# Team Player Pos
1 Caleb Williams
USC, Jr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

The Bears traded Justin Fields to the Steelers and all that's left to do is take Caleb Williams here.

Rating: 94.07 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Patrick Mahomes
Summary

Caleb Williams is as close to Patrick Mahomes as we've seen since 2017. His footwork looks cleaner in his drop back, he has a plus arm, throws with great accuracy to all three levels, and consistently wins with his legs -- whether he's in the pocket, flushed from the pocket or on designed runs. Added bonuses: does a good job of avoiding hits near the sideline. Can throw with anticipation on intermediate routes, layers the ball well on intermediate routes and has good deep-ball accuracy. Would like to see him stick with his first read a little longer -- he loves to rely on his mobility and playmaking abilities -- but it's hard to argue with the results. There's a long list of QBs who play well off-platform and out of structure; he may already be one of the best.

About
  • 2022 Heisman Trophy winner (1st from USC since Reggie Bush)
  • Career: Most total yards (8,673) and TD (93) in 2-year span in USC history
Strengths
  • The next Patrick Mahomes isn't hyperbole
  • Can throw from every arm angle and do it with pinpoint accuracy
  • Consistently wins with his legs though he doesn't look to run at the first sign of trouble
Weaknesses
  • Tries to do too much at times
  • Needs to do a better job of playing within the offense
  • Will sometimes pass up easy throws looking for the big play

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3633 68.6 30 5
2 Jayden Daniels
LSU, Sr
 
QB

I like Jayden Daniels more than Drake Maye -- and I'd take him here. But Washington may feel differently; whatever happens, they have to take a QB here.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Tyrod Taylor
Summary

Jayden Daniels is one of the most improved players in college football over the past two years. He is an experienced passer who doubles as an impact runner. His decision-making has improved immensely since his days at Arizona State. Daniels has enough arm strength to push the ball downfield . He showed the ability to uplift and entire offense this past season.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy winner (led FBS in total YPG and total TD/game)
  • Career: 1st ever with 12,000+ pass yds and 3,000+ rush yds in FBS history
Strengths
  • Impact performer as a runner
  • Over 3,000 college football snaps of experience
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Keeps his eyes downfield when pressured
  • Makes good decisions on read options
Weaknesses
  • Thin frame, but has not missed time due to injury
  • Average arm strength
  • Footwork has made strides but remains a work in progress

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3812 72.2 40 4
3 Drake Maye QB

Maye reminds me a lot of Justin Herbert in that he didn't have a lights-out final season in college and skeptics are wondering what he'll look like at the next level. I think he'll be a better pro than college QB, and even though '23 was uneven at times, his '22 tape is pretty good. The Patriots will likely get several very lucrative opportunities to move down from No. 3 but like Washington and Chicago above them, they desperately need a quarterback.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Justin Herbert
Summary

Drake Maye is a tall pocket passer with some athletic juice. He has a live arm with a compact release. He drives the football with ease and throws a gorgeous spiral with high regularity. His accuracy to all levels is very good, but there are a few seemingly uncharacteristic misses deep. His misses are typically low/behind. He was utilized in the designed run game in college but it will be somewhat of a stretch to see him succeed doing that in the NFL. Has a flair for making plays on the run and can be a useful, Mahomes-like scrambler. The natural playmaker gene is there, as he rarely gives up on a play. He wants to rip the vertical shot down the seam/numbers. He truly can make every throw, and his arm talent borders on elite. His high-arcing touch is good, not amazing. He can make impressive throws with defenders draped on him. His pocket presence is solid, but sometimes awkward when navigating. He has lots of experience reading the entire field. Overall, he has a great blend of pocket passing, arm talent, accuracy, and athleticism. He's a very impressive QB prospect for the modern-day NFL.

About
  • 2022: ACC Player of the Year (First in UNC since Lawrence Taylor in 1980)
  • Only FBS player with 7,000+ pass yards and 1,000+ rush yards in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Arm strength is fantastic
  • Full-field reader
  • Big frame with plus athleticism to scramble and elude rushers inside the pocket
Weaknesses
  • Occasional miss low/behind his WR
  • At times awkward when attempting to navigate the pocket
  • In some instances will try to do too much when things break down

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3608 63.3 24 9
4 Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State, Jr
 
WR

The Cardinals have to decide if they like WR2 or WR3 enough to move off of No. 4, where Marvin Harrison Jr. will be waiting. If so, they can trade down, get a haul, and potentially still land Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. I have them staying put, not overthinking it and taking Harrison here.

Rating: 94.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Randy Moss
Summary

Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best player in the entire draft class. Father was an NFL Hall of Famer and Harrison Jr. has a chance to be even better because of his physical gifts -- size, speed, huge catch radius and the ability to win running a variety of routes. When he is locked in he's all but unstoppable.

About
  • Career: 2-time unanimous All-American (1st from OSU since Orlando Pace)
  • 1st player in Big Ten history with 14+ rec TD in multiple seasons
Strengths
  • Incredibly strong at the top of routes; he's able to create separation vs. physical CBs
  • Hands-catcher with an enormous catch radius
  • Can stack CBs off the line of scrimmage and has the shiftiness to create separation on every route
Weaknesses
  • Did have a few focus drops during the 2023 season
  • Showed frustrations at times at the level of QB play in 2023

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 67 1211 18.1 14
5 J.J. McCarthy
Michigan, Jr
MOCK TRADE from LAC
QB
HQ Spotlight: Quarterback Rising Up Boards

Mock Trade from: LAC

Now things get spicy. The Vikings package their two first-rounders -- the No. 11 and No. 23 picks -- to move up to No. 5 and take JJ McCarthy. Kirk Cousins signed with Atlanta and yes, Sam Darnold is now in the building, but there's not a much better fit for JJ McCarthy than playing for Kevin O'Connell.

Rating: 91.50 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Joe Burrow
Summary

J.J. McCarthy is an incredibly efficient passer who operated in a predominantly run-heavy offense. He is slight of frame but has the mobility and accuracy to make plays out of structure. McCarthy does not have the strongest arm but throws with touch to all three levels. He is a tough player who has consistently won at every level of his career.

About
  • 2023: CFP national champion (led Michigan to 15-0 record)
  • 27-1 career record as starting QB (3rd-best in FBS history)
Strengths
  • Sixth-highest completion percentage in 2023 (72.3%)
  • Does a good job manipulating the pocket
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Great ball placement
Weaknesses
  • Ball security in tight pockets
  • Late to see some breakers
  • Average arm strength
Combine Data
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.23 seconds
  • 3-cone drill: 6.82 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 2991 72.3 22 4
6 Malik Nabers
LSU, Jr
 
WR

Best-case scenario for the Giants, assuming they don't want a QB in the draft. Drew Lock provides depth behind Daniel Jones and the offensive line has been bolstered through free agency. Darren Waller could retire, so Brock Bowers is a consideration here, but Nabers is the easy choice for an offense that has lacked that type of playmaking ability since Odell Beckham Jr. was in New York.

Rating: 93.23 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Brandon Aiyuk
Summary

Malik Nabers is a super-explosive WR prospect. He gets to top gear in a flash and can sustain that speed down the field. He’s effortless off the line and has serious acceleration. He’s a bouncy athlete when needing to elevate. He has plus wiggle off the line and can get on top of CBs quickly to stack them on vertical routes. Physicality can get the best of him in press, but he’s not a weak player. He works well fighting back to the football/finding it down the field and in the red zone. Natural mover with the ball in his hands. He has RB vision, plus quickness, and his supercharged burst all indicate him being a YAC weapon in the NFL. He won't be an elite burner, but he’s certainly not slow. While not tall for the position, he has a "my-ball" mentality in traffic. Route-running is good, but he didn't run the full route tree. He has the athletic chops to be a star in that area eventually. In most classes, he'd be the clear WR1. His game is tailor-made for today's NFL.

About
  • 2023: Converted 78.7% of his receptions into either a first down or a touchdown, according to TruMedia (second-highest among players with at least 100 target)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 catches of 30-plus yards
Strengths
  • Incredible explosiveness
  • RAC ability is elite
  • Will go up and get ball in traffic
Weaknesses
  • Not a huge frame
  • Didn't run many routes in college
  • Occasionally physical press beats him at the line

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 89 1569 17.6 14
7 Joe Alt
Notre Dame, Jr
 
OT

The choice here is between Olu Fashanu and Joe Alt and while Fashanu is my OT1, Alt might be ready to start sooner. In Tennessee, he'll line up next to '23 first-rounder, Peter Skoronski.

Rating: 92.87 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Taylor Decker
Summary

Joe Alt made tremendous strides in his career from 2022 to 2023. He looks like a much more flexible prospect capable of digging out smaller rushers. He can struggle with power players that get under his pad level and does not have ideal shock and power in his initial punch. Alt does a great job of adjusting his hands and feet when engaged.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Highest overall PFF grade (90.7) by FBS OL
Strengths
  • Does a great job adjusting his hands and feet when engaged
  • A much more fluid player in 2023 than 2022
  • Does a good job with punch placement
  • Moves well to mirror defenders laterally
Weaknesses
  • Average job of engaging and sustaining blocks in space
  • Average shock and power in his hands
  • Power players can get under his pads and walk him back
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.05 seconds
  • Bench press: 27 reps
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.51 seconds
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
8 Jared Verse EDGE

The Falcons now have Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney on the roster, reducing the likelihood of Rome Odunze. Instead, they beef up the pass rushers with Jared Verse.

Rating: 92.57 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Josh Allen
Summary

Jared Verse is an Albany transfer who was unranked coming out of high school. He would've been a first-round pick after the 2022 season, but he returned to Florida State and will again be a first-round pick in 2024. He plays with heavy hands and is twitchy off the edge. When he is locked in, he is unblockable.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
  • 2022-23: Most pressures (98), T-most sacks (18.0) in ACC over this span
Strengths
  • Stout at the point of attack
  • Plays with heavy hands and has a quick get-off that consistently beats offensive tackles
Weaknesses
  • Made huge stride in Year 1 at Florida State, but leveled off some in Year 2
  • Very little to not love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Bench press: 31 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.44 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
9 Dallas Turner
Alabama, Jr
 
EDGE

It'll be interesting to see which edge rusher goes off the board first; I lean slightly to Verse but could understand why a team prefers Turner, one of the most explosive players in this class. With Keenan Allen now in Chicago, the Bears -- like the Falcons above -- can focus on defense here. (Alternatively, now with just four picks in the entire draft, they could choose to trade down.)

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Summary

Dallas Turner is a quick edge rusher with good first-step quickness. He could stand to add more mass to take his game to another level but is not deficient in that regard. Turner has great waist bend at the high side of his rush to flatten and become a heat-seeking missile towards quarterbacks. He should quickly become a factor for a team at the next level.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and SEC Co-Defensive POY
  • Career: 22.5 sacks and 32.5 TFL (both 2nd in SEC in span)
Strengths
  • Great waist bend at the high side of his rush
  • Good quickness to shoot gaps and get on the hips of blockers
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Plays to the whistle
  • Works back when getting too deep in his rush
Weaknesses
  • Could stand to add more weight to hold up in run support
  • Needs a runway to create power as a rusher
  • Inconsistent job of getting off blocks
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 40-5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
10 Rome Odunze
Washington, Jr
 
WR

Both New York teams get big-time playmakers ... after both New York teams spent the early days of free agency trying to fix the offensive line. Garrett Wilson finally gets some help.

Rating: 92.60 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Muhsin Muhammad
Summary

Washington has attempted to manufacture touches for Rome Odunze for years. He is a good route runner with an ability to elude defenders post-catch. He has great size with the range to go high or low. From 2022 to 2023, he added 15 pounds of good weight to improve his physicality through routes. As he gains more reps carrying that additional weight, he should only improve.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American (2-time first-team All-Pac 12)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 1,640 rec yards (Washington record)
Strengths
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Elusive post-catch
  • Good range to go high or low
  • Does a great job tracking the ball downfield
  • Fluid athlete with good top-end speed
Weaknesses
  • Physicality through his routes
  • Struggles to consistently get off jams at the line of scrimmage
  • Average burst
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.03 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 6.88 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
15 92 1640 17.8 13
11 Taliese Fuaga
Oregon State, Jr
MOCK TRADE from MIN
OT

Mock Trade from: MIN

The Chargers have jettisoned many of their skill-position players, in part because of the salary cap, and also because Jim Harbaugh will likely lean on the run as he looks to jumpstart this offense. It's why LA felt comfortable trading out of the No. 5 pick in this mock draft. And even with Olu Fashanu still on the board, Fuaga, who played right tackle at Oregon State, is the pick here. He can slide into the starting job on Day 1 and there are no projecting if he can play a new position (which would be the conversation with Fashanu).

Rating: 92.43 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jedrick Wills
Summary

Taliese Fuaga is a large, girthy, mobile people-mover at RT. He has shocking burst and lateral quicks given his gargantuan size; some Penei Sewell-ian vibes when he's on the move. He has frequent mashing reps and is a menace at the second level. He’s an authoritative blocker who tries to get his hands on DLs early. Sometimes quality rushers can throw him off balance, but those reps are few and far between and he works hard to recover. Grip strength could improve and he’s not incredibly accurate at the second level, but he gets out there in a flash. Despite his wide frame and easy power, he could actually add more lower-body strength for setting edge/turning DLs. Kick slide is good, not great. Overall, Fuaga is a mostly ready-to-go classic RT with power and mobility.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Pac 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF run-blocking grade (90.9) in FBS
Strengths
  • Prototypical NFL OT frame
  • Immense athletic gifts for his size
  • Masher at the point of attack
Weaknesses
  • Aggressive style can get the best of him, balance isn't always stellar
  • Needs to add more lower-body strength
  • Good, not great kick slide at times
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.13 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
12 Terrion Arnold
Alabama, Soph
 
CB

Neither Denver nor Las Vegas was able to trade up in this mock draft for QB4 so they stay put and fill big needs on the the defense. Like Jared Verse vs. Dallas Turner, Terrion Arnold vs. Quinyon Mitchell will vary team by team, but both players have a chance to be special. For the Broncos, Arnold has the SEC pedigree, and after the success with Patrick Surtain Jr., going back to the Alabama well was an easy choice.

Rating: 92.53 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Terrion Arnold is a boundary cornerback with good size. He has average top-end speed but has little difficulty carrying routes up the boundary. Arnold gets a bit loose in routes transitioning across the field and can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a form tackle. He is a high-energy cornerback who will occasionally lose patience and grab the receiver during routes. Over the past two years, Arnold has tremendous ball production. He is not afraid to play downhill in run support and jam at the line of scrimmage.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: 5 INT (T-most in SEC)
Strengths
  • Not afraid to be physical, jam receivers at the line of scrimmage
  • Versatility to play on the boundary or in the slot
  • Willing to play downhill in run support
  • Good size for the position
  • Great ball production over the past two years
Weaknesses
  • Gets a bit loose transitioning across the field
  • 11% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Loses patience and grabs in coverage occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 37 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14 5
13 Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo, Jr
 
CB

I wouldn't call this 'settling' -- Mitchell is my CB1 after a spectacular 2023 season, Senior Bowl and NFL combine.

Rating: 92.73 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Darius Slay
Summary

Quinyon Mitchell checks a lot of boxes for NFL teams. He has great size to be a man coverage cornerback on the boundary. He has a quick click and close to flash downhill in run support. Mitchell has good top-end speed but gets a bit loose in transitions across the field. He is competitive at the catch point and has great ball production over the past two seasons. Mitchell does not have significant exposure against Power 5 competition.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-MAC
  • Most passes defended in FBS (37) over past 2 seasons
Strengths
  • Six interceptions over the past two seasons
  • Great frame to play on the boundary in man coverage
  • Good top-end speed
  • Competitive at the catch point
  • Quick click and close to impact the run game
Weaknesses
  • Gambler by nature, which could lead to big plays
  • Two games against Power 5 competition in his career
  • Gets a bit loose in transitions occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 20 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 2 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13 1
14 Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Penn State, Jr
 
OT

Somehow Fashanu is still on the board. Trevor Penning hasn't worked out at left tackle and Fashanu is too good to pass up in the middle of Round 1.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Trent Williams
Summary

Olu Fashanu has long arms, a good base, great athleticism, is solid at the point of attack and consistently anchors well against power rushers. He's patient in his pass sets and rarely panics. He's only going to get better.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 697 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Physical freak in every regard; can manhandle edge rushers but has the athleticism to get to the second level and bury his target
  • Still young and developing; he's only going to get better
Weaknesses
  • Needs to continue to refine his technique because he sometimes relies on this athleticism to win vs. lesser opponents
  • Had a better 2022 season, so he'll need to show he can play with more consistency
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.11 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 1 inches
15 Brian Thomas Jr.
LSU, Jr
 
WR

I thought long and hard about going CB here but WR won out. Michael Pittman is WR1 while Alec Pierce is still looking to find his form and Josh Downs is the slot threat. Thomas Jr. is a home run threat who can take some pressure off Pittman.

Rating: 91.77 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Pickens
Summary

Brian Thomas Jr. is a tall, decently sculpted perimeter wideout with plus ball-tracking capabilities. He’s not super explosive, but he can win off the line to the inside or outside or with physicality. Some wiggle to his game, which also pops after the catch. Surprising agility for a taller WR. Deceptive long speed, and his build-up speed surprises DBs. He has some high-point ability and will find the ball over his shoulder/in-traffic with good regularity. He shows flashes dipping past DBs in his route. Nothing about his game stands out more than the rest; he’s just a solid all-around WR prospect with a relatively polished game and fair amount of upside due to his age.

