2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Back already with an updated draft. While Mock Draft 2.0 was only last week, some new information about the draft has become available. And, honestly, I wanted to add a second round.

#1 Carolina Panthers (F/CHI) – QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

When news of the trade broke my gut reaction was the Panthers are going after Stroud. Since then we’ve gotten enough reports of them being interested in Stroud, Young, Levis, and trading down that the conventional wisdom now is “they haven’t settled on anyone yet.”

I have a hard time believing that there wasn’t at least a leader in the club house before they made this trade, even if they are open to changing their minds. The reason I thought Stroud is, when considering Carolina and Indianapolis as suitors for the pick, those teams have gone through such hell with their trash-veteran-quarterback-roulette over the past few years that they simply cannot afford to get this wrong. Not that Stroud is bust proof, but he’s clearly the safest. His accuracy and processing are too good. Specifically for Reich, I viewed Stroud as who he’d feel most comfortable just properly executing his system. People are referencing how Reich has worked with bigger quarterbacks over the years, so advantage Stroud over Young, and while I don’t know how much that matters, it is at least an interesting data point.

Also Stroud was immediately the betting favorite so either that happened entirely randomly or someone knew something.

#2 Houston Texans – QB Bryce Young, Alabama

The first two picks of the draft are going to be C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young so you can just write in whoever Carolina doesn’t take here.

#3 Arizona Cardinals – Edge Will Anderson, Alabama

The Cardinals decision at 3 used to be Anderson vs Carter, but with Carter’s off-field developments the situation now appears to be Anderson vs trading down. It’s entirely possible someone intent on acquiring QB3 trades with Arizona to secure their preference between Levis and Richardson. For the time being, however, the Cardinals just stay put and select the best non-quarterback in the draft.

The two most interesting trade partners here are probably the two likeliest. Everyone understands the Colts connection, as Indianapolis can secure their preferred option between Richardson and Levis while Arizona can acquire a few extra picks and still get Anderson.

But what about Seattle? Sports Illustrated published an article detailing the team’s level of interest in Richardson and it is both genuine and very high. Carroll and Schneider going on and on about how picking in the top 5 is a rare opportunity they need to take advantage of was neither a bit nor a smokescreen, it’s how they view their situation on April 27th. It’s hard to read the article and not come away convinced they’ll do what it takes go get Richardson.

The issue is are the Cardinals going to help a division rival acquire their potential quarterback of the future? The whole “you can’t trade within the division thing” is dumb and overrated, but I would be leery of just handing someone a franchise quarterback. However, there is a pragmatic counter argument here. If Arizona simply stays at 3 and takes Anderson, Seattle may end up with Richardson anyway. Indianapolis could prefer Levis, they could trade they pick for Lamar and in turn Baltimore may prefer Levis, or (and this is a long shot but) after Stroud and Young the braintrust of Steichen, Ballard, and Irsay can’t all agree that there’s a quarterback remaining at 4 that’s actually worth the pick, and instead of forcing it they just take Jalen Carter.

Is any of the above probable? I dunno. But it is plausible. There’s a world in which the Cardinals gets Anderson, the Seahawks get Richardson, and the Colts Levis, but Arizona adds a few extra picks to their war chest. Ossenfort was in New England for nearly 15 years. He knows the value in trading down. Is he willing to make a huge gamble in his first major move as a general manager?

#4 Indianapolis Colts – QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

Last mock I ranted on and on about how I didn’t believe Ballard would get on board with drafting Richardson because his job, and to a certain extent career, is on the line here. Since then, every mock draft, including Todd McShay’s (McShay even has the Colts flipping up 1 spot with the Cardinals) and Bruce Feldman’s intel mock, has the Colts taking Richardson. This doesn’t guarantee anything, obviously, but then I read Zak Keefer’s article in the Athletic talking about how Shane Steichen will influence this decision.

The article outlines how Ballard digressed to Reich on acquiring both Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz. And while Ballard will have final say on this selection, “his decision will reflect his new coach’s preference.” I still believe Steichen could prefer Levis. None of us know. But the article talks at length about how all three of Steichen, Ballard, and Irsay believe obsession with football is what makes players great. Irsay gives an anecdote about Peyton’s obsession, Ballard about Vinatieri’s, and Steichen about both Herbert’s and Hurts’s.

