#1 overall hasn't changed despite the Jets or Jags tanking for the chance to draft Trevor Lawerence. It seems fitting that a few last minute signs of life from Sam Darnold right before a crucial year in his contract would result in enough wins to push the Jets to the #2 overall pick giving him a much better chance of retaining his job inti his 4th season. Urban Meyer essentially accepted this job due to their ability to draft a generational talent at QB right out of the gate, in a year with a sizable cut to the salary cap the Jags deciding to cut costs and acquire draft Capitol from aging or expensive players look like a stroke of genius. With the 25th, 33rd, 45th, 65th, 97th, and 121st picks in the first four rounds the Jags have the face of their franchise, the necessary draft Capitol, and the cap space to surround him with better talent. Perhaps one of those picks is used to lure former Jaguar Allen Robinson back for another stint.
#2 overall is going to result in a trade. The Jets have a young qb still on a rookie contract on their roster, excess draft picks next season and 6 picks in the first 4 rounds after this pick I forsee the Jets and Joe Douglass looking long term with their new head coach meaning they take an aggressive offer from the 49ers for the right to draft QB Zach Wilson. Wilson just seems like the perfect fit for the Shanahan system, he isn't exactly a running QB but he is mobile enough to run the bootlegs and read option Shanahan uses at times. He averaged just 3.0 yards per carry but had 642 yards and 15 in 3 seasons including 10 in 2020. That's enough of a run threat to propel this offense while showing the required ability as an accurate decisive passer. He completed 67.6% of his passes over his career showing a penchant for protecting the ball with a 58 to 15 td to int ratio. As for the trade package, I see it involving a few scenarios. First Jimmy G, is shipped to New England. New England acquires Jimmy G by sending their 2021 first round pick to the 49ers, and a conditional 2022 3rd that could turn into a 4th if he plays well enough. In return the 49ers send the Patriots their 2022 1st round pick and Jimmy G. Pats get Bill's qb, and acquire insurance for 2022 that they can move up and select a QB or pad their roster with more low cost talent to pursue a free agent QB. The 49ers then send their #12, the Pats #15 which account for 1200, and 1050 points on the draft scale versus the 2600 points the 2nd overall pick accounts for. To make up this difference the Jets also receive pass rusher Dee Ford. 49ers are motivated to move Ford before $11.6 million of his salary becomes guaranteed on April first. This also saves the 49ers a $100,000 workout bonus, and $46,000 per game bonus. The Jets meanwhile now have 3 first round picks to surround Darnold with talent, and added a pass rusher an area of immediate need. They didn't entirely sell the farm, were able to shed dead weight and still get an upgrade at QB while keeping the bulk of their draft picks the next two years.
#3 overall the Miami Dolphins are in an enviable position considering they have their QB of the future yet still hold 7 picks in the first 4 rounds including 4 in the top 50 selections. That's plenty of draft Capitol for them to draft best player available and fill their roster out with young talent that grow along side the key veterans their cap space will allow them to bring in. With all that being said I strongly believe Miami would still trade this pick in a heartbeat if the could. If they could move down to say 8 with Carolina they would do it in a heartbeat knowing they can still get themselves one of the top 3 wide receivers, and add to an enormous draft haul. However I ultimately believe a trade doesn't materialize and the Dolphins are stuck choosing between Jamar Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Penei Sewell. I believe the Dolphins understand the value of a solid LT after they were able to fleece Houston for Laremy Tunsil. So they draft Sewell knowing they shore up LT with Julian Davenport, and Tad Karras free agents shoring up LT would allow them to resign Karras to compete with 2019 3rd round pick Michael Deiter at center. This selection would force a shuffle of the offensive line with last year's first round pick Austin Jackson sliding over to right tackle. Sewell could also play left guard his first season as he was a very highly ranked high school guard before moving to tackle as a senior. With Jackson shifting to the right side, 2020 2nd round pick Robert Hunt who started at LT, LG, and RT last year could slide in at right guard with 2020 4th round pick Soloman Kindley becoming your depth at guard with Karras or Deiter likely your only other depth at guard. Jesse Davis returns as a swing tackle, with Ereck Flowers returning at left guard.
#4 overall has to be a QB. Matt Ryan has been the QB in Atlanta with arguably some of the best offensive talent in the league around him at times, yet he has had very little success in the playoffs or regular season since his Super Bowl loss. With Trey Lance and Justin Fields on the board this is a real toss up. Lance might have the higher ceiling but also the lower floor while Fields might have the lower ceiling but much higher floor. Ultimately despite having Ryan on board they opt for the relatively safe selection in Justin Fields. Fields will get at least 2 seasons to learn behind Ryan if not 3 before being set loose on the league. Arthur Smith is a former offensive coordinator so it only makes sense that he drafts a QB to develop with his first pick. Fields might have the higher floor but learning behind Ryan could a tually teach him the finer points of being an NFL QB and prepare him better than being thrust into the action right away.
#5 overall the Bengals are slightly disappointed to see Sewell off the board. Having just drafted Tee Higgins in the 2nd round in 2020, and still having Tyler Boyd on the roster wide receiver is less of a need than offensive line is currently. However with Aj Green, John Ross, Alex Erickson, and Mike Thomas all headed to free agency, drafting LSU wide receiver Jamaar Chase makes too much sense. Chase is a big play receiver with the type of body style to be yards after the catch nightmare for defenses, he has been compared to players like Deebo Samuel, or Curtis Samuel as a guy who could see quite a few designed runs at times. The main reason this pick makes sense is his connection with Burrow. He was Burrow's most accomplished receiver, and he opted out in 2020 meaning he could go from catching his last passes in college from Burrow to catching his first NFL passes from him as well possibly aiding the transition for Burrow.
