Ell’s 2025 NFL Draft Actual Grades: NFC South

Falcons

Ell’s Draft Grade: A-

Actual Draft Grade: A

1^st round pick Edge/LB Jalon Walker has been the starter at OLB from day 1 playing well while adding pass rush. 1^st round Edge/LB James Pearce has been the starter from day 1 at OLB while adding consistent pass rush off the edge. 3^rd round pick S Xavier Watts has taken over the starting FS spot as expected. 4th round pick S Billy Bowman Jr. was a movable piece/NB before injury. 7^th round pick T Jack Nelson made the team as a backup swing tackle.

Saints

Ell’s Draft Grade: C

Actual Draft Grade: B+

1^st round pick T Kelvin Banks Jr. has been the day 1 starter at LT playing above expectation. 2^nd round pick QB Tyler Shough has taken over the starting job showing improvement. 3rd round pick S Jonas Sanker has taken over the starting FS spot from day 1 with his physical play style. 4^th round pick LB Danny Stutsman has seen time Iin the rotation and Special Teams. 4^th round pick CB Quincy Riley has taken over the starting job about week 5. 6th round pick RB Devin Neal has seen playing time and a few starts as the #2 RB.

Panthers

Ell’s Draft Grade: B+

Actual Draft Grade: B+

1^st round pick WR Tetairoa McMillan has taken over as the #1 WR from day 1 giving QB Bryce Young a consistent target. 2^nd round pick DE/Edge Nic Scourton has taken over as the starting OLB improving the pass rush. 3rd round pick Edge Princely Umanmielen has been in the rotation at LB. 4^th round pick RB Trevor Etienne has proved that he can be a dual threat back as the #3 back while starting both return spots.4^th round pick S Lathan Ransom has been in the rotation as the backup FS. 5^th round pick DT Cam Jackson has received limited snaps as the backup NT. 5^th round pick TE Mitchell Evans has been in the rotation seeing limited time. 6^th round pick WR Jimmy Horn Jr. has seen limited time as a deep threat.  

Buccaneers

Ell’s Draft Grade: B

Actual Draft Grade: B

1st round pick WR Emeka Egbuka filled in nicely as the #1 WR impressing from day 1 due to injuries getting off to a hot start. 2^nd round pick CB Benjamin Morrison has been in the rotation after starting the season with injuries. 3rd round pick CB Jacob Parrish has been the day 1 starter at NB impressing early. 5^th round pick Edge/DE Elijah Roberts has taken over the starting DE job. 7^th round pick WR Tez Johnson has proven he can play after a horrible Combine performance causing teams to miss out.