Detroit – Will Anderson, Alabama DE – Detroit has the last ranked defense allowing the 2nd most rushing yards per attempt and the third most rushing yards per attempt. QB Jared Goff is being forced into bad throws by always playing from behind. Detroit will look at quarterbacks here, but neither have terrific upside and neither will experience any success playing on a team with the worst defense in football.
Houston – C.J. Stroud, Ohio State QB – Nick Caserio has a thing for five star quarterbacks. Houston has the worst run defense in football and needs receivers/tight ends for their quarterback. I expect Houston to move on from Davis Mills if Bryce Young or CJ Stroud are available when they draft.
Carolina – Hendon Hooker, Tennessee QB – Hooker is having a career year beating Alabama and throwing 21 TDs to 1 INT. The old school staff in Carolina will appreciate Hooker’s plus height (6’4″) and extensive starting history (35+ starts) while the analytics crowd will like his career-best passing stats and dual threat ability that Stroud and Young haven’t demonstrated. Hooker grew up in North Carolina before attending VA Tech and Tennessee.
Pittsburgh – Jordan Addison, USC WR – I wanted Peter Skoronski for the offensive line, but Addison makes too much sense. Addison is a terrific receiver no matter where he goes, having a rapport with Pickett at Pittsburgh only helps Pickett’s development.
Jacksonville – Jalen Carter, Georgia DT – Jaguars GM Trent Baalke has a thing for big defensive linemen. He drafted Oregon teammates Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner to play defensive line when he was with San Francisco. Carter is a terrific prospect as a pass rusher and against the run and played alongside 2022 jaguars first round pick Trevon Walker at Georgia.
Las Vegas – Peter Skoronski, Northwestern OT – The Raiders offensive line is still in bad shape. Carr will have more time to throw if Peter Skoronski can learn to play on the right side of the line. Skoronski is one of the top prospects in the draft earning praise for his run blocking and pass protection.
Tampa Bay – Bryce Young, Alabama QB – Even if Tom doesn’t retire, it would be hard to Tampa to pass up Bryce Young in the draft.
Philadelphia (From New Orleans) – Bryan Bresee, Clemson DT – Fletcher Cox may finally retire this offseason on Bresee would give the Eagles plenty of competition to replace him. Philadelphia has long made OL/DL a priority early in the draft. Bresee is a top pass rusher in the draft and earned commendation on his lean build from PFF.
Houston (From Cleveland) – Quentin Johnston, TCU WR – The Texans are a bad overall roster. They are skinny at wide receiver. Johnston is a native Texan and a huge target. PFF has lauded his YAC ability and would help QB1 for Houston open up the pass game, and consequently, the run game.
Seattle (From Denver) – Myles Murphy, Clemson DE – Seattle has avoided the rebuild and looks to go to the playoffs this year. Their defense is a problem and Murphy is great against the run and a strong pass rusher, both areas of weakness for Seattle.
Arizona – Broderick Jones, Georgia OT – Jones has excelled as a pass protector this season and his 6’4″ height might be preferable for Murray’s height situation. Arizona has struggled on offense and in pass blocking.
Chicago – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State WR – Chicago badly needs weapons and Justin Fields is looking like he may work out for Chicago long term.
Green Bay – Kelee Ringo, Georgia CB – Until a new general manager takes over in Green Bay, or Aaron Rodgers retires, Green Bay will continue to favor defense and secondary early in the draft.
Detroit (From LA Rams) – Cam Smith, South Carolina CB – Detroit has a bottom tier secondary, Smith is a top shelf corner in the draft. Detroit could also look at wide receiver if someone catches Brad Holmes’ eye.
Indianapolis – Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State OT – The Colts used to be the gold standard for offensive line play. The Jonathan Taylor/Frank Reich offense can work again once they have balanced blockers on the line.
Cincinnati – Nolan Smith, Georgia OLB/DE – Cincinnati would benefit from Smith’s pass rushing skills. The Bengals continue to struggle at offensive line and look anemic without Jamarr Chase.
New England – Jordan McFadden, Clemson OT – McFadden is a four year starter at Clemson and New England’s normally steady offensive line play has been anything but this season.
Washington – Brian Branch, Alabama CB – Washington’s secondary needs love at corner. They could also look at QB if there is someone they like here or wide receiver.
Atlanta – Andre Carter II, Army DE – Carter is 6’7″ and a highly productive pass rusher at Army.
Denver (From Miami through San Francisco) – Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M Safety – Kareem Jackson can’t play forever, the Broncos can draft at a position of need or they can draft for value. Johnson is an intriguing safety prospect who can replace Jackson in the near future.
LA Chargers – Michael Mayer, Notre Dame TE – The chargers wide receivers have had difficulty staying healthy. Mayer brings value in the run game is a serious upgrade as a receiving threat as well.
Seattle – Trenton Simpson, Clemson LB – Simpson has covered well in the slot and has the size to help in stopping the run.
Jets – Anton Harrison, Oklahoma OT – The Jets cant keep their offensive line healthy. Harrison is not the dream prospect that Skoronski or Jones is, but would help keep QB1 for the Jets upright better than the revolving door they’ve had.
Baltimore – Joey Porter Jr., Penn State CB – Baltimore has questions to answer about Lamar Jackson and the type of offense he’s going to thrive in if he remains a Raven for the long term future. Porter Jr. has excellent size and the Ravens will be very familiar with his name.
Kansas City – B.J. Ojulari, LSU DE – Kansas City has one of the strongest rosters, but could use help rushing the passer outside of Chris Jones.
Dallas – Trey Palmer, Nebraska WR – The Dallas offense can be the highest scoring in football with enough receiving weapons. Palmer’s had a breakout season
New York Giants – Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee WR – Hyatt played well against Alabama and is having a terrific season overall. The Giants are suddenly relevant and in need of capable wide receivers.
Tennessee – Ryan Hayes, Michigan OT – A major part of Blake Corum’s rushing success, Hayes could supplant injury prone Taylor Lewan at left tackle.
Minnesota – Jacob Cowing, Arizona WR – The Vikings are enjoying a ton of immediate success under Kevin O’Connell. Cowing could help the Vikings break the damn in arms races against teams like Buffalo and Kansas City.
Buffalo – Jordan Battle, Alabama Safety – Buffalo is experiencing injury issues from their highly touted safety tandem, Battle would’ve been a top pick in 2021, but chose to return to school.
Philadelphia – Bijan Robinson, Texas RB – The Eagles have a complete roster and their record reflects that. Robinson would give them an immediate boost on offense as a runner/receiver if Roseman wants to capitalize on what may be a short SuperBowl window with Jalen Hurts on a rookie contract and the whole team clicking.
Today’s song is Lost at Sea by Zedd
Gridiron Seasonal 