| FREE AGENTS 2026Quite a few of these guys will sign contracts between now and next March, but Daniel Popper of The Athletic looks at the current crop of 2026 free agents: Most of the top players in the 2025 free-agent class have signed, and now it is time to look ahead to the 2026 class. These are our top 30 free agents for next offseason. A couple caveats before we dive in. We are not including 2022 first-round draft picks who are eligible for fifth-year options in 2026. Teams have until May 1 to make decisions on those options. So you will not see the Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson, for example. Players drafted after the first round are not eligible for fifth-year options, so they are included. All the players listed are entering the final years of their contracts. Of course, there are 11 months between now and the 2026 free-agency window. These are all good players, and many of them will sign extensions before next March. Some will sign extensions in the coming days and weeks. On Thursday, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride both agreed to contract extensions. They would have been included in these rankings had they not signed extensions, as both of their contracts were set to expire after 2025. This is partly an exercise to see what the class could look like in 2026. It is also an exercise that allows us to dive into some of the more pressing and interesting contract situations around the league. For context, in last year’s early 2025 free-agent rankings, only seven players in the top 30 actually hit the open market with the rest all signing extensions with their respective teams. All ages are as of the opening game of this season on Sept. 4. All statistics are courtesy of TruMedia and Pro Football Focus. All salary cap data is courtesy of Over the Cap. 1. Micah Parsons, edge, Dallas Cowboys (26)Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is dragging out yet another contract negotiation. As he did with Dak Prescott, who remains the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. And as he did with CeeDee Lamb, the third-highest paid receiver in the NFL. Despite mountains of evidence indicating the benefits of signing elite players to extensions sooner rather than later, Jones claimed at the annual league meeting that he does not see signing an extension with Parsons “as urgent at all.” Parsons is slated to play on his fifth-year option in 2025. Jones also claimed not to know the name of Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, who has negotiated some of the most high-profile contracts in the league, including Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed Cleveland Browns contract. Prescott ranked ninth in Mike Sando’s 2024 Quarterback Tiers, as voted on by NFL coaches and executives. This negotiating strategy is a factor in Prescott now being paid $5 million more in average per year (APY) than the next highest-paid quarterback, Joe Burrow. Myles Garrett reset the edge-rushing market this offseason with an extension averaging $40 million in APY. Parsons has an argument to be paid in that ballpark. No player has more pressures than Parsons (330) since he joined the league in 2021. Parsons has generated pressure on 20.3 percent of his pass-rush snaps in that span. No other player has a rate higher than 17.5 percent since the start of 2021. Lamb and Prescott were both in the final years of their contracts heading into the 2024 season. Lamb signed his extension on Aug. 26. Prescott signed his on Sept. 8. As our Jon Machota wrote last week, the expectation is that Parsons will “eventually get a deal done with the Cowboys that makes him one of the league’s highest-paid players.” 2. T.J. Watt, edge, Pittsburgh Steelers (30)Watt’s pass-rush efficiency dipped in 2024. His 9.9 percent pressure rate on pass-rush snaps was his lowest mark since TruMedia started tracking this metric in 2019. Still, Watt remains one of the best all-around edge rushers in football. He is great against the run. He is an elite finisher late in games: Four of his 11 1/2 sacks in 2024 came on third downs in the fourth quarter. Watt had a 15 percent pressure rate on third downs in 2024, so he was still impacting games in known-pass situations. Watt is on the final year of a four-year, $112 million deal he signed in September 2021. At the time, that contract made Watt the highest-paid defensive player in league history. At the league meeting last week, Steelers general manager Omar Khan said, “I’m very hopeful T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler,” according to our Mike DeFabo. 3. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers (25)Purdy took over as the 49ers starter in December 2022. Over the past three seasons, he leads the league in expected points added per dropback. The Mr. Irrelevant from the 2022 draft, Purdy has developed into an ideal trigger man for coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He is a good processor. He is a fast decision-maker with a quick release. He overcomes some limitations in arm strength and talent with anticipation. He has some aggressiveness in his game to push the ball downfield. And amid a slew of offensive injuries for the 49ers last season, Purdy showed off more mobility and playmaking with his legs, setting a career high in scramble yards with 300. Purdy is entering the final year of a very cheap rookie contract. With a scheduled $5.35 million base salary in 2025, Purdy is one of the most underpaid players in football. Purdy has said he wants to get an extension done before the start of Phase 1 of the offseason program, according to our Matt Barrows. That date is now set, with the league announcing April 22 as the start of the program for San Francisco. General manager John Lynch said at the league meeting that he “would love nothing more” than getting a deal done with Purdy before the start of Phase 1, according to Barrows. “Brock wants to be with us,” Lynch added. “We want Brock to be with us. When that’s the case, these things typically get done.” 4. Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers (26)The Chargers picked up Slater’s fifth-year option in May. He is slated to make $19.04 million in 2025 on that option. Coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz were in their first season together in 2024. They felt good enough about Slater to pick up the option. But they held off on negotiating an extension. There were not necessarily incentives for either side. Harbaugh and Hortiz wanted to see Slater play in their program. He had a Pro Bowl season. Slater wanted to wait for the tackle market to increase. It did. Tristan Wirfs signed for $28.125 million in APY. Penei Sewell signed for $28 million in APY. The Chargers should sign Slater to a long-term extension, and he is deserving of resetting the market. Hortiz said at the combine in February that the Chargers had opened negotiations with Slater. “I love Rashawn, and Rashawn’s a great player and he helps us win football games,” Hortiz said then. “So I’d love for Rashawn to be around for a long time.” Slater is an elite pass protector whose best asset is the core strength he uses to re-anchor and shut down power rushes. 5. Kerby Joseph, S, Detroit Lions (24)Joseph had a breakout season in 2024, leading the NFL in interceptions with nine. No player has more picks (17) than Joseph since he was drafted in the third round by the Lions in 2022. Joseph is a ball hawk, but he also has the physicality and instincts to impact the run game when called upon. He could become just the second safety in league history to earn $20 million in average annual value. Joseph is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Here is what our Colton Pouncy wrote from the league meeting last week: “Holmes said they’ve made it known they’d like Kerby Joseph back and view him as a player they’re saving money for.” 6. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32)In 2024, Evans became the only player in NFL history to begin his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons. He leads all active receivers with 106 career touchdowns, which rank 21st all time. Evans signed a two-year extension in March 2024. He will turn 32 in August. He remains a matchup nightmare on the outside, and until the production wanes, he is deserving of high placement on this list. 7. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens (31)Henry is apparently not aware of any running back cliff. In his age-30 season, Henry carried the ball 325 times for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns. Even in his ninth NFL season, Henry is still capable of wearing a defense down and physically dominating late in games. He averaged over 6 yards per carry in the fourth quarter in 2024 on 85 carries. Only Saquon Barkley carried the ball more often in the fourth quarter last season with 88 carries. Henry had a 49.4 percent success rate on fourth-quarter carries. Barkley had a 40.9 percent success rate on such carries. Henry is on the final year of a two-year free-agent deal. If he hits free agency in 2026, teams will have to factor in the effect of Lamar Jackson on Henry’s production. But Henry has shown no signs of slowing down. 8. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders (29)McLaurin has been a highly productive receiver throughout his career, even as Washington toiled in quarterback purgatory for half a decade. In 2024, McLaurin was paired with an exciting quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels. And he was a super-efficient No. 1 receiver on a surprise Commanders team that made a run to the NFC Championship Game. Among 35 receivers with at least 100 targets in 2024, McLaurin ranked second in EPA per target, trailing only the Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown. McLaurin has gone over 1,000 yards in five straight seasons. He is on the final year of a three-year extension he signed in 2022. “We want to make Terry a Commander for a long time,” general manager Adam Peters said at the league meeting, according to our Ben Standig. 9. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers (31)Kittle is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his excellent career. His 1,106 receiving yards were his most since 2018, his second NFL season. His eight touchdowns were the second most of his career. And he remains one of the league’s better run blockers at tight end. Kittle is entering the final year of a five-year extension he signed in 2020. At the combine, Lynch said, “We want George to retire a Niner,” according to Barrows. Of course, there is the looming business of the Purdy deal, and that could impact the timing. 10. Trey Hendrickson, edge, Cincinnati Bengals (30)Hendrickson posted his second straight 17 1/2-sack season in 2024. His 35 sacks are 4 1/2 more than any other player in the past two seasons. In that span, Hendrickson ranks fourth in pressures. Only Parsons, Garrett and Nick Bosa have more. Despite the production, Hendrickson is now in a rather messy contract negotiation with the Bengals. Hendrickson signed a four-year free-agent contract with Cincinnati in 2021. He signed a one-year extension to that deal in 2023. He is under contract for only one more year in 2025. At the league meeting, Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn said this of Hendrickson, according to our Paul Dehner Jr.: “I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn’t think he’d be happy at.” Hendrickson responded on “The Pat McAfee Show” by saying Blackburn’s comments were “disappointing because communication has been poor over the last couple months.” Quite a different tone than some of the other top extension-eligible talent entering contract years. Hendrickson’s pass-rushing production would make him a headliner in the 2026 free-agent class if this situation deteriorates further. 11. Zach Tom, OT, Green Bay Packers (26)The Packers drafted Tom in the fourth round in 2022. And while some projected Tom as a center in the league coming out of that draft, he has developed into a reliable right tackle in coach Matt LaFleur’s offense. Tom is not the longest player. But he leverages what length he does have very efficiently in both pass protection and run blocking to control defenders. His athleticism is a fit for some of the misdirection concepts and quarterback movement LeFleur features in his system. Our Matt Schneidman wrote from the league meeting that the Packers will “likely” extend Tom before the start of the 2025 season. 12. James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills (25)There were 51 running backs who had at least 100 touches in 2024. Cook finished sixth among those backs in EPA per combined targets and rushes. He had over 1,500 scrimmage yards in 2023. He followed that up with 18 total touchdowns in 2024 to go along with 1,267 scrimmage yards. Among running backs with at least 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons, only four have more scrimmage yards than Cook: Barkley, Henry, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. 13. Nik Bonitto, edge, Denver Broncos (25)Bonitto, a second-round pick in 2022, broke out last season with 13 1/2 sacks. Only Garrett and Hendrickson had more sacks. Bonitto was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro. He brings far more as a pass rusher than a run defender at this stage of his career. But we have seen players in this profile get paid in free agency. Bryce Huff signed for $17.03 million in average annual value in 2024. 14. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Indianapolis Colts (27)Raimann is a lean left tackle, but he makes up for it with smooth feet and athleticism. He is sturdy in pass protection and can be a real weapon on the move in the run game. Raimann, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, and did not start playing football until he was 14, was drafted in the third round in 2022. 15. Trey Smith, G, Kansas City Chiefs (26)Smith was setting up to be one of the prizes of free agency heading into this offseason. But the Chiefs franchise-tagged him in February. He is slated to make $23.4 million on the tag this year. The Chiefs can negotiate a multiyear extension with him up until July 15, so they have some time. If they do not get a deal done with Smith before the deadline, he would play 2025 on the tag. The Chiefs could then negotiate an extension after the season, or they could tag him again at an increased price. Smith can be a physically dominant player in the run game. He was an attractive piece this offseason and he will be again next offseason if he hits the open market. 16. Khalil Mack, edge, Los Angeles Chargers (34)Mack re-signed with the Chargers on a one-year, $18 million deal and will stay in Los Angeles for his 12th NFL season. He considered retirement after 2022. He came back and had perhaps his best pro season in 2023. After that season, he took a pay cut to return to the Chargers and play for Harbaugh. The Chargers made the playoffs in 2024 but lost in Houston in the wild-card round. Mack has never won a playoff game. The loss weighed on him. He considered retirement again, but he ultimately returned for one more shot with Harbaugh in 2025. Mack was not quite the same pass rusher in 2024 as he was in 2023, when he set a career high with 17 sacks. He suffered strains to both groins in a Week 9 game in Cleveland, and that affected his play down the stretch. He is still an elite run defender, and he will have the chance to keep playing in 2026 if he wants to. 17. Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens (29)Andrews has never replicated his All-Pro season from 2021, when he caught 107 passes for 1,361 yards and nine touchdowns. He was limited to 10 games in 2023 after suffering a leg injury. He played all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and caught 11 touchdowns. Andrews’ season ended in calamitous fashion when he dropped a potential two-point conversion that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter of a divisional-round loss to the Bills. It was one of two drops for Andrews in the game. There was some trade buzz surrounding Andrews this offseason. But he remains with the Ravens and is on the final year of a four-year, $56 million extension he signed in 2021. Andrews is still a matchup advantage over the middle of the field. 18. Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, New York Jets (26)Vera-Tucker has shown he can be one of the better guards in the league. He has kicked out to both tackle spots in his Jets career, but he is a better fit inside. Vera-Tucker is powerful and athletic in the run game. He is consistently stout in pass protection. He shows really good awareness dealing with stunts on the interior and seeks extra work when he is uncovered. Vera-Tucker’s issue has really been health. He played only seven games in 2022 and five games in 2023. He had a bounce-back year in 2024, playing nearly 1,000 snaps over 15 games. Vera-Tucker is slated to play 2025 on his fifth-year option. The Jets have a new coach in Aaron Glenn and new general manager in Darren Mougey. 19. Kolton Miller, OT, Las Vegas Raiders (30)Miller has been a model of durability for the Raiders at left tackle since he was drafted in the first round in 2018. He has only missed seven games in his career. He has played at least 960 snaps in all but one of his seven NFL seasons. He is on the final year of a three-year extension he signed in 2021. 20. Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks (26)Woolen has elite size and speed, and he has the sticky coverage skills in man coverage to give fits to even some of the best outside receivers in the league. He is tough to get past in press coverage at the line of scrimmage. When Woolen does get beat off the line, he has the length and wheels to recover. Woolen was a fifth-round pick in 2022. Since he joined the league, he is tied for fourth in passes defended with 41. 21. Luke Goedeke, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)Goedeke, a 2022 second-round pick, overcomes his lack of length with really impressive patience and timing in pass protection. He has started 30 games at right tackle over the past two seasons after playing primarily left guard as a rookie in 2022. 22. Joe Thuney, G, Chicago Bears (32)Thuney has been one of the best and most durable guards in the league for close to a decade. The Chiefs signed him to a five-year deal in the 2021 free-agency window, and he was one of the few splash signings that actually returned the investment. Thuney won two Super Bowls in Kansas City. He has four Super Bowls in his career. The Chiefs traded Thuney to the Bears this offseason. Thuney has some mileage, and he will be 33 when next offseason rolls around. That is the only reason he is not higher on this list. It will be fun to see him play in the Ben Johnson offense. He has some good football left. How he performs in 2025 will dictate his standing in these rankings come March. 23. Taylor Moton, OT, Carolina Panthers (31)Moton has been a steady and dependable pass protector at right tackle over his eight seasons in Carolina, and that continued in 2024. He signed a five-year, $85 million extension with the Panthers in 2021 and will complete that contract in 2025. 24. DaRon Bland, CB, Dallas Cowboys (26)Bland had nine interceptions, including five pick-sixes, in 2023, and the 2022 fifth-round pick was named a first-team All-Pro. Then, Bland suffered a stress fracture in training camp, which derailed his 2024 season. Still, the ball production is undeniable. Even with no interceptions last season, Bland has 14 in his three-year career. If he can bounce back in 2025, he will be in for a payday. 25. Cam Jurgens, C, Philadelphia Eagles (26)Jurgens was groomed as the Jason Kelce replacement in the middle of the Eagles offensive line, and that succession plan went about as well as general manager Howie Roseman could have hoped. Kelce retired after the 2023 season. Jurgens took over as center in 2024. The Eagles won the Super Bowl behind their dominant offensive line. Jurgens injured his back in the divisional round. He was not supposed to play in the NFC Championship Game, but he was forced into action when Landon Dickerson injured his knee. Jurgens played 27 snaps. He was the starter in the Super Bowl. Considering how the Eagles do business — extending good young players as early as possible — it’s unlikely Jurgens will even sniff free agency. He was a 2022 second-round pick. 26. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos (28)Allen was a problem for interior offensive lines in 2024. His 81 pressures were second among interior defensive linemen, trailing only Kansas City’s Chris Jones. Teams are looking for pass-rush juice on the interior. Allen has it with his power and unrelenting motor. He cashed out in free agency 2023, and he will get a lucrative third contract before he hits 30. 27. Travis Jones, DL, Baltimore Ravens (25)Jones is a difference-maker against the run and moves outrageously well for a 340-pound man. He went toe-to-toe with the Eagles interior in Week 13 and won a bunch of matchups in run defense against Jurgens, Dickerson and Mekhi Becton. The Ravens limited Barkley to 4.7 yards per carry — tied for his fifth-lowest average of the regular season. Jones was a big part of that. He has some pass-rush upside but loses momentum when he faces double-teams. He had 35 pressures last season. If Jones can uptick his pass-rush production, he could be in line for a big contract. 28. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets (24)Hall, a second-round pick in 2022, tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 7 of his rookie season. He returned in 2023, and over the past two seasons, he has totaled the fifth-most scrimmage yards of any running back in the league. And no running back has more receiving yards than Hall over the past two seasons. The Jets have ranked 29th in EPA per play on offense in that span. What could Hall be in a more advantageous offensive environment? 29. Kyler Gordon, CB, Chicago Bears (25)Gordon has good coverage instincts in the slot and has emerged as an upper-echelon nickel. His 30 run stuffs in 2024 were tied for seventh among cornerbacks. General manager Ryan Poles said at the league meeting that extending Gordon is a “priority.” The 2022 second-round pick is on the final year of his rookie deal. 30. Rob Havenstein, OT, Los Angeles Rams (33)Havenstein is entering his 11th season with the Rams. He was originally drafted when the team was in St. Louis. He has been extended twice in his career, and his contract voids after 2025. He has been a franchise cornerstone — solid in pass protection and a plus run blocker. Honorable mentions: Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens, Baltimore Ravens TE Isaiah Likely, New York Jets LB Quincy Williams, Seattle Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III, Washington Commanders WR Deebo Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert, Chicago Bears OT Braxton Jones, Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts, Cleveland Browns G Joel Bitonio. |
