NFL Draft 2026 Grades: AFC Teams Rise and Fall as Cellar-Dwellers Surprise and a Top Prospect Disappoints

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, leaving behind a trail of bold moves, surprising reaches, and a few head-scratching decisions across the league. While the NFC’s draft narrative centered on quarterback battles and defensive overhauls, the AFC’s storylines were defined by two long-suffering franchises finally breaking through—and one highly touted prospect whose slide left analysts scratching their heads. Below, we break down the grades, surprises, and lingering questions for every AFC team, verified against the official draft tracker and post-draft analysis from NFL.com and CBS Sports.

The AFC’s Biggest Winners: Two Cellar-Dwellers Finally Climb Out

For years, the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets have been synonymous with draft-day disappointment. But in 2026, both franchises silenced critics with aggressive, well-executed hauls that addressed glaring roster holes. The Browns, in particular, earned the highest marks in the AFC after securing a franchise-altering edge rusher and a day-one starter at cornerback.

Cleveland Browns: A Defensive Rebuild Comes to Fruition

Grade: A-

The Browns entered the draft with the No. 7 overall pick and a clear mandate: fix a defense that ranked 28th in sacks in 2025. They did just that by selecting Arvell Reese, the explosive edge rusher from Ohio State, whose 14.5 sacks last season tied for the Substantial Ten lead. Reese, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound force with a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, gives Cleveland a legitimate pass-rush threat opposite Myles Garrett—something the team has lacked since Jadeveon Clowney’s departure in 2023.

But the Browns didn’t stop there. With their second-round pick (No. 39 overall), they traded up to grab David Bailey, a shutdown corner from Texas Tech. Bailey allowed a 48.3% completion rate in 2025, per Pro Football Focus, and his addition shores up a secondary that surrendered 250+ passing yards in 10 of 17 games last season. General Manager Andrew Berry’s draft strategy was surgical: address the two biggest weaknesses (pass rush and coverage) with elite prospects, then fill out the depth chart with high-upside developmental players in later rounds.

“This draft was about one thing: giving our defense a chance to be elite,” Berry said in a post-draft press conference. “Arvell and David are difference-makers. The rest of the class is about building a culture.”

New York Jets: A Secondary Overhaul and a Gamble on Upside

Grade: B+

The Jets’ draft was defined by two themes: rebuilding a secondary that ranked 30th in pass defense and taking a calculated risk on a boom-or-bust prospect. With the No. 12 pick, New York selected Mansoor Delane, the rangy safety from LSU whose 5 interceptions in 2025 tied for the SEC lead. Delane, a 6-foot-2 ballhawk with a 38-inch vertical, gives the Jets a playmaking presence they’ve lacked since Jamal Adams’s departure in 2021.

But the Jets’ most intriguing pick came in the third round (No. 72 overall), where they took Jermod McCoy, the former five-star recruit from Alabama. McCoy, a 6-foot-5 wide receiver with 4.38 speed, was projected as a first-round talent but slid due to concerns about his route-running and hands. If he develops, he could be a steal. if not, the Jets may have wasted a premium pick on a project. For a team that hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Brandon Marshall in 2015, the upside was worth the risk.

“We’re not drafting for 2026; we’re drafting for 2027 and beyond,” Jets GM Joe Douglas said. “Jermod has the tools to be special. It’s on us to develop him.”

The AFC’s Biggest Loser: A Top Prospect’s Shocking Slide

No story from the 2026 draft will be discussed more than the fall of Jermod McCoy. The Alabama wideout, ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect by NFL.com, was expected to be a lock for the top 20. Instead, he lasted until the third round, where the Jets took him at No. 72—a drop of 57 spots. The reasons for his slide? A combination of off-field concerns (reportedly a failed drug test at the NFL Combine) and inconsistent film, particularly in contested-catch situations.

“It’s a reminder that talent alone doesn’t get you drafted,” said Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network draft analyst. “Teams are looking for culture fits now more than ever. McCoy’s slide was about more than just football.”

For the Jets, McCoy’s fall was a gift. For the teams that passed on him—including the Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 19), Las Vegas Raiders (No. 22), and Miami Dolphins (No. 25)—it could be a regret that haunts them for years.

