Disclaimer: There is something everyone needs to know about this draft. Somewhere around the middle of round five this draft took a serious dive in quality. There were somewhere around 150-160 good prospects in this draft and then there was a cliff. Some teams reached before the 150th pick so the depth goes a little farther but by the time rounds six and seven came around, it got pretty bleak. There were a few contributing factors. One is the covid year has given players the opportunity to stay in college for an extra year and plenty of guys are taking that opportunity. Second is the name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for guys to make money in college. Being a late round pick isn’t as attractive if you can get paid to be a good player in college. Finally, the transfer portal (coupled with NIL) means guys don’t have to go pro to cash in. If another school wants you more than the one you’re at (this is especially true for small school guys), just transfer somewhere and take the payday. There are usually between 100-130 early entry candidates for the draft, this year, there were less than 60 and it showed.

Houston Texans

(42) Kamari Lassiter CB Georgia
(59) Blake Fisher OT Notre Dame
(78) Calen Bullock S USC
(123) Cade Stover TE Ohio St.
(188) Jamal Hill LB Oregon
(205) Jawhar Jordan RB Louisville
(238) Solomon Byrd DL USC
(247) Marcus Harris DL Auburn
(249) LaDarius Henderson OL Michigan

Immediate Impact: None

This roster is built around quite a few veterans and the team spent money in free agency to fill their biggest needs. Lassiter and Fisher are two guys who will give them competition at nickel back and right tackle but this team is trying to win right now and they will likely stick with the veterans.

Best Value: OT Blake Fisher

Fisher was the “other” Notre Dame OT by the time this draft rolled around but there was a time he was the guy. He was originally the starting LT early on in his career before an injury opened the door for Joe Alt and Alt took the job. Fisher hasn’t progressed like Alt did but he has plenty of ability. He’s a perfect fit in Bobby Slowik’s Shanahan style offense and Tytus Howard isn’t exactly an entrenched starter at RT. Howard, along with most of the Texans offensive line, had injury issues last year. The difference this year is that if Howard misses time, he’s going to lose his starting job to Fisher. Fisher still has some development ahead but his ceiling is higher than Howards. He also has the versatility to swing over to the left side if Laremy Tunsil has injury issues.

Sleeper: S Callen Bullock

Bullock is a long, skinny safety prospect who can’t tackle. That doesn’t seem like a great bet to be good but he has the athleticism to be good and he’s a good deep safety. Some of his tackling issues are poor angles and fundamentals, that’s something good coaching can help. He didn’t get good fundamental defensive coaching at USC, DeMeco Ryans and his staff will do better and can make Bullock a player.

Overall Analysis
This draft class isn’t going to be the thing that helps the Texans over the hump in the AFC. They accelerated their timeline because CJ Stroud was so good last season that they went and got veterans in trades and free agency to compete now. CB Kamari Lassiter is a good football player with bad measurables they hope can help at nickel corner but they still have Desmond King and they signed Myles Bryant so Lassiter won’t be counted on. Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard are the starting OTs unless they get hurt, then maybe Blake Fisher gets a chance. Calen Bullock will only start if Jimmie Ward gets hurt. Now, Jimmie Ward never plays every game in a season so Bullock will get to play but he’s also not their only backup option.

TE Cade Stover will be a useful player behind Dalton Schultz, he’s a good blocker and is a solid pass catcher. However, the team has Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, Joe Mixon, and probably one or two backup WRs who will get more volume in the passing game so he’s not going to move the needle. The rest of this draft is very deep depth and practice squad players. GM Nick Caserio quickly remade this roster over the last several years and this team is trying to be more than just a playoff participant.

Indianapolis Colts

(15) Laiatu Latu Edge UCLA
(52) Adonai Mitchell WR Texas
(79) Matt Goncalves OT Pittsburgh
(117) Tanor Bortolini C/G Wisconsin
(142) Anthony Gould WR Oregon St.
(151) Jaylon Carlies S Missouri
(164) Jaylin Simpson S Auburn
(201) Micah Abraham CB Marshall
(234) Jonah Laulu Edge Oklahoma

Immediate Impact: DE Laiatu Latu, WR Adonai Mitchell

Latu is pro-ready and he’s going to end up as a starter by the end of the season. Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam are solid pros but Latu is a better pass rusher than either and he can be better against the run. He’ll factor in immediately as a rotational player but neither Paye or Ebukam had double digit sacks last year, Latu can do that. Mitchell is going to the perfect situation. The on the field issues have to do with work ethic and technique, the off the field issues are about attitude and maturity. Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs are the top two WRs on this team and those two are all about work ethic, technique, and attitude. These are professional men who will set the best example. Also, Mitchell is the perfect complementary piece to Pittman’s intermediate game and Downs’ slot precision. He’s the deep threat Anthony Richardson needs but won’t have to solely rely on.

Best Value: C/G Tanor Bortolini

Bortolini isn’t your typical Wisconsin behemoth lineman, he’s actually extremely athletic and moves really well. He’s not overly powerful, which can get him into trouble but he uses his athleticism to make up for some of that. The Colts offensive line played much better last year but RG Will Fries is still replaceable. Also, Ryan Kelly is a little older at center and even as a fourth-round pick, Bortolini could end up starting at RG now and replacing Kelly eventually.

Sleeper: WR Anthony Gould

Gould is undersized but he has electric speed. He timed 4.39 but when you watch him play, he seems even faster. His frame may mean he has to play in the slot, Josh Downs’ role, but he has a way different skillset to work with. He’s a deep speed guy instead of the quick over-the-middle target Downs is. If they find a way to use his skills in conjunction with Downs, he gives the team another deep threat and he’s a top return man.

Overall Analysis
Latu and Mitchell have clear roles for this team and should contribute early. OT Matt Goncalves is a solid player who can be a nice swing tackle and give them some depth. Adding Goncalves and Bortolini are good moves that give this team more offensive line options and depth. Gould might just be another small speedy guy who never amounts to much or he could end up being a skinnier version of Brandin Cooks.

They took some shots late on some big athletic guys, or as we call them in the draft world, Chris Ballard types. Ballard likes big athletic dudes he thinks he can turn into something. Carlies and Laulu were those types of guys at safety and defensive end. They don’t always mean much but sometimes they hit. Micah Abraham and Jaylin Simpson were more draft picks in the secondary, Ballard was going for the dartboard approach, throw a lot of darts at it and see it you hit anything.

Jacksonville Jaguars

(23) Brian Thomas Jr. WR LSU
(48) Maason Smith DT LSU
(96) Jarrian Jones DB Florida St.
(114) Javon Foster OL Missouri
(116) Jordan Jefferson DT LSU
(153) Deantre Prince CB Mississippi
(167) Keilan Robinson RB Texas
(212) Cam Little K Arkansas
(236) Myles Cole LB Texas Tech

Immediate Impact: WR Brian Thomas Jr.

The Jaguars wanted to keep Calvin Ridley around but he chose to leave for Tennessee so they end up drafting a bigger, faster, more explosive replacement and they may have just found the #1 WR Trevor Lawrence has been looking for since he entered the league. Thomas isn’t a finished product but he’s better than Gabe Davis and he’s a legitimate threat in the passing game.

Best Value: WR Brian Thomas Jr.

The Jaguars traded down from the 17th pick and still got the guy they probably would have taken there at 23. He isn’t a sure thing like the top three receivers in this draft seem to be but he’s well worth this pick.

