The NFL scouting combine really shouldn’t change a prospects rating very much unless it reveals a real medical issue or a guy shows some serious character issues during the interview process. However, that’s not the reality of the situation. The athletic testing can make teams overlook playing issues they see on film by making them believe “we can fix that issue because he’s such a good athlete”. Someone falls for it almost every year, this year it’s going to happen with Anthony Richardson, the only question is, how high does he go?
Richardson is a freak athlete, we already knew that, but he is 6’4, he is 244 lbs., he ran 4.43 in the 40, and he set the record for the vertical (40.5 inches) and broad jump (10’9) for QBs. He has a cannon for an arm and he looked good during the on field throwing session. All of that means someone is going to take a chance on him and hope they hit the lottery. There were others who helped themselves with good testing numbers; CB DJ Turner from Michigan had the fastest 40 time at 4.26, he’s still undersized but the dude can run. Nolan Smith is an edge rusher from Georgia who ran 4.39 at 238 lbs., he’s a little light for an edge but he you can’t teach speed. As much as it shouldn’t matter, the combine numbers do matter, it’s a fact of life.
I’m going to go a little crazy with this mock draft because this draft just feels a little out there. I’m calling a number of trades early, spicing it up because this thing needs a little of that. Here goes nothing.
1. Indianapolis Colts (TRADE from Chicago): Anthony Richardson QB Florida
This would be an overreaction to the combine results but I could see this happening. The Bears want to trade out of this spot but there hasn’t been a QB prospect that really excites anyone so the offers haven’t been pouring in so far. What the Bears needed was a prospect to get some buzz (hello Mr. Richardson) and they need a team owner who is desperate and impulsive (hello Jim Irsay). Irsay wants to fix the Colts QB spot but it has been hard to believe GM Chris Ballard would trade up for Bryce Young considering Ballard’s affinity for bigger players. Richardson should probably sit for a year but if the Colts move up to get him, he starts day one. New head coach Shane Steichen was the OC for the Eagles these last couple of years while they brought Jalen Hurts along and built a great offense around him. Steichen could do the same using Richardson’s elite athleticism while developing him as a passer. He’s also big enough to take the hits behind an offensive line that needs some work, that is a major concern with taking Young. I will say, I whole-heartedly disagree with this pick if it happens, I think Richardson has major bust potential. However, with his athleticism in today’s game perhaps his bust potential isn’t as high as I think. His ceiling is being Cam Newton when Newton was winning the MVP with the Carolina Panthers. His floor is probably being Cam Newton when he was starting for Patriots, a guy who can keep the offense moving with his legs even if he’s only completing 50% of his passes. Richardson doesn’t look like he has JaMarcus Russell bust potential because by all accounts, the kid works hard and wants to get better.
2. Houston Texans (3-13-1): Bryce Young QB Alabama
This would work out just fine for the Texans if the Colts move up for Richardson. They are trying to redefine their franchise; they are trying to establish a new culture after a few very tumultuous years dealing with coaching changes and the Deshaun Watson saga. They hired DeMeco Ryans to kick off this culture change and Bryce Young is the type of winner and leader to build it around. I have serious questions about his frame and don’t tell me he’s fine because of his fake weight (204 lbs.) at the combine making him seem like he’s Kyler Murray size. He will play at somewhere between 190-195 lbs. and we will just have to see if that holds up. This team needs to invest in their offensive line to protect him and then rely on that line and RB Dameon Pierce to carry the offense, that will give Young the best chance to succeed. There isn’t a team in the league that could use Young’s character and personality more than the Texans. He can be a very good QB in the NFL, I just don’t know how long he can last.
3. Arizona Cardinals (4-13): Will Anderson Jr. Edge Alabama
The Jalen Carter revelation was the type of issue that can hurt a guy’s stock. Carter was allegedly involved in the car accident a week after the National Championship game that killed two people. He has been charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident but for now we don’t know if that is all he will be charged with. For now, I have the Cardinals pivoting off of taking Carter to replace JJ Watt and grabbing Anderson, the top edge rushing threat in this draft. The Cardinals desperately need pass rushing help so it’s an easy move for them. In he end, I’m not sure Carter’s potential involvement in the crash will hurt his stock, it’s going to be more about how he handles teams’ questions about it. The Cardinals need talent and new GM Monti Ossenfort is unlikely to take a chance on someone he’s unsure of in his first draft, Anderson is the safer play here.
