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Fresh off the NFL Combine and the first wave of free agency, we are armed with a new wave of hype and intrigue.
As is true with every postseason bowl game, workout, and meeting, the NFL world is fresh with rumors, excitement, and speculation. Thus, now is as good a time as any to do another mock for the upcoming NFL Draft.
This iteration will consider possible choices/moves after the first round of free agency moves and after one big draft trade.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
Round 1
1. Carolina Panthers- C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Carolina’s move to #1 made sense long before it was made, largely because they had D.J. Moore to offer in a market thin on wide receivers. My first thought on this deal was that the Panthers were targeting Anthony Richardson. However, rumors consistently point toward Stroud or Bryce Young as their target. Between those two, Stroud is the pick for a couple of reasons.
One, Reich has generally started taller passers in his coaching career. Two, this move happened right after Stroud lit up the Combine while Young sat out drills. It also helps that Stroud is a precise thrower who consciously worked on becoming a better pocket passer and not leaning on his legs. The final icing on the cake was Stroud’s close to the season, which was arguably the most impressive performance of the college football season.
2. Houston Texans- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Young is the safest quarterback in this class. He has an extended resume of plus production on top of being accurate, creative in the pocket, and a good athlete. The problem is his size. His arm is strong enough, his pocket presence is amazing, and he’s mobile. Unfortunately, his height and low playing weight bring doubts about durability, field vision, and batted passes in the NFL. However, his size didn’t set him back in the SEC, and the Texans’ coaching staff just helped an undersized passer excel in San Francisco.
3.*Indianapolis Colts (TRADE UP)- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
With two passers off the board, the Colts must surrender a premium pick to hop one spot and assure no one jumps ahead of them to take their preferred passer. That preferred passer could be Richardson. Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen just came from Philly, where he helped groom a similar quarterback (Jalen Hurts) into an MVP candidate. Steichen even said accuracy can be taught, which happens to be Richardson’s biggest flaw. Let’s hope Indy gives the gator time to develop.
Trade Details….
Cardinals Receive: 4th overall and 35th overall
Colts Receive: 3rd overall and 168th overall
4.*Arizona Cardinals (TRADE DOWN) – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Cardinals are thrilled to move back just one spot while adding a high Day 2 pick that can help shore up their leaky offensive line. The added benefit of this move is that they remain positioned to draft the best defender in the class. For us, that player is Anderson, especially with character and fitness questions surrounding Jalen Carter. Anderson possesses a varied bag of tricks, both power and speed, and the strength to ragdoll SEC linemen.
5. Seattle Seahawks- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Seahawks are a sneaky threat to select a quarterback since Geno Smith turns 33 this season and has a limited ceiling. That said, Seattle is one of many teams using the blueprint of solid QB play surrounded by elite talent. For that reason, Pete Carroll jumps on the opportunity to groom Wilson. The former red raider can stunt across formations, chase down ball carriers, and has tantalizing length. His lower leg injury is also far less concerning than Carter’s issues.
6. Detroit Lions- Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
At the risk of sounding crass, I believe some NFL teams will worry more about Carter’s poor Pro Day and alleged dishonesty with police than they will about the tragedy of his situation. If so, some team will convince themselves they can keep Carter focused, motivated, and in line. The Lions may believe Dan Campbell can do just that. Detroit likely spent heavily on corners in free agency to free themselves up to draft one of the three elite DLs in this class.
7. Las Vegas Raiders- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Josh McDaniels has a history of whiffing on his chosen QBs (cough-Tim Tebow-cough), so he may think Jimmy Garoppolo is his long-term answer at QB. If so, Christian Gonzalez would be the pick here. However, there’s a distinct possibility that the Raiders limited Jimmy G’s contract in hopes of developing a higher upside asset behind him. If that’s the case, Levis fits the bill. He’s a prototypical Raiders QB (i.e., big with a massive arm and iffy decision-making).
8. Atlanta Falcons- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Arthur Smith has been an offensive coordinator or head coach for four NFL seasons. In two of those seasons, Smith called a run play 50% or more of the time. In a third, he ran nearly 49% of the time. While some of that script was personnel and circumstance driven, he tends to run even when his best weapons are at receiver. That’s noteworthy when you consider only 3 of the past 20 Super Bowl champions have run the ball 47% or more of the time.