I have no idea how much Richardson and Levis are, or are not, obsessed with football. I’ve never talked to either and likely never will. But based on reports Levis’s combine interviews got mixed reviews, and the onslaught press blitz about how Richardson is just the best human being on the planet and the hardest working kid (which I have no reason to doubt), for the time being I’ve changed to Richardson.

#5 Seattle Seahawks (F/DEN) – DT Jalen Carter, Georgia

Jalen Carter also fits the concept of “we need to take advantage of selecting this high,” as he is a true blue chip talent that would only be “falling” to the 5th pick due to circumstance (quarterbacks going early, off-field situation). While Pete Carroll and John Schneider told anyone willing to listen at the combine that they are interested in a quarterback at 5, don’t forget Pete Carroll told the entire world Seattle needs to upgrade it’s front seven immediately following their playoff loss.

#6 Detroit Lions (F/LAR) – Edge Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

Despite the free agent signings I think corner is still very much in play here as there’s still question marks regarding to position long-term. However, the signings provide Detroit the flexibility to take the best player here. So far in Brad Holmes’ tenure, he has used 5 of his 8 picks in the first three rounds on the trenches. Tighten it to the first two rounds and it’s 4 out of 5. Now, it’s only been two drafts so you can reasonably argue the sample is too small and it’s somewhat circumstantial, but I think Holmes just operates this way.

Brad Holmes recently talked about making a monster of a position — like the DL rooms he had with the Rams. He’s not afraid to add to a position that’s already a strength. We saw that in 2021 with Penei Sewell.

Wilson wins out here based on his play-style (in addition to his ridiculous traits and versatility). Mike Renner’s write up on Wilson includes “uncoachable mentality to attack the man in front of him with reckless abandon.” Think Dan Campbell is going to be interested in this guy?

#7 Las Vegas Raiders – CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

I had this pick in my first mock draft and am leaving it. Also, I’m going to take a victory lap for this snippet:

I think a handful of the corners are going to rise during the pre-draft process, and one of them will find their way into the top 10.

Given Gonzalez’s size, ball skills, and what people anticipate him doing at the combine, he’s my bet for shooting up the draft the most.

#Nailedit

Anyway, I think Vegas would prefer Gonzalez to Witherspoon due to the fit in Patrick Graham’s defense.

As for them passing on Levis with him falling to them here, I’m not ruling it out that Vegas just takes him, but in McShay’s new mock he says “I’ve heard buzz that [Vegas] isn’t interested in using a high pick on a QB unless Young or Stroud were miraculously available.” It does seem as if Levis is becoming the odd man out of the top 4, and four quarterbacks have never gone in the top 10 picks in the history of the draft. The closest (which was very close) was 2021, with four going in the top 11.

#8 Atlanta Falcons – Edge Myles Murphy, Clemson

I’ve been waiting for the day Murphy showed out at a workout so I can put him back in the top 10 and that day has finally come. The testing numbers weren’t as identical to Travon Walker as was anticipated, but they’re still quite similar. Murphy is about 6’4″ and a half and roughly 270 pounds, while Walker was 6’5″ and 272 at the combine. Here are their workout numbers, with Murphy’s presented first, then Walker’s:

40: 4.52 – 4.51
10-split: 1.55u – 1.54
Short Shuttle: 4.35 – 4.32
3-Cone: 7.20 – 6.89
Vertical: 31″ – 35.5″

Murphy didn’t do the broad jump while Walker’s was outstanding. Again, these aren’t a perfect match as Walker is more explosive and his 3-cone is significantly better, but there’s a lot of similarities. Walker is also longer with bigger hands, but still, these numbers give Murphy an elite RAS of his own.

The Falcons have been big spenders in free agency, specifically on defense, but the job’s not finished. Atlanta finished 31st last year in sacks, collecting only 21.

#9 Chicago Bears (F/CAR) – OT Broderick Jones, Georgia

Popular position, different name. Most will have Peter Skoronski here, and while that’s entirely possible, I think the Bears may prefer Jones out of every tackle. Part of theory on Skoronski is that given his positional versatility he would allow Chicago to get their five best lineman on the field. There’s definitely logic to that and the team may want to move Teven Jenkins back out to tackle. However, with Jenkins flourishing at guard last year and the signing of Nate Davis in free agency, I think Whitehair will be on the move to center, where he has extensive experience throughout his career. That sets up a Davis-Whitehair-Jenkins interior with Braxton Jones at one of the tackle spots.