4. Las Vegas Raiders (TRADE from Chicago): CJ Stroud QB Ohio St.
The Bears take advantage of teams desperate for QBs again and trade down to pick up even more assets. The Raiders let Derek Carr walk, they aren’t likely players for Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady retired. That’s leaves Jarrett Stidham at QB1 right now, that’s not ideal. Here the Raiders move up a few spots and grab Stroud, the most accurate QB in the draft. Stroud was considered a pure pocket passer throughout the season because he rarely pulls the ball down and runs. He did show he has that ability during the playoff game against Georgia but it’s not his default, he would rather stand in the pocket, move around to buy some time and then find his guys downfield. It is hard for teams to come up with a comp for Stroud but the truth is, he’s the athletic version of Tom Brady. He’s pinpoint accurate, steady and unflappable in pocket, keeps his eyes downfield, and he’s highly intelligent. He is exactly what Josh McDaniels needs in his offense and if you put him on the field with Devante Adams, Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow, and Josh Jacobs, he’s going to be elite.
5. Carolina Panthers (TRADE from Seattle): Will Levis QB Kentucky
It’s trade-a-palooza in the top five because everyone wants a QB because they don’t have one. Seattle re-signs Geno Smith, kicks the QB can down the road, picks up Carolina’s first round pick next year and hopes they get in on the 2024 QB class instead. The Panthers have needed a QB solution since Cam Newton left (the first time) and they move up to get Will Levis because he’s the last of the top four QBs. Levis can start for Frank Reich’s offense. The Panthers have a solid line, one top WR in DJ Moore, they can find a RB in the draft or free agency, and this draft is stocked with TEs they can grab later. With the offensive coaching staff in place and some nice pieces around him, they would give Levis a chance to succeed immediately and Reich would finally have a young QB to build around, a luxury he never had in Indy.
6. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon
If Jalen Carter hasn’t gone at this point the Lions are going to have a major decision to make. Carter might be the last piece to the puzzle of their defensive line but CB is a massive need. Gonzalez is a big athlete with great twitch and speed and could have a Sauce Gardner-like effect as a rookie. Jeff Okudah played well last season but that’s one year out of four and they have a bunch of free agents at the position. Carter’s legal issues are the tiebreaker and they go with Gonzalez, it’s a solid choice. Gonzalez is my top CB prospect and he can be a CB1 in the NFL, that’s a valuable pickup. Detroit is trying to take the next step towards the playoffs and getting better in the secondary is a huge need.
7. Chicago Bears (TRADE from Las Vegas): Jalen Carter DT Georgia
This would be the dream scenario for the Bears, assuming Carter’s legal troubles don’t keep him from playing in the NFL. I suspect he will cut a deal with prosecutors and maybe face a short suspension from the NFL. The accident was tragic and circumstances of it being from alleged street racing makes it really stupid and poor judgement. Call me a cynic but I doubt a prosecutor in Georgia is going to go hard after a Georgia football player and look for jail time. The NFL might suspend him a game or two but they won’t go beyond that. The Bears take the leap after picking up multiple picks from multiple teams and they end up with the best player in the draft. Carter may have made some really bad choices he will regret for the rest of his life but there are plenty of examples of him being a good guy. He can play football and he would seriously improve the Bears defense up front. He’s a game wrecker at DT, those guys are hard to come by.
8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10): Tyree Wilson DE Texas Tech
I considered getting really crazy with this pick and trading it to the Ravens in a package for Lamar Jackson but I’ll skip that move for now. The Falcons move forward with Desmond Ridder for this season and they have to help their defense. They can’t rush the passer and they need help up front. Wilson is big and physical at 6’6 275 lbs. and he can be useful in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. They mostly run 3-4 so he would do well as an end there, he will hold up great in the run game and give them some pass rushing juice too. Wilson is a big man who moves well and while he may not put up huge sack numbers, he can help a defense in many ways, and Atlanta needs help in all those ways.
