Denver Broncos
(64) Nik Bonitto OLB Oklahoma
(80) Greg Dulcich TE UCLA
(115) Damarri Mathis S Pitt
(116) Eyioma Uwazurike DL Iowa St.
(152) Delarrin Turner-Yell S Oklahoma
(162) Montrell Washington WR Samford
(171) Luke Wattenberg OL Washington
(206) Matt Henningsen DL Wisconsin
(232) Faion Hicks CB Wisconsin

Immediate Impact: QB Russell Wilson
They traded multiple picks to finally solve their QB issue and one way or the other Russell Wilson will have an immediate impact on the Broncos’ fortunes. The rest of this draft class probably isn’t making much of an immediate impact.

Best Value: OLB Nik Bonitto
The Broncos didn’t have their own first or second round picks so their first one was the one they got in the Von Miller trade last year from the Rams. They got Bonitto with the last pick of the second round. He wasn’t necessarily valued a lot higher than that but he had potential to go early in round two. Bonitto will be a pass rush specialist behind Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory, and Malik Willis. Chubb and Gregory have been known to miss time so depth is nice. Bonitto will flash in a designated pass rusher role.

Sleeper: DL Eyioma Uwazurike
The Broncos traded away Shelby Harris in the Russell Wilson deal and they don’t have a lot of depth or size on the defensive line. DT DJ Jones is the only really big guy and beyond Dre’Mont Jones and McTelvin Agim, they don’t have much else. Mike Purcell is the only backup and he’s 31. Uwazurike played multiple positions at Iowa St and he’s 6’6 320 lbs. He should be able to find some snaps to show he belongs and he has a chance to stick around and contribute.

Overall Analysis
You can’t evaluate the Broncos draft without considering the Russell Wilson trade. They gave up multiple draft picks and players to get him but he’s the first real answer they have had at QB since Peyton Manning retired. Wilson didn’t have a great year in Seattle but that offensive line was a disaster and he should have better protection in Denver. He also has some good offensive players around him. This draft class isn’t going to change their fortunes, only Wilson can do that.

Bonitto and Greg Dulcich are good depth pieces. Dulcich won’t unseat Albert O as the starting TE but they traded away Noah Fant and they don’t have any depth. Damarri Mathis and Delarrin Turner-Yell are undersized safeties who are going to find snaps hard to come by in the secondary and CB Hicks isn’t making this roster. Uwazurike has a shot to contribute. Henningsen is a good athlete but he feels like a practice squad guy. The interior of the Broncos line has been underwhelming at times so Luke Wattenberg has a chance to stick around. He’s not a starter but he’ll make Lloyd Cushenberry a little less comfortable.

Kansas City Chiefs
(21) Trent McDuffie CB Washington
(30) George Karlaftis DE Purdue
(54) Skyy Moore WR Western Michigan
(62) Bryan Cook S Cincinnati
(103) Leo Chenal LB Wisconsin
(135) Joshua Williams CB Fayetteville St.
(145) Darian Kinnard OL Kentucky
(243) Jaylen Watson CB Washington St
(251) Isaih Pacheco RB Rutgers
(259) Nazeeh Johnson S Marshall

Immediate Impact: CB Trent McDuffie, DE George Karlaftis, WR Skyy Moore
The Chiefs defense had some holes to fill and they filled them alright. McDuffie was one of the better cover corners in the draft. The only knock on him was he doesn’t have elite size. That doesn’t matter when you cover like he does. He may start quickly but if he doesn’t, he’ll at least be the nickel corner and there’s a chance the Chiefs use him a little bit like they used Tyrann Mathieu. The team has Frank Clark and not much else at DE and they should avoid moving Chris Jones back outside, he’s better at DT. Enter George Karlaftis. He may not have the athletic ceiling of guys like Travon Walker or David Ojabo, but he can start right now and his pass rush skills translate immediately. He’s a power end who’s going to make life hell for opposing offenses. WR Skyy Moore isn’t a Tyreek Hill replacement but he adds another piece to the WR puzzle. I wasn’t as high on him as some of the pre-draft hype but he went 54th overall, he was the 13th WR drafted and he’ll be playing with Patrick Mahomes. He’s in the early consideration for offensive rookie of the year.

Best Value: Moore
Look at what I just wrote. 54th overall and the 13th WR taken, that’s a steal. The team has Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the outside, JuJu Smith-Schuster in the slot and Mecole Hardman. I’ll actually take Moore over Hardman’s inconsistency. Moore can play in the slot or at the Z receiver and mix and match with Smith-Schuster and I think he’ll be more consistent for Mahomes than Hardman has been. The pre-draft hype got a little out of control but this was a value spot for him, he’s better than the 13th WR in this draft class.

Sleeper: OL Darrian Kinnard
Kinnard is not the most refined player to watch, that’s the nice way of saying he wins ugly, which is the nice way of saying he’s sloppy. His technique is all over the place and he doesn’t do things consistently. That said, the guy is a beast and he wins, a lot. Just because it isn’t pretty doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Now the question is, how good can he be if a coach can clean up his technique? Andy Reid has had some experience coaching up offensive linemen. Kinnard played OT at Kentucky and most think he has to move inside in the NFL, not so fast. I think for now, he can become a backup all over in Kansas City and I wouldn’t count him out as a future RT. Let’s see what Reid can do with him. If I were RT Lucas Niang, I wouldn’t feel great right now.

Overall Analysis
This is a good draft that has a chance to be elite. The two first-round picks can start on day one. Skyy Moore was a steal and he puts Mecole Hardman on notice, it’s now or never to reach his potential. Bryan Cook was a good safety at Cincinnati. He’s athletically limited but he’s smart and he doesn’t get beat. He’s basically the good version of Daniel Sorenson. Leo Chenal is a tank at LB. He tested better athletically than he plays, but he plays like a madman and no one is running on him.

Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson are two 6’3 CBs who are great athletes and are pretty raw as corners. Steve Spagnuolo is the defensive coordinator and he needed more corner help and he likes long corners so they got him two. They also drafted another safety in round seven, Nazeeh Johnson, who is very experienced but he’s thin as a rail. Kinnard is a bet on the coaching skills of Reid and his offensive staff, solid bet. RB Isaih Pacheco runs faster on a track than he does on the field and I have my doubts he sticks on this roster.

Las Vegas Raiders
(90) Dylan Parham OL Memphis
(122) Zamir White RB Georgia
(126) Neil Farrell Jr. DL LSU
(175) Matthew Butler DL Tennessee
(238) Thayer Munford OL Ohio St.
(250) Brittain Brown RB UCLA

Immediate Impact: WR Devante Adams
The Raiders traded their first and second round picks to get Adams and he’s the best WR on the team since…Tim Brown? I may be missing someone but don’t say Randy Moss because he was terrible for his short stint there. They aren’t going to get a lot from this draft class immediately, but Adams is arguably the best WR in the NFL.

Best Value: RB Zamir White
White is one of the better RBs in this draft and the Raiders got him in the fourth round, that’s solid value. They declined the fifth-year option on RB Josh Jacobs contract making this his last year before free agency and White is a good hedge against him leaving. He’s a legitimate potential starting RB. This is what teams should do, draft a RB in the middle rounds to replace a guy you really don’t want to give a second contract to.

Sleeper: OL Thayer Mumford
Mumford started at LT at Ohio St until they needed his versatility to move inside because Nicholas Petit-Frere couldn’t play anywhere but LT. He’s not a natural at guard so he didn’t have a great year. If the Raiders focus on developing his technique at OT and working on his functional strength a bit, he could be a future starting OT. I like his upside there better than their first-round pick from last season Alex Leatherwood.

Overall Analysis
The Raiders took some big swings this off season but none bigger than trading for Devante Adams and giving him huge money. He’s part of the calculus to this draft class because they gave up two picks for him. He’s arguably the best WR in football and they are in win now mode with him and Derek Carr having new expensive contracts. They spent big money in free agency so they don’t need this draft class to add too much but they got a few solid pieces here.

OL Dylan Parham is a bit undersized but he can be a mauler inside. Many teams think he can move to center and he may eventually do that for the Raiders, for now he will compete at OG. White may have to wait his turn with the Raiders having Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, Brandon Bolden (a coaching staff favorite) and even Ameer Abdullah around, but 2023 might be his year. I actually think Josh McDaniels and that staff will use White, maybe more than Drake. Neil Ferrell Jr is a big-bodied NT type they can develop behind Jonathan Hankins who is over 30. Matthew Butler is the quicker penetrating DT; they can use that too. Mumford is nice OL depth with upside. RB Brittain Brown? I have no idea why they drafted him; he’s not making this roster.

Los Angeles Chargers
(17) Zion Johnson OG Boston College
(79) JT Woods S Baylor
(123) Isaiah Spiller RB Texas A&M
(160) Otito Ogbonnia DL UCLA
(195) Jamaree Salyer OL Georgia
(214) Ja’Sir Taylor CB Wake Forest
(236) Deane Leonard CB Mississippi
(260) Zander Horvath RB Purdue

Immediate Impact: OG Zion Johnson
The Chargers need help on the offensive line and Johnson is just the guy to do it. He has versatility to play OG or OT and some think he could eventually move to center. However, Johnson didn’t enjoy his time at OT and the Chargers have a center so they can just plug him in at guard and leave him there for the next decade. Justin Herbert says thank you.

Best Value: RB Isaiah Spiller
Austin Ekeler has a couple years left on his contract but he has a tendency to get banged up during the season. Joshua Kelley and Larry Roundtree III are nice players but they aren’t the guys to eventually replace Ekeler. Spiller is arguably the best all-around back in this draft and he could be their eventual starting RB. A fourth-round pick on a RB as talented as him when your starter has issues staying healthy, that’s value.

Sleeper: OL Jamaree Salyer
Salyer was the starting LT at Georgia last season. He isn’t your prototypical OT for the NFL and he probably has to move inside but I wouldn’t count on that just yet. The Chargers solved one OG spot with Zion Johnson but they need a RT also. Salyer could potential start out trying RT and I’m pretty sure he would be better than Storm Norton pretty quickly, that’s a low bar to clear. He does also give them the option of playing him at OG and moving LG Matt Feiler to RT, he’s played the position before. Either way, I think Salyer could end up a starter on the offensive line and he was somehow a sixth-round pick.

