2026 AFC South Draft Review

Houston Texans

(26) Keylan Rutledge G/C Georgia Tech
(36) Kayden McDonald DT Ohio St.
(59) Marlin Klein TE Michigan
(106) Febechi Nwaiwu OL Oklahoma
(123) Wade Woodaz LB Clemson
(141) Kamari Ramsey S USC
(204) Lewis Band WR Boston College
(243) Aiden Fisher LB Indiana

Immediate Impact: G/C Keylan Rutledge, DT Kayden McDonald

Rutledge was the late rising interior offensive lineman that a lot of teams liked who has guard/center versatility. The Texans have been trying to upgrade their offensive line this offseason with LG Wyatt Teller and RG Braden Smith, one spot that could still use an upgrade is center. Rutledge doesn’t have game experience there, but he has the skills. His size gives him an advantage over incumbent center Jake Andrews and the Texans want to be a more physical team up front. McDonald was drafted for the same reason on the defensive side. As good as the Texans’ defense has been, they haven’t had a run-stuffing DT like McDonald in a while. He’s an elite power player in the middle of the line and he’ll make the Texans’ defense even better.

Best Value: McDonald

McDonald is an elite run defender, and he absolutely should have been a first-round pick. He didn’t have to wait long into the second round, and the Texans made a move up for him for a reason. He could start alongside Sheldon Rankins, and he will be heavily in the rotation on early downs.

Sleeper: S Kamari Ramsey

Ramsey played a lot of nickel at USC last season, and he wasn’t very good at it, that’s why he fell to round five. Luckily for him, the Texans have Jalen Pitre at nickel and Ramsey can go back to being more a traditional safety. They have starters in Callen Bullock and Reed Blankenship, but Ramsey should contribute as a rotational guy and he has some long-term upside.

Overall Analysis

The first two picks were homeruns considering what this team needed, two tone setters, one on each side of the line. They got tougher and stronger. Neither one is guaranteed to start but both will absolutely be given every opportunity to do so. The other second-round pick they had, TE Marlin Klein, was a big swing but is far from a homerun. He might be a good blocker but there’s no guarantee he gets any playing time. They have veterans who will play ahead of him, even if he can block.

The next guy they took was Febechi Nwaiwu, the offensive lineman from Oklahoma. He has some versatility but he’s not exactly a guarantee to even make this roster given some of their other additions. There were better offensive linemen on the board, he was a reach. Woody Woodaz has a great name for a LB, and they could use the depth. Ramsey was a nice upside play in the fifth round. WR Lewis Bond comes into a very crowded group and unless he distinguishes himself in the return game, he’s destined for the practice squad. I love the Aidan Fisher pick in the last round. He may lack the athleticism to stand out in the NFL but he’s a leader and he’s going to work his butt off every day.

Indianapolis Colts

(53) CJ Allen LB Georgia
(78) AJ Haulcy S LSU
(113) Jalen Farmer OG Kentucky
(135) Bryce Boettcher LB Oregon
(156) George Gumbs Jr. Edge Florida
(214) Caden Curry Edge Ohio St.
(237) Seth McGowan RB Kentucky
(254) Deion Burks WR Oklahoma

Immediate Impact: LB CJ Allen, S AJ Haulcy

The Colts didn’t have a first-round pick because of the Sauce Gardner trade and yet they got two starters with their first two picks in rounds two and three. LB was the biggest need on the team, and they got one of the better immediate starters in CJ Allen. I liked Allen more than most, but he was always going to be a starter fairly quickly no matter where he went. He’s a godsend here, he can lead this defense. Haulcy becomes the SS without much question. He replaces Nick Cross and will make a nice partner with Cam Bynum. The team defense got better up the middle with these two.

Best Value: Haulcy

Haulcy only wins over Allen as the best value because he was a third-round pick while Allen went in round two. Allen was drafted slightly lower than he should have been but Haulcy went about a round later than he should have. He’s an immediate starter and probably an upgrade over Nick Cross, that’s great value in round three.

Sleepers: LB Bryce Boettcher, WR Deion Burks

The Colts LB group is rough and while Allen walks in as a starter, Boettcher will also have a chance to win starting job and at least be heavily involved in the rotation. He’s not the biggest guy but he doesn’t need to be, Allen is the power player. Boettcher can compete to be the weakside backer, Akeem Davis-Gaither isn’t really getting in the way. Burks is also a smaller player but he’s a 4.3 guy at WR and they could use the juice. He can be a nice complement to Josh Downs and Alec Pierce.

Overall Analysis

For a team without a first-round pick, the Colts might have had the best overall draft. Allen is a starter and I think he can be one of the best MLBs in the league. I don’t think AJ Haulcy is going to be one of the best safeties in the league but he’s a legitimate starter. OG Jalen Farmer is a great developmental interior offensive lineman. This team has been pretty good at developing offensive linemen, so he was an excellent choice. Boettcher is another guy with starting potential.

They needed help on the edge and while they could have looked for help earlier, George Gumps Jr. and Caden Curry are pretty good players considering where they were picked. Gumps is a smaller guy who has a good all-around game. Curry is a relentless player who does a good job in the run game even though he has historically short arms. There’s no quit in Curry.

RB Seth McGowan was a nice pickup for a team that could use some depth behind Jonathan Taylor. DJ Giddens doesn’t move the needle; McGowan brings some skills. It’s a little insane that Deion Burks lasted until the end of round seven. He may be small but he’s an elite playmaker and gives the offense another guy who can take the ball the distance.

Jacksonville Jaguars

(56) Nate Boerkircher TE Texas A&M
(81) Albert Regis DT Texas A&M
(88) Emmanuel Pregnon OG Oregon
(100) Jalen Huskey S Maryland
(119) Wesley Williams Edge Duke
(164) Tanner Koziol TE Houston
(191) Josh Cameron WR Baylor
(203) CJ Williams WR Stanford
(233) Zach Durfee Edge Washington
(240) Parker Hughes LB Middle Tennessee St.

Immediate Impact: ??????

This is the most inexplicable draft of all. They didn’t have a first-round pick after the Travis Hunter trade from last year’s draft. Then they used their first pick on a blocking TE and the next pick on a guy they hope is a developmental DT.

Best Value: OG Emmanuel Pregnon

Pregnon was a guy who had some first-round buzz but always felt like a second-round pick. They Jaguars got him in round three. If they hadn’t just signed Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Makari to new contracts last season, he might have a chance to have an impact. For now, he’s just an excellent backup and a long-term answer at OG.

Sleepers: TE Tanner Koziol, WR Josh Cameron

Koziol isn’t the blocker Boerkircher is but he’s a lot better receiver and he can be a weapon in the pass game given his height and catch radius. He’ll likely never be a great blocker, but I like him better because he can block a little and give you real value in the pass game. Cameron can be the fourth WR on this team and if Brian Thomas Jr. doesn’t come out of his slump, the team may need a bigger bodied guy on the outside to replace him, that could be Cameron.

