Over the last few weeks, we got several staff members together for a four-round NFL mock draft. Each staffer was the general manager of one to three teams and was instructed to be realistic in their approach to each team's draft. Trading was allowed.
Let's get right to it.
Round 1
1. Carolina Panthers - QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Jeff Haseley: After years of trying to find a franchise quarterback, Carolina and head coach Frank Reich get their man in C.J. Stroud. He is an accurate, capable passer with impressive ball placement skills who has shown the ability to rise to the occasion when needed. He brings a career completion percentage hovering near 70% with an 85:12 touchdown to interception ratio. Carolina is thrilled to have him be a cornerstone of their organization.
2. Houston Texans - QB Bryce Young, Alabama
Craig Lakins: New head coach Demeco Ryans gets the quarterback he coveted all along in Bryce Young. The Panthers trading up to the first pick was the best-case scenario for the Texans. They get their franchise quarterback and didn't have to give up additional assets to get the one they wanted. Size concerns are the only concerns for Young, as he does everything else at a very high level.
3. Las Vegas Raiders - QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
Trade: The Cardinals get Pick 1.07 and a 2024 first-rounder. The Raiders get Pick 1.03.
Gary Davenport: This is a bold move by Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler - and one that comes at a steep cost. But if Richardson turns out to be half the player some believe he can be, it will be hailed as a franchise-defining move. Richardson is an athletic marvel with a sky-high ceiling, and with Jimmy Garoppolo on the team, the Raiders can afford to let Richardson learn from the vet for a year.
4. Indianapolis Colts - QB Will Levis, Kentucky
Jay Stein: Drafting the fourth quarterback with the fourth overall pick has to be the worst-case scenario for the Colts, but they have painted themselves into a corner. We know they don't want to be on the veteran carousel anymore, and owner Jim Irsay signaled they would be targeting a quarterback early in the draft. At 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, Levis is an athletic, toolsy thrower that fits the type of player general manager Chris Ballard looks for and will fit nicely in Shane Steichen's offense.
5. Seattle Seahawks - DE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
Jeff Bell: The Seahawks have not ranked in the top 10 in total defense since 2016. Outside of Jamal Adams, the team has lacked a headlining defensive presence since Bobby Wagner left following 2021. Anderson can change that. The type of versatile pass rusher in the role held by Bruce Irvin and Frank Clark in the past, Anderson immediately becomes a cornerstone presence.
6. Detroit Lions - CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Jordan McNamara: The Lions struggled mightily in pass coverage last season. This pick matches best player on the board with a team in need of help at cornerback. Gonzalez is a versatile cornerback with big-time athletic tools.
7. Arizona Cardinals - DE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Trade: The Cardinals get Pick 1.07 and a 2024 first-rounder. The Raiders get Pick 1.03
Gary Davenport: It’s hardly a state secret that the Cardinals need help at every level of the defense, and the most pressing of those needs is a pass rush that managed the ninth-fewest sacks in the NFL last year. Wilson has the size and length to play various roles defensively. While there were some other tempting options available, the 6-foot-6, 271-pounder gets the nod here.
8. Atlanta Falcons - RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
Clayton Gray: The Falcons have shown a desire to upgrade the offense with highly rated offensive skill players. Robinson is probably as highly rated as it gets. He joins Drake London and Kyle Pitts to form a fantastic trio.
9. Chicago Bears - DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
Nick Whalen: The first move new general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus made in their tenure was to sign Larry Ogunjobi to a lucrative contract to play the 3-technique defensive tackle. He failed his physical, but it gives insight into the importance of the position on this team. Carter is the best player in the draft, and Poles continually talks about investing in the best values. This is a dream scenario where need meets value for Chicago.
10. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Sam Wagman: The Eagles have shown in both their draft moves and free agency moves in recent years that they care about assembling a terrific offense around franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts, so they pull the trigger here to attack the one weak spot they have in the aerial attack: the slot/WR3 role. Jaxon Smith-Njigba can play in both the slot and outside and could make this Eagles' offense borderline unstoppable.
11. Tennessee Titans - OL Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Tripp Brebner: I'll take arguably the draft's best lineman to help rebuild the league's worst pass-blocking unit.
12. Houston Texans - WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
Craig Lakins: What better gift to give your new franchise quarterback than a new WR1? Johnston gives Bryce Young an athletic freak to get the ball to and watch him work. The wide receiver room in Houston is ripe with opportunity. Nico Collins has shown well in flashes and the Texans brought in veteran Robert Woods as a stopgap, but Johnston gives them a playmaker that can turn a short hitch into a touchdown at any time.
13. New York Jets - OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
Clayton Gray: Arguably the top lineman in the draft, Johnson is an easy pick here. Pencil him in as the starting right tackle. If, by some chance, Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown are healthy all season, Johnson could easily kick inside and make the Jets line a strength.
