| Stephen Holder of ESPN.com on the fall of QB SHEDEUR SANDERS: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was seen as one of the biggest wild cards entering the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night.As it turns out, he’ll be a wild card Friday, too.Sanders, who enjoyed a prolific 2024 season and posted an all-time FBS record with a 71.8% career completion rate, was not picked during the draft’s opening round and now waits for his fate to be decided heading into Friday night and the start of Round 2.In a video posted to social media after the completion of the first round, Sanders admitted he did not expect to go undrafted Thursday but appeared upbeat.“We all didn’t expect this, of course,” Sanders told the crowd gathered at the location where he watched the draft. “But I feel like with God, anything’s possible — everything’s possible.“I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All this is of course fuel to the fire. Under no circumstance — we all know this shouldn’t have happened. But we understand, we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We’re going to be happy regardless.”The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the son of Hall of Fame cornerback and Colorado coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur was among the most debated prospects entering the draft. He also is a unique prospect in terms of his huge celebrity and personality, matched only by his immense confidence.Whether any of those variables played a role in his precipitous fall can’t be known, but Sanders has long acknowledged that he isn’t your garden-variety prospect.“You think I’m worried about what critics say or what people have to say,” he said during the NFL scouting combine in February. “You know who my dad is? They hate on him, too.”Sanders declined an invitation to attend the draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, opting to spend the evening in his native Texas with family and a number of guests. The night did not bring them much to celebrate, however.Earlier Thursday, Sanders posted on X, “I’m built for whatever today may bring.” This from Brett McMurphy: @Brett_McMurphyWeird stat: Shedeur Sanders is 1st player in college football history to have his number retired & not be selected 5 days later in NFL Draft’s 1st round We get it that those doing draft coverage have their favorites, but Mel Kiper, Jr. ofESPN.com took his love of Sanders to a new level. Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. But while his name was not called, it was said — a lot.Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s longtime NFL Draft analyst, made Sanders a talking point throughout Thursday night’s first round. This included when the Tennessee Titans were on the clock, minutes away from making Miami quarterback Cam Ward the No. 1 overall pick.It didn’t stop there.While there was initially some frustration that Ward — as the clear No. 1 pick — was being completely overshadowed, that happened to several other first-round picks, as well.As the Steelers were leading into the No. 21 pick, it was brought up several times that Sanders would be a possible fit there.@awfulannouncingAdam Schefter on Shedeur Sanders: “We are on a collision course to where he could go down to No. 21 and the Pittsburgh Steelers… If no Shedeur at 21, we might get one quarterback tonight.” #NFL #NFLDraftBut when the Steelers picked at 21, Sanders’ name was not called.@awfulannouncing.bsky.socialThe thinking was that the Pittsburgh Steelers could take Shedeur Sanders at No. 21.They did not.Mel Kiper Jr. thought that should be the pick.“If I’m Pittsburgh… Shedeur Sanders… to pass on him at this stage at pick 21… come on.” #NFL #NFLDraftAnother possible landing spot came later in the draft when the New York Giants traded up to the No. 25 pick. But while the Giants did select a quarterback, it was Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart.Naturally, Kiper quickly made it clear that he’d prefer Sanders.The Giants traded up to the No. 25 pick to take a quarterback… Jaxson Dart.*Several seconds of silence from the ESPN crew*“Wow… alright…” – Mike Greenberg“I like Jaxson Dart. I love Shedeur.” – Mel Kiper again then names great QBs that were passed over. #NFL #NFLDraftTo be clear, other ESPN analysts were critical — or at least unsure — of Sanders as a prospect. It’s also not as though Kiper was the only analyst defending Sanders. On the NFL Network, Joel Klatt offered a fiery defense of Sanders.That said, Kiper’s consistent focus on and praise of Sanders was a major talking point of those who watched ESPN’s coverage on Thursday night.@ProFootballTalkMel Kiper seems to be personally offended that Shedeur Sanders hasn’t been drafted yet.@ByPatFordeNeed a wellness check on Mel Kiper. The only person madder right now about Shedeur not being picked is his dad.@lucy_rohdenSomebody draft Shedeur right now or Mel Kiper might literally explode@AnwarRichardsonIf we took a shot for every time Mel Kiper Jr. said Shedeur Sanders tonight, we would be passed out by now.If nothing else, we know that we can expect a spirited reaction from Kiper when Sanders finally gets his name called. When might Kiper get his thrill? We found this list in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger: Other teams who need quarterbacks include the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers.The Browns have the first and fourth picks of the second round after trading back from pick No. 3. They selected Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham in the first round.The Raiders pick right after the Browns at No. 37 overall, followed by the Saints at No. 40. The Jets have the No. 42 pick.The Los Angeles Rams could be a wildcard team for Sanders. They have Matthew Stafford as their starter, but he turned 37 in February. The Rams don’t have an obvious successor behind him. They traded out of the first round and will make their first selection at No. 46.The Seattle Seahawks, who hold picks No. 50 and 52, could be another team to watch for Sanders. They also have two third-round picks. The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a three-year contract after a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings. Sanders could be a failsafe if Darnold does translate well to Seattle. |
| NFC NORTH |
| GREEN BAYThis on the crowd in Green Bay from Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: The population of Green Bay is just over 100,000. And about double the population of Green Bay was at the NFL draft on Thursday night.The NFL announced an official attendance figure of 205,000 fans at Thursday night’s festivities for the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.That falls short of the 275,000 fans the NFL said attended last year’s first round in Detroit, although Green Bay is a much smaller city than Detroit, and drawing a crowd of 205,000 in a city the size of Green Bay is a remarkable achievement. The crowd got so big that at the start of the first round the Packers announced that maximum capacity had been reached and general admission entry had been paused.The draft has become by far the NFL’s biggest offseason event, and one of the biggest events in American sports in terms of both the crowd it draws and the interest it generates from millions of fans across the country. And its popularity shows no signs of fading. We should note that the Green Bay Metropolitan Area (including Brown and two other counties) has a population of 328,000. And there are 243,000 more people just to the south in the Appleton Metropolitan area. |