| 2025 DRAFTMel Kiper, Jr. of ESPN.com offers us a 2-round Mock Draft where QB SHADEUR SANDERS also goes to the Saints at #9 (see NEW ORLEANS above): ROUND 1 1. Tennessee TitansCam Ward, QB, MiamiSpeaking about the No. 1 pick at league meetings two weeks ago, Titans coach Brian Callahan said, “We’re open to everything at this point.” Tennessee certainly has options, especially if another team calls GM Mike Borgonzi with a massive trade offer. But the Titans don’t have a franchise quarterback, and they have a chance to get one in Ward. To win in the NFL, you have to take those opportunities when they present themselves. I was a fan of Will Levis during the ahead of the 2023 draft. But he has made too many mistakes with the football over the past two seasons (16 INTs and 17 fumbles) to prove he’s the guy. It’s time to upgrade, and Ward would bring a big arm, an ability to create outside of structure and good accuracy to Nashville. 2. Cleveland BrownsTravis Hunter, WR/CB, ColoradoI debated Hunter vs. Penn State’s Abdul Carter for Cleveland. There’s no doubt that slotting Carter opposite Myles Garrett would destroy opponent game plans. But Hunter is a special prospect in so many ways, and he’d check a big box for the Browns — mainly as a receiver. They have wideout Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku but need more pass-catching talent. Hunter — my No. 1 overall prospect — has a “wow” factor to his game, and he could use his speed, ball skills, instincts and elusiveness to become an impact player right out of the gate. He had 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 TDs last season. But there’s also the defensive impact of taking Hunter. Cleveland already has playmakers at cornerback in Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II, but it could still use Hunter in big spots. Have to make a stop at the end of the half? I’d have him on the field. Drafting Hunter and getting him in the mix on both sides of the ball could really energize this fan base. 3. New York GiantsAbdul Carter, OLB, Penn StateEven after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, the Giants have been linked to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. I’m not ruling it out. Neither Wilson nor Winston is a long-term answer. However, the additions mean the Giants can at least toy with passing on the quarterbacks in Round 1 in favor of one of the class’s top two prospects. Travis Hunter is off the board, but Carter would take this New York defense to new heights. In his first season as a full-time edge rusher (after playing primarily off-ball linebacker in past years), Carter had 12 sacks and 23.5 total tackles for loss. I see elite traits on the tape. And considering the Giants have holes all over their roster, they might opt for the best player on the board. They’d have something with Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II up front. 4. New England PatriotsWill Campbell, OT, LSUWith Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter unavailable, the Patriots could listen to trade offers in case a quarterback-needy team wanted to jump on Shedeur Sanders. I’m not projecting trades here, but even if I were, there’s a good chance New England might just stand pat and take Campbell. The Patriots allowed pressure on a league-worst 39.4% of their dropbacks last season, and Drake Maye is entering his first full season as the starting quarterback. They have to be better in pass protection. Campbell would slide in at left tackle. I’m not overly worried about his 32⅝-inch arms; he plays longer than that. Campbell can land a quick first punch and use his great overall technique and agility to keep pass rushers at bay. He has 38 games of experience, and pairing him with new right tackle Morgan Moses would buy Maye more time in the pocket. 5. Jacksonville JaguarsMason Graham, DT, MichiganI’m out of things to say about Graham to Jacksonville — I’ve projected this match in all four of my mock drafts. New coach Liam Coen might want offensive playmakers for Trevor Lawrence, but the Jaguars have a chance to finally get a pocket-pushing disruptor for the middle of the defensive line. With great power and quickness, Graham can get into the backfield to create interior pressure on quarterbacks and drop running backs behind the line of scrimmage. He had 3.5 sacks and 14 run stops last season. With Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker collapsing the pocket on either side, Graham could have an immediate impact. And the Jaguars — who ranked 31st in yards allowed per play in 2024 (5.9) — could use all the help they can get. 6. Las Vegas RaidersAshton Jeanty, RB, Boise StateLast in rushing yards per game at 79.8. Last in yards per rush at 3.6. Tied for the second-fewest runs of 10 or more yards with 34. That’s what Las Vegas produced on the ground last season. New coach Pete Carroll is going to want much more out of his run game, and Jeanty could immediately flip the script. He displayed excellent speed, contact balance and vision en route to 2,601 rushing yards last season. He could be an elite three-down back in the NFL. Maybe add another receiver on Day 2 of the draft, and this would suddenly be a very interesting offense with Jeanty, Geno Smith, Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers. 7. New York JetsArmand Membou, OT, MissouriMembou is powerful and quick, and he started 30 games at right tackle in college. It would make a lot of sense for the Jets to pop him into the lineup there, with 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu manning the left side. They signed quarterback Justin Fields, who has the league’s second-highest sack rate since being drafted in 2021 (10.5%). For this to work, the offensive line has to be good. I considered Penn State tight end Tyler Warren here. He can line up all over the offense and give Fields a reliable outlet when the pressure does come. Once the ball is in his hands, he’d pick up chunks of yardage. But I don’t think New York is going to ignore the O-line. 8. Carolina PanthersJalon Walker, LB, GeorgiaNo change on my Panthers pick projection, as this makes it four mock drafts in a row for Walker to Carolina. He’s an explosive defender with bend and versatility. I like him at off-ball linebacker — he’d make plays all over the field for the Panthers with sideline-to-sideline speed. But he could absolutely rush off the edge, too; he had 6.5 sacks last season. This Carolina defense was the worst in the NFL in yards allowed per play (6.0), yards allowed per rush (5.2), opponent QBR (64.8), points allowed per game (31.4) and opponent third-down rate (50.2%) last season. Walker would help no matter where he lines up. 9. New Orleans SaintsShedeur Sanders, QB, ColoradoIf Sanders doesn’t go to the Giants, there aren’t many clear landing spots for him in the top 10 … and he could slide. I could see a team trading up for him — maybe even the Saints, who have nine picks — but most of these rosters are already set at quarterback. This is a great outcome for New Orleans, though. I like this match a lot. Sanders is my top-ranked quarterback, and his accuracy jumps off the tape. He completed 74% of his throws last season despite being under constant pressure. Playing in the NFC South with good weather and a few indoor stadiums would ease any arm strength concerns. And he wouldn’t be forced to play right away. Derek Carr, 34, will be with the Saints for at least another season; Sanders could learn behind him before taking over. 10. Chicago BearsTyler Warren, TE, Penn StateOffseason moves to add interior offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman should buy Caleb Williams more time to throw. Landing Warren would give the second-year quarterback another reliable target. New Bears coach Ben Johnson could line up Warren anywhere, get him the ball and let him roll to first downs after the catch. The versatile tight end had 1,233 receiving yards last season, and 700 of them came once the ball was in his hands. Chicago got only 512 total yards out of its tight end room in 2024, but the combination of Warren and Cole Kmet could do some damage. 