1. Houston Texans
Alabama QB Bryce Young: Even when you factor in that Young had a “down season” in 2022, he still passed for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns. Davis Mills isn’t the worst QB in the league but, with the number one pick, it should be a no brainer to take the Heisman-winning QB.
2. Seattle Seahawks via DEN
Alabama OLB Will Anderson Jr.: Seattle has swindled everyone by dumping their franchise QB for a haul of picks while also posting a 7-6 record. Geno Smith has played good enough where you won’t take a QB here, so they’ll take the next best player in Will Anderson Jr. He’s powerful and physically imposing and the perfect fit in any defense with his pass rush ability.
3. Chicago Bears
Georgia DT Jalen Carter: Chicago probably wants Will Anderson but, with him off the board, they’ll take the next best available in Jalen Carter. Carter is 6’3, 300 pounds, and moves quickly while also being a force in the run game. The NFC North has good running backs like Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and Dalvin Cook, and Chicago needs someone to replace an elite run-stuffer like Akeem Hicks.
4. Detroit Lions via LAR
Ohio State QB CJ Stroud: I understand that Detroit said they’ll be rocking with Goff for the future, but seeing Stroud available is enticing. He’s a two-time Heisman finalist with a huge arm and precise accuracy. Detroit has good weapons, all they need now is a consistent quarterback to get them the ball.
5. Philadelphia Eagles via NO
Clemson DE Myles Murphy: There are minimal holes in the Eagles roster, but they could add a bigger presence off the edge. Murphy is 6’5, 275 pounds and has recorded 40 tackles and 6.5 sacks this season. He’ll be an awesome replacement for an aging Brandon Graham or Josh Sweat.
6. Arizona Cardinals
South Carolina CB Cam Smith: Arizona has one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL and are in desperate need of backend help. Smith is a very sound cornerback and possibly the best in the draft. This past season, he’s broken up five passes and held elite pass catcher Jalin Hyatt to just six catches.
7. Indianapolis Colts
Kentucky QB Will Levis: With the Colts taking Levis here, they’ll have a different opening day starter for the sixth season in a row. He has all the intangibles to be a day one starter with a rocket arm and great mobility. Levis plays a lot like a poor man’s Josh Allen, and I mean that as a compliment.
8. Las Vegas Raiders
Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski: While I do think Vegas would like to grab a quarterback here, there’s none available that wouldn’t make this pick a reach. Skoronski is the best offensive linemen in the draft as he’s posted a PFF grade of 93.7. Vegas has had a good offensive line this season, but Skoronski can play every position but center, which adds a boatload of versatility.
9. Carolina Panthers
USC WR Jordan Addison: You can never have too many weapons. Quarterback is a need for the Panthers, but it’s not dire. Jordan Addison runs pristine routes and will expose your favorite defensive back. He took home the Biletnikoff Award last year, and in his first season with USC he reeled in 59 grabs for 875 yards and 8 touchdowns.
10. Atlanta Falcons
Georgia OLB Nolan Smith: Atlanta has a lot of needs, but the tenth pick is weird because you don’t want to reach. This is why they’ll take the best available in Nolan Smith. Smith may not jump off the stat sheet with three sacks and 18 tackles, but he bends the edge really well and uses his hands very efficiently. It’s tough to standout on the nation’s best defense.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
Clemson DT Bryan Bresee: Surprisingly, Jacksonville has a well-rounded roster. Where they could use an upgrade is in the interior of their defensive line. Bryan Bresee can play 1-tech, 3-tech, and even play off the edge when needed. Bresee is 6’5, 305 pounds with outstanding balance and power. The Jags get a franchise-altering player with this pick.
12. Houston Texans via CLE
TCU WR Quentin Johnston: You took your quarterback of the future at number one, now get a weapon that compliments him. Johnston’s unreal season of catching 53 balls for 903 yards and five touchdowns makes him a fit here at twelve. He’ll also play nicely alongside Brandin Cooks in the WR2 role.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr.: Pittsburgh should model their draft strategy after the Chargers from two years ago. They had a young, talented QB, but a dismal offensive line. The Chargers counteracted that by taking Rashawn Slater to keep Herbert upright. If Pittsburgh wants to see Pickett flourish, they need to protect him and Paris Johnson is the man for the job.
14. Green Bay Packers
Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer: When I look at the draft board, I think Michael Mayer is one of the five best players. Robert Tonyan hasn’t been the same since 2020, and I imagine that Rodgers or Love would want a big target with elite hands to throw the ball to. Mayer is a tough target to tackle and is a two-dimensional player with how good he blocks.
15. Detroit Lions
Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Detroit needs to take the approach Houston did. They snag a franchise quarterback in the top five, then take a game-breaking wideout with their next pick. Not only is Smith-Njigba a stud pass catcher, but he’ll be reunited with his college teammate. That’s a win for Stroud, Smith-Njigba, and Detroit.