Overall Analysis

GM James Gladstone seems to think he’s going to outthink everyone, and he takes some guys that just don’t make sense where he drafts them. Taking Boerkircher as the third TE off the board was a bit much, there were better TEs. There were also better players who filled bigger needs; S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and LB Anthony Hill Jr. to name two. Then he took DT Albert Regis, not a bad player but what role does he fill? He’s a bit undersized but isn’t a pass rusher. If you wanted a run stuffer, Dominique Orange went one pick later, and if you want pass rusher at DT, Gracen Halton and Kaleb Proctor were on the board. Pregnon was his best pick and yet, he’s not likely to beat out the veterans you already have.

S Jalen Huskey played CB and safety in college, versatility is nice unless it means you don’t actually have a position. They needed an upgrade at safety, Huskey doesn’t give them one. If they wanted a bigger nickel player, Keionte Scott and Jalen Kilgore were both still available. Wesley Williams has a chance to be part of the edge rotation but there were better players on the board. I like the Tanner Koziol pick, he’s good value and has upside as both a pass catcher and a blocker at TE.

The Josh Cameron pick was a good one too, he’s a value at that spot and should stick on this roster. Following that up with WR CJ Williams was not a good use of that pick. Williams might not have been drafted, and they could have had Deion Burks, his is a skill set you could use. The two seventh-round picks, Zach Durfee and Parker Hughes, are not making the roster.

Tennessee Titans

(4) Carnell Tate WR Ohio St.
(31) Keldric Faulk Edge Auburn
(60) Anthony Hill Jr. LB Texas
(142) Fernando Carmona OL Arkansas
(165) Nick Singleton RB Penn St.
(184) Jackie Marshall DT Baylor
(194) Pat Coogan C Indiana
(225) Jaren Kanak TE Oklahoma

Immediate Impact: WR Carnell Tate, LB Anthony Hill Jr.

The Titans lack anything resembling a WR1 and while I don’t think Tate actually is one, he’ll play one for this team. Cam Ward needs a go-to receiver and Tate can handle himself, he’s Ohio St.-trained, they don’t come better than that. Hill is exactly what Robert Saleh wants in a LB, he runs like a gazelle and he doesn’t miss tackles. He may never be Fred Warner, that’s a high bar, but he can be Dre Greenlaw.

Best Value: C Pat Coogan

The Titans cut Lloyd Cushenberry because he was always hurt and signed Austin Schlottmann who played for OC Brian Daboll last year with the Giants. Schlottmann is a journeyman if I ever saw one, Coogan started for Indiana last year and won a national championship. Coogan is a bit bigger, and I think he wins the starting center job early on.

Sleeper: RB Nick Singleton

Singleton dealt with injuries last year and watched Kaytron Allen take over as the lead back at Penn St. He needs to be more consistent with his reads, finding the hole, and following his blocks, but he’s 219 lbs. and runs 4.35 in the 40. Last year was a mess at Penn St., and not just for Singleton. If he can find some consistency, he could replace Tony Pollard as the lead back in a year or two.

Overall Analysis

I can’t say I agreed with taking Carnell Tate fourth overall, I just don’t see him as a WR worth that high of a pick. If they had known Denzel Boston was going to fall to round two, would they have taken an edge rusher, Arvell Reese or Rueben Bain, and then taken Boston? They traded back into round one to get DE Keldric Faulk instead. Having Reese or Bain plus Boston instead of Tate and Faulk feels like more value and they wouldn’t have had to trade back into round one. I love the Anthony Hill Jr. pick; he’s going to slot in at MLB and upgrade that level of the defense.

After the first three picks in the first two rounds, they had to wait until round five to pick again, partly due to trading back into round one for Faulk, that’s lost value. OG Fernando Carmona was solid choice and gives them some options at OG. The Singleton pick was a bet on a guy who has elite physical traits. Singleton also brings value as an elite kickoff return guy, with the dynamic kickoff rules in the NFL, that’s helpful.

DT Jackie Marshall is probably just a body on the interior of the defensive line. Pat Coogan can start for this team, they actually need him to start if they want to improve the offensive line. TE Jaren Kanak has a hill to climb. It’s not an insurmountable hill, the Titans’ TEs are a middling group at best. He could find a role, but he will have to outperform some veterans for that opportunity.

2026 NFC South Draft Review

Atlanta Falcons

(48) Avieon Terrell CB Clemson
(79) Zachariah Branch WR Georgia
(134) Kendal Daniels LB Oklahoma
(208) Anterio Thompson DL Washington
(215) Harold Perkins Jr. LB LSU
(231) Ethan Onianwa OL Ohio St.

Immediate Impact: CB Avieon Terrell, WR Zachariah Branch

The Falcons taking Terrell is a great story considering his brother is their top starting CB and he could end up being the other starter. Mike Hughes is a solid veteran, but the younger Terrell has a higher upside. He only lasted until the second round because he’s a little undersized and ran 4.6 in the 40. He plays like a bigger CB, and his play speed is fine. They stuck with the small player theme on offense with Branch. He’s a small, speed demon slot receiver and he plays that part well. Beyond Drake London this WR group is pretty uninspiring. Branch can be a playmaker if Tua ends up the QB, if it’s Penix, his value declines significantly.

Best Value: Terrell

He came into the draft with an outside chance of being a first-round pick and he fell to 48^th overall. He has starter potential and I think he’s an upgrade over Hughes. That’s well worth the 48^th pick.

Sleeper: LB Harold Perkins Jr.

Perkins is the ultimate tweener, his best trait is his pass rush instinct but he’s 6’1 222 lbs. and simply too small to be a pass rusher. He’s a good off ball LB but he’s not great and he’s not as dynamic of a player as he was before he had some injury issues a few years ago. If DC Jeff Ulbrich can figure out a way to deploy him, he’s an excellent football player and it would be a shame if they can’t find a way to use him.

Overall Analysis

The Falcons didn’t have a lot of picks but the first two can help this team immediately. Terrell will be a starter in the league for a while, he’s far too feisty to just fade away. Branch would be an excellent WR if Tua is his QB for his career. Tua likes to throw the ball short to quick WRs and let them go to work, that’s Branch’s superpower. If Michael Penix is the QB, his preference is to throw outside and that will make Branch less valuable.

After the top two picks, the Falcons leaned heavily into drafting very athletic players, some who had less than stellar production. Kendal Daniels is a tall, rangy LB who runs well since he used to be a safety. He’s probably just a special team’s player but he has some potential. DT Anterio Thompson is a great athlete for a guy his size, but he’s never been a very productive player. There are a lot of guys ahead of him on this roster, but anything is possible. Perkins needs coach who finds the best way to use him, otherwise he’ll get lost in the shuffle. Finally, the Falcons took a longshot on OL Ethan Onianwa. Onianwa wasn’t a starter at Ohio St. after transferring from Rice. He’s a big man who moves well but he’s a longshot to make an NFL roster. The one thing that could work in his favor is the Falcons’ need for o-line depth and his ability to play guard or tackle.

