The draft can sometimes be wild and a bit unpredictable, but over the years of doing this, I’ve collected information about several teams, how certain ones like to draft and what insiders to listen to about information. I will give information as well as targets to look at, for all teams. Some teams will have a wide margin, while others will have a narrow margin of who they could possibly be looking at.
I am, in no way, saying that you’ll be able to predict every team, but you’ll come away with a better idea of at least, where they are looking, and where they are not. Team and GM philosophy play a big role in positions or players who are taken by certain teams. Athleticism matters to some teams, and others don’t care. Some teams aren’t worried about arm length on an OL to determine if he plays inside or outside, but most do, and some teams are just complete wild cards and you never really know what they are going to do.
Combine visits, pre draft visits, pro day visits, sometimes are meaningless, and are used as smoke screens to throw people off from who they are looking at. Sometimes, it’s a clear and obvious sign to show exactly what positions they are looking to address. Then there are times, where they are just trying to get as much information as possible about a player, especially one with an injury prognosis or injury history. Don’t lean into these as a sign of who they like.
Learning where to look and what to look for has brought my accuracy rating from a low 30% to 45% over the last 3 years. Paying attention to the details can help
TARGETS: Marvin Harrison Jr (WR), Rome Odunze (WR), Malik Nabers (WR)
LATER TARGETS: Nate Wiggins (CB), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB), Laiatu Latu (E), Jared Verse (E), Chop Robinson (E), Darius Robinson (DL), Marshawn Kneeland (DE), Graham Barton (C), Jackson Powers-Johnson (G), Jordan Morgan (T/G), Zach Frazier (C)
• GM – Monti Ossenfort (2023)
• HC – Jonathan Gannon (2023)
• OC – Drew Petzing (2023)
• DC – Nick Rallis (2023)
• Cardinals have plenty of capital already, but Ossenfort is a dealer, and could potentially be in the market to trade down for more assets, and then trade right back up afterwards, like he did last year to get Paris Johnson.
• The Cardinals are heavily rumored to be in the market for a WR, with the expectation being Marvin Harrison Jr. Some feel as if Nabers is the best WR, but based on Ossenfort’s front office history with Minnesota, Houston and the Patriots, they may value big WR’s the most. Being part of organizations that drafted guys like Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Treylon Burks & N’Keal Harry, who were all 6’2+. MHJ and Odunze could both be higher on their list than Nabers.
• But where Nabers over MHJ & Odunze can come into play, is the fact that they drafted Michael Wilson in round 3 last year, and can play the role of the big WR that they value.
• Having 27 & 35, this could be a trade up opportunity to get another playmaker on defense or a particular interior offensive lineman.
WR ——
• Ranked 27th with 17 completions on throws of 20 or more yards. Marquise Brown led the team with five of those receptions
Defense ——
• Generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 19.2% of opponent dropbacks, ranked 27th
• Contacted opposing running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage on 37% of carries, ranked 30th
• Allowed 31.3% conversion rate on third and long (seven or more yards), ranked 32nd
• Defense ranked 32nd in third-and-long rate, forcing opponents into third-and-long (seven or more yards) or 17.2% of their set of downs
TARGETS: Malik Nabers (WR), Byron Murphy (DT), Dallas Turner (E), Laiatu Latu (E), Jared Verse (E), Quinyon Mitchell (CB), Terrion Arnold (CB)
• GM – Terry Fontenot (2021)
• HC – Raheem Morris (2024)
• OC – Zac Robinson (2024)
• DC – Jimmy Lake (2024)
• The Falcons have done a lot of work on Dallas Turner & Quinyon Mitchell, best guess is they improve the pass rush, but wouldn’t be shocked if they went with secondary help. Falcons could also be a trade down team if Nabers, Odunze or Bowers are available and a team wanted to jump the Bears or Jets to grab one of them… if the Falcons didn’t want one themselves.
• Laiatu Latu has ties to Atlanta, with Defensive Coordinator, Jimmy Lake, who is his former coach in Washington, when he was forced to medically retire from a neck injury.
• A sneaky idea to keep in mind is how Morris used Aaron Donald in his defense in LA, Zach Harrison showed a lot of improvement late in the season for the Falcons, but Morris could look to get his own 3T version of Aaron Donald, in Byron Murphy.
Defense ——
• Generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 17.6% of opponent dropbacks, ranked 31st (Grady Jarrett only played in 7 full games before he tore his ACL.)
• Allowed 26.2% conversion rate on third and long (seven or more yards), ranked 22nd.
TARGETS: Jackson Powers-Johnson (G), Jordan Morgan (T/G), Chop Robinson (E), Nate Wiggins (CB), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB), Xavier Worthy (WR), Adonai Mitchell (WR), Ladd McConkey (WR), Edgerrin Cooper (LB), Junior Colson (LB), Darius Robinson (DL), Jer’Zhan Newton (DL), Marshawn Kneeland (DE)
• GM – Eric DeCosta (12-18 as vice)(2019)
• HC – John Harbaugh (2008)
• OC – Todd Monken (2023)
• DC – Zach Orr (2024)
• Ravens are an unknown and could target many different areas of need, including a possible trade back.
Defense ——
• Contacted opposing running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage on 41% of carries, ranked 22nd
• Allowed 10 or more rushing yards on 11.6% of running back attempts, ranked 28th
TARGETS: Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Xavier Worthy (WR), Adonai Mitchell (WR), Ladd McConkey (WR)
• GM – Brandon Beane (2017)
• HC – Sean McDermott (2017)
• OC – Joe Brady (2024)
• DC – Bobby Babich (2024)
• McDermott is on the hot seat, Beane could likely be as well, and that puts the front office in a predicament after losing so much talent in free agency and trading off disgruntled WR, Stefon Diggs.
• Bills could likely be trading up for Brian Thomas Jr or staying and landing Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell or Ladd McConkey. AD Mitchell is a popular choice amongst draft analysts, though the Bills have done an extensive amount of work on Worthy.
