2025 NFC North Draft Review

Chicago Bears

(10) Colston Loveland TE Michigan
(39) Luther Burden III WR Missouri
(56) Ozzy Trapilo OT Boston College
(62) Shemar Turner DL Texas A&M
(132) Ruben Hyppolite II LB Maryland
(169) Zah Frazier CB UTSA
(195) Luke Newman OL Michigan St.
(233) Kyle Monangai RB Rutgers

Immediate Impact: TE Colston Loveland, WR Luther Burden III

The Bears have Cole Kmet at TE but Loveland brings a different skill set. He can open up the passing game deep over the middle and he’s a better athlete and pass catcher overall. If they can get Caleb Williams to just run the offense, Loveland will be one of his favorite targets over the middle. Sorry to Olamide Zaccheus but you just got benched before you ever played a down. Burden will primarily work out of the slot and when he doesn’t it will be because they switch him around with DJ Moore. Burden and Moore have overlapping skill sets but if there is any coach who will figure out the best way to get the most out of that pairing, it’s Ben Johnson.

Best Value: DT Shemar Turner

Turner isn’t going to start but he’s going to give them plenty of snaps because he can play inside or outside on the defensive line. He gives them a different body type and skill set on the interior because he’s long and lean. He can play next to Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dextor, or Andrew Billings and do the job. He can also flip outside to give them a backup on the edge. He’s a defensive line piece Dennis Allen will appreciate having at his disposal.

Sleeper: RB Kyle Monangai

This draft was loaded at RB and the fact that Monangai was taken in round seven proves it. He isn’t the biggest guy and he’s not a speedy back but he will run through anyone. He’s also remarkably reliable. He never fumbled in college and he played for four years. He is the type of RB that makes the defense just hate playing football because he runs so hard every down. When Ben Johnson tires of D’Andre Swift’s unreliability, Monangai will be there to save the day. He has a chance to be starting by the midpoint of the season.

Overall Analysis

Last year everyone said Caleb Williams was walking into the best group of skill position players any rookie had ever had, and that was true. What was also true was the coaching staff had no idea how to get the best out of that group and it just so happened the interior of the offensive line was awful so it didn’t matter. This year, they fixed the interior of the o-line, upgraded that group of skill position players, and hired one of the best offensive minds in football. Loveland, Burden, and Monangai are excellent additions at the skill positions. OT Ozzy Trapilo is an upgrade at swing tackle if for no other reason than he should be healthier than Larry Borom was at times. Trapilo has the upside that he may become a starter at some point. LB Ruben Hyppolite II feels like a reach. He has excellent straight-line speed but I wouldn’t expect him out there on defense, maybe he’s a special teams ace. CB Zah Frazier gives them a tall corner with some upside who can be a backup. The Newman pick is a solid choice trying to find some late interior offensive line depth.

Nitpick or Concern: The Hyppolite pick was a too early and while it’s understandable they wanted LB depth, there were better LBs on the board. Other than that, they hit their needs quite well and found some good players who should fit right in.

Detroit Lions

(28) Tyleik Williams DT Ohio St.
(57) Tate Ratledge OG Georgia
(70) Isaac TeSlaa WR Arkansas
(171) Miles Frazier OG LSU
(196) Ahmed Hassanein Edge Boise St.
(230) Dan Jackson S Georgia
(244) Dominic Lovett WR Georgia

Immediate Impact: DT Tyliek Williams, G Tate Ratledge

The Lions’s need at DT isn’t as clear as other issues but it exists. DJ Reader will be 31 this year and Alim McNeill is coming off a knee injury. Levi Onwuzurike was re-signed but he’s a different type of DT. Williams gives them the powerful interior run stuffer, much like Reader but he also has some pocket pushing ability, like McNeill. Ratledge is a Dan Campbell player if there ever was one. I think he starts at one of the guard spots. It’s up to Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany to decide who gets the other spot.

Best Value: Ratledge

They got a good starting OG with a late second round pick. That’s about where you should be drafting a starting OG but still, good value. None of their picks were great value, they pretty much got them where they should have. Except TeSlaa, he was reach.

Sleeper: OG Miles Frazier

I have the utmost confidence Ratledge wins a starting spot and that’s as much about his competition as it is about him. Graham Glasgow is an aging player who did not have a good year last year. The fact that Mahagony couldn’t beat Glasgow out last year makes me question him, although he was a rookie sixth round pick so it’s understandable. Frazier comes in round five this year and it wouldn’t completely surprise me if he wins a starting job and the team has two rookie starting guards.

Overall Analysis

Williams, Ratledge, and Frazier are players right up Detroit’s alley. They’re trench players who will upgrade the toughness and strength of the lines. All three will either start of at least contribute in a rotation. The TeSlaa pick was a headscratcher. He wasn’t all that productive at Arkansas and while Arkansas wasn’t some high-flying offense, a guy with his physical gifts should have been better. It’s also a little strange because his selling point is his physical gifts, he’s a big 6’4 219 lbs. target who can jump out of the gym. One problem, his best plays come as a power slot and they use Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot. There’s a chance they turn him into a Josh Reynolds type of WR but they traded two third round picks to move up to get him. I’m not convinced they needed to trade up at all to get him. There were better WRs on the board at the time and they could have used that pick on a DE to give them some edge help, Landon Jackson, the DE from Arkansas would have made more sense. Instead, they waited until round six to take Ahmed Hassanein from Memphis on the edge, I don’t think he’s as helpful. S Dan Jackson might develop into a real player at some point but WR Dominic Lovett faces an uphill climb to make the roster.

Nitpick or Concern: The trade up for TeSlaa is the screaming question mark of this draft class. The other issue was waiting until 196th pick to address edge rusher. This team needs edge rush help even if Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport come back healthy.

Green Bay Packers

(23) Matthew Golden WR Texas
(54) Anthony Belton OT NC State
(87) Savion Williams WR/RB TCU
(124) Barryn Sorrell DE Texas
(159) Collin Oliver LB Oklahoma St.
(198) Warren Brinson DL Georgia
(237) Micah Robinson CB Tulane
(250) John Williams OT Cincinnati

Immediate Impact: WR Matthew Golden

The Packers roster is going to be one that is tough for any rookie to make an impact on. Even Golden is going to have to earn his playing time but I think it will be easier for him. WR Chrisitan Watson is supposed to be the Packers deep threat but he’s generally inconsistent and he’s recovering from an injury. Dontayvion Wicks is a guy they like except when he’s dropping passes. Golden makes a nice trio with Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs and becomes Jordan Love’s favorite deep threat.

Best Value: DE Barryn Sorrell

The Packers have Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Kingsley Enagbare at DE but Van Ness and Enagbare are not proven players. Sorrell isn’t either but he adds to the rotation and he’ll be a good addition. Getting a guy who can contribute to your pass rush in round four is good value.

Sleeper: WR/RB Savion Williams

Williams is an enigma. He’s 6’4 222 lbs., he’s excellent in contested catch situations but he’s not good at WR otherwise. He’s better as a runner and that makes him a man without a position. If the Packers can figure out a way to use him, he could be a playmaker. There’s a world where he’s a Cordarrelle Patterson type of RB or maybe he’s a Taysom Hill type, minus the QB snaps. There’s also a world where he’s out of the league in two years.

Overall Analysis

This draft was more about getting depth and planning for the future than helping this team now. Certainly, Golden helps the team next season. However, OT Anthony Belton is a hedge against not wanting to pay Rasheed Walker in free agency next year at LT. Sorrell was a pick to guard against Van Ness and Enagbare never putting it together at DE. Williams was a dart throw…in the dark…with a blindfold on…backwards. LB Collin Oliver could be a depth piece. DT Warren Brinson is a big body they hope can give them some of the snaps they lost when TJ Slaton left. CB Micah Robinson and OT John Williams are developmental guys who will have to fight hard to make the roster.

Nitpick or Concern: Where’s the help in the secondary? One late pick on Micah Robinson isn’t solving any issues at CB. They must be planning on Jaire Alexander coming back and being his old self. I’m not sure Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs are guys I want to count on at CB in a division that has guys like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Jameson Williams, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Minnesota Vikings

(24) Donovan Jackson OG Ohio St.
(102) Tai Felton WR Maryland
(139) Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins DL Georgia
(201) Kobe King LB Penn St.
(202) Gavin Bartholomew TE Pittsburgh

Immediate Impact: LG Donovan Jackson

This is a small draft class joining a pretty solid roster so there’s not a lot of places a rookie can help. LG is the biggest hole and Jackson should be an immediate starter. The team signed veterans C Ryan Kelly and RG Will Fries so Jackson completes the overhaul of the interior of the offensive line. Blake Brandel is not going to keep Jackson out of the lineup.

Best Value: None

This wasn’t a value draft. Jackson may have been worth the 24th pick but not by a lot. The other four guys were taken where they should have been taken at best.

Sleeper: WR Tai Felton

The Vikings have the best WR in football in Justin Jefferson and a pretty high-end WR2 in Jordan Addison. After those two it’s a mixed bag of guys like Jalen Nailor or Rondale Moore. Felton gives the team a guy with legitimate downfield speed and while he’s pretty thin, he is fairly tall at 6’1. He adds an element to the offense they don’t have if he can prove he can play at this level.

Overall Analysis

The Vikings aren’t counting on this draft class to do too much. They need Donovan Jackson to solidify the offensive line and that’s about it. The improved offensive line is key to the running game which is key to JJ McCarthy’s success at QB. WR Tai Felton might make a play here or there that would help but that’s just icing on the cake. The last three guys might be depth players if they make the roster but I’m not betting on any of them at this point.

