Round 1
V1 Mock Draft Pick: Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State)
Pittsburgh needs CB and DL help, but are nicely placed to address either/or position at No. 32 (the technical 1st pick of the 2nd round after Miami’s forfeited selection), with both positions having a few prospects on the 1st round/early 2nd round bubble. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh needs to improve their blocking. They’ve added a lot of free agency resources to their interior line, but Dan Moore and Chukwuma Okorafor are a pretty weak OT pairing.
Broderick Jones is commonly mocked in the top-16 by the media, but reportedly teams are not as high on Jones, and see him more as a Day 2 prospect. He’s a great athlete but is quite raw, had inconsistencies on tape, and reportedly comes with character concerns. Equally, Jones is very talented and had some dominant performances in equal measure, so I think he’ll balance out as a 1st rounder. Steelers feel like a solid landing spot for him.
Other Options:
Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee) - An alternative option.
Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State), Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland) - I’d be shocked if Witherspoon or Gonzalez was available here. Porter Jr. could be, and Banks would be a respectable backup option. Picking again at Pick. 32, they aren’t forced to take a corner here if the board doesn’t line up the way they want it to.
Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - I mocked McDonald to the Steelers last time around. They need more pass rush. Beyond Watt and Highsmith, they have nothing.
V1 Mock Draft Pick: Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh)
For a long-time, I’ve placed Bijan Robinson to the Lions - but not here; at No. 6. I think he’d be a beautiful fit in Detroit, and he’s the best player in the draft. He’s one of the rare players who justifies a top-10 pick as a running back, so despite the media likely panning such a move, I wouldn’t dislike it. They draft really well, and they have more flexibility post-free agency in their secondary (although I do still have them prioritizing it at No. 6). Given the decline of the position, it’s regrettably likely Robinson goes more in the 10-20 range than top-10.
Don’t be fooled - the Lions also signed David Montgomery to a 3-year pact, but as Walt/Charlie astutely put it, he’s to replace Jamaal Williams. Bijan is just built differently. He's the only player in this class that teams have an elite grade on according to Charlie Campbell, and although the term gets thrown around a lot, Bijan truly is generational. Teams are enamored with him, and I believe he has a higher ceiling than Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. Despite his position, I'm skeptical he'll slide this far. Like Kyle Pitts, he's just a freakish prospect with a high floor and immeasurable ceiling, and could take this already electric offense to the next level.
Other Options:
Jahmyr GIbbs (RB, Alabama) - Gibbs is basically a superior version of D’Andre Swift, so that fit would be nice. He’d be a good backup option if Robinson goes - as he should - earlier than this.
Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland), Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State) - If the Lions forgo a cornerback in the top-10, they could take one of the Tier 2 guys here. I like both prospects a lot.
Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson), Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh) - The Lions have a quality defensive line, but they could do with one more alpha. Lots of their depth is getting phased out over time under this regime, so I could see them adding one more premium pick at the position to give Hutchinson and Houston some breathing space. I also think Kancey would be an amazing fit here; had Robinson not been here, Kancey would have been my go to next option.
V1 Mock Draft Pick: Will Levis (QB, Kentucky)
In real-time, it is unlikely Levis falls this far, although I think it's more than feasible he slides outside the top-10. I think the Buccaneers could make a move up to get Levis if he falls past Tennessee at No. 11, as their current QB options are Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.
Of the top-4 QB prospects in this class, Levis is the one I worry about the most. His arm talent is impressive, and he has great build and prototypical traits. He also pushes the ball down the field well. However, he makes bad decisions, has weak pocket awareness and struggles with ball security. There are reports he also suffers with anxiety and has mental make-up issues. Richardson is more erratic than Levis, but I love his top-end more, and brings more as an athlete. For me, Levis is the clear QB4 in this class, and this is a more appropriate range for him than the top-10.
Other Options:
Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - The Buccaneers need a new left tackle badly. It’ll be a top-64 priority for them, for sure.
Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama) - Both players are personal favorites, but the Bucs don’t have the luxury of drafting a running back in Round 1.
Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - The Buccaneers’ pass rush is dreadful. I’ve commonly mocked the edge rusher on my excel mocks I run weekly. Again, this needs to be a Day 2 consideration if not a Round 1 priority.