Overall Analysis
There are a few things to love about this draft. Zion Johnson has Pro Bowl potential at OG and I really like the pick-up of Salyer. RB Isaiah Spiller is a steal and he has starter potential at some point. They drafted safety JT Woods in round two and he gives Brandon Staley a third safety that I could see him using in sub packages. Woods can play deep while they move Nassir Adderley up and let Derwin James roam around. DT Otito Ogbonnia is a solid choice in round five. The Chargers signed a couple of DTs to help improve their run defense but Ogbonnia is a really tough run defender and he gives them some more depth inside. Teams ran on the Chargers defense at will last year, that’s going to be much tougher to do this year.

The last three picks aren’t as easy to like. You can certainly make the case the Chargers need more depth at CB but I’m not sure Ja’Sir Taylor and Deane Leonard are going to be that depth. Taylor is undersized and Leonard is underdeveloped in coverage. Taylor may bring some returner value but that’s it. RB Zander Horvath is one big RB, he’s built like a FB, he just doesn’t block like one. I don’t think Horvath is going to make this team as a RB, maybe they want him to play TE or special teams.

Chicago Bears
(39) Kyler Gordon CB Washington
(48) Jaquan Brisker S Penn St.
(71) Velus Jones Jr. WR Tennessee
(168) Braxton Jones OT Southern Utah
(174) Dominique Robinson DL Miami (OH)
(186) Zachary Thomas OL San Diego St.
(203) Trestan Ebner RB Baylor
(207) Doug Kramer OL Illinois
(226) Ja’Tyre Carter OL Southern
(254) Elijah Hicks S California
(255) Trenton Gill P North Carolina St.

Immediate Impact: CB Kyler Gordon, S Jaquan Brisker
Gordon wasn’t a favorite of mine but he’s solid CB prospect and he only has to be better than Kindle Vildor and Thomas Graham to earn the starting job opposite Jaylon Johnson, he’s at least that good. He’s tough, he’s physical and he’s athletic. Brisker is a guy I like quite a bit. He’s a freak athletically and he’s one of the most complete safeties in the draft. He does everything well and he does it well consistently. I would be shocked if he’s not starting opposite Eddie Jackson in week one.

Best Value: Gordon and Brisker
Getting two starters in the secondary in round two is very good value, especially when you don’t have a first-round pick. They made the most of that extra pick they got in the Khalil Mack trade.

Sleeper: OT Braxton Jones
This is one of my favorite project OTs in the draft. Small school guy with great length and instincts. He has all the makings of an elite offensive tackle he just needs an NFL caliber weight program and some coaching. His upside is high and he would be a perfect fit in the Bears new offense. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he’s the starting LT in a couple of years, maybe sooner if Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom can’t hold him off or stay healthy.

Overall Analysis
So many teams reach to fill needs early in the draft, teams with as many needs as the Bears, just take good players and let them win the job. The secondary wasn’t as big of a need as some of the other positions but Gordon and Brisker were too good to pass up. Then the Bears reached for Velus Jones Jr, a WR who’s a good return man but leaves a lot to be desired as a receiver. He’s also about to turn 25 years old after spending an extra year in college (for reference he’s older than AJ Brown, DK Metcalf and Mecole Hardman). I don’t like that pick. DL Dominique Robinson was a solid investment in getting an edge rusher on day three. They drafted RB Trestan Ebner who adds help on special teams and maybe becomes a Tarik Cohen replacement, if they’re lucky, feels like a wasted pick. S Elijah Hicks probably ends up on the practice squad as he’s coming off a foot injury and he’s a little undersized. They took a punter in round seven, not a terrible idea on your 11th pick in a draft.

In addition to OT Braxton Jones, the Bears hit the offensive line hard on day three, my main complaint would be they waited until day three. Zachary Thomas, Doug Kramer, and Ja’Tyre Carter were added as depth. Thomas could end up at either OT or OG, Kramer is insurance behind new center Lucas Patrick and Carter has versatility and athleticism to play about anywhere. When your line is as bad as the Bears line is, take as many shots as you can, I’m just not sure so many of them being on day three is helpful. All four of these guys could make the roster. Braxton Jones has potential to be a starter for sure but I could see Thomas pushing Dakota Dozier for a guard spot and Kramer can make the roster because of his intelligence and experience at center. Overall, a solid draft with a few whiffs, I think Velus Jones Jr is a wasted pick (there were better WRs available and even other better players at other positions), but I don’t hate the draft class overall.

Detroit Lions
(2) Aidan Hutchinson DE Michigan
(12) Jameson Williams WR Alabama
(46) Josh Paschal DE Kentucky
(97) Kerby Joseph S Illinois
(177) James Mitchell TE Virginia Tech
(188) Malcolm Rodriguez LB Oklahoma St.
(217) James Houston LB Jackson St.
(237) Chase Lucas CB Arizona St.

Immediate Impact: DE Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson is not only going to start on day one, he’s going to lead this team in sacks next season. That’s not setting the bar all that high but that’s still good for a rookie. The Lions drafted him not only for his ability to get to the QB but also because he will set the tone. He’s all football, all the time and he won’t let anyone slack off. Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes are trying to build a culture, Hutchinson lives it every day.

Best Value: WR Jameson Williams
It’s not so much that he was more valuable than the 12th pick, it’s the fact he was the fourth WR taken. Drake London went eight, and then Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave went with the two picks ahead of Williams. Detroit traded up to get into the middle of the WR run that was happening. He was the fourth WR off the board but he could very easily be the best WR in this class. He may not see any action this season, the Lions don’t have to rush him back from his knee injury, so it could take time. However, when he gets back, he could easily outshine this entire draft class.

Sleeper: LB Malcolm Rodriguez
The Lions are just teeming with mediocre LBs like Alex Anzalone, Jarrad Davis, and Shaun Dion-Hamilton. They need a legit playmaker and Rodriguez can be that guy. He’s undersized at 5’11 but he’s fast and has superior instincts. He will bring a special element to the Lions’ defense and he can be a nice chess piece for Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to unleash. I can’t believe they stole him in the sixth round.

Overall Analysis
The Lions took almost a nanosecond to turn in the card for Aidan Hutchinson after the Jaguars passed on him. I’m not sure Hutchinson ever gets 16 sacks in a season but I would pencil him in for 12 a year for the next decade. They traded up to get Jameson Williams, it cost a bit to move from 32nd to 12th but Williams is worth it. He needs patience to recover from his knee injury and that’s fine, the Lions don’t have the QB to use his elite deep speed anyway. He has star potential once the Lions draft their QB of the future in 2023. I really like Josh Paschal as the DE opposite Hutchinson eventually. They do have Charles Harris and Romeo Okwara so Paschal will be a rotational guy for now but he was worth the second round pick they spent on him.

They took a rangy cover safety in round three, Kerby Joseph, he can help. They aren’t deep at safety and Joseph has good deep coverage skills. Aaron Glenn will find a way to use him.
In the back half of the draft, they took a TE who can play some H-back. They have no depth behind TJ Hockenson so James Mitchell could stick. Love the Rodriguez pick, he’s a keeper. Then they took James Houston from Jackson St, I know nothing about him except he basically looks like a small designated pass rusher type. Chase Lucas is a small CB from Arizona St. that they took in round seven. If you’re taking a shot in round seven, you might as well take an athletic guy like Lucas.

Green Bay Packers
(22) Quay Walker LB Georgia
(28) Devonte Wyatt DT Georgia
(34) Christian Watson WR North Dakota St
(92) Sean Rhyan OL UCLA
(132) Romeo Doubs WR Nebraska
(140) Zach Tom OL Wake Forest
(179) Kingsley Enagbare DE/OLB South Carolina
(228) Tariq Carpenter S/LB Georgia Tech
(234) Jonathan Ford DL Miami
(249) Rasheed Walker OT Penn St.
(258) Samori Toure WR Nebraska

Immediate Impact: LB Quay Walker, DL Devonte Wyatt
Quay Walker is a long, tall, rangy LB with some impressive athletic skills. He could easily find himself starting at ILB next to De’Vondre Campbell and the two of them will present problems for opposing offenses. Wyatt comes in to a situation where the Packers don’t have a lot of depth on the defensive line. They signed Jarran Reed but he’s bounced around a bit lately and he’s pushing 30. Kenny Clark is really good and Dean Lowry is solid but they need more help. Wyatt can play anywhere on their front line so he’s perfect for depth initially and he’ll earn a starting spot sooner rather than later.

Best Value: DE/OLB Kingsley Enagbare
At one time Enagbare was a potential first or second round pick. He certainly looks the part with his elite frame and size. He never quite translated it to the field and he often leaves you wanting more, but there is more there to get. Enagbare doesn’t show great power but he has some moves, he doesn’t have great speed, but there’s something there. If the Packers can unlock some of the potential he shows at times, he’s a steal in the fifth round.

Sleeper: OT Rasheed Walker
This is a prospect who went into last season with the potential to be a high round pick. Walker has some things to clean up from a technique standpoint but he’s big, long, and physical. You can’t teach a guy to be his size and have his athleticism. The Packers took a couple of offensive linemen before Walker who also have a chance to play on this team but Walker has enormous upside.

Overall Analysis
The Packers missed out on a WR in round one because the run on the top six WRs happened before their pick and they weren’t able to move up to get one there they liked. They pivoted and took two really good defensive players who can help them a lot on that side of the ball. Taking Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt instead of reaching for WR was a smart move. Then in round two they were afraid they wouldn’t get a WR at all so they traded two late second round picks to move up and take Christian Watson. I understand the infatuation with Watson’s speed/size combination and his deep ball prowess but I’m not sold on him as the answer to their needs at WR. Watson isn’t a Devante Adams replacement; he’s the Marquez Valdes-Scantling replacement and I think that may disappoint some people. He runs a limited route tree and they are going to have to manufacture ways to get him the ball.

