Round Rank

Consensus believes the Titans will keep the #1 pick and choose Cam Ward as their new franchise QB. It makes sense. Incoming GM Mike Borgonzi uses this opportunity to get exactly the guy he wants to build around.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/nyg

TRADE! CLE gives #2 (2600) + #104 (86) + #200 (11) to JAX for #5 (1700) +#36 (540) + #126 (46) + 2026 1st (~1000) I'm excited for the Jags to bring in Hunter. But they definitely paid a premium for that trade!

The Browns opt for the best player in this class, to primarily play as a lockdown CB to improve their secondary and also add a playmaking target to Pickett/Flacco.

Kenny Pickett, PHI QB (trade)
Teven Jenkins, CHI LG

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/cle

Lawrence Taylor Jr. lands in New York and immediately boosts and already-intimidating Giants pass rush.

Jevon Holland, MIA S
Paulson Adebo, NO CB
Darius Slayton, NYG WR (re-sign)
Jameis Winston, CLE QB
Russell Wilson, PIT QB

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/ten

Vrabel dismisses the critics and takes Campbell to address the undeniable biggest need of a blindside protecter for Drake Maye. T-Rex Campbell will be their starting LT on Day 1. The Patriots might consider trading down to CHI if they want Jeanty.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/ne

Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Chicago tries very hard to trade up here, but I've convinced myself the Jags will stay and take Jeanty at #5. Formerly as the OC of the Bucs, their new HC Liam Coen ran the rock 28 times and averaged 150 yards per game. Etienne has been ineffective and is now on a contract year. Jeanty will immediately add a dynamic element to this offense and is capable of breaking away for a big play at any time. With Trevor, Brian, and now Ashton, the Jags' offense is finally taking shape.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/jax/

With Jeanty is off the board, CB is LV's biggest need (which Carroll also prioritized in SEA). The Raiders' secondary allowed 29 passing TDs last year & no defensive player had more than 3 INTs. Graham's defensive scheme is flexible, but often features 5 defensive backs. That's a perfect fit for Barron, who is a "high IQ Swiss army knife." He will initially start at nickel and replace the loss of both Nate Hobbs and Tre'von Moehrig in FA.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/lv

YES - Michigan alum Tom Brady might lobby for JJ McCarthy to be the Raiders' next franchise QB. If he's willing to convince the top brass that JJ is better than Shedeur or Cam Ward, LV could trade the #6 pick (and possibly even more) to Minnesota for JJ. And the Vikings would stick with the still-only-27-years-old Darnold another year or three.

The Jets don't overthink this. They lost two tackles last year, Tyron Smith to IR and then Morgan Moses to FA, so they do Justin Fields a solid and invest in Membou to be their franchise RT.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/nyj

The Panthers gave up a league-worst 180 rushing yds/game and ended 3rd-worst with only 32 sacks. While Graham is tempting, they expect the return of Derrick Brown from IR should help them fill the trenches. Walker is high-impact leader who can play multiple positions and vastly improve their currently-ineffective 3-4 defense.

Jaycee Horn, CAR CB (re-sign)
Patrick Jones, MIN EDGE
Tre'Von Moehrig, LV S

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/car

The Saints' biggest need is a DT in the trenches who can consistently stuff the run. They turn in the card immediately for Graham, who is a best-case scenario for new DC Brandon Staley to improve their defensive front.

Chase Young, NO EDGE (re-sign)
Brandin Cooks, DAL WR
Justin Reid, KC S

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/no

The Bears should use this premium pick on a premium position. Even after investing heavily in the IOL during the offseason, Caleb is still holding the ball too long and needs a true blindside protector. Braxton has suffered with injuries and is now on a contract year. Banks is the right fit here. He performed at a high-level against SEC competition, and can even use his first year to develop.

