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It's Draft Day, and the wait is almost over - finally!
Various factors are now coming into play, including last-minute leaks that have players higher than we thought and lower. Sometimes the hardest mock to do is the one right before the draft because that is the one most bogged down by last-minute rumors and lies.
When trying to figure out what happens on Draft Day, remember you're likely better off sticking to your original thoughts. Unfortunately, there is some truth to last-minute rumors. Here, we try to wade through them.
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Round 1
1. Carolina Panthers- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The vibe initially was Carolina would go a different way with this pick, chasing size. It now looks like that was largely smoke and media speculation. Carolina is now poised to take the right player, the safest and highest floor passer in this class. For lack of a better phrase, Young is a creator who makes everyone around him better. Players like that are rare and tend to work out well.
2. Houston Texans- Tyree Wilson, DL, Texas Tech
In January, I tweeted that Houston fans shouldn’t be surprised if Demeco Ryans pushes to use this pick on Anderson and then use #12 on a passer or trade for Trey Lance. It looks like I was right about them taking a pass rusher at #2, but it's unclear if I was right about which one. Rumors now say Ryans’ favorite is Wilson, and that opinion could sway an organization that has struggled to find a truly transcendent leader for its entire existence. If Ryans pushes hard enough for Wilson, it could be him.
If it were me, I’d go quarterback. If I had to go with a non-passer, I’d take Will Anderson. I’m not drafting for Houston, though. They seem to love Wilson's length and power, likely comparing him to a Nick Bosa profile that elevated Ryans’ past defenses. There's a ton of projection to Wilson's game, but if he hits his ceiling, he could have a Maxx Crosby level of impact on the Texans’ defense.
3. *Tennessee Titans (TRADE UP)- C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
If the Texans pass on a quarterback, it could have two opposing impacts. First, it could increase the supply of passers available, forcing down the cost and desire to move up. It could also have the opposite impact, leaving Stroud-loving teams eager to get up and get him now that he’s available. The current reports are that the Titans are "desperate to move up for their quarterback if Houston passes on one." If true, the odds are that the passer is Stroud.
While Stroud's S2 score concerns some, his film shows a polished passer with better accuracy than any in the class. He's also smart enough to have focused his time on working in the pocket during college, openly stating he ran less to force himself to grow as a passer. Those factors could help negate S2 concerns… even if Ran Carthan did come from a 49ers organization that highly values the test.
Trade Details….
Titans Receive: 3rd 0verall
Cardinals Receive: 11th overall, 41st overall, 147th overall, plus 1st and 2nd from 2024
4. Indianapolis Colts – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
A running joke amongst many draft analysts has been that Will Levis is the perfect fit for the Colts. He’s a big thrower with arguably the strongest arm since Josh Allen came out of Wyoming or Patrick Mahomes left Texas Tech. Of course, Levis is an older prospect who has considerable decision-making baggage. He is also not the athlete that Anthony Richardson is, nor is he as young or mobile as Trey Lance, who may be available through trade. That said, he's got big upside and feels like a Colt.
Mind you, this is a different projection from what I would do. It's a projection of what Indianapolis would do. Levis and Indy were an early matchup this winter, partly because this Colts regime/ownership views itself as better than their record and wants a pocket passer ready to start. The buzz also says they like Levis more than Stroud.
5. Seattle Seahawks - Will Anderson Jr., DE, Alabama
I was tempted to go with Anthony Richardson here, but the Seahawks still need more pass rushers, and the best in the class fell to them in this mock. Anderson has a great power-to-speed combo. He was extremely productive in 2022, and in 2023 his pressure rate was still phenomenal. He is an immediate difference-maker for a Seattle team that knows how to win better than most of us predicted.
6. Detroit Lions - Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Most NFL teams don't care too much about what any player does off the field if it doesn’t impact his performance/availability or their bottom line. So, it's no surprise Carter's draft stock has remained relatively stagnant through this drama. He's a terror on the interior when engaged and can be a perennial All-Pro. That said, the concerns about character and conditioning are valid. Dan Campbell is the type who can curb those problems if anyone can, however.