Nitpick or Concern: Where’s the help at CB? Signing Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah isn’t really fixing much. They could have had a guy like Quincy Riley when they took Felton and then grabbed a WR later. As much as LG was a need and I like Donovan Jackson, they should have traded down for more picks. The next two picks off the board both got traded including the Rams getting the Falcons first round pick next season for 26 overall. Also, perhaps taking a CB with their first pick and then coming back at 102 where they took Felton for a guard would make more sense. It’s easier to find a starting guard later in the draft. Marcus Mbow, Miles Frazier, and some others were still available at 102.

2025 NFL Draft Day Two Thoughts and Quick Hitters

Day two of the NFL Draft is always a fun one for me. This is where you see what teams really think about their team. You get to see what their priorities are and who they like. Case in point, the biggest story of day two, Shadeur Sanders didn’t get drafted. We have now had three rounds consisting of 102 picks and Sanders wasn’t one of them. The pre-draft narrative of Sanders having less than stellar interviews is proving to be true because while he’s not a great prospect, he was worth a third-round pick in this QB class. Cam Ward was clearly the top QB and it wasn’t all that surprising Jaxson Dart went ahead of Sanders but it didn’t stop there. Tyler Shough and Jalen Milroe were also picked already. Both those guys have superior physical skills over Sanders so the case is easy to make to take them too. The one that really has to hurt is the Browns taking Dillon Gabriel instead of Shadeur late in round three. Gabriel is shorter, doesn’t have an elite arm, and is older than Sanders. The one thing that stands out that Gabriel gets a better grade on than Shadeur, teams like his makeup. He’s a guy they want to work with and the type of player they want in the building. As Dane Brugler pointed out on the Athletic Football Show’s draft show, Sanders’s talent kept him out of round one, it was his interviews and attitude that kept him from getting drafted on day two.

I’m just going to point out some teams that did some good things, or at least some interesting things. Day two is about getting players who can help your team but maybe guys that won’t be superstars. Let’s take a look.

New England Patriots – After taking Will Campbell in round one, day two gave them a couple of playmakers on offense for Drake Maye and another guy to protect him long-term. After spending most of their free agent money on defense, this draft has been about offense. RB TreVeyon Henderson is a big play waiting to happen and he’s the type of guy they need in the running game. Then they drafted WR Kyle Williams from Washington St., he’s not the biggest WR but he’s dynamic. He’s essentially the younger, faster version of Stefon Diggs. Finally, they grabbed C Jared Wilson from Georgia. He was only a one-year starter but he’s going to compete with Garrett Bradbury at center from day one and he’s the guy who will be Drake Maye’s center for the next decade. As far as I’m concerned, the Patriots are 4-for-4 in this draft.

Chicago Bears – The Bears followed up the Colston Loveland pick with some interesting picks themselves. They got WR Luther Burden III, he was a high-level prospect coming into the year who then struggled a bit. He’s still an extremely talented player with great after-the-catch ability. There is a little redundancy to his game compared to DJ Moore but Ben Johnson is a smart offensive mind, he should find ways to use both. The pick of OT Ozzy Trapilo was really nice. Trapilo is a very large OT at 6’8 and needs some technique work but he can play. He may be the LT of the future or he’s insurance for Darnell Wright at RT in case he struggles. Finally, Shemar Turner is a slightly undersized DT with great versatility who will be very good in a Dennis Allen led defense.

Houston Texans – Houston traded out of the first round so their first pick was WR Jayden Higgins at 34 overall, nice pickup. He’s a big-bodied WR who gives them some options. They followed that up by drafting Minnesota LT Aireontae Ersery. I’ll be shocked if Ersery doesn’t beat out Cam Robinson for the starting LT job in Houston. The Texans then doubled up on Iowa St. WRs by taking Jaylin Noel in round three. They probably didn’t need to take him but he was way too good to pass up. All three of those picks will pay dividends immediately.

Cleveland Browns – They had the first pick of day two and they took LB Carson Schwesinger from UCLA. He gives them a fast, run and chase LB they may need if Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah isn’t healthy. Taking him after trading back in round one and taking Mason Graham gives them two good defenders to start off with. Then they went offense. RB Quinshon Judkins was next and he’s a true work horse for this team and he’ll be great. Next, they grabbed TE Harold Fannin Jr., he’s a unique player. A high-volume pass catcher at Bowling Green who looks a bit stiff and awkward but just makes plays. Finally, they took QB Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel doesn’t profile as an NFL starter given his size and lack of arm strength but this team has Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett at QB, nothing is off the table.

Seattle Seahawks – The Grey Zabel pick in round one addresses a huge need at OG, but they didn’t stop there. S Nick Emmanwori is a freak athlete who should be a nice fit in Mike McDonald’s defense and they needed help at safety. TE Elijah Arroyo gives them a nice weapon to go with Noah Fant and AJ Barner at the position. Arroyo could be Fant’s eventual replacement in a year. They topped it off by taking a shot on QB Jalen Milroe. Milroe is an excellent athlete with elite speed and a rocket for an arm. He lacks nuance as a QB but the team has Sam Darnold so for now, Milroe is just a developmental project.

Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys draft way better than they get credit for. First round OG Tyler Booker isn’t sexy but he’s an important piece to the offense. They followed him up with two great value picks on defense. Edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku somehow fell to the middle of round two and they snagged him. They have some other bodies after Micah Parsons but Ezeiruaku is going to be one of the better pass rushers they have. Then in round three CB Shavon Revel Jr. was still there for the taking. He’s coming off a torn ACL but all reports are that he should be ready for the season. If he hadn’t been injured he was heading towards being a first-round pick. He’s excellent value and well worth taking the risk on a pretty common injury in round three.

Carolina Panthers – They gave Bryce Young his WR with Tetairoa McMillan in round one, then they went to fix the defense. The Panthers don’t have any elite pass rushers on their team and they probably didn’t get one with their two day two picks. However, Nic Scourton from Texas A&M and Princely Umanmielen both have potential. Scourton should lose a little weight and get back to being the guy he was at Purdue; he’d be a better pass rusher. Umanmielen is a pure pass rusher who is probably only that. The Panthers won’t have an elite pass rusher but they will have waves of them after adding these two.

New York Jets – After taking RT Armand Membou in round one, they went with TE Mason Taylor in round two and CB Azareye’h Thomas in round three. Taylor doesn’t have one particular elite skill but he’s a very talented TE. He should start quickly in New York. Thomas is a good CB prospect who ran a slow 40 time and that’s why he lasted until round three. In New York, he should compete with Brandon Stephens to start opposite Sauce Gardner.

A few Quick Hitters on Day 2

The Saints made Tyler Shough the third QB off the board after Ward and Dart. He went 40^th overall. He’s big, tall, and more athletic than you would think. He’s going to start games in New Orleans this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts the majority of the games.

The Cardinals ended CB Will Johnson’s slide with the 47^th pick in the draft. Clearly, teams were concerned with his knee issue because I don’t care how slow you think he might be, he’s definitely talented enough to go higher than this. If the knee isn’t a problem, Johnson will be one for his opponents.

The Bengals may have come up with the first real reach in the draft when they took LB Demetrius Knight in round two. Knight is a fine player but he was the third LB off the board and that seems high. I had Knight in some previous mock drafts but there were other LBs rated ahead of him. I know I said the Bengals should just keep taking defensive players but there were better defensive players on the board.

The Packers took LT Anthony Belton in round two. After taking Jordan Morgan in round one last year and signing LG Aaron Banks in free agency, expect to see some shuffling on that offensive line this year.

The Ravens again got a steal when edge rusher Mike Green slid all the way to them in round two. If his off the field issues are behind him, he could win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Oh, and they took LSU OL Emery Jones Jr. in round three, he’s going to be a future Pro Bowl guard for that team. Those damn Ravens, every time.

The Lions drafted Georgia OG Tate Ratledge, there was no bigger Dan Campbell player in this draft than Ratledge. I will push back on them trading up for WR Isaac TeSlaa. I know he’s big but they paid extra to get him in round three and there were better WRs on the board.

Other picks I liked; Raiders took WR Jack Bech, Washington took CB Trey Amos, and Giants took Darius Alexander to start round three. All three of those guys can start next season.

The other WR pick I didn’t like; Denver taking Pat Bryant. There were better WRs on the board.

Speaking of Players Still on the Board

Obviously Shadeur Sanders. I’ve certainly not been a Shadeur fan but there are definitely worse QBs on rosters in the NFL right now.

Most surprising guy still left on the board for me is Ohio St. DE Jack Sawyer. I get he’s not the flashiest guy but his motor never stops and he’ll be a contributor to an edge rush rotation next season.

Two offensive linemen I like on the board. Texas OT Cam Williams, he’s a bit lumbering with heavy feet but he’s hard to move. And Purdue OL Marcus Mbow. Good player with versatility to play OG or OT.

There are some good WRs left too. Utah St. WR Jalen Royals, Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor, and a personal favorite, Colorado St. WR Tory Holton. Royals and Horton have injury concerns and Ayomanor had some drops but all three can help a team next year.

Finally, the RBs still on the board. Damien Martinez, Cam Skattebo, Dylan Sampson, Jordan James, and Devin Neal, of those guys, one of them is starting for his team next season. Then there are guys who will contribute for sure to their teams’ backfields; Jaydon Blue, Bhayshul Tuten, Jarquez Hunter, DJ Giddens, Ollie Gordan, Kyle Monangai and Trevor Etienne.

It’s going to be an interesting Day Three. Here we come!

2025 NFL Draft 1st round Quick Hitters

Here’s my initial thoughts on the first round of the draft. This is just after it finished so they are early thoughts and basically gut reactions. Not every pick warranted an actual reaction so if you want to know what I thought of your favorite team’s pick and it’s not here, well, you’ll just have to return for my team-by-team draft analysis that comes after the draft.

