{"id":6751,"date":"2025-04-24T07:40:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T07:40:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/?p=6751"},"modified":"2025-04-24T07:40:51","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T07:40:51","slug":"the-daily-briefing-tuesday-april-22-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/the-daily-briefing-tuesday-april-22-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"The Daily Briefing Tuesday, April 22, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

AROUND THE NFL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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RB ASHTON JEANTY thinks he\u2019s going between #6 and #12.  Which leads Mike Florio to wonder if someone wouldn\u2019t trade to take his at #5 or if the Giants might take him at #3. Ashton Jeanty is widely believed to be the best running back in the draft class. In three days, we\u2019ll find out where he lands.<\/em> <\/em>On Monday afternoon, Jeanty visited with #PFTPM, thanks to the fine folks at USAA. Jeanty addressed his ceiling and his floor in round one.<\/em> <\/em>He believes the highest he\u2019ll be drafted is No. 6, to the Raiders. Jeanty thinks the lowest spot will be No. 12, to the Cowboys.<\/em> <\/em>The possibility of the Raiders taking Jeanty at No. 6 opens the door to someone trading up to No. 5, with the Jaguars. Also, it\u2019s hard to not at least wonder whether Giants co-owner John Mara will be tempted to try to rectify last year\u2019s Saquon Barkley blunder by pouncing on Jeanty.<\/em> <\/em>And, yes, if the Giants pass on Jeanty, he could end up in the NFC East, with the Cowboys.<\/em> <\/em>Regardless of where he lands, Jeanty could end up being an NFL superstar. If that happens, it won\u2019t matter where he was picked. And whoever passed on him will regret it \u2014 unless they get a superstar of their own.<\/em> We have also seen Jeanty go at #4 in some Mock Drafts to New England where new coach Mike Vrabel knows how to work with an elite back.- – -Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com<\/a> has made some adjustments at the top of his Big Board: The big move at the top is Colorado WR\/CB Travis Hunter vaulting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter for the No. 1 slot. I’ve been thinking about making this change for a while and finally decided to move Hunter up one spot. Obviously, both players are tremendously impressive. I just think there’s something special about Hunter’s ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball.<\/em> <\/em>One other notable move is Missouri’s Armand Membou overtaking LSU’s Will Campbell as my top offensive tackle in the class. I still believe it’s highly likely Campbell will be the first offensive tackle drafted on Thursday. The change is more of a statement about my belief in the upside of Membou. The more I watch him, the more I see some similarities to a player I was around during my time scouting for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jason Peters.<\/em> Membou has also been moving ahead of Campbell in a number of Mock Drafts we have seen. <\/td><\/tr>
NFC NORTH<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>MINNESOTA<\/strong><\/strong>QB J.J. McCARTHY has been declared healthy.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com<\/a>: J.J. McCarthy is ready to roll as the Minnesota Vikings open their offseason program.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“I’d consider him full. Really, no limitations,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday. “I want to credit J.J. for how he’s handled these last two, two-and-a-half, three months or so where I think he’s ready to hit the ground running as of today.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a preseason knee injury. After learning on the side in 2024, the Michigan product sets sail as the clear-cut starter at this stage in 2025.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>O’Connell noted that with a year to learn and develop his game outside the spotlight, McCarthy ramped up his technique and mental acumen.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“He’s done a phenomenal job [with] what I would really call [those] invisible habits, invisible work that he’s done when really nobody’s been watching, in many ways solidifying and finalizing his rehab,” O’Connell said. “Then, on into a phase where he’s really been able to push it on the field from a throws [standpoint] and working his technique and fundamentals and then ultimately the mental side of it as well.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>O’Connell said that Phase One of the offseason program, starting with classroom work and rehab training, sets up “perfectly” for McCarthy.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Moving forward, the question is whether and when the Vikings might add a veteran signal-caller. Minnesota was outbid for veterans Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, with both leaving for better paths to playing time. Aaron Rodgers’ name has been floated about as a potential veteran addition, but the Vikings plan to give McCarthy the reins.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“We’ve been patient, and we’ve really evaluated a lot of different ways we could potentially do that,” O’Connell said of adding a veteran QB. “There’s potential trades and free agency and still the draft. We’re going through a process of just figuring out who is the player we want to solidify that room with. … When that happens, the timing of it remains to be seen.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>At this point, McCarthy getting the majority of early offseason reps — mental and physical — is best for his development. With Brett Rypien the only other quarterback on the roster, someone will be added before training camp. The type of signal-caller — whether simply a camp arm or otherwise — could depend on the progress McCarthy continues to make.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
NFC EAST<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>DALLAS<\/strong><\/strong>Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News<\/em> says he hears the Cowboys will pick up the 5th<\/sup> year option on G TYLER SMITH: The Cowboys are expected to pick up the fifth-year option for 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Dallas Morning News.<\/em> <\/em>It\u2019s no surprise considering the left guard has made two Pro Bowls in three seasons and has emerged as the best player on the offensive line. During the offseason retirements of right guard Zack Martin and left tackle Tyron Smith, both said Smith is the next elite offensive lineman for the franchise.<\/em> <\/em>\u201cI feel like Tyler has came in and set the standard that he wants to be great when he first got here,\u201d Tyron Smith said of the North Crowley product. \u201cAnd he has just increased his potential every year. His work ethic and what he puts into this game [and] how dominating he is on the field, it just shows he is getting better. He has the potential to be one of the greats and I can\u2019t wait to see that show.\u201d<\/em> <\/em>NFL teams have until May 1 to decide on fifth-year options for players. Smith\u2019s projected salary for the 2026 season will be $23.4 million because he\u2019s made multiple Pro Bowls.<\/em> <\/em>Smith, the 24th pick of the 2022 draft, signed a four-year, $13.3 million deal with the Cowboys. He will earn a base salary of $2.5 million in 2025.<\/em> <\/em>The Cowboys are also interested in locking up Smith long-term based on what he\u2019s already done in his career. The first steps in that process are being taken.<\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 PHILADELPHIA<\/strong><\/strong>Chase was on the case from Paw Patrol, or so thinks WR A.J. BROWN\u2019s son \u2013 and the stolen vehicle has been recovered and a perpetrator captured. “I’ll tell y’all a funny joke. This morning, when I was talking to the police, my little son comes up and goes ‘Dada, Paw Patrol!’ I said, ‘Everybody’s got jokes this morning.’ Now the joke’s on you,” he added.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Fox 29 in Philadelphia, citing sources, reported that the car was found in Camden, New Jersey, and that police had the suspect in custody. ESPN has reached out to the Camden Police Department for comment.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
