Open Rants by mike914

1. Jacksonville: Trevor Lawrence. 

2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson is the pick. Next. The draft starts at 3.

3. San Francisco: I have an extremely hard time believing that the Niners gave up all of that draft capital for Mac Jones. They did not have to move up that far to receive him. For instance, directly after the trade the Eagles moved back to 12 overall, so theoretically San Francisco could have traded with Philadelphia and still got Jones if he was their guy. So this tells me that San Francisco believed they had to jump Atlanta at 4 (a rumored landing spot for Atlanta-native Fields.) I believe Justin Fields is the pick at 3 for the Niners

4. Atlanta: I believe this is Atlanta's desired hierarchy of moves to make with the 4th Overall pick: 1. Trade back and take the best defensive player available, 2. If they can't trade back take Justin Fields, 3. If Justin Fields is gone they will choose Pitts or Sewell. 

5. Cincinnati: I believe it's coming down to Sewell, Chase, or Pitts. However, I can't imagine Cincinnati not entertaining a trade down if they receive a haul of picks because they have many holes to fill. This class is very deep at Offensive Tackle and Wide Receiver. I see a likely partner with Carolina at 8 who would love to come up and get Kyle Pitts and Cincy could still obtain a premier player at pick 8. If they stand pat though, I believe Cincy goes with Sewell.

6. Miami: They had to have a particular reason to move back to 6th overall. I look at who they leaped in front of and how they gave up a 2022 selection to move up only 6 spots from 12. They got in front of Detroit, who picks 7 who I believe is targeting Chase. The Lions lost Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones in free agency. So this tells me they want a wide receiver and Ja'Marr Chase will likely be the choice if Cincy passes on him.

7. Detroit: The Lions will try to move back and accumulate picks. This is the right move with so many holes on this roster. If Chase is gone, they should trade down. They need receiver help but I could see them passing on DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle to get offensive line or defensive help. 

8. Carolina: Like I mentioned previously, I think Carolina has to consider a move up for Kyle Pitts as they badly need an upgrade at tight end, he is a natural fit but I don't think he'll reach this pick. If Carolina stays put I see Jaycee Horn or an offensive lineman.

9: Denver: With San Francisco passing on Mac Jones for Justin Fields, I believe Denver will make a move for either Mac Jones or Trey Lance. They may be a tempting trade partner since a team can still remain in the top 10. I think a trade up with a team like Atlanta or Detroit would be for Lance but I think ultimately Denver will stay put and select Mac Jones at 9.

10: Dallas: The Cowboys need help on defense. I see cornerback as the target in round 1. Horn or Surtain II are obvious matches.

11. New York Giants: The addition of Golladay makes me think they will ultimately decide to pass on wide receiver. Gettleman's draft history tells that he tends to like taking players in the trenches in round 1. The Giants have a filled out their roster nicely but need upgrade at edge rusher. Kwity Paye, Azeez Ojulari or Jaelan Phillips would fit very nicely and fit the bill in what Gettleman looks for in players. Although, I prefer Phillips or Paye, I think Ojulari fits more in their scheme and he is in the running for the pick.

12. Philadelphia: Draft needs are CB, WR, OL, and EDGE. Philly could go multiple directions but I think they'll narrow it down to CB or WR for the 1st round. Them moving down makes me think they like a corner or WR that they believe will be available to them. Jaycee Horn if he is available matches what the Eagles like in secondary players. Ultimately I think they choose Waddle.

13. Los Angeles Chargers: I expect LAC to either target OL or CB round 1. If Jaycee Horn falls to here he doesn't get past them. They need to protect franchise QB Herbert. Rashawn Slater offers versatility of playing tackle and can also kick inside to guard. Alijah Vera-Tucker and Christian Darrisaw also in the running.

14. Minnesota: The Vikings need to get better in the trenches. Kwity Paye and Jaelan Phillips seem like great matches for Minnesota's scheme. I expect one of them to be the choice if available. If not they'll look at the top pass protector.

15. New England: They will consider a move up for Trey Lance. I think this is a fit because Lance could learn under Newton who he shares similarities with in the way they play the position. If they can't move up for QB I expect WR, LB, or EDGE to be the target. Zaven Collins is a versatile player that would fit.