The Packers didn’t do much on defense after round one. Kingsley Enagbare has a chance to contribute as an edge rusher but Tariq Carpenter and Jonathan Ford are longshots for the roster. Carpenter is a safety/linebacker hybrid who’s only chance to make it is on special teams. Ford is a massive NT who is pretty raw and probably ends up on the practice squad. They did add some nice pieces to the offensive line. Sean Rhyan was a tackle in college but is probably a guard in Green Bay and they could use some more options inside. Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker are really good developmental tackles. With David Bakhtiari’s injury history and their lack of depth at the position, these two could get pressed into duty sooner than the team would like. They also drafted two more WRs; Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure. Weirdly, these two are also deep ball guys that probably replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s skill set more than anything. Apparently, the Packers’ passing offense is just going to be Aaron Rodgers chucking it deep. I actually think I like Doubs a little more than Watson if I’m being honest.

Minnesota Vikings
(32) Lewis Cine S Georgia
(42) Andrew Booth Jr. CB Clemson
(59) Ed Ingram OG LSU
(66) Brian Asamoah LB Oklahoma
(118) Akayleb Evans CB Missouri
(165) Esezi Otomewo DL Minnesota
(169) Ty Chandler RB North Carolina
(184) Vederian Lowe OL Illinois
(191) Jalen Nailor WR Michigan St.
(227) Nick Muse TE South Carolina

Immediate Impact: S Lewis Cine, CB Andrew Booth Jr.
The Vikings traded back in round one and ended up with the last pick and took Cine. He’s a very versatile safety who will start immediately next to Harrison Smith and he can eventually replace Smith as the leader of the secondary. Booth slipped a bit because of some injury issues but he’s a top-notch cover man and with Patrick Peterson aging and not much else at CB besides Cam Dantzler, Booth should play early and often.

Best Value: CB Andrew Booth Jr
Like I said, he has some injury concerns but the team expects him to be ready to play. He had a double hernia surgery and has some other stuff that made teams downgrade him on their boards. From a talent perspective he’s a first-round caliber guy and they got him 42nd overall, that’s good value. He has a really high ceiling for a guy they got in round two.

Sleeper: RB Ty Chandler
The Vikings have Dalvin Cook and he’s their guy for the next few years. Alexander Mattison is a fantastic backup who’s entering the last year of his contract and he’ll probably price himself out of Minnesota (you can’t pay two RBs a lot of money). Chandler transferred from Tennessee to North Carolina for his last year and had a good season. He has a great skill set and can fill in for Cook quite nicely. He’s a cost control option for the next four years and he can be a really good back for them.

Overall Analysis
The Vikings pulled off one of the stranger things I’ve ever seen in the draft, every single one of their picks they traded for, both up and down, every pick was traded in some way. Cine and Booth were excellent picks who will come in and help immediately and could be long time starters for the franchise. I was a little surprised by their two offensive line choices, not that they took offensive linemen, they needed the help, just who they took. Ed Ingram is a big power guard with less-than-ideal movement skills and while sixth round pick Vederian Lowe is a nice prospect, he doesn’t fit either. Unless new head coach Kevin O’Connell is changing the offensive scheme a lot, neither guy fits the mold of the Vikings scheme. I like Lowe as a developmental tackle but it’s tough to see the fit. Ingram brings power they don’t really have at guard but he’s not a zone blocker and does this mean they are giving up on Wyatt Davis or Ezra Cleveland already?

LB Brian Asamoah and CB Akayleb Evans are great athletes who need a lot of refinement at their positions. They are NFL caliber athletes but they have a long way to go to really help on defense. Esezi Otomewo is at best, a low end defensive line depth. Chandler is a useful piece now and moving forward. Even as a bad fit, I can see Lowe sticking around because they have no depth behind starting OTs Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. WR Jalen Nailor is facing a steep climb to make this roster, they have plenty of WRs. TE Nick Muse may not have as much competition but he also lacks any particular skill that will stand out.

So after sleeping on it I have some more thoughts on the first round of the NFL Draft so I thought I’d write them down.

• The Jaguars taking Travon Walker is still just a massive swing for the fences. He has no real pass rush moves and they don’t have a great track record of developing players. They also traded up back into the end of round one to take Devin Lloyd. I love Lloyd as a player but they paid a steep price to move up a few spots when there were a number of good LBs that could have still been there at pick 33. This first round once again proved the Jaguars still don’t really get it and having Trent Baalke as your GM is a bad idea.
• The Lions set a land speed record in turning in the card to pick Aidan Hutchinson, hey, when you know, you know. Trading up from 32 to 12 for WR Jameson Williams is a ballsy move. It’s great for them, they need playmakers, and it’s great for Williams. The Lions won’t rush his recovery. They don’t care if he plays this year at all. He’s an investment in the future. They may have paid a lot to move up, but when you have sucked as long as they have sucked, a bold move is often needed.
• I love Derek Stingley Jr and I’m glad he didn’t fall in the draft but I think that choice has a deeper meaning. Texans GM Nick Caserio took a CB that doesn’t really fit Lovie Smith’s preferred scheme, I think that says a lot about Caserio’s plans for the future and means Lovie is a short term coaching solution. Caserio just took the best player to improve the team roster, not the guy who fits the current coach. I think Caserio settled for Lovie during the coaching search and he’ll get his guy once he has a better roster to sell to a potential coach.
• The Jets took a cornerstone corner in Ahmad Gardner, a perfect fit WR Garrett Wilson, and then traded back into the first round to grab the biggest steal DE Jermaine Johnson. Gardner gives them a legit #1 CB and makes free agent DJ Reed a #2, like he should be. Wilson is the perfect Z receiver to complement Corey Davis (the big X) and their slot guy Elijah Moore. Jermaine Johnson is going to be a menace under the tutelage of Robert Saleh. As a Patriots fan, I couldn’t hate this draft more. That’s a good sign for the Jets.
• The Giants got an elite pass rusher in Kayvon Thibodeaux and a legit OT in Even Neal. Thibodeaux can be a star as long as he doesn’t let the glitz and glamour of New York consume him. I don’t like Neal as much as others but he’s a real starting NFL OT and he solves their RT problem for good. He’s not always as dominant of a run blocker as you might want but he will make Daniel Jones’ life a lot safer.
• Carolina and Seattle did the smart thing by both grabbing starting LTs. The Panthers got Ekwonu, he’s a rising star and he’ll start for them from day one and probably for the next decade. He’s a running game beast so if they can keep Christian McCaffrey healthy, the run game can improve. Charles Cross goes to Seattle and he’s the best LT they have had since…Walter Jones? Maybe I’m not giving Russell Okung and Duane Brown enough credit but it’s been a while. Cross wasn’t asked to run block much in college but he’s a pass blocking savant.
• There were six WRs drafted between picks 8-18, and they all went to places were they can excel. I’m not a Drake London fan but he’s immediately the #1 WR in Atlanta and Marcus Mariota can’t throw every pass to Kyle Pitts, so London will get plenty of chances. Garrett Wilson is perfect for the Jets’ needs. The Saints traded up for Chris Olave, he’s a great complement to Michael Thomas and his precision in being where he is supposed to be will give Jameis Winston his best chance to be successful. Jameson Williams needs time to heal and the Lions don’t need to rush him. Jahan Dotson was probably over drafted at 16 overall but there was a run happening and Washington didn’t want to miss out. He would be miscast as a true #1 immediately but with Terry McLaurin there he can ease in. He’s also a potential replacement if McLaurin becomes too expensive and Washington decides to move on. Finally, the Titans traded AJ Brown for a pick and then immediately drafted his exact replacement in Treylon Burks. Burks is a raw version of Brown and needs some work but the Titans will find ways to get the ball to him and let him make plays in mean time.
• Speaking of WRs. There were two big WR trades that went down. The first, AJ Brown going to the Eagles is huge. The Eagles have drafted a number of WRs over the past few years who haven’t worked out (Jalen Reagor, JJ Arcega-Whitside, etc.) so they just traded for a very good 24 year old guy. Also, Brown is a great complement to Devonta Smith, the one WR they actually may have hit on. Brown is big, physical and thick as opposed to Smith who is a string bean. The Titans went for the cheaper option, the Eagles are trying to win. I’m not sure this helps Jalen Hurts. Brown is a master of playing the game over the middle of the field and Hurts is pretty bad at throwing over the middle, it may be the thing that exposed Hurts as not the guy moving forward.
• The second WR trade was the head scratcher. The Cardinals traded the 23rd pick to the Ravens for Marquis “Hollywood” Brown. Hollywood is a small stature, one-trick pony. He’s fast, that’s it. The one thing he has going for him in Arizona is he is close friends with Kyler Murray. Once again, Steve Keim has no idea what he’s doing. The Ravens dumped Brown because they don’t want to pay him in another year and don’t care to pick up his fifth year option. Smart decision. Keim gave up a premium pick for on one dimensional WR he’s going to have to pay up for in a couple of years. WR wasn’t really a glaring need for the Cardinals and they gave up a pick that ended up being Kaiir Elam, a guy they could have really used, or Jermaine Johnson, George Karlaftis, Devonte Wyatt, or Daxton Hill, all guys they could have used. I’m not a Hollywood Brown fan so Steve Keim liking him is not a surprise. Brown is the third best WR on the Cardinals, at best.
• The Ravens ended up with the best safety in the draft Kyle Hamilton, and the best center in draft Tyler Linderbaum. The lesson, as always, draft like you’re the Ravens, it usually goes well. They turned Hollywood Brown into Tyler Linderbaum and an extra pick from Buffalo.
• The Chargers got one of the best offensive lineman in Zion Johnson, they may have to sign a veteran RT since Johnson is best at OG but they could even consider moving Matt Feiler from LG to RT and put Johnson at LG. Either way, he upgrades the line protecting Justin Herbert, win.
• The Saints not only got Chris Olave but they got Trevor Penning to fill their LT need. He’s not as polished as the first three guys (Ekwonu, Neal and Cross) but he’s starter worthy and he has a high upside.
• The Steelers took Kenny Pickett. The Rooney family has never gotten over passing on Dan Marino out of Pitt almost 40 years ago, they just couldn’t help themselves this time.
• The Packers took two Georgia defenders. That will improve their defense but how did they not move up for a WR or trade for one of the Browns (AJ and Marquise, not the Cleveland kind). That’s a whiff.
• The Patriots spent a first-round pick on a guy who was a third-team All-American guard…in the FCS. If they had picked him with their 2nd round pick (54th overall), I would have been fine with it, that would have been a small reach for a potential starter. They didn’t have to take him here, even if he would have been gone before 54th, I can name five interior offensive linemen they could probably get at 54th that could start (Sean Rhyan, Dylan Parham, Ed Ingram, Darrian Kinnard, and Jamaree Salyer, I said I could name five). I’m starting to think Belichick got lucky with last year’s draft because this has been his usual for the past several years. With Nick Caserio and now Dave Ziegler gone, they need someone to challenge Belichick a bit when it comes to the draft. Matt Groh took over as Director of Player Personnel after Ziegler left but he came up in the Patriots organization. I wish they would empower someone with at least some outside perspective, like Eliot Wolf, to challenge the draft decisions of Belichick. Cole Strange may end up being a good player but he would still end up a good player if he had been drafted in round two or three and the Patriots could have him and a LB like Nakobe Dean, a pass rusher like George Karlaftis, a CB like Andrew Booth Jr or Roger McCreary, I could go on. I already hate this draft for the Patriots, if he takes WR Christian Watson at 54, I’m going to lose my mind.
• The Chiefs kind of killed it. They moved up to grab a CB they need in Trent McDuffie, he’s really good and he can start for them either outside or in the slot. He upgrades the secondary a lot. Then they stayed put at 30 and had DE George Karlaftis fall in their laps. He’s an excellent pass rusher, he’s strong as an ox and if he outplays Frank Clark next year, I won’t be even a little shocked. They really improved their defense in round one. A good organization making smart picks because they have a smart GM they listen to who isn’t their head coach, novel approach.
• Finally, the two safeties that went at the end of the round. Daxton Hill is more than a safety and Bengals defense is going to love having him around. He can do a lot of things well and they need that in back end. Lewis Cine is the type of modern safety the NFL loves and now the Vikings have a guy who can play with Harrison Smith now and be his replacement eventually.

