After failing to reach a long-term deal last summer, the Chiefs franchised tagged Orlando Brown Jr.. If they're not willing to make him the league's highest-paid offensive tackle, they could look to replace him with the versatile and experienced Matthew Bergeron.
Chris Jones is essentially the Chiefs' pass rush. McDonald has been highly productive for the Cyclones — he has at least five sacks in four straight seasons and double-digit sacks in two of the last three — despite playing out of position for most of his collegiate career. He's an explosive, instinctive pass rusher, who I anticipate will see a boost in his draft stock after the Senior Bowl.
Duncan is a fifth-year senior who flashes a ton of ability and athleticism, but needs to become more consistent, especially in pass protection sets. A proportionally long-limbed athlete (6-foot-6, 320 pounds), Duncan competitively establishes leverage by extending his lengthy arms and maintaining his balance with adequate knee flexibility. Duncan will get the chance to improve his draft status after receiving an invite to this year's Senior Bowl.
The Chiefs need another talented, cheaper contract at wide receiver. Downs can provide that along with Kadarius Toney as the Chiefs continue to figure out what their future looks like at the position.
First-round rookie defensive end George Karlaftis notched 5 1/2 sacks in his final seven games, but there's always room for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to build out his pass rush. So long as Smith's recovery from a season-ending torn pectoral muscle is on track, the 6-3, 235-pounder should be an enticing option for any team willing to be creative with his deployment.
Back-to-back first-round edge-rushers for the Kansas City Chiefs may be considered going overboard by the organization. However, the progression of the roster is dependent on finding capable pass-rushers to maximize the Chiefs' defensive effectiveness.
"The Chiefs have the opposite problem as their AFC West rival, the Las Vegas Raiders," Holder noticed. "Unlike Las Vegas that has Maxx Crosby working off the edge with little-to-no help at defensive tackle, Kansas City has a great interior pass-rusher in Chris Jones but the Chiefs have struggled to get edge pressure.
"Frank Clark has underproduced over the last few years and the Chiefs can gain $19.6 million in cap relief by cutting the defensive end. By pairing Notre Dame's Isaiah Foskey with George Karlaftis, the duo can provide great support to Jones."
Foskey leaves Notre Dame as the Fighting Irish's all-time leader in sacks. While the statistic doesn't date back to the program's glory days, it's an an impressive accomplishment nonetheless.
The added benefit of landing another quality edge presence is the fact Kansas City has the caliber of offense to consistently play with the lead, which will allows these defenders to pin back their ears and get after opposing quarterbacks.
Both of the Chiefs' starting tackles are scheduled to be free agents and their play was less than elite this year. They need invest in protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
As hard as it may be to believe, Travis Kelce is going to be 34 years old next season. At some point, his play has to drop off. And athletes like Musgrave don't come along every draft class. He'll get to learn from the best to ever do it while also allowing the Chiefs to deploy a unique 12 personnel look.
The Seahawks need to beef up their defensive front, and the best defensive prospect available at this point is Myles Murphy. His size (6-foot-5, 275 pounds) and athleticism will make him a disruptor wherever he lines up.
Geno Smith deserves to be re-signed as the Seahawks starting quarterback for 2023. But after that? Who knows. So, the Seahawks use the second of their first-round picks to select Anthony Richardson, the super athletic yet very raw product out of Florida. He'll need to sit for at least a year, but if he can develop some consistency as a passer, his physical ability will make him a difficult dual-threat to defend.
The Seahawks run defense has been a glaring weakness and will need to be addressed if they plan on challenging the 49ers in the NFC West — defensive tackle Poona Ford will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Bresee was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. He showed flashes of dominance as a true freshman in 2020, but only played 152 snaps in 2021 before tearing his ACL. It appears he regained his explosiveness and remains one of the most versatile defensive lineman in this class.
The Seahawks double-down on their defensive line. Any team struggling to stop the run will be in on the 6-foot-4, 358 pound Ika. Of course, he plugs up the middle of the field, but he's also athletic enough to pressure the quarterback.
