Hello! Welcome back to the show.
This was an exciting draft for me to get to – the Browns finally have a first round pick again! At the same time, this draft is incredibly strange in that the top end talent isn’t quite top end enough to be definitive. A lot of the board is fluid, as much of the ratings are fairly synonymous once the blue chips and clear position leaders fall off.
Such as it is, there’s not a grand world of difference between a mid-late first rounder and an early-mid second. The running backs? Stacked. D line? Deep. O Line? Versatile. The tight ends? Special.
And the quarterbacks? Could be terrific. Could be terrible. It’s incredibly gray.
With that said, I expect this draft to shift all over the place once the board starts to play out. The name of the game will be finding the right value at the right time. Trades and selections reflect what I think teams will do, rather than what I would in their stead. But enough guff about it, let’s get this party started.
The Tennessee Titans are on the clock.
Round 1
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward – QB
Oh Tennessee, why do you feel so out of place here? Something in the back of my head makes me continuously believe you were better than your 3-14 record. Maybe it’s the fact that you pulled the best OL coach in the league in Bill Callahan. Maybe it’s that Calvin Ridley still has some juice. Maybe it’s because your defense is actually a pretty formidable force.
But then, alas, I remember that you had Will Levis—the mayo man—heading your QB room. To be fair, he has the arm strength, and from time to time has showed, er, some potential. Yet, his development has not nearly been enough to provide the Titans faithful any semblance of faith that indeed, Levis is the future.
And so, with the first pick, Cam Ward comes to the Nash Bash.
Watching Ward, I can’t help but raise a little bit of an eyebrow. Everything about his game looks so… nonchalant. A casual bomb for a touchdown. Standing straight up in a collapsing pocket. It seems that every play is both moving incredibly slow for him, or he looks like he doesn’t care. His body language is unbelievably casual, which is completely contradictory to his game. Indeed, no QB in this class has the ability to make something up on the fly: run for a first, huck a bomb, or buy enough time to let his receivers get open. He looks, bluntly, like he is playing backyard ball in the most professional sense there is. Ward makes things happen. Somehow, someway, he makes things happen. And, for a team at the top of the draft, they need a lot of things to happen to make their way back into contention. Ward provides the franchise cornerstone to build around; an investment that will define what happens in that town for the next decade.
2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter – WR/CB
Wait, really? My Browns have a first round pick again? It’s about damned time. Alas, their malfeasance in bringing on he-who-shall-not-be-named has not paid the dividends needed for a fully guaranteed contract of that caliber to seem… worthwhile. Nay, the Browns are back at the top of the draft (where some might say where they rightly deserve to be after these past few years) and look to reclaim their future.
What is fundamentally true about the NFL is that no matter how good your defense is, no matter how great the talent on the offense, you cannot win titles without top-tier quarterback play. It’s why there is such a premium at the position. And it’s why the Browns will undoubtedly draft one at some point. At the same time, it still is a discipline of value that needs to be had when considering such a move. With a top pick, the guy you draft becomes the guy. If you’re sold on him, great. If you’re not… well, then you’re just trying to save your career.
For GM Andrew Berry and HC Kevin Stefanski, it doesn’t appear that they are in that latter mentality. The admission by the owner Jimmy Haslem that the move for HWSNBN was a “swing-and-a-miss”, stopping with him, bodes to me that the current pairing has some leeway, especially with their new, long-term extensions this past offseason. They need not be pressured to take a guy to take the heat off. So, while Sanders or Dart might fit the scheme, they may not be viewed by the organization as a “can’t-miss” guy. Or, just as well, they might think they can come back around one of them later in the round.
Enter someone who is a bona fide, pound for pound superstar on both sides of the ball: Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter. An outrageously talented athlete at 6′, he plays longer than his stature, showcasing a natural instinct to get to the ball beyond what is commonly expected. His range, route running, and fluidity pop off the screen. Indeed, he channels this ability into both sides of the ball, with an eye-popping 85-1,284, 12 TDs receiving; 4 INTs stat line for his senior season.
But is he a wide-receiver first? Or are his talents long for the defensive side of the ball? Such as it is, the question of Hunter’s shelf life remains ambiguous under an NFL workload. Andrew Berry says the Browns view him as a “WR first” which tracks. It’s much easier to hold space for him to go in on nickel or dime packages and play man up on a whim than be integrated into an offensive scheme.