Carolina Panthers

(19) Monroe Freeling OT Georgia
(49) Lee Hunter DT Texas Tech
(83) Chris Brazzell II WR Tennessee
(129) Will Lee III CB Texas A&M
(144) Sam Hecht C Kansas St.
(151) Zakee Wheatley S Penn St.
(227) Jackson Kuwatch LB Miami (OH)

Immediate Impact: OT Monroe Freeling, DT Lee Hunter

The Panthers signed Rasheed Walker to be their stopgap LT because Ikem Ekwonu may miss the season with a torn patellar tendon, then they drafted Freeling. Freeling may be a bit raw but he’s a better player than Walker. He’s the long-term solution at the position and he should be the starter next season. Hunter won’t be a starter because the Panthers have their starting defensive line, however, he’ll figure prominently in the rotation. There isn’t a lot of depth behind Bobby Brown III, Derrick Brown, and Tershawn Wharton.

Best Value: C Sam Hecht

It’s a mystery how Hecht fell to round five when he could have easily been a round two pick. The Panthers signed Luke Fortner to step in at center after losing Cade Mays in free agency. Fortner was an injury fill-in in New Orleans last season and played well, but there’s no guarantee he can hold off Hecht for the job. There’s a good chance Hecht wins the starting job.

Sleeper: S Zakee Wheatley

Wheatley was the Panthers’ other fifth-round pick, and he also has a chance to end up a starter. Nick Cross is penciled in as the starter opposite Trevon Moehrig but he’s not great. Wheatley can play the FS spot and give the Panthers a playmaker on the back end in the passing game. Moehrig is a better playmaker coming forward, Wheatley can handle going backwards.

Overall Analysis

OT didn’t seem like the biggest need for the Panthers heading into the draft, but Ekwonu is going into his fifth-year option season and he’s unlikely to play this year. He may never suit up for the Panthers again. Walker was a late free agent addition and clearly the team saw Freeling as a value pick who allows them more upside at LT and a long-term solution. Hunter fits into their front three as the hulking nose tackle type and he’s a good fit in the scheme. He’s also insurance against Bobby Brown III not being great and Cam Jackson not being ready to play.

WR Chris Brazzell II isn’t the most refined WR in the draft, his time at Tennessee didn’t help him. He will need to learn as he goes but he brings a skill set they don’t currently have; he’s a deep ball threat with real speed. He’s also 6’5 which means he matches with their other WRs and gives Bryce Young a group of giants to throw to. CB Will Lee III is a big, physical man cover CB who fits the scheme and should be the third outside CB on this roster. Hecht and Wheatley are excellent fifth-round picks who should contribute quickly. LB Jackson Kuwatch is likely just a special team’s guy if he can make the roster.

New Orleans Saints

(8) Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona St.
(42) Christen Miller DT Georgia
(73) Oscar Delp TE Georgia
(132) Jeremiah Wright OL Auburn
(136) Bryce Lance WR North Dakota St.
(172) Lorenzo Styles Jr. CB Ohio St.
(190) Barion Brown WR LSU
(219) TJ Hall CB Iowa

Immediate Impact: WR Jordyn Tyson, DT Christen Miller

The Saints knew they needed help at WR, and they took three just to be sure, but Tyson is the one they need to hit. He’s the most talented WR in this draft and he’s a perfect complement to Chris Olave. If Tyson stays healthy, he can really help take this offense up a notch. Miller is the dirty work guy on the defensive line. He’s not going to stuff the stat sheet but he’s going to stuff the run and make life miserable for offensive linemen. He’s not flashy, he’s just tough.

Best Value: WR Bryce Lance

While Tyson may be the most important WR they drafted, he’s not the only one they can use. Lance is the younger brother of Trey Lance, he’s 6’3 and ran 4.34 in the 40, you can’t teach a guy to be that big and that fast. The Saints just don’t have that many good receivers and Lance could be a very good one.

Sleeper: DB TJ Hall

Hall fell all the way to the seventh round because he’s not a particularly great athlete, doesn’t have elite size, and isn’t particularly fast. What is he? An instinctual defensive back who’s not afraid to come up in run support and tackle guys bigger than him. He doesn’t back down from TEs or big WRs. One of the reasons I’m putting him as a sleeper is that I think if he doesn’t make it as a CB, he could move to safety. He wouldn’t be the biggest safety but his instincts, attitude, and development under Phil Parker at Iowa make him a great candidate.

Overall Analysis

This draft could go a long way to help the Saints as they look to make the playoffs. Tyson fills the biggest offensive need they have and he and Chris Olave can be a problem in the passing game. Miller may not start on the defensive line but he’s going to be heavily involved in the rotation. He brings youth and toughness to the spine of the defense. TE Oscar Delp is an intriguing player who never broke out as a weapon in Georgia’s offense. He’ll add to the run game as a blocker and if they can unlock his pass catching, his athleticism will make him very valuable in the pass game.

OL Jeremiah Wright is an offensive lineman who needs plenty of development, but he adds some nice depth inside. Lance is another player who needs development, but his ceiling is quite high with his physical gifts and skill set. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is almost as freaky an athlete as his brother Sonny but he’s smaller and plays in the secondary. He’s a nice addition to the depth at CB and he should be a demon on special teams. After taking the bigger WR Lance earlier, the Saints took a third WR in round six, Barion Brown. He’s a smaller, shifty guy who adds a different look from Tyson and Lance. Hall is a good late bet on a defensive back from a school that has sent plenty of good defensive backs to the league.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(15) Rueben Bain Jr. Edge Miami
(46) Josiah Trotter LB Missouri
(84) Ted Hurst WR Georgia St.
(116) Keionte Scott S Miami
(155) DeMonte Capehart DL Clemson
(160) Billy Schrauth OG Notre Dame
(185) Bauer Sharp TE LSU

Immediate Impact: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., LB Josiah Trotter

The Buccaneers lacked an ace pass rusher last season and now they have that guy. Bain is a powerful edge setter who is also a relentless pass rusher. He’s going to be the best they have and he’s my early pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Trotter also fills a huge need at ILB where Lavonte David retired. It’s not fair to ask anyone to replace a legend like David but Trotter’s going to be a stud in the middle of the Bucs defense. He tackles everyone like he’s trying to break them in half. Between Bain and Trotter, the Bucs defense won’t lack attitude.

Best Value: Bain

Bain had an argument as the best pass rusher in the draft, but his short arms made him fall to 15^th overall. He’s a difference maker for this defense and not only adds a great pass rusher, but he’s also the tone setter.

Sleeper: DB Keionte Scott

The Bucs have Tykee Smith who can play the nickel, and they have Jacob Parrish who can play the nickel. I don’t care how good those guys are, Scott is going to play the nickel a lot. He and Bain paired up at Miami to create one of the toughest defenses in college football last season and if used correctly, they can do it again in Tampa.

Overall Analysis

Sometimes it’s hard to understand the vision a team might have by its draft, it’s not hard to see what the Buccaneers were doing. Rueben Bain Jr., Josiah Trotter, and Keionte Scott are ass kickers. These guys play football with an edge the Buccaneers had slowly been losing over the years, it’s back. Bain is a terror off the edge and plays the run like he’s a school yard bully. Trotter has been described as playing like a hammer looking for a nail. And Scott plays like he’s David and the rest of the world is Goliath and he’s not going to lose. When you play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense this year, buckle your chinstrap.

The team lost Mike Evans in free agency, which hurts but isn’t going to kill them. They took Ted Hurst, a 6’3 195 lbs. outside speedster who needs to refine his route running if he’s going to become a legitimate NFL receiver. He’s going to play behind Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan, learning to run routes from those guys is like taking a masterclass.

