LSU

The Jaguars completely collapsed in the back half of the season, and have issues with their defensive front and interior offensive line. However, they have an opening at wide receiver. Christian Kirk and Evan Engram (technically TE) are good passing game threats, but neither would be No. 1 options for most teams. The Jaguars may not re-sign Ridley as they’ll lose draft compensation if they do, and this is a stellar draft for receiving talent.

Brian Thomas Jr. is a top-10 pick in terms of skill and upside, but is in a crowded receiving draft. I have Odunze and Thomas as my 3a and 3b receivers at this point, and think that he is a better value choice than a guard or Newton here. The media was a bit slow catching up, but my guys Charlie Campbell and Dane Brugler have been hot on Brian Thomas for months now, and Thomas is a 1st round mainstay in most mocks now. He isn’t as tough as his physical presence would indicate but Brian Thomas Jr. is fast and a lethal threat with a lot of upside to grow and develop. He’d likely become the Jaguars’ long-term No. 1 receiver.

***
Other Options:

Rome Odunze (WR, Washington) or Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State) - Odunze is likely to go top-20 after an outstanding 2023 season and high floor. I’ve cooled substantially on Coleman in recent weeks, but has a lot of upside as a potential 1st round pick and would be fine in the mid-to-back half of the 1st round if the first 4 guys are gone.

Troy Fautanu (G, Washington) or Graham Barton (G, Duke) - These are two very solid offensive linemen who can play tackle but could be elite guard in the NFL, all with mid-1st to very early 2nd round grades. I think I’d take a receiver over either prospect, but the Jaguars’ o-line continuous to struggle despite extensive investments.

Jer’Zhan Newton (DL, Illinois) - The Jaguars defensive tackles have been an issue for some time. Newton would bring a much needed interior pass rushing presence.

Oregon State

The Bengals continue to have a big need along their offensive line. Jonah Williams - who was upgradable anyway - is a free agent, and I doubt they look to extend him given he’s been an average tackle at best for them. Here is a strong, steady replacement who can play right away.

In my first mock, I put the following “(Taliese ) Fuaga has an exponential riser this season, and has put himself from Day 3 contention into the top-30 prospects for many evaluators. He’s been outstanding in 2023 and is insanely tough, physical and has great size. He'll be on the site soon”. He’s currently a Day 2 prospect on this site, but I would be surprised if he didn’t rise in the coming weeks. Fuaga put on arguably elite tape in 2023, and is a top-12 candidate for some sites. I’m not quite that high on Fuaga, but I have him as my 5th rated tackle. My main knock is a lack of flexibility, but he’s a plug and play right tackle who has allowed just 2 hits on pass pro snaps in 2023.

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Other Options:

JC Latham (OT, Alabama), Troy Fautanu (G, Washington) or Graham Barton (G, Duke) - I’m cool on Latham, which I’ll get into a few picks down. He’d be a justifiable option here, though, as he’s also a RT or G for the NFL. Same goes for Fautanu and Barton.

Rome Odunze (WR, Washington) or Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU) - Could the Bengals add another LSU receiver? Tee Higgins is a free agent coming off the worst year of his career, with Ja’Marr Chase eligible for a record-breaking extension. This could be Odunze’s floor if still available.

Cooper DeJean (CB/S, Iowa), Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama), Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) or Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami) - I’m not sold on Dax Hill. Even if he improves in Year 3, he could play the slot. DeJean and Kinchens could be safety upgrades. Lassiter and McKinstry are coming into range.

Iowa

The Packers should move on from David Bakhtiari, but the Packers seldom draft OL in the 1st round. I could see them keeping Zach Tom at Right Tackle and using one of their two 2nd rounders on someone like Patrick Paul or Kingsley Suamataia. Meanwhile, their secondary is a state whenever Jaire Alexander is banged up, which is often. Eric Stokes isn’t panning out (and seldom available), and their safeties continue to be a huge weakness.

Cooper DeJean is a quality playmaker with good ball skills and safety/slot ability. He’s a comparable prospect to Brian Branch but with much better athleticism, and would be an option in a couple of positions of need for the Packers. He feels like a hand in glove for what they need and has a ton of upside.

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Other Options:

Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami) - Kinchens seems all over the map based on the writer. I see some 1st round projections, whilst some sites have him as a deep Day 2 pick. I think he’s a mid-to-late 1st prospect with his versatility, upside and ball skills, even if his stock has probably regressed in 2023.

Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama), Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) or Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) - The Packers may want a 3rd cornerback. Ballentine is not a long-term guy, and Stokes is a bust.

Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia), Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma) or Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona) - I really like Zach Tom, and he played well at RT in 2023, deserving the job. They could target one of these tackles for their LT spot, if any are available

Washington

The Buccaneers can go in a ton of directions with his pick, but I think the trenches - offensive or defensive - is the most logical direction. Wirfs is an elite tackle, and Goedecke has improved since moving to his more natural position of tackle. However, they have a hole at guard and center. Mauch was just okay as a rookie and could move to center; they also have another hole at guard alongside him, even if he remains there. A versatile lineman who can play multiple positions would be ideal.

Fautanu is a player who has risen in 2023 after an incredible season for Washington. He played LT in college, but profiles better inside in the pros due to arm length limitations. Multiple teams like Fautanu as an early rounder, according to Charlie, and could play guard or even center, as well as tackle in emergency situations (much like Elgton Jenkins or Alijah Vera-Tucker).

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Other Options:

Graham Barton (G, Duke) or JC Latham (OT, Alabama) - Alternative G/OT options

Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State) or Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State) - Turner and LAtu are in a tier of their own, and in Tier 2, it’s Chop Robinson and Jared Verse. Both are players who slightly underwhelmed in 2023 but have 1st round skill-sets. Robinson has a really low floor but immense upside, whereas Verse has underwhelmed against strong competition. Both should be safe late 1st round prospects, but don’t see either as top-20 selections at this stage. Either/or player here is the first spot I’d consider rangeworthy, and the Buccaneers need more pass rushing talent outside of YaYa Diaby and 1st round bust Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.

Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State) - Receiver isn’t out of the question. I’d be surprised if Mike Evans didn’t work out a reunion to Tampa Bay, but it’s not a given he’ll be re-signed, which would open a huge hole at receiver.

Illinois

The Cardinals defense is an utter travesty, and could justify virtually anybody. Given the oft-mentioned rarity of interior pass rushing ability, and the reasonable availability of good cornerbacks on Day 2, I think that Newton probably gives them the rarest commodity at this spot.

Jer’Zhan Newton is undersized and limited in run defense, but not a complete liability in this regard. Primarily, is a good interior pass rushing option with a knack at getting to the quarterback. The Cardinals haven’t had this sort of presence for the best part of a decade, and I really like Newton as a potential fit. He’d be a good fit in Gannon’s 3-4/4-3 flex defense as a 3-tech.

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Other Options:

Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State) or Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State) - The Cardinals have no true pass rush. Either/or prospect would provide an immediate upgrade.

Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama), Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) or Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) - The Cardinals have nothing at corner. If they prioritize that here, there are numerous options.

Georgia

Credit it where it's due, the Rams have been phenomenal. To a rookie-yard setting 6th rounder and future WR1 for the Rams Puka Nacua, to turning Kobie Turner into a rookie sack leader, and Byron Young into a potential franchise edge rusher, all their success despite a top-10 pick roster on paper is truly a testament to their regime, coaching and their largely solid mid-round drafting. The Rams main clear defensive weakness now is their secondary, which needs numerous upgrades. They could entertain upgrading the offensive line here, too, but aside from Left Tackle, their offensive line has been better than projected.

I have Kamari Lassiter above Kool-Aid McKinstry. Lassiter has put himself in the 20-32 range as things stand after some great games in 2023. He is not very productive in terms of interceptions , but his instincts have improved and is very disruptive with 8 passes deflected in 2023. I think his floor is as an early 2nd round pick, unless he bombs the pre-draft process.

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Other Options:

Cooper DeJean (CB/S, Iowa), Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami), Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama) or Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) - Alternatives at cornerback and safety.

Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State) or Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State) - The Ram’s pass rush has grossly out performed its pre-season predictions. Still, they could do with another big name in that group.

Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma), Jordan Morgan (OT/G, Arizona) or Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia) - I’d be stunned if Mims fell past this spot. Some Left Tackle options.

Miami

Joey Porter Jr. seems to be panning out as a great value future franchise cornerback, and Minkah Fitzpatrick continues to dominate one safety spot, but their remaining secondary is old and faltering. The Steelers need upgrades at both linebacker and safety. Of these positions, Kinchens is comfortably the best player on my big board.

Kinchens has been a bit inconsistent in 2023, but he’s a ball hawking safety that can play free or strong safety, and is a tough tackler. He has range, athleticism and is reportedly strong in character off the field. I think he’ll still end up a 1st round pick, or at worst end up in the Brian Branch-Xavier McKinney range in the 2nd round.

