Texas

Like Arizona in the previous pick, Cincinnati seizes the opportunity to draft a sliding player who could quickly address their biggest weakness. Kelvin Banks Jr. is a top-12 talent, but uncertainties surrounding his positional fit—whether as a true LT or guard—make his draft stock fluid. He has the potential to go as high as the top-10 but could slip into the late teens or early 20s depending on team evaluations.

For the Bengals, Banks provides immediate value. He could push the underperforming Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle or step in as a Day 1 starter at guard, offering an instant upgrade. With Cincinnati fully committed to maximizing the Burrow, Chase, and Higgins era, investing in offensive line reinforcement—regardless of positional value—is a smart and necessary move at 17.

Michigan

The Seahawks' pressing need for interior blocking might be addressed on Day 2, given the depth of prospects like Mbow, Grant, Savaiinaea, Milum, and Wilson. Instead, they could opt to fill the void left by their exodus of receiving talent with a dynamic pass-catching threat. Colston Loveland, despite a dip in production due to subpar quarterback play, remains a highly intriguing option. While not an elite blocker, he projects as a dangerous receiving tight end at the next level. Though Tyler Warren has garnered significant media attention, opinions on the top tight end in this class are reportedly divided among Warren, Loveland, and Miami's Elijah Arroyo. Loveland's versatility and ability to create mismatches could make him a valuable addition to Seattle's offense.

Alabama

Tampa Bay’s linebacking group has been in decline, with Lavonte David nearing retirement and Devin White falling short of expectations. Outside of Vita Vea ad YaYa Diaby, their front seven has lacked consistency, highlighting a clear need for improved off-ball and on-ball linebacking talent. Enter Campbell, a prototypical off-ball linebacker who excels with sideline-to-sideline range, pass-rushing potential, strong coverage skills, and a physical presence in the run game. While still somewhat raw, his overall profile makes him my LB1 and a potential top-20 pick in the upcoming draft. Though some may favor Walker’s higher ceiling, Campbell’s all-around abilities feel like a seamless match for Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme, offering the Bucs a much-needed boost in their linebacker corps.

North Carolina

The Broncos are at a pivotal moment in building around Bo Nix, who had an impressive rookie season. Adding an offensive weapons at running back, tight end and receiver are all valid options. Highest ranked in these positional groups on this writer's big board is Omarion Hampton could elevate their offense significantly. Hampton, with his blend of power and agility, would be a strong addition, especially given his ability to contribute in both the run and pass game. Defensive tackle is also a critical area to address, considering the impending free agency of their interior defenders

Ole Miss

The Steelers face a tough decision with this pick. While selecting a boundary cornerback is a viable option, their aging interior defensive line makes a true starting 3-4 defensive end a pressing need. Walter Nolen, an exceptionally talented defensive tackle, presents a fascinating prospect with a wide range of draft outcomes. At his best, Nolen is a top-16 talent with the potential to become a future Pro Bowler. However, his college career at Texas A&M has been marred by inconsistent tape over three seasons and concerns about maturity and character, which could make him a risky selection.

Texas A&M

The Chargers need to enhance their offensive firepower, with star receiver Ladd McConkey being their only consistent threat. At the same time, they must prepare their defensive front for the future. Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, an athletic marvel, is a boom-or-bust prospect with exceptional physical tools but limited collegiate production, tallying just 1.5 sacks per season over three years. Despite his inconsistencies, Stewart’s potential could see him drafted in the top 25, possibly top 16, making him a high-risk, high-reward option for teams seeking defensive talent.

Texas

The Packers face a pressing need in their secondary, with Jaire Alexander's injury struggles limiting his reliability as a CB1 and former first-rounder Eric Stokes no longer on the roster. Jahdae Barron emerges as a logical solution, showcasing excellent tape from Texas as a boundary cornerback while also offering the versatility to play as a starting-caliber nickel or safety in the NFL. His well-rounded skill set, coupled with an impressive combine performance, solidifies his status as a safe, high-upside pick who could easily rise into the top 20. A player like Barron could bring much-needed stability and flexibility to Green Bay's defensive backfield.

Oregon

The Vikings showed notable improvement under Brian Flores but still face defensive needs across multiple levels. While they've addressed the interior defensive line in free agency with seasoned veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, neither presents a long-term solution at the position. Derrick Harmon has emerged as a rising prospect thanks to his ability as both a pass rusher and run defender, showcasing pressure-generating prowess during his 2024 season with Oregon. While there are doubts about his potential to reach elite status, Harmon is widely regarded as a solid prospect within the 20-40 range rather than a top-16 talent. Given the Vikings' limited draft capital (only four picks currently), prioritizing efficiency and value in their selections is essential. Harmon could provide an impactful addition to their defensive lineup.