I’m going to do a running Live Draft Diary again like I did last year. We will see how it goes, hopefully everyone enjoys. Draft starts at 7pm (central time). See you then.

This draft has been roundly criticized for being pretty weak overall. I would agree with that assessment overall. I think once you get past the top 50 (or so) players, the quality starts to drop off. With that said, there are guys I like and guys I don’t. Here’s a quick list.

Guys I like. QB Desmond Ridder, WRs Garrett Wilson, Jahan Dotson, Treylon Burks, David Bell, RB Breece Hall (begrudgingly). Offensive Linemen, Tyler Linderbaum (he’s going to be an All-Pro on the right team), Ickey Ekwonu, Zion Johnson. On defense, DEs Aidan Hutchinson, Jermaine Johnson, LBs Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd, Christian Harris. Safeties, Kyle Hamilton, Daxton Hill, Dane Belton (that’s not just a homer pick). CBs Derek Stingley Jr., Ahmad Gardner, Roger McCreary and Tariq Woolen (not sure why).

Guys I don’t like so much. All the other QBs (my second favorite to Ridder is probably Sam Howell). WRs Drake London (I’m just not feeling it). The rest of the RBs but maybe James Cook pretty late. All the TEs. Offensive Lineman, Evan Neal (he’s better than Cam Robinson and Alex Leatherwood but I’m avoiding him). DEs Travon Walker (if he’s a top two pick). LB Quay Walker (I just know Belichick’s going to take him in round one. CB Andrew Booth Jr (he grabs a lot), Kyler Gordon (if he’s a 1st round pick).

Here we go!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker DE Georgia

This is the Trent Baalke crazy train taking off. Taking an edge rusher who doesn’t have any pass rushing moves is quite scary. The Jaguars take an athletic freak but I really think he could be a huge bust with this organization. It’s Doug Pederson’s job now to not only fix Trevor Lawrence but make sure Walker doesn’t turn into the usual Jaguars pick.

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson DE Michigan

The Lions took a whole nanosecond to take Hutchinson. They win this. He’s far more athletic than he is getting credit for. He’s a stud, they love him and he’s a perfect fit, they need him.

3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr CB LSU

My favorite CB. He had quite the yo-yo draft season. He was up, he was down, now he’s back up. He’s an elite CB, great instincts, he’s fantastic. Hopefully the Texans don’t screw him up. Don’t blow this Lovie.

I think this is Kayvon Thibodeaux at 4.

4. New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner CB Cincinnati

They go with Gardner. They definitely need a CB. DJ Reed can only cover one side. I like Gardner for sure. I like this pick over Thibodeaux I just didn’t think they would actually go CB over the defensive line.

5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux DE Oregon

The Giants have to have pass rusher and there’s a drop off after Thibodeaux. He will pair well with Azeez Ojulari and now they have some edge rushing.

Just an FYI, for the first time ever I’m not watching the draft on ESPN or the NFL Network. I’m watching The Athletic Football show on YouTube. It’s basically three guys talking about the players and not all the fluff. The best draft evaluators aren’t at ESPN or the NFL Network. It’s the guys at The Athletic and the guys at The Ringer. Dane Brugler, Nate Tice, Ben Solak and Danny Kelly are my favorites.

6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu OT North Carolina St.

I would have passed on a QB too. Ekwonu is the best OT in this class and they just got him at 6. They actually need a LT more than they need a QB. Sam Darnold is a better QB than Cam Irving is a LT. He’s a beast. Love the pick.

7. New York Giants: Evan Neal OT Alabama

The Giants got themselves a new RT. Sorry, Matt Peart but you never took the job. No more excuses for Daniel Jones.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London WR USC

Not my favorite guy but I can’t fault the Falcons. They NEED a WR more than anyone. Big WRs without great speed like London can either turn into Michael Thomas or N’Keal Harry, I have Harry PTSD so that’s probably why I don’t like him so much. It’s probably not going to help him that his QB will likely be Marcus Mariota this year.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross OT Mississippi St.

Hey, the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson and now they finally get a LT. He’s the starter right now, and he’s the best offensive lineman on the team. This was a no brainer.

10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson WR Ohio St.

Good WR and now they have the Wilson to Wilson connection. He’s better than Corey Davis and he could help unlock Elijah Moore a bit. Wilson, Davis and Moore are actually good complementary players at receiver.

11. New Orleans Saints (TRADE): Chris Olave WR Ohio St.

The Saints make a move up to get the WR to play opposite Michael Thomas. Olave runs routes like a seasoned pro and he starts on day one. He has speed too. Trading up for a WR is a little strange but they have needed another WR for years.

12. Detroit Lions (TRADE): Jameson Williams WR Alabama

Major move for the Lions. They get the best deep speed WR in this draft. Now they just have to get a QB who can throw to him. That’s an aggressive more. Good for them.

TRADES GALORE. Philly is moving up here. It’s getting Crazy!

13. Philadelphia Eagles (TRADE): Jordan Davis DT Georgia

The scariest human on the planet. He’s gigantic, fast, and he’s a freak at his size/athleticism combo. They need to get younger at DT, good call and they didn’t pay too high of a price to move up.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame

Great value. They took the best player on the board. He isn’t a natural fit after they just signed Marcus Williams and they have Chuck Clark but Eric DeCosta doesn’t go against his board.

15. Houston Texans: Kenyon Green OL Texas A&M

They need help up front and Green could be an OG or he could start at RT. He’s good but this might be a little high.

16. Washington Commanders: Jahan Dotson WR Penn St.

Wow, the WR run is taking over. I like Dotson but at 16 seems high. He’s a little small but I do love what he does. He’s a playmaker, unfortunately now he plays with Carson Wentz.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson OL Boston College

Johnson is a beast. He starts immediately at RG but maybe he’s a RT if needed, he’s better inside. They still need a real RT but Johnson is great.

18. Tennessee Titans (TRADE): Treylon Burks WR Arkansas

The Titans traded AJ Brown to Philly for this pick, that’s a huge move. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Philly is awesome together. Then the Titans took their AJ Brown replacement in Burks. I like Burks and he’s perfect for their offense, clearly, since he’s just like Brown.

19. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning OT Northern Iowa

The Saints got their LT. Penning is a small school guy but he’s 6’7 325 lbs. and he’s got a nasty demeanor. They once turned Terron Armstead into a stud quite quickly, now it’s Penning’s turn.

Is this the QB? Which QB if it is? Willis? Ridder? If it’s not a QB here, one may not go in round one.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett QB Pittsburgh

Well, I guess Mike Tomlin’s love affair with Malik Willis didn’t win out. Mitchell Trubisky may not be the starter in Pittsburgh right away. Pickett literally gets to stay at the same stadium and same workout facility. He can start right away but his ceiling is limited. Solid choice, not great.

Now the Patriots get to disappoint me. Yep, just traded back.

21. Kansas City (TRADE): Trent McDuffie CB Washington

They needed a CB so they moved up and got the 3rd best guy in the draft. He can play any scheme and he can start right away. Like the pick, love the value.

22. Green Bay Packers: Quay Walker LB Georgia

Thank you Green Bay for taking Walker, he’s good but I didn’t want the Patriots trading back to wait for him. The WRs are gone so they get a LB they need.

23. Buffalo Bills (TRADE): Kaiir Elam CB Florida

They needed a CB and now they have one. Elam is a top-notch athlete and he completes that defense. He’s big, physical and he won’t back down from anyone. Like his fit here.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith OL Tulsa

This guy is a project. They wanted Zion Johnson, Kenyon Green or WR Treylon Burks and all of them were gone. Smith can start at LG this year and they can hope he either excels there and then he progresses to be a LT to replace Tyron Smith eventually. It’s going to be a process but he has raw talent.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum C Iowa

The Ravens need a center and Linderbaum will step in as a starter immediately. It seems like a weird fit scheme wise but they will find a way to use him and he will be a stud. The Ravens last Iowa interior was Marshall Yanda, that worked out.