In contrast, Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot seems to know the NFL is a passing league. In fact, every Day 1 and Day 2 draft pick Fontenot has made with Atlanta has been used on a passer, pass catcher, pass blocker, pass rusher, or coverage guy. For that reason, Gonzalez feels like the right fit if Carter or Wilson don’t fall to the Falcons. He’s the best corner in the class and would be an improvement over the aging Casey Hayward Jr.
9. Chicago Bears - Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Despite adding a much-needed receiver in D.J. Moore and a starting guard in Nate Davis, the Bears must give Justin Fields more help. That’s why they tried but failed, to bring in Mike McGlinchey and Kaleb McGary at right tackle. While Skoronski’s length is occasionally a liability on film, he typically answers that flaw with good leverage and angles. The local kid is a balanced blocker and would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle or guard.
10. Philadelphia Eagles- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The return of James Bradberry and Darius Slay drives down Philly’s need for corners, and the exodus of Javon Hargrave, Marcus Epps, Kyzir White, and T.J. Edwards makes those positions a priority. That said, the Eagles have a history of drafting for the future, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson is no longer available for the slot. With no defensive tackles or safeties worth this pick, Witherspoon is a talented slot option early and a long-term replacement for Slay or Bradberry, who will both be in their 30s by Week 1.
11. Tennessee Titans- Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
There was buzz that Tennessee was looking to move up for a quarterback in this class, but that’s died down since Carolina’s big trade. Now the scuttlebutt surrounds the possible addition of Lamar Jackson or Trey Lance (who Ran Carthon helped draft). If the Titans miss out on quarterback this year, we expect them to add the most polished tackle in Johnson Jr. Either Andre Dillard or Nicholas Petit-Frere could then move inside, where they may be better suited.
12. Houston Texans- Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
The logical choice here would be to reach a bit and draft Quentin Johnston. However, Demeco Ryans will likely push for a pass rusher, given that his reputation was built on a deadly pass rush with the 49ers. Nolan Smith and Van Ness are the best edge rushers left on this board. Smith is best used as a rush linebacker, which Ryans rarely utilizes, though. Meanwhile, Van Ness has the versatility and size Ryans relied on in San Francisco.
13. New York Jets- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
This pick could end up with Green Bay as part of the inevitable Aaron Rodgers trade. However, the Jets have leverage in this situation and want to hold onto the pick so they can draft a pass blocker for Rodgers. In this mock, they keep the choice and take the most athletic tackle in the class. Jones is tremendous at pulling and executing blocks on the move, and he has a powerful upper body that helped him surrender just six pressures in the SEC last year.
14. New England Patriots- Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots have never taken a receiver this high. Rather, they’ve routinely used early picks to build an elite secondary. They have lost multiple starters in that unit recently and continue to lose more. That’s why New England goes with the uber-long and feisty son of a former NFL star. Porter Jr. has stiffness and the potential for penalties on film, but he’s got elite length and athleticism that Belichick should be able to mold into a shutdown force.
15. Green Bay Packers- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
While there’s been animosity between Green Bay’s current leadership and Aaron Rodgers, there was also a belief that he could turn scrubs into stars. That’s a big reason why the Packers never prioritized giving Rodgers weapons, even when he asked for them. Jordan Love is not #12, though. He will need support, which is why Green Bay could finally draft a pass catcher in the first round after declining to do so for over a decade.
While Quentin Johnston would make sense here, his skillset could be considered redundant with Christian Watson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba has some injury and size limitations. Going with Kincaid allows the Packers to replace the departed Robert Tonyan with the most athletic tight end in the class. Sure, Michael Mayer is the better-rounded prospect, but Kincaid is more likely to turn into a Travis Kelce or Zach Ertz.
16. Washington Commanders- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Washington’s corners were one of the only weaknesses on their defense last year. For example, only one corner on the roster logged more than 200 snaps and had a positive coverage grade with PFF. While this is a bit high for Banks, the Maryland product is a strong corner with good press skills who tested very well at the Combine. Banks is the best combination of value and need left on the board for the Commanders.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Smith had one of the best Combine performances we’ve ever seen for someone his size. His film also shows elite speed and burst, but his size and lack of power mean he’s not going to fit all schemes. However, Smith is a perfect fit for the 3-4 edges that Pittsburgh likes to deploy. With injuries piling up for T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith a free agent next year, plus four corners and three tackles already off the board here, Smith is a tantalizing option.
