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.
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.
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.
It's a recurring theme to last spring: a defensive-heavy draft at the top of the board. The Jags got things rolling last April when they took Travon Walker first overall, and they'll continue their front-seven makeover on the inside with Bresee.
Poor, poor Jalen Carter. My guy did nothing aside from serving a key role in destroying and disassembling the Oregon Ducks on Saturday afternoon and he falls from No. 2 overall to No. 7 overall in my update. But let me be clear: Carter might be the second-best prospect overall in this year's draft and his slide here is because of the quarterback run more than anything else.
For Jacksonville, the team gets a disruptive presence up front to pair with all the defensive additions this past offseason, giving the team a more well-rounded pressure group to attack opposing offenses.
The Jaguars invested big money in wide receiver help in Christian Kirk but they will need a true No. 1 for Trevor Lawrence in Year 3. Smith-Njigba already has the size, speed and quickness to be a No. 1 and will confirm that status with more bulk and more consistent route-running.
Ohio State had two receivers—Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave—selected within the first 11 picks of last year's draft, but it was Smith-Njigba that led the team in receiving (95/1,606/9) as a true sophomore. While Olave and Wilson opted out of the Rose Bowl, Smith-Njigba went off for 15 catches, 347 yards and three TDs in that game. He closed the season with 60/958/6 over his final five games. The knock will be his lack of top-end speed, but JSN is a savvy route runner with good body control and strong hands.
The Jaguars raised the bar in their receiver room this offseason by signing Christian Kirk and Zay Jones to, shall we say, interesting free-agent deals. But they're still searching for a bonafide No. 1 target to help QB Trevor Lawrence. Enter Boutte. The LSU star not only can create on his own after the catch, but he's able to win inside and out. He can create separation underneath with his burst, and down the field with a fairly refined route tree. The perfect type of receiver to be a target-eater for Lawrence.
The Jaguars did a masterful job this past offseason overhauling their defense by adding key veterans in free agency and a number of talented players through the draft. The team now must continue to build and add weapons around Trevor Lawrence in order to ensure he reaches his full potential.
Kayshon Boutte is an explosive playmaker who can win at all three levels of the field. He has legit vertical speed to win over the top and has exceptional separation quickness at the top of his routes.
Kayshon Boutte is the next great LSU receiver to hear his name called in the first round of the NFL draft. You'd think he was homesick with how many house calls he makes (13 in his last eight games). It's difficult not to see shades of Ja'Marr Chase with Boutte racking the No. 1 on his jersey. He could improve his physicality and aggressiveness at the catch point, but allowing him to do so would be borderline negligence on the NCAA's behalf.
The Jaguars have young talent in key spots after back-to-back years with the No. 1 overall pick, and Trevor Lawrence's continued progress is the team's most important goal. Jacksonville spent record-setting money in free agency, including signing Brandon Scherff and Christian Kirk, but it still lacks a bona fide go-to target on the perimeter. Boutte is an explosive play waiting to happen and brings a playmaking element that the current receiver room lacks. He missed a lot of last season with a leg injury but still found the end zone nine times.
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.
This will continue to be a "draft the best fit on the offensive line you can find" spot. Justin Fields has shown a lot of bright flashes this preseason, but how frequent will the flashes be when we're playing for keeps? How do we get the flashes to be more frequent? By improving the cast around him. General manager Ryan Poles, as a former offensive lineman himself, will surely value the opportunity to land a pass protector for his quarterback.
The Bears have Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet as key targets for Justin Fields in Year 2, but there's not much else in their receiving corps to help the talented downfield passer turn the corner. Boutte, if available whenever Chicago picks, would be a no-brainer to raise the big-play output as the latest big-time LSU gamebreaker.
Whether Chicago uses its 2023 first-rounder on the offensive line or playmakers, it's clear that the Bears need to put more talent around Justin Fields. Boutte closed his freshman season with an SEC-record 308 receiving yards against Ole Miss and led the team in receiving yards (509) and touchdowns (nine) in an abbreviated six-game season (ankle injury). Boutte uses his outstanding speed to rack up yards after the catch in bunches.
Bears fans will want my head on a stake for selecting another defensive back instead of a wide receiver or offensive lineman to help QB Justin Fields. But this Bears regime just needs to fill its hole-ridden roster with as many building blocks as possible, and Ringo is that type of prospect. He has jaw-dropping traits, and if he continues to grow his game under Kirby Smart in 2022, then the Bears would be plopping Ringo in a defensive backfield currently occupied by promising rookies Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon. Hey, the Bears would have their day-two picks and the most projected cap space in the NFL (nearly $92 million) next year to give Fields some support. We hope.
This is a bit high for Peter Skoronski but the Bears are desperate for offensive line help. They simply cannot keep trotting out a terrible offensive line in front of a young quarterback like Justin Fields. Adding a player like Skoronski will go a long way in shoring up this unit.
As a true sophomore, Will Anderson Jr. racked up 17.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss. For reference, Chase Young produced 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss as a junior. Anderson isn't a cheap knockoff — he's the upgrade.
Anderson is on the slighter side at 6'4" and 240 pounds but showcases elite traits that made Von Miller a Hall of Fame pass rusher: explosiveness, flexibility, length, and power. Anderson doesn't need to take another snap — he's a surefire top-five pick.
There are some scouts around the league who believe Carter has the most upside in this draft class, and he's the type of player around whom new GM Ryan Poles could build an entire defensive unit. He had just 3.0 sacks last season, but he was sharing snaps with multiple 2022 first-round picks. Carter consistently lives in the other team's backfield. A true penetrator as a 3-technique, he's a wrecking ball with high-level explosiveness, hand power and finishing ability.