They needed some depth on both lines, and they got solid value from DeMonte Capehart on the defensive side and Billy Schrauth on the offensive side. Capehart is a big man who will fit into the rotation and should hold his own. If Schrauth can stay healthy, he could easily become a starting OG at some point. They took a shot on a late round TE Beau Sharp. He’s going to have an uphill climb to make the roster but it’s not the strongest group behind Cade Otten.

2026 AFC North Draft Review

Baltimore Ravens

(14) Olaivavega Ioane OG Penn St.
(45) Zion Young Edge Missouri
(80) Ja’Kobi Lane WR USC
(115) Elijah Sarratt WR Indiana
(133) Matthew Hibner TE SMU
(162) Chandler Rivers CB Duke
(173) Josh Cuevas TE Alabama
(174) Adam Randall RB Clemson
(211) Ryan Eckley P Michigan St.
(250) Rayshaun Benny DT Michigan
(253) Evan Beerntsen OL Northwestern

Immediate Impact: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Edge Zion Young

Ioane is a plug-and-play OG who should step in and be an immediate starter at LG. His arrival moves John Simpson to the right side and those two will have their work cut out for them with an inexperienced center between them, assuming they don’t find a veteran soon. Ioane may be a rookie but he’s ready to step up to the challenge. Young’s path isn’t as clear with some veterans ahead of him but only Trey Hendrickson is a guaranteed starter. Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, and Adisa Isaac aren’t roadblocks to Young playing.

Best Value: WR Elijah Sarratt

The Ravens wanted to get size in the WR corps and while they picked Ja’Kobi Lane a round earlier, Sarratt is the player I like better. Lane is an inch taller, but Sarratt always plays to his size while Lane doesn’t always use his to his advantage. Sarratt can also play both inside and outside and could be used inside to run some of the stuff they used to use Isaiah Likely for. Sarratt is going to become a go-to guy for Lamar Jackson.

Sleeper: DT Rayshaun Benny

Somehow Benny fell to the seventh round of the draft, he is a far better player than that. The Ravens have a good starting front three if Nnamdi Madibuike is healthy, but he might not be. They don’t have a ton of depth and if Madibuike misses time, Benny could find himself getting some serious playing time. He’s a good player who fits their scheme, he’ll do well.

Overall Analysis

No team consistently gets more picks than the Ravens as they are experts at using the compensatory pick formula to load up in the middle rounds. Also, no one is better at just taking good players with their picks. Ioane is the cleanest prospect in the draft, he has no issues and slides into his starting spot with ease. Young is a good bet on a player with a high floor, at the very least, he’s a tough run defender on the edge. Clearly, the team wanted to upgrade at WR and while I like Sarratt better than Lane, Lane is still a nice addition to a WR corps that needs work.

The next three picks are all guys who should also contribute. Matthew Hibner was the first TE they took, and they followed it up later with Josh Cuevas. The team needed to double up at TE after losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Both players are solid all-around TEs so they shouldn’t be pigeon-holed into one specific role. They were sandwiched around CB Chandler Rivers. Rivers is a smaller CB who should be useful in the slot and give the Ravens a guy they can use to get a different look when they go nickel.

Their second fifth-round pick was RB Adam Randall. He’s a converted WR with incredible size, he’s 6’3 232 lbs. so he’s a big guy who can catch. They need depth behind Derrick Henry. They went with a punter in round six and considering they had double digit picks and a need for one, punter was a solid choice. Benny was their first seventh round pick, he’s a steal. Evan Beerntson probably doesn’t make this roster but after the way their guards played last year, I can understand the desire to just take another one.

Cincinnati Bengals

(41) Casius Howell Edge Texas A&M
(72) Tacario Davis CB Washington
(128) Connor Lew C Auburn
(140) Colbie Young WR Georgia
(189) Brian Parker II OL Duke
(221) Jack Endries TE Texas
(226) Landon Robinson DL Navy

Immediate Impact: Edge Casius Howell

The Bengals decided to revamp their defensive front, and Howell is the final piece. DTs Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen were added along with free agent DE Boye Mafe. Mafe and Myles Murphy will start at DE, but they still need some pass rush juice. Howell is an undersized rusher with short arms, but he can get the edge on just about any OT with his speed. Between Mafe, Murphy, Howell, and Shemar Stewart, the Bengals have plenty of edge rushers to send at the QB.

Best Value: C Connor Lew

Lew might be the best center in this class but he’s coming off an ACL tear, so he fell a few rounds. He may not be ready for the start of the season, but they have Ted Karras, so they don’t need him right away. Karras is 33 and entering the last year of his contract, Lew is his replacement, that’s good value in round four.

Sleeper: CB Tacario Davis

Davis was a third-round pick and that seemed a bit high considering where he was rated. However, he’s a 6’4 corner and those don’t grow on trees. The Bengals have some solid CBs but none of them are over 6’0 tall. Davis gives them another body type to play against some of the bigger receivers in the league. That could come in handy if he develops.

Overall Analysis

Howell and Davis are two defensive players who add different dimensions to the defense at their respective positions. The Bengals are clearly looking to finally upgrade their defense and while most of it came in free agency, these two are guys who could help. Connor Lew was only the first offensive lineman taken; they also took Brian Parker II. The thought was Parker was a potential center even though he played OT in college. With Lew on board, Parker is most likely going to be a utility guy who can fill in multiple spots. It’s never a bad idea to have a guy like that on your roster. He could eventually become a starting guard replacing Dalton Risner.

Between the two offensive linemen they took Georgia WR Colbie Young. Young is a developmental WR, but you can’t teach a guy to be 6’5 and they don’t have any big WRs besides Tee Higgins. They also took TE Jack Endries and while he was a late round pick, he could make this TE depth chart. With all the additions they made on the defensive line, seventh-round DL Landon Robinson probably won’t make this roster.

Cleveland Browns

(9) Spencer Fano OT Utah
(24) KC Concepcion WR Texas A&M
(39) Denzel Boston WR Washington
(58) Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo
(86) Austin Barber OT Florida
(146) Parker Brailsford C Alabama
(149) Justin Jefferson LB Alabama
(170) Joe Royer TE Cincinnati
(182) Taylen Green QB Arkansas
(248) Carsen Ryan TE BYU

Immediate Impact: LT Spencer Fano, WR KC Concepcion, WR Denzel Boston

The Browns traded down and still ended up with the OT they wanted, Spencer Fano. You can wonder about his long-term potential at LT, but he’ll start there immediately because he’s their best option. He’s not the longest OT and he’s got a slight build, but he has a chance to hold down the spot. The WR room needed a makeover and the Browns doubled up. KC Concepcion gives them a game breaker who can play the slot and give them some downfield juice. Somehow, Boston fell into the second round and right into the Browns’ lap. He instantly becomes their best perimeter threat and with Concepcion and Boston joining Jerry Jeudy, the WR group looks considerably better.

