2. Houston Texans – QB C.J. Stroud

Draft Grade – 75.7

While Will Anderson Jr. is temping here, you simply must take the sure-fire QB while you have a shot at him. C.J. Stroud couldn’t have improved his stock more at the combine and finished the season strong. His accuracy is some of the best I’ve ever evaluated. The only thing is he had a very manageable job at Ohio State. Translating to the pros might be formidable at first, but I still believe he goes on to thrive.

3. Arizona Cardinals – EDGE Will Anderson Jr.

Draft Grade – 82.1

Will Anderson, while not the obvious choice here, is what’s best for this organization. The D-line is depleted, especially after losing Zach Allen, and getting a true number one pass-rusher is priority number one. While nothing is wrong with a trade-down here, this is merely my preference. Anderson Jr. would change this defense in the best possible way.

4. Indianapolis Colts – QB Will Levis

Draft Grade – 74.8

Once again, this pick is Will Levis. He’s easy to detest, but the combination of pro-readiness and raw traits is outstanding. His situation in his final year at Kentucky was as challenging as it gets – poor playcalling, abysmal O-line, and no one to throw to. His position is eerily similar to Justin Herbert’s and could very well end up being the same surprise.

5. Las Vegas Raiders (Trade W/ SEA) – QB Anthony Richardson

Draft Grade – 74.3

Even though the Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo, he is injury prone and not the long-term answer. Anthony Richardson could have some reps sprinkled in during year one and be developed behind a true pro. Five may be high for Richardson, but with QBs going early, you must trade up while you have a chance now. Smith is a much more reliable guy for Seattle and buys them more time than Jimmy. Richardson is the ultimate project at QB and one worth betting on with this pick.

6. Detroit Lions – IDL Jalen Carter

Draft Grade – 81.4

Detroit is among the list of teams where Jalen Carter would have an ideal culture around him. It would be truly horrifying to let down a guy like Dan Campbell, and he fits exactly what they need on the interior. His pro-day was indeed disappointing, but he reportedly was cramping up. It is still clear he is a legit blue-chip talent, but the character concerns drop his grade significantly. Regardless, he is still well worth this pick.

7. Seattle Seahawks (Trade W/ LV) – EDGE Tyree Wilson

Draft Grade – 78.6

The Seahawks come away winners already as they recuperate the 70th and 142nd pick in this draft and an extra fourth-rounder next year. On top of that, they still landed Tyree Wilson, who easily could’ve been the pick at five. Wilson, as previously mentioned, is a pterodactyl at EDGE with prominent athletic traits. Acquiring him here is a dream scenario.

8. Atlanta Falcons – CB Devon Witherspoon

Draft Grade – 78.4

Devon Witherspoon would instantly make this secondary one of the league’s best. Even though he didn’t test at the combine, I wasn’t expecting a very high forty time, and he has proven enough on film. What he did at Illinois was simply remarkable. Getting to play next to Jessie Bates and A.J. Terrell will be highly conducive to his development.

9. Chicago Bears – OT Parris Johnson Jr.

Draft Grade – 77.9

If you’re in Chicago shoes, you could go in many different directions, but Parris Johnson is the best option. Some thought went into Bijan, but I first want to establish a legit O-line to protect Justin Fields. Parris Johnson is the best pure Tackle in this class and has the upside to become a superstar.

10. Philadelphia Eagles – HB Bijan Robinson

Draft Grade – 84.7

Running back isn’t exactly a need for Philadelphia after signing Rashaad Penny, but this would be the final touch to an unstoppable offense. Bijan Robinson is an elite receiving back and could take reps out of the slot. Furthermore, it would make this rushing offense unstoppable. After bringing Graham, Kelce, Bradberry, and Slay back, it leaves the Eagles with the luxury to make this pick.

11. Tennessee Titans – EDGE Nolan Smith

Draft Grade – 78.7

Peter Skoronski wouldn’t be a good fit here, so it leaves EDGE to pick from. Nolan Smith would perfectly fit as a 3-4 OLB for Tennessee. As he showed at the combine, his speed is unreal, giving him the potential to be an elite player. To go along with that, his play strength is severely underrated. Despite the need for Tackle, the Titans are still getting a steal here.

