2023 NFL rookie grades: Class rankings, 1 through 32
REUTER: The Texans clinched their AFC South victory with the standout performances of their initial two selections, securing Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year honors. Stroud, displaying veteran-like composure, threw 23 touchdown passes and led the team to an unexpected division title. Meanwhile, Collins, in his third year, significantly elevated his receiving stats, forming a formidable passing duo with Stroud. Anderson, despite battling an ankle injury, contributed seven sacks and played a pivotal role in the playoff push. Dell, on pace for a 1,000-yard receiving season, unfortunately suffered a broken leg in December, while Scruggs overcame a preseason hamstring injury to perform well as a left guard in the second half of the season.
Houston’s later picks faced challenges, with injuries affecting Patterson’s role as starting center and Horton leaving the team due to personal health matters. To’oTo’o showcased promise with 57 tackles, particularly in the first half of the season, but a concussion and reduced snap count impacted his later performances. Hutchinson is expected to be a reliable No. 2 or 3 receiver in the future, and Zentner, a replacement for Cameron Johnston, later took on a similar role with the Titans.
Rank 2
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
Class grade: A
Round 1
(No. 14) Broderick Jones, OT | 17 games/11 starts
Round 2
(32) Joey Porter Jr., CB | 17 games/11 starts
(49) Keeanu Benton, DT | 17 games/9 starts
Round 3
(93) Darnell Washington, TE | 17 games/7 starts
Round 4
(132) Nick Herbig, LB | 17 games/0 starts
Round 7
(241) Cory Trice Jr., CB | 0 games/starts
(251) Spencer Anderson, IOL | 8 games/0 starts
REUTER: Jones initially backed up Dan Moore at left tackle but demonstrated athleticism and tenacity when moved to the right side later in the season. Porter, not riding on his father’s legacy, became a starting cornerback and showcased impressive skills, limiting opponents to just one touchdown all season. Benton’s strength and athleticism were consistent throughout, and the addition of Herbig as a strong reserve bolstered the Steelers’ defense. Washington, with limited receptions, contributed significantly with his blocking in two-tight end sets.
Despite not having many Day 3 picks due to strategic moves, the Steelers secured valuable players. Trice spent the season on injured reserve, while Anderson contributed on special teams.
Rank 3
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams
Class grade: A-
Round 2
(No. 36) Steve Avila, OG | 17 games/starts
Round 3
(77) Byron Young, OLB | 17 games/16 starts
(89) Kobie Turner, DT | 17 games/4 starts
Round 4
(128) Stetson Bennett, QB | 0 games
Round 5
(161) Nick Hampton, OLB | 10 games/0 starts
(174) Warren McClendon, OT | 6 games/0 starts
(175) Davis Allen, TE | 15 games/1 start
(177) Puka Nacua, WR | 17 games/starts
Round 6
(182) Tre Tomlinson, CB | 15 games/0 starts
(189) Ochaun Mathis, OLB | 8 games/0 starts
(215) Zach Evans, RB | 10 games/0 starts
Round 7
(223) Ethan Evans, P | 17 games
(234) Jason Taylor II, S | 8 games/0 starts
(259) Desjuan Johnson, DE | 11 games/0 starts
Notable Free Agent Signees
Alex Ward, LS | 13 games
EDHOLM: Despite not having a first-round pick for several years, the Rams secured a highly productive 2023 rookie class, featuring standout performances from Nacua, Avila, Young, and Turner. Nacua, in particular, had an outstanding rookie season with 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six TDs, making him a strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Avila excelled as a rock-solid left guard, playing every offensive snap. Young and Turner significantly contributed to revitalizing the Rams’ defensive line.
The Rams also saw contributions from later-round picks and undrafted players, including Bennett, Hampton, and Evans. Bennett, despite not playing, could impact the team’s future. Hampton, McClendon, and Allen made meaningful contributions, with McClendon potentially challenging for an early-season role in 2024 if Higbee is not fully recovered.
Rank 4
Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
Class grade: A-
Round 1
(No. 12) Jahmyr Gibbs, RB | 15 games/3 starts
(18) Jack Campbell, LB | 17 games/12 starts
Round 2
(34) Sam LaPorta, TE | 17 games/14 starts
(45) Brian Branch, DB | 15 games/9 starts
Round 3
(68) Hendon Hooker, QB | 0 games/starts
(96) Brodric Martin, DT | 3 games/0 starts
Round 5
(152) Colby Sorsdal, OG | 16 games/3 starts
Round 7
(219) Antoine Green, WR | 9 games/0 starts
EDHOLM: The Lions emerged with the top-rated rookie class of 2023, led by the impactful contributions of Gibbs, LaPorta, Campbell, and Branch. Gibbs, often questioned as the 12th overall pick, proved doubters wrong with a stellar rookie season, accumulating 1,261 yards from scrimmage and 11 TDs. LaPorta set a rookie record for tight ends with 86 catches, showcasing his prowess as a pass catcher. Campbell, starting in 12 of 17 games, displayed high energy and steady improvement throughout the season. Branch, known for his pick-six against Patrick Mahomes, became a key part of the defense as the team’s nickel defender.
Other draft picks, including Hooker, Sorsdal, and Green, also contributed, with Hooker providing depth at QB and Sorsdal contributing to an injury-plagued offensive line. Green showed promise in his role as a wide receiver.
Rank 5
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
Class grade: B+
Round 1
(No. 13) Lukas Van Ness, OLB | 17 games/0 starts
Round 2
(42) Luke Musgrave, TE | 11 games/9 starts
(50) Jayden Reed, WR | 16 games/13 starts
Round 3
(78) Tucker Kraft, TE | 17 games/8 starts
Round 4
(116) Colby Wooden, DE | 17 games/0 starts
Round 5
(149) Sean Clifford, QB | 2 games/0 starts
(159) Dontayvion Wicks, WR | 15 games/6 starts
Round 6
(179) Karl Brooks, DE | 17 games/
