Atlanta Falcons

(8) Bijan Robinson RB Texas
(38) Matthew Bergeron OL Syracuse
(75) Zach Harrison Edge Ohio St.
(113) Clark Phillips III CB Utah
(224) DeMarcco Hellams S Alabama
(225) Jovaughn Gwyn OG South Carolina

Immediate Impact: RB Bijan Robinson, OL Matthew Bergeron

The Falcons are trying to build an offense of interchangeable parts. It started with Kyle Pitts, then it was Drake London, and now it’s Bijan Robinson. Robinson is an exceptional back and while taking a back in the top ten is a gamble, Robinson is worth it. He has the chance to be one of the top five RBs in the NFL. Bergeron was drafted to help make that happen. The Falcons had four offensive line spots settled but they need a LG. Bergeron played LT at Syracuse and while he might eventually be Jake Matthews replacement at LT, he’ll start his career next to him inside at LG.

Best Value: CB Clark Phillips III

Mike Hughes is set to be the Falcons nickel corner this year with AJ Terrell and Jeff Okudah on the outside but watch out for Phillips. He’s a natural slot corner and he’s feisty as hell. He doesn’t back down and if Hughes stumbles at all, Phillips will take his job. He has long-term potential as a top nickel corner and somehow, they got him in round four.

Sleeper: Edge Zach Harrison

Harrison is a long, powerful edge rusher who started at Ohio St. but never really blossomed as an elite pass rusher. He doesn’t have one elite skill like an incredible first step or elite bend, he’s a try hard guy who gets by on his high motor. There are worse things than being a guy who just never quits. Harrison can last a long time in the NFL and even though he may never be a star, he’s a valuable player on any team.

Overall Analysis

Robinson and Bergeron were picks meant to fill specific roles to try to complete the offense Arthur Smith is trying to build. They will help the team determine if Desmond Ridder is a worthwhile QB or whether they need to move on. Robinson is an elite playmaker and he makes their offense better no matter what. Bergeron completes the offensive line starting group.

Harrison and Phillips are great depth players for a defense that made some veteran additions they hope change their fortunes on that side. I like both players as rotational guys now and guys who can help in the future. DeMarcco Hellams is an Alabama trained safety, there are worse things than to take a defensive back who learned from Nick Saban. Gwyn is a developmental interior offensive lineman, probably a practice squad guy.

Carolina Panthers

(1) Bryce Young QB Alabama
(39) Jonathan Mingo WR Mississippi
(80) DJ Johnson Edge Oregon
(114) Chandler Zavala OG North Carolina St.
(145) Jammie Robinson S Florida St.

Immediate Impact: QB Bryce Young

This team has been searching for a QB since the Cam Newton heyday came to an end. Young is the ultimate outlier, he’s incredibly small and it’s a concern. What isn’t a concern is when he starts, it’s day one. He’s a truly talented player, especially when the play breaks down, but the question is how long will he hold up? Young gives the Panthers hope, and they have an offensive line to protect him, so that should help.

Best Value: OG Chandler Zavala

The Panthers offensive line played well last season and part of that was RG Austin Corbett. Unfortunately, Corbett tore his ACL in the regular season finale and it seems unlikely he’ll be ready to start the season. Zavala is an older prospect who played along side LT Ikem Ekwonu in college and he has NFL starter ability. He’s not the best at anything but he’s solid all around and I think he ends up a starter at guard to start the season unless Corbett makes a miraculous recovery.

Sleeper: OG Chandler Zavala

A fourth round OG is the definition of a sleeper, a prospect not too many people know. He can be a long-term starter.

Overall Analysis

The Panthers were swinging for the fences with this draft. First, they traded a whole lot of draft capital and DJ Moore to move up to the first pick, then they took the biggest swing they could, on the smallest QB. Young is the new face of the franchise; the question is can last long enough to get a second contract? Then they grabbed Jonathan Mingo as the fifth WR off the board. There was very little consensus on the WRs but Mingo wasn’t a highly regarded prospect by a ton of teams. He could be a star but he has bust potential too.

Then they traded even more capital to move up and take DJ Johnson, an edge rusher from Oregon, no one had going in round three. Johnson doesn’t look like a classic 3-4 edge rusher at 270 lbs., he does have athleticism but it feels like he’s not going to help right away. Zavala was a good pick in round four and he can start. Jammie Robinson is an undersized safety who should give them a different skill set look than Vonn Bell and Jeremy Chinn.

New Orleans Saints

(29) Bryan Bresee DT Clemson
(40) Isaiah Foskey DE Notre Dame
(71) Kendre Miller RB TCU
(103) Nick Saldiveri G/T Old Dominion
(127) Jake Haener QB Fresno St.
(146) Jordan Howden S Minnesota
(195) AT Perry WR Wake Forest

Immediate Impact: DT Bryan Bresee

Bresee is a guy I want to cheer for and while I’m not sold on him being some superstar interior defensive lineman, he’s a day one starter in New Orleans. They took some hits on the defensive line and the guys they signed in free agency as replacements, are not as good as Bresee can be. He went through a lot at Clemson and if he can get back to a place of playing and loving football, he’s going to be a good player.

Best Value: WR AT Perry

I’m not sure what it was that caused Perry to drop to round six but I’m absolutely certain it wasn’t his talent. At 6’5 205 lbs. Perry is a tall, skinny receiver who can win on the outside with his length and add to a team’s passing game. When Michael Thomas gets hurt next season, Perry is a better player to put in than running Tre’Quan Smith out there again.

Sleeper: G/T Nick Saldiveri

Saldiveri is a big, nasty RT out of Old Dominion who was somehow available in round four. The Saints don’t need a starting offensive lineman right now but some of their guys are going to start getting expensive and are older (I’m looking at Andrus Peat). For now, Saldiveri is a very versatile backup guard/tackle who could fill in at many spots. Next year, he might just be starting at guard. He has the size and demeanor to excel in the NFL.

Overall Analysis

The Saints didn’t take a lot of major swings, they basically just looked to get some solid players. Bresee has immense talent and if he can tap back into it, he can be a really good interior defensive lineman. I’m less sold on Isaiah Foskey. Foskey is the classic “looks good getting of the bus guy” but he doesn’t look as great on the field. He has athleticism and size but he doesn’t play up to it on the field. There were guys with higher upside that I would have preferred that early in round two.

RB Kendre Miller was the fourth RB off the board, that was a little rich. He’s a solid player and I understand the fit next to Alvin Kamara but the third round was high. Miller is a power back type the Saints want to take pressure off of Kamara but there were others available later. With Kamara and Jamaal Williams at RB, a RB in round three seemed like a luxury. I love the Saldiveri pick, he was well worth his draft slot.