7. Las Vegas Raiders - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Gonzalez is the best athlete in this secondary class with very good size. His ball skills have improved since his transfer to Oregon, too. The Raiders have a severe need at corner and a history of chasing athleticism, which is why I like Gonzalez here over the more physical and tenacious Devon Witherspoon for Vegas.
The Raiders should consider Anthony Richardson here. I don’t know if they will, though. Josh McDaniel still has egg on his face after over-drafting a mobile Florida quarterback over a decade ago, which isn’t reason alone to pass on Richardson. However, it is hard to imagine Vegas and Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t discuss situations like this before he signed, knowing he was just forced out of San Francisco for a similar project quarterback. Does Vegas want to repeat that show?
8. Atlanta Falcons - Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The rumors about Bijan Robinson landing in this spot feel real. After all, Arthur Smith is determined to prove a team can be run-heavy and win a title in the NFL… despite only three Super Bowl winners over the past 20 years running the ball 47% or more of the time. That said, I also remain firm in my belief that Smith doesn’t have the final say on these picks, given this regime’s draft history. Thus, this pick comes down to Smith or Devon Witherspoon if they don’t trade back.
Smith’s athleticism and edge setting is undeniable. That said, I’ve been lower than most on twitchy edge projects who lacked elite college sack production. Add size questions, and I grow more concerned. That is why I didn’t love taking Vernon Gholston, Barkevious Mingo, or K’Lavon Chaisson in the first round. Players like that are risky and require the right fit. Smith is easy to project as a 3-4 edge or a 4-3 SAM. His outlook is cloudier if a team expects elite sack production as a traditional DE.
9. Chicago Bears – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Bears still need help at right tackle, evidenced by their chase of Mike McGlinchey and Kaleb McGary. Jones played on the left side at Georgia, but he started just one year there and could be asked to man either end. He’s a deceptively strong player, but his elite athleticism and movement skills make him stand out. Jones is raw but has the most upside of any blocker in this class. Do you think Dallas regrets taking Tyron Smith when some questioned his instincts and awareness?
Braxton Jones was a solid presence at left tackle last year, so the assumption here is Chicago won’t want to move him. If they are comfortable switching him to the right and the Bears want an immediate starter at left tackle, Paris Johnson Jr. could be the pick. Conversely, Peter Skoronski could be the choice if the Bears are comfortable with Skoronski or Teven Jenkins at right tackle.
10. ***Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TRADE UP) - Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Philly considers taking Devon Witherspoon here, but the fall of Anthony Richardson causes teams like Tampa to call with attractive offers to jump up for the talented passer. The Buccaneers pull the trigger on this deal, knowing the Eagles are always to moving back and are talking to other teams in the QB market, like the Texans. Tampa lost Tom Brady to retirement, and no one can be too excited about Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask as a long-term starter.
In this scenario, Richardson can sit a year behind Mayfield while the Bucs work on their offensive line. In 2024 he can step up as the starter with Chris Godwin and other good weapons, but with a stronger offensive line that won’t break him. Physically, Richardson is the most gifted quarterback in this class. His passing still needs improvement, but his throwing did get cleaner as his 2022 season went on. That suggests there’s hope he can reach his immense potential.
Trade Details….
Buccaneers Receive: 10th overall
Eagles Receive: 19th overall, 50th overall, plus 2nd and 3rd round picks in 2024
11. *Arizona Cardinals (TRADE DOWN) - Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Cardinals have so many holes on the offensive line, and their old GM, who refused to draft a blocker, is finally gone. So, I want to give Paris Johnson Jr. to Arizona here, and that's a distinct possibility. However, Witherspoon is easily the best value on this board, and he fills another major need. The Cardinals would be thrilled to add the best corner on most boards, plus several additional picks.
12. Houston Texans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Demeco got his pass rusher with the second-overall pick, and now the team goes about drafting a weapon for whomever their future quarterback is. I would have traded up for Richardson, since Houston may not draft high enough to get a stud passer next year. However, Smith-Njigba is the most polished receiver in this class, with sudden breaks and the ability to break a short pass open, and there’s no passer worth taking here. The Texans must get better at receiver.