14. New England Patriots - OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
Matt Bitonti: The defense needs cornerbacks, and many mocks have Joey Porter Jr Jr. going in this spot. However, the Patriots need stability at both tackle spots. Trent Brown is getting up there, and their current right tackle depth chart is Riley Reiff and Conor McDermott. Jones tested well at the combine and will be an eventual starter at left tackle.
15. Green Bay Packers - DE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Kyle Bellefeuil: Kingsley Enagbare on Day 3 was a nice find in last year’s draft, but Green Bay struggled to get consistent pressure after Rashan Gary (ACL) went down. There’s also no guarantee Gary will be ready when Week 1 arrives. Myles Murphy would be a welcomed addition to the Packer defense with his exciting combination of size, athleticism, and versatility. You can never have enough talented pass rushers and Green Bay gets a good one here.
16. Washington Commanders - TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
Jason Wood: A rare situation where need and the best player available line up. Kincaid overtook Mayer as the top tight end as new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy covets a pass catcher at the position after his years of building an offense around Travis Kelce.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Joey Porter Jr Jr., Penn State
Sigmund Bloom: There's a strong temptation to go offensive tackle here, but the dropoff after the top three is steep. Porter has all kinds of connections to the Steelers, starting with his dad. The younger Porter is long and strong, and he will get the friction on top outside receivers in press coverage. Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan skipped his pro day, which might be a sign the Steelers will go a different direction at 17. Stay tuned.
18. Detroit Lions - EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia
Jordan McNamara: Detroit keeps doubling down on defense and takes edge rusher, Nolan Smith.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Joey Wright: Expectations are the Buccaneers' secondary to look very different. Witherspoon is the best cornerback available where the Buccaneers need to build.
20. Seattle Seahawks - S Brian Branch, Alabama
Jeff Bell: Branch can immediately contribute as a big nickel and grow into a versatile complement to Jamal Adams long term. The Seahawks are building interesting young pieces through each level of their defense, and Branch can play as a positionless matchup wildcard.
21. Los Angeles Chargers - TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Zareh Kantzabedian: The Chargers finally rip off the very old band-aid at tight end by drafting Michael Mayer. In addition to being a versatile receiver, Mayer brings accomplished run-blocking chops. Mayer takes great angles on double team blocks when sealing the edge and all too easily washes linebackers in the second level. A nightmare for defensive backs in the intermediate areas beyond the line of scrimmage, Mayer has the upside to stabilize this offense out of the gate.
22. Baltimore Ravens - CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Jeff Bell: The Ravens visited the University of Georgia to tab Todd Monken as their offensive coordinator, and they went right back to grab Ringo. Kelee Ringo is a plus athlete with the blue-chip pedigree and size Baltimore has favored in prospects. He can step in immediately opposite Marlon Humphrey, a player who now Georgia coach Kirby Smart was instrumental in recruiting to Alabama.
23. Minnesota Vikings - WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
Christian Williams: The Vikings recently lost Adam Thielen, and K.J. Osborn is slated to be their No. 2 wide receiver. Zay Flowers offers a three-level skill set and works especially well in after-the-catch situations. He would be a near-perfect fit in the Kevin O'Connell offense.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars - EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Devin Knotts: With the Jaguars losing Arden Key and potentially Dawuane Smoot, they have a need for another pass rusher. Van Ness is an intriguing prospect as he boosted his stock tremendously during the combine. He is a pure upside pick, as he never started a game at Iowa, but Van Ness has tremendous upside that, paired alongside Travon Walker, makes for a formidable pass rush for years to come.
25. New York Giants - WR Jordan Addison, USC
Jason Wood: The Giants had Addison atop their wide receiver board and thought about trading up to get him. But sometimes luck is better than intent, and their top option falls to them at 25.
26. Dallas Cowboys - DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
Kevin Coleman: The Cowboys need to add depth to their defensive line and would be ecstatic if Kancey fell to them at 26. Kancey is an explosive interior pass rusher that fills a need for Dallas. Kancey had 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss in two seasons as a starter.
27. Buffalo Bills - LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
Aaron Rudnicki: Bills fill their biggest hole following the loss of Tremaine Edmunds in free agency with a Day 1 starter. Trading down is also a consideration here, but they likely need to target an inside linebacker early. Sanders offers a high floor with considerable upside.
28. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Dan Hindery: Right tackle has long been a problem spot for the Bengals. Adding Wright finishes the complete offensive line rebuild that started last offseason and frees Cincinnati to trade Jonah Williams.
29. New Orleans Saints - DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Tripp Brebner: Bresee at 29 is an absolute windfall that a team spending $30M to man its interior with two career backups would be ecstatic to draft.
30. Philadelphia Eagles - G O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida
Sam Wagman: Torrence is a solid fit for an Eagles team that lost guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Howie Roseman's tried and true draft strategy has always been to build from the trenches, and he helps to restock a position of importance here.
31. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Jason Wood: The Chiefs need to continue adding weapons for their $400 million man and happily snag Hyatt, who provides another vertical threat to a team increasingly built on speed.
