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.
With James Bradberry set to become a free agent, the Eagles will likely be looking for a younger, cheaper alternative. They find it with Joey Porter Jr., a long cornerback with NFL pedigree.
GM Howie Roseman added former All-Pros Quinn (via trade) and Ndamukong Suh as stop gaps on the defensive line. Wilson was one of nine players in the FBS to produce 60 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks before suffering a season-ending broken foot against Kansas. He's a physically gifted, ascending pass rusher who is explosive off the ball and powerful enough to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Miles Sanders is set to test free agency and could command a significant investment after his breakthrough 2022 season. There's bell-cow, dual-threat potential with Gibbs. He features electric speed with pass-catching ability and an advanced route tree.
Among the more experienced defensive back prospects in this draft class (1,704 college snaps played), Porter is extremely nuanced in various techniques for covering receivers. He's excellent in diagnosing routes and utilizing measured anticipatory skills that successfully mirror pass catchers. Throughout his career, Porter has amassed 20 passes defended and over 100 total tackles while at Penn State.
Foskey wins with a ceaseless motor and a physicality that overwhelms opponents. His suddenness off the edge makes him a special talent that commands respect from offensive tackles. Foskey's ability to chase down ball carriers for backside stops, plus his improved awareness in thwarting trap runs and screen passes makes him extremely difficult to scheme against.
The Eagles have this pick thanks to the Saints and they can bolster their defense even further. James Bradberry and Darius Slay were incredible in 2022, but they're both older cornerbacks and it can never hurt to have young talent at that position. Enter Cam Smith.
A linebacker to fill out the Eagles' defense even more. Linebacker is the only unit on Philly's defense that isn't strong, so here's an immediate impact starter.
Darius Slay and James Bradberry have been an amazing duo, but both will be 30-plus heading into 2023. The Eagles will need to replace one of them soon. Devon Witherspoon is not quite six feet, but he has incredible speed.
Deferred gratification paid off for Philadelphia, which parlayed last year's multi-pick swap with the Saints into a top-10 pick this April. Quite a reward might be waiting for them in Ringo, a 6-2, 205-pound coverage ace with the unique physical profile to handle modern receivers. Taking him could help ease the blow if another team swoops in on James Bradberry in free agency.
What do you get the team that boasted the NFL's best record and topped the league with 70 sacks? If you're Howie Roseman, maybe still more speed off the edge. Ojulari brings plenty of that with a blistering first step, which should become even more imposing if he can develop a better plan for his rush.
The Philadelphia Eagles own the NFL's best record and deepest overall roster. Yet, the organization finds itself among the top half of the first round thanks to a shrewd draft-day trade this past spring by general manager Howie Roseman.
With the New Orleans Saints providing a quality selection after an underachieving season, the Eagles can address a premium position with one of the class' best in coverage.
"South Carolina's Cam Smith is another long cornerback who does his best work in man coverage," Giddings said. "He is a bit raw in his technique but presents great upside.
"The Eagles have aging cornerbacks and a strong front seven. The addition of a top cornerback prospect in this draft would only help solidify an already very good defense. Smith could earn a starting spot on the outside or over the slot. Maybe he just adds quality depth in his first year."
Darius Slay turned 32 at the start of the new year, and his salary-cap figure balloons to $26.1 million for the 2023 campaign, according to Spotrac. Opposite Slay, James Bradberry isn't under contract after this season. Furthermore, both Avonte Maddox and C.J. Gardner-Johnson both experienced stints on injured reserve.
A team can never have too many good corners, and Philadelphia should abide by the cliché.
Governmental oversight worked in Andre Carter II's favor. Last month, Congress reversed a ruling where the Army cadet would immediately honor his service commitment upon his graduation from West Point.
Now, Carter can play in the NFL before he returns for active duty. The 6'7", 260-pound edge-defender provides plenty of length and athleticism to a pass rush. The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, definitely need an injection of youth into their defensive front.
"The pairing for Carter and the Eagles is perfect because Philadelphia loves drafting pass-rushers and it gives the defensive lineman some time to bulk up and get better against the run," Holder said. "Carter is an excellent pass rusher who can win with speed around the edge and has a nice inside stick move to keep offensive tackles off-balance.
"But Carter's run defense is ugly. He has plenty of room for growth on his frame and getting into an NFL training program should help correct that issue."
Philadelphia is staring down the possibility of losing Brandon Graham, Robert Quinn, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh this offseason. Jordan Davis, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams will remain. Maybe the best outcome is the Eagles bringing back one or two of those long-time veterans while Carter gets a chance to learn as part of the defensive line rotation.