WR ——
• Gained 20 or more yards on 5.2% of offensive plays, ranked 26th
OL ——
• Allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 27.5% of dropbacks, ranked 26th
DL ——
• Allowed 8.1 yards per attempt when failing to generate pressure, ranked 28th
• Allowed 10 or more rushing yards on 11.5% of running back attempts, ranked 27th
• When failing to make contact at or behind the line of scrimmage, allowed 7.2 yards per attempt to running backs, ranked 30th
• Allowed 3.3 yards after contact per attempt to running backs, ranked
TARGETS: Xavier Worthy (WR), Ladd McConkey (WR), Adonai Mitchell (WR), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB), Ennis Rakestraw Jr (CB/S), Edgerrin Cooper (LB), Junior Colson (LB)
• GM – Dan Morgan (2024)
• HC – Dave Canales (2024)
• OC – Brad Idzik (2024)
• DC – Ejiro Evero (2023)
• Panthers are relatively unknown to what they will do, a lot of pieces have been addressed during free agency. They certainly need to improve the WR room with guys that can separate, DJ Chark & Johnathan Mingo were among the bottom 5 separators in the league last season.
Offense ——
• Bryce Young took a sack on 25% of his dropbacks versus pressure, the second highest rate out of 33 qualified quarterbacks
• OL Allowed contact at or behind the line of scrimmage on 51% of carries by running backs, ranked 30th
• Went three-and-out on 38.9% of drives, ranked 30th
• Gained 20 or more yards on 3.6% of offensive plays, ranked 31st
Defense ——
• Defense converted 5.3% of pressures into sacks, ranked 31st
• Ranked 31st in third-and-long rate, with 28.6% of set of downs leading to a third-and-long (seven or more yards)
• Generated 27.9% pressure rate on non-blitzes, ranked 30th
• Allowed 10 or more rushing yards on 10.8% of running back attempts, ranked 24th
TARGETS: Caleb Williams (QB), Malik Nabers (WR), Rome Odunze (WR), Brock Bowers (TE), Byron Murphy (DT), Dallas Turner (E)
TRADE BACK TARGETS: Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Jared Verse (E), Laiatu Latu (E), Olu Fashanu (LT), JC Latham (RT), Tyler Guyton (OT), Graham Barton (C)
• GM – Ryan Poles (2022)
• HC – Matt Eberflus (2022)
• OC – Shane Waldron (2024)
• DC – Eric Washington (2024)
• The easiest part is Caleb Williams at 1, but after that, the Bears have options at 9 to either draft BPA or trade out and accumulate more picks since they have none in round 2.
• There is a scenario where the WR’s, Bowers and Turner are off the board, and if that does happen, a trade back is a strong likelihood.
• Edge is a likely target for the Bears at 9, but a sneaky pick is also finding a dominant 3T that Eberflus values for his defense. The Bears have invested heavily in iDL with Dexter & Pickens, but both are more run stuffing types. Murphy, a run stuffer as well, also brings an incredible 19% pass rush win rate to the mix.
• Though, I would keep in mind that the top 3 picks from 2023 draft all had top 30 visits with the Bears, this could mean that Poles & Eberflus could do the same again. Top 30 visits: Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr, Rome Odunze, Brock Bowers, Dallas Turner, Graham Barton, Tyler Guyton, JC Latham, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Chop Robinson & Kiran Amegadje.
Defense ——
• Generated 27.4% pressure rate on non-blitzes, ranked 32nd.
• Defense converted 4.6% of pressures into sacks, ranked 32nd
• 24th in pressure rate
LT ——
• Braxton Jones (played injured before going on IR) allowed a 7.8% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 29th out of 38 qualified left tackles.
TARGETS: Byron Murphy (DT), Jer’Zhan Newton (DT), JC Latham (RT), Taliese Fuaga (G/T), Amarius Mims (RT), Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Jared Verse (E), Laiatu Latu (E)
• Owner/GM – Mike Brown (2013)
• DPP – Duke Tobin (2002)
• HC – Zac Taylor (2019)
• OC – Dan Pitcher (2024)
• DC – Lou Anarumo (2019)
• Brown has a history of going for need, despite positional value, which is typically also BPA. So the Bengals can go that same route with need and who would be available, and not go wrong.
• The DL took a hit losing run stuffing behemoth, DJ Reader and now Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade. These areas may already have been taken care, or at least, kicks the can down the road, with the signing of Sheldon Rankins and drafting Myles Murphy in round 1 last year.
• The long term solution at RT is an area worth noting after losing Jonah Williams in free agency and replacing him with Trent Brown on a 1 year deal. Fuaga and Fautanu make sense as guys that can play inside this year, while kicking out next year.
Defense ——
• Allowed 9.2 yards per attempt when failing to generate pressure, ranked 32nd
• Contacted opposing running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage on 40% of carries, ranked 28th
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 7.8% of plays, ranked 32nd
• Hill & Rankins both top 10 in run stop in 2023
TARGETS: Trey Benson (RB), Jonathon Brooks (RB), Michael Hall Jr (DL), Braden Fiske (DL), Kris Jenkins (DL), Maason Smith (DL), Junior Colson (LB), Payton Wilson (LB), Troy Franklin (WR), Roman Wilson (WR), Ja’Lynn Polk (WR), Malachi Corley (WR)
• GM – Andrew Berry (2020)
• HC – Kevin Stefanski (2020)
• OC – Ken Dorsey (2024)
• DC – Jim Schwartz (2023)
• With no first round pick, there is no telling what the Browns may do. Best guess is going with depth and possible replacements for next season.
• With the value of running backs depleting and the health and contract of Chubb in question, an underrated move the Browns could make is to find his replacement in round 2 with the top running back of the class.
Offense ——
• Gained 20 or more yards on 5.2% of offensive plays, ranked 23rd
• Jedrick Wills allowed 9.5% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 35th out of 38 qualified left tackles
• Receivers led the league in drops with 39
• Ranked 29th in third-and-long rate, with 26.5% of set of downs leading to a third-and-long (seven or more yards)
Defense ——
• Allowed 10 or more rushing yards on 13.7% of running back attempts, ranked 32nd
• When failing to make contact at or behind the line of scrimmage, allowed 8.7 yards per attempt to running backs, ranked 32nd
TARGETS: Tyler Guyton (OT), Kingsley Suamataia (OT), Graham Barton (C), Zach Frazier (C), Jackson Powers-Johnson (G), Jordan Morgan (T/G), Xavier Worthy (WR), Edgerrin Cooper (LB)
• Owner/GM – Jerry Jones (1989)
• VP/CEO/DPP – Stephen Jones
• AstGM/VPPP – Will McClay (2002/2017)
• HC – Mike McCarthy (2020)
• OC – Brian Schottenheimer (2023)
• DC – Mike Zimmer (2024)
• The Cowboys are one of the most volatile and unpredictable draft teams. Under Jerry, they have gone for big splashes, but under Stephen and McClay, they have been a lot smarter in getting the right pieces over “shiny new toys.” With the exception of CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, who fell to them.