The Titans took QB Cam Ward first overall, we have known this was happening since around mid-February so it wasn’t surprising. They needed a QB and he was the only one worth taking.
The real fun begins at pick #2 with the Jacksonville Jaguars making a bold move up from #5 to take CB/WR Travis Hunter. No one is going to call new Jaguars GM James Gladstone shy. Hunter fits the Jaguars better than the Browns in my opinion. He’s an instant starter at CB and he’s an awesome addition as a part-time WR. It cost them their second round pick this year, a swap of fourth round picks, and a first round pick next year. That’s an expensive trade but Hunter fills two needs. It was also a bold move for Cleveland but it’s an admission that Travis Hunter isn’t fixing this team and turning them around, they need more help than that. Now they have two of the first four picks in round two, that should be fun.
The Giants took edge Abdul Carter at three. Smart move passing on the QB here and taking the best player available. The Giants followed this up later in the draft moving back into the end of round one at pick 25 to take the QB the wanted. We could argue about the choice of Jaxson Dart but they need a plan at QB that isn’t Russell Wilson and Dart has some skills to like. The trade only cost them their second-round pick, a late third round pick this year, and a third next year, that’s not a high price to pay.
The Patriots solved their LT problem with Will Campbell at four. I love Will Campbell and clearly Mike Vrabel agreed. Drake Maye will love him to if for no other reason than he’s not Vederian Lowe. Great pick.
The Browns took Mason Graham at five after the trade. Graham fills a need at DT for them but this was as much about getting Jacksonville’s first round pick next year. It gives them ammunition to go after a QB in 2026.
Ashton Jeanty went to the Raiders at six. I didn’t think the Raiders would do it but I can’t fault them for it. He’s a massive upgrade at RB for them and he’s a top ten RB in the league if their o-line is healthy (and they get the Kolton Miller contract worked out). That offense is going to be a lot of Jeanty and Brock Bowers unless they unearth a good WR on day two.
Armand Membou went to the Jets at seven. I had that one pegged for a while. LT Olu Fashanu and Membou at RT are an excellent duo.
The Panthers pick WR Tetairoa McMillan at eight. They really do want Bryce Young to succeed. It’s a step in the right direction.
The Saints took Kelvin Banks Jr. ninth overall. After all the ups and downs on Banks’ stock over the season and then the off season, he was a top ten pick anyway. Not sure what the Saints o-line lineup looks like just yet, but Banks makes it better.
The Bears came up with a bit of a surprise with the Colston Loveland pick. They took him over Tyler Warren and that was a little surprising. However, Loveland fits Ben Johnson’s offense a little better and once Jeanty was off the board, all bets were off. He’ll be a good player for that offense if Caleb Williams learns to use him.
The 49ers decided not to hang Nick Bosa out to dry all by himself this season. They took DE Mykel Williams eleventh overall. He’s a great athlete with incredible physical ability and stature and he’s already a high-level run defender. If Bosa can show him how to pass rush, the sky’s the limit.
Just when I think the Cowboys are going to do the dumb, unreasonable, flashy thing, they draft the least flashy player they could. They took RG Tyler Booker, the least athletic player in the first round but a guy who steps in day one to take over for future Hall of Famer Zack Martin. It also means they will be starting three Tylers on the offensive line; LT Tyler Guyton, LG Tyler Smith, and now RB Tyler Booker.
I called Kenneth Grant to the Dolphins in one of my earlier mock drafts and they actually did it. The Dolphins need bodies at DT and they got one of the bigger ones they could get. Day one starter.
The Colts got TE Tyler Warren and they didn’t even have to move up. They needed him. WRs Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Alex Pierce, and AD Mitchell, with RB Jonathan Taylor and now TE Tyler Warren. There are no real excuses for Anthony Richardson to continue to suck.
The Falcons have been desperate for a pass rusher for years so they took Jalon Walker, a good pass rusher at times but a little undersized for a Jeff Ulbrich defense. He’s a good player so perhaps they plan to use him like a designated pass rusher. I was okay with that until they traded back into round one at 26 overall from the Rams to then draft James Pearce Jr. Pearce also feels like a designated pass rusher. When they hired Ulbrich to come in at defensive coordinator it felt like they were going to settle on being a 4-3 defensive team. Walker and Pearce feel like 3-4 pass rushers. Again, I don’t know what Atlanta’s defense is going to do.
The Cardinals took DT Walter Nolan. Bruce Feldman of the Athletic was on the Athletic Football Show’s draft show and he thought Nolan going to a team with veteran defensive linemen like Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson, two new Cardinals, was good thing because those guys are mature professionals. I couldn’t agree more. If Nolan can’t get it together with those guys around, he never will.
The Bengals took Shemar Stewart…have they learned nothing from the Myles Murphy pick? Maybe new DC Al Golden will have better luck.
The Seahawks took OG/C Grey Zabel, he’s perfect for that system, he’s going to be good.
The Buccaneers taking Emeka Egbuka feels weird. They have Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan. I love Egbuka but they had way bigger needs on defense. Plus, Godwin and McMillan are best in the slot, that’s Egbuka’s best spot too.
I love DB Jahdae Barron and he makes the Broncos secondary a lot better. He gives them a lot of flexibility. He’s an upgrade at nickel over Ja’Quan McMillan.
DT Derrick Harmon going to the Steelers…I can’t believe I didn’t see that coming. He’s the heir apparent to Cameron Heyward and it makes perfect sense.
Jim Harbaugh is going to run the ball come hell or high water with the Chargers. They signed Najee Harris as a free agent at RB and then went the upgrade with Omarion Hampton in the draft. With the Chargers retooled offensive line, Hampton will be in the Offensive Rookie of the Year running for sure.
Speaking of an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. I was not fond of the idea of WR Matthew Golden being a top 15 pick, but going 23 overall to Green Bay, sign me up. The Packers don’t have an Alpha at WR, they have good guys but not a truly legit guy. Golden can be that guy for Jordan Love, he’s the perfect fit in that offense. Sorry to Christian Watson but don’t hurry back from your knee injury.
I don’t love the Vikings taking LG Donovan Jackson at 24. They only have four picks in this draft and while Jackson fills a need and I really like him as a player, how did they not get a trade up. The next two picks were teams that traded back up into the first round. The Vikings could have dropped down to 34 overall and picked up a third rounder this year and a third rounder next year (that’s what the Giants gave up for the next pick). Then the Falcons traded multiple picks, including a first rounder next year for pick 26. Someone in Minnesota dropped the ball, they could have gotten a starting LG somewhere in round two.
I already talked about the next two picks, QB Jaxson Dart and Edge James Pearce Jr.
Of course, the Ravens took S Malaki Starks at 27. Starks is going to be fantastic for them, you just know it’s happening.
The Lions march to the beat of their own drummer. DE’s Donovan Ezeiruaku and Mike Green are still on the board and they take run stuffing DT Tyleik Williams. He’ll be good but the edge rushers would have filled a bigger need.
The Commanders are really looking to revamp their offensive line and OT Josh Conerly Jr. gives them options. Laremy Tunsil is the LT and Tyler Biadasz is the center, the other three spots are up for grabs and Conerly will be in the mix at RT and probably LG. Also, Tunsil is no spring chicken, Conerly could be on deck there.
The Bills took CB Maxwell Hairston. He’s not my favorite CB but it’s nice to know the Bills were paying attention last year when Christian Benford got hurt in the playoffs and the Bills CBs didn’t have any speed to speak of. I may not love Hairston but that dude brings speed to the table.
The Eagles traded a fifth-round pick to swap places with the Chiefs so they could take LB Jihaad Campbell. Intriguing because that must mean they were afraid the Chiefs were looking at trading out of that pick at 31 to someone else who wanted Campbell. Not sure who that was but okay. Campbell could be a special player and it wasn’t a lot to give up so it’s understandable.
The Chiefs took the Eagles deal because while they presumably could have gotten more than a fifth-round pick to drop lower and into round two, they may have missed out on LT Josh Simmons if they did. They clearly didn’t want that to happen. Simmons is starting at LT by week 6 next year assuming his knee is healthy. He also gives them options at RT if Jaylon Moore is fine at LT and Jawaan Taylor continues to be a walking yellow flag.

Second Round Thoughts

There are three players who almost everyone thought would be a first-round picks who fell to day two; QB Shadeur Sanders, CB Will Johnson, and edge rusher Mike Green. These guys fell for three different reasons.

Sanders fell because he simply isn’t a first-round talent at QB. He lacks the physical skills to impress and doesn’t have any elite traits. He’s not a bad player but he just isn’t a guy you can reasonably think is a guaranteed QB of the future for you.
Will Johnson fell because apparently there are some issues with a knee injury and the lingering effects teams are worried about.
Mike Green is still on the board because he had some off the field issues when he was originally at Virginia and those issues were the reason he transferred to Marshall. Teams must not have been comfortable enough to take him over other edge rushers. As a football player, he was first-round talent.

Some of my favorited players still on the board for day two, besides Will Johnson and Mike Green, I think those guys are really good football players.

WR Luther Burden III – He’s a very talented WR who had tough circumstances at Missouri last season. Given where he’s likely to go now, I think he can outplay his draft slot.

DE Donovan Ezeiruaku – He doesn’t hit all the measurables you want from an edge rusher but he just knows how to get to the QB.

CB Trey Amos – I think he has starter quality traits and he’s a tough CB. He won’t be for everyone but I think he’ll be good.

OT Aireontae Ersery – He’s a mountain of a man and while you wouldn’t think it by looking at him, he’s pretty athletically gifted and can move. He has a chance to start at LT for the right team.

OT Charles Grant – If you need a developmental LT, take this guy. He has the size and the measurables you want, he just played at Williams & Mary. Small school guys deserve a chance too.

WR Tory Holton – I hope the Patriots get this guy in round three. He’s going to be good.

RB Kaleb Johnson – I’ll end on the best Hawkeye in the draft. Johnson is going to be a stud when the right team takes him and just lets him go.

