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Hacksaw’s Thursday Podcast–1pm

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A close up look at the NFL Draft from Pro Football Focus..which ranks players-teams all year

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ARIZONA CARDINALS: B+
1 (4): WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
1 (27): EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
2 (43): CB Max Melton, Rutgers
3 (66): RB Trey Benson, Florida State
3 (71): OT Isaiah Adams, Illinois
3 (82): TE Tip Reiman, Illinois
3 (90): CB Elijah Jones, Boston College
4 (104): S Taylor Dadrion-Demerson , Texas Tech
5 (138): EDGE Xavier Thomas, Clemson
5 (162): OT Christian Jones, Texas
5 (191): WR Tejhaun Palmer, UAB
7 (226): CB Jaden Davis, Miami
Harrison — The Cardinals didn’t receive a trade offer that enticed them to move down for the second straight season. Instead, they get the No. 1 overall prospect on the consensus big board and one of the cleanest projections in the entire draft. Despite dealing with a step down in quarterback play last year, Harrison is one of two wide receivers who generated more than 1.0 PFF Wins Above Average (WAA) over the last two seasons.

Robinson — Robinson’s strength is his calling card. He played primarily on the interior before moving to the edge and posting career-highs with an 83.1 overall PFF grade and nine sacks. He was also the only SEC edge player to earn a 76.0-plus grade in run defense and rushing the passer. Arizona desperately needed to get more physical up front. The Cardinals accomplished that, but it’s possible that he would’ve been on the board early in the next round.

Melton — The run on cornerbacks continues. Melton, the 72nd-ranked player on the PFF big board, allowed just a 65.7 passer rating into his coverage in 2023 and totaled 15 pass breakups since 2021, the fourth-best mark in the Big Ten. The Cardinals could have targeted almost any position here and been filling a need. Melton projects as a slot cornerback but brings versatility, having played inside and outside in college.

Benson — The second running back off the board, Benson earned a 91.3 PFF grade over the last two seasons, eighth among Power Five running backs. Dynamic with the ball in his hands, he forced 124 missed tackles on 310 carries since 2022. He should immediately compete for touches behind James Conner in Arizona.

Adams — Adams played at Illinois but will likely kick inside to guard at the next level. He put up an 81.1 run-blocking grade over the past two seasons, sixth among draft-eligible tackles in this class. However, he gave up nine sacks from 518 pass-blocking snaps in 2023 alone and 13 sacks on 992 pass-blocking snaps over the past two seasons.

Reiman — A late riser through the pre-draft process, Reiman was a workout warrior and caught a ton of attention at the Shrine Bowl and NFL scouting combine. He wasn’t asked to be much more than a dump-off threat for Illinois and didn’t drop a pass on his 24 targets in 2023. He really shines as a run-blocker, where his play strength and competitiveness stand out.

Jones — The Cardinals continue to add to the secondary and pick an enforcer in Jones. The Boston College product is PFF’s 225th-ranked player but allowed just an 18.1 passer rating on throws into his coverage, the third-best mark among CBs, while his 89.8 coverage grade ranked eighth. Jones brings a physical playstyle as the Cardinals look to fill holes in their roster.

Dadrion-Demerson — Taylor-Demerson has been a ball hawk his entire college career, with his 10 interceptions since 2021 ranking third among Power Five safeties in that span. Opposing quarterbacks managed a passer rating of 58.4 when throwing into his coverage during his college career.

Thomas — Thomas gained a ton of experience in his six-year college career while racking up 153 quarterback pressures and 22 sacks, capped by a career-high 43 pressures in his final college season. He gives the Cardinals another solid piece in their defensive line overhaul.

Jones — Jones brings plenty of experience, having played 3,219 career offensive snaps for Texas over the past five seasons. He showed improvement throughout his college career, too. Jones’ 77.8 PFF grade in 2023 was the highest of his college career. Arizona brought in Jonah Williams this offseason as the projected starter opposite 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr., but Jones is a nice depth addition to that group.

Palmer — Palmer was productive in each of his final two seasons at UAB, averaging 2.00 and 2.15 yards per route run in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He dropped just 2.1% of the catchable passes thrown his way and averaged 8.8 yards after the catch in 2023.

Davis — Davis was targeted 49 times in coverage in 2023. He allowed 28 receptions and one touchdown, adding five forced incompletions and six defensive stops.

ATLANTA FALCONS: C-
1 (8): QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
2 (35): DL Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
3 (74): EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington
4 (109): DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
5 (143): LB JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
6 (186): RB Jase McClellan, Alabama
6 (187): WR Casey Washington, Illinois
6 (197): DI Zion Logue, Georgia
Penix — This is the first shocker of the night. Penix had gained more first-round buzz leading up to tonight, but no one thought the Falcons were in the quarterback market after signing Kirk Cousins this offseason. Penix was the only quarterback in college football who recorded more than 40 big-time throws during the 2023 season. Atlanta clearly values his skill set and will look to develop him behind Cousins.

Orhorhoro — Atlanta gives up its third-round pick to move up eight spots and take the 67th-ranked player on the PFF big board. Orhorhoro is a powerful, athletic defensive lineman with some versatility along the defensive line. That didn’t translate to high-level production at the college level, though, as he posted a sub-50th percentile pass-rush grade on true pass sets over the past two seasons. With several talented interior defensive linemen left on the board, this is a bet on his athleticism and continued development in the NFL.

Trice — Trice was one of the most productive pass-rushers over the past two seasons. This is the right spot for him, as the Falcons finally get the edge defender many expected them to grab early in the first round. Trice earned 90.0-plus pass-rush grades in each of the past two seasons and racked up 150 total pressures from 869 pass-rushing snaps in that span.

Dorlus — Dorlus was a force for the Ducks in 2023, as his 46 QB pressures ranked third among draft-eligible defensive tackles. His 134 total pressures since 2021 is the best mark in the country in that span for his position.

Bertrand — An intelligent and competitive linebacker, Bertrand provided value in coverage and as a pass-rusher over the past few seasons and should be a solid contributor on special teams at the next level. He has allowed no touchdowns in coverage the past two seasons and tallied a career-high 30 quarterback pressures as a blitzer in 2023.

McClellan — A reliable back out of Alabama, McClellan has lost just one fumble in his career on over 350 carries, displaying solid wiggle and contact balance on his way to forcing 49 missed tackles in 2023. He joins a stable of backs behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, limiting his offensive ceiling in Year 1.

Washington — It took a few years in Illinois’ offensive system to finally break out, but Washington is a reliable blocker and smooth mover who racked up 13 contested catches in 2023. He could find his way into a rotation if he can prove his value on special teams, something worth betting on due to his competitiveness and sneaky athleticism.

Logue — The Falcons draft an interior defender for the third time in this draft. Logue is coming off his best season, earning career-highs in overall grade (71.2) and run-defense grade (72.7) in 2023. Given the players drafted ahead of him, he will face an uphill battle for snaps as a rookie.

BALTIMORE RAVENS: A-
1 (30): CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
2 (62): T Roger Rosengarten, Washington
3 (93): EDGE Adisa Isaac, Penn State
4 (113): WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina
4 (130): CB TJ Tampa, Iowa State
5 (165): RB Rasheen Ali, Marshall
6 (218): QB Devin Leary, Kentucky
7 (228): C Nick Samac, Michigan State
7 (250): S Sanoussi Kane, Purdue
Wiggins — The Ravens select the lengthy but light Wiggins to play alongside Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton in their secondary. Wiggins’ closing speed is elite, and he showed good press ability in college despite his frame. He led the ACC with an 89.4 PFF coverage grade over the last two seasons. If he can handle NFL receivers’ play strength, he has immense potential.

Rosengarten — The Ravens may have found their new starting right tackle in Washington‘s Roger Rosengarten. He needs to add some strength, but he is a high-effort player and an excellent pass protector. He posted a 79.9 true pass set grade in 2023, which was far better before a tough fourth quarter in the national championship game. If he acclimates to NFL play strength, he could be one of the steals of the second round.

Isaac — Isaac’s slide ends, as PFF’s 38th-ranked player lands in Baltimore. While he needs to add strength to hold up to the grind of an NFL season, he already has great handwork to win as a pass-rusher. Since 2022, he has recorded 69 pressures and 13 sacks while generating a 13.1% pass-rush win rate. Isaac also dominated in run defense, posting an 11.4% run-stop percentage, fourth among edge rushers.

Walker — The Ravens finally land a wide receiver, and it’s a player who many expected to be off the board by now. His 10 receptions on throws 20-plus yards downfield ranked third in the ACC, so he can be a big-play threat in Baltimore right away.

Tampa — T.J. Tampa is a highly skilled cornerback when utilized in single coverage, and Iowa State gave him the keys to the castle on most of their defensive snaps. He went against very solid competition in the Big 12 in 2022 and 2023 and impressively held his own. Tampa will fit well within the Ravens’ defensive backfield, where tackling is also prioritized.

Ali — Ali has had some massive seasons for Marshall, having racked up over 1,100 rushing yards in b021 and 2023. Over the last three seasons, he has 69 rushes of at least 10 yards. Baltimore continues to add depth to their backfield, with Ali filling in behind Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell.

Leary — The Ravens were expected to address quarterback at some point in this draft as they look to improve their backup options to Lamar Jackson. In his lone season at Kentucky, he earned a 72.1 PFF grade, with 17 big-time throws and 23 turnover-worthy plays.

Samac — Samac allowed one sack and 13 total pressures on 345 pass-blocking reps in 2023. In the run game, he was at his best on pull leads, earning positive grades on 33.3% of reps without a single negative grade play while executing the run concept.

Kane — Kane wasn’t on the PFF big board, earning just a 56.9 PFF coverage grade in his final season at Purdue. He played 1,748 snaps over three seasons at Purdue, and his 70.1 PFF run-defense grade in 2023 indicates that his best route to snaps early will come on special teams.

BUFFALO BILLS: B-
2 (33): WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
2 (60): S Cole Bishop, Utah
3 (95): DI DeWayne Carter, Duke
4 (128): RB Ray Davis, Kentucky
5 (141): C Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
5 (160): LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
5 (168): ED Javon Solomon, Troy
6 (204): T Tylan Grable, UCF
6 (219): CB Daequan Hardy, Penn State
7 (221): G Travis Clayton, International Pathway Program
Coleman — Coleman was the fourth-best wide receiver remaining on the PFF big board, but he fills a clear need for a Bills team that lost Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason. Coleman boasts prototypical “X” receiver size and athleticism. There are some concerns with his production profile — he earned a 42nd-percentile receiving grade in 2023 — but he’ll have one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL.

Bishop — The Bills select Bishop in the second round, hoping that he can fill the void left by Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer‘s departure. Bishop is a high-effort player who peaked with a 75.5 overall PFF grade in 2022 and improved his tackling in 2023. This may be a bit of a reach, but Bishop is a high-floor player who can help Buffalo’s rebuilding secondary.

Carter — The Bills draft an ultra-productive defensive tackle, as Carter’s 114 pressures since 2022 are the second-most among Power Five defensive tackles. While Carter isn’t an elite athlete, he’s smart, versatile and capable of playing the run and the pass equally well. Possessing a deep bag of pass-rush moves, Carter will be a handful for offensive linemen in the NFL if he improves his get-off speed and quickness.

Davis — Davis possesses a versatile skill set that will fit perfectly with Josh Allen and Buffalo’s pass-happy offense. In 2023, Davis ranked ninth in the FBS with a 91.4 PFF rushing grade, while his seven receiving touchdowns led all players at the position. Davis can be a home-run hitter, having racked up 12 rushes of 20-plus yards in 2023, good for 13th among FBS backs last year.

Van Pran — A potential Day 2 target for teams needing a high-floor player on the interior, Van Pran allowed just one sack on more than 1,400 pass-blocking snaps at Georgia. He slots in as a “first man off the bench” type at all three interior positions for Buffalo.

Ulofoshio — Ulofoshio played over 300 defensive snaps for the first time in his career this past season at Washington. He was impressive, too, earning a 79.8 overall grade and a 90.4 coverage grade. Here, Buffalo bets on the upside of a prospect with good length and a strong athletic profile.

Solomon — Buffalo adds depth to the edge here. Solomon made PFF’s top 100 prospects due to his overall grading profile, as he earned an 88.2 PFF grade since 2022 to rank sixth at the position. His 32 sacks since 2021 rank first among all draft-eligible edge rushers.

Grable — Grable started his career at Jacksonville State before transferring to UCF and playing his final two seasons for the Knights at left tackle. Grable is an athletic, developmental option for the Bills late on Day 3. He ranks in the 60th percentile of qualifying college tackles in pass-blocking grade over the past two seasons.

Hardy — The Bills grab a cornerback for the first time in this draft, with Hardy coming off a season in which he played a career-high 419 snaps. He earned a 63.9 PFF coverage grade, allowing 318 yards and a pair of touchdowns from 240 coverage snaps.

Clayton — Clayton is a product of the International Pathway Program. He comes from England and brings elite size and athleticism. His background is in rugby and boxing.

CAROLINA PANTHERS: C
1 (32): WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina
2 (46): RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
3 (72): LB Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
4 (101): TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
5 (157): CB Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State
6 (200): DL Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State
7 (240): LB Michael Barrett, Michigan
Legette — Carolina trades into the first round to take Legette, who broke out in 2023 after several nondescript seasons. Legette impressed all season with his strength and speed in an offense where he was the only legitimate threat. He consistently won downfield, posting an FBS-leading 97.7 PFF receiving grade on 10-plus yard throws. The Panthers add their second legitimate weapon at wide receiver to go along with Diontae Johnson.

Brooks — Brooks has ideal size, speed, strength and agility but tore his ACL in 2023, which will raise concerns about his ability to contribute in 2024. Brooks earned a career-best 91.5 PFF grade in 2023, fourth among Power Five running backs, and forced a career-high 63 missed tackles.

Wallace — Wallace is being drafted highly because of his athleticism, so it’s not too shocking to see him coming off the board on Day 2. That said, the production wasn’t there in college, with Wallace earning just a 61.4 run-defense grade and a 58.6 PFF coverage grade in 2023. He absolutely can develop in the NFL, but there will be some work to do to get him there.

Sanders — Sanders was a key cog in Texas’ potent offense in 2023. He posted a 91.3 grade on contested targets and did not drop a single catchable target, both class-leading marks.

