Well, it’s finally here; the week football fans around the world have been waiting for… DRAFT WEEK! It’s been a great first off-season for Zach and Jack as they established The Gridiron Review just 3 months ago on January 29th. After one of the craziest offseasons in recent memory, we are ready to bring you our mock 5.0, and last of the season. We just want to thank everyone for their support this year as we begin our journey of growing our brand!
- Jacksonville Jaguars- Ickey Ekwonu, NCST, OL
Trevor Lawrence has been talked about amongst the likes of Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning. Say what you want about him, but Doug Pederson is an offensive minded coach, and was brought in to make Lawrence work. Pederson got the most out of both Carson Wentz and Nick Foles. We can’t stress this enough… LAWRENCE HAS TO WORK! One of the first steps to making your QB better is keeping him off his back. Even with Jacksonville extending Cam Robinson, they use the first pick on Ekwonu, who I personally think will kick inside to guard at the pro level.
- Detroit Lions- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
This pick is a popular one for us. Hutchinson screams Dan Campbell. He is a high-motor player who is fiery and not afraid to get in your face. Detroit needs a few different positions, but they address the pass rush here with Hutch who should play the end with his hand in the dirt and maybe even rotate in on passing downs.
- Houston Texans- Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
You could point at nearly any position on this team and say they need a serious upgrade. Reports say that Lovie Smith was really unhappy with his cornerback room after last season. There was serious thought put into Sauce or Stingley here, but one cornerback doesn’t turn that defense around. You traded Watson, and have committed to Mills. The line standing in front of him is not impressive other than Laremy Tunsil. You need to protect your potential franchise guy. Neal will make a great bookend tackle with Tunsil.
- New York Jets- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
We think the Jets need to address two positions with their 2 top 10 picks; cornerback and offensive line, tackle in particular. With the Texans passing on corner, the Jets have their choice of the top cornerbacks in the class; HOWEVER, the Jets much like the Jags and the Texans have a young quarterback that needs to be protected. If you want Wilson to pick up where he left off down the stretch last season, it starts with getting him some protection. With the top 2 lineman off the board and the Giants, Panthers, Giants, and Seahawks up right behind them we think the Jets grab their protection first to be safe.
- New York Giants- Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Martindale is bringing his physical man-to-man style of defense to New York. New York goes out and gets the cornerback prospect that fits Martindale’s system perfectly. Whether Bradberry gets traded or not, Sauce will be a nice addition to the secondary.
- Philadelphia Eagles(Projected Trade with Carolina Panthers)- Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
PHI: 1.06
CAR: 1.15, Andre Dillard, 2.51
It has been rumored that Philly wants to move up, and the Panthers would like to trade back as they are missing their second and third round picks. Carolina in our mock has also missed out on the top tackle talent in this year’s class. Carolina moves back into the teens where they should still have their selection of the quarterbacks, they pick up a second rounder, and the 2019 22nd overall pick: tackle Andre Dillard.
On the other hand, Philly comes up and gets one of the top premier corner talents to come out within the last couple years. Yes, Stingley has an injury history, but without the injuries Stingley in my opinion is probably the first pick this year, which doesn’t seem to be a lock by any means. Assuming Stingley stays healthy, he comes in and takes over the CB2 spot, and gets to learn from one of the best in the game still, Darius Slay.
- Green Bay Packers(Projected Trade with NY Giants, Originally Chicago Bears)- Garrett Wilson, WR, OSU
NY: Jordan Love,1.22, 2023 1st
GB: 7, 4th rounder
We had this trade in our last mock, but this time the player is different. Green Bay has shown they are not afraid to move around the draft board. They trade up with the Giants and get their pick of the wide receivers, while the Giants get their trade back and a quarterback to possibly develop. In previous mocks the player we had them taking ws Olave, as his game is very similar to that of Adams. However, they had Adams for how long and could not quite make it. Instead, we think they look to add a different element to the room and take Garrett Wilson. Wilson is not our WR1, but he does add juice to the Packers, elite RAC ability, and more that they are currently lacking.
- Atlanta Falcons- Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Olave is a day one starter that can get a ton of targets from Mariota. The Falcons need help everywhere, but they desperately need it at wide receiver. Taking one of the edge rushers that are still here would be a mistake, as the value here and the bigger need is wide receiver. Olave can replace Ridley and not miss a beat, he may even be better as he is faster and he can be both a vertical and underneath weapon. He is also a great pairing with Kyle Pitts.