Murphy is an exciting player whose burst and power to speed transitions are mesmerizing qualities to watch. Extremely aggressive at the point of attack, Murphy utilizes his brute strength to overpower opponents. His ability to rush the passer is equaled by his effectiveness and tenacity against the run.
In a rebuilding season, the Seahawks making it to the playoffs was an unexpected accomplishment. In addition, the resurgent play of Geno Smith as a starting signal caller might redirect Seattle's team-building decisions. Richardson struggled some in 2022 as well and was doubted by many to be first round material, but finished strong by season's end. It's possible the Seahawks see a little of Smith's perseverance in Richardson's tenacious playing style.
The Seahawks can bolster their defensive line with the pick they got from the Russell Wilson trade. Murphy gives their defensive line another high-upside, young player to develop alongside players like Tariq Woolen and Jordyn Brooks.
Tyler Lockett won't play forever and the Seahawks could use a talented third receiver to make their offense really pop. Smith-Njigba didn't play much this season for Ohio State due to a hamstring injury, but he's still regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the upcoming draft.
The Seahawks need to do a better job of getting to the quarterback and also stopping the run, especially after that disaster against Josh Jacobs and the Raiders, and subsequently, D'Onta Foreman and the Panthers.
The Seahawks have to add more athleticism and beef to the interior of their defensive line. Bresee is a specimen who can wreak havoc at any position up front.
Pete Carroll and Co. emerge from the Russell Wilson trade as a playoff outfit equipped with a top-five pick and an apparent answer at quarterback, so long as the team opts to bring back Geno Smith. And though last year's class set a high bar for early contributors, Seattle is well positioned to fortify its defensive front. Murphy should be stout against the run from Day 1 with significant room for growth as a pass rusher, especially if the 6-5, 275-pounder can better translate his abundant athleticism into a finishing touch.
If the Seahawks bring back Geno Smith at quarterback, the veteran would stand to benefit greatly from the addition of another pass catcher to an offense that has tilted heavily toward DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. While Mayer won't have anyone confusing him for Kyle Pitts or Travis Kelce given his athletic limitations, the 6-4, 265-pounder is one of the most sure-handed and reliable tight end prospects in years.
The Russell Wilson deal may go down as the worst in NFL history—or the best, if you're the Seattle Seahawks.
Thanks to the franchise dumping its all-time leading passer, the Seahawks miraculously got better with Geno Smith under center yet will benefit from a top-five draft pick from the Denver Broncos.
This particular selection comes down to how the Seahawks feel internally about Smith. The longtime backup-turned-starter hasn't performed as well during the second half of the season, and he's a pending free agent. But he's proved himself more than capable of leading the squad. Maybe a franchise tag will come into play for next season. Or, general manager John Schneider could consider a quarterback in this slot.
Right now, Smith's return, coupled with the addition of an elite defensive talent, seems to be the Seahawks' most likely plan of action. Clemson's Myles Murphy presents the physical skill set and potential worthy of a top-five selection.
"The Seahawks head into the playoffs with 35-year-old Bruce Irvin starting at one of their edge spots and could use someone else who can play multiple positions along their defensive line, as Murphy can," Holder said. "At 275 pounds, Murphy is athletic enough to drop into coverage. The first-team All-ACC defensive end also has the size and strength to hold up as a run defender in the trenches. He'd also be an excellent complementary pass-rusher to Uchenna Nwosu."
Head coach Pete Carroll loves to pound the ball and play stout defense. This pick will signify the organization's back-to-basics approach.
After selecting Clemson's Myles Murphy with the fifth overall draft pick thanks to the Russell Wilson trade, the Seahawks double down on their defensive front.
Baylor's Siaki Ika will provide a massive presence along Seattle's defensive interior. The team needs the addition too, since Poona Ford is on the verge of entering free agency.
Ika, Murphy, Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor would provide frightening potential for the Seahawks' defensive line rotation.