Sleeper: OL Javon Foster

The team re-signed Ezra Cleveland and restructured Brandon Scherff’s contract so they should be set at the guard spots. However, this offensive line was not good last year and as great as Scherff has been in his career, he’s going to be 33 and costs way more than he’s worth. Foster was a college tackle that will move inside to guard in the pros, that’s exactly what Scherff and Cleveland did. Foster has the size and power to be a really good guard and while he isn’t set to be a starter this year, Scherff has missed plenty of time to injury before and Foster should eventually be a starter inside.

Overall Analysis
Trent Baalke had me fooled on night one of the draft, he traded back and still got Brian Thomas Jr. and that was a job well done. Then the rest of the draft happened and he went back to being bad at this. DT Maason Smith was a high-level recruit out of high school but he never lived up to that billing and he simply wasn’t a second-round talent. DB Jarrian Jones was a reach, they certainly have a need at CB but Jones isn’t going to be a high impact player. Foster was a good choice in round four but then he followed that up by drafting the other LSU DT, Jordan Jefferson, too high. He clearly watched a lot of LSU last season.
Fifth rounder Deantre Prince has as much of a chance at helping at CB as Jones does from the third round. They drafted RB Keilan Robinson in round five and he’s going to be buried on the depth chart. K Cam Little might have a leg up on Riley Patterson since they spent a pick on him but there’s no guarantee he beats him out. Myles Cole is a really long edge rusher who has plenty of work to do to make a roster. This doesn’t feel like a draft that’s going to save Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson’s jobs.

Tennessee Titans

(7) JC Latham OT Alabama
(38) T’Vondre Sweat DT Texas
(106) Cedric Gray LB North Carolina
(146) Jarvis Brownlee Jr. CB Louisville
(182) Jha’Quan Jackson WR Tulane
(242) James Williams S Miami
(252) Jaylen Harrell LB Michigan

Immediate Impact: OT JC Latham, DT T’Vondre Sweat

The Titans have a new head coach in Brian Callahan and their new offensive line coach is his dad Bill Callahan, there is no more Bill Callahan offensive lineman than Latham. He’s essentially a huge bowling ball, the problem is he only played RT at Alabama and the Titans need him to play LT. If anyone can turn him into a LT, Bill Callahan can. T’Vondre Sweat is a bigger gamble. He’s going to have a major impact I’m just not sure it’s going to be a good impact or a bad one. Sweat is a walking red flag. He has off the field issues like his DUI just weeks before the draft and the fact that his weight is an issue too. He has the ability to be a very disruptive force but he has to get out of his own way.

Best Value: LB Cedric Gray

Gray is an instinctive LB prospect with good athleticism, long arms, and is a solid tackler. The Titans are counting on Jack Gibbens and Kenneth Murray at ILB so there’s a chance Gray gets in the lineup quickly. Neither of those two are established starters and Gray has the type of ability you want in a LB. They got him in round four and it’s possible he ends up a starter in Tennessee.

Sleeper: S James Williams

Williams is a big safety at 6’5 215 lbs. and there’s a chance the Titans plan on making him into a LB. He has the athleticism to do that and more but he has to work on his tackling. When he gets to the ball, he can lower the boom but sometimes he misses the tackle all together going for the big shot. He certainly looks the part of a top-flight NFL defender but he doesn’t always play like it.

Overall Analysis
The team went heavy on the defensive side of the ball with only sixth round WR Jha’Quan Jackson joining Latham on the offensive side. I wouldn’t count on Jackson making a big impact, he’s going to struggle to make the roster. They needed help on the defensive side of the ball after changing from the Mike Vrabel/Shane Bowen scheme to a more Baltimore Ravens scheme brought on by new coordinator Dennard Wilson. If Williams ends up a LB that would put three in this group with Gray and seventh rounder Jayden Harrell. Harrell would be an outside pass rusher while Williams and Gray play inside. Harrell has a little juice off the edge and was a nice pick late in the draft. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. gives them another body at CB but he’s way down the depth chart. This draft will be judged by Latham and Sweat because they have the potential to fill major holes on the team and yet both are a bit of a gamble. Latham isn’t a LT by trade and Sweat could be out of the league in two years if he doesn’t get his life squared away.

Disclaimer: There is something everyone needs to know about this draft. Somewhere around the middle of round five this draft took a serious dive in quality. There were somewhere around 150-160 good prospects in this draft and then there was a cliff. Some teams reached before the 150th pick so the depth goes a little farther but by the time rounds six and seven came around, it got pretty bleak. There were a few contributing factors. One is the covid year has given players the opportunity to stay in college for an extra year and plenty of guys are taking that opportunity. Second is the name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for guys to make money in college. Being a late round pick isn’t as attractive if you can get paid to be a good player in college. Finally, the transfer portal (coupled with NIL) means guys don’t have to go pro to cash in. If another school wants you more than the one you’re at (this is especially true for small school guys), just transfer somewhere and take the payday. There are usually between 100-130 early entry candidates for the draft, this year, there were less than 60 and it showed.

Arizona Cardinals

(4) Marvin Harrison Jr. WR Ohio St.
(27) Darius Robinson DL Missouri
(43) Max Melton CB Rutgers
(66) Trey Benson RB Florida St.
(71) Isaiah Adams OG Illinois
(82) Tip Reiman TE Illinois
(90) Elijah Jones CB Boston College
(104) Dadrion Taylor-Demerson S Texas Tech
(138) Xavier Thomas DL Clemson
(162) Christian Jones OT Texas
(191) Tejhaun Palmer WR UAB
(226) Jaden Davis CB Miami

Immediate Impact: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., DL Darius Robinson, CB Max Melton, G Isaiah Adams

The Cardinals had lots of picks and they needed to get some impact players, they did. These four will have and immediate impact but there are others who can be contributors too. WR Marvin Harrison Jr is going to be awesome and he’s going to make Kyler Murray very happy. Drew Petzing is the offensive coordinator and he’s going to use Harrison early and often. Also on offense, OG Isaiah Adams comes in from Illinois and there’s no chance he doesn’t beat out Elijah Wilkinson at LG. He immediately helps this offensive line.

On defense they needed even more help and Darius Robinson is just the type of big, powerful DE they can use in their front. They can mix and match him with various fronts and move him inside or out and he gives them a power rusher who can come from multiple spots. Max Melton is a very athletic CB who wasn’t considered one of the top CB prospects but still a good one. He isn’t a true #1 CB but he might have to play one for this team for at least a year. He’ll be one of the better CBs they have had in a few years.

Best Value: RB Trey Benson

The running game has been highly dependent on James Connor the past few years and they needed more help. Benson might be the best RB in this draft and they got him in round three. He’ll be a perfect complement to Connor for now and if Connor gets banged up, he’s ready to step in. Also, as Connor gets a little older, Benson will be the guy to step in as the starter.

Sleeper: OT Christian Jones

The team cut DJ Humphries and signed Jonah Williams from Cincinnati and apparently plan to play him as their LT. That seems odd since they drafted Paris Johnson Jr. last year and he would be a better LT and Williams played RT last year for the Bengals. I also think Jones might be a better long-term solution at RT than Williams who isn’t special at either spot. I think Jones could end up with the RT job with Johnson on the left.

Overall Analysis
This is a huge draft class with a dozen players. This team needed talent and depth and Monti Ossenfort did a fantastic job. Harrison becomes their top playmaker. Darius Robinson is their most talented defensive lineman. Max Melton is arguably their best CB. Trey Benson is a dynamic running back. Isaiah Adams is a starting level guard. The first five picks are going to help this team. TE Tip Reiman is a huge prospect who is a top-level blocker immediately at the position which makes him the perfect partner for Trey McBride who is the playmaking TE.

