Last year, the New York Jets absolutely crushed their draft. Adding Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson helped transform the offense. Reigning Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner led a defensive revival. This led to mediocrity thanks to the Zach Wilson of it all, but it was a clear example of how making the right moves in April can lay the foundation for playoff runs in winters to come.
We knew all about it that spring, too. It didn’t take a genius to determine the team taking the best players at positions of need was going to get the most from its players. As such, the Jets led the way in our immediate post-draft draft class rankings. The Raiders, who ranked last, backed that up with an underwhelming 2022.
Now we venture back into the breach with this year’s knee-jerk draft rankings. We’ll rate each team not just by the quality of players picked, but also by how they fit, their value relative to the rest of the draft board and, sure, the quantity of solid picks.
Let’s also throw out a disclaimer right now. We have no idea how this year’s draft classes are going to pan out. Most of them seem great, and the difference between, say, No. 22 and No. 10 is effectively a matter of opinion.
Now, on to the rankings. They’re great news for a rising tide in the AFC — and less so for the NFC West.
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