"Good luck trying to handle the Seahawks' front after this draft, " Holder said. "With Murphy already headed to the Emerald City and Nwosu under contract through next season, Ika's inclusion gives Seattle added interior push to pair with a secondary that features up-and-comers Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant.
"The Baylor product is a physical force and hard to move against the run while also being a pretty good athlete for his size. If Ika can keep his weight down to around 340 pounds, he has excellent quickness that he can use as a pass-rusher.
"Of those five players already mentioned, Nwosu is the oldest at 26."
Such a massive infusion of talent in this year's first round should help Seattle make a significant leap in 2023 after finishing in the bottom 10 in total defense. The group may never replicate the Legion of Boom, but all the pieces will be in place for Pete Carroll's unit to once again be counted among the better ones in the league.
Seattle had an outstanding draft haul in 2022 (landing running back Kenneth Walker, cornerback Tariq Woolen and bookend offensive tackles among others). They look to continue that this year by adding the 6-foot-6, 275-pound Wilson, a versatile edge rusher who put up a combined 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for a loss during the past two seasons.
Murphy is the most impressive athlete in this defensive line class. What he can do physically at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds is comparable to last year's No. 1 pick, Travon Walker. The Seahawks have been desperate for an impact edge rusher for years now, and Murphy can be that player in time.
Ringo is a Pete Carroll cornerback if I've ever seen one. He's an enormous 6-foot-2, 210-pounder who should run in the low 4.3s. Stick him at the line of scrimmage and let him beat up opposing receivers all day across from Tariq Woolen. For his college career, Ringo allowed a catch on only 47.8% of targets into his coverage.
The Panthers need a franchise quarterback in the worst way, and they'll fall in love with Will Levis' traits. Despite a frustrating season due to a porous offensive line, lackluster skill players and him being banged up, Levis has the skill set to to become a really good NFL quarterback.
An attempt to trade for Deshaun Watson failed. Recycling Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield failed too so the Panthers will once again be in the market for a signal-caller, but the board doesn't fall their way here. Cornerback was such an issue, Carolina signed Josh Norman near the end of the season. The son of former All-Pro linebacker Joey Porter checks the size (6-2, 198) and physicality boxes. Plus, Junior's athleticism and talent pops when you watch him, but he'll need to refine his technique and develop more consistency to pay off his potential — his aggressive nature is a gift and a curse, but he'd pair nicely with Jaycee Horn.
Wilson is the type of irritatingly effective edge rusher that opposing teams hate battling while also being the kind of versatile athlete emblematic of Carolina's defensive style of play. Wilson can either set the edge or maneuver beyond it, causing disruption and chaotic uncertainty in offensive backfields. Playing the opposite end from Carolina's best edge rusher, Brian Burns, Wilson could significantly contribute to formulating a formidable one-two pass rushing tandem for the Panthers.
The Panthers could take a dice roll at quarterback here with Anthony Richardson. Instead they take the top cornerback off the board in Ringo. He and Jaycee Horn would give the Panthers a top cornerback duo to grow with over the next few years.
The Panthers need a franchise quarterback. I'm sure they'll attempt to move up for Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, but if they can't, they could settle for the third or fourth option in this class.
Will Levis has a big arm and could be chosen in the top 10.
The Panthers need to look to the draft for their next quarterback. Richardson can sit for a little behind Sam Darnold before eventually taking over. He's a monstrous talent.
A trade into the top five might be necessary for owner David Tepper to land the franchise quarterback he's so sorely sought during his tenure. In this scenario, however, the Panthers still grab one of the draft's most intriguing passers. NFL teams don't overlook anyone who blends a 6-3, 232-pound frame with superlative arm strength and running ability, so Levis' rise is hardly surprising. But his underdevelopment when operating from the pocket leaves significant questions about how he can handle the next step. For the Panthers, however, that's still an offering that's too good to turn down.
Kentucky's Will Levis is the enigma of the 2023 class because the quarterback looked like a future top-10 selection a year ago but failed to capitalize on his momentum during his final season on campus.
