Illinois

I think this is a steal for the Jags, who struggled to stop the interior run game at times in 2023-24. Newton is an impact player who will contribute immediately. Jacksonville looks to O-line and WR in the next 2 rounds.

Alabama

I'm not 100% sold on Latham's size as a positive - we all saw the Mekhi Becton project explode in NY. But Cincinnati won't go anywhere if Joe Burrow goes on the IR every other season - so OT needs to be the priority.

Oregon State

The Rams arrived sooner than expected last year, and could go in a few directions here - CB and O-line to name a few. Fuaga is a talented player who could slot in at OT or OG depending on how the line shakes out - his versaility reminds me of Rashawn Slater.

Iowa

If the Steelers thought a QB was worth the selection, they'd have their choice. I don't think they do (I think they're far more in on Justin Fields than people assume). Russell Wilson, even with his poor tenure in Denver, is still a better fit for Pittsburgh's plan. Something about Cooper DeJean just screams "Steelers" to me.

Georgia

With Fautanu and Fuaga gone, Miami addresses the exterior of its O-line instead with this selection. Miami doesn't have much room to move up for a prospect with no picks in Rounds 3 or 4 this year.

Oregon

(from PHI in trade for #12 pick)
Bo Nix seems like a better fit for Sean Payton than Penix or McCarthy, and he'll certainly be thrown to the fire sooner rather than later. But getting him at #22 (and picking up a 2nd rounder) is a much easier pill to swallow than using #12 on him.

Penn State

Houston adds to the DeMeco Ryans pressure style defense with a complementary edge rusher to Will Anderson. I can also see the Texans going DT here with a player like Byron Murphy II.

Duke

If this wasn't Dallas, I'd just write "Graham Barton" and walk away without a thought. But man, Jerry Jones just loves his 1st round WRs. That being said, the Cowboys will spend on O-linemen early (Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin) in the draft - and Barton fills a void immediately.

Alabama

Green Bay's bigger need is at safety, but McKinstry is too good to pass up at #25. The Packers may double dip on secondary with 2 of their first 3 picks, looking at players like Tyler Nubin and Calen Bullock at #41 or #58. OT should be the other pick.

Florida State

Tampa's 1st round pick is actually the toughest for me to figure out of all 1st round picks. Do they go QB of the future, wide receiver, or edge rusher? I think the Bucs stay in Florida and draft Keon Coleman to be the heir apparent to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Toledo

Even though Kyler Murray's #1 draft need is WR, the Cardinals' actual #1 need is at cornerback. They have enough draft capital to trade up into the late teens, but Quinyon Mitchell is a rising player with plenty of upside.

Oregon

The choice for Buffalo here is between WR and CB, and seeing McKinstry & Mitchell off the board makes their decision simpler. Franklin is a twitchy receiver who should help Josh Allen stretch the field.

Texas

Detroit will have nightmares about the 2nd half of the NFC title game for months. Or longer. Adding Byron Murphy to the D-line will improve their run defense and help get interior pressure on opposing QBs.

Texas

The Ravens offense only mustered 10 points against KC in the AFC title game, and the lack of receiving depth for Lamar Jackson finally caught up to them. Adonai Mitchell is a 6'4" target that helps ease the pressure on Jackson.

South Carolina

The late run on WRs in Round 1 continues. If the Chris Jones saga continues, this could easily be a player like Byron Murphy II or Leonard Taylor III. But Xavier Legette gives Patrick Mahomes another weapon.

Arizona

I love the pick and the fit here. Jordan Morgan fills an immediate need in San Francisco and his skill set fits well with what the 49ers are looking for. Morgan has the opportunity to be a longtime starter in the Bay Area.