ROUND 2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Dawand Jones, Ohio State
Sigmund Bloom: The Steelers have firmed up their interior line with some bargain free agents but need help at tackle. Jones is massive and can be a road grader in the team's run-first approach. He is a work in progress as a pass protector, but with his length and good movement for a huge bookend, there's room to improve.
33. Houston Texans - DT Mazi Smith, Michigan
Craig Lakins: Ranked No. 1 on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List, Mazi Smith is the type of interior defensive lineman who eats up space and won't be moved off the line of scrimmage. He gives Demeco Ryans a cornerstone for future defenses.
34. Arizona Cardinals - CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
Gary Davenport: The Cardinals need help in the secondary after losing Byron Murphy in FA, and an argument can be made that Banks is a first-round talent. Easy call for Monti Ossenfort.
35. Indianapolis Colts - TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
Jay Stein: The Colts want to build around their new quarterback by strengthening the offensive line and adding pass catchers. Darnell Washington does both. Washinton's rare size and athleticism allow him to be both a sixth offensive lineman and a matchup nightmare as a pass catcher.
36. Los Angeles Rams - DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
Craig Lakins: As the Rams start to reset their roster, Anudike-Uzomah gives them a pass rusher with big-time college production. At only 21 years old, he still has a lot of time to develop his game, but his ability to bend and get around offensive tackles is already better than most.
37. Seattle Seahawks - RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
Jeff Bell: The Seahawks took Kenneth Walker early in the second round in 2022, but after him, their backfield lacks any punch. This is a luxury pick, but a luxury afforded by the Russell Wilson trade package. Gibbs pass catching ability makes a lethal 1-2 punch with Walker.
38. Las Vegas Raiders - OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
Gary Davenport: The Raiders need help in a number of areas--and chief among them is the offensive line. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Harrison has the size and length to play tackle in the NFL. He also has plus athleticism, and it's not especially hard to imagine a scenario in which Harrison beats out Brandon Parker to start at right tackle from the get-go.
39. Carolina Panthers - EDGE B.J. Ojulari, LSU
Jeff Haseley: The Panthers add a defensive edge piece to complement Brian Burns. Ojulari provides an improvement to a defense looking for increased pressure.
40. New Orleans Saints - CB Cam Smith, South Carolina
Tripp Brebner: The Saints' defense isn't the same when Marshon Lattimore is sidelined. They grab another long boundary corner at 40, whom they might consider at 29.
41. Tennessee Titans - WR Josh Downs, UNC
Tripp Brebner: Titans have glaring needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle. With Skoronski in the fold at 11, they get their pass-catcher at 41.
42. Green Bay Packers - TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
Trade: The Packers get Pick 2.42 and a 2024 conditional pick (3rd rounder if Aaron Rodgers is not on the roster for the 2024 season or a 2nd rounder if Rodgers is on the roster for the 2024 season). The Jets get QB Aaron Rodgers.
Kyle Bellefeuil: It’s no secret Green Bay has a glaring need at the tight end position. Luke Musgrave is a big, athletic tight end who will have a chance to develop a strong rapport with Jordan Love as the Packer offense transitions to a new era.
43. New York Jets - C John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
Clayton Gray: Protecting Aaron Rodgers is the goal, and the Jets are meeting it. They grabbed the top tackle in Round 1 and solidifies the line even further here with the top center in the pool.
44. Atlanta Falcons - DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
Clayton Gray: The strength of the Saints defense was their deep rotation of defensive linemen. New defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is building the same defense in Atlanta. Adding the athletic rookie to longtime Falcon Grady Jarrett, former Saint David Onyemata, and future All-Pro Calais Campbell gives Nielsen the formidable interior he desires.
45. Green Bay Packers - WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
Kyle Bellefeuil: After selecting Luke Musgrave to fill a need at tight end, Green Bay gets Jordan Love another receiving weapon just a few picks later. Cedric Tillman is a big, physical receiver who could fit in nicely lining up opposite Christian Watson.
46. New England Patriots - CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Matt Bitonti: I was worried about passing on cornerback at 1.14, but It is exciting to see a player of Forbes' value drop to this point in the draft. In this offseason, the Patriots have met at least twice with this player. He fits their man-heavy aggressive scheme.
47. Washington Commanders - OT Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
Jason Wood: The Commanders were dead set on Forbes, believing he was very close to the premier corners that went early in the first round. But with him gone to the Patriots, they pivot to the versatile Bergeron, who can play inside immediately and eventually take over at one of the tackle spots.