2025 NFL Draft-My Guys

The draft starts tomorrow!

Anyone who scouts draft prospects ends up finding guys they like more than others might or has an affinity for them at least. Sometimes it’s just the type of player is more to their liking, sometimes the guy has a good story so you’re rooting for him, or sometimes it’s just guys from a school you like. It goes without saying I like the draft prospects from Iowa more often than not, but I’ve also watched them play so much I have a pretty clear understanding of what they are as prospects. This year, I think Kaleb Johnson (2^nd round), Sebastian Castro (4^th-5^th round), Luke Lachey (6^th round) are being undervalued overall. The rest of the guys; Yahya Black (4^th-5^th round), Jay Higgins (6^th-7^th round), Connor Colby (7^th round), and Jermari Harris (7^th round-free agent) are probably properly rated. Johnson can be a superstar and Castro is going to be good nickel back/safety. I would be willing to bet Lachey and Colby outplay those rounds if that where they go but I understand their prospect ranking.

There are other prospects I like so let’s look at some of My Guys before we get the draft. These are guys I like as players and I hope they go to places who know how to use and develop them. So much of a guy’s success comes down to the right circumstances, it’s why where guys go and how they fit is my favorite part of the draft process. I’m going to avoid most of the best prospects, I’ve talked enough about them, where’s the fun in that.

Quarterbacks

Will Howard (Ohio St) and Dillon Gabriel (Oregon)

After Cam Ward I’m really not a huge fan of this QB class, that’s not a unique take. Spending a late first or early second round pick on guys like Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough, or even Jaxson Dart just doesn’t feel right to me. Taking a guy like Will Howard or Dillon Gabriel in round 4-6 seems like the smarter play. These guys have their shortcomings, and that’s not a shot at Gabriel’s height. Howard’s throwing motion is a bit robotic and Gabriel doesn’t have elite arm strength, and yes, he’s short for a QB. However, Howard can run an offense and knows how to win. Gabriel has elite accuracy and can also run an offense very efficiently. I prefer to invest a little less valuable draft pick in a guy who has the same odds of hitting, seems like a smarter play.

Running backs

Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)

Okay, this is a highly rated player but I do love Hampton. I can understand the love, he’s an all-around RB with elite skills. If Ashton Jeanty wasn’t sucking up all the air at RB, Hampton might be a top 15 pick, he might be one anyway. He’s shown more talent in the pass game than Kaleb Johnson even if I do think Johnson can do more than he showed, Hampton proved it more.

Damien Martinez (Miami)

Martinez is a big back with some serious power in his runs. He isn’t the elusive kind but he’ll run through anyone. He can handle a workload and I could see him going in round three or four and ending up a starter for a team.

Wide Receivers

Tory Horton (Colorado St)

If Horton isn’t injured last year, I think he’s much higher ranked than the third-round grade he currently has by most teams. He has good size, excellent speed, and he’s a really good WR overall. He’s a starting WR at the NFL level and someone is going to get a steal in the middle rounds. He’s going to outplay his draft slot. Hey New England, pay attention.

Emeka Egbuka (Ohio St)

Egbuka is the guy who does everything really well and is not elite at any one particular thing. He can play in the slot or move outside. He has good size and while he’s not a burner, he has plenty of speed. He runs good routes, he can block in the run game, and generally he’s just good at football. I have no idea why he isn’t getting more love. I know Matthew Golden ran 4.29 at the combine but I would take Egbuka 100 times out of 100 over Golden for my team. I don’t think Golden is a bad player I just think Egbuka is going to be better.

Offensive line (there are some late guys I do really like)

Will Campbell (LSU)

I know, he’s a top 10 pick and I said I wasn’t doing top guys but I’m staking my claim. He’s going to be a good LT in the NFL. He’s not going to be Trent Williams but he’s going to be good. The NFL has plenty of Taylor Decker and Garrett Boles types of LT who do a good job and don’t get a lot of accolades. That is probably Campbell’s future but that’s what I want in a LT, stability and consistency.

Josh Simmons (Ohio St)

Simmons is coming off a major knee injury but he has all the size and skills necessary to be a good NFL LT. He needs a little patience coming off the knee injury but I think he gets there. He also has a high ceiling because of his size and skills. Someone is going to get a good future LT late in round one of this draft.

Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College)

Trapilo is 6’8 and he has all the length you want in a LT. He looks a little clumsy at times because he’s so tall and long but he just needs to refine his technique. He’s the type of physical body type you want to take a chance on. If you have a good O-line coach, this is a guy to take in round three.

Charles Grant (Williams & Mary)

Grant is a small school player who needs some time to develop but he has great physical traits to be a potential OT in the league. He may start his career inside but he’s a good athlete with the size and length you want even if he isn’t the tallest OT.

Emery Jones Jr. (LSU)

Jones was a three-year starter at RT for LSU and he probably moves inside to guard in the NFL. He has the size to play OT but lacks some fundamental skills to stay on the outside. His size at 6’5 315 lbs. with his ability to move guys makes him a really good fit inside. Being able to draft a guy like Jones in round four of five is the number one argument against taking a guard in round one. The difference between what you can get from Jones and what you might get from a guy like Tyler Booker is negligible and you can get Jones maybe three rounds later.

Defensive Line

Mike Green (Marshall)

He has some off the field questions he has to answer for teams but on the field he’s a dominant pass rusher. Unlike a lot of the edge rushers in this class, he knows how to close and actually sack the QB. He isn’t big but he’s powerful and can get the edge on just about anyone.

Derrick Harmon (Oregon)

He’s not being talked about enough. Mason Graham is the top DT in the draft but Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolan seem to be getting more love than Harmon. I’ll take Harmon over those guys. He’s a menace in the middle of the defensive line and he could play in any alignment. He’s going to be good early and for a long time.

Defensive Back

Malaki Starks (Georgia)

Instincts and intelligence will take you a long way at the safety position. Starks isn’t an elite athletic specimen but he’s a closer at safety. You want a guy who’s the last line of defense to be reliable, Starks is reliable. Someone is getting an awesome safety near the end of round one or the beginning of round two unless some team wises up.

Sebastian Castro (Iowa)

I’m throwing in one Iowa guy for good measure. Castro can play safety or nickel back and he can cover and tackle better than most guys playing that particular position. He’s a little undersized but that won’t stop him. Also, he’s going to be a special team’s demon for the team that drafts him.

The Not My Guys

There are some guys I’m not so fond of. These are guys I think will struggle unless they are in the perfect situation. This scares me because the perfect situation is rare to find.

QB Shadeur Sanders (Colorado)

I just can’t get on board with Sanders. He has too many limitations and the idea of him in round one is just untenable for me. If teams were looking at him as a late second, early third round pick, fine. In a perfect circumstance with great playmakers, maybe he’s Brock Purdy, but that’s a tight needle to thread.

Edge Jalon Walker (Georgia)

Walker is a good pass rusher but he’s undersized. His tweener size and skills means if he isn’t in the perfect situation for his skill set, he’s going to struggle. One reason I gave him to Tampa Bay in my mock draft was because I think Todd Bowles’s defense would fit him well.

DT Walter Nolan (Ole Miss)

Brad Pitt has a line in the movie Moneyball where he asks about a player, “If he’s such a good hitter, why doesn’t he hit good?” Nolan is such a talented player but he’s frustrating to watch at times because he disappears. If he’s so good, why isn’t he always good? He needs to go somewhere where the coach isn’t going to put up with less than his best and there are some vets to hold him accountable.

CB Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)

Hairston is undersized but feisty and has elite speed, there’s just something missing. I don’t know exactly what he’s missing when I watch him but he should be better. He makes some plays but then blows some coverages.

RB Cam Skattebo (Arizona St.)

I know everyone loves this guy and he’s a great story. I’m just not sure he has enough speed to make it as a RB. My favorite pro-comp I’ve seen is BenJarvus Green-Ellis and that just doesn’t feel like a compliment. He can be a solid backup but if you’re drafting him higher than round four, that’s not a good idea.

S Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)

Does anyone remember Isaiah Simmons from Clemson a few years ago? Ridiculous athlete but just didn’t have a true position. Emmanwori is supposed to be a safety but if a team takes him and thinks they can play him at LB, it could go bad. Or if he’s a safety in the wrong scheme, it goes bad. He’s an insane athlete but how good of a football player is he really? There’s a wide range of outcomes on Emmanwori.

2025 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 – The Finale

This one is pretty long.

Here’s my final mock draft for 2025 and it should be a doozy, it’s three rounds. We have entered the outright lying phase of the proceedings as 32 teams have 32 agendas and will do whatever they have to do to make it happen. Then you have a few hundred agents, handlers, and family members of prospects, who are lying because they all have the same agenda, get their guy drafted as high as possible. It’s tough to tell the smoke from the fire and it’s even harder to tell the difference between the real intel and the bullshit. I have a pretty good BS detector but I won’t get most of this right.

The rollercoaster that is the Shadeur Sanders prospect experience is a little insane. Making heads or tails of where Ashton Jeanty might go could drive a person to drink. The Cleveland Browns signed Joe Flacco after trading for Kenny Pickett and I don’t know if that means anything when it comes to their need to draft a QB. The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and I’m pretty sure that means they pass on a QB early, but should it? Probably not. After Abdul Carter it’s a grab bag at edge rusher and there are a lot of good ones in that bag. Is CB Will Johnson going to go 6^th, 16^th, or 26^th? Well, he’s going somewhere in that range. Let’s see if we can decipher this shitshow before it gets going.