Jonah Jackson, LAR LG (trade)
Joe Thuney, KC LG (trade)
Drew Dalman, ATL C
Dayo Odeyingbo, IND EDGE
Grady Jarrett, ATL DT

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/chi

Nolen in an explosive DT whose "twitch and burst are rare for a player of his size". He'll bring aggressiveness and pass pressure to Saleh's 4-3 scheme who is in need of a playmaking interior defensive lineman.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/sf

WWJD = "What Would Jerry Do?" The Cowboys' offensive-minded owner can't help but take the WR alpha of this class. Tet's size and length pairs well with CeeDee's speed, giving Dak a nice duo of receiving options in an exciting and high-scoring NFC East.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/dal

The Dolphins lost Holland in FA and are actively trying to trade Ramsey, making the secondary their top priority. Will Johnson's turf toe injury and non-participation at the combine are risks. But let's not forget he's also a fluid, lockdown corner and his 90.8 PFF grade in man-coverage in 2022-2023 was at the top of the FBS. He'll fit right in to Miami's zone-coverage scheme.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/mia

Even with GM Chris Ballard saying the Colts are happy with their current TE group, this is a huge positional need and Warren is a perfect fit. He'll immediately add run-blocking support for Jonathan Taylor and also be the safety net in the middle for the signal-calling competition between Richardson and Jones.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/ind

The Falcons have multiple positional needs in their currently-ineffective 3-4, which got only 31 sacks last year (2nd-worst in the league). Campbell is a tough and athletic linebacker who played ILB at Alabama but has the speed to line up as an EDGE. He did recently have shoulder surgery, which creates an injury risk, but he should be ready to make an impact on Day 1 of the regular season.

Jake Matthews, ATL OT (re-sign)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/atl

Harmon is a wrecking ball who consistently finds himself in the backfield and instinctively stopping the run. He's a perfect fit for the Cardinals' 4-3 who struggled last year and needs better interior defenders.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/ari

Great fit here in CIN's 4-3. Hendrickson is the NFL's sack leader who will aggressively rush the passer but is also currently seeking a trade. Mykel has the prototypical EDGE who can offer pass rush support, but can also help against the run.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/sea/seattle-seahawks

North Dakota St

Zabel's mobility and technique in the Seahawks' zone-scheme will offer some much-needed rushing support and pass protection for one of the league's worst offensive lines. Seattle has a glaring need for a LG after losing Laken Tomlinson in FA.

Sam Darnold, MIN QB
Cooper Kupp, LAR WR
Demarcus Lawrence, DAL EDGE

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/sea

Bucs' HC & DC Todd Bowles plays an aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme who loves to blitz. Green is the best pure pass rusher of this class: quick off the snap and highly-productive. He led the FBS with 17 sacks last year.

Haason Reddick, NYJ EDGE
Chris Godwin, TB WR (re-sign)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/tb

Sean Payton likes to run his offense "through RBs, TEs, and slot receivers." After picking up Engram as a TE in FA, he's eager to draft Hampton as the workhorse downhill runner.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/den/denver-broncos

TRADE! PIT trades #21 (800) to NYG for #34 (560), #65 (265), and 2026 4th (~50). THE MOST IMPORTANT PICK OF THE DRAFT. The Giants' front office is split, with Schoen/Daboll wanting Carter at #3 and Mara wanting their QB of the future. They agree to trade up and to get both. Shedeur has the poise to handle the NY spotlight, is already building chemistry with WR1 Malik Nabers, and is excited about the challenge of transforming the team who drafts him. He can take the first half of the year to sit behind Russ & Jameis to develop his throwing fundamentals.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/pit

"Kenneth Grant is a gift from the football gods." - Jim Harbaugh, when he coached him at Michigan. He fills the Chargers' NT void after losing Poona Ford to the Rams.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/lac/los-angeles-chargers

The Packers haven't yet traded their injury-ridden CB1 Jaire Alexander & now also have two former Raiders (Hobbs and Nixon) vying for starting roles. There's no need to stock the secondary pond any further, so GB addresses its EDGE need and drafts one of the most athletically-gifted players in this class.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers

TRADE! MIN gives #24 (740) to NO for #40 (500) + #71 (235). The Vikings only have 4 picks this year and Kwesi is famously a dealmaker on Draft Day. He accepts the Saints deal of a 2nd and 3rd as a better offer than Buffalo offering #30 + two 4ths. The Saints' incoming HC Kellen Moore needs to hit the reset button at QB and the rumor mill is heavily liking them to Dart (who reminds many of fellow Ole Miss alum Archie Manning). While drafting him at #9 would've been too rich, they're happy to move up into the late 1st to bring in their future signal-caller.