About
  • 2023: Third-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 rec TD last season (T-5th most in SEC history)
Strengths
  • Complete game, rock-solid in every element of playing WR
  • Tracks the football downfield with ease
  • Plus cutting skills after the catch for a taller WR
Weaknesses
  • Not incredibly explosive
  • Sometimes, physicality disrupts him
  • Not a contact-balance type after the catch
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 11 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 68 1177 17.3 17
16 Troy Fautanu
Washington, Jr
 
IOL

Troy Fautanu can play tackle but he may begin his NFL journey as a guard. And as it turns out, the Seahawks have a huge need at the left guard position.

Rating: 89.77 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Tyler Steen
Summary

Troy Fautanu is a smaller, compact, quickness-based OT prospect with plus awareness and quality feet. He's a quick setter. Clearly he has to get stronger, as anchoring capabilities are not where they need to be. Because of power deficiency, he has to lean into his blocks, which makes it easier for DLs to get off him against the run. He's further ahead as a pass protector right now, which isn't the worst dynamic. Lateral quicks to follow inside moves into the pocket. Not enough sustained juice in his kick slide to get to speedy outside rushers. He may have a future at guard because he doesn't possess a classic NFL OT frame. He's very mobile and gets to the second level in a hurry, though he's not very accurate finding LBs there. Grip strength must improve at the next level. Despite that, he has outstanding hand work; he swats down hands, constantly looking to reset his hands to control defenders. He's very capable picking up stunts. Overall, the physical tools are there for Fautanu, but he has to get stronger and learn to get more depth/speed in his traditional pass-blocking sets.

About
  • 2023: Morris Trophy winner (best OL in Pac-12)
  • 2023: Fifth-best PFF pass-block grade (88.2) among FBS OT
Strengths
  • Plus athlete, light on his feet
  • Awareness is awesome, will get to inside moves, blitzes, and stunts
  • Comfortable in space on screens and combos at the second level
Weaknesses
  • Not quite explosive enough to get to outside speed rushers in traditional pass set
  • Has to get significantly stronger at the NFL level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.01 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
17 Byron Murphy II
Texas, Jr
 
DL

Murphy is the best defensive linemen in this class and he could end up going higher than this. The Jags addressed other positional needs early in free agency, and even with the addition of Arik Armstead, Murphy makes a lot of sense here.

Rating: 92.13 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Javon Hargrave
Summary

Byron Murphy II is a long armed, squatty, explosive DT. His first-step quicks are a problem for interior OLs, and he gets his hands into their chest in a flash. He resets the line of scrimmage with speed-to-power conversion and effortlessly works across the frame of blockers to soften their edges. He has a nice rip move and uses an occasional swipe. He’s a very fluid athlete with loose hips who can track the football down the line of scrimmage. He will occasionally drop to one knee to anchor against doubles, but it's not a clear strength. He’s surprisingly powerful at the point of attack given his size. His hands are never complacent, and he works noticeably hard against the run and is rarely on the ground. He’s best in a pure up-the-field pass-rush role. He has good block-shed ability. He doesn't have enough pure strength to counter off the initial rush, but that rush is almost always super explosive.

About
  • 2023 Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF pass-rush grade (91.5) among FBS DT
Strengths
  • Exudes explosiveness
  • Pass-rush moves he deploys are highly effective
  • 100% effort on every play
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't always have a counter ready if his first move fails
  • Smaller size gets him washed out against the run at times
  • Won't be great against doubles
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
  • Bench press: 28 reps
  • Vertical jump: 33 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
18 JC Latham
Alabama, Jr
 
OT

The Bengals added tight end Mike Gesicki -- which doesn't disqualify them from the Brock Bowers sweepstakes -- but the offensive line remains an issue; right tackle JC Latham is a mauler and if he's on the board Cincy has to take him.

Rating: 91.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Teven Jenkins
Summary

JC Latham is a big power/anchor-based RT with vice grips for hands. Good quickness. Best in quick-setting scenario where he can get his hands on EDGEs instantly. Just enough athleticism to get back to secondary rushers on stunts or delayed blitzes. Very patient and collected in pass pro. Glides laterally against inside moves/counters. Could play with more of a mean streak. Not highly effective in space/on the move. Has room to improve as a run blocker. Must add more sand in his pants at the NFL level. Anchoring flashes on film that are awesome. Understands his assignments but can be a tick labored/awkward getting there. At times opens the gate too early -- it shouldn't be as easy to soften his edge. Generates plenty of torque. Size, natural power, and some athletic flashes make him a fun OT prospect.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-SEC
  • 3 sacks allowed in 970 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Large, naturally strong frame
  • Plenty of experience in the SEC at multiple positions
  • Rarely out of position
Weaknesses
  • Movements can be a bit labored
  • Not as nasty at the point of attack as his size would indicate
  • Must improve as a run blocker
19 Johnny Newton
Illinois, Jr
 
DL

Aaron Donald retired and while it would take 4-5 players to replace his production (and that may be underselling it), Newton is a twitched-up defensive lineman coming off a really good season for Illinois. Cornerback was also a consideration here.

Rating: 89.20 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kobie Turner
Summary

Jer'Zhan Newton is a polished, hand-work master at DT. He has plus athletic gifts and can threaten either shoulder of a guard or center on any rush; he’s not strictly an upfield rusher. He has a full pass-rush arsenal. He has legitimate counter ability and knows he has to be urgent with those counters. Goes swipe into a bull rush often and he’s effective with it. Rushes a bit higher than what's ideal. Good pop on contact, but not a certified people mover. Not incredibly explosive. Far from a slow plodder. His bull rush flashes were there, too; just not a trademark of his game. He’s a solid block-dispatcher and a quality run defender with good vision/awareness to locate RBs. If his rushes were lower, this would be a squeaky clean DT prospect. But altogether, he's quite the refined specimen on the inside.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
  • Led FBS defensive tackles with 102 QB pressures over past two seasons (35 more than next-highest)
Strengths
  • Full arsenal of pass-rush moves are locked and loaded
  • Understand how to counter off his initial rush
  • Some pop to his game upon contact
Weaknesses
  • Not a tremendously explosive or fluid athlete
  • Rushes tend to get high and lose steam
  • Final season wasn't as good as 2022

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
20 Amarius Mims
Georgia, Jr
 
OT

There are very few holes in Jackson Powers-Johnson's game. He can play either guard or center in the NFL, and this pick for the Steelers should give fans the same feeling they had when the team took Maurkice Pouncey or David DeCastro in Round 1.

Rating: 91.80 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Evan Neal
Summary

Amarius Mims has the athleticism and talent to become the best offensive tackle from this draft class. Injuries have limited the right tackle's availability, but his performance against Ohio State in 2022 put him on the national radar. He does a good job adjusting his feet when engaged in pass protection and drives his feet on contact in the run game. Mims can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged and would be better served working on his punch placement and being more aggressive at the point of attack.

About
  • 2021-22: 2-Time CFP national champion (starter in 2022)
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 377 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Absorbs contact well
  • Does a great job adjusting his feet when engaged
  • Drives feet on contact in the run game
  • Great upper body strength
  • Good foot quickness
Weaknesses
  • Limited playing experience due to injuries
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Punch placement can improve
  • Would like to see him dictate action at the point of attack more often
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.07 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 25.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
21 Brock Bowers
Georgia, Jr
 
TE

The Dolphins continue to get better on offense. There were a few trades above that were for other position needs that pushed Bowers down but it's hard to envision how a top-10 player (he's actually No. 6 on my big board) lasts this long. I get it. But as I've written in the past (repeatedly): In the last 20 years, 19 tight ends have gone in the first round. Five of those were selected in the top 10 (Eric Ebron, 10th overall in 2014; TJ Hockenson, 8th overall in 2019; Kellen Winslow II and Vernon Davis, 6th overall in 2004 and 2006; and Kyle Pitts, 4th overall in 2021). The other 14 were drafted between No. 19 and No. 32. And 10 months ago, Sam LaPorta lasted until Round 2.

Rating: 92.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Kittle
Summary

Brock Bowers is a wiry strong athlete who is willing to contribute as a run blocker. His lack of ideal mass means he is more valuable as a blocker in space than inline. Bowers has soft hands and great range to go high or low. He has a good feel for pressing defenders at the route before making his cut. Bowers is incredibly effective creating yards after the catch.

About
  • Career: Only 2-time John Mackey Award winner (given to nation's best TE)
  • Most career rec yds (2,538) and rec TD (26) by TE in SEC history
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job creating separation
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Does not tip off his breaks with his eyes, leans into the defender's body to create spce
  • Great hands and range to make catches outside of his frame
Weaknesses
  • Lacks ideal height
  • Lighter frame makes it more difficult to hold up as an inline blocker

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
10 56 714 12.8 6
22 Cooper DeJean
Iowa, Jr
 
CB

If the Eagles trust Cam Jurgens at center, they can pass on Jackson Powers-Johnson here and instead focus on the secondary. DeJean is a big, strong, fast cornerback with return ability.

Rating: 88.27 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Cooper DeJean is an extremely physical cornerback at the catch point who has big size and great speed. He can run with any wide receiver and is very smooth when flipping his hips and staying in phase on vertical routes. He also adds something in the return game.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (2-time first-team All-Big Ten)
  • 2022: 5 INT (including Iowa single-season record 3 pick-sixes)
Strengths
  • Extremely physical at catch point, even if he gets beaten earlier in route; has ability to recover and make play on ball
  • Even from off man, can drive downhill and close separation gap in a hurry on in-breaking routes
  • Has return ability
Weaknesses
  • Is his NFL future at CB or safety?
  • Can get too handsy at times in coverage

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
23 Nate Wiggins
Clemson, Jr
MOCK TRADE from MIN
CB

Mock Trade from: MIN

The Chargers trade down from No. 5 in this mock draft and get a starting right tackle and a starting cornerback -- and Wiggins blew up the combine after an impressive '23 season in which he played like a shutdown corner and improved as a tackler.

Rating: 88.80 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kaiir Elam
Summary

Nate Wiggins is arguably the best cover cornerback in this draft class. Wiggins has a slight frame, so he will need to add weight, but he was much improved against the run in 2023 compared to the previous season. He can run with anybody and is consistently making plays at the catch point.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-ACC
  • 2 career INT return TD (including 98-yard pick-6 vs Drake Maye)
Strengths
  • Smooth in transition from man to covering vertical routes
  • Uses hands well to control wideout through the route, stays in phase
  • Might be best coverage corner in class
Weaknesses
  • Did improve in run support but needs to continue to get better
  • Slight frame; will need to add weight at the next level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.28 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 36 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
24 Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon, Jr
 
IOL

Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz are gone, Tyler Smith now moves from left guard to left tackle, and there are questions along the interior offensive line. Selecting Powers-Johnson here would be the easiest pick of the draft.

Rating: 87.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Creed Humphrey
Summary

Jackson Powers-Johnson consistently wins with effort and strength and is one of the best offensive linemen in the class. He is at his best when he is uncovered at the line and can step freely to defensive linemen, or climb to the second level.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (5th in Oregon history)
  • 2023: Better pass-blocking grade than former top center prospects Tyler Linderbaum and Creed Humphrey
Strengths
  • Uses hands well to shock defensive linemen in pass pro
  • Shows ability to re-anchor vs. nose tackles
  • Good athlete, can combo block and lock up second-level defender quickly to ensure gap integrity in run game
  • Tenacious, consistent in both run and pass-blocking
Weaknesses
  • Can struggle to block defenders and create movement when he is covered
Combine Data
  • Bench press: 30 reps
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 8 inches
25 Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Missouri, Jr
 
CB

The Packers moved on from left tackle David Bakhtiari and while Rasheed Walker was serviceable, the team may want to add depth at the position. But with the top left tackles off the board, Green Bay looks to the secondary. Yes, Rakestraw only weighed 183 lbs. at the combine but his playing style reminds me of Devon Witherspoon ... who weighed 181 at the combine a year ago.

Rating: 87.40 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kyle Fuller
Summary

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is a thinner built cornerback who is not afraid to mix it up. He is willing to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and is competitive at the catch point despite limited ball production. Rakestraw does a good job transitioning across the field and up the boundary but allows too much cushion underneath in zone coverage.

About
  • Career: Allowed 0 TD in 1,017 career coverage snaps
  • Career: 24 passes defended (T-3rd most in SEC since 2020)
Strengths
  • Triggers downhill quickly in run support
  • Fluid hips to transition across the field or carry routes vertically
  • Competitive at the catch point
Weaknesses
  • Limited ball production
  • Gets stuck at the top of his drop occasionally
  • Allows a lot of room underneath in zone coverage
  • Frame on the thin side
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.51 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 0 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
9
26 Graham Barton
Duke, Sr
 
OT

The team has moved on from Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie, and while they've signed Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta, Graham Barton has Day 1-starter potential. He played left tackle at Duke but his NFL future will be inside.

Rating: 85.53 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Peter Skoronski
Summary

Graham Barton is a short-area quickness, hustle, technique based OT in somewhat of an OG body. Works the angles awesomely. Tends to lean into blocks when getting across the line. Occasionally late with his hands -- and they get outside -- but his sweet feet kept him in position in pass pro. Effortlessly slides against inside moves. Doesn't have enough length or power to anchor around the corner with great consistency. Plus accuracy getting to the second level because he trusts his athleticism. Very aware of stunts, and will get to most of them. Definitely has a nasty demeanor finishing blocks. Probably a guard at the next level but has enough juice to play center, too. Versatility and relatively clean film at OT are his biggest selling points.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
Strengths
  • Light feet when executing all blocks
  • Works the angles/leverages awesomely
  • Plus accuracy finding LBs at second level
Weaknesses
  • Lacks power, doesn't have much anchor
  • Tends to get off balance against bigger rushers
  • Minimal length
27 Laiatu Latu
UCLA, Sr
 
EDGE

The Cards land Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 4, and somehow, Latu is still on the board at the bottom of Round 1. Two of the easiest picks in the first round.

Rating: 91.97 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaelan Phillips
Summary

Laiatu Latu is a tall, well-built edge rusher. He tends to rush a tick high, but he has a nasty, often-used swim move. He’s fast and effective with it. He’s a highly capable athlete. He dips/leans around the corner and retraces when he's past the QB. Everything about his rush skill set is very natural and smooth. He has never-stopping hands, and there's some power to them. Swipe and rip are there, too. He wins with leverage and using OTs (and OGs) momentum against them when countering. Burst is great but not elite. At times, his higher rushes and desire to use the swim leave his midsection susceptible and his power sapped. He works hard against the run. He has a large tackling radius and can be a menace against OGs inside when they don't get up and under him. Good bend for his size, but it’s not a trademark attribute. Closing speed is impressive. He needs to add a bull rush. Overall, Latu is a three-down edge rusher in the NFL and an All-Pro talent with polish.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (First from UCLA since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2005)
  • Led FBS with 23.5 sacks in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Towering, lengthy frame
  • Wins with a variety of pass-rush moves
  • Bend/speed around the corner are awesome for his size
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't have a consistent bull rush, lacks some power
  • Rushes can get high
  • At times, leaves his midsection open to blockers
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 2
28 Adonai Mitchell
Texas, Jr
 
WR

Yes, the Bills signed Curtis Samuel but what is Stefon Diggs' future in Buffalo? Instead of waiting around to find out, the team takes AD Mitchell here; he's a big, explosive pass catcher who can dominate at all three levels.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Michael Wilson
Summary

Adonai Mitchell is a tall WR prospect with a somewhat sleek frame. His hip sink/lateral quicks are impressive for a WR his height. He flashed sharp route-running ability and sells intricate routes well, particularly double moves down the field. He understands how to set up DBs with head/shoulder fakes and subtle jukes. He did see some press coverage in college and was capable of beating it with quicks, although he's not a release master at this stage. He has forward lean in his routes, which comes from impressive burst off the line and plus sustained speed. He’s got legit long speed, but not a YAC type; he only had a few impressive scampers after the catch in college. The athleticism is there to do it, but he has low-level contact balance. He has reliable, strong hands but wasn't a big contested-catch winner. He hasn't played a ton of football. Overall, Mitchell is a young WR prospect with smooth athleticism and route-salesmanship beyond his years, all of which indicate his best football is in front of him.

About
  • 2023: Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year
  • 2023: Led the Big 12 in receiving TDs (11)
Strengths
  • Large frame with strong hands
  • Forward lean in his routes with smooth athletic gifts and plus speed
  • Despite being larger, is a already a gifted route runner
Weaknesses
  • Minimal YAC capabilities due to lesser contact balance
  • Only flashes of contested-catch wins despite his size
  • Hasn't played a ton of football
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.34 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 11 feet, 4 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
14 55 845 15.4 11
29 Chop Robinson
Penn State, Jr
 
EDGE

It's no surprise Chop flashed at the combine and his pro day, and while he had just four sacks last season for Penn State, he's incredibly disruptive coming off the edge. In Detroit, he'll make life easier for Aidan Hutchinson and a much-improved Lions defense.

Rating: 89.40 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Nik Bonitto
Summary

Chop Robinson plays with as high a motor as you'll see at any level. He will test through the roof, and that testing will match his tape. Plays every snap at an 11 on a 10-point scale, and for as active as he is as a pass-rusher, he's also really good against the run.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-Big Ten (4.0 sacks, 7.5 TFL in 10 games)
  • 2022-23: Led Big Ten with 18.6% pressure rate
Strengths
  • Twitched-up edge rusher who plays much bigger than his size
  • Consistently disruptive in the backfield
  • Uses hands well as a pass-rusher but also solid against the run
Weaknesses
  • Undersized but plays much bigger than his measurements
  • Very little not to love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.25 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
7
30 Tyler Guyton
Oklahoma, Jr
 
OT

This feels like a layup; Morgan Moses is now with the Jets and Tyler Guyton, who was dominant at right tackle for the Sooners last season, slides into the starting job.

