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.  

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.        

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

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.     

Chicago Bears

• (25) Dillon Thieneman S Oregon
• (57) Logan Jones C Iowa
• (69) Sam Roush TE Stanford
• (89) Zavion Thomas WR LSU
• (124) Malik Muhammad CB Texas
• (166) Keyshaun Elliot LB Arizona St.
• (213) Jordan van den Berg DL Georgia Tech

Immediate Impact: S Dillon Thieneman

The Bears didn’t need to get a lot of immediate help and as it stands right now, Thieneman is the only rookie who should start, and he will have an immediate impact. He’s an incredible athlete who should fit perfectly next to Coby Bryant at safety and they will be nearly interchangeable.

Best Value: LB Keyshaun Elliot

Getting Elliot in the fifth round was a steal. He has starter potential and it might be soon given the depth chart. The Bears have a lot of LBs; TJ Edwards, Devin Bush, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, D’Marco Jackson, and Ruben Hyppolite II, the only LB I like in that group more than Elliot is a healthy Edwards. The rest of them may be able to play a specific role but Elliot can play every down.

Sleeper: CB Malik Muhammad

If the Bears decide they want to get off the Tyrique Stevenson roller coaster, Muhammad is the perfect steady player for them. He might not give you the big, flashy plays Stevenson gives you, but he’s not getting beat for a Hail Mary because he’s too busy talking trash to the crowd. He has starter ability even if he’s a little lighter and not as strong as you might like.

Overall Analysis

Getting Thieneman at 25 overall was a gift. This team needed more safety help, and they got the second-best safety in the draft at a discount. He’ll make plays all over the field and will make the backend of the defense a lot harder to throw against. C Logan Jones may have been taken a tad earlier than expected but he’s a starting center in the league. He may have to wait a year if the Bears want to let the veteran, Garrett Bradbury, start and ease Jones in. Jones can beat him out, but the Bears traded for Bradbury for a reason, so we’ll see. Jones isn’t a big center, but when you have Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson at guard, it’s a little easier to go with the undersized center.

The team went 1 for 2 on their third-round picks. TE Sam Roush is a ready-made NFL blocking TE who immediately replaces Durham Smyth who left in free agency. It’s not the most impactful spot but it matters to Ben Johnson. He’s also good enough that if the team wants to move on from Cole Kmet at some point, he can be the second TE to Colston Loveland. WR Zavion Thomas was a major reach. If you watched LSU last year you know they weren’t very good. Thomas is small and while I can see they might think he can be Khalif Raymond, he’s not Khalif Raymond and they could have done better. I think they will regret passing on guys like Skyler Bell or Brenan Thompson. Muhammed and Elliot are fourth and fifth round guys who have a legitimate chance to start for this team in the near future. DL Jordan van den Berg was solid sixth-round flyer after the DT position had been picked pretty clean. He’s probably not making the roster this year but he’s worth a practice squad spot to see if he can develop.

Detroit Lions

• (17) Blake Miller OT Clemson
• (44) Derrick Moore Edge Michigan
• (118) Jimmy Rolder LB Michigan
• (157) Keith Abney II CB Arizona St.
• (168) Kendrick Law WR Kentucky
• (205) Skyler Gill-Howard DL Texas Tech
• (222) Tyre West DL Tennessee

Immediate Impact: OT Blake Miller, Edge Derrick Moore

Taylor Decker retired and the Lions are moving Penei Sewell to LT, that leaves his RT spot wide open for Miller to step into. Miller doesn’t wow you with any part of his game but he’s strong, steady, and reliable. The Lions offense line was an issue last season and Miller should be the last piece to fix it. Moore isn’t the biggest or fastest edge rusher but he’s pretty good and they have needed a steady guy opposite Aidan Hutchinson since they drafted him. Moore is the “Blake Miller” of edge rushers, strong, steady, and reliable. Hutchinson is the star; Moore is the guy doing the work on the other side

Best Value: CB Keith Abney II

Abney isn’t the biggest CB but don’t tell him that. He plays with the type of edge that Dan Campbell is going to love. It might get him in trouble with a flag or two from time to time but he’s a tough CB and he can cover. Somehow, he fell to the fifth round and Lions lucked out, they need some depth at CB, and he can fill that need.

Sleeper: LB Jimmy Rolder

The Lions lost Alex Anazalone in free agency and that leaves Malcolm Rodriguez penciled in at weakside LB, that’s not ideal. There’s no real depth at LB and Rolder has more size and ability to hold up as a starter than Rodriguez. I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s the starter weakside LB fairly quickly in Detroit.

Overall Analysis

Miller, Moore, Rolder and Abney were their first four picks in this draft and all four of them could contribute quickly. Miller and Moore as immediate starters with Rolder as a possibility and Abney more of a fil-in if needed. WR Kendrick Law isn’t expected to contribute much beyond being a fourth WR and a return guy but he’s basically the new Khalif Raymond for this team. If he can be that that’s a solid fifth-round pick. Defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West are two smaller DTs who are just depth pieces who give the Lions players who are a little different than starters Alim McNeil and Tyliek Williams.

