The world is changing, but demand for the NFL keeps getting bigger. This year's draft kicks off with the Bears. As many of you know by now the city of Chicago has never seen a 4,000 yard passer or a QB throw for 30+ TDs. They remind me of a story I know called the puppy who lost his way.... by Chrissy Taylor. The Bears franchise has been lost in the woods for quite some time and nobody, especially their GMs and coaches has known where to find them. You gotta think, you need a QB. You got a responsibility. You don't just blindly pick one and call it quits. You find that puppy and you get to work building a nice home. Now maybe that puppy is a dawg and that dawg is this year's Number 1 pick and that pick my friends.... that was a revolution.
1. Chicago Bears -
Caleb Williams - Hard to like the personality. Hard to ignore the talent.
2. Washington Commanders -
Jayden Daniels - Rumors are swirling he doesn't want to play for them after he was joined by other top QB prospects during his top 30 visit. Doesn't bode well for his mental toughness if true. He's still -600 odds according to Vegas to go 2nd. I'll trust the Vegas odds makers for now.
3. New England Patriots - *TRADE* Vikings send picks 11,23 + 2025 1st and 2026 3rd for the 3rd pick.
Minnesota Vikings -
Drake Maye - The Minnesota miracle part 2 ? The Vikings seem to be stuck with one move after acquiring pick 23. All in. Moving up to number 3 would be a miracle in itself, but a package of 3 firsts and a 3rd is certainly not laughable. If they are able to pull this off could Maye replace Gordon Bombay as the Minnesota Miracle Man ? He would certainly have the offensive support system to flourish and realize his ceiling.
4. Arizona Cardinals -
Marvin Harrison Jr - They say they are "open for business", but I think it would take the entire fortune of King Midas, the controlling stake of Globo gym and Donkey Kongs entire banana hoard combined to get the Cardinals to trade out of this spot. AZ has a desperate need for an alpha WR and sticking at 4 will give them their top choice in one of the greatest WR classes. Who's been more of a slam dunk WR prospect than MHJ ? Not many.
5. Los Angels Chargers -
Malik Nabors - Let me just ask, who trusts Jim Harbaugh ? We know he loves to build his teams inside out, sure, but would he really pass on one of this year's "Big 3" at WR ? Would he really leave his offense completely bereft of WR talent ? Why be so publicly adamant about building the O-line before the draft? Why hype up JJ McCarthy as the greatest Michigan QB of all time ? Is it possible these are all smokescreens in efforts to drive up McCarthys price into the top 4 making the 5 spot the cat bird seat for a WR ? When will I stop asking questions ? Justin Herbert is the best QB he's ever had and this is the worst WR core in the league currently. It would be criminal to pass on one of the 3 slam dunk WR prospects. Nabors is a combination of Steve Smith and Jamar Chase. He would be the most talented play maker Herbert has ever had. If you truly want to compete in a division with Mahomes you're going to need a surplus of fire power. Not a duo of Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston. Nabors is a can't miss prospect
6. New York Giants -
JJ McCarthy - In a scenario where JJ is available here would the Giants really pass on an opportunity to land a new Franchise QB ? It's hard to imagine they want to continue to believe Danny Dimes is the answer.
7. Tennessee Titans -
Joe Alt - In a draft loaded with OL talent Joe Alt stands above the class. Coming in at 6'9" 321 lbs with a PFF grade of 90.7 last season Alt has franchise left tackle all over him. He's given up just 1 sack the past two seasons combine across 774 pass blocking snaps.
8. Atlanta Falcons -
Dallas Turner - The Falcons have internal ties or connective tissue as mock experts say to Laitu Latu. I'm just not sure he goes this high with medical concerns despite his immense pass rushing talent. Turner on the other hand comes without the added medical risk. After erupting at the combine he's well within the conversation of first defensive player off the board. He posted a 4.46 and 40.5 in vert at 6'3" 247 lbs. Not just a shorts hero, he has the production and tape to match. He can beat tackles inside and out. With Bull rushes and speed rushes
9. Chicago Bears -
Rome Odunze - The Bears only have 2 more draft picks after this one. Trading back makes a lot of sense, but would accumulating day 2/3 picks really be worth passing on a true blue chip prospect to pair with Caleb Williams ? I don't think so. If Rome is available he's the pick. Odunze has shades of Larry Fitzgerald in his game. Not to mention a lot of heart and competitive spirit as he tried to break the 3 cone record countless times during the combine while most had gone home. He doesn't separate like Nabors or MHJ, but he's Incredible at contested catches and high pointing the ball
10. New York Jets - *TRADE* Raiders send picks 13,77,208 for 10,138
Las Vegas Raiders -
Michael Penix Jr - Remember last year when the Pats traded back so the Steelers could leap the Jets and take a tackle? Oh how the turntables.... 10 is a bit rich for Michael Penix according to most, but if the Raiders want him they may have to make a move like this to jump ahead of the Broncos and Pats. Penix would easily be the best arm Talent since Derek Carr and likely since Carson Palmer. Penix not only leads this QB class with the highest average depth of target per attempt, but also the quickest release time as well at 2.77 seconds. He's capable of not just pushing the ball down field, but also threading the needle into tight windows. His 4.58 pro day 40 highlights an athleticism that wasn't showcased in college. In the right offensive ecosystem he can really flourish. Is Vegas that system? I'm not sure, but Davante Adam's ain't a bad start.