48. Detroit Lions - TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa
Jordan McNamara: After trading T.J. Hockenson, the Lions have a need at tight end, and LaPorta is at the top of the board. LaPorta was a highly productive player in a terrible Iowa offense and tested very well highlighted by his 4.59 40-yard dash at 245 pounds at the combine.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers - DL Keion White, Georgia Tech
Sigmund Bloom: A ceiling as high as just about any edge rusher, and he can also play inside. The best is yet to come for White. Every defense can use him. Don't be surprised if he goes in the first, the NFL loves projectable players like him.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Joey Wright: Before Baker Mayfield's arrival in Tampa Bay, there was some smoke about the Buccaneers using a second-round pick on Hooker. Well, if he's there in the second, there will be fire. Let the quarterback battle begin!
51. Cincinnati Bengals - TE Tucker Kraft South, Dakota State
Trade: The Bengals get Pick 2.51. The Dolphins get OT Jonah Williams.
Dan Hindery: Despite the one-year deal for Irv Smith Jr., the Bengals have a massive long-term hole at tight end. Kraft has the size, athleticism, and toughness the team prefers at the position.
52. Seattle Seahawks - IOL Steve Avila, TCU
Jeff Bell: Avila has played both guard and center. His 330 lbs frame allows him to control the interior. They looked to have hit on cornerstone tackle pieces in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas in the 2022 draft, Avila can settle where needed and form a strong young core.
53. Chicago Bears - DE Will McDonald, Iowa State
Nick Whalen: McDonald's long arms, athleticism, and pass-rush ability would be welcomed as a desperately needed rotation piece in Chicago, who accumulated the least amount of sacks in the NFL in 2022.
54. Los Angeles Chargers - WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
Zareh Kantzabedian: The Chargers double down on offense as Marvin Mims falls into their lap in the back half of the second round. A versatile player with experience in both the slot and out wide, the Chargers' offensive coordinator should have little trouble immediately utilizing Mims in year one.
55. Detroit Lions - WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State
Jordan McNamara: Detroit needs to continue to double down on their passing game as they build out around Jared Goff.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars - CB Clark Phillips III, Utah
Devin Knotts: The Jaguars get a perfect draft pick here as they desperately need a slot corner as Tre Herndon has struggled throughout his career. Phillips had a first-round grade by many heading into the combine, but at just 5-foot-9 and a disappointing combine with just a 4.51 40-yard dash has him slipping a little bit.
57. New York Giants - IOL Luke Wypler, Ohio State
Jason Wood: The Giants have a gaping hole at center. While there are always values on the interior later in the draft, the front office believes Wypler can be a long-term starter and help further solidify the offensive rebuild.
58. Dallas Cowboys - LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson
Kevin Coleman: The Cowboys continue their approach of taking the best player available by selecting linebacker Trenton Simpson. Simpson ended up running one of the fastest 40-yard dash times for a prospect at his position. He clocked in with a 4.43 and would fit another need for Dallas.
59. Buffalo Bills - OL Cody Mauch, North Dakota
Aaron Rudnicki: Bills upgrade the right tackl position and running game by adding a mauler. Could slide inside to guard if needed.
60. Indianapolis Colts - CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
Trade: The Colts get Pick 2.60. The Bengals get Pick 3.79 and Pick 4.106.
Jay Stein: Traits, traits, traits. Colts go with differentiated traits on their first two picks in Levis/Washington and then trade up (pick 79 & pick 106 to the Bengals) to grab another traits guy in Julius Brents. Brents is a cornerback, originally from Indy, who brings a rare blend of size, length, and athleticism to the Colts' defensive backfield, which is a significant need.
61. Chicago Bears - DT Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
Nick Whalen: Chicago continues to address the defensive line room with a versatile, athletic defensive tackle in Benton. He'll fit well next to Carter and will be able to contribute right away.
62. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Eli Ricks, Alabama
Sam Wagman: The Eagles re-signed both Darius Slay and James Bradberry, but the two corners are on the wrong side of 30, and there isn't much depth in the organization. Ricks is a talented SEC corner who can play press on an island if needed.
63. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Karl Brooks, Bowling Green
Jason Wood: Brooks dominated for Bowling Green the last two seasons, but there are questions about how that translates at the NFL level. He's exactly the kind of highly productive 'tweener lineman Andy Reid and his staff have targeted and successfully developed over the years.
ROUND 3
64. Chicago Bears - OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
Nick Whalen: Chicago desperately needs to help protect Justin Fields and create better competition at right tackle. Duncan has some of the best balance in this class and possesses some position versatility as well.
65. Houston Texans - LB Jack Campbell, Iowa
Craig Lakins: With starting linebackers Christian Kirksey and Denzel Perryman at 30 years old, now is a good time to bring in an incumbent to team up with 22-year-old Christian Harris. Campbell is a classic Mike linebacker that can patrol the middle of the field, similar to what Fred Warner did in Demeco Ryans's San Francisco defense.
66. Arizona Cardinals - EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn
Gary Davenport: Hall isn't especially athletic, but his power is his biggest strength. He could likely add 10-15 pounds without losing what made him a Day 2 pick to begin with. He may never be a 12-to-15-sack guy, but he has the potential to be a plus edge setter who can add several sacks on top of that.
