Open Rants by kkunert327

2021 NFL Draft Vol 3

Round One

1. New York Jets - Trevor Lawrence QB Clemson

• This is still the biggest no brainer pick of the draft. Lawrence is a once in a generation type talent and despite all of the Jets flaws he might actually be the one to be able to carry this terrible roster. Much like Andrew Luck did with the Colts back in the day. I also trust new GM Joe Douglas to find a better coach and draft a better roster around Lawrence than the previous regime did for Sam Darnold. Not only that I believe Darnold could net them another 2nd rounder or even a 1st with teams like Chicago, Jacksonville, Dallas, and Pittsburgh who could all be interested in his services. 

Last Week’s Selection: Trevor Lawrence QB Clemson at Pick #1

2. New York Giants - Justin Fields QB Ohio St

• I think the boldest and bravest thing to do as an organization is to admit you were wrong. The Cardinals did it with coach Steve Wilks and qb Josh Rosen with great success with their new coach Kliff Kingsbury and qb Kyler Murray. To me the Giants need to clean house from GM Dave Gettleman to even Joe Judge and Daniel Jones. To me Judge seems outmatched losing games with big leads each week and Jones continues to just be a detriment to the team with his turnovers. I am not as high on Fields as some since a lot of Ohio State quarterbacks have flamed out in the NFL. However, I do think Fields’ game with his legs, mobility, and quick arm talent is what’s in vogue in the NFL right now at the position. You also cannot deny his talent and upside is lightyears above Daniel Jones’. It will be interesting to see if there will be as much buzz to get Jones as there is for Darnold who many still have hope for over the former Duke product. 

Last Week’s Selection: Gregory Rousseau DE Miami at Pick #3

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trey Lance QB North Dakota St

• I doubt this happens during the draft since there has never been three quarterbacks taken in a row to start the draft. However, I also would not be shocked with how many teams need quarterbacks right now and Lance seemingly being the great mystery of the draft whose stock could remain strong throughout the class. The biggest knock against Lance is his lack of playing experience with only one year of starting experience. However, his upside is just so immense from his arm, decision making, mobility, and talent that it might be too good to pass up on here. Jacksonville does have the benefit of being able to have him sit behind Gardner Minshew for a bit to season him a bit to start the 2021 season. 

Last Week’s Selection: Trey Lance QB North Dakota St at Pick #5

4. Atlanta Falcons - Gregory Rousseau DE Miami

• The Falcons are gunning for one of the top selections in the class and for inexplicable reasons will possibly even dangle Matt Ryan and Julio Jones as trade options to do so. I think that is an extreme turn after hanging onto a bad coach like Dan Quinn for about 3 seasons too long. I do not see Ryan as the problem, but more so the play calling from Quinn’s staff and his poor defense. They seem to be perpetually seeking a consistent pass rusher since the days of John Abraham. Rousseau really would have been able to solidify himself as the top edge rusher had he stayed in college and been on this solid Miami defense that continues to get prime time matchups. However, I guess it does not matter since the gap between Rousseau and the next best pass rusher is still a pretty big gap. 

Last Week’s Selection: Penei Sewell OT Oregon

5. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans) - Penei Sewell OT Oregon

• This pick could go in a bunch of different ways all hinging on how well Tua Tagovailoa plays with his current roster. A receiver like Ja’Marr Chase could be the pick, but they currently have two solid options in Preston Williams and DeVante Parker who are two of the more underrated receiver duos in the league. They could also go after a corner or safety to help out their defense. However, with a lucky pick this high due to the Texans ineptitude they should just go best player available, which would be Sewell. Not only is he a great player, but he does fill a big need with solidifying Tua’s blindside which in this case will be over at the right tackle spot for the lefty signal caller. Austin Jackson and Robert Hunt are still developing along with a solid Michael Deiter could give them a solid young blocking unit moving forward. 

Last Week’s Selection: Ja’Marr Chase WR LSU at Pick #7

6. Minnesota Vikings - Micah Parsons LB Penn St

• Like last week, the Vikings are again in no man’s land here. Sure Ja’Marr Chase is the flashier selection here, but after just drafting his teammate Justin Jefferson in the first round I’m not sure they go in that direction again. They of course could try to maneuver up for a quarterback, but I think they are stuck with Cousins for a bit longer with how much dead cap he would be owed if they move off from him. Parsons could be a good addition with Anthony Barr possibly being a cut candidate this off season and Eric Wilson a soon to be free agent. Their best defender Eric Kendricks could even be a trade candidate as they look to sell off parts to cut salary. Parsons opted out this season, but his talent is undeniable and should be on full display at the Combine and his Pro Day. 

Last Week’s Selection: Micah Parsons LB Penn St at Pick #6

7. Cincinnati Bengals - Alex Leatherwood OL Alabama

• This might be a reach on a blocker like Leatherwood here, but we have seen other guys like Jack Conklin and Mike McGlinchey taken higher than expected at the right tackle spots who turned out to be pretty good selections. The Bengals are just so desperate for blockers to protect Burrow that they need to make a selection like this. Leatherwood has played all across the offensive line during his time at Alabama and has excelled at each spot. He and Jonah Williams could give the Bengals some options to see what they have along the line. Both were versatile in college and it seems like Williams has not proven himself enough to be the full time left tackle. Kicking Williams inside and giving Leatherwood a shot at the blindside job. I do love that Leatherwood does have a back up plan to being a very good guard or right tackle if left tackle is not the spot for him. 

Last Week’s Selection: Samuel Cosmi OT Texas

8. Dallas Cowboys - Kyle Trask QB Florida 

• If I were the Cowboys I would stay the course and try to land myself a top 5 pick with the opportunity to land a rookie quarterback. This roster needs  a full reboot and overhaul before they will be competitive again. With that in mind, why would they give Prescott a massive contract to just waste him on a bad roster and now not be able to bring in talent to help him out. All in all this is a weird situation in general and it all started with overpaying Zeke Elliott in my opinion. In any case, a quarterback here still makes fiscal and football sense moving forward. It will be interesting to see if Trask or fellow SEC senior standout Mac Jones comes out on top for the 4th best quarterback in this class. Both are similar, but I think Jones benefits from a much better offensive group around him. Trask has the mentality, leadership, mobility, and arm talent to be a quality quarterback in the NFL. 