Smith-Wade — The Panthers have focused on offense in this draft, but they get good value here at cornerback after trading away Donte Jackson earlier this offseason. Smith-Wade earned PFF grades of at least 70.0 in each of the past three seasons. He allowed just one touchdown in coverage and forced nine incompletions last season.

Crumedy — Crumedy doesn’t provide a ton of pass-rush upside, with just 64 quarterback pressures across 1,149 career pass-rush snaps at Mississippi State. But he is a solid interior presence against the run, having earned PFF run-defense grades above 74.0 in each of the past two seasons.

Barrett — Barrett ranked 198th on PFF’s big board, so this is an excellent value selection. He was one of the leaders and captains for Michigan, and his 84.3 PFF grade ranked ninth among FBS linebackers. He is a consistent player in both run defense and coverage. Carolina is getting a three-down linebacker who played against offenses of all types in his time as a Wolverine.

CHICAGO BEARS: A
1 (1): QB Caleb Williams, USC
1 (9): WR Rome Odunze, Washington
3 (75): OT Kiran Amegadjie, Yale
4 (121): P Tory Taylor, Iowa
5 (144): EDGE Austin Booker, Kansas
Williams — This decision came into focus after Chicago traded Justin Fields away earlier in the offseason. It’s the right decision for the Bears. Williams has the kind of unique playmaking ability that every team is looking for at the quarterback position, and he earned 90.0-plus PFF grades in three consecutive years to end his college career.

Odunze — The sixth-ranked player on the PFF big board falls to Chicago at the back end of the top 10. Odunze is able to tilt the scales on 50-50 balls and brought in 21 of his 28 contested targets last season. That’s a nice weapon for new quarterback Caleb Williams, who will have one of the better wide receiver trios in the NFL as a rookie — D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and Odunze.

Amegadjie — The Bears continue to add pieces to their offense, grabbing a versatile offensive lineman in Amegadjie. The 57th overall player on the PFF big board, he played left tackle at Yale and dominated, earning an 89.5 PFF grade on just 234 snaps last season. He could be a guard at the next level, but as a third-round pick, he will have time to sit and develop at whichever spot he winds up.

Taylor — The Bears round out their draft with a key producer on special teams by grabbing a quality punter. Taylor earned a great 81.4 PFF punting grade after producing 35 punts inside the 20-yard and punting up to 67 yards.

Booker — After trading back into the draft, the Bears pick up a high-upside pass-rusher. Booker racked up 38 pressures and nine sacks in 2023 while posting a 14.8% pass-rush win rate. He has instant upside as a designated pass-rusher and could develop his play strength to become a three-down player.

CINCINNATI BENGALS: B+
1 (18): T Amarius Mims, Georgia
2 (49): DI Kris Jenkins, Michigan
3 (80): WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
3 (96): DI McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
4 (115): TE Erick All, Iowa
5 (149): CB Josh Newton, TCU
6 (194): TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
6 (214): EDGE Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss
7 (224): S Daijahn Anthony, Ole Miss
7 (237): C Matt Lee, Miami Fl.
Mims — Cincinnati beefs up its pass protection in front of Joe Burrow by adding the massive Mims. He’s a fantastic athlete for his size but struggled with injuries at Georgia. Regardless, he allowed just six quarterback pressures across 402 career pass-blocking snaps and should start very soon, as Trent Brown is only a short-term solution at right tackle.

Jenkins — Jenkins is arguably the pound-for-pound strongest player in the draft. His 87.2 run-defense grade since 2022 ranked fifth among Power Five interior defenders, while his 82.7 PFF grade in 2023 ranked third among Big Ten interior defenders. Jenkins lacks length and an ideal pass-rush package, but his power alone will have him on the field on Sundays.

Burton — Despite sliding a bit due to some off-field concerns, Burton has a three-level skill set with great explosiveness and impressive ball skills. He didn’t drop any of his 57 targets this past season and could be a solid complement to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins from Day 1 due to his downfield playmaking ability.

Jackson — Jackson projects as a nose or three-technique in a 4-3 defensive scheme because he excels as a one-gap penetrator. He’s limited by a lack of length, but that didn’t stop him from racking up 34 run stops since 2022 (third-most in the SEC) with 14 of them for no gain or loss (fifth in the SEC). He’ll need to learn to hold up to double team blocks and develop a pass-rush repertoire, but he can be successful in a rotation.

All — The Bengals find a potential long-term starter in the fourth round, with All ranking as the third-best tight end on the PFF big board. His 2.62 yards per route in 2023 ranked second among draft-eligible tight ends.

Newton — Ranking 12th among Big-12 cornerbacks, Newton earned an 87.7 PFF grade combined over the past two seasons. Across 413 coverage snaps last year, he allowed just one touchdown.

McLachlan — The Bengals doubled up on tight ends by adding the safe-handed McLachlan. He didn’t drop a single pass from 45 catchable targets in 2023. His 530 receiving yards and four touchdowns were both career highs.

Johnson — Johnson has a solid size-speed combination for an edge defender this late in the draft and offered solid production in his final season in college. From 850 pass-rushing snaps over the past three seasons, he racked up 107 quarterback pressures, including 13 sacks.

Anthony — Anthony allowed just one touchdown across 394 coverage snaps in 2023. Opposing quarterbacks managed a passer rating of just 54.7 when targeting him in coverage.

Lee — Lee was exceptional in 2023 with the Hurricanes, ranking 10th among FBS centers in PFF grade (79.1). He didn’t allow a single sack on 414 pass-blocking snaps, and his 89.1 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked third among FBS centers. Lee is well worth a swing here for the Bengals, a team that continues to find value late in the draft.

CLEVELAND BROWNS: C+
2 (54): DI Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
3 (85): G Zak Zinter, Michigan
5 (157): WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville
6 (206): LB Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State
7 (227): CB Myles Harden, South Dakota
7 (243): DI Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati
Hall — Hall stays heads up the road to Cleveland as a high-upside interior pass-rusher. He ranks 107th on the PFF big board but finished 2023 with the second-best pass-rush win rate among FBS defensive tackles. He’s a bit undersized and needs some work in the run game, but he could immediately attract blockers away from Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith on passing downs.

Zinter — Zinter suffered a nasty leg injury in Michigan’s final regular-season game, keeping him out of pre-draft workouts. Zinter is a long but stiff guard who offers some solid depth to the Browns’ interior after not allowing a sack on more than 280 pass-blocking snaps in 2023 and recording a positive grade on 15.7% of Michigan’s run plays.

Thrash — Thrash forced 17 missed tackles in 2023, which ranked fourth in the ACC. His 1,658 yards after the catch since 2022 is the best mark for all receivers.

Watson — Watson’s athletic profile won’t blow you away, but he’s a strong linebacker who rarely misses tackles, an often undervalued trait at the position. Watson also steadily improved over his tenure at Mississippi State, finishing with a career-best 73.1 PFF grade in 2023.

Harden — Harden was productive in the South Dakota secondary, as he came down with an interception and forced seven incompletions on 45 throws into his coverage in 2023. He also recorded eight stops in coverage, adding another nine on run plays.

Briggs — Briggs played somewhat out of position in 2023, lining up over the opposing offensive tackles more than in previous years in his career. He performed far better in 2022 when he was used more in the A- or B-gaps, earning a 77.4 PFF grade.

DALLAS COWBOYS: B-
1 (29): T Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
2 (56): EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
3 (73): Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
3 (87): LB Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
5 (174): CB Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
6 (216): WR Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State
7 (233): T Nathan Thomas, Louisiana
7 (244): DI Justin Rogers, Auburn
Guyton — Dallas selects the former defensive end Guyton out of Oklahoma to reinforce their offensive line. He’s the 39th-ranked player on the PFF big board and is considered something of a project with outstanding athletic ability. He didn’t allow a sack in 355 pass-blocking reps this season, but he only earned a 59.0 PFF true pass-blocking grade.

Kneeland — The Cowboys recover some defensive line depth that they lost in free agency, as they pick up Western Michigan‘s Marshawn Kneeland. He is a natural run defender who improved as a pass-rusher as his career progressed. Over the past two seasons, he posted an 88.0 PFF run-defense grade, which is the best among FBS edge defenders who played at least 300 run-defense snaps in that span.

Beebe — The Cowboys continue to address their offensive line and grab one of the best offensive linemen in college football over the past two seasons. Beebe’s 91.8 pass-blocking grade since 2021 ranks first among all FBS guards in that span, and he allowed just two sacks from 1,206 pass-blocking snaps over that time. The question is where he plays in the NFL, with a move to center a possibility.

Liufau — Liufau plays with a competitiveness and violence that lends itself to some tackling inconsistencies. He is also a bit of a slower processor, but when able to read and trigger, he can make splash plays — as evidenced by his 35 defensive stops between the run and pass games over the past two seasons. He projects as a core special teamer with the upside to be a rotational linebacker.

Carson — Like many who play under head coach Dave Clawson, Carson is a physical prospect. He earned an impressive 83.4 run-defense grade in 2023, ranking 33rd among FBS cornerbacks. Carson will fit in well in a cornerback room stacked with playmakers such as DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs, having forced five incompletions from single coverage in 2023. The Cowboys get a projected two-round steal by selecting the Wake Forest product.

Flournoy — Flournoy offers solid production, averaging 2.67 yards per route run over the past two seasons. His best attribute is his hands, as he dropped just 3.2% of the catchable passes thrown his way since 2022.

Thomas — When you turn on Nathan Thomas’ tape, expect a mauler in the run game. Although he struggled in pass protection in each of the past two seasons, Thomas shows off his athleticism on run concepts. His 76.1 PFF run-blocking grade in 2023 ranked 18th among FBS offensive tackles.

Rogers — Rogers was better in 2022, when he earned a 70.9 PFF grade. He was better against the run than as a pass rusher this past season, recording a 65.3 PFF run-defense grade.

DENVER BRONCOS: A-
1 (12): QB Bo Nix, Oregon
3 (76): EDGE Jonah Elliss, Utah
4 (102): WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
5 (145): CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
5 (147): RB Audric Estime, Notre Dame
7 (235): WR Devaughn Vele, Utah
7 (256): IOL Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina
Nix — The run on quarterbacks continues. Denver had one of the worst quarterback rooms in the NFL on paper. It’s not a surprise to see them address the position, though the way they did it — taking the QB6 at 12th overall — is a bit surprising. Nix excelled at getting the ball out quickly and accurately in the Oregon offense over the past two seasons. His 70.0% accurate pass rate since 2022 ranks second among Power Five quarterbacks with at least 250 pass attempts.

Elliss — Edge rusher was a need for the Broncos heading into Day 2, and they get some good value here with Elliss early in the third round. In 10 games last year, he racked up 39 pressures, 13 of which were sacks, and won 17.7% of his pass-rushing snaps. Getting their quarterback and edge defender with limited picks in the first two days of the draft is good business by Denver.

Franklin — This is an obvious fit for Franklin, as he will be reunited with his Oregon teammate and 12th overall pick, QB Bo Nix. Franklin averaged 3.32 yards per route run in 2023, the third-best mark among all receivers in the draft class.

Abrams-Draine — Playing opposite Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at Missouri, Abrams-Draine posted a career-high 89.9 coverage grade in 2023 and now provides the Broncos with another great depth piece in the secondary. He forced 34 incompletions in off-coverage from 2021 to 2023, which ranked first among all college cornerbacks.

Estime — Estime’s 94.0 overall grade was the highest among all Power Five backs in 2023. His grade was due in large part to his ability to break tackles, as he forced a whopping 64 misses for the season.

Vele — Vele is the type of wide receiver that many offensive coordinators gravitate toward in today’s NFL. He is solid in mesh concepts, understands reading safeties and linebackers in coverage and knows how to get open quickly. Although he doesn’t necessarily have a signature tool, Vele is a solid football player. He recorded a 69.1 PFF receiving grade in 2023.

Gargiulo — Having played over 350 snaps at left tackle, left guard and center in his career, Gargiulo has proven positional versatility that could lend itself well to holding onto a roster spot in Denver. A transfer from Yale, he has allowed just two sacks on over 1,400 pass-blocking snaps since 2019.

DETROIT LIONS: A
1 (24): CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
2 (61): CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
4 (126): T Giovanni Manu, University of British Columbia
4 (132): S Sione Vaki, Utah
6 (189): DI Mekhi Wingo, LSU
6 (210): G Christian Mahogany, Boston College
Arnold — Detroit traded up to acquire the 14th-ranked player on the PFF big board, Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold. Arnold is an alpha presence in the secondary who plays with a fearless mentality. He led all SEC cornerbacks in interceptions and pass breakups in 2023 and led the conference with a 90.6 PFF run-defense grade. Detroit has officially overhauled its cornerback room with the additions of Arnold, Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson.

Rakestraw — The Lions continue to rebuild a defense that ranked 30th in coverage grade in 2023. Rakestraw, the 46th-ranked player on the PFF big board, is a physical cornerback who excels in zone coverage. He posted an 85.2 PFF zone coverage grade in 2023. The Lions have completely revamped their cornerback room in just one offseason.

Manu — Manu isn’t on the PFF big board because we don’t have any data on him, but he received a lot of hype in the final weeks leading up to the draft. He ran a 4.96-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds.

Vaki — Lions fans, get ready to love Vaki, one of the most athletic players in the 2024 NFL Draft. He played safety and running back at Utah, but he is a solid safety in coverage. Don’t expect him to make exceptional plays on the football very often, but Vaki packs a mean punch. He’s a plus tackler in run defense and perfectly fits Aaron Glenn’s mentality in the Motor City.

Wingo — This is a great spot to get Wingo, a good athlete for someone his size. His 84.9 run-defense grade since 2022 is the best among SEC defensive tackles in that span, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him develop into a good rotational player in Detroit.

Mahogany — Mahogany fell further than expected, enabling the Lions to land a bit of a steal here in the sixth round. Over the past three seasons, he has allowed just one sack and seven total quarterback pressures from 711 pass-blocking snaps.

