One year after the 2024 NFL Draft, the first-round class has shown a mix of stars, injuries, and developments through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Updated grades highlight standout performances from quarterbacks like Drake Maye and Brock Bowers, while others face challenges with health and consistency. The analysis weighs recent play more heavily, emphasizing availability and growth.
The 2024 NFL Draft class has begun to take shape 18 months in, with performances from both the 2024 and 2025 seasons informing new grades. Injuries have been a key factor, as availability remains crucial for young players transitioning to the pros.
Among quarterbacks, Drake Maye of the Patriots earns an A+, having become a deep-ball specialist and MVP candidate in 2025, contributing to a 2.5-game lead over the Bills in the AFC East. Caleb Williams receives an A for his big-play flashes and growth in Ben Johnson's offense, despite a dip in completion percentage this year. Jayden Daniels gets a B+ after leading the Commanders to a deep playoff run as a rookie, though his slight frame has led to injuries in 2025. Michael Penix Jr. drops to a D following a season-ending ACL injury in Week 11, after struggling with a 60.2% completion rate. J.J. McCarthy's D- reflects a missed rookie season due to a knee injury and rough start in 2025 with the Vikings. Bo Nix holds a B- for his game-manager style and scrambling ability, ranking top 10 in yards per scramble but last in dropped interceptions.
Wide receivers show promise amid high expectations. Rome Odunze stands out with an A, tying for first among first- and second-year wideouts in touchdown receptions (six) and explosive plays (20) in 2025. Marvin Harrison Jr. earns a B with eight rookie touchdowns and a 19% explosive play rate, plus 34 receptions this season. Malik Nabers, a B, led in targets as a rookie but suffered a torn ACL after four weeks in 2025. Brian Thomas Jr. slips to C+ after a strong rookie year (87 catches, 1,282 yards, 10 TDs) but struggles with inconsistencies and drops this season.
Tight end Brock Bowers shines with an A+, described as one of the league's best non-quarterbacks in 2024 and vital to the Raiders despite a knee injury in 2025. On defense, EDGE Jared Verse gets an A+ as the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year with 77 pressures in 2024 and improved efficiency this year. CB Quinyon Mitchell also earns an A+, allowing just 1.5 yards after catch as a rookie and improving to a 39.4% completion rate against in 2025.
Offensive linemen like Joe Alt (B) showed All-Pro potential before an ankle injury, while JC Latham (C-) improved from 44 pressures allowed as a rookie to 18 in seven 2025 games. The class underscores the difficulty of projecting NFL success from college tape.