Post Free Agency – Mostly
The All-Star games (Senior Bowl, Shrine Game) are over, the NFL Combine is over, and now the vast majority of free agency is behind us. There’s a saying, owners will lie to you with their words but they don’t lie with their money. When it comes to free agency, they will tell you exactly what they think of their own players, and the other free agents on the market. Free agency can be very telling for the NFL draft and what teams are thinking and where they are heading. It’s as much about who they signed as who they didn’t or even who they didn’t pursue.
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns may have telegraphed what they are planning on doing with the first two picks if you read into their moves. The Titans overhauled their offensive line to make a much better group up front but didn’t even attempt to sign a veteran QB. In fact, they even lost their veteran backup Mason Rudolph. The Browns’ only move at QB was to trade Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a pick swap for Kenny Pickett from Philadelphia. That’s not solving their QB issues. The Falcons have surprisingly not cut Kirk Cousins so for now it looks like he’s on the roster as the backup to Michael Penix next season.
Teams filled major holes on their rosters to make sure they don’t have to reach for a prospect and they can take the best player available as they see fit. The Bears fixed major issues on their offensive and defensive lines. They could still draft prospects at those spots but now they don’t have to if there is someone on the board they feel is better value. The Vikings did the same thing filling major holes on the interior of the offensive and defensive lines, now they can do what they want to do in the draft. There are still from free agents who can fill some roles but at this point, those guys aren’t going to preclude a team from drafting a guy at the same position if they like the prospect. For instance, the Giants signed Russell Wilson and the Patriots signed Stefon Diggs, those deals aren’t going to stop those teams from drafting a QB and WR, respectively, if there is a good one available.
This Mock Draft is going to look a lot different than the last one and that’s the fun part. Let’s get started.
1. Tennessee Titans (3-14): Cam Ward QB Miami
Previously, I was operating under the belief that Brian Callahan was going to try to get a veteran QB to run his system so he doesn’t get fired after his second year in Tennessee. The Titans new GM Mike Borgonzi didn’t even attempt to sign a veteran QB so either he’s ready to let Callahan have some time with a rookie QB or he knows he’s firing Callahan regardless and just wants to get a new QB. Ward is good prospect, he really shouldn’t be a #1 overall pick type of guy, but in this QB class he looks great. They Titans way overspent for LT Dan Moore but that moves fixes two spots since he’ll be better at LT than JC Latham was last year and Latham will be lightyears better than the RTs the Titans had last year. Latham is a more natural RT and they signed Kevin Zeitler at RG. The offensive line is fixed and now Cam Ward will be protected and the run game will be much improved.
2. Cleveland Browns (3-14): Shadeur Sanders QB Colorado
This is a major shift from before and I disagree with it but stick with me. Sanders may have tanked his draft stock a bit at the combine with some less than stellar interviews. I’ve mentioned before how Deion said his kid wouldn’t go to certain teams and I assumed the Browns would be on that list given their history, well, things have changed. Now it’s Sanders who might be looking for anyone to take him so he doesn’t fall to the back half of round one or later so now every team is on the table. Deion will convince himself Kevin Stefanski is a good QB coach who will do well with Shadeur and that’s how they will sell it. Shadeur isn’t an elite physical talent but Stefanski has won with guys like Case Keenum and Kirk Cousins who weren’t physically dominant guys, just solid pocket passers. Sanders is a tough player, it doesn’t fit the glitz and glamour persona, but on the field he’s a tough SOB. He will need to be behind a crappy Browns offensive line but going second overall looks better for the brand than going 21st overall. I don’t think this ends well for Shadeur or Stefanski when it’s all said and done but when two sides are desperate, things like this happen.
3. New York Giants (3-14): Travis Hunter CB/WR Colorado
The Giants signed Paulson Adebo at CB in free agency and they still have Deonte Banks but Adebo is just a solid CB while Banks has been a disappointment. Hunter would be the best CB on the team and would also give them another dynamic part-time weapon on offense to go with Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton. Hunter wouldn’t need to be a full-time player at WR and he could still be a difference maker with this offense. The Giants signed Russell Wilson to a one-year deal and that was after they signed Jameis Winston. That’s two veterans and I’m still thinking they look for a QB later in the draft. I’m guessing they will likely draft a QB in round two or try to trade up if they like a prospect at the end of round one. Wilson got starter money for a year but Winston basically got third string money. This Giants team can’t pass on a generational talent if they have a chance to get a guy like Hunter.