QB Jake Haener might be a career backup but if you want to bet on a QB in the middle to late rounds of this draft, Haener is a solid choice. He’s the type of personality you want on your team as a leader and a guy who’s willing to fill his role. S Jordan Howden wasn’t household name but he’s a player. In a draft without great safety talent, he was worth the pick. The Saints starting safeties are Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye, they are 31 and 30 respectively. The only other backup safety of note is Jonathan Abram, the former first round bust from the Raiders. Howden will get playing time. I like the AT Perry pick late, he’s good value.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(19) Calijah Kancey DT Pittsburgh
(48) Cody Mauch OL North Dakota St.
(82) YaYa Diaby Edge Louisville
(153) SirVocea Dennis LB Pittsburgh
(171) Payne Durham TE Purdue
(181) Josh Hayes S Kansas St.
(191) Trey Palmer WR Nebraska
(196) Jose Ramirez Edge Eastern Michigan

Immediate Impact: DT Calijah Kancey, OL Cody Mauch

I wasn’t on the Calijah Kancey bandwagon but if he’s going to succeed in the NFL, he needs to play on a line with a huge DT next to him to eat up blockers, hello Vita Vea. He’s going to be playing next to the biggest and best nose tackle possible, if he can’t succeed here, he’s not going to stick in the NFL. Mauch is a small school offensive lineman but he’s ready to compete. He has versatility but for now he probably steps in at RG to replace Shaq Mason. The Bucs offensive line will be in flux going into training camp and Mauch gives them options, that’s all they can ask for.

Best Value: OL Cody Mauch

Mauch played LT at North Dakota St. and then went to the Senior Bowl and acquitted himself quite well playing both center and guard. He could end up playing RT with Tristan Wirfs most likely being moved to LT to replace Donovan Smith. Mauch isn’t really long enough or strong enough at this point to be an NFL tackle but he could be the best option. More likely he starts at RG and they just let him find his way at that spot.

Sleeper: TE Payne Durham

Durham has excellent hands, he knows how to find the open space on the field, and he’s pretty good after the catch. The Bucs top TEs right now are Cade Otten and Ko Kieft, Durham is a more impressive target than either of those guys in the passing game.

Overall Analysis

This team is in a weird spot. They have veteran talent that makes you think they should be playing to win now but their QBs are Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. This draft class clearly sets them up for building for the future, Kancey and Mauch (the top two picks), are going to need time to adjust to the NFL. Edge rusher YaYa Diaby also is nowhere near helping his team win now. The Bucs love themselves a undersized LB who can run which is why they drafted SirVocea Dennis, he’s not starting any time soon.

Payne Durham can contribute quickly and whichever QB plays will be happy to have him around. Josh Hayes is an undersized safety who might only be a slot guy. Todd Bowles loves a good defensive back project but if this team is terrible, Bowles won’t be around long enough for it to matter. Trey Palmer looks the part of a good WR, he just isn’t all that good. He will be fine running go routes that neither Mayfield or Trask can hit, when Mike Evans needs a rest. Ramirez might be able to contribute at edge faster than Diaby, he just has less upside.

Houston Texans

(2) CJ Stroud QB Ohio St.
(3) Will Anderson Jr. Edge Alabama
(62) Juice Scruggs C/G Penn St.
(69) Nathaniel “Tank” Dell WR Houston
(109) Dylan Horton Edge TCU
(167) Henry To’o To’o LB Alabama
(201) Jarrett Patterson G/C Notre Dame
(205) Xavier Hutchinson WR Iowa St.
(248) Brandon Hill S Pittsburgh

Immediate Impact: QB CJ Stroud, Edge Will Anderson Jr., C Juice Scruggs

Two years of Davis Mills was enough and the Texans simply took the best QB left on the board at #2, CJ Stroud. He’s the day one starter and I think he’ll be pretty good. It’s going to take some time and he needs better weapons, however, these guys aren’t as terrible on offense as you might think. If new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik can bring a little Shanahan offensive magic with him, Stroud is the guy who can thrive in it. Anderson isn’t a Von Miller level pass rusher but he’s an amazing all-around defensive edge player. He’ll set the tone on defense and give this team an identity. Scruggs probably went a little high but he has no competition in front of him for the center job. He and Stroud can find some early chemistry and that will help the offense as a whole.

Best Value: None

It’s tough to find a good value pick. I like plenty of their choices but they all were either where they should go or a little higher than they should have gone. For example, I like Tank Dell, but there were other WRs left I like better and he may have gone a round early given his size.

Sleeper: WR Xavier Hutchinson

We’re going to forgive Hutchinson for going to Iowa St for just a minute and look at the player. He’s an athletic 6’2 210 lbs. WR who’s really good after the catch and he has played with a target on his back as the Cyclones top receiver for a while. This team’s outside WRs are guys like Nico Collins, Noah Brown, and John Metchie or Robert Woods, depending on who plays the slot. Hutchinson can be better than those guys and he will have all the same opportunities to create chemistry with Stroud.

Overall Analysis

The Texans are taking it on the chin pretty hard for everything they gave up to move up to three to take Will Anderson after taking Stroud second. Its’ a fair point, especially giving up a potential top five pick in next year’s draft. However, let me argue the other side for just a second. This team has been wandering in the wilderness for too long and they need direction. DeMeco Ryans is a start at head coach but he needs cornerstone players. They took Stroud to finally give their offense an identity, Anderson does the same for the defense. Anderson sets the tone Ryans wants with his talent, his work ethic, and his character. This franchise needs these two guys in ways that go way beyond the field.

After that, they got some good guys who can contribute. Scruggs was a bit of a reach but this team needed a center and Bobby Slowik’s offense needed a guy to pull the rest of this line together. If Scruggs is just an average center, he’s a huge upgrade and he makes this a pretty decent line. Tank Dell is tiny but he’s got speed and playmaking ability this WR corps is lacking. I actually really like him and Hutchinson as pass catchers and if two years from now Hutchinson, Dell, and John Metchie are three of the top four WRs on this team, I won’t be shocked.

Dylan Horton isn’t setting the world on fire but for a team as devoid as this one on the edge, he can make this team and at least add depth. Henry To’o To’o is an undersized LB with some flaws but he’s a LB from Alabama, at worst he’s a special team’s demon. I like the starting offensive line if Scruggs is solid but the backup group is rough. Jarrett Patterson started on the inside at Notre Dame, he adds some nice depth and versatility there. Normally seventh round safeties who aren’t that good at anything in particular don’t feel like threats to make the roster but this is the Texans roster so Brandon Hill has a shot.

Indianapolis Colts

(4) Anthony Richardson QB Florida
(44) Julius Brents CB Kansas St.
(79) Josh Downs WR North Carolina
(106) Blake Freeland OT BYU
(110) Adetomiwa Adebawore DL Northwestern
(138) Darius Rush CB South Carolina
(158) Daniel Scott S California
(162) Will Mallory TE Miami
(176) Evan Hull RB Northwestern
(211) Titus Leo LB Wagner
(221) Jaylon Jones CB Texas A&M
(236) Jake Witt OT Northern Michigan

Immediate Impact: QB Anthony Richardson, CB Julius Brents, WR Josh Downs

The Colts might act like Anthony Richardson is going to have to win the QB job but let’s be realistic, Gardner Minshew isn’t standing in his way. Richardson needs reps to get better and he has the ability to run a Shane Steichen offense right away. Brents immediately steps in as the top outside CB. He has the size and athleticism they don’t have at the position. Downs gives them a player unlike anyone they have at WR. They have two big outside guys in Michael Pittman Jr and Alec Pierce, Downs is the smaller slot receiver who should become a favorite target of Richardson’s. He’s a great route runner and he catches everything you throw to him, unlike Richardson’s targets at Florida.