Green Bay Packers

• (52) Brandon Cisse CB South Carolina
• (77) Chris McClellan DT Missouri
• (120) Dani Dennis-Sutton DE Penn St.
• (153) Jager Burton C/G Kentucky
• (201) Domani Jackson CB Alabama
• (216) Trey Smack K Florida

Immediate Impact: DT Chris McClellan, K Trey Smack

The Packers traded Kenny Clark last year and they haven’t been able to fill that hole. They signed Javon Hargrave this off season but he’s 33 and hasn’t been effective for the past several years. McClellan wasn’t one of the bigger names at DT, but he’s a very talented player who fits into their rotation very easily. The Packers have been looking for consistent kicking since Mason Crosby’s best days. Brandon McManus has the spot for now, but he’ll be 35 next season, Trey Smack was arguably the best kicker in this draft.

Best Value: DE Dani Dennis-Sutton

Dennis-Sutton isn’t the most productive edge rusher but he’s big, strong, and can hold up across all downs. He’s a big edge rusher who might be able to bulk up a bit and play end in Green Bay’s three-man front. No matter where he plays, he’s better than a fourth-round pick.

Sleeper: CB Domani Jackson

Jackson was the second CB they took and while I can see Brandon Cisse stepping in reasonably quickly and getting some playing time, don’t forget about Jackson. He was a highly ranked recruit out of high school who never quite lived up to the hype. However, he has the height, weight, and speed combination that makes him very interesting as a developmental player

Overall Analysis

CB Brandon Cisse will play for this team this year, but he shouldn’t start unless Keisean Nixon or Carrington Valentine are out. He’s a good prospect and they took him at the right spot. He has starter ability and eventually he should be a good player for them. McClellan should be featured heavily in their defensive line rotation, and I would use him more than Javon Hargrave. I really like the McClellen pick. The Dani Dennis-Sutton pick was great value in the fourth round. He isn’t the most dynamic player, but he will give them some important snaps.

OL Jagar Burton couldn’t be more perfect for the Packers, they love a versatile offensive lineman, and he can play three positions. If Anthony Belton isn’t up to the task at RG, Burton could take that job. Domani Jackson is a bet on a guy with great physical traits, you can do way worse in the sixth round. I’m generally not in favor of taking a kicker unless you have at least eight or nine picks in a draft. I also question the wisdom of taking a kicker from Florida when you’re bringing him to Green Bay, Wisconsin. Could be a wasted pick if he can’t handle the weather.

Minnesota Vikings

• (18) Caleb Banks DT Florida
• (51) Jake Golday LB Cincinnati
• (82) Domonique Orange DT Iowa St.
• (97) Caleb Tiernan OT Northwestern
• (98) Jakobe Thomas S Miami
• (159) Max Bredeson FB Michigan
• (163) Charles Demmings CB Stephen F. Austin
• (198) Demond Claiborne RB Wake Forest
• (235) Gavin Gerhardt OL Cincinnati

Immediate Impact: DT Caleb Banks (maybe), LB Jake Golday, DT Domonique Orange

If Caleb Banks’ foot heals up and he doesn’t have any problems with it, he could be the steal of the draft. That’s a very big “if” when you’re talking about a guy who’s 6’6 almost 330 lbs. and has had two injuries to the same foot in less than a year. If he’s healthy, he’s an unblockable menace, if not, he’s a massive bust. Jake Golday is such a unique player, it’s really good he’s going to go play for Brian Flores, the perfect DC to unleash him. Golday isn’t a traditional LB, Flores will figure out the best way to use him. The Vikings needed DT help and even after taking Banks in round one, Domonique Orange was just too good to pass up. If Banks can’t stay healthy, at least Orange will be around to wreak havoc on the defensive line.

Best Value: DT Domonique Orange

Getting a guy of Orange’s caliber in the back half of round three is insane. He could legitimately start for the Vikings even if Caleb Banks is healthy. I know the team got good play out of Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez last season, but Orange is just a different guy up front.

Sleeper: RB Demond Claiborne

Claiborne was only a sixth-round pick, but this team needs some juice in the backfield. Aaron Jones is aging and Jordan Mason isn’t bringing speed to the equation. The only other back on the roster is Zavier Scott. Claiborne has 4.37 speed and it shows. He’s not a physical runner but he can gain yards in a hurry. It was a little surprising they waited until round six to address such a critical need.

Overall Analysis

The Vikings clearly saw a need to address their defense when four of their first five picks were on that side of the ball. Banks is a bet on the upside that could legitimately change your defense. Adding Golday and Orange is adding two players who can fit the scheme and really give you some outstanding play. S Jakobe Thomas was the fourth defender after they took OT Caleb Tiernan. Tiernan fills a need as a swing tackle and after last year with some injuries it was necessary. He also has long-term potential as the replacement RT for Brian O’Neill who is getting older and is coming to the end of his contract. Thomas felt like a bit of a reach at safety. He’s not particularly great at any one thing, and he can be inconsistent.

The Vikings took FB Max Bredeson in round five. While they listed him as a TE, he’s really a full-back or H-back and it’s kind of a dying position in the NFL. I’m not sure they needed to take him in round five. CB Charles Demmings is a guy from Stephen F. Austin and that’s unique because most small school guys transfer up before finishing out their eligibility. Demmings gives the Vikings a CB with a little more length than most of their guys, he’s 6’1. Then came Claiborne, he’s a solid pickup for a sixth-round pick. C Gavin Gerhardt is just a body, they like Blake Brendel at center.