• Zimmer’s defense requires big bodied DL’s and bigger framed LB’s which is a change from the previous defensive coordinators style.
• The offensive line is one that is still a relatively unknown. Tyler Smith may stay at guard, or he could move over to LT, there’s still no word on where he will play on the line. His best position is guard, but this draft will tell where they feel best about him.
OL ——
• Terence Steele allowed 7.8% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 31st out of 36 qualified right tackles
DL ——
• Allowed three or more yards before contact to running backs on 29% of carries, ranked 32nd
TARGETS: Dallas Turner (E), Jared Verse (E), Laiatu Latu (E), Quinyon Mitchell (CB), Terrion Arnold (CB)
TRADE BACK TARGETS: Laiatu Latu (E), Chop Robinson (E), Nate Wiggins (CB), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB), Graham Barton (C), Michael Penix Jr (QB), Bo Nix (QB)
• GM – George Paton (2021)
• HC – Sean Payton (2023)
• OC – Joe Lombardi (2023)
• DC – Vance Joseph (2023)
• The Broncos draft strategy is likely going to revolve around a trade back to accumulate picks and try to get cheaper while they try to rebuild.
• Payton has a history of drafting CB’s, E, and DL’s during his days in New Orleans. I would expect that same type of draft style to continue. Payton also has a history of being aggressive and trading up, but this could be one of the times that he doesn’t since they are in a major cap hole from the release of Russell Wilson.
Secondary ——
• opponents completed 54% of their throws at 10 or more yards downfield when targeting outside cornerbacks other than Patrick Surtain (43% targeting Surtain).
Defense ——
• Allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 27.2% of dropbacks, ranked 25th
• Generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 19.1% of opponent dropbacks, ranked 28th
• Allowed 8.2 yards per attempt when failing to generate pressure, ranked 31st
• Contacted opposing running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage on 36% of carries, ranked 32nd
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 6.7% of plays, ranked 29th
TARGETS: Jared Verse (E), Chop Robinson (E), Darius Robinson (DL), Marshawn Kneeland (DE)
• GM – Brad Holmes (2021)
• HC – Dan Campbell (2021)
• OC – Ben Johnson (2021)
• DC – Aaron Glenn (2021)
• Though the secondary is one of the bigger issues on the Lions defense, Brad Holmes has never been part of a team (GM w/ DET or Director of scouting w/LAR) in 11 years to draft a CB in round 1.
As DoS, LaMarcus Joyner was highest at 41 and moved to safety. As GM, Brian Branch is the highest at 45, who was considered more of a safety/ NB.
• Another thing to consider is that Holmes values athletes with length and speed when it comes to edge rushers and secondary. This could rule out Kool-Aid who ran almost a 4.5 but he does have the arm length, and Wiggins has the speed but short arms. On the DL/E, Kneeland, Darius Robinson and Chop Robinson all match the description. Johnny Newton did not test, so his athleticism grade is unknown.
Secondary ——
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 7.1% of plays, ranked 31st
• Allowed 30.5% conversion rate on third and long (seven or more yards), ranked 31st
TARGETS: Cooper DeJean (S), Nate Wiggins (CB), Tyler Guyton (OT), Amarius Mims (OT), Edgerrin Cooper (LB)
• GM – Brian Gutekunst (2018)
• HC – Matt LaFleur (2019)
• OC – Adam Stenavich (2022)
• DC – Jeff Hafley (2024)
• Gutekunst values RAS (relative athletic score). The only player he’s drafted in round 1 under a 9.0 RAS is Jordan Love, but even he fell under a particular measurement that Gutekunst learned from his predecessor, 10″+ hand size.
• Any player that has a RAS below a 9.0, should be immediately removed from the board.
(Some players are harder to judge with incomplete RAS scores like Jackson Powers-Johnson & Junior Colson.)
• Gutenkunst also values defense heavily in round 1, so that can help alleviate some of those issues of who to look at. CB, S, E, DT & LB (exception of Love) are the only positions he’s drafted in round 1 since becoming the GM.
• Having Bakhtiari on the team when he took over has kept him from needing to take LT. Now that he’s gone, I would not rule out going for that, unless they feel Rasheed Walker can fill that role. What this really means, is iOL is off the board in round 1, that means no Jackson Powers-Johnson, Graham Barton, Zach Frazier or Jordan Morgan should be getting mocked here.
• Gutekunst mainly uses his top 30 pre draft visits to find out more about players that he may have had extra questions, whether it was injuries, character concerns or just more information. Starting from his first year as GM in 2018, the only time a “pre draft” visit player was drafted in round 1 was Jordan Love, during the “Covid draft”, where all interviews had to be conducted. Top 30 visits this year in their range: Tyler Guyton, Amarius Mims, Edgerrin Cooper & Kool-Aid McKinstry
Secondary ——
• Allowed 8.2 yards per attempt when failing to generate pressure, ranked 29th
• Allowed 3.1 yards after contact per attempt to running backs, ranked 25h
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 6.1% of plays, ranked 30th
• Allowed 28.7% conversion rate on third and long (seven or more yards), ranked 28th
• Forced opponents into a three-and-out on 28.9% of drives, ranked 27th
TARGETS: Mike Sainristil (NCB), Ennis Rakestraw Jr (CB/S), Max Melton (CB), Andru Phillips (CB), Kamari Lassiter (CB), Tyler Nubin (S), Malachi Corley (WR), Troy Franklin (WR), Edgerrin Cooper (LB), Junior Colson (LB), Adisa Isaac (E), Christian Haynes (G)
• GM – Nick Caserio (2021)
• HC – DeMeco Ryans (2023)
• OC – Bobby Slowik (2023)
• DC – Matt Burke (2023)
• Not having a first round pick makes it hard to gauge what Houston could do. But there are a few smaller needs like replacing the aging Desmond King at NCB, as well as addressing the long term answer on the other side of Stingley.