- Seattle Seahawks(Originally Denver Broncos)- Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Two thoughts went into this pick, the first was how messed up it would be if the Seahawks trade Russell Wilson and with their first round one pick without Wilson they take an offensive lineman. The second thought was Schneider seems to have that I’m going to outsmart everyone mentality, which is why year after year we see Seattle “reaching” with their first round picks. I am personally not high on Penning and think he is most likely a second rounder, but we could see a situation where Seattle takes a swing on Penning to try to show that they are “smarter” than other teams.
- New York Jets(Originally Seattle Seahawks)- Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Walker is someone I do not feel is worth the hype as an edge rusher. He is an insane athlete who does not feel like a natural pass rusher. Instead, I wonder if he is destined to be an off ball linebacker. He runs a 4.51 at 270 pounds, imagine if he cuts down to 260 and can go put his defensive back drills to use (that he did at the pro day). Think of it this way. He could be Rashan Gary if he stays at edge (who has taken years to develop), or he could have the potential of Darius Leonard (who switches between pass rushing and off ball linebacker). It would be a risk but so is drafting him in the frist round.
- Washington Commanders- Drake London, WR, USC
We have had this pick mocked many times over and nothing has changed except London finally had his pro day and looked good. He is a perfect pairing with McLaurin, and offers a huge catch radius for Wentz to throw to. Those two along with Samuel, the running backs, and Logan Thomas form a nice offense in a very winnable division
- Minnesota Vikings- Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Minnesota has their choice of second tier corners here, but with Hamilton sliding, we think they take our top prospect in this year’s class. Hamilton will join Harrison Smith in the Vikings secondary, creating one of the best safety tandems in the league. Harrison Smith will also be a great mentor for Hamilton while he is still in the league.
- Houston Texans(Originally Cleveland Browns)- George Karlaftis, DL/EDGE, Purdue
Another one of our opinions that is not as popular, Karlaftis is right there with Hutchinson as the best rusher in this class. Why the Texans go with him here over the two athletic edge’s that are falling is that he can play every position on the line, including tackle. Texans need helpy everywhere, and Karlaftis gives a high upside and high floor player that can fill multiple roles.
- Baltimore Ravens- Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Jordan Davis is one of the safest prospects in this draft, while also having one of the highest upsides. He is an elite run defender, but as an athletic freak, he offers a whole lot of potential as a pass rusher. In a heavy running division, Baltimore gives their defensive line an anchor that can make contributions immediately.
- Carolina Panthers (Projected Trade with Philadelphia Eagles, Originally Miami Dolphins)- Sam Howell, QB, UNC
This is one of our biggest predictions in the draft. We want to start by saying we truly believe the Panthers wanted to take a tackle at six. However, with the top three gone, they may decide to go elsewhere. With this trade they get an extra second and a lineman to throw at the wall in Dillard. A lot of analysts have the Panthers going with Pickett, but why? Pickett is solid, but not too far off from Darnold. Willis is too much of a project for Rhule to gamble on. Howell, besides being our QB1, is the middle ground between Pickett and Willis (in terms of floor and ceiling). He adds a rushing element to the Panthers offense, the ability to throw a great deep ball where they have a really good starting three receivers, and he is a local kid. He has the leadership skills the Panthers are probably looking for, and can sit and learn until they have had enough of Darnold next season. Lastly, they have held private meetings and workouts with Howell, and it could be assumed they are looking in case they trade back.
- New Orleans Saints(From Philadelphia Eagles, Originally Indianapolis Colts)- Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
We are going back and forth on what the Saints’ actual plan is with these two picks. They could go quarterback with Willis and Pickett falling, however we are not so sure. This cannot be guaranteed so we think they are looking to take two needs. The first being wide receiver. Beyond Michael Thomas, the group is thin, and Jameson Williams adds route running and speed to a team that really is lacking. This pick could also be a tackle, but we do not think the value is there.
- Los Angeles Chargers- Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
I am a huge fan of Green. I think he had really, really good tape. Where I think Green has top 10 pick worthy tape, I think his awful combine could see him tumble a little bit. We’ve had the Chargers taking a receiver in the last couple mocks, but a lineman of Green’s caliber hasn’t fallen to them in previous mocks. The Chargers have a couple holes on the line that Green could compete for. I think Green will be a better tackle than guard, but could certainly play guard if that’s what the Chargers think is a bigger need.
