2. Chicago Bear (Trade W/ HOU) – EDGE Will Anderson Jr.

Draft Grade – 81.9

With the decision to keep Justin Fields this time around, it is in Chicago’s best interest to remain in a spot to take Will Anderson Jr. This D-line is beyond lacking talent, and Will Anderson Jr. is the only safe blue chipper defensive prospect available. He didn’t have the top-end speed you’d hope for at the combine, but his length and size are plenty desirable. It will take a damn good trade package to be worth passing this kind of prospect up.

3. Atlanta Falcons (Trade W/ AZ) – QB C.J. Stroud

Draft Grade – 75.7

With the way Stroud threw at the combine, how could you not try to trade up and get him if your Atlanta? It may seem like Carolina is the better team to trade up, but I think Corral has legit potential, unlike Desmond Ridder. You could also recuperate some extra draft capital from Ridder by doing this. Stroud is as good as they come on day one. You’ll just have to accept he may never be a top-tier QB like how Richardson could become.

4. Indianapolis Colts – QB Will Levis

Draft Grade – 75.0

I am sticking with the Will Levis pick again, but there’s a lot of good reason behind this pick. Levis is more pro-ready than many would expect, and his potential is only partially why you pull the trigger here. He showed he could read defenses pre-snap and doesn’t have the worst accuracy. In 2022 his adjusted completion percentage was 75.6% which is genuinely impressive. He only needs to do a better job of sensing pressure and making wise decisions. But that is something that could improve with time in the pros.

5. Seattle Seahawks – IDL Jalen Carter

Draft Grade – 81.8

Even after the recent news about Jalen Carter, he is still worth a top-five pick. What he did was undoubtedly dumb, but it’s not like he’s facing time for his crime. Furthermore, Seattle’s culture would be perfect for getting Carter headed down the right road. As long as nothing serious happens again, no one would bat an eye at this pick years down the road. His talent level is just too ridiculously good to let some character issues prevent you from drafting him.

6. Detroit Lions – QB Anthony Richardson

Draft Grade – 74.0

Before Lions fans click off, please hear me out. You simply aren’t winning a Super Bowl with Jared Goff, and there’s a reason the Rams traded him away. Anthony Richardson doesn’t have to start year one in this scenario, and the Lions have the perfect roster and coaching to surround him with. His upside is genuinely on par with Josh Allen, and you don’t pass that up when you’re in this position. If Anthony Richardson is going to succeed anywhere, it will be here.

7. Green Bay Packers (Trade W/ LV) – WR Quentin Johnston

Draft Grade – 78.7

The trade for Aaron Rodgers makes a ton of sense for both parties here. Quentin Johnston isn’t a lock to be a good receiver, but his sheer upside alone is worth betting on in the first. On day one, it’s not like you’re getting a bad player either. His RAC ability gives him a serviceable floor, making him a top-ten caliber player. He utilizes sharp, crisp cuts as a route runner but just needs to get more consistent.

There’s a chance he goes on to be nothing but a mediocre third-receiving option, but he is also just a development away from being a top-ten receiver. He and Jordan Love could go on to have a unique kind of connection with each other.

8. Arizona Cardinals (Trade W/ ATL) – CB Devon Witherspoon

Draft Grade – 78.4

Following the trade-down, Arizona still lands one of the best prospects in this draft class. While you couldn’t go wrong with a pass rusher here, the plan is to land one in the second instead. With this plan, Arizona gets its number one corner established as Devon Witherspoon is a phenomenal day-one prospect. He may lack long speed, but he has plenty of compensation with his quickness and smarts.

9. Carolina Panthers – EDGE Tyree Wilson

Draft Grade – 78.6

Even though Nolan Smith is a higher-rated prospect, Tyree Wilson fits this scheme better. Wilson is a versatile freak of nature who has savvy power moves. He needs to expand his pass-rush skill set, but he’s still a tremendous day-one impact. In this scenario, the Panthers will be rolling with a QB competition between a veteran and Matt Corral. Nonetheless, this will be an excellent way to improve this defense.

10. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Christian Gonzalez

Draft Grade – 77.9

Again Christian Gonzalez is the easy selection for the Eagles here. As James Bradbury is likely gone, it leaves a vacancy at that number two corner, plus Slay is getting up in age. Christian Gonzalez would be a plug-in-play corner in the system, and his upside is elite. You could go multiple other avenues here, but this is an easy splash pick, especially after his combine.