GREEN BAY PACKERS: B+
1 (25): T Jordan Morgan, Arizona
2 (45): LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
2 (58): S Javon Bullard, Georgia
3 (88): RB MarShawn Lloyd, USC
3 (91): LB Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
4 (111): S Evan Williams, Oregon
5 (163): OT Jacob Monk, Duke
5 (169): S Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State
6 (202): OT Travis Glover, Georgia State
7 (245): QB Michael Pratt, Tulane
7 (255): CB Kalen King, Penn State
Morgan — Morgan returned from a torn ACL in 2023 and had an excellent season for a resurgent Arizona squad. There are questions about his play strength and arm length, so he may move inside in the NFL. Those shortcomings weren’t an issue in college, though, as Morgan ranked inside the top seven in overall and pass-blocking grade this past season. Green Bay now has several versatile players on its offensive line and is sure to shuffle them around during the preseason to find the optimal combination.

Cooper — The first linebacker comes off the board. Cooper has length and athleticism and led all linebackers in 2023 in PFF grade (90.8). With very few weaknesses in his grading profile, Cooper was the only linebacker in college football to earn 85.0-plus grades in coverage, run defense and pass rush. He’ll need to develop better coverage instincts, but he has the goods to be a starting-caliber linebacker.

Bullard — The Packers desperately needed safety depth beyond Xavier McKinney and Anthony Johnson Jr. heading into this draft. They found that in the versatile Georgia Bulldog Javon Bullard. He is an excellent coverage safety who has extensive experience playing in the slot. He is one of just four Power Five players who earned 80.0-plus grades in PFF coverage and run-defense grades from the slot over the past two years. His versatility makes the Packers’ secondary substantially better.

Lloyd — Lloyd offers an explosive skill set and solid vision, which should fit in nicely in Matt LaFleur’s multiple run scheme. Lloyd tallied 47 missed tackles and 14 runs of 15-plus yards in 2023. He has some intriguing flashes as a receiver but has some major holes in his pass-protection technique that will limit him to an early-down, rotational role in Year 1.

Hopper — PFF’s 191st-ranked player and 13th-ranked linebacker, Hopper is more athletic than his measurables suggest. His athleticism does provide upside for him to find the field early on special teams, and he can contribute on defense if he develops. He was excellent as a pass-rusher, recording 49 pressures since 2022, and he showed promise in coverage by allowing just one touchdown in his career.

Williams — Williams earned a 75.0-plus PFF grade in three straight seasons and offers some value as a blitzer. From 20 pass-rushing attempts in 2023, he racked up eight quarterback pressures, including five sacks.

Monk — Monk wasn’t among the top 300 players on the PFF big board and came in at 272nd overall on the consensus big board. But the Packers tabbed him as their guy here in a trade-up, continuing to add depth on the interior. Monk showed some versatility over the past few years at Duke, playing over 200 snaps at both center and right guard in each of the past two seasons.

Oladapo — The Packers add Oladapo, who is coming off his best college season. This past year, he earned an impressive 88.3 PFF overall grade and a 91.3 run-defense grade, the latter ranking as the best mark among Power Five Safeties.

Glover — Glover offers plenty of length on the inside at 6-foot-6 with nearly 35-inch arms. He played more than 4,000 defensive snaps for Georgia State but didn’t record a 70.0-plus PFF grade until his final season in 2023, led by an 80.8 PFF run-defense grade.

Pratt — The Packers get excellent value in Pratt, who can compete immediately to be Jordan Love’s backup in Green Bay. Pratt was at his best throwing downfield this past season, earning an 88.5 PFF passing grade on throws 20-plus yards downfield.

King — King was once pegged as a potential first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He struggled in 2023, earning a 60.3 PFF grade that ranked 308th among FBS cornerbacks. However, he recorded an 89.0 PFF grade in 2022, good for sixth at his position. He’s shown he’s fully capable in pass coverage and is a solid value pick here for Green Bay.

HOUSTON TEXANS: B+
2 (42): CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
2 (59): T Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
3 (78): S Calen Bullock, USC
4 (123): TE Cade Stover, Ohio State
6 (188): LB Jamal Hill, Oregon
6 (205): RB Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
7 (238): ED Solomon Byrd, USC
7 (247): DI Marcus Harris, Auburn
7 (249): T LaDarius Henderson, Michigan
Lassiter — The cornerback run continues. Lassiter is a savvy cornerback who started on the outside in each of the last two seasons for Georgia, grading out in the 68th percentile in PFF coverage grade since 2022. It’s another dart throw at cornerback for Houston, who also brought in Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson to compete for a spot across from Derek Stingley Jr.

Fisher — Notre Dame‘s Blake Fisher is a sturdy right tackle who provides the Texans some depth up front. He’s not flashy, but he has proven to be consistent. Fisher has posted 72.9 and 71.1 overall PFF grades over the past two seasons. Whether he starts immediately or within the next couple of years, Fisher provides further stability to Houston‘s offensive line, even if he isn’t the flashiest pick.

Bullock — A versatile and athletic safety prospect out of USC, Bullock has the range to be a difference-maker on the back end. He racked up seven interceptions and 11 forced incompletions over the past two seasons, but his play strength and tackling issues make him a bit of a project, albeit one with a solid ceiling.

Stover — Houston adds a quality receiving threat at tight end in Stover. Since 2022, his 982 receiving yards and 45 first downs led all Big Ten tight ends. He also produced a fantastic 138.2 passer rating when targeted this past season.

Hill — Hill played 350 or more defensive snaps in each of the past four seasons and was solid in coverage, earning a 70.0-plus grade in that facet in each of the past two years. He missed just 6.9% of the tackles he attempted last year, which could help him stick on special teams.

Jordan — Jordan is on the smaller side for the position (193 pounds) and produced underwhelming testing numbers (4.56-second 40-yard dash), but he produced some big plays for Louisville over the past few seasons, with 50 runs of 10-plus yards. It’s another option in the backfield for the Texans, who replaced Devin Singletary with Joe Mixon earlier this offseason.

Byrd — Byrd was always expected to take a big step in his later years at USC, so this is a high-ceiling selection for the Texans. Byrd can learn from Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. after recording 41 pressures in 2023 on 302 pass-rush snaps. He often looks to dip under offensive tackles and could aim to bulk up to be a more productive NFL player.

Harris — Harris was fantastic against the run this past season, earning an 87.4 PFF run-defense grade in the best season of his college career. He has the talent to compete for snaps on a rotational basis as a rookie, especially on early downs, finishing this past season with a 10.2% run-stop rate.

Henderson — Henderson wasn’t on the PFF big board and struggled down the stretch for the Michigan Wolverines. He did show some flashes early in the season, though, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade above 70.0 in six of the first eight games of the year.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: A+
1 (15): EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
2 (52): WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
3 (79): T Matt Goncalves, Pittsburgh
4 (117): C Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin
5 (142): WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State
5 (151): S Jaylon Carlies, Missouri
5 (164): S Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
6 (201): CB Micah Abraham, Marshall
7 (234): DI Jonah Laulu, Oklahoma
Latu — The first defensive player comes off the board. Latu was the most productive pass rusher in college football over the past two seasons at UCLA, leading all qualifiers in PFF pass-rush grade (94.5) and pass-rush win rate (23.1%). If it weren’t for medical red flags, there’s a good chance that Latu would have been viewed as a consensus top-10 prospect in this class.

Mitchell — Mitchell will immediately provide Anthony Richardson with another weapon opposite Michael Pittman Jr. He is an immediate impact player in the red zone with his size and body control, and he brings incredible hands. Mitchell dropped just one pass over the past two years on 103 targets.

Goncalves — A potential swing lineman, Goncalves played both right tackle and left tackle at Pittsburgh and posted a 75.0-plus grade in each of the past two seasons, However, his limited lateral agility may make him a guard in the NFL. The Colts value versatility on their offensive line, and Goncalves offers solid depth from Day 1 with the potential to develop into a starter down the road.

Bortolini — Bortolini allowed just one sack and 11 total pressures from 479 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. He earned a 77.6 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets, ranking eighth among centers in this draft class, and could be a long-term starter on the Colts’ interior.

Gould — At just 5-foot-8, Gould is a smaller receiver, but he has true field-tilting long speed and bursts off the line of scrimmage, giving the Colts a potential high-ceiling deep threat with the ability to make an impact in the return game. He posted a career-high 711 receiving yards last season and has a 90.4 punt-return grade since 2022, which ranks fifth in the Power Five.

Carlies — While he’ll need to improve his tackling (21 missed tackles in 2023), Carlies has an intriguing all-around game. He posted an 88.4 pass-rush grade last year while notching two interceptions and four pass breakups in coverage.

Simpson — Simpson is undersized at 182 pounds and started his career at cornerback before moving to safety at the end of his Auburn career. He’s coming off the highest-graded season of his career, as he put up an 87.4 PFF coverage grade in 2023. Simpson was particularly effective in a deep role, earning an 85th-percentile coverage grade at free safety a season ago.

Abraham — Abraham brings plenty of experience after logging more than 3,000 defensive snaps in five seasons with Marshall. While Abraham was productive (10-plus forced incompletions in each of the past three seasons), there are questions about how well that will translate to the NFL, as he has an underwhelming athletic profile at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds.

Laulu — Laulu is not elite in the pass-rushing department, but he was more than serviceable in 2023 with the Sooners, recording 17 pressures on 166 pass-rush snaps. After transferring from Hawaii, Laulu was thrust into a much tougher level of competition, and he held his own.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: B
1 (23): WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
2 (48): DI Maason Smith, LSU
3 (96): CB Jarrian Jones, Florida State
4 (114): T Javon Foster, Missouri
4 (116): DI Jordan Jefferson, LSU
5 (153): CB Deantre Prince, Ole Miss
5 (167): RB Keilan Robinson, Texas
6 (212): K Cam Little, Arkansas
7 (236): ED Myles Cole, Texas Tech
Thomas — The Jaguars add another weapon to a wide receiver room that includes Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Thomas’ calling card is his explosive speed and ability to win vertically. He led the nation in 2023 with a 99.9 PFF deep receiving grade and 12 deep receiving touchdowns. He’ll instantly threaten safeties vertically, and if he improves his route running, he has WR1 potential.

Smith — The Jaguars reached for PFF’s 140th-ranked player at a position of need. Smith notched a career-high 23 quarterback pressures (seventh among SEC interior defenders) and a 9% pass rush win rate in 2023 (second). Smith is physically gifted, but he needs to improve his footwork and play recognition to be an impactful NFL player.

Jones — While Jones lacks the long speed to hold up on the outside, he does have the quickness to excel out of the slot. Jones is a reliable tackler and more than willing to thump in the run game. He sported a career-best 90.1 PFF grade in 2023, fifth among players at the position, and has allowed zero touchdowns since 2022 on 458 coverage snaps.

Foster — Foster was a multi-year starter at left tackle in the SEC. His 87.9 PFF grade since 2022 is the fourth-best among FBS tackles, though he could move inside to guard in the NFL.

Jefferson — For the second time in this draft, The Jaguars look to LSU to find an interior defender. Jefferson set a career-high with a 72.4 PFF run-defense grade and has desirable size and strength on the interior. He just hasn’t put it all together yet.

Prince — Prince is PFF’s ninth-highest-graded cornerback since 2021, with an 89.6 overall grade. In 2022, he was particularly sound in the run game, posting an 84.7 category grade that was good for sixth in the conference.

Robinson — Robinson wasn’t on PFF’s big board after receiving few offensive opportunities at Texas. The Jaguars grab him here, likely in preparation for the NFL’s new kick-return structure. Robinson averaged 23.5 yards per return and even notched a kick-return touchdown over the past two seasons.

Little — Little is the third kicker off the board in the sixth round. He earned a 90.9 PFF field-goal grade in 2023, missing just one kick inside 40 yards all season. Over the course of his three-year career, he went 7-for-11 from 50-plus yards.

Cole — Ranked 185th on PFF’s big board, Cole learn from two productive NFL edge defenders in Josh Allen and Travon Walker. He recorded 27 pressures on 267 pass-rush snaps in 2023. His “bag” isn’t as deep as some of the top guys in this class, but there were times when he flashed solid ability.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: B+
1 (28): WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
2 (63): T Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
4 (131): TE Jared Wiley, TCU
4 (133): S Jaden Hicks, Washington State
5 (159): C Hunter Nourzad, Penn State
6 (211): CB Kamal Hadden, Tennessee
7 (248): G C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross
Worthy — Kansas City trades up to select the fastest player in combine history. Worthy, owner of the 4.21-second 40-yard dash, gives Patrick Mahomes the most explosive outside threat he’s had since the departure of Tyreek Hill. However, However, Worthy earned PFF receiving grades in the low 70s in each of the last two years, and there are concerns about his 172-pound frame. It’s a gamble by a Chiefs organization looking to make their offense more aggressive.

Suamataia — The Chiefs trade up one spot to select Suamataia, who could be their new starting left tackle. Suamataia has experience on both sides of the line. He posted an 80.9 PFF pass-blocking grade on the right side in 2022 and an 86.1 PFF pass-blocking grade on the left side in 2023. Protecting Patrick Mahomes is a top priority, and Suamataia can help that cause.

Wiley —The Kansas City Chiefs continue to supply Patrick Mahomes with weapons in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wiley is a very, very reliable option in the passing game. His eight receiving touchdowns ranked tied for first among FBS tight ends last year, while his 308 yards after the catch ranked eighth. The Chiefs’ tight end room is legit.

Hicks — The Chiefs continue to stack up extremely productive defensive backs in the NFL Draft. Hicks, a standout at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, possesses rare movement ability in the back end. Hicks earned an 83.0 coverage grade in 2023; he is a smart player who will fit in extremely well with a DB room that is already loaded with young, hungry talent.

Nourzad — Nourzad is a high-floor center prospect who fits into most NFL offenses and should provide some nice depth to the Chiefs’ talented interior offensive line. Nourzad has put up some shaky grades in pass protection for Penn State over the last several seasons, but he earned a 77.0 run-blocking grade in 2023.

Hadden — Hadden struggles in run support and press coverage, but there’s enough there to work with where it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make it in the NFL. He earned a 90.4 PFF coverage grade, including a 90.9 zone-coverage grade in 2023.

Hanson — Hanson was a better run blocker than a pass blocker, earning a 71.5 PFF run-blocking grade compared to a 63.5 PFF pass-blocking grade. The step up in competition level will be steep for Hanson, so the preseason will be key for him.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: B+
1 (13): TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
2 (44): C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
3 (77): T Delmar Glaze, Maryland
4 (112): CB Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State
5 (148): LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
6 (208): RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
7 (223): S Trey Taylor, Air Force
7 (229): CB MJ Devonshire, Pittsburgh
Bowers — With the top six quarterbacks off the board, the Raiders go with a “best player available” approach despite taking tight end Michael Mayer in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bowers is a versatile offensive weapon and should be an immediate impact player thanks to what he can do with the ball in his hands. Bowers’ 689 receiving yards after contact during his college career at Georgia are more than any other tight end since PFF began charting college football in 2014.