- Philadelphia Eagles(Originally New Orleans Saints)- Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Eagles trade up to get their defensive piece. Now, with their other first, they address the offensive side. They may want to trade back, but we could not find a good trade scenario. Instead, they stay put and go with Treylon Burks. He adds long speed, size, flexibility, and more to an offense that desperately needs it. Again, this is another instance where they may go Willis with him still being there, but we think they actually have convinced themselves that Hurts can be good. The extra first next year adds security in case they are wrong.
- New Orleans Saints(Originally Philadelphia Eagles)- Travis Jones, DL, UConn
Travis Jones is a true anchor for any defensive line. The Saints need a left tackle, but the value is not there. They could reach here, but Travis Jones fills another need with higher value. Jones is an immediate run stuffer, who can take on multiple blockers and hold his ground. He has decent athleticism and the strength and ability to even provide a couple sacks. He solidifies the Saints defense that should be one of the best in the league.
- Pittsburgh Steelers- Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Steelers have to have this as their dream scenario. They could be planning for Pickett, and he could do well in that offense, but they have Trubisky. Those two are not that far off, and since you have Trubisky, why not aim higher? Willis can learn and develop as you see what you have in Mitch. An offense with Willis, Harris, Claypool, Johnson, and Freiermuth could be special.
- New England Patriots- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
We have had this multiple times for a reason. Thib and edges in general could fall, and this is where his slide most likely stops. It sounds like he is the type of player to say “I know” whenever he is critiqued, and we doubt coaches like hearing that. His athletic upside is still high, but he needs more development than people seem to realize. New England is the perfect location to develop him both on the field and in the media.
- New York Giants (Projected Trade with Green Bay Packers, Originally Las Vegas Raiders)- Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Giants have made a few o-line signings, but it’s guys like Jon Feliciano and Max Garcia. If the Giants can get Linderbaum here I think they run it to the podium. Linderbaum has the potential to be an All-Pro starting in year 1, and the Giants haven’t had that caliber of lineman in a long time.
- Arizona Cardinals- Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
Moore adds elements that the Cardinals do not have in their receiving room beyond the oft injured Hopkins. He is a great route runner with good hands and very good after the catch. They have other needs, but with Hopkins being hurt more and more, they need another weapon. Skyy would fit in really well with Hopkins and Rondale in Arizona, and be the legitimate number two with Kirk gone.
- Dallas Cowboys- Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Kyler Gordon, who played with McDuffie at Washington, is my CB3; however, I have Dallas taking McDuffie over Gordon. The reason for this is that I think McDuffie has a higher ceiling than Gordon does. I think McDuffie’s athleticism will catch Jerry Jones’ eye, and he’ll take a swing. McDuffie can also play outside or in the slot.
- Buffalo Bills- Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The Bills get a steal at CB here at pick 25. Kyler Gordon is a smart zone corner, who also shows flashes of great man coverage. Gordon though unlike most of the other corners coming out this year is a really good tackler and is a presence in the run game. It looks like he wants to hit you. I think he can play outside or in the slot, and I think Tre White will be a great mentor and player for Gordon to look up to.
- Tennessee Titans- Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
Wyatt is someone we are not impressed with. He is a great athlete, but did not show a ton on tape. However, the Titans need someone on the defensive line to help out their pass rushing linebackers. Wyatt has a lot of upside, but also a low floor. The Titans take the gamble here.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, FSU
The Buccaneers have a few different needs, but defensive end is one of them. Johnson can start at defensive end immediately and help the Bucs superbowl odds. He adds elite run defense right away,while also having a lot of pass rushing upside on a team that churns out pass rushers
- Green Bay Packers- Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia
Not many people, if any, have a first round grade on Salyer. I personally think it’s because Salyer isn’t as athletic as some of the other lineman. Don’t get me wrong, Salyer definitely has stuff he needs to work on, but he is one of the most ready to play lineman with positional flexibility. Salyer will help protect Rodgers and is prepared to block for Jones and Dillon.
