The NFL Draft is one of the most random and wild times of the year and while I could not close to tell you what will actually happen, I can try. The likelihood I get even half of these correctly is lower than 0, but I had fun doing this and I hope you have fun reading it.
*Sorry I am not an expert on your team*
1. Carolina Panthers (from CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Panthers traded up 8 spots to acquire what they hope is their QB for the next 15 seasons. For a while the thought was that QB would be CJ Stroud. Now, even with the reddit chaos with Will Levis, the pick of Bryce Young seems clear and obvious. Young’s build will undoubtedly cause concerns and issues in the NFL, but as far as this draft goes he is definitely the best of the class.
2. Houston Texans: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
For the longest time this seemed like an obvious QB fit in Houston. 2021 3rd round pick Davis Mills has been fine, but clearly not good enough. The Texans reportedly looked to trade up with the Bears for the 1st overall pick in what seemed to be an effort to acquire Byrce Young. If they end up passing on a QB, it will become ever more clear that they viewed one and one guy only as worthy of a top 2 pick. As far as Tyree Wilson goes and why I have him over Will Anderson comes with the freak athlete Tyree is. The production isn’t there, but Wilson has insane length and even better athleticism. He will be a project but a worthwhile one. Anderson was certainly much better in 2021, being what seemed to be a consensus top 2 pick a year ago, but his decline in 2022 was somewhat noteworthy. Still a top talent, just have Wilson slightly ahead of him.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
There should be no doubt that the Cardinals will try to trade out of this spot. The Titans have become somewhat of a likely destination for the pick but with the draft just a day away, the likelihood the Cardinals make their original pick has increased. Rumblings have come out of Kyler Murray’s supposed want for the Ohio State tackle who currently have 34 year old Kelvin Beachum starting at RT. Johnson also has inside versatility as he did play RG at Ohio State until making the transition to the position he was recruited for, LT. His length and athleticism are things many teams will fall in love with and while he does lack strength in his anchor and hands, some development can certainly help him.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Will Levis has been heavily mocked and talked about at the Colts pick. Maybe Ballard/Irsay have their type of QB but the Carson Wentz flashbacks should scare them away. On a serious note, new head coach Shane Steichen just came from the Eagles where he helped develop Jalen Hurts. Hurts and Richardson are definitely similar at least in profile and play style. Steichen’s ability to play 11 on 11 football and utilize the QB run while also finding ways to generate easy completions can help Richardson out. I’ve written about Richardson but to quickly summarize his rushing ability will create a much higher floor and ceiling. His sack avoidance is beyond impressive as is his arm talent. His accuracy and decision making are places for concern, but Steichen can mitigate those issues.
5. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
The Seahawks need help all over the DL, and luckily for them the top of this draft is insanely talented in that department. The pick they got from the Russell Wilson trade was presumably going to be used towards grabbing a new QB. That might still very well be the case, and depending on how this draft unfolds should be the case, but there is not close to a need there with Geno Smith’s emergence. Instead the Seahawks can add the very talented edge rusher from Alabama who I touched on earlier. Smart, explosive pass rusher who can make an immediate impact for the Seahawks.
6. Detroit Lions (from LAR): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
This has been a perfect fit from the start. Witherspoon plays with an insane amount of passion and physicality. Joining a team with Dan Campbell as such an aggressive player is something that makes too much sense. He is a bit undersized but is not afraid of laying a big hit and playing with the physicality of a monster. His coverage skills improved throughout the season and as mentioned his toughness translates into his run game ability and tackling. This is a spot when just like Seattle the Lions should definitely look into taking a QB, but do not have a need. Stroud seems like a seamless transition into this offense in 2024 but what do I know.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Finally a team who is in the QB market actually takes a QB. The Raiders just signed Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason but with the addition of the QB contract, can eat some dead money next offseason to commit to CJ Stroud. Stroud’s accuracy, decision making, and processing make him a fit in Josh McDaniels’ offense and has to be a QB that McDaniels would love to get the opportunity to work with. The Raiders were vocal about upgrading their QB room and Stroud falling to them after all is luck that they should not avoid.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
I think we are all probably overthinking this with Bijan and even with how much I hate the idea of losing so much surplus value by drafting a RB top 10, the Falcons seem like where Bijan goes. Bijan will enter the league as one of the league’s top backs and a very efficient and high volume runner. Falcons run scheme is perfect for Bijan who should have many opportunities to be one of the best ever runners as a rookie.
9. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
After trading back from the first overall pick, the Bears still find themselves in the top 10 and in one of the best surplus value picks. With holes on both the OL and DL, and like everywhere, the Bears need to take the most talented player. Carter’s slide comes after some reports came out about character concerns, but if the Bears have met with him and cleared them up, the pick should be clear. He is the most talented player in this class and in my opinion just the overall best.
10. Minnesota Vikings (from PHI): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
I know what you think. Bears fan trolling Vikings fans. While that is most definitely what the outcome of this is, there has been buzz surrounding the Vikings trading up and selecting a QB. While I personally am the opposite of high on Will Levis he has an absurd arm. His decision making, pocket presence, sack avoidance, and accuracy are another story but he has the “unteachable” traits. Allowing him to sit for a season or two behind Kirk Cousins could prove to be very beneficial for his career. As in every mock, there must be something everyone remembers. I have a feeling this will be the one.
11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OG/OT, Northwestern
The Titans OL overall lacks talent. They just brought in former Eagle Andre Dillard to play LT, but still have holes all over the OL. Skoronski offers the ability to play either tackle or guard, likely being better at guard. He is very talented and has great tape at tackle but he might be an outlier when it comes to tackles playing with 32 ¼ inch arms, so a move inside may be beneficial for him and for the Titans who could really use his help inside. Although I understand taking a guard is not maximizing surplus value, Skoronski’s tackle ability makes this a bit different.
12. Houston Texans (from CLE): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Ideally this would have been where the Texans add the best receiver in the class to help their rookie QB. However these picks are made independently, and the Texans still add the draft’s most talented WR. Smith-Njigba’s short area quickness, burst, and awareness are where he wins and while he certainly lacks the overall long area speed, his intelligence is unmatched in this class. The Texans would be able to create a very good situation for whichever QB they eventually hand the keys to the franchise.
13. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ): Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
There were concerns about Nolan Smith through the draft process, mostly early, but he tested extremely well. He has the traits to be a top edge in this class and even in the league. The Packers under Brian Gutekunst have valued traits a lot, which is a lot more of the reason I think Nolan Smith makes sense for them than the fact Gutekunst allow seems to love Georgia players. Pairing Rashan Gary with an athlete like Nolan Smith could be very scary for offensive lines they face.
14. New England Patriots: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
With Trent Brown and Riley Reiff the current starters for the Patriots at tackle, a prospect like Jones makes sense. He only has started in 19 games and is just 21, so he is very raw and that shows up on tape. His raw athleticism allows for him to be very efficient in space and in the run game allowing his pure ability and instincts to take over. He struggles at times in pass pro with his hand placement and balance, which is nothing unusual for someone with little experience like Jones. Proper development could turn Jones into a very good tackle. The ceiling for him is very very high.
15. New York Jets (from GB): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Unfortunately for the Jets, 3 OT have already come off the board. Fortunately for the Jets, the best one remains. I am personally very high on Darnell Wright who plays very strong. In pass pro, Wright is laterally quick, has very good grip strength, and anchors exceptionally well. Mekhi Becton has had injury issues and the Jets don’t have much to look forward to at OT so I have them grabbing Wright and bolstering that OL unit.
16. Washington Commanders: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Banks is built very well and tested very very well at the combine. This had him start rising draft boards but even past the testing scores, the film was impressive. Banks plays very intelligently and can play in both man and zone. After the William Jackson signing did not work out the Commanders are still looking for a reliable corner and Banks hopefully will provide that for them.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
I think the most obvious pick here for the Steelers is OT but with the top 4 guys already off the board, Porter Jr. seems to be a good fit in a Tomlin defense without much corner talent. Patrick Peterson was brought in as a veteran and could serve as a great mentor for Porter Jr. Porter Jr. tested pretty well with a 4.46 40 and his frame is perfect for an outside corner. The combination of athleticism and frame makes him a perfect fit for Mike Tomlin.
18. Detroit Lions: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Calijah Kancey is certainly undersized as an IDL but his athleticism and burst are too much to ignore. He tested exceptionally well and his 40 time is where the hype around him started coming from. His size, or lack thereof, causes him issues in the run game, but as a pass rusher he is very difficult to stop. He is not Aaron Donald, but he sure is a good player. The Lions could definitely use a very effective pass rusher like Kancey through the middle.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
After the departure of the greatest QB to ever play, the Buccaneers find themselves in a spot with a roster lacking much talent. Lukas Van Ness may not even fall this far due to his ability but in this mock draft he is here and the Buccaneers can’t pass on him. He will take some development but his athleticism and versatility will allow the Buccaneers to explore his ability with him in a season where they do not seem like they will be very competitive.