CB Elijah Jones isn’t a perfect prospect but in this secondary, he’s got a chance to earn a spot. The same is true for Dadrion Taylor-Demerson at safety. DE Xavier Thomas and OT Christian Jones were top recruits going into college and they offer good value late in the draft. The team just signed Zay Jones after the draft and with him and Marvin Harrison Jr. added to the corps it’s going to be harder for Tejhaun Palmer to make the roster. Jaden Davis may be an undersized seventh-round pick at CB but this team needs all the help they can get.

Los Angeles Rams

(19) Jared Verse Edge Florida St.
(39) Braden Fiske DT Florida St.
(83) Blake Corum RB Michigan
(99) Kamren Kinchens S Miami
(154) Brennan Jackson LB Washington St.
(196) Tyler Davis DL Clemson
(209) Joshua Karty K Stanford
(213) Jordan Whittington WR Texas
(217) Beaux Limmer C/G Arkansas
(254) KT Leveston OT Kansas St.

Immediate Impact: DE Jared Verse, DT Braden Fiske

The Rams are losing Aaron Donald to retirement and they knew they couldn’t replace him with just one player. They have decided to bring in multiple reinforcements on the defense line to get more pass rush and make up the difference that way. Verse fills a huge need as an edge rusher, something they needed even if Donald had returned. They also traded up in round two to get his Florida St. teammate Fiske. These two are used to working together and the team hopes that gives them a leg up so they can pay immediate dividends.

Best Value: DE Jared Verse

Verse was arguably the best overall edge player in the draft and because of the run on offense to start he fell to 19th overall. The Rams didn’t even have to move up to get a guy they really liked who fills a huge need.

Sleeper: S Kamren Kinchens

The Rams signed Kamren Curl in free agency and then drafted Kamren Kinchens and this could end up being their starting safety duo. Kinchens looks good when he’s playing football but he looked terrible when he worked out. He’s not a top athlete but when it comes to safety, intelligence and instincts can make up for a lack of athleticism. I would not have liked him as much in round two but he’s worth the round three pick they used on him.

Overall Analysis
It’s hard to argue with Rams strategy when they went defense with four of their first five picks, they needed help on that side of the ball. It’s also hard to argue with the players they took after how good their draft was on defense last year, they found some real bargains. Verse, Fiske, and Kinchens are starters or potential starters. LB Brennan Jackson gives them even more depth as a rusher and they needed that. I could argue they went a little early on Blake Corum but he’s almost a clone of Kyren Williams physically and stylistically and Williams was great when healthy last season. Now, if Williams gets hurt, they have a guy they can put in who’s style they know works in what they do.

DT Tyler Davis gives them more depth on the front line, they need that. They drafted a kicker which isn’t always a good idea but when you have this many picks, take a shot on one. Jordan Whittington is a big-bodied WR, if anyone makes him work, it’s Sean McVay. The last two offensive linemen are depth pieces. Limmer might have a future at center somewhere but they just moved Steve Avila there so he probably backs up at guard. KT Levenston was a tackle in college and he probably moves to guard. With Jonah Jackson’s health history, taking a couple of shots at interior offensive line isn’t a bad idea.

San Francisco 49ers

(31) Ricky Pearsall WR Florida
(64) Renardo Green CB Florida St.
(86) Dominick Puni OL Kansas
(124) Malik Mustapha S Wake Forest
(129) Isaac Guerendo RB Louisville
(135) Jacob Cowing WR Arizona
(215) Jarrett Kingston OL USC
(251) Tatum Bethune LB Florida St.

Immediate Impact: CB Renardo Green, OL Dominick Puni

The 49ers have a need at outside CB with Charvarius Ward holding down one spot and Deommodore Lenoir being better suited inside. I’m not the biggest Green fan but he’s an upgrade over Ambrey Thomas and his skillset fits the 49ers defense. He should start. Puni has a chance to earn a starting spot at either RG over Jon Feliciano or possibly at RT over Colton McKivitz. He should fit Kyle Shanahan’s scheme quite well.

Best Value: OL Dominick Puni

If Puni can win a starting job out of training camp, he’s a major value. He’s an upgrade for the offensive line at either position on the right side. Shanahan took him for a reason and it wasn’t to be a backup.

Sleeper: WR Jacob Cowing

Small and speedy but he’s good after the catch which makes him a good fit here. The team has questions after Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at WR which is why they took Ricky Pearsall in round one. They went back to the well with Cowing later because they need depth. If they trade one of Aiyuk or Samuel than Pearsall steps up but they still need Cowing. He can work in this offense.

Overall Analysis
Ricky Pearsall is a solid WR prospect but his impact will be minimal unless this team trades Samuel or Aiyuk. With those two plus George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey as playmakers, the third WR in this offense is the fifth option at best, assuming he’s ahead of Kyle Jusczcyk. Green and Puni have starting spots available if they beat out middling talent ahead of them. Fourth round pick Malik Mustapha is a good safety prospect who could be their answer to losing Jimmie Ward last year. He’s small but mighty.

Shanahan then took a RB in round four, Isaac Guerendo, which shocks absolutely no one. Guerendo brings some serious speed to the position and he’s a big guy for having so much speed. He wasn’t a starter in college so he’s probably just a complementary back. I think Cowing can be a solid player if he gets a chance. OL Jarrett Kingston is a versatile player, never count out a lineman Kyle Shanahan drafted. The seventh round LB is probably not making the roster.

Seattle Seahawks

(16) Byron Murphy II DT Texas
(81) Christian Haynes OG UConn
(118) Tyrice Knight LB UTEP
(121) AJ Barner TE Michigan
(136) Nehemiah Prichett CB Auburn
(179) Sataoa Laumea OL Utah
(192) DJ James CB Auburn
(207) Mike Jerrell OT Findlay

Immediate Impact: DT Byron Murphy II, OG Christian Haynes

I don’t particularly care that Dre’Mont Jones, Leonard Williams, and Jarran Reed are the likely starters on the defensive line, Murphy is going to wreak havoc when he’s on the field. Mike Macdonald came from Baltimore where Justin Madubuike just had a huge year, Murphy is that type of disruptor. Haynes will start at RG with Laken Tomlinson at LG. Maybe he didn’t have as good of a year as some thought he would but watch him for any length of time and he’s clearly as starting NFL guard, good thing too because the Seahawks needed one.

Best Value: OG Christian Haynes

I don’t want to put too big of expectations on this guy but he’s really good. His awareness and instincts are just top-notch. I really thought he’d go higher so the Seahawks stole a good one.

Sleeper: CB DJ James

The Seahawks took his teammate Nehemiah Prichett almost 60 picks earlier than him but I like James a little more. He doesn’t show great speed on film and he’s a little skinny but Seattle has Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon to take on the bigger guys. I think James can stick around, find a spot as nickel corner when Witherspoon lines up outside and his CB skills will shine through.

Overall Analysis
This team stuck at #16 overall and Byron Murphy II fell into their laps, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. The Christian Haynes picks was also great since they desperately needed a starting OG and one of the best ones was still available in round three. LB Tyrice Knight is a guy I know little about since he played at UTEP but this team needs some depth at ILB so don’t count him out. TE AJ Barner is a good pickup because he’s a dirty work sort of player and should pair nicely with Noah Fant.

While I like James more than Prichett at CB both of these guys could help out. After Woolen and Witherspoon it’s not exactly a who’s who on the CB depth chart. These two can both make the roster and play especially if Coby Bryant is moved to safety. The two sixth round picks sandwiched around James were offensive linemen. This team has a lot of veteran players as backups on the offensive line so it’s going to be hard for two late round guys to make the roster.