11. Tennessee Titans – EDGE Nolan Smith

Draft Grade – 78.7

After blowing up the combine, it only makes sense to take this 3-4 EDGE with unreal athletic traits. Nolan Smith may be undersized but playing in a 3-4 next to two established stars will be conducive to his skill set. He won’t see many double teams and will get to show off his bend and speed.

12. Houston Texans – OL Peter Skoronski

Draft Grade – 79.1

I am making this pick for Skoronski to play either Guard or Center, where his short arms won’t limit him. This team needs an Interior offensive lineman more than anything else on offense, and Skoronski can be an all-pro Guard. He has the IQ and footwork required to excel in pass-pro and is a tenacious run blocker. While a receiver would be nice, there’s no good value here, and that can be addressed in free agency.

13. New York Jets – OT Parris Johnson Jr.

Draft Grade – 77.8

For a fair reason, Parris Johnson Jr. has been a popular mock to the Jets. It fills a huge need, and he is among the surest prospects available. Johnson Jr. has tremendous length and borderline-elite athleticism. Some more development is needed, but he’d still be an impactful force no matter what.

14. New England Patriots – CB Deonte Banks

Draft Grade – 77.8

Deonte Banks to New England is one of my favorite pairings this year. Banks blew up the combine, and it’s actually his film that is more impressive. He shows the fluidity that even slot guys would envy. On top of that, he has proper size and ran a 4.35 forty. He’d be an excellent number-one guy in Belichick’s system and, hopefully, would be a long-time starter.

15. Green Bay Packers – WR Jordan Addison

Draft Grade – 78.1

Even though a receiver was already taken, they could use more help for the first-year starter, Jordan Love. He has reliable hands and smooth route running, which gives Love a safe day-one target to rely on. Jordan Addison would complement Johnston’s skillset beautifully and provides a safer option if he happens to bust.

16. Washington Commanders – CB Joey Porter

Draft Grade – 77.5

Washington could get away with who they already have at Corner, but it’d be foolish to pass up Joey Porter Jr., who could eventually be the number one guy. Porter is long, athletic, and capable of playing in any scheme. He’d be a solid number two on day one and could hopefully grow into a star.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Broderick Jones

Draft Grade – 76.1

The plan remains to take a Tackle here and a Cornerback in the early second. Broderick Jones is a little raw but still capable of starting day one. Moreover, he has the second-highest upside out of any other O-lineman in this class. He’ll fit what the Steelers like in their lineman and could potentially be a staple of this offense.

18. Detroit Lions – HB Bijan Robinson

Draft Grade – 84.7

Bijan Robinson is available, and imagine the kinds of things you could do with him and AR15. Bijan has a truly special combo of size, explosiveness, and contact balance. Futhermore, his vision is exceptional, and the receiving skillset he possesses is borderline elite. Not many QB-RB duos in history would be more exciting than this, especially behind that O-line.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – IDL Calijah Kancey

Draft Grade – 78.5

The Bucs could really use youth on this defense, and this is one of the best prospects available who’d be an excellent fit in this defense. Calijah Kancey has rare speed and knows how to use his small size to his advantage. Playing next to Vita Vea would allow for little double teams, making for a great pairing.

20. Seattle Seahawks – OG O’Cyrus Torrence

Draft Grade – 77.1

For the third time in a row, I am mocking O’Cyrus Torrence to Seahawks. It is just too perfect of a fit – a big mauling Guard who also has the flexibility to move-block. In addition, Torrence is stellar in pass-pro, which bodes well for Geno Smith.

21. Los Angeles Chargers – OT Darnell Wright

Draft Grade – 75.5

This is about as high as you’ll see Darnell Wright go in mock drafts, but he is not too far off from being a top three Tackle in this class. He is a big Tackle at 333 lbs but ran a 5.01 forty-yard dash. This is also the guy who held up in pass-pro against Will Anderson Jr. He’d be a day-one starter at RT and help make Justin herberts life much easier.

22. Baltimore Ravens – CB Cam Smith

Draft Grade – 76.8

Yes, a receiver is available, which is a significant need, but Cam Smith can be a seamless replacement for Marcus Peters, who’s a free agent. He has a very similar type of play style and is ready to start on day one. After running 4.43 with an 11’3″ broad jump, it felt right to take him here.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers (Trade W/ MIN) – IDL Bryan Bresee

Draft Grade – 78.7

As Pittsburgh needs more interior defensive linemen and Cam Heyward is getting old, this makes too much sense. Luckily a trade partner was available, and Pittsburgh landed a potentially elite pass rusher in Bryan Bresee. He has genuine twitchiness paired with exceptional raw power. He’d make for an awesome replacement for Heyward.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Zay Flowers

Draft Grade – 77.3

Zay Flowers would be precisely what Trevor Lawrence needs on offense. Flowers can be this team’s Z-receiver with the upside of a dominant deep threat. Additionally, he has a lovely floor as, his route running is well-developed, and he brings an electric RAC ability. This would likely be Lawrence’s best friend for a while.