4. New England Patriots (4-13): Abdul Carter Edge Penn St.
The Patriots need a LT and a WR but if Carter is here, they have two choices, take Carter, or hope someone will give you a king’s ransom to move up to get Carter. I have them taking Carter because I don’t think Mike Vrabel will pass on adding Carter to this defense. The Patriots’ pass rush was awful last season and Milton Williams and Harold Landry aren’t going to fix it alone. Carter has a potential foot injury but he should be fine. I understand their desperate need for a LT and this pick will definitely be on the block if Carter is there if someone has a great offer for Eliot Wolf and Vrabel to consider. At this point, the Patriots are looking at signing a veteran LT like Joe Noteboom or DJ Humphries in free agency, and while that’s not a good plan, those guys are upgrades over Vederian Lowe. Oh, and I have a move later if things fall right, stay tuned.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13): Mason Graham DT Michigan
I’m not coming off this pick until something tells me Jacksonville has any other plan. They signed two interior offensive linemen, even if Robert Hainsey and Patrick Makari don’t inspire a ton of confidence. It leaves the interior of the defensive line and secondary the most likely spots to address here and there isn’t a DB worth taking. The top talents are off the board so it’s not really a trade up spot for anyone so the Jags are stuck just staying put and taking the best player they can and that’s Graham. He’s slightly undersized and doesn’t have long enough arms for some teams but watch the guy play and you’ll forget all of that. Graham makes life easier for Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker (assuming they don’t trade him). They could go WR Tetairoa McMillan but after taking a WR in round one last year, that feels like a stretch.
6. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13): Tetairoa McMillan WR Arizona
This pick could very well come down to a choice between McMillan and RB Ashton Jeanty and you would be hard pressed to find anyone who will tell you McMillan is the better prospect, including me. However, Pete Carroll once traded a fourth and a fifth-round pick to get Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo when he was in Seattle. He also drafted Kenneth Walker in round two of the 2022 draft. The last time he took a RB in round one was in 2018 when he took Rashaad Penny, I don’t think he’ll want to repeat that move when he knows he can get RB talent later. McMillan is the best WR in this class by a mile and while this may be a bit higher than he should go, they need him. They have TE Brock Bowers and he’s an elite pass catching weapon. WR Jakobi Meyers is a good slot guy underneath but he’s rumored to be on the trading block. Tre Tucker is a nice idea as a deep threat but that’s still just an idea. McMillan would become a Geno Smith favorite as a deep target down the field. He’s everything you want in a down field ball winner that Geno never had in DK Metcalf. McMillan actually uses his size to his advantage.
7. New York Jets (5-12): Armand Membou OT Missouri
The Jets filled the biggest hole on their roster by signing QB Justin Fields to replace Aaron Rodgers, I’m calling it an upgrade. Maybe reuniting Fields with his old college teammate Garrett Wilson will unlock something. I know Wilson will be happier with Fields than he seemed to be with Rodgers. The team did lose RT Morgan Moses to the Patriots and I’m fairly certain going into the season with Carter Warren or Max Mitchell at RT isn’t a great plan. Membou was a stud at RT for Missouri and he’s a great athlete who can start immediately there. They have Olu Fashanu from last season at LT and unlike other positions, drafting OTs in the first round of back-to-back drafts is actually a solid plan. They have bookend OTs for whatever QB they decide to draft in the 2026 draft. Fields is just a placeholder after all.
8. Carolina Panthers (5-12): Tyler Warren TE Penn St.
The Panthers spent some money in free agency but it wasn’t on the offensive side of the ball. The only outside free agent they grabbed on offense was RB Rico Dowdle. They did re-sign guys like WR Adam Theilen, TE Tommy Tremble, C Austin Corbett, and backup QB Andy Dalton; none of those moves are moving the needle on offense for Bryce Young. They need a playmaker and with McMillan off the board the next best pass catcher is TE Tyler Warren. Warren is a monster at TE. He’s a great athlete who can play TE, you can use him as a wildcat QB, you can hand the ball off to him in the backfield if you want. He would be a dynamic weapon over the middle of the field and down the seam. He is also a capable blocker in the run game so that would help the Chuba Hubbard/Rico Dowdle backfield.
9. New Orleans Saints (5-12): Shamar Stewart DE Texas A&M
GM Mickey Loomis has a tendency to draft the trenches and while they could grab an offensive lineman like Will Campbell or Kelvin Banks here, Stewart fits their DE profile too well. Stewart is a guy who can play DE at around 280 lbs. and he’s not really that productive when it comes to sacks, sounds just right for Loomis. Stewart is a scary athlete and he did create pressure at A&M he just doesn’t get home a lot. The team re-signed Chase Young and they have Carl Granderson but they are still relying quite heavily on Cameron Jordan and they need some new blood. Stewart is worth the pick and he could develop into a good DE. Hopefully he’ll learn a few things from Jordan while he’s still there.