67. Denver Broncos - DL Moro Ojomo, Texas
Joseph Haggan: Dre'Mont Jones left via free agency this offseason after a career year. Though the Broncos added Zach Allen, a possible improvement over Jones, they still have a hole at the other defensive end position on the line. Ojomo provides an incredibly athletic and large body on the defensive line. The Broncos currently have Jonathan Harris at the top of the depth chart across from Allen. Ojomo is a massive upgrade.
68. Denver Broncos - CB Tyrique Stevenson, Miami
Joseph Haggan: Stevenson may have his issues tracking the ball downfield, but he is one of the better press corners in the draft. This bodes well for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's defense, where they run a ton of press man coverages. Damrri Mathis currently starts but checks in at only 5-foot-11 and is nowhere near as violent at the line of scrimmage as Stevenson is. Patrick Surtain Jr. is the obvious CB1 on the team, though, with the new scheme, Vance Joseph may opt for the more aggressive Stevenson.
69. Los Angeles Rams - S Sydney Brown, Illinois
Craig Lakins: Brown's athletic testing at the combine went extremely well. He's able to play several different spots in the defensive backfield, so he gives the rebuilding Rams a nice chess piece to move around the board.
70. Las Vegas Raiders - CB Garrett Williams, Syracuse
Gary Davenport: Some draftniks had Williams tabbed as a first-round talent, but a torn ACL cut his 2022 season short and caused his stock to tumble. Williams isn't big, but he's big enough. He isn't especially fast, but he's fast enough. What got him picked here was his agility and the ability he displayed in college to play both man and (especially) zone coverages at a high level.
71. New Orleans Saints - EDGE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
Tripp Brebner: The Saints need to select and groom Cameron Jordan's replacement. Foskey could contribute as a rotational pass rusher right away and has the upside to develop into a starter for a team in need of upfield pressure.
72. Tennessee Titans - EDGE - Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
Tripp Brebner: The Titans take advantage of a deep class of pass-rushers. Tuipulotu has experience playing up and down the line at Southern Cal, which will complement Denico Autry and Arden Key. If all goes well, Tuipulotu will eventually replace the 32-year-old Autry.
73. Houston Texans - EDGE Nick Herbig, Wisconsin
Craig Lakins: Houston goes with an athletic pass rusher here. He may slide back into a linebacker role as a professional, but at this stage of the draft, taking a shot on someone with an elite trait is the right play. His ability to get to the quarterback is among the best in the draft.
74. Cleveland Browns - DT Siaki Ika, Baylor
Devin Knotts: The Browns signed Dalvin Tomlinson in the offseason to address their defensive tackle issues, but adding Ika here would give them another run-stopping defensive tackle. He's a limited player, but having Tomlinson and Ika on key running downs would make it difficult to run against.
75. Atlanta Falcons - CB Darius Rush, South Carolina
Clayton Gray: He's not polished, but Rush has the raw attributes (6-foot-2, 4.36-second 40, and 33.5" arms) that teams love at cornerback. Rush will have a year to develop and hopefully be ready to step in for Casey Hayward in 2024.
76. New England Patriots - TE Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan
Matt Bitonti: Schoonmaker, from nearby Hamden, CT, is a willing run blocker and has potential in the red zone. Even though they have Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, addressing the tight end pipeline is always a priority for the Patriots.
77. Los Angeles Rams - RB Zach Charbonnet, Michigan
Craig Lakins: While the tumult surrounding Cam Akers and the Rams seems to have settled for the moment, it's obviously fair to question how much longer he'll be with the organization. Charbonnet provides a physical, tackle-breaking running back that doesn't need to leave the field on passing downs.
78. Green Bay Packers - S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
Kyle Bellefeuil: Yet, another position of need here for the Packers. Currently, the safety unit is pretty bleak, and adding Antonio Johnson would give it a needed boost. Johnson would be a welcomed addition with his versatility and willingness to bang up in the box.
79. Cincinnati Bengals - CB D.J. Turner, Michigan
Trade: The Colts get Pick 2.60. The Bengals get Pick 3.79 and Pick 4.106.
Dan Hindery: Turner can fly. He should immediately step in as the fourth cornerback and give the Bengals a potential starting option in 2024 if Chidobe Awuzie leaves in free agency.
80. Pittsburgh Steelers - LB Daiyan Henley, Washington State
Sigmund Bloom: The Steelers have added Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts this offseason, but they aren't long-term answers, as inside linebacker has seen a revolving door of players in recent years with little to no success. Henley is relatively new to the position, but he's fast, tough, a sure tackler, a ferocious blitzer, and can hang in coverage as a former quarterback and wide receiver. If his instincts develop with more experience, he could be as good as any off-ball linebacker in this class.
81. Detroit Lions - EDGE Byron Young, Tennessee
Jordan McNamara: Byron Young tested as an elite athlete at the combine. He ran a 4.43 40, a 98th percentile performance. He also had a 38-inch vertical leap and 11-foot broad jump, each a top 10 percentile performance. Young was a middling performer but has the elite athleticism necessary to be a rotational pass rusher.
