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.

2026 NFL Draft-1^st Round Reaction

I have some thoughts about how the first round of the draft went; I thought I’d share them.  I mentioned it many times last night to many people, it felt like this draft was drunk.  It was just stumbling around and incoherently mumbling from pick three on. 

The first two picks were pretty clear.  QB Fernando Mendoza and Edge David Bailey made perfect sense for the Raiders and Jets, well done. 

In the last week there were reports of the Arizona Cardinals looking at taking RB Jeremiyah Love, an understandable rumor if you’re trying to drum up interest for someone to trade up. Instead, a bad organization made a bad move and actually took Love.  Jeremiyah Love is arguably the best player in the draft but now he’s going to go to waist on a team that doesn’t have QB, has a suspect offensive line, and has Tyler Allgier, James Connor, Trey Benson and Bam Knight already on the roster.  Bad organizations stay bad because they do things like this.  This seems like an ownership decision hoping to sell tickets with a big-name college player they can put on posters, that’s not how you win in the NFL. 

The Titans pulled the next stunner by taking WR Carnell Tate fourth overall.  I like Tate as a player; I just don’t see him as a guy you take this high in the draft.  He’ll be a good pro, I’m just not sure he’ll ever reach the level you want from a guy you take this high at WR. 

The Giants weren’t expecting LB Arvell Reese to fall to five, but they couldn’t pass him up, he’s way too good.  They don’t really need him with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Keyvon Thibodeaux already on the defense but Reese was too much value.  This probably means Thibodeaux is on the trading block, someone from New England should give the Giants a call. 

The Chiefs were the team to make the move up with the trade from nine to six with the Browns (the Browns are collecting draft picks like Pokémon cards).  They didn’t move up for an edge rusher, they took CB Mansoor Delane.  Delane is a perfect scheme fit for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, and they certainly had a hole to fill.  So much for them counting on mid-round CBs to fill the need, they got aggressive, it’s a good move. 

Dan Quinn thanks the football gods for dropping a football god right in his lap.  Sonny Styles is an athletic freak who actually plays with the type of LB instincts you want.  They desperately needed a guy to take over the defense from Bobby Wagner and Styles is a great player to do that. 

The Saints stood pat at number eight and took a shot at greatness.  WR Jordyn Tyson has some big injury concerns to overcome but he’s a truly impressive talent.  If he’s healthy, he and Chris Olave are going to be a problem.

The Browns traded down to nine and took Spencer Fano.  I have questions about this pick.  They need a LT and Fano hasn’t played LT for a couple of years and only played it one year at Utah.  He doesn’t have ideal length and he’s a very slight player.  I’m not saying he can’t do it but it’s a question. 

The Giants used the tenth pick to take OL Francis Mauigoa, he’s going to start at RG until they need him at RT, solid choice.

The Cowboys moved up one spot to make sure no one gave Miami a better deal so they could secure S Caleb Downs.  Downs is a game changer for that defense.  Great move.

The Dolphins move down one spot and take OT Kadyn Proctor, yikes.  Proctor’s former coach Nick Saban said it best, he’s not a self-starter.  He’s likely moving positions as the team has Patrick Paul at LT.  Do they move Proctor to RG, the obvious hole on the line, or to RT to replace Austin Jackson.  Either one puts Proctor under some pressure to adapt, I’m not sure that’s going to be a good thing for him.  This feels like the moment in the Marvel Universe where Dr. Strange tells Tony Stark there’s a 1 in 14 million chance of it working. 

I said this draft was drunk and the Rams were doing Jagerbombs all night.  They took QB Ty Simpson to be Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent.  Go watch the Rams post draft presser, Sean McVay looked very unhappy.  When I say “they” took Ty Simpson, seems like GM Les Snead was “they” in this situation.  A team that was very close going to the Super Bowl who doesn’t usually pick this high taking a backup QB (maybe 3^rd string if he can’t beat out Stetson Bennett), strange choice.  McVay could turn Simpson into an NFL QB but if he’s not on board with the pick, that’s tough for Simpson. 

We got a couple of no brainer picks.  The Ravens took OG Vega Ioane, of course they did.  Then the Bucs rejoiced because they desperately need pass rush help and Rueben Bain Jr. fell all the way to 15.  He may not be an obvious fit in the scheme, but Todd Bowles better figure out how to use him, he might just save his job. 

The Jets took TE Kenyon Sadiq, I should have seen that coming.  New OC Declan Doyle wants to run two-TE sets, now he can.  The Lions are moving Penei Sewell to LT and so they took the RT equivalent of Taylor Decker, Blake Miller.  Steady, experienced, and thoroughly unspectacular, good choice.

The Vikings are shooting for the moon with DT Caleb Banks.  From a talent standpoint he’s a top ten player in this draft.  He also happens to be 6’6 330 lbs. and has multiple broken bones in his left foot.  If he’s healthy, he has All-Pro potential, there’s just as good of a chance he plays 15 games in the next three years, and they are declining his fifth-year option and drafting another DT.

The Panthers are thinking long-term, not a bad idea.  Their starting LT from last season tore his patellar tendon and might not play this season, which is his last on his contract.  They signed Rasheed Walker to be the stopgap, but his is a one-year deal.  LT Monroe Freeling would be best served if he doesn’t have to play right away.  Freeling sits for a year and then in 2027, he’s the starting LT. 

The Eagles traded with the Cowboys to move up and snake the Pittsburgh Steelers and drafted Makai Lemon while the Steelers were on the phone with him.  He’s headed to Philly to be part of the revamped WR corps that is assuredly losing AJ Brown on June 1. 