NFC WEST<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/em><\/strong>SAN FRANCISCO<\/strong>Even as the 49ers try to squirrel away money to give QB BROCK PURDY a contract suitable to the recently inflated market, two of the team\u2019s other top players are also demanding raises.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com<\/a>: The 49ers begin their offseason program Tuesday, and it is uncertain whether tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner will show up to the voluntary workouts, Michael Silver of TheAthletic.com<\/a>reports.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Both players want contract extensions.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The 49ers have yet to have \u201cany substantive talks\u201d with Warner\u2019s camp about a contract extension, according to Silver, and the team and Kittle remain \u201cfar apart in discussions.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Warner has two years remaining on his deal, but he has a cap hit of $29.174 million for the 2025 season.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>He signed a five-year, $95 million extension in 2021, and he has made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro three times since.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Kittle is heading into the final year of a five-year, $75-million deal, and both sides have expressed a desire to get an extension this offseason.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Kittle has a cap number of $22.026 million for 2025 and is scheduled for $13.6 million in dead money in 2026 due to void years.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>He has made the Pro Bowl the past four seasons and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
AFC WEST<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>DENVER<\/strong><\/strong>Are the Broncos looking to move up?  Nick Kendell of SI.com<\/a>: After last week\u2019s conference call with NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah, conversations about Denver potentially trading down to No. 33 or No. 34 in a move with the Browns or Giants, respectively, appeared to be a legitimate option.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>On the contrary, though, ESPN\u2019s Adam Schefter reported Monday the Broncos are among the few teams making calls regarding a trade-up in the first round of the draft.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“There has been, however, a lack of teams willing to trade up — at least so far. Denver is one of those: The Broncos have made inquiries about moving up in Round 1, according to sources,” Schefter wrote. “But there aren’t many others. This always could change when players start falling and teams are on the clock.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>What happens next on the Broncos beat? Don’t miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!<\/em><\/em> <\/em>What might a trade-up look like? It depends entirely on how far the Broncos want to move and what prospect is available. With so many teams looking to move down, it could be argued this is a buyer\u2019s market, but that doesn\u2019t mean Denver will be getting a discount.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“On the other side of things, the Steelers (No. 21) are among the teams interested in moving back from their first-round slot,” Schefter added. “That list also includes the Jaguars (5), Panthers (8), 49ers (11), Falcons (15), Seahawks (18), Buccaneers (19) and Vikings (24), who currently have four picks, the fewest any team.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Who may Denver be moving for? Given general manager George Paton\u2019s comments that the club views the projected prospects in picks 10-20 to be relatively similar, the Broncos are likely aiming to secure one of the few true first-round grades on their big board.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Could the Broncos make an aggressive play for running back Ashton Jeanty if he falls past the Raiders at No. 6? Maybe despite landing Evan Engram, the Broncos could trade for tight ends Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland? Would Denver make a small move up to guarantee RB Omarion Hampton? Is there a dark horse such as pass rusher Mykel Williams? Or a cornerback like Will Johnson?<\/em><\/em> <\/em>All truths will be revealed in short order. But with the talk of Denver moving up, moving down, or simply standing pat, the scenarios are endless. Regardless, no matter what assortment of players the Broncos walk away with this upcoming weekend, the decision makers in Dove Valley deserve the benefit of the doubt in whichever direction they take the organization.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
AFC NORTH<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>CINCINNATI<\/strong><\/strong>The Bengals braintrust understands a defensive improvement is needed to go deep into the playoffs.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com<\/a>: The Bengals have invested a fortune in salary cap space in building the offense around Joe Burrow, Ja\u2019Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin spent a lot of time during his pre-draft press conference talking about why it\u2019s now time to invest in the defense as well.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cI feel as strongly about the defense as I feel about the offense in terms of necessity, and it\u2019s got to work together,\u201d Tobin said. \u201cYou\u2019re always going to be a little heavier on one side of the ball or the other, depending on how you\u2019re paying your team. There can be an imbalance based on that, but you still have to have a complementary team. We believe we can outscore anybody. That\u2019s our mindset, that\u2019s who we are, that\u2019s what we\u2019ve always been about. But you always have to take care of the other side of the ball.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The Bengals are expected to address their defensive line and secondary in the draft, and Tobin acknowledged they need to do that.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cDefense is important. A lot of people believe defense wins championships, and maybe that\u2019s true. If we get a little better over there, maybe we will,\u201d Tobin said.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Tobin said he believes the Bengals are a team that can win a Super Bowl. Especially if they get a little better on defense.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cI believe that our football team can go win a championship, absolutely,\u201d Tobin said. \u201cIt\u2019s a unique group of guys, it really is, and we will add pieces, and defensively we have to elevate ourself.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
