Dane Brugler Ranks All 32 Classes: Top Picks and Analysis

The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic has released his annual rankings of all 32 team draft classes, offering a detailed assessment of which franchises strengthened their rosters most effectively. Brugler’s evaluation, published on April 27, 2026, highlights the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens as the top three classes, while also providing insights into standout selections and strategic moves across the league.

Cleveland Browns Secure Top Spot with Balanced Haul

The Cleveland Browns earned the highest praise from Brugler, claiming the No. 1 ranking in his draft class evaluations. The Browns’ success stemmed from a combination of high-value picks, positional depth, and strategic trades that maximized their draft capital.

Their first-round selection, offensive tackle Spencer Fano from Utah, was singled out as a favorite pick. Brugler described Fano as possessing rare movement ability for his size, top-tier football IQ, and competitive toughness, noting his versatility along the offensive line. The Browns also addressed key needs with later selections, including wide receiver Denzel Boston (Round 2, Pick 39) and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Round 2, Pick 58), the latter of whom was considered a steal outside the top 50.

Brugler highlighted tight end Joe Royer (Round 6, Pick 182) as a potential Day 3 surprise. Royer, from Cincinnati, was praised for his complementary skill set alongside incumbent Harold Fannin Jr., suggesting an immediate impact role. The Browns’ ability to secure value in multiple rounds—including an additional Day 2 pick acquired via trade—solidified their position atop the rankings.

New York Giants Rise to No. 2 with Star Power

The New York Giants claimed the second spot in Brugler’s rankings, buoyed by a draft class that blended elite talent with positional versatility. The Giants made two first-round selections, landing linebacker Arvell Reese (Pick 5) and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (Pick 10), both of whom were positioned as foundational pieces for the franchise’s future.

Reese, a standout from Ohio State, was Brugler’s highest-rated player in the entire 2026 draft class. His addition was expected to bolster the Giants’ defensive front, with Brugler noting that quarterbacks won’t have fun facing this front seven. Reese’s 2025 season—69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and five quarterback hurries—underscored his disruptive potential.

Mauigoa, a mauling blocker from Miami, was another cornerstone pick, offering immediate support to an offensive line in transition. The Giants’ later selections, including cornerback Colton Hood (Round 2, Pick 37) and wide receiver Malachi Fields (Round 3, Pick 74), were also praised for addressing pressing needs. Brugler described the class as a group of Giants, figuratively and literally, quoting head coach John Harbaugh’s assessment of the team’s draft haul.

Baltimore Ravens Round Out Top Three with Strategic Depth

The Baltimore Ravens secured the third position in Brugler’s rankings, leveraging a draft strategy that emphasized depth and long-term development. While the Ravens did not make a first-round selection, their ability to accumulate talent in the middle rounds drew praise.

Brugler’s favorite pick from Baltimore’s class was defensive end Tavon Solomon (Round 3, Pick 71), a disruptive force from Penn State. Solomon’s ability to generate pressure and his athleticism were cited as key traits that could elevate the Ravens’ defensive line. The team also added offensive guard Jordan Whitfield (Round 4, Pick 104), a versatile interior lineman with starting potential.

One of the Ravens’ most intriguing selections was quarterback Tyler Booker (Round 5, Pick 138), a developmental prospect with a strong arm and mobility. While not expected to start immediately, Booker’s upside was noted as a potential long-term asset behind incumbent starter Lamar Jackson.

Notable Moves and Surprises Across the League

Beyond the top three, Brugler’s rankings revealed several notable trends and surprises from the 2026 draft. The Green Bay Packers, for instance, ranked 26th out of 32 teams, a reflection of their limited draft capital after trading away their first-round pick. Brugler highlighted defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (Round 4, Pick 120) as the Packers’ standout selection, praising his commanding presence and special teams contributions.

The San Francisco 49ers, a perennial contender, secured a mid-tier ranking despite their reputation for draft success. Brugler noted that while the 49ers addressed key needs, their lack of a first-round pick and a relatively thin class in later rounds limited their overall standing.

The Los Angeles Rams, another team without a first-round selection, earned mixed reviews for their choice of quarterback Ty Simpson (Round 1, Pick 19 via trade). Brugler assigned the Rams a C grade for the pick, suggesting that Simpson’s fit within the team’s system remained uncertain despite his raw talent.

What the Rankings Reveal About Team Strategies

Brugler’s rankings underscored a clear trend: teams with multiple early-round picks or high-volume draft classes tended to fare better in his evaluations. The Browns, Giants, and Ravens—all of whom made strategic trades to accumulate additional selections—benefited from this approach, allowing them to address multiple needs while securing high-upside talent.

Conversely, teams like the Packers and Rams, who entered the draft with limited capital, struggled to climb the rankings. Brugler’s analysis suggested that while individual picks could still yield value, the overall depth of a draft class played a significant role in its perceived success.

The 2026 draft also highlighted the increasing importance of positional versatility. Players like Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa, who can contribute across multiple spots on the offensive line, were particularly valued. Similarly, linebackers and defensive backs with hybrid skill sets—such as Arvell Reese—were prioritized for their ability to adapt to modern NFL schemes.

Looking Ahead: Rookie Impact and Long-Term Projections

While draft rankings provide an immediate snapshot of team performance, the true test of a class lies in its on-field impact. Brugler’s evaluations often correlate with long-term success, as seen in his 2025 rankings, where his top three classes included the eventual Super Bowl participants (New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks) and the Cleveland Browns, who produced multiple Rookie of the Year contenders.

For the Browns, Giants, and Ravens, the 2026 draft class represents an opportunity to build sustained contention. The Browns’ focus on offensive line and defensive playmakers could solidify their status as perennial playoff threats, while the Giants’ infusion of elite talent at linebacker and offensive line may accelerate their rebuild under new leadership. The Ravens, meanwhile, appear poised to maintain their competitive edge with a mix of immediate contributors and high-ceiling prospects.

As the NFL offseason progresses, the success of these draft classes will be measured not only by individual performances but also by their collective impact on team trajectories. For now, Brugler’s rankings offer a compelling preview of which franchises made the most of their opportunities in the 2026 draft.