Buffalo Bills

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

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

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

Best Value: O’Cyrus Torrence

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

Sleeper: LB Dorian Williams

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

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

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

Miami Dolphins

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

Immediate Impact: CB Cam Smith

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

Best Value: RB Devon Achane

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

Sleeper: OL Ryan Hayes

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

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

New England Patriots

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

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

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

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

Best Value: CB Christian Gonzalez

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

Sleeper: OL Sidy Sow

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

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

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

New York Jets

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

Immediate Impact: C Joe Tippmann

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

Best Value: C Joe Tippmann

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

Sleeper: OT Carter Warren

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

Baltimore Ravens

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

Immediate Impact: WR Zay Flowers

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

Best Value: OL Andrew Vorhees

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

Sleeper: CB Kyu Blue Kelly

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

Cincinnati Bengals

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

Immediate Impact: P Brad Robbins

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

Best Value: RB Chase Brown

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

Sleeper: WR Charlie Jones

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

Cleveland Browns

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

Immediate Impact: DT Siaki Ika

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

Best Value: RT Dawand Jones

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

Sleeper: C Luke Wypler

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

Pittsburgh Steelers

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

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

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

Best Value: TE Darnell Washington

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

Sleeper: CB Cory Trice

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

Dallas Cowboys

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

Immediate Impact: DT Mazi Smith, TE Luke Schoonmaker

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

Best Value: None

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

Sleeper: RB Deuce Vaughn

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

New York Giants

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

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

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

Best Value: C John Michael Schmitz

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

Sleeper: RB Eric Gray

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

Philadelphia Eagles

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

Immediate Impact: DT Jalen Carter, S Sydney Brown

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

Best Value: CB Kelee Ringo

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

Sleeper: DT Moro Ojomo

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

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

Washington Commanders

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

Immediate Impact: CB Emmanuel Forbes, DB Jartavius Martin

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

Best Value: RB Chris Rodriguez

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

Sleeper: C/G Ricky Stromberg

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

Overall Analysis

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

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

Denver Broncos

(63) Marvin Mims WR Oklahoma
(67) Drew Sanders LB Arkansas
(83) Riley Moss CB Iowa
(183) JL Skinner S Boise St.
(257) Alex Forsyth C Oregon

Immediate Impact: LB Drew Sanders, CB Riley Moss

The Broncos lost Dre’Mont Jones in free agency, the next time Randy Gregory plays every game in a season will be the first time Randy Gregory plays every game in a season, and Baron Browning isn’t a pass rusher. Vance Joseph needs pass rushers for his defense. Drew Sanders played inside LB at Arkansas, the Broncos have inside LBs. Sanders was a rush end at Alabama before transferring to Arkansas, Vance Joseph isn’t going to sit Sanders behind Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton when he needs pass rushers, Sanders is going to be a pass rusher here. The CB spot behind Pat Surtain II isn’t great on the outside. Riley Moss just keeps proving everyone who doubts him wrong, he could win the starting outside CB job opposite Surtain. It will be trial by fire because no one throws Surtain’s way, especially if there’s a white rookie CB on the other side (yep, I said it, everyone is thinking it so I said it). Moss won’t back down from the challenge.

Best Value: C Alex Forsyth

Lloyd Cushenberry III has been the starting center in Denver for a few years now, no one knows why except no one has beaten him out for the job. Here comes his best competition. Forsyth is a power blocking center who can open holes in the run game and Sean Payton is going to lean on his run game, not on Russell Wilson. Forsyth is coming for the starting job.

Sleeper: S JL Skinner

The Broncos have Justin Simmons at FS but for now Caden Sterns is the SS and he’s coming off an injury. JL Skinner was injured during the pre-draft process and didn’t fully work out but he’s a huge safety at 6’4 220 lbs. and could be a nice duo with Simmons.