• Shaq Mason’s contract becomes expendable after the 2024 season, so maybe some depth or a future replacement at OL with how depleted it was last season with injuries.
• It’s hard to see the Texans addressing the DL in round 2 after the way Caserio and Ryans addressed the front seven of their defense during free agency. I could still see the possibility of finding someone better than To’o To’o.
• There’s also the possibility of addressing WR since Diggs is only in Houston for the 2024 season, and the long term outlook on John Metchie as well as Robert “Bobby Trees” Woods looks to both be closing as well.
Offense ——
• Ranked 24th in third-and-long rate, with 24.6% of set of downs leading to a third-and-long (seven or more yards)
Defense ——
• Allowed 7.9 yards per attempt when failing to generate pressure, ranked 26th
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 6.0% of plays, ranked 22nd
TARGETS: Malik Nabers (WR), Rome Odunze (WR), Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Brock Bowers (TE), Troy Fautanu (G/T), Taliese Fuaga (G/T), Quinyon Mitchell (CB), Terrion Arnold (CB)
TRADE BACK TARGETS: Xavier Worthy (WR)
• GM – Chris Ballard (2017)
• HC – Shane Steichen (2023)
• OC – Jim Bob Cooter (2023)
• DC – Gus Bradley (2022)
• Colts are the most intriguing to me. Most mocks pencil them in with either Bowers or a CB. Yet, they didn’t interview any CB at the Senior Bowl or combine, have had no pro day workouts or top 30 visits with any DB being considered in round 1.
• They have, however, done extensive work at WR/TE with multiple visits with Odunze, Nabers, Bowers & Worthy… (not anything on Brian Thomas Jr).
• If the top 3 WR’s and Bowers are gone, Ballard is likely to trade back.
• The way Ballard gushed during the combine zoom interview with Bowers is all I need to know about who they want the most. But if one of the top 3 WR’s are still available at 8, I wouldn’t be surprised if they jumped up to grab one. (Which goes against everything Ballard stands for. He’s a strict trade back guy… but in truth, that doesn’t actually mean that’s all he does, he may have tried to trade up before and just not succeeded in getting a deal done.)
• Like Green Bay, Ballard is a stickler for RAS. If the player is below a 9.0, you might as well remove them from the board, Ballard won’t draft him.
Defense ——
• Generated 30.0%% pressure rate on non-blitzes, ranked 24th
• Allowed 8.0 yards per attempt when failing to generate pressure, ranked 27th
• Defense ranked 30th in third-and-long rate, forcing opponents into third-and-long (seven or more yards) or 19.9% of their set of downs
TARGETS: Quinyon Mitchell (CB), Terrion Arnold (CB), Cooper DeJean (S), Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Troy Fautanu (T/G), Byron Murphy (DL), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB)
• GM – Trent Baalke (2021)
• HC – Doug Pederson (2022)
• OC – Press Taylor (2022)
• DC – Ryan Nielsen (2024)
• The Jaguars haven’t put a lot of focus on any singular player, but have made an effort to look at CB, DL, OL & WR at the combine, pro days and top 30 visits. So that gives some insight to who they could be looking at.
• Pederson has been trying to improve the OL since he took over, Cam Robinson & Brandon Scherff having a year left could have the Jaguars looking at OL on day 1 or 2 of the draft.
• Replacing Darious Williams with Ronald Darby doesn’t take them out of looking at CB. Darby’s contract is small, showing that they aren’t married to him as the CB2. It’s a signing to show they have someone in place, in case they aren’t able to land one of the CB’s they like. Baalke has a certain threshold requirement for drafting players, and he’s a fan of long armed dudes. 32” arms for a CB is long, so I expect Kool-Aid to be more of a target than any other round 1 CB, and he’s never drafted a DL player with arms under 32.5”.
OL ——
• Allowed contact at or behind the line of scrimmage on 52% of carries by running backs, ranked 31st
DL ——
• When failing to make contact at or behind the line of scrimmage, allowed 6.9 yards per attempt to running backs, ranked 27th
• Defense converted 6.1% of pressures into sacks, ranked 27th
TARGETS: Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB), Jer’Zhan Newton (DL), Darius Robinson (DL), Marshawn Kneeland (DE), Kingsley Suamataia (LT), Patrick Paul (LT), Adonai Mitchell (WR), Ladd McConkey (WR)
• GM – Brett Veach (2017)
• HC – Andy Reid (2013)
• OC – Matt Nagy (2023)
• DC – Steve Spagnolu (2019)
• One of the most mocked positions for the Chiefs is WR, and it’s typically Xavier Worthy. The last WR the Chiefs drafted in round 1 was Jonathan Baldwin in 2011, before both Reid and Veach’s time in KC. Jeremy Maclin in 2009 was the only WR in round 1 during Reid & Veach’s time in Philadelphia. While I’m not saying to rule it out, they have shown that it’s not important to them in round 1, with the QB they have. Chiefs have also not even looked at any WR at the combine, pro day or top 30 visit.
• The Chiefs have shown that they value the defense in round 1 the most. The exceptions of an OT, QB and mistake at RB. With OT’s, they have shown to have a threshold of a minimum of 33.5” arm length.
• Chiefs haven’t drafted OT in round 1 since Eric Fisher in 2013 who retired in 2021. There may be some trust in Wanya Morris that I don’t know about, to take over for Donovan Smith, but it’s likely, that’s only if an OT they like, isn’t available.
OT ——
• Donovan Smith allowed a 7.6% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 27th out of 38 qualified left tackles. Wanya Morris ranked 34th (9.0%)
WR ——
• Receivers had the third most drops in the league (34)
Defense ——
• Contacted opposing running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage on 37% of carries, ranked 31st
TARGETS: Troy Fautanu (G/T), Taliese Fuaga (G/T), JC Latham (RT), Byron Murphy (DL), Quinyon Mitchell (CB), Terrion Arnold (CB)
TRADE TARGETS: Michael Penix Jr (QB)
• GM – Tom Telesco (2024)
• HC – Antonio Pierce (2024)
• OC – Luke Getsy (2024)
• DC – Patrick Graham (2022)
• The word right now is that they really love Michael Penix Jr, and that feels like a little bit of smoke screen because it’s coming too hard and too often like it’s an over abundance of love. Looking at places they need to upgrade, I’m expecting them to take an offensive lineman that can play inside or out with the13th pick.