Point being, I think the Bears really want a tackle here, not a flexible player. Another reason they may prefer Jones to Skoronski is scheme fit. It’s pretty clear scheme fit is important to this regime (front office and coaching staff) and they made it clear in their signing of Davis and pursuit of McGlinchey that they want to run the ball. They want mean guys up front. There were four big name tackles in this year’s free agency, and with all the cap space in the world Chicago was only ever linked to one of them; the mean nasty run blocker.

I don’t know that I personally care that Skoronski’s arms are short, but if you want someone who is going to overpower opponents you’re probably going to look elsewhere.

*TRADE*

Eagles Receive: #17, #49
Steelers Receive: #10

#10 Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

Last time I went on and on about Howie may view this selection similar to how Seattle is viewing 5; he’ll (hopefully) never be picking this high again and has to take advantage. However, without Carter falling, or even moving up to get Carter, there’s a group players all in the same tier that would be of interest to Roseman. As I said last time, Philadelphia is short on picks this year in comparison to their usual stock pile, and Howie is likely to trade down from either 10, 31, or both in an effort to accumulate more selections.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have an extra second rounder from the Roquan Smith trade, which happens to be the first pick of the second round. In this trade, they send the later of their two seconds to move up, and then field trade offers in-between the conclusion of Round 1 and opening of Round 2 in an effort to recoup the draft capital they gave up in this trade. If no worthy offer presents itself, or someone unexpectedly falls, then they’ll just stick at 32 and pick.

Pittsburgh doesn’t just have a need at offensive tackle, they’re desperate. There’s a clear Big 3 offensive tackles in this draft, and after Chicago takes one at 9 there’s only two left with the Titans, Texans, Jets, Patriots and Commanders all picking before the Steelers with some level of need at offensive tackle themselves. If Pittsburgh wants to know what it has in Pickett, and get Harris back on track, they’ll go get one of the three.

#11 Tennessee Titans – QB Will Levis, Kentucky

There was that report recently that the Titans have explored moving into the top 10 for a quarterback. The first thing that comes to mind is obviously vaulting up to 3 with the Cardinals, but just two years ago going from 12 to 3 cost the 9ers three firsts and a third. Is Tennessee prepared to do that? Who knows. They may also make a smaller move up the board on draft day as someone begins to slide, but in this scenario Levis just falls into their lap.

Tennessee can let Levis sit behind Tannehill for however long they prefer before turning the team over to him, and then completely turn the franchise over to him in 2024.

#12 Houston Texans (F/CLE) – Edge Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

In each of the my first two mocks I had the Texans taking Quentin Johnston here, and while I think him, or whoever their favorite receiver is, is certainly a likely option, I have my doubts Johnston ends up going top 15 based on the teams he’s taking meetings with:

This could easily mean absolutely nothing, and if Houston, or any team, wants Johnston they’ll just draft him. However, the Texans are armed with an extra third rounder and could look to move up from 33 to get a receiver later. As outlined in Mock Draft 2.0 both Baltimore and Minnesota (picking 22 and 23 respectively) are without second rounders this year and liable to trade down from their initial draft slots.

Enter DeMeco Ryans getting his hands on a freak athlete pass rusher to beef up his defense. San Francisco’s smothering defense was built upon a dominant defensive line, much to the chagrin of Pete Carroll.

#13 New York Jets – OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

As long as the Jets keep this pick and one of the top three tackles is available this seems like a lock. The position is a mess, but with Skoronski’s ability to play guard he does give the team flexibility to either leave AVT at tackle or move him back inside and have Skoronski at tackle.

*TRADE*

Patriots Receive: #18, #81
Lions Receive: #14

#14 Detroit Lions (F/NE) – CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Last year the Lions went flying up the board, jumping 20 spots to get from 32 to 12 in order to draft Jameson Williams. With two second rounders and a third as ammo this year, I would not be surprised if they go up the board from 18 if someone they really want is within reach.

While the Kancey to Detroit fit is clean and easy given the Brad Holmes element, Witherspoon is likely in play for the Lions at 6 and his attitude and play demeanor are what Dan Campbell is looking for. I doubt Kancey is under consideration at 6, so Detroit jumps at the opportunity to leave Thursday night with both their preferred edge (sans Anderson) and corner.

#15 Green Bay Packers – Edge Nolan Smith, Georgia

You only need to go back to last year to find two examples of Green Bay taking some freak athlete from Georgia’s defense in the first round. This isn’t the team’s most pressing need, but Rashan Gary is coming off a torn ACL and Preston Smith, who is entering his age 31 season, may not be on the roster in 2024, and probably won’t be come 2025 based on how his contract is structured. Nolan Smith is a freak among freaks and has too high a ceiling to pass on here.