Overall Analysis

The Broncos didn’t have a lot of draft picks after the Russell Wilson trade and they used some more capital to move up to get WR Marvin Mims. I almost listed Mims as an immediate impact guy but that only happens if they trade or bench Jerry Jeudy. Clearly, Sean Payton saw something he likes in Mims and he is a very good player but it’s a crowded spot right now. If Jeudy is moved, Mims numbers could skyrocket. He’s the smaller, speedy complement to Courtland Sutton that Jeudy just hasn’t been.

Sanders was a massive steal in round three if Vance Joseph uses his pass rushing skills to his advantage. Riley Moss has been underestimated plenty of times throughout his football career but he’s a very good player who loves to compete. If Skinner gets healthy, he can help this secondary and I don’t think it’s a coincidence Payton drafted a power blocking center. This is a small draft class with only five picks but I think all five could be meaningful players this year.

Kansas City Chiefs

(31) Felix Anudike-Uzomah Edge Kansas City
(55) Rashee Rice WR SMU
(92) Wanya Morris OT Oklahoma
(119) Chamarri Conner S Virginia Tech
(166) BJ Thompson DE Stephen F. Austin
(194) Keondre Coburn DT Texas
(250) Nic Jones CB Ball St.

Immediate Impact: DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah

When you’re the Super Bowl champs it’s hard for a rookie to have a big impact unless you have some injuries like KC had last year that let some rookies start in the secondary. However, this year the Chiefs are looking to replace Frank Clark at DE and while Charles Omenihu is a solid veteran, he doesn’t really get to the QB. Anudike-Uzomah isn’t built to be a full-time DE but he’s going to be a really good designated pass rusher. He gives them some juice off the edge opposite George Karlaftis who is more of a power player.

Best Value: None

I really think Anudike-Uzomah went a little early, not much but a little. Rice was higher than I liked him but at best he was right there. None of the guys were real value picks.

Sleeper: DT Keondre Coburn

The team lost Khalen Saunders in free agency leaving Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi pretty lonely in the middle of the defensive line. They signed Danny Shelton but he’s on his fourth team in four years and he’s about to turn 30, does he have much left? Coburn is a mammoth dude at 6’2 344 lbs. and he has a little pass rush to his game. He won’t wow anyone but he can be steady and give them some good snaps inside. If they decide not to pay Derrick Nnadi next year, Coburn could be the guy they move up next to Chris Jones.

Overall Analysis

Super Bowl champions can do a couple of things in the draft, replace free agents who got too expensive to keep, and draft for depth. Anudike-Uzomah replaces Frank Clark, Rashee Rice replaces JuJu Smith-Schuster, the rest are depth. OT Wanya Morris was an interesting pick. He’s almost like the team is trying the Lucas Niang thing again. I’m not a big Morris fan but he does have some flexibility and Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck are great line coaches. However, they have never been able to get Lucas Niang to fully develop. He’s had injuries that have slowed him down but Morris had a pre-draft injury issue, it’s feeling eerily similar.

Chamarri Conner and Nic Jones are third day defensive backs and while I don’t know a ton about them, I will say, after last year with Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson, I’m not doubting Chiefs’ secondary draft picks. DE BJ Thompson is a small school pass rusher who they hope gives them a few flash plays a game. Coburn is a guy who they may actually need at DT.

Las Vegas Raiders

(7) Tyree Wilson DE Texas Tech
(35) Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
(70) Byron Young DT Alabama
(100) Tre Tucker WR Cincinnati
(104) Jakorian Bennett CB Maryland
(135) Aidan O’Connell QB Purdue
(170) Christopher Smith S Georgia
(203) Amari Burney LB Florida
(231) Nesta Jade Silvera DT Arizona St.

Immediate Impact: DE Tyree Wilson, TE Michael Mayer

Chandler Jones had a tough season and he’s 33 this year, Wilson might not start but he’ll play snaps like a starter and he’ll be way better than Jones was last year (and I’m not even a huge Wilson fan). Mayer’s fall into round two was inexplicable and the while TE wasn’t a huge need, when one this good falls to you, you take him. Mayer will play more and be better than Austin Hooper and OJ Howard combined.

Best Value: TE Michael Mayer

They basically drafted Jason Witten in round two of a very weak draft. That’s elite value.