Best Value: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

McNeil-Warren probably wasn’t the first-round talent that mock drafts had him as, but he’s better than the 58^th best player in this draft. The Browns have two solid staring safeties in Grant Delpit and Ronnie Harrison, but they don’t have much depth. He’s not going to step into a starting role but he’s going to be part of the rotation. They can use his size and athleticism as a weapon in what is already a very good defense.

Sleeper: OT Austin Barber

Barber was a very good OT for Florida and while he doesn’t seem like a high-end OT prospect, he could hold his own if necessary. He also has the ability to move inside to OG and he gives the Browns some depth. This team was looking to turn over their OL group and Barber is a nice long-term investment. It’s unlikely he could eventually be a starter at OT but also could be a solution for OG down the road.

Overall Analysis

The Browns had ten picks, and they did some really impressive work with those picks. The first four picks, Fano, Concepcion, Boston, and McNeil-Warren are all going to be major contributors. The next two picks were offensive linemen Austin Barber and C Parker Brailsford. Barber can be a good utility player for now and Brailsford gives them some depth at center. He’s a very undersized player but considering the size of the guards this team has right now, that wouldn’t be a problem.

LB Justin Jefferson and TE Joe Royer were fifth round picks like Brailsford. Jefferson is an athletic playmaker who can be a bit undisciplined, but he makes plays. Jefferson and McNeil-Warren were the only defensive players they took and like McNeil-Warren, Jefferson could get into the rotation. Beyond starters Carson Swesinger and Quincy Williams, they don’t have much depth at LB. Royer was one of two TEs they took, along with seventh rounder Carsen Ryan. Those two could both make the roster as there’s not much beyond starter Harold Fannin Jr. Their sixth-round pick was QB Taylen Green. He’s an elite athlete but not a good QB at this point. He’s worth a shot and he might even get one with the state of the Browns QB depth chart. However, there’s a chance he’s playing WR or TE in two years too.

Pittsburgh Steelers

(21) Max Iheanachor OT Arizona St.
(47) Germie Bernard WR Alabama
(76) Drew Allar QB Penn St.
(85) Daylen Everette CB Georgia
(96) Gennings Dunker OG Iowa
(121) Kaden Wetjen WR/KR Iowa
(169) Riley Nowakowski TE Indiana
(210) Gabriel Rubio DL Notre Dame
(224) Robert Spears-Jennings S Oklahoma
(230) Eli Heidenreich RB Navy

Immediate Impact: OT Max Iheanachor, WR Germie Bernard, OG Gennings Dunker

The Steelers got sniped by the Eagles when the Eagles moved ahead of them to take Makai Lemon, that may be a blessing in disguise. Iheanachor is a raw RT prospect but the combination of him and Germie Bernard in round two is better than any combination of Lemon and whatever OT they could have taken at 47 where they got Bernard. Iheanachor may take over at RT, and they move Troy Fautanu to LT to replace Broderick Jones who’s been a disappointment and has a neck injury. Gennings Dunker isn’t guaranteed to step in at LG where they need a new starter, but I wouldn’t bet against him winning that job.

Best Value: OG Gennings Dunker

Dunker is going to be moving from RT to OG in the NFL and the transition shouldn’t be too difficult for him. Iowa likes to train their lineman across multiple positions, so Dunker trained at guard early in his college career. He’s an ass kicker and they need him to step in at LG. Spencer Anderson was a seventh-round pick a few years ago, he shouldn’t be too much competition for Dunker. A starting LG at the end of round three is good value.

Sleeper: RB Eli Heidenreich

Heidenreich is more than just a good story. The Navy kid from Pittsburgh getting drafted by the Steelers while the draft is in Pittsburgh, can’t write it better than that. He’s a good player who just needs a coach to find a role for him. It might not be easy with the depth they have at RB and with the pick of Germie Bernard filling the third WR role. He’s a dynamic offensive weapon in the right hands and could add something to this offense.

Overall Analysis

The combination of Iheanachor and Bernard are going to be better than Makai Lemon and either Markel Bell or Austin Barber who were the next OTs left at 47^th overall. Bernard might be the one rookie WR Aaron Rodgers won’t hate because Bernard is known for being where he’s supposed to be when he’s supposed to be there. He’s going to be a very good third WR for a team that got much better with his addition along with veteran Michael Pittman Jr. After years of talking about it, the Steelers finally fixed their WR issues.

The Drew Allar pick is quite polarizing, which is appropriate because his talent is tantalizing while his play can be frustrating. Allar looks like you want a QB to look getting off the bus, he’s 6’5 235 lbs. and looks like he was made in a lab. Unfortunately, while his arm is elite, his footwork can be a mess which causes him to be very inaccurate. If Mike McCarthy and his staff can fix his inconsistencies, Allar could be a starting QB in the NFL, it’s a big if.

CB Daylen Everette is another guy who looks the part at 6’1 with long arms and is athletic as hell. He also is extremely inconsistent on the field. Dunker is going to have to make the transition to guard but he’s going to be quite good once he gets comfortable inside. As much as I like Kaden Wetjen as a return man, taking him in the fourth round was a reach. He’s not enough of a WR to warrant playing time and any thought of him being a gadget guy for the offense went out the window when they took Heidenreich. Heidenreich is a bigger player who’s a better offensive weapon with the ball in his hands. Wetjen will be a dynamic returner but that’s all for now.

Riley Nowakowski is a TE/FB who is going to have to fight to make the roster but I’m not betting against him. He does too many things well and if I were any of the guys behind Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth, I’d be scared for my job. DT Gabriel Rubio brings some size to the defensive line if he can make the team. Robert Spears-Jennings can make this roster at safety, they aren’t that deep there.

2026 AFC East Draft Review

Buffalo Bills

(35) TJ Parker Edge Clemson
(62) Davison Igbinosun CB Ohio St.
(102) Jude Bowry OT Boston College
(125) Skyler Bell WR UConn
(126) Kaleb Elarms-Orr LB TCU
(167) Jalon Kilgore S South Carolina
(181) Zane Durant DL Penn St.
(220) Toriano Pride Jr. CB Missouri
(239) Tommy Doman P Florida
(241) Ar’maj Reed-Adams OL Texas A&M

Immediate Impact: Edge TJ Parker

The Bills are a good team with a good roster so most of this class is going to be depth and not make much of an impact. However, Parker comes in as an edge rusher with some serious skill and this team is counting Bradley Chubb as one of its starting edge rushers. No offense to Chubb but it’s been a while since he was healthy and productive. Parker can play opposite Greg Rousseau and give the Bills pass rush help.

Best Value: WR Skyler Bell

Getting Skyler Bell in round four is highway robbery. He’s one of the most productive WRs in college football ever, and somehow, he fell to round four. The list of WRs who went before Bell is insane and that includes Kaden Wetjen from Iowa going four spots ahead of him. Wetjen may be an incredible return man but he’s not half the receiver Bell is. The Bills traded for DJ Moore and then were gifted Bell, so Josh Allen has no excuses. My one hope is that Bell doesn’t get lost between Moore and Khalil Shakir in the offense.

Sleepers: LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, DB Jalon Kilgore

The Bills have Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard set to start at LB, and they don’t have much depth. Neither starter is beyond losing his spot, Elarms-Orr has a chance to steal a starting spot, and he is certainly going to be in the rotation if he can’t win a job. Kilgore is a unique player as big nickel player who could be used as a safety. He gives them a different type of nickel from free agent signing Dee Alford. He brings better size and athleticism. New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard might be the perfect coach to get the best out of Kilgore.