#6 overall my Philadelphia Eagles have the chance to draft two game breaking talents on offense both of which could be huge to their transformation over the next two years however I think ultimately they can't help but take a tight end. Nick Sirriani and his assistants have used multiple tight ends through out their careers and had success doing so. I think there isn't a true X receiver that could fit the Eagles need right now so instead they draft a mismatch nightmare in Kyle Pitts who will serve as a number 2 tight end but likely be used as something of a chess piece. He will see snaps at tight end, snaps out wide as an X receiver, or in the slot, maybe even some snaps in the backfield and the occasional carry. However you slice it Pitts will help the Eagles offense mask deficiencies on the offensive line, help develop a young QB, and said the run game. DeVonta Smith may be shades of DeSean Jackson but the Eagles see the second coming of Zach Ertz just cheaper and pounce on him...meaning Kyle Pitts is drafted to fill a sort of hybrid tight end role where he will play as much lined up in the backfield or as a wide receiver as he will inline.
At number 7 the Lions snatch up DeVonta Smith after franchise tagging Kenny Golladay and allowing Marvin Jones to walk the Lions snatch the Heisman winner to pair with a strong backfield, and their new QB in Jared Goff. He should be a no brainer if he falls this far and I wouldn't put it past them to draft Jalen Waddle or Jamar Chase if they fall instead of Smith. The Lions will likely look to get younger this off season which will be easy at wide receiver when you have 5 unrestricted veteran free agents including Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Ammendola, Mohammed Sanu, and 'Jack of all trades' Jamal Agnew. Honestly you could make a case for keeping Golladay, and Jones yet still making this pick giving you three very talented receivers forcing a pick your poison situation for the defense..
With the 8th overall selection the Panthers select QB Mac Jones. They got to do what few other teams have and see this guy up close when they coached the senior bowl. They often raved about him. It only makes sense that a new GM would make the more certain decision in these most uncertain of times. Teddy Bridgewater still has 2 years left on his deal and he will be just 31 when his contract expires, a spring chicken compared to some qbs. However he is stuck in this scenario where he has proven to be little more than a game manager which is not what any team wants to hitch its wagon to long term which is why the Panthers simply can't pass on Jones who will sit behind Bridgwater for most of the year until the team is eliminated from playoff contention. They will then bench him, and use their out in his contract to cut him after 2021.
With the 9th overall pick the Denver Broncos are swayed by a trade offer from the Washington Football Team. They come calling to move up from 19 to 9 to select their QB of the future Trey Lance. The WFT offers up their 19th overall pick, as well as both their 3rd round picks 74th and 82nd overall, as well as LB Cole Holcomb. The WFT is elated to draft Trey Lance who is of course a raw prospect having played in so few games, but they need a fresh face. He will compete with Taylor Heineke, and if the rumors are true Cam Newton on a short term deal. This will be almost identical to the setup when Alex Smith, Colt McCoy, and Dwayne Haskins made up the depth chart.
#10 overall is held by the Dallas Cowboys who now have fallen on some immense luck. They need pass rushers, cornerbacks, and safeties and not one has been selected yet. The Cowboys with Dan Quinn running the defense will want an alpha dog cornerback to match up with number 1 receivers. With Chidobe Awuzie, Jordain Louis, Cj Goodwin, and Xavier Woods all are unrestricted free agents leaving several holes in the secondary. I believe the guy they target will be CB Caleb Farley. At 6'2 207 lbs he can be the same press-man cornerback that the Seahawks had in Richard Sherman when Quinn ran their defense. Farley is a versatile DB who can play outside, in the slot and has at times even played safety. He strikes me as a plug and play defender at this stage. This would allow the Cowboys to focus their cap space on bringing back Prescott, Xavier Woods, and perhaps Tyronne Crawford too. Farley would form a solid trio with Anthony Brown, and Trevon Diggs.
With the 11th overall selection the New York Giants select defensive end Gregory Rousseau from Miami. This is by far the biggest gamble on the board so far. Rousseau popped in 2019 as a redshirt freshman, before opting out in 2020 and declaring for the 2021 draft. In his one season of production he managed 54 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 15.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 recovery. The Giants like his size at 6'6 251 lbs. They believe he can add 9-10 lbs and be a bit more stout against the run while still being the speed element to their pass rush opposite the utter strength of Leonard Williams who had 11.5 sacks in 2020. This guy reminds me of a guy who Steve Spagnuolo would have pounded the table for when he had the factory of defensive ends going with Justin Tuck, Osi, JPP, etc etc.