Knowing the Eagles, they are going to prioritize corner and edge rusher in this draft. Ringo is going to get downgraded for his hip stiffness, but he is a big (6-foot-2), fast, disciplined player who can upgrade their defense. The junior totaled 41 tackles and two interceptions this season.
The Eagles continue to prioritize and build a stable of edge rushers and corners. Ojulari, who has 25.5 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks in three seasons, is the next best edge rusher on our board.
Branch is the kind of defensive back that is gaining value around the NFL. He can play the slot position at an elite level against both run and pass. He earned a 90.7 run-defense grade and an 86.4 coverage grade for Alabama this past fall. That would fit in perfectly in Jonathan Gannon's defense — especially if C.J. Gardner-Johnson departs in free agency.
Smith-Njigba is a plug-and-play slot wide receiver. His reliability from that alignment would give the Eagles three sure-fire route winners. Smith-Njigba went for 1,595 and nine scores as a sophomore in 2021 before hamstring issues derailed his 2022 season.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Houston Texans Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Houston Texans from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Texans:
Anderson is the best player in college football, and he may end up being the best player to come out of Alabama during the Nick Saban era. Let that sink in for a minute.
Johnson played guard in 2021 and has moved to left tackle for this season. The versatility is a plus, for sure, but he has an opportunity to prove that he's a legit NFL tackle, something the Texans could certainly use in front of Davis Mills.
As much as it pains me to keep the Texans out of the quarterback rat race that is about to unfold behind them, Houston has a luxury that many teams don't... time. The team is sitting on a treasure trove of draft picks, is likely to continue to be non-competitive as they continue their rebuild, and possesses a roster that is currently devoid of talent. Let's avoid the year-two hardships we expect in Chicago for Justin Fields and make sure when we draft a quarterback, we're ready to accommodate him. That makes Will Anderson Jr., the No. 1 player eligible for this year's draft, the obvious choice to get things started.
Again, my mission for the Texans is clear: Get enough players in-house so that when you're ready to onboard a young quarterback, you'll be ready for that moment. That means getting more dynamic players for QB John Doe to throw to.
Kayshon Boutte is dynamic with the ball in his hands and one of the most explosive receivers eligible for this year's class. I'm not a math guy, but 1+1=2, which means Boutte would be a great addition to a lacking skill group.
Like Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney before him, Anderson is too explosive and physically freakish as a pass rusher to take a passer ahead of him. The Texans can think about QB with their additional first-rounder depending on what Davis Mills shows in Year 2 but to get a transcendent defender this high is smarter.
Whether Lovie Smith remains the coach or not, a 1-2 punch of Anderson and Sewell would be quiet a front seven dream, given the former's pass-rush juice outside and the latter's cleanup mentality everywhere on the field inside.
Considering the difficult circumstances, Davis Mills exceeded expectations as a rookie. Depending on how comfortable the Texans are with Mills's development as a full-year starter in 2022, it's possible that they'll go in a different direction (than quarterback) next April, as the organization still has plenty of holes to address. There would be a strong trade market for the Texans to trade back in that scenario. While Stroud benefits from having an elite group of pass catchers at his disposal in Columbus, he throws with excellent anticipation and accuracy to allow his receivers to make plays. In his first year as a starter, Stroud continued to get better as the season progressed. Given his combination of arm strength, accuracy, size, mobility and smart decision making, Stroud is my QB1 in this draft class.
Had Foskey declared for the 2022 draft, he likely would have been a top-50 pick, and continued development could catapult him (high) into the first round. Foskey had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles as a junior. Jonathan Greenard had a strong second season in Houston (eight sacks in 13 games). Greenard and Foskey would give the Texans a talented pair of young defensive ends.
Even with the surprisingly competent career start from 2021 third-round pick Davis Mills, the Texans should understand the need for a difference-maker at QB — Mills still needs to show more glimpses of being the true guy there.
Stroud certainly benefits from great talent around him at Ohio State, but he maximizes it with his accuracy and timing on throws. He improved throughout the 2021 season, culminating in a fireworks show at the Rose Bowl against Utah. (Some of which came against a Utes running back, Micah Bernard, who was forced into playing cornerback. But at least Stroud understood the matchup, right?). Stroud has the ability to place throws at all three levels, and the size and maturity that oozes NFL starter. If he continues to produce and uses his athleticism a tad more as a runner, he would be an easy choice for the Texans.
Though Lovie Smith's preferred defensive scheme might not be a perfect match with Nolan Smith, the Georgia defender is just too good of a football player for the Texans to ignore. Letting Smith pin his ears back and get after the quarterback would help any defense create pressure. He has the bend and length to rush the passer, as well as the versatility to stand up and drop into coverage, if needed. A useful player with athleticism that any coach would love to have.