Overall Analysis

TJ Parker fills a big need for another pass rusher and while his last year at Clemson wasn’t great, he’s a very talented player. CB Davison Igbinosun is a big CB with a reputation for being too handsy. In 2024 he had a ton of pass interference penalties because he likes to grab too much. He cut down significantly on those in 2025 and he can be a problem with his size if he can be physical without giving up penalties.

The three fourth round picks the Bills made can all contribute even if they don’t start. OL Jude Bowry is a developmental player, but he could end up being used at LG as the team looks to fill the spot vacated by David Edwards. WR Skyler Bell should figure into the WR rotation given his talent. He knows how to get open and that’s a skill in short supply with this WR group. LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr will be a part of the LB rotation for sure.

On day three the Bills grabbed Kilgore at safety and picked CB Toriano Pride Jr. who should give them some depth. They’re trying to improve their depth after having a string of injuries last season. DL Zane Durant is an undersized DT; he’s got an uphill climb to make the roster but he’s a solid bet in round five. OL Ar’maj Reed-Adams is a big OG prospect who’s likely a practice squad guy. Oh, and they drafted a punter.

Miami Dolphins

(12) Kadyn Proctor OL Alabama
(27) Chris Johnson CB San Diego St.
(43) Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech
(75) Caleb Douglas WR Texas Tech
(87) Will Kacmarek TE Ohio St.
(94) Chris Bell WR Louisville
(130) Trey Moore LB Texas
(138) Kyle Louis LB Pittsburgh
(158) Michael Taaffe S Texas
(177) Kevin Coleman Jr. WR Missouri
(180) Seydou Traore TE Mississippi St.
(200) DJ Campbell OG Texas
(238) Max Llewellyn Edge Iowa

Immediate Impact: OL Kadyn Proctor, CB Chris Johnson

Proctor is one of the more polarizing prospects from this draft. He has everything you want from a size and athleticism perspective, but he’s inconsistent both on and off the field. His boom or bust potential is extreme. He’s going to get every chance to win the RG job or maybe compete for the RT spot. Chris Johnson is the anti-Proctor, he’s as consistent as they come. He’s going to step in and be CB1 for this group and while he may never be a top five CB in the league, he’s going to be a starter for the next 8-10 years.

Best Value: WR Chris Bell

Bell was taken towards the end of round three and he has the potential to be a WR1. He will likely miss the beginning of the season but once he’s healthy, he’s the best WR on the team. He was the 94^th pick and somehow was the second WR they took. He’s better than Caleb Douglas and he’s better than every veteran WR they signed in the off season.

Sleepers: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., S Michael Taaffe

Coleman was a fifth-round pick but he’s as good as anyone they have at WR who’s not named Chris Bell. He can play in the slot and he’s going to give Malik Washington and Tutu Atwell and run for their money. The Dolphins drafted three WRs so clearly, they aren’t overly impressed with the guys on the roster, Coleman’s going to get his chance to play. S Michael Taaffe isn’t the most physically gifted player, but he’s got safety instincts you can’t teach. The safety group leaves a lot to be desired and if you told me Taaffe was starting by the midway point of the season, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised.

Overall Analysis

The Dolphins’ draft was quite a roller coaster. Proctor has upside as a prospect, but the downside is considerable too. In two years, he could be a Pro Bowler or he’s playing in the UFL. CB Chris Johnson was the second CB off the board and he’s an immediate starter and he’ll be good. LB Jacob Rodriguez was their second-round pick and while he didn’t seem like a need, he could beat out Tyrel Dodson to start. Even if he doesn’t win the job this season, he’s a long-term starter and leader for this defense.

They had three third round picks and the first one was the first major reach of the draft. WR Caleb Douglas was not a guy rated as even a mid-round pick, he was expected to be a late day three guy. He has size at 6’4, and they are lacking that, but he’s just not a great receiver. TE Will Kacmarek fills a big need but he’s basically just a blocking TE and taking him in round three felt a little early. In their defense, there was a run on blocking TEs happening which was a bit strange. Their third pick in the round was WR Chris Bell, and he was a huge value.

The Dolphins had two fourth round and three fifth round picks and they drafted some guys who can give them some help. Trey Moore is a bit undersized for an edge rusher, but this team needs help there and he was a solid value. Kyle Louis is an undersized LB who probably won’t play LB all that much. He will be used in a variety of ways and can also be a big help on special teams. S Michael Taaffe and WR Kevin Coleman Jr. were great picks in round five. TE Seydou Traore is the complement to Will Kacmarek, he’s the pass catching athlete. They had a major need at TE, and they got two guys for the roster. OG DJ Campbell came in round six, and while he’s inconsistent too, if they move Proctor to OG, it could be a competition between the two for the RG spot. Proctor is the better athlete, but Campbell was a big-time recruit with a great pedigree, and he’s actually played OG throughout his career. Generally, seventh round designated pass rushers aren’t likely to make a roster but don’t count out Max Llewellyn, this team needs all the help it can get on the edge.

New England Patriots

(28) Caleb Lomu OT Utah
(55) Gabe Jacas Edge Illinois
(95) Eli Raridon TE Notre Dame
(171) Karon Prunty CB Wake Forest
(196) Dametrious Crownover OT Texas A&M
(212) Namdi Obiazor LB TCU
(234) Behren Morton QB Texas Tech
(245) Jam Miller RB Alabama
(247) Quintayvious Hutchins Edge Boston College

Immediate Impact: Edge Gabe Jacas, TE Eli Raridon

The Patriots signed Dre’Mont Jones to be one edge rusher, and they are hoping Harold Landry can be healthy this season. Since that’s unlikely, Jacas is going to play and he’s ready to be a good edge player right away. Raridon is ready to be a blocker immediately and while the team signed Julian Hill for that role, Raridon adds at least something in the pass game. He’s big and athletic who just needs to work on his pass catching skills. Hunter Henry would be a good guy for him to learn from.

Best Value: OT Caleb Lomu

Lomu isn’t going to start this season unless there’s an injury. He was the last of the seven OTs taken in round one and the Patriots had to move up a couple of spots to be sure they got him. Eventually, he’ll be a starting tackle for this team and getting a starting level OT with the 28^th pick in the draft is good value.

Sleeper: RB Jam Miller

When Miller is healthy, he’s a really good player, he was not healthy this last season. One of the reasons Alabama struggled on offense last season was Miller wasn’t himself. The Patriots only have Rhamondre Stevenson and Treyveon Henderson and not much else. Miller has the size and skills to be an NFL back and as Stevenson ages, they are going to need another guy to go with Henderson. If Miller can become the guy I think he can, they may have found a starting level RB in round seven.

Overall Analysis

The Patriots made a small move up to draft Caleb Lomu because he was the last of first-round tackles and they wanted to be sure to get him. Lomu shouldn’t play this season if Will Campbell and Morgan Moses stay healthy and that’s good because he needs to improve his strength if he’s going to hold up in the NFL. He’s a great pass blocker right now but lacks strength in the run game. Jacas is a very good fit on the edge for the Patriots as they like guys who can defend the run as well as rush the passer. TE Eli Raridon is a bet on a great athlete who needs some refinement. He can be a real asset if he puts it all together.