Rating: 87.30 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Anton Harrison
Summary

Tyler Guyton is a right tackle who moves really well for his size and has good ankle flexion to recover when balance is lost. Most of his balance issues stem from not adjusting his hands when engaged and punch placement. Guyton can use varied timing in his punches to confuse defenders. He has good eyes to handle exchanges and pick up stunts into his gap.

About
  • 2023: All-Big 12 honorable mention
  • 2023: 0 sacks allowed on 335 pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Moves really well for his size
  • Good ankle flexion to recover
  • Good eyes to handle exchanges and stunts into his gap
  • Good first-step quickness
Weaknesses
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Can do a better job of varying punch pace to confuse defenders
  • Punch placement can improve
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.19 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.71 seconds
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 11 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.5 seconds
31 Michael Penix Jr.
Washington, Sr
MOCK TRADE from SF
QB
HQ Spotlight: Michael Penix Jr. NFL Draft Prospect Preview

Mock Trade from: SF

In 2018, the Ravens traded back into the bottom of the first round to select Lamar Jackson. The compensation: Baltimore sent picks 52 and 125 in 2018, and pick 53 in 2019 to Philadelphia for picks 32 and 132 in 2018. In this mock draft, the Raiders send picks 44 and 148 in 2024, and a 2nd- and 4th-rounder in 2025 to move up to No. 31. Las Vegas gets the best deep-ball thrower in the class, in addition to arguably the best cornerback with pick No. 13.

Rating: 88.30 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Tua Tagovailoa
Summary

NFL decision-makers have a wide array of opinions on Michael Penix Jr.’s abilities; some like him in Round 1, while others think he's a Day 3 target. It's hard to argue that he's the best deep ball thrower in this draft class, and he arrives in the league with a ton of experience.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy runner-up (best finish in Washington history)
  • 2022-23: Most pass yards (9,544) in 2-year span in Pac-12 history
Strengths
  • Best deep-ball thrower in this class
  • Throws with anticipation on intermediate routes
  • Very good at putting the ball in position to maximize YAC
Weaknesses
  • Injury history will be a concern for many NFL teams
  • Can he consistently throw the ball accurately over the middle of the field on intermediate routes?

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 4903 65.4 36 11
32 Keon Coleman WR

Yes, Coleman ran a 4.61 at the combine but I do not care. At all. He also hit more than 20 mph in the gauntlet drill and didn't drop a pass. We talk about the importance of game speed all the time and the only more obvious example might be Puka Nacua, who ran a 4.57 at the 2023 combine only to have a record-setting rookie campaign for the Rams. In KC he can be eased into the offense alongside Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown.

Rating: 86.27 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Ja'Marr Chase
Summary

Keon Coleman is a big-bodied wide receiver who can run through contact all day long. He will occasionally have focus drops, but he has flashed his ability to high point the football, and he also adds something in the return game.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-ACC (WR, all-purpose and specialist)
  • 2023: Led ACC in rec TD (11) and punt return yds (300)
Strengths
  • Enormous frame with a huge catch radius
  • Great blocker on the perimeter
  • Has return ability
Weaknesses
  • Will have focus drops at times; needs to work on that
  • Wasn't as dominant over the second half of the season for the Seminoles
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.61 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 38 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 50 658 13.2 11
# Team Player Pos
1 Caleb Williams
USC, Jr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

The Bears will do plenty of research on Williams' demeanor, but if everything checks out there, he'll be the pick at No. 1. They can't trade out of the No. 1 pick again.

Rating: 94.07 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Patrick Mahomes
Summary

Caleb Williams is as close to Patrick Mahomes as we've seen since 2017. His footwork looks cleaner in his drop back, he has a plus arm, throws with great accuracy to all three levels, and consistently wins with his legs -- whether he's in the pocket, flushed from the pocket or on designed runs. Added bonuses: does a good job of avoiding hits near the sideline. Can throw with anticipation on intermediate routes, layers the ball well on intermediate routes and has good deep-ball accuracy. Would like to see him stick with his first read a little longer -- he loves to rely on his mobility and playmaking abilities -- but it's hard to argue with the results. There's a long list of QBs who play well off-platform and out of structure; he may already be one of the best.

About
  • 2022 Heisman Trophy winner (1st from USC since Reggie Bush)
  • Career: Most total yards (8,673) and TD (93) in 2-year span in USC history
Strengths
  • The next Patrick Mahomes isn't hyperbole
  • Can throw from every arm angle and do it with pinpoint accuracy
  • Consistently wins with his legs though he doesn't look to run at the first sign of trouble
Weaknesses
  • Tries to do too much at times
  • Needs to do a better job of playing within the offense
  • Will sometimes pass up easy throws looking for the big play

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3633 68.6 30 5
2 Jayden Daniels
LSU, Sr
 
QB

The Commanders have not been shy in free agency, and Daniels could be the final piece to kick-start Washington's rebuild.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Tyrod Taylor
Summary

Jayden Daniels is one of the most improved players in college football over the past two years. He is an experienced passer who doubles as an impact runner. His decision-making has improved immensely since his days at Arizona State. Daniels has enough arm strength to push the ball downfield . He showed the ability to uplift and entire offense this past season.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy winner (led FBS in total YPG and total TD/game)
  • Career: 1st ever with 12,000+ pass yds and 3,000+ rush yds in FBS history
Strengths
  • Impact performer as a runner
  • Over 3,000 college football snaps of experience
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Keeps his eyes downfield when pressured
  • Makes good decisions on read options
Weaknesses
  • Thin frame, but has not missed time due to injury
  • Average arm strength
  • Footwork has made strides but remains a work in progress

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3812 72.2 40 4
3 Drake Maye QB

The Patriots and Maye are arguably two of the biggest enigmas at the top of this draft. Here, they pair together, and if Maye doesn't start Week 1, that's fine with Jacoby Brissett back in New England.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Justin Herbert
Summary

Drake Maye is a tall pocket passer with some athletic juice. He has a live arm with a compact release. He drives the football with ease and throws a gorgeous spiral with high regularity. His accuracy to all levels is very good, but there are a few seemingly uncharacteristic misses deep. His misses are typically low/behind. He was utilized in the designed run game in college but it will be somewhat of a stretch to see him succeed doing that in the NFL. Has a flair for making plays on the run and can be a useful, Mahomes-like scrambler. The natural playmaker gene is there, as he rarely gives up on a play. He wants to rip the vertical shot down the seam/numbers. He truly can make every throw, and his arm talent borders on elite. His high-arcing touch is good, not amazing. He can make impressive throws with defenders draped on him. His pocket presence is solid, but sometimes awkward when navigating. He has lots of experience reading the entire field. Overall, he has a great blend of pocket passing, arm talent, accuracy, and athleticism. He's a very impressive QB prospect for the modern-day NFL.

About
  • 2022: ACC Player of the Year (First in UNC since Lawrence Taylor in 1980)
  • Only FBS player with 7,000+ pass yards and 1,000+ rush yards in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Arm strength is fantastic
  • Full-field reader
  • Big frame with plus athleticism to scramble and elude rushers inside the pocket
Weaknesses
  • Occasional miss low/behind his WR
  • At times awkward when attempting to navigate the pocket
  • In some instances will try to do too much when things break down

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3608 63.3 24 9
4 J.J. McCarthy
Michigan, Jr
MOCK TRADE from ARI
QB
HQ Spotlight: Quarterback Rising Up Boards

Mock Trade from: ARI

The Broncos don't have as much ammo to ascend the draft board as the Vikings do, but to me, they're more desperate, especially GM George Paton.

Rating: 91.50 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Joe Burrow
Summary

J.J. McCarthy is an incredibly efficient passer who operated in a predominantly run-heavy offense. He is slight of frame but has the mobility and accuracy to make plays out of structure. McCarthy does not have the strongest arm but throws with touch to all three levels. He is a tough player who has consistently won at every level of his career.

About
  • 2023: CFP national champion (led Michigan to 15-0 record)
  • 27-1 career record as starting QB (3rd-best in FBS history)
Strengths
  • Sixth-highest completion percentage in 2023 (72.3%)
  • Does a good job manipulating the pocket
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Great ball placement
Weaknesses
  • Ball security in tight pockets
  • Late to see some breakers
  • Average arm strength
Combine Data
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.23 seconds
  • 3-cone drill: 6.82 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 2991 72.3 22 4
5 Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State, Jr
 
WR

How about Jim Harbaugh drafting an Ohio State superstar? While offensive tackle and trade back will be strong considerations for the Chargers, we can't forget about this reasonably distinct possibility.

Rating: 94.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Randy Moss
Summary

Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best player in the entire draft class. Father was an NFL Hall of Famer and Harrison Jr. has a chance to be even better because of his physical gifts -- size, speed, huge catch radius and the ability to win running a variety of routes. When he is locked in he's all but unstoppable.

About
  • Career: 2-time unanimous All-American (1st from OSU since Orlando Pace)
  • 1st player in Big Ten history with 14+ rec TD in multiple seasons
Strengths
  • Incredibly strong at the top of routes; he's able to create separation vs. physical CBs
  • Hands-catcher with an enormous catch radius
  • Can stack CBs off the line of scrimmage and has the shiftiness to create separation on every route
Weaknesses
  • Did have a few focus drops during the 2023 season
  • Showed frustrations at times at the level of QB play in 2023

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 67 1211 18.1 14
6 Malik Nabers
LSU, Jr
 
WR

The Giants miss out on the top-tier quarterback prospects in this class but are happy to land the explosive Nabers at No. 6.

Rating: 93.23 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Brandon Aiyuk
Summary

Malik Nabers is a super-explosive WR prospect. He gets to top gear in a flash and can sustain that speed down the field. He’s effortless off the line and has serious acceleration. He’s a bouncy athlete when needing to elevate. He has plus wiggle off the line and can get on top of CBs quickly to stack them on vertical routes. Physicality can get the best of him in press, but he’s not a weak player. He works well fighting back to the football/finding it down the field and in the red zone. Natural mover with the ball in his hands. He has RB vision, plus quickness, and his supercharged burst all indicate him being a YAC weapon in the NFL. He won't be an elite burner, but he’s certainly not slow. While not tall for the position, he has a "my-ball" mentality in traffic. Route-running is good, but he didn't run the full route tree. He has the athletic chops to be a star in that area eventually. In most classes, he'd be the clear WR1. His game is tailor-made for today's NFL.

About
  • 2023: Converted 78.7% of his receptions into either a first down or a touchdown, according to TruMedia (second-highest among players with at least 100 target)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 catches of 30-plus yards
Strengths
  • Incredible explosiveness
  • RAC ability is elite
  • Will go up and get ball in traffic
Weaknesses
  • Not a huge frame
  • Didn't run many routes in college
  • Occasionally physical press beats him at the line

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 89 1569 17.6 14
7 Joe Alt
Notre Dame, Jr
 
OT

The Titans go with a Notre Dame blocker to protect Will Levis next to 2023 first-round pick Peter Skoronski at guard.

Rating: 92.87 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Taylor Decker
Summary

Joe Alt made tremendous strides in his career from 2022 to 2023. He looks like a much more flexible prospect capable of digging out smaller rushers. He can struggle with power players that get under his pad level and does not have ideal shock and power in his initial punch. Alt does a great job of adjusting his hands and feet when engaged.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Highest overall PFF grade (90.7) by FBS OL
Strengths
  • Does a great job adjusting his hands and feet when engaged
  • A much more fluid player in 2023 than 2022
  • Does a good job with punch placement
  • Moves well to mirror defenders laterally
Weaknesses
  • Average job of engaging and sustaining blocks in space
  • Average shock and power in his hands
  • Power players can get under his pads and walk him back
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.05 seconds
  • Bench press: 27 reps
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.51 seconds
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
8 Dallas Turner
Alabama, Jr
 
EDGE

Turner tested through the roof in Indianapolis, which came after a truly breakout season as Alabama's No. 1 rusher in 2023. The Falcons are devoid of a true No. 1 perimeter pass rusher.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Summary

Dallas Turner is a quick edge rusher with good first-step quickness. He could stand to add more mass to take his game to another level but is not deficient in that regard. Turner has great waist bend at the high side of his rush to flatten and become a heat-seeking missile towards quarterbacks. He should quickly become a factor for a team at the next level.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and SEC Co-Defensive POY
  • Career: 22.5 sacks and 32.5 TFL (both 2nd in SEC in span)
Strengths
  • Great waist bend at the high side of his rush
  • Good quickness to shoot gaps and get on the hips of blockers
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Plays to the whistle
  • Works back when getting too deep in his rush
Weaknesses
  • Could stand to add more weight to hold up in run support
  • Needs a runway to create power as a rusher
  • Inconsistent job of getting off blocks
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 40-5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
9 Rome Odunze
Washington, Jr
MOCK TRADE from CHI
WR

Mock Trade from: CHI

The Cardinals do what is now a Monti Ossenfort trademark -- moving back then back into the top 10 -- and land Odunze in the process. After snagging Denver's 2025 first-round pick, they use the third-round pick this year acquired in the slide back with the Broncos (No. 76 overall) to ascend the board to land the towering Washington wideout.

Rating: 92.60 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Muhsin Muhammad
Summary

Washington has attempted to manufacture touches for Rome Odunze for years. He is a good route runner with an ability to elude defenders post-catch. He has great size with the range to go high or low. From 2022 to 2023, he added 15 pounds of good weight to improve his physicality through routes. As he gains more reps carrying that additional weight, he should only improve.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American (2-time first-team All-Pac 12)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 1,640 rec yards (Washington record)
Strengths
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Elusive post-catch
  • Good range to go high or low
  • Does a great job tracking the ball downfield
  • Fluid athlete with good top-end speed
Weaknesses
  • Physicality through his routes
  • Struggles to consistently get off jams at the line of scrimmage
  • Average burst
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.03 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 6.88 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
15 92 1640 17.8 13
10 Brock Bowers
Georgia, Jr
 
TE

The Jets are as all in as one franchise can get, and Bowers should provide an instant spark in the middle of the field for Gang Green's passing offense.

Rating: 92.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Kittle
Summary

Brock Bowers is a wiry strong athlete who is willing to contribute as a run blocker. His lack of ideal mass means he is more valuable as a blocker in space than inline. Bowers has soft hands and great range to go high or low. He has a good feel for pressing defenders at the route before making his cut. Bowers is incredibly effective creating yards after the catch.

About
  • Career: Only 2-time John Mackey Award winner (given to nation's best TE)
  • Most career rec yds (2,538) and rec TD (26) by TE in SEC history
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job creating separation
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Does not tip off his breaks with his eyes, leans into the defender's body to create spce
  • Great hands and range to make catches outside of his frame
Weaknesses
  • Lacks ideal height
  • Lighter frame makes it more difficult to hold up as an inline blocker

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
10 56 714 12.8 6
11 Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo, Jr
 
CB

How about the draft's premier man-to-man cornerback for the Vikings to be featured in Brian Flores' ultra-aggressive man-coverage based defense? This of course would represent Plan B or Plan C for the Vikings -- instead of a quarterback -- but GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will have many contingencies mapped out.

Rating: 92.73 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Darius Slay
Summary

Quinyon Mitchell checks a lot of boxes for NFL teams. He has great size to be a man coverage cornerback on the boundary. He has a quick click and close to flash downhill in run support. Mitchell has good top-end speed but gets a bit loose in transitions across the field. He is competitive at the catch point and has great ball production over the past two seasons. Mitchell does not have significant exposure against Power 5 competition.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-MAC
  • Most passes defended in FBS (37) over past 2 seasons
Strengths
  • Six interceptions over the past two seasons
  • Great frame to play on the boundary in man coverage
  • Good top-end speed
  • Competitive at the catch point
  • Quick click and close to impact the run game
Weaknesses
  • Gambler by nature, which could lead to big plays
  • Two games against Power 5 competition in his career
  • Gets a bit loose in transitions occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 20 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 2 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13 1
12 Jared Verse
Florida State, Jr
MOCK TRADE from DEN
EDGE

Mock Trade from: DEN

The Bears add an extra third-round pick after making the deal with the Cardinals and land their bookened to Montez Sweat in the process. Nice work from GM Ryan Poles here.

Rating: 92.57 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Josh Allen
Summary

Jared Verse is an Albany transfer who was unranked coming out of high school. He would've been a first-round pick after the 2022 season, but he returned to Florida State and will again be a first-round pick in 2024. He plays with heavy hands and is twitchy off the edge. When he is locked in, he is unblockable.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
  • 2022-23: Most pressures (98), T-most sacks (18.0) in ACC over this span
Strengths
  • Stout at the point of attack
  • Plays with heavy hands and has a quick get-off that consistently beats offensive tackles
Weaknesses
  • Made huge stride in Year 1 at Florida State, but leveled off some in Year 2
  • Very little to not love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Bench press: 31 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.44 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
13 Taliese Fuaga OT

Plug-and-play right tackle with immense upside for the Raiders. Smart pick here.

