2. New England Patriots – QB Drake Maye, North Carolina

Draft Grade – 79.9

Acquiring a QB like Drake Maye just might save the Patriots franchise. Whether Bill Belichick is back or not, there’s no doubt this is the right pick. It’s almost like the Pats are tanking in attempts to get Maye or Caleb. Regardless, their team looks terrible, and Maye is your typical quarterback to number one overall. His accuracy and poise make him the ideal pocket passer. Furthermore, he has the mobility and arm talent to make plays out of the pocket. You can’t go wrong with Maye; not much else needs to be said about this pick.

3. Arizona Cardinals – WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Draft Grade – 84.4

It’s tempting to trade down and go with my guy, Kool-Aid. However, Marvin Harrison Jr. is just one of those players you don’t pass up, even if you don’t need a Receiver. He is as close as you can get to a perfect prospect for a Receiver. Kyler Murray was an MVP front-runner when he had prime Hopkins. Harrison Jr. could be even better than DHop, and this pick might make the Card’s offense frightening. He practically catches everything and has freaky speed for his size. While the defense will continue to struggle, at least this offense will have plenty of firepower.

4. Washington Commanders – OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Draft Grade – 80.0

Olu Fashanu is at the top of everyone’s draft boards for a reason. He’s as refined as they come in pass-pro and is precisely what Sam Howell needs the most. Physically, Fashanu is dominant in every category. He is quick off the ball, gets perfect depth in his kick slides, and has length. Just don’t expect him to be an excellent run blocker from day one. However, he has the traits to improve. His pass-pro ability may not fully translate, but his floor is still wonderful, and his potential alone is worth betting on. As Howell is getting sacked at an outrageous rate, it only makes sense to use this pick to help fix that.

5. New York Giants – WR Malik Nabers, LSU

Draft Grade – 80.9

I wouldn’t have considered this good value until I dove into his 2023 all-22 tape. Malik Nabers didn’t appear like a top-ten pick heading into the year but put on an incredible 2023 season. His explosiveness and physicality are a rare combo that could make him one of the best RAC threats in the NFL. He’d fit right into this scheme as he can make plays in open space while also serving as a deep threat. Having one of the top QBs would be nice, but I have some guys in mind for the second.

6. Tennessee Titans – OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Draft Grade – 78.5

This is a pick Titans fans would love to hear come draft night, and I can see it happening. Joe Alt is a rare athlete for his size. At 6’7″, he has excellent length and explodes off the ball in the run game. He’s a well-balanced player who’s developed well in pass-pro. With his athleticism, he’s ideal for the wide-zone running game. Many people don’t realize the impact a franchise Left Tackle makes for a team, and this pick would be well worth it, even if it isn’t flashy.

7. Chicago Bears – TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

Draft Grade – 82.8

Some Bears fans may hate this move, but as I mentioned in ‘How To Rebuild The Chicago Bears,’ you can get a second in return for Cole Kmet, and this is a substantial upgrade. Brock Bowers doesn’t play like your typical 240-pound Tight End. He’s genuinely a force in the run game and has the blistering speed for a Tight End. As the second-best weapon, he’ll see a lot of single-teams. Suddenly, the Bears have an excellent run game, diverse weaponry, and the best draft capital in the league.

8. Chicago Bears (Trade W/ LV) – EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State

Draft Grade – 79.9

LV Acquires: First OVR

CHI Acquires: Eighth OVR, 40th OVR, 2025 First, 2025 Second, 2026 Third, Josh Jacobs

After improving the offense significantly, it’s time to invest in the defense and take Jared Verse. This pick would allow them to have a strength on defense, being their EDGE duo. I can’t really say Verse is underrated, but not enough people have him as EDGE-one. He made the Bruce Feldman freak list, and that athleticism shows up in his film. His violent hands also allow him to execute a wide variety of moves. Even though he struggles to tackle, he can easily learn to improve. It’s looking like Matt Eberflus will return, and he’d probably like to have another EDGE like Verse.

9. New York Jets – OT JC Latham, Alabama

JC Latham is getting little attention with two fantastic Tackles at the top of the class. I’ve watched a decent amount of him, and this man moves differently for his size. While he may have limitations in his feet, he’s explosive, which, paired with his size, gives him immense potential in his anchor. When you have size and power and can get a good kick slide, it’s nearly impossible to bull-rush against that player. That’s why he’s worth taking in the top ten for New York. Aaron Rodgers’ mobility will be shot, so finding someone like Latham is crucial. Plus, he’s an exceptional scheme fit.