13. Green Bay Packers - Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Look closely at the Packers’ decision to move up just two spots in the Aaron Rodgers deal. Green Bay purposefully jumped the Jets and Patriots in that move, and the clear need of both those teams is offensive tackle. While the Packers have a strong offensive line on paper, with Zach Tom an underrated choice from 2022, there are concerns at left tackle. David Bakhtiari has missed 26 games in the past three years and will be 32 this season, so the Packers may have moved up for an LT.
While I still like Dalton Kincaid as a weapon for Jordan Love, if Green Bay is looking for a left tackle with this pick, Johnson is a hard value to beat. He is the most plug-and-play left tackle in this class. The Buckeye is much more polished than Broderick Jones and doesn't have the arm-length concerns that Skoronski does, so he could be the top tackle off the board. Here he falls just because the Bears valued Jones' upside and the Cardinals valued Skoronski's versatility.
14. New England Patriots - Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Patriots’ clear need for a right tackle makes Darnell Wright an enticing projection here. Skoronski is simply the safer prospect, and he offers positional versatility that the Patriots traditionally love. Skoronski is a smart, purposeful, and well-coached tackle who should fit into New England's system immediately. Bill Belichick also has a history of working with undersized tackles.
15. New York Jets - Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Jets’ biggest need is arguably a talented tackle capable of starting on either side of the line. Wright isn’t that, based on his struggles at left tackle and excellence on the right at Tennessee. Wright allows the team to improve over Max Mitchell on the right side and allows them to use Mitchell as a swing tackle, though.
While Mitchell was good as a rookie, Wright’s dominance over Will Anderson and other SEC ends suggests he can be even better if he improves his conditioning. That ability has Wright replacing Mitchell on the right in this scenario. Duane Brown would then be the insurance option if Mekhi Becton isn’t ready, while Mitchell would act as the team’s swing tackle, given his experience on both sides of the line in college.
16. Washington Commanders - Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Banks to Washington is a holdover from my last mock. The Commanders had just one positively graded starting corner last year, and they play in a division with three playoff teams. The Cowboys' and Eagles' passing offenses must be addressed in this scenario since there's no QB worth this pick left on the board, and Washington reportedly likes Sam Howell as their starter. Banks is an immediate improvement and has fewer potential penalty concerns compared to Joey Porter Jr.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
This isn’t meant as a gimmick pick, given Porter Jr.’s history with the organization through his father. The Steelers wanted Nolan Smith or an offensive tackle to fall to this spot. That didn’t happen, though, leaving us with cornerback as the best combination of need and value on the board. Porter Jr. has tremendous size and physicality and could become a shutdown corner if he improves his ability to shadow without grabbing.
18. Detroit Lions - Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
The Lions became a strong candidate to draft a corner when they traded Jeff Okudah, but they don’t have to force the issue given their off-season additions of Emmanuel Moseley and Cam Sutton. With that in mind, Emmanuel Forbes is the best corner left, but his lack of size could concern a guy like Dan Campbell. So, the team opts for even more defensive line depth, with a big end who can move inside when needed. Campbell will love both sides of his trenches after this first round.
19. *Philadelphia Eagles (TRADE DOWN) - Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Philly's run to the Super Bowl was fueled by tremendous depth on the defensive line. They need to top up on that talent with Javon Hargrave gone and both Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham getting old. At this spot, Kancey is the best option available. He's undersized and lacks power, plus he can lose himself in the wrong gap, but he's incredibly quick off the snap and slippery. His size can also be concealed between the massive Jordan Davis and powerful Josh Sweat.
20. *Cincinnati Bengals (TRADE UP) - Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Bengals answered their biggest need through free agency, signing Orlando Brown Jr. to a reasonable deal. They’ve also filled their need at safety with Dax Hill and Nick Scott, freeing them up to make a bold move here. Knowing they can save $10 million by moving on from Joe Mixon, the Bengals jump ahead of multiple RB-needy teams to nab a cheaper, younger, and more gifted alternative to Mixon. I’ve pushed this move all winter, and fantasy managers should hope it happens.
Trade Details….
