As soon as once more, girls and gents, the NFL Draft is right here.
The eyes of the NFL world flock to Detroit to see the subsequent wave of NFL athletes enter the league. SB Nation shall be doing dwell grades based mostly on our prime 100 massive board of the perfect prospects within the draft this yr.
This yr seems to be a bit extra chaotic after the primary three picks. USC QB Caleb Williams goes to be the primary total decide, we all know that a lot is true. He’s greater than doubtless already received his favourite order at JP Graziano’s memorized. The chances of him being the primary total decide are astronomical. Washington picks at 2, and all odds appear to be pointing to LSU QB Jayden Daniels being the decide. NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero reported earlier that the Patriots are fastened on UNC QB Drake Maye at 3. From there, something can occur. Quite a lot of groups have been mentioned shifting up and buying and selling again, and seeing what occurs shall be thrilling. There’s additionally potential of a commerce involving San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk happening tonight.
We’re in for a wild evening, so observe alongside as we grade right here.
1. Chicago Bears (by way of Carolina Panthers) – Caleb Williams, USC, QB
Grade: A+
The Bears have wanted a reset on the QB place for some time, and they lastly get one in my QB1B, Williams. He’s a dynamic playmaker with a robust arm and a particular really feel for the sport that’ll stand out in Shane Waldron’s offense. Whereas he tends to play a bit an excessive amount of like Superman, that’s nothing that an NFL coach can’t repair. He’s an on the spot massive play ready to occur, and may turn into a star within the NFL instantly.
2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, LSU, QB
Grade: B+
The Commanders wanted a QB who might present some pop, and Daniels does that. He’s a giant play ready to occur along with his arm and legs, and people explosive performs will work nicely with Kliff Kingsbury. I’ve numerous questions on his capacity to mitigate taking huge pictures as a runner and passer, and his capacity to throw over the center, however he gained’t be requested to take action in Washington. This can be a good decide.
3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, UNC, QB
Grade: A+
Getting my QB1A on the third total decide is incredible for the Patriots. Maye is a strong-armed, aggressive passer and a rising processor on the QB spot. He’s extra prepared to begin immediately than individuals suppose, and even when he isn’t prepared to begin by the Pats requirements, they’ve the infrastructure to assist a younger QB instantly. Completely love this decide.
4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
Grade: A
This one was apparent. Harrison Jr. is the perfect participant on this draft class and a bonafide famous person on the skin. His physique management, savvy as a route runner and talent to win with separation and going above the rim goes to do wonders in Arizona with a legit NFL QB and different weapons round him. Hand in glove match.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Grade: B-
Okay so look: I perceive choosing Alt. He’s a technician at deal with with NFL bloodlines, and is a sturdy go protector. Nevertheless, he’s a profession left deal with, and except the Chargers plan on shifting Rashawn Slater to the suitable, Alt shall be enjoying proper deal with. His play energy wanes generally, which could possibly be an issue early in his profession, however I perceive why the Chargers picked offensive line right here. Would’ve cherished a commerce again, however Harbaugh and co are dedicated to working the ball and defending Justin Herbert-can’t get a lot better than that.
6. New York Giants – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Grade: A-
Sure, the Giants will want a QB quickly. Nevertheless, you may’t power your self into loving a quarterback simply since you want one. So Nabers right here guidelines. He’s a giant play ready to occur, and regardless of somewhat little bit of a vibey route working repertoire, he can immediately present some juice into the offense. Would’ve like Washington WR Rome Odunze right here a bit extra, however this nonetheless guidelines.
7. Tennessee Titans – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Grade: B
This can be a actually attention-grabbing decide for the Titans, assuming present RT Nicholas Petit-Frere strikes from proper, the place he performed all his rookie season, to left deal with in 2024. This was a spot for Alt however Latham here’s a good match. He’s a dancing bear on the suitable facet of the road who strikes individuals within the run sport and isn’t a stiff in go safety. Below the tutelage of Invoice Callahan, this could possibly be actually enjoyable! Gotta hope Petit-Frere works at left deal with, although.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Grade: C-
Oh man. Look, I really like Michel Penix Jr. and his sport. The damage considerations very clearly didn’t scare groups away and neither did the wonky launch. I simply marvel why the Falcons would decide a QB at 8 realizing that Kirk Cousins is their man for the subsequent two to 3 years. That is complicated. Love the participant, bizarre match and spot to take him.
9. Chicago Bears – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Grade: A
Love this decide within the quick and long run for Odunze and the Bears. He’s my WR2, and he has such a clear sport on the skin that he can permit WR Keenan Allen to play within the slot and DJ Moore can proceed to be explosive. Odunze can develop right into a prime receiver to pair with Moore and develop with Caleb Williams. Love this decide.