26. New York Jets (TRADE): Jermaine Johnson DE Florida St.

I can’t believe Johnson fell this far and the Jets moved back in to the first round and got him. Three first round picks for the Jets and all three are good. As a Patriots fan, I hate this.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (TRADE): Devin Lloyd LB Utah

Damn it Jags. They move up and take Lloyd, the guy I would have loved for the Patriots to take. They definitely need another LB so this makes a ton of sense. Lloyd is a three-down LB and he’ll start right away in Jacksonville.

The Patriots are probably going to trade back again now. The least shocking thing that could happen in a minute.

28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt DL Georgia

So that’s two Georgia defenders for the Packers and no WRs for Aaron Rodgers. There isn’t a WR worth taking after the run came so early but it’s just funny to see. He has the versatility to really help the defensive line and give Kenny Clark some help.

29. New England Patriots: Cole Strange OL Tennessee-Chattanooga

Oh seriously? They reach for an interior offensive lineman. Nakobe Dean would have been a far better choice. They need an OG but they could get one later. I hate this pick. He can start next year but really?

30. Kansas City: George Karlaftis DE Purdue

Great choice by the Chiefs. Karlaftis can really help them next season and fills a huge need. He’s a power rusher so he’s a complement to Frank Clark.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill S Michigan

Really like Hill, he can play in the slot and he could play outside at CB if they need him. They don’t have any long-term guys at safety with Jessie Bates on the franchise tag.

32. Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine S Georgia

The Vikings need help in the secondary. He can play with Harrison Smith and really upgrade the backend of the defense. Good choice.

I’m going to start drinking again because of the Patriots reaching for an OG. Damn it Belichick.

            The draft starts on Thursday and at this point, it’s a crapshoot.  We don’t really know who’s going first overall, couldn’t tell you who goes second unless you tell me Aidan Hutchinson isn’t going first, and no one has a clue where the QBs are going except that they will probably go too high, unless they don’t.  Is Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett the top QB? Yes, maybe, unless it’s Desmond Ridder, it’s probably not Sam Howell or Matt Corral, or is it? Yeah, it’s making my head hurt too.  Everyone loves the edge rushers and the offensive tackles in this class, except everyone loves a different one.  Two of the best prospects in the draft are safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum, they are head and shoulders above their peers at their positions but teams don’t value safeties and centers all that highly.  Hamilton ran a slow 40 time at his pro day while Linderbaum had unusually short arms, neither of those things will prevent these two from being future Pro Bowlers.  It will almost assuredly make teams pass on them when they really shouldn’t pass on them. 

            I have guys I really like that some may not; Derek Stingley Jr, Linderbaum, Treylon Burks, Jermaine Johnson, Nakobe Dean, and David Bell.  There are some guys I would avoid like the plague; Malik Willis, Matt Corral, DeMarvin Leal, and Boye Mafe.  I’m intrigued by and simultaneously scared to death of Travon Walker, Drake London, Jameson Williams, and Trent McDuffie.  I’ve come to the conclusion that if I were to take a shot on a QB in this draft it would be Desmond Ridder.  He has a great combination of size and talent and I think his areas of weakness are coachable problems.  I wouldn’t take him or any of the QBs in round one but I’m guessing at least three go in the first round.  I’m going to take one last stab at this mock draft and I’m going to go with some of the things I think will happen and some of what I’ve heard teams are interested in doing.  I’m also hoping I get this posted before the 49ers trade Deebo Samuel for picks that will complete render this moot.  Here goes my last stab at this draft before it gets started later this week. 

Round 1

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14):  Travon Walker      DE      Georgia

            If anyone is going to throw us a curveball to start off the draft it’s going to be Trent Baalke.  The Jaguars have had a rough go of it in the first round of the draft and it’s because they often gamble.  This is a gamble.  Walker is a freakish athlete at 6’5 275 lbs. and can run a 4.51 40-yard dash.  His athletic testing numbers were really impressive.  It’s easy to chalk up his lack of stats at Georgia to fact that he was playing on such a great defense that he had to share the stats or that he just wasn’t asked to rush the passer.  However, you would think a guy that big and athletic would make a few more plays that add up in the stat sheet.  The truth is that he just doesn’t have any advanced pass rushing skills at this point.

              The Jaguars history of first round picks is littered with draft busts, actually it’s made up almost entirely of draft busts.  That has stayed true regardless of the front office making the picks and once again, the franchise shoots for the moon.  I feel bad for Walker because he’s going to have to overcome a pretty serious curse to be any good.  Luckily for him, they have an actual NFL coaching staff to work with.  Walker is a lottery ticket, unfortunately the Jaguars have been terrible at picking the lotto numbers. 

2. Detroit Lions (3-13-1):  Aidan Hutchinson      DE      Michigan

            If Walker (or anyone not named Aidan Hutchinson) goes first overall the sonic boom-like sound you hear coming from Detroit will be all the champaign corks popping all at once.  Hutchinson is from Michigan, he played at Michigan and he would fill a major need for the Lions, pass rush.  He isn’t an absolute lock to be a superstar like Nick Bosa, and he’s not the overwhelming, physically dominating player JJ Watt was, but he’s rock solid all around.  The Lions need a tone-setter on defense and Hutchinson would be that for Dan Campbell.  Hard working, not flashy, and his motor never stops, he’s Campbell’s favorite type of player. 

            The Lions don’t want to have to go in a different direction but if Hutchinson goes first, they may have to pivot to either Walker, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Kyle Hamilton, or God forbid a QB.  I find it hard to believe they haven’t made at least a cursory offer of a late round pick to Jacksonville to move up to first so they can guarantee they get Hutchinson.  The other move if Hutchinson goes first is to just take any offer to move down and pick up extra draft capital.  They are in a long rebuild so the more picks, the better. 

3. Houston Texans (4-13):  Evan Neal      OT      Alabama

            The Texans need everything so they just have to take the guy they like the most.  One thing they are looking to do this year is evaluate Davis Mills, their second-year QB, who looked pretty good at times last season even with a less than stellar offense to work with.  Keeping Mills clean in the pocket would help them evaluate him and Neal would help a lot.  Neal is a giant human being with excellent athleticism and length for the OT position.  In Houston he would start immediately at RT opposite Laremy Tunsil and give the Texans some nice bookend OTs.  He could also eventually slide over to LT if the Texans decide to trade Tunsil for some draft capital in the future.  Neal played both tackles spots and guard at Alabama so he’s good either way. 

4. New York Jets (4-13):  Kayvon Thibodeaux      DE       Oregon

            The Jets need pass rush help, secondary help, and offensive line help.  With two DEs going in the first two picks they don’t want to wait until their next pick and chance losing out on a pass rusher they like.  The thoughts on Thibodeaux are all over the place.  He’s either a generational talent (probably unlikely) or he’s a bust because he likes things other than football (also probably unlikely).  He falls somewhere in between and I think he has a good career.  Robert Saleh knows how to coach up a pass rusher and Thibodeaux and the returning Carl Lawson (from injury) should juice the Jets’ pass rush enough to help their secondary out.  They could take Ahmad Gardner or Kyle Hamilton here but there should be some good defensive backs and offensive linemen to choose from at 10. 

5. New York Giants (4-13):  Ikem Ekwonu      OT      North Carolina St.

            The Giants don’t have the chance to get the edge rusher they want here but their consolation prize is the best offensive tackle in this class.  I love Ekwonu. He has elite traits and a nasty attitude.  The Giants plan to take this season to see if Brian Daboll can make Daniel Jones into a legitimate NFL starting QB and Ekwonu would go along way to help that.  They need a new RT with Matt Peart failing to seize the job. 

            With some new blood on the interior and Andrew Thomas establishing himself at LT the line might actually be NFL caliber.  Also, with Mark Glowinski signed to be their new RG, inserting Ekwonu at RT would make the right side of the line much improved at run blocking.  Glowinski played in Indianapolis where they used Jonathan Taylor quite effectively and Ekwonu excels at run blocking.  The best thing the Giants can do for Jones is get Saquon Barkley and the running game going, it would really take some pressure off him 

6. Carolina Panthers (5-12):  Kenny Pickett      QB      Pittsburgh

            I can’t come off this pick.  The Panthers can’t go into next season with Sam Darnold set to be their QB.  Owner David Tepper couldn’t strike a deal for a high-level veteran and unless he pulls a Kyler Murray sized rabbit out of his hat, they need to take a QB.  The Panthers also don’t have time to wait for Malik Willis to come along and Pickett is the most prepared QB in this class to start right away.  He gives he team hope, he keeps them from having to trade for Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo and he is probably an upgrade over Darnold.  Pickett isn’t the next Tom Brady, he’s probably Kirk Cousins on a good day.  That’s faint praise but at least he isn’t Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, or Cam Newton. 

7. New York Giants (from Chicago):  Ahmad Gardner      CB      Cincinnati

            There have been near constant rumors about the Giants trading James Bradberry since the off season began.  New GM Joe Schoen is trying to clear up the Giants’ cap space and dumping Bradberry would certainly help.  The problem is that he’s still their best CB and they would be left short handed in the secondary without him.  “Sauce” Gardner, as he is known, would be a nice replacement if he’s still here for the taking.  He’s clearly taken over as the top CB in this class and he has great length and cover skills.  He’s a guy who developed from a 3-star athlete into an elite CB in his time at Cincinnati, and there’s no reason to think he’s done getting better. 

8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10):  Garrett Wilson      WR      Ohio St.