AFC North: Browns and Ravens Rise, Steelers and Bengals Struggle

Baltimore Ravens: A Quiet but Effective Draft

Grade: B

The Ravens entered the draft with just five picks, the fewest in the AFC, but made the most of them. Their first-round selection, Kyle Hamilton II (son of the former NFL safety), was a reach at No. 29, but the Notre Dame product brings versatility as a slot corner and safety hybrid. Baltimore’s best value came in the fourth round (No. 113), where they grabbed Trey Benson, a bruising running back from Florida State who rushed for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025.

“We didn’t have a lot of capital, but we filled needs,” Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said. “Kyle gives us flexibility in the secondary, and Trey is a workhorse.”

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Disappointing Haul

Grade: C-

The Steelers’ draft was marred by questionable reaches and a failure to address their biggest need: offensive line. With the No. 19 pick, Pittsburgh selected Jordan Travis, a quarterback from Florida State, despite already having Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph on the roster. Travis, a dual-threat QB with accuracy concerns, was a puzzling choice for a team that ranked 25th in pass protection last season.

The Steelers’ best pick came in the third round (No. 84), where they took Kamren Kinchens, a hard-hitting safety from Miami. But with no offensive line help until the sixth round (No. 195), Pittsburgh’s draft was a missed opportunity to protect its aging quarterback room.

Cincinnati Bengals: A Defensive Focus Falls Short

Grade: C+

The Bengals entered the draft with a clear goal: rebuild a defense that allowed 27.2 points per game in 2025, the worst mark in the AFC. They addressed it early, taking Kool-Aid McKinstry, a cornerback from Alabama, at No. 18. McKinstry, a two-time All-SEC selection, brings physicality to a secondary that ranked 29th in pass defense last season.

But Cincinnati’s draft took a turn in the second round (No. 49), where they selected Trey Palmer, a running back from Nebraska. Palmer is a dynamic playmaker, but with Joe Mixon still under contract, the pick felt redundant. The Bengals’ lack of offensive line help—despite ranking 28th in sacks allowed—was another head-scratcher.

AFC South: Jaguars Flunk, Texans and Colts Make Smart Moves

Jacksonville Jaguars: A Draft to Forget

Grade: D

The Jaguars’ 2026 draft will go down as one of the most confusing in recent memory. With the No. 1 pick, Jacksonville selected Quinshon Judkins, a running back from Ole Miss, despite already having Travis Etienne on the roster. Judkins is a talented back, but the pick was widely panned as a luxury selection for a team that ranked 31st in pass defense in 2025.

The Jaguars’ second-round pick (No. 33) was even more baffling: Xavier Legette, a wide receiver from South Carolina. Legette is a solid prospect, but with Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Brian Thomas Jr. already on the roster, the pick felt like overkill. By the finish of the draft, Jacksonville had failed to address its biggest needs: offensive line and secondary.

“This draft was about winning now, but I’m not sure how any of these picks help us do that,” an anonymous Jaguars executive told CBS Sports. “We missed an opportunity to fix our defense.”

Houston Texans: A Draft Built for the Future

Grade: A

The Texans entered the draft with three first-round picks and used them wisely. With the No. 2 overall selection, Houston took Carson Beck, the mammoth offensive tackle from Georgia, to protect C.J. Stroud. Beck, a two-time All-SEC selection, gives the Texans a franchise left tackle for the next decade.

Houston’s next two first-round picks (Nos. 23 and 26) were equally impressive: Jer’Zhan Newton, a disruptive defensive tackle from Illinois, and Jalen Catalon, a playmaking safety from Arkansas. The Texans’ draft was a masterclass in addressing needs while adding elite talent.

“We’re building something special here,” Texans GM Nick Caserio said. “This draft was about adding foundational pieces.”

Indianapolis Colts: A Balanced Approach

Grade: B+

The Colts’ draft was defined by balance. With the No. 15 pick, Indianapolis selected Troy Franklin, a speedy wide receiver from Oregon, to pair with Michael Pittman Jr.. Franklin’s 4.32-second 40-yard dash gives the Colts a deep threat they’ve lacked since T.Y. Hilton’s retirement.