Best Value: WR Josh Downs

He’s not the biggest WR but he’s a gamer. Downs is a contested catch monster which is surprising given his size. His hands are like glue and Richardson will use him a lot.

Sleeper: CB Darius Rush

Cam Smith was the South Carolina CB who got all the pub but Rush is a player. He has great size at 6’2 200 lbs. and he’s a great athlete. I was surprised he lasted until the fifth round after the pre-draft workouts he put up and his Senior Bowl week. Rush has starter potential and on this Colts team, he could be starting opposite Brents on the outside very quickly. He might end up being a sleeper and their best value pick.

Overall Analysis

The Colts might have more hits in this class than any draft class this year but it will all come down to Richardson. He has an incredible ceiling if he can reach it, he’s the most athletic person to ever play QB. If he hits, he sets this franchise up for the next fifteen years. Brents is going to be a really good CB with the potential to be an elite player if he keeps progressing. He’s had his ups and downs but he never lets the bad plays keep him down. Downs is an elite slot receiver. He completes the starting WR group quite nicely, he should give Richardson a chance to succeed.

The Colts didn’t address offensive tackle early but they did take Blake Freeland and he’s a long, athletic tackle who has some potential. He needs to get stronger and learn how to get lower, his height can be used against him. However, those are things that can be addressed and he has starter potential. They took another athletic specimen in Adetomiwa Adebawore, an undersized defensive tackle from Northwestern who can also play outside. He has a strange body type for an interior player but he should help this defensive line. Love the Darius Rush pick, he’s a keeper.

They drafted a couple of more big, athletic defensive backs in S Daniel Scott and CB Jaylon Jones, the team has a type. These guys have a shot to stick because the Colts secondary leaves a lot to be desired. They also drafted two offensive players who might fill roles. TE Will Mallory is an athlete you can really like at the position. RB Evan Hull doesn’t wow you but he’s a player and he has a really nice skill set to complement Jonathan Taylor. LB Titus Leo will have to be special team’s guy. OT Jake Witt is a project with the type of size and athleticism that’s worth taking seventh round flyer on.

Jacksonville Jaguars

(27) Anton Harrison OT Oklahoma
(61) Brenton Strange TE Penn St.
(88) Tank Bigsby RB Auburn
(121) Ventrell Miller LB Florida
(130) Tyler Lacy DL Oklahoma St.
(136) Yasir Abdullah LB Louisville
(160) Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M
(185) Parker Washington WR Penn St.
(202) Christian Braswell CB Rutgers
(208) Erick Hallett II DB Pittsburgh
(226) Cooper Hodges OT Appalachian St.
(227) Raymond Vohasek DL North Carolina
(240) Derek Parish Edge Houston

Immediate Impact: OT Anton Harrison, TE Brenton Strange

Cam Robinson is suspended to start the season and that likely means Walker Little will start the year at LT. Harrison will be first in line at RT and if it seems to be working out when Robinson gets back, not sure Robinson gets his job back. The Strange pick seemed odd (I just couldn’t the Strange pick is strange), there were TEs I liked better, that said, they will use him. Evan Engram isn’t signed long-term and Strange step in as the backup and give them the ability to use two-TE sets.

Best Value: S Antonio Johnson

Johnson has his limitations in coverage down the field but he’s a great athlete, who can cover TEs, and come up in the box and play going towards the line of scrimmage. He has coverage skills even if he’s not the best against the smaller, shiftier receivers. Considering this was not a great safety draft, getting Johnson in round five is pretty good. With some coaching and improved technique, he has the skills to be a starting SS in the NFL.

Sleeper: WR Parker Washington

Washington isn’t tall a 5’10 but he’s got a thick build at 207 lbs., he’s basically Christian Kirk. He has great hands, average speed, and he’s tough to take down. His contact balance is exceptional which makes him great over the middle and catching balls in traffic. Washington is tough after the catch and he will add something to the Jaguars offense. The team has it’s three starting WRs (Calvin Ridley, Zay Jones, Christian Kirk), but they have no real depth behind them. Washington will earn playing time.

Overall Analysis

This is a huge draft class and despite years of this team not being great, they have actually turned their roster into a pretty solid one in the past couple of years. Harrison is a day one starter and I don’t think he gives the job up when Robinson comes back, he’s that good. I didn’t like the Strange pick because I liked other TEs better but he can be a useful player. RB Tank Bigsby was never a guy I liked all that much and there were better backs on the board. With Travis Etienne as the starter Bigsby is battling for backup snaps and I’m not sure he overtakes JaMychal Hasty or D’Ernest Johnson.

LB Ventrell Miller is a small ILB who they took too high. He doesn’t do anything particularly well and he’s stiff and not good in coverage. DL Tyler Lacy gives them a body at DE for depth. LB Yasir Abdullah is an undersized pass rusher with some twitch. They have Travon Walker and Josh Allen starting at OLB but Abdullah could be a subpackage pass rusher, he can’t be worse than K’Lavon Chaisson and at least he was only a fifth-round pick, not a first-round pick. I like the Johnson and Washington picks, that’s taking shots on guys who have actual skills that can translate to the NFL.

CB Christian Braswell gives them a guy to compete at the slot position and Erick Hallett II is a versatile defensive back who gives them depth. Their three seventh round picks aren’t making this roster, that’s just too many rookies for a roster that isn’t in bad shape. They had a ton of picks because they did a lot of trading, I would have preferred they use some of those later round picks to move up in earlier rounds and get more quality players. The draft didn’t fall well for them after taking Harrison in round one. They could have passed on Strange in round two and taken a CB but there weren’t a lot of good ones left. I have never been a fan of GM Trent Baalke and this draft isn’t going to change that opinion.

Tennessee Titans

(11) Peter Skoronski OL Northwestern
(33) Will Levis QB Kentucky
(81) Tyjae Spears RB Tulane
(147) Josh Whyle TE Cincinnati
(186) Jaelyn Duncan OT Maryland
(228) Colton Dowell WR Tenn-Martin

Immediate Impact: OL Peter Skoronski

The Titans offensive line was terrible last year and while they signed Andre Dillard and Daniel Brunskill in free agency, that’s not solving all the problems. Skoronski will be the best offensive lineman on the team this year and he’s arguably the best option to start at each of the five positions, and he’s only ever been a LT at Northwestern. He probably starts out at LG next to Dillard at LT but we’ll see how everything goes.

Best Value: QB Will Levis

I’m definitely not a huge Levis fan but he does have skills to work with. This also happens to be the perfect situation for him. As a second-round pick there is no urgency to start him right away but it’s clear he’s Ryan Tannehill’s eventual replacement. When you can get your future starting QB in round two (even if you had to trade up for him), that’s value. There were rumors the Titans could take Levis in round one, round two is a steal.