9. Seattle Seahawks (TRADE from Carolina): Keion White DL Georgia Tech
The Seahawks are always good for picking the first-round pick that makes everyone go…Who? Keion White is well-known in scouting circles but Georgia Tech hasn’t been a powerhouse lately. White is a big, physical athlete who can play inside or outside and they need some reinforcements on the defensive front in Seattle. LJ Collier and Poona Ford are free agents, Shelby Harris will be 32 and Al Woods will be 36 next year. White gives them some options up front. I’m not a huge fan of his but that would fit with the Seahawks as I usually disagree with their first-round picks.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): Lukas Van Ness DE Iowa
The Eagles went all-in this last year and made a run to the Super Bowl but now comes the bill. They have a lot of free agents on defense and the defensive line will be hit especially hard. It also happens to be a lot of aging vets so they will look to replace them, not re-sign them. Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Ndamukong Suh, Linval Joseph, and Robert Quinn are all free agents. Brandon Graham will be 35 and Derek Barnett is coming off a knee injury. Lukas Van Ness showed elite athleticism at the combine and he has versatility to line up outside or kick inside when needed. The Eagles could use his youth and versatility as they transition to some new blood on the defensive front. He can be a long-term partner for Josh Sweat, the only real young guy they have they can count on. Van Ness needs to develop his pass rushing skills and learn what it means to have a pass rushing plan when attacking off the edge but he’s 6’5, 272 lbs., with a 7’ wingspan, and great agility, you can’t teach that stuff.
11. Tennessee Titans (7-10): Paris Johnson Jr. OT Ohio St.
The Titans released Taylor Lewan, their long-time starting LT and they probably shouldn’t count on Dennis Daley to be the full-time starter. They are a power running team and they need to rebuild the offensive line if they want to remain one. There are three OTs expected to go early in round one; Paris Johnson Jr, Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones. Skoronski is the most technically proficient of the three, Jones probably has the highest ceiling, but Johnson fits the Titans profile the best. He’s large, physical and they drafted an OT from Ohio St. last year who ended up starting at RT for them, Nicholas Petit-Frere, I can see them going back to that well. Johnson can step in right away and while he can be an immediate starter, he also has some room to get better considering he’s only started for one year at LT.
12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Myles Murphy DE Clemson
The Texans are almost a clean slate because they need help in many places. With the QB position addressed with Bryce Young, DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio can look to address the defense with this pick they got from Cleveland in the Watson trade. Myles Murphy is a physical specimen who has some work to do on his game but he has shone development throughout the year so he can still get better. He is a very disruptive force off the edge but he has problems finishing plays. He gets pressure on the QB but just doesn’t finish off with sacks. This would send him to play for a good defensive coach in Ryans who could hopefully teach him to finish and get the absolute best out of his athletic talent.
13. New York Jets (7-10): Peter Skoronski OT Northwestern
The Jets didn’t get Derek Carr and this is too late to draft a QB but regardless of who starts at QB, they need help up front. They can hope Mekhi Becton comes back from his injury but even if they do, they still need another OT. Skoronski has less than desirable length for an offensive tackle but he’s efficient and effective and he has elite technique. He can slot in on the left side so they can move Becton to RT. Solidifying the offensive line with a new QB behind it can really unlock this offense. Robert Saleh got the defense going last year, this year they need to fix the offense.
14. New England Patriots (8-9): Broderick Jones OT Georgia
The Patriots struck out on the last Georgia offensive tackle they drafted, Isaiah Wynn. Wynn was undersized and could never stay healthy and moving him to RT this last year didn’t help, they will let him walk in free agency. Jones is a different kind of tackle. He was bigger than anticipated at the combine, coming in at 6’5 with long arms and a big wingspan. He’s the most athletically gifted of the three top OTs in this draft and he can start from day one. I would suggest the Patriots move Trent Brown back to RT and let Jones have the left side. They need to improve the line in front of Mac Jones because he’s simply not that fleet of foot and this team wants to run the ball. Jones has some technical issues he needs to fix but new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm was brought in for just that reason, make the line better. It’s not a sexy pick but I really don’t want to see them draft a WR who will end up a bust. Besides, Belichick just love having guys with the last name Jones on the team.