Rating: 92.43 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jedrick Wills
Summary

Taliese Fuaga is a large, girthy, mobile people-mover at RT. He has shocking burst and lateral quicks given his gargantuan size; some Penei Sewell-ian vibes when he's on the move. He has frequent mashing reps and is a menace at the second level. He’s an authoritative blocker who tries to get his hands on DLs early. Sometimes quality rushers can throw him off balance, but those reps are few and far between and he works hard to recover. Grip strength could improve and he’s not incredibly accurate at the second level, but he gets out there in a flash. Despite his wide frame and easy power, he could actually add more lower-body strength for setting edge/turning DLs. Kick slide is good, not great. Overall, Fuaga is a mostly ready-to-go classic RT with power and mobility.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Pac 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF run-blocking grade (90.9) in FBS
Strengths
  • Prototypical NFL OT frame
  • Immense athletic gifts for his size
  • Masher at the point of attack
Weaknesses
  • Aggressive style can get the best of him, balance isn't always stellar
  • Needs to add more lower-body strength
  • Good, not great kick slide at times
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.13 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
14 Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Penn State, Jr
 
OT

Fashanu's slide stops here, and the Saints simply go best-player-available with this selection.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Trent Williams
Summary

Olu Fashanu has long arms, a good base, great athleticism, is solid at the point of attack and consistently anchors well against power rushers. He's patient in his pass sets and rarely panics. He's only going to get better.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 697 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Physical freak in every regard; can manhandle edge rushers but has the athleticism to get to the second level and bury his target
  • Still young and developing; he's only going to get better
Weaknesses
  • Needs to continue to refine his technique because he sometimes relies on this athleticism to win vs. lesser opponents
  • Had a better 2022 season, so he'll need to show he can play with more consistency
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.11 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 1 inches
15 Terrion Arnold
Alabama, Soph
 
CB

Arnold can excel in man or zone and hits like he's a much bigger cornerback. The Colts have needed a major talent -- who's young -- in the secondary for a long time.

Rating: 92.53 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Terrion Arnold is a boundary cornerback with good size. He has average top-end speed but has little difficulty carrying routes up the boundary. Arnold gets a bit loose in routes transitioning across the field and can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a form tackle. He is a high-energy cornerback who will occasionally lose patience and grab the receiver during routes. Over the past two years, Arnold has tremendous ball production. He is not afraid to play downhill in run support and jam at the line of scrimmage.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: 5 INT (T-most in SEC)
Strengths
  • Not afraid to be physical, jam receivers at the line of scrimmage
  • Versatility to play on the boundary or in the slot
  • Willing to play downhill in run support
  • Good size for the position
  • Great ball production over the past two years
Weaknesses
  • Gets a bit loose transitioning across the field
  • 11% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Loses patience and grabs in coverage occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 37 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14 5
16 Laiatu Latu
UCLA, Sr
 
EDGE

Another young, talented, and highly skilled rusher for the Seahawks. New head coach Mike Macdonald knows the importance of defensive line play.

Rating: 91.97 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaelan Phillips
Summary

Laiatu Latu is a tall, well-built edge rusher. He tends to rush a tick high, but he has a nasty, often-used swim move. He’s fast and effective with it. He’s a highly capable athlete. He dips/leans around the corner and retraces when he's past the QB. Everything about his rush skill set is very natural and smooth. He has never-stopping hands, and there's some power to them. Swipe and rip are there, too. He wins with leverage and using OTs (and OGs) momentum against them when countering. Burst is great but not elite. At times, his higher rushes and desire to use the swim leave his midsection susceptible and his power sapped. He works hard against the run. He has a large tackling radius and can be a menace against OGs inside when they don't get up and under him. Good bend for his size, but it’s not a trademark attribute. Closing speed is impressive. He needs to add a bull rush. Overall, Latu is a three-down edge rusher in the NFL and an All-Pro talent with polish.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (First from UCLA since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2005)
  • Led FBS with 23.5 sacks in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Towering, lengthy frame
  • Wins with a variety of pass-rush moves
  • Bend/speed around the corner are awesome for his size
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't have a consistent bull rush, lacks some power
  • Rushes can get high
  • At times, leaves his midsection open to blockers
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 2
17 Byron Murphy II
Texas, Jr
 
DL

The Jaguars need more push from the interior of their defensive line, and Murphy would provide that instantly.

Rating: 92.13 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Javon Hargrave
Summary

Byron Murphy II is a long armed, squatty, explosive DT. His first-step quicks are a problem for interior OLs, and he gets his hands into their chest in a flash. He resets the line of scrimmage with speed-to-power conversion and effortlessly works across the frame of blockers to soften their edges. He has a nice rip move and uses an occasional swipe. He’s a very fluid athlete with loose hips who can track the football down the line of scrimmage. He will occasionally drop to one knee to anchor against doubles, but it's not a clear strength. He’s surprisingly powerful at the point of attack given his size. His hands are never complacent, and he works noticeably hard against the run and is rarely on the ground. He’s best in a pure up-the-field pass-rush role. He has good block-shed ability. He doesn't have enough pure strength to counter off the initial rush, but that rush is almost always super explosive.

About
  • 2023 Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF pass-rush grade (91.5) among FBS DT
Strengths
  • Exudes explosiveness
  • Pass-rush moves he deploys are highly effective
  • 100% effort on every play
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't always have a counter ready if his first move fails
  • Smaller size gets him washed out against the run at times
  • Won't be great against doubles
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
  • Bench press: 28 reps
  • Vertical jump: 33 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
18 JC Latham
Alabama, Jr
 
OT

Latham was enormous at the NFL Scouting Combine and moved rather explosively in the on-field drills. He's the Bengals' Day 1 starter at right tackle if this is the pick. And the Bengals have a history of selecting blockers in Round 1 who didn't work out pre-draft.

Rating: 91.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Teven Jenkins
Summary

JC Latham is a big power/anchor-based RT with vice grips for hands. Good quickness. Best in quick-setting scenario where he can get his hands on EDGEs instantly. Just enough athleticism to get back to secondary rushers on stunts or delayed blitzes. Very patient and collected in pass pro. Glides laterally against inside moves/counters. Could play with more of a mean streak. Not highly effective in space/on the move. Has room to improve as a run blocker. Must add more sand in his pants at the NFL level. Anchoring flashes on film that are awesome. Understands his assignments but can be a tick labored/awkward getting there. At times opens the gate too early -- it shouldn't be as easy to soften his edge. Generates plenty of torque. Size, natural power, and some athletic flashes make him a fun OT prospect.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-SEC
  • 3 sacks allowed in 970 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Large, naturally strong frame
  • Plenty of experience in the SEC at multiple positions
  • Rarely out of position
Weaknesses
  • Movements can be a bit labored
  • Not as nasty at the point of attack as his size would indicate
  • Must improve as a run blocker
19 Brian Thomas Jr.
LSU, Jr
MOCK TRADE from LAR
WR

Mock Trade from: LAR

Brandon Beane can't wait any longer. He sees Thomas still on the board and makes a move. The LSU product would give the Bills receiver group a size element it doesn't have -- outside of newly added journeyman Mack Hollins -- and premier YAC capabilities along with rebounding skills down the field.

Rating: 91.77 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Pickens
Summary

Brian Thomas Jr. is a tall, decently sculpted perimeter wideout with plus ball-tracking capabilities. He’s not super explosive, but he can win off the line to the inside or outside or with physicality. Some wiggle to his game, which also pops after the catch. Surprising agility for a taller WR. Deceptive long speed, and his build-up speed surprises DBs. He has some high-point ability and will find the ball over his shoulder/in-traffic with good regularity. He shows flashes dipping past DBs in his route. Nothing about his game stands out more than the rest; he’s just a solid all-around WR prospect with a relatively polished game and fair amount of upside due to his age.

About
  • 2023: Third-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 rec TD last season (T-5th most in SEC history)
Strengths
  • Complete game, rock-solid in every element of playing WR
  • Tracks the football downfield with ease
  • Plus cutting skills after the catch for a taller WR
Weaknesses
  • Not incredibly explosive
  • Sometimes, physicality disrupts him
  • Not a contact-balance type after the catch
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 11 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 68 1177 17.3 17
20 Nate Wiggins
Clemson, Jr
 
CB

Wiggins is spindly but can fly and mirrors well in man-to-man coverage. Young, fun and crazy athletic duo on the perimeter with Wiggins and Joey Porter Jr.

Rating: 88.80 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kaiir Elam
Summary

Nate Wiggins is arguably the best cover cornerback in this draft class. Wiggins has a slight frame, so he will need to add weight, but he was much improved against the run in 2023 compared to the previous season. He can run with anybody and is consistently making plays at the catch point.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-ACC
  • 2 career INT return TD (including 98-yard pick-6 vs Drake Maye)
Strengths
  • Smooth in transition from man to covering vertical routes
  • Uses hands well to control wideout through the route, stays in phase
  • Might be best coverage corner in class
Weaknesses
  • Did improve in run support but needs to continue to get better
  • Slight frame; will need to add weight at the next level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.28 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 36 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
21 Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon, Jr
 
IOL

JPJ didn't do the full workout in Indianapolis despite clearly being a high-level athlete on film. That indicates his camp realizes he's quite easily the top center in the class. And the Dolphins have to find a quality starter to snap to Tua Tagovailoa.

Rating: 87.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Creed Humphrey
Summary

Jackson Powers-Johnson consistently wins with effort and strength and is one of the best offensive linemen in the class. He is at his best when he is uncovered at the line and can step freely to defensive linemen, or climb to the second level.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (5th in Oregon history)
  • 2023: Better pass-blocking grade than former top center prospects Tyler Linderbaum and Creed Humphrey
Strengths
  • Uses hands well to shock defensive linemen in pass pro
  • Shows ability to re-anchor vs. nose tackles
  • Good athlete, can combo block and lock up second-level defender quickly to ensure gap integrity in run game
  • Tenacious, consistent in both run and pass-blocking
Weaknesses
  • Can struggle to block defenders and create movement when he is covered
Combine Data
  • Bench press: 30 reps
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 8 inches
22 Chop Robinson
Penn State, Jr
MOCK TRADE from PHI
EDGE

Mock Trade from: PHI

Another move from Ossenfort, this time to grab someone who head coach Jonathan Gannon could see as Haason Reddick 2.0.

Rating: 89.40 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Nik Bonitto
Summary

Chop Robinson plays with as high a motor as you'll see at any level. He will test through the roof, and that testing will match his tape. Plays every snap at an 11 on a 10-point scale, and for as active as he is as a pass-rusher, he's also really good against the run.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-Big Ten (4.0 sacks, 7.5 TFL in 10 games)
  • 2022-23: Led Big Ten with 18.6% pressure rate
Strengths
  • Twitched-up edge rusher who plays much bigger than his size
  • Consistently disruptive in the backfield
  • Uses hands well as a pass-rusher but also solid against the run
Weaknesses
  • Undersized but plays much bigger than his measurements
  • Very little not to love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.25 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
7
23 Michael Penix Jr.
Washington, Sr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Michael Penix Jr. NFL Draft Prospect Preview

In this scenario, the Vikings keep all their picks -- even those in 2025 -- and land a stud cornerback prospect in Penix to operate in an awesome situation in Minnesota.

Rating: 88.30 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Tua Tagovailoa
Summary

NFL decision-makers have a wide array of opinions on Michael Penix Jr.’s abilities; some like him in Round 1, while others think he's a Day 3 target. It's hard to argue that he's the best deep ball thrower in this draft class, and he arrives in the league with a ton of experience.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy runner-up (best finish in Washington history)
  • 2022-23: Most pass yards (9,544) in 2-year span in Pac-12 history
Strengths
  • Best deep-ball thrower in this class
  • Throws with anticipation on intermediate routes
  • Very good at putting the ball in position to maximize YAC
Weaknesses
  • Injury history will be a concern for many NFL teams
  • Can he consistently throw the ball accurately over the middle of the field on intermediate routes?

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 4903 65.4 36 11
24 Xavier Worthy
Texas, Jr
 
WR

Why can't the Cowboys add a young, elite burner to the receiver group? Worthy staying in state would be fun for Dak Prescott.

Rating: 88.17 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: DeVonta Smith
Summary

Xavier Worthy is a thin-framed wide receiver who shows great quickness to set up route breaks and sinks his hips to flatten his routes. He lacks the mass to make much of an impact as a blocker and could struggle getting off jams at the next level. Worthy has great top-end speed to separate on vertical routes.

About
  • 2-time first-team All-Big 12 (2021, 2023)
  • Career: Led Big 12 in rec yards (2,755) and rec TD (26)
Strengths
  • Great top-end speed
  • Shows urgency at the route stem to get out of his breaks
  • Shows hands late as to not tip off the defender
  • Sinks his hips into breaks and flattens routes
Weaknesses
  • Thin frame
  • Lacks of mass makes it difficult to get off jams at the line of scrimmage
  • Offers little as a blocker
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.21 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 41 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 11 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
14 75 1014 13.5 5
25 Braden Fiske DL

The Packers gravitate toward big-time athletes, and Fiske is the most athletic up-the-field rusher in this class.

Rating: 87.87 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Matthew Ioannidis
Summary

Braden Fiske is a MAC transfer who excelled in his first season at Florida State. He is a team player who plays to the whistle. Fiske has good first-step quickness and good strength to win at the point of contact, but needs to develop more counter moves to get off blocks. He has a thick lower body build, which allows him to control the line of scrimmage in the run game. He does a good job of breaking his feet down in space and containing the edge.

About
  • 2023: Third-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: All 6 sacks and 8.5 of his 9 TFL came in final 5 games
Strengths
  • Plays to the whistle
  • Team player who will do whatever is necessary for the team
  • Good first-step quickness
  • Holds his ground in the run game
  • Great play strength
Weaknesses
  • Short wingspan
  • Needs to develop more pass-rush moves
  • Opponents with longer arms are able to dictate the line of scrimmage
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.78 seconds
  • Bench press: 26 reps
  • Vertical jump: 33.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.37 seconds
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 9 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
26 Darius Robinson
Missouri, Sr
 
EDGE

Robinson is probably best inside but certainly generate pressure as an edge defender at Missouri. He has first-round size and length.

Rating: 88.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Keion White
Summary

Darius Robinson is a DE/DT hybrid. Jolting and active hands. Great swipe to rip and bull rush is legitimate. Serious, near NFL-caliber power. Length galore. Some flexibility. While not ridiculously explosive, he's a better athlete than most DL/EDGEs his size. Wins with counters off his bull rush. Expansive tackling radius. Mostly rushed as an end in three-man fronts in college. Doesn't deploy pass-rush moves as often as he should. Most of his losses as a pass-rusher come when he rushes too high. Overall, Robinson is a new-age 5-technique with legitimate positional versatility, immense length and power.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-SEC
  • 2023: Led Mizzou DL with 43 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and 14 TFL
Strengths
  • Serious specimen with length and power
  • Legit positional versatility
  • Athleticism and pass-rush moves are impressive
Weaknesses
  • Rushes can get too high
  • Needs to deploy hands more frequently
  • Wins aren't always quick
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds
  • Bench press: 21 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
27 Kool-Aid McKinstry
Alabama, Jr
MOCK TRADE from ARI
CB

Mock Trade from: ARI

It's Alabama, not Georgia this time around for the Eagles, as they add an NFL-ready perimeter corner to a defense that sorely needs it. In the slide back, the Eagles snag a second-round pick and a third-round pick -- No. 35 and No. 71 -- from Arizona.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Antoine Cason
Summary

Kool-Aid McKinstry has been a key contributor for the Alabama defense since his freshman campaign. He has good top-end speed, but it is not always evident on film. McKinstry is a smart player with good route recognition, but he can do a better job of tracking the ball downfield. He shows good foot quickness to mirror receivers up the boundary and transition across the field.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (2-time first-team All-SEC)
  • Career: 0 TD allowed on 1,206 coverage snaps
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job transitioning across the field
  • Good foot quickness to mirror receivers
  • Smart cornerback who understands his responsibilities
Weaknesses
  • Can catch him leaning at the stem in man coverage
  • 8.1% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Downfield tracking

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
28 Johnny Newton
Illinois, Jr
MOCK TRADE from BUF
DL

Mock Trade from: BUF

There's an Aaron Donald-sized hole to fill in the middle of the Rams defense, and while they won't expect Newton to fill that void alone, he has the upfield pass-rush ability to help the cause. The Rams get Buffalo's second-round pick, (No. 60) in this swap that includes Los Angeles' second third-round pick (No. 99).

Rating: 89.20 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kobie Turner
Summary

Jer'Zhan Newton is a polished, hand-work master at DT. He has plus athletic gifts and can threaten either shoulder of a guard or center on any rush; he’s not strictly an upfield rusher. He has a full pass-rush arsenal. He has legitimate counter ability and knows he has to be urgent with those counters. Goes swipe into a bull rush often and he’s effective with it. Rushes a bit higher than what's ideal. Good pop on contact, but not a certified people mover. Not incredibly explosive. Far from a slow plodder. His bull rush flashes were there, too; just not a trademark of his game. He’s a solid block-dispatcher and a quality run defender with good vision/awareness to locate RBs. If his rushes were lower, this would be a squeaky clean DT prospect. But altogether, he's quite the refined specimen on the inside.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
  • Led FBS defensive tackles with 102 QB pressures over past two seasons (35 more than next-highest)
Strengths
  • Full arsenal of pass-rush moves are locked and loaded
  • Understand how to counter off his initial rush
  • Some pop to his game upon contact
Weaknesses
  • Not a tremendously explosive or fluid athlete
  • Rushes tend to get high and lose steam
  • Final season wasn't as good as 2022

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
29 Ladd McConkey
Georgia, Jr
 
WR

How about another nifty separator for Ben Johnson and Co. to deploy in Detroit? McConkey and St. Brown would be a blast together with the Lions.

Rating: 88.33 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Emmanuel Sanders
Summary

Ladd McConkey has a slight and lean build with good short-area change of direction and suddenness in his movement skills. He runs sharp and precise routes but is still raw in his overall pad level approaching and snapping off the stem. He flashes dynamic agility on shorter to intermediate routes.

About
  • 2021-22: 2-time national champion with Georgia
  • 2022: Second-team All-SEC
Strengths
  • Hands-catcher with good contact balance, and he accelerates off the line of scrimmage and hits top speed in just a few steps
  • Savvy route-runner who understands leverage/changing speeds to create separation; snatches the ball out of the air and has YAC potential
  • Willing blocker in run game on perimeter
Weaknesses
  • Needs to get stronger to compete vs. bigger NFL CBs
  • His routes can be stalled mid phase by press or hand fighting
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.39 seconds
  • Bench press: 13 reps
  • Vertical jump: 36 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
8 30 478 15.9 2
30 Amarius Mims
Georgia, Jr
 
OT

Mims did some otherworldly stuff in Indianapolis at the combine at nearly 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds. He's the type of oversized, overwhelming blocker the Ravens love.