10. Minnesota Vikings (by way of New York Jets) – JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Grade: A-
The Vikings didn’t have to maneuver heaven and Earth to commerce up, and ultimately received the man that will match their offense. I believe McCarthy is a methods away from being a starter, however he doesn’t have to begin immediately with Sam Darnold enjoying. McCarthy is a assured passer off play motion and a adequate athlete to make the O’Connell offense work in the long run. Good match for Minnesota and McCarthy.
11. New York Jets (by way of Minnesota Vikings) – Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Grade: A
The Jets have to verify Aaron Rodgers is protected not just for 2024, however past. Sure, they signed Tyron Smith and purchased Morgan Moses, however each are older and injury-prone. Fashanu doesn’t should play immediately, but when he does he’s the perfect pure go protector on this draft class. Whereas he has room to develop as a run defender, he can be taught from the perfect in Smith and turn into the left deal with of the long run.
12. Denver Broncos – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Grade: C+
The run on QBs continues, with the Nix to Denver rumors being true. Whereas Nix is an efficient level and shoot QB with accuracy to the quick areas of the sector, numerous that Oregon offense was watered down and his responses below strain left rather a lot to be missing. Denver was in a troublesome spot on this draft, needing a QB however not having the capital to maneuver as much as do it. Higher hope he works out.
13. Las Vegas Raiders – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Grade: C-
One other one the place I really like the participant, actually questioning the choice by Las Vegas. Bowers is an outstanding athlete who wins after the catch and is arguably essentially the most dynamic participant within the draft, however wow the Raiders kinda surprised me. With all of the holes defensively within the secondary, and an offensive line nonetheless below development, this looks like a luxurious.
14. New Orleans Saints – Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State
Grade: B+
I actually like this decide for New Orleans. Fuaga is a individuals mover who could be a greater match inside at guard, the place the Saints’ pickings are…slim to say the least. New Orleans wants assist up entrance with RT Ryan Ramczyk’s future up within the air, so Fuaga can play guard or deal with and be enjoyable in a large zone blocking scheme that New Orleans goes to run. Would’ve favored Troy Fautanu right here, particularly as a result of he’s a left deal with, however Fuaga can be good right here.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Grade: A-
Lastly, a defensive participant! I used to be anxious that Latu’s medicals would possibly hold him down the board, however I like the thought of Latu in Indianapolis. Whereas fearsome, their defensive position all kinda wins the identical method, particularly on the EDGE. Whereas not an influence man, Latu wins with hand utilization and burst, and may immediately be a delegated go rusher for the Colts. Just like the decide for Indy.
16. Seattle Seahawks – Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
Grade: B+
Getting Murphy right here looks like a steal, a man who was slated to go prime ten as early as this morning. New Seahawks DC Mike MacDonald coached DT Justin Madubuike to a Professional Bowl season final yr, and Murphy is in the identical mildew of undersized disruptor at 3T. Whereas he can play nostril, I wouldn’t wish to go away him there long run. Even with Leonard Williams nonetheless below contract, Seattle wanted extra juice on the inside. Actually like this for Seattle. Johnny Newton nonetheless on the board, although…
17. Minnesota Vikings (by way of Jacksonville Jaguars) – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Grade: A+
What a haul for the Vikings, who received their QB of the long run and now one other go rusher for Brian Flores to work with. Turner is athletic, flexible and nonetheless rising in his go rush repertoire. Pairing him with Jon Greenard is a big plus for Minnesota, who’ve revamped their go rush regardless of shedding Danielle Hunter.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Grade: A
LOVE this decide for Cincinnati. If Mims is wholesome, he’s received the athletic profile and instruments to be probably the greatest proper tackles in all the league. You are worried about his lack of expertise, however with Trent Brown enjoying proper, he doesn’t should play immediately. Extremely shrewd transfer by the Bengals, taking a excessive upside deal with who will be dominant when wholesome.
19. Los Angeles Rams – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Grade: A-
Whereas I just like the participant—Verse is my prime EDGE on this class—I kinda marvel in regards to the match. He didn’t drop into protection a lot and that’s numerous what the Rams do defensively. It’s not an excessive amount of of an issue that it makes me drop the grade, as a result of Verse is that good, however it’s one thing to think about. However, Verse is such a strong, highly effective participant who will be an on the spot ground raiser for a Rams protection that wants all the assistance they’ll get defensively.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Grade: A-
One other participant that looks like a strong decide for a crew the place you may see the imaginative and prescient. Fautanu is an efficient deal with, however could possibly be an exceptional guard. This might imply Pittsburgh is leaving Broderick Jones at proper deal with and Fautanu can begin his profession at left, or they’ll play him inside at guard. Both method, the Steelers are getting a bodily linemen who has actually fast ft— slot in Arthur Smith’s new offense.