| MINNESOTAFormer RB Adrian Peterson should have taken an Uber home from the Vikings draft party. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: Former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Friday morning after attending the Vikings’ draft party on Thursday night, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.Police say a state trooper saw Peterson driving 83 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone at about 3:20 a.m. The trooper pulled him over and a breath test measured his blood alcohol content at 0.14%, nearly twice the legal limit.Peterson was booked on a misdemeanor count of fourth-degree driving while impaired and was released after he posted a $4,000 bond. Police described him as cooperative.The 40-year-old Peterson attended the Vikings’ draft party Thursday night at U.S. Bank Stadium and conducted an interview with the team’s radio station. According to the report, the Vikings provided former players with transportation to and from the draft party, and Peterson left the stadium in the team-provided shuttle at 9 p.m.The Vikings drafted Peterson with the seventh overall pick in 2007 and he played for them for 10 years. He later spent time in New Orleans, Arizona, Washington, Detroit, Tennessee and Seattle. He was named NFL MVP in 2012. |
| NFC EAST |
| NEW YORK GIANTSIt’s hard to find fault with how the Giants orchestrated things on Thursday. Jordan Ranaan of ESPN.com:’ The New York Giants landed a player Thursday night who they hope will be their next great pass rusher.A few hours later, they also took a swing for their potential franchise quarterback.After selecting Penn State star Abdul Carter with the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Giants traded back into the first round later Thursday to pick Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25.The Giants traded the No. 34 pick, the No. 99 pick and a third-round selection in 2026 to the Houston Texans to move up nine spots for Dart, who will join a quarterback room that already includes Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.“He’s in a really good spot where he can come in and he can sit behind a couple of veteran quarterbacks and learn and doesn’t have to be thrown out there right away,” Giants general manager Joe Schoen said. “I think from a developmental standpoint and the ability to grow, I think it’s a perfect situation for a young quarterback.”Carter, meanwhile, joins a defensive front that includes Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Bobby Okereke.“We’re going to be dominant,” Carter said. “It’s going to be dope just getting to know those guys as a person, getting to know them as men and then getting closer as teammates.“And then once we get on the field together, just wreak havoc.”Moments after selecting Carter, Schoen announced that New York was going to exercise defensive end Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, ending speculation that the former first-round pick could be on the move via a trade.Schoen, after the Carter pick, also hinted that the Giants could make another move later in Thursday’s first round. Schoen followed through by choosing Dart instead of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, who also was available.The Giants spent months scouting Sanders, made multiple trips to Boulder, Colorado, met with him extensively at the Shrine Bowl and even made him run through a private workout last week for, among others, coach Brian Daboll.But they opted instead for Dart, who passed for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns last season while leading Ole Miss to a 10-3 record. It was a decision that Schoen said was finalized Monday.It seemed to be heading this way in recent days, especially with sources telling ESPN that Dart was Daboll’s quarterback of choice.The Giants also did a ton of predraft work on the 21-year-old Dart. Schoen attended a game this season, and the Giants sent a large contingent that included ownership to a private workout in Oxford, Mississippi. It was one of several meetings throughout the process that allowed Dart and Daboll to develop a bond that led to him being their quarterback of the future.“Yeah, so Coach would text me a lot,” Dart said. “And man, I would say like two weeks ago he kind of died off, so I didn’t know what to expect. But no, I felt like — I don’t know, I just had a good feeling about this. I just felt like this was going to work.”The Giants entered the offseason looking for their quarterback of the future, with owner John Mara declaring it their “No. 1 issue.” Now, they think they found him.“Yeah, again, we went through an extensive process, and we moved up for Jaxson,” Schoen said. “Again, we’re fired up to have him. But at the end of the day, when we went through the process and we ranked them, this is how we had them ranked, and Jaxson — we felt the value matched up with where we saw the player.” |
| PHILADELPHIAThis: @BetMGMAlabama players on the Eagles:– Jihaad Campbell– DeVonta Smith– Landon Dickerson– Jalen Hurts– Tyler Steen– Eli RicksGeorgia players on the Eagles:– Jalen Carter– Jordan Davis– Nolan Smith– Nakobe Dean– Kelee Ringo– Lewis Cine– Azeez Ojular |
| NFC SOUTH |
| ATLANTAThe Falcons were all in on adding quality pass rushers Thursday, doubling up with first round picks. Actually, sort of tripling up because they gave the Rams their 2026 first round pick in the process. How long have we been asking the Atlanta Falcons to address the pass rush? Ever since Vic Beasley’s brief shining moment faded? Since John Abraham was unceremoniously dumped by the franchise he excelled for? Since before even that?Regardless of your accounting, it has been a long time, and every single offseason we begged this team to fix the problem. Over and over again, via free agency and the draft, the Falcons found short-term salves and whiffed on wishes, and the pass rush continued to suffer.The team is done with half measures. After drafting Jalon Walker at 15 and trading up to 26 to grab James Pearce Jr., surrendering their 2026 first round pick in the process, the Falcons are attempting to fix this thing right now for 2025 and the future.But this is Raheem Morris, a defensive-minded head coach who coordinated a Super Bowl-winning defense, putting his stamp on this team and refusing to be dragged down by subpar play up front. The team sunk multiple picks into their front last year, moving up for Ruke Orhorhoro, adding Bralen Trice, and snagging Brandon Dorlus, and now have added two intriguing pass rushers in Walker (who can and may play both off-ball linebacker and on the edge) and Pearce. With Arnold Ebiketie, Leonard Floyd, and Kaden Elliss already on board as veteran presences capable of chasing quarterbacks, and Morris and Jeff Ulbrich reunited with a mandate to improve the defense, the Falcons clearly believe they’re going to have a capable, perhaps even potent pass rush for the first time in ages.They paid a heavy price to do so. Even if the Falcons are great in 2025, a late first round pick still has significant value, particularly over the long haul. Given that this is still a team with obvious holes and some aging players at key positions at tackle, the loss of that pick could wind up really hurting Atlanta. Sinking two first round picks into the pass rush means other 2025 needs may end up neglected, with late round picks, undrafted free agents, and summer signings left to fill in gaps at center, cornerback, and depth spots. This is far from a risk-free decision for the Falcons.But Morris and Terry Fontenot decided