15. Green Bay Packers (8-9): Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
The Packers need pass catchers whether Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love line up at QB. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs both showed flashes of being good WRs last season but Allen Lazard is a free agent, so is Randall Cobb, so are TEs Robert Tonyan and Mercedes Lewis. Lewis is almost as old as Rodgers and Tonyan can’t seem to stay healthy and neither can Cobb. They shouldn’t re-sign any of those three and I wouldn’t pay much to keep Lazard. Mayer isn’t the dynamic athlete some of the other TEs in this class have proven to be but he’s the best overall TE. He’s a fantastic blocker, he’s a contested catch master in the passing game, and he’ll make any QB he plays with quite happy. He’s a weapon in the passing game and the running game. They need a refresh at TE, Mayer is the guy they should restart with.
16. Washington Commanders (8-8-1): Brian Branch DB Alabama
Washington is a tough one here. They need help in the secondary and while a CB would be preferable, I’m not sure any of the top ones are the best fit on their defense. Most of the top CBs are man cover guys and the Commanders play more zone. Branch played safety at Alabama but he also lined up in the slot. He can be the nickel corner and the Commanders need that for sure. Branch is scheme versatile and he actually worked out with the CBs at the combine so he has real coverage skills. They just need defensive backfield help and Branch can be a chess piece to work with. I also seriously considered giving this team an interior offensive lineman like C John Michael Schmitz or OG O’Cyrus Torrence, they need interior line help almost as much as they need secondary help.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8): Joey Porter Jr. CB Penn St.
This one might be a little too on the nose with Joey Porter Jr being drafted by his dad’s former team. However, he’s actually the right pick and a good fit for this team. Cameron Sutton is a free agent and Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon aren’t exactly a dynamic pair at outside CB. Porter is a long, fluid athlete with legitimate CB1 potential and the Steelers haven’t had a CB1 since Joe Haden’s best days (those were a while ago). They should take a serious look at the offensive line but Porter is just too great of a value pick here. A legitimate, high-caliber starting CB is worth more than a starting interior offensive lineman (this would be a reach for the next OT), and you can still get good linemen later.
18. Detroit Lions (9-8): Dalton Kincaid TE Utah
The Lions traded TJ Hockenson last year because they didn’t want to have to pay him when he hit free agency. They do need a TE who can be a bigger part of the passing offense than what they have right now. Kincaid is the best pure pass catcher of the great TE class and he would pair well with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Williams brings the deep speed element and St. Brown is a master out of the slot and in the middle of the field. Kincaid can dominate in the intermediate area and down the seam and be a dynamic weapon as they grow this offense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9): Nolan Smith OLB Georgia
The Bucs have a boatload of free agents on defense especially in the secondary. They are really losing depth at safety but there really isn’t a guy to take here. They could look at a d-lineman like Bryan Bresee but he’s not the best schematic fit. One thing they were sorely lacking last year was an elite edge rusher. Shaq Barrett missed half the year and he’s going to be 31 next season. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka hasn’t proven to be a major pass rushing force. Smith missed time last season at Georgia with injuries which is why he is flying a bit under the radar. He broke out with a blazing 40 time at the combine and someone is going to take a chance on his incredible athleticism and pass rushing skill. The Bucs defense would be more effective overall if they get more of a pass rush.
20. Seattle Seahawks (9-8): John Michael Schmitz OC Minnesota
I have the Seahawks taking Keion White in the top 10 because they are the team most likely to march to the beat of their own drummer. Here they take Schmitz because they need to address the interior of their offensive line, they really want to run the ball, and finally because fixing the offensive line to better protect Geno Smith is just twisting the knife in the Russell Wilson saga. Their starting center Austin Blythe retired and they probably want to replace OG Gabe Jackson so they have some work to do in between their two OT starters they got in last year’s draft. Schmitz is a rock inside. He’s a big guy, he’s a natural center, he’s been playing for the Gophers so power running is in his blood. This isn’t a sexy pick but he’s an excellent player, he’s the best center in the draft, and it might piss off Russell Wilson that the Seahawks just keep drafting offensive linemen now that he’s gone. That’s enough reason for John Schneider and Pete Carroll.