- Kansas City Chiefs(From Miami Dolphins, Originally San Francisco 49ERS)- Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
We are really starting to like this match between the Chiefs and Lloyd. Yes, linebacker isn’t a need, but as we stated before we think the Chiefs are going to change the defensive philosophy and rely more on pressure and the front 7 than the secondary. Lloyd in an ideal world has a chance to be this year’s Micah Parsons; a guy who can line up all over the place and allow for different looks along the front.
- Kansas City Chiefs- Dax Hill, CB/S, Michigan
Dax is a playmaker, and one of my favorite prospects in this year’s class. Although listed as a safety by most, I think it’s more likely he plays corner in the pros, but in particular nickel. The Chiefs signed Justin Reid to replace Tyrann Matheiu, but I don’t think they are as similar in style of play. I think that Dax does mimic Matheiu’s play in the box, in the slot, and as a playmaker. Reid brings veteran leadership, but Dax will replace the production. He is another guy that will help the defense bring pressure in different ways.
- Cincinnati Bengals- Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Bengals are missing another CB. Their one outside spot is filled by Awuzie, and the slot belongs to Hilton. Everyone’s favorite piece of burnt toast clearly is not the answer at the other CB spot. Elam steps in day one and takes over the other outside corner spot and pushes Apple to the bench. Elam could use work as a tackler and being a presence in the run game, but brings great coverage skills to a team who had a very good chance to win the Super Bowl if not for Apple getting cooked by Kupp.
- Seattle Seahawks(Projected Trade with Detroit Lions, Originally Los Angeles Rams)- Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
Seattle: 1.32
DET: 2.40, 2.41
The Lions could sit here and take this pick, but we think they trade out for a team wanting to get into the first and get one of the falling quarterbacks. Seattle may not feel comfortable with Drew Lock, or they might. For now, we wager they make a trade here and get Pickett, who can be the starter right away if asked, for a coach who probably does not want to go through developing a QB who needs to sit.
Round 2
- Jacksonville Jaguars- Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Many would think that the pick here would be Nakobe Dean, and as much as I like Dean I just don’t think that’s it. In a division where you see Derrick Henry and JT twice a year, you need a LB big enough to be able to take them down, and fast enough to catch them. Walker has the size-speed combo. He definitely has some developing to do, but should be a day 1 starter for Jacksonville.
- Detroit Lions- George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Reports suggest the Lions want to get more vertical and Pickens is perfect for that. To us, he is a first round talent who slips out because the board just fell that way. Pickens gives them a deep threat with great size and also an elite run blocker at the position to pair with Chark and St. Brown.
- New York Jets- Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
Hall should not fall past the Jets. Another player who we have a first round grade on, but the devaluation of running backs combined with teams having more pressing needs results in him falling to New York. The Jets get a true workhorse and do it all back who will pair nicely with Michael Carter and take some pressure off Zach Wilson.
- New York Giants- David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
A lot of analysts argue that the Giants get their edge rusher in the first because of Martindale being there. However, Martindale’s success stories are not first rounders. If Ojabo had not torn his Achilles he would have potentially been a top 15 pick. Instead, he goes in the second, does not have to be rushed back, and can be a steal for the Giants that fits perfectly in their system.
- Houston Texans- John Metchie, WR, Alabama
With the Texans adding an offensive and defensive lineman, they now get a weapon for Davis Mills. Metchie, while not nearly as fast, resembles Tyreek Hill in his play style. He is extremely elusive and chaotic with the ball in his hands and can fit well with Brandon Cooks and Nico Collins.
- New York Jets(Originally Carolina Panthers)- Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Jets miss out on both the top tier corners in this class in the first, but are able to get a good value pick here in the second with Andrew Booth. I am not high on Booth, I think there is a decent amount to clean up in his game, but he has crazy athleticism which helps create one of the more fun corner highlight videos to watch. Booth isn’t the greatest tackler, but is aggressive against blockers and wants to be a run game presence. I think Saleh will be able to help develop and get the most out of Booth.
- Chicago Bears- Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
We are not the biggest fans of Dotson and do not feel like he is a first rounder. That being said, he is a good route runner with great hands who I feel is more destined for the slot at the next level. He can be a super reliable target for Fields and allow Mooney to become more of a deep threat at the NFL.