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Other Options:

Cooper DeJean (CB/S, Iowa), Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama), Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) or Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) - Alternatives at cornerback and safety.

Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona), Graham Barton (G, Duke), Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia), Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma) - The Steelers could opt to draft a bookend tackle to Broderick Jones, as their OL continues to struggle. They also need IOL improvements, with their IOL underperforming to their contracts.

Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas), Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU) - Keon Coleman feels too similar to George Pickens, but they could use another receiver after Dionte Johnson’s hilarious lack of effort throughout 2023 and pending free agency in 2025.

Alabama

The Dolphins offensive line is starting to gather shape, but they need a guard (maybe two) and/or a right tackle, depending on where they keep Austin Jackson.

I am a bit cooler on JC Latham than this site, who has him listed as their No. 1 OT. Latham has a high floor and is capable but has less upside than the other tackles taken before him. Equally, Latham is amongst the strongest RT’s I’ve ever seen at the collegiate level, but his lack of lateral quickness really concerns me. He’s similar to former alumni Evan Neal insofar that his footwork and athleticism may hinder him from starting at LT in the pros, and in Neals’ case, at tackle at all.

For the Dolphins, I’d draft Latham and tap into his immense strength as a guard, keeping recently re-signed Austin Jackson as their right tackle. Re-signing Robert Hunt and Connor Williams, that could potentially be a terrific offensive line.

***
Other Options:

Troy Fautanu (G, Washington), Graham Barton (G, Duke) or Jordan Morgan (OT/G, Arizona) - Some G/OT alternatives.

Cooper DeJean (CB/S, Iowa) or Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami) - Jevon Holland is a stud, but they could probably ugprade their other safety spot. Nickel could be a spot to improve too. Here are two versatile options.

Kris Jenkins (DL, Michigan) - If they lose Christian Wilkins in free agency, they could

Florida State

The Eagles almost exclusively draft OL, DL or WR to a famous extent at this point. This has come at the cost of their putrid and aging secondary, but I have them sticking to the script here with their regime remaining untouched, and the relative lack of true difference makers at defensive end (Reddick is a flex linebacker, and Josh Sweat more of a complimentary edge rusher). With Brandom Graham retiring, they could use a front-line DE.

Jared Verse was touted as a top-5 prospect entering the season, but has fallen from that estimation with teams having borderline 1st/2nd round grades on him presently. Verse tends to run hot and cold and is still pretty raw after only 2 years in top-division football, but is a talented edge rusher with a knack at getting to the quarterback, with 9 sacks a piece in 2022 and 2023. I could easily see him going in the 20-32 range to a 4-3 team like Philadelphia, Houston, Detroit or San Francisco.

***
Other Options:

Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State) - Alternative edge rusher.

Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) or Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) - The Eagles don’t draft corners in the 1st round, but perhaps they should this year as their secondary sucks.

Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona), Graham Barton (G, Duke), JC Latham (OT/G, Alabama) - Never rule out an offensive lineman for the Eagles. Lane Johnson is getting up there in years, and although I don’t think he needs an understudy just yet, they could consider one. Someone like Graham Barton to kick inside might also be an option depending on their feelings on Tyler Steen’s development.

Florida State

I strongly considered an offensive tackle here, as Jawaan Taylor was a huge overpay, and Donovan Smith looks geriatric at Left Tackle. However, their band of mediocre pass options is starting to take its toll. Excluding Rashee Rice - a nice 2nd round pick up that I was wrongly critical of at the time - Marques Valdes-Scantling continues to be average, Skyy Moore continues to just be a Mecole Hardman 2.0 gimmick, and Kadarius Toney has become one of the bigger draft busts of the past decade, as he’s so bad I question if he should be in the NFL at all. They need a No. 1 receiving candidate.

Keon Coleman went 8th overall in my last mock, but Coleman has apparently become a bit of a polarizing prospect amongst teams based off a recent draft stock report. What he does bring is physical mismatch potential, something none of the Chiefs’ current receivers can really offer. He’d be a much needed upgrade and a good fit for that offense.

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Other Options:

Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas), Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina) or Xavier Worthy (Texas) - 3 prospects I really like in the 25-40 range.

Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma), JC Latham (OT/G, Alabama), Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona) or Kingsley Suamataia (OT, BYU) - The Chiefs need a long-term LT, unless Wanya Morris is a diamond in the rough. Jawaan Taylor is also on thin ice after a poor 2023 season.