Sleeper: CB Jakorian Bennett

The Raiders depth chart at CB is Nate Hobbs, Duke Shelley, David Long Jr, and Brandon Facyson, Bennett could be better than all those guys. He has inside/outside versatility and will probably play outside because he’s better at that than all those guys. He will end up starting games for the Raiders this year, that’s a low bar but that’s good for a rookie.

Overall Analysis

As I looked over this draft I thought, solid job, except where are the offensive linemen? Not a single one drafted, that’s malpractice. Tyree Wilson and Michael Mayer were a great start, it gets pretty rough after that. DT Byron Young fills a need but they reached for him instead of getting a better CB or an offensive lineman. Then they drafted Tre Turner, a solid slot receiver but this team has Davante Adams, who likes to play out of the slot, Jakobi Meyers, best out of the slot, Hunter Renfrow, can only play out of the slot, and they signed Deandre Carter in free agency, another slot. Should probably have taken an offensive lineman there.

Jakorian Bennett was a solid choice but you could have taken a CB earlier and gotten a better player. They got in on the QB run that was happening way too early and they took Aidan O’Connell, a 25-year-old statue out of Purdue. They must have wanted to make Jimmy G and Brian Hoyer feel like mobile QBs. Christopher Smith was a solid round five pick at safety, a position that needed some depth, and Smith is a playmaker. LB Amari Burney is probably a special team’s guy at best and Nesta Jade Silvera is fighting an uphill battle to make the roster.

Los Angeles Chargers

(21) Quentin Johnston WR TCU
(54) Tuli Tuipulotu Edge USC
(85) Daiyan Henley LB Washington St.
(125) Derius Davis WR TCU
(156) Jordan McFadden OL Clemson
(200) Scott Matlock DL Boise St
(239) Max Duggan QB TCU

Immediate Impact: WR Quentin Johnston

The Chargers are in pretty good shape overall but they need a deep threat WR. Johnston isn’t a classic deep, over-the-top type of player, but he is a weapon and he will take coverage away from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. He’s a yards-after-the-catch monster and that can be useful.

Best Value: Edge Tuli Tuipulotu

The Chargers have two elite edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack but when those guys come off the field, they struggle to get pressure on the QB. Tuipulotu was a highly productive pass rusher at USC and he has plenty of pass rushing moves and still room to get better. Getting a productive pass rusher late in round two is very valuable.

Sleeper: WR Derius Davis

It’s a little weird that the Chargers took two WRs from TCU (and their QB) but Davis brings a different dimension to their WR corps. He’s the fast, little guy while Allen, Williams, and Johnston are the big-bodied type. Keenan Allen is a big slot receiver, Davis can be the quick jitterbug type inside. He could be a gadget guy for sure and maybe even take some pressure off of Austin Ekeler catching short screens and dump offs. It’s nice to have options for Justin Herbert.

Overall Analysis

This was a pretty solid draft class and even with a good roster in front of them I can see some of these players making a difference. I have questions about Quentin Johnston but I’m interested to see what Kellen Moore draws up with him in the fold at WR. He’s also a nice hedge against Allen’s age and Williams’ injury history. Davis also helps the WR corps quite a bit. Tuipulotu also gives them depth at a position where age and injury have struck before and now, they can hope some rotational help keeps Bosa and Mack on the field.

LB Daiyan Henley gives them another dimension at LB too. He’s a smaller player who can run and cover and has speed. He’s what Kenneth Murray is supposed to be. OL Jordan McFadden gives them depth on the interior after losing Matt Feiler and DL Scott Matlock gives them some depth on the front line. Maybe he can stop the run, the rest of the d-line struggles with that. QB Max Duggan is an interesting player. He’s had his ups and downs in his college career but he went out with a bang, getting TCU to the National Championship (we’ll forget they got destroyed by Georgia). Duggan doesn’t have an NFL arm and while he’s pretty mobile, he doesn’t have great athleticism. That said, every time someone doubts him, he proves them wrong. He didn’t win the starting job at TCU last year to start the year, even after being the incumbent starter. Then his competition got hurt in game one and he led the team to the National Championship game and was the Heisman runner up. He can be a solid backup who could keep the offense running if Herbert gets hurt. If I were Easton Stick, I’d be looking over my shoulder.

