South Carolina

This pick could definitely be a defensive lineman, but the Bengals go with the best defensive player left on the board. Emmanwori had a freak showing at the combine and should go in the top 20 picks. Cincinnati has lacked an alpha defensive back since losing Jessie Bates to the Falcons.

I believe that the agent of Chase and Higgins had too much power this offseason and the result will create big problems down the line. They prioritized signing a WR 2 over building a team to compete. A WR 2 is a luxury and not a need. Where will the money for defensive players and offensive lineman be when they need it?

Alabama

Seattle is a team with lukewarm talent, though the team is young. They haven't been in a position to grab a QB in the draft in recent years. Tyler Booker lands at pick 18 to the Seahawks here, who get good value with their first round pick.

The Seahawks o-line was a bottom 5 unit last year and must improve, even if the team has no quarterback at the moment. With Darnold in Seattle, they will certainly need a better offensive line to reduce the number of ghosts that he sees. Seattle could be a trade down candidate.

Michigan

The Bucs lose out on Jihaad Campbell and get an offensive weapon for Baker Mayfield. Chris Godwin will likely be injured going into the 2025 season. I do not remember the last time Tampa had a great tight end - Gronk was great at a different point in his career. So, the Buccaneers do not overthink and get their BPA.

North Carolina

The Broncos have one of the best and youngest defenses in the league. They had an excellent offseason on that side of the ball. They could draft there, but it’s probably better to supplement Bo Nix’s success.

Evan Engram was signed this offseason to address the TE position. When you look at the Broncos depth chart, the most glaring hole is at running back. Sean Payton takes a stab at one here.

Ole Miss

Aaron Rodgers is not someone to bet on at this point, regardless of him signing a contract. I find it hard to believe that Pittsburgh will start Mason Rudolph next season. The Steelers throw a dart at the board to try to hit on a long-term QB.

Pittsburgh seems afraid to fail. They have an elite defense led by TJ Watt that will not last forever. The Steelers need some clarity on what their direction is going forward, particularly on offense. RB and QB need to be addressed after losing Najee Harris, Russell WIlson, and Justin Fields.

Michigan

Michigan coach gets another Michigan player. Joey Bosa was cut this offseason and Khalil Mack is aging. Kenneth Grant had excellent measurements at the combine and fits a defensive needs for the Chargers. The Chargers could not see a need to draft so high at pick #22 and trade out. They could also get another target for Justin Herbert.

Ohio State

Trade #2 via Packers

The Texans are in serious need of a left tackle after trading Laremy Tunsil and fear that someone like the Chiefs could move up. CJ Stroud needs to be protected for the team to succeed. Here, they pick for need and not for best player available. Luckily, Nick Caserio and the front office have had great success in recent offseasons.

Josh Simmons was projected as a top 10 pick before a patellar tendon injury. This injury is a serious one for offensive lineman. Cole Strange of the Patriots has been out nearly two seasons with this injury. I do think that Simmons’ talent still warrants a first round selection.

Georgia

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. Harrison Smith will be retiring soon and Lewis Cine never really panned out for the team.

Malaki Starks looked the best out of all safeties in combine drills. I believe that he was clocked as the fastest player at his position during these drills, even though Nick Emmanwori had an outstanding 40 yard dash.

North Dakota State

Trade #3 via Packers via Texans

The Chiefs smell blood after Josh Simmons is chosen and select the best remaining offensive lineman. It has become evident that the Chiefs need to bolster their offensive line to continue winning at a high level. This deficiency was glaring during this year’s Super Bowl, where the Eagles took advantage with their monstrous pass rush.

Grey Zabel could play guard and tackle for the Chiefs. That seems like the best outcome for Kansas City and gives them the ability to plug Zabel in as-needed. If the pick is not offensive line, I’m thinking the Chiefs could go TE with someone like Elijah Arroyo.

Missouri

The Rams build onto their young and talented team with the best receiving threat left on the board. As Cooper Kupp has been traded to Seattle, there is a need for a receiver to pair with Puka Nacua. Burden has speed and YAC ability that can break open games. Davante Adams could be hurt at any point in the season.

Defensive tackle is a position that has been in need since Aaron Donald’s retirement. The Rams also 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.

Tennessee

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). They will take a swing on a combine darling whose draft stock has dropped due to character questions.

Like the Chiefs, the Ravens will need to invest further in protecting their QB. They also need to open holes for Derrick Henry. Enabling the success of both players on offense is what gives the Ravens an advantage over their opponents. Grey Zabel would be a great fit if he were still on the board.

Texas A&M

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. Shemar Stewart is another combine darling. His stock is semi-low due to low production in college. Detroit will look to develop Shemar Stewart alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

East Carolina

Trade #4 via Commanders

The Packers are playing hot potato with their first round pick, but need to land ahead of the Bills to select their top CB. Green Bay has a lot of young talent on their defense. This pick improves 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.

Jaire Alexander is likely gone from the Packers come next season. Shavon Revel has been flying up boards and has been interviewed by many teams this offseason. There is a slim chance that only 2 cornerbacks are selected in the top 30 picks, so another one goes here.

Ohio State

Trade #5 via Bills

The Titans need another receiver for Cam Ward. They follow the logic of the 2024 Bears and draft a WR in the first round to go with their new QB selection. Calvin Ridley and Treylon Burks are not gonna cut it. I do not have Matthew Golden going in the first round as I simply do not see space for him to be taken so early. The Bills trade down and get their choice of CB early in the second round.

Ohio State

Trade #4 via Packers via Chiefs

The Commies strike while the iron's hot to get a playmaker alongside their star QB Jayden Daniels. Brian Robinson is likely not an elite RB1, but a great RB2. With Austin Ekeler’s contract ending after the upcoming season, the Commanders will need another RB to move the ball and score.

An offensive or defensive lineman could be selected here. I do not see a WR drafted early for Washington; they have two veteran threats and can address the position next year.

Marshall

The Eagles have few holes but will need to backfill Brandon Graham due to his retirement. Mike Green had a productive college career at a smaller school and projects to produce in the pros. His last name fits the team well. In 2-3 years, the Philadelphia defense may be one of the best of all time. All these dudes on rookie contracts. Book it.