2. Washington Commanders – QB Drake Maye, North Carolina

Draft Grade – 79.9

Washinton dropping down to the second overall pick makes things very interesting. Sam Howell didn’t exactly prove he was a franchise QB. That said, it’s fair to say he’s earned another year. If a QB like Drake Maye weren’t available here, you’d just stick by Howell for another season. However, it’s safer to take Maye here in these circumstances. Maye has all the desired physical traits of a QB and excellent anticipation and accuracy. As talented as Washington is, they need a true franchise QB. Ron Rivera is out, and the new head coach would surely love to have a potential franchise cornerstone like Maye.

3. Chicago Bears (Trade W/ NE) – WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Draft Grade – 84.7

NE Acquires: First OVR

CHI Acquires: Third OVR, 34th OVR, 2025 Second, Christian Barmore

It would be quite a victory to acquire two extra seconds and Christian Barmore to still take Marvin Harrison Jr. If Fields is just decent at QB this offense would be well off. Defending both D.J. Moore and Harrison Jr. would be a nightmare. Trading down allows Chicago to bolster the defense and still get one of the best prospects to come out in years. Harrison Jr. is closer to being a perfect prospect than any prospect I’ve evaluated besides RB. His massive frame allows him to highpoint the ball efficiently, and he displays an understanding of the various nuances at Receiver. Even if you took Harrison Jr. at number one overall, it’d still be a good pick. Acquiring him alongside other valuable assets will allow this team to compete quickly.

4. Tennessee Titans (Trade W/ AZ) – OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Draft Grade – 80.0

TEN Acquires: Fourth OVR

AZ Acquires: Seventh OVR, 2025 Second

It’s typically not wise to trade up in the draft unless you’re getting a QB, but in this case, Tennessee is desperate for O-Line help, and Olu Fashanu is a rare talent at Tackle. Olu could very well go number one overall in a weak class, as he’s a prototypical franchise Tackle that dominates in pass-pro. Theoretically, he could become the next David Bakhtiari based on his physical traits. There is some film in there he needs to clean up, but if you get this guy to develop, he could be elite. As previously mentioned, he isn’t the best run blocker, but you can expect him to be a rock in pass-pro. He’d get to play his natural position here and likely develop into a star quickly in this culture.

5. Los Angeles Chargers – TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

Draft Grade – 82.8

The Chargers already have a diverse group of weapons, but why not take Brock Bowers when he could make this offense unstoppable? One of the primary issues with this team is the lack of physicality and toughness on both sides of the ball. Bowers would instantly change that, at least on the offense. While he’s undersized, few players bring as much grit and physicality to the game as Bowers. He’ll see little attention with these weapons they have and will be the security blanket they need over the middle. I know the defense will still struggle, but good luck keeping up with Justin Herbert and these playmakers.

6. New York Giants – WR Malik Nabers, LSU

Draft Grade – 80.9

Malik Nabers is one of the many prospects who gets overshadowed by this class’s immense degree of talent. New York would be foolish to pass on him when the offense is clearly deprived of a passing attack. Darren Waller isn’t the same he used to be and could use help to take weight off his shoulders. He fits what New York looks for in Receivers, which is an explosive playmaker with elite RAC ability. Moreover, Nabers thrives in several areas other than RAC ability. He’s a crafty route runner and can come down with 50/50 balls. I strongly considered his teammate Daniels with this pick. However, I like the idea of signing Kirk Cousins to this team.

7. Arizona Cardinals – OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Draft Grade – 79.0

TEN Acquires: Fourth OVR

AZ Acquires: Seventh OVR, 2025 Second

Taking a first-round Tackle back-to-back years may seem overkill, but protecting Kyler at all costs is essential. Jonathan Gannon has gotten this defense to overachieve, and the Receivers here are plenty good enough. I feel comfortable taking a Tackle here because we can trade D.J. Humphries and save cap space. Humphries served this team well, but he’s aging and taking up a lot of cap space.

Alt could be one of the few star Tackles in the league. Both edges of the O-Line would be rock solid, and Kyler would have many opportunities to scramble. It’s a tough decision for Arizona because the roster has so many needs. While I’d feel good taking several different guys here, you can’t go wrong with taking a likely franchise Tackle.