Their fifth-round pick CB Karon Prunty felt like a reach but at that point the CB board had been picked pretty clean. Prunty has size and can play the man coverage style they like but he’s a project. They have to be hoping he can take the year behind Gonzalez and Davis and really learn some things. OT Demetrious Crownover is a very large human being who is potentially a backup to Caleb Lomu at RT down the road. The Patriots took another large OT late last season in Marcus Bryant, it’s likely they will vie to be the fourth OT this season.

LB Namdi Obiazor brings some athleticism and coverage ability to the position, and he’ll be a special team’s guy. Miller will also help on special teams. Undersized edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins will also have to make the team on special teams, he’s probably too small to be an effective edge rusher at this point. QB Behren Morton will become the third QB on a team with Drake Maye and Tommy DeVito set ahead of him. Morton feels like a decent scout team guy. One of the quirks of all the covid and extra years in college for guys is that Morton comes into the NFL as a third string QB but he’s actually older than Drake Maye who’s been starting in the NFL for two years.

New York Jets

(2) David Bailey Edge Texas Tech
(16) Kenyon Sadiq TE Oregon
(30) Omar Cooper Jr. WR Indiana
(50) D’Angelo Ponds CB Indiana
(103) Darrell Jackson Jr. DT Florida St.
(110) Cade Klubnik QB Clemson
(188) Anez Cooper OG Miami
(228) VJ Payne S Kansas St.

Immediate Impact: Edge David Bailey, TE Kenyon Sadiq, WR Omar Cooper Jr., CB D’Angelo Ponds

The Jets had a very impressive draft. Their top four picks should all contribute immediately and they get help on both offense and defense. Bailey might not start given the team has Will McDonald IV, Kingsley Enagbare, and Joseph Ossai but he’s an excellent pass rusher so they will use him plenty. TE Kenyon Sadiq and WR Omar Cooper Jr. add two playmakers on offense that will help Geno Smith this year and more importantly, help the QB they draft next year. Those were just their first-round picks. In round two they took CB D’Angelo, he’s undersized but that’s never stopped him from being good. Aaron Glenn was an undersized CB so he shouldn’t mind using Ponds who could end up starting.

Best Value: Ponds

If D’Angelo Ponds ends up starting either at outside CB or in the slot, he’s a very good value as the 50^th pick overall.

Sleeper: S VJ Payne

He was a seventh-round pick but he’s an experienced safety with great physical measurements. The Jets traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick and signed Dane Belton, but Fitzpatrick will be 30 this year and Belton was only signed for a year. Andre Cisco and Malachi Moore are on the safety depth chart too but neither one is the most reliable player.

Overall Analysis

The first four picks were excellent, and I can’t complain about the last four picks either. Bailey is one of my favorite prospects. For everyone that says he’s not good against the run, I say, guys can still get better at things when they get to the league. He’ll be fine. Sadiq will pair nicely with Mason Taylor when they run two TE sets. WR Omar Cooper Jr. makes for a nice pairing with Garrett Wilson. Ponds may not be the biggest CB but he’s as tough as they come.

Darrell Jackson Jr. is a 6’6 315 lbs. NT and those guys don’t grow on trees. He should be an excellent backup to T’Vondre Sweat and he gives the Jets some good depth on the defensive line. QB Cade Klubnik had a pretty bad year at Clemson but he’s still a guy with a lot of experience who can run an offense. He may never be a starter, but he gives them cover in case Geno Smith is terrible and he has long-term backup potential. G Anez Cooper is a prospect with great size and has potential to be a long-term player inside for them. S VJ Payne is a solid bet on a good athlete who played a lot of football at Kansas St.

2026 AFC West Draft Review

Denver Broncos

(66) Tyler Onyedim DT Texas A&M
(108) Jonah Coleman RB Washington
(111) Kage Casey OL Boise St.
(152) Justin Joly TE NC State
(246) Miles Scott S Illinois
(256) Dallen Bentley TE Utah
(257) Red Murdock LB Buffalo

Immediate Impact: RB Jonah Coleman

The Broncos didn’t pick until round three so there’s not a lot of options for an immediate impact player. Coleman is one of my favorite RBs in this draft and he’s a great complement to their RB from last year’s draft RJ Harvey. The Broncos re-signed JK Dobbins, but he hasn’t had a fully healthy season in years. Coleman can be the power back who takes the first and second down carries once Dobbins is on the injured list.

Best Value: TE Justin Joly

Joly isn’t going to be blocking anyone anytime soon but he’s a weapon in the passing game. They tried to make Evan Engram a guy for them last year, but Joly may make Engram expendable. Getting a guy who can be a solid part of your passing game in round five is good value.

Sleeper: LB Red Murdoch

Murdoch was Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick of the draft, but I don’t think that will last long as a moniker in Denver. This team needs LB help and while Murdoch doesn’t need to play right away, he’ll make this team as a special team’s guy and make his way up the LB depth chart. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are the starters, but the Broncos don’t have much depth beyond the perpetually injured Drew Sanders and maybe Jonah Ellis if they play him inside.

Overall Analysis

Considering this team skipped the first two rounds of the draft because of trades, they did pretty well. I generally don’t count veterans acquired with draft picks but the trade for WR Jaylen Waddle is worth mentioning. He fills a major need with a player who isn’t a projection. Once they got going, they did well with DL Tyler Onyedim who can fit into the rotation on the defensive line. They have snaps to give with John Franklin-Myers moving on in free agency. Coleman was a great pick in round four. Certainly, there were teams that didn’t value him that highly, but I think he outplays that draft slot.

OL Kage Casey is a good prospect with versatility up front and this team can use it. They stayed mostly healthy last year but that isn’t always going to be the case. Casey is probably best suited to move inside but he was an OT in college. Both OTs for the Broncos are older players so having some depth is a good idea. Joly is another mid-round pick who could produce well beyond his draft slot.

S Miles Scott joins a safety group that could use some depth. TE Dallen Bentley was a worthwhile pick in the seventh round. He could make another veteran TE disposable too. LB Red Murdoch is going to have a chance to be a relevant player for this team, despite his draft spot.

Kansas City

(6) Mansoor Delane CB LSU
(29) Peter Woods DT Clemson
(40) R Mason Thomas Edge Oklahoma
(109) Jadon Canady CB Oregon
(161) Emmett Johnson RB Nebraska
(176) Cyrus Allen WR Cincinnati
(249) Garrett Nussmeier QB LSU

Immediate Impact: CB Mansoor Delane, DT Peter Woods, Edge R Mason Thomas

The Chiefs decided to focus on their defense early and they got three guys in the first two rounds who can have a major impact on the team. Delane becomes the top CB immediately and he fits Steve Spagnuolo’s defense like a glove. Then they took Peter Woods who can give them some penetration next to or in place of Chris Jones at DT. Along with free agent Khyiris Tonga, the defensive line is very improved. R Mason Thomas is a different type of edge rusher than they usually go for. They usually get big DEs, but Thomas is a smaller, speed rusher. He will give them a guy who gets to the QB even though he won’t start.