Bengals Receive: 20th overall
Seahawks Receive: 28th overall, 92nd, and 3rd rounder in 2024
21. Los Angeles Chargers - Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Chargers were looking at Bijan or Smith-Njigba with this pick. With those two gone, they took calls to move back, hoping to nab an extra pick and Jahmyr Gibbs at a more palatable price, but received none. That left them choosing between Kincaid, Gibbs, and Emmanuel Forbes. They go with Kincaid because he has better positional value than Gibbs, and the Chargers know firsthand how dangerous a dominant receiving tight end can be.
While Michael Mayer has a higher grade on many boards thanks to his blocking, remember which tight ends get paid in the NFL. The elite pass catchers get big deals to stick around, while hybrid or blocking tight ends get small deals and tend to move. NFL teams would love a young George Kittle (aka dominant at everything), but they prioritize pass-catching tight ends over blockers. Kincaid is the best pass-catching TE in the class, with an excellent feel for zone and running ability.
22. Baltimore Ravens - Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Originally we had some fun with this pick, giving the Ravens Hendon Hooker. The thought was Lamar may not have a real deal in place this summer, and Baltimore could use a quality backup anyways. With Lamar finally signing, Hooker isn't close to a realistic option. That sends us to a corner with 14 interceptions and six of those for touchdowns. He's a willing tackler, but a world record level lightweight. He fills a major need for Baltimore, though.
23. * Houston Texans (TRADE UP) - Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
In this mock, the Texans missed out on quarterbacks early. They are already regretting not trading up for Anthony Richardson, too. They can afford the cost of moving up here, though. Meanwhile, the Vikings need extra picks and gladly move back. Houston can bring in Hooker, develop him slowly, but also know they aren't investing so much here that they can't take Caleb Williams if they are positioned to do so next year.
Trade Details….
Texans Receive: 23rd overall
Vikings Receive: 33rd , 104th overall, plus a 3rd rounder in 2024
24. Jacksonville Jaguars - Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
While I maintain Keion White feels like a Trent Baalke pick, we will go with Murphy here. The Clemson product has long arms and a good get-off, plus there's enough power to contain the edge. There is a need for more bend and flexibility here, which can be hard to develop. He should add to an increasingly strong rotation on Jacksonville's edge, though. Murphy offers good value for a Jaguars team looking to compete with some elite passing offenses in the AFC.
25. New York Giants - John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
The Giants needed to improve at the pivot before they lost their starter in free agency, but now it’s a must. This may feel like a reach to take a big center in the first, but the difference in talent between the 25th-best player and the 45th-best player is particularly tight in this class. However, John Michael Schmitz holds a decent lead over others in his position group. That gap in center talent could be the difference between New York drafting a center or a receiver here.
While a receiver is a major need for the Giants, the best one left is Zay Flowers. The Boston College alum has a similar stature to two of the Giants’ current starters, though. Quentin Johnston could also be the pick, but he has higher bust potential than Michael Schmitz.
26. Dallas Cowboys - Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Zay Flowers was my original pick for Dallas, and he stayed in contention for this mock. However, Mayer fills a bigger need for a team that lost it's starting tight end and added Brandin Cooks at receiver. The Cowboys have historically valued a balanced offense, and Mayer is a guy who can help in all facets of the game. He's a plus-blocker and a solid possession receiver. This would be an improvement over Dalton Schultz by 2024.
27. Buffalo Bills - Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Bills need to improve the protection they offer Josh Allen, even if his refusal to protect himself neutralizes the value of a premium offensive line. Even with that big need for blockers, Flowers is just too good of a value not to take here. I was too high on Flowers two years ago when I touted him as a top-15 option in this class, but I wasn’t too far off. The BC product would be the best option Allen has ever had in the slot, and Allen excels when he has a slot option he trusts.
28. *Seattle Seahawks (TRADE DOWN) - Steve Avila, OG, TCU
The Seahawks were looking for Michael Mayer here and considered Darnell Washington as a backup plan. Ultimately, they decided Kenneth Walker had far too many runs stopped in the backfield by an interior defender. Avila will help with that issue. The horned frog is the top guard on many boards and has a little more mobility than my top guard (O’Cyrus Torrence). He should immediately improve Seattle’s interior protection and run game.