Barring a massive change throughout the draft cycle, I highly doubt you'll see any player other than Will Anderson Jr. in my top spot. This is a rare edge defender who literally has zero holes in his game. He is the size and length to cause issues for tackles who lack anchor and the speed, explosiveness, and bend to get around the edge with ease. His relentlessness and motor match his rare athletic gifts.
The Texans may very well have their quarterback of the future in Davis Mills. In order for him to live up to his potential, the team must continue to build around him. Houston's receiving corps has some nice pieces with Nico Collins and Brandin Cooks, but beyond that it's uninspiring. (Note: Jon Metchie III is a solid player who we are all rooting for to come back as he battles with cancer. Prayers to Metchie.)
Adding a player like Jordan Addison who can play both inside and outside, win vertically or in the quick game, and just provide a security blanket for Mills will help this offense a ton.
Name the traits you want in a quarterback, and I can guarantee Bryce Young has them. Well, outside of size (6'0", 194 pounds), if Kyler Murray can be the first overall pick, there's no reason Young can't.
Poise under pressure. Ability to work the middle of the field. Accuracy to all three levels. Young has it all. Plus, we've already seen him thrive against the closest a college player can get to an NFL defense: 2021 Georgia.
Isaiah Foskey is an easy projection to the NFL at 6'5" and 260 pounds. As a dynamic mover, Foskey can set the edge against the run and collapse the pocket efficiently.
Consistency and adding more power to his game will be crucial for the Notre Dame EDGE this season. Meeting these requirements could see Foskey ascend to the top of the class behind Anderson and Murphy.
Yes, Davis Mills could continue to play well and hang on to the starting QB gig, but if the Texans are picking this early, it's likely he didn't show enough to keep the front office from considering a quarterback in the draft. And even though Mills had a strong rookie year, Houston was still No. 26 in the league in QBR (36.6). Stroud is a technically sound signal-caller who seems to get better in every game he plays. In 2021, Stroud completed 71.9% of his passes for 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Texans are still in the "stacking talent" phase of their rebuild, and Wilson has a chance to skyrocket up boards this fall. At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds with a 35 5/8-inch arms and an almost 86-inch wingspan, he has physical traits that evaluators drool over. Wilson is still raw, but he could be a big riser this season. Houston tied for the fifth-fewest sacks last year (32), and Wilson (7.0 sacks in 2021) could provide a big boost off the edge.
The Jets used one of their first-round picks on Sauce Gardner, who won a starting job as a rookie. It's hard not to get excited about the possibility of pairing him with Ringo, arguably the best cornerback in this class.
The Jets adding Kelee Ringo one year after adding Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner is the same spirit as the Lions drafting Murphy a year after Hutchinson. Gardner and DJ Reed are a fine cornerback duo, but Ringo's skill set paired with Gardner's outside frees Reed up to play inside, where his stature and play can be more dynamic. And that, my friends, is creating a winning edge. The athleticism and size of the perimeter players in Gardner and Ringo are hard to overlook.
The Jets have done well to revamp their secondary for Robert Saleh and do have Quinnen Williams up front, they are still in need of a Nick Bosa-like pass-rushing leader for the defense. Foskey should take a big step in 2022 to look like he can fit that role.
The Georgia defense featured five first-round picks last year, including two defensive tackles, but Carter was the most talented player on that historic defense. Stout against the run and disruptive as an interior pass rusher, Carter is light on his feet for a 310-pounder with the explosive movements, body control and powerful hands to make plays behind, and up and down, the line of scrimmage.
Obviously, Jets coach Robert Saleh would rather not be picking No. 1 overall after his second season in New York. But Anderson would be a fine anesthetic. The Jets have added premium talent on both sides of the ball over the last two draft cycles, including two first-round defenders this spring: Ahmad Gardner and Jermaine Johnson. Johnson is likely going to be more valuable in the NFL versus the run than as a pass rusher, though it appears New York's plan with him is to take things slowly. Gardner, meanwhile, looks incredibly comfortable already.
If Saleh can pair his possible star corner with Anderson, a legit star playmaker in the front seven, then the Jets shouldn't be picking in the top five come 2024.
New York has been hit hard with the injury bug this preseason and, unfortunately, they lost one of their starting tackles Mekhi Becton to a (likely) season-long injury. While Becton is still a young player, his inability to remain healthy has to give the Jets some hesitancy when it comes to committing to him long-term. The team buys themselves some insurance with the selection of Jaelyn Duncan, a talented pass protector with very good feet and a firm anchor.