10. Los Angeles Chargers – DI Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Draft Grade – 79.1

If you’re LA, Jer’Zhan Newton should be the number one priority in the draft. No one on the interior is truly a quality run defender, and Newton would tremendously help with that. As mentioned, he’s undersized but thrives against the run while having a ton of pass-rush potential. He’s explosive and powerful, which makes for a formidable combination to block. This is where the talent pool starts to drop off, but Newton would instantly pay dividends for LA.

11. Atlanta Falcons – QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

Draft Grade – 75.3

It’s pretty clear the quarterback play is holding Atlanta back, and Jayden Daniels is the perfect quarterback for this offense. I’ve yet to do a deep dive on Daniels, but he continuously popped off the film when watching Nabers. Daniel’s speed and ability to escape the pocket are near the same tier as Lamar Jackson’s. One thing that stood out to me is that he has an adjusted completion percentage of almost 70% on deep balls, which is unworldly. It’s not like his arm is special, but it’s plenty good enough. I totally see the first-round hype and am excited to dive into his film. He needs time to develop like Anthony Richardson, but the surrounding core is already in place here.

12. LA Rams (Trade W/ NO) – CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Draft Grade – 81.0

LAR Acquires: 12th OVR

NO Acquires: 14th OVR, 78th OVR

Kool-Aid happens to slip for one reason or another, and the Rams would be wise to take advantage of it and trade up. He’s similar to Christian Gonzalez last year as he has size, athleticism, and production. Gonzalez looked incredible before he got injured, and I have a feeling we’ll see similar play from Kool-Aid. His ability to press, paired with his versatility, is challenging to find. LA desperately needs a Corner after trading Ramsey, so it makes sense to trade up. He’s one of the few blue-chip prospects, and getting him here is of all-time value.

13. Cincinnati Bengals (Trade W/ SEA) – OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

CIN Acquries: 13th OVR

SEA Acquires: 18th OVR, 82nd OVR, 2025 Third

After signing a quality Left Tackle last off-season, Cincinnati can get a long-term answer at Right Tackle. Talies Fauga’s film is not available yet, though he appears to be a true first-round talent. He’s your prototypical massive mauler typer and should fit this scheme well. Even though he hasn’t given up a sack, he still isn’t the best pass protector. However, that can develop as he’s young and has good raw traits. They’ve already spent enough draft capital on defense and could use some help for Burrow.

14. New Orleans Saints (Trade W/ LAR) – EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA

LAR Acquires: 12th OVR

NO Acquires: 14th OVR, 78th OVR

I considered further trading down, but this isn’t a poor value for Laiatu Latu. While he might not be a top-ten pick, his floor is remarkably safe and worth a mid-first. I have difficulty seeing Latu as anything more than a high-end number two in the pros. Still, if you know you’re getting that, it’s valuable. He dominated against Pac-12 competition for two straight years. His pass rush win rate is at the top of the league, and he’s improved in run defense. The Saint’s pass rush is in the bottom ten in the NFL, and this pick would instantly make that better.

15. Minnesota Vikings (Trade W/ AZ, Via HOU) – QB Bo Nix, Oregon

Draft Grade – 75.6

MIN Acquires: 15th OVR, 103rd OVR

AZ Acquires: 22nd OVR, 54th OVR

You could stick by Kirk Cousins for one more year, but it’s best to start fresh on a rookie deal when possible. As I mentioned in my Bo Nix prospect deep dive, he needs to go to a team with an excellent surrounding core. If Josh Dobbs can look decent in Minnesota, in theory, Bo Nix would work out here. He may not have an elite arm, but he throws a beautiful deep ball. His accuracy all-around is stellar. It’s just his ball placement is slightly off. This offense needs an accurate QB who’ll limit the mistakes, and that’s precisely Bo Nix. Nix would likely fail on a lackluster offense, but I’d bet on him to succeed here.