Rating: 91.80 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Evan Neal
Summary

Amarius Mims has the athleticism and talent to become the best offensive tackle from this draft class. Injuries have limited the right tackle's availability, but his performance against Ohio State in 2022 put him on the national radar. He does a good job adjusting his feet when engaged in pass protection and drives his feet on contact in the run game. Mims can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged and would be better served working on his punch placement and being more aggressive at the point of attack.

About
  • 2021-22: 2-Time CFP national champion (starter in 2022)
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 377 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Absorbs contact well
  • Does a great job adjusting his feet when engaged
  • Drives feet on contact in the run game
  • Great upper body strength
  • Good foot quickness
Weaknesses
  • Limited playing experience due to injuries
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Punch placement can improve
  • Would like to see him dictate action at the point of attack more often
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.07 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 25.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
31 Xavier Legette WR

Somewhat of a surprise here, but Legette's flashes after the catch are enough for the 49ers to gravitate toward him and snag him in the late stages of Round 1.

Rating: 84.17 (Starter)
Pro Comparison: Jonathan Mingo
Summary

Xavier Leggette is a stocky, chiseled WR. He's built and plays like a RB. He's authoritative and springy after the catch. His long-striding speed is more impressive than his explosiveness. He runs with a unique gait; it almost looks like he can't really fully open it up in space. He has a my-ball menality when it's in the air, but he's not incredibly effective bringing it in. Otherwise, he has very reliable hands. Despite the stop-start ability with the ball in his hands, he's a little stiff running routes, which could lead to separation problems in the NFL. He's not a burner and was legitimately used in a Deebo Samuel-esque role in college: jet sweeps, screens, throws into the flat, drag routes. There are clear limitations to Legette's game, but with a coach who wants maximized YAC at WR, this is one of the better, more intimidating prospects in the class.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-SEC (AP, coaches)
  • 2023: Second in receiving yards (1,255) and tied for fifth in receptions (71) in a single season in school history
Strengths
  • YAC threat because of his power and cutting ability
  • Very reliable, strong hands
  • Highlight-reel-grab capability down the field
Weaknesses
  • Runs with unusual gait that seems to limit his top-end speed
  • Used mostly in gadget-y role in college, didn't run many routes
  • A bit stiff running routes, won't be a regular separator
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.39 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 40 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 71 1255 17.7 7
32 Kingsley Suamataia
BYU, Soph
 
OT

The Chiefs draft the cousin of Penei Sewell to hopefully lock down their left tackle position for a long time.

Rating: 86.87 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Rasheed Walker
Summary

Kingsley Suamataia has a compact NFL OT build with great length. Plus athleticism but not super light-footed. Kick slide is good and fast, flashed lateral sliding ability and is reasonably comfortable in space on screens and pitches. Can be stretched to the limit athletically by explosive, bendy rushers. Would like to see better, more reliable grip strength. Otherwise his hand work is noticeably good. Constantly resetting his hands to control rushers. One-time punches. If they miss, it's because they're late. His frame and athleticism suggest he'd be a menace in the run game, but that's not the case. He slips out of many blocks and isn't a road-grader. Doesn't always set a firm edge. Anchor is mostly good but could use more weight in his lower half. Further ahead in pass pro than as a run-blocker. Suamataia has some athletic limitations, but this is a solid albeit unspectacular OT prospect.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-Big 12
  • Career: 2 sacks allowed on 705 pass-blocking snaps (both vs Texas)
Strengths
  • Comfortable in space on screens and combos for the run game
  • NFL OT size, girth, and length
  • Constantly resetting hands to control blocks
Weaknesses
  • Not super sluggish but stretched to the limit athletically more often than what's desired
  • Grip strength isn't there yet
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.04 seconds
  • Bench press: 31 reps
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 2 inches
# Team Player Pos
1 Caleb Williams
USC, Jr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

What can be said that has not already been said about Chicago and Caleb Williams? Yes, Justin Fields was finally traded, but no reasonable person believed they were still torn between the idea of keeping Fields or drafting Williams.

Rating: 94.07 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Patrick Mahomes
Summary

Caleb Williams is as close to Patrick Mahomes as we've seen since 2017. His footwork looks cleaner in his drop back, he has a plus arm, throws with great accuracy to all three levels, and consistently wins with his legs -- whether he's in the pocket, flushed from the pocket or on designed runs. Added bonuses: does a good job of avoiding hits near the sideline. Can throw with anticipation on intermediate routes, layers the ball well on intermediate routes and has good deep-ball accuracy. Would like to see him stick with his first read a little longer -- he loves to rely on his mobility and playmaking abilities -- but it's hard to argue with the results. There's a long list of QBs who play well off-platform and out of structure; he may already be one of the best.

About
  • 2022 Heisman Trophy winner (1st from USC since Reggie Bush)
  • Career: Most total yards (8,673) and TD (93) in 2-year span in USC history
Strengths
  • The next Patrick Mahomes isn't hyperbole
  • Can throw from every arm angle and do it with pinpoint accuracy
  • Consistently wins with his legs though he doesn't look to run at the first sign of trouble
Weaknesses
  • Tries to do too much at times
  • Needs to do a better job of playing within the offense
  • Will sometimes pass up easy throws looking for the big play

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3633 68.6 30 5
2 Drake Maye QB

Washington traded away quarterback Sam Howell, which removed a layer of discomfort for any incoming rookie within the quarterback room. We can now infer that whichever rookie is drafted No. 2 overall will start from Day 1 because Marcus Mariota assuredly won't.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Justin Herbert
Summary

Drake Maye is a tall pocket passer with some athletic juice. He has a live arm with a compact release. He drives the football with ease and throws a gorgeous spiral with high regularity. His accuracy to all levels is very good, but there are a few seemingly uncharacteristic misses deep. His misses are typically low/behind. He was utilized in the designed run game in college but it will be somewhat of a stretch to see him succeed doing that in the NFL. Has a flair for making plays on the run and can be a useful, Mahomes-like scrambler. The natural playmaker gene is there, as he rarely gives up on a play. He wants to rip the vertical shot down the seam/numbers. He truly can make every throw, and his arm talent borders on elite. His high-arcing touch is good, not amazing. He can make impressive throws with defenders draped on him. His pocket presence is solid, but sometimes awkward when navigating. He has lots of experience reading the entire field. Overall, he has a great blend of pocket passing, arm talent, accuracy, and athleticism. He's a very impressive QB prospect for the modern-day NFL.

About
  • 2022: ACC Player of the Year (First in UNC since Lawrence Taylor in 1980)
  • Only FBS player with 7,000+ pass yards and 1,000+ rush yards in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Arm strength is fantastic
  • Full-field reader
  • Big frame with plus athleticism to scramble and elude rushers inside the pocket
Weaknesses
  • Occasional miss low/behind his WR
  • At times awkward when attempting to navigate the pocket
  • In some instances will try to do too much when things break down

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3608 63.3 24 9
3 Jayden Daniels
LSU, Sr
 
QB

Quarterbacks are taken 1-2-3 as Jayden Daniels is the latest to come off the board to New England. Is it possible the Patriots would prefer another quarterback from Michigan though? J.J. McCarthy is now the best option remaining for quarterback-needy teams.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Tyrod Taylor
Summary

Jayden Daniels is one of the most improved players in college football over the past two years. He is an experienced passer who doubles as an impact runner. His decision-making has improved immensely since his days at Arizona State. Daniels has enough arm strength to push the ball downfield . He showed the ability to uplift and entire offense this past season.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy winner (led FBS in total YPG and total TD/game)
  • Career: 1st ever with 12,000+ pass yds and 3,000+ rush yds in FBS history
Strengths
  • Impact performer as a runner
  • Over 3,000 college football snaps of experience
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Keeps his eyes downfield when pressured
  • Makes good decisions on read options
Weaknesses
  • Thin frame, but has not missed time due to injury
  • Average arm strength
  • Footwork has made strides but remains a work in progress

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3812 72.2 40 4
4 Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State, Jr
 
WR

If quarterbacks are taken with the first three selections, then Arizona will likely get some tantalizing trade offers at No. 4 overall. Will it be enough for the Cardinals to pass on selecting Marvin Harrison Jr.? I think that decision would truly be 50-50 dependent upon the trade offer.

Rating: 94.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Randy Moss
Summary

Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best player in the entire draft class. Father was an NFL Hall of Famer and Harrison Jr. has a chance to be even better because of his physical gifts -- size, speed, huge catch radius and the ability to win running a variety of routes. When he is locked in he's all but unstoppable.

About
  • Career: 2-time unanimous All-American (1st from OSU since Orlando Pace)
  • 1st player in Big Ten history with 14+ rec TD in multiple seasons
Strengths
  • Incredibly strong at the top of routes; he's able to create separation vs. physical CBs
  • Hands-catcher with an enormous catch radius
  • Can stack CBs off the line of scrimmage and has the shiftiness to create separation on every route
Weaknesses
  • Did have a few focus drops during the 2023 season
  • Showed frustrations at times at the level of QB play in 2023

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 67 1211 18.1 14
5 J.J. McCarthy
Michigan, Jr
MOCK TRADE from LAC
QB
HQ Spotlight: Quarterback Rising Up Boards

Mock Trade from: LAC

While Arizona was not willing to move off its pick in this scenario, Los Angeles was. Head coach John Harbaugh wants to build a physical football team, and that makes it more likely that they select tight end Brock Bowers or an offensive tackle, in my opinion.

Rating: 91.50 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Joe Burrow
Summary

J.J. McCarthy is an incredibly efficient passer who operated in a predominantly run-heavy offense. He is slight of frame but has the mobility and accuracy to make plays out of structure. McCarthy does not have the strongest arm but throws with touch to all three levels. He is a tough player who has consistently won at every level of his career.

About
  • 2023: CFP national champion (led Michigan to 15-0 record)
  • 27-1 career record as starting QB (3rd-best in FBS history)
Strengths
  • Sixth-highest completion percentage in 2023 (72.3%)
  • Does a good job manipulating the pocket
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Great ball placement
Weaknesses
  • Ball security in tight pockets
  • Late to see some breakers
  • Average arm strength
Combine Data
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.23 seconds
  • 3-cone drill: 6.82 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 2991 72.3 22 4
6 Malik Nabers
LSU, Jr
 
WR

If four quarterbacks are gone in the top five overall, then New York's opinion on luck is based on what you thought the Giants wanted to do with this selection. Were they truly in the market for a quarterback or do they benefit with Malik Nabers falling to this point?

Rating: 93.23 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Brandon Aiyuk
Summary

Malik Nabers is a super-explosive WR prospect. He gets to top gear in a flash and can sustain that speed down the field. He’s effortless off the line and has serious acceleration. He’s a bouncy athlete when needing to elevate. He has plus wiggle off the line and can get on top of CBs quickly to stack them on vertical routes. Physicality can get the best of him in press, but he’s not a weak player. He works well fighting back to the football/finding it down the field and in the red zone. Natural mover with the ball in his hands. He has RB vision, plus quickness, and his supercharged burst all indicate him being a YAC weapon in the NFL. He won't be an elite burner, but he’s certainly not slow. While not tall for the position, he has a "my-ball" mentality in traffic. Route-running is good, but he didn't run the full route tree. He has the athletic chops to be a star in that area eventually. In most classes, he'd be the clear WR1. His game is tailor-made for today's NFL.

About
  • 2023: Converted 78.7% of his receptions into either a first down or a touchdown, according to TruMedia (second-highest among players with at least 100 target)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 catches of 30-plus yards
Strengths
  • Incredible explosiveness
  • RAC ability is elite
  • Will go up and get ball in traffic
Weaknesses
  • Not a huge frame
  • Didn't run many routes in college
  • Occasionally physical press beats him at the line

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 89 1569 17.6 14
7 Joe Alt
Notre Dame, Jr
 
OT

Tennessee has added wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard, center Lloyd Cushenberry and now left tackle Joe Alt to the offense this offseason. Three, potentially four, new starters on that side of the ball. Will Levis is a big winner in their decision-making.

Rating: 92.87 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Taylor Decker
Summary

Joe Alt made tremendous strides in his career from 2022 to 2023. He looks like a much more flexible prospect capable of digging out smaller rushers. He can struggle with power players that get under his pad level and does not have ideal shock and power in his initial punch. Alt does a great job of adjusting his hands and feet when engaged.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Highest overall PFF grade (90.7) by FBS OL
Strengths
  • Does a great job adjusting his hands and feet when engaged
  • A much more fluid player in 2023 than 2022
  • Does a good job with punch placement
  • Moves well to mirror defenders laterally
Weaknesses
  • Average job of engaging and sustaining blocks in space
  • Average shock and power in his hands
  • Power players can get under his pads and walk him back
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.05 seconds
  • Bench press: 27 reps
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.51 seconds
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
8 Dallas Turner
Alabama, Jr
 
EDGE

The first defensive prospect comes off the board at No. 8 overall. There has only been one occurrence since 2000 where the first defensive prospect did not come off the board until No. 8 overall or late; Jaycee Horn was the first at No. 8 overall in 2021. Atlanta gets a difference-maker.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Summary

Dallas Turner is a quick edge rusher with good first-step quickness. He could stand to add more mass to take his game to another level but is not deficient in that regard. Turner has great waist bend at the high side of his rush to flatten and become a heat-seeking missile towards quarterbacks. He should quickly become a factor for a team at the next level.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and SEC Co-Defensive POY
  • Career: 22.5 sacks and 32.5 TFL (both 2nd in SEC in span)
Strengths
  • Great waist bend at the high side of his rush
  • Good quickness to shoot gaps and get on the hips of blockers
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Plays to the whistle
  • Works back when getting too deep in his rush
Weaknesses
  • Could stand to add more weight to hold up in run support
  • Needs a runway to create power as a rusher
  • Inconsistent job of getting off blocks
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 40-5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
9 Rome Odunze
Washington, Jr
 
WR

Some may believe that the trade for Keenan Allen ends any possibility that Chicago may use its second choice in the first round on a wide receiver. I am not in that camp. Allen is a rental. Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore is a long-term plan.

Rating: 92.60 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Muhsin Muhammad
Summary

Washington has attempted to manufacture touches for Rome Odunze for years. He is a good route runner with an ability to elude defenders post-catch. He has great size with the range to go high or low. From 2022 to 2023, he added 15 pounds of good weight to improve his physicality through routes. As he gains more reps carrying that additional weight, he should only improve.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American (2-time first-team All-Pac 12)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 1,640 rec yards (Washington record)
Strengths
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Elusive post-catch
  • Good range to go high or low
  • Does a great job tracking the ball downfield
  • Fluid athlete with good top-end speed
Weaknesses
  • Physicality through his routes
  • Struggles to consistently get off jams at the line of scrimmage
  • Average burst
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.03 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 6.88 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
15 92 1640 17.8 13
10 Taliese Fuaga OT

New York is going all-in on this season with two 33-year-old offensive tackles and a 40-year-old quarterback. It would be incredibly short-sighted to think that plan is going to be fulfilled without issue. Taliese Fuaga gives them insurance in the event of injury on the offensive line and he is the starter long term.

Rating: 92.43 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jedrick Wills
Summary

Taliese Fuaga is a large, girthy, mobile people-mover at RT. He has shocking burst and lateral quicks given his gargantuan size; some Penei Sewell-ian vibes when he's on the move. He has frequent mashing reps and is a menace at the second level. He’s an authoritative blocker who tries to get his hands on DLs early. Sometimes quality rushers can throw him off balance, but those reps are few and far between and he works hard to recover. Grip strength could improve and he’s not incredibly accurate at the second level, but he gets out there in a flash. Despite his wide frame and easy power, he could actually add more lower-body strength for setting edge/turning DLs. Kick slide is good, not great. Overall, Fuaga is a mostly ready-to-go classic RT with power and mobility.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Pac 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF run-blocking grade (90.9) in FBS
Strengths
  • Prototypical NFL OT frame
  • Immense athletic gifts for his size
  • Masher at the point of attack
Weaknesses
  • Aggressive style can get the best of him, balance isn't always stellar
  • Needs to add more lower-body strength
  • Good, not great kick slide at times
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.13 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
11 Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Penn State, Jr
MOCK TRADE from MIN
OT

Mock Trade from: MIN

After trading back from No. 5 overall, Los Angeles lands potentially the best offensive tackle prospect in the draft. Olu Fashanu would theoretically play left tackle and Rashawn Slater would flip to the other side, which is where he spent time at Northwestern.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Trent Williams
Summary

Olu Fashanu has long arms, a good base, great athleticism, is solid at the point of attack and consistently anchors well against power rushers. He's patient in his pass sets and rarely panics. He's only going to get better.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 697 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Physical freak in every regard; can manhandle edge rushers but has the athleticism to get to the second level and bury his target
  • Still young and developing; he's only going to get better
Weaknesses
  • Needs to continue to refine his technique because he sometimes relies on this athleticism to win vs. lesser opponents
  • Had a better 2022 season, so he'll need to show he can play with more consistency
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.11 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 1 inches
12 Terrion Arnold
Alabama, Soph
 
CB

Denver has bigger needs, beginning with quarterback, but the board probably pushes the Broncos toward this route. Patrick Surtain II and Terrion Arnold would be a fun pairing.

