamataia was a polarizing prospect for scouts. There was chatter about Hicks going in the top 60 — and he fell to No. 133.
7. Ravens
Grade: A-
Key Picks: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson), Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State), Roger Rosengarten (OT, Washington), T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
Analysis: Tampa fits the Baltimore Way — physicality and toughness — more than Wiggins. But Wiggins is a ballhawk who vowed to be the best cornerback in the first round after slipping to No. 30. Rosengarten helps after three-fifths of last year’s starting offensive line departed.
8. Rams
Grade: A-
Key Picks: Jared Verse (DE, Florida State), Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State), Blake Corum (RB, Michigan), Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
Analysis: In the post-Aaron Donald world, the Rams must’ve spent a lot of time on Florida State tape. Verse — the Rams’ first first-round pick since 2016 — is an explosive pass rusher. Fiske put on an athletic display at the NFL combine. It’s a high-energy combination.
9. Saints
Grade: B+
Key Picks: Taliese Fuaga (OT, Oregon State), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama), Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
Analysis: Maybe no team had a bigger need than the Saints had at offensive tackle. The nasty Fuaga steps right in. McKinstry slipped because of a Jones fracture in his foot but was a preseason top-12 draft talent. Rattler was the first post-first-round QB (at No. 150 overall).
10. Vikings
Grade: B+
Key Picks: J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan), Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
Analysis: GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s trade offer to get up to No. 3 was rejected. He played it patiently for McCarthy — who steps into a great offensive situation — at No. 10 and traded up for maybe the draft’s best defensive player at No. 17. The lack of Day 2 picks hurts.
11. Chargers
Grade: B+
Key Picks: Joe Alt (OT, Notre Dame), Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia), Junior Colson (LB, Michigan), Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
Analysis: Thought Jim Harbaugh was going to load up on Michigan men? Well, he also loaded up on Michigan opponents. It’s a surprise that the Chargers didn’t trade down in the first round. Who is catching Justin Herbert’s passes without Keenan Allen and Mike Williams?
12. Jets
Grade: B+
Key Picks: Olu Fashanu (OT, Penn State, Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky), Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin), Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
Analysis: Protection for Aaron Rodgers, playmaker for Aaron Rodgers. Why not? Fashanu is much-needed insurance after the Jets used 16 offensive linemen last season. Corley, a yards-after-catch machine, could be a Deebo Samuel light. They added a 2025 third-rounder but dealt starting DL John Franklin-Myers.
13. Packers
Grade: B
Key Picks: Jordan Morgan (OL, Arizona), Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M), Javon Bullard (S, Georgia), Marshawn Lloyd (RB, USC), Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
Analysis: The Packers rarely address offense in the first round, but Morgan still felt like a reach given concerns about his ability to handle power. Taking the first player at a position — as Cooper was — usually is a good idea.
14. Lions
Grade: B
Key Picks: Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama), Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri), Sione Vaki (RB/S, Utah)
Analysis: One year after acing their draft with unconventional picks, the Lions focused on higher-value positions, including a trade up to steal Arnold, who was pushed down by the 14 straight offensive players at the start. Can Vaki continue playing two ways in the NFL?
15. Raiders
Grade: B
Key Picks: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia), Jackson Powers-Johnson (C, Oregon), Delmar Glaze (OT, Maryland)
Analysis: It’s regrettable that the Raiders didn’t get one of the top six quarterbacks by staying at No. 13. The mistake is somewhat lessened by landing Bowers — positional value is overrated when it comes to potential greatness — and a potential long-term answer at center.
16. Colts
Grade: B
Key Picks: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA), Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas), Matt Goncalves (OT, Pittsburgh)
Analysis: GM Chris Ballard’s rant trashing anonymous sources knocking players was good TV. But can he explain why Mitchell slipped to No. 52 if those assessments about his attitude were wrong? Latu had 23.5 sacks in 25 games after a brief medical retirement (neck) that has to be a concern.
17. Patriots
Grade: B-
Key Picks: Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina), Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington), Caedan Wallace (OT, Penn State), Javon Baker (WR, UCF)
Analysis: With a solid defense in place for new defensive-minded head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots used their first five picks on offense, following the rookie QB blueprint with pass catchers and blockers. Maye needs some mechanical refining but has a high ceiling.
Grade: B-
Key Picks: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU), Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota), Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky), Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
Analysis: The five-year-long search for a game-breaking receiver is over. But Nabers comes at the cost of securing a new franchise quarterback after the Giants failed to trade into the top three. Both Nubin (13 career interceptions) and Phillips could be Week 1 starters. Johnson is a projection after minimal stats.