11. San Francisco 49ersWill Johnson, CB, MichiganThere’s well-documented roster turnover in San Francisco right now, and Charvarius Ward is among the departures. Renardo Green has one of the outside starting spots, but what will the 49ers do at the other? Could slot guy Deommodore Lenoir move outside? Will new signee Tre Brown earn the role (and stay healthy)? Or could this be a golden chance to land a potential shutdown CB1 in Johnson? Johnson missed time last season with a toe injury, and he slid from the top five to No. 12 overall on my Big Board. But the talent is undeniable. He’s big — 6-foot-2 — and his instincts and ball skills show up in the box scores. He had nine interceptions over his Michigan career, including two pick-sixes last season. The 49ers had 11 total INTs a year ago (tied for 19th). 12. Dallas CowboysOmarion Hampton, RB, North CarolinaI was torn here, as I think Dallas will look at all offensive playmakers. It needs a difference-making WR2 to take some of the load off CeeDee Lamb. But I’m not sure Texas’ Matthew Golden or Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan will go quite this early. Instead, I see the Cowboys trying to improve the run game, which managed 4.0 yards per carry and a league-low six TDs last season. They have thus far replaced Rico Dowdle with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Neither new back has the home run ability of Hampton, who can scoot through holes and take off despite his 221-pound build. I’ve never been an advocate of the first-round running back, but team owner Jerry Jones isn’t afraid to address the position on Day 1. 13. Miami DolphinsJahdae Barron, CB, TexasTerron Armstead’s retirement makes this interesting. The Dolphins ranked 28th in pass block win rate last season (55.7%), and protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is paramount. Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. could fit. But Miami also drafted Patrick Paul late in the second round last April, and he has spent a year learning behind Armstead. The Dolphins could start Paul and use this pick to clean up the CB2 spot opposite Jalen Ramsey, where either Storm Duck, Cam Smith or Ethan Bonner is currently slated to start. Barron would jump to the front of the line. His ball skills (five INTs in 2024), speed and versatility would boost the unit. 14. Indianapolis ColtsColston Loveland, TE, MichiganThe Colts had arguably the NFL’s worst tight end production last season, with their group combining for 39 catches, 467 yards and two TDs. They also lost Kylen Granson (Eagles) and Mo Alie-Cox (unsigned) and haven’t addressed the position. In an enormous make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson (and/or possibly Daniel Jones), Indy has to get more playmakers in its offense. Loveland has the seam-stretching ability to make plays down the field, and he has the 6-foot-6 size to post up in the red zone. Receiver is the other position that stands out, but I went with Loveland as the better value (No. 11 on my board). Here’s an interesting note from ESPN Research off that decision: This would be the first time since 2006 that multiple running backs and multiple tight ends were selected before a second wide receiver went off the board. 15. Atlanta FalconsMike Green, OLB, MarshallIt almost seems too simple. Atlanta had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season (31). Green had the most sacks in the FBS (17). Suddenly, there’d be some optimism around the pass rush, with Green and free agent signing Leonard Floyd flying in off the edge. Green mixes in speed and power to keep offensive tackles on their heels, and his ability to stop the run means coach Raheem Morris could keep him on the field no matter the situation. If things play out this way, he’d be the second-highest drafted Marshall player in the common draft era (Byron Leftwich went seventh in 2003). 16. Arizona CardinalsMatthew Golden, WR, TexasDespite using the No. 4 pick on receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. last year, the Cardinals’ 2024 offense leaned on its explosive run game. If Arizona can find another top-tier pass catcher to help the aerial game catch up, this offense would be hard to stop. Golden is a great route runner, and he has 4.29 speed to run underneath some Kyler Murray deep balls. He had 58 catches for 987 yards and nine TDs last season, and he’d give the Cards a solid 1-2-3 punch in Harrison, Golden and tight end Trey McBride. 17. Cincinnati BengalsJihaad Campbell, LB, AlabamaThe Bengals spent big money this offseason to keep their offensive core around for the long term, and now it’s time to turn the focus to the other side of the ball. What happens with Trey Hendrickson looms large. If he does end up getting traded after requesting a move, Cincinnati certainly has to look at the pass rushers on the board. I could see Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart fitting, but his lack of production might scare off teams this early. I’m going to wait until we know more about Hendrickson’s future and instead go with Campbell, who is a complete football player. Look at this stat line from 2024: 112 tackles, 5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, 16 pressures, 12 run stops, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles. And remember that Germaine Pratt, the Bengals’ starting middle linebacker, also requested a trade this offseason. 18. Seattle SeahawksKelvin Banks Jr., OT, TexasBanks gave up three sacks over 42 career starts at left tackle for the Longhorns. He’s agile for 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, and he has some pop. The Seahawks have Charles Cross at left tackle, so Banks would help elsewhere on this lackluster offensive line. Right tackle Abraham Lucas has played in just 13 games over the past two seasons. The guard spots are both issues. Banks could fit in at any of those spots. New quarterback Sam Darnold ranked seventh in the NFL in QBR when he had a clean pocket in Minnesota last season (74.5). Facing pressure, he was 22nd (23.4). So it’s pretty clear Seattle has to address the pass protection to maximize the Darnold signing. 19. Tampa Bay BuccaneersNick Emmanwori, S, South CarolinaGood luck throwing downfield on Tampa Bay with Emmanwori and Antoine Winfield Jr. locking down the third level. Emmanwori is a baller. He has the traits to make plays, picking off four passes last season. He has the speed and explosiveness to drive on the ball, running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and jumping a ridiculous 43 inches in the vertical at the combine. And he has the 6-foot-3, 220-pound size to outmuscle receivers and hang with tight ends. The Bucs gave up 54 passing plays of 20 or more yards last season, eighth most in the NFL. Adding Emmanwori would help contain some of those big plays. 20. Denver BroncosTetairoa McMillan, WR, ArizonaThis is one of the teams to watch for running backs, but Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton are both gone. I think the Broncos could — spoiler — wait until Day 2 and still get a legit starter. The other major way to help quarterback Bo Nix take the next step in Year 2 would be getting him another playmaking receiver. McMillan dominated in college, with 3,423 yards and 26 touchdown receptions over three seasons. He isn’t a blazer, but he can make tough catches with his body control and sure hands. Consider this, too: Nix threw 22 red zone touchdown passes last season, tied for sixth in the NFL. Now there’s a chance he’d be throwing jump balls in the end zone to Courtland Sutton (6-foot-4), Evan Engram (6-foot-3) and McMillan (6-foot-4)? Look out, AFC West pass defenses. 