25. New York Giants – WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Draft Grade – 77.4

The slot role is a crucial aspect of this offense, and Jaxon Smith Njigba is available who’d potentially be dominant in this role. While lacking long speed, his quickness is world-class, and he gets open about as well as anybody in the short-intermediate. He has a great floor and dramatically helps a depleted receiver room.

26. Dallas Cowboys – WR Josh Downs

Draft Grade – 76.9

After the Amari Cooper loss proved to slow this offense down, why not plug in some legit explosiveness at the position? Josh Downs is an ultra-twitched-up machine out of the slot. The way he runs whip-it routes leaves you breathless. He’ll bring a much-needed playmaking threat to add on top of C.D. Lamb.

27. Buffalo Bills – OT Anton Harrison

Draft Grade – 75.1

Anton Harrison would be the ideal pick for Buffalo here. Harrison could play RT and be much better in pass pro than what they had last year. I’d like to see Harrison show more play strength, but his footwork is very appealing for a prospect. He’d surely help this offense function better heading into the future.

28. Cincinnati Bengals – CB Emmanuel Forbes

Draft Grade – 76.5

A trade-down would’ve been nice here, but no good trade-mates were available. Instead, the most feasible option is Emmanuel Forbes, who recently impressed at the combine. At 6’1″, 166 lbs, he ran a blazing 4.35 forty-yard dash with a 1.48 ten-yard split. He also has the ideal arm length to press, which makes him an ideal fit in this balanced scheme.

29. New Orleans Saints – EDGE Lukas Van Ness

Draft Grade – 76.7

Lukas Van Ness would be exactly what the Saints look for in EDGE – A big and fast defensive end who can play the run well. Though it’s his pass-rush skillset that you’re ultimately taking him for. He is perhaps the best bull rusher available this year, although he is limited beyond that. His combine numbers were quite unique, but you know you’re getting a hardworking athlete who fits the Saint’s mold.

30. Philadelphia Eagles – EDGE Myles Murphey

Draft Grade – 76.4

The more I watched Myles Murphey’s 2022 tape, the more I was disappointed. Nonetheless, he is still ideal value at this point in the draft. Murphey could be an adequate replacement for Brandon Graham as he has the size and explosiveness. It would’ve been nice to see him at the combine, but based on his 2021 film, the potential is there.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – EDGE Will McDonald IV

Draft Grade – 75.7

Will McDonald IV not only has the upside the Chiefs are looking for at EDGE, but he also passes the size threshold. McDonald IV is both explosive and bendy and could be what they’re looking for in a true number-one EDGE. This isn’t the most outstanding value but is still a pick that could go down as a steal four years from now.

33. Chicago Bears (Trade W/ HOU)- IDL Adetomiwa Adebawore

Draft Grade – 76.0

The bears need to continue to add to this abysmal D-line, and Adetomiwa Adebowore would be an underrated addition. He is a player who has inside-outside versatility and is one of the most explosive players available this year. Adebowre ran an unworldly 4.49 forty-time at 282 lbs. Pair him next to Will Anderson Jr., and this could wreak havoc.

34. Arizona Cardinals – EDGE B.J. Ojulari

Draft Grade – 76.8

The plan all along works out as you get a true number one corner paired with a first-second round caliber EDGE. B.J. Ojulari would be excellent in the role Josh Sweat played. In addition, he could also do what Haason Reddick has done as an outside linebacker. Getting a pass rusher is crucial to get this defense at a functioning level, and Arizona comes away with a steal of a pick.

35. Detroit Lions (Trade W/ IND) – SA Brian Branch

Draft Grade – 77.2

Detroit has a good enough roster to afford to trade up to get a guy like Brian Branch. In this defense, he can play the slot role and, hopefully, eventually, be the man to play SS. He has solid all-around athletism and is one of the brightest prospects available this year. To go with that, he is also the best tackler in this class.

36. LA Rams – EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah

Draft Grade – 75.6

Acquiring an EDGE is a priority for LA, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah happens to fall to pick 36. This would be somewhat of a steal as he is an athletic EDGE with adequate size. His pass-rush moves are well-developed for a prospect; he’ll just have to improve in the run game.

