Whether the 6-foot, 193-pound All-American lines up in the slot, safety, corner or all of the above, the Pack's secondary needs the help. Branch had two INTs, three sacks and 14 TFLs in 2022.
Mayer is more Gronk than Kelce but that's not a bad thing. And in Green Bay he'll get plenty of chances, whether it's with Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love, or the QB behind Door No. 3. WR also makes sense here but, well, the Packers last drafted a WR in the first round 21 years ago.
The Packers and Aaron Rodgers need to go separate ways, which means that it is the Jordan Love show. With that being the case, the front office understands that they need to surround Love with as many weapons as possible. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the perfect pairing with the young, explosive vertical threats that the Packers drafted last year.
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are coming off productive rookie seasons, and Mayer would give Aaron Rodgers (or Jordan Love) another weapon in the passing game. Mayer has an all-around skill set with the ability to play in-line and was the focal point of Notre Dame's passing offense, leading the team in receiving three years in a row.
Forget about a difference maker at tight end or a safety, both needs that must also be addressed. If Green Bay's offensive line doesn't improve, nothing else matters. Yes, the franchise has done well in later rounds with offensive linemen — and the Packers last drafted an offensive lineman in the first round in 2011 — but picking this early gives the Packers a shot at landing a stud tackle for years to come. Injuries to David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins have made it clear just how irreplaceable elite linemen are. Regardless of who the quarterback is, the Packers can't miss on an opportunity to invest in 2024 and beyond by taking Skoronski, who could also turn out to be a reliable guard.
We project a pass-catcher to the Packers in Round 1 year in and year out, and every time the first round rolls around, they go another direction. In fact, Green Bay hasn't drafted a pass-catcher on Day 1 since it took Javon Walker in 2002. But after missing the playoffs and potentially losing Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan to free agency, the Packers' hand might be forced in 2023 -- no matter who is under center. Mayer has a huge catch radius and is a bulldozer after the catch, hauling in 67 balls for 809 yards and nine scores last season. He might be the safest prospect in the entire class thanks to an all-around skill set, and he'd be an instant-impact player for Green Bay.
The further we get outside of the top-10, the harder it will be to pass on Mayer. The Irish pipeline at tight end to the NFL continues to flourish. Mayer isn't as explosive as Kyle Pitts, but his receiving acumen, size (6-foot-4, 265 pounds) and toughness put him just a tick below Pitts as a prospect. Both Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis will be free agents.
Smith-Njigba is just as talented as the three former Ohio State receivers -- Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams -- picked in the top 12 last year. (Williams, of course, played his final year at Alabama.) He has excellent hands and quickness/strength after the catch. If his troublesome hamstring is fully healed, I expect teams to place a high value on him. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if the Packers moved up to grab JSN, or one of the top tight ends, to aid whoever their quarterback might be in 2023.
Assuming QB Geno Smith re-signs, they won't have to burn this valuable selection obtained in the Wilson trade on another passer — and most likely not on an already solid offense. But reinforcements for a defense that hasn't ranked better than 22nd since 2018 are long overdue. Wilson, a 6-6, 275-pound edge rusher with 14 sacks and 27½ TFLs over the past two seasons, should provide needed pressure that would make a young group of cornerbacks shine even more.
Seattle still gave up too many sacks in 2022 — can't blame Wilson for those — and could also use a mauler to further Pete Carroll's desire to run the ball with RB Kenneth Walker III and Co.
The more you watch of Wilson the more you love his game. Not only what he put on tape at Texas Tech but his upside 2-3 years down the road. He's long, has the frame to add weight if needed, and he's a dominant, high-motor pass rusher who can take over games.
Branch isn't the first name you hear about when the conversation turns to Alabama's defense, but maybe he should be. He's a sure tackler, can blitz off the edge, and is solid in coverage, and if Nick Saban trusts him, that's all you need to know about his NFL prospects.
Many NFL fans were surprised that a team led by Geno Smith and a bunch of rookies was very competitive this season. I believe that the Seahawks continue to add youth and add potentially the best player in this year's draft, Will Anderson Jr. Pete Carroll appreciates defense and Anderson's character and play style will fit right in with the kind of culture Pete Carroll is trying to foster.
This is a classic Pete Carroll pick, taking the QB with high upside that he feels that he can mold into exactly what he needs. Anthony Richardson may have the best tools of any quarterback in the draft and this skill set would be too intriguing for Carroll to pass up to start transitioning into the future at the quarterback position.