29. New Orleans Saints - Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
As much as the NFL devalues running backs, it is one of the few stacked positions in this class. The talent gap between Gibbs and the next available back is major, though. He is a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands and a tremendous receiver. He’s earned valid comparisons to Alvin Kamara, and their film is eerily similar. With the Saints operating as if they are much better than they are, they could value replacing the aging and soon-to-be-suspended Kamara with a younger doppelganger.
30. Philadelphia Eagles - Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama
The Eagles lost both of their starting safeties in free agency, and their second biggest loss all offseason was the departure of hybrid safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. While Philly reportedly likes some of their in-house options, the absence of Gardner-Johnson is big. Branch was effective in the same slot/safety role that Gardner-Johnson excels in, so he is a valuable fit for the defending NFC champs. While I’m one of the few who like Sydney Brown better, Branch is a better overall fit for this team.
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Chiefs have done work on this receiver class, which makes sense, considering all the wide receivers they fielded last year were underwhelming. A healthy Justyn Ross joining a fully acclimated Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney could go a long way with this group, but none of those players are guaranteed to stay healthy or ascend. So why wouldn't the defending champs take a gamble on a big, fast, and long weapon like this? Jordan Addison would be more of the same as what they have, too.
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
I’m sticking with a tackle to Pittsburgh with this pick. They lucked out here, getting a pure left tackle in Harrison, who shut down Big 12 pass rushers and is a smooth mover. He’d be an immediate improvement at left tackle for the Steelers, even if he needs to get stronger and more consistent in form.
33. *Minnesota Vikings (TRADE DOWN)- Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
The Vikings need help in the secondary and pass rush, and could also stand to draft a quarterback. However, they have too many needs and Kirk Cousins has been too good to draft a quarterback with their only pick in the top 80 picks. That's why they move back here and still nab a productive speed rusher who can play standing up in a 3-4 or with his hand in the dirt in nickel packages.
34. Arizona Cardinals - Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
The Cardinals need offensive line help, and they passed on it in the first. Bergeron is a powerful player with the versatility to move inside. He can stay on the outside and offer an improvement at right tackle, though. His technique needs to improve, but he has a quick response time and can move people in the run game.
35. Indianapolis Colts - O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
The Colts desperately need to improve at right guard, and they did quite well with the interior mauler they last drafted at guard. Torrence is a massive people mover who will make life easier for Jonathan Taylor. Torrence is a tremendous value, given the Colts’ needs, and there's no left tackle on this board worth taking over him.
36. Los Angeles Rams - Jordan Addison, WR, USC
I'd love to give the Rams a starting-caliber tackle here, but the value isn't there. Los Angeles does need a receiver to pair with Cooper Kupp, though, and there is value on the board at that position. Addison was prolific when he won a Biletnikoff with Pitt, but he's developed concerns since then. The Pitt transfer lacks ideal size or speed and was less productive last year at USC. Those concerns are why he falls out of the first, but he could very well go much higher if a team loves his 2021 tape.
37. Seattle Seahawks - Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Ringo in Seattle is another retread, but the fit is too perfect. While Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jameson Williams exposed Ringo’s stiffness and lack of natural shadow skills, teams will always value someone with Ringo’s size and speed. The Seahawks’ blueprint for corners is just that type, too. It helps that Ringo could move to strong safety if necessary and fill a Kam Chancellor role.
38. Las Vegas Raiders - Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
This is a relatively far fall for Bresee, who was viewed as a top-ten option in the fall. His down 2023 year was understandable, considering the injuries and tragedy he dealt with. However, teams will still hesitate to use their first pick on a guy who struggled for most of his final year in college. The Raiders could benefit from those concerns if Bresee can return to form and join Maxx Crosby on an improving defensive front.
39. Carolina Panthers - Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Panthers don’t have much at receiver outside of Adam Thielen and Terrace Marshall, and they won’t have a first-round pick to nab one next year. Thus, they must target a weapon for Bryce Young with this pick. Darnell Washington might make the most sense, but Carolina is deeper at tight end than at receiver. That’s why Hyatt and his deep speed make sense. Hyatt can keep safeties honest, opening the short and intermediate area of the field for Carolina’s possession guys.