Rating: 92.53 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Terrion Arnold is a boundary cornerback with good size. He has average top-end speed but has little difficulty carrying routes up the boundary. Arnold gets a bit loose in routes transitioning across the field and can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a form tackle. He is a high-energy cornerback who will occasionally lose patience and grab the receiver during routes. Over the past two years, Arnold has tremendous ball production. He is not afraid to play downhill in run support and jam at the line of scrimmage.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: 5 INT (T-most in SEC)
Strengths
  • Not afraid to be physical, jam receivers at the line of scrimmage
  • Versatility to play on the boundary or in the slot
  • Willing to play downhill in run support
  • Good size for the position
  • Great ball production over the past two years
Weaknesses
  • Gets a bit loose transitioning across the field
  • 11% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Loses patience and grabs in coverage occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 37 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14 5
13 Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo, Jr
 
CB

Quinyon Mitchell is the top-rated cornerback for me personally. He has aced every step in the pre-draft process thus far. Las Vegas has been unable to identify long-term fits in that secondary.

Rating: 92.73 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Darius Slay
Summary

Quinyon Mitchell checks a lot of boxes for NFL teams. He has great size to be a man coverage cornerback on the boundary. He has a quick click and close to flash downhill in run support. Mitchell has good top-end speed but gets a bit loose in transitions across the field. He is competitive at the catch point and has great ball production over the past two seasons. Mitchell does not have significant exposure against Power 5 competition.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-MAC
  • Most passes defended in FBS (37) over past 2 seasons
Strengths
  • Six interceptions over the past two seasons
  • Great frame to play on the boundary in man coverage
  • Good top-end speed
  • Competitive at the catch point
  • Quick click and close to impact the run game
Weaknesses
  • Gambler by nature, which could lead to big plays
  • Two games against Power 5 competition in his career
  • Gets a bit loose in transitions occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 20 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 2 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13 1
14 Brian Thomas Jr.
LSU, Jr
 
WR

Michael Thomas is gone and that leaves a void next to Chris Olave despite Rashid Shaheed's emergence. Brian Thomas Jr. has that typical X receiver skill set that would free up Olave to line up around the formation.

Rating: 91.77 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Pickens
Summary

Brian Thomas Jr. is a tall, decently sculpted perimeter wideout with plus ball-tracking capabilities. He’s not super explosive, but he can win off the line to the inside or outside or with physicality. Some wiggle to his game, which also pops after the catch. Surprising agility for a taller WR. Deceptive long speed, and his build-up speed surprises DBs. He has some high-point ability and will find the ball over his shoulder/in-traffic with good regularity. He shows flashes dipping past DBs in his route. Nothing about his game stands out more than the rest; he’s just a solid all-around WR prospect with a relatively polished game and fair amount of upside due to his age.

About
  • 2023: Third-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 rec TD last season (T-5th most in SEC history)
Strengths
  • Complete game, rock-solid in every element of playing WR
  • Tracks the football downfield with ease
  • Plus cutting skills after the catch for a taller WR
Weaknesses
  • Not incredibly explosive
  • Sometimes, physicality disrupts him
  • Not a contact-balance type after the catch
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 11 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 68 1177 17.3 17
15 JC Latham
Alabama, Jr
MOCK TRADE from IND
OT

Mock Trade from: IND

If Pittsburgh wants an offensive tackle, then it may choose to be aggressive in filling that need in the first round. The selection of J.C. Latham would allow Broderick Jones to move back to the left side. The Steelers could really lean on the run game with that offensive line.

Rating: 91.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Teven Jenkins
Summary

JC Latham is a big power/anchor-based RT with vice grips for hands. Good quickness. Best in quick-setting scenario where he can get his hands on EDGEs instantly. Just enough athleticism to get back to secondary rushers on stunts or delayed blitzes. Very patient and collected in pass pro. Glides laterally against inside moves/counters. Could play with more of a mean streak. Not highly effective in space/on the move. Has room to improve as a run blocker. Must add more sand in his pants at the NFL level. Anchoring flashes on film that are awesome. Understands his assignments but can be a tick labored/awkward getting there. At times opens the gate too early -- it shouldn't be as easy to soften his edge. Generates plenty of torque. Size, natural power, and some athletic flashes make him a fun OT prospect.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-SEC
  • 3 sacks allowed in 970 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Large, naturally strong frame
  • Plenty of experience in the SEC at multiple positions
  • Rarely out of position
Weaknesses
  • Movements can be a bit labored
  • Not as nasty at the point of attack as his size would indicate
  • Must improve as a run blocker
16 Brock Bowers
Georgia, Jr
 
TE

Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald has seen firsthand the impact Mark Andrews has had on an offense. Seattle gets its own dynamic talent at the position despite re-signing Noah Fant.

Rating: 92.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Kittle
Summary

Brock Bowers is a wiry strong athlete who is willing to contribute as a run blocker. His lack of ideal mass means he is more valuable as a blocker in space than inline. Bowers has soft hands and great range to go high or low. He has a good feel for pressing defenders at the route before making his cut. Bowers is incredibly effective creating yards after the catch.

About
  • Career: Only 2-time John Mackey Award winner (given to nation's best TE)
  • Most career rec yds (2,538) and rec TD (26) by TE in SEC history
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job creating separation
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Does not tip off his breaks with his eyes, leans into the defender's body to create spce
  • Great hands and range to make catches outside of his frame
Weaknesses
  • Lacks ideal height
  • Lighter frame makes it more difficult to hold up as an inline blocker

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
10 56 714 12.8 6
17 Nate Wiggins
Clemson, Jr
 
CB

Jacksonville had to part ways with Darious Williams for salary cap purposes so that creates a need in the secondary. Nate Wiggins is a high-end man-coverage cornerback who is still a bit inconsistent.

Rating: 88.80 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kaiir Elam
Summary

Nate Wiggins is arguably the best cover cornerback in this draft class. Wiggins has a slight frame, so he will need to add weight, but he was much improved against the run in 2023 compared to the previous season. He can run with anybody and is consistently making plays at the catch point.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-ACC
  • 2 career INT return TD (including 98-yard pick-6 vs Drake Maye)
Strengths
  • Smooth in transition from man to covering vertical routes
  • Uses hands well to control wideout through the route, stays in phase
  • Might be best coverage corner in class
Weaknesses
  • Did improve in run support but needs to continue to get better
  • Slight frame; will need to add weight at the next level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.28 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 36 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
18 Troy Fautanu
Washington, Jr
 
IOL

Cincinnati has filled the right tackle position, but bringing in Troy Fautanu allows the Bengals to upgrade the interior offensive line in the short term and potentially give them a long-term solution to either tackle situation.

Rating: 89.77 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Tyler Steen
Summary

Troy Fautanu is a smaller, compact, quickness-based OT prospect with plus awareness and quality feet. He's a quick setter. Clearly he has to get stronger, as anchoring capabilities are not where they need to be. Because of power deficiency, he has to lean into his blocks, which makes it easier for DLs to get off him against the run. He's further ahead as a pass protector right now, which isn't the worst dynamic. Lateral quicks to follow inside moves into the pocket. Not enough sustained juice in his kick slide to get to speedy outside rushers. He may have a future at guard because he doesn't possess a classic NFL OT frame. He's very mobile and gets to the second level in a hurry, though he's not very accurate finding LBs there. Grip strength must improve at the next level. Despite that, he has outstanding hand work; he swats down hands, constantly looking to reset his hands to control defenders. He's very capable picking up stunts. Overall, the physical tools are there for Fautanu, but he has to get stronger and learn to get more depth/speed in his traditional pass-blocking sets.

About
  • 2023: Morris Trophy winner (best OL in Pac-12)
  • 2023: Fifth-best PFF pass-block grade (88.2) among FBS OT
Strengths
  • Plus athlete, light on his feet
  • Awareness is awesome, will get to inside moves, blitzes, and stunts
  • Comfortable in space on screens and combos at the second level
Weaknesses
  • Not quite explosive enough to get to outside speed rushers in traditional pass set
  • Has to get significantly stronger at the NFL level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.01 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
19 Byron Murphy II
Texas, Jr
 
DL

Aaron Donald has announced his retirement and that creates a void along the Rams' defensive line alongside Kobe Turner. They really need a bigger body that can impact the run defense, but Byron Murphy II is a well-rounded interior defender.

Rating: 92.13 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Javon Hargrave
Summary

Byron Murphy II is a long armed, squatty, explosive DT. His first-step quicks are a problem for interior OLs, and he gets his hands into their chest in a flash. He resets the line of scrimmage with speed-to-power conversion and effortlessly works across the frame of blockers to soften their edges. He has a nice rip move and uses an occasional swipe. He’s a very fluid athlete with loose hips who can track the football down the line of scrimmage. He will occasionally drop to one knee to anchor against doubles, but it's not a clear strength. He’s surprisingly powerful at the point of attack given his size. His hands are never complacent, and he works noticeably hard against the run and is rarely on the ground. He’s best in a pure up-the-field pass-rush role. He has good block-shed ability. He doesn't have enough pure strength to counter off the initial rush, but that rush is almost always super explosive.

About
  • 2023 Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF pass-rush grade (91.5) among FBS DT
Strengths
  • Exudes explosiveness
  • Pass-rush moves he deploys are highly effective
  • 100% effort on every play
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't always have a counter ready if his first move fails
  • Smaller size gets him washed out against the run at times
  • Won't be great against doubles
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
  • Bench press: 28 reps
  • Vertical jump: 33 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
20 Kool-Aid McKinstry
Alabama, Jr
MOCK TRADE from PIT
CB

Mock Trade from: PIT

Indianapolis is able to trade back, pick up some additional draft resources and still make an impact addition at cornerback, which is likely the position it would address with its initial pick anyway.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Antoine Cason
Summary

Kool-Aid McKinstry has been a key contributor for the Alabama defense since his freshman campaign. He has good top-end speed, but it is not always evident on film. McKinstry is a smart player with good route recognition, but he can do a better job of tracking the ball downfield. He shows good foot quickness to mirror receivers up the boundary and transition across the field.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (2-time first-team All-SEC)
  • Career: 0 TD allowed on 1,206 coverage snaps
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job transitioning across the field
  • Good foot quickness to mirror receivers
  • Smart cornerback who understands his responsibilities
Weaknesses
  • Can catch him leaning at the stem in man coverage
  • 8.1% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Downfield tracking

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
21 Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon, Jr
 
IOL

Jackson Powers-Johnson has positional flexibility along the interior so the free agent signing of Aaron Brewer should not deter them from going in this direction. The team lost guard Robert Hunt in free agency.

Rating: 87.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Creed Humphrey
Summary

Jackson Powers-Johnson consistently wins with effort and strength and is one of the best offensive linemen in the class. He is at his best when he is uncovered at the line and can step freely to defensive linemen, or climb to the second level.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (5th in Oregon history)
  • 2023: Better pass-blocking grade than former top center prospects Tyler Linderbaum and Creed Humphrey
Strengths
  • Uses hands well to shock defensive linemen in pass pro
  • Shows ability to re-anchor vs. nose tackles
  • Good athlete, can combo block and lock up second-level defender quickly to ensure gap integrity in run game
  • Tenacious, consistent in both run and pass-blocking
Weaknesses
  • Can struggle to block defenders and create movement when he is covered
Combine Data
  • Bench press: 30 reps
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 8 inches
22 Jared Verse EDGE

It feels like Philadelphia is motivated to move on from Josh Sweat this offseason, which is a curious move unless the Eagles have a plan to bring in someone else. Bryce Huff, Haason Reddick and Nolan Smith are not exactly expected to hold up against the run.

Rating: 92.57 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Josh Allen
Summary

Jared Verse is an Albany transfer who was unranked coming out of high school. He would've been a first-round pick after the 2022 season, but he returned to Florida State and will again be a first-round pick in 2024. He plays with heavy hands and is twitchy off the edge. When he is locked in, he is unblockable.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
  • 2022-23: Most pressures (98), T-most sacks (18.0) in ACC over this span
Strengths
  • Stout at the point of attack
  • Plays with heavy hands and has a quick get-off that consistently beats offensive tackles
Weaknesses
  • Made huge stride in Year 1 at Florida State, but leveled off some in Year 2
  • Very little to not love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Bench press: 31 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.44 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
23 Adonai Mitchell
Texas, Jr
 
WR

Los Angeles addressed its biggest needs in the first round as it rebuilds around quarterback Justin Herbert; first offensive tackle and now wide receiver with Adonai Mitchell.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Michael Wilson
Summary

Adonai Mitchell is a tall WR prospect with a somewhat sleek frame. His hip sink/lateral quicks are impressive for a WR his height. He flashed sharp route-running ability and sells intricate routes well, particularly double moves down the field. He understands how to set up DBs with head/shoulder fakes and subtle jukes. He did see some press coverage in college and was capable of beating it with quicks, although he's not a release master at this stage. He has forward lean in his routes, which comes from impressive burst off the line and plus sustained speed. He’s got legit long speed, but not a YAC type; he only had a few impressive scampers after the catch in college. The athleticism is there to do it, but he has low-level contact balance. He has reliable, strong hands but wasn't a big contested-catch winner. He hasn't played a ton of football. Overall, Mitchell is a young WR prospect with smooth athleticism and route-salesmanship beyond his years, all of which indicate his best football is in front of him.

About
  • 2023: Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year
  • 2023: Led the Big 12 in receiving TDs (11)
Strengths
  • Large frame with strong hands
  • Forward lean in his routes with smooth athletic gifts and plus speed
  • Despite being larger, is a already a gifted route runner
Weaknesses
  • Minimal YAC capabilities due to lesser contact balance
  • Only flashes of contested-catch wins despite his size
  • Hasn't played a ton of football
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.34 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 11 feet, 4 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
14 55 845 15.4 11
24 Graham Barton
Duke, Sr
 
OT

Dallas lost left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz from last year's offensive line. Graham Barton has positional flexibility so his presence allows the Cowboys to get their five best on the field; Terrence Steele, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith are obviously a part of that equation.

Rating: 85.53 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Peter Skoronski
Summary

Graham Barton is a short-area quickness, hustle, technique based OT in somewhat of an OG body. Works the angles awesomely. Tends to lean into blocks when getting across the line. Occasionally late with his hands -- and they get outside -- but his sweet feet kept him in position in pass pro. Effortlessly slides against inside moves. Doesn't have enough length or power to anchor around the corner with great consistency. Plus accuracy getting to the second level because he trusts his athleticism. Very aware of stunts, and will get to most of them. Definitely has a nasty demeanor finishing blocks. Probably a guard at the next level but has enough juice to play center, too. Versatility and relatively clean film at OT are his biggest selling points.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
Strengths
  • Light feet when executing all blocks
  • Works the angles/leverages awesomely
  • Plus accuracy finding LBs at second level
Weaknesses
  • Lacks power, doesn't have much anchor
  • Tends to get off balance against bigger rushers
  • Minimal length
25 Amarius Mims
Georgia, Jr
 
OT

Amarius Mims has the athletic ability that would allow him to transition from right to left tackle. Green Bay and veteran David Bakhtiari finally parted ways this offseason, which creates a hole on the left side.

Rating: 91.80 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Evan Neal
Summary

Amarius Mims has the athleticism and talent to become the best offensive tackle from this draft class. Injuries have limited the right tackle's availability, but his performance against Ohio State in 2022 put him on the national radar. He does a good job adjusting his feet when engaged in pass protection and drives his feet on contact in the run game. Mims can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged and would be better served working on his punch placement and being more aggressive at the point of attack.

About
  • 2021-22: 2-Time CFP national champion (starter in 2022)
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 377 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Absorbs contact well
  • Does a great job adjusting his feet when engaged
  • Drives feet on contact in the run game
  • Great upper body strength
  • Good foot quickness
Weaknesses
  • Limited playing experience due to injuries
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Punch placement can improve
  • Would like to see him dictate action at the point of attack more often
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.07 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 25.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
26 Cooper DeJean
Iowa, Jr
 
CB

Carlton Davis is no longer on the roster so the selection of Cooper DeJean allows that position to remain a strength for the organization.

Rating: 88.27 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Cooper DeJean is an extremely physical cornerback at the catch point who has big size and great speed. He can run with any wide receiver and is very smooth when flipping his hips and staying in phase on vertical routes. He also adds something in the return game.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (2-time first-team All-Big Ten)
  • 2022: 5 INT (including Iowa single-season record 3 pick-sixes)
Strengths
  • Extremely physical at catch point, even if he gets beaten earlier in route; has ability to recover and make play on ball
  • Even from off man, can drive downhill and close separation gap in a hurry on in-breaking routes
  • Has return ability
Weaknesses
  • Is his NFL future at CB or safety?
  • Can get too handsy at times in coverage

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
27 Johnny Newton
Illinois, Jr
 
DL

Arizona adds a key piece to its defense with the selection of defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Newton is a high-motor interior defender who will help the organization move opposing quarterbacks off their spot.

Rating: 89.20 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kobie Turner
Summary

Jer'Zhan Newton is a polished, hand-work master at DT. He has plus athletic gifts and can threaten either shoulder of a guard or center on any rush; he’s not strictly an upfield rusher. He has a full pass-rush arsenal. He has legitimate counter ability and knows he has to be urgent with those counters. Goes swipe into a bull rush often and he’s effective with it. Rushes a bit higher than what's ideal. Good pop on contact, but not a certified people mover. Not incredibly explosive. Far from a slow plodder. His bull rush flashes were there, too; just not a trademark of his game. He’s a solid block-dispatcher and a quality run defender with good vision/awareness to locate RBs. If his rushes were lower, this would be a squeaky clean DT prospect. But altogether, he's quite the refined specimen on the inside.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
  • Led FBS defensive tackles with 102 QB pressures over past two seasons (35 more than next-highest)
Strengths
  • Full arsenal of pass-rush moves are locked and loaded
  • Understand how to counter off his initial rush
  • Some pop to his game upon contact
Weaknesses
  • Not a tremendously explosive or fluid athlete
  • Rushes tend to get high and lose steam
  • Final season wasn't as good as 2022

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
28 Tyler Guyton
Oklahoma, Jr
 
OT

Buffalo recommitted to Dion Dawkins this offseason, but the franchise must continue its investment in Josh Allen's protection. Right tackle Spencer Brown is coming off his best season, but he has been inconsistent.