8. Atlanta Falcons – QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

Draft Grade – 76.0

Now that Arthur Smith is gone, it is tricky to project which pick would be best for them. Some will disagree with this, but it’s rather apparent Atlanta needs a new QB. If Jayden Daniels is available here, it’s hard to pass on him, regardless of who the coach is. Daniels is unique because he’s a fifth-year starter but is getting drafted because of his elite physical traits. His arm isn’t special, but the touch and ball placement when throwing deep is ridiculously good. Pair that with his outstanding athleticism, and it’s easy to see why he’s in the top ten conversation.

Many people are mocking him third overall to New England, and I wouldn’t go that far. Daniels has some question marks, but I still believe he’ll succeed if put in the proper position. He’ll have excellent blocking, legitimate weapons, and hopefully quality play-calling in Atlanta. This is a situation where Daniels could quickly flourish, and the fans will finally have some real hope.

9. Chicago Bears – DI Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Draft Grade – 79.1

Similar to Arizona, this roster has many needs, making it challenging to decide who to pick. They at least have some star talent in D.J. Moore and Montez Sweat, but there still lie many holes. Jer’Zhan Newton could be the consistent three-tech they’ve needed. I love the idea of taking Jared Verse here, but I think Chicago can land one of these upcoming free agents at EDGE. Newton has a rare skill set as he’s undersized but excels at defending the run. Additionally, he has stellar upside as a pass rusher. With a quick burst off the line, he almost always has the leverage advantage. Under Matt Eberflus, Newton could be a stud three-tech in no time.

10. New York Jets – OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

Draft Grade – N/A

God only knows why this team didn’t take a Tackle last year, but they have a prime opportunity to fix that this year. Picking ten gives them a good shot at landing a true first-round Tackle. If New York can sign one of these upcoming free agents at Left Tackle, this Line could completely flip the script. Taliese Fuaga is someone I’ve yet to evaluate due to not having film. However, the one PFF grade you can trust is the grades involving the trenches, and Fuaga has an elite run-blocking grade. Furthermore, he is massive, which will aid him against power rushers. I’ll eventually develop a more firm opinion on Fuaga, but by speculating, it seems he’s a true first-rounder. This is also a pick Aaron Rodgers would get behind.

11. Minnesota Vikings – QB Bo Nix, Oregon

Draft Grade – 75.6

It’s looking more likely that Kirk Cousins will come back, but if I were GM, I’d rather have someone like Bo Nix on a cheap rookie deal. Bo Nix is easy to hate on because he has no elite physical traits and plays like Check Down Sally. However, if you watched a lot of his film, you’d see he’s capable of pushing the ball downfield and extending plays. It’s just that Oregon’s play-calling was so conservative and screen-heavy, not allowing him to shine truly. In all fairness, he’ll need a talented surrounding core and a high-end play-caller. Lucky for him, he’d have that in Minnesota. The Tackle duo, Justin Jefferson, and the play-calling will make for a conducive situation. He could basically play the Brock Purdy role, and I’d bet he goes on to succeed in this offense.

12. Denver Broncos – QB Michael Penix Jr., Washinton

Draft Grade – 75.4

It’s been reported that Denver plans on moving on from Russ, and Michael Penix Jr. seems like a good fit for Sean Payton. I have to preface this by saying I put together this mock before the national championship game, and stock is down on Penix after that game. It’s hard to tell if I’d still make this pick for Denver, but I don’t think that game shows he’s a bust or anything.

One thing I love about Penix is his leadership and attitude. It’s NFL material, and barring injuries, he’ll likely find a way to succeed one way or another. His arm isn’t this rocket launcher like some portray it to be, but it’s plenty enough to attack downfield. The main red flag you’re worried about is his injury past. Still, he has impressed me in many ways, and he’s just someone I have a good feeling about.