• With that being said, I would expect the Raiders to be a trade up team somewhere in the 30-32 range to grab Michael Penix Jr, who “they love” and have done a bunch of work on. This could be due to his injury history, so they’re getting as much info as possible, or they could just really like him.
Defense ——
• Defense contacted opposing running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage on 39% of carries, ranked 29th
• Defense generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 22.0% of opponent dropbacks, ranked 21st
TARGETS: Marvin Harrison Jr (WR), Malik Nabers (WR), Rome Odunze (WR), Joe Alt (OT)
TRADE TARGETS: Taliese Fuaga (G/T), Troy Fautanu (G/T), JC Latham (RT), Byron Murphy (DL)
LATER TARGETS: Jer’Zhan Newton (DL), Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Xavier Worthy (WR), Adonai Mitchell (WR), Marshawn Kneeland (DE), Nate Wiggins (CB), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB), Graham Barton (C), Jackson Powers-Johnson (G), Zach Frazier (C)
• GM – Joe Horitz (2024)
• HC – Jim Harbaugh (2024)
• OC – Greg Roman (2024)
• DC – Jesse Minter (2024)
• Harbaugh has stated several times that he plans to invest in the trenches, both OL and DL. Considering Harbaugh won the Joe Moore award twice in the last three years at Michigan, addressing the OL is clearly a point of order. Horitz has participated in a similar team-building strategy in Baltimore.
• Trey Pipkins, who under contract through 2025, allowed a 6.7% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 28th out of 36 qualified right tackle. Considering the Chargers put him in the 5th hardest difficulty of assignment of ANY tackle in the league last year, and still had pass block grades, pressures, PBE that were all better than guys like Orlando Brown, Mike McGlinchey, Terrence Steele & Ronnie Stanley.
(Mistakes were amplified bc they happened at the end of games.)
• Jamaree Salyer did well in 2022 filling in for the injured Slater at LT, but struggled in 2023 moving inside to RG. That struggle worsened when Corey Linsley was diagnosed with a heart issue and missed the final 14 games.
• Zion Johnson has struggled since being drafted, and could potentially be replaced. He’s currently working with OL Masterminds, Duke Manyweather, to improve.
•• FWIW, I think the iOL needs more improvement than RT, but the whole line outside of Slater may need an upgrade.
WR ——
• Mike Williams and Keenan Allen are gone, so this is a glaring need. However, Harbaugh did not make receiver a high priority in recruiting at Michigan, and when the 49ers drafted a first-round receiver during his tenure in San Francisco in 2012 (A.J. Jenkins), he turned into a historic bust. WR might be an option, but Harbaugh has shown that he doesn’t need that in round 1.
Defense ——
• Defense ranked 23rd in third-and-long rate, forcing opponents into third-and-long (seven or more yards) or 21.1% of their set of downs
• Defense forced opponents into a three-and-out on 28.6% of drives, ranked 28th
• (DL) Allowed three or more yards before contact to running backs on 25% of carries, ranked 26th
• (DL) Generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 18.8% of opponent dropbacks, ranked 29th
TARGETS: Byron Murphy (DL), Jer’Zhan Newton (DL), Jared Verse (E), Laiatu Latu (E), Terrion Arnold (CB), Nate Wiggins (CB)
• GM – Les Snead (2012)
• HC – Sean McVay (2017)
• OC – Mike LaFleur (2023)
• DC – Chris Shula (2024)
• Snead has been one of the few GM’s that just doesn’t care about draft picks, he values veterans over the unknown of a player that could end up being nothing, so I wouldn’t be too shocked to see him trade this pick for a premium player or trade back to build up extra capital, and use those to trade for players.
• I would expect him to target someone like Joey Bosa who just restructured his contract, but since the Chargers have Tuli Tuipulosu to take over, and are in need of draft capital and to get cheaper. It seems like a move both teams would make.
Defense ——
• Allowed three or more yards before contact to running backs on 27% of carries, ranked 29th
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 6.2% of plays, ranked 23rd
TARGETS: Troy Fautanu (G/T), Taliese Fuaga, (G/T), JC Latham (OT), Graham Barton (C), Jackson Powers-Johnson (G), Byron Murphy (DL), Jer’Zhan Newton (DL), Laiatu Latu (E), Jared Verse (E)
• GM – Chris Grier (2016)
• HC – Mike McDaniels (2022)
• OC – Frank Smith (2022)
• DC – Anthony Weaver (2024)
• Dolphins are more than likely going to address the offensive line, since protecting Tua is the highest of priorities, but don’t sleep on the DL. Losing Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis is a pretty big blow to what was already a struggling defensive line.
Defense ——
• Allowed 7.8 yards per attempt when failing to generate pressure, ranked 22nd
• Contacted opposing running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage on 40% of carries, ranked 27th
• Defense ranked 25th in third-and-long rate, forcing opponents into third-and-long (seven or more yards) or 21.0% of their set of downs
TARGETS: JJ McCarthy (QB), Drake Maye (QB), Byron Murphy (DL), Quinyon Mitchell (CB), Terrion Arnold (CB)
TARGETS AT 23: Nate Wiggins (CB), Jer’Zhan Newton (DL), Michael Penix Jr (QB), Bo Nix (QB)
• GM – Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (2022)
• HC – Kevin O’Connell (2022)
• OC – Wes Phillips (2022)
• DC – Brian Flores (2023)
• The Vikings trade up is definitely a tough one to figure out, because there are a possibility of 3 teams, and it all depends on what Washington does at 2. The Patriots, Cardinals and Chargers could all make the trade since all three are in a rebuilding stage and could use the extra draft capital.
• We really don’t know who the Vikings actually prefer, the biggest rumor is that they are going to take McCarthy because he’s what will be left available. But that may not be a lock and Maye does have ties to the team with QB coach, Josh McCown, who was his former HS coach.
• Kwesi has a number in mind that he’s willing to give up to facilitate a trade up, and is not willing to go above that number. If they don’t trade up, I expect DL or CB to be the target, and likely a QB at 23, if he doesn’t trade back with that extra 1st. (Houston was the facilitator in that trade to get an extra 2nd to make the Diggs trade work, it wasn’t Minnesota getting extra ammo for a move up.)