that risk was well worth the possibility of solving a defensive woe that had held this team back for a long time. As The Athletic’s Josh Kendall surmised Thursday night, they likely did so after being a bit stunned to find a player they liked at 15 still available at 26.Josh Kendall@JoshTheAthleticSo, this feels like the Falcons had James Pearce Jr. penciled in at No. 15, were surprised to see Jalon Walker available there and couldn’t pass on him but then couldn’t quit on Pearce so made a (very expensive) trade to get back in the first Rond and draft him.This has basically no resemblance to the Julio Jones trade in any aspect, but one element of that trade is true of the swap up for Pearce: If the player is spectacular, the price will be largely forgotten. The Falcons believe that Walker and Pearce are affordable defensive cornerstones set to usher in a new era for Atlanta, a team that is positioned to take a massive step forward with a loaded offense helmed by a player the brain trust here believes will be the franchise guy in Michael Penix. A better pass rush, they have told themselves, is the missing piece that will make the secondary look better and give the offense long-awaited help in making this squad something other than a one-dimensional also-ran. After seven years of losing records and over a decade of spotty pressure, what seems extreme also probably seems logical to the Falcons. It also tells you the Falcons have an outsized belief in the roster work they’ve already done, because these are selections that will probably pay off more down the line than in 2025, given how rookie pass rushers usually fare.To say there are many assumptions baked into all of this is beyond obvious, because the Falcons are increasingly fueled by belief rather than any proven strategies, given their lack of winning ways. While the outcome is an unknown and our nerves will jangle as they should, this team has finally put some real muscle behind solving the most persistent problem they’ve faced for years. May they finally do so, amen. |
| NEW ORLEANSNick Baumgardner of The Athletic is not a fan of the Saints pick: 9. New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., G/OT, TexasNew Orleans has thrown numerous resources at its offensive line, spending first-round picks there in 2020, 2022, 2024 and now 2025. That spot on the field is always important, but this team also could use some defensive backs to shore up what was the NFL’s 27th-ranked defense a season ago.Banks can become a stalwart (and the grade below isn’t about him specifically), but it’s arguable whether spending another key asset on the offensive line was the best move. Banks was this class’ 26th-ranked prospect, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. He started every game of his college career at left tackle and won both the Lombardi Trophy and Outland Trophy after the 2024 season.There is much debate over whether Banks’ skill set works best at tackle or guard, and that will be ongoing.Grade: C– – -David Carr provided info on Thursday night on his brother QB DEREK CARR: @JamesPalmerTVDavid Carr on @nflnetwork said that his brother Derek has been working with Mickey Loomis and the #Saints to figure out what’s best moving forward.– Saints have been aware of the shoulder injury since the day it happened. Derek believes it happened in the game he broke his wrist.– Derek didn’t throw for a long time because of the injury, and when he started to throw it was still there.– Surgery and no surgery are both a possibility.– Derek would prefer to rehab and play this season but doesn’t have any answer right now. |
| TAMPA BAYThe Buccaneers were thought to be defense-minded this draft, but with pick number 19 they went with WR EMEKA EGBUKA. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times: Todd Bowles wasn’t kidding. The Bucs coach said in March he would not bypass a great offensive player in the NFL draft to fill a need on defense.That was especially true at receiver. Mike Evans will be 32 in August. Chris Godwin is 29 and coming off a dislocated ankle.So, with the 19th overall pick, the Bucs on Thursday selected wide receiver Emeka Egbuka of national champion Ohio State.“There’s a lot to like about him,” Bucs general manger Jason Licht said. “First of all, we didn’t have him in for a visit because there were no questions we had with him. We met with him at the combine, and we know a lot about him just over the years. He’s a true pro. Mature beyond his years. He’s a perfectionist.“He’s been at a great program. He’s been with a great wide receiver coach (Brian Hartline) with a great room. A lot of lineage there that he takes great pride in. I think he stayed this year so he could help the young guys continue with the lineage of Ohio State receivers. Lot to love about him, and on top of it, he’s a really great player.”The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Egbuka led the Buckeyes with 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He set a school record with 205 career receptions.Bucs receivers coach Bryan McClendon had recruited Egbuka when he coached at Oregon when Egbuka was a teenager.Egbuka said he also became friends with Bucs second-year receiver Jalen McMillan in high school when they would compete in 7-on-7 tournaments in Washington.Egbuka said he felt fortunate to join a receivers room with Evans and Godwin.“Chris and Mike, they’ve done it at a very high level for a very long time, which is something I’m looking to do in my NFL career as well,” he said. ”I think just being able to learn from them, just the ins and outs of NFL football and just to pick their brains on stuff. I’m a student of the game. I love learning about it. So just having those guys in the same room with me is a blessing so I’m super blessed to be a part of it.“And then the other young guy, Jalen McMillan, … we’ve been friends for a long time. So just watching him do his thing at U-Dub and now joining him as a teammate, it’s going to be really fun, an amazing wide receiver room.”The Bucs took Egbuka even with several top defensive players still available, including Marshall edge rusher Mike Green and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.When Evans missed all or parts of four games and Godwin went down with an injury, the Bucs were 0-4 last season.“We felt this was a pick for the future but also for the present,” Licht said. “I mean, you saw what happened last year. We had some injuries, and the coaches did a great job with what we had, but adding another great receiver — Todd has said all along, I think he told you guys back in March, that a good offense can help a defense.“It’s about scoring points, and it’s exciting to add him to the mix. We’ve got (McMillan) and him now for the future but also for the present, and then still we have an elite room with Chris and Mike.”Picking Egbuka had nothing to do with the ankle injury to Godwin, who is on track for the opening week of the season, Licht said.“We’re really excited to have him,” the GM said. “He’s our type of guy.”Egbuka’s leadership qualities have never been questioned. In fact, he was earmarked for greatness when he was in elementary school.”It was actually my fourth-grade teacher who said she thought I was going to run for president one day,“ he said. ”Shoutout to you, Ms. Sparks. But you know, I just felt like I’ve always been a natural-born leader, something that I take a lot of pride in. And you know, I end up going to Ohio State, 2,500 miles away from home. And fast forward to my senior year and my teammates voted me captain. So I think my leadership and my accountability speaks for itself.” And this from Athlon Sports: During ABC’s NFL Draft br͏oadcast, S͏aba͏n delivered ͏strong prais͏e for the wideout. “͏This ͏guy’s going t͏o be ͏a great slot͏,” ͏the ͏l͏egen͏dary coach ͏said. ͏“He’s not͏ the flashiest guy͏ in the world, but ͏he’s sm͏ooth, he’s smart.” Saban͏’s ad͏miration di͏dn’t sto͏p there. H͏e emphasiz͏ed Eg͏buka’s work͏ ethic and͏ will͏ingness to do͏ the dirty work, say͏ing, “H͏e’ll bloc͏k. He͏’l͏l͏ d͏o whateve͏r he ͏has to do͏.”In Saban’s eyes, ͏Egbuk͏a isn’t j͏ust another pick—he’s the complete package.