21. Miami Dolphins – Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Grade: B+
Whereas I might’ve gone for a lineman right here to guard QB Tua Tagovailoa, Chop Robinson here’s a tremendous decide. The Dolphins present EDGEs, Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, are each coming off actually unhealthy decrease physique accidents and it could be time to get some extra insurance coverage. Robinson is a blur off the sting within the passing sport, and whereas his run protection leaves a bit to be desired, with Shaq Barrett on the sector he won’t should play the run early in his profession. A tremendous decide for the Dolphins at a place of want.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Grade: A+
I can’t consider Howie Roseman lastly took a CB within the first spherical. After a long time of ignoring it, he lastly will get one in Mitchell who is a superb match for that protection. Mitchell excels in off-man protection and performed in a very strong schematic protection at Toledo. His ball abilities and set off to the ball in off man are an ideal slot in Philly.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU
Grade: A-
This decide has the potential to turn into a house run if Thomas Jr’s medicals try. If he’s wholesome, he’s an ideal match for what the Jaguars want offensively. He’s massive, quick and may get downfield in a rush. He’s nonetheless rising within the route working division however the Jaguars want somebody who’s tall and quick on the skin. Jacksonville was capable of commerce down and nonetheless add a excessive ceiling receiver to their offense. Let’s rock and roll.
24. Detroit Lions (by way of Dallas Cowboys) – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Grade: A+
That is my favourite decide of all the first spherical. Arnold is the right slot in Detroit in that protection. He’s a feisty, aggressive nook who can play inside or exterior and has the ball abilities to right away be an impression participant. Regardless of buying and selling for Carlton Davis, the Lions nonetheless wanted assist at nook and Arnold will be an on the spot enhance there. This decide is phenomenal.
25. Inexperienced Bay Packers – Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona
Grade: C+
Whereas I get the necessity for an offensive lineman for the Packers, I’m unsure why Morgan is the decide right here. Regardless of smaller arms, he’s athlete with a nasty disposition up entrance, however man I actually suppose Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton or Duke OL Graham Barton would possibly’ve been the higher decide right here.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Grade: A
With all of the upheaval up entrance that the Bucs have gone by means of not too long ago, this decide makes a lot sense for Tampa Bay. Barton is nasty within the run sport and is actually good at anchoring in opposition to some actually gifted go rushers. He’s received quick arms, however Barton really has 5-position versatility. Tampa Bay would possibly’ve gotten their Ryan Jensen alternative proper now, or a excessive stage guard.
27. Arizona Cardinals – Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
Grade: C
So, I’m probably not positive the place Darius Robinson suits on the Arizona protection. I don’t know if he’s large enough to play defensive deal with, however he won’t have sufficient bend or fluidity in protection to play EDGE. He’s a tough charging, highly effective participant however the match right here is actually bizarre, particularly with Johnny Newton or Cooper DeJean accessible.
28. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (by way of Buffalo Payments) – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Grade: B-
I’m somewhat confused on the redundancy of this decide for Kansas Metropolis contemplating Hollywood Brown and Worthy do primarily the identical factor, however holy cow did the Chiefs’ offense get extra explosive. Worthy is the quickest man in Mix historical past, and regardless of his lack of dimension he can create separation downfield. Kinda anticipated Worthy’s teammate AD Mitchell right here, however Worthy is cool too.
29. Dallas Cowboys (by way of Detroit Lions) – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Grade: B+
I like this decide for Dallas. Guyton is a former tight finish who’s a very good athlete, and desires some refinement in his aiming factors as a run blocker. Going to Dallas is a pleasant match for the Cowboys, who want to switch Tyron Smith. Guyton performed proper deal with at Oklahoma, however hypothetically he’s shifting to left and Tyler Smith can keep at guard. This works for Dallas if Guyton could make the swap.
30. Baltimore Ravens – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Grade: A
Nate Wiggins had an attention-grabbing draft cycle, however it culminates in an ideal player-team match. Wiggins is a speedy nook who thrives in man protection on the skin. Baltimore’s secondary is sweet, however their depth received examined closely in direction of the top of the season. Wiggins can take over for Brandon Stephens on the skin and permit the Ravens to get much more versatile on the again finish. Shrewd decide by Baltimore.
31. San Francisco 49ers – Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
Grade: C-
Um, wow. I like Ricky Pearsall’s sport, however that is…wow. Pearsall over AD Mitchell, Ladd McConkey and Keon Coleman is so attention-grabbing right here. Pearsall is a clean route runner with sturdy arms, however would possibly want extra manufactured targets from an offense. I’m shocked.
32. Carolina Panthers (by way of Buffalo Payments) – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Grade: C+
Regardless of Legette being a member of the All-JP crew and the Panthers seeming like a match that was hinted at, I nonetheless would possibly’ve taken AD Mitchell right here as a substitute. Legette is a giant, sturdy quick receiver who continues to be very restricted as a route runner, so perhaps grabbing him and letting him develop with Bryce Younger is the transfer right here? Nevertheless, that restricted route tree makes him much like different guys on the roster. Mitchell or Ladd McConkey would possibly’ve each been higher picks right here.