The Steelers had to quickly pivot off Lemon and for some reason they didn’t just pivot to KC Concepcion, instead they took RT Max Iheanachor.  Iheanachor is pretty raw, but LT Broderick Jones has been a disappointment and has a neck injury.  Iheanachor isn’t playing LT, but Troy Fautanu played LT in college and he can slide over to the left side and Iheanachor can play the right side. 

The Chargers stayed put and took Edge Ahkeem Mesidor.  They need an edge rusher and Mesidor will hit the ground running.  He’s already 25 but they are ready to win now. 

The Cowboys moved down and still got the edge rusher they like, Malachi Lawrence from UCF.  He’s unpolished and for now, probably just a designated pass rusher, but that works for this team, they have starters, Rashan Gary and Sam Williams can play the early downs. 

The Browns took WR KC Concepcion.  He’s immediately the best WR on the roster and he’ll be really happy in 2027 when they finally get a QB.  2026 is not going to be great, although they could target him 150 times this season. 

The Bears are the luckiest team at the end of this round.  Not only did their division rival Vikings take a DT with a bad foot but they passed on a really good safety.  What did the Bears need? A really good safety.  They let all their safeties go and the only guy they brought in was Coby Bryant.  Dillon Thieneman is a playmaker in the secondary.  Also, some good edge rushers fell to round two, they can still make a move there. 

When I said the draft was drunk the last ten picks were like everyone at the end of the night at the bar looking for someone to go home with.  Of the last 10 picks, 8 of them were traded, some of them multiple times.  Everybody was dancing with everybody and just grabbed someone when the music stopped.  There were six picks in a row traded, 25-31, including the Bills and 49ers both trading down multiple times and out of round one completely. 

The Texans took OG/C Keylan Rutledge, he either beats out Jake Andrews at center or he’s Wyatt Teller’s eventual replacement at LG. 

The Dolphins moved up to get CB Chris Johnson.  He’s a Jeff Hafley kind of guy and only the second CB taken in the draft, there’s going to be a run on CB in round two. 

The Patriots moved up to take OT Caleb Lomu.  He was the last of the top OT prospects and Patriots needed some help.  They have 35-year-old Morgan Moses at RT and when Will Campbell went down last season, they didn’t have much behind him.  Lomu gives them depth and he will eventually be the RT, it might even happen this season.

The Chiefs taking DT Peter Woods is pretty amazing.  Woods is a smaller, attacking DT who will give them someone other than Chris Jones to rush from the inside.  They signed Khyiris Tonga to be the big run-stuffer in the middle, Woods is the penetrating DT next to him. 

The Jets jumped back into the round to grab WR Omar Cooper Jr.  That gives them three first-round picks.  Cooper is a really good player who will make life easier for Geno Smith.  I’m obviously not a Jets fan but I will feel bad if the Jets curse ruins the careers of David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr., I like those players. 

The Titans decided to do the same and jumped back in to get DE Keldric Faulk.  Of course they did, Robert Saleh had to get his defensive end.  Faulk is an excellent run defender and is a very nice complement opposite Jermaine Johnson. 

The one team that desperately wanted to trade out of round one was the Seahawks but after so many trades, there was no one left to go home with at the end of the night.  They took RB Jadarian Price.  He fills a huge hole where Kenneth Walker III used to be but this feels too high for Price.  He’s never been a lead back; he was Jeremiyah Love’s backup at Notre Dame.  When you’ve just won the Super Bowl, you get a pass, but this could be much like the Chiefs taking Clyde Edwards-Helaire a few years ago.  That wasn’t a good pick. 

Round 2 Thoughts

There are some very good players still on the board.  CB Jermod McCoy has fallen and it’s all because of his knee injury.  Apparently running his blazing 40 at his workout didn’t answer questions and teams are scared of his injury.  If he can overcome it, he’s going to be the steal of this draft. 

There’s going to be a run on CBs at some point.  McCoy, Avieon Terrell, Colton Hood, and Brandon Cisse were all guys with round one potential at one point.

The defensive tackle and edge rush group is still quite deep.  DTs Kayden McDonal and Christen Miller should go pretty quickly.  TJ Parker, Zion Young, Cashius Howell, and Gabe Jacas are still left at edge. 

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren fell to round two as I thought he might.  He had a good year and he’s a good prospect, but he’s got some flaws.  He’s going to be a good pick for someone, but they need to use him right. 

The OT class got picked pretty clean so if you want an offensive lineman you’ll have to settle for a guard.  There are good guards left, Chase Bisontis, Gennings Dunker, and Emmanuel Pregnon are all immediate starters for a team in need. 

The LB group is also deep since only Sonny Styles went as an off-ball LB in round one.  CJ Allen, Jacob Rodriguez, Anthony Hill Jr., Jake Golday, and Josiah Trotter could all be second round picks.

The last guy I can’t believe fell to round two is WR Denzel Boston.  He’s a potential WR1 and he’s going to go very early.  

The top of the second round got shuffled a bit with San Francisco ending up with the first pick of round two (33) and the Bills with the third pick (35).  That means two playoff teams from last season who want to compete are looking for the best value here. If San Francisco doesn’t want Denzel Boston, they should be shopping this pick to the highest bidder. 

Let’s see if the drunken party that was last night’s round one has a hangover in round two or if the party continues.  Day two is always my favorite, enjoy the ride.