With another season-ending injury, the Jets may be done with Mekhi Becton. Duane Brown can still play, but at 37 years old, the question is for how long? George Fant will be a free agent next offseason, so yeah, New York needs reinforcements at OT.
Peter Skoronski‘s high floor makes him one of the safest picks in the draft. He's consistent in his technique and overall play, offering an easy transition from Rashawn Slater for Northwestern as a true freshman. Now, 6'4" and 295 pounds without elite length leaves much to be desired. But Skoronski can add to his build prior to April and should quell concerns this season.
General manager Joe Douglas has set the franchise up nicely for the future, and the Jets are hoping to take another step forward this season -- but they land the No. 1 pick in ESPN's FPI projections. Will there be turnover at key positions -- including perhaps quarterback -- if this is the scenario? Either way, I think New York would simply take the best player in the draft, and that's Anderson. Adding him to Carl Lawson and Jermaine Johnson gives the Jets a ferocious group off the edge. Anderson led the FBS with 17.5 sacks, 34.5 tackles for loss and 79 pressures last season.
Porter balled out against Purdue, and it just reinforced what he put on tape last season. He also fills a role on a Colts team that moved on from Rock Ya-Sin in the offseason and needs to add depth at the position.
What better type of player to replace an expiring contract in Yannick Ngakoue than a pass rusher who wins in some of the same ways? Isaiah Foskey is a speed rusher who is on a mission this season to prove he's a more complete player. If he does, he may not make it to No. 19 overall.
The Colts have Kwity Paye and DeForest Buckner anchoring their front but could some more pass-rush pop. Smith is the latest standout Bulldogs disruptor destined for the first round.
Gonzalez is a 6'2" corner with outstanding length, speed and athleticism. Appearing on Bruce Feldman's 2022 freaks list, Gonzalez reached 23.3 mph on GPS and posted a 42" vertical jump this offseason. Stephon Gilmore will turn 32 in a few weeks and Brandon Facyson will become a free agent in '23.
Porter is a smart and physical player who can get a little too handsy at times. But his competitive nature is apparent on tape, and he is more than willing to press, snap after snap. He has the ability to play outside in man coverage or move inside, when needed, which will only make him more well-liked by NFL evaluators. Porter's length and football IQ would make him a great fit in Gus Bradley's single-high attack that asks its cornerbacks to hold up repeatedly in man or match situations.
Indianapolis is a sneaky team for a quarterback at this spot but I didn't want to force a Tanner McKee or a Tyler Van Dyke here—I do acknowledge that it is possible. Instead, I'll give them a very talented edge rusher in Tyree Wilson.
Wilson's ability to convert speed to power is rare and his length and explosiveness cause a ton of issues for opposing tackles. With Yannick Ngakoue on an expiring deal, adding Wilson to play alongside Kwity Paye is a good move.
The Colts need a left tackle. Point blank, period. And wouldn't you know, Darnell Wright is one of the top left tackle prospects in the class. He owns an intriguing blend of size, power, and short-area athleticism. Additionally, Wright's raw strength creates displacement in the ground game, and his tenacity is what you want in a starting offensive lineman.
Colts GM Chris Ballard clearly values big-body playmakers who can win at the catch point but are also technical route runners. Just look at recent draft picks Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. And at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Johnston is cut from a similar cloth. Martavis Bryant was the name I immediately wrote down after studying the TCU pass-catcher this summer. Johnston has strong hands, gets in and out of his breaks well for a bigger target and dominates at the catch point. He has averaged 20.0 yards per catch over his career.
Yes, Jalen Reagor didn't work out, and perhaps the team should be more deliberate when it comes to taking WRs in the first round. But Devonta Smith is special, and more importantly, there are needs at the position beyond Smith and A.J. Brown.
After adding a WR with the No. 13 pick, the Eagles circle back here to take a running back. Is this too high to fill that position? Maybe. But this is a team with very few holes, and an offense that features a mobile QB who would certainly benefit from someone like Robinson behind him in the backfield.
Philadelphia added a big-time player in Nakobe Dean in the 2022 NFL Draft at the linebacker position. He has been great thus far this preseason, but the other spot is currently manned by LB Kyzir White—who is in Philadelphia on a one-year contract.
Trenton Simpson can offer a lot of coverage and pressure value to a defense that wants to be able to play in space and congest throwing windows. As far as I'm concerned, this is a perfect fit for Jonathan Gannon's defense. Simpson can step into White's spot and give the team a long-term answer and LB duo.