Chicago Bears

(10) Darnell Wright OT Tennessee
(53) Gervon Dexter DT Florida
(56) Tyrique Stevenson CB Miami
(64) Zacch Pickens DT South Carolina
(115) Roschon Johnson RB Texas
(133) Tyler Scott WR Cincinnati
(148) Noah Sewell LB Oregon
(165) Terell Smith CB Minnesota
(218) Travis Bell DT Kennesaw St
(258) Kendall Williamson S Stanford

Immediate Impact: RT Darnell Wright, DT Gervon Dexter

Darnell Wright walks in as the starting RT on day one. The RT position is fixed and Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom are going to have to find other spots to play or a different team. I’m not the biggest Dexter fan, he’s seriously inconsistent but the Bears DT depth chart is not good. His talent will allow him to get plenty of playing time, now if the coaches can just get him to actually play hard all the time, they will have something.

Best Value: WR Tyler Scott

Scott isn’t the biggest guy but he’s fast, he’s fluid, and he’s a really good athlete. If his hands were better and he was a little crisper in his routes he goes much higher. I think he can work on those things and the Bears got a guy who should have been a day two pick on day three. This guy is either the replacement for Darnell Mooney if he leaves next year in free agency, or he’s the reason the team doesn’t want Mooney back.

Sleeper: CB Terell Smith

I’m not a fan of the Tyrique Stevenson pick in the second round but I like this pick quite a bit. Stevenson is a flashy athlete; Smith is a good CB. Smith will give you steady play and be where he’s supposed to be on defense. He’s a good athlete who plays a bit stiff but he has years of experience and understands how to cover. Stevenson is either a homerun or a strikeout, Smith is a solid double down the line. If you made me bet who’s still on the roster in three years, I’ll take Smith.

Overall Analysis

The Bears wanted a RT and they got the best pure RT in the draft. I do question the wisdom of trading down one spot and giving up Jalen Carter, especially after they drafted three DTs, but I like Wright. I didn’t like the Dexter or Stevenson picks because there’s too much volatility in their outcomes. Dexter could be Jalen Carter, or he’s out of the league in three years. Stevenson can be a starter for the next decade, I’m just not sure if it’s in the NFL or XFL. DT Zacch Pickens is the opposite of Dexter, he’s as steady as they come but he’s not going to dominate. He is to Dexter what Smith is to Stevenson.
RB Rochon Johnson is a great complementary back and he’ll give them a lot of flexibility and he’ll help in so many ways. He could actually prove to be better than Herbert or Foreman by the end of the year. WR Tyler Scott is insurance against Darnell Mooney getting hurt or Chase Claypool sucking. Scott can play and he’ll make plays when he does. LB Noah Sewell is an interesting pick. He’s an old school big LB and he’ll be perfect backing up Tremaine Edmunds and he allows them the chance to use Edmunds in different ways if they want. The Smith pick was a hedge on Stevenson, just like Pickens was on Dexter. While normally I wouldn’t give much credence to a small school DT who’s undersized and got picked in round seven, I’ve seen the Bears DT depth chart, Travis Bell can make this roster. S Kendall Williamson will have to make this team on special teams.

Detroit Lions

(12) Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama
(18) Jack Campbell LB Iowa
(34) Sam LaPorta TE Iowa
(45) Brian Branch S Alabama
(68) Hendon Hooker QB Tennessee
(96) Brodric Martin DL Western Kentucky
(152) Colby Sorsdal OL William & Mary
(219) Antoine Green WR North Carolina

Immediate Impact: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Jack Campbell, TE Sam LaPorta, S Brian Branch

The 12th pick was too high for Gibbs but that doesn’t mean he won’t be an awesome player. They traded D’Andre Swift after getting Gibbs so now he’s the complement to David Montgomery, and he’ll be great at it. Apologies to one of the starting LBs from last year but you just got replaced. Jack Campbell will be the starting MLB in Detroit and either Alex Anzalone goes to the bench or he moves to one of the other spots and someone else goes to the bench. Either way, Campbell is the new MLB and he’ll be a star. LaPorta is the new TJ Hockenson, he starts and with Jameson Williams suspended to start the season, he’ll get plenty of targets. Brian Branch may not start right away, but he will play and he will be excellent.