Number 12 overall belongs to the Jets thanks to their earlier trade with the 49ers. The Jets as a team produced just 31 sacks last season with only Quinnen Williams logging more than 3.5 sacks with 7. They need pass rush in the worst way possible, however when diagnosing what defense the Jets will run under Saleh it takes a bit of investigation he is so adaptive from year to year to stay fresh with his scheme that he will look for assistant coaches that can aid in his transition. In 2021 he will lean on Jeff Ulbrich, Aaron Whitecotton, and Marquand Manuel to scheme to his team's strengths. I believe they will be looking for a player that can line up as an OLB but serve primarily as a pass rusher much like Dee Ford did in 2019 and 2020 prior to injury. The player I believe fits this role but comes from more of a true LB past than Ford who started as a DE before moving to OLB is Micah Parsons. Parsons is 6'3 and according to him now weighs 250 lbs after he spent the 2020 season training for the NFL. He was consistently rated as one of the strongest players on his roster during his time at Penn State, and still reportedly posted 4.43 40 yard dashes as times by team officials. Parsons has the speed, and strength as well as the background to play this role well and is just scratching the surface as a pass rusher. He produced 6.5 sacks, and 18 tackles for a loss in his 2 seasons in college but I believe you have him focus on a role as a pass rusher and get him in an NFL weight room and you could be developing an eventual pro bowl level pass rusher that can still cover, and play the run when needed.
Number 13 overall the Chargers select CB Patrick Surtain Jr. Surtain is a true lockdown cornerback although he lacks the top end speed to match up with certain receivers like Tyreek Hill or Mecole Hardman. He will however be the type of guy who can match up with Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, Travis Kelce, Darren Waller etc etc when called upon. This is an amplified need in the AFC West where the tight ends are on another level above the rest of the league.
Number 14 overall is held by the Minnesota Vikings who need help on defense badly. Even head coach Mike Zimmer foreshadowed a defense heavy offseasons by saying this was the worst performance he has ever overseen by a defense. So I expect them to address one of two positions cornerback or pass rusher. There are several factors that show how bad this defense was but none is more pathetic than the 23 sacks the team produced, but it is followed closely by allowing 17 of 24 conversions on 4th down, 73 of 185 on 3rd down conversions or an overall time of possession of 30:28 on average, as well as a -1 turnover ratio on a team whose QB threw just 13 ints. I believe rather than investing more picks at CB where they drafted Jeff Gladney, and Cameron Dantzler in rounds 1 and 3 just last year. No instead they draft a player who can give their defense an edge that teams are trending toward more and more in the hybrid LB/safeties. The Vikings select Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. He is the prototypical hybrid player lining up everywhere in college. Safety, slot cornerback, on the edge as a pass rusher, inside as a LB to spy mobile QB's, or in coverage on tight ends and backs or bigger receivers. He would be someone who could add weight and play LB for some or stay at his current size 6'1 216 lbs and play as a safety which is the role I see for him with Minnesota. Anthony Harris and George Iloka are both free agents this offseason. While Harris is smaller at 6'1 190 lbs I think he and Iloka serve a lot of similar roles to what J.O.K would be asked to perform which means he could actually help save the team from needing to resign one of these guys. Harris will likely be expensive if brought back, but Iloka is more of your third safety/nickel LB at 6'4 225 lb. If they are concerned about him immediately taking over the starting re they can still go get a lower tier player to start ahead of him who won't cost $11 million per year again and pair them with J.O.K.
Number 15 overall and the Jets are on the board again..with their last selection they drafted Micah Parsons with the thought of lining him up as an OLB who can rush the passer. With this pick they decide to draft Rashawn Slater. While Slater played LT in college many experts believe he will shift inside at the next level it remains to be seen whether that move is to guard or to center. However the Jets have backups who are free agents at both positions creating an opening for Slater to compete for time at both positions right away. I think he ultimately unseats left guard Alex Lewis who is then relegated to a backup role. Slater would form an extremely stout left side between LT Mekhi Becton and C Conor McGovern. While Lewis who has experience at both tackle spots, and guard spots becomes a tremendously valuable depth piece.
Number 16 overall the Arizona Cardinals have started they will move on from Patrick Peterson so naturally they will look to replace him with another similarly talented player, how about a similarly named player too? Jaycee Horn is the top CB left on the board and another tall strong cornerback who can step in as the top cornerback on the Cardinals across from 2019 2nd round pick Byron Murphy in 2021. The Cardinals have an astounding 13 defensive free agents, including 7 starters, 3 starters, and 5 total free agents coming from the secondary. Adding help there is a must.
Number 17 overall is slated to be the Raiders selection. Despite drafting Maxx Crosby, and Clelin Ferrell the Raiders are still looking for pass rush help this offseason especially with former Falcons Takk McKinley, and Vic Beasley headed to free agency. Carl Nassib simply isn't enough of a threat off the edge which is where Kwitty Paye will come into play. The 6'4 272 lb defensive end is the type of end who could kick inside on passing downs with Vic Beasley dropping down to play end opposite of Ferrell in passing situations. With 97 tackles, 23.5 for a loss, 11.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 tipped pass in just 28 games he showed he can produce big plays when needed. He will start from day 1 relegating Nassib to backup duty.
18th overall is Miami again. (18 selections, 5 by 3 teams in AFC East) with their first pick they addressed their offensive line with the best prospect on the board,this time around they will do the same at wide receiver by selecting Jaylen Waddle. Waddle leaves college with 110 offensive touches for 2,016 yards or 18.3 per touch, and 17 tds proving he can be a game breaker however his touches dropped every year from his freshman year to his final season his junior year. While he played in just 6 games he caught 28 passes for 591 yards and 4 tds. Meaning he had more receptions per game, more yards per receptions, and more tds per touch in 2020 than ever before. With an average of just under 5 receptions for 100 yards and 1 td every 7 receptions he showed he can be a great receiver especially when paired with a quarterback he is familiar with like Tua his former college QB, and lined up opposite of DeVante Parker.