Sleeper: OT Jaelyn Duncan

I don’t know what I’m missing here. How did Duncan fall to round six, that’s crazy. He has future starting LT written all over him. I have to assume there were either medical questions or character questions, however, if both of those things are fine moving forward, Duncan is a starting LT at some point. He’s massive, he’s athletic, he’s got great hands, and great feet. There is a real possibility the future starting left side of the Titans offensive line is Duncan at LT and Skoronski at LG. Andre Dillard did nothing in Philadelphia to make me think he’s going to finally be some great LT; he also was beaten out there by Jordan Mailata who was a former seventh round pick. At least this time it might be a sixth rounder who takes his job.

Overall Analysis

For a small class, only being six players, all of them have a chance to do something here. Skoronski’s floor is being a perennial Pro Bowl guard. Levis is the future at QB, they hope. There is a legitimate chance Levis is a bust but he was well worth the move up in round two to get a guy who can run your offense much like Tannehill has since he arrived. Levis is also the perfect QB for Mike Vrabel and Vrabel is the perfect head coach for Levis. Vrabel is never going to have an offense based around his QB, he wants to be a tough, physical run-first team with a QB who can make a play here and there. That’s what Levis needs, don’t ask him to carry the team, just do the job.

RB Tyjae Spears is a great all-around player who runs hard, catches passes, and generally does good things on the field. He’s probably not cut out to carry the load Derrick Henry has for so long (no one is). The one issue is Spears has some medical issues with his knees, that could be a problem, but he’s a talented guy who’s worth a shot. Josh Whyle isn’t a flashy guy at TE and he’s not going transform your offense by any means. However, Tennessee is in need of warm bodies at TE and Whyle can do some things to help the offense, like block. He can catch some passes too but he’s not a high-volume pass catcher.

The Duncan pick is fantastic, unless there is some underlying issue, he’s going to be a good offensive tackle in the NFL. Normally, I wouldn’t give a small school WR in round seven much of a chance to make a team unless he’s a special team’s demon, but have you seen the Titans WR depth chart? Colton Dowell from Tennessee-Martin? I’m not counting him out.

Buffalo Bills

(25) Dalton Kincaid TE Utah
(59) O’Cyrus Torrence OG Florida
(91) Dorian Williams LB Tulane
(150) Justin Shorter WR Florida
(230) Nick Broeker OL Mississippi
(252) Alex Austin CB Oregon St.

Immediate Impact: TE Dalton Kincaid, OG O’Cyrus Torrence

The Bills roster is in good shape but they needed another pass catcher and some help at interior offensive line, check. The WR run happened right before the Bills were coming up so they moved ahead of the Cowboys to steal Kincaid. He’s the best pass catching TE and arguably the best pass catcher period, in this draft. He’s basically going to be a big slot receiver while Dawson Knox continues to do the TE stuff. Torrance has the talent of a first-round player but he fell, likely due to the fact he’s a guard only player. He doesn’t have to worry about that here, he can plug in at guard and he’ll seriously upgrade their run blocking.

Best Value: O’Cyrus Torrence

If Torrence had the versatility to be a center or a tackle, he probably goes round one. He’s a starting guard on day one so he’s worth more than a late second round pick.

Sleeper: LB Dorian Williams

Williams is the smaller, speedy type of LB that would be the opposite of Tremaine Edmunds who just left but he can play. He’s athletic and a very good coverage LB. They kept Matt Milano and they only usually play two LBs so there aren’t a ton of snaps to go around if they really like the guys they have. Williams can find some playing time on passing downs early and work his way into more snaps.

Overall Analysis
This isn’t a big class and that’s not a bad thing when your roster is as good as the Bills’ roster. They got a couple of guys early who can really help. Kincaid is going to make the passing game that much harder to defend because he can line up all over and he’s a mismatch in so many ways. Torrence is going to be a mauler on the inside and they should look to run more (with the running backs, not Josh Allen) and doing it behind Torrence is a good idea.

Williams wasn’t a big-time prospect at LB but he brings a skill set they can use on defense. WR Justin Shorter is interesting. He’s the type of player who looks good getting off the bus but then you prefer he just stays on the sidelines during the game. Shorter is absolutely jacked but he’s not fluid, he’s not natural, and he’s going to struggle to be an NFL WR, he looks the part, he just doesn’t play it. OL Nick Broeker was almost my pick as the sleeper because he has guard/tackle versatility and he can make this team as a backup for now and maybe eventually be a starting guard. CB Alex Austin is looking at an uphill battle to make the roster.

Miami Dolphins

(51) Cam Smith CB South Carolina
(84) Devon Achane RB Texas A&M
(197) Elijah Higgins WR Stanford
(238) Ryan Hayes OT Michigan

Immediate Impact: CB Cam Smith

This draft class may not yield any immediate dividends given the current roster but rosters can still change. Xavien Howard hasn’t always been a happy camper in Miami and if the Dolphins cut ties with him, Cam Smith will be starting opposite Jalen Ramsey. Smith is going to contribute as the third CB either way but the level of his contribution will be determined by Howard’s status.

Best Value: RB Devon Achane

This dude is a touchdown waiting to happen. He has Olympic-level speed and he’s a perfect fit for Mike McDaniel’s offense. He’s basically a healthier and more talented version of Raheem Mostert. If Achane can move ahead of Mostert and Jeff Wilson in the pecking order at RB, he’s going to be a monster.

Sleeper: OL Ryan Hayes

Not a lot to choose from here. Hayes is a tall lineman with short arms who isn’t the best mover. He played a lot at Michigan so he’s got plenty of experience against major competition. He can compete on this line for sure.

Overall Analysis
This is a very small class so not much to say. For a four-man class, I really like two of them a lot. Cam Smith has starter potential. He’s feisty, he really competes, and they need a third CB at least. Achane is one of the biggest playmakers in this draft and this is the perfect fit for him. He’ll be really good in this offense. Elijah Higgins is a big WR or a small TE depending on who you believe. Not sure he has much of a chance to make this roster, they have enough actual TEs and the WR group is pretty deep. Hayes is a different story, this team has been searching for competent offensive linemen for years, he might just be one.

New England Patriots

(17) Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon
(46) Keion White DL Georgia Tech
(76) Marte Mapu LB/S Sacramento St.
(107) Jake Andrews C/G Troy
(112) Chad Ryland K Maryland
(117) Sidy Sow OL Eastern Michigan
(144) Atonio Mafi OG UCLA
(187) Kayshon Boutte WR LSU
(192) Bryce Baringer P Michigan St.
(210) Demario Douglas WR Liberty
(214) Ameer Speed CB Michigan St.
(245) Isaiah Bolden CB Jackson St.