#16 Washington Commanders – RB Bijan Robinson, Texas

Look, someone is going to do it. In Jordan Reid’s new mock he said the consensus among the league folks he asked is “it would be a major surprise if [Robinson] made it past the top 20 picks.” In Mock Draft 1.0 I had him going to the Falcons, which I still think is possible. After that, though, it’s just hard to find a spot in the top 20 given who is actually picking there. I thought about Tennessee at 11 to easily transition from Henry to Robinson in 2024, but decided against it. Tampa is another common spot where folks at putting Robinson and that one does make sense.

But why on earth would Washington do it? Alright, well, so far in the Martin Mayhew era he has demonstrated a willingness to go against the grain in the draft, especially the first round. Last year after trading down he over-drafted Jahan Dotson by at least half a round. Now, that seems to have worked out, but that would only reinforce in Mayhew’s mind that should trust his instinct. In the first round in 2021 he took Jamin Davis too high, especially given positional value. 2021 was littered with chasing athletes too, taking Davis, Samuel Cosmi, and Dyami Brown in the first three rounds. He over drafted Phidarian Mathis in the second round last year… by a lot.

But what about Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. As far as Gibson is concerned, it’s the last year of his deal and Ron Rivera clearly hates him. I don’t think Gibson is on the roster in 2024. Regarding Robinson, yes he had a nice rookie year and yes he’s an incredible story, but here’s what I wrote about the Falcons taking Bijan despite their current running back room:

I agree that Tyler Allgeier is not getting the credit he deserves for his rookie season. Yes, Cordarrelle Patterson is a legend. Hell even Avery Williams looked nice during the year. But none of that is going to stop this team from taking Bijan Robinson if that’s what they want to do. The Colts traded up to get Jonathan Taylor despite Marlon Mack coming off a 1,000-yard, 8 touchdown season. The Jets traded up to get Breece Hall despite Michael Carter’s near 1,000-total-yard rookie year. The Seahawks traded up to get Kenneth Walker despite Rashaad Penny putting up 671 yards and 6 touchdowns over the last 5 games of 2021. These types of running backs don’t prevent teams from getting a stud if that’s what the team wants to do.

The Broncos drafted Javonte Williams despite having just signed Melvin Gordon. The Jaguars drafted Travis Etienne despite James Robinson’s rookie season (though maybe anything Urban Meyer just doesn’t count). These solid starting running backs simply do not prevent teams from getting someone else if they believe that someone else is special. This team needs to find out what they have in Sam Howell. Surrounding him with Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, and Bijan Robinson seems like the best way to find out (or set Caleb Williams up for success).

#17 Philadelphia Eagles (F/DET) – DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson

With five edge rushers off the board Howie won’t reach for one here, and after securing Darius Slay and James Bradberry for the next few years I think it’s unlikely Philadelphia goes corner with their first selection. If this trade does happen I do think Brian Branch is a likely candidate given the loss of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. However, when in doubt, just prediction Howie to select a lineman.

I’ve been holding onto the idea that Bresee will go higher than projected throughout this process and in Mock Draft 3.0 I get him back into the top 20. Seemingly on pace to become a top 10 selection after his freshman year, due to injuries, tragedy, and developmental stagnation, Bresee never quite lived up to his recruiting hype or draft expectations. Regardless, he’d make a great understudy for Fletcher Cox in what might be the future Hall of Famer’s final season in Philadelphia.

#18 New England Patriots (F/DET) – CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

Back at 14 New England had two of the Big 3 corners left on the board and decided to roll the dice on trading down with a cornerback needy team and falling behind Washington and (in this scenario) Philadelphia, who both could take a corner themselves. Even without the fake Pittsburgh-Philadelphia trade the Steelers are liable to take a corner themselves at 17. However, the gamble works and Porter falls to the Patriots.

New England doesn’t ever draft corners this high, but this is circumstantial. The top three tackles are gone, Porter’s man coverage ability fits in with what the Patriots want to do, and I wouldn’t put it past Belichick to give Porter Jr. a little bumped based off the kind of competitor Porter Sr. was when facing Belichick.

#19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Tampa can probably take any position here and we’d all say, “yea, makes sense.” This isn’t a popular pairing but the board doesn’t break all too cleanly for Tampa. Instead they draft a security blanket for Mayfield/Trask/Caleb Williams.