Effectively, what Hunter represents is an opportunity to draft two impact players for the price of one. For a team in dire need of a spark on both sides of the ball, the Browns opt to fill multiple needs here as the uncertainty of talent for a franchise QB pushes prospects down the board.
3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter – EDGE
The Giants, also in the throes of “what-do-we-do” at the QB position, have effectively signed themselves out of any pressing need at the position with the additions of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. That isn’t to say that they won’t target a rookie at some point either, but, like the Browns, I anticipate that they view the high-end talent as too rich for the top of the draft. Who isn’t too rich though is the second of the unanimous blue-chip players (See: Hunter, Jeanty) of the class in Abdul Carter.
Carter is the embodiment of what a heat-seeking missile represents in the game of football. With an unbelievably quick first step, the man’s capacity to convert potential into kinetic energy in a microsecond allows him to explode beyond anyone daring to block him. Quite simply, he’s too damn fast to catch up to. Any detractors come from his size, as on film he reminds of a slimmer frame on film (Note: 6’3″ 250 is not a small human being by any stretch. Yet Carter has room even still to add some mass). Nonetheless, Carter is a physical force unlike any other in this draft.
For the Giants, he comes in to compliment Thibodeaux and Lawrence on what is already a stout defensive front. By making it so that opposing squads will be unable to double team anyone without paying the price, the Giants set themselves up to run wild on the rush with the Nittany Lion spearheading the attack.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell – OT
There’s a lot to be excited about in New England. Mike Vrabel coming in as the new HC represents a changing of the guard—well, a reversion of it, back to excellence. Long gone are the hopes of seeing if Jerod Mayo is worth his salt. Vrabel is a proven commodity, and brings with him the essence of hard-nosed football that will serve as the modern reflection of the “Patriot Way.”
For as defensive oriented as he is, I can certainly see a space for opting to pick Mason Graham—taking a page out of the Titans’ playbook in the image of Jeffery Simmons to create a focal point smack dab in the center of their defensive line. However, for as maligned as the Pat’s offensive line is, it would be malpractice to not address a glaring hole at tackle that is currently held by… *checks notes* 34-year old Morgan Moses. Yikes.
Will Campbell has the chops to fill the void. Tested by a number of NFL-caliber pass rushers in the SEC as an LSU tiger, the man has a storied track record of competition. If “NFL-ready” was a true benchmark, Campbell would challenge for the title in this year’s draft. A mauler, Campbell’s tape has him routinely running over victims as he gets to the second level. He will admittedly need to evolve some as a pass-blocker as his lateral movement is not as well versed as his north-south momentum, but the tools are there for him to be a franchise bookend to pair for the young signal caller that is Drake Maye.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham – DT
Sometimes the board falls in a way where need and talent align in perfect harmony. For new Jags’ GM James Gladstone, he doesn’t have to panic (much like his Draft Day counterpart) in the name of wanting to make the right pick as a rookie: Mason Graham checks all the boxes to be an ace of a pick.
While he had a middling combine, the wolverine has a non-stop motor that aches to earn the respect of everyone who crosses his path. His interior disruption is, much like Thanos, “inevitable.” Sure, he might not have the longest arms, but at 6’3″ he is able to get down low enough to bullrush and dominate the best of any interior O-lineman.
For a franchise looking to settle a train on a path forward back to success, Graham represents captain material, and an easy answer that slots into their biggest need: stopping the run.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty – RB
Take two of picks that make too much damned sense. As enticing as it is for the Raiders to take a quarterback, Geno Smith just secured the bag and Pete Carroll is not going to want to stomach a rebuild. So, what is the fastest way for Vegas to enter the playoff discussion?
Well, drafting Ashton Jeanty should certainly help.
A prodigy of a prospect, Jeanty posted an insane stat line of 2750 all purpose yards, 29 tds, and 7.0 yards per carry. Again, that is in-sane. His balance, breakaway speed, and firm muscle moves remind of a child borne from Alvin Kamara and Marshawn Lynch. He is damn fun to watch, and he is a damn nightmare for any defense trying to plan for him.
For a team headlining… Raheem Mostert (woof) Jeanty is an exceptional talent that can come in and demand every single touch he can, taking the pressure off of Smith; and—more importantly—lead the charge for the black and silver back to competition.
7. New York Jets – Armand Membou – OT
For the Jets, it’s a new era.
Not that the last one lasted long.