            The Falcons traded Matt Ryan and while they won’t actually admit they’re rebuilding, they’re rebuilding.  They need help almost everywhere; the roster isn’t a complete disaster but it’s not great and WR is one position where it might actually be a complete disaster.  Olamide Zaccheaus is their best WR and that’s a problem.  Marcus Mariota was signed as a stop-gap at QB but he stands no chance of success with this group of WRs.  Wilson isn’t physically imposing, he’s only 6’0 tall and about 185 lbs. but he has speed to burn and he knows how to get open.  He can play just about anywhere and he would be nice complement to Kyle Pitts, their TE who isn’t exactly a TE. Pitts is just as effective outside as he is inside (probably more effective) and Wilson and play in the slot or outside so they can mix and match the two of them.  It’s quite possible the Falcons grab Malik Willis here but I just think they are more likely to go for a guy later in the draft to develop behind Mariota for a year or two, or wait until next year for a QB. 

9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver):  Charles Cross      OT      Mississippi St.

            I have had the Seahawks taking Malik Willis since they traded Russell Wilson and picked up this pick.  I’m going against it now because while it makes sense to take a QB when Drew Lock is set to be your starter, Willis doesn’t really make sense.  Pete Carroll is the oldest coach in the NFL, edging out Bill Belichick by about six months.  I don’t think Carroll actually plans on having Drew Lock as his starter this year but I just don’t know if he’s looking to wait a couple of years for Willis to develop. 

            Maybe Carroll gets Baker Mayfield during or shortly after the draft.  Or maybe he goes for a second or third round QB like he once did with Russell Wilson.  Or maybe he trades for Jordan Love, stranger things have happened.  It won’t matter who lines up at QB if the Seahawks don’t get a LT, they can’t seriously think Stone Forsythe is the guy.  That would be a worse idea than starting Drew Lock at QB. Cross is the third OT in this class, he’s an excellent pass blocker and he’s an excellent athlete who just needs some coaching in the run game.

10. New York Jets (from Seattle):  Kyle Hamilton      S      Notre Dame

            The Jets secondary leaves a lot to be desired and they need help at both CB and safety.  They signed CB DJ Reed and safety Jordan Whitehead in free agency but they still need help. Ashtyn Davis is set to start opposite Whitehead but he’s not great.  They could go CB here with Derek Stingley Jr but Hamilton offers great value.  He’s a playmaker and a stud against he run.  Hamilton is big, strong, and athletic even if his 40 time wasn’t great, he has plenty of field speed.  Robert Saleh knows defense and Hamilton could be a huge piece to the puzzle moving forward.  I also just don’t think Saleh will prioritize CB like some other teams, the 49ers never did when he was there and those defenses were fine.    

11. Washington Commanders (7-10):  Derek Stingley Jr      CB      LSU

            The Commanders have a couple of clear needs, the secondary and the offensive line.  An interior offensive lineman might be a reach here unless they really like Tyler Linderbaum, and he’s probably not the best fit for them.  Stingley has fallen a bit but I don’t think he falls as far as some think he might.  He’s still a great physical talent and he showed it at his pro day.  William Jackson III is going to be 30 and he’s pretty expensive after next season.  They need depth for now and Stingley will be a starter pretty quickly.  This team is counting on Carson Wentz to fix their offense (a dubious choice) but if their defense can live up to its talent level and add a guy like Stingley in the back end, they will be a better team. 

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (PROJECTED TRADE):  Malik Willis      QB      Liberty

            This would be a very un-Steelers-like thing to do but GM Kevin Colbert is retiring after the draft and he goes out with a bang.  They get this pick from Minnesota by giving up a first rounder next year (probably some other picks too) and the Vikings figure with Gardner, Stingley and Hamilton off the board they can move down to 20^th overall, pick up a future first round pick and still get a good CB or safety later. 

            It’s no secret Mike Tomlin loves Willis and the Steelers do need a QB of the future.  It’s the perfect situation for Willis too because they signed Mitchell Trubisky for two years so there is no pressure for him to play right away.  The Steelers are also an organization that won’t feel pressured to play him because they will have a plan and stick to it.  Willis has some elite physical tools but he is nowhere near ready to start in the NFL.  They can take their time and figure out the best offense for him to fit into when it’s time.  Trubisky isn’t the athlete Willis is but he is actually a good runner and so some of the things they want to do with Willis, they can try out with Trubisky first. 

13. Houston Texans (from Cleveland):  Drake London      WR      USC

            I’ve had the Texans taking a DE before and they still could take Jermaine Johnson or even a DT like Jordan Davis or Devonte Wyatt.  However, I did say they want to get a good look at Davis Mills to see if he’s a legitimate QB of the future for him.  They got him blocking before and now they get him a big WR.  They have Brandin Cooks, he’s the small, speedy type who loves to go deep.  London is the big-bodied, high point catcher who should dominate on third down and in the red zone.  They have guys like Nico Collins, Chris Conley, and DaeSean Hamilton but none of those guys are in London’s league. He would be a perfect complement to Cooks deep speed and we all saw what a great receiver group meant to Joe Burrow. 

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9):  Jermaine Johnson      OLB      Florida St.

            The Ravens tried to bring back Za’Darius Smith this off season but the deal fell through and he ended up in Minnesota.  They know that while Odafe Oweh showed some flashes as a pass rusher last season, Tyus Bowser and Jaylon Ferguson aren’t enough on the other side.  Johnson can be an elite edge rusher weather he’s got his hand down or standing up and the Ravens like to play it both ways.  They could look for an offensive or defensive lineman here or go for a CB to give them some depth but Johnson is too good to pass up and fills a pretty big need on their defense. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami):  Trent McDuffie      CB      Washington

            The Eagles’ secondary is a problem they need to address.  Darius Slay is on the wrong side of 30, Avonte Maddux is best left inside as a nickel back and their safeties leave a lot to be desired.  I could see them making a move up to grab Kyle Hamilton if he slips and they think the price isn’t too steep.  Daxton Hill is also a possibility here but if they go secondary, I think it’s McDuffie.  He’s scheme versatile and he and Maddux can both play inside or out so that gives them flexibility.  He’s not the biggest CB but I don’t think that disqualifies him for the Eagles.  The Eagles could do the one thing their fans have been asking for, draft a talented LB like Devin Lloyd or Nakobe Dean (probably Lloyd in this instance). 

16. New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia):  Desmond Ridder      QB      Cincinnati

            The strangest trade in this draft was New Orleans trading a future first round pick and more to get this pick and then flip flop the 18^th and 19^th picks with Philadelphia.  If they traded up for a QB it’s either Matt Corral or Desmond Ridder because they would have to get higher to guarantee Willis or Pickett.  If they moved up for a LT, they paid too high of a price, and they would have to settle for Trevor Penning (not a guy you want to trade a future first rounder for). I’m giving them Ridder here because he’s the better prospect and I think if they don’t get one of the top three OTs, they go QB here.  They have Jameis Winston to hold down the fort until Ridder is ready but that shouldn’t be too long.  He needs some polish; his accuracy is lacking but he has all the tools to be a starting NFL QB.  QBs always get over drafted and this would be a clear case of need pushing a guy a little too high. I like Ridder but not this much.   

17. Los Angeles Chargers (9-8):  Trevor Penning      OT      Northern Iowa

            The Chargers filled most of their needs on defense through free agency and one big trade.  They signed CB JC Jackson, DT Austin Johnson, and DT Sebastian Joseph-Day and then traded for DE Khalil Mack to top it all off.  The re-signed WR Mike Williams leaving the one gaping hole at RT.  They would be wise to take Penning if he is available because he might be the last offensive tackle who can come in and start right away, he’s definitely the best one left.  They need to keep Justin Herbert safe and LT Rashawn Slater proved to be fantastic as a rookie, they could strike gold again.  Penning is big and agile and while he played LT at UNI, he should transition to the right side just fine.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans):  Devonte Wyatt      DT      Georgia

            I’ve changed my mind on which Georgia defensive lineman the Eagles will draft.  Jordan Davis got a lot of hype from his very impressive combine workout but Wyatt is the better prospect and the better fit.  Philly generally doesn’t go for the big nose tackle types and more the Fletcher Cox body style.  Cox is more the long and lean type and so is recent draftee Milton Williams.  Wyatt isn’t small by normal human standards but he’s not 350 lbs., he’s about 6’3 307 lbs. He has quickness and burst and can penetrate like Cox did at his peak.  Again, Philly fans are going to have to wait for an upgrade at LB in the draft. 

19. New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia):  Chris Olave      WR      Ohio St.

            The Saints need a WR to play opposite Michael Thomas so I’m going with Olave here.  Olave is a speedy WR who’s an excellent route runner.  He has the deep speed this team needs to take the top off of a defense.  Olave and Thomas would be a nice duo for Jameis Winston to work with and he can develop right alongside Desmond Ridder.  They still need an OT but after reaching a bit for a QB at 16 they probably shouldn’t reach for an OT here. 

20. Minnesota Vikings (PROJECTED TRADE):  Andrew Booth Jr.      CB      Clemson

            The Vikings take advantage of the Steelers infatuation with Malik Willis, they move down to 20 and pick up first round pick next year.  The bonus is that they still end up with one of the best CBs in the draft.  Booth was a five-star recruit and he’s a great athlete.  He needs to become a better tackler but he’s really good in coverage and he fits in any scheme.  The Vikings need to prepare for life after Patrick Peterson and Booth would give them a great young prospect to pair with Cam Dantzler.  They could possibly go for a safety like Daxton Hill but I think CB makes more sense. 

21. New England Patriots (10-7):  Devin Lloyd      LB      Utah

            The Patriots need a CB but with the top four off the board Devin Lloyd is far more valuable than the next CB.  Last season the Patriots LB corps was exposed or not having the speed and athleticism needed to compete in today’s game.  Lloyd proved last year he’s a three down LB and that’s exactly what the Patriots need.  He can cover, he’s great against the run and he can even blitz and get to the QB.  It’s time for Bill Belichick to modernize his LB corps and Lloyd would be a step in the right direction.  It’s possible they like CB Kaiir Elam or S Daxton Hill and I wouldn’t put it past Belichick to take a guy in the secondary but Lloyd is the better value pick, he shouldn’t still be on the board at 21.

22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas):  Jahan Dotson      WR      Penn St.