AFC SOUTH<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>HOUSTON<\/strong><\/strong>QB C.J. STROUD has won his fight to get more control of the Texans offense.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com<\/a>: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud won offensive rookie of the year under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik in 2023. But Stroud regressed in 2024, costing Slowik his job.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Slowik is now in Miami as the senior passing game coordinator, replaced in Houston by Nick Caley.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Stroud asked for more ownership of the offense, and he said Monday that Cauley\u2019s scheme will allow him to \u201ctake control\u201d on the field. Stroud will do \u201ca little bit more pre-snap\u201d to \u201cput my guys in the best position.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>It\u2019s something Stroud said he didn\u2019t work on the past two years.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cI\u2019m going to get what I want and that\u2019s been really cool just to see that [Caley has] bought into me and he doesn\u2019t really know me well yet,\u201d Stroud said, via Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle. \u201cHe talked about it today, having blind trust, and I have a lot of trust in him already.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Stroud said Cauley will change Houston\u2019s pre-snap philosophy to allow the quarterback to run the show as Matthew Stafford and Tom Brady did at Caley\u2019s previous stops.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>INDIANAPOLIS<\/strong><\/strong>The Colts don\u2019t seem to be expecting a clear winner as QBs ANTHONY RICHARDSON and DANIEL JONES do battle.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com<\/a>: The Indianapolis Colts have kicked off voluntary offseason workouts, which means the quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones is about to get underway.<\/em> <\/em>Phase One of the offseason program is meetings and workouts — not on-field football — but it will lay the ground for the battle that will last throughout the summer.<\/em> <\/em>On Monday, general manager Chris Ballard said the team isn’t entering the process with any preconceived notions, and the decision will ultimately come from a collective choice between coach Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, owner Jim Irsay and himself. Ballard added that the struggles both Richardson and Jones have experienced in their respective careers can be good for each.<\/em> <\/em>“Sometimes you’ve got to be bad before you can be good at playing this game,” he said. “Sometimes you’ve got to struggle before you can be good, all right? We’ve got two guys that have had some really strong flashes and have had some bad moments, too, and that’s OK. I think both of them will be better because of this, and I think the team will be better because of it. You know, competition brings out the best in everybody, and I think we’ll see that.<\/em> <\/em>“To sit here a day before we even start the offseason and have a vision of how. … You don’t want to begin with an end in mind. We’re not gonna do that. It’s like the draft. You don’t want to begin with an end in mind. You’ve got to let things play out the way they should and compete and who gives the team the best chance to win. Look, if I’m a betting man, at some point, both of them will help us.”<\/em> <\/em>Indy imported Jones, who was cut last season from New York, in March to compete with Richardson. The Colts’ former No. 4 overall pick was benched for two games last season and missed four others due to injury.<\/em> <\/em>Ballard was asked if being open-minded about the quarterback position meant he would consider drafting one in the first or second round of this week’s draft.<\/em> <\/em>“If there’s a player that we deem is worthy of it, absolutely, yeah,” the Colts GM said. “Why wouldn’t we? Yeah.”<\/em> <\/em>Asked if that would mean it’s a three-QB competition, Ballard responded: “Sure. If you want to write that story, you can.”<\/em> <\/em>The more likely reality is that the Colts bolster the rest of the roster while letting Richardson and Jones duke it out for the Week 1 starting gig.<\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>THIS AND THAT<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>RANKING THE LAST FIVE DRAFTS<\/strong>Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic on ranks them 1 to 32 on how much talent teams have added in the last five drafts.  The team he puts first began those five drafts by completely blowing the 3rd<\/sup> overall selection. Below is a look at how each NFL team has performed over the past five drafts. I\u2019ve charted the number of top 50 picks each team has had in that stretch, along with the number of Pro Bowl selections and starting seasons those picks have produced. Additionally, I\u2019ve used the Approximate Value metric (created by Pro Football Reference\u2019s Doug Drinen) as a basic guide to rank teams based on which ones have gotten the most out of their recent picks. The number next to each team is that franchise\u2019s average Approximate Value per selection from 2020-24.<\/em> <\/em>It\u2019s important to note here that Approximate Value is what it sounds like: an approximation. Nothing is final here, especially considering how much second- and third-year players are still developing. But here\u2019s a rough look at who\u2019s done the most \u2014 and the least \u2014 with their past five drafts:<\/em> <\/em>1. Detroit Lions (10.53 average Approximate Value)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 12<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 13<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 35<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: OT Penei Sewell (No. 7, 2021); Worst pick: CB Jeff Okudah (No. 3, 2020); Best value: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (No. 112, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>Brad Holmes\u2019 first three classes \u2014 aided by the 2021 Matthew Stafford trade \u2014 featured Sewell, Alim McNeill, St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta. Detroit has put on a masterclass in how to rebuild an organization from the ground up.<\/em> <\/em>2. Kansas City Chiefs (9.46)<\/em><\/strong>Total 50 picks: 5<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 4<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 39<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: C Creed Humphrey (No. 63, 2021); Worst pick: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (No. 32, 2020); Best value: G Trey Smith (No. 226, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>No team has done more with less in recent drafts than the Chiefs, which consistently have picked toward the bottom of the first round. Humphrey (technically, the third center off the board in 2021) was one of the NFL\u2019s best interior linemen by the end of his rookie season and remains so today.<\/em> <\/em>3. Baltimore Ravens (8.95)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 11<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 37<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: S Kyle Hamilton (No. 14, 2022); Worst pick: edge David Ojabo (No. 45, 2022); Best value: DT Nnamdi Madubuike (No. 71, 2020)<\/em><\/strong>Getting Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum in 2022 made for one of the best Day 1 hauls a team could want. Some front-office executives are still afraid of taking safeties early, but Baltimore held strong on Hamilton. The Ravens always take the best player on their board and have had almost zero premium whiffs in this stretch.