13. Las Vegas Raiders – CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Draft Grade – 81.0

It’s unfortunate to miss out on all of the top-tier QBs, but there’s someone I’m looking to trade up for later in the draft. You can also use this first-rounder to strengthen the defense. I could see how Raiders fans would be upset with not being aggressive and trading up, but this scenario might be better than landing one of the top guys. Furthermore, Kool-Aid McKinstry is of fantastic value at pick 13. He’s someone being slept on, and I could see him surprising fans and breaking out in year one. Coming from Alabama, Kool-Aid is a physical and disciplined Corner. He can play press-man in addition to being able to play off-zone. As a scheme-proof player, it makes sense to mock him for a team like Las Vegas. Jersey sales would be through the roof playing here as well.

14. New Orleans Saints – WR Rome Odunze, Washington

Draft Grade – 78.4

Getting a franchise Left Tackle or a D-Lineman like Newton would be best, but New Orleans doesn’t have that luxury at pick 14. Rome Odunze has the potential to be a true X-Receiver, which is something New Orleans doesn’t have. Chris Olave is a terrific number-two guy, but I’d rather have someone like Odunze as the number-one option. Odunze is big, fast, and physical at the catch point. New Orleans is kind of stuck with Carr for one more season, and the only way they succeed is by putting as much talent as possible around him. By doing this, you’re also setting up the surrounding core they’ll need when they inevitably draft a new QB. While it may be worth trading up and getting one of the blue chippers at a needed position, Odunze is a safe pick with a high upside.

15. Indianapolis Colts – CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Draft Grade – 78.3

This kind of mock pick makes too much sense, and I’ll likely continue making this selection throughout the draft season. Nate Wiggins is a lengthy Corner with legitimate long speed who’d fit well in this Seattle three-defense. He played a ton of man at Clemson and has experience in press, but he could quickly learn this simplistic scheme. His athletic profile is precisely what Chris Ballard looks for in prospects. I could see this pick actually happening. This secondary got torched mostly in 2023, so investing this pick in their biggest weakness only makes sense. It just happens to be excellent value at pick 15, and while not flashy, most Colts fans would agree with this.

16. Seattle Seahawks – EDGE Jared Verse, FCU

Draft Grade – 79.9

As big of a fan of Jared Verse as I am, teams picking high happen to have needs other than EDGE. Seattle spent a second on Derick Hall last year, but getting a potentially dominant EDGE is worthwhile. At pick 16, it would be massive to land a top-ten talent like Verse. He dramatically improved his get-off and has continued to improve upon his flaws. With an elite athletic profile and dominant hand usage, I’m willing to bet money he succeeds in the pros. Verse can play in any style of defense and is entering the league with a decent floor. While not perfect, there’s a lot to love, and whoever the coach is would value having him, especially when the defense struggled in 2023.

17. San Francisco 49ers (Trade W/ JAC) – OT JC Latham, Alabama

Draft Grade – 78.0

SF Acquries: 17th OVR

JAC Acquires: 31st OVR, 63rd OVR, 2025 Fourth

Jags fans may be upset to see a trade down, but I just couldn’t find a good pick for them. It would be wise for San Fran to trade up here with Trent Williams getting up in age. They also could use a better Right Tackle. Jaylon Moore has been decent when asked to play, but it would improve the consistency on offense if they land a stud Tackle like JC Latham. He’s a large player from Alabama who excels in blocking in the zone running game. With surprising mobility, Latham is the ideal long-term Tackle in this offense. He has an impressive pass-pro anchor and has only given up two sacks in his career. For a team trying to win Super Bowls, drafting a pro-ready player is essential, and Latham is precisely that.

18. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Amarius Mims, Georgia

Draft Grade – N/A

Cincinnati has been trying to patch up the Tackle spot for a few years, and this draft is a perfect opportunity to solidify that Tackle duo. Amarius Mims plays Right Tackle and would fit this blocking scheme well. At 6’7″ and 340 lbs, Mims has a rare combination of length and athleticism. Drafting him is a gamble, as he’s inexperienced and raw and has had some injury issues. If adequately coached, the sky is the limit for this guy.

He’s practically impossible to run through. While you can win with speed and bend against him, he’s still developing and could become a much more well-rounded pass-protector. With more experience, he’ll develop more confidence as a run blocker and could be dominant. Cincinnati is an excellent landing spot for him, and Joe Burrow might finally have the protection he deserves.