16. Los Angeles Chargers
Clemson LB Trenton Simpson: The Chargers front four is elite and maybe one of the league’s best. Where they need help is in their linebacking core, specifically to have someone play alongside Drue Tranquill. Tranquill is solid in coverage and drafting Simpson gives you a running stuffing bruiser. He’s tallied 73 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles this season.
17. Seattle Seahawks
FSU OLB Jared Verse: I know the Seahawks already took a pass rusher at two, but they lack good edge rushers on their roster. By bringing in Anderson and Verse, you have the potential to build a Mack-Bosa or Hunter-Smith style pass rushing duo. Verse bends the edge nicely and showcases speed better than most prospects.
18. New York Jets
Georgia OT Broderick Jones: The Jets tackle situation has been a disaster this season. Mekhi Becton is injury prone, George Fant isn’t exactly good, and Duane Brown is about a hundred years old. Broderick Jones is 6’4, 311 pounds, and is dominant in the run game due to his strong grip and his ability to use his length to leverage defenders.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Georgia CB Kelee Ringo: Tampa has struggled with injuries in their defensive backfield this season and could use new blood. Kelee Ringo has a bigger frame than any current Buccaneers corner, standing at 6’2, 210 pounds. He’s been devastating to opposing defenses this season, picking off two passes and causing six pass breakups.
20. Tennessee Titans
Texas Tech DE Tyree Wilson: The Titans run a 3-4 defense that relies on their defensive ends to make plays in both the run and pass game. At this point of the draft, no player is better suited than Tyree Wilson. Wilson makes plays every time he’s on the field. This season he’s totaled 61 tackles, seven sacks, and one forced fumble.
21. New England Patriots
UNC WR Josh Downs: Nelson Agholor and DeVante Parker haven’t exactly panned out, and the Patriots need another weapon for Mac Jones. Downs stands at 5’10, but runs quick routes and would thrive in New England’s system. This season, he posted 94 catches for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns.
22. Washington Football Team
Alabama DB Brian Branch: Branch has been a machine this season, making 78 tackles, two sacks, and seven pass breakups. Washington’s front seven is very good, but their back end could use assistance. Branch would add so much depth as he’s able to blitz from off the line and play solid coverage.
23. New York Giants
Texas A&M S Antonio Johnson: The Giants safety tandem is okay, but can always be upgraded. Antonio Johnson out of A&M has been amazing in run support, as he’s made 71 tackles and three forced fumbles this season. He’d be able to step in and replace Dane Belton on day one.
24. Denver Broncos via SF
LSU OLB BJ Ojulari: The Broncos pass rush has been virtually nonexistent since dealing Bradley Chubb. Ojulari has played on another level this season against good offensive tackles as he’s racked up 56 tackles and five sacks. This is definitely what Denver needs.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Penn State WR Parker Washington: Ever since dealing Hollywood Brown, the Ravens have legitimately no threat on the outside. Washington is a quick route runner with strong hands and will make a nice weapon for Lamar. Baltimore likes the smaller receivers and Washington will be great in the Hollywood Brown role.
26. Cincinnati Bengals
Florida OG O’Cyrus Torrence: Even after revamping their offensive line this past offseason, the Bengals are still in the top ten of sacks allowed this season. O’Cyrus Torrence is a mammoth of a player, standing at 6’5, 346 pounds. Torrence has great hands and is phenomenal in the run game. This’d be massive for Cincinnati.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Baylor DT Siaki Ika: Dallas is a team that likes to load the box and get after the quarterback. A key player you need in a defense like this is a run stuffer. I love the way Siaki Ika plays. He’s got above-average quickness for a man who weighs 358 pounds and is remarkably explosive.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
Texas RB Bijan Robinson: After two and a half seasons, I think we can say that Clyde Edwards-Helaire hasn’t worked out in Kansas City, mostly because of injuries. Robinson is a powerful back that adds a good dynamic that Kansas City can use. They love to throw the ball around and teams can game plan for that, but if you have a back like Robinson, teams have to account for that too.
29. Minnesota Vikings
Ohio State C Luke Wypler: The last time Minnesota took an Ohio State center, it didn’t really work out with Pat Elflein. This scenario feels different though because the Vikings are in dire need of getting Garrett Bradbury out of the starting lineup. Wypler is an efficient run blocker and will matchup nice against guys like Kenny Clark in the division.
30. Buffalo Bills
Notre Dame DE Isaiah Foskey: Buffalo gave Von Miller a horrendous six-year contract, and he’s currently injured. Foskey has been one of the nation’s top pass rushers as he’s tallied 45 tackles and 11 sacks. The Bills could build a young duo of Foskey and Greg Rousseau that’d take over the league.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.: Philly already grabbed a solid edge rusher in the top five and now they can add depth at the corner position. Joey Porter Jr. has had a massive season and shot himself into the first round with his 8 pass breakups and 27 tackles.