The Eagles drafting a linebacker and a running back in the first round of an NFL draft may not feel like a very "Howie Roseman" thing to do, but let's consider the status of the Philadelphia roster. They've got a highly competitive roster with a lot of viable long-term pieces to tie themselves to. We may not have the clarity we need on Jalen Hurts, but if the Eagles are picking here, odds are Hurts took some degree of a step forward. So why not get elite players to complement what already exists on the roster?
There's no such thing as a guaranteed elite pick—especially in the 20s—but positional value meets an upgrade opportunity with Bijan Robinson, who is a blue-chip player.
The Eagles need to clean up the middle of their defense with reliable all-around playmaker with T.J. Edwards being a stopgap. Simpson is a ferocious upfield player who also does plenty in coverage.
The Eagles are souring on Miles Sanders and although they do love young Kenneth Gainwell, this situation could develop much like the Jets with drafting Breece Hall after Michael Carter. Robinson can be the workhorse playing well off Jalen Hurts and also can help as an outlet receiver.
While the Eagles drafted Jordan Davis in the first round in April, Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox will be 30 and 32 years old, respectively, and Howie Roseman loves to build through the trenches. Bresee was the top overall recruit in the 2020 cycle and could very well be the best player available on Philadelphia's board if he's still available here. While Bresee's '21 season was cut short due to a torn ACL, he's at his best as a disruptive 3-technique due to his explosive first step, power and nonstop motor.
Johnson's positional versatility stands out, as he has mostly played nickel cornerback and some strong safety, and coach Jimbo Fisher has said that Johnson will "do a little bit of everything" in 2022. The 6'3" defensive back uses his size, length and physicality to make plenty of plays near the line of scrimmage.
Note: This pick was sent in just before the Eagles traded for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday. But I'm leaving it anyway because of Antonio Johnson's versatility and long-range potential. Johnson is one of those prospects in this class that you have to squint at right now to see the full picture, but if/when it all comes together, it could be fantastic. He's a safety with corner skills who could also be a big nickel.
The Eagles are also in a great spot here to go corner. Or they could package these picks (Nos. 17 and 19) and go get a QB to replace Jalen Hurts, if need be.
The Eagles, yet again, will have a very good opportunity to stack quality defenders in this draft. It's also time for Philadelphia to get younger on the edge, with the type of athletes that can check off more than one box at a time. Foskey is that type of prospect, at 6-5, 260. He's fast enough (to a degree) to run with running backs and tight ends, if you want him to. He's explosive off the corner as a pass rusher with great length and buckets of potential.
As of right now, this is the steal of the draft. I have Myles Murphy as my No. 4 overall player as a guy I believe will have an instant impact as a pass rusher. He is long, explosive, and very powerful. There is still some work to be done with his hands and pass-rush plan, but his athletic upside is off the charts.
Ok, THIS is the steal of this NFL mock draft. I have Bijan Robinson as my second-best player in the class behind only Will Anderson Jr. Robinson is the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley and projects as an instant playmaker who can help a team on the ground and through the air. He falls because teams are afraid of drafting running backs high but his talent alone belongs in the top five of the draft.
Have you ever been hit by a brick on the face? Me neither, but I'm sure that's what it feels like to be tackled by Noah Sewell.
The 6'3" and 250-pound linebacker is a heat-seeking missile from the second level. He crushes opponents coming downhill, dispatches blockers with ease, and is even a stellar blitzer. His coverage ability and open-field tackling are a bit of a work in progress. But if Sewell improves in those facets, I'd give a ... Penei ... for NFL offensive coordinators' thoughts.
I was a huge fan of former UCLA Bruin and current Tennessee Titan WR Kyle Philips. His film is littered with teach tape, beating corners in every conceivable way. But one CB gave him the most trouble last season: Clark Phillips III. At 5'10" and 185 pounds, Phillips is a tad undersized, but his feet, twitchy lower half, and patient temperament allow him to match nearly every route.
The Eagles' draft outlook rests on the shoulders of quarterback Jalen Hurts. GM Howie Roseman gave the team a lot of flexibility by picking up an additional first-rounder, and if Hurts doesn't take the next step, Philadelphia might use one of the picks on a QB -- or package them to move up for one. But with Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox both potentially nearing free agency, the Eagles might also opt to address the interior of the defensive line for a second consecutive year. Bresee is a quick-footed and powerful 3-technique who flashes on tape but needs to stay healthy as he returns from a torn ACL that limited him to only four games in 2021.
More help in the trenches? Roseman understands what has made him successful during his time as Philadelphia's GM: having depth along the defensive front. Murphy is an intriguing edge rusher who is still piecing together his overall game. But he has the length, strength and quick first step out of the starting blocks, so it wouldn't come as a surprise should he turn himself into a top-15 pick. The Eagles had just 29 sacks last season, 31st in the NFL.