Aaron Jones, MIN RB (re-sign)
Ryan Kelly, IND C
Will Fries, IND RG
Byron Murphy, MIN CB (re-sign)
Jonathan Allen, WSH DT
Javon Hargrave, SF DT
Jeff Okudah, HOU CB

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/min/minnesota-vikings

TRADE! HOU gives #25 (720) to NYG for #34 (560) +#99 (104) + 2026 3rd (~180) Expected the Giants would trade up for a QB. Slightly surprised it was Dart instead of Shedeur. But I don't blame them.

The Texans picked up 3 OL in FA after trading Tunsil, but they're all on one-year deals. They don't hesitate to draft Simmons at #25, and can afford to give him some time to recover before starting him (once again) as Stroud's LT.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/hou/houston-texans

Atlanta Falcons (from LAR)

TRADE! LAR gives #26 (700) + #101 (96) to ATL for #46 (440) + #242 (1) + 2026 1st (~1000). The Falcons go from one of the league's worst pass rushers to one of its best. Though it cost them quite a price to move up.

While CB is the greater need, Sean McVay knows he only gets a few more years with Stafford and can't pass on the value of Loveland at #26. He'll join Davante and Puka to give the Rams a dynamic passing attack at multiple levels. The Rams' former starting TE Tyler Higbee was injured for most of last year.

Davante Adams, NYJ WR
Alaric Jackson, LAR LT (re-sign)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/lar/los-angeles-rams

Booker makes his opponents "not love football anymore." He's a mauler in the run game and has hands like vice grips in pass protection. Booker has exactly the type of football character the Ravens seek, and it's opportune timing after they lost their LG Patrick Mekari in FA.

Ronnie Stanley, BAL LT (re-sign)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/bal

Scourton is a powerful bull-rusher who has the build the Lions look for in an EDGE. He'll enjoy wreaking havoc alongside Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit's aggressive 4-3 scheme.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/det

Seattle Seahawks (from WAS)

TRADE! WAS trades #29 (640) to SEA for #50 (400) + #82 (180) + 2026 3rd (~180). Seattle is flush w/ picks & trades up to draft Golden, the speedy receiver who would perfectly be the X who complements JSN & Kupp in Kubiak's offense.

Deebo Samuel, SF WR (trade)
Laremy Tunsil, HOU LT (trade)
Javon Kinlaw, NYJ DT
Michael Gallup, DAL WR

Buffalo gets a fantastic value with Starks still available at #24. He'll be a leader of their secondary. Fun fact: the Bills' CB coach Jahmile Addae was the person who originally recruited Starks for Georgia.

Joey Bosa, LAC EDGE
Christian Benford, BUF CB (re-sign)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/buf/buffalo-bills

Philadelphia Eagles (from KC)

The Chiefs will look for a LT here, after signing backup Jaylon Moore to just a two-year deal and with Kingsley likely to move inside to LG after struggling as a rookie. Conerly has good technique and great potential, though he'll need some time to build strength and develop.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/kc/kansas-city-chiefs

Cleveland Browns (from PHI)

Kansas City Chiefs (from PHI)

TRADE! PHI trades #32 (590) to CLE for #33 (580) + #104 (86). PHI moves down one spot and CLE pays a premium to pick up Milroe's 5-yr option by drafting him in the 1st round. Jalen has the arm strength and the rushing speed, but he needs time to develop his fundamentals. The Browns reunite him with his Alabama OC Tommy Rees as a developmental project and ideally let him sit during his first year as a backup to Kenny Pickett.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/phi

Second Round

Remaining Needs

CLE has a lot of needs, so unsure it was wise to use their first 2RP on a LB. Schwes is solid but this feels really overvalued at 33.