10. Chicago Bears (5-12): Ashton Jeanty RB Boise St.
Ben Johnson didn’t waste any time once he got to Chicago telling Ryan Poles to fix the interior of the offensive line and get some defensive line help too. LG Joe Thuney, C Drew Dalman, and RG Jonah Jackson were brought in to fix the offensive line and they should help keep Caleb Williams upright. More importantly, they should really open up the run game. Johnson had D’Andre Swift when he was the offensive coordinator in Detroit and they ended up letting Swift walk and replacing him with David Montgomery and eventually adding Jahmyr Gibbs. Jeanty would be the first step in upgrading the RB sot on this offense for Johnson. Jeanty is an elite back with the ability to play all three downs. He’s got the ability to pound teams on first and second down and be a weapon on third down. He has speed and great contact balance and Johnson will love him in his offense. He also takes a lot of pressure off Caleb Williams to be the whole offense.
11. San Francisco 49ers (6-11): Jalon Walker LB Georgia
This is one of the tougher spots to predict. The 49ers lost a lot of players in free agency and they need help in a lot of areas. O-line, interior defensive line, pass rusher, LB, and CB are all areas they could address. While they should look for an offensive lineman, Kyle Shanahan just doesn’t usually do that early. Since they are the enigma team, I’m giving them the enigma player. Jalon Walker mostly played like a LB at Georgia but his best plays are as a pass rusher. He’s too small to be a full-time end but returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is used to using undersized designated pass rushers. He had guys like Bryce Huff and Will McDonald IV with the Jets. The 49ers need help at LB after losing Dre Greenlaw in free agency so he can fill a role there and Saleh can unleash him as a pass rusher when needed.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-10): Kelvin Banks Jr. OL Texas
I’m holding on to this pick because it makes too much sense and the Cowboys have done almost nothing in free agency again so nothing has changed here. They lost a future Hall of Famer in RG Zack Martin and RT Terrence Steele isn’t exactly a stalwart at this point. Banks gives them some flexibility if Steele struggles but if Steele is fine than they have a nice plan at RG to replace Martin. The team could also use help on the defensive line but something tells me they won’t take another Michigan DT like Kenneth Grant after the way Mazi Smith has worked out for them. That’s a completely unfair way to put it and Grant will be the run-stuffing DT Smith has never been but the Cowboys may be just a little gun shy on that kind of pick. A DE is also a possibility with Demarcus Lawrence moving on but they brought back Dante Fowler so they may just wait at that spot, there’s depth there.
13. Miami Dolphins (8-9): Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
The Dolphins signed two safeties in free agency but Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis shouldn’t stop them from taking a safety if they really like Nick Emmanwori or Malaki Starks. However, they are almost completely devoid of anything resembling starters on their defensive line with the exception of Zach Seiler. I’m guessing he would like some help up front. Grant is a behemoth of a man at 6’3 331 lbs. and would give them the type of nose tackle who could really help their defense. He’s an immovable object in the middle of the line and can collapse the pocket from time to time. He and Seiler would be a nice pair up front, then they can add more help later. Emmanwori or Starks would be massive upgrades at safety too but the defensive line is the more pressing need.
14. Indianapolis Colts (8-9): Colston Loveland TE Michigan
If Tyler Warren goes in the top ten, it’s going to push Loveland up the board a little bit. The Colts lost two interior offensive linemen in C Ryan Kelly and RG Will Fries but they have C Tanor Bortolini and they managed without Fries last year when he was hurt. They also signed S Cam Bynum and CB Charvarius Ward to fortify the secondary. That still leaves the gaping hole they have at TE and Loveland will be an awesome consolation prize if Warren is gone. Loveland would give them a big target over the middle of the field and would be a nice complement to their WR corps. They could also look at Jihad Campbell as they do have a need at LB.
15. Atlanta Falcons (8-9): Mike Green Edge Marshall
The Falcons should consider trading down with their massive amount of needs on the defensive side of the ball but Green might be too good to pass up. This team has been dying for a legitimate edge rusher since the days of John Abraham and Green is a legit pass rusher. He would solve some problems for this team and give them a playmaker on defense besides S Jesse Bates. The Falcons didn’t do much in free agency except a couple of moves on the fringes with some veterans like DE Morgan Fox and OLB Leonard Floyd. Those are solid depth players but they aren’t turning this defense around. The offense should be good with all their skill guys and the only real issue they need to address there is at center where they lost Drew Dalman. If someone wants to move up here, the Falcons can move down and still get a guy like Grey Zabel who could step in at center for them.