20. Buffalo Bills (from SEA): Anton Harrison , OT, Oklahoma
The Bills just drafted Spencer Brown who was very poor in his rookie season. While the development curve is steep for tackles, the Bills should still be looking to bring in talent to a group that has lacked far too consistently during Josh Allen’s time with the Bills. Solidifying the OL is a step that could take the Bills the next step they need to conquer… better than the Chiefs.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
While the idea of adding a dynamic playmaker like Zay Flowers to this offense is certainly fun, the Chargers are in dire need of genuine depth behind an aging Khalil Mack and a somewhat injury prone Joey Bosa. Mack’s contract soon to expire too allows the Chargers to fill a soon-to-be need with Myles Murphy who has the talent and versatility to succeed in Brandon Staley’s defense. His ability to play both outside and inside is very important too.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston Colleges
The addition of OBJ has made some believe that the Ravens will no longer target a WR in the first round and while that may very be true, I think Flowers fits this offense very well. Having a true separator who is very quick but also a very smart route runner should be very beneficial for Lamar Jackson who has not had many talented WRs to work with in his time as the Ravens QB. The belief likely still is that the Ravens want to win with Lamar Jackson and this move will help that.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Howie Roseman being the best GM in the NFL is partly why I chose the Eagles as a perfect trade down spot for the Vikings to grab their QB. The signing of Olamide Zaccheaus should not stop the Eagles from improving their WR room with a player on a rookie deal considering Devonta is soon to be paid. Adding a field stretcher like Addison will make this Eagles offense very very scary. Not sure how you cover all of those weapons.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The Jaguars have been trying to improve their secondary this offseason, as they should, and this move will allow them to add a playmaker. They can choose how they want to use him either as a safety or as a corner, but he can play both and play both well. He will be able to do whatever the Jaguars ask for him to do.
25. New York Giants: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Forbes being 166 pounds trying to play in the NFL as a corner is certainly funny and will probably cause him some issues in the league. However, he possesses very special instincts and a knack for the ball. A Giants team that lacks players with such drive and instincts for the ball could really use a corner like him who will certainly help their interception issue.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Bryan Breese, DT, Clemson
Medicals have been the issue but if those get cleared Breese has the potential to be one of the best defenders in this class. The Cowboys badly need IDL help and Breese provides that while also being able to move outside. His versatility is very important, as seen with many players in this class. Breese is a very strong and powerful player with great length and can allow the Cowboys to add even more explosion to their pass rush.
27. Seattle Seahawks (from BUF): O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
Outside of a potential move to guard for Peter Skoronski, Torrence is pretty comfortably the best IOL in this class. While the first guard being taken at 27 says more about the class than anything else, Torrence is a very powerful and technically sound guard. He also allows the Seahawks to add some stability to a position that has lacked heavily for them in recent years and that currently does not look too promising. This fit makes too much sense.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Maybe surprising to some, maybe less to others than a TE still has not gone but that time is up. The Bengals are in desperate need for a TE, well maybe not since they already have 3 really good pass catchers. Anyways Mayer offers more than just a pass catcher as he is a sound blocker in both the run and pass game. He is a safe bet to also be an instant contributor to the Bengals, something they would love to help propel them.
29. New Orleans Saints (from SF, via MIA, DEN): Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
The biggest surprise here is probably that the Saints are making their own pick and to be honest that’s more so because I forgot to have them trade up as they inevitably will, so my bad. Keion White however is very talented and still developing. The worry comes that there is development in his game while he is already 24. He is long, explosive, and crafty but still has some consistency issues. He’s risen draft boards due to his get off and bend but there is definite work to do. After losing Marcus Davenport this offseason, the Saints can add some talent back to their DL.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
It is usually not easy to find immediate needs on a group that so nearly won it all just a few months ago, but the Eagles lost Javon Hargrave this offseason and Fletcher Cox is likely gone after this season allowing Adebawore to develop alongside Cox and sooner or later become the starter inside the Eagles DL. His athleticism and testing helped him climb draft boards. Not sure if he plays outside or inside in the league but the idea currently is that he can do both.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
I am personally not a fan of Johnston, but even I cannot deny his athletic ability. He’s got a large frame which he does not utilize close to often enough, consistently using his body to catch, but some changes and development in his game could give Patrick Mahomes another big play and disruptive WR. If Johnston can go anywhere and become great it’s with soon to be the best ever playing as his QB.
M-FANS 