After the earlier trade featuring the Broncos and WFT the Broncos select CB Greg Newsome Jr. With Aj Buoye gone, DeVaunte Bausby, and Will Parks free agents the team will need someone to step in as the top CB. He will immediately start opposite of Duke Dawson, with Callahan in the slot if he can ever get healthy. Greg Newsome Jr. at 6'1 190 lbs will be able to handle the larger receivers the Chargers like to play.
20th overall belongs to the Chicago Bears who missed out on the run on quarterbacks at the top of the draft. However that's okay because they have their choice of Christian Darrisaw, and Alijah Vera-Tucker. They just can't pass on adding Darrisaw a plug and play left tackle. This move allows them to slide Charles Leno back to right tackle to compete with Bobbie Massie. Their 2020 swing tackle and swing guard Jason Spriggs, and Rashaad Coward are free agents meaning reverting Leno or Massie back to the swing tackle role would fill that hole and allow them to focus on bringing back Coward or bringing in a free agent guard. Germain Ifedi is also a free agent at guard.
21st overall, despite the Wentz trade Indy still has their first and second round pick this season which makes it so genius. With this pick the Colts realize their defense needs an influx of younger cheaper talent at defensive end. With Denico Autry, and Justin Houston combining for 15.5 sacks and both hitting free agency this is almost a no brainer for the Colts despite the need at CB, or WR. They decide to select Azeez Ojulari edge rusher from Georgia. At 6'3 240 lbs Ojulari can learn behind Justin Houston if he is retained for 2021. Ojulari is the type of guy you would want to break in as a situational rusher as a rookie, then increase his time as the season goes on before he ultimately takes over a starting role in 2022. He will still create an immediate impact on the pass rush in this role.
22nd overall the Titans desperately need pass rush help, and likely would have jumped at drafting Ojulari. However with Jaelen Phillips from Miami on the board the Titans aren't terribly disappointed. At 6'5 255 lbs he brings more size to the position which should aid his transition to the NFL.
23rd overall is pick #3 for the Jets so far. Having acquired the pick in the Jamal Adams trade. Having selected Micah Parsons, and Rashawn Slater so far their third pick can be a best player available selection having filled their biggest needs already. So here they select WR Kadarius Toney from Florida. After a strong showing in with 70 receptions 984 yards, and 10 tds he proved he is a threat as a receiver and not just as a runner. Toney is one of these new age receivers that take quite a few carries as well. He ran the ball 66 times for 580 yards 8.8 average and 2 tds over his four seasons which will simply add another facet to LaFluer's offense. 21 selections down and 6 by teams in the AFC East.
24th overall belongs to the Pittsburgh Steelers who are suddenly experiencing salary cap issues in an extremely bad year to deal with them. They have 6 offensive linemen headed toward free agency after their starting center retired. Leaving tremendous holes on that line. While I believe they try to retain Allejandro Villanueva at LT, they still need help inside. With Aljiah Vera-Tucker on the board they jump at the chance to add a premium interior lineman. I believe they will try and see if he can handle center first, but keep J.C. Haasenauer as a backup plan and potentially sign a center/guard in free agency. If they're not comfortable with him at center they can have him play LG opposite of David DeCastro. Looks like Dwayne Haskins might actually get a shot at making the roster with no QB being added yet.
25th overall is the Jaguars 2nd pick in the draft. Having selected the QB of the present and future of the franchise number 1 overall the Jaguars will likely look to help him out one way or another. Whether that is offensive line help, or receiver help. The Jags honestly have solid talent across the offensive line. After looking through stats it seems as though Gardner Minshew had a tendency to hold the ball too long. In 9 games and 8 starts he took 27 sacks, while Glennon, and Luton in 8 starts, all losses took a combined 17 sacks. With that being said the Jaguars have a long list of free agent pass catchers, Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley, Tyler Eifert, James O'Shaughnessy, Eric Saubert, and Chris Thompson. With DJ Chark, and Laviska Shenalt at wide receiver the cupboard is far from bare, however adding another guy who can line up outside in the form of Rashaad Bateman would be in their best interests. I alluded to the new age hybrid wide receivers that take more and more carries, Shenault is one of these guys, adding a true outside threat opposite of Chark would allow Bevell to be even more creative with Shenault especially if they let Chris Thompson walk. Bateman was a 3 year starter at Minnesota playing in 31 games catching 147 passes for 2,395 yards, and 19 tds. He will be the perfect compliment to Chark, and the ideal upgrade over Chris Conley and the role he was signed to play. Now the Jags need to take a mid round pick and make a play for Zach Ertz to round out their offense.
26th overall the Cleveland Browns select Zaven Collins OLB from Tulsa. Collins is a younger more rounded version of Olivier Vernon. At 6'4 260 lbs, he has played LB his entire career but could easily transition to 4-3 DE and succeed. He however will be able to stick at OLB albeit with more of a focus on rushing the passer. Replacing Vernon a converted DE playing OLB, with a guy like Collins who has much more value in coverage is going to be a huge asset to the defense allowing them to disguise where the pass rush is coming from. He screams Kevin Stefanski style of football to me.
27th overall currently belongs to the Ravens however they are lacking draft picks this season, and would like to add a wide receiver, so they look to trade down. Armed with this info and the info that Miami is looking to add RB Najaae Harris, potentially even if it means trading into the first round, the Falcons pounce. They trade the #35 overall pick, and WR Russell Gage who served as their third wide receiver last season catching 72 passes for 786 yards and 4 tds he is entering the final year of his deal and Atlanta won't be able to afford an extension in exchange for the 27th overall pick, and a conditional 5th round pick in 2022. Atlanta then selects Najaae Harris running back from Alabama to lead their rushing attack, meaning Todd Gurley likely will not return to Atlanta.
