From Fernando Mendoza to Red Murdock, 257 players were selected in the 2026 NFL draft.Some will have instant success. Others will need more time to develop. Not all of them will make the roster.Teams spent several months scouting, interviewing, dissecting each player’s physical skills and character before the draft.

It’ll take a couple of years to determine whether they got it right.Here are the AP’s early grades:ARIZONA CARDINALS: B-RB Jeremiyah Love is a special talent and instant upgrade. But the positional value at No. 3 is questionable. OL Chase Bisontis (34) should open running lanes for Love.

Interior DL Kaleb Proctor (104) has potential. In a thin QB class, they took a shot with Carson Beck (65) early. ATLANTA FALCONS: BThey got a first-round talent in the second round in CB Avieon Terrell (48).

He’ll join his brother, AJ Terrell, in the secondary. WR Zachariah Branch (79) is a playmaker in the slot. LB Kendal Daniels (134) should at least be a special teams contributor.BALTIMORE RAVENS: B+Guard Olaivavega Ioane (14) is a Day 1 starter.

Edge Zion Young (45) was often mocked in the first round. They got two receivers with size in Ja’Kobi Lane (80) and Elijah Sarratt (115), and TE Matthew Hibner (133) fills a void.BUFFALO BILLS: BTraded out of the first round, added draft capital and landed a talented edge rusher T.J. Parker (35).

CB Davison Igbinosun (62) adds depth. OT Jude Bowry (102), WR Skyler Bell (125) and LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr (126) address areas of need.CAROLINA PANTHERS: A-OT Monroe Freeling (19) was often considered a top-10 pick. He’s a prototypical left tackle.

DL Lee Hunter (49) is a playmaker on the interior of the line. WR Chris Brazzell II (83), CB Will Lee III (129), OL Sam Hecht (144) and S Zakee Wheatley (151) are among a Day 3 haul.CHICAGO BEARS: B-Addressed a major need in the first round with S Dillon Thieneman (25). C Logan Jones (57) went earlier than some expected.

TE Sam Roush (69) is a run-blocking specialist. WR Zavion Thomas (89) improves the return unit and CB Malik Muhammad is a value pick.CINCINNATI BENGALS: B+They didn’t have a first-rounder after giving up the 10th overall pick for DT Dexter Lawrence. Landed an edge with first-round grades in Cashius Howell at 41.

CB Tacario Davis (72) also improves a defense that’s struggled. C Connor Lew (128) is a potential starter found in the fourth round. WR Colbie Young (140) adds size — he’s 6-foot-5 — to a deep group.CLEVELAND BROWNS: ATraded down, added more picks and came away with an impressive overall haul.

OT Spencer Fano (9) starts right away. WR KC Concepcion (24) has all the tools. Got another in the second round in WR Denzel Boston (39).

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (58) had first-round grades. OT Austin Barber (86) provides more depth and options for the line. C Parker Brailsford (146) fills a need.

LB Justin Jefferson (149) is athletic and talented.DALLAS COWBOYS: A-Moving up one spot to get the best safety in the draft — Caleb Downs — at No. 11 was an excellent move for the defense. Moving back three spots to No. 23 might have cost them a better option but ended up Malachi Lawrence, who wasn’t a consensus first-round pick. Edge Jaishawn Barham (92), CB Devin Moore (114) and edge LT Overton (137) give new defensive coordinator Christian Parker more talent to develop.

OT Drew Shelton (112) has high upside.DENVER BRONCOS: BFirst pick wasn’t until the third round when they got DT Tyler Onyedim (66). RB Jonah Coleman (108) adds depth. OL Kage Casey (111) is versatile.

TE Justin Joly (152) gives them a downfield pass receiver. Denver traded a first-round pick for WR Jaylen Waddle so it got a receiver before the draft.DETROIT LIONS: B+OT Blake Miller (17) fills a major need. Edge Derrick Moore (44) stays in Michigan and gives the Lions another pass rusher with energy.

LB Jimmy Rolder (118) is another Michigan player staying close to home. CB Keith Abney II (157) and WR Kenrick Law (168) are solid value.GREEN BAY PACKERS: B+Snagged a first-round talent with CB Brandon Cisse (52). DT Chris McClellan (77) is a needed run-stuffer.

Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton (120) could be a fourth-round steal. Versatile OL Jager Burton (153) fits the offense’s personality.HOUSTON TEXANS: B+OL Keylan Rutledge (26) provides a boost for a group that’s been a weakness the past two seasons. DT Kayden McDonald (36) is an elite run defender who complements edges Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

TE Martin Klein at No. 59 was a stretch. Febechi Nwaiwu (106) is a versatile offensive lineman. LB Wade Woodaz (123) has good upside.

S Kamari Ramsey (141) is a value pick.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: B+LB CJ Allen (53) fills a big need. He was projected to go higher so the Colts get great value. S A.J.

Haulcy could start as a rookie. OL Jalen Farmer (113) is powerful and versatile. LB Bryce Boettcher (135) and edge George Gumbs Jr. (156) have a chance to develop well in Lou Anarumo’s defense.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: CGot a pair of Texas A&M teammates with their first two