Round 1
Tee Higgins will leave Cincinnati for a big payday. No sane person would pay Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. This pick is to fill that gap and take coverage pressure off Ja'Marr Chase. It is also a response to the previous Arizona pick as there are fewer high-level wide receiver prospects available on the board. Supply and demand bitches.
*TRADE*
Buccaneers trade up one spot, giving up pick #19 plus more to the Seahawks for pick #18.
Todd Bowles has already said that he wants Jihaad Campbell. Shoutsout to Walter Football for having the best football coverage and letting me know that. With that being said, Todd Bowles will execute on his idea and look to get an underling to Lavonte David. You can trust Jihaad to hit the hole and blow it up.
*TRADE*
Seahawks trade pick #18 to Buccaneers for pick #19 and more, then trade down with Eagles for pick #31.
Supply and Demand Bitches 2. In Theaters this Summer. In response to the Buccaneers selecting a linebacker, the Eagles trade up and grab the next one off the board. The Eagles have few holes but will need to backfill Brandon Graham and maybe some linebackers in free agency. In 2-3 years, the Philadelphia defense may be one of the best of all time. All these dudes on rookie contracts. Book it.
The Broncos need starters in many positions, and grab the best defensive player on the board. Having Russell Wilson's contract on the books has likely made Denver's front office and new ownership afraid to invest when so much of their spending money has already been wasted. This would not allow them to fill out an entire team and compete at the highest level.
Here comes Bo Nix and his bag of tricks to satiate his master Sean Payton. When Russ' (cornball) contract is off the books, it's all go in Denver. They have guys all over their defense and will need to fill out their offense. They will likely select a running back early in this draft.
A white defensive lineman to become a franchise capstone in Pittsburgh. It's all coming together for them. I think Jack Sawyer will rise up in mock drafts over the next few months. He is a pure defensive end who shows up in big games. This could also be another defensive lineman. They'll need to replace Cam Heyward at some point.
The Chargers defense has been weak for a while. They have not had many stud cornerbacks in recent years. If the team wants to be successful, they'll need a balanced defensive attack to match the team's offensive output with Justin Herbert. This pick gets them a potential #1 corner for their team.
The Packers have a lot of young talent on their defense. This pick bolsters that talent for a team that has a franchise QB-level contract. They'll need players on rookie contracts to contrast the inflated QB spending that the NFL has to offer.
Minnesota has an aging safety in Harrison Smith and a weak secondary in general. They select the best safety on the board to support a top defense. Minnesota's future is bright with a QB on a rookie deal, a good offensive line, a good defense, Justin Jefferson at receiver, and Kevin O'Connell at the helm.
The Texans need some help on offensive line, but I don't think the value is here for them at pick #25. Instead, they support the progress of their young defense led by Will Anderson and Derek Stingley.
A receiver with a comp to Michael Thomas in a Sean McVay offense - color me intrigued. As Cooper Kupp will be gone before the draft via trade, there will be a need for a receiver to pair with Puka Nacua. The Rams need a long-term answer for QB, as Matt Stafford is nearing the end of his career. Maybe they'll draft one or maybe land one via free agency in the next couple years. The location of LA is going to be a draw to free agents.
The Ravens defense was decent this past season, but did not fully live up to the potential they had. Part of this may be a lack of pressure from the defensive line. Kyle Van Noy somehow led the team in sacks this year (with 12.5, not bad KVN). My dark horse pick here is Quinshon Judkins to create a three-headed rushing monster with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
As is Lions' law, they select the best player at a position of need. I love the Lions' recent drafts. They seem to get quality starters with each pick, and generally at good value. This pick could help to cement the Lions' secondary as the best in the league.
The Commies strike while the iron's hot to protect their star QB Jayden Daniels. Though not a big school, North Dakota State sounds like a place to get a rugged offensive lineman. Lots of denim, leather, and furs when not on the football field.
The Bills think simply and select an offensive lineman to protect this year's MVP, Josh Allen. Buffalo's defense could also use some work, but that can be addressed later in the draft and/or in free agency.
Really, Buffalo should look at their head coach situation. McDermott has not been able to get over the hump. I agree with Belichick's point that coaches should interview after the playoffs. The best teams cannot interview the best head coaching candidates if they're in the AFC Championship every year.
*TRADE*
Seahawks trade their pick #19 (previously from Buccaneers) to the Eagles for pick #31 plus more.
The Seahawks trade down twice in the first round, finally landing at pick #31. This is another team with lukewarm talent, though the team is young. Really, the thing holding them back is Geno Smith at quarterback. They just haven't been in a position to grab a QB in the draft in recent years. This pick gets them the best tight end in the draft as a potential puzzle piece to a future offense.
The Chiefs could select a tight end to develop before Travis Kelce retires. They're more likely to select an offensive tackle as it is a critical need and Patrick Mahomes needs to be protected. The Chiefs could lose their right guard Trey Smith this offseason in free agency, adding to their need of an offensive lineman.