V1 Mock Draft Pick: Jordan Addison (WR, USC)
The Seahawks are in a nice spot with their 2nd selection. They could honestly double down with another 3-4 OLB or defensive lineman. They could take a guard if they need to move on from Gabe Jackson. As it stands, I think the best player left is Jordan Addison, who will add speed and youth to the Seahawks’ receiver group. D’Wayne Eskridge was their ‘21 attempt at this, but has been a total bust thus far.
With Lockett getting older and approaching the end of his deal, Addison could be the long-term heir apparent at WR for the Seahawks. Addison is a quality receiver who was productive in college and a deep threat for the NFL. He'd be a nice compliment to the physical playstyle of DK Metcalf. He underwhelmed a little bit at the combine, but Addison is still a safe 1st rounder in my opinion, as the tape doesn't lie.
Other Options:
Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College) - 2 speed alternatives at WR.
Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland) - I nearly mocked the Seahawks banks. They could do with a boundary corner to pair with star in the making Tariq Woolen.
Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - Some pass rush options if they take Jalen Carter at No. 5
The Chargers’ need to improve their run defense cannot be overstated. However, within this range, I think other options provide more value. Nasir Adderley (who was an impending free agent anyway before retirement) was mediocre, and the Chargers need a quality slot cornerback.
Branch is a great prospect for them who would provide terrific value at No. 21 (I think the Jets as high as No. 13 could justify him). Branch can either play as a deep safety (probably his best position) or as a slot cornerback. He played the “STAR” position for Alabama, and has a similar positional profile to Minkah Fitzpatrick as a hybrid cornerback/safety for the NFL. He’s the consensus No. 1 safety in this class, with great ‘22 tape, good college production and is a stellar athlete. Great safeties (James, Hamilton, Hooker) typically fall into the 12-20 range of the draft, and although Chargers fans may be screaming for a receiver or DT, I think Branch is the best player available to secure their secondary.
Other Options:
Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia) - Some pass rush options. I think pass rush is a sneaky need for Los Angeles, and would have probably mocked Will McDonald IV here if available. Joey Bosa is very injury prone, and Mack has a huge contract the Chargers likely won’t be able to roster for too long. Their depth beyond them is very mediocre.
Mazi Smith (DT, Florida), Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh) - The Chargers run defense has been god awful for a couple of years now. Kancey would be the better option if they want to improve their IPR, whereas Smith is a road grader. This is a little early for Smith, in my opinion, but he’s the one player I think could easily make the late 1st round.
Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah), Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa), Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia) - These are the 4 tight ends I see as possible 1st rounders. All of them are within 8 spots on my big board, and all have different strengths and weaknesses. The Chargers could do with a better pass catching threat at tight end.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College)
Outside of perhaps the New York Giants, the Ravens have the worst receiving corps in the NFL and outside of the oft-injured Rashod Bateman (who I think is also more of a No. 2 receiver) desperately need to make an upgrade with the best receiver available. Odell Beckham helps, but he’s a complete gamble at this point in his career.
Zay Flowers is amongst my biggest draft crushes in this draft, with game-breaking speed and excellent tape amidst weak quarterbacking at Boston College from ‘21-’22. He’s a terrific prospect who would allow Lamar Jackson to finally use his underrated skill-set as a passer and stretch the field more post-Greg Roman.
Other Options:
Quentin Johnston, (WR, TCU), Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) - - Alternatives. I think it's unrealistic to expect Johnston or JSN to slide here, but stranger things have happened. This WR class has no consensus, and they could go in any order.
Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland) - It would not shock me at all if the Ravens forewent WR in the opening round. They need another boundary corner now that Marcus Peters is no longer on the roster.
Trade Up for a Quarterback - I think Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will work things out, but this is the least confident I’ve ever been about that.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland)
The Vikings invested heavily in their secondary in the draft, but neither Lewis Cine nor Andrew Booth Jr. made meaningful contributions due to injury and depth chart placement. Even if both ball out in ‘23, they need more secondary help. Their rostered CB’s are more backup caliber players, Harrison Smith is a potential cap casualty at safety, and Patrick Peterson - their only viable starting CB last year - left in free agency.
Deonte Banks - my 4th rated corner behind the consensus top-3 - could go a long way in solving this woe. Banks wasn’t a huge name even at the conclusion of the ‘22 season, but has been dramatically climbing up draft boards after reviewing his excellent season. Banks is arguably the most “rounded” CB outside of Christian Gonzalez in this draft; a natural cover corner with good size, speed and is a very fluid athlete with little stiffness. It wouldn’t surprise me if he consolidated himself as a top-20 choice, and would be very surprised if he fell to Day 2. Tony Pauline says of the teams he's surveyed, Banks is getting consensus Round 1 grades.