With Aaron Glenn coming in, there is surely reason enough to draft a Will Campbell or Jalon Walker to fortify their defensive side of the ball. It would not shock me at all to see them defer their offensive needs until later on. That said, I’m fairly confident that the team understands that—if Justin Fields is indeed their QB—they need to buttress their most pressing need: Right Tackle.
Specifically the right side, let’s be clear. And thankfully for them, a talent worth this high draft capital plays on that side. Enter Armand Membou. High end athleticism puts him in the ranks of some of the most athletic tackles of the last decade – Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs posting similar measurables. With outstanding control, twitch, and leverage, he will be a welcome addition to a locker room in need of a prospect filled to the brim with traits and talent that lives up to them.
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker – LB
The Panthers have never really been the same since Luke Kuechly decided to retire. As such, their identity has slouched to something that is not recognized alongside the excellence that occupied Charlotte some years ago.
By selecting Walker, Carolina has a chance to reinvigorate its defense with a player than can become a cornerstone for a decade. More of a hybrid prospect than a traditional standup linebacker, Walker comes into the NFL with a myriad of talents that can have him play every down at damn near every position in the middle of a scheme. A fearless rusher, he closes gaps with the best of them, occupying a downhill space with a heavy hammer that will earn him respect from fans and teammates alike.
More importantly though, his pedigree as a leader of the Georgia Bulldogs will be a much-welcomed addition to the locker room that has been waiting patiently for a staple member to set them straight. He might not get the green dot of communication, but I reckon he’ll have a C on his chest by his second year on the squad.
9. New Orleans Saints – Will Johnson – CB
With the uncertainty around Derek Carr, and the perennial issue with the salary cap in New Orleans, it’s easy to understand why they might pick up Sanders or Dart as a QB here. And, while that is the betting favorite move, something tells me that new coach Kellen Moore got assurances that he could free himself from the cap hell as they continue to rebuild. Does drafting a rookie QB help solve the pain as they work out the Carr situation. Sure. But at 9, you gotta love the guy, and this is not the class for reaching on QB talent in the top ten.
If you had to pick a QB here, I’d subscribe more to the idea that Dart will overtake Sanders given that Moore has always worked with QBs that could run and have stronger arms (Hurts, Herbert, Prescott). Sanders isn’t that.
In the meantime though, the Saints have a massive gap in their secondary with the trade of Marshon Lattimore to the Commanders last season. While Travis Hunter might be the first “corner” off the board, Will Johnson is the best pure designated cornerback in the secondary pool for this draft.
Big, fluid, smooth, instinctual, what more do you need? Ok, maybe he overcommits and can get bowled over at times. Maybe he has an injury flag. Maybe he needs some lessons in tackling. But for the potential? Send it. He’s gonna be a top 16, maybe top 10, corner in the league within 3 years.
Book it.
10. Chicago Bears – Tyler Warren – TE
Oh, Bears. The hype surrounding your franchise is immaculate right now. The addition of Ben Johnson. The reforging of the offensive line. The second year of Caleb Williams.
Things are looking up in the windy city. But, how can they improve?
In simple terms: firepower. While DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet are a hell of a trio, there’s still space to add to the arsenal. This leads us to Tyler Warren.
If you want to consider Warren a “blue chip” player, I can’t fault you. Indeed, his potential is on the same level of Carter, Hunter, and Jeanty. That said, it’s incredibly difficult for a tight end to live up to that type of talent projection (well, unless you are Brock Bowers).
But let’s make this clear: Warren is that dude. An alpha at any distance, Warren demands consideration when he is on the field. If Carter was unstoppable on the Nittany Lions, Warren was his undeniable teammate. He’s not the best at separation, but who gives a damn if he’ll catch it anyway? While he might not get the consideration or hype like the top guys in this draft, he absolutely should. For talent and tenacity alone, this guy is ELITE.
And to go at 10? It’s outstanding value. Ben Johnson gets a powerful tool to his arsenal, and Ryan Poles secures another dub in his still early career as GM.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks, Jr. – OT
The Niners are hurting.
Well, I mean, they always are literally, but the eventually need to extend Brock Purdy is looming large over the organization.
Ha, I just had a thought, Sanders is a heckuva fit for them should they want a system player for Shanahan to wield and reset the contract clock. Actually… that’s not a bad idea.