Last Week’s Selection: Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech at Pick #19

9. Washington Football Team - Ja’Marr Chase WR LSU

• I respect that Ron Rivera was not afraid to say Dwayne Haskins is not the guy for them moving forward, but I think it was too brash of a move. I think they would still be here with the same record with Haskins or Kyle Allen at quarterback. If anything, Haskins would be able to develop and show some promise. Even if they were ready to move on from him, showcasing his upside would allow them to get some trade assets back if they were going to go in a different direction this offseason. In any case, they won too many games, which is shocking since 2 wins is too much with how many bad teams there are to get a top quarterback in this class. If anything, a veteran like Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan, Ryan Fitzpatrick, or Cam Newton all seem like logical placeholders for Rivera who seems to be in a permanent win now mode. Chase is possibly one of the best players in this class and could finally give Washington a go to option along with a solid slot option in Terry McLaurin going forward. 

Last Week’s Selection: Justin Fields QB Ohio St at Pick #2

10.  Los Angeles Chargers - Kyle Pitts TE Florida 

• Moving forward the Chargers need to make life a little more comfortable for Justin Herbert if they want to push for the top seed in a competitive AFC West with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs looming over them. One way to do it is fight fire with fire adding more talent on offense. Hunter Henry is nowhere near how good he used to be prior to his litany of injuries. One great addition to pair with talented albeit oft-injured receivers like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams could be a tight end like Kyle Pitts. Pitts is more of a big mismatch, and out wide tight end than your generic in-line type blocking tight ends. His best strength is getting open in the end zone and displaying great hands at getting up to get the ball. Herbert loves to sling the ball around the field and Pitts would only enhance that ability further. 

Last Week’s Selection: Kyle Pitts TE Florida at Pick #8

11.  New England Patriots - Wyatt Davis OG Ohio St

• The Patriots could go in a multitude of directions here from a new quarterback to a corner to a receiver or a blocker with this top pick. Whoever knows with Belichick when it comes to the draft. I sort of think he might go the veteran route again at quarterback and a strong possibility could be Stafford who seems to be on the outs in Detroit. One of Belichick’s weaknesses in the draft has been finding quality receivers so I doubt he tries again with N’Keal Harry recently being another evidence of his big draft flaw. In the end, I think a blocker could be a smart move with Joe Thuney heading to free agency. Along with guys like Shaq Mason, David Andrews, and Isaiah Wynn all being big injury risks. Davis is a top notch road grader type blocker who could help Belichick move back to the run first style offense he has attempted to do this season with Cam Newton. 

Last Week’s Selection: Alex Leatherwood OL Alabama at Pick #12

12.  Denver Broncos - Samuel Cosmi OT Texas 

• Garrett Bolles has been one of the worst draft picks in recent memory and is another example of how poor of a drafter John Elway really is. Bolles has been a penalty and turnstile for most of his career. If they really want to see if Drew Lock could be the quarterback of the future they must do a better job blocking his blindside. Cosmi could have been a quality 2nd or 3rd round pick in the 2020 draft class, but he wisely returned to school to improve upon his draft stock. His biggest issue a year ago was how poor his lower base was in the run game and being able to be pushed around by bigger defenders. He has improved upon that and has continued to display his top notch pass blocking prowess. Without a doubt he should be a massive upgrade over Bolles. 

Last Week’s Selection: Patrick Surtain II CB Alabama at Pick #13

13.  Carolina Panthers - Patrick Surtain II CB Alabama

• The Panthers have a nice corner in Donte Jackson, but his ability to stay on the field has been shaky of late. They also found a revelation in Rasul Douglas who has been one of the surprises of the season. However, in a wide open division once Brady and Bree retire the Panthers should load up on talent in the secondary moving forward to dominate the division. It’s also helpful in this pass happy league to have 3-4 solid to great corners to work with. Surtain is a long, big, and strong corner who can keep up with speedier receivers thanks to his quick footwork. He has had a ton of experience as a true freshman starter for Alabama and Nick Saban that should have him ready to be a top player right when he enters the league for whoever drafts him. 

Last Week’s Selection: Dillon Radunz OT North Dakota St at Pick #15

14.  Miami Dolphins - Jaylen Waddle WR Alabama 

• I know I just previously passed on Ja’Marr Chase for the Dolphins first pick, but Sewell is such a better prospect than any other tackle that they have to take him there. The gap between Chase and guys like Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Rashod Bateman is certainly not the same. Waddle will be interesting to monitor as he comes off a season ending ankle fracture. For a player of his speed caliber the Combine would have been his time to shine lighting up the track in Indy, but I doubt he gets the opportunity now. In any case, his speed on tape is still undeniable and was still able to make waves last year with guys like Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy, and DeVonta Smith eating into opportunities in the passing game. Plus, it’s also nice that Tua Tagovailoa and Waddle have experience together during their time at Alabama.

Last Week’s Selection: Creed Humphrey C Oklahoma at Pick #14

15.  Las Vegas Raiders - Shaun Wade DB Ohio St

• The Raiders should probably look into bolstering their pass rush for when they have to go up against Patrick Mahomes twice a year and the newly flourishing Justin Herbert. However, for some reason I feel like Gruden needs to prove that he made the right decision in letting go of Khalil Mack and replacing him with guys like Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby who have come nowhere close to replicating Mack’s production. He might stick with Ferrell and Crosby one year longer than he probably should. Instead, he could look to beefing up the secondary further to combat the weaponry that the Chiefs and Chargers possess. Damon Arnette and Trayvon Mullen have not proven much yet to stop them from drafting another corner. Wade is a versatile defensive back who can move from safety to corner and to the slot. He is not as clean of a cover corner as previous Buckeye defensive backs, but he possesses more potential in the run game and as a blitzer from the corner spot. 

