USC

The chalk. I expect Justin Fields to get dealt relatively soon, but if he doesn't, I am not taking that as the Bears passing on Williams here. Rather, it would be an indication to me that the offers at this time for Fields have been underwhelming, and they figure that they are better off holding him for now, in the hopes that the offers improve later on.

LSU

Not quite chalk, but I think this will be the QB that Kingsbury prefers. Even if I bought the column from The Ringer's Ben Solak that some teams have McCarthy actually higher than Daniels, I don't believe that Washington will be one of those teams, and that's kind of all that matters when projecting this pick.

North Carolina

The previous version of this mock had Minnesota trading up into this spot for Maye. But my original thought was that the Pats will be committed to a rebuild because they hired Jerod Mayo. And rebuilds often mean taking a QB in the draft. So I'll go back to the Pats taking Maye here.

Ohio State

Harrison would almost certainly be the pick for Arizona if QB's go 1-2-3 in the draft.

Michigan

TRADE! The Chargers trade #5 to Minnesota for #11 and #42.

The Chargers seem likeliest to take a WR or Brock Bowers, an OL, or trade down. With McCarthy still on the board, and with the Giants and Titans possible candidates to trade down immediately following this pick, Minnesota could think that this is the best shot they have to move up. For one, the Giants can't be ruled out as a possible team to pick McCarthy. And for another, the Chargers are extremely unlikely to trade this pick to Denver or Las Vegas, who are division rivals. And certainly not to let them take a QB. The Giants would presumably have no issues with a trade involving Denver or Las Vegas, and you could probably say the same with the Titans.

This allows the Chargers to have 3 of the first 42 picks (#11, #37, and #42), and will still leave them in the range for a premium OL (or possibly Bowers) at #11. Meanwhile, Minnesota at least doesn't have to give up a 1st next year.

LSU

With the top 4 QB's off the board, the G-Men opt for the electrifying Nabers.

Washington

TRADE! Tennessee trades #7 and a 5th rounder to Chicago for #9 and #75.

There are those who think that Odunze could be the best receiver in this year's draft, though, of course, he may be the third wideout chosen. Pairing him with Williams in the top 10 here would be awfully exciting. Meanwhile, Tennessee only moves down 2 spots, which still leaves them in the range for a premium OL (and they stay ahead of the Chargers and Jets), and they move up from the 5th Round all the way up to #75 overall. Good move for their rebuild.

Of note here is that I think the Bears will get at least a 3rd Round pick and some change for trading Fields away, perhaps even a couple of 3rd's, or a 2nd and a 4th, something like that.

Alabama

It seems as if Kirk Cousins is very much in play for Atlanta. So for now, I'll slot them Turner, who tested well in Indianapolis, with a long wingspan to just add to his athletic package. His production, athletic traits, and pedigree could mean he's the first edge player chosen.

Notre Dame

TRADE! (See details at #7.)

After the small drop down the board, the possible OL/OT1 of the year's draft is still there. The Titans would have to be very happy with this.

Oregon State

I'm switching this pick from Mims to Fuaga. While I personally love Mims' upside -- and I think many other teams will, too -- the Jets are probably in a position where they need more certainty. Fuaga is an immediate plug-and-play RT. I'll also note that Daniel Jeremiah has been extremely high on Fuaga from the beginning, and he and Jets GM Joe Douglas are tight.

Alabama

Denver's lost out on the top 4 QB's, and this is too early to take Penix or Nix. If they stick and pick here, a defensive player is most likely, given how the board has fallen. I'll opt for Arnold in this spot.

Georgia

TRADE! (See details at #5.)

If the Chargers move down to #11 and still have Bowers available, I think he would be difficult to pass up, despite the fact that you could certainly argue for an OL here like Mims or Fashanu. I just think that Bowers will have a higher grade, and with two picks high in the 2nd Round now, the Chargers could address OL with one or both of those picks.

Penn State

Just a feeling that Tom Telesco would prefer the "safety" of Fashanu over Mims.

Florida State

The Saints' pass rush has deteriorated, and as they keep kicking the can down the road in terms of the salary cap (veteran Cam Jordan, despite a severe drop in production, was just restructured and now his dead cap # for 2025 is way too high, for example), bargains are going to need to be unearthed. Mickey Loomis has taken a lot of big edge rushers in his tenure, and here's another.

Toledo

I think this could be a choice between Chop Robinson and Mitchell here. With the way that Robinson is so twitched up, Ballard may not be able to say no, given his history. But Mitchell also offers good size, fabulous athleticism, and also plays a premium defensive position. And I'd argue that a CB1 is a bigger need here.

Texas

Though I think Troy Fautanu would be a great add here, Murphy in Mike Macdonald's defense would be, too.