“He’s͏ t͏he best al͏l-around rec͏e͏iver to ͏me,” he added.͏ “This guy’͏s a matur͏e, i͏nte͏lligent player that͏’s very re͏liable in terms of ͏making p͏la͏y͏s.” But Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic wrestles with the position of the pick: 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio StateThere’s so much to like about this selection. Egbuka is the most polished route runner among the draft class’ receivers, with the potential to become a quarterback’s best friend in critical situations. He should fit in with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan and become a terrific possession receiver. He’s an outstanding player who competed alongside the nation’s top receivers at Ohio State, yet still stood out for his toughness and ability to separate from defenders.But with glaring needs at all three levels on defense, Tampa Bay should have targeted a prospect for its secondary here. The grade below does not represent Egbuka’s skill level, but rather that the Buccaneers probably needed to go a different direction.Grade: C-minus |
| NFC WEST |
| SEATTLENick Baumgardner of The Athletic is all in on Seattle’s pick: 18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota StateOne of the smartest players in this class, Zabel played every position along the offensive line in college — and did so at a high level. He turned down big-time NIL money to stay at North Dakota State, then ultimately dominated at the Senior Bowl as arguably the best offensive lineman there.For a team like Seattle, which has been trying to fix the interior of its offensive line for a half-decade now, this feels like an elite pick. Zabel (who helped run his family farm in college and will continue to do so during NFL offseasons) is one of the draft’s hardest workers. He’s a high-floor player who fills multiple needs for the Seahawks — an awesome pick here and a great fit.Grade: A-plus |
| AFC WEST |
| LAS VEGASFirst year GM John Spytek turned to his son, Jack, for advice on the first pick. Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com: The Las Vegas Raiders selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, their first pick under coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.Jeanty figured early that Las Vegas would be his destination. Last month, Spytek jokingly said on SiriusXM Radio that his oldest son, Jack, would leave the family if the team didn’t take Jeanty.“Once I [saw] that come out on social media, I’m like, ‘Man, there’s no way they’re not going to pick me at No. 6 if I’m there,'” Jeanty said.Said Spytek at the end of the first round: “I’m happy that I still have both of my sons in my house and expect them to move to Vegas this summer.”By drafting Jeanty, Spytek said Las Vegas has a strong foundation in place on offense with tight end Brock Bowers, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and new quarterback Geno Smith.In 2024, Bowers and Meyers each recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards. Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler, broke the Seattle Seahawks’ record for passing yards and completion rate in his final season with the franchise.The Raiders traded for Smith and later signed him to a two-year extension.“We’ve gotten harder to defend,” Spytek said.Jeanty, regarded as one of the top players in this draft class, had a historic 2024 season at Boise State. The Texas native was the Heisman Trophy runner-up after finishing with 2,601 rushing yards — second most in a season in FBS history, trailing only Barry Sanders in 1988. Jeanty also had 29 touchdowns and six games with at least 200 yards.Jeanty followed a remarkable college season by becoming the first running back selected within the first six picks of a draft since 2018, when the Giants drafted Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick.“I’m very proud of that,” Jeanty said. “… I’m going to show everybody the position is valuable and it is great to take an exceptional running back in the first round.”This year’s draft class is deep at running back, but that didn’t influence the Raiders’ plans. Spytek and Carroll said they believed Jeanty was the type of player who warranted a top-10 pick.For the Raiders, the addition of Jeanty was a combination of addressing a major need and getting the best player available.“There’s also no guarantee that if you pass on Ashton, any of those guys that you really like in the next round are going to be there,” Spytek said.Carroll called Jeanty a “dynamic player” who has the ability to run with power and find space to make plays. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDHere is why the Browns passed on generational talent TRAVIS HUNTER: @DanielOyefusiBrowns GM Andrew Berry on trading out of No. 2 and selecting Mason Graham:— Saw Graham as a “DNA match” for the defense— Draft haul was too good to pass up, second-rounder was in sweet spot of this draft. First-rounder is in what could be a stronger draft. And this from Fox8 Cleveland: “The reason we like Mason is he has the ability to be an excellent pass rusher from the interior and that’s really, really hard to find,” Browns General Manager Andrew Berry told reporters.“They’re telling me I’ll fit right in with this team. You know, attacking, being disruptive on the front and playing alongside other great players is only going to make this better,” Graham said. “I’ve been really close in Michigan these past few years so in Cleveland, I feel like I’ll just come in and fit right in. This defensive, this culture that the team has… I can tell everyone is about business and wants to get back on top.”I-Team: 1-on-1 with Browns owner on new stadium, development project“The most elite DT in the draft,” the Browns wrote on X. “Adding a BEAST in the trenches.” If you believe in the draft value charts, the Browns did very well. USA TODAY: Trade: Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns send: Second overall pick (WR/CB Travis Hunter), a 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 104) and a 2025 sixth-round pick (No. 200)Jacksonville Jaguars send: No. 5 overall pick, a 2025 second-round pick (No. 36), a 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 126) and their 2026 first-round pick to the Browns.Belichick trade value analysis: The Browns got excess draft value of 247 points, equivalent to the 23rd overall pick.Johnson trade value analysis: The Browns got excess draft value of 789 points, equivalent to the 21st overall pick.Jacksonville had the fifth overall pick in a three-man draft. Rather than wait, shrug and take a meat-and-potatoes player (or Ashton Jeanty), general manager James Gladstone got proactive… and overpaid mightily for the second overall draft pick.The Jaguars gave the Browns the equivalent of a mid-to-late first round pick for the right to draft Hunter. That’s a lot, but Hunter is a unicorn capable of injecting excitement into a moribund franchise and giving Trevor Lawrence, Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Etienne some much needed (and occasionally devastating) support. New head coach Liam Coen has a thriving cache of young playmakers he can turn into a new era of Jacksonville success.The Browns, on the other hand, needed inexpensive reinforcements. Their salary cap will be clogged by Deshaun Watson, accused of more than 20 counts of sexual misconduct as a Houston Texan, and his onerous contract for years to come. Moving to No. 5 deprives them of a playmaker but offers the chance to add a blue-chip stalwart at a less exciting position. The value was too good to pass up — but if Hunter becomes an immediate game-breaker, it’ll be another tough pill to swallow in northeast Ohio.Browns grade: A-Jaguars grade: B- |