28th overall the Saints select safety Trevon Moehrig. The former cornerback will come in and take over as the starter at free safety. Literally four players listed at free safety are free agents this offseason and the Saints are already buried in cap hell. So they let all four players leave, and replace them with rookie Moehrig. He is the perfect compliment to Malcolm Jenkins and Cj Garnder. The Saints might also wind up cutting nickel CB Patrick Robinson which will further open up a need for a versatile safety who can line up in the slot if needed.
29th overall belongs to Green Bay who desperately needs a wide receiver. However there are a few guys left that are high 2nd round grades that they could look to select here. Rondale Moore, and Terrence Marshall Jr. both guys have their value to the Packers offense but I feel the selection here is Terrence Marshall Jr. The 6'4 200 lb receiver can line up opposite of Devante Adams. He is a guy I believe can develop into a really high end number 2 receiver and could wind up being a poor man's Justin Jefferson.
30th overall the Buffalo Bills seem to be on the climb to the top of relevancy they just need to continue to build on the foundation they have in place already. There are a few prospects here that make sense for the Bills, including the aforementioned Rondale Moore, who reminds me a lot of Randall Cobb, a solid slot receiver with the versatility to run the ball, and the hands and ability to separate that could lead him to be a huge asset as a 3rd receiver. But ultimately with four free agents at the guard and tackle spot all on the right side and no cap space to work with the Bills opt to select Jalen Mayfield. The 6'5 319 lb redshirt sophomore has played in just 15 games but displayed the traits you want to see in a starting NFL offensive lineman. He is regarded as a player who could play right tackle or shift inside to guard. However I believe the Bills move him inside to guard to develop opposite of Jon Feliciano. I believe they move Cody Ford to right guard and let him compete there as well one of these two might also see some practice reps at center to see if they are viable options there, and attempt to retain Jon Feliciano or sign a low cost free agent. Upgrading the line will only aid in Josh Allen's continued growth and prevent him from becoming the next Andrew Luck.
31st overall belongs to Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs need offensive line help. This leads them to select Teven Jenkins from Oklahoma State. Jenkins began his college Career as a backup logging 3 starts as a freshman 2 at guard, and 1 at tackle. The following season he was allowed to focus on playing tackle but was used as a swing tackle and started games on both sides. Finally in year 3 he settled at you guessed it left tackle. Which is most likely the position they plug him in at day one opposite of former 3rd round pick Lucas Niang who has worked at right tackle prior to opting out in 2020. Protecting your $450 million qb with young tackles is an interesting strategy but Andy Reid has always liked to draft offensive and defensive linemen.
Last but not least the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 32nd overall after winning a super bowl are going to have multiple needs due to the cap restraints the covid restraints have caused. Due to this I believe the Buccaneers break down and allow Chris Godwin, and Jaydon Mickens to walk in free agency. So they select a player that can replace their role in the Bucs offense in Rondale Moore. Moore is a 5'9 180 lb receiver who came into Purdue and caught 113 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 tds adding 21 carries 213 yards and 2 tds as a true freshman while also returning punts and kicks. He had some injury issues the last 2 seasons playing in just 7 games however during those 7 games he caught another 64 passes for 657 yards, and 2 tds as well as 9 carries for 35 yards and 1 td. He is simply a productive player who I think will be the perfect 2nd receiver for the Bucs. He can line up outside or in the slot when needed. Solid receiver and solid value at 32nd overall.
2nd round:
33rd overall Jaguars have selected their QB, and Paired him with WR Rashaad Bateman. However they aren't done yet. This time they select RB Travis Etienne to serve as a complimentary piece to James Robinson. Etienne is your prototypical 3rd down scat back style of player adding him to this offense along with the two guys they got in the first suddenly this offense is shaping up to be dangerous from day 1.
34th overall Jets traded away the 2nd overall pick and made 3 selections in the first round. The Jets select DL Christian Barmore. The 6'5 310 lb defensive tackle was first with QB pressures in 2020 with 39 and had 8 sacks. I believe you draft him, slide him over to defensive end in the 3-4 front they run.
35th overall belongs to the Ravens following their trade with the Falcons. The Ravens wanted to add receiver talent and were able to do do with Russell Gage meaning they can focus on other areas with this pick. With Yannick Ngakue, and Matt Judon both headed toward free agency the Ravens select OLB Joesph Ossai from Texas. The 6'4 253 lb linebacker was simply an impact player. He played in 29 games, logging 99 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, 2 ints, 3 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery, 5 forced fumbles. Put him in Baltimore's defense and this guy will become a premier pass rusher in no time.
36th overall Dolphins are picking for the 3rd time already. Having shored up their offensive line, and wide receiver group it's time to address the defense. With Kyle Van Noy released just 1 year into his 3 year deal the Phins will be needing some pass rush help in the form of a stand up linebacker. That man is Jason Oweh the 6'5 257 lb OLB from Penn State. The Dolphins believe he will develop to be the starter to replace Van Noy's hybrid LB/DE role.