Beggars can't be choosers in the case of the Carolina Panthers. The organization has been dead set on acquiring a franchise quarterback since David Tepper became its owner. Yet the Panthers failed to do so at every turn.
Carolina can rationalize this pick based on two factors. First, Levis fits the prototype as a 6'3", 232-pound quarterback prospect with a big arm and good movement skills. Secondly, his downturn in production could stem from losing his top two wide receivers, the Wildcats' best two blockers and their offensive play-caller from the previous season.
"Levis is a roll of the dice to get a player somewhere on the Ryan Tannehill to Matthew Stafford spectrum," Klassen said. "As a 23-year-old prospect with years of experience in a Kyle Shanahan-like system, Levis provides the advantage of walking into the league more prepared than his peers.
Levis' brightest moments comes when he's ripping play-action posts or firing backside dig routes, both of which showcase his arm strength. With that being said, the Kentucky product isn't a complete prospect. His accuracy is subpar for a first-round quarterback, which was true even in 2021. Also, he's not a particularly creative player who can excel off-schedule.
"Thankfully for the player and team, Carolina has a good enough offensive line to keep Levis propped up and tap into his strengths as a thrower."
Christian McCaffery finished the season as Carolina's fourth-leading receiver, and he only played in six games before being traded. The 6-foot-4 Johnston is the most physically talented WR in this class with the ability to turn any play into a big gain. His yards per catch during his three college seasons? 22.1, 19.2 and 18.1.
Beggars can't be choosers with three quarterbacks off the board already. The Panthers are certainly going to be the beneficiaries of a deep quarterback class. Richardson offers the kind of tools that can go No. 1 overall, but he will likely fall to this point because he lacks the polish and experience you see from most first-rounders. He earned an 80.1 overall grade in his first season as a starter.
Jordan Poyer will be 32 by the start of next season, so if the Bills wanted to let him walk in free agency, Brian Branch would be a viable replacement. Not the most heralded on the Alabama defense, Branch did a little bit of everything for the Crimson Tide.
Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are aging gracefully, but aging nonetheless. Poyer is a free agent after this season with Hyde's contract expiring after the 2023 season. Johnson is a rangy, versatile impact tackler whose size (6-3,195) and athleticism will allow defensive coordinators to get creative.
Having led the nation in yards from scrimmage (1,894), NFL scouts are impressed with Robinson's entire repertoire as a complete running back. Aside from his instinctive running style and next level burst past flailing defenders, evaluators rave about Robinson's pass protection skill set and willingness to block. Yes, Robinson is an adept pass catcher and accomplished runner, but it'll be his pass blocking that could make him a day one starter.
Another year, another running back being mocked to the Bills. However, Robinson is probably one of the 10 most talented players in the entire draft. The only reason he falls here is due to positional value.
The Bills could stand to add another weapon for Josh Allen so that the red zone issues are resolved.
Jordan Addison has game-breaking speed, and he had an incredible 2021 campaign with 17 touchdowns. He's a major reason why Kenny Pickett was drafted in the first round.
This strays from the "type" the Bills have liked at receiver of late, but Washington would provide Buffalo with serious YAC capabilities because of his strength and unshaken equilibrium through contact.
Shaky play on the interior has been one of the Bills' few glaring issues, and the team is past due for a meaningful investment at guard. Torrence is a bulldozer in the run game, though he might be a liability early on in pass protection.
The Buffalo Bills already feature one of the NFL's most talented and deepest rosters. Texas' Bijan Robinson, meanwhile, is a top-five talent among the incoming class, when positional value is taken out of the mix.
A possible plummet on draft day shouldn't be totally unexpected, since organizations simply don't value running backs the way they once did. Devin Singletary may be an upcoming free agent, but the Bills already traded for Nyheim Hines prior to this season's deadline. Even so, Robinson is simply too good to pass up late in the first round.
"Robinson changes the dynamic of the Bills offense," Klassen declared. "The reigning Doak Walker Award winner is an explosive and complete back.