<\/em> <\/em>4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8.94)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 7<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 5<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 34<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: OT Tristan Wirfs (No. 13, 2020); Worst pick: QB Kyle Trask (No. 64, 2021); Best value: edge YaYa Diaby (No. 82, 2023)<\/em><\/strong>Wirfs is only 26 and has already become the first player in NFL history to earn first-team All-Pro honors at both right and left tackle. Tampa Bay also snagged Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2020 and has continued to grind the middle rounds as well as any team in the league (Cade Otton, Bucky Irving, Cody Mauch).<\/em> <\/em>5. Dallas Cowboys (8.76)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 6<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 15<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 34<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: edge Micah Parsons (No. 12, 2021); Worst pick: DT Mazi Smith (No. 26, 2023); Best value: CB Daron Bland (No. 167, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs and Tyler Smith were all elite picks from 2020-22 \u2014 no one can claim the Cowboys are lacking top-end talent. Of Dallas\u2019 43 picks in this stretch, 18 came in the top 100.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>6. Miami Dolphins (8.75)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 35<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: WR Jaylen Waddle (No. 6, 2021); Worst pick: CB Noah Igbinoghene (No. 30, 2020); Best value: RB De\u2019Von Achane (No. 84, 2023)<\/em><\/strong>The Dolphins had just 37 total picks from 2020-24, but 15 of them were top-100 selections. And though some of Miami\u2019s best value picks (Jevon Holland, Robert Hunt) left via free agency, the franchise has done a nice job maximizing a somewhat short-handed pick arsenal.<\/em> <\/em>7. Cincinnati Bengals (8.48)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 6<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 33<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Joe Burrow (No. 1, 2020); Worst pick: S Daxton Hill (No. 31, 2022); Best value: LB Logan Wilson (No. 65, 2020)<\/em><\/strong>The Bengals hit the jackpot with Burrow and Ja\u2019Marr Chase in back-to-back years, but an inability to find quality offensive linemen via the draft has hindered their progress since making Super Bowl LVI.<\/em> <\/em>8. Buffalo Bills (8.46)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 4<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 1<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 33<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: edge Gregory Rousseau (No. 30, 2021); Worst pick: CB Kaiir Elam (No. 23, 2022); Best value: WR Khalil Shakir (No. 148, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>Like the Chiefs, the Bills have done a terrific job maxing out the draft, despite spending most of the last five years near the bottom of the first round. The Elam miss hurts, but picks such as Shakir, James Cook, O\u2019Cyrus Torrence and Spencer Brown have been huge \u2014 and a testament to Buffalo\u2019s scouting department.<\/em> <\/em>9. Philadelphia Eagles (8.45)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 7<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 24<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Jalen Hurts (R2: No. 53, 2020); Worst pick: WR Jalen Reagor (R1: No. 21, 2020); Best value: LB Nakobe Dean (No. 83, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>The 2020 draft was strange, but it also produced one of the smartest QB picks of the last decade. Since then, Howie Roseman has continued to feast in just about every area of the draft. Getting Jalen Carter at No. 9 was a steal, and bringing in Cam Jurgens before Jason Kelce\u2019s retirement made for one of the best picks in the last five years.<\/em> <\/em>10. Los Angeles Chargers (8.41)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 3<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 32<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Justin Herbert (No. 6, 2020); Worst pick: G Zion Johnson (No. 17, 2022); Best value: OL Jamaree Salyer (No. 195, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>Injuries and coaching changes have gotten in the way here, but the Chargers followed the Herbert pick by adding quality in Rashawn Slater and, most recently, Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey. Even Johnson hasn\u2019t been bad. There\u2019s a reason why Jim Harbaugh was able to get this team off the mat quickly \u2014 the Chargers have talent.<\/em> <\/em>11. Chicago Bears (8.18)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 9<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 41<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Caleb Williams (No. 1, 2024); Worst pick: QB Justin Fields (No. 11, 2021); Best value: OL Braxton Jones (No. 168, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>Finding talent through the draft hasn\u2019t been a problem for Ryan Poles. Drafting Fields before the team was ready hurt, though. The Bears have struggled to find pieces that mesh well together and have fallen behind the deepest division in football as a result.<\/em> <\/em>12. Pittsburgh Steelers (8.18)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 7<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 1<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 35<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: edge Alex Highsmith (No. 102, 2020); Worst pick: QB Kenny Pickett (No. 20, 2022); Best value: WR George Pickens (No. 52, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>Highsmith is Pittsburgh\u2019s best pick and best value during this stretch. But the Steelers, with just 36 total picks from 2020-24, have done a nice job consistently finding quality in the mid-rounds. Zach Frazier and Payton Wilson are the latest examples. It\u2019s helped keep the team competitive, despite missing big on Pickett.<\/em> <\/em>13. Seattle Seahawks (7.92)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 9<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 4<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 27<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: CB Devon Witherspoon (No. 5, 2023); Worst pick: WR D\u2019Wayne Eskridge (R2: No. 56, 2021); Best value: CB Riq Woolen (No. 153, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>The Seahawks also have made some to-be-determined selections (Charles Cross and Boye Mafe) but hit gold with Woolen and Witherspoon. The results could be better, but they also could be much worse.<\/em> <\/em>14. Houston Texans (7.76)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 5<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 31<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB C.J. Stroud (No. 2, 2023); Worst pick: G Kenyon Green (No. 15, 2022); Best value: WR Nico Collins (No. 89, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>Houston\u2019s had some whiffs, from Green to Ross Blacklock and John Metchie III. But the Texans also have had their share of slam dunks \u2014 Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. and Tank Dell in 2023 made for one of the best top-100 trios of any in this era.