Defense ——
• Defense generated 28.7% pressure rate on non-blitzes, ranked 26th
• Defense generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 19.8% of opponent dropbacks, ranked 26th
• Defense stuffed opposing running backs for negative yards on 6.6% of attempts, ranked 32nd
• Defense ranked 28th in third-and-long rate, forcing opponents into third-and-long (seven or more yards) or 20.0% of their set of downs
TARGETS: Jayden Daniels (QB), Drake Maye (QB), JJ McCarthy (QB), Marvin Harrison Jr (WR), Joe Alt (LT)
TRADE TARGETS: Malik Nabers (WR), Rome Odunze (WR), Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Olu Fashanu (LT)
LATE 1 TARGETS: Michael Penix Jr (QB), Xavier Worthy (WR), Adonai Mitchell (WR), Kingsley Suamataia (LT), Patrick Paul (LT)
• GM – Eliot Wolf (2024)
• HC – Jerod Mayo (2024)
• OC – Alex Van Pelt (2024)
• DC – Demarcus Covington (2024)
• Defacto GM Eliot Wolf, is the son of former Packers GM, Ron Wolf, also studied under former Packers GM, Ted Thompson as well as current Packers GM, Brian Gutekunst. I would expect their draft process to be similar to how Green Bay and Seattle run theirs, athletes with RAS over 9.0 at premium positions (which happens to be all their needs.)
• An underrated look at what the Patriots may value most on their QB is hand size. Eliot Wolf ‘s father, Ron, drafted QB’s with hand sizes over 10” because of the weather in “The Frozen Tundra” of Wisconsin. Eliot could have that same value in the open roof of Gillette Stadium. If this is something he does value, both Maye (9-1/8”) & McCarthy (9”) might be off their board. This leaves Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr & Bo Nix of the top crop of QB’s that match that description.
• The rumor is that they love Drake Maye, but if they do indeed, value hand size, and Jayden goes at 2, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Patriots are to be the trade down team with the Vikings. The only basis behind this theory is Eliot being the son of Ron who did value it, so maybe he doesn’t see it the same, but the undeniable connection is there. First year GM’s and HC’s are always tough to gauge, so this draft will likely bust this theory when they take Maye.
• The Patriots brass understand they are a few years away and have been vocal about their willingness to start Jacoby Brissett this season, while letting their rookie QB sit the bench. (Maye is rumored to be the QB that needs a redshirt year, the most.)
TARGETS: Olu Fashanu (LT), Taliese Fuaga (G/T), Troy Fautanu (G/T), Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Brock Bowers (TE)
• GM – Mickey Loomis (2013)
• HC – Dennis Allen (2022)
• OC – Klint Kubiak (2024)
• DC – Joe Woods (2023)
• It sounds as if Ramczyk may not be expected to be back this year because of his knee and it’s likely his time could be up. Penning has struggled since being drafted and now starting RG, James Hurst has retired leaving the OL in a very bad position.
• A good way to figure out who the Saints will be looking at on the offensive line, is looking for guys with size, long arms and are athletic. Take one of these away and it’s likely a guy they are not looking at.
OL ——
• Prior to getting benched, Trevor Penning allowed a 7.6% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 28th out of 38 qualified left tackles.
• Andrus Peat is a free agent and ranked 24th (6.7%)
Defense ——
• Contacted opposing running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage on 40% of carries, ranked 25th
• Generated pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 16.5% of opponent dropbacks, ranked 32nd
• Defense converted 5.7% of pressures into sacks, ranked 29th
TARGETS: Marvin Harrison Jr (WR), Malik Nabers (WR), Rome Odunze (WR), Brock Bowers (TE), Drake Maye (QB), JJ McCarthy (QB)
• GM – Joe Schoen (2022)
• HC – Brian Daboll (2022)
• OC – Mike Kafka (2024)
• DC – Shane Bowen (2024)
• The Giants are a team that I feel is simple, if a QB is there, it’ll be hard to resist. But ultimately I think WR is where they go. They need a serious RZ threat that Odunze’s 6’3-212 size brings to tie with Hyatt at 6’0-185 and WanDale at 5’8-185. But Daboll & Schoen have shown in the past with Hyatt & WanDale to not care about size, so they may have Nabers over Odunze, though both are fantastic at contested catches.
• TE is a sneaky need with the uncertainty of Darren Waller, who may or may not retire.
• The OL while understandably was an issue in 2023, the addition of Eluemenor provided the relief they needed to play RT and moving the struggling Neal inside to guard, while also giving him competition with Aaron Stinnie. There’s no reason to mock or think an OL this high is still a possibility.
OL ——
• Allowed contact at or behind the line of scrimmage on 50% of carries by running backs, ranked 27th
• Allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 28.8% of dropbacks, ranked 29th
• Evan Neal allowed an 8.3% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 33rd out of 36 qualified right tackles
DEFENSE ——
• Defense converted 5.5% of pressures into sacks, ranked 30th
• Generated 28.2% pressure rate on non-blitzes, ranked 28th
• Allowed 10 or more rushing yards on 13.2% of running back attempts, ranked 31st
TARGETS: Malik Nabers (WR), Rome Odunze (WR), Brock Bowers (TE), Olu Fashanu (LT), JC Latham (OT), Taliese Fuaga (G/T), Troy Fautanu (G/T)
TRADE BACK TARGETS: Brian Thomas Jr (WR), Olu Fashanu (LT), Taliese Fuaga (G/T), Troy Fautanu (G/T)
• GM- Joe Douglas (2019)
• HC – Robert Saleh (2021)
• OC – Nathaniel Hackett (2023)
• DC – Jeff Ulbrich (2021)
• Jets are in a win now window, so getting weapons seems to be the most likely outcome in round 1. But there’s a scenario where they could realistically go with OL, if all 3 WR’s and Bowers are off the board. Mike Williams can’t be counted on for a full season, and Lazard is an ok WR2/3.
• With no 2nd round pick, the Jets could also be a trade back team if that scenario of WR’s & TE is off the board.
OT ——
• OL allowed contact at or behind the line of scrimmage on 50% of carries by running backs, ranked 29th
• OL allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 27.6% of dropbacks, ranked 27th
• Mekhi Becton allowed a 7.6% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 26th out of 38
TARGETS: JC Latham (OT), Amarius Mims (OT), Tyler Guyton (OT), Byron Murphy (DL), Jer’Zhan Newton (DL)
• GM – Howie Roseman (2010)
• HC – Nick Sirianni (2021)
• OC – Kellen Moore (2024)
• DC – Vic Fangio (2024)
• Eagles are an easy team to predict for the draft. Howie has drafted a certain way and he hasn’t deviated yet.