Powers-Johnson — Powers-Johnson’s slide ends as the Raiders pick the interior offensive lineman with positional versatility. They struggled mightily at the guard positions in 2023, and current center Andre James was PFF’s ninth-highest-graded player at the position. Powers-Johnson allowed just one quarterback pressure on 481 pass-blocking snaps in 2023 and is PFF’s highest-graded college center since 2022 (91.5).

Glaze — The Raiders double down on the offensive line on Day 2, picking Maryland’s Delmar Glaze, a big reach compared to the PFF big board and consensus boards. Glaze graded well in 2023, posting an 83.6 pass-blocking grade, but his movement skills are a bit lacking for an NFL tackle, making him a better option on the interior.

Richardson — Richardson is a plus player against the run and earned a career-best 75.9 PFF run-defense grade in 2023. He missed just 3.9% of his tackle attempts last season.

Eichenberg — Eichenberg racked up an impressive 75 combined run stops in 2022 and 2023, the top mark among Big Ten linebackers. In that span, he also amassed 29 tackles for loss or no gain, which ranked third in the conference.

Laube — Laube should have a role on special teams and as a receiving threat out of the backfield for the Raiders. He tallied more than 700 receiving yards with 23 forced missed tackles after the catch in his final season at New Hampshire, and he cleared an 80.0 PFF receiving grade in each of the past three seasons.

Taylor — Taylor won the Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in college football in 2023. He earned an 89.0 overall grade last year, fourth among all safeties. On 39 throws into his coverage, he allowed just 22 catches for 202 yards and one score.

Devonshire — Over his last two years at Pittsburgh, Devonshire forced 18 incompletions in coverage, the sixth-best mark among ACC cornerbacks. He also allowed only 45% of the passes thrown into his coverage to be caught, the sixth-best mark in the conference.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: A
1 (5): T Joe Alt, Notre Dame
2 (34): WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
3 (69): LB Junior Colson, Michigan
4 (105): DL Justin Eboigbe, Alabama
5 (137): CB Tarheeb Still, Maryland
5 (140): CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame
6 (181): RB Kimani Vidal, Troy
7 (225): WR Brenden Rice, USC
7 (253): WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
Alt — The Chargers had clear needs at both wide receiver and offensive tackle. They opted to beef up their offensive line, which should help keep franchise cornerstone Justin Herbert upright and spark a run game that has been non-existent in recent years. Alt allowed just 13 pressures across the last two seasons on over 700 pass-blocking snaps.

McConkey — After beefing up the trenches in the first round, Los Angeles trades up a few picks to get its wide receiver at the top of the second round. McConkey played over 600 snaps on the outside over the past two seasons at Georgia but projects as someone who will spend most of his time in the slot in the NFL. He has the speed to get vertical and the quickness to create separation underneath and add on after the catch, so he could quickly step into a significant role for the Chargers in Year 1.

Colson — The Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers select their first Michigan Wolverine, Colson. In 2023, Colson earned a career-high 90.2 tackling grade, missing just 4.7% of his tackle attempts over the season. He was also one of the best linebackers in the country in coverage, earning an 83.4 coverage grade.

Eboigbe — Eboigbe tallied career highs in sacks (seven) and QB pressures (31) in 2023. His 86.4 run-defense grade ranked second among all FBS edge rushers last year.

Still — Still is a physical cornerback with solid instincts and outside/slot versatility. He lined up in press coverage on 122 of his 289 coverage snaps in 2023, and his career-high five interceptions ranked third among Big Ten cornerbacks. He also showed some tenacity as a run defender, earning an 88.4 run-defense grade.

Hart — Hart allowed no touchdowns on 308 coverage snaps in 2023 and is a high-ceiling cornerback with great measurables and athleticism. The Chargers have made cornerback a priority on Day 3 after picking Tarheeb Still earlier, acquiring two different playstyles and body types in the fifth round.

Vidal — Vidal is a rocked-up, explosive athlete, but his vision for space needs to speed up for him to earn a rotational role in the NFL. However, he earned a career-high 93.2 rushing grade in 2023, scoring 14 touchdowns and forcing a whopping 94 missed tackles across 295 attempts.

Rice — It’s unclear why Rice fell so far in the draft. The son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, Brenden was PFF’s 125th overall prospect, so the Chargers may have found themselves one of the steals of Day 3. From 2022 to 2023, the USC receiver generated a 117.3 passer rating when targeted, ninth-best among all players at the position over that span.

Johnson — Jim Harbaugh goes back to Ann Arbor to bring in another Wolverine. Johnson is a very willing blocker in the run game and is also extremely underrated as a route-runner. There are multiple instances where Johnson made above-and-beyond catches on deep throws. Pair that with Justin Herbert’s bazooka, and this is a solid fit. Aside from receiving a 71.1 PFF grade in 2023, Johnson also received a national championship ring.

LOS ANGELES RAMS: B+
1 (19): EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
2 (39): DL Braden Fiske, Florida State
3 (83): RB Blake Corum, Michigan
3 (99): S Kamren Kinchens, Miami Fl.
5 (154): EDGE Brennan Jackson, Washington State
6 (196): DI Tyler Davis, Clemson
6 (209): K Joshua Karty, Stanford
6 (213): WR Jordan Whittington, Texas
6 (217): C Beaux Limmer, Arkansas
7 (254): IOL KT Leveston, Kansas State
Verse — The Rams desperately needed edge help, and they select arguably the best power rusher in the class. Verse burst onto the scene over the past two years at Florida State, ranking second among Power Five edge rushers in pass-rush win rate. The Rams use their highest selection since 2016 to reset their pass rush after Aaron Donald‘s retirement.

Fiske — Los Angeles gives up significant draft capital to move up and get their Aaron Donald “replacement,” pairing Fiske back up with college teammate Jared Verse. Fiske has limited length (31-inch arms), but he’s a very good athlete who has the quickness to get into the backfield regularly. Fiske’s grading profile did take a step back after transferring to Florida State, with his 73.9 PFF grade a dip from the 88.6 PFF grade he put up in his final season at Western Michigan in 2022.

Corum — After racking up 27 touchdowns and earning an 83.4 rushing grade for Michigan last season, Corum should push for significant touches right off the bat in the Rams’ multiple run schemes. Corum offers elite vision and change-of-direction ability, two things clearly valued by head coach Sean McVay, as Kyren Williams brings a similar skill set.

Kinchens — Kinchens’ 11 interceptions since 2022 are the most at the position. Kinchens is a well-rounded athlete with good awareness and instincts at the safety position. While he’s on the lighter and smaller side, Kinchens’ ball skills enable him to profile well to a deep free safety role in the NFL. His 90.0 grade in 2022 ranked fifth in all of college football.

Jackson — Jackson tallied 83 total pressures over the past two seasons with an impressive 16 sacks. He also showed an ability to bat passes down, notching seven during his career at Washington State.

Davis — Davis was a monster against the run in college. His 90.8 run-defense grade in 2023 was the best of his career, and his 91.1 run-defense grade over the past two seasons was the third-best among interior defenders in this draft class.

Karty — Karty graded higher than Alabama’s Will Reichard (who was drafted a few spots before him) since 2021. His 97.0 PFF grade on field goals and extra points since 2021 led all of college football, and he went 24-of-27 on field goals of at least 40 yards over the past two seasons.

Whittington — Whittington is one of PFF lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema‘s favorite late-round receivers. His 27 missed tackles forced after the catch since 2022 ranked third among Big 12 receivers in that span.

Limmer — The Rams get solid value in Limmer here in the sixth round. He earned a 74.0-plus PFF grade in each of the past three seasons. He is a better run blocker than a pass blocker and is coming off a season where he led all draft-eligible centers in PFF run-blocking grade on gap plays (77.4).

Leveston — The Rams continue bulking up their trenches with the selection of KT Leveston out of Kansas State. He allowed 18 pressures on 430 pass-blocking snaps at left tackle in 2023, but his frame and movement skills likely make him a guard at the next level.

MIAMI DOLPHINS: B-
1 (21): EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
2 (55): T Patrick Paul, Houston
4 (120): RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
5 (158): EDGE Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State
6 (184): WR Malik Washington, Virginia
6 (198): S Patrick McMorris, California
7 (241): WR Tahj Washington, USC
Robinson — Robinson, ranked 40th on the PFF big board, could be considered a bit of a reach, but his potential is undeniable. He has dimensions of power and speed in his pass-rush arsenal. He also earned a 93.9 pass-rush grade over the past two seasons, which ranks second among FBS edge defenders — behind the Colts’ Laiatu Latu. Miami’s edge group could be a dominant unit if Robinson achieves his potential and Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips recover from their injuries.

Paul — Miami selected a potential heir to Terron Armstead in Houston‘s Patrick Paul. Paul has terrific length and movement skills. He led all FBS tackles in 2023 with a 91.5 PFF pass-blocking grade. Pass protection is at a premium with Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, so this is a significant move for the Dolphins’ offense.

Wright — Speed is the name of the game in Miami, and Wright supplies plenty of burst. His career-best 91.0 PFF grade in 2023 paced all backs in the SEC after racking up over 7.4 yards per carry, the second-highest rate among Power-Five backs.

Kamara — The Dolphins continue to add speed to their roster, regardless of position. Kamara is explosive — he recorded a 4.57-second 40 and a 10-foot-3 broad jump — but has a limited frame at 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds. He’s been a productive pass-rusher for Colorado State over the last few seasons, though. Over the last three years, he ranks in the 94th percentile of qualifying edge rushers in pass-rush grade on true pass sets.

Washington — The second-highest-graded receiver in 2023, behind only Malik Nabers, Washington led the FBS in receptions over the past two seasons. Despite his stature, he has some impressive movement skills and solid ability at the catch point to contribute in the receiving game while providing value on special teams in the meantime.

McMorris — McMorris wasn’t ranked on the PFF big board or the consensus board this year, though he did earn PFF grades above 70.0 in each of the past two seasons. He earned a 73.3 PFF coverage grade last year and finished the campaign with 21 defensive stops.

Washington — Washington is small but was really productive at the college level. He averaged 3.06 yards per route run in his final year at USC, dropped just 1.7% of the catchable passes thrown his way and earned an 80.4 PFF grade against man coverage.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS: B+
1 (10): QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
1 (17): EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
4 (108): CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon
6 (177): T Walter Rouse, Oklahoma
6 (203): K Will Reichard, Alabama
7 (230): C Michael Jurgens, Wake Forest
7 (232): DI Levi Drake Rodriguez, Texas A&M–Commerce
McCarthy — With Michael Penix Jr. being drafted before McCarthy, Minnesota had to move up only one selection to get their quarterback competition for Sam Darnold. McCarthy has traits to work with and was excellent when Michigan needed him to make a play in third-and-long situations, but he wasn’t asked to carry the offense much at the college level. He does land in one of the league’s better situations for a rookie quarterback, as Minnesota has a solid offensive line and a talented receiving corps.

Turner — The Vikings draft an explosive pass rusher in Turner, adding him to a unit that includes free-agent acquisitions Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Turner is an incredible athlete who is capable of rushing the passer from a two-point stance and dropping into coverage. He ranked among the top three edges in the SEC in pass-rush grade, pressures and coverage grade in 2023.

Jackson — Jackson played 320 coverage snaps last season but allowed just one touchdown. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound cornerback allowed a passer rating of just 41.6 on throws into his coverage in 2023, the second-best mark among all Pac-12 players at the position.

Rouse — Minnesota adds depth to its offensive line with Walter Rouse. He led all FBS tackles in pass-blocking efficiency in 2023 (99.3), allowing zero sacks and just six pressures across 481 pass-blocking snaps.

Reichard — The first kicker comes off the board. Reichard ranked fourth among college football kickers with a 94.9 field goal/extra point grade over the past three season, connecting on 10 of 13 tries over 50 yards for his career.

Jurgens — Jurgens earned an impressive 93.1 run-block grade on 143 outside-zone runs in 2023. In pass protection, he allowed just 10 total pressures last season, two ending in sacks.

Rodriguez — Rodriguez did exactly what you’d expect from a player of his caliber at Texas A&M-Commerce. He recorded an impressive 16.4% pass-rush win rate and 24 pressures on 249 pass-rush snaps. His 91.0 PFF pass-rushing grade ranked first among FCS interior defenders in 2023.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: B+
1 (3): QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
2 (37): WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
3 (68): OT Caedan Wallace, Penn State
4 (103): G Layden Robinson, Texas A&M
4 (110): WR Javon Baker, UCF
6 (180): CB Marcellas Dial, South Carolina
6 (193): QB Joe Milton III, Tennessee
7 (231): TE Jaheim Bell, Florida State
Maye — New England doesn’t have the ideal supporting cast on offense, but it would be difficult for the Patriots to pass on a quarterback prospect of Maye’s caliber here. The North Carolina product earned an elite PFF grade as a true sophomore in 2022 before following that up with another 90.0-plus grade in 2023. He has high-end arm talent and showed that he is comfortable making NFL throws over the middle of the field.

Polk — The Patriots continue to address their offense by getting No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye a new weapon to throw to. Polk is a quarterback-friendly target who is also a willing and engaged run-blocker. He produced an 82nd-percentile drop rate and a 73rd-percentile contested catch rate in his college career.

Wallace — The Patriots select a player who ranked 142nd on the PFF big board and 186th on the consensus big board. He may be coming off a season that saw him earn a career-high 68.8 PFF grade, but he was solid in pass protection last year, earning a 72.8 pass-blocking grade and allowing just 13 total pressures from 359 pass-blocking snaps.

Robinson — Robinson surrendered only six total sacks across 1,206 career pass-blocking snaps. He saved his best for 2023 when he allowed just one sack all season.

Baker — Baker averaged 3.21 yards per route run in 2023 to rank fourth in this draft class. He can also make plays downfield, averaging 21.9 yards per reception to lead the class.