19. Green Bay Packers – SA Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Draft Grade – 78.8

Kam Kinchen’s stock has fallen lately, and I have yet to watch more film on him. When I watched him a few months ago, his range popped off the screen, and I immediately became a fan. His skill set is invaluable as he has the size to play the run and the speed and range to play single high. Green Bay trotted out a subpar Safety duo this season, and it’s arguably their most significant need. Kinchens should be a helpful day-one impact, and if he develops, this defense is suddenly scary. To help the offense, I’m trading pick 83 to acquire Jerry Juedy. With just two picks in the draft, Green Bay puts the final touch on defense and bolsters the weaponry.

20. Tampa Bay Buccanneers – EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama

Draft Grade – 77.6

Baker Mayfield somehow got this team to make the playoffs, so he probably earned himself another year here. EDGE isn’t an urgent priority for Tampa Bay, but it’d be wise to plan for the future in an important position. Dallas Turner fits the attacking 3-4 scheme here, where he can play as a standup EDGE. His size and strength may be underwhelming, but he wins with good get-offs and bend. He has exceptional quickness and has produced well in SEC competition. Just don’t expect him to be a great run defender, but that’s why they have Vita Vea. After the season went well, Tampa has options with this pick, and Turner wouldn’t likely disappoint.

21. Arizona Cardinals – DI Leonard Taylor, Miami

Draft Grade – 77.9

Some might view this as a reach, but no good trade partners were available, and fixing the interior D-Line is the most significant priority for Arizona. Their run defense got gashed most weeks, and most of the pressure came from the EDGEs. In 2023, out of the top five leaders in pressures for Arizona, four were EDGE rushers. Leonard Taylor is more of a pass rusher but could develop into a two-way player. He’s your prototypical three-tech, as he’s average-sized with a terrific burst off the line. While he’s raw and won’t immediately pop on film, he’ll still be better than who they currently have.

22. Los Angeles Rams – EDGE Laiatu latu, UCLA

Draft Grade – 77.6

Even though the Rams surprised many people this year, we all know this team has a lot of holes. The best plan is to take whoever’s best at a position of need for them. In this case, that player is Laiatu Latu, who’d immediately help this team stay competitive. His ceiling is not what you’d desire out of a first-rounder. However, he has a superb floor, which is valuable for a team like LA. Playing next to Aaron Donald, he’d learn a thing or two and see many single teams. His pass rush win rate has been unworldly for two years. I don’t see Latu as a superstar, but he is a near-lock to be a stud. For LA, they want to remain competitive at all costs, and Latu is the best bet in that case.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

Draft Grade – N/A

I’ve consistently struggled with who to take for Pittsburgh, but this time, I feel confident in taking Terrion Arnold. They had Cornerback covered with Pat Pete and the addition of Joey Porter Jr., but they now need a second long-term answer. I’ve yet to focus solely on Arnold, but when I watched Kool-Aid’s film, I noticed Arnold a lot. The athleticism and toughness were there in his film. Coming from a Nick Saban defense, he has experience playing a lot of unique coverages. Moreover, his PFF run defense grade is among the best in college. Based on the numbers, he also has exceptional ball skills. Arnold could turn into a star in this culture and I’m excited to dive into his film.

24. Miami Dolphins – OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona

Draft Grade – N/A

I’ll admit I’m biased in making this pick, as I’m an Arizona fan. It genuinely seems like he could be a quality long-term answer on the O-Line for Miami, though. I’ve only watched the broadcast view of him when I’ve gotten the chance to watch the games live, but he’s always left me impressed when watching him. Like many O-Linemen in this class, he’s a pass-pro-first player. That makes him the ideal Tackle for the offense. While not the most experienced player in true pass sets, he has done a fine job when tasked with them. Morgan has just enough athleticism to work in this wide-zone blocking scheme. It’s not like Morgan will ever be elite, but getting a quality player in this position is crucial.