Disclaimer: There is something everyone needs to know about this draft. Somewhere around the middle of round five this draft took a serious dive in quality. There were somewhere around 150-160 good prospects in this draft and then there was a cliff. Some teams reached before the 150th pick so the depth goes a little farther but by the time rounds six and seven came around, it got pretty bleak. There were a few contributing factors. One is the covid year has given players the opportunity to stay in college for an extra year and plenty of guys are taking that opportunity. Second is the name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for guys to make money in college. Being a late round pick isn’t as attractive if you can get paid to be a good player in college. Finally, the transfer portal (coupled with NIL) means guys don’t have to go pro to cash in. If another school wants you more than the one you’re at (this is especially true for small school guys), just transfer somewhere and take the payday. There are usually between 100-130 early entry candidates for the draft, this year, there were less than 60 and it showed.

Dallas Cowboys

(29) Tyler Guyton OT Oklahoma
(56) Marshawn Kneeland DE Western Michigan
(73) Cooper Beebe OL Kansas St.
(87) Marist Liufau LB Notre Dame
(174) Caelen Carson CB Wake Forest
(216) Ryan Flournoy WR SE Missouri St.
(233) Nathan Thomas OL Louisiana
(244) Justin Rogers DT Auburn

Immediate Impact: OT Tyler Guyton, C/G Cooper Beebe

The Cowboys had a couple of major areas of concern with offensive line being the biggest and they went to work. Tyler Guyton is a young, underdeveloped tackle with serious physical talent and he will be the LT. His presence means Tyler Smith can stay at LG where he’s been really good and that should help Guyton develop. Beebe started for years at Kansas St. and has played basically everywhere except center, the Cowboys are going to make him a center. His lack of length makes him a better fit inside and his power should help him in the pivot. He has said while he never played center in a game, he has practiced there. If center doesn’t work out, worst case scenario, he’s Zack Martin’s eventual replacement at RG.

Best Value: C/G Cooper Beebe

I don’t care that Beebe has short arms, this dude is a player. They’re going to ask him to play center, a position he’s never played, and he’ll be good at it because he’s just a good lineman. He’ll start on day one at a very important position and they got him in the third round, great value.

Sleeper: WR Ryan Flournoy

I don’t know much about this guy but I’ve seen some clips and he’s got the size to be an NFL receiver and Dallas isn’t teeming with great options there. After CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks this WR corps is wide open.

Overall Analysis
The Tyler Guyton pick was one that almost everyone had mocked before the draft for the Cowboys and they traded down and still got him. He’s going to take some time but he’s a worthy project and he could be their starting LT for the next decade. Marshawn Kneeland is a small school DE who should fit well in their defense. He gives them a guy to play opposite Demarcus Lawrence on the end so they can move Micah Parsons around on the defense to find the best matchup. Love the Beebe pick. He’s just going to be a good solid interior lineman for a long time, can’t ask much more from a third-round pick.

The fourth round went off the board with LB Marist Liufau. He was not considered that level of prospect so he was a bit of a reach. They definitely need help at LB but they could have done better in round four. CB Caelen Carson has a chance to make the roster, they have three good CBs and then it’s pretty open. If you told me Flournoy ends up as the third WR on this team, I won’t be shocked. The last two picks were two big dudes. Nathan Thomas at OT is probably a practice squad project for now. Justin Rogers is a huge NT and they need help there so he could back up Mazi Smith.

New York Giants

(6) Malik Nabers WR LSU
(47) Tyler Nubin S Minnesota
(70) Andru Phillips CB Kentucky
(107) Theo Johnson TE Penn St.
(166) Tyrone Tracy Jr. RB Purdue
(183) Darius Muasau LB UCLA

Immediate Impact: WR Malik Nabers, S Tyler Nubin, CB Andru Phillips

While Nabers was my third WR I can’t fault the Giants for taking a playmaker like him. Nabers changes the dynamic of this WR corps, he’s the game breaker they just haven’t had. It remains to be seen if Daniel Jones or Drew Lock will know what to do with Nabers’ immense talent but he’s a legitimate WR1 and this team hasn’t had that since Odell Beckham’s heyday. This team lost it’s best safety when Xavier McKinney left for Green Bay, Nubin might be their new best safety. He’s not the most athletic player but I’ll trade some athleticism for smarts at safety any day and Nubin is a smart football player. Phillips should finally fill the nickel back role the Giants have been trying to fill for years with Darnay Holmes and Cor’Dale Flott. Phillips is better than either one.

Best Value: CB Andru Phillips

Everyone plays a ton of nickel coverage these days and the Giants just haven’t had a guy they could truly count on at that spot. He’s not only perfectly built for it with the exact physical tools, he will bring an attitude to the CB spot this team needs more of. He won’t back down from anyone and he’s just a tough player on the field.

Sleeper: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.

It took Tracy five years in college to figure out he was a RB and not a WR. He turned down scholarships to certain schools and initially chose Iowa because they wanted him as a WR and not a RB. Eventually he transferred to Purdue and for his last year, he finally moved to RB full-time and got drafted. The team signed Devin Singletary to replace Saquan Barkley and they like Eric Gray but there’s a place for Tracy on this roster and at RB, anything is possible. He’s just scratching the surface of what he can be as a RB because his instincts aren’t developed when it comes to reading where the hole is and how best to get there. As he gets more reps, he should only get better. For now, he can stick on the roster as RB depth, a return man, and a special team’s coverage guy.

Overall Analysis
This was a small draft class with only six picks but they did a really good job of supplementing what they did in free agency and filling some holes. Nabers has superstar potential at WR even if he makes some of their current WRs redundant, he’s the upgraded version of those guys. They needed help in the secondary and they drafted two potential starters in Nubin and Phillips, also upgrades of the guys they have.

There was a chance Theo Johnson was going to get over drafted because of his physical traits but the Giants took him in an appropriate spot in round four. Johnson isn’t going to become Jimmy Graham but with Darren Waller contemplating retirement after another year with some injuries, Johnson is a solid choice. He gives them options with Daniel Bellinger to replace some of Waller’s production. Love the Tracy pick in round five, he’s making this roster and probably a useful player in a couple of ways. The last pick is a LB who will have to make the team on special teams if at all.

Philadelphia Eagles

(22) Quinyon Mitchell CB Toledo
(40) Cooper DeJean DB Iowa
(94) Jalyx Hunt LB Houston-Baptist
(127) Will Shipley RB Clemson
(152) Ainias Smith WR Texas A&M
(155) Jeremiah Trotter LB Clemson
(172) Trevor Keegan OL Michigan
(185) Johnny Wilson WR Florida St.
(190) Dylan McMahon OL North Carolina St.

Immediate Impact: CB Quinyon Mitchell, DB Cooper DeJean

The secondary was a mess last year and Howie Roseman got lucky twice in the first two rounds with guys falling in the draft and filling huge needs for the Eagles. Mitchell was my CB1 and he’s going to make James Bradberry expendable. Both Bradberry and Darius Slay are aging and while Slay is older, Bradberry fell off a cliff last season. Mitchell takes the outside spot opposite Slay right away. I listed DeJean as a DB and not CB because he’ll play all over in Vic Fangio’s defense. In the simplest terms, he’ll become the nickel corner over Avonte Maddox. His versatility will be utilized by playing him there in conjunction with CJ Gardner-Johnson who is also like a Swiss-army knife. Fangio will mix and match with these two to get the best matchups. Covering slot receivers, TEs, RBs, blitzing, you name it, these two can do it. DeJean could eventually move to the outside CB spot and replace Slay but for now, he’s a chess piece inside.

Best Value: DB Cooper DeJean

Some might say DeJean’s value at this pick was diminished for Philly because they traded some assets to move up and take hin after he fell all the way to 40th. The thing people aren’t accounting for is DeJean doesn’t just fill one position. He’s the nickel back, he can play outside CB, he can play LB in certain alignments, he’s an electric punt returner, an amazing gunner on special teams, and with the new kickoff rules, you have to give him a chance there. Oh, and it you don’t think that’s enough, give him a whirl at receiver, he’s dynamic with the ball in his hands.