Dial — New England selects a cornerback with a knack for making plays on the ball. Dial has 19 pass breakups over the past two seasons, fourth among SEC corners, and earned a career-best 79.2 defensive grade in 2023.

Milton — Milton has a huge arm, and this is a good spot for him to land. His 83.1 overall grade since 2022 ranked seventh among SEC quarterbacks, and 10 of his 20 touchdown passes in 2023 came on passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield.

Bell — Bell is a great value in the seventh round. He earned a 73.4 PFF grade in 2023, ranking 13th among FBS tight ends. Bell is exceptional with the ball in his hands, ranking seventh among the same group in yards after the catch (315).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: A+
1 (14): T Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
2 (41): CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
5 (150): QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
5 (170): WR Bub Means, Pittsburgh
5 (175): LB Jaylan Ford, Texas
6 (199): DI Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa
7 (239): T Josiah Ezirim, Eastern Kentucky
Fuaga — New Orleans needed to address the tackle position amid questions surrounding Ryan Ramczyk’s health and a disappointing start to Trevor Penning’s career. There’s a lot to like about Fuaga as a run blocker, coming off an elite 90.9 PFF run-blocking grade for Oregon State in 2023.

McKinstry — McKinstry started as a true freshman for Alabama, which speaks to his talent. This is a strong selection for New Orleans and addresses a need, given how much the Saints put on their cornerbacks and the trade rumors swirling around Marshon Lattimore. McKinstry has played more than 800 snaps for Alabama and earned PFF grades above 80.0 in each of the past two seasons.

Rattler — Since entering college (Oklahoma) in 2020, Rattler earned an 88.9 overall PFF grade. His 63 big-time throws in that time rank 13th among all quarterbacks.

Means — The Saints supplement their receiving depth here with Means. The Pittsburgh playmaker racked up 16 receptions of 15-plus yards in 2023, earning a quality 72.0 receiving grade.

Ford — Ford is extremely reliable in run defense, ranking 20th among FBS linebackers with an 80.2 run-defense grade in 2023. However, he noticeably struggles in coverage. Ford has the horizontal ability to be a solid two-down linebacker in the league but will need to improve in coverage.

Boyd — Boyd brings good size and power on the interior defensive line at 325 pounds. He was extremely productive over the course of his Northern Iowa career, with PFF grades above 88.0 in each of the past two seasons, albeit at a lower level of competition. He’ll have an opportunity to compete for a depth role on the Saints’ interior defensive line.

Ezirim — Ezirim dominated his FCS foes, allowing no sacks or hurries across 467 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. His 84.3 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked fifth among FCS offensive tackles. Ezirim has solid feet and consistently puts his frame in athletic positions. He can be a hidden gem.

NEW YORK GIANTS: A-
1 (6): WR Malik Nabers, LSU
2 (47): S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
3 (70): CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky
4 (107): TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
5 (166): RB Tyrone Tracy, Purdue
6 (183): LB Darius Muasau, UCLA
Nabers — The Giants were linked to several of the quarterbacks in the draft process. Instead of packaging picks to move up or sticking at No. 6 to bring in J.J. McCarthy, they bring an explosive receiver into a receiving corps in need of talent. Nabers recorded 44 receptions of 20-plus yards over his last two seasons, second-most among FBS wide receivers.

Nubin — PFF’s top-ranked safety prospect, Nubin is versatile and impactful. He can be moved all over the secondary and handle the role, as he possesses a high-level football IQ and can stop the run with instincts to cover on the back end. Nubin sported a career-best 90.1 coverage grade in 2023 (first among Power Five safeties) and allowed a 33.0 passer rating in coverage from 2021 to 2023.

Phillips — The Giants drafted Deonte Banks in the first round of last year’s draft and now add more youth to that group early in the third round this year. His career-best 23 defensive stops led all SEC cornerbacks in 2023, and his 72.9 PFF coverage grade was also the best mark of his career.

Johnson — Since 2022, Johnson generated a Big Ten-best 146.6 passer rating when targeted. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed 669 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Tracy — Tracy is a good athlete — he recorded a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump — and should add some explosiveness to a backfield led by Devin Singletary. Despite being a six-year player in college, Tracy has only one season at running back, and he forced 46 missed tackles on just 114 carries in that 2023 season.

Muasau — A well-rounded linebacker, Muasau racked up 137 run stops since 2019 between Hawaii and UCLA in addition to providing value in pressure packages, with 107 total pressures in that time. Likely a core special teamer, Muasau has the football intelligence and tackling ability to hold up in a rotational role in a pinch.

NEW YORK JETS: A
1 (11): T Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
3 (65): WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
4 (134): RB Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
5 (171): QB Jordan Travis, Florida State
5 (173): RB Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
5 (176): CB Qwan’tez Stiggers, CFL
7 (257): S Jaylen Key, Alabama
Fashanu — The Jets offensive line has been a weak point for the last few years. Even though they brought in veteran tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses to strengthen it, bringing in talented depth and getting a succession plan in place makes a lot of sense. Fashanu ranked in the 93rd percentile among qualifying college tackles in pass-blocking grade on true pass sets over the last two seasons.

Corley — The Jets trade up to grab one of the more unique wide receivers in this draft class. As a former running back, he is phenomenal with the ball in his hands. Last season, his 683 yards after the catch was good for second among all receivers in this draft class. He forced 63 missed tackles on 253 receptions over the past three seasons, so he adds another layer to Aaron Rodgers’ passing attack.

Allen — Allen burst onto the college football scene in 2021 and has been one of the best running backs in college football in each of the last three seasons. Only 20 years old, Allen is built like a truck. A valuable asset that he possesses is his ability to finish games — his 409 yards after contact in the second half of games ranked 13th in the FBS in 2023. He is more than capable of making plays in the screen game, but do not expect him to be utilized much outside of the backfield in regards to targets from the slot or out wide.

Travis — After trading away former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, the Jets opt for Travis to fill the void. The Florida State standout totaled 46 big-time throws over the past two seasons, second among ACC quarterbacks, earning an impressive 91.8 PFF grade in the span.

Davis — The FCS standout played well above his level of competition in his time at South Dakota State. Davis stood atop the draft class in a number of PFF facet grades. Since 2022, his 151 missed tackles forced helped contribute to his phenomenal 96.8 PFF rushing grade this past season, the highest among all running backs.

Stiggers — The hugely talented CFL standout makes his way to the top level after a fantastic 2023 north of the border. Stiggers totaled an 85.0 coverage grade in the CFL this past season, where he forced an incompletion on 12.5% of his coverage snaps while also hauling in five interceptions. He also allowed just 0.95 yards per coverage snap.

Key — Jaylen Key recorded a 69.1 PFF grade in 2023, 161st among FBS cornerbacks. He allowed only 13 catches and 145 receiving yards in 2023. Key was not the sought-after prospect his teammates Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry were, but he’s a serviceable corner.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: A+
1 (22): CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
2 (40): CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
3 (94): EDGE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian
4 (127): RB Will Shipley, Clemson
5 (152): WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
5 (155): LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
5 (172): G Trevor Keegan, Michigan
6 (185): WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State
6 (190): C Dylan McMahon, NC State
Mitchell — Philadelphia fortifies its 28th-ranked coverage unit with arguably the most talented cornerback in this class. Mitchell led all FBS cornerbacks in PFF overall grade in each of the past two seasons. His outstanding athleticism and ability to make plays in off-coverage make him a perfect fit in Vic Fangio’s defense.

DeJean — The Eagles add two top-10 players on the PFF big board in the first two rounds of this draft, both at the cornerback position. DeJean projects as a movable piece in Vic Fangio’s defense who could theoretically end up outside, in the slot or at safety. He’s been extremely productive in the Iowa secondary, allowing just a 45.0 passer rating into his coverage over the past two seasons.

Hunt — A small-school player, Hunt dominated the lower levels, racking up 78 pressures, 14 hits and 14 sacks since 2022. He has athleticism, explosiveness and power that many edge rushers in this class don’t possess. He needs development to win at the next level, but his traits give him a great chance at reaching his potential.

Shipley — Shipley is one of the better athletes among running backs in this draft class, with a 99th-percentile PFF Game Athleticism Score. He was solid with the ball in his hands, too, and he earned a PFF grade above 70.0 in each of the past three seasons.

Smith — Smith proved a dangerous receiver after the catch at Texas A&M, as he forced 20 missed tackles after the catch in 2023 (seventh among all WRs). On 102 combined targets the past two seasons, he dropped just two passes.

Trotter — Sure to be one of the big stories of the day due to him heading to the same place where his father enjoyed an outstanding career, Trotter ranked fourth among all linebackers the past two seasons with a 91.3 overall grade. He also ranked fourth nationally in that time with a 92.1 coverage grade.

Keegan — Supplementing the interior is a sound approach here for the Eagles, who needed to fill some voids. Keegan didn’t allow a sack in 2023 and earned a career-high pass-blocking grade (80.7). He played eight games without allowing a single quarterback pressure.

Wilson — The massive receiver out of Florida State finally comes off the board in the sixth round. At 6-foot-6 and 231 pounds, Wilson ran an impressive 4.52-second 40-yard dash. While not a super-developed route runner, there is certainly a role at the next level for a vertical threat who converted 21 contested catches over the past two seasons.

McMahon — A depth pick at this point in the draft, McMahon allowed just one sack and 12 total pressures from 361 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. He put up career highs in overall grade (69.7) and pass-blocking grade (71.3) last season.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: A+
1 (20): T Troy Fautanu, Washington
2 (51): C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
3 (84): WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
3 (97): LB Payton Wilson, NC State
4 (119): G Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
6 (178): DI Logan Lee, Iowa
6 (195): CB Ryan Watts, Texas
Fautanu — There have been questions about whether Fautanu will play inside or outside in the NFL, but he may have landed at the most likely spot where he can play left tackle, his natural position. Fautanu ranked 15th on PFF’s final big board and fifth among all FBS tackles this past season in PFF pass-blocking grade (88.2).

Frazier — Frazier was a four-time state high school wrestling champion, and that background has led to great handwork and body control. His 84.6 PFF grade since 2021 ranks third among FBS centers, and he owns just a 2.27% pressure percentage allowed over the same span.

Roman Wilson — The PFF big board pegged Wilson as an early second-rounder. He is an effortless separator with great hands, as evidenced by his one drop on 67 targets and 90th-percentile separation percentage. He easily slots in as a replacement for Diontae Johnson to create explosive plays downfield.

Payton Wilson — The news of Wilson’s not having an ACL in one knee explains the fall for a first-round talent. If it weren’t for that recent news, this would be an elite grade. Wilson’s grading profile was excellent in 2023 with an 89.9 overall grade and a 90.4 in coverage. If the lack of an ACL doesn’t prevent him from playing in the NFL, Wilson has everything you want in a linebacker: length, intelligence and athleticism. His health is the biggest question mark.

McCormick — The Steelers continue to build up the offensive trenches, grabbing their third lineman on Day 3. Since 2022, McCormick has earned a 90.3 PFF grade, the best among all draft-eligible FBS guards.

Lee — Pittsburgh adds Lee to an interior group that ranked 11th against the run last season. He ranked fifth among Big Ten defensive tackles in run-defense grade (80.4) and fourth in quarterback pressures (28).

Watts — The Steelers add some size at the cornerback position with Texas’ Ryan Watts, who allowed just one touchdown from 267 coverage snaps and brings the physicality Steelers fans will love. Watts put up an 84.9 run-defense grade over the last two years, second among Big Ten cornerbacks in that span.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: B+
1 (31): WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
2 (64): CB Renardo Green, Florida State
3 (86): T Dominick Puni, Kansas
4 (124): S Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
4 (129): RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
4 (135): WR Jacob Cowing, Arizona
6 (215): G Jarrett Kingston, USC
7 (251): LB Tatum Bethune, Florida State
Pearsall — The 49ers take Pearsall, a slot receiver from Florida who excelled during the pre-draft process. Pearsall was productive and reliable, and his measurables are up to NFL standards. He only dropped five passes since the beginning of 2020, which is tied for the fewest among Power Five receivers with at least 200 targets in that span. This pick could also add intrigue to trade rumors swirling around Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Green — Green, PFF’s 89th-ranked player in the class, had a spectacular season at Florida State. He posted a 90.0 PFF coverage grade in 2023. The strange part about the fit with the 49ers is that they are generally a zone-heavy defense. They do run a high rate of press coverage, though, so they may have a plan in place for Green’s role in their defense.

Puni — A powerful mauler in the run game, Puni started 27 games at left tackle over the past four seasons at Kansas but likely projects inside due to his desire to win in a phone booth as well as a lack of flexibility and inconsistent hand usage in his pass sets. He can help out at tackle in a pinch, offering the 49ers a nice depth piece with positional versatility in the third round.

Mustapha — Mustapha is coming off his best season in 2023, earning a 79.6 PFF grade. He was particularly impressive against the run, earning an 87.5 PFF run-defense grade, fifth among Power Five safeties.

Guerendo — Guerendo makes fast people look… not so fast. His 4.33-second 40-yard dash ranked first among running backs at the NFL scouting combine. He has the ability to make people miss once he reaches the second level of the defense. Guerendo is also a capable receiving threat out of the backfield, earning an 84.1 receiving grade in 2023.

Cowing — This is a strong fit for Cowing and his skill set. He’s a very solid route runner and a lethal weapon in the red zone. He racked up nine receiving touchdowns in 2023, tied for second among FBS receivers, in large part due to his ability to win quickly. In the Shanahan-style offense, Cowing will not only be a tremendous threat in the passing game, but also a decoy defensive coordinators have to worry about in unique formations/motion concepts.

Kingston — Kingston was a solid pass blocker in college, at Washington State and then USC. He earned a 74.0-plus PFF pass-blocking grade in every season and allowed 17 quarterback pressures, including one sack, from 464 pass-blocking snaps this past season.

Bethune — Bethune flashes solid ability in coverage. He recorded two forced incompletions and an interception with the Seminoles in 2023. Bethune’s 76.0 PFF grade ranked 50th at the position in 2023.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: B+
1 (16): DI Byron Murphy II, Texas
3 (81): G Christian Haynes, UConn
4 (118): LB Tyrice Knight, UTEP
4 (121): TE AJ Barner, Michigan
5 (136): CB Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn
6 (179): T Sataoa Laumea, Utah
6 (192): CB D.J. James, Auburn
6 (207): T Mike Jerrell, Findlay
Murphy — The Seahawks opt to improve a position where they already have some pieces in place with one of the best defensive players in the draft. Since 2021, Murphy’s 12.5% pressure rate ranks third among defensive tackles with at least 500 pass-rushing snaps, trailing only 2023 first-round picks Jalen Carter and Calijah Kancey. A Murphy and Leonard Williams tandem on the interior creates a clear strength for Seattle heading into 2024.