- Detroit Lions(Projected Trade with Seattle Seahawks, Originally Denver Broncos)- Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
The Lions go get some insurance for Hockenson who has trouble staying healthy. They also get the best blocking tight end in this class who also offers a lot of pass catching ability. He is not a crazy athlete but can be dependable and sit in the soft zones with sure hands. Think Dalton Schultz from Dallas.
- Detroit Lions(Originally Seattle Seahawks)- Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Dan Campbell won’t be able to believe that Nakobe fell this far. Dean is definitely a player that screams Dan Campbell to me. I don’t think the Lions LBs are bad, but Dean should provide an upgrade at the Mike LB, and bring in a leadership aspect that’s missing on the defense.
- Indianapolis Colts(Originally Washington Commanders)- Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
We joked about the Colts going with a quarterback here, but do not count that out. The smart move would be to take a massive value pick here with Watson. He adds size, speed, and alpha potential to a room that really needs it. Do not count out the Colts potential to mess this up, but it should be wide receiver.
- Atlanta Falcons- Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Corral has a day two grade for us. Will a team pull the trigger and trade up before this to take him? Maybe, but there are all of the sudden not many teams that need quarterbacks that badly. Atlanta has plenty of other needs, but even we have to admit this is good value here. Corral is very similar to the NFL version of Mariota and can step in right away should Mariota get hurt
- Cleveland Browns- DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
Leal is a little undersized to be a true defensive tackle, but he does offer a lot of pass rushing upside at the end and tackle position. This is another body on the defensive line to try and help Myles Garrett who needs a running mate badly.
- Baltimore Ravens- Jalen Pitre, CB/S, Baylor
I am not high on Pitre, I think he is getting a bit overhyped by the analysts. I think he still has a lot to work on in his game even for a nickel back/backer. However, the Ravens released Tavon Young this offseason, leaving their slot position wide open. Even with the loss of Martindale I think the Ravens will continue their aggressive style of defense, and think that Pitre will fit in nicely with the Baltimore defensive philosophy.
- Minnesota Vikings- Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan
I like Raimann as a prospect. He is a nice mix of pass and run blocker. He only has 2 years of experience at tackle, and has plenty of room to improve. Some think Raimann will find more success by moving to guard; a move I certainly think he could make. Minnesota finds a new starting guard or at least some competition for their current rostered guards, and a player who has positional flexibility.
- Washington Commanders(Originally Indianapolis Colts)- Cole Strange, OG, Tennessee-Chattanooga
I was really impressed by Strange’s tape. Strange shows a nice balance of run and pass blocking, as well as a physicality to his game. He is an alert player who always has his head on a swivel. He will be a nice replacement for Scherff, and new protector for Wentz.
- Chicago Bears(Originally Los Angeles Chargers)- Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
The Chicago offensive line is not in a great place right now, but luckily Chicago is able to land Minnesota’s Daniel Faalele. He may not be the most athletic or have the highest ceiling, but he has one of the higher floors, and should step in day one and help protect Justin Fields.
- New Orleans Saints- Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
Lucas is a good run blocking tackle who shows a nice speed to strength combo. He is a pretty technically sound tackle, and should be able to come in and win the LT spot left by Terron Armstead. Lucas flashes the ability to be a solid pass blocker, but his tape is a little inconsistent. These are big shoes to fill for a prospect who still has some developing to do, but this is good value for a tackle like Lucas.
- Kansas City Chiefs(Originally Miami Dolphins)- Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
The Chiefs did a good job of addressing their wide receiver room in free agency. They can add another one to the room, but I would wager that is in the third round or later. Instead, thye go get the unicorn Jelani Woods. He needs some development, which he can do behind one of the greats. He can also be an elite red zone weapon right away while he works on the other parts of his game. If he realizes his potential, the Chiefs could have back to back all pro tight ends on their hands.
- Carolina Panthers(Projected Trade with Philadelphia Eagles)- Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
The Panthers are in need of a linebacker with the recent legal issues of Damien Wilson. The Panthers have Thompson and Littleton, but are missing some speed and play making ability at LB. The Panthers grab Harris who terrorized Georgia twice as well as many other teams. Harris can play any of the linebacker spots, and do anything from drop in coverage to blitz and rush the passer.
- Pittsburgh Steelers- Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
A lot of people are high on Johnson as a prospect, but I personally am not on the hype train. I think Johnson is a solid prospect, especially as a run blocker and lead blocker, but he could definitely use work as a pass blocker. I would’ve thought that Johnson would be off the board by now, but when you compare his value to the value of other players at the needs of teams, I just don’t think he beats other prospects out until now. This is a really good value pick for the Steelers.