21. Pittsburgh SteelersDerrick Harmon, DT, OregonHarmon is a constant headache for opponents. He had five sacks and 35 pressures as an interior pass rusher last season, and he took care of business in the run game with 11 stops and 10 tackles for loss. Keeanu Benton and Harmon would be a good pairing inside. I originally had Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart to Pittsburgh. He throws with accuracy and velocity, and he’d be a potential short- and long-term answer. We’re all still waiting to see what happens with Aaron Rodgers, so I’ll hold off on any quarterback moves for the Steelers until we know a little more. 22. Los Angeles ChargersGrey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota StateLos Angeles would love for one of the top three receivers or top two tight ends to be sitting there when it is on the clock. And there’s a chance the Chargers reach slightly for someone like Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) or Luther Burden III (Missouri). I lean toward a better value move: Pick an impact lineman for the run game now, and wait until Day 2 for a deep pool of playmakers. Zabel played all over in college, with starts at both tackle positions and both guard spots. He’s a tone-setter who drives defenders off the ball, and he could help open rush lanes at left guard. Per ESPN Research, Zabel would join Trevor Penning (2022) and Lester Holmes (1993) as the only non-FBS offensive linemen selected in the top 22 picks since the 1978 FBS/FCS split. 23. Green Bay PackersMykel Williams, OLB, GeorgiaThe Packers had 45 sacks last season (tied for eighth), but that’s a little misleading. They were really good at converting pressure into sacks, but they got pressure only 29.8% of the time (22nd). Williams was hindered by an ankle injury in 2024, which kept him to five sacks over 12 games. But he has the explosive traits to be an extremely effective edge rusher. Other spots of interest would be receiver and cornerback, so expect Green Bay to take a look at guys like Emeka Egbuka or Kentucky corner Maxwell Hairston, too. 24. Minnesota VikingsDonovan Jackson, G, Ohio StateMinnesota signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly away from the Colts. It’s a big improvement on the interior offensive line. Let’s take it a step further. Jackson would replace Blake Brandel at the other guard spot, and he has the versatility to kick outside if needed. He did so this past season when Josh Simmons got hurt for Ohio State. That seems relevant given left tackle Christian Darrisaw is recovering from a left knee injury. Jackson is a plug-and-play interior blocker with great agility and technique; he allowed four sacks over 40 career starts. The Vikings do not have a second-round pick, but they could find a solid cornerback at the end of Round 3. 25. Houston TexansJosh Conerly Jr., OT, OregonThe pass protection really hurt C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense last season. He was sacked 52 times. The Texans began an overhaul of the offensive line this offseason — including trading away left tackle Laremy Tunsil, the unit’s one sure thing. They can’t risk wasting another year of Stroud’s rookie contract by forcing him to constantly fend for himself against opponent pass rushes. Houston signed Cam Robinson and Trent Brown, but it shouldn’t be satisfied. Conerly is consistent, allowing just two sacks over his college career. He’d help keep Stroud clean in the pocket. 26. Los Angeles RamsJaxson Dart, QB, Ole MissI love this pick because of the potential. Rams coach Sean McVay could develop Dart into a legit future starter. Of course, I say “future” because Matthew Stafford’s contract restructure keeps him in Los Angeles for at least another season. But he’s 37 years old, and the Rams have to make plans for 2026 and beyond. Dart can hit receivers’ strike zones on a rope, and his ability to throw on the run is fun to watch. He had 4,279 passing yards, 29 TD throws and six interceptions last season. And this pick would bring him back to the West Coast — Dart spent 2021 at USC before transferring to Ole Miss. Given a season to learn under Stafford and transition to the NFL game after playing in Lane Kiffin’s RPO-happy offense, Dart has a high ceiling in the pros. 27. Baltimore RavensMalaki Starks, S, GeorgiaStarks does a little bit of everything on the back end. He can step up into the box and stop the run. He can drop over the slot in coverage. And he can patrol center field with his closing speed. Baltimore was burned by big plays last season (58 opponent plays went for 20 or more yards, third most in the NFL). The Ravens tried a few different players at the safety spot next to Kyle Hamilton, and the midseason switch to Ar’Darius Washington helped. But Starks would be a real difference-maker. This is a good roster with legit Super Bowl aspirations, and GM Eric DeCosta can’t let chunk plays undo them. 28. Detroit LionsDonovan Ezeiruaku, OLB, Boston CollegeThe Lions’ defense was hammered by injuries last season. Even before the injured reserve started filling up, though, the edge rush depth chart was concerning. Aidan Hutchinson — who is coming off a leg injury — needs a running mate. The only other Detroit edge rusher with more than three sacks last season was Za’Darius Smith (four), who was acquired at midseason and released this spring. Ezeiruaku jumped to No. 21 in my recent Big Board update, meaning he’d not only take care of that pass rush need but also do so at value. His 65 pressures led the FBS last season, and he turned them into 16.5 sacks. 29. Washington CommandersShemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&MStewart’s draft stock is hard to predict. As I mentioned earlier, I considered him for Cincinnati at No. 17. He comes off the board here, 12 spots later. It’s the same dilemma that GMs will be struggling with on draft night. Stewart has all the talent in the world — speed, explosiveness and power. But he also had 4.5 sacks over three seasons. If an NFL coaching staff can help him put it all together, the upside is immense. I’m betting on Commanders coach Dan Quinn unlocking that potential. Dante Fowler Jr.’s departure in free agency means there’s a hole opposite Dorance Armstrong on the D-line. 30. Buffalo BillsMaxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky Teams were able to throw against Buffalo last season, completing 68.5% of their passes into coverage. That was fifth worst in the league, and worst among playoff teams. Rasul Douglas is unsigned, and his outside corner spot opposite Christian Benford is currently held by new addition Dane Jackson. More depth is needed. Hairston can fly. He ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the fastest time at the event this year. And he has the hands to make plays, with six picks over the past two seasons. 31. Kansas City ChiefsJosh Simmons, OT, Ohio StateIf Simmons didn’t injure his knee last October, we might not be having this conversation — because his projection might be closer to the top 10. He has really good footwork and power, and he gave up just one sack over 19 career starts at left tackle. Heck, he hadn’t given up a single pressure in six games before the injury last season. That’s the kind of pass protection the Chiefs need. Kansas City tried Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia at left tackle, but neither held up well. It kicked guard Joe Thuney outside, but he’s in Chicago now. The Chiefs have to find a legitimate answer, and while they signed Jaylon Moore to be that, it’s no sure thing. He was a backup in San Francisco. 