1. Tennessee Titans (3-14): Cam Ward QB Miami

The Titans aren’t hiding their intentions with the way they set up their off season. They overpaid LT Dan Moore to fix the offensive line and now Moore, LG Peter Skoronski, C Lloyd Cushenberry, RG Kevin Zeitler, and RT JC Latham, should give Ward a pretty solid offensive line to start his career behind. Ward can be dynamic with his arm and if the Titans find him some complementary weapons to WR Calvin Ridley in the passing game, the offense should really improve. Ward is a mature leader who can command the huddle and he gives the Titans a real QB to build around. If I were the Titans, I would ship Will Levis off in a trade so there’s no illusions or tension in the QB room when Ward steps into it. Levis should have at least a little trade value, there are a few teams still desperate for a starter. Speaking of the Browns…

2. Cleveland Browns (3-14): Travis Hunter WR/CB Colorado

Remember that smoke a couple of weeks ago about the Browns possibly taking Shadeur Sanders because they really want to fix their QB issues? Well, the Giants called their bluff and they signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston at QB so the Browns lost their leverage trying to get the Giants to trade up. Now the Browns seemed to be pivoting to their real target, Hunter. The signing of Joe Flacco shouldn’t preclude the Browns from taking a QB in this draft but it means they don’t need to take one here. Hunter will probably play mostly WR for the Browns but they will find some playing time at CB for him too. He gives them a playmaking WR for whichever QB is playing for them. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that drafting an underdeveloped WR at #2 overall would be insane if he wasn’t Travis Hunter and brought value as a CB. Jerry Jeudy had a good year and I’m still a fan of Cedric Tillman but Hunter is a different level of playmaker with the ball in his hands. Cleveland does have 10 picks in this draft so if they want to move back up into the end of round one to grab a QB, they have the ammunition to do it.

3. New York Giants (3-14): Abdul Carter Edge Penn St.

I’m sure the Giants would prefer Travis Hunter to fall here so they could start him at CB and have him moonlight at WR opposite Malik Nabers. However, the narrative that they don’t need Carter is just wrong. Yes, they traded for Brian Burns last year and paid him a ton of money. They also drafted Kayvon Thibodeaux with the fifth pick in the 2022 draft, so they have invested at edge rusher. The problem is Brian Burns had 8.5 sacks last season and Thibodeaux only had 5.5. Thibodeaux hasn’t lived up to his top five billing and the team is going to have to decide on his fifth-year option soon as he’s going into year four. Burns is fine but he’s not a truly elite pass rusher. Carter would be given a chance to really shine for this defense and could outplay both of them as a guy getting into the backfield. This is too early for the Giants to address their needs at CB but maybe they get better CB play if the pass rush was a little more effective with Carter on the field. When you’re 3-14, you don’t pass on talent at a premium position like edge rusher.

4. New England Patriots (4-13): Will Campbell OT LSU

This isn’t the ideal scenario for the Patriots as having Sanders go in the top three would mean either Hunter or Carter would be on the board. That said, this is the most likely scenario and I don’t see a team making much of an offer to trade up here with Hunter and Carter off the board. The Patriots stick and pick and take the guy they really need. Campbell is one of my favorite players in this draft and I have a hard time seeing Vrabel not liking him. He probably isn’t going to be Trent Williams or Tristan Wirfs but Campbell can be a starting LT in the NFL for a decade. The Patriots won a lot a games and Super Bowls with guys like Matt Light and Nate Solder protecting Tom Brady’s blindside. Campbell is a massive upgrade over anyone they have on the roster who could even think of playing LT. Get the guy who will be Drake Maye’s favorite player for the next decade and then move on to fix the other issues with your roster. Oh, and if anyone wants to trade up to take Mason Graham or Ashton Jeanty, the Patriots are open for business.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13): Mason Graham DT Michigan

I have had Graham going fifth in all four of my mock drafts, the first one had the Jets trading up for him but the last three have him going to Jacksonville. Pretty sure if I were a betting man, I would bet Graham to go anywhere but fifth overall, no way am I getting that right. He should though, the Jaguars are in desperate need of DT help and Graham is a stud. Yes, his arms are short and he measured in under 300 lbs. at the combine, come on, he was trying to test well athletically. He will play closer to 305-310 lbs. and he’s be a beast. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will appreciate the help up front on that defense and Graham will be a rock. New Jaguars GM James Gladstone came from the Rams, they know how to build a defensive front and Graham is a cornerstone piece.

6. New Orleans Saints (TRADE from Las Vegas): Shadeur Sanders QB Colorado

The Raiders do a nice job here making the Saints nervous that the Jets are going to take Sanders at seven overall. The Saints have never been afraid to move up and now the Raiders pick up some more draft capital and drop down only three spots. Sanders is an underwhelming athlete with good touch on his passes and is very accurate if he’s throwing the routes he likes to throw. He doesn’t have elite arm strength or talent but he’s tough as nails and he gives the Saints a young, cheap alternative to Derek Carr. The Saints are going to have to eat a lot of dead money when they ditch Carr but at least Sanders will be on a rookie contract. I’m not sure it’s a good idea for Kellen Moore to stake his first head coaching job on Shadeur Sanders but he could do worse, I mean he could start Derek Carr for multiple years.

7. New York Jets (5-12): Armand Membou RT Missouri

It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Jets would consider Sanders at this spot if he’s on the board. Sure, they signed Justin Fields and have said all the right things publicly about him being their starter. However, do you remember me saying teams lie with their words all the time but never their money? The Jets gave Fields some money but not a ton and not on a long contract. Anyway, they go with Membou who can step in immediately at RT for the departed Mogan Moses and he and Olu Fashanu should make nice bookend tackles for whomever is the Jets long-term starting QB. Membou has the physical style and athletic profile to be a very good RT.

8. Indianapolis Colts (TRADE from Carolina): Tyler Warren TE Penn St.

The Colts get antsy with Carolina on the clock and too many picks that could get traded or teams that could take Warren so they move up and get their guy. No team in the league needs a TE more than the Colts. Warren is generally considered the best one in this draft and he could really help their offense by being a weapon over the middle and down the seam. They could use him as a red zone threat and even as a short-yardage back. Shane Steichen could come up with some creative ways to use Warren and Anthony Richardson in the backfield together and use their athleticism to really put the defense in conflict. Depending on the trade value chart you subscribe to, this trade could cost them somewhere around a third or fourth round pick. If you’re GM Chris Ballard or Steichen, you can’t care, you need to get better now. If you’re the Panthers, you need as many picks as possible because you still have plenty of holes to fill.

9. Las Vegas Raiders (TRADE from New Orleans): Tetairoa McMillan WR Arizona

I know the RB group of Raheem Mostert, Sincere McCormick, and Zamir White looks bad, and it is, however, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Ramel Keyton as the top three WRs doesn’t look better. Sure, they have Brock Bowers at TE but he needs some help. How about drafting a 6’4 219 lbs. contested catch, outside WR who can take some of the pressure off Bowers and open things up a bit. Geno Smith loved to throw down the field to DK Metcalf, he’ll truly enjoy throwing it up to a guy who can go up and get it. The Raiders could take Ashton Jeanty, but there are a lot of good backs in this draft and the receiver group drops off pretty quickly.

10. Chicago Bears (5-12): Ashton Jeanty RB Boise St.

The Bears did a really nice job of filling the glaring holes on their roster in free agency and with their trades. LG Joe Thuney, RG Jonah Jackson, and C Drew Dalman make the offensive line less of a priority while Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett help the defensive line. If there was a no-brainer pick on the o-line or d-line I would take that guy here, but there isn’t. When Ben Johnson was offensive coordinator for the Lions, they took Jahmyr Gibbs 12^th overall at one point, I don’t think Johnson would hesitate to take Jeanty to be his star RB. He once had D’Andre Swift in Detroit, he knows what he is. Jeanty is a special playmaker and he can be both the thunder and lightning for this offense. He has elite contact balance and doesn’t go down easily while also having the ability to break a big run. Jeanty and Rochon Johnson would make a nice backfield tandem.

11. San Francisco 49ers (6-11): Will Johnson CB Michigan

This is not a pairing I’ve seen anywhere I can remember, mostly because it seems everyone either gives the 49ers an offensive or defensive lineman. That defensive lineman I understand, I’ve been doing that because the 49ers generally build the defense up front first. I’m not sold on any of the defensive linemen at this spot nor do I think they go for an offensive lineman. Will Johnson has been sliding down the draft boards because he hasn’t really worked out and he has refused to run the 40 so teams can see his speed. I don’t care, Johnson is a good, tough CB with elite size and great coverage skills. This team lost Charvarius Ward in free agency and they need a CB1. Their top three CBs; Deommodore Lenoir, Tre Brown, and Renardo Green are all under 6’0 tall. Johnson is 6’2 and in a division with guys like Puka Nacua, Devante Adams, and Marvin Harrison Jr., a little size could be useful.

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-10): Matthew Golden WR Texas

In a vacuum I would oppose Golden going 12^th overall in the draft, I don’t think he’s that great. He had a good year at Texas and he ran a really fast 40 time at the combine. The 40 time seems misleading because when you watch him play, he doesn’t play that fast. He’s good and he is fast but he isn’t 4.29 fast during games. That said, this would make a lot of sense for the Cowboys and I can support it. After CeeDee Lamb the other two listed starting WRs for Dallas are Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo, this is a massive hole in the roster. I do still think they need to address offensive line early but Golden fixes a major issue for them. They can wait on RB with Javonte Williams at least a capable starter and who knows, maybe Miles Sanders isn’t quite done at 27 years old.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TRADE from Miami): Jalon Walker LB/Edge Georgia

It doesn’t feel like there’s a consensus on where to play Walker, is he an off-ball LB or is he an edge rusher. His best plays are moving forward and attacking but he’s too small to be a full-time pass rusher. The Buccaneers signed Haasan Reddick, re-signed Anthony Nelson, and still have Yaya Diaby on the edge. The problem is Reddick is going to be 31 this year and is coming off a lost season after a contract dispute, Nelson is a backup, and Diaby is a nice player but he’s not elite. The team also needs some LB help with Lavonte David aging and not much beyond him. If Todd Bowles can find the right combination of using Walker to rush the passer and play LB, he can be a dynamic playmaker the defense needs. This team doesn’t have a lot of draft picks but they also don’t have a ton of needs. They need impact players not depth players. Walker has the upside to be that guy. He also comes with the downside that he could get a coach fired if it doesn’t work out.