18. Detroit Lions- Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
The Lions join the Seahawks in following the 49er mold. That formula aims to win with an elite defense and offensive weapons, but average quarterback play. With that in mind, the Lions try to build the best young defensive line in the NFL with this pick. The combination of Aidan Hutchinson, Jalen Carter, James Houston, and Myles Murphy would have more upside than even Philly and San Fran’s defensive fronts.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Ideally, the Bucs would have a quarterback available who was worth this pick. They don’t. With that option off the board and no edge rusher available who’s worth this pick, Tampa focuses on rebuilding an offensive line that Tom Brady can no longer cover up. While Harrison is a bit stiff, he’s an experienced pass blocker who surrendered just one pressure last year. He is the pick if Tristan Wirfs stays put on the right, but Darnell Wright is the choice if Wirfs moves.
20. *Cincinnati Bengals (TRADE UP)- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Bengals answered their biggest need in free agency, signing Orlando Brown Jr. to a reasonable deal. They’ve also filled their secondary 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.
Trade Details….
Bengals Receive: 20th overall
Seahawks Receive: 28th overall, 92nd, and 163rd overall
21. Los Angeles Chargers- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
This mock sees the first receiver come off the board at #21 overall, which is lower than we are used to. However, this class doesn’t have a generational talent like Ja’Marr Chase or a near-sure thing like CeeDee Lamb or Garrett Wilson. If Los Angeles ends up positioned to take the first receiver off the board, we think that player will be JSN. Smith-Njigba is a quick and shifty route runner that could offer depth early and a seamless replacement for Keenan Allen in time.
22. Baltimore Ravens- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Baltimore is reportedly looking hard at the corner group in this class, but Johnston offers better value than any secondary player left on this board. While the Ravens repeatedly struggle to get production from their receivers, they have shown a willingness to chase receiver production in the first round. It also doesn’t help that Rashod Bateman recently slammed his GM on social media, which could signal a quick exit for their current lead wideout.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
The Vikings’ primary need coming into this offseason was at cornerback, but the addition of Byron Murphy and the return of Andrew Booth Jr. helps that issue. Meanwhile, the team added Marcus Davenport to replace Za’Darius Smith, which is a downgrade. After these moves, pass rush trumps corner in Minnesota’s tiers of need. While McDonald’s size is a concern, he was an immensely effective pass rusher in college and showed a versatility that will fit well in Brian Flores’ scheme.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars- Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
While Calijah Kancey is the top defensive lineman left on my board here and Bryan Bresee will be a consideration for the Jags in this spot, Jacksonville GM Trent Baalke has a type. Baalke has a long history of drafting position-versatile mega athletes and letting his coaches figure out where they fit. White feels like a Baalke player, possessing the size and strength to play a five-technique in base downs and the athleticism to play edge or three-tech on passing downs.
25. New York Giants- Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Perhaps the most impressive thing that Big Blue did last year, aside from turning Daniel Jones into a league-average starter, was make the playoffs with very little at receiver. With all due respect to Isaiah Hodgins and Richie James, there’s not a team in the NFL that would’ve switched receiver rooms with the Giants. Addison tested poorly at the Combine, but he has experience on the outside, plus his hands and route savvy are better than any current Giant.
26. Dallas Cowboys- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
If Flowers were three inches taller, he’d be the top receiver in this class. He’s overcome plenty of double coverage and produced despite being the focal point of the defense in most of Boston College’s matchups. He’s the best receiver in this draft with the ball in his hands and should give the Cowboys a slot weapon to take attention off Lamb. The loss of Dalton Schultz increases their need for talent in the slot, a position Flowers is better suited for than Brandin Cooks or Michael Gallup.
27. Buffalo Bills- O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
There wasn’t an offensive lineman on the Bills with a positive run-blocking grade last season, per PFF. Worse, only one of their interior starters graded positively as a pass blocker, with the squad allowing 118 pressures from the inside. Torrence was dominant last year at Florida and was equally so at the Senior Bowl. He’s a massive force who holds up in the passing game and bulldozes in the run.