Sleeper: WR Ainias Smith

This team has two elite WRs in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith but after those two they are counting on DeVante Parker or Parris Campbell to be the next guy, yikes. Smith is only 5’9 190 lbs. but he plays with more power than you would think and he’s good in the slot. He can also be a gadget guy which would work in this offense with Jalen Hurts just looking to get the ball to his playmakers. Parker is my least favorite WR in the NFL and the only thing you can count on from Campbell is that he won’t be healthy all season. Smith was missing a little explosion in his game last year after breaking his leg the year before, I think he can find that again. If I were a betting man, I would bet he plays more snaps than Campbell and catches as many passes as Parker.

Overall Analysis
Howie Roseman had another good draft, which he does regularly. He was gifted Mitchell in round one as the defensive players got pushed down the board and then he made an aggressive move to get DeJean when he was falling down the board. He knew he had to get ahead of Green Bay in round two to do so and he made the deal, smart choice. The Jalyx Hunt pick is one for the future. Hunt is coming from a small school where his athletic traits were on full display but he needs to time to hone his skills as a pass rusher. The team has Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Nolan Smith ahead of him, he’ll get the time he needs.

RB Will Shipley is an interesting pick. They signed Saquon Barkley to be the workhorse and they still have Kenneth Gainwell, who they like. Shipley is a finesse runner with homerun potential but the pick felt a bit too soon and I’m just not sure what he is in the pros. I love the Smith pick, that was a good bet, especially in round five. The Jeremiah Trotter Jr. pick took some criticism because some thought it was a sentimental pick because he’s father is a beloved former Eagle. That’s nonsense. The fifth round was about his value and while the team finally invested a little bit in LB signing Devin White and Oren Burks, they are still counting on Nakobe Dean at MLB and he came into the NFL with injury concerns and then missed most of last season with an injury. Trotter was a value pick and might be needed this season.

Two of their last three picks were interior linemen and with Jason Kelce retiring and Tyler Steen penciled in to start at RG, it wasn’t a bad idea to get some options. If offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland signed off on these two guys as guys he can work with, that’s good enough for me. WR Johnny Wilson came in between the two linemen. He’s an interesting player as he’s 6’7 237 lbs. and seems resistant to the move to TE. He’s going to end up a hybrid WR/TE at some point, whether he sticks around in Philly will end up being about the backup options to Dallas Goedert at TE and what they think of DeVante Parker and Joseph Ngata as their “big” WR options.

Washington Commanders

(2) Jayden Daniels QB LSU
(36) Johnny Newton DT Illinois
(50) Mike Sainristil CB Michigan
(53) Ben Sinnott TE Kansas St.
(67) Brandon Coleman OT TCU
(100) Luke McCaffrey WR Rice
(139) Jordan Magee LB Temple
(161) Dominique Hampton S Washington
(222) Javonte Jean-Baptiste DE Notre Dame

Immediate Impact: QB Jayden Daniels, DT Johnny Newton, CB Mike Sanristil, WR Luke McCaffrey

Daniels’ impact is both on the field and off. He’s the day one starting QB and he’s the face of the franchise. His impact will be felt on so many levels and the only thing that will limit his impact on the field is his horrendous offensive line. Last season at LSU he’s starting OTs were Will Campbell and Emory Jones Jr., those two are better than every OT on this roster. He may be the first QB with 2000 yards rushing in a season simply because he’s running for his life.

Newton is a beast at DT. His impact won’t be quite as great because Jonathan Allen and Deron Payne are the starters, but Newton will make the most of his opportunities. I do worry a bit as he’s having surgery on his left foot after having surgery on his right foot before the draft. I don’t like it when big guys have foot issues. Sainristil steps in as the nickel corner, he’s too good not to win that job. He’s undersized but you’ll never know it, the way he plays. He will also bring leadership and attitude to this secondary. McCaffrey can easily be the third WR on this team and start in the slot behind Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. I don’t think beating out Olamide Zaccheaus or Dax Milne is going to be all that difficult.

Best Value: DT Johnny Newton

An early second round pick on one of the most disruptive DTs you’ll find is a total steal. Newton had a foot injury that kept him mostly out of the pre-draft process and that had to have had something to do with his fall because it wasn’t his play on the field. He’s a monster and it probably means Jonathan Allen will be playing somewhere else by 2025, if not sooner.

Sleeper: OT Brandon Coleman

Coleman was a three-year starter at LT at TCU and most people expect he’ll slide inside to guard in the NFL. That might be his eventual spot and with Nick Allegretti and Sam Cosmi penciled in now it could be sooner rather than later. Just one problem, this team has no real options at LT. Cornelius Lucas is the starter on the depth chart right now and he’ll get Jayden Daniels killed by week one. There are rumors they will try moving Sam Cosmi there, he played there in college but he’s mostly been a guard in Washington. I think there’s a chance Coleman is their best option at LT this season. It won’t be pretty at times but he has plenty of experience and I think he might be the best option, I would give him a real shot.

Overall Analysis
This roster needs plenty of help and this draft did a nice job of getting some guys who can help now. Daniels is the headliner and his success or failure will determine the success of this class overall, that’s just how it works. However, Newton has bright future. Sainristil is going to be a very good nickel corner for a long time even if that’s all he ever is. TE Ben Sinnott could have been my sleeper pick because I don’t think Zack Ertz is going to be the guy at TE, he’s washed. Coleman might have to play LT and if he doesn’t, I think he could beat out Allegretti at LG. McCaffrey has an open lane to be the starting slot receiver, he just has to take it.

The last three guys are just depth pieces who have to make the team on special teams but Jordan MaGee is a nice player at LB who could develop into a player. Dominique Hampton is a big safety worth the pick. And if you’re going to take a shot on a pass rusher late in the draft, you can do worse than Javonte Jean-Baptiste.

Disclaimer: There is something everyone needs to know about this draft. Somewhere around the middle of round five this draft took a serious dive in quality. There were somewhere around 150-160 good prospects in this draft and then there was a cliff. Some teams reached before the 150th pick so the depth goes a little farther but by the time rounds six and seven came around, it got pretty bleak. There were a few contributing factors. One is the covid year has given players the opportunity to stay in college for an extra year and plenty of guys are taking that opportunity. Second is the name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for guys to make money in college. Being a late round pick isn’t as attractive if you can get paid to be a good player in college. Finally, the transfer portal (coupled with NIL) means guys don’t have to go pro to cash in. If another school wants you more than the one you’re at (this is especially true for small school guys), just transfer somewhere and take the payday. There are usually between 100-130 early entry candidates for the draft, this year, there were less than 60 and it showed.

Buffalo Bills

(33) Keon Coleman WR Florida St.
(60) Cole Bishop S Utah
(95) DeWayne Carter DT Duke
(128) Ray Davis RB Kentucky
(141) Sedrick Van Pran-Granger C Georgia
(160) Edefuan Ulofoshio LB Washington
(168) Javon Solomon LB Troy
(204) Tylan Grable OT Central Florida
(219) Daequan Hardy CB Penn St.
(221) Travis Clayton OL England

Immediate Impact: WR Keon Coleman, S Cole Bishop

The Bills spoiled the Patriots plans to take Keon Coleman by taking him with the first pick of round two and he’s immediately the best WR on the team. Josh Allen is going to love this guy. There has been a lot said about his “inability” to separate, well his QB last season was Jordan Travis who wasn’t a great passer and often led him into traffic, Allen won’t do that. Coleman is going to be good. Bishop fills a huge need at safety and he should relegate Mike Adams to being the third safety pretty quickly.