37. Washington Commanders (Trade W/ SEA) – TE Michael Mayer

Draft Grade – 78.9

As Michael Mayer happened to fall for one reason or another, it felt right to trade up and acquire one of the safest picks this year. He has good enough athletic traits to one day be a stud receiver and is already a dominant run blocker. This is a terrific value in the second round.

38. Las Vegas Raiders – OT Dawand Jones

Draft Grade – 74.5

This is excellent value in the second round for Las Vegas. Dawand Jones isn’t precisely a plug-in-play guy, but for being a second-rounder, you could do much worse. His wingspan broke the senior bowl record, and he uses his massive reach to his advantage. He’d be a perfect scheme fit as well in this gap-heavy system. His play is very reminiscent of Trent Brown, who used to play under Coach McDaniels.

39. Carolina Panthers – TE Dalton Kincaid

Draft Grade – 77.0

This is one of my favorite landing spots in this whole mock draft. Dalton Kincaid, paired with D.J. Moore and Johnston, would be lethal to defenses. It would make for one of the better surrounding receiving cores in the NFL.

40. New Orleans Saints – IDL Mazi Smith

Draft Grade – 75.7

As multiple starting interior defensive linemen are hitting free agency, it makes a ton of sense to take a guy like Mazi Smith. He’d be solid in run defense immediately and has a lot of room to grow as a pass rusher. After a few years, he could potentially be a dominant two-way player.

41. Tennessee Titans – CB Garrett Williams

Draft Grade – N/A

Garrett Williams fits this man-heavy scheme and is good value, plain and simple. He is a corner out of Syracuse with outstanding quickness. He’ll have to learn to play more press, but he has the makeup tools to be good.

42. Cleveland Browns – EDGE Tui Tuipulotu

Draft Grade – N/A

Tui Tuipulotu is an interesting prospect that would bring excellent value to this team. Cleveland needs any sort of D-lineman, and Tuipulotu is versatile and capable of playing multiple roles. He’d fill a starting role on day one and has the potential to be a genuine force on this defense.

43. New York Jets – LB Jack Campbell

Draft Grade – 75.6

Jack Campbell recently had a stellar combine performance and would seamlessly improve this Linebacker room from day one. He may not be the fastest, but he is fluid and large. New York needs another linebacker, and this is the best one this year.

44. Atlanta Falcons – WR Tank Dell

Draft Grade – 75.1

Following the trade of Calvin Ridley, this has been a thin receiver room. Tank Dell would add some explosiveness and see many RAC opportunities in this scheme. He is undersized at 5’8″, 165 lbs, but he brings a dynamic skill set that’s valuable to this offense.

45. Green Bay Packers – EDGE Andre Carter

Draft Grade – 74.8

Andre Carter is an excellent developmental project to invest in in the second round. He’s undoubtedly raw, but he has rare movement skills for being so tall and lengthy. Sitting behind Gary and Smith would do wonders for his development.

46. New England Patriots – LB Trenton Simpson

Draft Grade – 75.6

I can’t imagine a much more exciting pairing than Trenton Simpson to the Patriots. He is blazing fast with the proper size to play Linebacker. He’d be excellent to use on designed blitzes and can be used a little on the EDGE.

47. Seattle Seahawks (Trade W/ WAS) – IOL Joe Tippmann

Draft Grade – 74.4

Taking another interior O-lineman may be redundant, but Tippmann would help complete this O-line. Some thought went into Julius Brents, but I’d get a guy who can start day one instead. Tippmann could be precisely what the Seahawks need at Center.

48. Los Angeles Rams – LB Daiyan Henley

Draft Grade – 75.0

After the Boby Wagner release, why not take a guy who brings youthful juice to the linebacker room? Daiyan Henley is explosive and one of the best tacklers I’ve ever evaluated coming out of college. He needs some improvement before he’s a quality starter, but his ceiling is through the roof.

49. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Julius Brents

Draft Grade – N/A

Julius Brents is someone I’ve yet to evaluate, but his physical skillset is too good to pass up. He has absurdly long arms at 34″ and a broad jump of 11’6″. Additionally, he had a 6.63 three-cone and 41.5″ vertical. Like Tariq Woolen last year, he is a work in progress but could become something special.

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB kelee Ringo

Draft Grade – 74.7

It would be exciting for Bucs fans to land Kelee Ringo in the second. Ringo has more than enough size for the position and runs in the mid-4.3s. There were moments when Ringo flashed staggering press ability, but he’ll have to be more consistent. He has the potential to be a tremendous press-man corner here.