11. New England Patriots -
Brian Thomas Jr - Thomas was a member of the Pats top 30 visits and would present immense upside at the X position for a team starving for pass catching talent. Thomas lead the nation with 17 receiving TDs last season before crushing the combine. Coming in at 6'3" 209 lbs with 4.33 wheels and a 38.5 vert the upside is Tantalizing
12. Denver Broncos *TRADE* AZ trades picks 27,35,162 for pick 12
Arizona Cardinals
Quinyon Mitchell - The Cardinals have the draft capital to make a big move from 27 if they are in love with a guy. Mitchell's elite instincts and reading abilities along with his 4.33 wheels at 6'0" 195 is enough to make any team fall in love. He also graded out at 91.5 from PFF last season. Do not throw out routes against him. Oh yeah aaaand he can tackle.
13. New York Jets -
Brock Bowers - We have seen the fruits of the Bucs giving an old Brady an "All in" season. Could the Jets be following a similar blueprint ? Sure, they could add some juice to the O-Line with prospects like JC Latham, Fuaga or Fashanu, but wouldn't it be more fun to see what Rodgers can do with a full compliment of weapons? The window might just be one year with Rodgers who could retire at anytime. Bowers is one of the greatest TE prospects of all time. He wreaks havoc in the flats and over the middle. A true match up nightmare. An offense with Wilson, Williams, Hall and Bowers should be able to keep pace with anyone.
14. New Orleans Saints -
JC Latham - The Saints have been looking for an answer at tackle and Trevor Penning isn't it. Their draft slot is perfect to land one of the top lineman. JC Latham lead the class in time of engagement. Translation, once he gets his hands on you it's over.
15. Indianapolis Colts -
Xavier Worthy - I believe the Colts are taking a WR whether it's trading up for Malik Nabors who they brought in for a pre draft visit or staying put at 15 and taking Brian Thomas or a WR that's.... Worthy of selection. The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr and Josh Downs as possession guys. Alec Peirce has flashed on rare occasions, but they seem set on relegating him to a reserve role. Put Worthy opposite Pittman in a dome on a team that defenses should have plenty of attention on the run game and you can set the league on fire. Worthy is a special talent that plays Stronger than his size. I believe he will be more productive in the NFL then he showed the last couple years with Quinn Ewers.
16. Seattle Seahawks -
Laiatu Latu - This one is really difficult to place. He's the best pass rusher in the class, but carries medical red flags. I think the mid first makes sense although his lack of top 30 visits is alarming. Latu generated 81 hurries the last 2 seasons en route to a 96.1 PFF grade last season. Scared money don't make money. Roll the dice on Latu. He's special
17. Jacksonville Jaguars -
Olumuyiwa Fashanu - I watched most of the Jags games last year and the glaring need that stood out the most was O-line help. Etienne had no where to run in the 2nd half and Lawrence was unbelievably frustrated. Especially after a lineman was immediately pushed back onto his ankle week 14. The Jags have to address their line issues early. Fashanu never gave up a sack in college. Instant upgrade.
18. Cincinnati Bengals -
Amarius Mims - Essentially rinse and repeat pick 17. Burrow suffered his 2nd season ending injury of his career. At some point you have to invest heavily in a protection plan. Mims is built like a mountain. He'd make a great body gaurd for Burrow and he's a Terror at the 2nd level.
19. Los Angeles Rams -
Byron Murphy - It's hard to believe this will be McVays first time selecting in the first round. Rumor has it he's a lock to take an offensive player. Perhaps he would be tempted by a Thomas or Worthy, but if Murphy is available he's likely the best player available. Murphy generated 36 hurries and 6 sacks while earning a 91.1 PFF grade. He comes in at 297 lbs with 4.87 speed. No he's not Aaron Donald, but he's showcased the production and athleticism to be the next man up. Aaaaand he can catch!
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - *TRADE* Bucs send picks 26,57,246 for picks 20,84,195
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -
Adonai Mitchell - Godwin is in a contract year and although Mike Evans just resigned he will be 31 at the start of the season. I think the Bucs are a sneaky team to target a WR in round 1. Mitchell had inconsistent play and admittedly doesn't run routes at full speed. So why move up for him or take him round 1 at all ? He's 6'2" 205 with a 39.5 in vert and 4.34 speed. It's a combination that will have some NFL teams drawn in like a Tractor beam
21. Miami Dolphins -
Jared Verse - The Dolphins D-Line has been decimated by injury and Free Agency. They need some able bodies. Verse generated 20 sacks and 61 hurries over the last 2 seasons. Verse is a Game Wreaker. Miami needs all the help they can get trying to stop Josh Allen.