14. Carolina Panthers (TRADE from Indianapolis): Mike Green Edge Marshall

The Panthers move down and while they miss out on the top offensive playmakers in the draft like TE Tyler Warren and WR Tetairoa McMillan, they pick up valuable draft capital and still end up with an edge rusher who could be a difference maker. Green was a leading sack guy in college football last year and he knows how to get to the QB. The Panthers have Jadaveon Clowney, DJ Wonnum, and Patrick Jones II at edge rusher but none of those guys are difference makers. Green gives them a high-level pass rusher immediately and this defense needs him. If they want to get an offensive playmaker here, TE Colston Loveland would be the one.

15. Atlanta Falcons (8-9): Shemar Stewart Edge Texas A&M

The Falcons can’t be too happy to see Jalon Walker and Mike Green go off the board with the two picks directly ahead of them. It’s doubly concerning that those two players went to teams within the Falcons own division. The Falcons need an edge rusher in the worst way, which is something we have been saying in every draft since John Abraham left in 2013. It would help if the Falcons would settle on the type of defensive front they want to run. They have vacillated between a 3-4 and 4-3 so many times in the last several years it’s dizzying. With new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on board, they should be a 4-man front, for now at least. Stewart would give them a legitimate DE with the size and skills needed to play right now. Stewart wasn’t a sack producer at Texas A&M but you can’t teach a guy to be 6’4 267 lbs. and be as athletically gifted as Stewart. He needs to learn to finish his pass rushes and get the sack but the Falcons could do worse at DE, as a matter of fact, they have for about the last 12 years now.

16. Detroit Lions (TRADE from Arizona): Donovan Ezeiruaku Edge Boston College

The Lions make the major move up the board when they see the run on edge rushers begin. Ezeiruaku isn’t my favorite pass rusher in this draft but I can see the Lions loving him. He’s sort of the opposite of a lot of edge guys in this draft, he isn’t a freak athlete who didn’t produce big numbers. He’s a solid athlete who happens to really know how to get to the QB. He had over 30 sacks in college and that includes 16.5 last year. The Lions need a guy who can get to the pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Ezeiruaku has long arms and great bend and knows how to finish when he gets to the QB. He’s relentless and he’s the type of hard-working grinder the Lions love. There has to be some kind of big move in this draft to spice it up, Detroit gives up pick 28 and a next year’s first rounder to go up to get the pass rusher they need. It’s a lot to pay but this team has a Super Bowl window and it’s open right now.

17. Los Angeles Rams (TRADE from Cincinnati): Colston Loveland TE Michigan

The Rams wanted Brock Bowers last year but they couldn’t make the move necessary to get up in the draft to take him. They don’t miss this time. Loveland will give the Rams a great weapon over the middle to complement Devante Adams on the outside and Puka Nacua everywhere else. The Rams have plenty of picks to use this year and they aren’t shy, moving up nine spots is a costly jump but they need some new blood at TE. Loveland has high upside and while he wasn’t great last season at Michigan, I chalk that up to their horrible QB play. He could end up being better than Tyler Warren and I wouldn’t be overly surprised.

18. Seattle Seahawks (9-8): Grey Zabel IOL North Dakota St.

The Seahawks had one of the worst interior offensive lines in the NFL last season and they did nothing to improve it except not bring back Laken Tomlinson. C Olu Oluwatimi stepped in at the end of last season and held his own and he might be a good fit in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s offense, that would be helpful. But they still need new guards and Zabel is one of the more athletic guard prospects you’ll find here. He played LT at North Dakota St. but moving inside has been the plan for him in the NFL. He could end up a center but for now he slots in a LG next to Charles Cross and hopefully solidifies the left side of the Seattle o-line. He shouldn’t be the last interior offensive lineman they take in this draft either.

19. Miami Dolphins (TRADE from Tampa Bay): Derrick Harmon DT Oregon

The Dolphins defensive line is in shambles. They have Zach Sieler and that’s about it. They need someone, anyone to give them some legitimate defensive line play on their front. They use a 3-4 defense and generate pass rush from their OLBs but that’s hard to do if the guys up front are subpar. Harmon is the unsung star of this defensive line class. He’s strong, steady, and can be absolutely devastating in the middle. They could use him at nose tackle or at end in the 3-4 defense and he’ll destroy people. Having him at end with a guy like Bradley Chubb or Jaelen Phillips coming off his edge, would change the way you have to block this defense. They could look for a CB upgrade since they are looking to trade Jalen Ramsey and Storm Duck is not an answer at the position. Harmon is better than any CB available here.

20. Denver Broncos (10-7): Omarion Hampton RB North Carolina

Mason Graham at five to Jacksonville and Omarion Hampton at 20 to Denver, probably the two most common mock draft fits. The Broncos have to get a RB to make Sean Payton’s offense more effective. Bo Nix was really good as a rookie and they should be fine at WR and offensive line but at RB they need an upgrade. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime are solid role players but Hampton is a star. He’s a three-down back who brings power and speed to the backfield. He is going to be a great addition to any backfield but he can dominate in Denver.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7): Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio St.

The consensus has been moving Egbuka down the draft and part of that is because everyone seems to think the Steelers are going to draft a QB in round one, I don’t buy it. They did that with Kenny Pickett and it was a disaster. I think the trade for DK Metcalf means they will look to move on from the roller coaster that is George Pickens and that means they still need a WR2. Egbuka is the perfect WR2. He can be whatever you need him to be. He can play inside or outside, he catches everything you throw to him, and he can block in the running game. If he’s the best WR from this class in five years, that wouldn’t be surprising. Drafting Ohio St. WRs is also usually a good idea.

22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6): Kenneth Grant DT Michigan

The Chargers would love it if Colston Loveland falls this far but with him off the board they settle for a different Wolverine. The connection to Harbaugh and DC Jesse Minter is obvious but so is the Chargers need for some defensive line help. They lost Poona Ford and Morgan Fox up front and they weren’t exactly stacked there to begin with. Grant can play nose tackle and he could also play on the end and be very effective. The Chargers could look for another edge rusher or a CB but Grant is a value pick and they know him well.

23. Green Bay Packers (11-6): Jahdae Barron CB Texas

The Packers could still move on from Jaire Alexander and if they do, they will need another outside CB. Barron doesn’t have elite size or measurables but he’s a damn good football player. He can play outside CB, inside slot, or moonlight as a safety. The Packers have Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, and Javon Bullard who are all guys who can play multiple positions in the secondary. Barron gives them another guy to mix and match and he’s honestly one of the best prospects in the draft, he just isn’t the biggest CB.

24. Cleveland Browns (TRADE with Minnesota): Jaxson Dart QB Ole Miss

The Vikings don’t have many picks in this draft so they are ripe for a trade down. They filled most of their big needs in free agency so they move down here with Cleveland so the Browns can come up and snag the QB they need to get in this draft. The Browns signed Joe Flacco and traded for Kenny Pickett so they don’t need a starter right away but they still need a QB of the future. Dart wouldn’t have to step in right away but Flacco and Pickett aren’t going to stop him from taking the job if he’s good enough. Dart is a solid prospect but not an elite one. He would give the Browns some hope that they have a guy they can count on going forward.

25. Houston Texans (10-7): Josh Simmons OT Ohio St.

The Texans signed Cam Robinson after trading away Laremy Tunsil so technically they don’t need a new LT. Unless you’ve seen Robinson play before, then you know they do still need a LT. Simmons is coming off a major knee injury so he may not be ready to start when the season starts so Robinson is a decent stop-gap at LT. Somewhere around week five Simmons should be healthy enough to take over and by then the team should be ready to bench Robinson. Simmons has long term potential and could be an elite LT, that would go great with their franchise QB CJ Stroud.

26. Cincinnati Bengals (TRADE from LA Rams): Jihad Campbell LB Alabama

The Bengals need to take the best defensive player they can get and that’s Campbell. The only reason he lasts this long is because he’s generally seen as an off-ball LB and he has a shoulder issue. If his shoulder is healthy, he’s a steal here. He’s a playmaker wherever you use him and they can use him at LB and then also use him as a blitzer. He just makes plays and this defense sorely lacks guys who do that. The Bengals move down in this trade and pick up a third round pick and still get one of the best defensive players in this draft, that’s a smart move.

27. Baltimore Ravens (12-5): Mykel Williams Edge Georgia

The Ravens have a need at pass rusher and while Williams wasn’t the most productive pass rusher, he still has great upside. He doesn’t turn 21 until this summer and he’s still developing. It feels a little like they have done this before and it’s worked some guys and not so much others. Williams has all the physical tools to be elite, he just needs to develop some of his pass rush moves and refine his technique. You can’t teach a guy to be built the way Williams is built and his potential is well worth this pick.

28. Arizona Cardinals (TRADE from Detroit): Kelvin Banks Jr. OL Texas

The Cardinals could take just about any position on defense but Banks offers a lot of value here. He could be an immediate starter at LG or he could end up beating out Jonah Williams at RT. At the very least, he replaces Williams when the team moves on from him. He would make a nice bookend with Paris Johnson Jr. eventually and starts at LG in the meantime. If the Cardinals want to solidify their offense, Banks is too good to pass up. They move down a lot in this trade but picking up a future first round pick is worth the drop.