After the season, Pete Carroll said that the Seahawks "have to become more dynamic up front." Wilson finished his most productive season with 50 pressures, per PFF, and 61 tackles, 14 TFLs and seven sacks, despite a foot injury that cut it short. He has an excellent combination of size, length and power, and would provide the Seahawks with some inside-outside versatility.
Tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas played well as rookies, and the Seahawks could use this pick to bolster their interior offensive line. I considered Minnesota's John Michael Schmitz here, as well, given that center Austin Blythe is an impending free agent, but Gabe Jackson and Damien Lewis are free agents next offseason, and Torrence would be an immediate upgrade over the 31-year-old Jackson. Torrence thrived following the jump to SEC competition last year and is especially dominant as a run blocker.
Head coach Pete Carroll has stressed the importance of the Seahawks becoming more dynamic up front defensively, especially with division foe San Francisco 49ers so dominant in that aspect. Wilson has the type of frame (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) and athleticism to be the disruptive force the Seahawks need. He recorded 14 tackles for loss last season, a top-30 total in the FBS, which is made more impressive considering he missed the final three games of the season.
We're doubling down on the Seahawks' desire to improve the defensive front. With Wilson, the edge has been addressed. Now Bresee is the pick to cause havoc in the interior. Bresee was rated the No. 1 player in the country during the 2020 recruiting cycle and lived up to that hype as a true freshman. Injuries have hampered him the past two seasons, but there's enough evidence to believe in his pedigree when healthy.
I expect Seattle to re-sign or franchise tag Geno Smith, so quarterback shouldn't be atop its draft-day needs. But Poona Ford is a free agent, and Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor are under contract for only one more season, so the defensive line could be a major focus. The Seahawks finished seventh in sacks (45), but their pass rush win rate (33.5%, 28th) and pressure rate (28.9%, 21st) were lackluster. Wilson wins with power, totaling 14 sacks over the past two seasons in Lubbock.
I have the Seahawks sticking with defense after drafting Wilson at No. 5, now addressing the secondary. Yes, Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs are both under contract for a few more years, but Branch is versatile enough to play all over, often lining up in the box or over the slot as a nickelback. Plus, Adams hasn't played a full season since 2018 and is returning from a season-ending quadriceps injury suffered in the 2022 opener.
With great instincts and a complete toolbox, Branch did it all last season: 89 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, seven pass breakups and nine run stops.
GM John Schneider is just as likely to trade either of his two first rounders than stand pat and make a selection, especially if QB Geno Smith returns in free agency. If the Seahawks hope to challenge the 49ers in the NFC West, they will have to continue to bolster the defensive and offensive lines. Murphy features very similar dimensions/traits to 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick Travon Walker.
The Seahawks continue to reinforce the trenches. They landed two starting tackles in the top three rounds in last year's draft, but the interior is still in need of an upgrade. Torrence was an elite prospect at Louisiana, and he didn't miss a beat after transferring into the SEC, becoming a consensus All-American.
Wilson's length screams "Seattle edge rusher," as Pete Carroll always seems to find those big bodies to fit up front. The Seahawks were more multiple in their fronts this past season than they were in the past, and Wilson has the versatility to stand up or line up inside.
The Seahawks picked up two starting tackles in the top three rounds of last year's draft, but the interior of their line still needs upgrading. Torrence's power and nimble feet should allow him to step in immediately opposite LG Damien Lewis if the team decides it's time to move on from RG Gabe Jackson. Seattle traded down twice in the first round of the 2017 and '19 drafts, and I could see it happening again this year.
Buffalo could use some upgrades in front of Josh Allen. The Bills must continue to protect their most valuable asset by steadily investing in the O-line. Torrence will also help this offense in the ground game.
This has to be the year Buffalo pulls the trigger on an every-down back to reduce the rushing load on QB Josh Allen, right? Especially with Devin Singletary's contract expiring? Quite the workhorse, Robinson had more than 3,300 yards from scrimmage over the past two seasons and averaged 6.7 yards per touch.
Robinson is special, and while he is probably one of the best players in this class, he could still be around late in Round 1 because he's a running back. And yes, we know, the Bills used a second-round pick on James Cook a year ago. But Cook isn't an every-down back, and more than that, Nyheim Hines is the only other RB currently on the roster ahead of free agency. Adding a Saquon Barkley-type talent to this offense? There are worse things.
The Bills have some potential key departures on the defensive side of the ball this year and one of them is more than likely to be safety. The safety position for the Bills' defense is such an important position so it's important that replace talent with talent. That's why I believe they draft SAF Brian Branch.