<\/em> <\/em>15. Denver Broncos (7.34)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 5<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 7<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 26<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: CB Patrick Surtain II (No. 9, 2021); Worst pick: WR KJ Hamler (No. 46, 2020) Best value: edge Jonathon Cooper (No. 239, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>The Russell Wilson trade hurt Denver, but it\u2019s hard to argue the Broncos haven\u2019t done a great job finding quality players in the mid- and late rounds. Cooper, Quinn Meinerz, Nik Bonitto and others have made life easier.<\/em> <\/em>16. New York Jets (7.33)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 11<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 3<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 37<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: CB Sauce Gardner (No. 4, 2022); Worst pick: QB Zach Wilson (No. 2, 2021); Best value: LB Jamien Sherwood (No. 146, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>The Joe Douglas-Robert Saleh era didn\u2019t implode due to a lack of talent \u2014 the only team with more top 50 picks in this stretch was Detroit. So, though hits like Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Joe Tippmann have worked out, there have also been hiccups. But if Aaron Glenn can rally the troops (and find a QB), New York has the talent to make a jump.<\/em> <\/em>17. San Francisco 49ers (7.30)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 5<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 25<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Brock Purdy (No. 262, 2022); Worst pick: QB Trey Lance (No. 3, 2021); Best value: S Talanoa Hufanga (No. 180, 2021)<\/em>A huge reason why the 49ers just went through major roster changes is the failed trade-up for Lance, which cost San Francisco three firsts and a third. The 49ers have had just one first-round pick since 2021, and the Purdy steal, though helpful, has not been a cure-all. San Francisco has been able to find quality talent in the middle rounds, though, including Hafunga, Deommodore Lenoir and, most recently, Dominick Puni.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>18. Green Bay Packers (7.28)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 10<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 0<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 35<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Jordan Love (No. 26, 2020); Worst pick: edge Lukas Van Ness (No. 13, 2023); Best value: OL Zach Tom (No. 140, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>The Packers believe in internal player development as much as, or possibly more than, any team in the league. They will take chances on first-rounders who might need more time \u2014 Love and star edge Rashan Gary are great examples. Right now, though, Green Bay is still waiting on jumps from Van Ness, Devonte Wyatt and Jordan Morgan. The Packers haven\u2019t drafted poorly of late, but they certainly could\u2019ve done better in a few areas.<\/em> <\/em>19. Atlanta Falcons (7.08)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 10<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 30<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: WR Drake London (No. 8, 2023); Worst pick: DT Marlon Davidson (No. 47, 2020); Best value: C Drew Dalman (No. 115, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>Atlanta\u2019s had a slew of premium picks over the last five years, but the results, as the team\u2019s record suggests, have been middling. London has been a home run; Kyle Pitts has struggled to live up to an elite rookie season. Bijan Robinson and Matthew Bergeron were great picks to start the 2023 draft; Michael Penix Jr. and Ruke Orhorhoro from the \u201924 class haven\u2019t hit yet. Atlanta has struggled in the second round, particularly with Marlon Davidson, Troy Andersen and even Richie Grant coming up a bit short.<\/em> <\/em>20. New York Giants (7.07)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 10<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 29<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: WR Malik Nabers (No. 6, 2024); Worst pick: OT Evan Neal (No. 7, 2022); Best value: LB Micah McFadden (No. 146, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>The Giants have had four top-10 picks since 2020, but it\u2019s hard to say they\u2019ve done enough with them. While Nabers and Andrew Thomas have been great, Kayvon Thibodeaux has been hit or miss and Neal has struggled. The bigger issue (apart from the lack of a QB) has been New York\u2019s inability to find value in the mid-to-late rounds. However, the 2024 class appears to have real promise.<\/em> <\/em>21. New Orleans Saints (7.06)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 9<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 1<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 25<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: WR Chris Olave (No. 11, 2022); Worst pick: edge Payton Turner (No. 28, 2021); Best value: CB Paulson Adebo (No. 76, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>The biggest problem here has been a lack of resources, as New Orleans made just 29 picks from 2020-24. So, although there have been hits (Olave, Taliese Fuaga), every so-so pick (Turner, Trevor Penning, Isaiah Foskey) has hurt that much more.<\/em> <\/em>22. Washington Commanders (7.00)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 9<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 29<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Jayden Daniels (No. 2, 2024); Worst pick: edge Chase Young (No. 2, 2020); Best value: OT Brandon Coleman (No. 67, 2024)<\/em><\/strong>The 2024 class saved the day, and it wasn\u2019t just because of Daniels. Coleman, Mike Sainristil and Jer\u2019Zhan Newton all produced as rookies. Picks such as Young and Jahan Dotson have been frustrating, but Washington has done a solid job finding late-round value.<\/em> <\/em>23. Jacksonville Jaguars (6.82)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 11<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 36<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Trevor Lawrence (No. 1, 2021); Worst pick: CB C.J. Henderson (No. 9, 2020); Best value pick: S Andre Cisco (No. 65, 2021)<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Few teams have done less with more since 2020 than Jacksonville, which recently fired GM Trent Baalke. Travon Walker is a good microcosm for how the Jaguars have drafted in this stretch \u2014 he\u2019s improved a lot since his rookie season, but in no world should he have been taken in front of Aidan Hutchinson.<\/em> <\/em>24. Indianapolis Colts (6.73)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 6<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 37<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: RB Jonathan Taylor (No. 41, 2020); Worst pick: QB Anthony Richardson (No. 4, 2023); Best value: CB Jaylon Jones (No. 221, 2023)<\/em><\/strong>That Richardson (who could still turn it around) is the worst pick here sort of tells the story \u2014 non-draft factors have been behind the Colts\u2019 recent decline. In many ways, the franchise is still reeling from Andrew Luck\u2019s retirement and the decisions made in the aftermath. GM Chris Ballard and company have made solid selections during his time (Josh Downs, Bernhard Raimann, Kwity Paye), but the Colts haven\u2019t had an elite selection since Taylor.