But, let’s be real, Purdy is going to get paid. And, he’s going to need a tackle waiting in the wings to take over when the sun sets on Trent Williams’—37—career. Banks has the tools and physical talent to succeed early in the run game, but could use a redshirt year behind one of the league’s best to refine his pass-pro.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Tetaiora McMillan – WR
I’m sure Cowboys fans are salivating over the notion that Jeanty might fall to them.
It isn’t going to happen. And, while Omarion Hampton is a worthy talent, I don’t know if he carries the same pop that another receiver would pull for Jerryworld.
Tet McMillian has the size and ball skills that remind of Mike Evans and Drake London. With him on the outside, it will open up Ceedee Lamb to run wild all over the field.
13. Miami Dolphins – Jahdae Barron – CB
There’s a world where the Dolphins move on from Tua, but it isn’t this draft. With the departure of Jalen Ramsey forthcoming, the team needs a big player in a big way on the defensive side of the ball. Barron offers a prospect proficient in the zone scheme that Miami runs: instinctual, sticky, and willing to fight for any ball.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland – TE
With Anthony Richardson leaving much to be desired, the addition of Daniel Jones doesn’t much boost a ton of confidence at the signal caller spot for Indy. If the offense is going to have any sort of momentum it will need to lean on Jonathan Taylor and the run game while also providing an additional outlet to whomever happens to be chucking the pigskin.
Loveland stands at 6’6″ but plays like a big wideout, able to run routes all over the field. Adequate speed and twitchiness give him enough presence to do what is asked whenever he is called upon, showcasing strong hands even when contested. While he isn’t a prototypical blocker, his frame has room to grow. He should be a welcome weapon for the Colts moving forward.
15. Atlanta Falcons – TRADED to Cleveland Browns – Shedeur Sanders – QB
This isn’t a new theory that Atlanta will move back, and for good reason. It makes a great deal of sense, both for Atlanta, as well as the Browns, to do this deal. If fact, I could see Kirk Cousins being a potential part of this deal.
But wait, the Browns just signed Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, would they take on Cousins along with Shedeur?
Yes, I think they might.
Kirk aside though, this deal is done for the right reasons.
- It’s too rich for the Browns to take Shedeur at 2, as he doesn’t have the standout talent to demand a premium pick.
- Given that Shedeur is more of a “play in a system” guy, that is a perfect fit for Kevin Stefanski’s offense, which is focused on timing and accuracy, of which Shedeur is—no contest here—the best in the draft at the position.
- Pairing him back with Travis Hunter gives the rookie a level of comfort in the transition, and brings up an elite connection that existed at UCB.
- Atlanta only has 5 picks, and the Browns have room to give some up.
Truthfully, I don’t know if Shedeur has the talent to be a franchise guy. In a lot of ways, he reminds of Baker Mayfield, except Mayfield could run a little better and has a stronger arm. That said, Shedeur isn’t going to be asked to be a savior. Not at 15. Whereas at 2, all the pressure would be on him. This way, he can come in, sit, and learn from Flacco and/or Pickett on the bench as Cousins/Flacco plays for a year.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Kenneth Grant – DT
Thick, broad, and able to command double teams, Kenneth Grant would be a welcome addition to the Cardinals’ woe-begotten defense. A bit streaky in motor at times, Grant nonetheless comes in with a veteran frame that will become a wrecking ball or immovable object, depending on the down. While he could use an improvement in consistency, he should be a staple in the center of what the Cards want to do on D for the foreseeable future.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Mykel Williams – EDGE
Cincinnati needs a wealth of help on the defensive side of the ball. Williams, while raw and a bit unrefined, is a fantastic lump of clay at 6’5″ 250 lbs to mold into a defined rusher that can bookend the Bengals’ d-line for a healthy amount of time. Long and lanky, if Williams refines his technique and puts on some muscle, he could be a force to be reckoned with.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Greg Zabel – OG/C
Greg Zabel absolutely crushed the Senior Bowl, even coming from the FCS. For a team in a bit of limbo such as the Seahawks, fortifying the trenches should be a safe and secure bet to make the team incrementally better. Zabel provides that chip-on-shoulder mentality and positional flexibility that should ensure his space on the roster as a plus starter for Seattle.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell – LB
The Bucs were woeful in the middle of their defensive coverage last season, and Lavonte David isn’t getting any younger. While not the most “aware” player that Alabama has fielded, he has all the tools and physical talent to pursue and crush his opponent. Pairing him with David should allow him a phenomenal mentor to develop his instincts and turn all those traits into something that can be special for Tampa Bay.