Immediate Impact: CB Christian Gonzalez, DL Keion White, K Chad Ryland, P Bryce Baringer

The Patriots first two picks were exceptional and both should pay immediate dividends. Gonzalez was the best CB in the draft and somehow, he fell to 17th overall. They need a big CB to go with all of the short ones they have and Gonzalez fits the bill. He should be the starting outside corner rather quickly and he gets all the bigger receivers. White couldn’t be a more Belichick player if he was designed in a lab. He’s big, powerful DE who isn’t quick off the edge but he’s strong at the point of attack and has heavy hands. Belichick will find ways to use him in his end rotation.

I’m not a fan of taking a kicker or a punter in the draft and I really don’t like doing both, that said, both Ryland and Baringer should start. Ryland is going to have to beat out Nick Folk but Folk is 38 and pretty expensive, that makes him expendable. Baringer doesn’t have any competition for the punter job, he basically just needs to stay out of Belichick’s dog house.

Best Value: CB Christian Gonzalez

I had Gonzalez as the best CB in the draft and he was the third one selected. The Patriots traded down with the Steelers and still, he fell when Washington took Emmanuel Forbes. I was stunned the night of the draft and I still can’t believe they got him.

Sleeper: OL Sidy Sow

He’s a small school offensive lineman who played tackle but probably moves inside to guard in the NFL. He’s massive at 6’5 326 lbs. and that’s clearly the guys the Patriots wanted because they took three huge interior offensive linemen. Sow has upside but may need some time to find it, and with this Patriots team, don’t count out the possibility of using him at RT. They love big dudes like Marcus Cannon and Trent Brown and aren’t afraid to put them at tackle.

Overall Analysis

The first two picks went really well. Gonzalez could be the steal of the draft. I wasn’t a big fan of Keion White when he was being touted as a possible first rounder but he was good value in round two. He also went to a team who isn’t going to try to turn him into something he’s not. He’s a power end, and he’ll be one in New England. LB Marte Mapu is a tough one for me. If they actually play him as a LB and use him in coverage, great, they need his skill set and athleticism there. If they want to play him as a big safety, it was a redundant pick that was wasted and should have been used on a WR. They have Kyle Duggar, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills, Jabrill Peppers, Brenden Schooler, and Joshuah Bledsoe at safety, they don’t need a rookie there.

The rest of this draft consisted of three huge interior offensive lineman, two strange WR picks, a kicker and a punter, and two more big CBs. It seems strange to draft three interior offensive linemen after taking an OG in round one last year and the two best linemen on the team are arguably the center and the other guard. David Andrews is the starting center and while he will be 31, he’s one of Belichick’s favorite guys and you’ll have to pry him from Bill’s cold, dead hands. Michal Onwenu is the other guard; he will be a free agent soon and maybe the Patriots don’t want to pay him. However, they had a need a tackle more than at guard, they better hope Sow can play some there. Jake Andrews could be David Andrews eventual replacement inside if the veteran hangs it up in the next year or two. Atonio Mafi is a big human, that’s all I got on him.

Kayshon Boutte is a very questionable pick for any team but for a Belichick coached team it’s ridiculous. Boutte had some rough days at LSU last year under Brian Kelly because of attitude issues and unless he finds Jesus between now and training camp, he’s not making out of camp with this team. Belichick has dealt with some unique personalities at WR but all those guys were incredible talents, Boutte isn’t that. The WR corps isn’t all that great but it has players and a small guy like Demario Douglas is going to have to be special to be anything more than a practice squad player.

I did like the Patriots taking two more big CBs; Ameer Speed and Isaiah Bolden, late in the draft. It’s a crowded CB depth chart but they need some more size. If Speed or Bolden can impress in training camp, I could see Belichick pulling the rip cord on Miles Bryant, he has plenty of guys to play in the slot. Speed and Bolden give them more options outside as long as they end up better than the Joejuan Williams experiment that has mercifully ended.

New York Jets

(15) Will McDonald IV Edge Iowa St
(43) Joe Tippmann C/G Wisconsin
(120) Carter Warren OT Pittsburgh
(143) Israel Abanikanda RB Pittsburgh
(184) Zaire Barnes LB Western Michigan
(204) Jarrick Bernard-Converse CB LSU
(220) Zack Kuntz TE Old Dominion

Immediate Impact: C Joe Tippmann

No offense to Will McDonald but he’s the fourth edge rusher at best to start the year. Tippmann on the other hand has a pretty clear path to starting at center. Connor McGovern was re-signed after starting last season but he’s a middling center at best. Tippmann has size, and the skills to excel right away for the Jets. He should solidify the inside of the line and let McGovern become a versatile backup.

Best Value: C Joe Tippmann

Tippmann went about where he was expected to go but that actually might have been a little bit low. He’s a starting center from day one and he’s going to help Aaron Rodgers get going in New York. If they get decent tackle play with Tippmann holding down the middle, the line could be good.

Sleeper: OT Carter Warren

Warren got injured last season which is why he fell in the draft. Being injured should make him feel right at home with the Jets offensive tackles. If he recovers and is healthy, he could end up starting. Mekhi Becton has been the walking wounded for a few years and Duane Brown is 38. Warren was a really solid pick in round four with starter upside.

Overall Analysis

Not a huge class to help out the new Jets with Aaron Rodgers running the show and the Will McDonald pick was surprising. McDonald was considered maybe a late round one pick at best but after the Steelers jumped the Jets and took the last top OT, it felt like the Jets panicked. They have Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers, and Jermaine Johnson ahead of McDonald, he’s a designated pass rusher at best. Tippmann is their best pick and he’s a ten-year starter at center.

The two Pittsburgh guys are good pickups. Warren has starter potential and the RB Israel Abanikanda brings a homerun type of player to complement Breece Hall. Those two could really help an offense in right situation. Zaire Barnes is an undersized small school LB who brings athleticism but is probably just a special team’s guy early on. CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse will also have to try to make the team as a special team’s guy. TE Zack Kuntz is going to find a crowded but unspectacular TE depth chart ahead of him but he’s an athletic freak. If he can stay healthy, he could make the team, he has a different skill set they don’t have right now.

Baltimore Ravens

(22) Zay Flowers WR Boston College
(86) Trenton Simpson LB Clemson
(124) Tavius Robinson DL Mississippi
(157) Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
(199) Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu OL Oregon
(229) Andrew Vorhees OL USC

Immediate Impact: WR Zay Flowers

The Ravens are trying to improve their passing game and Flowers can do that. He’s basically what they have always hoped Devin Duvernay would be except Flowers actually can do it. He’s an immediate starter in the slot and he gives them the right complement to Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr on the outside. He will also make Mark Andrews better from the TE spot by taking coverage away over the middle. Lamar Jackson will love Flowers and Flowers has never played with a QB anywhere near Jackson’s talent level.

Best Value: OL Andrew Vorhees

Vorhees isn’t going to play this year, he tore his ACL running at the combine. That’s why he was still around in the seventh round. He’s an eventual starter at OG and the Ravens will just stash him on IR this year. They really like their gigantic offensive linemen, especially at guard, and Vorhees fits the bill at 6’6 325 lbs., by the way, he’s the smaller guard they took in the draft. Kevin Zeitler isn’t getting any younger at RG and Ben Cleveland will be a first-time starter at LG replacing Ben Powers, there’s going to be a job for Vorhees taking in 2024.