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - EDGE Zach Harrison, Ohio State
Joey Wright: Harrison has the speed and power to defend the run exceptionally well, which Tampa looks to see a lot of in 2023.
83. Seattle Seahawks - WR Rashee Rice, SMU
Jeff Bell: The Seahawks have struggled to find a third receiver to compliment Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf for years, using a day-two pick on Dee Eskridge in 2021. Rice has the ability to work outside, complimenting Tyler Lockett in the slot, with the potential to grow to play inside in time.
84. Miami Dolphins - RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane
Alfredo Brown: The Dolphins have a bigger need at tight end, but the top six prospects at that position went in the first two rounds, and I think that role is better off being filled by a veteran anyways. Tyjae Spears gives Mike McDaniel and company another explosive weapon in the running back arsenal to deploy with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, who are each at the tail end of their careers and have dealt with injury issues all throughout their NFL tenure.
85. Los Angeles Chargers - LB Ivan Pace Jr Jr., Cincinnati
Zareh Kantzabedian: Traditionally undersized for an NFL linebacker, Ivan Pace Jr Jr. makes the most out of what he has to work with. As an early-down defender, Pace led the FBS with 12 sacks. He has an uncanny ability to breach interior gaps and is flexible on the edges. Primarily playing at inside linebacker, Pace plays with his head on a swivel and a ceaseless motor. He's a natural in blitz packages and tracking down quarterbacks.
86. Baltimore Ravens - DT Zacch Pickens, South Carolina
Jeff Bell: Pickens was a Combine champion, posting a 9.19 relative athletic score. He fits a classic 3-4 defensive end mold with the strength to hold at the position and the ability to quickly penetrate. The Ravens need to target receivers, but this is a chance to build depth at a valuable position.
87. Minnesota Vikings - S Jordan Battle, Alabama
Christian Williams: While the Vikings invested in Lewis Cine with an early-round pick in 2022, they still need depth at the safety position. Harrison Smith is approaching his final years. Battle is one of the most underrated safety prospects in the class and would fit nicely in the Brian Flores defense.
88. Jacksonville Jaguars - IOL Andrew Vorhees, USC
Devin Knotts: The Jaguars would love to get a player who is ready immediately to fill in for their interior offensive line issues, but the talent is too great to pass up here for Vorhees. Vorhees tore his ACL at the Combine. Prior to that, he was a second-round player prior to the injury, so getting him a round later and developing him solidifies the offensive line around Trevor Lawrence for years to come.
89. New York Giants - CB Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU
Jason Wood: His on-field play and vast experience argue for a first- or second-round choice, but at only 5-foot-8, some scouting departments worry if he can handle NFL receivers. He can, and the Giants grab a great value at a position of need late in the third round.
90. Dallas Cowboys - RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn
Kevin Coleman: Seeing Tyjae Spears come off the board was painful, but the Cowboys are able to select Auburn running back Tank Bigsby as a consolation prize. Bigsby would provide a formidable 1-2 punch with running back Tony Pollard in this offense. He has the ability to be a redzone weapon and could step in and be an RB1 in this offense.
91. Buffalo Bills - WR A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
Aaron Rudnicki: The tall receiver with a huge wingspan needs some work but could be groomed for an outside role in the future.
92. Cincinnati Bengals - WR Tyler Scott, Cincinnati
Dan Hindery: The Bengals continue to add speed and weapons to the offense. With Tyler Boyd set to hit free agency next year, Scott can be groomed as his replacement.
93. Carolina Panthers - WR Jonathan Mingo, Mississippi
Jeff Haseley: Carolina adds a receiver with good size/speed and hands. After an impressive Combine, his stock needle is pointing up.
94. Philadelphia Eagles - RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
Sam Wagman: After losing Miles Sanders in free agency this offseason, the Eagles were left with Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Trey Sermon in the running back room. They signed Rashaad Penny, but with his lengthy injury history, Abanikanda would be a logical pick to handle early-down work alongside him. Abanikanda has had a solid testing season so far and profiles as a home run hitter in the same mold as Penny.
95. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU
Jason Wood: The Chiefs double-tap receiver because they had Boutte ranked as a top 50 player and their No. 4 receiver, right behind Hyatt.
96. Arizona Cardinals - RB Devon Achane, Texas A&M
Gary Davenport: Achane is admittedly undersized and unlikely to be a 300-touch back. But he's ridiculously fast, a plus receiver out of the backfield, and a better pass protector than many larger backs in the class. The Cardinals need some lightning to pair with James Conner's thunder. Achane is a great fit for that role.
97. Washington Commanders - CB Cory Trice, Purdue
Jason Wood: Coach Rivera has acknowledged a need for more defensive back depth, and Trice is the biggest corner in the class. When healthy, he's been a physical press option that fits well with Washington's scheme.