16. Arizona Cardinals (8-9): Will Johnson CB Michigan
The Cardinals would be unbelievably lucky if Johnson falls to them at 16. He’s still an elite prospect in my evaluation and he just had a tough year with injuries and a team that just wasn’t as good. Johnson does not have elite speed, but he has every other aspect you want in a CB1. This team needs CB help and Johnson is the best one in this draft not named Travis Hunter. Johnson has the size and skills you want in a top CB and can match up with bigger WRs and make life easier for Max Melton, Garrett Williams, and Sean Murphy-Bunting. The Cardinals did a good job in free agency addressing needs in the front seven, Johnson would be the perfect pick for them in the draft to fix an major issue in the secondary.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (TRADE from Cincinnati): James Pearce Jr. Edge Tennessee
The Chargers did re-sign Khalil Mack at edge rusher but he’s 34 and his backup is Bud Dupree who is 32 and not exactly the picture of health. They did lose Joey Bosa and that’s a big loss for the six to eight games he played a year. The point is that Tuli Tuipulotu is going to need a pass rushing partner for the long-term and Pearce is a guy with some serious pass rushing juice. He has some character concerns but that isn’t something that is going to scare off Jim Harbaugh, he’s fine with guys who are a little different. Getting Pearce away from his issues at Tennessee should help him focus and if he’s on, he’s a menace to opposing QBs. The Chargers have ten picks going into this draft and they use a little of their excess capital to move ahead of a team like Tampa Bay who could be looking for a pass rusher too. The Bengals only have six picks coming into this draft and given the amount of money they gave Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this off season, they need some extra draft capital to get some cheap players for their defense.
18. Seattle Seahawks (10-7): Will Campbell OL LSU
The Seahawks desperately have to address their interior offensive line and they have failed to do so in free agency. They even struck out on a second-level OG in Teven Jenkins who apparently picked the Browns who have two starting OGs instead of the Seahawks. They have to protect new QB Sam Darnold because he’s awful when he’s pressured. Also, new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was brought in to fix the running game and he could really use some help in instituting the new blocking scheme. Will Campbell should be given a shot to be a LT but here he’s going to play LG next to Charles Cross and his intelligence, his precision skills, and his athleticism will play very well in Kubiak’s Shanahan style offense. My dream of him falling far enough for the Patriots to move up to get him dies here because it’s just a little too far to move up. Hold on though, I’m not done yet.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7): Jihad Campbell LB Alabama
The Buccaneers signed Hassan Reddick and hope he can resurrect his career as a pass rusher after the debacle that was last season. They also re-signed Anthony Nelson who is a good depth piece and still have starter Yaya Diaby. They aren’t as desperate for an edge rusher as long as they think Reddick still has something in him. They also brought back LB Lavonte David, who is 35 and the other starting LB is either SirVocea Dennis or Anthony Walker. I would call LB a bigger need. Luckily for them, Jihad Campbell happens to be an excellent LB prospect who could start next to David this year and then take over for him as the defensive play caller when he retires. Campbell can also be used as a pass rusher in certain situations.
20. Baltimore Ravens (TRADE from Denver): Jahdae Barron DB Texas
The Ravens have 11 picks in this draft because they play the compensatory pick game better than any team every year. They have an extra fourth rounder and three extra sixth round picks this year. They use some draft capital to move up to take Barron, the next best defensive back in the draft. Barron doesn’t have prototypical size but he has insane skills. He’s one of the most instinctual defenders in the draft and he can play outside CB, nickel back, or line up at safety. The Ravens love versatility in the defensive backfield and with Barron joining Kyle Hamilton, Ar’Darius Washington, and Marlon Humphrey as pieces you can move anywhere, the Ravens defense will be awesome again.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (TRADE from Pittsburgh): Mykel Williams DE Georgia
The Eagles have eight picks in the draft and their roster is too good overall to need that many rookies, they need quality, not quantity. The Steelers don’t have a lot of picks and they need some value. The Eagles move up to draft another Georgia defender, Howie Roseman has a type. The team lost Brandon Graham to retirement and Josh Sweat and Milton Williams left in free agency. This team is built in the trenches and they need another defensive end. Williams hasn’t been all that productive as a pass rusher but that’s not what Georgia really asked him to do. He was a DE who made life easier on the LBs so they could make plays. If you stack Williams up front with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, it makes pass rushing easier for Nolan Smith, Zack Baun, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, and maybe Bryce Huff if he can resurrect his career. Roseman once again outsmarts the competition.