Sleeper: CB Kyu Blue Kelly

I liked Kelly enough to think he could go as high as round two. He fell to the fifth round and the Ravens liked him enough to take him. They have always been pretty good judges of talent. He has the size you want and I think he has eventual starter potential. The Ravens signed Rock Ya-Sin after the draft to start opposite Marlon Humphrey but Kelly gives them good depth and they usually have some injuries in the secondary.

Overall Analysis

This wasn’t a big draft class but the Ravens used it to fill a few holes now and maybe find some starters down the road. Flowers completes the overhaul of the WR group and makes Lamar Jackson’s life a lot easier. LB Trenton Simpson was their third-round pick and that’s about where he should have gone. Simpson was getting some early round two buzz and that seemed high for a guy who’s mostly a coverage LB who doesn’t tackle all that well. He’s a nice backup at ILB behind Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen and his coverage ability will come in handy.

Tavius Robinson is an older pass rushing prospect out of Mississippi who will likely transition to an OLB spot and try to use his athleticism to his advantage. He’s a backup, not much else. Kyu Blue Kelly I like quite a bit and I really like as a fifth-round guy. He played a lot at Stanford and while that team wasn’t good, he was pretty solid. He’s not flashy but he can play. The two offensive lineman they took late are developmental players for down the road. Vorhees because he’s injured and Aumavae-Laulu because he’s raw. Aumavae-Laulu was a tackle at Oregon but he’s going to be a massive guard at 6’6 330 lbs. if he ever gets good enough to play.

Cincinnati Bengals

(20) Myles Murphy DE Clemson
(60) DJ Turner CB Michigan
(95) Jordan Battle S Alabama
(131) Charlie Jones WR Purdue
(163) Chase Brown RB Illinois
(206) Andrei Iosivas WR Princeton
(217) Brad Robbins P Michigan
(246) DJ Ivey CB Miami

Immediate Impact: P Brad Robbins

This isn’t a slight to the other guys drafted it’s a complement to the Bengals roster. They don’t need an immediate impact out of these guys, they just need them to add depth and talent and give them options. Robbins on the other hand, is the only punter they have and he will start. They needed a good punter and they got one.

Best Value: RB Chase Brown

The Bengals lost Samaje Perine in free agency and they need depth behind Joe Mixon. Brown isn’t the biggest or fastest RB but that guy is a player. He’s tough and he’s physical despite his size and he’s going to play plenty. RBs are generally undervalued but getting Chase Brown in round five is a steal.

Sleeper: WR Charlie Jones

I hate to admit it but Jones has a chance to be something here. No one is better at trading up at QB than Jones. He left Spencer Petras to go play with Aidan O’Connell and now he heads to Cincinnati to play with Joe Burrow, that’s like winning the lottery. The Bengals are going to have some tough decisions to make on who to pay and they may not be able to afford Tyler Boyd much longer. Jones can play in the slot and be a very quick and reliable target for Burrow. Burrow is the type of QB that can put Jones in advantageous positions where he can excel. For this year, Jones can bring value as a punt returner and get acclimated to the offense, next year, he could be the slot guy.

Overall Analysis

This draft might not make major waves on this team but it does make them better. Myles Murphy will be a very good third pass rusher behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard and he lets them get cheaper there at some point. DJ Turner gives them another option at CB and he’s an upgrade over Eli Apple. I seriously considered Jordan Battle as my best value because it’s completely possible he becomes the starting safety opposite Dax Hill. He isn’t a guy who blows you away but he’s a steady player who started for Nick Saban, that’s not nothing. Charlie Jones and Chase Brown are fourth and fifth round picks that add value. Jones as a punt returner and Brown as a very useful backup RB.

Andrei Iosivas is a guy out of Princeton who is a fantastic athlete. He dominated Ivy League competition because he was simply more athletic, he’s got some work to as a WR. However, if you’re going to bet on a guy, take a 6’3 200 lbs. guy with athleticism and speed and was smart enough to go to Princeton, it could work out. They took a punter in round six, with a team this loaded, it’s understandable. CB DJ Ivey is another shot taken based on traits. He’s 6’1 195 lbs. and he’s got experience against major competition; he could be a diamond in the rough or he could just be rough.

Cleveland Browns

(74) Cedric Tillman WR Tennessee
(98) Siaki Ika DT Baylor
(111) Dawand Jones OT Ohio St.
(126) Isaiah McGuire DE Missouri
(140) Dorian Thompson-Robinson QB UCLA
(142) Cameron Mitchell CB Northwestern
(190) Luke Wypler C Ohio St.

Immediate Impact: DT Siaki Ika

The Browns didn’t have a pick until round three due to the Watson trade and surprisingly their roster doesn’t have a lot of holes. They filled in some holes on the defensive line in free agency and while they spent a bunch of money on Dalvin Tomlinson, I think Ika can still be an impact guy. They are looking for bodies behind Tomlinson and Jordan Elliott and they were terrible inside last year, Ika may have been a late third rounder but he can still help.

Best Value: RT Dawand Jones

There’s no real answer as to why Jones fell to round four. There was early buzz he could go as high as the late first round, that was total crap, but second round shouldn’t have been a stretch. He had some issues with teams doubting his love of football and his one day at the Senior Bowl and then bowing out plus not really working out otherwise didn’t help those questions. However, Jones started at RT for Ohio St, he’s over 6’8 and he’s over 370 lbs. with a record setting wingspan. He doesn’t have to be all that good at RT he just needs to be there, running around him is like running around the block to get a sack. He has RT starting potential, he’s going to a team with one of the top o-line coaches in football, Bill Callahan, and they got him in round four.

Sleeper: C Luke Wypler

Umm…what am I missing? How did Wypler fall to round six. He’s a two-year starting center at Ohio St, he’s really athletic, and he has really good hands on the inside. I’ll admit he’s a little undersized but when you move like he does, it’s fine. Ethan Pocic had a good year after taking over as the starting center in Cleveland last year but that’s the first good year he’s had in a six-year career. Wypler is going to be a starter in the NFL and if Pocic slips just a little, it’s Wypler’s job and he’s not letting go of it. Really good pickup by the Browns.

Overall Analysis

The Watson trade is costing this team a lot of draft capital but their roster is still in a solid place. I really like Cedric Tillman as a big X receiver and while he may not start right away, he’s got starter potential sooner rather than later. He can be the big outside guy who allows Amari Cooper to become the Z receiver who moves all over the formation and puts him in the best spot. Tillman is a ball winner on the outside and he makes the offense better. Siaki Ika fills a need on the defensive interior for another big body. Dawand Jones may not be needed right away but he’s well worth the pick as insurance at RT in case something happens to Jack Conklin. We are only a year removed from Conklin having a major knee injury.