22. Philadelphia Eagles -
Terrion Arnold - The Eagles were 28th in pass yards allowed and 29th in passer rating allowed last year. They need help. Cooper Dejean makes a lot of sense, but so does taking a Bama corner with an 88.4 PFF grade. Arnold defended 79 targets last season and surrendered a passer rating of 50.7 on those throws. He lacks elite athleticism at 189 lbs and 4.5 speed, but his coverage skills and tackling ability are plenty worthy of a top 25 pick.
23. New England Patriots -
Taliese Fuaga - Across 729 career pass blocking snaps in college Fuaga gave up a grand total of zero sacks. He received a grade of 88.2 from PFF last season. He did however surrender 18 hurries the past 2 seasons. The only blemish you can really find on his resume.
24. Dallas Cowboys - *TRADE* KC trades picks 32,95,159 for pick 24.
Kansas City Cheifs -
Cooper DeJean - Whaaat ? The Cheifs trade up and it's not for a WR ? Blasphemy? Probably, but they also need to replace Snead. Sure, if a top WR prospect starts to slide they may choose that route, but I don't think they will fall. Besides, Dejean is such a playmaker maybe Andy Reid could use him on offense as well. DeJean has unbelievable ball skills. He tracks passes like a WR. He's versatile in coverage. He can play inside and out. Health concerns have been mostly quelled by his workout where he posted 40 times in the 4.43-4.45 range and a 38.5 vert.
25. Green Bay Packers -
Troy Fautanu - Fautanu is very smooth laterally. He played on 1221 pass blocking snaps the last 2 years and only surrendered 2 total sacks. His hurry totals were high, but that can be expected over 1200+ pass block snaps. He has a versatile skill set that can help keep Jordan Love upright.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers -
Jackson Powers-Johnson - I do believe 2 of the top targets for the Steelers are Brian Thomas and Troy Fautanu who they would likely envision as their center. Thomas likely won't be available at 20 and since Fautanu does contain some medical concerns I think the Steelers could go another route. By trading down they can pick up some added day 2 ammo to work another deal. The Pittsburgh Steelers also send picks 51, 178 and a 2025 5th to the Niners for Brandon Ayiuk. As for pick 26, selecting Powers-Johnson here makes a lot of sense. They get a strong center that can maul people in the run game and help upgrade their o-line overall. His lateral quickness is a question mark, but Hard to ignore his top tier strength.
27. Denver Broncos -
Bo Nix - Well Broncos fans you have your QB. I hope it's everything you dreamed of. Nix gets added to a QB room consisting of Jarret Stidham, Zach Wilson and Ben Dinucci. This quartet may very well form the 4 horseman of the Apocalypse for the Broncos franchise. Nevertheless, trading back earns Denver some much needed draft capital and although 27 still seems early for Nix and his noodle arm it's a much easier pill to swallow. Nix had the lowest depth of target of any QB in this class. He completed over 400 passes at or behind the line of scrimmage in his career. Sean Payton had success with Brees when his arm strength went away though. Broncos Nation.... God speed.
28. Buffalo Bills -
Troy Franklin - Will the Bills try trading up for a WR ? Possibly, but Franklin was one of their top 30 visitors and will be available here. Franklin's stock has gone down in the community since the combine, due to "only running 4.41". Criticism eerily similar to Tank Dell last season. Franklin is like an upgraded version of Robbie Anderson to me. The dude put up 17.1 ypc with Bo Nix last season en route to posting 1383 with 14 TDs. Franklin lives the Fast Life. He's a perfect fit with Josh Allen.
29. Detroit Lions -
Graham Barton - Barton can play all over the line. Goff needs clean pockets as much as anyone and you can never have too much depth at O-line.
30. Baltimore Ravens -
Jordan Morgan - Across 920 pass block snaps the last 2 seasons Morgan surrendered just 3 sacks. He received a grade of 83.5 per pff last season and will be a viable add to a depleted Ravens O-line
31. San Francisco 49ers -
Nate Wiggins - Wiggins allowed just a 44.4 passer rating on the 41 targets he saw in coverage last season. He's 6'1" 173 lbs but blazed a 4.28 40. He's a liability in the run game and likely needs to put on some weight, but it's hard to ignore his elite athleticism. The Niners need secondary juice. Wiggins has Juice
32. Dallas Cowboys -
Jer'Zhan Newton - The Cowboys have a lot of needs after a more than underwhelming start to the offseason. Trading down to get day 2 ammo makes sense for them. In 7 of their last 10 games the Cowboys gave up over 100 yards rushing. They were particularly bad up the middle and you can never have too many guys that can rush the passer. Enter Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton. 6'2" 304 lbs DT that generated 64 hurries and 26 QB hits over the last 2 years. He can also Disrupt the run game. If Dallas lands him he will have Cowboys fans saying Heeeeeeeres Johnny
BONUS PICK
33. Carolina Panthers -
Ladd McConkey