12. Houston Texans – OL Peter Skoronski

Draft Grade – 79.6

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 – WR Quentin Johnston

Draft Grade – 78.5

Reports are the Packers are seeking a first-rounder in return for Rodgers, but they will likely settle on a two and Elijah Moore. I am making this pick with the expectation of trading Corey Davis as well. Quentin Johnston would be a perfect addition to this offense, as he would take some attention off Wilson. His blazing speed and massive catch radius make him a legitimate deep threat for this offense.
Moreover, his RAC ability gives him a safe floor. Allen Lazard is also best fit as a third option. This move would put this offense in a prime position to compete for a Super Bowl with Rodgers.

14. New England Patriots – CB Christian Gonzalez

Draft Grade – 77.9

This would be the ideal scenario for New England, as Christian Gonzalez is viewed as a top-ten prospect. Landing him at 14 would be phenomenal value and fixes their most significant need on defense. Gonzalez is long and fluid with a legit 4.38 speed. Not many draft prospects could fill the shoes of a number one corner, but Gonzalez can.

15. Green Bay Packers – WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Draft Grade – 77.8

Jaxon Smith Njigba is the safest receiver in this class, as he checks all the checkmarks besides speed. His skillset would complement Christian Watson’s play style beautifully. These two would be a problematic cover for opponents and would also make Jordan Love’s life more manageable.

16. Baltimore Ravens (Trade W/ WAS) – CB Deonte Banks

Draft Grade – 77.8

Acquiring Deonte Banks would get this defense back in quality shape after losing Marcus Peters. Banks has a sturdy frame paired with elite athleticism. His physicality and pressing ability fit exceptionally well in this system. Cornerback will likely be gone by 22, and grabbing one is vital, so trading up is wise here.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers – IDL Calijah Kancey

Draft Grade – 78.5

The temptation for Joey Porter was strong, but Kancey is a more impressive prospect and fills a bigger need. As Cam Heyward is close to being on his way out, grabbing a feisty defensive tackle will be crucial for Pittsburgh. He’d get rotated in year one as a pass rusher and could eventually take over as the full-time starter.

18. Detroit Lions – CB Joey Porter

Draft Grade – 77.5

I can’t think of a scenario that would get Lions fans more excited than this one. Joey Porter is some of the best value in the draft here, and it’s because he’s viewed as a near top-ten prospect. While he may not be that good, it’s more than reasonable to use this pick on him. He has rare length and held his own in coverage against some of the best competition.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – IDL Bryan Bresee

Draft Grade – 78.0

The front seven desperately needs young starters, and Byran Bresee is precisely that. He’ll likely have to be subbed out on run defense downs in year one, but he can undoubtedly develop into a full-time starter. As a defensive end in this scheme, Bresee should flourish, where he can use his elite quickness.

20. Seattle Seahawks – CB Cam Smith

Draft Grade – 76.8

Cornerback is an underrated need for Seattle, and Cam Smith is sitting right here. The trenches can be further improved later, and now you establish two great corners on defense. Smith was primarily avoided in college and put up thoroughly impressive testing numbers. Only playing as a number two in this scheme, it’s hard to see Smith fail in this situation.

21. Los Angeles Chargers – WR Zay Flowers

Draft Grade – 77.3

This pick remains one of my favorite pairings in the draft. Just imagine Justin Herbert heaving up 60+ yard bombs to Zay Flowers. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, very little attention will go to Flowers. He’ll absolutely thrive in this offense, especially with Kellen More calling plays.

22. Washington Commanders (Trade W/ BAL) – TE Michael Mayer

Draft Grade – 78.7

This trade-down would be an outstanding outcome for Washington. Michael Mayer wasn’t great value at pick 16, but acquiring him would be monumental for this offense. He is one of the safest options in this class and fills a low-key need for them. You may not land a superstar in this scenario, but it allows this offense to function at a much higher level for an exceptional price.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers (Trade W/ MIN) – OT Broderick Jones

Draft Grade – 76.0

If Broderick Jones falls to pick 23, Pittsburgh would be wise to trade up to get him. Jones is the second-best Tackle in this class, and acquiring him gives them a long-term solution. He’s a little raw but will still hold up in pass-pro as he has the kick slide and anchor to compensate for lack of technique. Pittsburgh is one of the best at developing O-linemen, so this is a stellar fit.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Jordan Addison

Draft Grade – 77.6

Jordan Addison would be a fantastic addition to play alongside Christian Kirk. After resigning, Andrew Wingard, it allows this team to go on offense in the first round. Addison is a plug-in-play starter, as he is pretty much good at everything.

