The 2025 NFL Draft has wrapped up, but the conversation around team performances is just heating up — and no one fuels that fire quite like ESPN ’s longtime draft analyst, Mel Kiper Jr . Known as the voice of authority during draft weekend, Kiper’s post-draft grades have once again stirred the pot. While some teams walked away with praise, one AFC squad drew sharp criticism from the veteran analyst.
Mel Kiper Jr. blasts Bengals, crowns Browns in 2025 NFL Draft review
Mel Kiper Jr., who has been a fixture on ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage for decades, was blunt in his assessment of the Cincinnati Bengals . Awarding them a "C" grade, he declared their draft haul as the worst among all 32 franchises. For a team that entered the draft with clear positional gaps — including edge rusher, linebacker, safety, and offensive guard — Kiper felt that the Bengals’ approach was underwhelming at best.
With their first-round pick, Cincinnati selected edge rusher Shemar Stewart. While the choice appeared to address a pressing need, Kiper wasn’t convinced of its value. He hinted at a reach, suggesting that the Bengals may have sacrificed talent for positional fit. The subsequent picks — linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second round and offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild in the third — did little to shift Kiper’s impression. Even later-round additions like Clemson’s Barrett Carter and Miami’s Jalen Rivers couldn’t redeem what he called a lackluster showing.
“It was sort of a ho-hum draft for the Bengals overall, which is why I gave them a ‘C’ grade,” Kiper said, summing up his stance.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Cleveland Browns earned Kiper’s highest praise — and his lone "A+" grade of the draft. Their strategy, according to Kiper, was a masterclass in long-term planning and opportunistic value. After holding the No. 2 overall pick, Cleveland executed a smart trade with Jacksonville, allowing the Jaguars to move up and select Travis Hunter. The Browns slid to the No. 5 slot and chose defensive lineman Mason Graham, while also acquiring valuable future assets.
However, it was their selection in the fifth round that truly elevated their grade. With the 144th overall pick, the Browns scooped up quarterback Shedeur Sanders — someone Kiper had ranked as his No. 5 overall prospect and top quarterback.
“The other main reason I gave the Browns an A+ shouldn't be a surprise. They got quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 144 to finish their seven-pick draft. He was my No. 5 overall prospect in the class and clear QB1,” Kiper wrote.
He went on to highlight Sanders’ collegiate accuracy (74% completion rate), pocket toughness, and pro-ready skillset. “I think he will be an outstanding pro QB, and I believe we will look back on this pick in a few years and question what the rest of the NFL was doing.”
While Shedeur Sanders’ draft-day slide shocked many — Kiper included — Cleveland’s ability to capitalize on the moment was enough to turn disbelief into admiration. And in Kiper’s eyes, it was the defining move of the draft.
In a weekend full of surprises, the Bengals walked away with question marks, while the Browns may have found their franchise quarterback — and earned Kiper’s gold star in the process.
Also Read: Jerry Jones calls out NFL for ignoring Shedeur Sanders, but hints Cowboys may not draft him
Mel Kiper Jr. blasts Bengals, crowns Browns in 2025 NFL Draft review
Mel Kiper Jr., who has been a fixture on ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage for decades, was blunt in his assessment of the Cincinnati Bengals . Awarding them a "C" grade, he declared their draft haul as the worst among all 32 franchises. For a team that entered the draft with clear positional gaps — including edge rusher, linebacker, safety, and offensive guard — Kiper felt that the Bengals’ approach was underwhelming at best.
With their first-round pick, Cincinnati selected edge rusher Shemar Stewart. While the choice appeared to address a pressing need, Kiper wasn’t convinced of its value. He hinted at a reach, suggesting that the Bengals may have sacrificed talent for positional fit. The subsequent picks — linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second round and offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild in the third — did little to shift Kiper’s impression. Even later-round additions like Clemson’s Barrett Carter and Miami’s Jalen Rivers couldn’t redeem what he called a lackluster showing.
“It was sort of a ho-hum draft for the Bengals overall, which is why I gave them a ‘C’ grade,” Kiper said, summing up his stance.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Cleveland Browns earned Kiper’s highest praise — and his lone "A+" grade of the draft. Their strategy, according to Kiper, was a masterclass in long-term planning and opportunistic value. After holding the No. 2 overall pick, Cleveland executed a smart trade with Jacksonville, allowing the Jaguars to move up and select Travis Hunter. The Browns slid to the No. 5 slot and chose defensive lineman Mason Graham, while also acquiring valuable future assets.
However, it was their selection in the fifth round that truly elevated their grade. With the 144th overall pick, the Browns scooped up quarterback Shedeur Sanders — someone Kiper had ranked as his No. 5 overall prospect and top quarterback.
“The other main reason I gave the Browns an A+ shouldn't be a surprise. They got quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 144 to finish their seven-pick draft. He was my No. 5 overall prospect in the class and clear QB1,” Kiper wrote.
He went on to highlight Sanders’ collegiate accuracy (74% completion rate), pocket toughness, and pro-ready skillset. “I think he will be an outstanding pro QB, and I believe we will look back on this pick in a few years and question what the rest of the NFL was doing.”
While Shedeur Sanders’ draft-day slide shocked many — Kiper included — Cleveland’s ability to capitalize on the moment was enough to turn disbelief into admiration. And in Kiper’s eyes, it was the defining move of the draft.
In a weekend full of surprises, the Bengals walked away with question marks, while the Browns may have found their franchise quarterback — and earned Kiper’s gold star in the process.
Also Read: Jerry Jones calls out NFL for ignoring Shedeur Sanders, but hints Cowboys may not draft him
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