Grading This Year's Top 15 NFL Draft Picks

Tyler Stearns

This year's NFL season is nearing its regular season end, and we have seen some stellar rookie play. From Jayden to Bowers, to Nix, some of the league's best young stars have shown out with their new teams. Let's grade the top ten picks this season after week 13.

Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams, Via NFL

1. Caleb Williams - B+ Caleb has had an up-and-down year, but after firing Shane Waldron after a bad loss to the Cardinals, Williams has made a run for the ROY award. Against three of the best defenses in the league, the Packers, Vikings, and Lions, Williams has thrown for over 230 YPG and 5 touchdowns with zero turnovers. It seems Thomas Brown's appointment to OC has worked out for the first overall pick, and Bears fans should be excited about the potential of this young star.
   

2. Jayden Daniels - A- Jayden Daniels has been sensational this year. With 21 total TDs, the second overall pick has led his Commanders to an 8-5 record and one of the best offenses in the league. He had a couple of skids throughout the previous three weeks but bounced back against a solid Titans defense. Daniels has brought relevancy to Washington, which is no small feat.
   

3. Drake Maye - B- Drake Maye has been great in the games he has played, but there isn't enough of a sample size for us to look at. His strong arm and play extension have been on full display, but he is very prone to rookie mistakes with balls in traffic and missed reads. Now, it should be said that he doesn't have much help, because aside from Rhamondre Stevenson, the team hasn't prioritized any weapons for him to have at his disposal. Expect the Patriots to protect him with a lineman in the draft and get him a big weapon like Tetairoa McMillan.
   

4. Marvin Harrison Jr. - B Marvin Harrison Jr. has shown flashes of greatness this year, but for some reason, Gannon and the Cardinals moved him out of the script too much. He is by far their most talented and athletic weapon, but Arizona continuously focuses on Trey McBride and other receivers. Nonetheless, despite his subpar protection, he has been dependable for Murray in big moments and will be a top receiver in just a few years.
   

5. Joe Alt - A- Joe Alt has been sensational for the Chargers, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise. He is the best lineman on the team and has shut down most edge rushers this year aside from TJ Watt. His size, quick feet, and strength make him a generational OT talent.

   
   

6. Malik Nabers - B+ Malik Nabers could be a top-ten receiver in the league, he just doesn't have a QB. The Giants' inability to throw the ball has shut down any possibility of offensive growth, which hurts Nabers. Malik and Tyrone Tracy are the only bright spots on this Giant's offense, and they will have to get them a QB.

   
   

7. JC Latham - C- JC Latham is top ten in sacks allowed this year for the Titans. Now, that being said, he is young, and QB Will Levis isn't the most mobile player ever. But his rookie struggles have given the organization some concern. Maybe bringing in a veteran tackle for him to shadow would work, but Latham is stuck with a bad unit, an immobile QB, and a poor offense.

   
   

8. Michael Penix Jr. - N/A Michael Penix Jr. has only played a few snaps this year which came against the Falcons, and didn't have enough tape to warrant a grade.
   

9. Rome Odunze - C+ Rome Odunze has stepped up at times for the Bears. He also has proven a lot of critics wrong with his route running, as he has proven to be more than a sure-hands receiver. He hasn't had an insane amount of production, which is the reason for the low grade, but he has the potential to step into the WR2 role after Keenan Allen leaves or retires.
   

10. J.J. McCarthy - N/A J.J. McCarthy is injured for the season and has no tape to warrant a grade.
    

11. Olumuyiwa Fashanu - C Olu Fashanu was a bright spot at left tackle for the Jets against the Seahawks, but he hasn't seen a lot of action because he is the veteran backup and future HOFer Tyron Smith. But in his game, he earned a PFF grade of 66.5 and gave Jets fans excitement for the future of their young line.
    

12. Bo Nix - A Bo Nix has been BoMazing this year. He has turned it up over the past few weeks after a 1TD-4INT start. He is the odds-on leader to win the ROY award and has revived the Broncos offense. The Broncos should go after another star receiver to help him out, but the future is bright in Denver.
    

13. Brock Bowers - A+ Brock Bowers is an A+. Not much to say about it. He is the best tight end in the league.
    

14. Taliese Fuaga - C- Taliese Fuaga has been quite poor this year, but his size can't go unnoticed. The Saints haven't had the best of seasons, and their QB carousel hasn't aided the offensive line either. Fuaga has done better in pass protection as the year has gone on, but the Saints' slight inability to run the football has hurt them, and Fuaga hasn't been a bright spot for that part of the game.
    

15. Laiatu Latu - B-

    Laiatu Latu hasn't had a very productive first year, but he has shown great potential. Similar to how he was at UCLA, he isn't the best in run support, but his pass rush game is amazing. He has an amazing first step and is violent at first contact. The Colts can move him all along the line and be sure that he will push the line forward. Indy has a star on their hands, but his production this year isn't high enough to award him a higher grade.