| PITTSBURGHThe allure of QBs JAXSON DART and SHEDEUR SANDERS could not deter the Steelers from fortifying the middle of their defense and leaving MASON RUDOLPH atop the team’s current QB depth chart. Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com: Despite quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart still being available, the Pittsburgh Steelers eschewed the position all together and selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the No. 21 overall pick Thursday night at the NFL draft.Steelers general manager Omar Khan said the organization wasn’t tempted to draft a signal-caller with the pick.“We were on the clock,” he said Thursday night. “We got the player that we wanted.”Harmon was one of a handful of players the Steelers identified as one they wouldn’t trade away from if he was available. Khan said the Steelers fielded several trade offers, but they held on firmly to the pick.“He has Steeler DNA for us,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “It starts inside and upfront, and this is a guy that’s capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass, and so we’re really excited about having him. … We weren’t interested in considering trading away from him and really excited about getting him in here and getting started.”The Steelers entered the first round of the draft determined not to let Aaron Rodgers’ impending — yet prolonged — decision about his future affect their draft strategy.And in selecting Harmon with only two quarterbacks under contract, the Steelers seemingly signaled their continued confidence that Rodgers will eventually land in Pittsburgh.Earlier this week, Tomlin acknowledged the outcome of the draft could affect their pursuit of outside quarterbacks, including Rodgers.“What you do in the draft oftentimes affects maybe some talent acquisition that happens after,” he said in Tuesday’s predraft news conference. “We’ll see how the acquisition goes this weekend.”Harmon, who spent his first three seasons at Michigan State, is an immediate youth infusion to an aging Steelers defensive line anchored by longtime captain Cameron Heyward. Heyward, who turns 36 next month, advocated for his team to pick Harmon on an Instagram Live feed before the selection. And the appreciation is mutual. Harmon said he models his game after Heyward.“That was my first thought process when I got the call, was I’m going to be able to pick Cam’s brain, be under his wing,” Harmon said. “That could be my vet now, and I can really learn from him. He’s been doing this forever, since I was a baby, so it wouldn’t be no other way I’d want it, really.”Harmon was one of nine defensive linemen hosted by the Steelers during their top-30 predraft visits. Though rumors of a shoulder issue swirled before the draft, Harmon was evaluated by the Steelers’ medical staff on his visit. Khan and Tomlin said they were “extremely comfortable” with Harmon’s health.“I’m fully up, ready to go,” Harmon said of his shoulder. “I don’t have [any] concerns. I’m ready to get to work.”Harmon recorded five sacks in his lone season with the Ducks and exploded for 11 tackles for loss. He also led the FBS in 2024 with 34 quarterback pressures when lined up as a defensive tackle, and his 10.7% pressure rate as a defensive tackle was second best in FBS.“Extreme urgency,” Tomlin said, describing the level of urgency in addressing the defensive line. “To be quite honest with you, there’s no substitute for young talent. You don’t have a chance to fill a quality defense unless you’re stout inside and up front. This is a young guy, man, that has an opportunity to learn from the likes of Cam Heyward and put his hand in that pile and be a significant contributor for us for years to come.” |
| AFC SOUTH |
| JACKSONVILLEJaguars GM James Gladstone worked for a franchise that didn’t have a first round pick for many years. And it sounds like ATH TRAVIS HUNTER may be his only first rounder in Jacksonville for a while. Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: The Jaguars delivered the surprise of the draft early on in the first round when they traded up to No. 2 to select receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.General Manager James Gladstone told reporters after the trade and selection that he and Browns G.M. Andrew Berry had been working through the details of the deal for the last two weeks.“The fact that it came to life as seamlessly as it did once the bell rang is something that was fulfilling,” Gladstone said, via transcript from the team. “Being able to sit here tonight with Travis Hunter as a Jacksonville Jaguar is a vision that Liam [Coen], myself, Tony [Boselli] and the rest of our coaching staff and scouting staff certainly have a collective vision for and are really interested in getting him here, getting him to the city, letting our fanbase begin to feel him and ultimately his teammates begin to get to work with him.”Gladstone noted that there were “a lot of layers” to why the club wanted to trade up to bring Hunter in.“First and foremost, we mentioned the idea that, a trademark of this leadership group, when there’s an opportunity to be bold, we’re not going to flinch. I think this is a reflection of that,” Gladstone said. “In the same lens, you’ve heard us mention the idea of adding people who are intangibly rich, and Travis, in fact, as a player, is rare. As a person, he’s also rare. Beyond that, when we say that the idea of inviting people into our ecosystem who by being nothing more than who they are elevate the space, is the epitome of what Travis is. We’re not going to ask him to be any more than him because by doing so, he elevates not only this football team, not only this city, but the sport itself, right?“Along the way you can count however many drafts you want to, there are players who have the capacity to alter a game. There are players who have the capacity to alter the trajectory of a team. There are very few players who have the capacity to alter the trajectory of the sport itself. Travis, while he has a lot to still earn, in our eyes, has the potential to do just that. It’s an exciting step for us to take, and obviously a lot of work to be done because while Travis’s dream is now reality, he is still dreaming in a different way than most do. He prepares in a different way than most do, but now it’s time to bring it to life.”The Jaguars plan to have Hunter primarily focus on offense while learning the defense throughout the offseason.While the Jags gave up plenty to get Hunter — including next year’s first-round pick — Gladstone noted that he has plenty of familiarity working without a selection in the top 32 given his experience with the Rams.“For our fans, I’ll tell you, don’t be scared,” Gladstone said. “This is something I’m uniquely positioned to navigate. We ended up bringing Travis Hunter to Jacksonville, and with that, he is somebody who is deserving of a first-round draft pick as a wide receiver, and he is worthy of a first-round draft pick as a corner. Certainly, look forward to each of those elements showing themselves over the next few years while he is under his rookie contract, but yeah, we’re excited about just getting him in the boat, so to speak.” |