40. New Orleans Saints - Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami-FL
Paulson Adebo allowed a 69.6% completion percentage and 222 yards after the catch last year, and he's currently penciled in as a starter. I liked Adebo as a value pick coming out of Stanford, but New Orleans could stand to replace him. Stevenson is a big press corner who could fit what the Saints need across from Marshon Lattimore.
41. *Arizona Cardinals (via Trade w/Titans) - Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
The Cardinals need help everywhere. Here they add a productive speed rusher who tends to disappear at times, but his handwork and get-off are great. He can play a standup edge role or with his hand in the dirt.
42. Green Bay Packers - Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
The Packers have no options at tight end, so I initially mocked Dalton Kincaid to them. In this scenario, they luck out and get Washington in the second round when he is a borderline first-round talent. The national champ is raw as a receiver, but he’s a sixth offensive lineman when blocking, and he possesses the potential to be a strong secondary weapon on a good offense.
43. New York Jets - Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
Aaron Rodgers was vocal about his displeasure whenever the Packers didn't draft his weapons, so the Jets did. Mingo's stock has recently risen thanks to his large frame and ability to line up all over the formation, like a poor man’s version of Deebo Samuel. He’d offer a big target across from last year’s Rookie of the Year.
44. Atlanta Falcons - Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
The Falcons addressed their pass rush with Nolan Smith and added depth to their secondary in a trade for Jeff Okudah. They still aren't solidified at cornerback, though. They've released Casey Hayward Jr., and Okudah has yet to earn a positive coverage grade from PFF in three seasons. Brents could come in and immediately challenge Okudah for a starting job. The Kansas State product has basketball player length and better game speed than his 40-time indicates.
45. Green Bay Packers - Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas
I’m sticking with Sanders to the Pack. The former Alabama edge can play any linebacker position in Green Bay's scheme. He has experience manning the middle, but the pass rush skills to rush from the outside. He's an intriguing piece for a Packers team in need of depth at inside linebacker and pass rush help.
46. New England Patriots - Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
I’m admittedly higher on Brown than most, but he’s a thumper against the run with the top-end speed of a premier corner. He may be undersized, but he’s better built than Bob Sanders. Sanders had an illustrious NFL career at safety. Brown can step into the hole left by Devin McCourty’s retirement and help return the Patriots’ secondary to glory.
47. Washington Commanders - Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Washington’s new offensive coordinator has thrived with the help of Travis Kelce, but the Commanders don’t have anything close to that. Musgrave isn’t Kelce, but he’s a contested catch threat who can break tackles and make big plays. The former beaver needs more polish in multiple areas, and he’s got injury concerns, but he fills a need on an offense that needs to see what it has in Sam Howell sooner than later.
48. Detroit Lions - D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
Turner obliterated the NFL Combine, and his film was typically good but rarely great. There's a lot of projection here, but teams love how he projects. Don't be shocked if Turner goes far higher than this in real life. If he does fall here, he is a nice fit for a Detroit defense that has loaded up on its pass rush and needs more depth in the secondary.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers - B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
There's not much talk about the Steelers getting an edge in this class, but it makes sense. Alex Highsmith is nearing a new contract, and T.J. Watt has struggled with injuries, so adding an explosive edge with a good bend like Ojulari. He can step into a rotation immediately or take over for an injured Watt or departed Highsmith.
50. *Philadelphia Eagles (via Trade with Bucs) - Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
The Eagles double-down on the defensive line, getting even more talented and versatile. White is a massive and powerful edge who stacks against the run and can bullrush from inside. He's raw and older, but there's tremendous upside here. He reminds me of Josh Sweat, a project that Philly drafted at a discount and turned into a very productive pass rusher.
51. Miami Dolphins- Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
The Dolphins need a starting tight end, preferably a versatile one who could fill the George Kittle role in this offense. That said, this run-blocking scheme highly values mobile and smart centers. Tippmann is a tremendous mover and would go a long way toward keeping Tua Tagovailoa safe and the run game smooth.