Last Week’s Selection: Carlos Basham DE Wake Forest at Pick #18

16.  Detroit Lions - DeVonta Smith WR Alabama

• Quarterback could be an option here, but if they pick anywhere between 15-20 I think Stafford would have done enough to stay at his job. His contract also makes it hard to move him and if they cut him they need to eat up a ton of his salary. Either option is not ideal and at this pick I cannot see Mac Jones as being a better option than Stafford in the immediate term. Instead, they could add more talent on a lackluster pass catcher corp with only Kenny Golladay being a reliable option. The likes of Danny Amendola, Marvin Jones Jr, and Marvin Hall are just not going to get it done. I think DeVonta Smith could end up being the best receiver out of Alabama, which includes the likes of Ruggs, Jeudy, and Waddle. He is a sneaky route runner who displays more than enough speed and quickness to get open. His hands and ability to high point balls in the endzone is also a plus trait for him. He could make a fantastic duo with Golladay who is also going to be paid big soon if they decide to keep him around. 

Last Week’s Selection: Mac Jones QB Alabama at Pick #11

17.  San Francisco 49ers - Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech

• It’s no secret that the biggest weakness on the 49ers defense has been their secondary. That even includes the rash of injuries they have endured along the defensive front. Granted they have had injuries in the secondary with Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, and Richard Sherman all missing time at some point or another this season. Sherman is a soon to be free agent and being their only reliable corner that could be a big issue. Especially, since Sherman has just been an okay corner since he left Seattle. At his age the end is probably near for the soon to be Hall of Famer. Farley could have really helped his stock had he played this season, but Virginia Tech has not handled the whole COVID thing too well so maybe he saw something we did not going into the season. Despite being a converted receiver at corner with only one full season at the position there are a ton of question marks on if he can blossom into a true cover corner. He has the talent, size, and upside to be worth the risk for a strong 49ers team. 

Last Week’s Selection: Shaun Wade DB Ohio St at Pick #16

18.  New Orleans Saints - Dylan Moses LB Alabama 

• The Saints are in an odd situation here with Drew Brees looking like he will retire after this season. Will they stick with Jameis Winston as the starter moving forward or will they have seen enough from him in practice and look towards a rookie option instead. Meanwhile, what will they do with Michael Thomas after this season, since it clearly looks like relations have gotten frosty between him and coach Sean Payton. To be honest a full rebuild could be on the horizons for New Orleans. In any case, linebacker has been a big need for their defense over the years with only DeMario Davis being a consistent playmaker at the position. There are a few mixed reviews on Moses after his shaky start to the season. He is still the captain and play caller of Nick Saban’s defense, which is no easy task. Plus, he has only been one year removed from his ACL tear so he should only get better the further away he gets from his injury. He will have a very important Combine to prove himself come April. 

Last Week’s Selection: DeVonta Smith WR Alabama at Pick #17

19.  Philadelphia Eagles - Dillon Radunz OT North Dakota St

• The Eagles are looking like they could be on the verge of a full rebuild come this off season. They have already looked into selling off parts before their win over the Cowboys and could still move in that direction despite still being in the running to “win” the NFC East. One way to help Wentz to rebound after a shaky season is by getting younger and better along the offensive line. Andre Dillard looks better suited for the right tackle spot, that could be open since Lane Johnson looks to be done. Radunz was also a guy looking to help his stock in their exhibition game earlier this fall. He should help his stock a ton at the Senior Bowl if he looks capable of holding up against better talent rather than the FCS talent he has dominated. I doubt the Eagles who love small school talents would be scared off from his lack of experience against higher end talent. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jaylen Waddle WR Alabama at Pick #9

20.  Indianapolis Colts -  Pat Freiermuth TE Penn St

• It will be interesting to see what the Colts do this offseason at quarterback. They are way too good this year to be high enough to draft one that can play right away, but they could always stick with Rivers and sit the rookie behind him. However, then why not just stick with Jacob Eason who has a ton of upside to continue to groom him. I do see the Colts being interested in a player like Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford, or Dak Prescott if any of them become available. I sort of have a feeling they may be forced to run with Rivers for one more season. In any case, Rivers loves throwing the ball to his tight ends, but unfortunately the likes of Jack Doyle, Trey Burton, and Mo Allie-Cox have just not done the job thus far. Freiermuth is a big and athletic tight end that has many seeing him as a “Baby Gronk” type talent. He has a very high IQ, great instincts, and is a very polished route runner. It will be interesting to see if he can push past a few of the higher profiled receivers to force his name to be read earlier in the draft than the 20th pick. 

Last Week’s Selection: Pat Freiermuth TE Penn St at Pick #22

21.  Cleveland Browns - Carlos Basham DE Wake Forest

• The Browns are going to be a solid team as long as they stick to the run game. However, in a strong division like the AFC North I feel like they will always come third as long as Big Ben and Lamar Jackson are around. Baker Mayfield is a solid quarterback, but I just feel like he is not at the caliber needed to beat those two All-Pros ahead of him. One way to even the playing decks is by beefing up a lackluster defense. They have nice pieces like Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett, but the rest of the defense is in need of upgrades. One way to upgrade it is by getting more bite off the edge across from Garrett where Olivier Vernon just has not gotten it done. Basham has created a lot of pressure all year long on a weak Wake Forest defense. Which is even more impressive since he is the one player to plan against on their defense. He could be sneaking up boards if he continues to play well and performs well in the pre draft workouts. It also helps his stock is that this is a weaker edge rusher class. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina at Pick #20

22.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Christian Barmore DT Alabama

• I really have no idea where the Bucs could go with this pick. They are clearly in win now mode so a running back like Travis Etienne makes a ton of sense. However, so is also beefing up the roster in general where guys like Lavonte David, Shaq Barrett, and Ndamukong Suh are all soon to be free agents. Then there’s also the issue of Donovan Smith being one of the weaker left tackles in the league. I like the idea of helping out a quarterback by giving him a strong defense by helping him avoid a ton of shoot outs that make the game more up for grabs for the opposing team. Suh has been a solid player, but he has not been his dominant self in about five seasons now. Barmore is another one of those Alabama tackles who should be a steady performer, but will also be hard to determine where he could be taken. With a weaker defensive line class he could find his way to be a first rounder. 