<\/em> <\/em>25. Carolina Panthers (6.58)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 1<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 24<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: DT Derrick Brown (No. 7, 2020); Worst pick: QB Bryce Young (No. 1, 2023); Best value: RB Chuba Hubbard (No. 126, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>Don\u2019t give up on Young yet, but taking him over C.J. Stroud \u2014 and trading so much to do so \u2014 has not aged well. The other problem has been the lack of hits from the Panthers\u2019 front office after the first two rounds.<\/em> <\/em>26. Minnesota Vikings (6.43)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 pick: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 4<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 32<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: WR Justin Jefferson (No. 22, 2020); Worst pick: S Lewis Cine (No. 32, 2022); Best value: CB Cam Bynum (No. 125, 2021)<\/em><\/strong>Not getting anything from either J.J. McCarthy or Dallas Turner last year impacted Minnesota\u2019s number, because the front office has done a nice job with picks, including Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, Jordan Addison, Ezra Cleveland and more. Still, McCarthy and Turner are the only top-20 selections Minnesota has had since 2020.<\/em> <\/em>27. Cleveland Browns (5.95)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 3<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowl: 0<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 25<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (No. 52, 2021); Worst pick: OT Jedrick Wills (No. 10, 2020); Best value: CB Martin Emerson (No. 68, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>Swing and a miss. The Deshaun Watson trade, which has kept Cleveland out of the first round since 2021, does a lot to explain this ranking. Cleveland hasn\u2019t had enough assets in the draft to keep its roster healthy, while premium investments like Wills haven\u2019t panned out.<\/em> <\/em>28. Las Vegas Raiders (5.89)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 1<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 28<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: TE Brock Bowers (No. 13, 2024); Worst pick: WR Henry Ruggs III (No. 12, 2020); Best value: OL Dylan Parham (No. 90, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>Bowers broke a horrible streak of first-rounders for Las Vegas \u2014 Damon Arnette, Alex Leatherwood, Ruggs and Tyree Wilson have all gone in the books as misses (though Wilson still has time to turn it around). The good news? Bowers, Jackson Powers-Johnson and Delmar Glaze were all great picks in 2024.<\/em> <\/em>29. Los Angeles Rams (5.58)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 3<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 3<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 28<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: WR Puka Nacua (No. 177, 2023); Worst pick: G Logan Bruss (No. 104, 2022); Best value: RB Kyren Williams (No. 164, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>This is the other side of the Stafford trade, though this ranking doesn\u2019t tell the real story. That the Rams have remained competitive with hardly any premium picks over the last five drafts is a testament to Les Snead and his staff. Nacua is the best Day 3 pick of the last five years, and the Rams also nailed their top two selections in 2024 (Jared Verse and Braden Fiske).<\/em> <\/em>30. New England Patriots (5.58)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 9<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 2<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 29<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: QB Drake Maye (No. 3, 2024); Worst pick: QB Mac Jones (No. 15, 2021); Best value: OL Mike Onwenu (No. 182, 2020)<\/em><\/strong>Despite his yearlong ESPN public relations tour, there are reasons why Bill Belichick\u2019s time in New England needed to end. From 2020-2022, New England\u2019s top three picks were Josh Uche, Jones and Cole Strange, respectively. The Patriots have a lot of work to do.<\/em> <\/em>31. Tennessee Titans (5.0)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 0<\/em><\/strong>Seasons started: 19<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: OT JC Latham (No. 7, 2024); Worst pick: OT Isaiah Wilson (No. 29, 2020); Best value: TE Chigoziem Okonkwo (No. 143, 2022)<\/em><\/strong>Wilson, who played just four snaps with the Titans and is currently out of football, was one of the worst-performing first-round picks of all time. Taking Caleb Farley and Treylon Burks in 2021 and 2022, respectively, also didn\u2019t help.<\/em> <\/em>32. Arizona Cardinals (4.9)<\/em><\/strong>Top 50 picks: 8<\/em><\/strong>Pro Bowls: 1<\/em><\/strong>Starting seasons: 22<\/em><\/strong>Best pick: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 4, 2024); Worst pick: LB\/Edge Zaven Collins (No. 16, 2021); Best value: WR Michael Wilson (No. 94, 2023)<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>The Cardinals\u2019 best picks of this stretch have come in the last two drafts, so if we recalculate in two years, they likely would be much higher on the list. GM Monti Ossenfort has done a very nice job kick-starting a rebuild for a team that could be solid in 2025.<\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>MOCK DRAFT \u2013 JONATHAN JONES<\/strong>Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com<\/a> believes that this is the one year that NFL teams won\u2019t overdraft quarterbacks.  Here is his Mock. We’re just a few days away from the most unpredictable draft I can remember since the 2020 year when no one knew what the hell was going on.<\/em> <\/em>Despite that unpredictability, I developed some irrational confidence about how the top two, top three, top five picks would go as the weeks rolled along. They mostly align with the consensus, which is usually not a great thing when it comes to the draft.<\/em> <\/em>But in a draft that seemingly lacks Gold Jacket guys (and we’ll need a decade-plus to determine how accurate that sentiment is), the answers may be plainly in front of you.<\/em> <\/em>It has been repeated throughout this pre-draft process that this is a great year to trade back. The problem with that is someone has to want to trade up, and then both teams have to agree on the compensation. If the entire market wants to trade down, you can assume the price will be lower than it typically is. Will GMs be willing to take a value less than what their chart dictates? Will they understand this draft \u2014 like all other drafts \u2014 is an entity all to itself?<\/em> <\/em>That’s something I’m keeping in mind in the upcoming week, especially where it concerns new GMs. The Jaguars, Raiders and Jets are picking No. 5-7 and all have new men in charge. It’s possible, if not likely, one of them will be the first team to trade back, and the rest of a reactive league will be able to copy off their paper when it comes to the value of a trade back.<\/em> <\/em>Will a new GM \u2014 someone who has dreamed for decades of finally being in this chair \u2014 be willing to potentially take less compensation than in previous years to execute a trade-back in the top-10?<\/em> <\/em>Here’s my one and only mock for the 2025 NFL draft.<\/em> <\/em>You may notice there’s no Shedeur Sanders \u2014 or any quarterback of any name other than Cam Ward \u2014 in this mock. Sanders could be the next rookie Giants quarterback at No. 3, as I write below. Or he could be a target in the late-first or early-second rounds like other quarterbacks, as referenced in here. <\/em> <\/em>1  TENNESSEE<\/em><\/strong>Cam Ward QB<\/em><\/strong>Miami (FL) \u2022 Sr \u2022 6’2″ \/ 219 lbs<\/em><\/strong>This one has been known for more than a month. The Titans didn’t make a play for a legitimate QB in free agency because they were already locked in on Ward. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Tennessee deal Will Levis at some point before training camp, and I would expect them to add a pass rusher and\/or receiver on Day 2.<\/em> <\/em>2  CLEVELAND<\/em><\/strong>Travis Hunter ATH<\/em><\/strong>Colorado \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’0″ \/ 188 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The Browns are saying they’ll play him at receiver more than corner, which Hunter must love considering the payday coming his way in three years if he plays the position well. Yes, they need a quarterback, but after Ward goes to Tennessee, they weren’t getting a signal caller at No. 2. They’ll have to settle for the top player on the board.<\/em> <\/em>3  NY GIANTS<\/em><\/strong>Abdul Carter EDGE<\/em><\/strong>Penn State \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’3″ \/ 250 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Big Blue has done nearly two years of homework on Shedeur Sanders and a crash course this week on everyone else. I can’t rule out a QB at No. 3 here, but I don’t think that’s what happens. The Giants take the draft’s best pass rusher and solidify that front for years to come.<\/em> <\/em>4  NEW ENGLAND<\/em><\/strong>Will Campbell OT<\/em><\/strong>LSU \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’6″ \/ 319 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Even if Carter is available here, I still think the Pats take an offensive tackle here. Campbell appears to be the pick. The arm length doesn’t seem to be a factor, especially since the pre-draft measurements were all over the place and he’s closer to 33 inches anyway.<\/em> <\/em>5  JACKSONVILLE<\/em><\/strong>Mason Graham DL<\/em><\/strong>Michigan \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’3″ \/ 296 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The Wolverine has a championship pedigree and wrestling background that will fit perfectly in what the new Jags regime is trying to build. Graham fits an obvious need for Jacksonville, even if he doesn’t have the desired length inside.<\/em> <\/em>6  LAS VEGAS<\/em><\/strong>Ashton Jeanty RB<\/em><\/strong>Boise State \u2022 Jr \u2022 5’9″ \/ 211 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The longer the wait for the draft, the more nit-picking goes on about top players. Jeanty isn’t the perfect running back prospect to be taken in the top-10, but he’s a home-run hitter who can change a game. The Raiders need more play-makers, and they’ll figure out their corner issue somewhere this weekend<\/em> <\/em>7  NY JETS<\/em><\/strong>Armand Membou OT<\/em><\/strong>Missouri \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’4″ \/ 332 lbs<\/em><\/strong>This pick is all about maximizing Justin Fields. You could convince me this will be Tyler Warren here, especially after the Jets missed out on Brock Bowers last year, and I wouldn’t bat an eye. Many around the league see Campbell and Membou as equals.<\/em> <\/em>8  CAROLINA<\/em><\/strong>Jalon Walker EDGE<\/em><\/strong>Georgia \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’1″ \/ 243 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Mocks have the Panthers taking Walker and for good reason. One executive told me he’s “Roquan Smith with a lot more pass rush.” This defense needs some dudes and Walker is a dude.<\/em> <\/em>9  NEW ORLEANS<\/em><\/strong>Kelvin Banks Jr. OT<\/em><\/strong>Texas \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’5″ \/ 315 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Some view him as a guard due to his length, but I think it’s more because he’s such a solid run-blocker. Barely 21 years old and 6-foot-5, he can grow as a pass blocker. Whether he sticks at tackle or guard, New Orleans gets position versatility here.<\/em> <\/em>10  CHICAGO<\/em><\/strong>Tyler Warren TE<\/em><\/strong>Penn State \u2022 Sr \u2022 6’6″ \/ 256 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Chicago has to worry that New Orleans could get Warren here (or trade back and let someone else get him), but the sit patiently and get the tight end. The Bears already have Cole Kmet, but a move like this isn’t unprecedented. The Eagles drafted Dallas Goedert after Zach Ertz’s fifth season in the league to ensure they had the position locked down for a decade-plus.<\/em> <\/em>11  SAN FRANCISCO<\/em><\/strong>Walter Nolen DL<\/em><\/strong>Ole Miss \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’4″ \/ 296 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Nolen’s talent is undeniable, but there are several teams who wouldn’t take him this high. It could be a risky pick, but it fits an obvious need for San Francisco and Nolen can mature his entire game with the Niners.<\/em> <\/em>12  DALLAS<\/em><\/strong>Matthew Golden WR<\/em><\/strong>Texas \u2022 Jr \u2022 5’11” \/ 191 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The Cowboys could go any number of directions here, including pass rusher, but I’m not sure they’ll be able to resist adding a receiver with their first pick. Dallas watched the Texas (and Houston) product crush the win-or-go-home games down the stretch last season and then saw him run a 4.29.<\/em> <\/em>13  MIAMI<\/em><\/strong>Josh Simmons OT<\/em><\/strong>Ohio State \u2022 Sr \u2022 6’5″ \/ 317 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Multiple sources have indicated Simmons’ knee looks great upon medical rechecks, so he passes there. His play is a good scheme fit for Miami too. Many believe there’s a chance he could have been OT1 in this draft. I know some teams also wouldn’t take him this high, but Miami takes a chance on a position of need.<\/em> <\/em>14  INDIANAPOLIS<\/em><\/strong>Colston Loveland TE<\/em><\/strong>Michigan \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’6″ \/ 248 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Nearly every year Chris Ballard has one of the tallest teams in all of football, so why not add the 6-foot-5 tight end to the mix? Indy lost Kylen Granson in free agency and needs all the weapons it can get to make sure the Colts make the right decision at quarterback.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>15  ATLANTA<\/em><\/strong>James Pearce Jr. EDGE<\/em><\/strong>Tennessee \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’5″ \/ 245 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The Falcons have the fewest sacks in the entire NFL since 2018, so that must change with their first-round pick. At this point in the mock, Pearce has to be the best pure pass rusher on their board, with 17 1\/2 sacks in the past two seasons along with three forced fumbles.<\/em> <\/em>16 SEATTLE<\/em><\/strong> Mock Trade from Arizona<\/em><\/strong>Tetairoa McMillan WR<\/em><\/strong>Arizona \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’4″ \/ 219 lbs<\/em><\/strong>If the Colts hadn’t spent so many recent draft resources on receivers, McMillan would be in Indy. Seattle knows Cards GM Monti Ossenfort loves to trade back, and Seattle has the capital to move up a couple picks with the division rival to get a much-needed receiver.<\/em> <\/em>17  CINCINNATI<\/em><\/strong>Tyler Booker IOL<\/em><\/strong>Alabama \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’5″ \/ 321 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The Bengals could go defensive line or linebacker here, but there’s clearly a need along the offensive line and you probably won’t get anywhere near the player Booker is later in the draft. An earlier version of this mock had Booker going No. 25, and after more calls last week I realized he shouldn’t be there then.