USC

General manager Ryan Poles didn't let the secret out to the media a couple of days ago, but it'd be a major upset if Caleb Williams is not the name Roger Goodell announces as the #1 overall pick.

LSU

Taking Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix on a trip to Topgolf was an interesting way of going about getting to know the top QB prospects available. Daniels seems to be at least a slight favorite to be the pick here. But GM Adam Peters was part of the 49ers front office three years ago when they surprised many and took Trey Lance at #3 over Mac Jones, so maybe he'll have another surprise up his sleeve.

North Carolina

Unless the Patriots receive an offer they can't refuse, they seem likely to stay put at 3 and take a QB. I think they may prefer Daniels, but he's gone in this scenario, so New England pivots to Drake Maye and his rocket arm.

Ohio State

Like New England, I do believe the Cardinals could trade out of the #4 spot for the right price. Monti Ossenfort did it a year ago at 3rd overall when Houston traded a nice haul for that pick and the right to draft Will Anderson. Should Arizona stay put, it's sounding like Marvin Harrison Jr. would be the likely selection.

Michigan

Vikings get: Picks 5 and 37 (R2)
Chargers get: Picks 11, 23, 129 (R4) and 2025 1st and 3rd round picks

Getting LA's second round pick made this trade a possibility for Minnesota, who still gives up a haul for J.J. McCarthy. Should the Vikings be comfortable staying at 11 like some believe they might be, I think Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy would be their main target there and then they'd take a QB (Bo Nix?) at 23.

LSU

New York may try and convince the Patriots to move off the third pick so they can draft Drake Maye, but if they're unsuccessful, LSU receiver Malik Nabers makes for a great consolation prize. Some teams reportedly have him as the #1 WR in the draft ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr.

Notre Dame

Should the draft play out like this, the Titans wouldn't complain as they badly need a franchise left tackle, and Joe Alt is the safest bet of a loaded class to be a long-time high level starter at the position. A trade down could happen if Alt and Malik Nabers are off the board, or perhaps they'd turn to the last of the 'big 3' receivers in Washington's Rome Odunze.

UCLA

How true this rumor is, I am not sure. But there is some smoke that the Falcons may take Laiatu Latu at 8 or in a small trade down. If he goes this high, obviously his medicals are checking out very much in his favor. There isn't much question about the talent on the field, as he's arguably the most skilled EDGE rusher in the draft class.

Washington

A trade down is definitely a possibility here given that the Bears are currently scheduled to make only two more picks after this. So is an EDGE rusher or an offensive tackle whether here or in a move down. Staying put and drafting Odunze could be too tempting to pass up. Imagine a trio of Odunze, D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen in 2024. That's scary good!

Georgia

History says to not draft a tight end this high, but Brock Bowers is more like a bigger receiver as he can line up all over the field and even be used as a running back. He's a mismatch weapon on the field that Aaron Rodgers would utilize to the fullest for however much longer Rodgers has left.

Alabama

There is some smoke that the Chargers may just stay at 5 and draft J.C. Latham there if they're unable to move back.Here they were able to move back and snag him anyway. His prowess in the run game would make him a nice fit in a Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman run offense.

Oregon State

Eagles get: Pick 12
Broncos get: Picks 22, 50 (R2) and 172 (R5)

Credit to Daniel Jeremiah for this one. I'm stealing his idea here because I really like it. Taliese Fuaga could start his career at right guard before kicking out to right tackle when Lane Johnson decides to retire. Denver moves back not wanting to reach for a QB here at 12. If they stay at 12, I think and EDGE rusher or cornerback would be the most likely picks.

Toledo

Speaking of smoke, there is a lot of smoke around Michael Penix Jr. to the Raiders at 13. It wouldn't surprise me given the need for a QB here and how unlikely a trade up for Jayden Daniels is, but I'll give them Quinyon Mitchell here as Mitchell would give them that #1 shutdown corner they need.

Alabama

Jaguars get: Picks 14 and 150 (R5)
Saints get: Picks 17, 96 (R3) and 116 (R4)

Feeling like it's necessary to get ahead of the Colts for Terrion Arnold, the Jaguars send a 3rd and move back from the 4th round to the 5th to get their man.

Alabama

An EDGE rusher may not be the biggest need for the Colts, but the value with Dallas Turner at 15 might be too good to pass up. Other possibilities here are Mitchell, Arnold, LSU receiver Brian Thomas or perhaps Iowa DB Cooper Dejean.

LSU

Bills get: Pick 16
Seahawks get: Picks 28, 60 (R2) and 133 (R4)

Rumors just before the draft are sometimes true, but sometimes just noise. A lot of people believe the Bills want to move up for a wide receiver, and it's a rumor I'm buying as well. Most people believe Brian Thomas is their top trade up target, and why not? With his combination of size and speed, Thomas could be one of the best receivers in the NFL.