22. Cincinnati Bengals (TRADE from LA Chargers): Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina
The Bengals move down in this trade to pick up an extra pick or two from the Chargers and they still get a guy they would have seriously considered at 17 overall. Emmanwori was a workout wonder at the combine and he’s one of the most athletic prospects you’ll ever find. He would solve a huge problem at safety for the Bengals and give them a playmaker the defense doesn’t have outside of Trey Hendrickson, assuming they keep Hendrickson around. They need help all over the defense but their safeties were pretty bad last year. Emmanwori steps in at one spot and they can hope having him will make Geno Stone better. He had a rough first year in Cincy and needs a partner he can work with to get better. At this point, just take the best defensive player on the board and then with all your other picks, keep taking defensive players.
23. Green Bay Packers (11-6): Shavon Revel Jr. CB East Carolina
The Packers roster is pretty solid at this point but there could be some questions at CB. Jaire Alexander has a habit of getting injured and missing time and he makes a lot of money, that’s not a good combination. The team signed Nate Hobbs, who was a really good nickel corner, from the Raiders but they also have Javon Bullard who can play the nickel and that’s what Keisean Nixon has been in the past too. They really need some outside CB help and while Revel is coming off a torn ACL last September, he’s still an excellent prospect. He has great size at 6’2 which would be welcome on this team, most of their CB are under 6’0. Revel is a big, physical, and brings the type of attitude you want in a top CB. If his knee checks out with teams’ medical staffs, he should be a first-round pick.
24. New England Patriots (TRADE with Minnesota): Josh Simmons OT Ohio St.
The Patriots have nine picks in this draft and after getting lucky to get Abdul Carter at fourth overall, they still need to address LT. The Vikings only have four picks in this draft and since they don’t have any massive holes in their starting lineup, they can afford to trade down and pick up some picks so they can draft some cheap talent to give them some depth. The Patriots can still sign a guy like Joe Noteboom to be their starting LT to start the year next season as Josh Simmons is recovering from a knee injury. However, Noteboom or any other veteran LT at this point is only a band-aid and they need a young guy. Simmons was on his way to being a top 15 pick when he hurt his knee. He’ a legitimate NFL starting LT and he’ll have Drake Maye’s blindside covered for the next ten years, except for probably the first 4-6 weeks of next year. This would be an almost ideal move for the Patriots (I would like it better if they could get Will Campbell but Simmons is very good too). They can give up the 38th overall pick in this draft, one of their two third round picks, and maybe a 3rd round pick next year to move up to this spot. They also have some extra seventh round picks to throw in to give the Vikings some more draft pick inventory.
25. Houston Texans (10-7): Matthew Golden WR Texas
The Texans jettisoned LT Laremy Tunsil and OG Kenyon Green in different trades and cut OG Shaq Mason to save some money. It seemed like offensive line would be a huge need but then they started putting band-aids on their bullet wounds and they may think they are alright. They signed LT Cam Robinson; he should start so Tytus Howard can stay at LG and Blake Fisher can stay at RT. They also signed OG Laken Tomlinson and traded for OG Ed Ingram. One of them could start but both shouldn’t have to. They also signed OT Trent Brown, assumably to be the swing tackle. They have plenty of bodies to piece together a starting five up front. Where they are lacking is at WR, not for bodies, but for difference makers. Nico Collins is a legit WR1. They trade for Christian Kirk and he should be a solid slot guy. They have to assume Tank Dell will miss the year and at this point they can only hope he returns to his career someday. WRs Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III, and free agents Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios don’t move the needle. Matthew Golden does. He’s a great complement to Collins; he can replace a lot of the things Dell was good at and he’s a legitimate WR2 who gives you speed down the field.
26. Los Angeles Rams (10-7): Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky
The Rams should almost certainly draft a LB early but that just isn’t their style. They generally don’t put lot into their CB group either, at least not since the days of Jalen Ramsey. They don’t have major holes to fill outside of LB so they grab a high upside CB prospect in Hairston. He wasn’t considered a first-round prospect until he went to the combine and ran 4.28 in the 40. That caught some people’s attention and now here he is. He’s undersized coming in at just under 6’0 and about 185 lbs. but he’s a feisty guy who likes to mix it up and he has elite speed. The Rams have done worse at CB, as a matter of fact they still are doing worse, with Ahkello Witherspoon set to start again. Hairston gives them some upside at CB opposite Darious Williams and Hairston has a chance to be very good.