Last Week’s Selection: Travis Etienne RB Clemson at Pick #21

23.  Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams) - Creed Humphrey C Oklahoma 

• When you draft a young quarterback, you generally go on to draft him new weapons or blockers to work with. Brandon Linder has been a nice center for the Jags, but he could easily be upgraded. It should also be a need to do so since the quickest way to the quarterback is up the middle. If they find a great center like Creed Humphrey could be then their new quarterback Trey Lance should be able to get more comfortable in the pocket. The former Sooner has been on scouts radar for some time now as a heady, quick, and strong at the point of attack at center. He continues to improve at every facet each season as a strong multi year starter along a talented Sooner offensive line. Lance and Humphrey could create a very strong tandem for many years hopefully for the hapless Jaguars. 

Last Week’s Selection: Christian Barmore DT Alabama at Pick #23

24.  Buffalo Bills - Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina 

• The Bills run a defensive scheme under Sean McDermott that is a tad old school with his 4-3 scheme where he wants to win with his back half of the defense rather than the front four. Of course, it would be nice to have a go to edge rusher, but Brandon Beane will not force their hand by reaching on an edge rusher here with his strong drafting prowess of finding value. One way to do that is by finding a proper corner to role with across from Tre’Davious White. Maybe they go to the Gamecock well again like they did with Stephon Gilmore a while back with another South Carolina alum Jaycee Horn. The son of the former great receiver Joe Horn has his dad’s size, but utilizes it on the other side of the ball. He has length, quickness, and great anticipation that has turned him into one of the best corners in college so far this year. Many scouts see him as a rising star shooting up draft boards with each solid game tape he puts together. 

Last Week’s Selection: Patrick Jones II DE Pittsburgh

25.  Chicago Bears - Walker Little OT Stanford 

• The Bears are in a conundrum this offseason since they will most likely be too good with a weak schedule to land a high draft pick to find a new quarterback. I contend trading this pick for Sam Darnold, or Matt Ryan makes a lot of sense. They could also go after Dak Prescott, but the price to get him might be too much for a team with a tight salary cap. Partially due to Ryan Pace over paying for players with his poor drafting skill. He loves to draft the “best player available” which is only an ability you can do if you drafted the right quarterback like Deshaun Watson or Patrick Mahomes. They need to finally find new tackles to replace the bottom barrel Charles Leno or Bobbie Massie. Little could have been the top tackle in this class or last year had he been healthy last season. If he puts together a healthy season when the Pac 12 starts he could be a sneaky good value pick. 

Last Week’s Selection: Marvin Wilson DT Florida St at Pick #29

26.  Arizona Cardinals - Tyson Campbell CB Georgia 

• The Cardinals have a terrific offense led by Kyler Murray and coach Kliff Kingsbury no one can deny that. However, what has gone under the radar is their sneaky talented defense led by the likes of Budda Baker, Jordan Hicks, De’Vondre Campbell, and Patrick Peterson. Unfortunately, their former All-Pro Peterson is a soon to be free agent and could be looking to hitch onto a team closer to the Super Bowl than Arizona to end his career. Byron Murphy has played well this year as the corner across from him, but he is used more as a versatile move around the formation corner than just an outside corner. If Peterson leaves then a corner here makes a ton of sense. Campbell is one of multiple talented defensive backs on this talented Georgia defense. The big corner performed amazingly well against Auburn’s speed receiver Seth Williams to keep up with him stride for stride in their match up. The SEC has turned into a corner hotbed of late so it will be interesting in what order guys like Surtain, Horn, and Campbell all go come April.

Last Week’s Selection: Tyson Campbell CB Georgia at Pick #25

27.  Baltimore Ravens - Quincy Roche OLB Miami

• The Ravens have two soon to be free agents at edge rusher in Matt Judon and Tyus Bowser. Neither have been the second coming of Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott thus far for the Ravens. Judon in particular has been disappointing this season playing on the franchise tag. After making so much noise about being angry about franchise tagged he has not done enough to warrant that big contract he is looking for whether it's from the Ravens or elsewhere this offseason. For the Ravens to get past a team like the Chiefs or even the Titans now for that matter they need to get a more consistent pass rush to get after both of their quarterbacks. Roche has taken advantage of a ton of playing time on a talented Miami team to help raise his draft stock. Even prior to his transfer to Miami many saw him as a nice high upside prospect out of Temple. He has looked pretty solid at every facet, but many still see him as a growing prospect who should grow into his frame and still be able to maintain his speed off the edge. 

Last Week’s Selection: Quincy Roche OLB Miami at Pick #28

28.  Tennessee Titans - Rondale Moore WR Purdue 

• I love how the Titans operate under coach Mike Vrabel. They do not try to sugarcoat it and pound the rock with Derrick Henry. Though, Ryan Tannehill has looked better of late, but it’s clearly just a one dimensional team with how they attack opposing defenses. Part of it also has to do with their leaky offense that has been letting up a lot of scores forcing them to play from behind a lot. What’s even crazier is how well they come from behind with a power run offense. It would be nice though to have a reliable deep threat to pop the top off defenses. Corey Davis is most likely out after they did not pick up his fifth year option. Moore is a deep threat mismatch type weapon that could be a nice electrifying option to an already dangerous offense. 