28. *Seattle Seahawks (TRADE DOWN)- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Mayer makes a ton of sense if the Seahawks want to commit to Geno Smith long-term and use their picks to surround him with as much talent as possible. He’s a good all-around tight end who can help improve Seattle’s run blocking and give them a big body across the middle who makes contested catches. Mayer would do a lot as a blocker to help open lanes for Kenneth Walker, and he’d offer a threat in the short area passing game.
29. New Orleans Saints- Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
The Saints haven’t had a strong interior for some time, but their defensive line lost several key contributors this offseason. While defensive tackle isn’t necessarily the most glaring hole on this roster, it’s big enough that New Orleans would rush the card in if Kancey were available. The Pitt product draws unrealistic comparisons to Aaron Donald and can be swallowed into zones, but he regularly slips through blocks like rain through a leaky roof.
30. Philadelphia Eagles- Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama
The Eagles tried to move up for Kancey in this mock but to no avail. They also strongly considered Bresee, who I mocked here when it was expected Gardner-Johnson would return. The exit of both Marcus Epps and Gardner-Johnson makes safety a massive need for Philly, though. I have Sydney Brown as my top safety, but Branch is atop many boards and has the same slot versatility that Gardner-Johnson offered. In two years you could see Witherspoon dominating outside, and Branch manning the middle.
31. Kansas City Chiefs- Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Chiefs let both of their starting offensive tackles walk in free agency, which many metrics suggest was a good thing. One of those holes was quickly filled in free agency with the signing of Jawaan Taylor, who is reportedly set to play left tackle. That leaves a hole on the right side for Wright to fill. The right side was clearly the best fit for Wright at Tennessee, and he would be a strong value for the Super Bowl champs with this pick.
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
The Steelers passed on their two biggest needs to take Nolan Smith in the first, and now they must address both tackle and corner in the second. Bergeron’s stock is rising, and we could see him sneak into the first round by April. The Orangeman has enough athleticism to move on pulls and has a terrific burst off the line. He will need to get stronger and improve his bend, but he has the upside of a starting left tackle. He fills a major need for the Steelers.
33. Houston Texans- Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Houston keeps adding to the defensive line with this pick. Originally we had Darnell Washington here, but the signing of Dalton Schultz nullifies that need. The Texans would be thrilled if this former first-round projection fell to them in the second, though. Bresee still has massive upside and has been testing well, so he could still go in the first. A harrowing 2022 season that saw him lose his sister and suffer injury could cause him to tumble.
34. Arizona Cardinals- John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota
The Cardinals could stand to improve at four different spots on their offensive line. One of those positions is center, where their starter from last year has retired. So, it makes perfect sense for Arizona to draft the top center in this class to begin this rebuild. Michael Schmitz will be an above-average starter immediately and is a necessity in an NFC West that keeps adding interior pass rushers.
35. *Arizona Cardinals (TRADE w/Colts)- Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
Arizona doubles down on their biggest weakness, taking a converted tight end whom many like as a starting left tackle in the NFL. Mauch is undersized but also athletic and showed well at the Senior Bowl. Many teams are high on the North Dakota State product, partly because he can play multiple spots along the offensive line. His versatility and upside make him the pick over Dawand Jones, who has some concerned after refusing to weight at his Pro Day.
36. Los Angeles Rams- Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The Rams desperately need bodies on their offensive line, and they must feel nervous about a run on tackles taking place ahead of them. Luckily for them, one more starter falls to them in this mock. Jones is a massive body with good power that moves relatively well for his size. He should be available at this spot now that his Pro Day has caused concerns, giving the Rams a chance to let him compete with Rob Havenstein and Joe Noteboom.
37. Seattle Seahawks- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Ringo was beaten badly when challenged by elite wide receivers in big games. Marvin Harrison Jr. tanked Ringo’s stock severely in the College Football Playoff, and Jameson Williams did something similar last year. His stiffness showed up in those games. That said, guys with Ringo’s size and speed are intriguing to NFL teams, especially the Seahawks. Pete Carroll has thrived with big athletes like this before.