Haynes — An elite athlete for the guard position, Haynes has the nastiness to be a solid pull-blocker in a gap scheme but really thrives in wide zone, where he posted an 89.2 run-blocking grade in 2023. Haynes is also solid as a pass-blocker and should push for a starting gig from day one in Ryan Grubb’s offense.

Knight — Knight wasn’t on the PFF big board but ranked just inside the top 200 of the consensus board. He recorded 75 defensive stops and earned a 74.0-plus PFF grade in each of his four college seasons.

Barner — Seattle adds more in-line blocking ability. His 82.2 PFF grade in 2023 ranked third among all draft-eligible tight ends, and he also recorded a fantastic 81.4 run-blocking grade this past season.

Pritchett — A lean cornerback with long arms and great long speed, Pritchett allowed just 12 catches in 2023, which ranked first among SEC cornerbacks. He offers a solid floor as a contributor on special teams with developmental upside as an outside cornerback.

Laumea — Laumea played 1,726 snaps at right tackle over the past two seasons and did not allow a single sack in 2023, but he projects to move back to guard, where he played 903 snaps in 2021.

James — The Seahawks add their second defensive back from Auburn in this draft in James. His 91.8 PFF coverage grade over the past two seasons ranks third among Power Five cornerbacks while his 24 forced incompletions in that span are fourth among cornerbacks in the SEC.

Jerell — Findlay’s Jerrell is the rare prospect who doesn’t have any PFF data, and he wasn’t on either the PFF big board or the consensus big board. He did test well with a 4.94-second 40-yard dash and 32.5-inch vertical at 309 pounds, bringing some athleticism to the Seahawks’ offensive line.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: A
1 (26): T Graham Barton, Duke
2 (57): EDGE Chris Braswell, Alabama
3 (89): S Tykee Smith, Georgia
3 (92): WR Jalen McMillan, Washington
4 (125): RB Bucky Irving, Oregon
6 (220): G Elijah Klein, UTEP
7 (246): TE Devin Culp, Washington
Barton — Tampa Bay is set at tackle with Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, so Barton is sure to play inside. He has experience at center and enough athleticism to play anywhere up front. Barton earned an 88.7 overall PFF grade across the last two seasons, which stands as the fifth-best among all FBS tackles in that span.

Braswell — The Buccaneers pick up a consistent power-based outside linebacker in Chris Braswell. He isn’t as explosive as his Alabama teammate Dallas Turner, but he led the SEC in pressures in 2023 and provides a solid anchor on the edge in the run game. He is likely to be an immediate starter for the Buccaneers.

Smith — The second Georgia safety to come off the board, Smith is the perfect player to stack the box and add aggressiveness to a defense. Smith will have no problem setting the edge in the run game and graded well in the SEC, earning the third-best run-defense grade among safeties (84.0). He lacks the long speed to be a deep coverage player but has a role in the Buccaneers’ secondary.

McMillan — McMillan is the 15th receiver off the board and finds himself in a great situation in Tampa Bay. A weapon out of the slot, he recorded 14 touchdowns since 2022, most among Power Five receivers. In an offense with big-time playmakers, McMillan was prioritized in Washington. A nuanced route runner, he’ll need to lean into that strength, as he doesn’t have the top-end speed to take the top off defenses.

Irving — The Buccaneers add one of the toughest running backs to tackle in this draft, as Irving forced 136 missed tackles over the past two seasons to rank second among Power Five running backs. His 96.1 PFF rushing grade in that span also ranks second.

Klein — Klein wasn’t on the PFF big board or consensus board, but he did post some impressive numbers as a pass blocker in his final season at UTEP. He earned a 93.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2023, allowing just three total pressures from 372 pass-blocking snaps.

Culp — Culp was limited as a receiver, catching 16 passes for 208 yards on 23 targets. He was solid as a run blocker, though, earning a 73.2 PFF run-blocking grade in 2023.

TENNESSEE TITANS: B
1 (7): T JC Latham, Alabama
2 (38): DI T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
4 (106): LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
5 (146): CB Jarvis Brownlee, Louisville
6 (182): WR Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane
7 (242): S James Williams, Miami Fl.
7 (252): EDGE Jaylen Harrell, Michigan
Latham — Few teams had a more glaring need than the Titans did at offensive tackle. With Joe Alt off the board, Tennessee tabbed Latham as the top remaining tackle. The Alabama product is a massive physical presence, weighing in at 343 pounds with 35-plus-inch arms, and he earned an 80.0-plus pass-blocking grade in back-to-back seasons to finish his college career.

Sweat — Between JC Latham and T’Vondre Sweat, the Titans have added a lot of size within the first 40 picks. When he was on the field, Sweat was extremely productive last season at Texas. He graded above 90.0 as both a run defender and a pass-rusher, finishing first among all FBS defensive tackles in PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. He had slid down boards leading up to the draft following a DWI arrest and off-field/conditioning questions, but Tennessee was clearly comfortable enough with those concerns to take him at the top of the second round.

Gray — Gray is at his best defending the run, as his 90 run stops over the past two seasons ranks first among all Power Five players at the position. His 85.5 PFF grade since 2022 ranks third among ACC linebackers.

Brownlee — Brownlee plays aggressively against the run and pass and posted an elite 92.9 run-defense grade over the past three seasons. He mostly played outside at Louisville, but his competitiveness and physicality could make him an impact player in the nickel sooner rather than later.

Jackson — A speedy receiver out of Tulane, Jackson didn’t put up a ton of production in his career but averaged over 2.2 yards per route run and 17 yards per catch the past two seasons. Jackson took three punts to the house in his career, which gives him a good chance to stick at the next level if he can stay healthy.

Williams — Williams is a solid player who could make an impact on special teams after being drafted here. He earned an 85.5 grade in 2023 and was the only Power Five safety to earn an 85.0-plus PFF grade in each of the past two seasons.

Harrell — Ranking 196th on PFF’s big board, Harrell is a solid draft selection for the Titans. Harrell had solid reps at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, but none of his reps are more famous than the first-and-10 in late November 2023 vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes where he disrupted QB Kyle McCord to force an interception.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: A
1 (2): QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
2 (36): DI Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
2 (50): CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan
2 (53): TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
3 (67): OT Brandon Coleman, TCU
3 (100): WR Luke McCaffrey, Rice
5 (139): LB Jordan Magee, Temple
5 (161): S Dominique Hampton, Washington
7 (222): EDGE Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame
Daniels — Daniels is QB3 behind Drake Maye on both the PFF big board and the consensus big board, but the new regime in Washington takes him at No. 2 overall. Daniels does make sense as a theoretical fit in a Kliff Kingsbury spread-to-run offense that will allow Daniels to add on in the run game and get the ball out to players in space.

Newton — This wasn’t a need for Washington, as two of their best players — Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne — play along the interior defensive line. However, this is a tremendous value selection at the top of the second round. Newton is the 11th-ranked player overall on the PFF big board and was extremely productive over his college career. Just three Power Five interior defensive linemen have recorded 100 or more pressures over a two-year stretch since PFF began charting college in 2014: Newton, his new teammate Jonathan Allen and DeForest Buckner.

Sainristil — The Commanders continue to draft good football players. Sainristil brings a fierce mentality to the team and provides positional versatility. He secured a career-best six interceptions in 2023, second among cornerbacks, and his 90.3 PFF grade since 2022 ranked fourth among Big Ten cornerbacks. Sainristil has great reaction speed and is fearless in run defense.

Sinnott — After previously getting great value in this draft, according to the PFF big board, the Commanders pick the 105th-ranked player in Round 2. Sinnott is an athletic tight end for Jayden Daniels to develop with for the next decade. He doesn’t do any one thing at an elite level but can do everything well. Sinnott’s 14 missed tackles forced in 2023 ranked third among tight ends, and he made 31 explosive plays over the past two seasons.

Coleman — The Commanders finally land an offensive lineman at the top of the third round, selecting Coleman out of TCU. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder struggled in 2023 but was far better in 2022 when he earned a 79.6 PFF grade. He could wind up on the inside in the NFL, but he has the experience on the outside, so he could still get a shot there first.

McCaffrey — McCaffrey has NFL bloodlines and is a natural athlete who knows the nuances of route running. He lacks an explosive element to his game but has strong hands, especially in contested catch situations, where his 32 receptions since 2022 are the most in college football. A former quarterback, McCaffrey has a good feel for finding open zones. While the Commanders already have weapons in the receiver room, McCaffrey provides a different style for the group.

Magee — A high-level competitor with a nonstop motor, Magee offers some solid run-and-chase ability, physicality in the box and upside as a blitzer. He posted a career-best 87.2 PFF grade in 2023 and an eye-catching 90.7 pass-rush grade that ranked fourth among all linebackers. At worst, Magee will be an impact core special teamer, but he has the competitive toughness and athletic traits to become a starter.

Hampton — Hampton is a supersized safety at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, and he comes with good athleticism. He’s an interesting addition to a Dan Quinn defense that prioritizes those kinds of hybrid athletes in the middle of the field. Hampton was at his best in coverage around the line of scrimmage, as he earned an 81st-percentile coverage grade in the box last season for the Huskies.

Jean-Baptiste — Jean-Baptiste recorded 43 total pressures a season ago, including six sacks and 11 quarterback hits. He also produced 21 run stops without missing a tackle.

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NFL Draft Report Card–Courtesy CBS Sports

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Arizona Cardinals: A
Best Pick: Loved the pick of running back Trey Benson in the third round. That is the right area to take a back, and Benson was my top-rated back. He will give them a nice 1-2 combo with James Conner.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of tight end/H-back Tip Reiman in the third round. He’s a brute when it comes to blocking, so I get it, but if they needed a tight end I thought there were better options.

The Skinny: The Cardinals had a lot of ammunition with 12 picks and Monti Ossenfort used it well. I liked a lot of their picks, starting with receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is a much-needed, dynamic playmaker. They added a bunch of potential starters the rest of the way, giving this rising team a lot of talented players. They also added four defensive backs, which was a must.

—

Atlanta Falcons: C-
Best Pick: Fourth-round defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus from Oregon has a chance to be an early rotation player. He’s not huge at 6-3, 295, but he can push the pocket. He will be a steal in the Grady Jarrett mold.

Worst Pick: It’s not that taking Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick was a bad move, but rather signing Kirk Cousins and then taking him was the bad move. If you liked him so much, don’t sign Cousins.

The Skinny: This draft will be all about how the Falcons play out the Cousins-Penix dynamic. They had a chance to get a much-needed edge rusher if they didn’t take Penix. Trading up to get defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round was questionable as well. They did add some good players in third-round edge Bralen Trice and Dorlus.

—

Baltimore Ravens: B
Best Pick: Fourth-round corner T.J. Tampa will prove to be really good pick. He can play the corner, but I also think he can move inside to safety. Versatility is huge in the Ravens defense.

Worst Pick: Fourth-round wide receiver Devontez Walker can run, but he is inconsistent. If he can be more consistent and catch the ball better, he will be a steal. For now, it’s risky.

The Skinny: The Ravens and general manager Eric DeCosta are usually among the best in the league when it comes to drafting. This was a solid draft as usual, filling a bunch of needs. First-round corner Nate Wiggins should be a long-term starter. He can cover, but needs to work on tackling.

—

Buffalo Bills: B
Best Pick: Third-round defensive tackle DeWayne Carter is a bit undersized, but he will be a good player. They need rotation guys inside and he will fill that role early in his career.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of safety Cole Bishop in the second round. I know it helps to fill a need, but there were better options on the board when he went.

The Skinny: I like the way general manager Brandon Beane managed his picks, moving down in the first round to add more ammunition. They still ended up with a good haul for a team that needed an influx of players, starting with second-round receiver Keon Coleman, a bigger target that was needed.

——–

Carolina Panthers: B-
Best Pick: Fourth-round tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders from Texas has the skills to be a big-time pass catcher. He isn’t a blocking tight end, but even though he didn’t time well him the 40, he plays fast.

Worst Pick: I like Jonathon Brooks as a player, but why take a running back in the second round with so many other needs? The thinking is to probably help Bryce Young, but they had other needs.

The Skinny: They didn’t have a first-round pick — traded away in the Young deal — but they still ended up with one by trading up to land receiver Xavier Legette in the first round. They then moved around in the second and third to add extra picks, which I liked, and added good players like third-round linebacker Trevin Wallace and Sanders. Legette has to be Young’s go-to guy.

Chicago Bears: B
Best Pick: Even though he wasn’t my top quarterback, getting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick could change the fate of this franchise. He has all the tools to be a star and could be their first true star passer since Sid Luckman.

Worst Pick: They took a punter in the fourth round in Iowa’s Tory Taylor. Why? There are a million punters out there. Plus, that is a luxury pick for a team with only four picks.

The Skinny: Getting Williams and receiver Rome Odunze (ninth overall) will give the Bears a lot of firepower on offense. If Williams can seamlessly step in and be a good starter right away, the Bears will push for a division title. It would have been tough to mess this draft up with the first and ninth picks in the first round, but I didn’t love what they did after that.

———-

Cincinnati Bengals: B-
Best Pick: Third-round defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson has run-stuff skills that can help on the inside of their defense. He has the size at 6-2, 325 to be a power player inside, but he has to be more consistent.

Worst Pick: Third-round receiver Jermaine Burton from Alabama has the tools to be a big-time player. But there were reportedly some character questions about him. If he’s focused, he will be a good receiver.

The Skinny: Duke Tobin has done a nice job drafting for the Bengals and this is a nice group — and could be a great one. The risk is first-round offensive tackle Amarius Mims, who has just eight starts in his career. He is a boom-or-bust player in my book. Taking Kris Jenkins and Jackson will help offset the loss of D.J. Reader in free agency.

———

Cleveland Browns: C-
Best Pick: Fifth-round receiver Jamari Thrash is a good route runner who is a physical to give them a young weapon to add to their group. He will make the team.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love guard Zak Zinter, their third-round pick. He is also coming off a broken leg suffered last season. But the Browns do seem to know a thing or two about developing guards.