Best Value: S Brian Branch

This guy is an absolute steal half way through round two. He’s the best slot cover guy in the draft, he can play safety either in coverage or coming up to tackle. He’s not the biggest guy and he didn’t have great athletic testing numbers, he’s just football player. If I were Tracy Walker, I would be worried about my cap number increasing so much next year, they just drafted his replacement.

Sleeper: WR Antoine Green

No one has heard of this guy because Josh Downs sucked up all the targets in North Carolina’s offense. Green is a bigger WR with straight line speed and great size. The reason I’m calling him the sleeper is Jameson Williams is suspended to start the season which leaves, Marvin Jones Jr and Josh Reynolds as the only WR not named Amon-Ra St. Brown. It is completely possible Greene looks good when he gets a chance and sticks around.

Overall Analysis

You can quibble with the order in which the Lions took the players they got because a RB and LB in round one doesn’t feel like great value, but you can’ t argue with the guys they got. Gibbs is a major playmaker for the offense. Jack Campbell is the best LB they have had since…Chris Spielman? He sets the tone for how they want to play. TE Sam LaPorta and S Brian Branch were actually guys who could have gone in round one so they overpaid in round one and got value in round two. Then they got QB Hendon Hooker in round three. Hooker had some first round buzz but that was just noise. He’s a solid developmental prospect and if he recovers from his knee injury and they like what they see next year, he gives them something to think about in 2024 when they could move on from Jared Goff but they don’t have to.

DT Brodric Martin is a solid bet on a gigantic human being who can give them some real heft on the interior defensive line. OL Colby Sorsdal is a small school prospect they can try to develop into a future piece, they don’t need him now. Antoine Greene is just betting on a guy with traits late in the draft, not a terrible idea.

Green Bay Packers

(13) Lukas Van Ness Edge Iowa
(42) Luke Musgrave TE Oregon St.
(50) Jayden Reed WR Michigan St.
(78) Tucker Kraft TE South Dakota St.
(116) Colby Wooden DL Auburn
(149) Sean Clifford QB Penn St.
(159) Dontayvion Wicks WR Virginia
(179) Karl Brooks DL Bowling Green
(207) Anders Carlson K Auburn
(232) Carrington Valentine CB Kentucky
(235) Lew Nichols III RB Central Michigan
(242) Anthony Johnson Jr. S Iowa St.
(256) Grant DuBose WR Charlotte

Immediate Impact: Edge Lukas Van Ness, TE Luke Musgrave, TE Tucker Kraft, WR Jayden Reed

The Packers’ defense was not very good last year and they didn’t draft Lukas Van Ness to sit around and watch. It’s going to be a transition for him to play on the edge in their 3-4 defense but he’s the type of athlete who can do it. They have big pass rushing OLBs right now with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, they can make Van Ness into one.
The TE spot was devoid of any difference makers so they drafted Luke Musgrave and then they couldn’t pass up the value of Tucker Kraft when he slipped to round three. Those two become the top two TEs and Jordan Love is going to enjoy both, I see some two TE sets in Green Bay’s future. The Packers don’t usually draft smaller WRs but they made an exception for Jayden Reed. Reed will be the perfect complement in the slot to Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. They don’t have a real slot receiver right now so it’s his job to lose.

Best Value: TE Tucker Kraft

There were some who really liked Kraft as a prospect and he definitely had higher grades than 78th overall. It was a deep TE class so teams waited a bit and he was way too good to fall any farther and the Packers remade their TE depth chart with this draft on day two.

Sleeper: S Anthony Johnson Jr.

