There’s a lot that goes into the perception of an unsuccessful draft class. It’s not simply about reaching for players or failing to address needs, but not evaluating the board especially well when a pick is made. That’s the shared DNA of the four teams that received our lowest grades in our final draft grades from 2026.
Nobody actually “failed,” because the only way to fail in the draft is not making a pick at all. Everyone will get better to some degree, but perhaps that impact won’t be realized for too long, or perhaps a team will wind up with a class full of players who are career backups before being out of the league in a few years.
Still, there’s a real chance that we got this all wrong. Perhaps there’s an organization that look like fools right now, but there’s a potential we look back at 2026 in a few years as a turning point for the franchise. Let’s start with our four lowest-ranked teams and a quick summary why.
Denver Broncos: Didn’t have many picks because of the Jaylen Waddle trade, but still didn’t find amazing value at any need position. Their best pick was a mid-round running back.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Went so far off script to the consensus it’s as if they were looking at a different class. Their second round pick was an in-line blocking TE who can’t catch.
Los Angeles Rams: The Ty Simpson pick was too cute at No. 14, and the team didn’t find significant upgrades anywhere.
Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks is an oft-injured defensive tackle with chronic foot problems. The team didn’t do enough to address the secondary.
Who is the one team that could defy their grade and turn this class into an “A”?
The incredibly easy way out would be to say it’s the Rams because Ty Simpson could be their future franchise QB. Instead, my pick here is the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings operated this draft without a full-time general manager in place, putting more pressure on head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores to shoulder the burden. All indications are that Caleb Banks was a player Flores identified as having high potential, and when it comes to an eye for defensive talent and knowing how to use players, nobody is better than Brian Flores.
Many of Banks’ issues are correctable. The foot injury history is worrisome, but he’s violent, athletic, and long — in short bursts. Getting him into an NFL conditioning program can increase his stamina, shed some of the bad weight he gained due to injury, and with some technique tutelage he really could become a monster in the NFL.
Second-round pick Jake Golday is a player to watch too. There are reasons I didn’t love him as a prospect when it came to his play recognition and football understanding when paired with below-average quickness — but the issues with his speed can be ameliorated by making him a better student of the game. If the Vikings can make it so his first step is always in the right direction then the concerns about his recovery speed melt away.
This is really a shared trait down the Vikings draft. They have a lot of players who need major work in the film, gym, or both. If the team can develop all these players there’s a real chance we look back in a few years at a class which netter 4-5 starters, and if that happens it would immediately turn into an A+ class.