"As a runner, Robinson brings better balance, acceleration and long-speed than anyone the Bills have right now. Robinson is also exceptional at softening blows and navigating tight spaces, with the type of skill set that consistently moves a 2nd-and-8 to a more manageable 2nd-and-6.
"More importantly, Robinson solves Buffalo's unending search for a great third-down back. Robinson is a tough, smart pass protector and he's about as nimble as a 220-pound running back can be in the passing game."
A set of triplets in Robinson, quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs just might morph the Bills into the game's best offense, since they've already been setting on the precipice over the last few years.
Buffalo will have some questions at safety this off-season, and Branch is a player with the versatility, athleticism and toughness to play anywhere in the secondary.
With Tremaine Edmunds set to become a free agent this offseason, the Bills may opt for new blood at linebacker. Simpson has elite range that would pair nicely next to Matt Milano. He allowed only 353 yards in the past two seasons combined.
While still productive, J. K. Dobbins just doesn't look right after all of his knee issues. If the Ravens retain Lamar Jackson and draft Bijan Robinson, they'll form a duo that no defense is going to have an easy time containing.
The Ravens biggest priority this off-season will be to extend Lamar Jackson and potentially add more weapons on offense so he doesn't have to break his back (or overwhelm is legs) carrying the team going forward. Next in line might be replacing Marcus Peters if he walks in free agency. Phillips features a smaller frame, but his ability to mirror and match routes, plus his explosive athleticism and ball skills (nine career interceptions with four pick-sixes) more than make up for it.
Cam Smith is better in zone coverage than man-to-man schemes, but is athletically and technically sound enough to compete in a variety of ways. A smooth player with NFL caliber speed, Smith can perform as a boundary corner or a nickel slot defender on certain passing downs. A clever boundary defender, Smith has recorded six picks in his last 30 games played.
Lamar Jackson's future with the Ravens is up in the air, but they still need to improve some offensive spots. Here, they pick Torrence to give Tyler Linderbaum a long-term running mate on the interior.
The Ravens have really struggled offensively when Rashod Bateman has been out of the lineup. They need to find another viable receiver for Lamar Jackson.
Kayshon Boutte has gotten rave reviews for his speed and athleticism. He had a huge game versus Georgia at the end of the year. He initially said that he will be returning to LSU, but he then changed his mind and declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Utilizing his quick-twitch movements and advanced feel for the position, Phillips continually delivers performances one wouldn't expect from a 5-10, 185-pound cornerback. While he will have to show he can hold up against the NFL's most physical receivers, Phillips offers coverage ability that would allow the Ravens to continue to revamp their secondary with Marcus Peters unsigned beyond this season.
Anything is better than nothing at wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. Currently, their players at the position don't scare anybody. Granted, injuries have taken their toll with Rashod Bateman out for the season because of foot surgery. Devin Duvernay is also dealing with a foot injury.
Even with both in the lineup, Baltimore's wide receivers lineup is thin. The fact that the Ravens were forced to rely on DeSean Jackson and Sammy Watkins, who both joined the team midseason, says so much about the lack of depth.
For the Ravens to be considered a realistic Super Bowl contender, tight end Mark Andrews can't be the only reliable receiving threat.
"Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba can inject a bit of life into the offense," Klassen said. "He does his best work between the numbers. His speed doesn't pop off the screen, but he's a smooth route-runner with just enough punch out of his breaks to snap defensive backs off.
"It doesn't look much different when he has the ball either. Smith-Njigba won't run away from many defenders, but he brings a good short-area burst and change-of-direction skills to catch defenders taking bad angles and make them pay. The Rose Bowl record-holder for most receiving yards in a game (347) also presents reliable hands and a forgiving catch radius. Both are necessary traits to be a high-level slot target."
The Ohio State product did miss the majority of the 2022 campaign because of a lingering hamstring injury, though his draft status shouldn't be greatly affected. For the Ravens, the addition of a potentially great slot receiver can help make the offense thrive.