The Browns are killing it in this draft. Their patience paid off, getting Graham while still stockpiling picks. They land Shedeur at the top of the second and will then get a key playmaker for him three picks later.

Houston Texans (from NYG)

Houston Texans (from NYG)

With the best OL off the board, the Texans add a dependable receiving target for Stroud

Picked up WR + OL support in FA. Now it's time to fix the pass rush, which was 3rd-worst in sacks last yr. TEN is desperate enough to look past Green's off-field issues.

Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

A WR or LT would be a stretch on who's available here. So the Browns grab a three-down playmaker to rebuild their offensive.

Johnson's injury risks are rapidly rising. But the Raiders desperately need help at CB and he's a great value at #37.

Boston College

The Pats had a league-worst 28 sacks last year and didn't really address the EDGE need in FA other than Harold Landry. EZ is fast, long-armed, and an athletic pass rusher who had an excellent combine.

Johnson is a first-team Big 10 back who is strong and dynamic. He'll become the power rusher to complement D'Andre Swift's speed in Ben Johnson's two-back offense.

Pretty much has to be a QB here, and Milroe is the last remaining viable option. With proper coaching, he might be fantastic.

The Bears get the bull-rushing DE they've been looking for to fit into Dennis Allen's aggressive 4-3.

The Jets don't have a starting TE on the roster, so they continue to invest in Fields by giving him Taylor as a safety valve in the middle of the field. Suddenly the NYJ have a functional offense again!

Boundary zone-coverage CB to fill the role of Charvarius Ward. Amos + Lenoir + Green combined is a deadly secondary.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/wsh/washington-commanders

High-IQ rusher who was 2nd in sacks in the FBS. Dallas gets a great value on EZ being avaliable at #44 and makes the right call.

The Cowboys will want to run the ball a lot this year. Judkins is an aggressive RB who in many ways resembles Zeke Elliott.

There a need at RG, but I'm becoming convinced the Colts will draft another strong EDGE rusher here.

Morrison carries injury risk, but he's a great value at this pick and addresses the Rams' biggest need of CB1.

Incredible value at #47 even with the injury risk. Lockdown corner for the Cards secondary, who is already outperforming expectations.

The Cardinals add a second WR to complement MHJ here. Higgins is tall and has a 6'7" wingspan that works to his advantage for contested catches in the slot.

Emmanwori is an athletic freak of nature who's the perfect fit after losing Jevon Holland in FA.

The Bengals guards were terrible last year. Ratledge will immediately improve the pass rush and run support in their bulky OL.

After Zabel fixes the OL, SEA has the freedom to keep the speedy Williams close-to-home as their X. He has home run potential.

Noel is a speedy slot receiver who fits Payton's scheme and will be a reliable new target for Bo Nix's development.

Seattle Seahawks (from PIT)

Schwesinger is an instinctive LB who led the FBS with 90 solo tackles last year. He's perfect fit for Seattle's HC Mike MacDonald, who was a former linebackers coach and will prioritize the position.

The Bucs were tied for 2nd-worst in the league in passing yards allowed last year at 244 yds per game. Revel is an intriguing prospect at 6'3" and 195 lbs. He's a strong and fluid press CB, but is also coming off an ACL tear in September.

Jackson had a great showing at the Combine and offers additional EDGE support and toughness. He'll love blitzing often on 3rd down in new DC Jeff Hafley's aggressive 4-3 scheme.

After losing Poona Ford, Collins is exactly the massive and powerful NT the Chargers need to stuff the run.

Alexander is a strong DT who will primarily be a run defender for the Bills' 4-3 interior line. (Note: The Bills suspended two DL - Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht - for six games in 2025 for violating their drug policy.)

Carolina Panthers (from LAR)

If the Panthers' are prioritizing Bryce Young's development, I see them adding Fannin as a reliable and highly-productive TE as a safety value.

The Texans picked up 3 OL in FA but they're all on one-year deals. Ersery will add strength to the left side of the line.