27. Denver Broncos (TRADE from Baltimore): Omarion Hampton RB North Carolina
The Broncos make the move down the board when Baltimore overpays a bit to move up and Denver adds some future picks to really address their depth. They get the added bonus of ending up with the RB they want anyway. The Broncos have Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime at RB after letting Javonte Williams leave in free agency. If McLaughlin or Estime were going to be the featured back they would have taken the job last year, it’s not like Williams was too good to pass. Hampton gives Sean Payton a true work horse and he allows McLaughlin to become the third down back he should be and Estime to be a good backup. The Broncos feel fine moving down in the draft because while they like Hampton, there are plenty of good backs in this draft and they could always take a WR here like Luther Burden III or Emeka Egbuka.
28. Detroit Lions (15-2): Tyler Booker OG Alabama
The Lions need an edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson but they are not a team who drafts for need if there is a good player on the board who fits their culture. There is no better culture fit for the Lions than Booker. He’s known to be a high character leader who plays with the grit and grind Dan Campbell prefers. OG isn’t an obvious need if second-year man Christina Mahogany can step in at RG for Kevin Zeitler. However, Graham Glasgow is going to be 33 and they don’t have much depth on the interior of their line. Getting a head start on keeping the o-line as a top unit is a good strategy. Booker isn’t an elite athlete but he’s a very good guard who wouldn’t miss a beat if he has to play.
29. New York Giants (TRADE with Washington): Jaxson Dart QB Ole Miss
The Commanders only have five picks in this draft and only two in the first four rounds, they take advantage of the Giants desire to get a QB and their need to get ahead of the Steelers who had moved down in this mock draft. Jaxson Dart has become the consensus third QB in the draft and the Giants missed out on the top two in round one. They need a QB of the future, it’s not Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston. They pay up a bit to move up from 34 to 29 and get into the first round to get Dart. He doesn’t have to start right away with Wilson on board but he could give Wilson a run for the job in training camp. The Giants probably have to give up the 34th pick, their own third rounder (65) and maybe a pick next year. They pay an extra tax because it’s a QB and because Washington is in their division.
30. Buffalo Bills (13-4): Derrick Harmon DT Oregon
As much as I would like to give the Bills a CB here, they need outside CB help, the DT spot is too valuable and there are two good ones to choose from. I’m going with Harmon over Walter Nolan because Harmon is the bigger body who would spell DaQuan Jones next to Ed Oliver. Nolan might be more of the penetrating DT Oliver is. They can’t go wrong but I like Harmon’s fit. The team signed Joey Bosa to give them depth at DE but their depth at DT isn’t great. They signed Larry Ogunjobi who’s going to be 31and is going to miss six games with a PED suspension. They can find a solid CB prospect in round two or just re-sign Rasul Douglas and patch it together in the secondary again.
31. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2): Walter Nolan DT Ole Miss
The Chiefs gave LT Jaylon Moore enough money to believe he’s their starting LT next season. That moves Kinsley Suamataia inside to LG to replace Joe Thuney who they traded to Chicago. If they think that solves the left side of the offensive line they don’t have much left to do on offense. They re-signed Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster at WR. They could use a more dynamic RB but that’s a worry for later. On defense they lost some guys up front like Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton and Chris Jones needs some help. Walter Nolan is slightly undersized but he’s a pocket crusher and would give them some playmaking up front. An edge rusher and a safety would be nice but Nolan is a good value this late. The Chiefs usually do well with late round guys in the secondary so I would guess they wait to address safety or CB.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (TRADE from Philadelphia): Malaki Starks S Georgia
I think the Steelers end up with Aaron Rodgers at QB and if they trade down it’s because they aren’t sold on Jaxson Dart as the long-term solution to the QB problem. The Steelers offense needs another RB but it’s not pressing and otherwise their needs are on defense. They could look for a younger defensive lineman but Starks is too good to pass up. He’s not an elite athlete by the combine standards but this guy is a real football player at safety. He does everything well and he would be a nice chess piece next to Minkah Fitzpatrick in the middle of the defense. No offense to DeShon Elliott, he’s a nice player, but Starks is a difference maker. He can play in the slot if they need him to or be a more traditional safety. He’s a steal at this pick, no pun intended.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cleveland Browns: Josh Conerly Jr. OT Oregon
If the Browns take a QB in round one, they should get him a real LT in round two. Conerly may be a little raw but he’s an elite athlete who can step in at LT immediately. They should really want to find someone other than Dewand Jones to play that spot.
34. Washington Commanders (from NYG): Luther Burden III WR Missouri
The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel to get a YAC (yards after the catch) guy. Samuel is going to get hurt and miss time so why not get a real YAC guy who will play games for you. Burden has fallen down draft boards after a tough year but he’s a still a playmaker.