16. Denver Broncos – WR Rome Odunze, Washington

Draft Grade – 78.4

Despite Denver picking up the fifth-year option on Jerry Jeudy, I’d still take Rome Odunze here. That’s because you can still trade Jeudy, and Odunze has a chance to be an X-Receiver for Denver. At 6’3″, he reportedly ran in the 4.3s and comes with top-notch ball skills. Based on his 2022 film, he wasn’t the best route runner. We’ll have to see if that improved, but the high-end traits exist with Odunze. He’s been Michael Penix’s best friend and could be the same for Russell Wilson.

17. Buffalo Bills – WR Keon Coleman, FSU

Draft Grade – 78.0

Buffalo will need a quality perimeter Receiver this offseason. Instead of going with one in free agency, it’s best to take one of these prospects, as this class is unbelievable. Coleman is best known for routinely making highlight reel catches. What many people don’t know about him is how good of an athlete he is. He’s not elite, but expect his relative athleticism score to be high. With plenty of long speed, he is the ideal deep threat to pair with Josh Allen. I could see Coleman becoming a fan favorite really quickly in Buffalo.

18. Seattle Seahawks (Trade W/ CIN- EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama

Draft Grade – 77.6

CIN Acquries: 13th OVR

SEA Acquires: 18th OVR, 82nd OVR, 2025 Third

Dallas Turner is a sensible guy to target for a few reasons. He’s an EDGE likely available here and is a good scheme fit. In addition, EDGE is a weak spot on Seattle’s roster. Dallas Turner must develop, but it’s safe to count on that in this culture. His explosiveness and speed-power give him star potential as a pass rusher. I wouldn’t expect him to do much in run defense. Regardless, rushing the passer is what matters most. The secondary is in excellent shape, and acquiring an EDGE like Turner would drastically improve the front seven.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Draft Grade – 75.4

Tampa Bay is the ideal landing spot for Michael Penix, and I could see it happening on draft night. He can run an efficient offense in Tampa with outstanding accuracy, a good arm, and solid mobility. Here, he’d have the O-Line to prevent him from getting injured and a good enough defense to keep him on the field. I’ve heard he’s a fantastic team leader with an A+ character. Despite the injuries, I’d still feel comfortable taking him round one, especially if all the other QBs are off the board. As long as injuries don’t derail him, I have difficulty not seeing this pick pan out.

20. Green Bay Packers – SA Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Kamren Kinchens is one of the most slept-on players in the class, and Safety just happens to be a significant need for Green Bay. He has the rare range I always look for in prospects and has played a diverse role for Miami. While he hasn’t had the best 2023 campaign, the ball production is there. Moreover, you’re mainly taking him to be an elite Free Safety potentially. It’s tough to find Safeties with his range that know what they’re doing. He’s everything Green Bay hoped for out of Danrell Savage and could become a foundation piece on this defense.

21. Indianapolis Colts – CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Once again, I’m going with someone Chris Ballard would realistically take. Nate Wiggins is a lengthy Corner with elite recovery speed and decent fluidity. He fits the Seattle three mold and fills an important position of need. While he’s flourished in a man-heavy system, he should still play well in a cover three-heavy scheme. His potential is exceptional, and he’s one of the few true first-round talents left. This offense is already in good enough shape, and the secondary is where they struggle most. Wiggins could go even higher than this, and the Colts are lucky to land him here.

22. Arizona Cardinals (Trade W/ MIN) – DI Leonard Taylor, Miami

MIN Acquires: 15th OVR, 103rd OVR

AZ Acquires: 22nd OVR, 54th OVR

I disliked Arizona’s value at pick 15, so a trade-down made sense. It was between Kalen King and Leonard Taylor, and I went with Taylor as we should be able to patch Corner up in the free agency. The weakest position group in the league might be Arizon’s interior defensive line. Taylor isn’t the strongest run defender but has impressive pass-rush upside. He’s quick off the ball and has the leverage advantage. The production hasn’t been there, but it’s okay to draft off potential in the late first. The Cards come away with two guys who could become game-changers on both sides of the ball.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Draft Grade – 77.6

Some might think this is overkill, but I have a quarterback in mind for the second round, and I’d like to surround him with some of the best weapons in football. What Pittsburgh lacks in their Receiving core is a true Slot. Emeka Egbuka isn’t exactly a pure Slot but can be a damn good one. I don’t view him as a high-upside pick. Instead, he is a dependable and refined Receiver who projects as a Slot. He can play on the perimeter with his size, but if you want to make the most out of him, put him in the Slot. Egbuka will likely become a good player quickly and mesh with the QB I want to take.