51. Seattle Seahawks – EDGE Isaiah Foskey

Draft Grade – 74.8

Getting another pass rusher isn’t exactly a priority at this point in the draft now that Carter is here, but Isaiah Foskey is too good of value here to pass up. He has above-average athleticism paired with excellent size. Foskey wouldn’t be a day-one starter but would be a valuable rotational piece with a very good upside.

52. Miami Dolphins – OC Luke Wypler

Draft Grade – 73.9

The Dolphins need O-line help, as there are only three guys you feel good about starting, and one is very injury prone. Matthew Bergeron was a strong consideration, but Luke Wypler is an underrated player and more deserving of this pick. Wypler is an athletic Center who’d be great at reach blocking in this wide-zone system. Drafting Wypler would allow Connor Williams to kick back to Guard.

53. Los Angeles Chargers – LB Drew Sanders

Draft Grade – 75.5

Drew Sanders is simply one of the best players available and gives them a chest piece that could be a vast difference-maker. Sanders can be rotated as a hybrid Linebacker and eventually grow into a full-time starting role. He’s got a prolonged way to go, but they need a better linebacker, as Kenneth Murray will be a free agent sooner than later.

54. Chicago Bears – TE Luke Musgrave

Draft Grade – 76.7

Yes, Cole Kmet is still on the roster, but he has yet to have much development, and Luke Musgrave offers a much more dynamic receiving ability. He didn’t have the 40 times we were hoping for, but his burst was fully displayed at the combine. Both of them can start in 2023 and eventually, Musgrave could hopefully take over as the full-time guy.

55. Indianapolis Colts – OT Matthew Bergeron

Draft Grade – N/A

No one of good value was available before, but there still lies the opportunity to improve this O-line. Matthew Bergeron can be a swing Tackle from day one and eventually take the full-time job on either side. He is a consistent guy and has plus pass-pro.

56. Jacksonville Jaguars – IDL Karl Brooks

Draft Grade – 74.8

The interior pass rush is a massive weakness for Jacksonville, and Karl Brooks would undoubtedly make an impact in that regard. Out of Bowling Green, he dominated and showed a very athletic skillset. Getting him around other space eaters would bolster this defense remarkably well.

57. Arizona Cardinals (Trade W/ NYG) – IDL Siaka Ika

Draft Grade – 75.1

With the pick Arizona gets from New York after trading away Hopkins in this mock, Siaka Ika is available. He receives the selection due to how feeble this D-line is, especially after losing Watt. This will allow the middle to be honed down in run defense for quite some time.

58. Kansas City Chiefs (Trade W/ DAL) – IDL keeanu Benton

Draft Grade – 74.6

The entire D-line for Kansas City is thin, and getting a defensive tackle along with Chris Jones would be an underrated improvement. Keeanu Benton is an underrated prospect who’ll add high-level impact in run defense.

59. Buffalo Bills – SA Sydney Brown

Draft Grade – N/A

Sydney Brown appears to be the most complete safety in the class. He has a ton of athleticism and range, making him a good fit in this split safety scheme. As Jordan Poyer is a free agent, getting a versatile safety like Brown would be in Buffalo’s best interest.

60. Cincinnati Bengals –TE Darnell Washington

Draft Grade – 76.8

This is about an appropriate area of the draft for Darnell Washington to land. As Hayden Hurst is a free agent, filling that Tight End role with an impactful player is essential. Impactful Washington is as he imposes his will as a blocker and can take the top off the defense. His speed-size combo should be very effective as a receiver, and we all know he can block.

61. Carolina Panthers – HB Jahmyr Gibbs

Draft Grade – 79.8

Jaymyr Gibbs would be the final touch to a long list of draft additions to this offense. Trading away McCafrey left a vacancy at HB, and Gibbs would fill that vacancy beautifully. After passing on Robison at nine, Carolina still comes away with great value at the position.

62. Philadelphia Eagles – HB Zach Charbonnet

Draft Grade – 79.2

With Myles Sanders set to hit free agency, it’s fitting to draft his replacement in the late second. Zach Charbonnet is a big physical back who’d complement the skillset of Gainwell very well. Moreover, his vision is a massive plus, and he still ran a 4.53.

63. Atlanta Falcons (Trade W/ DAL, Via KC) – SA Antonio Johnson

Draft Grade – 76.6

A surprising faller as no other team was quite suitable for his skillset, but he fits in perfectly for Atlanta. Antonio Johnson will be able to play a little bit of everything in this defense, as he is perfectly capable of doing so. This is a guy that’s totally worth trading up for in the second.