25. New York Giants – OG O’Cyrus Torrence

Draft Grade – 77.1

After trading for Darren Waller and also for DeAndre Hopkins (in this mock), it leaves O’Cyrus Torrence as an obvious selection. Nick Gates left, leaving a hole at Guard, and no Linebackers are of good value here. Torrence will fit this gap-heavy scheme to a tee as he’s a big mauling Guard.

26. Dallas Cowboys – WR Josh Downs

Draft Grade – 76.7

Again, I am going with Josh Downs for Dallas here. Downs is as explosive and twitchy as they come and gives Dallas an excellent complementary piece to CeeDee Lamb. He’d be able to play out of the slot and would be a massive playmaker doing so. This is the perfect moment to grab the next star receiver of the team.

27. Buffalo Bills – OT Darnell Wright

Draft Grade – 75.5

This is one of the mock selections that feels impossible not to spam over and over again. As previously mentioned, Darnell Wright is a plug-in-play starter and fills an enormous need for Buffalo. Not many prospects have a well-refined anchor as he does. The Connor McGovern signing gets Guard covered; now this first-rounder gets Tackle covered.

28. GB Packers (Trade W/ CIN) – EDGE Lukas Van Ness

Draft Grade – 76.7

The packers move up to take advantage of Lukas Van Ness slipping. Van Ness would be the ideal replacement for Preston Smith and could potentially make for one of the league’s best duos. His speed and explosiveness at his size are rare and worth betting a second and third-rounder on.

29. New Orleans Saints – EDGE Myles Murphey

Draft Grade – 76.5

Myles Murphey is a guy who’d bring needed flexibility to this team. He’d be able to play EDGE on run-downs and play D-Tackle on passing downs. His athletism gives him the upside to be a true number-one pass rusher. He just needs to develop more, but that could definitely be in the cards.

30. Philadelphia Eagles – SA Brian Branch

Draft Grade – 77.2

As CGJ has yet to resign, the Safety position is a huge question mark for Philadelphia. Brian Branch would help make it much less of a question mark, as he is the best Safety in this class. What he’d be able to do as a buzz defender in coverage, plus what he does as a tackler, would be very valuable to this team. In the long run, this could actually be an upgrade from Gardner-Johnson.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Anton Harrison

Draft Grade – 75.2

Signing Jawaan Taylor was fine, but getting a true left Tackle is crucial in this draft. Anton Harrison can be just that, as he played LT at Oklahoma and is a very refined pass-blocker. His skill set matches this team exceptionally well and gives them a complete O-line. He’ll take some time to get used to true pass sets, but he’s got plenty of tools to develop.

33. Houston Texans – EDGE B.J. Ojulari

Draft Grade – 76.8

B.J. Ojulari would be a remarkable pass-rush specialist for San Francisco. He put up over 100 pressures through two years at LSU and showed off his elite quickness countless times. His pass-rush moves are also well-developed. Despite not being a terrific run defender, he’d bring tremendous value to this team on pass rush downs.

34. Arizona Cardinals – IDL Adetomiwa Adebawore

Draft Grade – 76.0

Cornerback remains a huge need, but there just needs to be better value here. However, you can still build the trenches here by taking Adetomiwa Adebawore. He is a freakishly athletic hybrid Defensive End who should be able to do a little bit of everything on the D-line.
One note on this guy is that his speed broke the D-tackle scale, so his grade should be even higher. Regardless of where this guy is aligned, he has the potential to be a difference-maker in pass-rush.

35. Indianapolis Colts – OT Dawand Jones

Draft Grade – 74.6

The Colts could use help anywhere on the offensive line. Braden Smith is still at RT but is getting up there in age. Dawand Jones is an excellent option to sit for a year and eventually become the starter. You know this team isn’t going to be competitive in year one, so why not plan for the future?