He has never drafted an RB, LB, S or CB in round 1 since taking over in 2010.
• The last time the Eagles drafted a CB in round 1 as an organization, was in 2002. The last RB was in 1986, the last LB was in 1979, and the Eagles, as an organization have never drafted a safety in round 1.
• Howie has been a stickler for drafting a year ahead and valuing the trenches over everything.
Since Lane Johnson is soon to be 34, the OL is likely the area he’s going, that has also been a major spot they’ve been looking at with the combine, pro days and top 30 visits.
• 2 great targets are Amarius Mims and Tyler Guyton, Mims has some injury concerns limiting his tape to just 8 starts, but is a freakish athlete and dominant when on the field. Guyton only has a year of tape as a starter, but is also freakish at almost 6’8 with a ton of upside.
• An under the radar move could also be WR. The Eagles just paid DeVonta Smith a good chunk of money, and AJ Brown seemed to be a little upset with how close it was to his contract. AJ’s contract also booms next year and gets even worse in 2026, so the Eagles could potentially draft his replacement and move on from him next season, saving them a massive chunk of money.
Defense ——
• Allowed 10 or more rushing yards on 11.1% of running back attempts, ranked 25th
• Defense converted 6.2% of pressures into sacks, ranked 24th
• Allowed 29.5% conversion rate on third and long (seven or more yards), ranked 29th
• Forced opponents into a three-and-out on 28.0% of drives, ranked 29th
• GM Howie Roseman, speaking on their lack of depth at cornerback, said, “I’ve got to do a better job of bringing in more guys to be able to play that position.” – This particular statement has cause people to think he will go CB in round 1. History says he won’t.
TARGETS: JC Latham (OT) Amarius Mims (OT), Terrion Arnold (CB), Nate Wiggins (CB), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB)
• GM – Kevin Colbert (2000)
• HC – Mike Tomlin (2007)
• OC – Arthur Smith (2024)
• DC – Teryl Austin (2022)
• Steelers have a really big tell when it comes to who they draft in rounds 1 & 2. Mike Tomlin doesn’t visit many pro days, but if he does, there is a 95% chance that a player from one of those pro day schools is drafted in 1 or 2. This year he went to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson & Michigan. After the Alabama pro day, Tomlin had dinner with Dallas Turner, Terrion Arnold & Kool-Aid McKinstry.
• Based on needs and player projections near pick 20, that leaves: JC Latham, Amarius Mims, Terrion Arnold & Nate Wiggins as potential targets. A lot of people are predicting a center, but it’s likely they address that in round 2, rather than 1. Though they have drafted both G & C in round 1, and both lasted almost a decade each. David DeCastro was drafted in 2012 and played until 2020), Maurkice Pouncey was drafted in 2010 and played until 2020.
• The need for WR is pretty paramount after the trade of Deionte Johnson, but Tomlin & Colbert have a history of valuing WR in round 2, taking one in 2017-2020 & 2022, yet haven’t drafted one in round 1 since Santonio Holmes in 2006, the final season under Bill Cowher as HC.
OL ——
• Dan Moore Jr. allowed a 9.9% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 36th out of 38 qualified left tackles
• Broderick Jones allowed an 8.2% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 32nd out of 36 qualified right tackles
Defense ——
• Stuffed opposing running backs for negative yards on 8.3% of attempts, ranked 23rd
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 6.7% of plays, ranked 28th
TARGETS: Jackson Powers-Johnson (G), Jordan Morgan (G/T), Chop Robinson (E), Darius Robinson (DL), Jer’Zhan Newton (DL), Marshawn Kneeland (DE)
• GM – John Lynch (2017)
• HC – Kyle Shanahan (2017)
• OC – Kyle Shanahan (2017)
• DC – Steve Wilks (2023)
• The 49ers seem like they would be a trade back team, but if they stay, OL or DL seems like it would the most in play based on the 49ers history with taking CB’s in round 1, as well as Luynch’s history.
• Last time San Francisco drafted a CB in round 1, was Mike Rumph in 2002.
Lynch’s highest drafted CB with San Francisco is Ahkello Witherspoon, who was taken at the top of round 3 pick 66 in 2017.
OT ——
• OL allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 29.9% of dropbacks, ranked 32nd
Defense ——
• When failing to make contact at or behind the line of scrimmage, defense allowed 6.9 yards per attempt to running backs, ranked 26th
• Defense allowed 26.5% conversion rate on third and long (seven or more yards), ranked 24th
TARGETS: Cooper DeJean (S)
TRADE BACK TARGETS: Cooper DeJean (S), Edgerrin Cooper (LB), Junior Colson (LB)
• GM – John Schneider (2010)
• HC – Mike Macdonald (2024)
• OC – Ryan Grubb (2024)
• DC – Aden Durde (2024)
• Seahawks need iOL, but Schneider, who was trained by former Packers GM’s Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson, has made it clear that he feels that position is overvalued and overpaid, considering the Packers haven’t drafted an iOL in round 1 since 1997, his feelings make more sense. That was made even more clear when he let Damien Lewis walk. He’s also never drafted an iOL in round 1 that stayed iOL. In 2016, Germain Ifedi was a guard and moved to tackle after being drafted.
• With the addition of Laken Tomlinson, the idea of going iOL in round 1 becomes less likelier. From what I’ve found by digging around, Seattle seems to really like Olu Olu.
• One variable that I can see happening is that the Seahawks could be a trade back team since they have no second round pick.
• Another thing to think about is new HC, Mike Macdonald has been a DC at Michigan and the DC in Baltimore. His defenses utilized both Dax Hill at UM and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore with superb precision that made his defenses even better. With nobody like them on the Seahawks roster, Cooper DeJean, who has had one of the few top 30 visits Seattle has had, would be a perfect player to fit that position in Macdonald’s scheme.