29. Washington Commanders (12-5): James Pearce Jr. Edge Tennessee

James Pearce Jr. is an elite edge rusher who knows how to get to the QB better than most of the edge rushers in this class. He falls this low because there are questions about his character off the field. That may end up working in his favor if he goes to Washington, it’s a better situation than a lot of places for him. This is a good young team that needs a pass rusher and Dan Quinn is an excellent coach. The strong culture Quinn is building in Washington around guys like Jayden Daniels, Austin Ekeler, Bobby Wagner, and others, would be a good environment for Pearce to start his career.

30. Buffalo Bills (13-4): Walter Nolan DT Ole Miss

The Bills don’t have any glaring needs but that doesn’t mean they can’t get better at an important position. They aren’t very deep at DT and the only free agent they signed was Larry Ogunjobi who is going to miss the first six weeks with a suspension. Nolan can be a devastating player at DT but he lacks consistency. He also has some red flags off the field. He wouldn’t need to be a full-time player right away and the Bills have the veterans who would be a good influence on him. He could actually live up to his immense potential in this situation.

31. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2): Josh Conerly Jr. OT Oregon

The Chiefs gave LT Jaylon Moore plenty of money to be their starting LT but that doesn’t mean he should be. They need more options at OT because not only is Moore not a sure thing, Jawaan Taylor at RT isn’t great either. Conerly isn’t a finished product but he’s good enough to compete with Moore who has only been a backup in the league. Moore started games last year in San Francisco when Trent Williams was out but that’s a very specific offensive system and we will see if he can translate over. Conerly is a good player and if they draft him, he will push Moore for the LT job immediately. He also gives them depth and options at both OT spots.

32. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): Malaki Starks S Georgia

The Eagles have added quite a bit of veteran depth on both offense and defense. At this point they should go best player available and I’m a believer in Starks. He didn’t test well at the combine but safety is one position where I would rather have a guy who has good instincts than a guy who’s only a great athlete. Starks is that guy, he just knows how to play and what he’s looking at. You don’t have to be that fast if you can diagnose the play a second earlier than everyone else. The Eagles don’t have great safety depth after trading away CJ Gardner-Johnson. Starks gives them some cover if Sydney Brown isn’t healthy and the truth is he can push Brown even if Brown is healthy. Also, Howie Roseman didn’t pick a Georgia defender in last year’s draft so he has to be dying to get one, he can’t wait any longer.

Round 2

33. Minnesota Vikings (TRADE from Cleveland): Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky

The Vikings get this pick plus a couple of more picks from Cleveland so the Browns can move up and get their QB. The Vikings only had four picks coming into this draft, trading down and getting more picks is a good move. Here they take Hairston who is a smaller, feisty CB who should be pretty good in Brian Flores’ defense. They need the help in the secondary and Hairston should be able to step in right away. Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers aren’t big CBs either so these guys could be interchangeable to a certain extent.

34. New York Giants: Tyler Booker OG Alabama

If the Giants pass on a QB in round one, I think it’s a sign they are resigned to not taking one early. They will live with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston unless someone falls to them later in the draft. Booker can step in at guard and replace Greg Van Roten, that’s a massive upgrade.

35. Tennessee Titans: Nic Scourton Edge Texas A&M

The Titans cut Harold Landry and he was their best edge rusher. Dre’Mont Jones and Arden Key aren’t scaring anyone. Scourton needs to get back to being the guy he was at Purdue; he was a real edge threat there.

36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nick Emmanwori SS South Carolina

The Jaguars are counting on Liam Coen to fix the offense, they need talent to fix the defense. Mason Graham is a major addition up front but the back-end needs help. Emmanwori is an uber-athlete but he’s a little raw. He’s still an upgrade over the free agents they brought in and he’s a playmaker.

37. Las Vegas Raiders: Quinshon Judkins RB Ohio St.

The Raiders pass on Jeanty in round one because there are two Ohio St. RBs in round two that new OC Chip Kelly knows well. They take the bigger back who can handle the workload of a primary back. Judkins is the starter immediately in Vegas.

38. New England Patriots: Luther Burden III WR Missouri

This is a risky proposition considering the Patriots history with early round WRs. It’s also risky because Burden didn’t have a great year last year. I think Drake Maye makes that all go away. He’s a massive upgrade over Burden’s QB at Missouri and he will raise the play of the guys around him. Oh, and there’s no Belichick or Mayo around to screw up a young WR.

39. Chicago Bears: Donovan Jackson OG Ohio St.

The Bears got their flashy new toy in round one with Jeanty, now it’s time to get better in the trenches. Jackson is just too good to pass up at this point. They probably shouldn’t completely count on Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney isn’t a spring chicken. Donovan Jackson is really good; he could beat out Jonah.

40. New Orleans Saints: Jayden Higgins WR Iowa St.

If the Saints take Shadeur Sanders in round one, they should get him more help at WR. Chris Olave is good but he’s got concussion issues and Rashid Shaheed has injury issues too. Higgins has inside out versatility and could give Sanders a big target to throw to wherever he lines up.

41. Chicago Bears: Tyliek Williams DT Ohio St.

The Bears continue to get better on the lines with another Ohio St. guy. Williams is a big guy who would give them a good depth piece this year and will be an eventual starter inside. He’s good against the run and would be a complementary pairing for Grady Jarrett.

42. New York Jets: Jalen Milroe QB Alabama

Justin Fields has a two-year deal and that would be just the right amount of time to see if Milroe is ready to play. The Jets are doubling down on a specific type of QB but that’s a better plan than they have had for a long time.

43. San Francisco 49ers: Carson Schwesinger LB UCLA

A slightly undersized rangy LB. That sounds just like what San Francisco needs. They lost Dre Greenlaw to Denver in free agency and Schwesinger would make a nice running mate for Fred Warner for the rest of his career.

44. Dallas Cowboys: Darius Alexander DT Toledo

The Cowboy can’t be satisfied with Mazi Smith at DT so they take a shot here with a small school guy who looked great at the Senior Bow. Alexander can hang with the big boys.

45. Indianapolis Colts: Aireontae Ersery OL Minnesota

Ersery could compete to be the RG to begin with but he’s also great depth at multiple spots. He can hang at LT if you need him, he could also be a RT. Braden Smith is good but he’s getting expensive and if the Colts wanted to move on, Ersery could be the new RT within a year or two.

46. Atlanta Falcons: Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame

Someone is going to take a shot on Morrison despite his hip injury. He’s far too good to let fall much farther and the Falcons need CB help. If Morrison is healthy, he’s a massive steal here because he has high level starter written all over him.

47. Arizona Cardinals: Jaylin Noel WR Iowa St.

Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, and Greg Dortch are fine at WR but they aren’t taking any attention away from Marvin Harrison Jr. to make his life easier. Noel is being underrated, he’s very good. He can be a second WR on the outside or he can dominate from the slot. Either way, he’s a massive upgrade for the Cardinals passing game.

48. Miami Dolphins: Shavon Revel Jr. CB East Carolina

Revel is the other CB someone is going to gamble on coming off an injury. He might be even better than Morrison at some point. The Dolphins are looking to trade Jalen Ramsey and they needed a couple of CBs before that little development came around. If Revel’s knee is healthy and they move Ramsey, he’s CB1 on day one.

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Landon Jackson Edge Arkansas

Just keep taking defensive players. That strategy should be simple enough but it’s even better when a good DE falls to you. Jackson is a little buried in the group of edge players beyond the top guys. He’s very good and him starting opposite Trey Hendrickson instead of Joseph Ossai or Myles Murphy would be a good thing for the Bengals.

50. Seattle Seahawks: Mason Taylor TE LSU

I may have Taylor too low. With his bloodlines; Jason Taylor is his father and Zach Thomas is his uncle, he’s got a lot going for him. He isn’t spectacular at any one thing but he’s an excellent all-around TE. New offensive coordinator Klink Kubiak needs weapons for Sam Darnold and his two TE sets could use a guy like Taylor.

51. Denver Broncos: Elijah Arroyo TE Miami

The Broncos signed Evan Engram but Sean Payton has never been shy about using multiple TEs. Arroyo could be a matchup nightmare and give Bo Nix another nice target over the middle of the field. If they can’t find a WR2 they like, just load up on TEs.

52. Seattle Seahawks: Trey Amos CB Ole Miss

The Seahawks need an outside CB or two depending on how they feel about Riq Woolen’s contract situation. Amos has starter ability and would be an excellent value this late in the draft.

53. Kansas City Chiefs (TRADE from Tampa Bay): Treyveon Henderson RB Ohio St.

The Chiefs make a move to get ahead of the Packers, Chargers, and Bills who could all be looking for RBs. Henderson is a major playmaker and the Chiefs have been emphasizing speed on offense. He’s never going to be a 20 carry per game back but he doesn’t need 20 touches to make an impact.

54. Green Bay Packers: Alfred Collins DT Texas

The Packers lost TJ Slaton in free agency and getting a big body for the middle of the defensive line should be a priority and Collins is a big boy. They don’t have a ton of screaming needs so filling a big hole with Collins feels like a smart play.

55. Los Angeles Chargers: Elic Ayomanor WR Stanford

Ayomanor is not a perfect prospect, his hands can be a little inconsistent. However, he has size and can play on the outside and right now they are counting on Mike Williams’s return to give them some juice outside. I’d rather bet on Ayomanor’s upside.

56. Buffalo Bills: Darien Porter CB Iowa St.

Porter is 6’3 and has elite athletic traits, there’s a reason he has a lot of fans in the NFL. He’s only been a CB for a few years so he’s just developing his skills at the position. The Bills just brought back Tre’Davious White, or what’s left of him. Clearly, they need help at CB.

57. Carolina Panthers: Jack Bech WR TCU

In round one the Panthers passed on getting a pass catcher for Bryce Young by trading down and grabbing a much-needed pass rusher. Now they get a big outside ball winner in Bech. He’s 6’2 216 lbs. and plays even bigger. He makes Young’s life easier.