Best Value: RB Emmett Johnson

The Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to be their bell cow back, but they needed more help at RB. Johnson isn’t the most physically gifted back but he’s extremely talented and versatile. He’s good enough to take some of the load off Walker on any down but he’s also going to be a good third-down back, he’s an excellent pass catcher. This was a major value add for this offense.

Sleeper: WR Cyrus Allen

I’ve never been a big Xavier Worthy fan because while he’s fast, he’s also small and not really a great technical receiver. Allen isn’t as fast as Worthy but he’s still fast. He is however, 180 lbs. instead of 165 like Worthy so he’s a bit bigger. The Chiefs keep trying to make smaller WRs work (Hollywood Brown, Skyy Moore, Worthy, etc.) So far it hasn’t worked but Allen might be a guy who can change that outcome.

Overall Analysis

The first three picks in this draft class; Delane, Woods, and Thomas are all going to help this defense immensely. Delane will start, Woods will be heavily involved in the rotation at DT and while Thomas isn’t a starter, he’s going to play. Thomas’ size will keep him from playing on run downs, but they have guys who can handle those. His value is as a designated pass rusher, he’s going to create havoc.

CB Jadon Canady is one of those mid-round defensive backs everyone was talking about the Chiefs relying on. Canady will take a backseat to Delane and some other veterans but he’s a solid investment. Johnson is going to play for this team, he’s too talented not too. Allen has a chance to contribute; it’s not the most overwhelming WR corps to break into.

Finally, the Chiefs were the team to take the chance on Garrett Nussmeier in round seven. Nussmeier had an awful season last year and most of it was due to injury. He dealt with an oblique injury and recently had a cyst discovered on his spine. He’s not a physically gifted passer so teams weren’t clamoring to take him but he’s a solid third QB for this team and can be more valuable long-term than backup Justin Fields.

Las Vegas Raiders

(1) Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana
(38) Treydan Stukes DB Arizona
(67) Keyron Crawford Edge Auburn
(91) Trey Zuhn III OL Texas A&M
(101) Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee
(122) Mike Washington Jr. RB Arkansas
(150) Dalton Johnson S Arizona
(175) Hezekiah Masses CB California
(195) Malik Benson WR Oregon
(229) Brandon Cleveland DL NC State

Immediate Impact: QB Fernando Mendoza, DB Treydan Stukes

The Raiders can pretend all they want that Mendoza is going to sit behind Kirk Cousins for the year but I’m not buying it. Mendoza has multiple years of starting experience in college at multiple schools. He’s a great fit for Klint Kubiak’s scheme and he’s a hard-working player who will put in the time, he’s starting by week 4. Stukes is too good to keep off the field, and the Raiders secondary isn’t exactly stacked. He’s a nickel corner or a free safety and he’ll find his way onto the field.

Best Value: CB Jermod McCoy (injury dependent)

If McCoy’s knee heals up, whether that’s this year or next, he has the skills of a CB1 and a high-end one at that. If his knee is never right, it’s going to change his career outlook but I’m keeping hope alive. If the Raiders got a guy who can be a legitimate shutdown type of CB with the first pick of round four, that’s the valuable pick in the draft.

Sleeper: OL Trey Zuhn III

Zuhn played OT at Texas A&M, and most teams were looking at him to move inside, including a possible move to center. With Tyler Linderbaum locked in at center they can give Zuhn a chance at LG, where they signed Spencer Burford to a small deal or Zuhn could give DJ Glaze some competition at RT. He’s built for Klink Kubiak’s blocking scheme it’s just a matter of where he fits best.

Overall Analysis

This is a very solid draft with 10 picks and could really help reset the Raiders if things break right for them. Any draft with a QB picked first overall will certainly be judged by that QB’s success. It’s not really fair but it is the reality. Mendoza has a chance to succeed with a good coaching staff, an improved offensive line, and a couple of playmakers around him. He could use another pass catcher or two at WR but there are some vets out there.

DB Treydan Stukes and Edge rusher Keyron Crawford were the next two picks, and they are two guys who add depth to positions that need it. Stukes will find a way to help and while Crawford probably won’t be a full-time player, he can bring some juice to the pass rush. Trey Zuhn III is a nice piece to add to the offensive line. If McCoy gets healthy, he’s going to be an excellent player.

Taking RB Mike Washington Jr. in round four is a great investment, they have no depth behind Ashton Jeanty. Washington isn’t going to replace Jeanty by any means, but no team should be looking to get through the season with one RB. Washington is big and fast; it’s a good combination to have. S Dalton Johnson and CB Hezekiah Masses are a couple of nice depth pieces for the secondary and special teams.

Malik Benson is a solid pickup for the WR corps, he never quite became a dominant receiver in college, but he has some skills and this group needs talent. DT Brandon Cleveland is a big body at a need position; you can do worse in round seven.

Los Angeles Chargers

(22) Akheem Mesidor Edge Miami
(63) Jake Slaughter C Florida
(105) Brenen Thompson WR Mississippi St.
(117) Travis Burke OT Memphis
(131) Genesis Smith S Arizona
(145) Nick Barrett DT South Carolina
(202) Logan Taylor OL Boston College
(206) Alex Harkey OL Oregon

Immediate Impact: Edge Akheem Mesidor, C/G Jake Slaughter

The Chargers needed help at pass rusher and on the offensive line. Mesidor will be a 25-year-old rookie so he will be expected to hit the ground running. He’ll be the third pass rusher and rotate with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. Slaughter was a center at Florida, but the Chargers have Tyler Biadasz there but need help at guard. If he can handle the transition to guard, Slaughter will quickly replace Trevor Penning in the starting lineup.

Best Value: S Genesis Smith

Smith isn’t the best safety prospect, but the Chargers are looking at starting Tony Jefferson again and he’s 34 years old and has already retired once. Smith gives them a potential starting player coming out of round four. That’s good value.

Sleeper: DT Nick Barrett

The Chargers defensive line isn’t stacked with talent up front. Teair Tart and Jamaree Caldwell are solid players, but they signed Dalvin Tomlinson to give them a NT. Tomlinson is aging and they need depth. Barrett isn’t flashy but he’s steady and he could stick in the league for a while just doing the dirty work.

Overall Analysis

Mesidor fills a big need for the Chargers, and he’ll be a good player right away. Taking Jake Slaughter felt a little strange but clearly, they thought he was a better player than any pure guard they could get. If he wins the LG spot, that’s a major win for the team. WR Brenen Thompson is a small slot receiver with great speed. He gives them a different type of receiver than most of the guys they have.

The Chargers made no secret of what they wanted to do with the back half of their draft. With the exception of S Genesis Smith and DT Nick Barrett, they set out to fix the offensive line, or at least give themselves a chance to do it. OT Travis Burke is a giant player who will back up both tackle spots and should be able to learn some things from fellow tall tackle Joe Alt. Then they finished the draft with back-to-back offensive lineman. Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey are two guys who will give them depth at both guard and tackle and after the season the Chargers just had with their offensive line, no one blames them for these picks. After last season, they clearly decided, never again.

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