Last Week’s Selection: Kwity Paye OLB Michigan at Pick #32

29.  New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks) - Travis Etienne RB Clemson

• I know there’s a lot of swirl in the possibility that Trevor Lawrence may return to school rather than play for the Jets or Giants. However, it might be tough for them to do so with Lawrence being able to profit off his name and likeness next season in college. Which, makes money not really a factor behind going pro or not. However, I assume Lawrence will go pro to avoid the risk of injury that could hurt his draft stock. One way to make him a bit happier in New York is by drafting his electrifying running back. Etienne is a rare running back that deserves to be selected in the first round thanks to his running ability and great pass catching ability. His ability reminds me a lot of Alvin Kamara’s with his ability to be almost as another receiver out on the field and being a threat any time he touches the ball. 

Last Week’s Selection: Rondale Moore WR Purdue at Pick #31

30.  Kansas City Chiefs - Trey Smith OL Tennessee 

• The Chiefs are almost like the new Patriots where predicting their picks will be difficult with them reaching for needs thanks to Patrick Mahomes being present and allowing them to take the risk. They could also go the other route taking the best player available thanks to Mahomes and his ability to erase the deficiencies on the roster. However, I always contend that you can never use too much blocking depth with how many injuries occur along the line. Trey Smith could be the ultimate boom or bust selection here. He has the ability to be a perennial Pro Bowler at guard and even has the talent to move to either tackle spots if needed at a high level. However, blood clots have made it hard for him to find the field in the past few seasons. He has been available and dominant this year that could certainly help his stock to become a late first round pick. 

Last Week’s Selection: Dylan Moses LB Alabama at Pick #27

31.  Green Bay Packers - Josh Myers C Ohio St

• I know, I know it’s not the receiver everyone is clamouring to give Aaron Rodgers, but trust me it’s more needed than a receiver. Rodgers can throw to anyone if you give him just the slightest bit of extra time. He had none of that when facing a tough pass rush like the Bucs through at him. With three of his starting linemen David Bakhtiari, Corey Linsley, and Lane Taylor all up for free agency they will need to reload a bit. I doubt they let Bakhtiari go, but being the best tackle in the league he will certainly have to be paid like one. With that being said it will be tough to keep all three linemen. Myers is another first round caliber center in this class who can push Humphrey for the number one slot. He is a heady blocker who recognizes blitzes well and can help Rodgers set up protections. I am sure Rodgers will prefer being able to step up in the pocket over having a first round receiver. 

Last Week’s Selection: Wyatt Davis OG Ohio St at Pick #26

32.  Pittsburgh Steelers - Marvin Wilson DT Florida St

• The Steelers like the Bears could very well be in the Darnold race, but they will probably be less desperate than the quarterback needy Bears. I can see the Steelers wanting to sit Darnold behind Big Ben to groom under the future Hall of Famer. In any case, if they keep the pick here they can go in many directions from improving their defensive and offensive line to maybe even grabbing a new corner or running back. In any direction they go, as long as Mike Tomlin and Big Ben are here they should be set to be Super Bowl contenders. They could get great value here with a descending star like Marvin Wilson. I feel like Wilson is just suffering scout fatigue by being in college for too long and on a terrible team at Florida State. Wilson is a big, quick, and versatile tackle who can play the nose or five technique for the Steelers system. He would certainly be a nice replacement for the departed Javon Hargreave from last offseason. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jaylen Twyman DT Pittsburgh at Pick #30

Round Two

33.  New York Jets - Kwity Paye OLB/DE Michigan

• The Jets defensive front lacks bite and could use some more juice off the edge. Quinnen Williams has been actually a bright spot for a terrible Jets roster, but he needs more help. Paye is a powerful edge setter who can bring some grit to a weak Jets roster. 

Last Week’s Selection: Trey Smith OL Tennessee at Pick #33

34.  Jacksonville Jaguars - Jay Tufele DT USC

• The Jags continue to overhaul their defensive line after letting a ton of veterans like Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson, and Marcell Dareus go over the years. They have two fantastic bookends in K’Lavon Chaisson and Josh Allen, but some interior rushers could really elevate the unit. Tufele is a quick interior rusher who continues to get stronger against the run. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jevon Holland S Oregon

35.  Atlanta Falcons - Jevon Holland S Oregon

• Keanu Neal when healthy is still one of the better safeties in the league, but that has been a tough thing for him to do every year. Even if he does stick around for a bit longer they could pair him with a better safety to help him over the top as he roams inside the box. Holland is a tad smaller than you want at safety, but his playmaking ability makes him a dangerous defensive back to go against. 

Last Week’s Selection: Paris Ford S Pittsburgh

36.  Miami Dolphins (via Houston) - Najee Harris RB Alabama

• It’s a good ole Crimson Tide reunion down in South Beach in this draft. It’s all coincidental of course, but hey all fill needs. Waddle provides a down field spark. Now Harris provides them the hammer in the backfield they have been missing for a long while now. It’s odd to see a Bama back as great as Harris has been quietly flying under the radar for the most part. I think he could be an amazing value in this draft class. 

Last Week’s Selection: Aidan Hutchinson DE Michigan

37.  New York Giants - Rashod Bateman WR Minnesota

• With New York going in a new direction at quarterback with Justin Fields they need to do him better by getting him more reliable receivers. The veteran duo of Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate have been tough to rely on with their injury history. Meanwhile, Darius Slayton has been a bit hit or miss this season. Maybe he can get back on track with a better quarterback. Bateman is a sneaky good value pick here with his deep field speed, length, and catching prowess. 

Last Week’s Selection: Rashod Bateman WR Minnesota at Pick #34

38.  Jacksonville Jaguars (via Minnesota) - Paulson Adebo CB Stanford

• More new young talent to replace the veterans they jettisoned like Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye all in one calendar year. They did draft C.J. Henderson who looks to be a nice pick, but in this passing league you can never use too many good corners. Adebo seems to be suffering scouting fatigue as well, being on their radar for a few seasons now. He possesses the length and size the Jags like to see in their corners.