98. Cleveland Browns - S Chris Smith II, Georgia
Devin Knotts: The Browns would love to take a linebacker here, but there wasn't one that was worth taking. They addressed the safety position with the signing of Juan Thornhill but still have a need for a nickel/slot corner. Smith has the versatility to play in the slot, which provides additional depth for this secondary.
99. San Francisco 49ers - C Joe Tippman, Wisconsin
Joseph Haggan: The 49ers interior offensive line was suspect last season. Currently, at center, the 49ers roster veteran Jon Feliciano and Jake Brendel. Neither are world beaters. Tippman is a super-athletic center, an excellent communicator, and can pull and swing very well for a center. These skills will fit the zone running scheme very nicely.
100. Las Vegas Raiders - CB Riley Moss, Iowa
Gary Davenport: Moss has solid instincts, good size and physicality, and soft hands. His speed and athleticism don't jump out, but his 4.45-second forty and 1.48-second 10-yard split in Indy helps to mitigate those concerns. After addressing the offense in the first two rounds, the Raiders needed to hit the other side of the ball here, and the reality is Vegas needs bodies on the back end.
101. San Francisco 49ers - OT Blake Freeland, BYU
Joseph Haggan: The 49ers lost Mike McGlinchey to the Broncos this off-season and are currently planning to start fourth-year man Cole McKivitz. McKivitz has struggled to make a name for himself since entering the league, and Freeland brings unbelievable athleticism with a massive frame. He set a new combine record for offensive linemen with a 37-inch vertical while ranking in the 94th percentile in the 40-yard dash and 99th percentile in the broad jump. This athleticism will be a welcomed addition to Shanahan's active offensive line.
102. San Francisco 49ers - S Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State
Joseph Haggan: Brown is like a less explosive Jimmie Ward, who the 49ers just lost in free agency. Brown shows tremendous instincts in coverage and had 10 interceptions over the past two seasons. He has an unmatched tenacity and love for football that coaches will love. Brown has the versatility to play deep, at nickel corner, and in Cover 2...it doesn't matter; he can do it. His Combine performance likely dropped him down many draft boards, but his production, instincts, and versatility make him a good fit for the 49ers here.
Round 4
103. Chicago Bears - OT Tyler Steen, Alabama
Nick Whalen: Steen provides insurance at right tackle if third-round pick, Jaelyn Duncan, doesn't pan out. This will also give Chicago the quality swing tackle they need with the athleticism and scheme fit they desire.
104. Houston Texans - CB Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford
Craig Lakins: The Texans snag some cornerback depth with Kelly, the son of former NFL cornerback Brian Kelly.
105. Arizona Cardinals - OT Wanya Morris, Oklahoma
Gary Davenport: Pro Football Network ranks the Cardinals offensive line as one of the three worst in the league. Morris isn't a difference-maker, but he has the length and athleticism to become at least an adequate starter. He also has experience at both tackle spots and should at least become a decent swing option.
106. Cincinnati Bengals - RB Roschon Johnson, Texas
Trade: The Colts get Pick 2.60. The Bengals get Pick 3.79 and Pick 4.106.
Dan Hindery: The perfect fit for the Bengals gap-power scheme, Johnson can take over the Samaje Perine role immediately.
107. New England Patriots - WR Charlie Jones, Purdue
Matt Bitonti: This prospect is 24 years old, which limits his upside. But as an Iowa transfer, he ran a 4.43 at Indy and could be a mid-round replacement for Jacoby Meyers.
108. Denver Broncos - LB DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
Joseph Haggan: Josey Jewell was a stud in the 12 games he played for the Broncos. Alex Singleton was incredibly efficient, something he generally wasn't during his first two seasons in the NFL. Though Singleton received a new contract, he is turning 30 this year, and outside of 2022, he has been terrible in coverage. The 2022 season seems like an outlier to me. A linebacker rarely figures out coverage schemes and ability at age 29. Overshown is a former safety that has been a plus in coverage his career and brings excellent athleticism to the position. He is also an excellent blitzer, another area where Singleton lacks skill. Overshown can play special teams and a backup role for two years until the Broncos have input in Singleton's contract and take over as a starter.
109. Las Vegas Raiders - WR Dontayvioin Wicks, Virginia
Gary Davenport: Wicks was disappointing in 2022, but he showed significant ability to hurt opponents down the field in 2021. This is a project bet on his physical tools and hope that his concentration issues can be coached up.
110. Atlanta Falcons - WR Xavier Hutchinson Iowa State
Clayton Gray: Good size and production; the Falcons continue to take shots at wide receiver. The additions of Hutchinson and veteran Mack Hollins have improved the Falcons' WR corps.
111. Cleveland Browns - RB Kenny McIntosh, Georgia
Devin Knotts: The Browns take their replacement for Kareem Hunt after losing both Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson in the offseason. McIntosh gives the Browns a receiving back to spell Nick Chubb, who, while he is improved as a receiver, is still not a complete three-down back.