            Everyone knows the Packers need to draft a WR, they traded Devante Adams away and Aaron Rodgers needs someone better to throw to than what he has right now.  The team signed Sammy Watkins, that will help for about six games until he gets hurt.  Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb return and they can still hope Amani Rodgers steps forward but what they need is a deep threat.  Watkins and Lazard bring plenty of size, Dotson brings the deep speed.  Dotson is a playmaker who Aaron Rodgers will love.  He runs good routes and he’s a natural pass catcher. 

23. Arizona Cardinals (11-6):  Jordan Davis      DT      Georgia

            There’s always a team that goes a little off the board when it comes to what everyone expects them to do.  The Cardinals have much bigger needs at CB, edge rusher, and on the offensive line but Davis is too good to pass up.  He would give them great depth on their three-man front, he can play in the middle at NT or even give JJ Watt some rest playing some end.  I’m often perplexed by Steve Keim’s drafts and while this wouldn’t fill a big need, I could understand what he’s doing.  Watt is 33, the d-line isn’t deep and it’s not overwhelming.  One thing that could help the secondary is to create longer down and distance by stopping the run and then getting some pressure.  Davis is a stud against the run and could be a better pass rusher than he even showed at Georgia.

24. Dallas Cowboys (12-5):  Treylon Burks      WR     Arkansas

            For this mock draft I’m giving the win to Jerry Jones over his son Stephen.  Jerry wants Treylon Burks, the awesome WR from Arkansas, his alma mater.  The smart choice would be an OG like Zion Johnson or Kenyon Green but I’m going with Jerry here.  Lately, Stephen wins these arguments, he’s the reason they took Zack Martin and not Johnny Manziel a few years ago.  They will probably take the guard but I like Burks too, he’s going to be fantastic.  They still have CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup but Gallup is coming off and injury and they have no depth.  The Burks pick probably isn’t the best move but it’s not a bad move. 

25. Buffalo Bills (11-6):  Kaiir Elam      CB      Florida

            The Bills lost Levi Wallace in free agency and Tre’Davious White is coming off an injury.  They weren’t exactly stacked at the CB position to begin with so it’s time to restock a bit.  Last year they took DEs with their first two picks, don’t be surprised if they take at least a couple of CBs early in this draft.  I won’t be surprised if they grab a third one late to develop or maybe a safety because Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde can’t play forever.  Their pass rush should be better with Von Miller joining the young guys but someone is still going to have to cover a little bit in the secondary.  Elam is a big CB with great cover skills and he can fit any scheme. 

26. Tennessee Titans (12-5):  Kenyon Green      OG      Texas A&M

            The Titans let Roger Saffold go because he’s getting a bit older and more expensive.  That leaves a big hole at OG.  The Titans also like to run the ball and Green is a road grader on the interior.  He’s also versatile enough to give them an option of playing him at RT if Dillon Radunz doesn’t pan out there.  He’s probably best suited on the interior at guard but he could hold his own at RT especially on a team that likes the power running game.  He makes life a bit easier on Derrick Henry either way. 

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4):  Zion Johnson      OG      Boston College

            Bruce Arians retired, Tom Brady unretired, and Todd Bowles needs Brady and Byron Leftwich to keep the offense humming while he keeps the defense stout.  That will be a lot easier with the protection up front for Brady being top notch.  Alex Cappa left for big money in Cincinnati and Ali Marpet retired early.  They traded for Shaq Mason from New England but they need one more guard.  Zion Johnson is a rock.  He’ll be a beast at LG and Brady won’t have to worry about his blindside on the interior.  Johnson has played some OT but he’s going to be a fantastic OG. 

28. Green Bay Packers (13-4):  Arnold Ebiketie      OLB      Penn St.

            I’m moving Ebiketie up a bit here because I think he offers more pass rush than some of the other edge guys and he’s more of a speed rusher off the edge.  Preston Smith will be 30 this year and the Packers already lost Za’Darius Smith in free agency and they have no depth.  Ebiketie needs a little development physically as he could fill out a bit more but he has some pass rush moves, he plays the run, and he can even drop into coverage.  I think he fits their scheme a little better than George Karlaftis and he may be moving up late in the process. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco):  George Karlaftis      DE      Purdue

            The Chiefs rely pretty heavily on Frank Clark and Chris Jones to bring the pass rush and Clark wasn’t very good last year.  Jones started the year playing end because they didn’t have much to work with but he’s better inside.  He moved back inside once they acquired Melvin Ingram  but Ingram left in the off season.  Karlaftis is a power rusher above all else and would be a great addition opposite Clark.  A better pass rush would also help out the Chiefs overmatched secondary. 

30. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5):  Jameson Williams      WR      Alabama

            Williams tore his ACL in the National Championship game and probably won’t be ready at the start of the season but that shouldn’t deter the Chiefs.  They signed JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdez-Scantling but both of them are on short-term deals.  Mecole Hardman needs to take a step up but even if he does, Williams would be an excellent addition.  If he hadn’t hurt his knee, he might have been the best WR in this draft.  He would be an excellent deep threat for Patrick Mahomes in the future.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7):  Tyler Linderbaum      C      Iowa

            The Bengals have spent the off season overhauling their offensive line with Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La’el Collins.  Karras can play center but if the team drafts Linderbaum they can move Karras to LG and Jackson Carman can be the top backup along the line.  Linderbaum would complete the massive overhaul of the biggest weakness the Bengals had last year.  He’s the best center prospect in the draft and he can pair with Joe Burrow for the next decade.  Linderbaum only falls this far because teams generally don’t value centers and he measured in with short arms at his pro day.  I plan to remind everyone he has short arms every time he makes the Pro Bowl for the next 10-15 years. 

32. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams):  Nakobe Dean      LB      Georgia

            It’s been a while since the Lions had a playmaking LB and Nakobe Dean is a playmaking savant.  He runs sideline to sideline, he hits everything that moves, he covers in space, and it generally feels like there’s three of him on the field.  The Lions’ defense could use some of that.  If they get Aidan Hutchinson and Nakobe Dean in their front seven, we could be looking at quite a turnaround for the defense.  Dean should probably go higher than this but he’s a bit undersized and not everyone wants an undersized LB, Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn will make it work. 

Round 2

33. Jacksonville:  Tyler Smith      OL      Tulsa

            The Jaguars need help up front and Smith seems to be a late riser in the draft process.  He’s a versatile player who lined up at OT in college but likely projects to OG in the pros.  Some teams do see him as a developmental tackle, either way, the Jaguars can find a place for him on their offensive line. 

34. Detroit:  Daxton Hill       S      Michigan

            If the Lions pass on a QB at 32 there is no reason to think they would then take one here, it makes no sense to pass up the potential fifth-year option if they want a QB.  Instead, the complete the defensive trifecta; defensive lineman Hutchinson, linebacker Dean and now secondary player Hill.  Hill is an excellent safety who can also play slot corner and he would upgrade the back end of their defense immensely. 

35. New York Jets:  Roger McCreary      CB      Auburn

            The Jets need more CB help even if Robert Saleh doesn’t put as much emphasis on it as others.  McCreary is an exceptional athlete and a willing tackler.  He’s excellent in coverage and while he isn’t the longest corner, he makes up for it in his ability to always stick close to his man. 

36. New York Giants:  Nik Bonitto      OLB      Oklahoma

            The Giants need some pass rushing help for their 3-4 defense.  I like Bonitto better than Boye Mafe and he’s a better fit than David Ojabo (plus Ojabo is injured).  He hasn’t received a ton of hype in a class filled with edge defenders, that might be because he isn’t the freak athlete so many of them seem to be.  However, he is a better football player than most of them. 

37. Houston:  Kyler Gordon      CB      Washington

            Gordon is also rising late in the process as teams dig deeper on prospects.  He has the skills to play inside or outside and the Texans need plenty of help in the secondary.  He’s one of the better defenders left on the board and they need help everywhere on defense. 

38. New York Jets:  Bernhard Raimann      OT      Central Michigan

            Raimann is a work in progress because he hasn’t been playing football that long and he hasn’t even been an offensive lineman the whole time.  He has all the measurables to be a starter and his ceiling is pretty high, it just might take some time.  The Jets have the time to develop him.

39. Chicago Bears (6-11):  George Pickens      WR      Georgia

            The Bears off season has been a reset of the coaching staff and for the roster with a look towards clearing up the salary cap.  They have Justin Fields and they are looking to build around him on offense.  The need to address the offensive line, the only addition is Lucas Patrick who’s expected to step in at center.  They added Byron Pringle at WR, probably a low impact addition overall.  Darnell Mooney played well last year but they need more help.  Pickens missed most of last season with an injury but was back just at the end of the year.  He should be fully healed and he has the size and speed of a #1 WR.  He would be a great playmaker to bring in to grow alongside Fields. 

40. Seattle:  Matt Corral      QB      Ole Miss

            I haven’t seen Corral mocked to Seattle but he could be a solid replacement for Russell Wilson.  Corral is a guy who has improved over the last two years when it comes to his accuracy and he really cut down on his turnovers.  He’s a tough guy with good leadership skills and he’d unseat Drew Lock from the starting job pretty quickly. 

41. Seattle:  David Ojabo      DE      Michigan

            The Seahawks defense needs an infusion of playmaking up front.  Ojabo might not be ready at the start of the season but betting on his talent is worth the risk.  Shelby Harris, LJ Collier, and Darrell Taylor aren’t scaring anyone, Ojabo is raw but he has double digit sack potential. 

42. Indianapolis Colts (from Washington):  David Bell      WR      Purdue

            I’m not coming off this one.  Bell is an Indianapolis high school legend and he’s a great fit for Matt Ryan.  Ryan is a precision passer and Bell is a route-running master.  Teams may be more enamored with Christian Watson’s size and speed, or Skyy Moore’s elusiveness, but Bell is a pure receiver.  He knows how to come off the line, he can set up a DB however he wants, and he can make spectacular catches.  The Colts don’t have a first-round pick and they do need a LT and some more defensive help but Bell is too good to pass up.  He and Michael Pittman Jr. would be a great pair for Matt Ryan’s first year in Indy. 