Last Week’s Selection: Eric Stokes CB Georgia 

39.  Cincinnati Bengals - Jaylen Twyman DT Pittsburgh 

• For some reason the Bengals believe phasing out both Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins is for the best for the team moving forward. Which is odd since the back ups have not been much of a replacement either. In any case, a new tackle will certainly be needed for this young roster moving forward. Twyman is a similar talent albeit less polished and explosive as another former Pitt Panther Aaron Donald. He could be a nice piece for the middle of their defense to slow down guys like Lamar Jackson and the Browns running attack. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jay Tufele DT USC at Pick #41

40. Washington Football Team - Mac Jones QB Alabama

• They might be moving off from Dwayne Haskins, but they are not doing themselves any favors by bumping up his trade value for this offseason. In any case, at 9 in the first round they are picking too high for any of the top qb prospects. Instead, they can maybe sneak away with one of the more intriguing names in the quarterback class with Mac Jones who continues to put up a Joe Burrow-esque senior season. 

Last Week’s Selection: Walker Little OT Stanford at Pick #39

41.  Dallas Cowboys - Daniel Faale OT Minnesota 

• The Cowboys once had a mighty offensive line, but then guys like Doug Free and Travis Fredrick retired. Meanwhile, Tyrone Smith who once was a perennial All-Pro has just not been able to stay healthy for the past few seasons. Along with La’el Collins who once had a promising future. With only Zach Martin left this entire unit needs a face lift. Faale is an intriguing high upside blocker as an Australian learning the position on the job. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jayson Oweh DE Penn St at Pick #51

42.  New England Patriots - Zach Wilson QB BYU

• I was one of the few who believed Cam Newton was done and it sadly looks like I have been right. He just cannot hit the open man anymore and his body certainly should not be taking the beating running like has during his prime. Belichick could certainly take a flier on a talent like Zach Wilson in the 2nd round. Wilson is one of the rising talents of this odd college season. 

Last Week’s Selection: Nick Bolton LB Missouri at Pick #43

43.  Denver Broncos - Eric Stokes CB Georgia 

• John Elway went full Ryan Grigson in last year’s draft landing flashier receivers, but ignoring the real needs his team needed. Like a new left tackle and another corner to pair with A.J. Bouye. Eric Stokes is another solid corner coming out of Georgia’s talented defensive backfield in this year’s draft. Adding him to a mix of hopefully a healthy Bouye and Bryce Callahan should give them a solid trio of corners. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jalen Mayfield OT Michigan at Pick #44

44.  Los Angeles Chargers - Patrick Jones II DE/OLB Pittsburgh

• The Chargers could be without Melvin Ingram going into next season purely off of cap crunch. They already paid Joey Bosa a massive contract that will make it tough to give Ingram the big deal he is also deserving of. This is an okay class of edge rushers with a few intriguing names who could rise up boards like Patrick Jones II who has had a nice season emerging for the Pitt Panthers. 

Last Week’s Selection: Deonte Brown OG Alabama at Pick #40

45.  Carolina Panthers - Jamie Newman QB Georgia 

• Teddy Bridgewater is proving himself to be a capable quarterback away from New Orleans making many teams like the Bears, and others for not going after him harder. In any case, he only signed essentially a two year deal and the Panthers with new head coach Matt Rhule could want to find a younger option groom. Newman could have helped his stock a ton had he played for Georgia in a pro style offense. Now teams will need to really dig in on his tape from Wake Forest to determine if he is worth being taken this high. 

Last Week’s Selection: Kyle Trask QB Florida at Pick #46

46.  Las Vegas Raiders - Aidan Hutchinson DE Michigan 

• As I mentioned earlier the Raiders need to eventually find another edge rusher to push the lackluster pair of Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell who just have not done much in the NFL. If they want to finally get past Patrick Mahomes in division they need to put pressure on him and that goes for the other rising star Justin Herbert in division. Hutchinson is the type of smooth, long, and strong athlete Gruden has looked for in recent years with the Raiders. 

Last Week’s Pick: Josh Myers C Ohio St at Pick #49

47.  Detroit Lions - Nick Bolton LB Missouri 

• Jarrad Davis has been one of the more disappointing first round picks in recent memory. At one point, he was seen as almost a can’t miss player, but so far for the Lions he has been nothing special. He is a free agent this offseason and even if he is kept they still need a new linebacker in the middle of the field regardless. Bolton is a modern day coverage linebacker who would be a nice match up weapon against tight ends and slot receivers. 

Last Week’s Selection: Terrace Marshall Jr WR LSU

48.  Miami Dolphins - Paris Ford S Pittsburgh

• The Dolphins are in good hands on the defensive side of the ball with coach Brian Flores at the helm. He seems to get the most out of his guys on that side of the ball. However, that only goes so far with lesser talent, they have two talented corners in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, but more help over the top is needed. Ford is a playmaking safety who can be a nice addition to a so-so defense. For his size he is a nice run stopper too at the safety position. 

Last Week’s Selection: Najee Harris RB Alabama at Pick #48

49.  San Francisco 49ers - Deonte Brown OG Alabama

• Not only has injuries wracked the 49ers defensive line, but also their offensive line this season. After it being one of their stronger units their starters along the interior could easily be upgraded. Especially, if they want to stick with their run first scheme with Jimmy G looking too exposed when he has to throw a lot. Brown is a signature road grading guard out of Alabama who has first round pass blocking prowess to be a great value here. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jamie Newman QB Georgia at Pick #47

50.  New Orleans Saints - Chris Olave WR Ohio St

• It would not be shocking to me if after this offseason if Drew Brees does retire then Michael Thomas gets shipped out somewhere for some draft capital. Thomas and management have begun to have some frosty relations of late, which usually only ends one way in the NFL with receivers. In any case, without Brees there I doubt he is as needed during a little rebuild at his high salary. Olave is a talented three level receiver who is a natural route runner with great hands. He sort of reminds me of Thomas coming out of Ohio St.

Last Week’s Selection: Asante Samuel Jr CB Florida St at Pick #50

51.  Philadelphia Eagles - Andre Cisco S Syracuse

• This Philly secondary has been an issue for a long while now and is only continuing to get worse. Guys like Jalen Mills, Rodney McLeod, Avonte Maddox, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and Cre’Von LeBlanc are just not that good. Even the former great Darius Slay has just been okay since arriving in Philadelphia. Adding talent to this secondary is a must if they want to hang around in a competitive NFC conference. 