The Skinny: They didn’t have a first-round pick — sent to the Texans for Deshaun Watson — so they had to wait until until the 22nd pick of the second round to make a pick. That pick was Michael Hall Jr., a defensive tackle from Ohio State. He’s a good player. The rest of the draft was just OK.

—–

Dallas Cowboys: B-
Best Pick: Third-round offensive lineman Cooper Beebe can play anywhere on the line, although I think he will be an inside player for Dallas. Beebe played tackle at Kansas State.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland in the second. He’s a power end who plays hard, but I think they had better options.

The Skinny: I thought the Cowboys had a solid draft. Trading down and adding an extra pick and taking tackle Tyler Guyton in the first was a hit. He will start as a rookie and has the tools to do so. They added some good football players the rest of the way, guys like Beebe and Wake Forest corner Caelen Carson (fifth). It wasn’t splashy, but it was solid.

———-

Denver Broncos: B-
Best Pick: I love fourth-round receiver Troy Franklin. He is a player who will add speed to the offense and he’s joining former teammate Bo Nix, the Broncos’ first-round pick. I don’t know why he went in the fourth because he’s better than that.

Worst Pick: It’s not that they drafted Nix with the 12th overall pick, but rather why not trade back and take him? Nix has talent and Sean Payton knows quarterbacks, but this one will be fun to watch.

The Skinny: This draft will be defined by how well Nix plays. If Nix is starting for Payton in three years, it will be a great pick. Otherwise, Payton’s job could be tied to him. At least they got Franklin in the fourth. Fifth-round corner Kris Abrams-Draine from Missouri has talent.

———

Detroit Lions: B
Best Pick: Fourth-round safety-running back Sione Vaki was the captain of my Better-Than team. He is a tough, physical player who can be a starting safety, but also a major contributor on special teams. He also has played running back.

Worst Pick: I won’t say it’s the worst pick, since I haven’t seen his tape, but taking Canadian player Giovanni Manu in the fourth round is certainly the riskiest. He is a massive man at 6-8, 350 pounds, but played against lower-level completion.

The Skinny: They landed one of the best corners in the draft in the first round in Terrion Arnold, then came back and used a second-round pick on corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from Missouri. That’s good drafting, addressing need with two players who will be starters at some point — one this season. I love Vaki and sixth-round defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo has some good tape.

———-

Green Bay Packers: B
Best Pick: Second-round linebacker Edgerrin Cooper will pay off in a big way. He can fly and will add a ton of speed on the second level for the Packers.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of Jordan Morgan in the first. I know they need line help, more for depth, but I am not a huge fan of Morgan’s game.

The Skinny: The Packers do a nice job with the draft, and this one will give them some players who could start as rookies. The Packers clearly drafted for need, landing Morgan, Cooper and second-round safety Javon Bullard. Running back MarShawn Lloyd will be a nice addition to the offense behind Josh Jacobs. Quarterback Michael Pratt in the seventh is a nice pick, even if he won’t play other than for injury.

——–

Houston Texans: C+
Best Pick: Third-round safety Calen Bullock is a rangy safety who will give them depth this season, but will eventually become a starter. He can run.

Worst Pick: I didn’t like the pick of corner Kamari Lassiter in the second round. I think there were better options there when he went, guys like Mike Sainristil. He ran 4.64 at his pro day, which is not great for a corner.

The Skinny: After having a great draft last year, I didn’t love this year’s version. They didn’t have a first-round pick — traded to Minnesota — and then they picked a tackle in Blake Fisher (who won’t start) and two secondary players who probably won’t start with their next two picks. Hard to doubt Nick Cesario after last year, but I will for this draft.

Indianapolis Colts: B+
Best Pick: I love the pick of receiver Adonai Mitchell in the second. He is a tall, fast receiver who will give them a nice addition to Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.

Worst Pick: I like third-round offensive lineman Matt Goncalves from Pittsburgh, but he went a round or two too high. He will be a backup early in his career and might end up being a guard.

The Skinny: I liked the Colts’ first four picks, but I would have taken Dallas Turner at No. 15 rather than Laiatu Latu, the pass rusher the Colts took. Latu does fill a need. Mitchell might end up being a steal. He is big and can run. The Colts had a good, solid haul.

———-

Jacksonville Jaguars: B
Best Pick: I love second-round defensive tackle Maason Smith from LSU. His skill set is impressive. A torn ACL in 2022 set him back, but he started to look like himself late last season. He can be dominant.

Worst Pick: The knock is they didn’t address edge until the seventh round when they took Myles Cole from Texas Tech. They have depth issues there and that could show up if they have injuries to their starters.

The Skinny: I have been critical of Trent Baalke’s drafts in the past, but this was a good one. First-round receiver Brian Thomas Jr. gives them a game-changer on offense that they’ve lacked, while Smith can be a beast up front. Trading down and adding picks in this draft and next year’s draft was a smart move by Baalke.

Kansas City Chiefs: A
Best Pick: I picked two because they drafted two of my Better-Than team members in the fourth round. They took tight end Jared Wiley and safety Jaden Hicks to add depth at two positions early in their careers and then they will be starters in a few.

Worst Pick: I heard they really liked tackle Kingsley Suamataia from BYU, but I wasn’t as high on him as others. He does fill a need and they didn’t have to take him until the second, even though it was rumored he could go in the first.

The Skinny: The Chiefs had a good draft. They traded up to get receiver Xavier Worthy in the first, then did the same to take Suamataia in the second. Worthy will be a game changer for Patrick Mahomes. Taking two of my Better-Than team players makes this grade go up.

———

Las Vegas Raiders: C
Best Pick: Fourth-round corner Decamerion Richardson from Mississippi State is a long corner who can play man coverage and will compete for playing time right away. He’s a good corner and the Raiders need one to emerge.

Worst Pick: I think tight end Brock Bowers is a good player, but why take him when you took Michael Mayer last year and he flashed big time late last season? They had other needs. This was a luxury pick.

The Skinny: They didn’t get a chance to take one of the top quarterbacks since they were all gone, so they took Bowers. Like I said, good player, but needed other positions. Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson came in the second, and he is moving to guard. I didn’t love fourth-round tackle Delmar Glaze.

———–

Los Angeles Chargers: B+
Best Pick: Third-round linebacker Junior Colson reunites with college coach Jim Harbaugh and he will be a starter early in his career. He is a tough, physical player who can run and cover as well as play the run.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of Alabama defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe in the fourth round. They’ve had trouble stopping the run, and he’s good against the run, but that’s high for him in my book.

The Skinny: They took tackle Joe Alt in the first round with the fifth overall pick, passing on taking a receiver to do so. Alt will play right tackle, which will be an adjustment for him. It’s a solid pick, rather than sexy. That’s the Harbaugh way. I think second-round receiver Ladd McConkey can start right away.

————

Los Angeles Rams: A
Best Pick: I loved the pick of Washington State defensive end Brennan Jackson in the fifth. He will bring a relentless style that will keep him in the league for a long time. He is perfect for the Rams defense.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of running back Blake Corum in the third. They have a good back in Kyren Williams, who they got in the fifth round. They could have waited to take a back.

The Skinny: They finally had a first-round pick after not having one since 2016 and used it on edge Jared Verse. He fills a need and will be a tough, edge player. They followed that up by trading up to take Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske in the second. They gave up a lot to get him, so they must love him. Les Snead had another good draft.

————

Miami Dolphins: B+
Best Pick: It was their first one, edge Chop Robinson. He didn’t have a lot of sack production, but he can get after the quarterback. He has an explosive first step and helps fill a need with their two top edge players coming off injury.

Worst Pick: In my view, they really didn’t have one. I liked every one of their picks, but they gave up a 2025 third-round pick to take running back Jaylen Wright. I know he’s fast, and we know they love speed, but that’s rich after taking De’Von Achane last year.

The Skinny: Many will question their first two picks — tackle Patrick Paul was the second-round pick — but not me. I love Robinson and Paul was on my Better-Than team. He might not start right away, but Terron Armstead is up in the years and missed seven games last season. They added a bunch of other good players.

—–

Minnesota Vikings: B-
Best Pick: The Vikings moved up in the first round to take pass rusher Dallas Turner. That was a good move. He will be a big-time rusher in Brian Flores’ scheme. Turner’s best pass-rushing days are ahead of him.

Worst Pick: I get the whole idea of finding a quarterback, and landing J.J. McCarthy where they did makes sense, but I don’t love his game. He just shot up boards after the season, and I never saw it. I thought he would be a late first-round pick.

The Skinny: Like all the teams that took quarterbacks, their drafts will be defined by how well they play. That’s the Vikings with McCarthy. Even if Turner becomes a true star, which I think he will, this draft is about McCarthy. Period. They also traded a lot of future picks to get McCarthy and Turner, so they better be stars.

New England Patriots: B-
Best Pick: Fourth-round receiver Javon Baker will help the passing game right away. He is already squawking about teams passing on him. I love that attitude — and he plays with it, too.

Worst Pick: Third-round tackle Caedan Wallace from Penn State started for four years, but he was drafted a bit too high. Some teams think he might have to go inside to guard.

The Skinny: It doesn’t matter what else the Patriots do in the draft, this one will be defined by taking North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick. If he’s a star, this draft will be special. If not, it won’t be. I like his game, but it might take time. The cast around him isn’t great.

New Orleans Saints: B+
Best Pick: Fifth-round receiver Bub Means is a long receiver who can run. With a little polish in terms of his route running, Means can become a nice addition to their offense when it comes to the deep ball.

Worst Pick: I actually liked all their picks. I think they had a good draft. If I had to pick one to question it would be corner Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round since he’s coming off a foot injury.

The Skinny: They addressed major problems with their first two picks, taking tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round and then McKinstry in the second. Fuaga will be a plug-and-play starter, while McKinstry could start. Means and fifth-round quarterback Spencer Rattler are nice value picks.

New York Giants: B-
Best Pick: It was their first one, receiver Malik Nabers. Some will say they should have taken quarterback J.J. McCarthy in that spot, but I like taking the best receiver in the draft. Nabers will be special.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of safety Tyler Nubin in the second. I think there were better safeties available when they took Nubin.

The Skinny: The Giants made the decision to pass on a quarterback to take Nabers. They supposedly tried to move up to get Drake Maye, but when they didn’t they passed on McCarthy to take Nabers. Smart move. The rest of the draft was just OK in my book, but keep an eye on fourth-round tight end Theo Johnson.

———–

New York Jets: B-
Best Pick: Third-round receiver Malachi Corley will come in and immediately help the passing game. He is a strong player after the catch. Aaron Rodgers had to be happy with that pick.

Worst Pick: I didn’t like using the fourth-round pick on running back Braelon Allen. They have Breece Hall and could have used it on maybe a tight end or an offensive lineman. They also took a back later in the draft.

The Skinny: By taking tackle Olu Fashanu, the Jets did the right thing. But it sure didn’t look like an all-in move for Rodgers since Fashanu is going to likely sit for a year. Corley will be a nice pick, but this wasn’t a great draft for immediate help.

——–

Philadelphia Eagles: B+
Best Pick: Rather than panicking and trading up, they stayed put and landed the top cover corner in the draft in Quinyon Mitchell in the first round. It was a gamble that paid off.

Worst Pick: Third-round edge Jalyx Hunt has some explosive ability, but he probably went a little higher than I would have taken him. He will take some time. But the Eagles clearly know he is a developmental player.

The Skinny: General manager Howie Roseman usually likes to trade up on draft night, but he refrained from that in the first round and it worked by landing Mitchell. He did trade up in the second to land corner-safety Cooper DeJean. In fact, he made eight trades enhancing his reputation as the trader GM. The best thing is a team problem in coverage last year likely got fixed with the first two picks.

———-

Pittsburgh Steelers: A
Best Pick: I love the pick of third-round linebacker Payton Wilson. He might have some medical issues, but the Steelers fans will come to love him and his style of play. He will start early.

Worst Pick: Taking center Zach Frazier in the second round is a need pick, but I wasn’t as high on him as some others. But who am I to question the Steelers when it comes to the center position?

The Skinny: They took a lot of quality players, including three offensive linemen in their first five picks. It started with tackle Troy Fautanu in the first and then got Frazier in the second and guard Mason McCormick in the fourth. Wilson and third-round receiver Roman Wilson will play early.

——-

San Francisco 49ers: C+
Best Pick: Second-round corner Renardo Green fills a need and might be able to be their corner right away. Green had just one pick in college, but he is a playmaker and would fit in their scheme.

Worst Pick: First-round receiver Ricky Pearsall will be a good player, but I don’t think he will ever be a star. There were better receivers left when they took him late in the first round.

The Skinny: The 49ers clearly are drafting for the future with Pearsall in the first — or readying to trade one of their starters, either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. Third-round offensive lineman Dominick Puni could develop into a starter — probably at guard. Green will be good value, while fourth-round receiver Jacob Cowing could be a sleeper.

———-

Seattle Seahawks: C+
Best Pick: It was their first pick, defensive tackle Byron Murphy. He has the tools to be a dominant inside player. He will be a lot like Baltimore’s Justin Madubuike for Seattle.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of tight end AJ Barner in the fourth. There were better options on the board at that spot in my mind, including Jared Wiley, who was taken 10 picks later by the Chiefs. Barner can block, but Wiley can catch.

The Skinny: Murphy will be a star, which will make this draft a hit down the road. But the rest of it was just OK for me. I do like third-round guard Christian Haynes, who fills a need.

————

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+
Best Pick: Third-round receiver Jalen McMillan will prove to be a major steal. He was Washington’s leading receiver in 2022, with more catches than Rome Odunze, who went ninth in this draft. McMillan will become a good slot receiver.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of Chris Braswell in the second. I know they need pass-rush help, but this was a little high for Braswell in my book.

The Skinny: They did a nice job landing good players and also filling needs. It started with first-round guard-center Graham Barton, who will likely be the starting center. Braswell was picked for need and will be a rotation player early. I do like McMillan and fifth-round running back Bucky Irving.

———–

Tennessee Titans: B
Best Pick: Fifth-round corner Jarvis Brownlee Jr. will be a nickel starter at some point in his career. Brownlee is a smallish corner, but he can cover.