Based on talent, Robinson should be off the board long before this point. If he slides this far, however, the Bills may find it too difficult to pass on his do-everything skill set. Robinson is a tackle-breaking machine with outstanding size, speed, vision and contact balance. He's also dynamic as a receiver.
Robinson was absolutely going to be the pick here, but Branch helps resolve another need. Pro Bowl safety Jordan Poyer is a free agent this offseason. Whether or not he returns, it makes sense to find his successor. Branch is a really intriguing chess piece with his ability to confidently play several roles in the secondary at a high level. Getting Branch this late in the first round feels like a steal.
The Bills might have vacancies on the defensive side of the ball, depending on how free agency plays out for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safety Jordan Poyer. But with Devin Singletary also on an expiring deal, Buffalo might look to jumpstart its run game with Gibbs, who rushed 151 times for 926 yards and caught 44 passes for another 444 last season. Bills running backs totaled 1,418 yards on the ground last season, 24th best in the NFL, and only four teams had fewer rushing TDs from that position group (seven).
Gibbs' vision and shiftiness are outstanding, as he can string together multiple cuts to find daylight. The Bills could team him up with James Cook and Nyheim Hines to form a solid backfield and complement what quarterback Josh Allen does when he tucks and runs.
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.
Josh Allen needs a legitimate deep threat to stretch out defenses, which would also help the team's running game. With Addison still on the board, Bills GM Brandon Beane climbs seven spots, giving up three 2023 picks (a first-, third- and fourth-rounder) to grab the former Biletnikoff Award winner.
Ozzie Newsome is still in the building, and Alabama players will always be coveted by the Ravens. Baltimore will value Branch's versatility and playmaking ability.
What better way to replace a big, physical corner like Marcus Peters than with a big, physical corner like Ringo ... though he's not the takeaway machine Peters is.
Maryland teammate and fellow CB Jakorian Bennett got much of the buzz in the fall, but Banks but together the type of season that will land you in the top-50 conversation. He's a fluid athlete who is also big, physical corner who can run and match up with NFL wide receivers.
The Ravens hired Todd Monken as their new OC, which seems like a move to help Lamar Jackson. The next move that they need to make is to add some help at the wide receiver position. If Rashod Bateman can stay healthy, the Ravens have a talented young duo with him and Flowers to give Jackson an upgrade at the WR position.
Baltimore's lack of talent at wide receiver was a glaring weakness last season without Marquise Brown (traded during last year's draft) and Rashod Bateman (injured during the season). The Ravens operate a run-centered offense, but Johnston's combination of size and speed would provide the offense with a vertical threat it lacked last season. In turn, his ability to stretch the field would help to create lighter boxes for the run game.
Let's assume for now that Lamar Jackson is coming back in 2023 and get him another pass catcher. The Ravens have some talent at wideout but ended up finishing the season with Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins starting in a playoff game. Smith-Njigba had a tough year, but it's still tough to pass on him here. He looked like a potential top-10 pick going into 2022 before his hamstring injury and still has a bright future as a playmaker in the slot.
This might raise some eyebrows, especially with a handful of Day 1 receivers still on the board, but GM Eric DeCosta could add another outside target to pair with Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay via free agency and/or on Day 2. Robinson is my No. 9 prospect, pushed down the board by positional value, and the Ravens lean on the run like few other teams. We've now watched them look to free agents and practice-squaders at running back in back-to-back years, as J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards (both entering the final years of their deals) navigated various injuries. With Robinson available, coach John Harbaugh could make a splash.
Robinson reminds me of Saquon Barkley. He forces missed tackles with ease (FBS-leading 91 in 2022), has burst through rushing lanes and can make plays in the pass game. If Lamar Jackson does indeed end up back in Baltimore, this would form a scary rushing unit for new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
The Ravens biggest priority this off-season will be to extend Lamar Jackson and add more weapons on offense so he doesn't have to break his back (or overwhelm his legs) carrying the team going forward. The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner (with Pittsburgh) wasn't as dominant for the Trojans last season, but he's a silky smooth route runner with enough speed to challenge a defense at every level and features inside/outside versatility.
For the third time in five years, the Ravens select a receiver in the first round. After trading Marquise Brown (No. 25 overall, 2019) during Thursday night's festivities last year, Baltimore could be looking for a speedster to play with 2021 first-rounder Rashod Bateman (No. 27). Hyatt possesses the pure speed to stretch defenses vertically.