24. Detroit Lions (Trade W/ HOU) – EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State

DET Acquires: 24th OVR

HOU Acquires: 27th OVR, 2025 Third

I’ll continue to make this pick repeatedly until it makes sense for some other team to take him higher. It’s someone I could see Dan Campbell loving, and he just seems like a good culture fit. Chop Robinson is an explosive and Bendy EDGE who likes to win with pure speed. As more attention has been drawn his way, he hasn’t looked as impressive. However, he still clearly has a ton of potential. Detroit needs a second EDGE, and he’d make a gnarly duo with Aidan Hutchinson.

25. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

Xavier Worthy has what the Chiefs love in Receivers: speed and explosiveness. I thought about Adonai Mitchell here, but Worthy seemed like a better fit. Unlike Jalen Hyatt, Worthy is twitchy and can redirect easily. I’ll have to look into his ball skills and route running, but I know his potential to be a deep threat in the pros is legitimate. His drop rate is above average, and he’s projected to run in the low 4.3s. He would never be able to replace Tyreek Hill, but he can be the deep threat they need to win on offense.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

I struggled with who to take here, but I went with Adonai Mitchell because Receiver might be a need in Jacksonville this off-season. Calvin Ridley’s contract expires this year, and they’ll need a true perimeter Receiver. Mitchell has beyond prototypical outside size at 6’4″. He may be light at just under 200 lbs, but he is as reliable as they come. With only one drop in 2023, he appears ready for the pros. He seems like the kind of Receiver that would mesh with Trevor Lawrence, and this is a pick they need.

27. Houston Texans (Trade W/ DET) – WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Draft Grade – 76.7

DET Acquires: 24th OVR

HOU Acquires: 27th OVR, 2025 Third

I made the trade down here because Xavier Legette is the ideal Receiver to target and pick 24 wasn’t the best value. If this guy runs anywhere near where he was reported to run at the combine, he may go higher, but we’ll have to see that first. I’ve only watched his highlights, and the elite speed is there, but he did seem slower to accelerate. Nonetheless, he’s perfect for this scheme in Houston as he’s a big-bodied and physical player who can make things happen after the catch. He might be raw, but in the late first, why not swing for the fences when you need a Receiver?

28. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Kalen King, Penn State

Draft Grade – 77.5

Kalen King could be a phenomenal long-term Cornerback in this scheme. Coming into the year, it looked like he might be a top-ten pick. He hasn’t had the best 2023 performance, and his draft stock subsequently fell off. I’d still spend a late first on him. It doesn’t look like he’s in the best scheme, and he could turn it around in the Philadelphia system. With elite burst and fluidity, King can thrive playing off-man. That’s why I feel comfortable spending this pick on him. As Slay and Bradberry are aging, it’s in Philly’s best interest to use this pick on a Corner.

29. Miami Dolphins – OL Graham Barton, Duke

Robert Hunt is a free agent this off-season, and there’s still no long-term answer at LG. Grahame Barton is one of the few day-one starters who could fill one of those Guard spots. Some view Barton as a Tackle, but he’d make for an excellent Guard here. While he lacks length, he excels in blocking in the zone-run game. He’s graded out well in true pass sets and has only given up 11 pressures in 2023. Similar to Peter Skoronski, he likely gets drafted to play Guard and goes on to have success.

30. Dallas Cowboys – CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State

T.J. Tampa isn’t often viewed as a first-round talent but would be the best option left at Corner. It also could’ve been Terrion Arnold, but Tampa seems to be a better scheme fit. With proper size, good speed, and zone instincts, he could be a high-end starter for a long time. He has the length to press and has solid ball production. From day one, he’d be one of the best Dime Corners and probably turns into a stud for Dallas.

31. San Francisco 49ers – CB Josh Newton, TCU

It’s tough to decide between Tackle and Corner for San Fran, but I’m going with Corner as the Tackle free-agency market is strong this year. Josh Newton is of decent value at pick 31 and fits this bump-and-run scheme. Reportedly, he lacks speed, but the numbers have been outstanding in man coverage. In 2023, on 172 man coverage snaps, he only allowed 76 yards. The Niners have a world-beating defense but could make it indestructible by drafting a Corner.