58. Houston Texans: Kaleb Johnson RB Iowa

This pairing makes a lot of sense. Johnson can play in a Nick Caley offense and the team needs someone other than Joe Mixon in the backfield. Mixon is a great down-to-down grinding back, Johnson is the homerun hitter. Don’t misunderstand me, Johnson can punish guys with his size but he has breakaway speed the Texans simply don’t have in the backfield.

59. Baltimore Ravens: Jonah Savaiinaea OG Arizona

The Ravens do this a lot, take a guy who’s very talented but maybe not a perfect prospect, and turn him into a stud. Savaiinaea played OT at Arizona, he’s going to be a big, mauling OG in the NFL. Everyone else needs to stop letting the Ravens draft guys like this.

60. Arizona Cardinals (TRADE from Detroit): Azareye’h Thomas CB Florida St.

I’m not sure if I have Thomas too high or too low. He ran a really slow 40 time and it has hurt his draft stock, but he’s a good CB. The Cardinals need good defensive players and Thomas is arguably the best one left on the board.

61. Washington Commanders: Dylan Sampson RB Tennessee

Sampson is short but stout and has speed to burn and can be an electric playmaker. The Commanders have Austin Ekeler but he’s 30 and hasn’t always been the picture of health. Sampson would be a nice complement to Brian Robinson going forward.

62. Buffalo Bills: Cam Skattebo RB Arizona St.

The Bills seem to be in a contract dispute with James Cook so they may need a RB. I’m not a huge Skattebo fan but he’s a grinder who has some skills. I could see him having a cult-like following in Buffalo and he could be an effective back behind the Bills offensive line.

63. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TRADE from Kansas City): Harold Fannin Jr. TE Bowling Green

The Buccaneers could go in many directions but grabbing a pass catcher like Fannin Jr. would be a fun move. Forget whether he’s a TE or not, he’s a playmaker. Put him on the field with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan and you have something really cooking for Baker Mayfield.

64. Philadelphia Eagles: TJ Sanders DL South Carolina

The Eagles are just restocking a defense that took some hits in the off season. Sanders gives them a nice depth piece up front and he can rotate in with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo.

Round 3

65. New York Giants: Tyler Shough QB Louisville

The QBs fall into the third round because when teams are convinced they like a guy they take them in round one, they don’t wait until round two. Shough is older and has an injury history. He’s got talent but he may already be at his ceiling.

66. Kansas City Chiefs: Jack Sawyer DE Ohio St.

Only the Chiefs could be lucky enough to get a guy like Sawyer in round three. He’s tough and relentless.

67. Minnesota Vikings (TRADE from Cleveland): Marcus Mbow OL Purdue

The Vikings need an upgrade at guard and they need some depth at OT, Mbow provides both.

68. Las Vegas Raiders: Omar Norman-Lott DT Tennessee

The Raiders get a penetrating DT who can help in the rotation and play next to Christian Wilkins.

69. New England Patriots: Bradyn Swinson Edge LSU

The Patriots still need to improve the pass rush and Swinson is a good prospect. This is great value here.

70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jared Wilson C/G Georgia

Mitch Morse retired and the team signed Robert Hainsey at center, that’s not a great plan. Wilson is a better plan.

71. New Orleans Saints: JT Tuimoloau DE Ohio St.

They Saints need help up front and Tuimoloau is really good at this point in the draft, he can be starting DE fairly early in his career.

72. Chicago Bears: Oluwafemi Oladejo DE UCLA

The Bears need more juice off the edge. Oladejo has only been an edge rusher for a year but that just means he’s going to get better at it.

73. New York Jets: Jalen Royals WR Utah St.

The Jets WR group is ugly after Garrett Wilson, Royals is being overlooked a bit.

74. Carolina Panthers: Princely Umanmielen Edge Ole Miss

Umanmielen falls all the way to round three because he’s a bit undersized and needs some development. He does have some good pass rush skills and the Panthers need all the help they can get. A CB or a TE would make sense here but Umanmielen is too good to pass up even after taking Mike Green in round one.

75. San Francisco 49ers: Wyatt Milum OL West Virginia

Milum played LT at West Virginia but he’s a little undersized from a length perspective. However, he’s a good athlete and mover and he’ll fit right in to Shanahan’s scheme.

76. Dallas Cowboys: Jacob Parrish CB Kansas St.

The Cowboys let Jourdan Lewis walk in free agency and could use a nickel back. Parrish is a little undersized but he’s feisty as hell.

77. New England Patriots: Ozzy Trapilo OT Boston College

The Patriots offensive line needs more than one OT. Morgan Moses is 34 and they don’t have a great backup plan. Caeden Wallace may need to be a guard. Trapilo is long and needs some development but he’s the perfect swing tackle for now and if Will Campbell has to be a guard, maybe Trapilo is the LT of the future.

78. Arizona Cardinals: Shemar Turner DE Texas A&M

The Cardinals signed some veteran d-linemen but they need some youth. Turner is a big DE who can play in their scheme. He’s a prototypical 3-4 DE.

79. Houston Texans: Kyle Williams WR Washington St.

Tank Dell is dealing with a devastating knee injury and Stefon Diggs is gone. Nico Collins needs more help than Christian Kirk. Williams has been flying under the radar, he may go higher than this.

80. Indianapolis Colts: Josaiah Stewart Edge/LB Michigan

The Colts have a history with undersized DEs. I’m not projecting Stewart to be Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis but he has some of that in him. He plays like a man possessed.

81. Cincinnati Bengals: Xavier Watts S Notre Dame

Just keep taking the best defensive player on the board. Watts isn’t going to wow you with his physical traits but he’s an excellent safety.

82. Seattle Seahawks: Charles Grant OL William & Mary

Klink Kubiak is bringing the Shanahan offense to Seattle and he needs better players up front. Grant was a LT at Williams & Mary but he can transition inside. He has the athleticism you want in the scheme. He starts out at guard but if Abe Lucas has injury issues, Grant could step in at RT.

83. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle McCord QB Syracuse

The Steelers didn’t have a second-round pick but they get McCord here in round three. He can back up Aaron Rodgers (or compete with Mason Rudolph if Rodgers retires) and he’s got some upside.

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nohl Williams DB California

Williams has some versatility and could be a CB or a safety and the Buccaneers need help in the secondary.

85. Denver Broncos: Jordan Burch DE Oregon

Burch is a power DE who could help the Broncos push the pocket. The defense could use a little help up front as they have some impending free agents next year.

86. Los Angeles Chargers: Terrance Ferguson TE Oregon

The Chargers missed out on the TEs earlier but Ferguson is a great consolation prize. He can be a starting TE right away.

87. Green Bay Packers: Tre Harris WR Ole Miss

The Packers have four good WRs but they are still looking for a great one. Harris probably isn’t it but he has potential playing with Jordan Love. I would say he’s a little redundant with Christian Watson but Watson gets hurt a lot so having a backup to him would be helpful.

88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quincy Riley CB Louisville

The Jaguars aren’t great at CB and Riley has some upside. He’s a little undersized but he doesn’t play that way.

89. Houston Texans: Joshua Farmer DT Florida St.

The Texans need some depth at DT, it’s the one spot on the defense that needs a little help. Farmer isn’t flashy but he’s solid.

90. Cincinnati Bengals (TRADE from LA Rams): Tate Ratledge OG Georgia

The Bengals make one offensive move and that’s to get some help at guard. They signed Lucas Patrick but they need more competition and Ratledge has starter ability.

91. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Kennard Edge South Carolina

The Ravens need help at edge rusher and Kennard knows how to get to the QB.

92. Seattle Seahawks: Isaiah Bond WR Texas

The Seahawks need some speed at WR that’s better than Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Bond has serious off the field red flags but he’s a burner and he’s been trying to fight back against the off the field issues. He may fall farther than this but on talent, he’s worth the pick.

93. New Orleans Saints: Dorian Strong CB Virginia Tech

The Saints have Kool-Aid McKinstry and that’s about it at CB. Strong at least gives them options.

94. Cleveland Browns: Anthony Benton OT NC State

The Browns offensive line needs a lot of work. Benton wouldn’t necessarily be a starter right away but he could be with this group. At the very least, he gives them options.

95. Kansas City Chiefs: Gunnar Helm TE Texas

Travis Kelce won’t play forever and while Noah Gray is a good player, Helm gives them a solid option.

96. Philadelphia Eagles: Cameron Williams OT Texas

The Eagles love to take big, hulking offensive lineman and turn them into stars. Williams is a massive ball of clay and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland probably turns him into a Pro Bowler three years from now.

97. Minnesota Vikings: Ty Robinson DT Nebraska

The Vikings signed Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave at DT, they are both over 30. Robinson showed off some good athleticism in workouts and he gives them a rotational DT.

98. Miami Dolphins: CJ West DT Indiana

The Dolphins double dip at defensive line after taking Derrick Harmon in round one, they absolute should do this. West is a fire hydrant, he’s short and stout, he makes it work.

99. New York Giants: Tory Horton WR Colorado St.

One of the most underrated players in this draft is Tory Horton. If he hadn’t gotten hurt last year, he’s at least in round two, if he had left CSU for a bigger school and a better offense, he might be a first rounder. The Giants get a steal.

100. San Francisco 49ers: Ashton Gillotte Edge Louisville

The 49ers continue to rebuild the front seven of the defense and Gillotte is a good player this late in round three.

101. Los Angeles Rams: Demetrius Knight Jr. LB South Carolina

The Rams don’t usually spend draft picks on LBs but Knight is good value here, he’s a starter for the Rams very quickly.

102. Detroit Lions: Miles Frazier OG Detroit

The Lions need to get some depth at guard with Graham Glasgow getting older and Kevin Zeitler moving on. I picked Frazier over his teammate Emery Jones but either one works.

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