Re-grading every NFL team's 2020 rookie class
With the 2020 NFL season officially complete, theScore's NFL editors re-evaluate the performance of each team's rookie class.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Dallas Cowboys
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | WR CeeDee Lamb |
| 2 | CB Trevon Diggs |
| 3 | DT Neville Gallimore |
| 4 | CB Reggie Robinson II |
| 4 | C Tyler Biadasz |
| 5 | DE Bradlee Anae |
| 7 | QB Ben DiNucci |
Notable UDFAs: OT Terence Steele
Grade: A-
Many were excited about the Cowboys' haul on draft night, and it appears just as good almost a year later. There are multiple starters in the group, led by Lamb. The first-round steal wasn't the focal point of an inconsistent Dallas offense but still managed to haul in 74 receptions for six total touchdowns and just under 1,000 yards. He's going to be a dangerous weapon for a long time. Meanwhile, Gallimore and Biadasz each received some starts as rookies and will likely continue to improve at key positions. Diggs rounds out the group nicely and was likely the Cowboys' best cornerback in 2020. The Alabama product had his ups and downs, as many young defenders do, but he displayed strong coverage skills and intercepted three passes in Year 1.
New York Giants
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | OT Andrew Thomas |
| 2 | S Xavier McKinney |
| 3 | OT Matt Peart |
| 4 | CB Darnay Holmes |
| 5 | G Shane Lemieux |
| 6 | LB Cam Brown |
| 7 | LB Carter Coughlin |
| 7 | LB T.J. Brunson |
| 7 | DB Chris Williamson |
| 7 | LB Tae Crowder |
Notable UDFAs: WR Austin Mack
Grade: B-
The Giants' 2020 class was solid, though it would have been graded significantly higher had Thomas not endured a rough start to his NFL career. The No. 4 overall pick cleaned up his game down the stretch - and could still end up as a high-quality left tackle - but was clearly the fourth-best lineman selected on Day 1 despite being the first off the board. Luckily, for Dave Gettleman, New York hit on a few of its later picks. Holmes started five games and profiles as a solid starting slot cornerback, and McKinney displayed an all-around game after returning from injury. This class certainly has long-term potential.
Philadelphia Eagles
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | WR Jalen Reagor |
| 2 | QB Jalen Hurts |
| 3 | LB Davion Taylor |
| 4 | S K'Von Wallace |
| 4 | OL Jack Driscoll |
| 5 | WR John Hightower |
| 6 | LB Shaun Bradley |
| 6 | WR Quez Watkins |
| 6 | OT Prince Tega Wanogho |
| 7 | DE Casey Toohill |
Notable UDFAs: CB Michael Jacquet
Grade: D+
There are potential contributors in this class, but it's difficult to grade the group positively with Reagor at the top. The Eagles selected the TCU product over Justin Jefferson, who many evaluators ranked as a more complete prospect. Reagor was largely a non-factor in his rookie campaign, and questions quickly surfaced about whether he'll be able to consistently separate from NFL defenders - not a good look for a first-round receiver. Adding salt to the wound, the pick appeared worse with each passing week that Jefferson dominated for the Minnesota Vikings. Hurts could be the saving grace, as he'll likely get a chance to prove himself as Philadelphia's long-term quarterback with Carson Wentz on his way out. At least the dual-threat passer impressed when in the lineup.
Washington Football Team
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | DE Chase Young |
| 3 | RB Antonio Gibson |
| 4 | OL Saahdiq Charles |
| 4 | WR Antonio Gandy-Golden |
| 5 | OL Keith Ismael |
| 5 | LB Khaleke Hudson |
| 7 | DB Kamren Curl |
| 7 | DE James Smith-Williams |
Notable UDFAs: WR Isaiah Wright
Grade: A
Washington knocked it out of the park with its first two picks. Young was billed as the obvious choice at No. 2 overall, but the pass-rusher exceeded all expectations as a rookie. Gibson was an excellent find in Round 3, and Ron Rivera and Co. simply couldn't keep him off the field. The dynamic tailback averaged 4.7 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns on the ground - tied with Jonathan Taylor for the rookie lead. Gibson was also a threat out of the backfield, adding 36 receptions for 247 yards. Though Charles and Gandy-Golden barely saw the field, Hudson and Curl found roles as the season progressed. The latter was a solid value selection in the seventh round, starting 11 games as a safety/slot-corner hybrid, playing stout run defense, and intercepting three passes.