2. Houston Texans – EDGE Will Anderson Jr.

Draft Grade – 82.1

Will Anderson Jr. is an apparent surprise pick for Houston, but they’re in a situation where it makes sense to wait on QB if they can’t land Bryce Young. That is because they have two firsts next year and should be able to trade up to select either generational QB prospects next year. Anderson Jr. is a rare kind of EDGE and would give this defense a cornerstone piece heading forward. While you can’t go wrong with Stroud, why not try to hit a home run rather than a double?

3. Detroit Lions (Trade W/ AZ) – QB Anthony Richardson

Draft Grade – 74.6

This pick infuriates Lions fans across the web, and while I see their reasoning, they are wrong. Jared Goff is only winning a Super Bowl with the perfect scenario. It may seem risky to bet on Anthony Richardson, but if you’re striving for a Super Bowl, it’s genuinely more dangerous to bet on Goff. Richardson has the potential to make this an unstoppable team. Goff would also be an excellent mentor for Richardson, and the surrounding talent is already in place. Goff can win, but why not aim to be a Chiefs/Bills-like team by taking Richardson?

4. Indianapolis Colts – QB C.J. Stroud

Draft Grade – 75.7

This selection is one that very well could happen on draft day, and it would be fantastic for the sake of Indianapolis. The surrounding core is already solid for the Colts; they just don’t have a QB. Stroud could step right in and help run a competent offense. From day one, they’d be competitive, and they’d also have a very bright future.

5. Seattle Seahawks – CB Devon Witherspoon

Draft Grade – 79.7

Between Devon Witherspoon and Jalen Carter, Witherspoon seems much safer. Cornerback is the most significant need, and Witherspoon is also of quality value here. He has a staggeringly rapid click-and-close ability and possesses rare instincts. Even though you could give yourself a dominant D-line by taking Carter, Witherspoon will reliably be a quality starter at a vital position.

6. Arizona Cardinals (Trade W/ DET) – IDL Jalen Carter

Draft Grade – 81.4

The D-Line in Arizona is a significant weakness, and Carter would be a havoc-wreaking impact from day one. Trading down gives Arizona pick 55 and a future second. Carter has had a very flawed pre-draft process, but his film is so overwhelmingly good. As long as the off-field concerns don’t plague him, expect Carter to be a game-changer in the pros.

7. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Will Levis

Draft Grade – 74.8

Will Levis wasn’t the obvious choice, but pulling the trigger here is ultimately wise. Levis could redshirt a year sitting behind a true pro and could easily break out in year two. As previously mentioned, his surrounding core was putrid, and he showed elite flashes at Kentucky. Moreover, the tools are too good to pass up in the top ten.

8. Atlanta Falcons – EDGE Tyree Wilson

Draft Grade – 78.8

Trading for Jeff Okudah gives the Falcons more flexibility in this draft, as they can focus on improving the D-Line. Tyree Wilson would be a terrific addition and helps complete this well-assembled defense. His skill set is precisely what NFL teams value in the draft. While QB is still a significant need, this sets up a great foundation.

9. Chicago Bears – OT Parris Johnson Jr.

Draft Grade – 77.9

This type of pick is easy to overthink, but Parris Johnson is just what this team needs to support Justin Fields. You already got the playmakers; now it’s about protecting Fields better. Johnson has rare length paired with near-elite mobility. He’s the prototypical Tackle build and can play either side of the line for Chicago.

10. New England Patriots (Trade W/ PHI)- CB Christian Gonzalez

Draft Grade – 78.6

To keep things realistic, executing a trade-up to acquire Christian Gonzalez makes sense. It only costs Pick 76, giving them a true number one Corner. Gonzalez would thrive playing under Belichick, as he has the physical tools and natural instincts that are crucial to the position. It isn’t easy to see a world where this pick doesn’t work out for New England.

11. Tennessee Titans – OL Peter Skoronski

Draft Grade – 79.6

While Parris Johnson Jr. is clearly the best option, Peter Skoronski is still an excellent option for the Titans. As previously mentioned, he can play Center, and if he doesn’t work out, he’ll at least be a solid Tackle. His skill set is perfect for Center – it’s just a matter of him learning the position.

12. Houston Texans – WR Quentin Johnston

Draft Grade – 78.5

Quentin Johnston is precisely what Houston currently needs. Houston lacks a quick separator to get open in space, and Johnston could be just that. With a fantastic release package and rare length, it’s tremendously difficult to press him. Additionally, he’ll be a terrific RAC threat.

13. New York Jets – OT Broderick Jones

Draft Grade – 76.0

This pick would be a classic reach, but one that’s necessary to put the team in its best position. While not a true first-rounder, Broderick Jones is a sufficient option to play LT. Even though he needs time to develop, his upside is elite. Having to start day one isn’t the worst option they could go with either. Just a side note, Aaron Rodgers was acquired for Pick 43 and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that could turn into a first.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade W/ NE) – HB Bijan Robinson

Draft Grade – 84.7

As you recuperate a third, selecting Bijan Robinson here makes it a lot easier. Robinson would be the final touch to an already stellar offense. What he can do playing as a slot should be highly coveted, and he can turn this run game from very good to dominant.

15. Green Bay Packers – EDGE Nolan Smith

Draft Grade – 78.7

A receiver was the priority target here, but Nolan Smith is too good of value to pass up here. From the standpoint of need and scheme fit, this pick is outstanding. Smith has preposterous speed and stellar bend, making him the perfect counterpart to Rashan Gary.