20. Denver Broncos – Matthew Golden – WR
The popular pick for Denver is a running back, and rightfully so, as it might be their top position of need on offense heading into the draft. However, with such a glut of talent in the backfield for this draft—and only Jeanty off the board—the Broncos can sit tight and know that they should have a shot at a premium talent in the second round. Who won’t last though is Matthew Golden, a smooth, agile dynamo that has the ability to be a kick-returner as well as playing every wide receiver position on the field. Sean Payton wants a Joker? Golden fits the bill to a T.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaxson Dart – QB
The buzz around a QB in Pittsburgh is loud, and for good reason. With Mason Rudolph pencilled in, Aaron Rodgers still has yet to sign on and head up the O in the steel city. Now, while he likely will, he won’t be long to hang around. In the meantime, Pittsburgh can secure a high-potential talent in dart who posesses all the physical tools and traits to succeed at the position, but his accuracy and touch are questionable.
He reminds me a lot of Josh Allen coming out, and we all know how that ended up. *sigh.*
With a year or two behind Rodgers, Dart should develop into a player than can command a stranglehold on the Pittsburgh offense for a long, long time.
Dammit. This is a good pick for them.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Luther Burden III – WR
A five star recruit, Luther Burden is a burner who can command the deep field targets that Herbert is able to chuck in LA. With Quentin Johnston bookending one side, and Ladd McConkey in the middle, Burden becomes a pivotal player in the offense capable of opening up the field for a refined passing attack—and, more importantly, keeping the opposing defenders honest as Harbaugh runs his run-heavy attack. Sudden and fluid, Burden has the tools to be able to be a standout player from this draft and a sneaky contender for OROY.
23. Green Bay Packers – Mike Green – EDGE
High energy. Instinctual. Productive. Mike Green checks a lot of boxes. Enough to where he might be a top-10 worthy talent. However, his red flags stretch beyond the field, none of which we will get into here. As a talent, he can be special. For him to succeed he will need an organization that can take him on and provide the structure needed to see him through. Green Bay can provide that.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Nick Emmanwori – S
The sun is setting on Harrison Smith’s fantastic career. As such, it would be prudent for the Vikings to draft his successor and supporting cast for the forseeable future. Nick Emmanwori is a specimen, able to play all over the backfield with his incredible speed at his 6’3″ size. A bit slow in response at times, he can be an impact player from day one if he consistently gets his head in the game.
25. Houston Texans – Josh Simmons – OT
The Houston O-line is, bluntly, horrific. Something needs to change, because Cam Robinson is not the answer to the departure to Laremy Tunsil. Simmons falls from a torn ACL last October, but the fact that he is still a round one talent is proof positive of his potential. He might have to regain the trust in his pass-pro sets, but when he does he has the technical skill to stand up with the best of them.
26. Los Angeles Rams – TRADED to Atlanta Falcons – Walter Nolen – DT
While the Falcons need an Edge-rusher, they don’t want to risk waiting until 33 to secure a free-falling Nolen, one of the top D-Tackle specimens in the draft. More of a mauler than a technical prodigy, he is a powerful, productive prospect that has a knack for getting to the quarterback. As Atlanta rebuilds its rush, Nolen fills the void left by Grady Jarrett and should live up to the expectations needed to fill his predecessor’s impact.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Malaki Starks – S
Every year I do this mock, and every year the Ravens get a phenomenal talent. Every. Single. Year.
It pisses me off.
Malaki Starks has the intangibles that will make any and all defensive back prospect look up to him in this draft. Sizable, athletic, and willing to contest any ball, Starks is an outstanding compliment to Kyle Hamilton in the back of a Ravens’ defense that got torched time and again all last year. The addition of Starks should mark a stark contrast in how they defend any passing attack.
Yes, I hate the pun too, let’s just move on.
28. Detroit Lions – James Pearce Jr. – EDGE
The Lions missed Aiden Hutchinson dearly over the course of their campaign last year (as they missed effectively their entire defense). Basically, what they learned is that sustainable, championship rosters are built on the depth of talent on defense, no matter how adept their ability to score on the opposite side of the ball. Pearce is the most explosive pass rusher in this draft. Period. He could use some more bulk to make sure he isn’t errantly blown off his trajectory, but he has speed that is incredibly tough to replicate. If Hutchinson is the hammer, Pearce is the scalpel.