37th overall the Philadelphia Eagles are in desperate need of cornerback help opposite of Darius Slay who just restructured his deal. That man will be Asante Samuel Jr., the son of former Eagles player Asante Samuel. Samuel Jr. Is knocked for many of the same reasons his father was, mainly being his smaller size which leads many analysts to believe he will need to start out as a nickel cornerback before moving outside. However I believe the Eagles will do the opposite and start him outside and let him simply man up with the opposing team's 2nd receiver, with Avonte Maddox lining up as the nickel defender. So far Roseman has made up ground on his image in Philly.
38th overall the Bengals have stacked the wide receiver position, they have solid depth at running back, but they could use help on the offensive line with a dire need at right tackle the Bengals look to Samuel Cosmi from Texas to fill their need. Cosmi has experience at right tackle early in college before moving to the left side. Jonah Williams has started just 10 games through 2 seasons due to injury. Which is why Cosmi is perfect. He can start at right tackle then slide to left tackle if Williams gets hurt again. Cosmi is also a very experienced lineman who should be a plug and play starter at right tackle.
39th overall Carolina got its QB of the future in roung 1 which they fully intend to redshirt but now it's time to build the talent around him. Carolina again uses its insight from coaching the senior bowl, to select their replacement for Russell Okung at LT. They also just so happen to draft yet another player from Alabama, this time its Alex Leatherwood. Leatherwood has experience as both a guard, and tackle but having finished his career as a left tackle he will get his first chance there. He is regarded as a player who might be better suited to play guard at the next level, but the Panthers lack cap space, and have a need at left tackle right away.
40th overall belongs to the Broncos. After a trade down that netted them an extra second round pick, and a potential starter at ILB, they selected Greg Newsome Jr., regarded as a reach at #19 but a solid cornerback nonetheless. Having already added 2 potential starters and an additional day 2 pick, the Broncos needed a value pick at #40. With this pick they select Carlos Basham Jr., the Broncos need defensive end help, with Shelby Harris, DeMarcus Walker, and Sylvester Williams all headed to free agency adding Basham would add a very solid pass rusher to this group. Yes I know the Broncos run a 3-4, and that Basham is regarded as an edge rusher, however I believe at 6'5 275 lbs he has enough size and strength to stand up at the position, especially because I expect the Broncos to bring back Shelby Harris as the starter which would relegate Basham to a pass rush specialist role as a 3-4 end. The scary thing us how similar of a pick this would be to DeMarcus Walker.
41 Detroit in this scenario retained Kenny Golladay, and drafted DeVonta Smith to go along with Tj Hockenson to catch passes from Goff. With that beind said they turn their attention to their defense, where their top need despite first and second round picks invested at the position in 2017, and 2019, is arguably linebacker. The Lions see Nick Bolton on the board and don't even hesitate. Bolton has experience playing MLB or WLB which will prove crucial for the Lions who might look to move on from 2017 first round pick MLB Jarrad Davis who has underwhelmed. Bolton is the type of alpha dog leader you want as your middle linebacker in the NFL, he is also the exact type of player Dan Campbell will be looking for.
42 New York Giants are extremely disappointed that they missed out on drafting Bolton. He would have been a solid weak side linebacker for their scheme however, they instead draft OLB Joe Tryon from Washington. Tryon is a 6'5 262 pound pass rushing linebacker ideal for the role the Giants will be looking for with Jabal Sheard, and Kyler Fackrell headed to free agency. These two players combined for 5.5 sacks in 2020 a number I feel even an inexperienced Tryon can achieve in the Giants scheme.
43 49ers desperately need an upgrade at guard where Justin Skule is better suited to play tackle than he is guard (shoot he is better suited to play TE at 6'6 280 lbs, than guard). They also have 5 players set to be free agents, 5 of them interior linemen. That's where Wyatt Davis comes in to play. Davis is an athletic guard with experience in a zone blocking scheme. He is a solid value at 43rd overall and should have no problem seizing the starting job and pushing Skule back to tackle.
45 Jaguars already pick again? That's right folks. Their 4th pick already. the Jags have filled needs at QB, WR, and RB already. Why not go one step further and grab a tight end. Unfortunately you won't find a player of Kyle Pitts' caliber but Pat Freiermuth is the next best option. Freiermuth replaced Mike Gesicki as the tight end. Gesicki wound up going 42nd overall in the 2018 draft. While Freiermuth might not be quite the athlete that Gesicki is, he is twice the blocker he will ever be, and is also as reliable as they come in the red zone as evidenced by his 15 tds in his first two seasons with the team.
46. Patriots due to the trade with the 49ers the Pats have not yet made a selection, they did however bring in a guy at QB who could be their starter. With that being said two key pieces of their offensive line are headed to free agency. Center David Andrew's, and Guard Joe Thuney. With their cap situation they will not be able to resign both especially after taking on Jimmy G's contract. So they opt to instead draft a center with some flexibility to play guard that man is none other than Creed Humphrey. Humphrey is a former wrestler who has nearly unrivaled strength for a college player, he has played primarily at center and played extremely well being graded as the top center in this year's draft. He could play guard if needed which might prove to be the case. Bill and company might prefer to resign Andrews over Thuney.
47 Chargers also address their offensive line. They select tackle Liam Eichenberg from Notre Dame. Eichenberg is the latest in a long line of some very talented offensive linemen coming out of Notre Dame. He started at LT for the Irish for 3 seasons 2018-2020. He managed over 2 full seasons without giving up a sack, and was considered for many awards after the season. Now he will head to the Chargers to block for Justin Herbert's blind side.