Rating: 87.30 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Anton Harrison
Summary

Tyler Guyton is a right tackle who moves really well for his size and has good ankle flexion to recover when balance is lost. Most of his balance issues stem from not adjusting his hands when engaged and punch placement. Guyton can use varied timing in his punches to confuse defenders. He has good eyes to handle exchanges and pick up stunts into his gap.

About
  • 2023: All-Big 12 honorable mention
  • 2023: 0 sacks allowed on 335 pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Moves really well for his size
  • Good ankle flexion to recover
  • Good eyes to handle exchanges and stunts into his gap
  • Good first-step quickness
Weaknesses
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Can do a better job of varying punch pace to confuse defenders
  • Punch placement can improve
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.19 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.71 seconds
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 11 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.5 seconds
29 Laiatu Latu
UCLA, Sr
 
EDGE

Laiatu Latu would be a steal at this stage of the first round. He is a great complement to Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal in that defense. The defensive line has now added D.J. Reader and Latu this offseason.

Rating: 91.97 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaelan Phillips
Summary

Laiatu Latu is a tall, well-built edge rusher. He tends to rush a tick high, but he has a nasty, often-used swim move. He’s fast and effective with it. He’s a highly capable athlete. He dips/leans around the corner and retraces when he's past the QB. Everything about his rush skill set is very natural and smooth. He has never-stopping hands, and there's some power to them. Swipe and rip are there, too. He wins with leverage and using OTs (and OGs) momentum against them when countering. Burst is great but not elite. At times, his higher rushes and desire to use the swim leave his midsection susceptible and his power sapped. He works hard against the run. He has a large tackling radius and can be a menace against OGs inside when they don't get up and under him. Good bend for his size, but it’s not a trademark attribute. Closing speed is impressive. He needs to add a bull rush. Overall, Latu is a three-down edge rusher in the NFL and an All-Pro talent with polish.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (First from UCLA since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2005)
  • Led FBS with 23.5 sacks in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Towering, lengthy frame
  • Wins with a variety of pass-rush moves
  • Bend/speed around the corner are awesome for his size
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't have a consistent bull rush, lacks some power
  • Rushes can get high
  • At times, leaves his midsection open to blockers
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 2
30 Darius Robinson
Missouri, Sr
 
EDGE

Baltimore has lost a few key pieces on the offensive line so it is difficult to see it not addressing that unit in the first round. The Ravens may love a future with Ben Cleveland, Andrew Vorhees as their starting offensive guards and Patrick Mekari as their starting offensive tackle, but there are too many unknowns for a contender to feel comfortable. Despite all that, a run on the position has already taken place and the franchise is left filling the void of Jadeveon Clowney.

Rating: 88.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Keion White
Summary

Darius Robinson is a DE/DT hybrid. Jolting and active hands. Great swipe to rip and bull rush is legitimate. Serious, near NFL-caliber power. Length galore. Some flexibility. While not ridiculously explosive, he's a better athlete than most DL/EDGEs his size. Wins with counters off his bull rush. Expansive tackling radius. Mostly rushed as an end in three-man fronts in college. Doesn't deploy pass-rush moves as often as he should. Most of his losses as a pass-rusher come when he rushes too high. Overall, Robinson is a new-age 5-technique with legitimate positional versatility, immense length and power.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-SEC
  • 2023: Led Mizzou DL with 43 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and 14 TFL
Strengths
  • Serious specimen with length and power
  • Legit positional versatility
  • Athleticism and pass-rush moves are impressive
Weaknesses
  • Rushes can get too high
  • Needs to deploy hands more frequently
  • Wins aren't always quick
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds
  • Bench press: 21 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
31 Kingsley Suamataia
BYU, Soph
 
OT

San Francisco signed right tackle Colton McKivitz to a one-year extension, but it is essentially the equivalent of a swing tackle contract in the NFL. The selection of Kingsley Suamataia gives the 49ers more stability along the offensive line for the next five years.

Rating: 86.87 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Rasheed Walker
Summary

Kingsley Suamataia has a compact NFL OT build with great length. Plus athleticism but not super light-footed. Kick slide is good and fast, flashed lateral sliding ability and is reasonably comfortable in space on screens and pitches. Can be stretched to the limit athletically by explosive, bendy rushers. Would like to see better, more reliable grip strength. Otherwise his hand work is noticeably good. Constantly resetting his hands to control rushers. One-time punches. If they miss, it's because they're late. His frame and athleticism suggest he'd be a menace in the run game, but that's not the case. He slips out of many blocks and isn't a road-grader. Doesn't always set a firm edge. Anchor is mostly good but could use more weight in his lower half. Further ahead in pass pro than as a run-blocker. Suamataia has some athletic limitations, but this is a solid albeit unspectacular OT prospect.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-Big 12
  • Career: 2 sacks allowed on 705 pass-blocking snaps (both vs Texas)
Strengths
  • Comfortable in space on screens and combos for the run game
  • NFL OT size, girth, and length
  • Constantly resetting hands to control blocks
Weaknesses
  • Not super sluggish but stretched to the limit athletically more often than what's desired
  • Grip strength isn't there yet
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.04 seconds
  • Bench press: 31 reps
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 2 inches
32 Keon Coleman WR

Kansas City needs size to go along with Rashee Rice because Travis Kelce is not going to be able to play forever. Keon Coleman has not tested well, but he plays faster. When it is all said and done, he will likely get squeezed out of the first round.

Rating: 86.27 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Ja'Marr Chase
Summary

Keon Coleman is a big-bodied wide receiver who can run through contact all day long. He will occasionally have focus drops, but he has flashed his ability to high point the football, and he also adds something in the return game.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-ACC (WR, all-purpose and specialist)
  • 2023: Led ACC in rec TD (11) and punt return yds (300)
Strengths
  • Enormous frame with a huge catch radius
  • Great blocker on the perimeter
  • Has return ability
Weaknesses
  • Will have focus drops at times; needs to work on that
  • Wasn't as dominant over the second half of the season for the Seminoles
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.61 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 38 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 50 658 13.2 11
# Team Player Pos
1 Caleb Williams
USC, Jr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

There's plenty of time between now and the first pick of the draft, but while you'll hear plenty of speculation about what the Bears could do here or red flags on Caleb Williams, don't get caught up in them. Barring something cataclysmic, Williams will be a Chicago Bear.

Rating: 94.07 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Patrick Mahomes
Summary

Caleb Williams is as close to Patrick Mahomes as we've seen since 2017. His footwork looks cleaner in his drop back, he has a plus arm, throws with great accuracy to all three levels, and consistently wins with his legs -- whether he's in the pocket, flushed from the pocket or on designed runs. Added bonuses: does a good job of avoiding hits near the sideline. Can throw with anticipation on intermediate routes, layers the ball well on intermediate routes and has good deep-ball accuracy. Would like to see him stick with his first read a little longer -- he loves to rely on his mobility and playmaking abilities -- but it's hard to argue with the results. There's a long list of QBs who play well off-platform and out of structure; he may already be one of the best.

About
  • 2022 Heisman Trophy winner (1st from USC since Reggie Bush)
  • Career: Most total yards (8,673) and TD (93) in 2-year span in USC history
Strengths
  • The next Patrick Mahomes isn't hyperbole
  • Can throw from every arm angle and do it with pinpoint accuracy
  • Consistently wins with his legs though he doesn't look to run at the first sign of trouble
Weaknesses
  • Tries to do too much at times
  • Needs to do a better job of playing within the offense
  • Will sometimes pass up easy throws looking for the big play

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3633 68.6 30 5
2 Jayden Daniels
LSU, Sr
 
QB

I'm confident Caleb Williams will go first, but as for the second QB off the board, it's anybody's guess. Opinions vary across the league on who the best QB is in this class after Williams. In this mock, the Commanders are lured by the tantalizing playmaking and potential of Jayden Daniels.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Tyrod Taylor
Summary

Jayden Daniels is one of the most improved players in college football over the past two years. He is an experienced passer who doubles as an impact runner. His decision-making has improved immensely since his days at Arizona State. Daniels has enough arm strength to push the ball downfield . He showed the ability to uplift and entire offense this past season.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy winner (led FBS in total YPG and total TD/game)
  • Career: 1st ever with 12,000+ pass yds and 3,000+ rush yds in FBS history
Strengths
  • Impact performer as a runner
  • Over 3,000 college football snaps of experience
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Keeps his eyes downfield when pressured
  • Makes good decisions on read options
Weaknesses
  • Thin frame, but has not missed time due to injury
  • Average arm strength
  • Footwork has made strides but remains a work in progress

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3812 72.2 40 4
3 Drake Maye
North Carolina, Soph
MOCK TRADE from NE
QB

Mock Trade from: NE

When the Vikings made the trade with Houston to add a first-round pick, it sent alarm bells about what their plans might be following Kirk Cousins's departure. Minnesota packages those two picks to move up and grab a new franchise quarterback.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Justin Herbert
Summary

Drake Maye is a tall pocket passer with some athletic juice. He has a live arm with a compact release. He drives the football with ease and throws a gorgeous spiral with high regularity. His accuracy to all levels is very good, but there are a few seemingly uncharacteristic misses deep. His misses are typically low/behind. He was utilized in the designed run game in college but it will be somewhat of a stretch to see him succeed doing that in the NFL. Has a flair for making plays on the run and can be a useful, Mahomes-like scrambler. The natural playmaker gene is there, as he rarely gives up on a play. He wants to rip the vertical shot down the seam/numbers. He truly can make every throw, and his arm talent borders on elite. His high-arcing touch is good, not amazing. He can make impressive throws with defenders draped on him. His pocket presence is solid, but sometimes awkward when navigating. He has lots of experience reading the entire field. Overall, he has a great blend of pocket passing, arm talent, accuracy, and athleticism. He's a very impressive QB prospect for the modern-day NFL.

About
  • 2022: ACC Player of the Year (First in UNC since Lawrence Taylor in 1980)
  • Only FBS player with 7,000+ pass yards and 1,000+ rush yards in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Arm strength is fantastic
  • Full-field reader
  • Big frame with plus athleticism to scramble and elude rushers inside the pocket
Weaknesses
  • Occasional miss low/behind his WR
  • At times awkward when attempting to navigate the pocket
  • In some instances will try to do too much when things break down

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3608 63.3 24 9
4 Joe Alt
Notre Dame, Jr
MOCK TRADE from ARI
OT

Mock Trade from: ARI

The Titans don't mess around here. They want Joe Alt and make sure they get him by moving up to No. 4. There's been so much focus on the QBs in this class, and we haven't talked nearly enough about the franchise cornerstone potential of some of the tackles in the class. Alt is the best of the bunch.

Rating: 92.87 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Taylor Decker
Summary

Joe Alt made tremendous strides in his career from 2022 to 2023. He looks like a much more flexible prospect capable of digging out smaller rushers. He can struggle with power players that get under his pad level and does not have ideal shock and power in his initial punch. Alt does a great job of adjusting his hands and feet when engaged.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Highest overall PFF grade (90.7) by FBS OL
Strengths
  • Does a great job adjusting his hands and feet when engaged
  • A much more fluid player in 2023 than 2022
  • Does a good job with punch placement
  • Moves well to mirror defenders laterally
Weaknesses
  • Average job of engaging and sustaining blocks in space
  • Average shock and power in his hands
  • Power players can get under his pads and walk him back
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.05 seconds
  • Bench press: 27 reps
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.51 seconds
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
5 Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State, Jr
MOCK TRADE from LAC
WR

Mock Trade from: LAC

Trades everywhere you look, and only one for a QB! In this scenario, it's hard to imagine somebody won't be looking to move up if Marvin Harrison is available. The Jets take advantage here to pair Harrison with Garrett Wilson and give former VP hopeful Aaron Rodgers another weapon.

Rating: 94.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Randy Moss
Summary

Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best player in the entire draft class. Father was an NFL Hall of Famer and Harrison Jr. has a chance to be even better because of his physical gifts -- size, speed, huge catch radius and the ability to win running a variety of routes. When he is locked in he's all but unstoppable.

About
  • Career: 2-time unanimous All-American (1st from OSU since Orlando Pace)
  • 1st player in Big Ten history with 14+ rec TD in multiple seasons
Strengths
  • Incredibly strong at the top of routes; he's able to create separation vs. physical CBs
  • Hands-catcher with an enormous catch radius
  • Can stack CBs off the line of scrimmage and has the shiftiness to create separation on every route
Weaknesses
  • Did have a few focus drops during the 2023 season
  • Showed frustrations at times at the level of QB play in 2023

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 67 1211 18.1 14
6 Malik Nabers
LSU, Jr
 
WR

I don't know how Giants fans would feel seeing this flurry of action in front of them, but when the dust settles, they still have excellent options available to fill multiple needs. For me, the value of adding Malik Nabers to an offense with a serious devoid of playmakers is too much to pass up.

Rating: 93.23 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Brandon Aiyuk
Summary

Malik Nabers is a super-explosive WR prospect. He gets to top gear in a flash and can sustain that speed down the field. He’s effortless off the line and has serious acceleration. He’s a bouncy athlete when needing to elevate. He has plus wiggle off the line and can get on top of CBs quickly to stack them on vertical routes. Physicality can get the best of him in press, but he’s not a weak player. He works well fighting back to the football/finding it down the field and in the red zone. Natural mover with the ball in his hands. He has RB vision, plus quickness, and his supercharged burst all indicate him being a YAC weapon in the NFL. He won't be an elite burner, but he’s certainly not slow. While not tall for the position, he has a "my-ball" mentality in traffic. Route-running is good, but he didn't run the full route tree. He has the athletic chops to be a star in that area eventually. In most classes, he'd be the clear WR1. His game is tailor-made for today's NFL.

About
  • 2023: Converted 78.7% of his receptions into either a first down or a touchdown, according to TruMedia (second-highest among players with at least 100 target)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 catches of 30-plus yards
Strengths
  • Incredible explosiveness
  • RAC ability is elite
  • Will go up and get ball in traffic
Weaknesses
  • Not a huge frame
  • Didn't run many routes in college
  • Occasionally physical press beats him at the line

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 89 1569 17.6 14
7 Rome Odunze
Washington, Jr
MOCK TRADE from TEN
WR

Mock Trade from: TEN

The Cardinals passed up on the chance to draft Marvin Harrison but added assets and got Rome Odunze. That's not bad if you ask me. Ironically enough, one of the players I see Odunze compared to most often is former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Arizona would probably be pretty happy with another decade of that production.

Rating: 92.60 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Muhsin Muhammad
Summary

Washington has attempted to manufacture touches for Rome Odunze for years. He is a good route runner with an ability to elude defenders post-catch. He has great size with the range to go high or low. From 2022 to 2023, he added 15 pounds of good weight to improve his physicality through routes. As he gains more reps carrying that additional weight, he should only improve.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American (2-time first-team All-Pac 12)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 1,640 rec yards (Washington record)
Strengths
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Elusive post-catch
  • Good range to go high or low
  • Does a great job tracking the ball downfield
  • Fluid athlete with good top-end speed
Weaknesses
  • Physicality through his routes
  • Struggles to consistently get off jams at the line of scrimmage
  • Average burst
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.03 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 6.88 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
15 92 1640 17.8 13
8 Dallas Turner
Alabama, Jr
 
EDGE

I could see a team looking to trade up for a QB here if this is how things fall, but instead of going that route I have the Falcons adding what they view as the top edge rusher in the class in Alabama's Dallas Turner. The addition of Turner and Atlanta's moves in free agency suddenly make the Falcons a team to be reckoned with in the NFC South.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Summary

Dallas Turner is a quick edge rusher with good first-step quickness. He could stand to add more mass to take his game to another level but is not deficient in that regard. Turner has great waist bend at the high side of his rush to flatten and become a heat-seeking missile towards quarterbacks. He should quickly become a factor for a team at the next level.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and SEC Co-Defensive POY
  • Career: 22.5 sacks and 32.5 TFL (both 2nd in SEC in span)
Strengths
  • Great waist bend at the high side of his rush
  • Good quickness to shoot gaps and get on the hips of blockers
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Plays to the whistle
  • Works back when getting too deep in his rush
Weaknesses
  • Could stand to add more weight to hold up in run support
  • Needs a runway to create power as a rusher
  • Inconsistent job of getting off blocks
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 40-5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
9 J.J. McCarthy
Michigan, Jr
MOCK TRADE from CHI
QB
HQ Spotlight: Quarterback Rising Up Boards

Mock Trade from: CHI

The Bears would love to add more draft picks after parting with multiple in recent trades, so they listen when Denver calls looking to move up. As for Denver, there's been a significant overhaul of the roster, and there's a gaping hole at QB. Michigan's J.J. McCarthy strikes me as a prospect Sean Payton could be intrigued by.

Rating: 91.50 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Joe Burrow
Summary

J.J. McCarthy is an incredibly efficient passer who operated in a predominantly run-heavy offense. He is slight of frame but has the mobility and accuracy to make plays out of structure. McCarthy does not have the strongest arm but throws with touch to all three levels. He is a tough player who has consistently won at every level of his career.

About
  • 2023: CFP national champion (led Michigan to 15-0 record)
  • 27-1 career record as starting QB (3rd-best in FBS history)
Strengths
  • Sixth-highest completion percentage in 2023 (72.3%)
  • Does a good job manipulating the pocket
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Great ball placement
Weaknesses
  • Ball security in tight pockets
  • Late to see some breakers
  • Average arm strength
Combine Data
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.23 seconds
  • 3-cone drill: 6.82 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 2991 72.3 22 4
10 Taliese Fuaga
Oregon State, Jr
MOCK TRADE from NYJ
OT

Mock Trade from: NYJ

After parting ways with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, the popular theory is that the Chargers will use the No. 5 pick to add a receiver. I still think Jim Harbaugh will look to build from the line of scrimmage out. So they trade down to 10, add a great right tackle in Fuaga, and could address the need for receivers later in a deep WR class.