Last Week’s Selection: Paulson Adebo CB Stanford at Pick #42

52.  Indianapolis Colts - Joseph Ossai OLB Texas

• Justin Houston is still somehow a team’s best pass rusher. The Colts have one of the best defenses statistically in the league, but it helps when you play the Jags, Bears, Vikings, and Jets to start the season. They need more bite off the edge to help elevate this well coached unit. Ossai is a versatile linebacker who can cover and come off the edge very well. If defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is not poached for a head coaching gig he would love to have a talent like Ossai. 

Last Week’s Selection: Joe Tryon OLB/DE Washington at Pick #53

53.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Brevin Jordan TE Miami

• Clearly Brady is driving the bus in Tampa sort of like Lebron towards the second half of his career dictating the roster moves. I think tight end will be a need next offseason since it looks like Gronk has been driving on empty all season. While the incumbents O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate seem not able to get insync with the future Hall of Famer. Jordan is a dynamic mismatch pass catcher at the tight end spot who could be the next to come out of “Tight End U”. 

Last Week’s Selection: Joseph Ossai OLB Texas at Pick #52

54.  Los Angeles Rams - Jayson Oweh DE Penn St

• Aaron Donald is undeniably the best pass rusher in all of football, but for some reason the Rams cannot find a go to option across from Donald. It is curious with the fact that Donald is able to command so much attention that someone else just has to emerge. It has not happened and they need to find a guy in this draft to do so. Oweh is a raw athlete who could be a high upside pick that could maximize their limited draft picks. 

Last Week’s Selection: Hamilicar Rashed Jr OLB Oregon St at Pick #54

55.  Buffalo Bills - Hamlicar Rashed Jr OLB/DE Oregon St

• The Bills continue to improve upon what is already a well schemed and well coached roster. McDermott hides their deficiencies really well with his schemes, but it would also be nice not having to do that for every play and game. They have not had a consistent edge rusher for a while now and once they find one they could really be one of the best teams in the AFC and a perennial winner of the AFC East. Rashed is another one of a very good group of edge rushers from the Pac 12 along with Joe Tryon, and Jay Tufele who could rise once their season gets going. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jackson Carman OL Clemson at Pick #55

56.  Cleveland Browns - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB Notre Dame

• The Browns used to have a great linebacker unit with guys like Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey. Unfortunately, both left via free agency leaving a big hole in the middle of their defense. Mack Wilson would be a nice replacement, but like Greedy Williams, health seems to be a big issue for him. There’s always a bunch of linebackers who slip to the 2nd and 3rd round that could make a huge impact here. 

Last Week’s Selection: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB Notre Dame at Pick #56

57.  Arizona Cardinals - Joe Tryon OLB Washington 

• The Cardinals need to be looking for another edge rusher to pair with an aging Chandler Jones. I am sure he should still be fine after he returns next season from his torn bicep, but now over 30 he may never return to his former glory. Even if he does they have always lacked a consistent threat from the other side. Tryon is an explosive talent albeit a tad bit raw of an athlete. He should return to the Pac 12 when the season starts to develop his skills a bit further. 

Last Week’s Selection: Brenton Cox Jr OLB/DE Florida at Pick #57

58.  Chicago Bears - Cade Mays OL Tennessee 

• An edge rusher who can stay healthy across from Mack could be an option as well as another interior rusher to play alongside Hicks. However, this o-line is so shaky that no matter who they have under center it might be a tad difficult for him to operate. They have two great blockers in the interior in Cody Whitehair and James Daniel, but the rest of the line is up for grabs. Mays is a raw talent having only really started this year for Tennessee, but he has the pedigree and versatility to be a talented blocker and great value here. 

Last Week’s Selection: Chuba Hubbard RB Oklahoma St at Pick #61

59.  Tennessee Titans - Zaven Collins OLB Tulsa

• The Titans made the splash move of landing Jadeveon Clowney right before the season started. However, he has been his typical inconsistent self who has dominating stretches, but can disappear for stretches. Meanwhile, Harold Landry has not really flourished since his rookie season and Vic Beasley continues to trend downward since his breakout sack season. Collins is a height-weight-speed specimen who has really stood out this season. His versatility could appeal to coach Vrabel who has yet to find a standout linebacker to lean on. 

Last Week’s Selection: Derion Kendrick CB Clemson at Pick #64

60.  Baltimore Ravens - Brenton Cox Jr OLB Florida

• Doubling up on edge rushers would not be a terrible idea for the Ravens here. Both Bowser and Judon are headed to free agency. Same as their newest acquisition Yannick Ngakuoe who is seeking a big payday this offseason. They need to find guys who can put pressure on Mahomes if they want to get past their biggest threat in the AFC. Cox is a high pedigree caliber talent who has had some issues from his days in Georgia, but while at Florida he has been clean and disruptive at the Swamp. 

Last Week’s Selection: Andre Cisco S Syracuse at Pick #59

61.  Seattle Seahawks - Israel Mukuamu CB South Carolina 

• The Seahawks defense is about five years removed from its glory days as the Legion of Boom. So far it’s been tough sledding to get back there and especially at the cornerback spots. Their only notable talent is Shaq Griffin, but he has been very inconsistent this season after a pretty solid 2019. Mukuamu is this year’s “D.K. Metcalf” as a talent for being too good to be true. At 6’4” he has impressive size for a corner with even more impressive quickness for a corner his size.

Last Week’s Selection: Israel Mukuamu CB South Carolina at Pick #63

62.  Kansas City Chiefs - Terrace Marshall Jr WR LSU

• The rich get richer with this selection. Sammy Watkins has his one or two games a season, while Mahomes and Mecole Hardman just cannot seem to get insync together. What I think could really help this offense is a receiver who can attack the middle of the field opening up more chances downfield for Tyreek Hill and Hardman. Marshall is this year’s version of Justin Jefferson from last year as a sneaky fast, route running, and quick receiver in the short to intermediate area of the field. Mahomes would have a blast with this addition on offense. 