#20 Seattle Seahawks – CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

Deonte Banks doesn’t have the requisite length Seattle covets, but he has the freak of nature athleticism. Banks was designed to play in a press-zone scheme, and while the Seahawks nailed a pair of late round corner picks last year, Banks is too good a fit/value combo to pass on here.

#21 Los Angeles Chargers – WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

Michael Mayer is a popular pick here and it makes sense, but with how deep this class is at tight end the Chargers may opt for the speed they need at receiver if Flowers is available. Yes, all the receivers are still on the board and I have Los Angeles taking Flowers. Telesco has shown over the years he’s not afraid to go off script, and among the Big 4 receivers Flowers is the one that brings the most juice.

*TRADE*

Ravens Receive: #33, #73
Texans Receive: #22

#22 Houston Texans (F/BAL) – WR Quentin Johnston, TCU

The Ravens are without a second rounder and are likely to look to trade down to accumulate some extra picks.

Teams that draft a quarterback in the first round historically spend their next premium draft pick on either a receiving option or offensive lineman. Johnston is the best bet at a true X receiver in the draft.

*TRADE*

Vikings Receive: #31, #95, #122
Chiefs Receive: #23

#23 Kansas City Chiefs (F/MIN) – WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Like the Ravens, Minnesota is without a second rounder this year and and given Kwesi’s penchant for analytics I suspect he will look to move down from 23 to accumulate more picks.

Last year I predicted the Chiefs would trade up in the first round, specifically with the Patriots, because they had 12 total selections and there’s no way they were fitting 12 rookies on a Super Bowl caliber roster. Well this year the Chiefs have 10 picks and, once again, there’s no way they’re fitting 10 rookies on a Super Caliber roster.

Oh, and guess what? The Chiefs DID trade up last year with the Patriots. Let me know when you’re on my level.

Won’t be holding my breath.

Anyway, the trade details from last year are the Chiefs sent 29, 94, and 121 for 21, which is nearly identical to what this trade would be.

We know the Chiefs can use help at receiver and Smith-Njigba could easily go much higher than this. This will be the “how did the league allow this?” moment of the draft if it comes to fruition.

#24 Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia

In each of the past two drafts Trent Baalke has over-drafted a freak athlete out of Georgia. Despite reaching on Tyson Campbell, Campbell has developed into a quality player and profiled similarly to Ringo. The jury is still out on Walker but the point is Baalke’s affinity for freak athlete’s is no secret. While Ringo never produced the best tape at Georgia despite his gifts, I don’t think Baalke will be able to pass on those gifts, especially given the need at the position.

#25 New York Giants – DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

Both Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams are free agents in 2024 and I’m not sure keeping both is overly plausible given how the interior defensive lineman market has exploded. Kancey can be a pass rushing specialist in 2023 before becoming a starter in 2024.

#26 Dallas Cowboys – DT Mazi Smith, Michigan

In Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft he said the Steelers might just take Mazi Smith over Kancey at 17 if they’re both there. What really caught my attention is that Smith’s range apparently starts at 17. Then Daniel Jeremiah said “Smith has generated a lot of buzz in personnel circles for his combination of athleticism and power,” and mocked Smith to Dallas himself. I’m not trying to just copy DJ’s pick, but it would appear the league is much higher on Smith than the media, and he does fit a need for Dallas.

#27 Buffalo Bills – WR Jordan Addison, USC

The Bills playoff loss really exposed two things; the lack of reliable receivers not named Diggs, and the defense apparently just falls apart without Von Miller. Jordan Addison is such an easy plug-and-play option he makes too much sense for a team chasing a Super Bowl.

#28 Cincinnati Bengals – TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

Speaking of easy plug-and-play options for Super Bowl chasers, Kincaid would come in and immediately replace Hayden Hurts.

#29 New Orleans Saints (F/DEN/MIA/SF) – LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas

The Saints get their pick of the liter at linebacker.

#30 Philadelphia Eagles – S Brian Branch, Alabama

Branch is an easy project as a CGJ replacement moonlighting as a slot corner.

#31 Minnesota Vikings (F/KC) – CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

Forbes sneaks into the first despite his 166 pound frame. He’s an absolute ball magnet and the Vikings desperately need help at corner.

 

ROUND 2

#32 Pittsburgh Steelers (F/CHI) – OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee

I do find it likely the Steelers would trade down from this spot if they do move up in the first, but after Wright somewhat unexpectedly gets out of the first round they say screw it and just lock up their bookends.