35. Tennessee Titans: Donovan Ezeiruaku Edge Boston College
The Titans signed Dre’Mont Jones and Lorenzo Carter to go with Arden Key as their edge rushers. They need to do better. Ezeiruaku isn’t ready to be a full-time edge player yet, he’s a little undersized but he will get after the QB. Solid addition to the rotation.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Grey Zabel C/G North Dakota St.
The Jaguars added Robert Hainsey from Tampa Bay at center because he knows the offense after playing for Liam Coen last season. That doesn’t mean he’s a good player. He was benched in Tampa for rookie C Graham Barton. Zabel is this year’s Barton, a guy who played OT in college but will likely be a center in the pros. Zabel is a better option than Hainsey.
37. Las Vegas Raiders: Quinshon Judkins RB Ohio St.
Judkins isn’t the next best RB in this class but Chip Kelly is the new OC in Vegas and he had Judkins at Ohio St. They already signed Raheem Mostert to be the speed back, Judkins is the power back to take most of the carries. Kelly knows he’ll fit his running game perfectly.
38. Minnesota Vikings (from NE): Tyliek Williams DT Ohio St.
The Vikings got better on the defensive line with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave but Allen is 30 and Hargrave is 32, so those aren’t long-term solutions. Williams is a tough DT who plays the run well and gives them some youth and depth for now. He’s a solid investment in the future of the position too.
39. Chicago Bears: Nic Scourton DE Texas A&M
The Bears went luxury pick in round one with Jeanty, they go for best value here. Scourton had some first round buzz early but he was underwhelming at A&M. He needs to get back to being the guy he was at Purdue before he transferred to A&M. He has some juice as an edge rusher when he’s right and he might give them a little more than Austin Booker as the third DE in the rotation.
40. New Orleans Saints: Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio St.
This team has Chris Olave, who has concussion issues, Rasheed Shahid, who’s usually injured, and they just signed Brandin Cooks. You could say they need a WR. Egbuka is as solid as they get as a route runner and all-around WR. He would really help them with his consistency alone.
41. Chicago Bears: Aireontae Ursery OT Minnesota
Ursery could be used as an OG if Jonah Jackson has health issues and he’s a hedge against Braxton Jones not taking the next step. Ursery is a gigantic man and is more athletic than he gets credit for. He could end up being the long-term solution at LT or the future at LG, Joe Thuney is going to be 33 next season.
42. New York Jets: Jayden Higgins WR Iowa St.
The Jets have to get Justin Fields some pass catchers and while this team could grab a TE, I like Higgins here. It would be poetic if drafting one Iowa St. WR was the catalyst for dumping Allen Lazard, their current Iowa St. WR. Higgins is better.
43. San Francisco 49ers: Darius Alexander DT Toledo
The 49ers defensive line needs a lot of help and the DT position is especially rough. Alexander is a small school guy who looked great at the Senior Bowl and he’s the best DT left on the board. He shouldn’t be the only defensive lineman the 49ers take, but he’s a good start.
44. Dallas Cowboys: Benjamin Morrison Jr. CB Notre Dame
The Cowboys have Trevon Diggs returning from injury and DaRon Bland at CB but they lost Jourdan Lewis in free agency. Morrison is coming off a hip injury but if he’s okay, he’s a steal here. He can play the slot like Lewis did or he can play outside and Bland can play the slot. He gives them flexibility.
45. Indianapolis Colts: Donovan Jackson OG Ohio St.
Jackson steps in immediately at RG to replace Will Fries and he’s an excellent player to get here in round two. He played some LT at Ohio St. out of need but he has Pro Bowl potential as a guard in the NFL.
46. Atlanta Falcons: Trey Amos CB Ole Miss
The Falcons have been looking for a CB to play outside opposite AJ Terrell since they drafted AJ Terrell. Amos would give them that guy and allow Clark Phillips to be the nickel back like he should be. Just keep drafting defense Atlanta.
47. Arizona Cardinals: Jaylin Noel WR Iowa St.
Noel was a problem for opponents of Iowa St. He and Higgins were a dynamic duo and while Noel doesn’t have the physical profile of Higgins, he might be the more effective receiver. He would be an excellent complement to Marvin Harrison Jr., he can play in the slot or outside if needed.
48. Miami Dolphins: Azareye’h Thomas CB Florida St.
The Dolphins have Jalen Ramsey at one CB spot but as of now the other starting CB is Storm Duck, that’s not a good place to be. Thomas has great size and he can immediately start on this team. They need defensive help, Thomas would help.
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Landon Jackson DE Arkansas
The Bengals go defense again, it should be their theme. Jackson is a long DE prospect at 6’6 and he can give them some help on the edge for Trey Hendrickson. Sooner or later they should hit on one of these DE prospects they keep drafting.