Best Value: WR Keon Coleman

They got a legitimate #1 WR with the first pick in round two, that’s ridiculously valuable. Plus, they got Carolina to give them an asset just to move up one spot and take a WR the Bills didn’t even want.

Sleepers: RB Ray Davis, C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger

I love these picks from rounds four and five. James Cook was very good once Joe Brady took over play calling last season and the team ran the ball more, one thing he didn’t do well, score. Ray Davis had 21 TDs at Kentucky last year (14 rushing, 7 receiving). He’s going to be a useful player because he knows what to do with the ball once he gets it. Van Pran-Granger will be a better center than Connor McGovern, the guy they are planning to start at center. Van Pran-Granger was a multi-year starter at Georgia, he can get it done in the NFL.

Overall Analysis
The team needs some rookies to contribute this year and I think the first five guys have a chance to do that. Coleman and Bishop are instant starters and Coleman will be a difference maker. Their third pick was DT DeWayne Carter and while he’s got some developing to do, he’s good depth behind Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, and Austin Johnson. Jones is 32 and Johnson will be 30 this year so another body to rotate in helps tremendously. Davis and Van Pran-Granger are mid round picks who can be very helpful.
The last five picks don’t excite me too much. Ulofoshio is an older prospect who is going to find the depth chart hard to crack at LB. Solomon could be a good designated pass rusher but he’s undersized and a little raw, maybe he can learn from Von Miller. Hardy is a speedy, undersized CB who is going to also be buried on the depth chart and find it hard to make the roster. They took two tall, long developmental OTs in Tylan Grable and the English rugby player Travis Clayton, those guys aren’t helping anytime soon.

Miami Dolphins

(21) Chop Robinson Edge Penn St.
(55) Patrick Paul OT Houston
(129) Jaylen Wright RB Tennessee
(158) Mohamed Kamara Edge Colorado St.
(184) Malik Washington WR Virginia
(198) Patrick McMorris S California
(241) Tahj Washington WR USC

Immediate Impact: WR Malik Washington

I don’t have much faith in their first four picks having much of an effect early on. If Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are healthy and Shaq Barrett is ready to go, Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara are going to be deep bench guys. Patrick Paul is going to need some development and Jaylen Wright has Raheem Moster, De’Von Achane, and Jeff Wilson ahead of him. Washington has a chance to be a contributor and I could see him being the third WR just behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Not sure what Mike McDaniel has against tall WRs but Washington fits his profile of being short and good at going over the middle. He doesn’t have the elite speed of Hill and Waddle but he’s a tough cover because of his route running.

Best Value: WR Malik Washington

At 5’8 194 lbs. Washington is short but thick and his change of direction movement is better than his linear speed. He gives the Dolphins another option at WR and I think he’s better than Braxton Berrios and they need someone other than Hill and Waddle.

Sleeper: RB Jaylen Wright

The Dolphins have Mostert, Achane, and Wilson but all three of those guys are prone to injury. Wright is the same type of runner as those guys and he has elite speed too. Mostert is an aging player and Achane isn’t really built to be a workhorse so Wright is the future here. It might take a year or two but he feels like the eventual starter with Achane working as the complementary back.

Overall Analysis
I hated the Chop Robinson pick from the start because I question if he’s that good of a pass rusher to be a designated pass rusher. With so many veterans ahead of him his usage is going to be limited unless there are injuries. Patrick Paul is a solid developmental OT but he’s a strange fit in the Dolphins’ offense. He’s a gigantic human who is really long but doesn’t move all that well and the offense usually likes more mobile linemen. I like Wright and maybe he makes the team move off Jeff Wilson this year but McDaniel trusts Mostert and Achane isn’t going anywhere.
If I were a betting man, I would say Mohamed Kamara will have a faster impact than Robinson. Kamara is an older prospect with a far more impressive array of pass rush moves than Robinson and he can play quickly. Usually, a sixth-round safety, McMorris, who isn’t a great athlete isn’t a good bet to even make a roster but the Dolphins safety position isn’t stacked. WR Tahj Washington continues Mike McDaniel’s obsession with WRs under 6’0 tall but he’s a longshot for this roster.

New England Patriots

(3) Drake Maye QB North Carolina
(37) Ja’Lynn Polk WR Washington
(68) Caedan Wallace OT Penn St.
(103) Layden Robinson OG Texas A&M
(110) Javon Baker WR Central Florida
(180) Marcellas Dial CB South Carolina
(193) Joe Milton III QB Tennessee
(231) Jaheim Bell TE Florida St.

Immediate Impact: QB Drake Maye, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, WR Javon Baker, OT Caeden Wallace

The Patriots took their QB of the future and while a lot of people think Maye needs to sit and learn, I disagree. They don’t have an overly talented group of skill position guys but they do have some solid players. They need a guy to elevate that group and Maye is the guy to do that, not Jacoby Brissett. They only spot where they are really bad right now is at LT, that’s an important spot and I’m not confident Caeden Wallace is the answer. He was the best of the bad choices left when they picked him but I would disagree with the idea he has the athleticism to move to LT. I fully expect the Patriots to look for a veteran stop-gap LT.

The two WRs are really going to improve the passing game. Polk is a ball winner and he will make Maye look good when he bails him out on a bad throw a couple of times a game. He probably isn’t a #1 WR but he’ll have to play one on TV next season. He’s a better option than Kendrick Bourne to fill that role. Baker is a really good deep ball receiver and Maye is going to love him. He has good size and while he didn’t have great timed speed, he’s got great game speed. He has the ability to get deep without just having the speed to outrun guys. Baker will be the type of deep threat the team thought they were getting when they drafted Tyquan Thornton. Hopefully he’s the reason Thornton is playing somewhere else next year.

Best Value: WR Javon Baker

The more I watch this guy the more I like him. He has legitimate WR skills that will translate to the NFL. He has a knack for finding separation and getting open. At the very least he’s a useful NFL WR which is more than I can say for JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, and Jaelen Reagor, so he has that going for him.

Sleeper: CB Marcellas Dial

The one defensive player the Patriots drafted has a chance to stick around. He has solid CB size, he fits the scheme well, and he’s a good tackler. Jonathan Jones is going to be 31 this year and Marcus Jones never stays healthy so Dial could be useful. At worst his good depth at the position and maybe he ends up being the guy opposite Christian Gonzalez.

Overall Analysis
This was a very offense heavy draft and considering the offense was awful and the defense was good last year, that made sense. Also, this was an offense heavy draft class. It will all be judged by what Drake Maye does but that’s what you get taking a QB in the top of the draft. I think the two WRs will end up being very good players and probably sooner rather than later. They drafted Joe Milton III in round six which seemed like a strange pick. Howeve, he’s closer to the same type of QB as Maye than Bailey Zappe and anything that gets Zappe off the roster is a good idea. This draft was largely about moving on from previous offensive draft mistakes and Maye and Milton were a large part of that.

I’m not as sure about the offensive line picks but at least they didn’t waste a first-round pick on a middling LG who might lose his job in year three (yes, that’s a shot at Bill Belichick and Cole Strange). Wallace has the ability to play OT in the NFL I just don’t think he’s a LT. He would get a shot at RT if they hadn’t already signed Michael Onwenu to be the RT. They will give Wallace a shot at LT but he may also end up just being a guard. Speaking of guards, Layden Robinson is a nasty interior mauler they took in round four. The strange thing is they have drafted Cole Strange, Sidy Sow, Atoni Mafi, and Jake Andrews, all interior offensive linemen, in the last two years. David Andrews is still the center but clearly, they don’t like some of these guys. The last pick, Jaheim Bell, is an intriguing player who doesn’t have a defined position. He’s been a TE, an H-back, a WR, a RB, he’s like Taysom Hill if Taysom Hill didn’t think he was a QB. Hopefully Alex Van Pelt finds a creative way to use him, he could be a fun weapon.