52. Seattle Seahawks - Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
LaPorta will be the victim of George Kittle comparisons, given their shared alma mater and his late rise to prominence. That's an unfair comp because LaPorta isn't the speedster Kittle was coming out, but the younger Iowa alum is a complete prospect. He was underutilized as a receiver in college, but he is fully capable of that and a very willing blocker. He fills another need for a Seahawks team filling most of their weaknesses in this mock.
53. Chicago Bears - Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Chicago keeps building around Justin Fields. Downs falls here due to his size and the makeup of this draft, but he’s got solid deep speed and is deadly out of his breaks. He could go much higher than this, but the Bears should be thrilled to have him in the slot if he falls this far. A trio of D.J. Moore and Chase Claypool outside with Downs inside is a vast improvement over the skeleton crew of receivers they closed the 2022 season with.
54. Los Angeles Chargers - Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
The Chargers have had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL for several straight years, and one big issue is a lack of power in the middle. Benton has good size and strength to stifle the run, with the potential to grow into someone who can offer pass-rush pressure inside. This is a move to fix the run defense right now, but it could be more if Benton grows into his skillset.
55. Detroit Lions - Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
The Lions got a lot out of Malcolm Rodriguez, but Campbell is a better overall defender than Rodriguez and Alex Anzalone. Campbell is an old-school tackler and leader who Dan Campbell would love. He has enough athleticism to stay on the field in passing downs, too.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars - Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Williams was my second favorite corner in this class on tape. However, he’s coming off an ACL injury that will keep him from testing before the Draft. Things like serious knee injuries don’t scare Trent Baalke, though. Look at his history with the 49ers for proof. He may love the upside of Williams and take him here, knowing he could steal a shutdown corner late in the second round if this works out.
57. New York Giants - Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Mims is an underrated receiver in this class, getting more attention from people who finally look closer at his film and numbers. He's got good deep speed and gets tremendous separation with double moves and polished feet. He is undersized but would add a deep element the Giants need, and he’s actually bigger than many of New York’s primary wideouts.
58. Dallas Cowboys - Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Jones is a massive mauler, but his weight continues to be a concern. He also sat out most of his Pro Day, another big red flag. Jones has enough talent to be a second-round pick, though. For the Cowboys, you draft Jones because Tyron Smith is getting older, and Tyler Smith proved capable of replacing him long-term on the left side. Smith is also capable of kicking inside.
By drafting Jones at this discount, the Cowboys get a long-term option at right tackle who can help improve their run game immediately. They can then use Terrence Steele as a swing tackle, and Tyler Smith can be a premium guard until he needs to kick to the left corner to replace Tyron Smith.
59. Buffalo Bills - Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Bills let Tremaine Edmunds walk in free agency, creating an opening in the middle. Simpson has the most range and best closing skills of any interior ‘backer in this class. This is a solid match of talent and need, even if the position itself has been somewhat devalued in today’s NFL.
60. Cincinnati Bengals - Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
Adebawore’s pre-draft process was so impressive he earned first-round buzz in early April. This range is a better fit. He's a premium athlete with power and film that suggests he can be a good five-tech or three-tech. There is concern about whether his size will let him hold up inside forever, but his speed and strength make him a strong option late in the second round. The Bengals could use more secondary help, but Adebawore is better than any secondary option available.
61. Chicago Bears - Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
The Bears want a pass rusher with this pick, but Smith has fallen further than expected. He’s a space-eater and run destroyer, and Chicago needs talent at every position on the field. Smith is a nose tackle now, but he can push the pocket on passing downs when needed.
62. Philadelphia Eagles - Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Tillman is a massive red zone option, complementing the diminutive DeVonta Smith and the versatile A.J. Brown. The Eagles could use a third receiver option, and Tillman is a terrific value in this spot. His profile overall is arguably better than his more heralded teammate Jalin Hyatt, even. The rich get richer.
63. Kansas City Chiefs - Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
The Chiefs lost two starting tackles in free agency this year and added one who is… an interesting fit at left tackle. Suffice it to say, they could use a versatile blocker with good athleticism like Mauch. He can compete for the right tackle spot and provide depth at multiple positions on the line early in his career.
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