43. Atlanta:  Travis Jones      DT      UConn

            The Falcons defense has plenty of holes to fill and why not start up front.  Dean Pees defense needs a big man at NT and Jones is a 6’4 325 lbs. unmovable beast.  He really played well during Senior Bowl week and he would be a great foundation for a rebuilt Atlanta defense. 

44. Cleveland Browns (8-9):  Perrion Winfrey      DT      Oklahoma

            The Browns made their big move this off season at QB by trading for Deshaun Watson and now it’s really time to go for it.  They haven’t dumped Baker Mayfield yet but that’s coming.  On offense, they could use an upgrade at WR to pair with newly acquired Amari Cooper but for some reason they have confidence in Donovan Peoples-Jones and maybe Anthony Schwartz.  They also need defensive line help.  They traded for DE Chase Winovich but they could still re-sign Jadeveon Clowney too.  The DT spot needs real help.  Malik Jackson is still a free agent but he’s 32.  Malik McDowell had another off-the-field incident and his career may be done.  Winfrey had a great year at Oklahoma and then went to the Senior Bowl and looked even better.  He’s a penetrating DT who could help pull at least some focus away from Myles Garrett so he’s not working alone up front. 

45. Baltimore:  Daniel Faalele      OT      Minnesota

            The Ravens signed Morgan Moses to address their RT problem, that was a smart move.  However, Moses is 31 and didn’t have his best year last year.  Add in the fact that LT Ronnie Stanley has had injury issues for a couple of years now and the team isn’t very deep at OT and Faalele would be a solid pickup.  He may need a little seasoning given his inexperience and if Stanley and Moses are healthy and effective, he’ll get it.  If not, he’s a better alternative than the rest of the depth chart. 

46. Minnesota:  Lewis Cine      S      Georgia

            The Vikings have Harrison Smith and not much else at safety, and Smith is 33.  Cine was actually a standout on the very impressive Georgia defense and he would be an excellent addition.  He’s scheme versatile and he could be a strong safety or a free safety which makes him perfect for the modern NFL. 

47. Washington:  Jaquan Brisker      S      Penn St.

            The Commanders have to get better in the backend of their defense.  Stingley improves them at CB in the first round, now Brisker elevates the safety position.  He’s another versatile safety who is built for the modern NFL defense and he’s a talent upgrade all around. 

48. Chicago:  Darrian Kinnard      OL      Kentucky

            The Bears need to help Justin Fields as much as possible.  WR George Pickens was a start but they need help on the offensive line.  Kinnard played OT at Kentucky but he projects inside at OG.  Cody Whitehair will be 30 this year, as will Dakota Dozier and Dozier isn’t any good.  Kinnard is also some insurance at OT as Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom aren’t exactly established starters. 

49. New Orleans:  Abraham Lucas      OT      Washington St.

            The Saints went QB and WR in round one leaving one gaping hole on the offense, OT.  Lucas isn’t necessarily a for sure, day one starter, he may need to be coached up.  He’s big, and long and there’s plenty to work with.  James Hurst can hold down the LT spot until he’s ready, which they have to hope isn’t too far away. 

50. Kansas City:  Quay Walker      LB      Georgia

            The Chiefs have Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr. at LB but not much else.  Walker probably won’t actually last this long, he’s a talented guy.  The three of these guys together would really up the athleticism on the Chiefs defense. 

51. Philadelphia:  Cole Strange      OL      Tennessee-Chattanooga

            The Eagles have always liked drafting offensive linemen.  Strange is likely an OG but he has the potential to be a center too.  He could play behind Isaac Seumalo for now or potentially replace him and he gives them some interior depth on the line. 

52. Pittsburgh:  Jalen Pitre      S      Baylor

            The Steelers made a big play for a QB in the first round, now they have to make a move to help right now.  They re-signed Terrell Edmunds on a one-year deal but he’s mostly been a disappointment.  Pitre would be a solid choice to pair long-term with Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

53. Green Bay:  Logan Hall      DE      Houston

            The Packers signed Jarran Reed to take over one of the DE spots but he’s a short-term fix and they need more help.  Hall is best suited to play DE in a 3-4 which is exactly what Green Bay needs.  He would give them a more dynamic player next to Kenny Clark. 

54. New England:  Jamaree Salyer      OG      Georgia

            The Patriots need to address the OG position after trading Shaq Mason and losing Ted Karras in free agency.  Salyer played OT at Georgia but projects inside as a mauling guard.  He would really work well in the Patriots power running game. 

55. Arizona:  Boye Mafe      OLB      Minnesota

            The team lost Chandler Jones in free agency and while Markus Golden had 11 sacks last year, he’s 31 years old.  This team doesn’t have any other proven pass rushers except JJ Watt and he’s 33 and probably not reliable at this point for QB pressure.  Mafe is raw but he’s athletic and could be turned into a solid pass rusher with some coaching.  I’m not a Mafe fan but that probably means Steve Keim loves him.

56. Dallas:  Tariq Woolen      CB      UT-San Antonio

            Woolen is an outlier as a CB because he’s 6’3.  That’s elite size and he’s an excellent athlete.  The Cowboys have Trevon Diggs but the rest of the CB group is underwhelming.  Woolen would also fit the profile of a Dan Quinn CB being very tall and long. 

57. Buffalo:  Breece Hall      RB      Iowa St.

            Devin Singletary played well at the end of last year but it’s hard to believe that’s sustainable.  He hasn’t been the picture of consistency.  Zack Moss fell off a cliff last year too so the Bills offense could use a good RB.  Hall is a fantastic prospect who could become RB1 pretty quickly.  He’s big, he’s fast, and he has great patience as a runner. 

58. Atlanta:  Christian Watson      WR      North Dakota St.

            Watson is a physical freak at 6’4 208 lbs. with elite speed and leaping ability.  However, he is a bit raw and wasn’t as dominant as you would expect given his physical gifts.  The Falcons double up at WR after taking the more polished and ready Garrett Wilson in round one.  They need multiple starters at WR and Watson is a gamble that is well worth the risk. 

59. Green Bay:  Trey McBride      TE      Colorado St.

            Robert Tonyan is coming off a knee injury, Mercedes Lewis will be 38 years old and the team doesn’t have much beyond them.  They also don’t have a fullback and McBride could be used in many different ways and lineup all over.  He’s another weapon in the passing game for Aaron Rodgers and he’s the best TE in the draft. 

60. Tampa Bay:  Phidarian Mathis      DE      Alabama

            The Buccaneers need to fill the DE spot Ndamukong Suh has anchored for several years.  Suh is a free agent who hasn’t been brought back and even if he is he’s 35 and William Gholston is also aging.  Mathis comes from the Alabama school of multiple front defenses and he can step in immediately and hold his own. 

61. San Francisco 49ers (10-7):  Dylan Parham      OL      Memphis

            This is the 49ers first pick of the draft after trading their first rounder in the Trey Lance deal last year.  They somewhat addressed their CB need with Charvarius Ward but they could still use some help there and at safety.  One big free agent loss they had was OG Laken Tomlinson and they weren’t exactly stacked at the position to begin with.  Daniel Brunskill isn’t great and Colton McKivitz and Aaron Banks are the other options.  C Alex Mack will also be 37 this next season. 

            Given the needs on the interior offensive line Dylan Parham would be a solid addition.  He probably comes in as a guard for now but a lot of teams see him as a developmental center.  He could learn a lot from a veteran like Mack.  Parham isn’t the biggest or most powerful guy and he wins with his movement skills and athleticism.  That’s perfect for the Shanahan blocking scheme.  It’s not a flashy choice but he can help this team now and into the future. 

62. Kansas City:  Cameron Thomas      DE      San Diego St.

            GM Brett Veach talked about needing to address the defensive line after the team lost in the playoffs.  They redid Frank Clark’s deal but he’s coming off a disappointing season.  After taking Karlaftis in round one they go back to DE here because they need the help and Cameron Thomas is great value.  Thomas is a long, athletic end who can rush from the outside or slide down inside on passing downs.  Doubling up at DE would be a smart move. 

63. Cincinnati:  Christian Harris      LB      Alabama

            The Bengals defense probably needs help up front more than at LB but they aren’t exactly stacked at LB and Harris is too good to pass up.  He’s a three-down player and Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson are not enough at LB.  Plus, it’s never a bad idea to draft an Alabama defender. 

64. Denver Broncos (7-10):  Chad Muma      LB      Wyoming

            The Broncos traded their first two picks in the Russell Wilson trade and this pick they got from the Rams is their first one.  Wilson is supposed to fix their offensive issues and while they could use some depth on the offensive line and maybe a TE, those aren’t great value here.  The defense will be in flux with Vic Fangio leaving and a new system taking over.  They re-signed Josey Jewell at LB and signed Alex Singleton from Philly but they could use some more help at LB.  Muma is a good athlete with coverage skills that can be useful in sub packages right away.  He also has long-term potential as a starter. 

            There are a couple of players I struggled with leaving out of this mock draft.  QB Sam Howell and WR Skyy Moore are guys that could sneak into the first round or fall to the third.  Clearly, I have them falling here.  Howell is as polarizing as the rest of the QBs so maybe it’s him going to New Orleans at 15 or he falls to round three.  I like Moore but he’s undersized and the WR depth may work against him.  There are a lot of impressive physical players at WR and depending on what you’re looking for you may like Pickens and Watson more than Moore.  In a vacuum, I like Moore over Watson but if you want an outside guy, it’s Watson’s size/speed combo that wins out.  Sam Howell is a gun slinger who likes to run but he makes some bad decisions and probably trusts himself a little too much.

            This draft is chalk full of polarizing players including top guys like Aidan Hutchinson, he apparently has short arms like Linderbaum.  Kyle Hamilton is slow in the 40.  Trevon Walker has no real pass rushing moves.  Some teams think Ikem Ekwonu and Evan Neal are guards, not tackles.  Derek Stingley Jr opinions are all over the place.  The QBs are a jumbled mess and all of this means it’s going to be a hell of ride starting Thursday night.  I wonder who’s going to be the first pick of the 2023 draft?  Sorry, too soon.