Other than Mark Andrews, the Ravens have not been able to develop a consistent receiving threat. Boutte has some character concerns on and off the field, but Baltimore might be willing to take the risk on the ultra-talented Boutte. He flashed elite talent in 2021, scoring nine touchdowns in six games before a disappointing 2022 campaign.
Washington is a luxury piece. He has a skill set that you simply won't find later in the draft. At 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, Washington is one of one. He racked up 426 yards on 27 catches (15.8 per reception) and earned a top-five run-blocking grade this season, prior to the national championship game. He could do damage in Greg Roman's offense.
With the Raiders reportedly exploring trade options for Derek Carr -- and releasing him if none come to fruition -- a new QB will be under center in Las Vegas in 2023. My guess is it's a veteran, since the Raiders have the offensive skill players to compete in the AFC. With that in mind, Las Vegas adds protection for its future signal-caller in the form of Paris Johnson Jr., who was dominant at left tackle for the Buckeyes this season after moving over from right guard.
The Raiders are a darkhorse in a potential QB derby for this draft — I believe they'll target the position in free agency with Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo potentially searching for new homes — but regardless of who's under center, the protection will have to improve. Skoronski took over for Rashawn Slater as a true freshman in 2020 and the offense didn't miss a beat. Some scouts may say his size better suits him to play guard, but they also said that about Slater.
Well, current Raiders coach Josh McDaniels all but escorted estranged quarterback Derrick Carr out of the team's facility and future plans. Considering McDaniels is the guy that drafted Tim Tebow in the first round and sent Jay Cutler (Bears all-time leading passer) packing, having him select a franchise signal caller might be questionable. What isn't up for debate, is just how athletically gifted Levis is and how tantalizing his potential projects at the pro level.
With the top three quarterbacks off the board, the Raiders can upgrade another offensive spot. Johnson has all the traits to be a long-term starter and can immediately slide in as the starter at right tackle.
I'm stealing this pick from Charlie Campbell's trade mock draft. This was the prototypical Al Davis pick, and Mark Davis may want to make a big splash. Besides, what else are the Raiders going to do at quarterback? And if Mark Davis ages very quickly, we could get a quote from him saying, "Anthony ... Richardson ... is a ... great playa."
Anthony Richardson is raw, but has a huge arm and great athleticism. He had a great 2022 debut, but struggled versus Kentucky the following week. He's been inconsistent ever since.
At this point, I can't envision Tom Brady joining Josh McDaniels with the Raiders in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Vegas will be deeply involved in the draft class of quarterbacks, and Levis has a big-time skill set.
Derek Carr's late-season ouster as starter heightened intrigue about what's next not only for the veteran signal-caller, but also the Raiders. While Las Vegas could roll the dice on a rookie quarterback, it seems like a stretch to do so on what would likely be the third or fourth passer chosen. An offensive line in disarray could get a lift from Skoronski, a well-rounded blocker who can thrive either as a tackle or guard.
Like other franchises in front of them, the Raiders need to decide whether they're going to go all-in with a quarterback in this year's draft or find a veteran solution elsewhere.
"The possibility of going after a quarterback like Kentucky's Will Levis or Florida's Anthony Richardson might be tempting," Holder agreed, "but either of those two can be considered reaches here based on B/R's draft board.
"Meanwhile, the Raiders desperately need to get Maxx Crosby some pass-rush help, especially along the interior. Clemson's Bryan Bresee steps in and picks up some of the slack since he's a great athlete for the position and can really get after the quarterback.
"However, he's missed quite a bit of football due to injuries over the last couple of seasons. The former 5-star recruit is more tools and traits than a finished product."
Purely from a talent perspective, Bresee is as gifted as any prospect in the class. Yes, the majority of his reps come from working along the interior. But film can be found of him lining up at defensive end and beating offensive tackles, too.
Granted, the difficulty level among the professional ranks increases significantly. Yet the defensive lineman's ability to do so against good collegiate opposition provides a glimpse of the damage he can inflict for a defense.