38. *New England Patriots (TRADE UP)- Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
With Devin McCourty retiring, the Patriots have a pronounced void at a safety position they traditionally lean on. They also have a leadership void in that spot. So, the Patriots call up their old offensive coordinator and swap spots to assure they get the most athletic safety in the class, and the only one remaining with no-doubt starter film. Brown could surprise and be the first safety off the board, too.
Trade Details….
Las Vegas Receives: 38th overall
New England Receives: 46th overall and 117th overall
39. Carolina Panthers- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The addition of Adam Thielen doesn't adequately replace D.J. Moore, and Carolina won’t have a first-rounder to replace him next year. That means they need to get someone to help their rookie quarterback with this pick. Hyatt is the best option left to fill that void. He’s much faster on film than his disappointing Combine 40-time suggests, has solid size, and has a good release. Hyatt played a lot inside at Tennessee, but he will do plenty on the outside as a pro.
40. New Orleans Saints- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Alvin Kamara had his least efficient season as a pro last year and will be 28 this season. That’s the age at which most backs see a significant decline. He’s also facing assault allegations that could result in a suspension at some point. While the addition of Jamal Williams helps fill the void of Kamara either declining or being suspended, Williams isn’t the athlete or pass catcher that Gibbs or Kamara is. Gibbs is the perfect heir to Kamara’s throne.
41. Tennessee Titans- Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
The Titans have a nice find in second-year tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo. You can't tell me Mike Vrabel doesn't want to run two tight end sets more often, though. Washington is a superior blocker to Okonkwo and is a massive target in the red zone. Having both on the field would improve running lanes for Derrick Henry, and give them a versatile heavy-set near the goal line.
42. Cleveland Browns- B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
With no pick in the first, the Browns use this choice on a pass rusher who can help Myles Garrett and replace Jadeveon Clowney. Ojulari is the best pure edge left on this board, showing tremendous bend and agility off the edge. He is a solid value for a Browns team in need of pass-rush depth. If Cleveland truly wants to compete with the elite quarterbacks in the AFC, they must get more out of their pass rush, and signing Ogbo Okoronkwo won’t likely cut it.
43. New York Jets- Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
The Jets are of the mindset that you can never have too many defensive linemen. Adebawore is getting buzz in the late first right now, but this should be his floor. Few players have had a better offseason than the Northwestern product, who can play outside and at three-tech. He should give the Jets additional depth on a defensive line that is quickly becoming one of the best in its conference.
44. Atlanta Falcons- Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
After taking a cornerback with their first pick in this mock, the Falcons must look at getting more from their pass rush. Anudike-Uzomah is a polished hand fighter with multiple pass-rush moves that he uses effectively. The Falcons add a Day 2 edge rusher, yet again.
45. Green Bay Packers- Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas
The Packers watched De’Vondre Campbell struggle with injuries last year, plus he’s getting older and more expensive. Green Bay has shown little hesitation in moving on from linebackers they view as overpriced or over the hill, and they could position themselves to do that again by grooming Sanders for a year. Sanders offers intriguing value at this stage of the draft, too. His pass rush ability allows him to be used inside and out in the Packers’ scheme.
46. *Las Vegas Raiders (TRADE DOWN)- Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
The Raiders just said goodbye to their most consistent interior defender in Andrew Billings. Their defense lacked talent before that, and now their interior is lacking even more. Mazi Smith is a big and effective run defender with some pass-rush potential. He would immediately become one of the better defenders on Vegas’ line.
47. Washington Commanders- Steve Avila, G, TCU
Washington has an open spot at right guard and is looking to prioritize the run. Avila has a big frame, experience playing both guard and center, and has played in a gap scheme. This is a solid fit.
48. Detroit Lions- Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Jack Campbell feels like a Dan Campbell kind of guy, and it has nothing to do with their last name. Jack is a blue-collar cleaner on the second level and easily the linebacker most ready to play a traditional role in the NFL. You have plenty of guys who are better athletes, though Campbell did test well, Campbell is the best pure tackler and defensive leader at his position. The Lions continue to add defensive starters in this class.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
This mock couldn’t have gone better for Pittsburgh. Smith is a corner many had labeled as a first-round option coming into the season, and some still see him that way. He’s tested surprisingly well during this process, too. While his footwork isn’t super clean, and his speed on film looks average, Smith is a good value this late for a Steelers team in need of cornerback help.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
Carter is a rangy and long edge best suited for Tampa’s scheme. The Bucs have been fishing for edge rushers to replace Jason Pierre-Paul for a few years, and Carter could be the answer. He’s a better pure pass rusher than Joe Tryon-Shoyinka was coming out of Washington.