#33 Baltimore Ravens (F/HOU) – CB Cam Smith, South Carolina

Perhaps their top need depending on who the quarterback is.

#34 Arizona Cardinals – WR Josh Downs, North Carolina

Arizona and Hopkins seem destined for a divorce.

#35 Indianapolis Colts – OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida

There’s going to be a lot of power runs from a backfield featuring Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. Torrence is a people mover.

#36 Los Angeles Rams – OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma

Outside of quarterback, and maybe even including, the Rams could draft any position here. But given Stafford’s age and health history the team needs to invest in protection.

#37 Seattle Seahawks (F/DEN) – Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State

Carroll promised you front 7 investments. Plural.

#38 Las Vegas – G/C Steve Avila, TCU

If Jimmy is to succeed Vegas needs to draft some interior upgrades.

#39 Carolina Panthers – Edge B.J. Ojulari, LSU

They need an upgrade opposite Burns.

#40 New Orleans Saints – DL Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northeastern

The Saints lost what feels like their entire defensive interior. Adebwaore may be best off kicking inside.

#41 Tennessee Titans – OT Dawand Jones, Ohio State

Titans draft an Ohio State tackle, just not at 11 for a change.

#42 New York Jets (F/CLE) – TE Darnell Washington, Georgia

Washington is a freak that is going to go in the top 50 picks if not top 30. He’s also practically a 6th offensive linemen.

#43 New York Jets – OL Cody Mauch, North Dakota State

Douglas is done fucking around. He double dips at offensive line to finally fix the issue. Mauch has five position versatility.

#44 Atlanta Falcons – DT Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin

Benton plus Murphy brings a lot of juice to a previously non-existent pass rush.

#45 Green Bay Packers – Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

Playmaker at a position where they currently have none.

#46 New England Patriots – OT Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse

Right tackle is debatably the biggest need on this roster

#47 Washington Commanders – OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland

Local product to protect 2023 MVP Sam Howell.

#48 Detroit Lions – TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa

From one Iowa tight end to another.

#49 Philadelphia Eagles (F/PIT) – Edge Will McDonald IV, Iowa State

Howie is not leaving the first two rounds without an edge rusher.

#50 Tampa Bay – Edge Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame

Tampa looks to restock at pass rusher.

#51 Miami Dolphins – C/G Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin

Given Tippman’s athleticism and movement skills I like the idea of him in McDaniel’s offense.

#52 Seattle Seahawks – WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

The Seahawks have a type in the second round (other than Metcalf). Paul Richardson was 6’0″ 180 pounds and ran a 4.4 flat. Tyler Lockett was 5’10” 182 and ran a 4.4 flat, and D’Wayne Eskridge was 5’9″ 190 and ran a 4.4 flat. Jalin Hyatt is 6’0″ 180 and ran a 4.4 flat. In college Hyatt basically just ran go-routes from the slot which he can easily do with Metcalf and Lockett out wide. I honestly could see them pulling the trigger on this at 37.

#53 Chicago Bears (F/BAL) – DL Karl Brooks, Bowling Green

Brooks’ ability to add pass rush juice from inside and out will be coveted by a defense that deploys 4 and 2 man fronts.

#54 Los Angeles Chargers – DT Siaki Ika, Baylor

The Chargers must address their run defense.

#55 Detroit Lions (F/MIN) – WR Rashee Rice, SMU

Rice adds a big bodied compliment to Jameson’s speed and Amon-Ra in the slot.

#56 Jacksonville Jaguars – C Luke Wypler, Ohio State

Protecting Lawrence needs to be a priority.

#57 New York Giants – CB Tyrique Stevenson, Miami

The Giants desperately need corner help.

#58 Dallas Cowboys – RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

A playmaker and replacement for Zeke.

#59 Buffalo Bills – Edge Andre Carter II, Army

The Bengals exposed this defense without Von Miller.

#60 Cincinnati Bengals – CB Julius Brents, Kansas State

The Bengals need to draft corner help.

#61 Chicago Bears (F/CAR/SF) – CB D.J. Turner, Michigan

The Bears also need to draft corner help.

#62 Philadelphia Eagles – CB Clark Phillips III, Utah

And the Eagles decide to draft a slot corner (even though Branch kind of is one).

#63 Kansas City Chiefs – Edge Tuli Tuipulotu, USC

A replacement for Frank Clark

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