| AFC EAST |
| NEW YORK JETSHere is what Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic thought about the Jets pick: 7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, MissouriThe Jets had plenty of options here, and they opted for substance over sizzle — which is almost unexpected for this franchise. In the last two drafts, the Jets chose to fortify the edges of their O-line, and Membou now joins last season’s top pick, Olu Fashanu, as a bookend. Four of the Jets’ projected starting linemen were either first- or second-round picks between 2021 and Thursday night.It’s a sound philosophy, but is it more important than picking up someone who can score points for an offense that needs firepower? That remains to be seen.Membou played exclusively right tackle at Missouri and started his final 29 games. An explosive and powerful blocker, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.91 seconds and put up 225 pounds 31 times on the bench press at the combine.Grade: B |
| THIS AND THAT |
| DRAFT GRADESThe next day grades of Pete Prisco are an NFL tradition. We are comparing them to Charles McDonald of YahooSports.com. You have to go all the way to #32 to find them both giving an A grade to the same pick, The Bengals (SHEMAR STEWART) and Giants (JAXSON DART) get C’s or less from both Prisco and McDonald. 1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami Prisco: B-Taking Ward at the top and passing on a generational talent like Travis Hunter is risky in my book. Ward is good, not great. They could have waited until next year to take their quarterback.McDonald: BThe Titans needed a quarterback and drafted the top one in the class. Ward is a quality quarterback prospect with good upside to grow into a franchise player, and the Titans have put together a good enough offensive line where he’ll have a real chance to reach his ceiling. Ward might not be as highly thought of as the quarterback prospects from last year, but he’s worthy of the first pick and the Titans had a huge hole at quarterback. Player comparison: Steve McNair2. Jaguars (from Browns): Travis Hunter, WR/CB Colorado Prisco: A+This is the move the franchise had to make. Hunter is a star, the best player in this draft. Jacksonville had to be bold now and this is bold. It’s a great move.McDonald: B+The Jaguars have made the first bold move of the draft, with new general manager James Gladstone taking the “F them picks” approach from his former workplace with the Rams. The Jaguars are getting the best player in the draft and will get to decide his fate on offense or defense, but Hunter plans on playing both ways. Obviously the Jaguars have not spoken much about Hunter prior to the draft, but it’s hard to hate on a team that already believes they have their quarterback moving up and getting Hunter.Player comparison: Odell Beckham, Champ Bailey3. Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State Prisco: AThey had to pass on quarterback to take the best pass rusher in the draft. When the Giants won Super Bowls, they rushed the passer. Carter adds to talent up front. They can wait on the quarterback.McDonald: B+This pick gives the Giants one of the fiercest pass rushes in the league and puts Abdul Carter with star defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns. If the Giants’ cornerback play can improve this year, this could be one of the most improved defenses in the league. The presence of Lawrence, Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux will give Carter some great matchups to wreak havoc as a rookie. Perhaps the Giants could’ve gone offensive line here, but Carter’s upside as a pass rusher, in that front seven, is hard to turn down.Player comparison: Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila4. Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU Prisco: B-I like Campbell, but I don’t know how good he will be at left tackle. I see him as a star guard. But I get the pick. When you have a young quarterback, you have to take somebody to protect his blindside.McDonald: B+Simple is as simple does. The Patriots needed a left tackle and they got arguably the best guy in this class. The Patriots offense has their quarterback in Drake Maye, but they still needed offensive tackle help which they can get here in a hurry with Campbell. Even if Campbell isn’t a tackle, they can still get their best five linemen on the field.Player comparison: Rashawn Slater5. Browns (from Jaguars): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan Prisco: C+Cleveland has been looking to upgrade inside for a long time. Graham will help that. But I am not sure how dominant he can be because of his size. I like him. I don’t love him.McDonald: A-Trading back to get Mason Graham is a great process for the Browns. Graham can be a stalwart 3-technique next to Myles Garrett and give them a long-term talent they needed at that position. It’s hard to find defensive tackles with pass rush potential and he’s got it. Player comparison: Christian Wilkins6. Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Prisco: B+The Raiders and Pete Carroll want to run the football, so they end up with the best back in the draft. Normally I hate back this high. But this kid is special, Nice pick.McDonald: C-Ashton Jeanty is an incredible player, but this doesn’t seem like the player the Raiders need right now. Getting Geno Smith and Jeanty (to go along with Brock Bowers!) will significantly raise the floor on the offfense, but they still need offensive line help to maximize this thing.Player comparison: Priest Holmes7. Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri Prisco: B-The Jets had to get a tackle to play on the right side, and this kid fits the bill. I just think he’s a little raw and might take some time. The talent is there, but I preferred Kelvin Banks over Membou.McDonald: AMembou makes a ton of sense here as the Jets build a bookend duo with Olu Fashanu, who was a stellar rookie left tackle last year for New York. Membou is flatly one of the best players in the draft and should be an immediate, long-term right tackle for the Jets with massive upside to be a Pro Bowl player — or better.Player comparison: Duane Brown8. Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona Prisco: CI don’t love this pick. I know they need to get help for Bryce Young, but I thought Matthew Golden was a better option. They also have defensive needs. McMillan doesn’t run that well, which is always a concern.McDonald: BThe Panthers have spent a lot of assets on wide receivers over the past two drafts, but adding McMillan gives Bryce Young a true “X” wide receiver and moves Xavier Legette to a WR2 role that’s a bit more appropriate for him. The Panthers have a talented offense with a deep offensive line and running game and now McMillan adding depth and starting talent to the wide receiver room. Player comparison: Tee Higgins9. Saints: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas Prisco: B+This is a good, sound pick for the Saints. Banks can play either side and I thought he was better than Membou who went in front of him to the Jets. The Saints offensive line needed help. Now they just have to figure out the quarterback position.McDonald: B+The Saints just needed to hit a single and they got that done with the selection of Kelvin Banks who should slide in as a long-term starter at tackle or guard. With Banks and Taliese Fuaga, the teams’ first round pick from last year, they should have two young offensive linemen on rookie contracts that can stabilize the offense as they continue to retool it. Player comparison: Connor McGovern10. Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan Prisco: AI love this pick for the Bears. He was my top tight end. He was the best pass catcher of the tight ends. He will fit perfectly into the Ben Johnson offenseMcDonald: B-The Bears needed more talent in their pass catching room and add Colston Loveland to their roster to boost their tight end spot. Loveland has room to grow physically as a blocker, but he’s young and has NFL-ready skills as a pass catcher in Ben Johnson’s new offense. Player comparison: Owen Daniels11. 49ers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia Prisco: BThey had to get pass rush help to go with Nick Bosa. Williams didn’t play as well in 2024 as he did in 2023, but the talent is there. He gives them a bookend to go with Bosa.McDonald: BMykel Williams isn’t the most explosive pass rusher, but he’s a steady run defender that should pair well with Nick Bosa and his aggressive style of play. The 49ers needed to add more sturdiness to their defensive line and Williams brings that — and gives them a chance to get back to playing dominant defense. Player comparison: Robert Quinn12. Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama Prisco: B-He is one of my favorite offensive linemen in this draft. He’s a mauler. He is a little limited in terms of athletic ability, but he works for the Cowboys as they try and get better up front. But why not receiver here?McDonald: BThis is a bit of a surprising pick, but it’s a quality one. Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker should be one of the best, young guard duos in the league that will play a whole lot of power football for the Cowboys. Booker is a specific scheme fit, but this pick suggests that the Cowboys are going to be blowing defensive lines off the ball with a heavy run game and play action shots off of it. Surprising, but good. Player comparison: Gabe Jackson13. Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan Prisco: B+The Dolphins had to get an interior defensive lineman and Grant fits in perfectly. He is a big, power player who can line up next to Zach Sieler. I like this pick for a team desperate for defensive line help.McDonald: B-Kenneth Grant is a big, athletic nose tackle who will immediately help the Dolphins get more physical against the run. Grant has some pass rush upside that’s unusual for a 330-pound defensive tackle, but Miami’s offensive tackle situation is in such a tough spot. It might’ve been a bit more prudent to draft an offensive tackle here. Player comparison: Keeanu Benton14. Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State Prisco: BThis makes sense. Warren is an all-around tight end. He can do a lot of things. The Colts needed an upgrade to make it easier on their quarterbacks. He is a good football player, but is he great at anything?McDonald: C+Tyler Warren is a great player, but the Colts haven’t been the best at actually getting the ball to some of their talented targets recently. His best role is probably as a big slot player, but that’s already filled by Josh Downs. He’ll need to improve as an in-line blocker, but the athleticism and skill set should help him make an impact early even if the fit with Anthony Richardson is a bit dubious. Player comparison: Jeremy Shockey15. Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia Prisco: B+This is great value in this spot for Walker. There were some injury concerns by teams about him, which might have made him slide. But I think he will upgrade a pass rush that needs it. Nice pickMcDonald: BPotential pass rush help for a team that desperately needed pass rush (for the last decade). Walker isn’t a finished product, but he’s got a lot of talent in terms of moving forward and getting sacks and tackles for losses. They’re rebuilding their front seven after the loss of Grady Jarrett, and Jalon Walker could be the first big pick to move them into finally having disruptive front seven. Player comparison: Clay Matthews16. Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss Prisco: BHe is a good inside player who will team with Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to give them upgrades inside on a line that needed it. Nolen has big-time ability, but he needs to be more consistent and dedicated to the craft.McDonald: B+The Cardinals got a lot more disruptive with this pick. Walter Nolen has all the upside in the world to be an impact 3-technique at the next level and has a higher floor than Robert Nkemdiche, the last Ole Miss defensive tackle they selected in the first round. Nolen’s play is a bit streaky, but the big-play potential with Nolen is here in droves. Player comparison: Gino Atkins17. Bengals: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M Prisco: CThe Bengals needed edge help, but Stewart is raw and lacks football instincts. There wasn’t a lot of production to his game. The tape shows a player who needs to learn how to play football. But the talent is there.McDonald: C+Shemar Stewart finds himself on a defense where he doesn’t have to be the top dog pass rusher, which is good because he’s not ready for it. Trey Hendrickson can be the ace pass rusher while Stewart, who finished his final college season with 1.5 sacks, gets up to speed. It’s a home run swing, but a swing nonetheless. Player comparison: Bud Dupree18. Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota St.Prisco: BHe can play guard or tackle or center. The Seahawks were a disaster on the offensive line, so it works. Zabel showed well at the Senior Bowl, which helped elevate his draft stock, This works.McDonald: A+Huge pick up for Seattle right here. The Seahawks have added a versatile guard who’s loaded with potential and can play a variety of spots up front. Zabel has good film, nailed the all-star game circuit and blew up the Combine. This is as clean as clean gets and he can fill guard or tackle for the Seahawks. Player comparison: Graham Glasgow19. Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St. Prisco: B-With Mike Evans getting up in the years and Chris Godwin coming off injury, Egbuka is a solid pick. I love him as a player, and Jason Licht does a great job, but why not defense? Maybe the value was too much to pass up.McDonald: C+Egbuka gives the Buccaneers offense a lot of mouths to feed for the present, but the future clearly shows that Egbuka will be one of their top wide receivers. What’s confusing here will be the fit with Chris Godwin in the slot, but Egbuka will be able to start for a long time whenever Mike Evans moves on. Player comparison: Robert Woods20. Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Prisco: B-He is a good defensive back who can do a lot of things. I think he will play inside on the next level, but he can play outside and he play safety if need be. He’s just a good football player, but is he a pure corner?McDonald: BWhew, this gives the Broncos a crazy trio of cornerbacks. Pat Surtain, Riley Moss and Jahdae Barron could be the best cornerback room in the league and will create a true “no-fly” zone for opposing quarterbacks. Barron can also play downhill like a safety and makes a lot tackles in the open field. Player comparison: Brian Branch21. Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon Prisco: B-This pick makes a ton of sense since they need young players on their defensive line. Passing on a quarterback was the right move. The Steelers love big people early in the draft. It works.McDonald: AClassic Steelers pick. Harmon isn’t flashy, but he’s a steady defensive player who can impact the pass and run from a variety of fronts. Harmon fits right in as an eventual Cam Heyward replacement plan and will form a strong duo with Keeanu Benton on the interior for the long term.Player comparison: DaQuon Jones22. Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina Prisco: BHe is a big-time runner who will upgrade their running game. He has explosive ability, which they lacked last season. We know Jim Harbaugh wants to run the football. Hampton is a nice pick, even for a back in the first.McDonald: C+Love Hampton, love the Chargers approach to the game — don’t think this is the right fit right now for the Chargers. Hampton is an athletic, bruising running back that fits well into this scheme, but they don’t have the offensive line to quite do what they want to do. Player comparison: Joe Mixon23. Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas Prisco: AI love this pick. The Packers have injury issues at receiver and Golden will help offset those concerns. He can fly. The Packers usually don’t pick receivers in the first, but Golden was too good to pass up. He was my second best receiver after Travis Hunter.McDonald: BGreen Bay needed a boost of playmaking to their offense and get one of the fastest players in the draft with Matthew Golden. Christian Watson had some of this element, but Golden, who was a darling of the College Football Playoff, adds a new dynamic with some elite ball tracking and deep speed.Player comparison: DJ Moore24. Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio St. Prisco: BJackson is a good player who can play guard and tackle, but will be a guard for the Vikings. Minnesota needed to upgrade the interior of the offensive line and they will do it with Jackson. Teams loved his demeanor. I like the pick.McDonald: A-Minnesota’s offensive line overhaul is now complete with another sizable guard investment with Donovan Jackson. Jackson is a good, versatile offensive lineman who played left tackle well for Ohio State after Josh Simmons went down with an injury. J.J. McCarthy should be one happy camper after how this offseason has gone. Player comparison: Kelechi Osemele25. Giants (from Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss Prisco: C-I know the Giants needed a quarterback, but I don’t love this move. Coach Brian Daboll was said to be the one pushing for Dart. Well, he got his guy. I just think I would have waited until later to get a quarterback, but desperation makes teams do crazy things when it comes to the quarterback position.McDonald: DThe Giants needed a quarterback and traded up for Jaxson Dart. This is a pretty big risk for the Giants and their upcoming prospects for the 2025 season, but they needed to fill a spot in their quarterback room. Dart has a long way to go before he’s ready for big-time NFL action, and Brian Daboll might not even be able to see that development through.Player comparison: Drew Lock26. Falcons (from Rams): James Pearce Jr., Tennessee Prisco: B+He is a top-10 talent in this draft in my book, but off-field hurt his stock. I had the Falcons taking him earlier in my mock, but now they trade back in to get one of the best rushers in this draft. He can be a big-time steal.McDonald: DTrading a first round pick for James Pearce is patently absurd. Why not pick him at 15 if this was the case? Pearce is a quality pass rusher but giving up this much for him — a second and seventh this year and next year’s first in exchange for Pick No 26 and a third-rounder this year — just makes absolutely no sense. Player comparison: Yannick Ngakoue27. Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia Prisco: BHe’s a good player with a lot of range who will be a nice add on the back end of their defense. But why not an edge player? Then again, this is a tough team to argue about when it comes to drafting safeties.McDonald: A+Classic Ravens draft pick. A falling player that was highly sought after all season up until the draft. Malaki Starks and Kyle Hamilton will be an incredible duo right off the bat that will keep the Ravens playing elite defense for the near future. Player comparison: Jessie Bates III28. Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio St. Prisco: C+They needed depth and more help on their defensive line and Williams is a player who scouts kept raving about throughout the process. He can push the pocket from inside, which they need. I might have gone edge here, but I get it.McDonald: BA quality, big run plugger that has some juice. Williams will likely be their long-term replacement for D.J. Reader, but Williams can play now and help the Lions run defense while Alim McNeill recovers from a torn ACL. Player comparison: Maliek Collins29. Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon Prisco: B-He’s a player I thought would go in the first round and the Commanders need more help up front on their offensive line. They won’t be forced to rush him if he’s not ready, but he has the talent to develop into a quality player. Not flashy, but solid pick.McDonald: AConerly could’ve been drafted a whole lot higher than this, but for whatever reason fell to the end of the first round. Laremy Tunsil and Conerly will be massive upgrades for the Commanders at offensive tackle and gives them a chance to end up with top tier bookends for a year or two. Player comparison: Michael Oher30. Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky Prisco: AI love this pick as much as any. He is my top corner not named Travis Hunter. The Bills need corner help and he is an aggressive corner who will help upgrade that position. He will be an immediate starter.McDonald: C-Lots of speed for Maxwell Hairston, but this feels rich. Hairston has a lot of room to grow in terms of the more physical parts of cornerback play, but there’s just not a whole lot of love for tackling in Hairston’s game. He’s got some physical skills you can’t teach, but still has a ways to go. Player comparison: Sam Shields31. Eagles (from Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama Prisco: BThe Eagles have Nakobe Dean coming off an injury, so why not take a linebacker who can step in and help right away. If Dean isn’t ready, Campbell can start next to Zach Baun. Solid pick.McDonald: B+Campbell is an incredible value at this point in the draft, but the Eagles have a bit of a logjam at linebacker with Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun. Regardless, Campbell and Baun gives Philadelphia a ton of size and speed in the middle of the field and gives the Eagles versatility in terms of their front seven. Player comparison: Tremaine Edmunds32. Chiefs (from Eagles): Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio St. Prisco: A+He’s the best tackle in this class when healthy. The Chiefs won’t be forced to rush him back from a torn patella, but he will be their left tackle of the future. I love this pick.McDonald: AJosh Simmons didn’t play much of the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon last year, but he can be a bit of a stash pick for a team that desperately needs it. If Simmons can get back to full strength, he should legitimately be one of the best tackles in the NFL. Simmons is the perfect kind of pick for a team that’s never going to be picking high. Player comparison: Christian Darrisaw |