Would the Bills really draft a back in Round 1? If Devin Singletary walks in free agency, maybe. This offense needs another outlet, and Robinson is one of the top playmakers in this class, a spectacular all-around talent worthy of going much higher.
The Buffalo Bills' season stalled out in the divisional round after scoring a lowly 10 points at home against the Cincinnati Bengals after pass protection issues slowed Josh Allen down. Cody Mauch resembles so much of what we've seen the Bills prefer in prospects. A converted tight end, Mauch became an impact starter at North Dakota State at left tackle where his athleticism, tenacity, and power shined. He could stabilize the left guard spot in Buffalo.
Like last year, it's not like Buffalo desperately needs anything. It has to get a guard, and another wide receiver would be a plus, but those areas can be dealt with later. Branch is a versatile tough guy of a safety who would step right into an already good situation.
Drafting a running back in the first round elicits plenty of reactions, but the Bills are looking for one of those missing pieces, and Robinson is certainly worth it the way he does just about everything at an elite level.
If Dallas isn't going to get in on the mock draft fun, then Buffalo will. Putting Bijan Robinson next to Josh Allen wouldn't seem fair, but it's hardly an impossible outcome. Robinson's playmaking ability is undeniable. It's as good as it gets at running back in this draft.
After the Bills lost to the Bengals in the Divisional Round, the questions about whether their window had closed surfaced.
That still seems a year or two off, but the Bills need to regroup after a tough end to a season that was filled with expectations. One of their more pressing needs entering 2023 is solidifying the interior of the offensive line. Torrence is a physical, imposing force in the run game — something that the Bills could certainly benefit from — and anchors well against power moves in the interior while in pass protection. There is room for improvement, and opinions on him are varied, but he is a solid option for Buffalo at this point in the first round.
The Bills don't have a lot of needs -- and safety, interior offensive line, or even running back (if, say, Bijan Robinson is still sitting there) could be options here. But cornerback could be a target, as well. Cam Smith is a first-round talent who can be a Day 1 contributor.
Look, I know you've seen this one before, but it's too much fun not to manifest. Robinson has been one of the top playmakers in football over the past two seasons. He finished 2022 with a 95.2 overall grade (rushing and receiving) and more than 1,000 yards after contact. He also recorded an incredible .040 missed tackles forced per attempt, which was the fourth-highest rate in the country and the highest among any back with at least 200 carries. His presence would alleviate the need for quarterback Josh Allen to rush as much as he does, highly impact the Bills' rushing attack and improve their passing game.
The Bills have one of the league's best rosters, but they could lose a few defenders in free agency, including Jordan Poyer, Tremaine Edmunds and Shaq Lawson. They need to restock in this draft. And even though Buffalo has used first- or second-round picks on Greg Rousseau, Boogie Basham and AJ Epenesa in the past three drafts, its depth on the edge has to get better. That's why I see Hall, who had 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons, as a stellar fit on Day 1. He could turn into a steal here.
On the other side of the ball, I almost went with offensive tackle Cody Mauch (North Dakota State), who could play guard early in his career before becoming the team's long-term left tackle. Guard O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida) could be another option.
Washington could go any number of directions here. But corner is a need, and Porter might be a big upgrade over Benjamin St-Juste in a division with big-play receivers such as A.J. Brown and CeeDee Lamb.
The Washington Commanders need another young building block in the corner room and that's exactly what Joey Porter Jr. provides. Offering top-end length, ball skills, and athleticism, Porter Jr. profiles as a No. 1 corner in the NFL.
With all the talk about needing a quarterback, don't dismiss just how promising and talented Sam Howell is. The defense needs more playmakers, too, and there are a slew of great corners on the board.
As the lone NFC East team to not make the playoffs, the Commanders have a number of needs to figure out in the draft. Branch can play all over the back end and provides plenty of leadership for a team undergoing a bit of a transition.
Christian Gonzalez moves like a sports car on a football field. He has Tesla traits and in terms of burst/agility/speed, he's CB1 in this draft. Can he be physical enough down to down in coverage? Will he tackle? Taking it a step further, have we seen enough from him yet? Another 2023 cornerback prospect, another round of questions. But it's also undeniable that Gonzalez has loads of talent. He would be a very nice value at No. 16.
With recent reports that the Commanders are telling prospective offensive coordinators that Sam Howell is the QB for the team going forward, it seems likely that QB is not an option for Washington in the first round.
Cornerback, however, is.