Other Options:
Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami), Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina). Some alternatives. I think this is a bit early for any of them, though.
Quentin Johnston, (WR, TCU), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College), Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) - I think it's unrealistic to expect Johnston or JSN to slide here, but stranger things have happened. This WR class has no consensus, and they could go in any order. They have a gaping hole at WR2 after releasing Adam Thielen.
Jack Campbell (LB, Iowa) - The Vikings need a lot of help at linebacker. This is probably a Day 2 priority. I like Campbell as a late 1st rounder, I just think there are limited team fits. The Chargers, Vikings and Bills would be the better landing spots.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia)
The Jaguars’ clearest draft need is at cornerback, but I think Rodarius Williams played well on the outside, and could target someone like Clark Phillips on Day 2 instead. Still, if a quality cornerback like Banks is available, I’d absolutely take him. Meanwhile, despite repeated 1st round investment, the Jaguars pass rush still isn’t quite there. Travon Walker has a lot of promise, but is still developing as a pass rusher. Josh Allen is good, but in relative terms a mild disappointment as a top-10 pick after plateauing a bit in recent years (he’s also entering a contract year). K’Lavon Chaisson is a complete bust. They also have little in their front-3 but run stuffers. This prospect gives them a more impactful 3-4 DE.
Myles Murphy fits the athletic and size profile that Trent Baalke covets, and is a ridiculous athlete with scheme/line versatility. There is no doubt he has a top-10 skill-set. However, Murphy is a love/hate prospect amongst NFL personnel due to his use (or lack thereof) of his power, and the recent trend of Clemson edge rushers failing at the next level. It’ll be interesting to see where he ends up, but I like his fit as an athletic 3-4 end and Jacksonville feels like a team that could be into his upside.
Other Options:
Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State) - Some alternatives.
Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland), Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami), Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina), Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia). I don’t think the Jaguars are forced to take a CB in the 1st. I do think their main need is a nickel, more than outside. THis is a bit early for any corner not named Deonte Banks, in my opinion.
O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida) - The Jaguars could do with more IOL help, as Tyler Shatley is more of a No. 6 lineman, and Ben Bartch is up-gradable. Torrence could be a plug and play starter. I’m not convinced he fits the athletic profile that Baalke typically covers.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida)
The Giants still need receiving help, despite having 11(!) receivers currently rostered, none of them are close toWR1 talents. However, it's appearing more and more likely that New York could miss out on the consensus 1st round receivers (Johnston, Addison, Flowers, Smith-Njigba) at their current slot. Their next biggest needs are at cornerback and interior offensive line. I think Torrence could make a lot of sense, but they may wish to roll with their mid-rounders from last year and focus on a center on Day 2 - perhaps Joe Tippman, or John Michael Schmitz. Here, I have them taking a talented corner.
On tape, Emmanuel Forbes is probably a top-20 pick. However, he is the “slim reaper” of cornerbacks, as he is scarily thin. Still, Forbes is athletic, sticky to receivers and a ball hawk. The Giants desperately need better play at cornerback, and could prioritize the position if the receivers are gone. Peter King is extremely hit or miss, but for what it’s worth, he’s hearing that Forbes should get out of the 1st round. I’d be surprised if he fell past around pick 40.
Other Options:
Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland), Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami), Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina). Some alternatives. Banks would be great value, whereas I’d consider Stevenson and Smith mild (but forgivable) reaches.
Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College), Jalin Hyatt (WR, Tennessee) - Addison would be an excellent value choice this late. Flowers, too, would be a quality pick, but both are gone. If the Giants are set on receiver, they’d realistically need to trade up for one. I’m pretty low on Hyatt in the top-50 and would consider this quite the reach, but several are making the connection.
O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida) - My pick from last time. Torrence is sliding a bit, but he’d be a quality pick here.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)
The Cowboys' primary needs (WR still, LB, DT, S) don't cleanly line up with this range unless they make a reach. Instead, I think the Cowboys could take the best remaining talent off the board. The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz to the Texans, and have rotational players left to fill the gap. Perhaps one could step up, but the Cowboys seem like a team who will just take a swing on the best offensive player available this year, be it a receiver, tight end or even running back.