OL ——
• OL allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 29.2% of dropbacks, ranked 31st (Abe Lucas missed 11 games due to injury)
DL ——
• When failing to make contact at or behind the line of scrimmage, allowed 7.0 yards per attempt to running backs, ranked 28th (improved after acquiring Leonard Williams)
• Allowed 3.3 yards after contact per attempt to running backs, ranked 29th
• Allowed 30.2% conversion rate on third and long (seven or more yards), ranked 30th
Secondary ——
• Forced opponents into a three-and-out on 26.6% of drives, ranked 30th
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 6.5% of plays, ranked 26th
• Defense ranked 24th in third-and-long rate, forcing opponents into third-and-long (seven or more yards) or 21.0 % of their set of downs
TARGETS: Graham Barton (C), Zach Frazier (C), Jackson Powers-Johnson (G), Jordan Morgan (G/T), Nate Wiggins (CB), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB), Edgerrin Cooper (LB), Jared Verse (E), Chop Robinson (E), Marshawn Kneeland (DE)
• GM – Jason Licht (2014)
• HC – Todd Bowles (2022)
• OC – Liam Coen (2024)
• DC – Todd Bowles (2022)
• Bucs GM, Jason Licht is on record saying they need to improve the trenches on both sides of the ball. I’d expect iOL more than DL, but wouldn’t be surprised by either as well as edge and LB either, depending on how the board fell.
OL ——
• OL allowed contact at or behind the line of scrimmage on 47% of carries by running backs, ranked 23rd
• Ranked 28th in third-and-long rate, with 26.4% of set of downs leading to a third-and-long (seven or more yards)
Defense ——
• Defense generated 27.9% pressure rate on non-blitzes, ranked 31st
• Defense allowed 20 or more yards on 6.5% of plays, ranked 25th
• Defense allowed 27.6% conversion rate on third and long (seven or more yards), ranked 25th
TARGETS: Joe Alt (LT), JC Latham (OT), Olu Fashanu (LT), Malik Nabers (WR), Rome Odunze (WR)
• GM – Ran Carthon (2023)
• HC – Brian Callahan (2024)
• OC – Nick Holz (2024)
• DC – Dennard Wilson (2024)
• The Titans have addressed a big need on the offensive line but still have to get an LT. If Alt is off the board, a trade down for Fashanu could be likely. Legendary OL coach and father of new HC, Bill Callahan, has ties to Notre Dame, but also has a history of developing picks from later rounds like his most recent late rounder, Dawand Jones who just came off an incredible rookie season.
• WR being an option is a big wildcard but if Alt is off the board, and they feel like Bill can develop an LT from round 2 or later, they could look at the possibility of taking a WR with Hopkins being 33 and on the last year of his deal. With that being said, President of Operations and right hand of GM, Ran Carthon, Chad Brinker spent 13 years in Green Bay and is part of the Ted Thompson/Brian Gutekunst tree and brought in an analytics department that may not value WR in round 1. Packers haven’t drafted a WR in round 1 since 2002, which could likely be a sign that WR may not be a target for the Titans.
• Needing an LT, and knowing the Chargers could also take Alt, I wouldn’t put it past the Titans to make a move with the Cardinals, from 6 to 4, to jump over the Chargers at 5, so they can secure their franchise LT.
LT ——
• Andre Dillard, now cut and in GB, allowed a 12.8% pressure rate in pass protection, ranked 38th out of 38 qualified left tackles
• (OL) Allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 24.3% of dropbacks, ranked 20th
• (OL) Allowed contact at or behind the line of scrimmage on 49% of carries by running backs, ranked 26th
Defense ——
• Defense ranked 31st in third-and-long rate, forcing opponents into third-and-long (seven or more yards) or 19.8% of their set of downs
• Forced opponents into a three-and-out on 29.5% of drives, ranked 26th
TARGETS: Jayden Daniels (QB), Drake Maye (QB)
• GM – Adam Peters (2024)
• HC – Dan Quinn (2024)
• OC – Kliff Kingsbury (2024)
• DC – Joe Whitt Jr (2024)
• Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback coach Tavita Pritchard sat down with both Maye and Daniels at the combine, the latest step in their process.
• Peters has said that getting the “person” right is the key to nailing this pick — and that fact-finding mission is still ongoing.
• To say that Jayden is a lock here might be a mistake, he certainly seems like he’ll be the guy based on how he matches play style with Marcus Mariota, and that he is a prototypical QB for Kingsbury. But also, Drake Maye has similarities to Matt Ryan, who was QB for Quinn in Atlanta. With Washington still in the lab trying to reach a decision on who they’ll be taking, it does feel like there might be conflicting voices in the war room backing different QB’s.
• Harbaugh has backed McCarthy as the second best QB in the draft, his QB, so obviously he should, but his name could also be in the mix of what is taking Washington so long to decide on how they do and don’t like as much.
• Best bet is Jayden, but don’t be surprised if it’s someone else.
📈 5 Players that could end up in round 1:
Marshawn Kneeland, Ladd McConkey, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr, Kingsley Suamataia.
📉 5 Players that could fall out of round 1:
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Jer’Zhan Newton, Chop Robinson, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Adonai Mitchell.
⭐️ Answer about why I have Jackson Powers-Johnson as a Guard:
JPJ is interesting, l’ve compared him to Landon Dickerson.
Dickerson was a center at Alabama who also had history of playing guard.
Dickerson, was an oversized lineman at 333lbs and was moved to guard after being drafted by Philadelphia.
JPJ fits that same mold of oversized lineman who played center, but also had history of playing guard, at 328lbs. He is likely moving to guard.
Reason being, the NFL HATES oversized centers because they don’t move near as well, and centers need to be nimble and quick moving by.
The last 5 years, no team had a starting center over 320lbs. This year 2 teams currently have that because they have no center on the roster and a guard is currently slated to have to start. (Steelers w/ Herbig & Rams w/ Avila).
🥸 My JC Latham conundrum
Alabama OL’s under Saban have struggled at the next level.
This is partially due to the fact that these players are maxed out in their potential.
While they are good, they never improve the way they were expected, which is why recent guys like Jonah Williams & Jedrick Wills haven’t exactly failed, but haven’t really lived up to expectations of their selection.
This mainly falls on more recent guys like Alex Leatherwood and Evan Neal that have struggled in the NFL so far. My fear is that JC Latham might follow that same trajectory as a tackle, and could likely fit better inside… or he could be Alabama’s OL version of the Ohio St QB curse buster, CJ Stroud.
Wolfmantula.com 