Bresee's medical check-ups will be the most telling aspect of his entire evaluation after missing 12 out of a possible 24 games across the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Derek Carr is on his way out, and the Raiders might have their eye on a former big-name New England Patriots QB. If they can't make that happen, Stroud has the tools for coach Josh McDaniels to develop. The junior passed for more than 8,100 yards and had an 85-12 TD-interception ratio during the past two seasons.
The Raiders are ready to hit the reset button at the quarterback position, and Stroud is just the player to help them do so. With his quick trigger and pinpoint accuracy, Stroud looks like arguably the draft class' best fit for Josh Mcdaniels' offense. He's coming off the best performance of his career from a draft perspective, earning a 92.2 overall grade against Georgia in the playoff.
Boutte is an interesting prospect. He dominated in 2020, was limited to six games in 2021 due to injuries and then endured a slow start this past season. He ended up finishing relatively strong but decided to return to LSU for another season ... that is until he changed his mind and declared for the draft weeks later. Regardless of his roller coaster of a college career, Boutte flashed his potential as an after-the-catch playmaker with a penchant for finding the end zone (14 touchdowns in first 16 career games). Without a clear No. 2 wide receiver, Dallas could certainly use someone like him.
The Cowboys have a choice to make at running back in the offseason with Tony Pollard facing free agency. Pollard is due a significant raise and they're already paying Ezekiel Elliot handsomely. Something has to give. Few things are certain at this point, but I'm fairly positive the Doak Walker Award-winning Robinson will be the first running back selected in late April (he's currently No. 7 on my overall Big Board). He's an all-around threat who is light on his feet considering his size (6-foot, 215 pounds) and features home-run ability.
The transfer portal in college football provides immediate opportunities for players to proactively change their situations for the better. Sanders, who began his career at Alabama and for two years (15 games) tallied just 33 tackles and one sack, is proof of that. After transferring to Arkansas for the 2022 season, Sanders became wildly productive, registering 103 tackles including 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 5 passes defended and 3 forced fumbles in only one season.
The Cowboys need to find someone to play with Trevon Diggs, and Gonzalez has the height and length that Dan Quinn likes in his cornerback prospects — assuming he's still coaching in Dallas next season.
Mediocre-at-best draft writers criticized Charlie Campbell's breaking news story about one team removing Leighton Vander Esch from their draft board because of concerns regarding his neck. As always, Charlie was proven correct, as Vander Esch has missed plenty of time with his neck problems. The Cowboys need linebacker help as a result.
Jack Campbell has the size and athleticism to be a three-down player in the NFL.
Sanders is a long and physical, off-ball/edge-rusher hybrid. He can help replace Anthony Barr and/or Leighton Vander Esch if the latter isn't re-signed.
Despite unearthing a late-round gem in rookie nickel DaRon Bland, the Cowboys should still be on the hunt for more steadiness in the secondary. Combining sticky coverage skills with a flair for making plays on the ball when tested, Witherspoon would be an intriguing running mate for Travon Diggs.
The Dallas Cowboys defense is built upon a ferocious front and an opportunistic secondary.
Because of all the big plays, Dallas' penchant to give up yards tends to be overlooked. As a whole, the unit finished outside of the top-10 defenses in each of the last two seasons under Dan Quinn's supervision. No guarantee exists that Quinn will even been back for a third year, since he's one of the league's top candidates to become a head coach.
Instead, the Cowboys should concentrate on fortifying a talented group with more consistency, particularly in the secondary. Eli Ricks present premium potential in the late first round.
"After transferring from LSU, Ricks struggled with some injuries and getting a feel for the Alabama Crimson Tide defense at the beginning of the season," Giddings mentioned. "After overcoming both issues, Ricks returned to his previously elite form. He is a top-shelf cover corner, who displays fantastic ball skills.
"With a premier ball hawk in Trevon Diggs already on the roster, Ricks' addition is a no-brainer for the Cowboys organization."
As Micah Parsons and Co. create havoc up front for opposing quarterbacks, the combination of Diggs and Ricks will be salivating at the opportunity to steal a possession or two. All the while, the rookie upgrades one cornerback spot since Anthony Brown is an upcoming free agent.