I don’t view Kincaid as a top-20 prospect like Daniel Jeremiah does, but he’s my TE1 for his high-end potential as a receiving tight end and playmaking ability. He’s an adept blocker, too, and would allow the Cowboys to continue utilizing tight sets effectively for Dak Prescott. I’d be pretty surprised if Kincaid fell out of the 1st round at this juncture.
Other Options:
Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa), Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia) - Tight End alternatives.
O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida) - The Cowboys have a huge hole at guard on the other side of Zack Martin and Tyler Biadacz.
Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama) - I would bet my bottom dollar that Jerry Jones wants Robinson. I don’t think it’s possible to get him this late without a dramatic trade-up, which for a running back would be panned in the modern NFL. Gibbs is available, but maybe not the best compliment to Tony Pollard, who was terrific in ‘22.
Mock Draft V1 Pick Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee)
The Bills have a great roster and an active Super Bowl window, but the chickens have come home to roost with their offensive line. Outside of Dion Dawkins, the patch work of mid-round picks and declining veterans led to a line which ended up being the hamartia of their ‘22 campaign. Equally, the top tackles are gone, and Day 2 - 3 interior offensive lineman have a strong track record for success.
Of course, the same could be said at running back - if not tenfold. However, I have the Bills taking Gibbs here just due to the fit. The Bills really need to consolidate their running game, and although Bijan Robinson is the best player in this entire draft class, several teams believe Gibbs isn’t too far behind. Charlie has reported that Gibbs is considered a top player in this class too, and is my 15th ranked player. He was electric for Alabama in 2022 and is a hybrid of D'Andre Swift and Alvin Kamara. The Bills invested in James Cook with the 63rd overall pick, but he doesn’t screen “3-down back” to me, so I absolutely expected the Bills to draft a running back pretty early in this class.
Other Options:
Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas) - The dream. In my opinion, though, a pipe-dream, despite other media mocks having Robinson consistently fall out of the top-20. I don’t even feel comfortable sliding as far as I have him, let alone here.
Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - Either/or pick should be the pick if available. Neither are in this mock.
O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida) - I would be fine with Torrence here, as I have a top-30 grade on him. He has his flaws, but is an elite run blocker.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa)
The Bengals seem disinterested in trading Tee Higgins, and I'm presuming they work some sort of restructure out for the highly paid Joe Mixon. Now they've signed Brown Jr., it appears like they'll go again with Collins at RT and trade Jonah Williams. Otherwise, the Bengals could do with upgrading at tight end. They signed Irv Smith Jr., a former 2nd round pick who never lived up to his draft position, but I can't see him being a true difference maker at the position.
LaPorta has been a quick riser in recent weeks, and Charlie Campbell reported that a few teams think he has a shot of breaking the 1st round. Now, others are reporting the same, and I think Sam LaPorta is firmly in the 1st round picture. I think he has more talent than Michael Mayer as a receiving tight end in the NFL in my opinion, and has terrific tape from the Tight End factory that is Iowa.
Other Options:
Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah), Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia) - Other options at Tight End. Kincaid will probably go a bit earlier than I mocked; I have a feeling someone may bite on him a bit earlier than expected. Mayer is declining as the consensus TE1. Like Walt and Charlie, I believe that the 1st round isn’t a guarantee for Mayer; he’s safe, but has a bit of a ceiling compared to other more athletic options here, in my opinion.
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama) - The Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr. despite having the impending 5th year option on Jonah Williams already agreed to. They are currently proving they will do what it takes to maximize this championship window. Joe Mixon stayed out of trouble in the first few years as a Bengals, but he has a plethora of off-field issues presently, and regressed a bit since signing his big contract. A divorce seems inevitable, and I absolutely love the fit of Jahmyr Gibbs in that offense. Position aside, he’d be a steal here (player wise), as some teams think he’s one of the best players in this class irrespective of position. They could look to release Joe Mixon and take the cap hit post draft. He'd accrue a $5.5M in dead cap hit, but the Bengals could survive that.
Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State, Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - The Bengals have a good defensive line, but it isn’t the deepest group beyond Hendrickson and Hubbard. This may be more of a Day 2 priority, but their pass rush must remain loaded to compete for a championship.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame)
The Saints’ defensive front-seven needs a complete overhaul, but candidly, so does most of their roster. They could justify almost any BPA here; for now, think that is - comfortably - Calijah Kancey. There are a ton of options at tight end, guard and corner on Day 2, and Kancey is a rare prospect.