I hate to give credit to a Cyclone but this guy could end up really being a player for the Packers. Johnson played safety, nickel, and CB while at Iowa St (it feels like he was there for 12 years). His experience will help him find a role and the Packers need some safety help or Darnell Savage is going to feel lonely back there. At worst he’s a versatile backup, at best he could end up starting at safety opposite Savage.

Overall Analysis

Van Ness gives them another 1st rounder on defense, at some point they have to realize they have plenty of talent, they need a new coach there. Musgrave and Kraft have a chance to really help this team as a really good TE duo, they should complement each other well. Reed could be a huge addition; he can make Jordan Love’s life easier. This team made 13 picks, I like the first four, it gets a little off kilter after that.

They needed some depth on the defensive front and they got Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks. Neither one is a needle mover but they can be nice backups. QB Sean Clifford in round five was a head-scratcher. They could certainly use quarterback depth beyond Danny Etling but Clifford isn’t it. Jaren Hall, Tanner McKee, and Max Duggan were all still on the board, I would have rather had any of the three. Dontayvion Wicks and Grant DuBose were depth picks at WR, neither one feels like they will really help but I like DuBose more than Wicks. I’m not a big proponent of drafting a kicker but when you have 13 picks and it’s in the sixth round, I’m fine with it. They need a kicker to replace Mason Crosby and Anders Carlson has a better chance of making an impact than another late round position player. CB Carrington Valentine, RB Lew Nichols III, and Anthony Johnson Jr. will join to two WRs trying to make this team as special teamers and backups with the hope to find a spot in the future.

Minnesota Vikings

(23) Jordan Addison WR USC
(102) Mekhi Blackmon CB USC
(134) Jay Ward CB LSU
(141) Jaquelin Roy DL LSU
(164) Jaren Hall QB BYU
(222) DeWayne McBride RB UAB

Immediate Impact: WR Jordan Addison

The Vikings didn’t have a lot of draft capital and they filled a major hole on offense with their first pick. Jordan Addison steps into the spot vacated by Adam Thielen and he’s a great complement to Justin Jefferson. Jefferson is a true #1 WR and Addison can be a fantastic #2. He’s fast, he’s a great route runner, and he’s a reliable target, Kevin O’Connell will find ways to get him the ball.

Best Value: QB Jaren Hall

Hall might be a bit underrated because he’s an older prospect who lacks ideal size. He has plenty of arm strength and mobility which make up for his lack of height and he has a chance to develop into a starter down the road. For a team that might be looking to move on from Kirk Cousins in a year and only has Nick Mullens as a backup, Hall in round five was well worth the pick.

Sleeper: CB Mekhi Blackmon

The Vikings have Andrew Booth Jr and Byron Murphy at CB, Booth is coming off an injury riddled rookie year and Murphy is better in the slot. They need a lot of help at CB and Blackmon wasn’t one of the big-name CBs but he played a lot at USC. He’s not a big guy and he’s not a great athlete but he doesn’t care and he competes on every rep. On a team in need of an outside CB, I’m not betting against Blackmon. They may end up with a starting CB from round three.

Overall Analysis

For a team that had a lot of holes on defense, they didn’t have a lot of draft capital to use and they used their first pick on offense. Addison will keep the offense humming right along but with only six picks I question the wisdom of using three on offense and three on defense. CB Jay Ward is also tough to figure out, he’s basically a CB/S tweener who isn’t that good at any one thing in particular. He might be a solid slot corner but they should be playing Murphy there. DT Jaquelin Roy is a big boy at DT and adds some beef but I’m not sure he breaks through enough to actually play. Hall is a nice shot at a backup QB and maybe a starter in a couple of years but he’s not helping right now. DeWayne McBride looks the part of an NFL running back but unless they trade Dalvin Cook it’s going to be hard to find playing time behind Cook, Alexander Mattison, and Kene Nwangwu. He has to beat out Ty Chandler to just make the 53-man roster. I would have gone all defense after drafting Addison, or drafted a defender in round one and taken a different WR in round two.