36. LA Rams – EDGE Will McDonald IV

Draft Grade – 75.7

From a schematic standpoint, I love this pick for LA. Will McDonald was played out of position at Iowa State and rarely got to show off his burst and bend off the edge. Put him in a 3-4 scheme next to Aaron Donald, and just wait for this guy to wreak havoc.

37. Seattle Seahawks – IDL Mazi Smith

Draft Grade – 75.7

In addition to landing Tyree Wilson, Seattle’s already got Cornerback figured out, leaving IDL to take next. Mazi Smith is available and happens to be good value here. His athletic tools are unreal for being a 330 lb guy. Smith would be Seattle’s nose tackle and could be a legit space eater up front.

38. Las Vegas Raiders – TE Luke Musgrave

Draft Grade – 77.2

After the blocker-buster news hit that Darren Waller was on his way to the Giants, TE suddenly became a drastic need for this offense. Luke Musgrave isn’t quite the same athlete, but can indeed become that dominant receiving threat they’ll miss at the position. He hit the 20 mph range running at the Senior Bowl and had a blistering ten-yard split of 1.54. That is the type of athlete we’re talking about.

39. Carolina Panthers – RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Draft Grade – 79.8

I was initially skeptical of Jahmyr Gibbs’s upside, but I’ve recently come around to liking him more. He’s got excellent burst and top-end speed paired with great receiving ability. Gibbs would make Young’s life dramatically more manageable. Plus, this fills a massive need.

40. Washington Commanders (Trade W/ NO) – LB Jack Campbell

Draft Grade – 75.9

Washington should trade up and try to target Jack Campbell if he’s available here. This trade didn’t take much and gave them a safe option to start next to Jamin Davis, an inconsistent guy. Campbell has elite instincts for a prospect and is a fluid and explosive athlete. As someone needs to play the mike LB role, it only makes sense to trade up for him here.

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 Felix Anudike-Uzomah

Draft Grade – 75.6

Felix Anudike is a terrific value here at pick 42. While Okoronlo was a good signing, there must be more depth and youth on this D-line. Felix Anudike can develop into a high-end number-two pass rusher. He has all the traits to excel in this role in the NFL.

43. Green Bay Packer (Trade W/ NYJ) – SA Antonio Johnson

Draft Grade – 76.4

The Packers get an extra second-rounder due to the trade and make good use of it on Antonio Johnson, who slipped a bit. Johnson would be capable of playing this split safety defense and could occasionally play slot. His skill set is just what they need for a Safety room that recently fell apart.

44. Atlanta Falcons – EDGE Andre Carter

Draft Grade – 74.8

This pick doesn’t give you someone to start on day one, but it provides a rare upside for being a second-round pick. Andre Carter’s most significant issue is his strength and lack of pass-rush moves, which are aspects that can improve. His size, get-off, and quickness are superb and worth gambling on.

45. Cincinnati Bengals (Trade W/ GB) – CB Tyrique Stevenson

Draft Grade – N/A

This trade is tremendous for both sides as it allows Green Bay to get a true first-rounder at EDGE and allows Cincinnati to fix their Corner room with great value. Tyique Stevenson has size and speed paired with great zone instincts. He’d easily fit in as a number two guy.

46. New England Patriots – LB Drew Sanders

Draft Grade – 75.1

Drew Sanders would be an electric pairing with Bill Belichick. Sanders would get to do a little bit of everything here for New England. His pass rush skillset would be deployed, and he’d have easy coverage responsibilities. Only a few other picks make as much sense as this one.

47. New Orleans Saints (Trade W/ WAS) – IDL Keeanu Benton

Draft Grade – 74.6

This pick could be better value, but at least you traded down, and it fills a massive need. Keeanu Benton is a run-stuffing nose tackle with some pass-rush upside. At 6’4, and 315 lbs, he has top-notch strength and solid quickness.

48. Detroit Lions – TE Dalton Kincaid

Draft Grade – 77.0

The Lions need a new Tight End after trading away T.J. Hockenson. Dalton Kincaid isn’t the most complete TE, but he can be a difference-maker in the receiving game. His biggest weakness is his run-blocking, which Dan Campbell has a good track record of improving. Nonetheless, this addition is needed, and you him for a wonderful value.

49. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Kelee Ringo

Draft Grade – 74.7

While the Pat Pete signing is excellent for the short term, the Steelers could still use some potential at Corner. Kelee Ringo would be a serviceable matchup corner to sub in on dime sets and could grow into a high-end starter. The physical traits are there to be a great press-man corner; he just needs to put it all together.

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE Sam LaPorta

Draft Grade – 75.5

Sam LaPorta is one of the best receiving Tight Ends in a loaded class. Pair him next to Cade Otton, and you get a dynamic combo of Tight ends that can be deployed in various ways. LaPorta would add a much-needed receiving threat to help whoever starts at QB.

51. Seattle Seahawks – IOL Cody Mauch

Draft Grade – 75.4

Cody Mauch would be awesome in a Seahawks uniform. Just take a good look at him, and you know he’s meant to play Guard or Center in the NFL. His athleticism and play style is just what the Seahawks look for in their O-lineman.

52. Miami Dolphins – OT Matthew Bergeron

Draft Grade – N/A

Why not go out and grab a swing Tackle while you have a shot at it? Matthew Bergeron may never be a high-end starter, but he can reliably come in and be a safe backup for the injury-prone Terron Armstead. Tackle is a very valuable position; you can bolster it up as much as possible.

53. Los Angeles Chargers – CB Clark Philips

Draft Grade – 75.0

While talented, the Cornerback room in LA is very thin and could use more depth. Clark Philips would provide that as he fits this system perfectly and won’t be thrust into a starting role. His quickness and zone instincts would allow him to thrive in this defense.

54. Chicago Bears – EDGE Derick Hall

Draft Grade – 74.9

The Chicago D-line remains to be hardly touched in free agency, and Derick Hall is the best value available. Derick Hall is a lengthy and explosive EDGE with terrific power moves. Hall is an underrated prospect and could be a nasty number-two pass rusher.

55. Detroit Lions – LB Diayan Henley

Draft Grade – 75.0

Of all the positions left to improve, Linebacker is easily the most significant. Daiyan Henley is a near-immaculate tackler with the physicality Detroit looks for. He is the second most pro-ready LB in this class and will be a beautiful touch to a team ready to compete.

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) – IOL Joe Tippmann

Draft Grade – 74.4

Again the Cardinals are trading Hopkins to the Giants for this second-rounder. I strongly considered Eli Ricks, but ultimately, Joe Tippmann gets the selection. Tippmann is the better fit for the team and is also better value. Unfortunately, the Cards will have to roll out poor corners in 2023, but the trenches at least get resolved.

58. Dallas Cowboys – IDL Siaki Ika

Draft Grade – 75.1

Linebacker and Corner were addressed for Dallas, already leaving the interior d-line as a priority target here. Siaki Ika is a massive nose tackle with shorter arms. He may not bring a pass rush presence immediately but will be an imposing threat in run defense.

59. Buffalo Bills – LB Trenton Simpson

Draft Grade – 74.7

After Tremaine Edmunds left, Linebacker became a drastic need for Buffalo. It doesn’t matter who, but any good Linebacker prospect available here should be considered. Trenton Simpson is a great man coverage linebacker with a ton of range to make plays in run defense. Acquiring him in the late second is also not a bad value.

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. Chicago Bears – EDGE Isaiah Foskey

Draft Grade – 73.7

Isaiah Foskey would be a severable bandage at EDGE and could develop into a quality starter. He’s a well-rounded player with above-average athletism. The entire D-line remains a priority to fix, and Foskey is solid value here.

62. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Jayden Reed

Draft Grade – 74.6

Jayden Reed is an underrated prospect and would be totally worth this selection. He has inside-outside versatility and is a very well-rounded guy. He’d plug right into Philly’s slot and bring an immediate impact.

63. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Michael Wilson

Draft Grade – 74.7

Michael Wilson would be the classic guy no one’s heard of getting drafted to a good team but ends up being good. While his combine numbers weren’t anything to write home about, he showed off his superb route running at the Senior Bowl. In addition, his release package may be the best in this class. Talk about a suitable replacement for Juju Smith, and it’s in the late second.