48 Raiders the Raiders already selected a defensive end to help round out their pass rush, so they turn to offense with their 2nd round pick. With wide receiver Elijah Moore on the board the Raiders select a compliment to Darren Waller, and Henry Ruggs. Moore is another WR that excels as a runner as well. He managed 86 receptions for 1,193 yards, and 8 tds, adding 14 carries for 64 yards in just 8 games. He managed to continuously improve his stats year after year until his break out season in 2020 going from 39 touches 406 yards, and 2 tds to 71 touches for 849 yards, and 6 tds, then in 2020 he hit 100 touches for 1,257 yards tds. I expect his NFL career to look similar. Around 35-40 touches as a rookie, 70 ish touches as a second year receiver, then boom year 3 he hits his stride. Solid value pick at #48.
49 Arizona needs to get stout up front on their defensive line. With JJ Watt now manning one end position, and 3rd round pick Zach Allen at the other it would seem their need lies at nose tackle where Corey Peter's, and Domata Peko are free agents. Both are aging veterans that are on the trail end of their careers at 32, and 36 respectively. So the Cardinals decide to address defensive tackle with the second best player at the position in Daviyon Nixon from Iowa. The 6'3 305 lb defensive tackle has the ability to play just about any of the 3 down linemen spots in a 3-4 front but he will begin his career at the nose tackle spot. He is likely a much better athlete than the older guys he is replacing but only time will tell if that translates or if he transitions to end long term.
50 Miami- Having already loaded up with the three picks they had in the top 40 by adding Penei Sewel, Jaylen Waddle, and Jason Oweh filling solidifying three position groups of need the Dolphins are in a position where they take the best player available. On their particular board that player is Safety Jevon Holland from Oregon. Holland was a 2 year starter at free safety a position that may become a need if Miami decides to move on from Bobby McCain. Holland was much more of a ball hawk in college than anyone not named Xavien Howard proved to be last season and should add an element to their defense in coverage that they didn't have before even with converted cornerbacks McCain and Rowe as the starters. I still believe Miami would start Brandon Jones but it was seen last season how often the Dolphins under Flores like to use their safeties.
51 Denver has several needs but none more than cornerback after cutting their only experienced outside cornerback. While I assume they will sign a veteran in free agent and retain Callahan as their nickel corner, the Broncos decide to double tap the cornerback position with Eric Stokes on the board. The 6'1 185 lb cornerback is being drafted with the thought that he can grow into a starter opposite of fellow rookie Newsome Jr., the defensive minded head coach Vic Fangio, and his right hand man former DB coach Ed Donatell believe in depth at CB, especially at the top of the depth chart.
52 Chicago it's looking more and more as this draft goes on that Chicago will be moving forward with the same men at QB they had in 2020. They missed out on Wentz, Jimmy G, and Matthew Stafford on the trade market, they are left with Alex Smith, Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor, and Mitch Trubisky on the market. With that being said if you don't like the QB's available here, which we do not at this pick, you go ahead and bring back Trubisky on a short term deal and keep moving forward, but to help him be successful you continue to build that o line, as you work out a long term deal with Allen Robinson. With that in mind our selection is guard Landon Dickerson. Despite Kyle Long unretiring, we decide to move on in a new direction instead going with a younger healthier player.
53 Tennessee despite many other needs there is one thing I strongly believe the Titans need to go against the grain on and select with this pick. That player is running back Javonte Williams. Before anyone believes I'm expecting them to move on from Derrick Henry you're quite wrong. In fact you pick Williams because of your desire to keep Henry at peak performance long term. Last season there was no player other than Henry that had more than 50 carries. That's an issue even if your 250 lb starting back takes punishment like a champ, a 387 carry workload yearly will surely grind him into the dirt. So why not add a similar back that can pound the rock like Henry. At 5'10 220 lbs Williams is about as close as you get body type wise to Henry at 6'3 250 lbs. This move also allows the Titans to have some insurance if Henry who accounted for 2,141 yards or 34% of the Titans offense, his 2,026 rushing yards accounted for over 75% of the team rushing unheard of in the day and age of true running back by committee.
55 Steelers select DE Ronnie Perkins who will move to OLB in their 3-4 system. The 6'3 245 lb former high school tight end will fill their need for outside pass rush help. This need will only be amplified by the 9 free agents the Steelers have between edge rushers and inside linebackers. Perkins may have played end in college but I believe he will be better suited to play LB in the NFL, and honestly I could see him even playing inside linebacker if they chose he is an explosive athlete, but he is a polished and accomplished pass rusher who only fell this far due to character concerns, something Mile Tomlin will have no issue putting an immediate end to.
56 Seahawks select offensive tackle Dillon Radunz from North Dakota State. He is in an incredibly athletic offensive lineman who started his college career as a defensive lineman before being moved to offensive line. He redshirted in 2016, tore an ACL in 2017, then came out on fire as a starter at left tackle for the next 3 seasons. Radunz will however begin his career at right tackle or left guard due to the presence of Duane Brown. Either way this is a boom or bust pick but Seattle is addressing its biggest need by grabbing a quality offensive lineman. He may only have 5 years of playing o line but that actually makes me believe that he will transition to the right side or slide over to guard with ease. It took him just 2 years to dominate competition at left tackle with no offensive line experience prior to that, now he understands the fundamentals of offensive football and he can translate that to wherever he is asked to start. Seattle could opt to plug him intoa position and let him stay there for good, or have him ultimately replace Brown at LT long term.