DE Isaiah McGuire and CB Cameron Mitchell are big athletic guys who give depth at positions the team needs but they aren’t needle movers. McGuire and Mitchell are solid players but that’s their ceiling. The other pick I really like is QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (aka DTR). DTR isn’t the biggest guy but he’s really athletic, has a strong arm, and he could actually play in an offense similar to the way Deshaun Watson does. I sometimes question teams that have a backup QB that is the opposite of their starter, the Browns have a type. Watson as the starter, they signed Joshua Dobbs as the backup, and now DTR is going to kick Kellen Mond to the curb and maybe Dobbs too. Athletic guys with good arms, that’s a good type to have at QB.

Pittsburgh Steelers

(14) Broderick Jones OT Georgia
(32) Joey Porter Jr CB Penn St.
(49) Keeanu Benton DT Wisconsin
(93) Darnell Washington TE Georgia
(132) Nick Herbig Edge Wisconsin
(241) Cory Trice CB Purdue
(251) Spencer Anderson OT Maryland

Immediate Impact: LT Broderick Jones, CB Joey Porter Jr, DT Keeanu Benton

Broderick Jones was my favorite LT in this draft and Steelers traded up to get him and he starts on day one protecting Kenny Pickett’s blindside. He’s not a finished product but he’s got all the tools to be a star and he kicks Dan Moore into the swing tackle role. Joey Porter Jr is a Steelers legacy but he also happens to fill an even bigger hole, CB opposite Patrick Peterson. Porter is a long, physical CB who should fit Pittsburgh’s style perfectly. Between Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, and Patrick Peterson, everything Porter doesn’t know about playing CB, he’ll learn quickly. Benton is a Steelers defensive lineman if I’ve ever seen one. He’s not flashy he’s just really effective. He should step right in at nose tackle and gives the Steelers a big body up front to keep blockers occupied and off of the pass rushing LBs. He’s perfect for them.

Best Value: TE Darnell Washington

Apparently, there were some medical questions with Washington and that pushed him down below some other TEs. This is a perfect place for him to end up. In Pittsburgh he won’t be miscast as a #1 TE and the top pass catching threat at the position, Pat Freiermuth is that guy. Washington can continue the role he played at Georgia, the big blocking mauler with great athleticism who can make you pay if you don’t cover him. He’s a steal in round three for his blocking alone.

Sleeper: CB Cory Trice

The Steelers have Patrick Peterson who will be 33 this year, Ahkello Witherspoon and Levi Wallace who are free agents after this season, and not much else beyond Porter for young CBs. Trice is a big corner at 6’3 215 lbs. and he’s a physical player, just like they like them. He needs to work on his hands but just like Porter, he’ll have some really good defensive back teachers around to help him get better. I could see him being a starter in a year or two with Porter.

Overall Analysis

I love this draft and it’s not just because the Steelers traded up and stole Broderick Jones from the Jets (although that’s was hilarious). Jones, Porter and Benton all fill big needs for a team that didn’t have premium picks. They also happen to fill high value positions; LT, CB and DT. Jones makes them better and deeper up front. Benton does the same on the defensive side. Porter is a great story and a great player; he’s going to be really good for them.

TE Darnell Washington was a steal in round three and he’s a great complement to Freiermuth and Zack Gentry moves down the depth chart. Nick Herbig is an undersized pass rusher but in Pittsburgh he’s going to be a third designated pass rusher used in specific situations, he should be fine doing that. Trice has potential as a future starter and for now he’s really good depth, maybe at both CB and safety. OL Spencer Anderson probably has to kick inside from tackle but he has experience there so it’s possible if he makes the roster, it’s because he has the versatility to play inside and out. Really good draft overall.

Dallas Cowboys

(26) Mazi Smith DT Michigan
(58) Luke Schoonmaker TE Michigan
(90) DeMarvion Overshown LB Texas
(129) Viliami Fehoko Edge San Jose St.
(169) Asim Richards OT North Carolina
(178) Eric Scott CB Southern Miss
(212) Deuce Vaughn RB Kansas St
(244) Jalen Brooks WR South Carolina

Immediate Impact: DT Mazi Smith, TE Luke Schoonmaker

The Cowboys may have reached a bit for Mazi Smith but the DT position wasn’t top heavy and they decided to address it anyway. Smith is a big-bodied dude at 6’3 337 lbs. and they need the heft inside. He should easily displace Jonathan Hankins as a starter. Schoonmaker is better than Jake Ferguson or Peyton Hendershot and he can start if he stays healthy.

Best Value: None

The Cowboys reached a bit for Smith and Schoonmaker. I liked Schoonmaker just fine but there were a couple of TEs I liked better still on the board, Darnell Washington and Tucker Kraft. The rest of the draft wasn’t great value either.

Sleeper: RB Deuce Vaughn

It feels like cheating to pick Vaughn, no one expects Vaughn to be some great RB because he’s so small. Everyone has doubted Vaughn pretty much at every turn and he’s proven them wrong. He’s a player, and they need some help behind Tony Pollard. Vaughn isn’t going to be some bell cow back but he can be a useful player.

Overall Analysis

The Cowboys got a starting DT and probably their starting TE and then this draft went off the rails. DeMarvion Overshown is a good coverage LB who doesn’t do much else and I thought that’s what Jabril Cox was supposed to be for. Viliami Fehoko is a edge rusher but they have Demarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, Sam Williams, and Dorance Armstrong, not sure when he’s going to play.

Asim Richards is a developmental offensive lineman but they needed someone who could help them sooner. CB Eric Scott is a developmental player that may take some time, he’s not helping any time soon. Vaughn was a very solid day three pick even if he is the shortest player in the NFL by quite a bit. I suppose WR Jalen Brooks was a solid choice in round seven after the team has lost guys like Cedric Wilson and Noah Brown over the last two off seasons.

New York Giants

(24) Deonte Banks CB Maryland
(57) John Michael Schmitz C Minnesota
(73) Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
(172) Eric Gray RB Oklahoma
(209) Tre Hawkins III CB Old Dominion
(243) Jordon Riley DL Oregon
(254) Gervarrius Owens S Houston

Immediate Impact: CB Deonte Banks, C John Michael Schmitz, WR Jalin Hyatt

The Giants had some clear holes and they filled them quite nicely. Banks is a man cover corner who is a perfect fit in their defense. He can fill in outside opposite Adoree’ Jackson and gives them some actual size at CB. Schmitz is an immediate starter at center, he’s light years ahead of anyone they have at the position. I had him mocked to them in round one, they got him in round two. Hyatt isn’t a big, physical outside receiver but he is a field stretcher. The only sort of deep threat they have is Darius Slayton and they have never fuller trusted him. Hyatt can take the top off the defense which should push the safeties back, lighten the box for Saquon Barkley, and allow all of their slot receivers to work underneath (they have plenty of those guys).

Best Value: C John Michael Schmitz

As much as I like Jalin Hyatt and I think he was a steal in round three, he is going to have to fight through a number of WRs to make a real difference. Schmitz steps in on day one and is the starting center. The other guys on the roster are going to have to compete at guard, he’s just simply too good to not start. As a late second round pick, that’s good value.