16. Arizona: I expect cornerback being the selection for Arizona with Patrick Peterson leaving via free agency. Caleb Farley could be a fit here depending on what Arizona's medical staff feels.

17. Las Vegas: The Raiders two biggest needs are LB and OL. I think they will take the best available o-lineman. I think Christian Darrisaw has traits that Gruden and Mayock value. Owosu-Koramoah or Parsons could be the pick if they go Linebacker.

18. Miami: 2nd time around I think Miami goes LB. Zaven Collins would fit nicely as a SAM LB in their scheme.

19. Washington: I expect them to attempt to move up for a QB. However, if they stay put, I expect LB or OT to be the choice. If Parsons falls this could be his landing spot.

20. Chicago: I think they are focused on Dalton at QB and think they can win with him leading them, so I don't envision them trading up for a top passer. Tackle, Wide Receiver, and Defensive Tackle. I like Christian Barmore a lot as a prospect and I think he could be in the running for the pick. other players to be considered will likely be Rondale Moore, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Christian Darrisaw.

21. Indianapolis: The Colts will target LB, EDGE, and OT in early rounds. I expect Chris Ballard to reinforce the trenches. Jaelen Phillips is a good fit. I think if Phillips is unavailable, they will consider the highest rated o-lineman.

22. Tennessee: The Titans could go numerous directions. They have holes via free agency at OT, CB and WR2. Tennessee admitted defeat on 2020 1st round pcick Isaiah Wilson so I could see them going offensive tackle. Sam Cosmi or Jalen Mayfield are intriguing players to watch at this pick. At corner, Aaron Robinson and Greg Newsome II also look to be in the discussion of the pick.

23. New York Jets: The Jets 2nd 1st round selection is a toss up. Many directions they could go because of how many needs they have. Looking at the depth chart they need more competition at cornerback as currently the starters are Bryce Hall and Blessaun Austin. That tells me they have interest in upgrading early on in the NFL Draft. I think if Saleh had his pick he would take Northwestern's stud corner Greg Newsome II.

24. Pittsburgh: The Steelers have an aging roster. Especially at QB, CB, DL, and OL. Steelers struggled late in season against teams with stellar d-line units (Washington and Cleveland) I think Pittsburgh needs to get better in the trenches.

25. Jacksonville: 2nd time around for Jags in round 1 could go so many directions. They could go with a pass rusher across from Josh Allen, or this could be the first spot where a safety comes off the board with Trevon Moehrig. Typically, when taking a young franchise QB you would like to pair him with other offensive talents, but I think the defense has more holes to fill and needs to be addressed.

26. Cleveland: Next up, my favorite, hometown, Cleveland Browns. Defense must be addressed. The signing of Clowney rules out the selection of a pass rusher so the attention moves to CB or LB. The signing of Anthony Walker helps this poor LB unit upgrade but I wouldn't rule out a LB if one of their favorites fall. Jamin Davis, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Zaven Collins would fit the defense well. Still wouldn't rule at corner with Greedy Williams struggling to stay healthy during his first two seasons.

27. Baltimore: The Ravens lost Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakuoe this offseason. They will be drafting the best available pass rusher. Maybe Greg Rousseau's fall could end here? I also think Jayson Oweh would fit nicely with the Ravens.

28. New Orleans: I see LB or DT here. Christian Barmore, Daviyon Nixon and Levi Onwuzarike seem to be players New Orleans would like to replace the void Sheldon Rankins departure makes.

29. Green Bay: I think they really like Greg Newsome II but he could be gone by this pick. I think if he is gone they will look at other corners but depending on their board may go WR. Rondale Moore would do wonders with Aaron Rodgers.

30. Buffalo: The Bills need younger pass rushers. The top rated pass rusher will likely be the selection. They may feel the need to trade up in the 20's to select the one they like to get in front of a team like the Ravens to get the player they covet.

31. Kansas City: KC could continue to upgrade OL. They gave Patrick Mahomes a bunch of money, you better protect him.

32. Tampa Bay: It's likely they could trade down out of round 1 which is common for teams in the later portion of the round that don't have many glaring needs. Tampa Bay is pretty complete but could use another corner or a young edge rusher as JPP is not signed long-term.

Thanks for reading my thoughts with only 2 weeks til draft day. Should be a fun time leading up to the draft with plenty of rumors and intrigue to occur.Let me know what you think of my thoughts!