Michigan

What an amazing turn-around for the Texans! I still can’t believe I listened to the BS reports that the Texans may pass on him, as I had Stroud close to if not ahead of Bryce Young on my personal big board by the end of the process. He’s had a historic rookie year, and with DeMeco Ryans looking to be a stellar coach, the future is very bright in Houston. Now, they need to continue to plug some gaps on either side of the balls, especially defense. Ryans et al is coaching that unit up to the best of his ability, but their IDL in particular continues to be problematic.

Jenkins is a new entrant on my mock drafts. He wasn’t exceptional in 2023 but has a quality skill-set and is viewed as a potential 1st rounder in higher esteem than 2023’s 26th overall selection Mazi Smith. He probably won’t be a prolific quarterback hunter but has the potential to be an road grading run stopper with immense strength and some upside.

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Other Options:

Byron Murphy II (DL, Texas) - Murphy is rising and could end up as a top-40 pick.

Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State) or Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State) - Greenard is a free agent, and the Texans need a bookend for Will Anderson Jr.

Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) or Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) - Derek Stingley Jr. was better in year 2, but they still need a 2nd cornerback. I doubt Steven Nelson is a long-term option for them.

Penn State

The Lions front office is one of the more impressive in the NFL and have done an incredible job re-building a forgotten franchise and making them a top-3 NFC squad within 3 drafts. The Lions have drafted several cornerstone players including Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown, with the projection for Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch and others looking equally bullish. They still have defensive improvements to make, however, namely to their secondary and at edge rusher alongside Aidan Hutchinson. They inherited a lot of mediocre, overpaid veterans along the defensive line and could do with a hand-picked No. 2 with upside.

Like Verse, Robinson has fallen a bit after a good, not great 2023 where he missed some time with injury. Robinson is undersized for 4-3 defenses, but has enough explosiveness that I think he could have a role as a designated pass rusher or if used in rotation. His athleticism and burst is scary, as he’s probably the twitchiest edge rusher in the class, but he has huge boom or bust potential. Robinson is a difficult prospect to pin - he could go top-20, or slide to the 3rd round without me being shocked either way.

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Other Options:

Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State), Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama) or Bralen Trice - The Lions could consider Braswell or Trice, who I have high 2nd round grades on.

Graham Barton (G, Duke) or Jordan Morgan (OT/G, Arizona) - Guard is a potential hole if Jonah Jackson leaves in free agency, and arguably have a need there on the other side anyway.

Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State), Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas), Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina) or Xavier Worthy (Texas) - As aforementioned, this Lions regime has been spectacular. The only real “miss” thus far was the trade up for Jameson Williams. After returning from injury (and then suspension), Williams has looked like a bust, dropping passes and struggling to use his given abilities to get open. He’ll be on a short leash in 2024 and they could opt to draft a receiver anyway. I doubt this will be a R1 priority, but who knows.

Texas

The Bills rebounded after their poor start, going from potential outsiders looking in to securing the No. 2 seed. As per the last mock, their receiving room beyond Diggs (who is now in his 30’s) has underwhelmed, and Gabe Davis is an impending free agent.

Adonai Mitchell is rising with teams, as Charlie has reported that teams consider him a future 1st round talent. He’s been the Longhorns’ most electric play-maker this season and is in the late 1st/early 2nd round bubble for me.

***
Other Options:

Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas), Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina) or Xavier Worthy (Texas) - Alternative receiver options.

Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia), Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama), Cooper DeJean (CB/S, Iowa) or Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)- Tre White’s best days may be behind him, and Kaiir Elam appears to be a huge bust. Their safeties aren’t getting younger, either. Any of these players could be justified.

Duke

The Cowboys are a very dangerous team that often prioritizes the trenches, and the time may have some to make said investment once again. Tyler SMith is a stud who may stay at guard, but I imagine he’ll move to Left Tackle when Tyron Smith moves on (as early potentially as this off-season, if he does not re-sign). Zach Martin regressed in 2023, Terrence Steele struggled coming off a significant injury, and Tyler Biadascz is a free agent. There is the potential for at least 2 spots to need new starters in 2023.

Graham Barton feels like a perfect fit for the Cowboys, as he’s a potential 5-position starter. Barton plays LT for the Blue Devils, but is more of a guard at the next level, similar to ‘22 draft pick Peter Skoronski. Barton has been a big up and down in 2023, but is a pretty high floor starter with fringe 1st/2nd round ability. Said flexibility could be invaluable to Dallas.

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Other Options:

Jordan Morgan (OT/G, Arizona), Kingsley Suamataia (OT, BYU), Patrick Paul (OT, Houston) - Some bubble 1st round/2nd round options to play LT if Tyler Smith stays at Guard, or to come inside if required.

Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State), Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas), Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina) or Xavier Worthy (Texas) - Lamb is a superstar, but their receiving corps is pretty average to mediocre beyond him. A WR2 could be in play if the right one falls.

Arizona

This is an interesting spot for my 49ers. For one, don’t be shocked if San Francisco focuses more IOL than OT. RT is commonly mentioned as our biggest need, but I disagree. Colton McKivitz - although not a household name - has been absolutely fine at RT, and not the “liability” multiple lazy outlets argue. He played better than McGlinchey did throughout his rookie contract for a fraction of the price. He’s credited with allowing 9 sacks, but 3 came in his first proper start, and the majority of those prior to the bye week in his first season as a starter. Since the bye has been improving a fair bit with multiple PFF grades in the 80’s. Secondly, although Trent Williams is 35, he is playing at a 1st Team All Pro level still, and could still be 2-3 years off retiring, meaning that we are risking wasting much of the contract of an understudy.

I think a guard with OT versatility like Troy Fautanu, Graham Barton or the selected choice - Jordan Morgan - makes sense to replace Spencer Burford, possibly moving to RT if McKivitz regresses. Morgan is a prospect I liked as a 2nd round pick in 2023 before returning to school. This proved to be a wise decision, as he has played really well in 2023, and is now a likely 1st round pick. Morgan is a tough and versatile lineman who has a lot of athletic upside and relatively few flaws as a multi-year starter. He can also play guard, which is what I envisage he would do to start his career in San Francisco.

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Other Options:

Graham Barton (G, Duke), Troy Fautanu (G, Washington) or JC Latham (OT, Alabama) - Alternative G/OT options. We typically don’t draft Alabama after the Reuben Foster fiasco, outside of a medical rookie redshirt backup tight end, but with Saban gone that may change. Fautanu is the dream pick for me.

Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State) or Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State) - I think it is optimistic, but not impossible, that either/or prospect falls to this pick. If the 49ers do not keep Chase Young, a 2nd DE is a huge need. Drake Jackson is situational pass rusher who is incredibly inconsistent, and Randy Gregory is a likely cap casualty brought in to prop up a Super Bowl pitch.

Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) or Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) - Our secondary is underrated. Ward is a Pro Bowler, Lenoir was very solid in 2023, and Ambry Thomas came along nicely after doing nothing for 2.5 years. Equally, all are free agents in 2025, and the 49ers often draft a year in advance so we are likely to lose some if not all of these guys. The earliest cornerback we have drafted in this regime was Akhello Witherspoon in the 3rd round in 2017, but our first pick of the 2023 was JiAyir Brown. Steve Wilks also puts more emphasis into DB’s than Saleh or Ryans every did, so I can see a CB being in play.

Alabama

The Ravens are the clear favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, but they aren’t a flawless team. The Ravens’ have a hit on Zay Flowers, but the rest of their receiving corps is middling. Rashod Bateman has disappointed to say the least, and OBJ/Agholor are not long-term solutions at this point in their careers. However, they have an even bigger hole at cornerback.

If Charlie surveys teams for the most overrated prospect in this year’s draft, my guess is that one of the most regular names you’ll hear is Kool-Aid McKinstry. In my opinion, McKinstry is this year’s Kelee Ringo, albeit to a lesser extent,. I say to a lesser extent as Ringo in the 1st round was an egregious mis-evaluation - time and time again, Charlie would say that teams did not view him that high, and more as a Day 2 pick. He ended up going early Day 3, in the 4th round and was atrocious as a rookie. Meanwhile, McKinstry is a top-50 pick, and I actually like him as a prospect, but more of a very late 1st to mid 2nd rounder. Top-10 projections are insane. He’s limited outside of press coverage, which is Joey Porter Jr. (a better prospect) slip to the 2nd round. Still, for the Ravens, I like the fit as a much-needed upgrade alongside Marlon Humphries, who is always banged up.

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Other Options:

Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) - Alternative option, if available.

Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona), Kingsley Suamataia (OT, BYU) or Patrick Paul (OT, Houston) - Ronnie Staley is a shadow of his former self. Morgan Moses is aging. For me, McKinstry was ranked a bit higher - despite my criticism - of the two tackles on this list, as Morgan went No. 31. Otherwise, I’d consider this the bigger need.

Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State), Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas), Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina) or Xavier Worthy (Texas) - Back to back receivers in Round 1 are unlikely, but would be justifiable. Bateman stinks, and OBJ/Agholor aren’t long-term options. Another receiver is needed.