In the second round (No. 46), the Colts addressed their biggest need by taking Jordan Morgan, an athletic offensive tackle from Arizona. Morgan, a three-year starter at left tackle, gives Indianapolis insurance for Braden Smith, who is entering the final year of his contract.

AFC West: Chiefs and Chargers Impress, Raiders and Broncos Struggle

Kansas City Chiefs: A Draft for the Future

Grade: A-

The Chiefs entered the draft with just five picks, but made them count. With the No. 32 overall selection, Kansas City took Xavier Worthy, a speedster from Texas, to replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling as the team’s deep threat. Worthy’s 4.21-second 40-yard dash was the fastest at the 2026 Combine, and his addition gives Patrick Mahomes another dynamic weapon.

The Chiefs’ best value pick came in the third round (No. 95), where they grabbed Kamari Lassiter, a cornerback from Georgia. Lassiter, a two-time All-SEC selection, gives Kansas City a much-needed upgrade at nickelback.

Los Angeles Chargers: A Defensive Overhaul

Grade: B

The Chargers’ draft was all about defense. With the No. 5 overall pick, Los Angeles selected Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from Alabama, to pair with Joey Bosa. Turner’s 12.5 sacks in 2025 tied for the SEC lead, and his addition gives the Chargers a fearsome pass-rush duo.

In the second round (No. 37), the Chargers took Cooper DeJean, a versatile defensive back from Iowa. DeJean, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, can play cornerback, safety, and nickel, giving Los Angeles flexibility in its secondary.

Las Vegas Raiders: A Draft Full of Questions

Grade: C

The Raiders’ draft was headlined by their first-round pick (No. 13), JC Latham, an offensive tackle from Alabama. Latham is a mauling run-blocker, but his pass-protection skills are still developing. With Gardner Minshew under center, the Raiders needed a tackle who could keep the pocket clean—but Latham may not be that guy.

The Raiders’ second-round pick (No. 44), Javon Foster, a wide receiver from Missouri, was another puzzler. Foster is a solid prospect, but with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers already on the roster, the pick felt redundant.

Denver Broncos: A Draft That Missed the Mark

Grade: D+

The Broncos’ draft was a disappointment. With the No. 10 overall pick, Denver selected Bo Nix, a quarterback from Oregon, despite already having Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson on the roster. Nix is a talented QB, but the pick was widely seen as a luxury for a team that ranked 32nd in total defense in 2025.

The Broncos’ best pick came in the third round (No. 76), where they took Kris Abrams-Draine, a cornerback from Missouri. Abrams-Draine, a two-time All-SEC selection, gives Denver a much-needed upgrade at cornerback. But with no offensive line help until the sixth round (No. 183), the Broncos’ draft was a missed opportunity to protect their quarterback room.

What’s Next for the AFC?

The 2026 NFL Draft has set the stage for an unpredictable season in the AFC. The Browns and Texans, two teams that have struggled in recent years, made the biggest strides, while the Jaguars and Broncos left fans scratching their heads. The fall of Jermod McCoy will be a story to watch, as will the development of the AFC’s new crop of rookies.

For now, the focus shifts to training camp, where these draft picks will have their first chance to prove themselves. The Browns and Texans, in particular, will be under pressure to show that their draft hauls can translate into wins. Meanwhile, the Jaguars and Broncos will need to answer questions about their draft strategies—and fast.

The next major checkpoint comes in late July, when teams report to training camp. Until then, fans can follow the latest updates on the official NFL Draft Tracker or check out Archysport’s NFL hub for in-depth analysis and breaking news.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 NFL Draft

• Biggest Winner: Cleveland Browns (A-) – Addressed pass rush and secondary with elite prospects.
• Biggest Loser: Jacksonville Jaguars (D) – Failed to address key needs and made redundant picks.
• Most Surprising Slide: Jermod McCoy – Fell 57 spots due to off-field concerns and inconsistent film.
• Best Value Pick: Trey Benson (RB, Florida State) – Fourth-round steal for the Ravens.
• Biggest Reach: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State) – Steelers’ first-round pick despite already having two QBs.
• Most Complete Draft: Houston Texans (A) – Used three first-round picks to add foundational pieces.

What do you think of the AFC’s draft grades? Did your team exceed expectations or leave you wanting more? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter.