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SportsPulse: While Tom Brady’s arrival in Tampa Bay has dominated the offseason in the NFC, a plethora of other teams increased their ammunition during free agency and the draft. We recap it all.

USA TODAY

That’s a wrap.

The 2020 NFL draft has a bow on it, which means it’s time for instant gratification: report cards for all 32 teams.

But first, a moment to spotlight the folly of this exercise given it generally takes about three years to fairly grade a club’s draft performance.

How many people gave the New Orleans Saints an “A+” in 2017, when they picked offensive rookie of the year Alvin Kamara, defensive rookie of the year Marshon Lattimore and future all-pro Ryan Ramczyk? Might be the best class of the decade.

And how many gave the San Francisco 49ers an “A” in 2017, when they took defenders Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster in Round 1? In fairness, that was hardly a lost draft – GM John Lynch swindled the Bears for extra picks for simply moving down from No. 2 to No. 3 and landed all-pro TE George Kittle in Round 5 – but it’s certainly panned out far differently than many expected when evaluating it in real time.

The 2020 draft could take even longer to accurately analyze given the novel coronavirus pandemic is going to put all these rookies behind the 8-ball as they attempt to assimilate into the professional ranks … and ahead of a season that may or may not occur.

But whatever. We’re all looking for welcome distractions in the world of COVID-19, so let’s jump that grading gun again and start scribbling with our digital red pen:

A

Baltimore Ravens: Few teams scout the college ranks with more prescience, and last year’s handover from Ozzie Newsome to current GM Eric DeCosta has been seamless. This seems like another enviable batch, DeCosta shoring up defensive shortcomings – so evident in the playoff loss to Tennessee – with LBs Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison and DL Justin Madubuike while supercharging what was an already record-setting offense with RB J.K. Dobbins and WR Devin Duvernay. Queen and Duvernay seem especially capable of making huge splashes as rookies, but keep an eye on Round 6 WR James Proche, like Duvernay, a 100-catch man in college.

Indianapolis Colts: “Feels” like they reeled in a pair of first-round talents in Round 2, WR Michael Pittman and RB Jonathan Taylor adding serious juice to new QB Philip Rivers’ supporting cast, both capable of instantly assuming leading roles. And investing a fourth-rounder into physically gifted QB Jacob Eason to see how he develops behind Rivers goes into the low-risk, high-reward category. But GM Chris Ballard’s best move was spending his 13th overall selection on 49ers DT DeForest Buckner, a man worthy of his vast cap resources. Aces. 

Minnesota Vikings: GM Rick Spielman divested WR Stefon Diggs to leaven his ammo, picking up a first-rounder for his trouble, then went to work caulking a roster good enough to reach the divisional round of last season’s playoffs. WR Justin Jefferson – seemingly an ideal sidekick for Adam Thielen – might be a steal at No. 22 while fellow first-rounder Jeff Gladney led a fleet of new corners, a position previously raided in free agency. Spielman also added to Mike Zimmer’s D-line rotation and might have found a new left tackle with highly regarded second-rounder Ezra Cleveland.

A-

Arizona Cardinals: Spending a second-round pick allowed them to import all-pro WR DeAndre Hopkins and dump overpaid RB David Johnson. That alone constitutes a pretty good draft. But the Cards also landed first-round LB/S Isaiah Simmons, one of the most intriguing defenders to emerge in years, and now just have to figure out how to maximize his unique versatility. Third-round OT Josh Jones could be a bargain.

Cincinnati Bengals: Give them credit for not letting a team like Miami entice them to trade the No. 1 pick used on Joe Burrow, who should be gold for this franchise on and off the field. Third-round LB Logan Wilson could become the defense’s new quarterback. Second-round WR Tee Higgins seems a bit of a luxury pick. But he’s a quality prospect nonetheless, potentially A.J. Green’s eventual replacement. Still, Burrow will define this haul – but it sure seems like he could be uniquely qualified to lift a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game in three decades.

Washington Redskins: Give them credit for not letting a team like Atlanta entice them to trade the No. 2 pick used on Chase Young – widely touted as this draft’s top prospect and a man who should elevate a defense teeming with potential. Third-round RB Antonio Gibson, fourth-round OT Saahdiq Charles and fourth-round WR Antonio Gandy-Golden are intriguing prospects for a team that needs playmakers, and any could have been taken sooner. TE Thaddeus Moss was signed after going undrafted. In sum, nice job by new coach Ron Rivera. As far as the previous regime, Washington should’ve gotten more in the trade of LT Trent Williams, but give credit for mortgaging this year’s second-rounder in order to get 2019 first-round DE Montez Sweat.

Dallas Cowboys: They didn’t overthink it with WR CeeDee Lamb sitting there at No. 17. Nice pick – even if it didn’t fill a hole, Lamb was too good to pass up and might’ve been wearing Eagles green otherwise. Down the board, Jerry Jones and Co. appeared to do a pretty good job of wedding value with need, getting CB Trevon Diggs in Round 2, DT Neville Gallimore in Round 3, Wisconsin C Tyler Biadasz in Round 4 (who better to replace retired ex-Badger Travis Frederick?) and a potential steal with the selection of pass rusher Bradlee Anae in the fifth. This team probably should be expected to win the NFC East.

Pittsburgh Steelers: How often can you say your draft is guaranteed to produce an all-pro? Welp, this one did after the Steelers traded last year’s first-rounder for second-year S Minkah Fitzpatrick, who blossomed in Pittsburgh and is still under contractual control for three more years. As for players just picked, uber-sized WR Chase Claypool, uber-productive OLB Alex Highsmith and uber-swift RB Anthony McFarland all seem well-positioned to battle for jobs currently manned by veterans potentially on shaky ground.

B+

Cleveland Browns: Seems rookie GM Andrew Berry has hit the ground running for a franchise that’s been dysfunctional for so long. He followed up a nice free-agent harvest with what projects as a solid draft, first-round OT Jedrick Wills possibly the man who can finally fill Joe Thomas’ void and second-round S Grant Delpit a potential gem. Given David Njoku is still on the roster, it’s worth asking how many tight ends Berry and new coach Kevin Stefanski need after signing Austin Hooper to a huge contract and drafting highly regarded Harrison Bryant in Round 4.

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Denver Broncos: If there’s any element of glass half-empty here, it would be the expectations mounting on QB Drew Lock – he won four of five starts to conclude his rookie year – after GM John Elway surrounded him with so many additional weapons. First-rounder Jerry Jeudy is as polished an incoming player as you’ll find at receiver while second-round WR K.J. Hamler should fly down the field, opening things up for Jeudy, Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton and TE Noah Fant. Elway also reinforced the O-line and patched holes on the D-line and secondary. Ball’s in your court, Drew. No pressure.

San Francisco 49ers: They wound up making just five selections, but jeez. Top pick Javon Kinlaw (14th overall) likely isn’t the next Buckner but certainly a first-rate replacement conducive to cap management. First-round WR Brandon Aiyuk should form a dynamic tandem with 2019 second-rounder Deebo Samuel. But to pick up a Pro Bowler in Williams for two mid-round picks while offloading the remainder of WR Marquise Goodwin’s contract on Philadelphia? Yeoman’s work, Mr. Lynch.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They continued to aggressively dedicate their resources to a Super Bowl-or-bust effort for newly signed QB Tom Brady. First-round OT Tristan Wirfs, third-round RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn and a fourth-round pick spent on TE Rob Gronkowski promise to pay immediate dividends. However the best value pick of GM Jason Licht’s weekend is arguably second-round S Antoine Winfield Jr.

B

Carolina Panthers: Evidently new coach Matt Rhule feels pretty good about his offense given Carolina devoted its entire draft to defense, the seven-player class including a trio – DT Derrick Brown (Round 1), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (Round 2) and S Jeremy Chinn (Round 2) – that should ensure a unit which surrendered a franchise-record 470 points in 2019 quickly becomes a distant memory.

Chicago Bears: Considering how things have played out, good argument to be made that the trade for Khalil Mack – even at the cost of two first-rounders – has been worth it. GM Ryan Pace also did a nice job Friday by landing TE Cole Kmet and CB Jaylon Johnson, borderline first-round prospects, in Round 2.

Detroit Lions: Adding No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to the defense and upgrading QB Matthew Stafford’s arsenal with second-round RB D’Andre Swift – good luck finding a better all-purpose back in this draft – and a pair of guards to keep him off his back should equate to a pretty good weekend’s work.

Los Angeles Chargers: They stuck at No. 6 to pick QB Justin Herbert and now wait to learn how high his ceiling is and whether they should’ve aggressively pursued Tua Tagovailoa. However GM Tom Telesco did sell out to come back into Round 1 for LB Kenneth Murray, surrendering both of the Bolts’ Day 2 picks in the process. Hard-running fourth-round RB Joshua Kelley should pick up touches left behind by Melvin Gordon. Seventh-rounder K.J. Hill, Ohio State’s all-time leading receiver, provides a long-missing slot option.

Los Angeles Rams: They haven’t picked in the first round since 2016, when QB Jared Goff was the No. 1 overall pick. But surrendering this year’s first-rounder brought CB Jalen Ramsey, and GM Les Snead appeared to pick up four players Friday – RB Cam Akers (Round 2), WR Van Jefferson (Round 2), OLB Terrell Lewis (Round 3) and S Terrell Burgess (Round 3) – who could contribute early to a squad little more than a year removed from the Super Bowl.

New England Patriots: No organization is more adept at stockpiling picks, and the Pats began the draft with a dozen. However the narrative needs to be revised as it pertains to their actual draft acumen – it’s been some time since they produced a collective slam dunk and have been especially dreadful in Round 2 for nearly a decade. That said … Bill Belichick’s first post-Brady group felt solid, five players obtained Friday in the second and third rounds. Round 2 S Kyle Dugger and Round 3 TE Devin Asiasi might be steals. And given they passed on Jordan Love and apparently made no bid for a QB near the top of the draft, should say something about how they feel about apparent Brady successor Jarrett Stidham. One question: Really necessary to spend a fifth-rounder on a kicker from Marshall?

New York Jets: GM Joe Douglas used his maiden draft to try and fulfill a promise to Sam Darnold’s parents, acquiring players who can directly assist the third-year quarterback. LT Mekhi Becton (11th overall pick) and WR Denzel Mims (59th) could represent value given both were generally projected to go higher. Fourth-round QB James Morgan was worth a try given the team’s season was scuttled last year by Darnold’s three-game absence while fighting mononucleosis. Fifth-round CB Bryce Hall could be pressed into service immediately.

B-

Buffalo Bills: Probably overpaid for Stefon Diggs, surrendering their first-round pick plus three mid-rounders for a seventh and a wideout who’s never made a Pro Bowl … and in a receiver-heavy draft. But there’s something to be said for certainty … assuming Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane are certain Diggs won’t pout. But with the picks the Bills did retain, they selected nice players, second-rounder A.J. Epenesa freshening the pass rush and third-rounder Zack Moss capable of providing far more than Frank Gore did as part of the run game committee. Boost this grade if they’re able to stream fifth-round QB Jake Fromm’s football mind into starter Josh Allen’s helmet.

New Orleans Saints: Odd draft. They needed little for a roster unlikely to churn much, so they didn’t pick much (just four times) – aggressively working the board for players they wanted. First-rounder Cesar Ruiz was likely the best interior O-lineman but creates an odd-man out situation. Versatile third-round LB Zack Baun, whom many projected as a first-rounder, might be able to contribute most in 2020 to what this organization hopes is one last Super Bowl push for QB Drew Brees. But keep an eye on third-round TE Adam Trautman, who could take Brees back to the Jimmy Graham days.

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C+

Jacksonville Jaguars: Seems they’re building toward 2021 – Trevor Lawrence? – but nevertheless picked reputable players, including first-round CB C.J. Henderson, who should address a glaring need following Ramsey’s departure. Pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson (Round 1) – taken with a pick obtained for Ramsey – and WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (Round 2) could need a transition year, which isn’t a knock but adds to the feel that this club is in a weird limbo. Speaking of which, disgruntled DE Yannick Ngakoue remains.

Kansas City Chiefs: The champs only had six picks, but first-round RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire will make any K.C. fans pining for Kareem Hunt forget quickly. Second-round LB Willie Gay Jr. should contribute early … assuming his conduct questions have indeed been overblown.

New York Giants: No. 4 pick Andrew Thomas, who had quite a late rise, led a vanguard of needed O-line reinforcements. Second-round S Xavier McKinney could be one of the draft’s heists. GM David Gettleman earmarked all four seventh-round picks to defense, but hard to bank on any boosting a flawed group.

C

Las Vegas Raiders: GM Mike Mayock, who did a nice job picking players during his 2019 debut, continues hoarding Clemson Tigers – the tally up to five in two draft classes. More important, first-round WR Henry Ruggs, he of the 4.27-second 40-yard dash, is a classic Raider pick and one who should lighten the box for former Tide teammate Josh Jacobs while pulling coverage off TE Darren Waller. We’ll see if first-round CB Damon Arnette was a reach and what Jon Gruden is going to do with this surplus of receivers – though Ruggs and third-round WR Lynn Bowden could allow the coach to get especially creative. One lingering question: Was owner Mark Davis’ decision not to pay Mack really worth it in hindsight now that the trade freight has been exhausted?

Miami Dolphins: They had the stones to take Tagovailoa fifth overall, and this draft will largely be defined by the outcome of his career and its longevity given his medical concerns. Of course, the Fins’ abundance of of picks enabled them to roll the dice on Tagovailoa and others who arrive with significant questions, including first-round CB Noah Igbinoghene and second-round DT Raekwon Davis. The rampant boom-or-bust variables suggest a swing for the fences for an organization desperate to return to relevance. (Admittedly, Navy’s Malcolm Perry was a nice touch in Round 7.) But remains to be seen if they were better off retaining the services of Fitzpatrick and Tunsil, whose departures padded Miamis’s arsenal of picks but stunted forward progress.

C-

Atlanta Falcons: CB A.J. Terrell (Round 1), DL Marlon Davidson (Round 2) and C Matt Hennessy (Round 3) are solid. None feel like the missing piece for a team that’s underachieved lately, and the final product can’t help but feel flat in the wake of pre-draft buzz that GM Thomas Dimitroff had a bold, Julio Jones-level trade in the works. Never happened.

D+

Seattle Seahawks: Meh. Got their usual haul of players they seem especially willing to overdraft. For years, it was taboo to question the wisdom of coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider, who made so many mid-round home run picks early in their tenure but have picked just two Pro Bowlers since 2016 – one of those P Michael Dickson.

Tennessee Titans: Hard to argue with the program GM Jon Robinson and coach Mike Vrabel are building but unclear if this year’s picks will help much in 2020. First-round OT Isaiah Wilson is 21 and may not be ready to capably replace stud Jack Conklin, who’s now in Cleveland. Second-round CB Kristian Fulton must prove he’s past questionable off-field behavior. And third-round RB Darrynton Evans is a nice handcuff for 2019 rushing champ Derrick Henry, but it’s not clear if Evans is even ready for a third-round role at present.

D

Green Bay Packers: Given the unprecedented stability they’ve enjoyed for nearly 30 years at quarterback, maybe we shouldn’t argue with their methodology – which included a Round 1 trade for Love, Aaron Rodgers’ potential heir apparent. But to take Love and then come back with one-dimensional RB A.J. Dillon at the end of Round 2, it just doesn’t seem enough was done to help Rodgers – he surely would’ve liked just one of this year’s bountiful crop of receivers – win now.

D+

Philadelphia Eagles: GM Howie Roseman built a champion, so difficult to question his (often sage) moves. But the visceral reaction to this draft … not good. WR Jalen Reagor in Round 1 when Justin Jefferson was sitting there (and when sixth-rounder Quez Watkins can provide the speed aspect Reagor does)? Second-round QB Jalen Hurts is tantalizing, but can he execute game plans built for Carson Wentz? And when you could’ve taken, say, Fromm later and used that second-rounder on a better defensive player? Finally, assuming the remainder of Goodwin’s contract seems like another dubious decision.

F

Houston Texans: Hard to recall a draft so extensively leveraged to obtain veterans. Newly anointed (but long-acting) GM Bill O’Brien shipped out most of his best picks for players like newly extended Tunsil – he’ll cost another first-rounder plus a second in 2021, too – WR Brandin Cooks, CB Gareon Conley and RB Duke Johnson. Tunsil is a nice player, but his price was way too high. The others are eminently replaceable. And to also deal Jadeveon Clowney, basically for a third-rounder, while settling for a second-rounder and RB David Johnson in exchange for a transcendent talent like Hopkins? Brutal. O’Brien’s first official selection as GM was TCU DT Ross Blacklock at No. 40, which actually seems like pretty solid value. But in sum, this feels like a staggering net loss.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis

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