112. New York Jets - S JL Skinner, Boise State
Clayton Gray: Had he not torn his pectoral working out this offseason, Skinner likely would have been gone by now. He's 6-foot4 and can play center field well.
113. Atlanta Falcons - IOL Sidy Sow Eastern, Michigan
Clayton Gray: Coming out of Eastern Michigan, Sow lacks high-level technique. But his athleticism was displayed at the Combine, and that's the stuff you can't teach. He's a great project in the fourth round.
114. Carolina Panthers - LB Dorian Williams, Tulane
Jeff Haseley: Carolina builds their linebacker corps with a local prospect who adds athleticism to the defense.
115. New Orleans Saints - G Emil Ekiyor, Alabama
Tripp Brebner: The Saints add depth to their interior line with the potential to start if Ruiz regresses or the team moves on from Peat after 2023 in its annual struggle with the salary cap.
116. Green Bay Packers - OT Warren McClendon Jr., Georgia
Kyle Bellefeuil: The 31-year-old David Bakhtiari played 11 games in 2022, but his health is always a concern at this point in his career. McClendon profiles more as a right tackle, but he provides some much-needed depth at a crucial position.
117. New England Patriots - QB Malik Cunningham, Louisville
Matt Bitonti: Cunningham is underrated because he played in a slow paced ball control offense at Louisville. That's exactly what the Patriots head coach wants.
118. Washington Commanders - LB Noah Sewell, Oregon
Jason Wood: Washington is completely revamping their linebacking corps, and Sewell is exactly what Ron Rivera wants -- an experienced, larger-than-life MIKE.
119. Minnesota Vikings - RB Eric Gray, Oklahoma
Christian Williams: Rumors that Dalvin Cook could be a cap casualty are swirling. Eric Gray has the burst and chunk-play ability that a Kevin O'Connell offense covets.
120. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Andrei Iosivas, Princeton
Sigmund Bloom: The Steelers are good at getting out ahead of wide receiver needs, and taking a player like Iosivas on the third day should do just that. He's a size/speed/athleticism prototype who needs seasoning and refinement because he played in the Ivy League. He should be ready for more action when Diontae Johnson becomes a free agent in 2025.
121. Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Colby Wooden, Auburn
Devin Knotts: The Jaguars have a need for an athletic defensive tackle to come in on third down and rush the passer. While Wooden is a bit of a tweener between a true defensive tackle and not fast enough to be an edge, he did have 11 sacks in his final two years of college and could be a great third-down replacement for Davon Hamilton.
122. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Connor Galvin, Baylor
Jason Wood: The Chiefs understand the importance of developing offensive line depth to protect the league's best player. Galvin can contribute inside immediately and potentially emerge as a viable starter at tackle in a few seasons.
123. Seattle Seahawks - CB Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M
Jeff Bell: At 6-foot-2, Jones possesses the length the Seahawks crave out of the cornerback position. He's adept at running Cover 3 schemes, the bread and butter of the defensive playbook.
124. Baltimore Ravens - WR Trey Palmer, Nebraska
Jeff Bell: Running the fastest 40 at the combine at 4.33, Palmer possesses the speed to stretch the defense vertically in the manner the Ravens have drafted recently. He is a creative player with the ball in his hands who can work in schemed concepts as an extension of the run game.
125. Los Angeles Chargers - RB Evan Hull, Northwestern
Zareh Kantzabedian: Evan Hull is a highly athletic running back who can produce in the same manner as Austin Ekeler. In 2022, Hull averaged 18 rush attempts per game and had 55 receptions for 546 yards. With Ekeler wanting out of L.A., Hull is a strong candidate who can step in and produce in the short term.
126. Cleveland Browns - TE Cameron Latu, Alabama
Devin Knotts: Cameron Latu could take over for the disappointing Harrison Bryant, who hasn't developed into the player that the Browns hoped he would and is scheduled to make $3M this year. Latu is a receiving tight end that may take a year or two to develop behind David Njoku and Jordan Akins.
127. Jacksonville Jaguars - IOL Nick Broeker, Mississippi
Devin Knotts: While the Jaguars took Ryan Vorhees in Round 3, he likely won't be ready until 2024. This draft is all about the line for them, and Nick Broeker adds another depth piece to protect their investment in Trevor Lawrence. Broeker may not have the most upside, but he is incredibly dependable, as he played in every game at Mississippi.
128. New York Giants - RB Kendre Miller, TCU
Jason Wood: Saquon Barkley is the engine of Brian Daboll's offense, but he's also playing on a franchise tag and has a troubling injury history. Miller gives the team a legitimate alternative to spell Barkley this year and quite feasibly take over the lead role in 2023.
129. Dallas Cowboys - IOL Olusegun Oluwatim, Michigan
Kevin Coleman: This is a value pick for Dallas. You can never have too many offensive linemen, and Oluwatim would provide depth behind their starting center and guards. He may never be a superstar, but he can be a solid offensive lineman.