32. Philadelphia EaglesJames Pearce Jr., OLB, TennesseeThe defending Super Bowl champs lost some key parts of their defense in free agency, including edge rusher Josh Sweat. Being able to get after the quarterback is important for Vic Fangio’s defense, and there’s a glaring void now on the edge. There are mixed opinions around the league on whether Pearce is a first-rounder, but he has the traits to develop into a speedy disruptor in the right system. He had 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons and ranked second in the nation in pressure rate last season (19.0%). ROUND 2 33. Cleveland BrownsTyler Shough, QB, LouisvilleDeshaun Watson is out with a re-torn Achilles, and Kenny Pickett is the only other quarterback on the Browns’ roster. Shough has the arm strength to drive the ball in Cleveland weather, and he looks the part at 6-foot-5 and 219 pounds. Some evaluators will be concerned by his age (turning 26 this year), but the flip side of that is his experience — he has thrown 951 passes over 43 career games. He could compete with Pickett for starts. 34. New York GiantsJalen Milroe, QB, AlabamaAfter the Giants passed on Shedeur Sanders in Round 1, they could come back to the quarterbacks on Day 2. There is some love for Milroe in NFL circles right now, and he could fit well in New York. He’d have the chance to learn behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, developing his pre-snap reads and improving his short-to-intermediate accuracy. Milroe throws a great deep ball and can change a game with his legs. He ran for 20 scores in 2024. This quarterback class doesn’t have the same talent as the classes in 2024 or even 2023 did, but there are some solid middle-tier options. According to ESPN Research, it would be only the seventh time in the common draft era that five or more passers went in the first 34 picks. 35. Tennessee TitansOluwafemi Oladejo, OLB, UCLAHere’s the Titans’ Harold Landry III replacement. Tennessee was tied for 29th in sacks last season (32) and then cut its top sack getter in Landry (nine). Oladejo had only 4.5 sacks last season, but he had 29 pressures, and his tape shows burst and potential. 36. Jacksonville JaguarsEmeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio StateThree or fewer wide receivers have gone in Round 1 just three times in the past 10 drafts. But the Jaguars would stand to seriously benefit if things go this way. Egbuka — my No. 18 prospect — is a smooth route runner and caught 10 touchdowns last season. Brian Thomas Jr. was terrific as a rookie, and taking Egbuka here would help make up for the loss of Christian Kirk and give Jacksonville a pair of young talented pass catchers to build the offense around. 37. Las Vegas RaidersCarson Schwesinger, LB, UCLASchwesinger came out of nowhere in 2024 with 115 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. The Raiders have big question marks at linebacker after Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo both signed elsewhere. Schwesinger could join new additions Elandon Roberts and Devin White to rebuild the position. 38. New England PatriotsLuther Burden III, WR, MissouriAfter improving the protection in Round 1 with Will Campbell, the Patriots could look for playmakers on Day 2. Burden’s stat line wasn’t as impressive in 2024 as it was in 2023 — he went from 1,212 yards to 676 — but he’s explosive and elusive with the ball in his hands. His skill set would be a good complement to new signee Stefon Diggs. 39. Chicago Bears (via CAR)Walter Nolen, DT, Ole MissSigning Grady Jarrett to join Gervon Dexter Sr. on the interior of the defensive line helps. But he’s also turning 32 years old at the end of this month. In Nolen, the Bears could get another disruptive lineman who can get home on the quarterback. He had 6.5 sacks last season. 40. New Orleans SaintsAzareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida StateThomas has the length and speed to contribute as a rookie, even if it’s rotating in behind Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor. He looked great at the Senior Bowl in January, and he broke up 17 passes over the past two seasons. 41. Chicago BearsTreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio StateOne more finishing touch on the Bears’ offense comes with their third pick in the top 41. Chicago struggled to establish the run last season, averaging 4.0 yards per carry (27th) with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. Henderson could take some pressure off Caleb Williams by picking up first downs on the ground. He rushed for 42 scores and averaged 6.4 yards per carry over four seasons at Ohio State. 42. New York JetsElijah Arroyo, TE, MiamiNo Tyler Warren for the Jets in Round 1, but getting the top offensive tackle in the class in Armand Membou and then landing Arroyo in the second round is a win. Arroyo can stretch the field for Justin Fields, and at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, no one can cover him. New York could line him up all over and then uncork 50-50 balls to him to haul in. 43. San Francisco 49ersKenneth Grant, DT, MichiganJavon Hargrave and Maliek Collins were released. Grant would clog up the middle in their place. He’s 6-foot-4 and 331 pounds, and he has explosiveness and good instincts to his game. Hitting on Day 2 picks would help San Francisco replenish its roster and remain a contender in the NFC. Grant has the potential to immediately contribute in a big way. 44. Dallas CowboysTrey Amos, CB, Ole MissTrevon Diggs had 11 interceptions in 2021, and DaRon Bland had nine in 2023. But neither played more than 11 games last season, and both struggled at times in coverage when on the field. The end result was 7.9 yards allowed per opponent pass attempt, which tied for worst in the NFL. Amos had three picks and 15 pass breakups last season, and he has played in 63 career games. In addition to shoring up the outside, he’d help replace Jourdan Lewis, the Cowboys’ slot corner who left in free agency. 45. Indianapolis ColtsJonah Savaiinaea, G, ArizonaSavaiinaea played tackle last season at Arizona — and played it well, with zero sacks allowed. But his NFL future is probably inside at guard, where he started 12 games in 2022. The Colts’ interior lost Will Fries and Ryan Kelly. Savaiinaea has the ability and size to open running lanes for Jonathan Taylor and keep interior pass rushers off Anthony Richardson. 46. Atlanta FalconsBenjamin Morrison, CB, Notre DameMorrison looked like a first-rounder early in the 2024 season, before a hip injury ended his campaign. He’s an extremely talented press corner with good technique. Opponents completed passes at will against Atlanta last season; the Falcons’ 69.9% completion percentage against was bottom of the league. To help fix the problem, Morrison could take away receivers as the CB2 opposite A.J. Terrell. Plus, with nine career picks, he has the ball skills to create turnovers. 47. Arizona CardinalsTyler Booker, G, AlabamaNo one gets by Booker in pass protection, and he is also a solid run blocker thanks to his power. He allowed one sack over three seasons at Alabama. This is strong value in the middle of Round 2, and Booker could start as a rookie at right guard. 48. Miami DolphinsDarius Alexander, DT, ToledoMiami still needs pass protection, and Tyler Booker would have been a perfect fit had he fallen one more spot. Rather than reach, the Dolphins could take care of another big need. Alexander can play pretty much anywhere on the defensive line, bringing quickness and physicality. He had 101 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 27 run stops, 50 pressures and 7.5 sacks over the past two seasons. That production would be welcomed in the middle of the Miami defensive front. 