Dallas might struggle to keep Tony Pollard in free agency, and they are lucky to have Robinson fall in their lap. He is a tremendous all-around back capable of a full-time load. He accounted for 35 rushing and receiving TDs and 3,300 yards from scrimmage during the past two seasons.
If the Cowboys want to make their third-down packages unstoppable, Sanders is the guy who can bring that wish to life. At 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, Sanders has off-ball range with edge rusher-esque pass-rushing moves. He collected 11 sacks in 2022 just as a blitzer. Pairing that with the likes of Micah Parsons, Sam Williams and Demarcus Lawrence would be scary.
The Patriots could stand to bolster the offensive tackle spot with Isaiah Wynn set to become a free agent and veteran Trent Brown coming off a disappointing campaign. And even if Broderick Jones doesn't start right away, he'll add quality depth before establishing himself as a force up front. He has all the tools to succeed; he just needs to refine them.
Jonathan Jones will be a free agent and is deserving of a raise, which usually means the Patriots will let him walk. Smith was Jaycee Horn's successor and maintained Horn's excellence for the Gamecocks. So much so, quarterbacks essentially avoided him this season.
Gonzalez plays with a confident certitude that compliments his athleticism. His ability to pivot cleanly showcases an acceleration that gains immediate upfield access when challenging pass catchers. This long-limbed defender competes tenaciously for 50/50 jump balls, with an astounding 42-inch vertical that challenges any kind of catch radius.
Jones can bring some stability to the Patriots' offensive tackle situation. He's a hard-nosed run blocker who could fit at either tackle spot in New England.
Hunter Henry has been a favorite target of Mac Jones, but that shouldn't stop Bill Belichick from targeting Mayer in Round 1. Mayer is such a talented receiving weapon at tight end.
New England's offensive woes won't be resolved merely by the arrival of one figure, be it a coach or a player, and Belichick's historical aversion to first-round receivers should be noted. But leading receiver Jakobi Meyers is poised to be a free agent, and it's unclear how much can be expected of second-rounder Tyquan Thornton in Year 2. At 6-0 and 175 pounds, Addison doesn't look the part of a first-round pass catcher, but his savvy working every level of the field could help him catch Belichick's eye.
The New England Patriots made significant investments in their passing game over the last two years, yet a former undrafted free agent remains their best threat when quarterback Mac Jones drops back.
Jakobi Meyers deserves more credit for the player he's become. Even so, the lack of production from Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and tight end Jonnu Smith after they were big free-agent acquisitions two offseasons ago is disheartening.
Jones isn't the type of quarterback who can shoulder the offense. He needs a good supporting cast, and the Patriots don't have one. Thus, an opportunity to land the class' best tight end, who happens to be a top-10 overall talent, seems to be right up head coach Bill Belichick's alley.
"Michael Mayer is the ideal Y-tight end," Klassen stated. "Not only does the consensus All-American bring prototypical size (6'4", 265 lbs), but Mayer also is the definition of a quarterback's best friend. He is a smooth, reliable route-runner who does a great job of presenting an easy target.
"Mayer is also elite at the catch point. It's hard for defensive backs of any size to outmuscle him, and he finds a way to get his mitts on everything in his vicinity.
"As a blocker, you'd wish for a little more from someone his size, but Mayer will play just fine in New England's system. He's still got the size and strength to win many matchups. Ideally, Mayer will help simplify the team's plan and bring more to table alongside Hunter Henry than Smith has to date."
New England can designate Smith a post-June 1 release later this year and save $4.8 million from the $17.4 million balloon payment that is his 2023 salary-cap figure, per Over the Cap.
Carter is raw but boasts rare length (6-foot-7) and a high upside. He produced 14.5 sacks in 2021. Coach Bill Belichick has an affinity for the military academies.
Witherspoon was the best press-man cornerback in the country last season, and quite frankly, it wasn't even close. On 113 snaps in press coverage this past fall, he allowed a grand total of one yard. That's a guy who can play cornerback for Bill Belichick.