50. Seattle Seahawks: Darien Porter CB Iowa St.
The Seahawks have Devon Witherspoon at one CB spot but he’s best in the slot. Riq Woolen is a one outside CB but they are going to have to make a decision on re-signing at some point. Porter is a big CB at 6’3 and while he’s a little underdeveloped because he’s only been a CB a couple years, he’s a talented player.
51. Denver Broncos: Jalen Royals WR Utah St.
The Broncos found their QB last year and not they are just trying to help him out. Courtland Sutton proved to be a WR1 last year for Bo Nix, they still need a complementary guy. Royals is a playmaker who is best with the ball in his hands. Sutton is the downfield guy, Royals would be the after the catch guy. He doesn’t overwhelm you with his physical stature but he’s a dynamic weapon.
52. Seattle Seahawks: Jonah Savaiinaea OL Arizona
Savaiinaea is a big man at 6’4 324 lbs. who would work best inside at OG but has spent time at OT. They need him at OG and he’s a good athlete who would work for the new offense. He also would be a nice hedge against Abe Lucas’ injury issues if they need him at RT. If they draft two OTs who they will play at OG with two of their first three picks, no one will bat an eyelash.
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jack Sawyer Edge Ohio St.
The Buccaneers are counting on Hassan Reddick to come back after a lost season. They need more help off the edge than that and Sawyer gives them a pass rusher. He’s not the most dynamic athlete but he’s the guy who never quits. He helps immediately off the edge.
54. Green Bay Packers: Alfred Collins DT Texas
The Packers have some good interior defensive tackles but they don’t have a big body guy after losing TJ Slaton in free agency. They need a guy like Collins to complement their guys like Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Karl Brooks. Collins gives them a different skill set.
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Elic Ayomanor WR Stanford
The Chargers are bringing back Mike Williams after his really rough year with the Jets/Steelers, that’s how desperate they are for an outside WR. Ayomanor is 6’2 206 lbs. and would give them a great complement on the outside to Ladd McConkey’s inside dominance.
56. Buffalo Bills: Xavier Watts S Notre Dame
Watts is a safety who isn’t going to wow you with his physical gifts, he’s just going to play the position with great instincts and knowhow. That’s pretty much what Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer did for years, that works in this defense.
57. Carolina Panthers: Princely Umanmielen Edge Ole Miss
Umanmielen is a slightly undersized pass rusher but the Panthers have some bigger guys on the edge; Jadaveon Clowney, DJ Wonnum, and Patrick Jones Jr. They need a guy with a little speed off the edge, that’s Umanmielen’s game.
58. Houston Texans: Kaleb Johnson RB Iowa
The Texans need to get some more playmakers on offense and Johnson is a major playmaker. They have Joe Mixon but they don’t have a good second back. Johnson would fit the offensive system and he would be a great addition.
59. Baltimore Ravens: Carson Schwesinger LB UCLA
The Ravens are a team that likes to draft best player available and Schwesinger is probably that right here. They don’t need a LB but their roster rarely “needs” anyone in particular. Schwesinger gives them depth at LB and talent added to the roster.
60. Detroit Lions: JT Tuimoloau DE Ohio St.
Everyone likes to put Jack Sawyer with Aidan Hutchinson but I think he’s teammate Tuimoloau would be a great value pick here. He’s a great talent who doesn’t let up either.
61. Washington Commanders: Mason Taylor TE LSU
Mason Taylor is a good all-around TE who does everything well but isn’t a standout at any one thing. He’s going to be a good pro for a decade and he can be a good weapon for Jayden Daniels for a long time, they have also played together.
62. Buffalo Bills: Demetrius Knight Jr. LB South Carolina
The Bills have dealt with Matt Milano’s injuries over the last few years and have had to patch together the LB corps. Knight would give them a good athlete and tough LB they can count on.
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Treyveon Henderson RB Ohio St.
Every team in the league should be kicking themselves if they let the Chiefs get Henderson. Henderson is a blur on the field and would give the Chiefs the speed back they have been missing. He’s the perfect complement to Isaiah Pacheco and he’ll be awesome in Andy Reid’s offense.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Philadelphia): Tyler Shough QB Louisville
The Steelers pick up this pick from Philly from the first-round trade. If they end up with Rodgers, Shough would be a great pick up here to be the guy for the near future. Rodgers isn’t a long-term solution and he may not even last the season if they keep George Pickens around. There’s no scenario where Rodgers and Pickens are on the same team all year and they don’t try to kill each other. Shough could be ready quickly to step in and he has starting caliber talent.
The Hott Read 