49. Cincinnati BengalsJT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio StateRegardless of whether Trey Hendrickson stays in Cincinnati, the Bengals have to do something to improve the rest of the pass rush. Tuimoloau — my No. 2 defensive end in the class — had 12.5 sacks and 46 pressures last season. 50. Seattle SeahawksShavon Revel Jr., CB, East CarolinaSeattle hosted Revel this week on a visit, and the fit makes sense. The Seahawks have Riq Woolen at one outside corner spot and Devon Witherspoon can play both outside and in the slot. Once Revel is back on the field and at 100 percent after his torn ACL, he could be the other outside corner. He has speed and length, and he makes plays on the ball. In three games last season, he picked off two passes and took one of them to the house. 51. Denver BroncosQuinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio StateJaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime are atop the Broncos’ depth chart at running back right now. Coach Sean Payton is going to be looking for his RB1 at the draft. Judkins transferred to Ohio State from Ole Miss, ending up with his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season despite splitting time with TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins also rushed for 45 career touchdowns, and he had back-to-back seasons with more than 20 catches out of the backfield. 52. Seattle Seahawks (via PIT)Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa StateLet’s continue a wild two months of wide receiver turnover for the Seahawks. To recap, they traded DK Metcalf, cut Tyler Lockett and signed Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Higgins could bring a little of the physicality that Metcalf brought — with one of the draft picks that came back to Seattle in the Metcalf trade. He’s 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds and showed his explosion at the combine with a 39-inch vertical. Higgins caught 87 passes last season for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns. 53. Tampa Bay BuccaneersNic Scourton, DE, Texas A&MTampa Bay tied for sixth in sacks last season (46), but Logan Hall was the only edge rusher with more than five … with 5.5. Scourton didn’t have as much sack production in 2024 (five) as he did at Purdue in 2023 (10), but the traits are there for him to bull-rush off the corner. And he’s very good at setting the edge against the run. 54. Green Bay PackersJack Bech, WR, TCUBech was great during Senior Bowl week, and he finished the 2024 season with 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns. The Packers’ offense likes to distribute the ball to multiple pass catchers, with three wideouts — Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed — seeing at least 70 targets. Bech would be another reliable playmaker in the mix. 55. Los Angeles ChargersMason Taylor, TE, LSUThe Chargers signed Tyler Conklin, and drafting Taylor would fill out an intriguing tight end room for quarterback Justin Herbert. Taylor is a big target at 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds. He caught 55 passes last season with just one drop. 56. Buffalo Bills (via MIN/HOU)Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio StateWilliams is stout against the run up the middle, but he also shows the quickness and suddenness to penetrate the backfield. Over the past two seasons, he had 5.5 sacks, 34 pressures, 16.5 tackles for loss and 21 run stops. He could get into the mix up the middle with Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, especially with Larry Ogunjobi suspended for six games. 57. Carolina Panthers (via LAR)Isaiah Bond, WR, TexasAdam Thielen is back, but he’s turning 35 years old. Landing Bond late in Round 2 would give the Panthers a young trio of pass catchers, joining sophomores Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Bond has good speed, and he caught five touchdown passes last season after transferring to Texas from Alabama. (He actually caught 13 passes — including a touchdown — from Bryce Young at Alabama in 2022.) 58. Houston TexansJaylin Noel, WR, Iowa StateNoel is an extremely reliable slot target with good hands, elusiveness after the catch and acceleration out of his breaks. The former high school sprinter ran a 4.39-second 40 at the combine and posted some impressive jumps: 41½ inches in the vertical and 11-foot-2 in the broad. Noel also produced last season, with 80 catches for 1,194 yards and eight TDs. Houston lost Stefon Diggs to the Patriots, and Tank Dell’s availability is uncertain for 2025 after his December knee injury. This pick could pay off immediately. 59. Baltimore RavensDavid Walker, OLB, Central ArkansasI’m a big fan of Walker’s game; he jumps off the tape. He shows quickness, power and bend off the edge, and he mixes up his pass-rush plans to keep offensive tackles guessing. Walker had 31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss over the past three seasons. With Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh both entering the final years of their deals, the Ravens might start looking to the future. Walker would become the highest-drafted Central Arkansas player ever if he goes on Day 2, with Robert Rochell being the previous high as a fourth-rounder in 2021. 60. Detroit LionsAnthony Belton, OT/G, NC StateThe Lions lost Kevin Zeitler in free agency, and some combination of Kayode Awosika and Christian Mahogany is currently in line to take over at right guard. Belton (6-foot-6 and 336 pounds) has played all but 11 of his 2,146 career snaps at left tackle. However, he could slide inside in the pros — and the Lions might opt for that in Year 1. 61. Washington CommandersDarien Porter, CB, Iowa StateI’m intrigued by Porter as a Day 2 pick because there’s a lot of untapped potential. He’s a former receiver who is still learning the nuances of the cornerback position. He has 4.3 40 speed, plenty of length and the ball skills to create takeaways. Porter picked off three passes last season. The Commanders added Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene to replace Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (who was cut last season), but Porter could develop into a starter. One other consideration: Oklahoma State’s Nick Martin would be an interesting addition to the linebacker corps. He is a fast riser late in the process. 62. Buffalo BillsXavier Watts, S, Notre DameGetting a player with 13 interceptions over the past two seasons (most in the FBS) this late in Round 2 would be great for Buffalo. The Bills took Cole Bishop in this same range (No. 60) last year, and they could continue building up the safety room. Alternatively, the Bills could add another pass catcher; TCU’s Savion Williams and Maryland’s Tai Felton would be my best available. 63. Kansas City ChiefsKaleb Johnson, RB, IowaIsiah Pacheco was out for most of the season (leg), and Kareem Hunt was signed off the street as a replacement. Still, we can’t ignore the Chiefs’ 4.0 yards per carry last season, which ranked 29th in the NFL. No team had fewer runs for at least 10 yards (33). Kansas City re-signed Hunt and brought in Elijah Mitchell to back up Pacheco, but Johnson could entirely revitalize this run game. He ran for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. 64. Philadelphia EaglesKevin Winston Jr., S, Penn StateThe Eagles could close Round 2 by staying in state. Winston played only two games last season after suffering a knee injury in September, but he had 40 tackles and five pass breakups the prior year. He could help replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was traded to Houston. If GM Howie Roseman wanted to keep his offensive line strong and potentially even plan ahead for an eventual Lane Johnson replacement, there are some decent O-line prospects still on the board, too. Boston College’s Ozzy Trapilo and LSU’s Emery Jones Jr. could be worth a look. |