- Green Bay Packers(Originally Las Vegas Raiders)- Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Before Packers fans are triggered, hear us out. They already addressed their offensive line and a wide receiver. They can add another but that will be later. Now, they have their defense mostly set and they no longer have a plan after Rosgers. Ridder may not fall this far, but if he does the Packers cannot pass this up. Just because Rodgers signed this mega deal does not mean he will playout the contract.
- New England Patriots- Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Beavers is my third ranked LB in this year’s class. I really liked watching Beavers’ film. I think he is a high IQ player who understands his weaknesses and plays in a way that helps him use his strengths and hide his weaknesses. I don’t know how effective a pass coverage LB Beavers will be at the pro level, but I think he will be a solid player in the box. I think he steps in and takes over the role that they had for Dont’a Hightower.
- Arizona Cardinals- Logan Hall, DL, Houston
Hall can add some value at the end and the tackle position. He has some experience as an edge but that is not his position at the next level. He can offer a blend of pass and rush defense, and be an impact player right away. I am unsure that his upside is great, but he adds much needed help to the Cardinals defensive line.
- Dallas Cowboys- Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Yes, Dallas re-signed both Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse this offseason, but Hooker has a serious injury history and neither of these players are top tier safeties. Don’t get me wrong Kearse seemed to have a good season, but he is not the best option. Cine can play free or strong, and should come out of training camp with one of the starting safety spots. Cine should help secure the back end of the defense this season.
- Buffalo Bills- Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
Buffalo is considered to be on the Breece Hall radar in the first, but that would be a mistake. In this mock they add a much needed corner in the first, and add a running back here. Walker can be the main ball carrier right away as a super elusive back with pass catching potential. He can pair well with Singletary.
- Atlanta Falcons (Originally Tennessee Titans)- Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
The Falcons drafted Richie Grant last year, but ESPN has Dean Marlowe and Erik Harris listed as the starters. That’s a rough safety tandem. I think Brisker has some stuff to clean up and develop in his game, but should certainly beat out both of those guys for a starting safety spot. A safety tandem of Grant and Brisker will be much better.
- Green Bay Packers- Josh Paschal, DL, Kentucky
Pachal is an end at the next level, and an extremely strong one at that. Green Bay’s defense is mostly set, but they are missing a defensive end and Paschal can use his strength to hold the edge in the run, while he develops his hand placement and balance with a team that seems to excel at developing pass rushers.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Cade Otten, TE, Washington
As of now, Gronk has not committed to returning still. Even if he does, there is not much behind him. Otton brings a little bit of everything to a tight end room. He blocks well, has good athleticism, good hands, and good routes. If he is forced into early action he can handle it, and at the worst he is a very good number two to start his career.
- San Francisco 49ers- Dylan Parham, OG, Memphis
The 49ers lost their pro bowl guard Laken Tomlinson to the Jets this offseason. With their first pick in this year’s draft we think they will find his replacement in Parham. Parham had strong tape, and was fun to watch. He should step in day one, and be an impact starter right away.
- Kansas City Chiefs- Tariq Woolen, CB/S, UTSA
Even with taking Dax Hill in the first, I think the Chiefs are missing another piece in the secondary. Woolen is a really raw prospect and it would be in his best interest to sit a year at the very least to develop. I mean realistically Woolen is an early-mid day 3 prospect, but will most likely be taken earlier due to his testing and freak athleticism. When I watched his tape I thought that his style of play could be more suited for a safety. It’s something to consider. Either way they add a second back who provides positional flexibility in the bloodbath of the AFC.
- Cincinnati Bengals- Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
Robinson adds a new element to the Bengals wide receiver room. He can be the guy that takes bubble screens, quick passes, snaps out of the backfield, and more and use his joystick-like abilities after the catch. The rich get richer here as the Bengals already addressed their secondary in the first, and aced free agency with the offensive lineman signings. Now they add another dimension to their weapons.
- Denver Broncos (Originally Los Angeles Rams)- Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
Bonitto explodes off the line like a cannon. He is pure speed and has natural counter moves to get back into the play. He can pair extremely well with Bradley Chubb who has a lot of power and be a great pass rushing duo for Denver.