Draft Day Drama: NFC Teams' Strengths and Pitfalls Revealed

Grading the NFC's 2026 NFL Draft Performances

The 2026 NFL Draft is complete, and it's time to hand out grades for each NFC team's selections. This year's draft saw a mix of standout performances and head-scratching decisions that could reshape the NFC landscape for years to come. With teams like the New York Giants looking to fortify their futures, and others like the San Francisco 49ers making questionable moves, let's dive into the draft grades.

New York Giants

Draft Grade: A-

• Pick 5: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
• Pick 10: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
• Pick 37: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
• Pick 74: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
• Pick 186: Bobby Jamison-Travis, DL, Auburn
• Pick 192: J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois
• Pick 193: Jack Kelly, LB, BYU

The Giants made a formidable start by selecting Arvell Reese, a player projected to go second overall, at No. 5. Coupled with Francis Mauigoa, who can shore up their offensive line, the Giants have set themselves up for success. However, the decision to shift Reese to off-ball linebacker raises some eyebrows. Will he get the chances to rush the passer, or will he end up buried on the depth chart?

Dallas Cowboys

Draft Grade: A-

• Pick 11: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
• Pick 23: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
• Pick 92: Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan
• Pick 112: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
• Pick 114: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
• Pick 137: LT Overton, DL, Alabama
• Pick 218: Anthony Smith, WR, East Carolina

The Cowboys have capitalized on positional value, snagging Caleb Downs at No. 11, a pure steal. Adding Malachi Lawrence adds depth to their already strong defense, showing Dallas isn't afraid to invest in their defensive core.

Washington Commanders

Draft Grade: B-

• Pick 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
• Pick 71: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
• Pick 147: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
• Pick 187: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
• Pick 209: Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
• Pick 223: Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers

Washington kicked off their draft with a solid pick in Sonny Styles, a versatile linebacker. However, only grabbing one skilled receiver like Antonio Williams raises some flags. Given their historical struggles at the position, they might need more than just one late-round prospect to compete.

Green Bay Packers

Draft Grade: B

• Pick 52: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
• Pick 77: Chris McClellan, DL, Missouri
• Pick 120: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
• Pick 153: Jager Burton, IOL, Kentucky
• Pick 201: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
• Pick 216: Trey Smack, K, Florida

The Packers might have played it safe but stepping outside their comfort zone with Dani Dennis-Sutton will pay dividends, filling crucial gaps in their defense. Their selection of Brandon Cisse also addresses a need in the secondary, paving the way for a more formidable defense.

Atlanta Falcons

Draft Grade: B-

• Pick 48: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
• Pick 79: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
• Pick 134: Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma
• Pick 208: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington
• Pick 215: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
• Pick 231: Ethan Onianwa, OT, Ohio State

Atlanta's strategy was solid with Avieon Terrell. However, the pick of Zachariah Branch in the second round might not pay out as they need more physicality at that position. The acquisition of Kendal Daniels provides potential upside, lending some excitement to the linebacker spot.

San Francisco 49ers

Draft Grade: F

• Pick 33: De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
• Pick 70: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
• Pick 90: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
• Pick 107: Gracen Halton, DL, Oklahoma
• Pick 127: Carver Willis, OT, Washington
• Pick 139: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

Despite their year-after-year questionable antics, the 49ers outperformed their pre-draft rankings by making a series of cringe-worthy reaches this draft. Selecting De'Zhaun Stribling over 50 picks ahead of expectations highlights their reckless strategy. How many times do we have to repeat that drafting smart trumps desperate moves?

Conclusion

The 2026 NFL Draft proved to be a mixed bag for NFC teams, with some making strategic leaps forward while others stumbled. As we look ahead, how these teams develop their new talent will significantly impact their futures. The Giants and Cowboys are positioned to capitalize on their well-thought-out picks, while the 49ers find themselves questioning their approaches once again.