Ohio State

The Texans face pressing needs on both sides of the trenches, particularly with a struggling interior offensive line. However, their receiving corps has also become a concern. While Nico Collins continues to shine, Tank Dell's significant injury and a missed opportunity with Stefon Diggs have left the group dangerously thin. Enter Emeka Egbuka, whose previous experience with C.J. Stroud could make for an excellent reunion in Houston. While he may not match the elite level of recent Ohio State wide receiver prospects, Egbuka is a dependable WR2 option with the skill set to immediately contribute.

Kentucky

The Rams have exceeded expectations this season despite limitations in their defensive personnel, but outside cornerback remains a glaring weakness. Several prospects in the 25-40 range could address this need, but Maxwell Hairston stands out after an elite combine performance, which has elevated him to a borderline top-25 prospect. His 2023 season was outstanding, and his determination to return from injury and perform well in limited action for Kentucky further highlights his resilience and talent.

Tennessee

The Baltimore Ravens are masters of uncovering Round 1 steals, and James Pearce Jr. has all the makings of their next standout selection. Pearce's athleticism and skill set position him as an excellent match for the Ravens' 3-4 defensive scheme. His 2024 stat line of 7.5 sacks may not dazzle, but his progress as a run defender and knack for generating pressures underscore his immense potential. Concerns over Pearce’s character evaluations have caused some teams to drop him from their boards, impacting his draft stock significantly. Yet, as an on-field talent, Pearce remains a top-10 caliber player in this writer's view. Should Baltimore take the plunge, they could address a critical need and walk away with one of the draft’s most notable steals.

North Dakota State

The Lions have a pressing need for an edge rusher but may avoid reaching for Round 2-caliber prospects with their first-round pick. Instead, they could capitalize on the depth of this draft class on Day 2 and use their first-rounder on a versatile offensive lineman. This approach would address the departure of Kevin Zeitler while also providing insurance for Frank Ragnow, who has struggled with injuries. Zabel has become one of the fastest risers in the draft, following an MVP performance at the Senior Bowl and an outstanding combine workout. His stock has soared to the point where he is now a likely first-round selection, with a draft floor projected in the 33-40 range. This combination of immediate impact and long-term potential could make him an ideal fit for Detroit's needs.

Marshall

The Commanders have significant defensive needs, particularly in their pass rush, making this an opportune moment to take advantage of a top-20 talent slipping down the board. Based purely on his tape, Mike Green stands out as a high-impact edge rusher. Dominating for Marshall, he racked up an impressive 17 sacks and numerous pressures this season. Despite his size, he’s also an effective run defender and one of the younger, more promising prospects in this draft class. However, concerns about Green’s off-field character could impact his draft stock. If these concerns are alleviated through clean background checks and strong interviews, he’s likely to go in the top 20. Still, there remains the possibility of a fall, which could make him a high-value pick for a team like Washington in need of pass-rushing reinforcements later in Round 1.

Georgia

The Bills face significant challenges in their secondary, with safety being a particularly glaring concern. Malaki Starks, while no longer viewed as the top safety prospect by consensus, remains a highly skilled free-roaming player with notable nickel versatility. His leadership and work ethic have earned high praise during his time at Georgia, making him a compelling option for teams seeking both talent and character in their defensive backfield. Starks could provide much-needed stability and versatility to Buffalo's struggling secondary.

Texas

The Chiefs, anchored by the exceptional Chris Jones, face a pressing need to replenish their defensive line depth following significant losses in free agency. Given the strengths of this draft class, addressing this need early seems likely. Alfred Collins, while not prolific in terms of college sack production, stands out as a disruptive force on the interior. His strong run defense, athleticism, and consistent tape over several seasons make him a compelling prospect. Collins is a sneaky candidate to break into the late first round, offering both immediate impact and long-term potential for Kansas City's defensive front.

Boston College

The Eagles' roster remains strong, but their pass rush has undeniably weakened with the departures of Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. Bryce Huff's underperformance and free-agent additions Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche are more specialists than starters. Donovan Ezeiruaku, despite being undersized, is a prolific sack artist, recording an impressive 16.5 sacks in his senior year at Boston College. His relentless motor and production make him an intriguing fit for Vic Fangio's system. Pairing Ezeiruaku with Nolan Smith could provide the Eagles with a dynamic and complementary duo at outside linebacker, addressing their pass-rushing concerns for the long term.