57 Rams select Dylan Moses ILB from Missouri. Moses is regarded as the second best ILB in the draft this season yet still falls all the way to the 57th pick. This is far from the Rams biggest need however they see value and jump at it. Moses is a guy who played at every LB spot in college but settled inside so while he may be regarded as an ILB he is not strictly stuck there the Rams recognize this versatility and realize their linebacker group suffered several injuries to key players. Adding a guy like Moses who can start from day 1 at any of the 4 spots improves depth tremendously.
58 Ravens after addressing pass rusher with their first selection at pick #35, and adding wide receiver help via the trade down, the Ravens are sitting in a solid position. They are drafting having filled their biggest needs and can select the best player available. That player on their board is WR Tylan Wallace the 3 year starter from Oklahoma State is a 6'0 185 lb receiver who could be an upgrade over number 2 receiver Willie Snead. Even though they added Russell Gage who I believe will be their defacto number 1 receiver, with Hollywood sliding into the number 2 role, and Wallace competing with 3rd round picks in 2019, and 2020 in Myles Boykin, and Devin Duvernay.
59 Browns with their first round selection they addressed their OLB position where Olivier Vernon is a free agent by bringing in Zaven Collins. This time they draft CB Tyson Campbell. Last season the Browns had several guys be forced into starting games due to a season ending injury to Greedy Williams, as well as others missing time. Terrence Mitchell their only CB to start all 16 games is a free agent along with Kevin Johnson, and Tavierre Thomas both of which were asked to start games. Even with Williams returning from injury the Browns opt to address the position meaning it will in hopes have Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams opposite of him, with Campbell serving as the nickelback and perhaps seeing some safety like roles. At 6'2 185 lbs Campbell should be a solid addition as a nickelback for the 2021 season and beyond giving the Browns a star studded secondary with Grant Delpit, and Ronnie Harrison also returning.
60 Saints in round 1 were the first team to select a safety who they intend to pair with Malcom Jenkins. However in round 2 the Saints select a player some may believe is a reach. That player...none other than QB Kyle Trask from Florida. If you take a moment to read the draft profile for this man you will several things repeated on nearly any source. Accurate, smart, pocket passer, stands in the pocket with confidence, but can sense a rush and move outside a pocket to buy time, showed progression year after year in college. To me I read that and immediately think of Drew Brees. Brees was always successful due to his mind, accuracy, not his size, his mobility or a super human arm. Trask is a similar style player but he stands 6'5 240 lbs and can take a hit versus the 6'0 220 lb Brees. Now with all honesty, Trask may never start a game for New Orleans and would still be a smart pick for several reasons. First of all currently the Saints have no developmental prospect on the roster. Beyond two guys in their late 20's the Saints look to be banking on a draft pick to round out the depth chart. Winston and Hill are both candidates to get contract extensions, but without being inside Payton's mind we will never know if he believes Hill can be a starting QB, or if Winston can improve his accuracy and decision making, so you hedge your bets with a guy who worst case scenario is a high ceiling, low floor backup QB. Considering all 3 qbs on the roster started games in 2020, and the fact that Hill takes more hits than any other player regarded as a passer due to his time in other roles quality depth at quarterback is a must.
61 Bills the Bills chose to address offensive line in the first round, and will likely address the receiver position in free agency as they have in years past. With that being said the former DB coach turned head coach decides to add another starting caliber DB to the mix. They select Aaron Robinson from UCF. Robinson played quite a bit in the slot in college something he will be asked to do often in his first couple seasons. He stands 6'1 193 lbs perfect for the Bills who tend to like taller cornerbacks. With Josh Norman, Ej Gaines, and Levi Wallace set to be free agents the Bills need depth here. The Bills will plug him in at the nickel with Levi Wallace returning as a starter outside.
62 Packers the Packers drafted Terrence Marshall Jr. in round 1 finally drafting a WR for Rodgers. Without hesitation they go ahead and double tap WR. Drafting WR Amon-Ra St. Brown from USC. The 6'1 195 lb receiver declared after a 3 year career that saw him play in 30 games logging 187 touches for 2,339 yards, and 17 tds. He will be a solid slot receiver for the Packers and go a long way to making Rodgers happy and building talent for the future around Love.
63 Chiefs have already addressed their need at tackle by drafting Tevin Jenkins, who has some positional flexibility. However with four free agents in the secondary they feel the need to select the best DB still available on their board. That is safety Andre Cisco from Syracuse. Starting strong safety Daniel Sorenson is a free agent, and while he may not light the world on fire he is a valuable player who needs to be replaced with a player of similar caliber. That's why Cisco is the pick here, Cisco depending who you ask is the 2nd best safety in the draft although in this case he ends up being drafted 3rd. He is a ball hawk and will add a compliment to Mathieau.
64 Buccaneers Adding Rondale Moore in the first will be regarded by some as a stretch until he comes in and catches a few slant and drag routes from Brady and everyone forgets how they cried about selecting a wide receiver in the first round. In the second round the Bucs opt to address the running back position. Thank you General Manager Tom Brady...they select 5'11 191 lb Kenneth Gainwell who exploded on the scene as a redshirt freshman after suffering an injury in his first season. He carried the ball 231 times for 1,459 yards, 13 tds, adding 51 receptions for 610 yards and 3 tds. Showing he is a solid 3rd down style back who has a bit better build than your average 5'8-5'10 170-190 lb backs. He will serve as the 2nd back off the bench with Leonard Fournette, Lesean McCoy, and Tyler Logan all free agents.
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