21. Miami Dolphins forfeited this pick because their owner thinks the rules don’t apply to him. I’m not sure how the NFL is going to count this, are they moving everything from here on up or not? We’ll see. I’m just counting it as 21 and moving on to 22.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (10-7): Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
I’m not coming off of this pairing unless the Chargers make a trade for a guy like Brandin Cooks before the draft. They should probably take Dawand Jones at RT to finally fix that spot and I wouldn’t blame them, but I’m sticking with Hyatt. Let’s be clear, Hyatt is not the best WR in this class even though I have him going first at the position. This WR class is rough. We have been spoiled for the last several years, this class likely does not contain a true #1 WR. There are some solid #2 guys, some really good slot guys, some interesting gadget guys, but no #1 guys. The Chargers have the big X WR in Mike Williams, they have the true possession monster with Keenan Allen, they do not have a deep ball, take-the-top-off, legitimate speed threat (spare me any mention of Jalen Guyton). Hyatt is the perfect complement to those guys, he gives them someone who can make use of Justin Herbert’s elite arm strength, and the fact he isn’t a well-versed route runner is moot, just send him deep, he can learn the rest as he goes.
23. Baltimore Ravens (10-7): Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois
The Ravens couldn’t reach an agreement with Lamar Jackson on a contract so they used the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. That means he can negotiate with other teams, get an offer from someone else, and the Ravens can match it. That’s what’s going to happen. The Ravens believe Jackson can’t get a fully guaranteed contract from someone else, he thinks he can, one of them will be right, either way, the Ravens aren’t letting him go for two 1st round picks just to start over at QB. They should probably get him a WR but they won’t. They need a CB to replace the aging and far less effective Marcus Peters. Witherspoon is tough, physical, and really talented, he’ll fit right in.
24. Minnesota Vikings (13-4): Cam Smith CB South Carolina
Patrick Peterson, Chandron Sullivan, Duke Shelley, and Kris Boyd are all free agent CBs for the Vikings. That’s going to leave Cam Dantzler awful lonely in the meeting rooms. Peterson still played at a high-level last year but he’s seriously aging and his cliff could come at any time. Cam Smith has good size, top man cover skills, and he would start immediately in Minnesota. They could also look to fix their center spot, but there isn’t one worth taking here and they can get one later. The defensive line needs some help at some point. LB Eric Kendricks was released in a cap move too so they could use a MLB. That feels like a need to address later too. Smith would be excellent value and he’s a very good player.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8): Dawand Jones OT Ohio St.
The Jaguars franchise tagged TE Evan Engram instead of OT Jawaan Taylor. If Taylor gets a big offer and they don’t match it, they are going to have a hole at RT. Taylor played quite well in his first year under Doug Pederson so he could get paid. Jones is a massive human at over 6’8, 370 lbs. with a wingspan over 7 feet long and some of the longest arms in football. He isn’t the most fluid mover but when you’re that big, you don’t have to move that much to block people. The Jaguars roster is surprisingly in good shape so they can just take the best player if they happen to re-sign Taylor.
26. New York Giants (9-7-1): Jordan Addison WR USC
The Giants re-signed Daniel Jones to a 4-year deal and that allowed them to franchise tag Saquon Barkley, that’s two major pieces of the offense. Now if they just had a WR who was worth a damn. This draft class isn’t great but these guys are better than what the Giants threw out there last year for Jones. Addison isn’t the fastest guy, he’s not the biggest guy, but he’s an effective player. He plays faster than his run time at the combine. He’s a natural receiver with inherent pass catching skills. He runs good routes and he would give Jones someone he can count on when he needs a playmaker. I’m not sure Addison ever becomes a #1 (he might, but probably not) but he will make a very good #2 WR, he’ll just have to impersonate a WR1 for the time being.
27. Dallas Cowboys (12-5): Kelee Ringo CB Georgia
Ringo is a fantastic athlete with great size and he looks the part of a top-notch CB. He doesn’t always play like one. He likes to gamble to try to make plays but that’s exactly what Trevon Diggs does and the Cowboys have made that work. They need help in the secondary and while Ringo’s undisciplined play could be a problem, he’s still an upgrade talentwise. There is also the added bonus that a lot of people think Ringo shouldn’t even be a CB and should be moved to safety where he would be in a position to freelance a bit more and make plays in front of him. The Cowboys need safety help as much as they need CB help. I did struggle a bit with this pick. They could do the smart thing and grab a DT in Bryan Bresee who wouldn’t be all that flashy but would help solve their issues inside on the d-line. They could also grab one of the really good TEs since they may lose Dalton Schulz in free agency after tagging Tony Pollard instead of Schulz again. There is more TE depth than CB depth so they can address that later.