<\/em> <\/em>18 ARIZONA<\/em><\/strong> Mock Trade from Seattle<\/em><\/strong>Mykel Williams EDGE<\/em><\/strong>Georgia \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’5″ \/ 260 lbs<\/em><\/strong>He’s long and strong and not even 21 years old yet. In reality, Arizona may not mess around and trade back with him on the board, but this is my mock. And for a third year in a row they use a top-41 pick on a pass rusher.<\/em> <\/em>19  TAMPA BAY<\/em><\/strong>Will Johnson CB<\/em><\/strong>Michigan \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’2″ \/ 194 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The Bucs tried to get a corner in free agency and missed out on their top targets. After Hunter, Johnson is the top cornerback in this draft but slips because of a lack of speed. Tampa Bay is just fine with that.<\/em> <\/em>20  DENVER<\/em><\/strong>Omarion Hampton RB<\/em><\/strong>North Carolina \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’0″ \/ 220 lbs<\/em><\/strong>This pairing seems to obvious to me and the rest of the NFL that the Broncos may actually have to trade up to make sure they get the guy everyone believes they’ll take. Denver’s made no secret of needing a running back, and the Tar Heel is clearly the best available here.<\/em> <\/em>21  PITTSBURGH<\/em><\/strong>Kenneth Grant DL<\/em><\/strong>Michigan \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’4″ \/ 331 lbs<\/em><\/strong>If you’re waiting for a QB to be drafted here, keep waiting. Cam Heyward doesn’t have many years left and Pittsburgh needs interior defensive line help. Grant is remarkably athletic for his size.<\/em> <\/em>22  LA CHARGERS<\/em><\/strong>Shemar Stewart EDGE<\/em><\/strong>Texas A&M \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’5″ \/ 267 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The draft can be cruel, and that’s seen above where Pittsburgh takes a Michigan man just before Jim Harbaugh is on the clock. No matter, the Chargers eye a pass rusher in Stewart, who is always around the quarterback but never finishing (which is what causes him to fall in this mock.) The Bolts need some youth at pass rush, and they’ll coach up Stewart to get the sacks.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>23  GREEN BAY<\/em><\/strong>Jahdae Barron CB<\/em><\/strong>Texas \u2022 Sr \u2022 5’11” \/ 194 lbs<\/em><\/strong>I had one coach call Barron the “best defensive back in the draft,” meaning he could ultimately play a number of positions in the span of his career. It seems extremely unlikely Jaire Alexander is back with the Pack, so nabbing Barron here makes a lot of sense.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>24  CHICAGO<\/em><\/strong>   Mock Trade from Minnesota<\/em><\/strong>Nick Emmanwori S<\/em><\/strong>South Carolina \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’3″ \/ 220 lbs<\/em><\/strong>The Vikings have just four picks in this draft, and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has never been shy about trading in his division. Here, the Bears use one of their second-round picks to nab the South Carolina safety who may not even be available by pick No. 24 but surely won’t be there when the deep-playoff teams from last year begin selecting. Bears continue a very aggressive offseason with two first-round trade-ups!<\/em> <\/em>25  HOUSTON<\/em><\/strong>Grey Zabel IOL<\/em><\/strong>North Dakota State \u2022 Sr \u2022 6’6″ \/ 312 lbs<\/em><\/strong>This is usually around the time a center gets taken in the draft, but the Texans could use Zabel as a center or guard moving forward. Houston’s offseason plan has been to add a couple linemen in the draft, and they start early with the versatile interior lineman.<\/em> <\/em>26  LA RAMS<\/em><\/strong>Jihaad Campbell LB<\/em><\/strong>Alabama \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’3″ \/ 235 lbs<\/em><\/strong>As much as I would love to send L.A. a quarterback here, there are simply greater needs for the championship-window Rams and the value is off the charts. It’s possible Campbell goes to Cincy or Tampa in the teens, and I think the Rams would be quite pleased to get the Alabama backer right here. I’m told his recovery from shoulder surgery is going well and there shouldn’t be concerns for his 2025 availability.<\/em> <\/em>27  BALTIMORE<\/em><\/strong>Donovan Ezeiruaku EDGE<\/em><\/strong>Boston College \u2022 Sr \u2022 6’3″ \/ 248 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Here’s a guy who has shot up boards because of how well he’s handled the entire pre-draft process. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year could deliver similar sack production in Baltimore in a way that’s desperately needed there.<\/em> <\/em>28  DETROIT<\/em><\/strong>Josh Conerly Jr. OT<\/em><\/strong>Oregon \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’5″ \/ 311 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Detroit obviously needs an edge rusher, but great teams keep their strengths strong. Conerly has a great athletic background that showed in his pre-draft testing, and Dan Campbell will love how much he loves ball.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>29  TENNESSEE<\/em><\/strong>   Mock Trade from Washington<\/em><\/strong>Luther Burden III WR<\/em><\/strong>Missouri \u2022 Jr \u2022 6’0″ \/ 205 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Washington scoots back just to 35 to let the Titans come up and get the receiver. Tennessee gets Cam Ward a slot target with great run-after-the-catch ability whose talent is that of a player getting picked in the teens.<\/em> <\/em>30  BUFFALO<\/em><\/strong>Maxwell Hairston CB<\/em><\/strong>Kentucky \u2022 Jr \u2022 5’11” \/ 183 lbs<\/em><\/strong>There are a few positions the Bills could go here, and trading back is definitely in the cards. Most teams have Hairston at a tick below Johnson and Barron but above the next crop of corners. The Tre White signing from last week hardly precludes the Bills from doing business at that position here.<\/em> <\/em>31  KANSAS CITY<\/em><\/strong>Donovan Jackson IOL<\/em><\/strong>Ohio State \u2022 Sr \u2022 6’4″ \/ 315 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Kansas City needs offensive linemen, and it’s better to get one here than wait and hope for one in the 60s. Aireontae Ersery is tantalizing here (in part because he’s a local), but the Chiefs also need a lineman with some versatility. Jackson showed he can play guard and tackle at the highest level last season for the Buckeyes.<\/em> <\/em>32 \u2013 LAS VEGAS<\/em><\/strong> Mock Trade from Philadelphia<\/em><\/strong>Emeka Egbuka WR<\/em><\/strong>Ohio State \u2022 Sr \u2022 6’1″ \/ 202 lbs<\/em><\/strong>Howie Roseman is always willing to make a deal, and he slides back five spots here. The Raiders have to get pass catchers, and they’d be stoked if a pro’s pro like Egbuka is here waiting for them.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

AROUND THE NFL RB ASHTON JEANTY thinks he\u2019s going between #6 and #12.  Which leads Mike Florio to wonder if someone wouldn\u2019t trade to take his at #5 or if the Giants might take him at #3. Ashton Jeanty is widely believed to be the best running back in the draft class. In three days, we\u2019ll…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[6,7,11,8,13],"class_list":["post-6751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-daily-briefing","tag-chris-myers","tag-chris-myers-sports","tag-daily-briefing","tag-fox-sports","tag-nfl"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6751"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6751\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}