29. Washington Commanders – TRADED to Chicago Bears – Omarion Hampton – RB
The Commanders have to be on cloud nine as they head into Jayden Daniels’ sophomore campaign. Such as it is, they only have 5 picks this year. I think they would welcome a trade down to secure more pieces. Such as it is, there is enough offensive talent left on the board that would make them feel comfortable with a move.
The Bears, on the opposite end, have space to move some picks and move up to secure a compliment to Deandre Swift with Omarion Hampton. Is it projecting the model of Detroit that Ben Johnson will bring over? Obviously, but Hampton is exceptional: a mean streak of production that makes him a battering ram that the Bears’ faithful are going to LOVE. He’s the David Montgomery to Swift’s Gibbs, though Hampton will likely be the lead back before long. Paired with Warren, Chicago absolutely crushes their first round, and puts the league on notice that, if Caleb Williams’ can be the Dude, they’re looking to win it all, and fast.
30. Buffalo Bills – Maxwell Hairston – CB
Yeah… I don’t really care that the Bills re-signed Tre’ White. They need some help in the secondary. Hairston might be slender, but man does he have a sense for the ball. With the offense set to be high powered once more, it’s no secret that many teams will have to throw on the Bills. Hairston provides them a ballhawk that can turn the tide back in the Bills’ favor and keep the onslaught rolling.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Conerly Jr. – OT
As long as the Chiefs can keep Patrick Mahomes upright they will always be in contention. I don’t care for it, but it is what it is. The Eagles didn’t blitz a single time in the Super Bowl and Mahomes got crushed. That cannot happen for a team with championship aspirations. Conerly needs some improvement in his measurements of strength but was able to handle Abdul Carter in their head-to-head matchup. He showed great improvement as the season went on, and with only two years of play under his belt thats an incredible compliment that he is a first-round talent.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Shemar Stewart – EDGE
The rich get richer as the Eagles draft the heir apparent to Brandon Graham. Explosive, long, but raw, Stewart is a physical freak that can excel if he lives up to his potential. High bend matches exceptional pursuit. In Philly he can come in rotationally and get coached up over his rookie season. By the time his sophomore campaign rolls around, Stewart should be a force to be reckoned with.
Round 2
33. Cleveland Browns – TRADED to Atlanta Falcons – TRADED to Los Angeles Rams – Trey Amos – CB
The Rams pick up a plus corner to fill out a backfield in need of reinforcement.
34. New York Giants – Jalen Milroe – QB
A QB that needs time to develop, Russ and Winston might be able to help smooth out a transition plan.
35. Tennessee Titans – Emeka Egbuka – WR
Ward gets a weapon to compliment Calvin Ridley, providing a threat at all three levels of the field.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars – Donovan Ezeiruaku – EDGE
Jacksonville doubles down on the D-line as the Boston College product comes up to help fix one of the worst defenses in the league.
37. Las Vegas Raiders – Jayden Higgins – WR
It can’t all be Brock Bowers in the passing game. Higgins projects as an X that can take the heat off of Ashton Jeanty.
38. New England Patriots – Charles Grant – OL
If we are talking strictly physical traits, Grant might have some of the best of them for OL prospects in this year’s draft. The Pats have to fortify their line, and that means buying an early bookend or potential swing guard to compliment Will Campbell.
39. Chicago Bears (via Carolina) – TRADED to Washington Commanders – Jack Sawyer – EDGE
With Dante Fowler gone, the Commanders need a high-energy, production based player to fill the void. Sawyer can be that.
40. New Orleans Saints – Donovan Jackson – OG
Donovan Jackson is the first pure Guard off of the board, and comes in to fill a gap on a Saints’ line that is mal-aligned and in desperate need of reinforcement.
41. Chicago Bears – Tyleik Williams – DT
Da Bears get a Bear in Williams. At 6’3″ 334, he can come in and be a plus-plugger a the point of attack. Girthy, violent, and with a nose for the runner, Williams can sniff out anything coming inside.
42. New York Jets – Jack Bech – WR
Possession reciever that can find open space as Justin Fields scrambles. Complimentary target to Garrett Wilson. Bech might not be the sexy pick, but it’s a good one for the Jets in the second round.
43. San Francisco 49ers – JT Tuimoloau – EDGE
The Niners yearly investment in the D-line ends up in Tuimoloau, a rugged playmaker built on power and forceful play.
44. Dallas Cowboys – TreVeyon Henderson – RB
With McMillan in tow, the Cowboys bring on a one-two offense punch with Henderson joining the backfield. He operates as a Jahmyr Gibbs lite style of player, and can be a critical passing back in Dallas.