Sleeper: RB Eric Gray

The Giants have Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida at the top of the depth chart but Barkley is on the franchise tag for a year and Breida has bounced around quite a bit in his career. Gray was never a break out star in college but he’s a pretty talented back. The Giants are building a good offensive line behind two young tackles and a new starting center, if Gray ends up playing, he could really do some damage.

Overall Analysis

The first three picks have a chance to be high impact players. Banks and Schmitz will start right out of the gate and Hyatt brings a skill set at WR they are really lacking. If he can find some chemistry with Daniel Jones, he can change the look of their offense significantly. He’s not a refined route runner but what he does well (going deep) he does better than almost anyone. I really like the Gray pickup, he was worth betting on in round five.

The Giants obviously saw a need to address the secondary and they didn’t stop with Banks. They took a shot on Tre Hawkins III, a big 6’3 CB from a small school. If you’re going to take a chance on a small school CB, might as well be on dude who’s 6’3. They also took a rangy free safety out of Houston, Gervarrius Owens. They also took a 6’5 325 lbs. nose tackle from Oregon. Jordon Riley isn’t going to make headlines but guys his size don’t grow on trees.

Philadelphia Eagles

(9) Jalen Carter DT Georgia
(30) Nolan Smith Edge Georgia
(65) Tyler Steen OT Alabama
(66) Sydney Brown S Illinois
(105) Kelee Ringo CB Georgia
(188) Tanner McKee QB Stanford
(249) Moro Ojomo DL Texas

Immediate Impact: DT Jalen Carter, S Sydney Brown

The Eagles don’t need Carter to be a Pro Bowler from day one, they have Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams inside at DT, that isn’t going to stop Carter from being awesome. If Carter keeps his head on straight and does the work, he’s going to play and he’s going to make a difference. Sydney Brown may have been a third-round pick but his competition at safety is Terrell Edmunds and Reed Blankenship, he’s better than either of them at their positions. Brown isn’t the biggest or fastest safety but he’s a gamer. He’s going to be a starter in Philly, sooner rather than later.

Best Value: CB Kelee Ringo

I never really agreed with the “Kelee Ringo is a first rounder” narrative, he has holes in his game and while he’s a great athlete, his CB skills need some refinement. However, he is a great athlete and he has all the confidence you want in a CB. He may be too confident which is why he isn’t as polished as he should be, he thinks he can just wing it. If he takes being a fourth-round pick as a motivation to prove everyone wrong and learn how to actually be a good corner, the sky is the limit. He has starting CB1 traits, he’s just underdeveloped. Apparently, his attitude was the reason for his fall to day three, that’s a red flag, but if it doesn’t destroy him, he can be fantastic.

Sleeper: DT Moro Ojomo

It’s hard to call anyone in this class a sleeper, they just drafted that well. Ojomo was a seventh-round flyer on a guy who’s not the biggest DT but has plenty of athletic ability and agility. Those are the two things Fletcher Cox built his career on and it’s been a very good career. Cox was never the behemoth DT who took up space and anchored down. He’s always been the up-field penetrator disrupting the play in the backfield. That’s Ojomo’s game. He’s not Cox, no one is, but he has a skill set that could be valuable playing next to Jordan Davis or Jalen Carter inside and Fletcher Cox doesn’t have a lot of time left in his career.

Overall Analysis

The consensus is that Howie Roseman and the Eagles had arguably the best draft in 2023, I’m not going to argue against them. When you pick ninth and get the best talent in the draft, it’s a good start. Then they followed that up by waiting in round one to pick up Nolan Smith, one of the best athletes in the draft. Smith had top 15 potential and they got him 30th. Smith fell because he doesn’t fit everyone’s scheme but the Eagles already have Hassan Reddick so they know how to use and undersized edge rusher with a great first step and elite athleticism.

Tyler Steen wasn’t my favorite offensive lineman but Howie Roseman has a way of finding guys and getting them a little early and letting them develop. It’s easier to do with offensive linemen when you have one of the best offensive line coaches in football, Jeff Stoutland, developing them. Steen makes a great backup for now and he’s probably a starter in a year or two. Sydney Brown and Kelee Ringo were steals in rounds three and four and I still can’t believe they got them. By the way, if Ringo doesn’t work out at CB, he might become a great safety and he and Brown can just be the starting safeties for the next decade.

The one quibble with this draft is QB Tanner McKee, I actually like the player fine and he was well worth a sixth-round pick, my question is the fit. A team that has Jalen Hurts and Marcus Mariota as the top two QBs on the roster feels like they have a type, McKee is not that type. McKee is a 6’6 230 lbs. statue, I’m not sure how he runs the Eagles system if it ever comes to that. This is like having Drew Bledsoe backing up Michael Vick, stylistically it presents challenges. Finally, I like the Ojomo pick, he’s the type of guy you take in round seven and hope for the best outcome.

Washington Commanders

(16) Emmanuel Forbes CB Mississippi St.
(47) Jartavius Martin DB Illinois
(97) Ricky Stromberg C/G Arkansas
(118) Braeden Daniels OT Utah
(137) KJ Henry Edge Clemson
(193) Chris Rodriguez Jr. RB Kentucky
(233) Andre Jones Edge Louisville

Immediate Impact: CB Emmanuel Forbes, DB Jartavius Martin

Washington’s secondary was pretty bad last year and the Commanders clearly noticed. Emmanuel Forbes is one skinny CB but he’s the best cover corner on the team already. He starts on day one and while he might struggle with the adjustment to the NFL given his size, he’ll be fine. Martin might just be the nickel back but it’s also possible he’s the starting free safety, he’s good enough to start right away. Either way, these two are the upgrade to the secondary the team needs.

Best Value: RB Chris Rodriguez

Rodriguez isn’t the flashy type and the Commanders already have a big back in Brian Robinson, however, they clearly aren’t sold on Antonio Gibson as a RB so there’s some room on the depth chart. Rodriguez is a powerful runner who likes to grind opponents down. He and Robinson together could really pound the rock next season and take the pressure off of Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett at QB. He is a pretty good RB for a sixth-round pick.

Sleeper: C/G Ricky Stromberg

Stromberg isn’t a finished product but he’s a solid interior offensive lineman and they need those in Washington. They signed Nick Gates to take one spot and Andrew Wylie should be the new RT meaning Sam Cosmi could move to OG. They may not need Stromberg this year but he could step in at either center or guard in the near future.

Overall Analysis

The Commanders started off the draft going for starters in the secondary and they filled two holes with really good prospects, that’s a good start. They added depth on the offensive line with Stromberg and OT Braeden Daniels. The Daniels pick was a bit high but he has some versatility to play guard or tackle so it’s not a horrible choice. They needed the depth and they got versatile bodies.

They spent two late round picks on edge rushers, KJ Henry in round five and Andre Jones in round seven. Their defensive line is their strength but DE isn’t the deepest position. I’m not sure Henry or Jones actually helps that anytime soon. Henry is a big guy who can play all three downs but he’ll have to battle to get playing time. Jones is an even bigger guy but he doesn’t play with the power Henry does. He’s got an even bigger hill to climb. Rodriguez is a helpful piece in the running game that they need to rely on heavily with a weird QB spot.