25. Philadelphia Eagles – CB/ SA Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Draft Grade – 77.5

This pick was tough for me, but I ultimately chose Cooper DeJean as he can play Safety on day one and hopefully take over at Corner in the future. He could also play a lot of nickel Corner, as they’ll probably need one this offseason. DeJean is a big-bodied DB who can practically play anywhere in the secondary. He may lack quickness and agility, but this guy builds up some serious top-end speed. Philly plays a lot of off-zone and match coverage, and that’s where DeJean thrives. Regardless of where he plays here, he’s just someone I have a good feeling about.

26. Kansas City Chiefs – Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

Draft Grade – 76.6

The Chief’s defense is already Super Bowl caliber, and it’s just the offense that needs a little retooling. Brian Thomas is an up-and-coming prospect who could significantly change Kansas City’s offense. He consistently made plays downfield for LSU and could do the same for Mahomes. At 6’4″, Thomas is the ideal contested catch target, which is something they don’t have here. Additionally, he brings a decent RAC ability to the table. With his size-speed combo, I can see how the first-round hype has come around. Thomas is basically a better version of MVS, and using a first on that is well worth it.

27. Houston Texans – WR Keon Coleman, FSU

Draft Grade – 77.3

It’s not apparent, but Houston could use an upgraded Receiver, so taking the best one available is in their best interest. Keon Coleman has fallen down draft boards as of late due to his lackluster production in his last few games. I only got to see the available film, and I walked away liking him in that film. I acknowledge that he is a boom-or-bust player, but he might become a superstar in this culture with C.J. Stroud as the leader.

Just watch his highlights if you haven’t already. The man made several unreal contested catches. His route running is still developing, but his game has a subtle twitchiness. Houston’s Receivers were able to get by last year, although Stroud is special and deserves high-end Receivers.

28. Detroit Lions – CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Draft Grade – N/A

Kamari Lassiter is another of the many Georgia defensive players to enter the draft. He’s found himself in many more mock drafts recently due to his strong 2023 campaign. He doesn’t appear to be a special athlete, but he’s had phenomenal coverage numbers in 2023. This season, he only gave up 17 yards in man coverage and had a 39% completion rate on throws his way. Keep in mind that that’s against SEC competition. He’s another I haven’t thoroughly evaluated yet, though everything signals he’s a first-rounder. Detroit needs a true perimeter Corner who can play press-man, and that’s where Lassiter comes in.

29. Buffalo Bills – WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

Draft Grade – N/A

Troy Franklin was Bo Nix’s go-to target at Oregon and could serve well as a number two here in Buffalo. At 6’3″, Franklin reportedly ran in the 4.3s. His production improved year-to-year, and he is the ideal deep threat for a pass-heavy offense. Even though his hands aren’t reliable, Stefon Diggs could help improve that. For his size, he’s not a bad RAC threat either. While Franklin will be taking the top off the defense, Diggs will have plenty of room to work over the short-intermediate area of the field. With the 29th pick, you can’t expect anything too remarkable at Receiver. Franklin fills an upcoming need they’ll have and potentially gives them a better long-term solution than they had before.

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

Draft Grade – N/A

I don’t know if Dan Quinn is returning, but assuming he does, T.J. Tampa would be an ideal scheme fit. Quinn loves to run cover three, and this is where Tampa could excel. While not the best ball production, he has had back-to-back years of steady play at Corner. Additionally, he does a fine job of defending the run. Attitude and toughness are critical at Corner, and he has it. With an aging Stephon Gilmore, planning for the future is always a good idea.

31. Las Vegas Raiders (Trade W/ JAC, Via SF) – QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Draft Grade – 78.8

SF Acquries: 17th OVR

JAC Acquires: 31st OVR, 63rd OVR, 2025 Fourth

LV Acquires: 31st OVR

JAC Acquires: 44th OVR, 112th OVR, 2025 Fourth, 2025 Fifth

I know Jags fans are disappointed not to see a selection, but it’s best you don’t know who I would’ve taken. I couldn’t find a pick that fit their needs for the value available. It’s worth giving up extra capital for Las Vegas to get a potential franchise QB. J.J. McCarthy is far from perfect, but with a franchise Left Tackle and Davante Adams, he likely finds success here. In all hopes, he has a good play-caller, too. Like I said in my scouting report, he needs a talented team around him with high-end play-calling. It’s not the perfect place for him, but I’d imagine they can make it work.