Again, this is a deep and talented group, and seeing how people stack this cornerback class will be fascinating. Ringo combines sprinter's speed with the size and length needed at the position. His straight-line speed is a weapon on defense, and his film is complete with examples of him matching vertical routes, or breaking on shallow crossers in man coverage and disrupting at the catch point. His PBU against Georgia Tech this season on a 3rd and 13 is a prime example. He handles zone coverage responsibilities well, but his best role is likely as a corner in a heavy man-coverage scheme.
Ah, the ultimate wild card in this draft. Here in this mock, I have Richardson going No. 16, but the truth is that his range is anywhere from No. 7 overall with the Raiders all the way to No. 26 with the Giants. Richardson's numbers might scare teams, but his tape shows more promise than the raw data.
In his lone year of starting, he recorded 19 big-time throws and 13 turnover-worthy plays with just a 63.1% adjusted completion percentage (ideally, would want to be over 70%). But in a world of what could be, Richardson is as physically gifted as they come with his arm talent and his rushing ability. The ceiling is there, it's just a bit inconsistent. This is a true home-run swing that could change everything in Washington.
Here's yet another team with quarterback issues, as the Commanders traded for Carson Wentz last offseason (which cost them their third-rounder this year) but turned back to Taylor Heinicke down the stretch. Neither is likely to be their Week 1 starter; I wonder whether they will be players in the veteran-signal-caller market and bring in someone to compete with Sam Howell. No matter who is playing quarterback, though, they have to improve along the offensive line. Jones is a 310-pound mauler who didn't allow a single sack as the Bulldogs' left tackle in 2022. I wouldn't be shocked if he went in the top 10.
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.
Several Jaguars defensive linemen are set to become free agents in 2023. They have to play Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry and Dameon Pierce twice per season. Need I say more?
The Jaguars' defense has had its moments this season, but is still short a few pieces. Gonzalez has the size (6-2, 200) and physical traits that make most scouts salivate, and the Colorado transfer has answered all questions regarding ball production (four interceptions).
Jones is a massive human (6-foot-8, 359 pounds) who plays to his size, dominating in the run game and providing solid pass protection. Blessed with an impressive 89-inch wingspan and enormous hands (11 and 5/8ths), Jones utilized all that to help prevent any sacks from his right tackle position in 2022. Despite his gargantuan size, Jones showcases above-average flexibility and knee bend, both of which help him establish and maintain effective leverage against opponents.
After spending the first overall pick on a defensive lineman last year, here's a cornerback to help stabilize the back end of Jacksonville's defense. Phillips has the click-and-close ability to play slot if the Jaguars need him to.
The Jaguars have issues at cornerback, which is why they were 32nd against the pass at some point during the season. They'll have interest in one of the top corners in the 2023 NFL Draft class.
Max Melton is a terrific athlete who is incredibly fast, so receivers can't outrun him.
An opportunistic defense was responsible for lifting Jacksonville to its first AFC South title since 2017, but there's still room to build out the burgeoning unit. Smith is highly aggressive and boasts the requisite traits to thrive in man coverage, making him an appealing option to place opposite Tyson Campbell.
The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't drafted a safety in the first two rounds of the NFL draft since the selection of Johnathan Cyprien 10 years ago.
"It's been some time since the Jaguars have selected a safety in the earlier rounds of the draft, and it makes sense to select the top-rated player at the position," Giddings said. "Georgia's Christopher Smith has the ability to play at all three levels. At a listed 5'11" and 195 pounds, Smith isn't the biggest safety. But his top-notch skill set will help offset any potential concerns.
"The unanimous All-American plays a physical downhill style with solid ball skills. He should be expected to enter the lineup and immediately compete for one of the starting spots."
Smith's selection allows the Jaguars to continue their rebranding of the secondary after this past offseason's free-agent signing of Darious Williams, as well as the recent draft selections of Tyson Campbell, Montaric Brown, Gregory Junior and Andre Cisco.
The addition of the class' S1 should help solidify an already young and talented group and provide Jacksonville with a strong backbone on defense.
Evan Engram is on a one-year contract and could attract a decent amount of suitors in free agency. Mayer, who had 67 catches and nine TDs in 2022, is a solid two-way tight end who gives quarterback Trevor Lawrence a reliable post-up target between the hashes and gives the offense more personnel flexibility.
The Jaguars are looking to build a juggernaut offense, and getting Torrence in the fold can be a building block for just that. Torrence earned an 88.0 overall grade in his first season against SEC competition, as he didn't allow a sack or hit all season.