45. Indianapolis Colts – Ozzy Trapilo – OT
A mountain of a prospect at 6’8″ Trapilo offers promise as a swing tackle in a pocket that will surely shift around given its mobile QBs.
46. Atlanta Falcons – Nic Scourton – EDGE
The Falcons grab a physical edge presence to pair with Walter Nolen.
47. Arizona Cardinals – Landon Jackson – EDGE
Edge rushers continue to fall off the board as the Cardinals pick up the hyperactive, unorthodox, but extremely productive Jackson.
48. Miami Dolphins – Aireontae Ersery – OT
The Dolphins HAVE to buy Tua more time in the pocket. Ersery has the prototypical size for a tackle needed to do just that.
49. Cincinnati Bengals – Demetrius Knight Jr. – LB
Knight is a 3-down stalwart built to last and provide a competent presence in the middle of the field for many years. The Bengals could use him to shore up their second level.
50. Seattle Seahawks – Shavon Revel Jr. – CB
Devon Weatherspoon stands mostly alone in the Seahawks secondary. Picking up Revel gives Seattle a player with prototypical size and physical talent at the position.
51. Denver Broncos – Quinshon Judkins – RB
The Broncos pick up the bulldozer that is Judkins to fill their massive void at running back. He should be their featured runner early and often.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers TRADED to Seattle Seahawks – Isaiah Bond – WR
Cooper Kupp is a fine compliment to JSN but Seattle needs to continue to fill the void left by D.K. Metcalf. Bond has some major concerns off the field (active investigation, Bond has filed a filed a federal complaint against the allegations) and if those clear, there’s no reason he should fall into the third round due to talent. That said, he could go undrafted. For Seattle though, they take the chance here.
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Azareye’h Thomas – CB
Tampa continues to have woes on the boundary. Thomas brings length and a penchant for stickiness in man coverage that, at worst, should make him a reliable rotational player.
54. Green Bay Packers – Jacob Parrish – CB
If Jaire Alexander is not long for Green Bay, they need to start fielding plus talent. Parrish is certainly that. With a 4.35 40, Parrish has the athleticism to build on and versatility to play any corner position.
55. Los Angeles Chargers – Mason Taylor – TE
It’s a coup that Taylor falls this far given how natural he looks on the field. The Chargers add another weapon to their passing attack. He also has HoF genes: Jason Taylor is his father.
56. Buffalo Bills (via Minnesota) – Dont’e Thornton Jr. – WR
A 6’5″ burner, Thornton can come in and help take the top off a defense or act as a jump-ball magnet in the red zone while giving space for Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir to work underneath as a YAC guys.
57. Carolina Panthers (via LA Rams) – T.J. Sanders – DT
The Panthers continue to buy into their defensive depth with the stout and violent Sanders.
58. Houston Texans – Jonah Monheim – OL
One player added so far to the line, and the Texans still need much more help. Monheim profiles as more of an interior player but has the versatility to slide into quite literally every position along the line.
59. Baltimore Ravens – Benjamin Morrison – CB
A Notre Dame alum to pair with Kyle Hamiliton, Morrison is a north-south press corner that should help the Ravens not get torched on a consistent basis.
60. Detroit Lions – Tyler Booker – OL
Booker is a road-grader that is going to be a phenomenal 6th lineman in short-yardage sets early in his career. He might be a bit unrefined in his technique, but he apparently has the reputation of being exceptionally coachable and well-liked (Captain). He should fit right into Dan Campbell’s ecosystem.
61. Washington Commanders – Xavier Watts – S
The Commanders could use a playmaker on the back end. Watts has a nose for the ball with rare instincts as to where to be as plays break down.
62. Buffalo Bills – Shemar Turner – DT
Violent and unrelenting, the Bills pick up the intense Turner to be their bull in a china shop, opening up the outside for Rousseau and Epenesa to wreck havoc.
63. Kansas City Chiefs – Alfred Collins – DT
A jack of all trades, Collins doesn’t particularly stand out in one trait category. That said, he has adequate talent in all respects and is a pretty safe bet to be good with a chance to develop into something more.
64. Philadelphia Eagles – Elijah Arroyo – TE
The Eagles take the run-blocking talented Arroyo, giving them a situational weapon, bookend to Dallas Goedert, and lane bully that can help open up space for Saquon Barkley.
The World Between Blog 