16. Washington Commanders – CB Deonte Banks

Draft Grade – 77.8

There are so many different avenues Washington can opt for, but Deonte Banks is very difficult to pass up. Banks has prototypical size and elite athleticism. His film was just as appealing as his combine numbers, and drafting him would make for a vigorous Corneback unit.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Darnell Wright

Draft Grade – 75.5

Watching Pittsburgh’s offense, the pass-pro was evidently the biggest issue personnel-wise. The defense is already pretty good, and to help Kenny Pickett would be massive. Darnell Wright is a stellar day option to start at Tackle as he can pass protect rather well.

18. Detroit Lions – IDL Calijah Kancey

Draft Grade – 78.5

Calijah Kancey has a legitimate shot at becoming a superstar player for Detroit. His get-off and agility are world-class, and it’s just a matter of how his size impacts him in the pros. Kancey would be the final piece needed to complete this defense.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT Anton Harrison

Draft Grade – 75.2

The question remains who will be this team’s left Tackle next year, but Anton Harrison is available and is worth taking a risk on. Harrison may not be the most reliable guy to start day one, but he has the proper build and athletic tools to flourish. While this is a bit of a reach according to my draft board, it’s necessary as it allows this O-line not to be a liability.

20. Seattle Seahawks – WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Draft Grade – 77.8

It’s hard for anyone to pass up Jaxon Smith-Njigba if he’s available for Seattle. With Tyler Lockett getting older, it’s essential to have someone to step up when he leaves. This selection would also give the Hawks a dominant receiving core next year.

21. Los Angeles Chargers – WR Zay Flowers

Draft Grade – 77.4

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. Baltimore Ravens – CB Joey Porter

Draft Grade – 77.5

A surprising faller for one reason or another; it’s impossible to pass him up if you’re in Baltimore’s shoes. Joey Porter Jr. is a rare prospect as he has absurd length and is a solid athlete. He genuinely looked like a lockdown Corner at times playing for Penn State. Pair him with Marlon Humphrey, and you’re looking at a potentially elite duo.

23. New Orleans Saints (Trade W/ MIN) – EDGE Lukas Van Ness

Draft Grade – 76.7

As it only costs a third-round pick swap and a future fifth, it’s reasonable to trade up and get your guy here. Lukas Van Ness is a versatile EDGE with a devastating bull rush. His explosiveness, paired with his size, is what you bet on in the draft. This pick fills a desperate need, and you also take him at a suitable spot.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars – OG O’Cyrus Torrence

Draft Grade – 76.9

The weapons are already in place in Jacksonville; it’s just about improving the O-line at this point. O’Cryus Torrence would do precisely that, as he’s a big-mauling Guard ready to start from day one. His size and power are truly devastating, and he improves both the run and pass game.

25. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade W/ NYG)- IDL Bryan Bresee

Draft Grade – 78.0

While I would’ve loved Kancey here, Bryan Bresee will do as a three-tech in Philadelphia. The burst and power he has will be unlocked playing next to next to multiple other studs. They have no longer-term answer to play next to Jordan Davis, and it’s worth trading up to acquire one.

26. Indianapolis Colts (Trade W/ DAL) – WR Jordan Addison

Draft Grade – 77.6

Indianapolis has a golden opportunity to trade up and select one of the best Receivers this year to pair with C.J. Stroud. Jordan Addison can play both in the Slot and on the outside. He is one of the smoothest route runners available on day one and has reliable hands. This pick would give this offense a legitimate receiving core.

27. Buffalo Bills – OT Dawand Jones

Draft Grade – 74.7

Unfortunately, Tackles went early, and the Bills are stuck taking Dawand Jones. On the bright side, Jones has a ton of potential as he’s egregiously large and flashed dominant reps. His length and raw power are about as good as your going to find. At the end of the day, this is still an upgrade to Spencer Brown.

28. Cincinnati Bengals – TE Michael Mayer

Draft Grade – 78.7

There are other options on the table, but Michael Mayer will ultimately help this team the most. He is a do-it-all Tight End with the proper build to play TE in the NFL. Irv Smith would be starting next season if it weren’t for this selection.

29. Minnesota Vikings (Trade W/ NO) – WR Josh Downs

Draft Grade – 76.7

Minnesota ultimately gets a good deal as they recuperate pick 71 and still take an excellent Receiver. Josh Downs could play on the perimeter in this scheme as he has phenomenal foot quickness to beat press coverage. He’s one of the best contested-catch threats available this year as well. Downs and Justin Jefferson would be an ideal combo for Cousins to throw to.

30. New York Giants (Trade W/ PHI) – SA Brian Branch

Draft Grade – 77.3

To trade back, get a future third, and take Brian Branch is a huge win for New York. Branch could play anywhere from SS to the Slot in this defense. If Interior O-Line and Linebacker or poor value here, why not bolster a mediocre secondary unit?

31. Kansas City Chiefs – EDGE Myles Murphey

Draft Grade – 76.5

If Tackles go super early and Myles Murphey falls, it’d be wise to take advantage and select him here. EDGE isn’t a dire need for Kansas City, but they currently only have one long-term answer. Murphey would be a solid day-one impact in run defense and hopefully would develop into a true number-one guy.