51. Miami Dolphins- Sam LaPorta TE, Iowa
This is a deep tight end class, and the Dolphins just let Hunter Long and Mike Gesicke go. While Miami shied away from using their one-dimensional tight end last year, Mike McDaniel knows how valuable a versatile weapon at the position can be. That’s why they pass on the more polished Luke Musgrave with this pick, taking LaPorta instead. The Iowa product is a willing, active blocker and capable receiver with fewer injury concerns.
52. Seattle Seahawks- Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Austin Blythe was a liability in the run game last year, and now he’s gone. According to PFF metrics and film, his backup Kyle Fuller was even worse. Seattle needs to improve at the pivot, and Tippmann is a very good athlete who will fit their scheme.
53. Chicago Bears- Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Chicago keeps building around Justin Fields in this mock. Downs falls here due to a lack of teams needing a slot, 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- Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Forbes is a transcendent ballhawk, nabbing 14 interceptions and returning six for touchdowns in his three-year career. His stat sheet and ball skills alone would make him a first-round pick… if he weren’t built like a high school freshman. Of course, that’s an exaggeration. Forbes has solid height, but he weighed 166 lbs. at the Combine, the second-lowest weight on record. That will drop him on boards, but the Chargers will take a chance.
55. Detroit Lions- D.J. Turner, DB, Michigan
Turner was projected to go in the late third until he nearly set a record in the 40-yard dash in Indy. Now he’s firmly in the second-round range. His film is solid but doesn’t show the athleticism his testing numbers say he has. Someone will hope he can translate more of that athleticism into production as a pro.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars- Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Williams was one of the stickiest corners on tape in this class. However, he’s coming off an ACL injury that will keep him from testing before the Draft. That will be enough to drop him on many boards, but Trent Baalke has a long history of drafting injured players at a discount. He’s very fond of the IR-stash strategy and could see Williams as a steal if he can fully recover.
57. New York Giants- Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC
The Giants could go several ways with this pick. Their starting center just left, as did Julian Love. On top of that, they could stand to improve everywhere on their interior offensive line. Unfortunately, there isn’t good value on the board at either position. For that reason, the Giants add to an existing strength by drafting another versatile defensive lineman with upside. Tuipulotu should offer additional depth on a line full of versatile options.
58. Dallas Cowboys- Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
Benton is a find for a Cowboys team whose top one-techs are free agents. Benton needs to improve his reads and reaction time, but he’s a big middleman with decent strength and great balance. He also packs a solid initial punch.
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- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Johnson tested poorly during the pre-draft process, hurting his stock despite a lack of talent at the top of this safety market. Still, the Bengals would like depth at the position after two starters left in free agency. They have their starters in place, but Johnson’s film suggests he can offer depth as both a box safety and slot corner. That’s something Cincy will value, given their loss of depth this offseason.
61. Chicago Bears- Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
The Bears finally address their pass rush. Foskey isn’t likely to be a terror or double-digit sack guy for Chicago any time soon, if ever. However, he has shown the ability to hold the edge against the run and convert pressures into sacks. He plays high and isn’t a supreme athlete, but he can be a solid NFL starter.
62. Philadelphia Eagles- Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
Brooks was an ultra-productive three-tech at Bowling Green, but he has the ability to play all over the defensive line. He's a sudden player with polished technique and a high motor. He may have some arm length and strength concerns, but he would provide depth and starter upside for an Eagles team that needs to get younger and replace a star on the interior.
63. Kansas City Chiefs- Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Boutte was pegged as one of the top receivers coming into this season and a possible top-ten pick. Unfortunately, his season imploded early, and he took a long time to gel with LSU’s new staff and scheme. There will be many questions about what happened with Boutte in Baton Rouge and some fair doubts about his testing as well. Still, the Chiefs have a history of taking chances on talented but disappointing players. They would be an ideal landing spot for Boutte.
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