19. Bengals
Grade: B-
Key Picks: Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia), Kris Jenkins (DT, Michigan), Jermaine Burton (WR, Alabama), McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
Analysis: Mims (seven career starts) and Jenkins (29 consecutive starts) are on opposite ends of the spectrum. The Bengals can allow Mims to develop behind Trent Brown while their other high picks contribute right away. Burton adds vertical speed to a dynamic passing attack.
20. Cowboys
Grade: C+
Key Picks: Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma), Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Kentucky), Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame), Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
Analysis: Trading down from No. 24 to No. 29 might have cost the Cowboys’ their preferred pick. Then owner Jerry Jones accidentally revealed his love for RB Jonathon Brooks, who the Panthers took. Kneeland was a Senior Bowl standout.
21. 49ers
Grade: C+
Key Picks: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida), Renardo Green (CB, Florida State), Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
Analysis: WR Brandon Aiyuk remains a 49er — and remains in a contract standoff. He and Pearsall are former college teammates. Green’s 2023 move from safety to cornerback really boosted his stock. Puni could be a five-position backup — not enough attention paid to the line.
22. Dolphins
Grade: C+
Key Picks: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State), Patrick Paul (OT, Houston), Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
Analysis: Of course, the blazing fast Wright went to the speed-obsessed Dolphins. Add some more 40-yard touchdowns. Paul thought he was going to be a first-rounder — few agreed, so that could leave a chip on his shoulder. The athletic Robinson gets pressures, not sacks.
23. Buccaneers
Grade: C+
Key Picks: Graham Barton (OL, Duke), Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama), Tykee Smith (S, Georgia), Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington), Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
Analysis: After three years at left tackle, Barton will be asked to move back to his freshman position of center. Braswell made just two career college starts but had an eight-sack season in 2023. McMillan outperformed No. 9 overall pick Rome Odunze in 2022.
24. Seahawks
Grade: C
Key Picks: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas), Christian Haynes (G, Connecticut)
Analysis: The Seahawks traded their second-round pick in October for DT Leonard Williams (re-signed in free agency) and then added more interior pass rush with Murphy. Haynes (more than 3,300 career snaps) brought scouts out to watch a dreadful UConn program.
25. Bills
Grade: C
Key Picks: Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State), Cole Bishop (S, Utah), DeWayne Carter (DT, Duke), Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
Analysis: Not only did the Bills trade out of the first round, they allowed the rival Chiefs to land speedy WR Xavier Worthy. Better hope Coleman — the first pick of the second round — can step into Stefon Diggs’ shoes and Bishop can step into Jordan Poyer’s.
26. Panthers
Grade: C
Key Picks: Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina), Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky), Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas), Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
Analysis: The Panthers salvaged what they could after a March 2023 trade cost them the No. 1-overall pick. The primary goal had to be to surround QB Bryce Young with better playmakers after his disappointing rookie season. Mission accomplished.
27. Jaguars
Grade: C
Key Picks: Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU), Maason Smith (DT, LSU), Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
Analysis: The Calvin Ridley-less Jaguars failed to trade up for a top-three receiver, so they traded down and made Thomas WR4 in the first round. Smith is a first-round talent who was beset by injuries and a suspension. Maybe their scouts only saw LSU play?
28. Texans
Grade: C-
Key Picks: Calen Bullock (S, USC), Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia), Blake Fisher (OT, Notre Dame)
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Analysis: The Texans made their big splash trading a first-round pick to the Vikings and flipping a second-round pick for WR Stefon Diggs. The first- and second-round double whammy in the secondary. Put Lassiter in the slot and Bullock in center field.
29. Broncos
Grade: C-
Key Picks: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon), Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah), Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
Analysis: Head coach Sean Payton’s over-the-top praise for Nix sounds like he is convincing himself that drafting the sixth-rated quarterback on most teams’ boards at No. 12 was smart. No doubt pairing Nix with his favorite college receiver — after Franklin inexplicably fell to No. 102 — was smart.
30. Titans
Grade: D+
Key Picks: JC Latham (OT, Alabama), T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas), Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
Analysis: A boom-or-bust class right from the top. Was Latham a panic move after the Chargers surprisingly stayed at No. 5 and took Joe Alt? Sweat might have been available a round or two later because of character concerns. Bringing a known partygoer to Nashville is risky.
31. Browns
Grade: D+
Key Picks: Michael Hall Jr. (DT, Ohio State), Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
Analysis: With only two picks in the first four rounds, it seems risky to use one on a reach (Hall) and one on a first-round talent (Zinter) who broke his tibia and fibula in November. The Browns like young draft picks, and Hall is only 20.
32. Falcons
Grade: D
Key Picks: Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington), DT Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson), Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
Analysis: What the heck? After luring Kirk Cousins in free agency, the Falcons picked Penix at No. 8. He will be 26 before he is really an option to start. Orhorhoro was overdrafted in the top 40. At least Trice addressed a weak pass rush for a team with playoff hopes.
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