Last Week’s Selection: Cade Mays OL Tennessee at Pick #60

63.  Green Bay Packers - Rashawn Slater OT Northwestern

• The key to the Packers success right now is to have Rodgers on the field and comfortable in the pocket. They have three of their starting linemen hitting free agency with weak spots at right tackle and right guard. Doubling down on blockers is not an outrageous idea here despite popular belief being that Rodgers needs new receivers. Slater is the raw “Robert Hunt” of this draft class with an ability to be a versatile and ascending blocker. 

Last Week’s Selection: Chris Olave WR Ohio St at Pick #58

64.  Pittsburgh Steelers - Chuba Hubbard RB Oklahoma St

• I know paying running backs is invogue with guys like Alvin Kamara, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, and Derrick Henry all having new extensions. However, the Steelers are a wise organization who will probably let James Conner probably leave this offseason. Luckily for them many backs could always be had in the 3rd round or later. Hubbard to me is this year’s Jonathan Taylor whose talent is undeniable, but will get the overused marker on him during his time at Oklahoma St. He is a talented three down back who can have many teams wishing they did not pass on him. 

Last Week’s Selection: Rashawn Slater OT Northwestern at Pick #62

Third Round

65. New York Jets - Asante Samuel Jr CB Florida St

Last Week’s Selection: Xavier Thomas DE Clemson at Pick #65

66. Atlanta Falcons - Cameron McGrone LB Michigan

Last Week’s Selection: Zach Wilson QB BYU at Pick #66

67. Houston Texans - Derion Kendrick CB Clemson

Last Week’s Selection: Daniel Faalele OT Minnesota at Pick #69

68. New York Giants - Alijah Vera-Tucker OG USC

Last Week’s Selection: Trey Hill C Georgia at Pick #71

69. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kary Vincent Jr CB LSU

Last Week’s Selection: Brevin Jordan TE Miami at Pick #67

70. Minnesota Vikings - Xavier Rhodes DE Clemson

Last Week’s Pick: Sam Ehlinger QB Texas at Pick #68

71. Cincinnati Bengals - Jalen Mayfield OT Michigan 

Last Week’s Selection: Amon-Ra St.Brown WR USC at Pick #74

72. Dallas Cowboys - Richard LeCounte III S Georgia 

Last Week’s Selection: Liam Eichenburg OT Notre Dame at Pick #83

73. Washington Football Team - Amon-Ra St.Brown WR USC

Last Week’s Selection: Kenneth Gainwell RB Memphis at Pick #70

74. Denver Broncos - Chazz Surratt LB UNC

Last Week’s Selection: Jordan Davis DT Georgia at Pick #75

75. Los Angeles Chargers - Seth Williams WR Auburn

Last Week’s Selection: DeAngelo Malone OLB Western Kentucky at Pick #72

76. New England Patriots - Forfeited 

77. Carolina Panthers - Liam Eichenburg OT Notre Dame 

Last Week’s Selection: Charlie Kolar TE Iowa St at Pick #80

78. Detroit Lions - Josh Jobe CB Alabama

Last Week’s Selection: Chazz Surratt LB UNC at Pick #76

79. Miami Dolphins - Damone Clark LB LSU 

Last Week’s Selection: Darius Still DT West Virginia at Pick #79

80. Las Vegas Raiders - Jordan Davis DT Georgia 

Last Week’s Selection: Brock Purdy QB Iowa St at Pick #82

81. Washington Football Team - Ben Garland OG Georgia 

Last Week’s Selection: Richard LeCounte III S Georgia at Pick #78

82. Cleveland Browns - Chase Lucas CB Arizona St

Last Week’s Selection: Marlon Tuipulotu DT USC at Pick #81

83. Philadelphia Eagles - Sage Surratt WR Wake Forest 

Last Week’s Selection: Alaric Jackson OT Iowa at Pick #73

84. Indianapolis Colts - Tylan Wallace WR Oklahoma St 

Last Week’s Selection: Seth Williams WR Auburn at Pick #84

85. Los Angeles Rams - Jabril Cox LB LSU

Last Week’s Selection: Cary Vincent Jr CB LSU at Pick #85

86. Buffalo Bills - Tyler Shelvin DT LSU

Last Week’s Selection: Quintin Morris TE Bowling Green at Pick #86

87. Cleveland Browns - Bubba Bolden S Miami 

Last Week’s Selection: Thayor Munford OG Ohio St at Pick #87

88. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Alaric Jackson OT Iowa

Last Week’s Selection: Teven Jenkins OT Oklahoma St at Pick #88

89. Chicago Bears - Brock Purdy QB Iowa St

Last Week’s Selection: Kellen Mond QB Texas A&M at Pick #93

90. Arizona Cardinals - T.J. Carter CB Memphis 

Last Week’s Selection: Tedarrell Slaton DT Florida at Pick #89

91. Minnesota Vikings - Desmond Ridder QB Cincinnati 

Last Week’s Selection: Thomas Booker DE Stanford at Pick #92

92. Tennessee Titans - Tedarrell Slaton DT Florida 

Last Week’s Selection: Anthony Schwartz WR Auburn at Pick #96

93. New York Jets - Quintin Morris TE Bowling Green 

Last Week’s Selection: Chase Lucas CB Arizona St at Pick #95

94. Kansas City Chiefs - Christian Darrisaw OT Virginia Tech

Last Week’s Selection: Tylan Wallace WR Oklahoma St at Pick #91

95. Green Bay Packers - Anthony Schwartz WR Auburn 

Last Week’s Selection: Jimmy Morrissey C Pittsburgh at Pick #90

96. Pittsburgh Steelers - Tamorrion Terry WR Florida St

Last Week’s Selection: Sage Surratt WR Wake Forest at Pick #94