28. Buffalo Bills (13-3): Bijan Robinson RB Texas
Robinson shouldn’t be here, he really should be a top 10 pick but that just isn’t going to happen for a RB, even one as good as he is. If he falls this far, every team in the league should kick themselves if the Bills get him. Robinson is an awesome RB, he’s a lock for offensive rookie of the year if he goes to a team with any ability in the run game. He’s a twitchy athlete with speed, power, balance, and agility. He’s a fantastic pass catcher, he would probably rank in the top five WRs in this draft if he were simply a WR (that might be an overstatement but not by much). Devin Singletary is a free agent and even if he returns, the Bills should draft Robinson if he falls this far, he’s way too good to still be on the board. I wouldn’t be upset if the Patriots take him 14th and they already have Rhamondre Stevenson. Robinson will be a top 10 RB next season if he goes to any team that gives him the majority of the carries. If he goes to Buffalo’s offense, he could be top 5.
29. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4): Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama
The Bengals are looking at having to find a way to pay Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins over the next two seasons, that’s not going to be cheap. That means TE Hayden Hurst is probably gone this year and Joe Mixon isn’t getting a big contract extension either. Mixon is a fantastic player but RB is a more easily replaceable position especially if Gibbs falls this far. Gibbs is a special talent who is a cross between Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Charles. He would be electric in this offense. He’s fast, he has great pass catching ability, and he’ll be a much cheaper RB being on a rookie contract. It’s possible they could also grab an OT here to save some money and replace Jonah Williams at LT.
30. New Orleans (from three different teams): Quentin Johnston WR TCU
The Saints got this pick from Denver as compensation for Sean Payton taking the head coaching job. The Broncos got it from Miami in the Bradley Chubb trade earlier this year after the Miami originally got in from San Francisco in the Trey Lance deal (got all that?). So, the Saints get a first round pick after trading their original one last year to move up to get Chris Olave, and here they take another WR? Classic Saints move. Trust me, they should take Bryan Bresee or some secondary help, however, Michael Thomas should be out the door and Jarvis Landry is a free agent. That leaves Olave with some not-so-great partners for new QB Derek Carr. Somehow, they signed Carr, the Saints make up the salary cap as they go. If you’re spending $35 million a year on Carr, you should give him more than Olave and Alvin Kamara. Quentin Johnston is a big WR with great outside speed. He would be a great complement to Olave, they just have to teach him to catch, he’s not great at catching the football, it’s a work in progress.
31. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): Bryan Bresee DT Clemson
If the Eagles keep the #10 pick and use it, I could see Howie Roseman trading this one to someone who wants to get back into the end of round one. Roseman would gladly push the pick a year on the off chance it ends up higher than this next season. If he does make the pick, offensive or defensive line is a good bet. Roseman likes to address the lines early and after taking Lukas Van Ness with his first pick he can look inside to Bresee. Bresee shouldn’t be around this late so this would be enormous value for the Eagles. Two defensive linemen would seem strange until you look at all the free agents they have on the d-line and the fact that Roseman loves himself some linemen in round one. Bresee is also better than any CB or safety they can get here.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (14-3): Darnell Wright OT Tennessee
There’s always an offensive tackle who gets pushed up a little bit because the position is such a need. The Chiefs didn’t franchise Orlando Brown Jr. and while they hope to re-sign him anyway, they will likely not be able to hold onto him and RT Andrew Wylie. Wright feels like a RT only guy but if necessary, they could try him at LT if Brown departs. Either way, they need an OT and Wright is the best one available. He had a really good season at Tennessee and followed it up with a good workout at the combine. It might make teams reconsider him on the left side even though he was far better at RT this last year compared to his previous season at LT. Protecting Patrick Mahomes will be always be priority one and this is an investment in doing that for the next several years.
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