New York Jets

(11) Olu Fashanu OT Penn St.
(65) Malachi Corley WR Western Kentucky
(134) Braelon Allen RB Wisconsin
(171) Jordan Travis QB Florida St.
(173) Isaiah Davis RB South Dakota St.
(176) Qwan’tez Stiggers CB Toronto-CFL
(257) Jaylen Key S Alabama

Immediate Impact: OT Olu Fashanu, WR Malachi Corley

They can tell you that Fashanu will be a backup this year with Tyron Smith starting at LT and then I’m going to point out the fact that Smith hasn’t stayed healthy for a full season for so long people have to google it because they can’t remember back that far. Fashanu is going to start plenty of games at LT and Aaron Rodgers is going to be happy to have him. Corley wasn’t my favorite WR in the draft but he was the 12th overall receiver taken and went in round three so he was a value choice. He also has a nice set of complementary skills to Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. If Aaron Rodgers can find a way to trust a rookie to be his third WR, he’ll be a solid addition to a passing game that needs a little more help.

Best Value: RB Braelon Allen

You really need to look at Allen from two years ago as he wasn’t a good fit in the new Wisconsin offense last season. He’s a talented back and I think he can help this team. Breece Hall is the unquestioned starter but they need some depth behind him and Allen can earn playing time because he’s a good pass blocking back. That skill will endear him to his coaches and Rodgers and should help him get on the field. I don’t think he’ll be a superstar RB but he’s going to be a useful player.

Sleeper: CB Qwan’tez Stiggers

I have no idea if Stiggers is good, I don’t watch a lot of CFL football but I’m cheering for this guy. He dropped out of college before ever playing a game because his father died. His mom ended up encouraging him to try out for the Fan Controlled Football League and he made it. He turned that into a shot in the CFL where he was apparently pretty good. I’m not betting against this guy. The Jets have Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, and Michael Carter II but they could use some depth. Reed might get too expensive once they have to pay Gardner so if Stiggers can stick around, he might be a player. I generally don’t root for Jets’ players; I’m rooting for this guy.

Overall Analysis
Fashanu was the right choice over other players like Brock Bowers or Brian Thomas Jr. Taking care of the LT spot with a top prospect is never a bad idea. I like the Corley pick for them, he fits. I think Allen gives them the depth they need. QB Jordan Travis in round five was smart move. Travis lacks some of the top physical QB skills but the kid can play. I don’t like using the word gamer, but he’s a gamer. He’s at least a solid backup once he’s completely healed from his injury last season. RB Isaiah Davis is a skilled player but he’s coming from South Dakota St. and that’s a major move up, I don’t expect too much from him just yet. S Jaylen Key is a bet on a good athlete from a big program but he’s a longshot to make a roster.

Disclaimer: There is something everyone needs to know about this draft. Somewhere around the middle of round five this draft took a serious dive in quality. There were somewhere around 150-160 good prospects in this draft and then there was a cliff. Some teams reached before the 150th pick so the depth goes a little farther but by the time rounds six and seven came around, it got pretty bleak. There were a few contributing factors. One is the covid year has given players the opportunity to stay in college for an extra year and plenty of guys are taking that opportunity. Second is the name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for guys to make money in college. Being a late round pick isn’t as attractive if you can get paid to be a good player in college. Finally, the transfer portal (coupled with NIL) means guys don’t have to go pro to cash in. If another school wants you more than the one you’re at (this is especially true for small school guys), just transfer somewhere and take the payday. There are usually between 100-130 early entry candidates for the draft, this year, there were less than 60 and it showed.

Baltimore Ravens

(30) Nate Wiggins CB Clemson
(62) Roger Rosengarter OT Washington
(93) Adisa Isaac Edge Penn St.
(113) Devontez Walker WR North Carolina
(130) TJ Tampa CB Iowa St.
(165) Rasheen Ali RB Marshall
(218) Devin Leary QB Kentucky
(228) Nick Samac OL Michigan St.
(250) Sanoussi Kane S Purdue

Immediate Impact: CB Nate Wiggins, OT Roger Rosengarten

The Ravens have Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens at CB but their depth isn’t great and everybody uses a third CB plenty. Humphrey and Stephens both have versatility so Wiggins can come in and play the outside CB spot while Humphrey moves to the slot or Stephens plays more like a safety. He will be used a lot and he’s an excellent outside cover guy even if he isn’t great against the run game. Rosengarten is pretty light for a RT at 6’6 300 lbs. so that’s a change from Morgan Moses who was over 330 lbs. He was a good player at Washington who was overshadowed by higher profile teammates but he’s a worthy day one starter with this team.

Best Value: OT Roger Rosengarten

He wasn’t just overshadowed at Washington; he was also underappreciated in this draft class including by me. He’s not flashy but he’s a solid starting RT and to get him at 62nd overall was huge for this team. The Ravens offensive line was decimated in the off season and they needed to find help in the draft. Getting a starting RT late in round two was a steal.

Sleepers: WR Devontez Walker, CB TJ Tampa

Walker has some deficiencies, he’s a little stiff and not real fluid in his movements and he prefers to cradle the catch instead of snatching out of the air with his hands, which leads to drops. That said, he’s got electric downfield ability and knows how to beat guys deep. He’s a younger and slightly upgraded version of Nelson Agholor, Lamar Jackson may find him useful. I almost went with Tampa as my Best Value but there’s a few guys ahead of him and he’s going to have to fight his way onto the field. However, if you told me four years from now the team was re-signing Tampa as one of their starting CBs and letting Wiggins walk, I won’t be surprised. He brings all the physicality to the position the Ravens like and Wiggins lacks. Wiggins has the speed and coverage ability; Tampa is the tougher player.

Overall Analysis
The Ravens always do very well in the draft overall. Their lack of getting some help at interior offensive line (only took one late on day 3) was a little concerning but good overall. Wiggins and Rosengarten are a good start and were value picks. Adisa Isaac is another athletic pass rusher with an underdeveloped game and I guess the Ravens are just going to keep picking guys like this until one finally hits. He was a solid value in round three so I can’t complain. Walker and Tampa were amazing value as fourth round picks, I have no idea how they both feel that far.
RB Rasheen Ali and QB Devin Leary were the fifth and sixth round picks and they are both talented guys who are just depth pieces. The Ravens lost Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins in free agency and added Derrick Henry. That still leaves them with Henry, Keaton Mitchell, and Justice Hill but injuries have ravaged their RB room before so Ali is a good pick. Leary is a better bet than you might think to make this team. Josh Johnson is the backup at the moment and he’s going to be 38 and has played on 157 different teams (that number might be off slightly). Malik Cunningham is the other QB and he couldn’t make the Patriots active roster last year at QB, that doesn’t bode well for him. Leary had a rough year at Kentucky last season but if he’s healthy he’s the most talented backup QB they have. Nick Samac might make the roster because their interior o-line is pretty weak. I don’t think Kane makes the roster.