If Kancey was heavier and 6-3, he’d be a shoe-in for the top-10. As it stands, Kancey is undersized, but has amongst the best pass rushing profiles of any player in this class and for his size is adequate against the run. I think he'd be much better in a 4-3 with a traditional nose due to his limitations; he’d be dwarfed as a 3-4 end. In the right defense, Kancey could be a truly dominant interior pass rusher.
Other Options:
Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia) - This pick is most likely EDGE or DT. Here are some edge options.
Mazi Smith (DT, Michigan), Adetomiwa Adebawore (DT, Northwestern) -Alternatives to Kancey. Adebawore would be an interior pass rushing 3-tech; Smith a heavy based nose tackle. I think Smith and Adebawore are right in the 1st round bubble, and probably wouldn’t make it to pick-40.
Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah), Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa), Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia) - These are the 4 tight ends I see as possible 1st rounders. All of them are within 8 spots on my big board, and all have different strengths and weaknesses. The Saints - as such - could probably wait to pick 40 (or trade down from this pick) to take one. They need a better pass catching threat at the position.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama)
If there is not a premium position fit available, this feels like a trade down spot. The Eagles only have so many spots to fill, and many of them are at "non-premium" positions (e.g. RB, LB, S). I do like the potential fit of Jahmyr Gibbs - my 15th ranked player overall - but the Eagles publicly prioritize line play in Round 1, with some receiver picks too. The Eagles had an elite defensive line last year, but a lot of their interior pressure with Javon Hargrave is gone now he has signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Brandon Graham is also not getting any younger, so they could really do with some youth.
Smith was the star of the combine with his ridiculous athletic testing, and is rising as a prospect. On tape, Nolan Smith is a Day 2 prospect. He had solid moments, but overall disappointed last year. Some mocks have him going top-12, which seems ludicrous to me, but I think Smith would be a high upside option in the 20-32 range, so this would be decent value. Although not that productive, Smith is undeniably an athletic freak. He is insanely fast, and I think he’s versatile as a base 4-3 end or a 3-4 standup OLB. The Eagles love their Georgia defenders, and Smith could easily continue that trend if available.
Other Options:
Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - Some alternative edge rushers who could be available.
Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh), Bryan Bresee (DT, Clemson) - Kancey at No. 30 would be an A+ for me, and the Eagles would be the perfect landing spot for him. I’m much lower on Bresee - I have him as a 3rd round prospect - but he looked good at the combine, and is a big name, so he could go top-50 still.
O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida) - Skoronski is my pick at No. 10, and as stated, people are presuming Cam Jurgens will start at guard post-Suemalo. He is more of a center-only for the NFL, and I think they may prefer to once again redshirt him rather than force him to start at a bad position for him. If they take Van Ness or Carter at No. 10, then they could take their guard here instead.
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)
The Chiefs don’t have many needs, but they could do with more help on both sides of the trenches. Perhaps most alarmingly, they lost both starting Super Bowl tackles Andrew Wylie (who was already up-gradable) and Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency. They signed Jawaan Taylor to address one spot, and their IOL is the league's best, but definitely need another high-end tackle to man the right side.
Anton Harrison is more of a mid-2nd round pick in my opinion, as he showed soft tape at times, and there are reported concerns that he’s a bit of a finesse blocker. However, I remember similar criticisms of Christian Darrisaw, who was a beast in Year 2. I don’t think Harrison is as good a prospect as Darrisaw, but athletic blockers with good size and NFL translatable traits get drafted early. The Chiefs seem to always do an incredible job with developing the offensive line, and Harrison has a lot of talent. Charlie recently reported that he has an outside chance to go Round 1, and shouldn’t last long in the 2nd round if he makes it there.
Other Options:
Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - OL alternatives. I consider Jones very overrated, but given his athletic potential and versatility, I’d be surprised if he didn’t go top-20, as that’s where consensus has him. Wright is rising, and I doubt he falls out the top-20 or so.
Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State, Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - Karlaftis kicked it into another gear in the back half of his rookie season, and Charles Omenihu is a high upside signing, but the Chiefs lack a true alpha edge rusher. Frank Clark is now off the team, and he wasn’t that great to begin with. Nolan Smith would be a beautiful fit here.
Mazi Smith (NT, Michigan) - Smith could easily end up a first rounder due to his athleticism and quality tape through both ‘21 and ‘22. He would be a solid nose tackle to anchor the line and pair with IPR demon Chris Jones.