Worst Pick: T’Vondre Sweat is a risky pick, especially in the second round. He had a DUI earlier in the draft cycle and his weight was a problem at Texas. He needs to get in better shape or this will be a pick that backfires on them. He does have talent.

The Skinny: Getting tackle JC Latham in the first round will pay off in a big way. He will be their starting left tackle for a long time. The Swift pick is feast or famine. Brownlee will prove to be a steal and sixth-round receiver Jha’Quan Jackson can fly and will help the return game.

————

Washington Commanders: A+
Best Pick: It was their first one, quarterback Jayden Daniels. I think he will be the best quarterback from this draft. They locked up a franchise passer with pick No. 2. He will be dynamic.

Worst Pick: I didn’t love the pick of third-round receiver Luke McCaffrey, although he has talent and is improving. I think there were better options on the board — like Troy Franklin — when the pick was made.

The Skinny: In his first year running the draft, general manager Adam Peters killed it. It started by taking Daniels with the second overall pick, but continued throughout the process. This is a team moving in the right direction. I liked all their second-round picks in defensive tackle Johnny Newton, corner Mike Sainristil and tight end Ben Sinnott. They drafted a lot of talented football players.

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Hacksaw’s Monday Podcast..1pm…NFL DRAFT RECAP
You Tube Channel-Lee Hacksaw Hamilton
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“NFL DRAFT RECAP”
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It started with anticipation of a ton of trades.
It ended with no big deals but big surprises at whom teams chose.

Here’s my NFL Draft Report Card:

The best drafts this weekend:

BEARS…Caleb Williams comes in and is surrounded by a ton of skill talent.  They also took WR-Rome Odunze, to join Keenan Allen, DJ Moore, 2-pass catching TEs and 3-RBs.  Might be best offense of all time in the Windy City.

EAGLES..They made 9-trades going up and down.  When they got done, getting two top CBs will make a difference.  Getting Quinyon Mitchell-Cooper DeJean is huge to fixing what was wrong last year.

STEELERS…They have been trying to fix their offense this offseason.  This is more than the importation of QBs Russell Wilson-Justin Fields.  Now they import
OT-Trey Fautanu..OC-Zach Frazier…WR-Roman Wilson..and LB-Payton Wilson…They could all start next year.

RAMS…They had 11-picks and wound up with 9-players, but what a job they did on defense.  DE-Jared Verse comes from Florida State with huge pass rush abilities.  Then they took FSU-DT-Braden Fiske.  They get edge speed-and inside toughness.  Add in RB-Blake Corum as a 3rd down pass catcher-rusher.

CHARGERS…They had needs and they filled those holes.  OT-Joe Alt starts immediately.  WR-Ladd McConkey is slick, tough, fast,  Junior Colson comes off an impressive 3-year LB-run at Michigan.

RAIDERS…Did not get a QB, but they got alot to put around what skill players they have.  TE-Brock Bowers, OC-Jakson Johnson, OT-Delmar Gaze and CB-Declan Richardson should all be starters on opening day.  A good haul

CHIEFS..Facing the loss of likely jailed WR-Rashee Rice, they get burner Xavier Worthy and they will coach him up.  Add another TE-Jared Wiley,  and two more OL-the Chiefs add depth.

CAROLINA..They lack alot of talent around QB-Bryce Young, but getting WR-Xavier Legette and heavy duty RB-Jon Brooks from Texas is a big step back

VIKINGS..This is not just getting QB-JJ McCarthy and DE-Dallas Turner onto the roster, it’s linking them with smart guy coach Kevin O’Connell teaching methods.

BRONCOS..Sean Payton has taken on his next project, working with Zach Wilson and now Oregon QB-Bo Nix.  But Denver also picked up DE-Jonah Elliss and then WR-Troy Franklin of Oregon

PATRIOTS…New QB-Drake Maye and WR-Ja Polk from Washington will help, but it is a roster devoid of other playmakers.

TITANS..Waiting to see what kind of teaching methods they can use for the top picks, OT-JC Latham and DT-T-Vondre Sweat.  Good picks who need teaching.

SEATTLE..New era and they needed defense, so DT-Byron Murphy helps upfront.

Not everyone did well at the draft board.  The questionable pick:.

FALCONS..Needed defense, and bypassed everyone to take QB-Michael Penix, who will sit behind Kirk Cousins for years.  They took 4-defensive players in a row after that, but none of them blue chippers.  Very strange.

COWBOYS…Needed running backs and bypassed them all.  OT-Ty Guyton projects as a starter and they got a raw pass rushing DE from Western Michigan.  They’ve always drafted well, not sure so much this spring. and they have holes on the roster.

ARIZONA..Hard to say they had a bad draft when you get Marvin Harrison-WR, but had they traded back, they could have added 3-players at 3-positions.

BENGALS…Poor Joe Burrow, playing for a team that always makes strange picks.  They get an unpolised OT-Aurelious Mims with the top pick, and then big DT-Kris Jenkins, who needs alot of work in the second round.

JETS..They have Aaron Rodgers, but they did not get difference makers to fix the years long problems in the OL or the lack of playmakers to throw to at WR.  OT-Olu Fashanu helps, not sure WR-Malalchi Corley changes things on offense.

WASHINGTON..They need so much help for Jayden Daniels, who walks onto the field with the least amount of firepower around him.  This will be a long rebuild in DC.

49ers..They must see something none of the rest of us see.  If they were intent in moving one of their top WRs for picks, why not do it on Thursday when the Bills called to inquire about Deebo Samuel and the Steelerrs made an offer to Brandon Ayiuk.  Somebody is leaving soon because of cap issues.  Just don’t think WR-Ricky Pearsall replaces what will be departing.

CLEVELAND..You’ve got QB-Deshaun Watson coming off torn labrum surgery and Nick Chubb coming off a 2nd knee surgery and you didn’t have high picks because of the Watson trade.  I don’t know that things are looking good on Lake Erie.

Lots of good moves, some really strange ones too.
On we go to OTA’s-Mincamps and possible veteran trades still to come.

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Hacksaw’s Thursday Podcast
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(NFL Draft Recap)
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It was fast, it was furious, it was what we expected, but then it all changed.

That was the summary of the first round of the NFL draft.

Everyone at the top of the board-talked trades, and then no deals happened, because teams would have dropped too far down the board, or the price was too high to trade up.

Candid thoughts on what I saw:

BEARS..Caleb Williams and then WR-Rome Odunze, joining Keenan Allen and DJ Moore plus 3-running backs.  All of a sudden Da Bears have a dangerous offense.

WASHINGTON..After failing with 5-first round draft pick QBs, they go get Jayden Daniels.  Now they have to add players around him.  But this is better than the days of Robert Griffin-Dwayne Haskins etc.

PATRIOTS…How good is Drake Maye?  Got to be better than Mac Jones.  But they sure don’t have alot of firepower around him yet.

ARIZONA..Marvin Harrison-great choice, now can he become Larry Fitzgerald?

CHARGERS…Had 4-trade offers, then a 5th one came in while on the clock, but said no, take the best player, the Notre Dame OT-Joe Alt.  They have lots of holes on their roster.

GIANTS..have not had a 1,000-yard receiver in half a decade, so they go get Malik Nabers to run routes and catch TDs.  Anything to help QB-Daniel Jones.

ATLANTA..The first shocker of the night, Michael Penix, after you gave all that money to free agent Kirk Cousins.  Maybe heir apparent, or insurance policy if Cousins has more Achilles issues.  Bypassed elite pass rushers.  Strange.

VIKINGS..They got a QB and didn’t have to give up both their first round picks, so JJ McCarthy gets to learn under head coach Kevin O’Connell..

DENVER..Is he the next Drew Brees?  Sean Payton will find out after picking Bo Nix some  10-picks ahead of where most people had him going.

RAMS..Needed a pass rusher, got one in FSU’s DE-Jared Verse, and it was the first first round pick the Rams have had since 2016.

CHIEFS…Sure looks like Rashee Rice is going to prison on this felony-auto accident case, that’s why they traded up for Texas WR-Xavier Worthy.

More to come on Friday with the 2nd and 3rd rounds up on the board-Friday evening.

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CHARGERS-NFL DRAFT DAY

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A fun time, a clean piece of paper, new leadership.

That’s what Chargers football is all about effecrtive at 5pm tonight, NFL draft night.

There’s Jim Harbaugh as head coach.  Ex Baltimore Ravens exec Joe Hortiz as GM

The Bolts have a high 1st round draft pick and an early 2nd round pick.

They have quarterback Justin Herbert, coming off 3-really good seasons.

But that’s all they have.

They have salary cap issues.  They have lost all their skill players.

They have holes in lots of places on defense.

So there are huge questions, what happens in the next couple of hours.

Do they stay in the 5th spot in the opening round?  Who do they take?

Do they take a trade offer, deal down, stockpile more picks, and who do they take?

Here’s a unique package of ideas courtesty of the ‘The Athletic’.

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If the Chargers stay at No. 5 …
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State St.
Harrison possesses “dominant receiving traits,” according to Brugler — from his route-running to his hands to his size to his athleticism. The Chargers moved on from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this offseason. Receiver is perhaps their most pressing need entering this draft. The big question for the Chargers: Will Harrison make it to No. 5?

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Nabers is the type of explosive-play threat the Chargers have been missing for years — a “gliding athlete with the acceleration to separate early or late in the route,” according to Brugler. Nabers is a fit for the same reasons Harrison is a fit, and he is the No. 3 prospect on Brugler’s big board.

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The top three receivers — Harrison, Nabers and Odunze — are all elite prospects and should be in the mix at No. 5 if the Chargers stay there. Odunze has “desirable measurables,” according to Brugler, at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds with 4.45 speed. He thrives in contested catch situations. Maybe my favorite stat from Brugler’s draft guide: 80.4 percent of Odunze’s catches went for a first down or touchdown last season. I moved Odunze from No. 4 to No. 3 for this final board. I see the receivers as the Chargers’ top three options in this draft.

If the Chargers want to draft an offensive tackle, a trade-down probably makes sense. But Joe Alt could be an option at No. 5. (Rob Kinnan / USA Today)
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
I think the Chargers should be looking to trade down if they are intent on coming away with an offensive lineman from the first round. But if they choose to take a tackle at No. 5, Alt could be the top consideration. He is the No. 5 player in Brugler’s top 300. Alt has rare athleticism for his frame — over 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds. He is not a physically dominant player, and his anchor “tends to be gradual,” as Brugler writes. Still, Alt clearly understands angles and finds ways to be effective as a run blocker and pass protector.

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If the Chargers trade down …
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Fautanu is Brugler’s No. 9 prospect. He played predominantly left tackle at Washington. But Fautanu has some game experience at left guard, and Brugler says “he offers legitimate five-position potential at the next level.” Fautanu has the frame and talent to remain at tackle. He is an incredibly smooth athlete at 317 pounds. Brugler writes that Fautanu models his game after Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater.

Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State
Fuaga is one of my favorite players in the draft. Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz want to instill a physical, violent, tough mentality with their team. Fuaga embodies that with his play. “The pop in his hands will send defenders flying in the opposite direction,” writes Brugler. Fuaga could remain at tackle. He could be better suited kicking inside to guard. The Chargers could use competition at both right guard and right tackle. Fuaga is a fit at either spot.

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
I do not think Bowers should be a consideration at No. 5 for the Chargers. If they move down, he should be firmly on the table. The Chargers signed two tight ends in free agency in Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst. I think that only enhances Bowers’ potential fit with the Chargers, as he would be free to play all over the formation. “Bowers is an explosive pass catcher who creates mismatches all over the field with speed, ball skills and competitive edge,” Brugler writes. He would be a weapon for Justin Herbert in the passing game. Bowers also has the speed to be used as a ball carrier on jet sweeps.

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Arnold is Brugler’s top-ranked cornerback. The Chargers are thin at that position, and they need help inside and outside. Arnold can do both. I like his awareness and instincts in coverage. “Opens his hips easily to carry his athleticism in any direction,” writes Brugler.

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Mitchell is just behind Arnold in Brugler’s top 300. He has the size-speed combo defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said he is looking for in an outside corner. Mitchell is over 6 feet and ran a 4.33 at the combine. He also had 44 passes defended in his final two college seasons.

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Along with Fautanu and Fuaga, Fashanu is part of a big group of offensive linemen who could make sense for the Chargers in a trade-down. He started 21 games at left tackle for the Nittany Lions over three seasons. “Fashanu is a work in progress as a run blocker but above average in pass protection, because of his body quickness, anchor versus power and attention to detail,” writes Brugler.

JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Latham is intriguing in part because he played exclusively right tackle in college, starting 27 games there over the past two seasons. He is almost 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds. “Arguably the strongest player in this draft class,” according to Brugler. The Chargers seem set on their left side with Slater at tackle and Zion Johnson at guard. The right side is in more flux. Jamaree Salyer did not transition very smoothly to guard in 2023 after playing left tackle in place of the injured Slater in 2022. Right tackle Trey Pipkins III regressed in 2023 — though he has put starter-level play on tape at times in the past two seasons. Bringing in a player with right-side experience makes sense for the Chargers’ plans.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Mims is an athletic specimen. He is almost 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds with 36-inch arms, but he ran a 5.07 40 at the combine and, according to MockDraftable, ranked in the 85th percentile in the broad jump. The tape is impressive. The only problem is there just is not much of it. Mims only made eight starts in his Georgia career. All eight came at right tackle. “Though there is projection involved with his draft grade, his best football is ahead of him, and he has the talent to become a long-term starter,” Brugler writes.

If the Chargers pass on a top receiver like Malik Nabers (No. 8) with the No. 5 pick, could they target Brian Thomas Jr. (No. 11) after a trade-down? (Petre Thomas / USA Today)
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Trading down from No. 5 only to take a receiver later in the first would be a bit of a head-scratcher. Nonetheless, Thomas has exceptional long speed and led the FBS in touchdown receptions last season with 17. “If his route efficiency catches up with his natural talent, he will be a dangerous weapon in the NFL,” Brugler writes. “He projects as a quality NFL starter with the upside of Tee Higgins.”

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Interior defensive line is an underrated need for the Chargers. The possibility of pairing a plus interior rusher with the Chargers’ elite group of edge rushers is alluring. Murphy led all FBS interior linemen in pass rush win rate in 2023, according to Brugler. There will likely be other more important positions to address. But Murphy is an option in this range of the first round.

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