Cincinnati Bengals

(18) Amarius Mims OT Georgia
(49) Kris Jenkins DT Michigan
(80) Jermaine Burton WR Alabama
(97) McKinnley Jackson DT Texas A&M
(115) Erick All TE Iowa
(149) Josh Newton CB TCU
(194) Tanner McLachlan TE Arizona
(214) Cedric Johnson Edge Mississippi
(224) Daijahn Anthony S Mississippi
(237) Matt Lee OL Miami

Immediate Impact: OT Amarius Mims

The roster doesn’t have major holes but if anyone thinks Trent Brown is going to hold up at RT, you haven’t been paying attention. As a guy who watched Brown go in and out of the Patriots lineup the last few years, I know Mims will end up the starter. He’s a massive human being and he’s inexperienced, but he’s truly talented. I think he starts pretty quickly at RT and he may be the eventual replacement for Orlando Brown Jr. at LT.

Best Value: DT Kris Jenkins

Jenkins isn’t a pass rushing DT but the Bengals got Sheldon Rankins to do that. Rankins is 30 and BJ Hill is 29 and this team needs depth. Jenkins is also arguably the best run stuffing DT in this draft class, something this team sorely needs after losing DJ Reader. They got him at 49th overall and while he may not technically be a starter, he’s going to play starting level snaps at a premium position.

Sleeper: OL Matt Lee

I could have picked WR Jermaine Burton, TEs Erick All or Tanner McLachlan, or CB Josh Newton but I’m going with the seventh rounder Matt Lee. Lee played center at Miami and Ted Karras is 31. They also have Trey Hill backing up Karras but I think Lee has a chance to be Karras’ eventually replacement. Lee is a little taller for a center at 6’4 and he needs some refinement but there’s talent there and give him a few years of NFL coaching, I think he has starter quality traits.

Overall Analysis
This is quietly one of the better drafts that is getting overlooked a bit because there were a couple of dice rolls that could kill it. Mims is a special physical talent but he played eight games in college and needs plenty of reps if he’s going to fulfill his potential. The Jenkins picks was as solid as they come, he’s a starting NFL DT for 7-10 years. The Jermain Burton pick is another massive dice roll. Burton is one of the truly gifted WRs in the draft but he also might be a total headcase. He has a reputation as being un-coachable both from his time at Georgia and at Alabama. If they can get him to buy-in, he’s a legitimate talent who could replace Tee Higgins when he leaves. DT McKinney Jackson is the big body type more so than Jenkins and can replace DJ Reader as the nose tackle.

They took TEs Erick All and Tanner McLachlan in rounds four and six because they basically only have Mike Gesicki at the position. All has every tool you want as a three-down TE but he has an injury history that is concerning. McLachlan is an older player who looks like he can threaten defenses over the middle. These two should actually work well together moving forward and this team needed TE help. Sandwiched between them was CB Josh Newton. He’s not the most fluid or explosive CB but he’s a competitor and he’s a tough press man cover guy. Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner haven’t exactly established themselves as unquestioned starters so Newton can compete. Johnson and Anthony are depth pieces at edge and safety.

Cleveland Browns

(54) Michael Hall Jr. DT Ohio St.
(85) Zak Zinter OL Michigan
(156) Jamari Thrash WR Louisville
(206) Nathaniel Watson LB Mississippi St.
(227) Myles Harden CB South Dakota
(243) Jowon Briggs DL Cincinnati

Immediate Impact: None

The Browns’ lineup is pretty stacked with veterans and what they need is for those veterans to get healthy and stay healthy. RB Nick Chubb has to come back from his knee injury and the offensive line needs to get better. Of course, none of this will matters at all unless Deshaun Watson gets healthy and actually starts to play like he once did in Houston. That proposition becomes less and less likely the farther away from that time we get.

Best Value: DT Michael Hall Jr.

Hall has a lot of fans in the scouting world. He’s an undersized penetrating tackle with great athleticism who isn’t as great against the run. He’s going to play in the tackle rotation because he brings a different skillset than most of the other players they have. He can be the eventual replacement for Shelby Harris but since the team is trying to win now, they will still rely on the veteran.

Sleeper: OG Zak Zinter

He’s not really a sleeper as most teams like him but I don’t like the rest of the class so I’ll spotlight Zinter. He’s very experienced and he was the leader of Michigan’s offensive line and a major team leader. He’s coming off a late season leg injury that’s going to set his timeline back but the Browns have Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller so he’s not needed right away if they’re healthy. Zinter is the future at the position though, Bitonio and Teller will be 33 and 30 respectively this next season.

Overall Analysis
This is the least consequential draft class this year. They traded away picks for veterans like Jerry Jeudy and they are still paying off the Watson trade, that’s finally done. This is a make-or-break year for them and they won’t be counting on rookies to get them where they want to be. Hall will help as a rotational DT and Zinter will basically take a redshirt year. The other guys will be lucky to make this roster. WR Jamari Thrash might have a chance to make the roster behind Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, and Jeudy but he’s going to have to beat out guys like Cedric Tillman, David Bell, and James Proche II. It’s a tough road ahead. Watson, Harden, and Briggs face even longer odds.

Pittsburgh Steelers

(20) Troy Fautanu OT Washington
(51) Zach Frazier C West Virginia
(84) Roman Wilson WR Michigan
(98) Payton Wilson WR North Carolina St.
(119) Mason McCormick OL South Dakota St.
(178) Logan Lee DT Iowa
(195) Ryan Watts CB Texas

Immediate Impact: OT Troy Fautanu, C Zach Frazier, WR Roman Wilson

The Steelers needed to address their offensive line and they did that quite well. Fautanu has versatility and could end up at either OT spot. For now, I think he takes the left side and they leave Broderick Jones on the right where he started to play better by the end of last season. They may feel otherwise during training camp and flip Jones to the left but Fautanu gives them options. Zach Frazier steps in immediately as the starting center and he continues the legacy of Steelers centers like Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson, and Maurkice Pouncey. WR Roman Wilson gets to step into the role vacated by the trade of Diontae Johnson. No offense to the other guys on the roster but Wilson is immediately the second-best weapon behind George Pickens and he’s a natural fit in Johnson’s old role. Imagine having a Johnson-like weapon without the headaches.

Best Value: WR Roman Wilson

This guy is going to get lots of targets next year assuming one of the QBs is remotely adequate. He’s a high character guy with a great work ethic and he’s going to slot right into the offense. The Steelers are going to be a run heavy team but they will need someone to move the sticks and Wilson will excel at that.

Sleeper: OG Mason McCormick

The Steelers didn’t just address their offensive line needs in the present. Isaac Seumalo will be 31 this year and he offers a chance for some cap savings next off season. McCormick is a small school player with a lot of playing experience who may need little time to adjust to the NFL and if he’s ready in a year, he could be a readymade replacement at LG.

Overall Analysis
This is a really good class overall as they addressed current needs and found some solid developmental pieces. Fautanu, Frazier, and Roman Wilson will start immediately but that’s not all the help they got. LB Payton Wilson was a star in college who played a lot of football and had a lot of injuries. He may have a short career but it may still make an impact. He’s very fast, very smart, and an excellent coverage LB. The team signed Patrick Queen to increase their team speed at ILB and Wilson does the same. Also, Queen was better in Baltimore once Roquan Smith showed up and became the play caller on defense. Wilson has enough experience that he could be that same type of partner for Queen.
Mason McCormick, DT Logan Lee, and CB Ryan Watts are all picks for the future. Okay, Watts might find playing time sooner. McCormick can be the future at one guard spot but that isn’t the only aging position on this team. The defensive line has Cameron Heyward, he’s 35, Larry Ogunjobi, he’ll be 30, and Dean Lowry, he’ll also be 30. They need some youth and Logan Lee can play DE in their 3-man front. He’s a better athlete than he gets credit for and he has the size to hold up at that spot. Watts is a tall CB with length and might give the secondary another option over Darius Rush. He could play outside, opposite Joey Porter Jr. and let Donte Jackson play inside the slot.