Turner just feels like a Raven; a relentless work ethic who can line up anywhere they need him on the DL

Additional context on Watts/Hamilton: https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/baltimore-ravens-could-reunite-kyle-hamilton-notre-dame-xavier-watts

Olu's build fits the mold of a Lions' EDGE rusher. He's inexperienced, but will learn quickly from Dan C when paired next to Aidan.

Cleveland Browns (from WAS)

TRADE! WAS gives #61 (292) to CLE for #67 (255) + #126 (46) + #166 (25). Flush with draft capital from JAX, the Browns trade up for a THIRD player in the round. Grant is exactly the LT they need: 34.5" arms, 10"+ hands, a wrestling background, and excellent character. He was solid in both pass coverage & run blocking at an FCS level of competition and could offer the much-needed blindside protection for whoever happens to be playing QB for the Browns next year.

Strong receiver with good hands who has the versatility to play outside or in the slot. Bech will give Josh Allen a reliable option to consistently move the chains.

Rotational player at-best who has attitude issues and isn't dependable against the run. Many better players were still available.

Sanders is a strong 3-tech who will offer run support paired next to Chris Jones in the Chies' 4-3 interior.

CJGJ shipped out to HOU, so safety was a need. Mukuba has good football character, but Watts might have been the better choice.

Based on how the board falls, PHI gets a value pick here with Jonah. He'll get a PhD in OL technique alongside the Eagles legends, who could use a succession plan or insurance policy for 34-year old Lane Johnson.

Third Round

Remaining Needs

With Carter and Dart in place, the G-men turn their attention to fixing the right side of their IOL.

After dealing Justin Reid to the Saints, I could see the Chiefs taking Watts here as an excellent value pick.

Wash Commanders (from CLE)

Though they didn't find their EDGE, Thomas is a great lockdown corner who will be an immediate starter in the WSH secondary

Deep-ball threat who will open up the field and give Geno a downfield option.

Value pick who gives Maye a reliable option in the middle of the field and fills the Pats' TE need.

Josh Farmer is a 3-tech with long arms who could help stuff the run and open up the Jags' EDGE rushers.

First-team all-ACC who was highly-productive and had 7 INTs last year. Williams will add depth to the Saints secondary.

After addressing their biggest needs, the Bears get a luxury BPA pick here. Winston is a leader of the secondary with great instincts.

The Jets need an insurance policy in case Fields' two-year audition doesn't work out. Shough could be NFL-ready within a year.

Boston College

Taylor Moton is a great RT, but he's 30 and on the last year of his contract. The Panthers need a succession plan to protect Bryce.

Addresses the need after losing Aaron Banks at LG. With coaching, Milum couch eventually take the reins at LT after Trevor.

Two-time team captain who is a good route runner and has strong hands. He'll line up in the slot and free up CeeDee Lamb on the outside.

Developmental receiver with physical gifts but limited experience. Pairing him with Stefon Diggs could unlock his potential.

The Cards' right side of the OL is banged up. Frazier isn't a fantastic player, but he brings them some consistency.

"Built for the trenches". He'll unlock the Texans' talented EDGE rushers.

The Colts lost their C Ryan Kelly to the Bears. This is a good landing spot for Wilson.

Athletic and fast, has potential to be a year-one starter in the Bengals struggling secondary.

Princely was first team all-SEC; he's a strong and athletic EDGE rusher who primarily is a pass rusher but struggles against the run.

Ewers has great arm talent and shows leadership in big moments, though he struggles with consistency. He might be named the starter sooner than he was expecting.

Aggressive off-ball LB who will offer plenty of run support and will the shoes of Lavonte David after he retires. Fun fact: he's a distant cousin of Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin.

Compact, powerful RB who was first-team all SEC and had 22 rushing TDs last year. Sampson has good instincts and might soon take over the lead back duties for Payton's offense.

An athletic pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme, Swinson was second-team All SEC and led the Tigers with 13 tackles for aloss.

Insurance policy for Jaire Alexander trade