Rating: 92.43 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jedrick Wills
Summary

Taliese Fuaga is a large, girthy, mobile people-mover at RT. He has shocking burst and lateral quicks given his gargantuan size; some Penei Sewell-ian vibes when he's on the move. He has frequent mashing reps and is a menace at the second level. He’s an authoritative blocker who tries to get his hands on DLs early. Sometimes quality rushers can throw him off balance, but those reps are few and far between and he works hard to recover. Grip strength could improve and he’s not incredibly accurate at the second level, but he gets out there in a flash. Despite his wide frame and easy power, he could actually add more lower-body strength for setting edge/turning DLs. Kick slide is good, not great. Overall, Fuaga is a mostly ready-to-go classic RT with power and mobility.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Pac 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF run-blocking grade (90.9) in FBS
Strengths
  • Prototypical NFL OT frame
  • Immense athletic gifts for his size
  • Masher at the point of attack
Weaknesses
  • Aggressive style can get the best of him, balance isn't always stellar
  • Needs to add more lower-body strength
  • Good, not great kick slide at times
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.13 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
11 Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Penn State, Jr
MOCK TRADE from MIN
OT

Mock Trade from: MIN

The Patriots didn't sign Jacoby Brissett as a long-term answer, but this roster has plenty of needs. By trading down and adding picks, they can address more of them. One of those needs is along the offensive line, where they add a prospect oozing with potential in Fashanu.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Trent Williams
Summary

Olu Fashanu has long arms, a good base, great athleticism, is solid at the point of attack and consistently anchors well against power rushers. He's patient in his pass sets and rarely panics. He's only going to get better.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 697 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Physical freak in every regard; can manhandle edge rushers but has the athleticism to get to the second level and bury his target
  • Still young and developing; he's only going to get better
Weaknesses
  • Needs to continue to refine his technique because he sometimes relies on this athleticism to win vs. lesser opponents
  • Had a better 2022 season, so he'll need to show he can play with more consistency
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.11 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 1 inches
12 Jared Verse EDGE

The Bears have made plenty of moves this offseason but have yet to address the need for another pass rusher. Florida State's Jared Verse fits the profile of what they've looked for here in the past.

Rating: 92.57 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Josh Allen
Summary

Jared Verse is an Albany transfer who was unranked coming out of high school. He would've been a first-round pick after the 2022 season, but he returned to Florida State and will again be a first-round pick in 2024. He plays with heavy hands and is twitchy off the edge. When he is locked in, he is unblockable.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
  • 2022-23: Most pressures (98), T-most sacks (18.0) in ACC over this span
Strengths
  • Stout at the point of attack
  • Plays with heavy hands and has a quick get-off that consistently beats offensive tackles
Weaknesses
  • Made huge stride in Year 1 at Florida State, but leveled off some in Year 2
  • Very little to not love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Bench press: 31 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.44 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
13 Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo, Jr
 
CB

The Raiders still need to address the quarterback spot but aren't comfortable with the options here. So after putting together one of the best defensive lines in the NFL they get to work on the secondary by adding a corner who just feels like a Raider in Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell.

Rating: 92.73 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Darius Slay
Summary

Quinyon Mitchell checks a lot of boxes for NFL teams. He has great size to be a man coverage cornerback on the boundary. He has a quick click and close to flash downhill in run support. Mitchell has good top-end speed but gets a bit loose in transitions across the field. He is competitive at the catch point and has great ball production over the past two seasons. Mitchell does not have significant exposure against Power 5 competition.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-MAC
  • Most passes defended in FBS (37) over past 2 seasons
Strengths
  • Six interceptions over the past two seasons
  • Great frame to play on the boundary in man coverage
  • Good top-end speed
  • Competitive at the catch point
  • Quick click and close to impact the run game
Weaknesses
  • Gambler by nature, which could lead to big plays
  • Two games against Power 5 competition in his career
  • Gets a bit loose in transitions occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 20 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 2 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13 1
14 Troy Fautanu
Washington, Jr
 
IOL

New Orleans needs a new left tackle, and Fautanu is about as solid as it gets at the position. He's an excellent athlete who held up well against some excellent pass rushers in his time with the Huskies.

Rating: 89.77 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Tyler Steen
Summary

Troy Fautanu is a smaller, compact, quickness-based OT prospect with plus awareness and quality feet. He's a quick setter. Clearly he has to get stronger, as anchoring capabilities are not where they need to be. Because of power deficiency, he has to lean into his blocks, which makes it easier for DLs to get off him against the run. He's further ahead as a pass protector right now, which isn't the worst dynamic. Lateral quicks to follow inside moves into the pocket. Not enough sustained juice in his kick slide to get to speedy outside rushers. He may have a future at guard because he doesn't possess a classic NFL OT frame. He's very mobile and gets to the second level in a hurry, though he's not very accurate finding LBs there. Grip strength must improve at the next level. Despite that, he has outstanding hand work; he swats down hands, constantly looking to reset his hands to control defenders. He's very capable picking up stunts. Overall, the physical tools are there for Fautanu, but he has to get stronger and learn to get more depth/speed in his traditional pass-blocking sets.

About
  • 2023: Morris Trophy winner (best OL in Pac-12)
  • 2023: Fifth-best PFF pass-block grade (88.2) among FBS OT
Strengths
  • Plus athlete, light on his feet
  • Awareness is awesome, will get to inside moves, blitzes, and stunts
  • Comfortable in space on screens and combos at the second level
Weaknesses
  • Not quite explosive enough to get to outside speed rushers in traditional pass set
  • Has to get significantly stronger at the NFL level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.01 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
15 Terrion Arnold
Alabama, Soph
 
CB

I'm high on Terrion Arnold, who had a rough start to the season for Alabama but was playing at a remarkably high level by the end of the year. He's a player who stands out repeatedly when watching the tape and would be an excellent addition to the Colts defense.

Rating: 92.53 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Terrion Arnold is a boundary cornerback with good size. He has average top-end speed but has little difficulty carrying routes up the boundary. Arnold gets a bit loose in routes transitioning across the field and can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a form tackle. He is a high-energy cornerback who will occasionally lose patience and grab the receiver during routes. Over the past two years, Arnold has tremendous ball production. He is not afraid to play downhill in run support and jam at the line of scrimmage.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: 5 INT (T-most in SEC)
Strengths
  • Not afraid to be physical, jam receivers at the line of scrimmage
  • Versatility to play on the boundary or in the slot
  • Willing to play downhill in run support
  • Good size for the position
  • Great ball production over the past two years
Weaknesses
  • Gets a bit loose transitioning across the field
  • 11% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Loses patience and grabs in coverage occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 37 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14 5
16 Amarius Mims
Georgia, Jr
 
OT

The best way to describe the tackle talent in this draft class is that I have Georgia's Amarius Mims as the fifth one off the board in the first half of the first round, and there's a legitimate shot he winds up as the best of them all. He hasn't played nearly as many snaps as the players taken ahead of him, so it could take some time, but the athletic ability he displays for a man his size (and not just in tights) is awe-inspiring.

Rating: 91.80 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Evan Neal
Summary

Amarius Mims has the athleticism and talent to become the best offensive tackle from this draft class. Injuries have limited the right tackle's availability, but his performance against Ohio State in 2022 put him on the national radar. He does a good job adjusting his feet when engaged in pass protection and drives his feet on contact in the run game. Mims can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged and would be better served working on his punch placement and being more aggressive at the point of attack.

About
  • 2021-22: 2-Time CFP national champion (starter in 2022)
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 377 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Absorbs contact well
  • Does a great job adjusting his feet when engaged
  • Drives feet on contact in the run game
  • Great upper body strength
  • Good foot quickness
Weaknesses
  • Limited playing experience due to injuries
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Punch placement can improve
  • Would like to see him dictate action at the point of attack more often
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.07 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 25.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
17 Adonai Mitchell
Texas, Jr
 
WR

Mitchell is a player whose name I hear pop up more often as the draft approaches. Although his overall production isn't there compared to the other top receivers in the class, teams are intrigued by Mitchell's combination of size, speed and physicality when attacking the football.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Michael Wilson
Summary

Adonai Mitchell is a tall WR prospect with a somewhat sleek frame. His hip sink/lateral quicks are impressive for a WR his height. He flashed sharp route-running ability and sells intricate routes well, particularly double moves down the field. He understands how to set up DBs with head/shoulder fakes and subtle jukes. He did see some press coverage in college and was capable of beating it with quicks, although he's not a release master at this stage. He has forward lean in his routes, which comes from impressive burst off the line and plus sustained speed. He’s got legit long speed, but not a YAC type; he only had a few impressive scampers after the catch in college. The athleticism is there to do it, but he has low-level contact balance. He has reliable, strong hands but wasn't a big contested-catch winner. He hasn't played a ton of football. Overall, Mitchell is a young WR prospect with smooth athleticism and route-salesmanship beyond his years, all of which indicate his best football is in front of him.

About
  • 2023: Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year
  • 2023: Led the Big 12 in receiving TDs (11)
Strengths
  • Large frame with strong hands
  • Forward lean in his routes with smooth athletic gifts and plus speed
  • Despite being larger, is a already a gifted route runner
Weaknesses
  • Minimal YAC capabilities due to lesser contact balance
  • Only flashes of contested-catch wins despite his size
  • Hasn't played a ton of football
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.34 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 11 feet, 4 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
14 55 845 15.4 11
18 Byron Murphy II
Texas, Jr
 
DL

Whether or not this is Cincinnati's most pressing need is up for debate, but Murphy is as disruptive an interior defender as you'll find in this class. The Bengals have addressed some holes on offense already, and this pick is a boost to the defensive front.

Rating: 92.13 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Javon Hargrave
Summary

Byron Murphy II is a long armed, squatty, explosive DT. His first-step quicks are a problem for interior OLs, and he gets his hands into their chest in a flash. He resets the line of scrimmage with speed-to-power conversion and effortlessly works across the frame of blockers to soften their edges. He has a nice rip move and uses an occasional swipe. He’s a very fluid athlete with loose hips who can track the football down the line of scrimmage. He will occasionally drop to one knee to anchor against doubles, but it's not a clear strength. He’s surprisingly powerful at the point of attack given his size. His hands are never complacent, and he works noticeably hard against the run and is rarely on the ground. He’s best in a pure up-the-field pass-rush role. He has good block-shed ability. He doesn't have enough pure strength to counter off the initial rush, but that rush is almost always super explosive.

About
  • 2023 Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF pass-rush grade (91.5) among FBS DT
Strengths
  • Exudes explosiveness
  • Pass-rush moves he deploys are highly effective
  • 100% effort on every play
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't always have a counter ready if his first move fails
  • Smaller size gets him washed out against the run at times
  • Won't be great against doubles
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
  • Bench press: 28 reps
  • Vertical jump: 33 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
19 Johnny Newton
Illinois, Jr
 
DL

With Aaron Donald's retirement, the Rams suddenly find themselves with a massive hole in the interior of their defensive line. Newton is not Aaron Donald, but they share similar traits. Both are undersized, disruptive interior linemen with strong and violent hands.

Rating: 89.20 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kobie Turner
Summary

Jer'Zhan Newton is a polished, hand-work master at DT. He has plus athletic gifts and can threaten either shoulder of a guard or center on any rush; he’s not strictly an upfield rusher. He has a full pass-rush arsenal. He has legitimate counter ability and knows he has to be urgent with those counters. Goes swipe into a bull rush often and he’s effective with it. Rushes a bit higher than what's ideal. Good pop on contact, but not a certified people mover. Not incredibly explosive. Far from a slow plodder. His bull rush flashes were there, too; just not a trademark of his game. He’s a solid block-dispatcher and a quality run defender with good vision/awareness to locate RBs. If his rushes were lower, this would be a squeaky clean DT prospect. But altogether, he's quite the refined specimen on the inside.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
  • Led FBS defensive tackles with 102 QB pressures over past two seasons (35 more than next-highest)
Strengths
  • Full arsenal of pass-rush moves are locked and loaded
  • Understand how to counter off his initial rush
  • Some pop to his game upon contact
Weaknesses
  • Not a tremendously explosive or fluid athlete
  • Rushes tend to get high and lose steam
  • Final season wasn't as good as 2022

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
20 Graham Barton
Duke, Sr
 
OT

Whether it's Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at QB, the Steelers need to improve along the offensive line. Barton offers positional versatility as he played left tackle at Duke, but many NFL teams see him as an interior lineman who could end up at center. His combination of effectiveness at multiple spots will come in handy for Pittsburgh.

Rating: 85.53 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Peter Skoronski
Summary

Graham Barton is a short-area quickness, hustle, technique based OT in somewhat of an OG body. Works the angles awesomely. Tends to lean into blocks when getting across the line. Occasionally late with his hands -- and they get outside -- but his sweet feet kept him in position in pass pro. Effortlessly slides against inside moves. Doesn't have enough length or power to anchor around the corner with great consistency. Plus accuracy getting to the second level because he trusts his athleticism. Very aware of stunts, and will get to most of them. Definitely has a nasty demeanor finishing blocks. Probably a guard at the next level but has enough juice to play center, too. Versatility and relatively clean film at OT are his biggest selling points.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
Strengths
  • Light feet when executing all blocks
  • Works the angles/leverages awesomely
  • Plus accuracy finding LBs at second level
Weaknesses
  • Lacks power, doesn't have much anchor
  • Tends to get off balance against bigger rushers
  • Minimal length
21 Laiatu Latu
UCLA, Sr
 
EDGE

The Dolphins defense took a massive hit when Christian Wilkins left for Las Vegas, but they're able to start rebuilding their pass rush with Latu.

Rating: 91.97 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaelan Phillips
Summary

Laiatu Latu is a tall, well-built edge rusher. He tends to rush a tick high, but he has a nasty, often-used swim move. He’s fast and effective with it. He’s a highly capable athlete. He dips/leans around the corner and retraces when he's past the QB. Everything about his rush skill set is very natural and smooth. He has never-stopping hands, and there's some power to them. Swipe and rip are there, too. He wins with leverage and using OTs (and OGs) momentum against them when countering. Burst is great but not elite. At times, his higher rushes and desire to use the swim leave his midsection susceptible and his power sapped. He works hard against the run. He has a large tackling radius and can be a menace against OGs inside when they don't get up and under him. Good bend for his size, but it’s not a trademark attribute. Closing speed is impressive. He needs to add a bull rush. Overall, Latu is a three-down edge rusher in the NFL and an All-Pro talent with polish.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (First from UCLA since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2005)
  • Led FBS with 23.5 sacks in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Towering, lengthy frame
  • Wins with a variety of pass-rush moves
  • Bend/speed around the corner are awesome for his size
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't have a consistent bull rush, lacks some power
  • Rushes can get high
  • At times, leaves his midsection open to blockers
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 2
22 Nate Wiggins
Clemson, Jr
 
CB

Bringing C.J. Gardner-Johnson back is a good start to fixing the secondary, but the Eagles shouldn't stop there. Consider me to be very pro-Nate Wiggins as I'm a big fan of his length, speed and demeanor.

Rating: 88.80 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kaiir Elam
Summary

Nate Wiggins is arguably the best cover cornerback in this draft class. Wiggins has a slight frame, so he will need to add weight, but he was much improved against the run in 2023 compared to the previous season. He can run with anybody and is consistently making plays at the catch point.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-ACC
  • 2 career INT return TD (including 98-yard pick-6 vs Drake Maye)
Strengths
  • Smooth in transition from man to covering vertical routes
  • Uses hands well to control wideout through the route, stays in phase
  • Might be best coverage corner in class
Weaknesses
  • Did improve in run support but needs to continue to get better
  • Slight frame; will need to add weight at the next level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.28 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 36 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
23 Brian Thomas Jr.
LSU, Jr
MOCK TRADE from MIN
WR

Mock Trade from: MIN

Moving down from the third spot nets the Patriots a new left tackle in Olu Fashanu and a deep threat in the passing game who could evolve into much more in LSU's Brian Thomas. In this scenario, it's possible the Pats would take a quarterback with their second-round pick.

Rating: 91.77 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Pickens
Summary

Brian Thomas Jr. is a tall, decently sculpted perimeter wideout with plus ball-tracking capabilities. He’s not super explosive, but he can win off the line to the inside or outside or with physicality. Some wiggle to his game, which also pops after the catch. Surprising agility for a taller WR. Deceptive long speed, and his build-up speed surprises DBs. He has some high-point ability and will find the ball over his shoulder/in-traffic with good regularity. He shows flashes dipping past DBs in his route. Nothing about his game stands out more than the rest; he’s just a solid all-around WR prospect with a relatively polished game and fair amount of upside due to his age.

About
  • 2023: Third-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 rec TD last season (T-5th most in SEC history)
Strengths
  • Complete game, rock-solid in every element of playing WR
  • Tracks the football downfield with ease
  • Plus cutting skills after the catch for a taller WR
Weaknesses
  • Not incredibly explosive
  • Sometimes, physicality disrupts him
  • Not a contact-balance type after the catch
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 11 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 68 1177 17.3 17
24 Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon, Jr
 
IOL

Based on their lack of action in free agency, the Cowboys could go any number of directions with this pick. While a tackle to replace Tyron Smith is in play, Jackson Powers-Johnson makes sense too.

Rating: 87.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Creed Humphrey
Summary

Jackson Powers-Johnson consistently wins with effort and strength and is one of the best offensive linemen in the class. He is at his best when he is uncovered at the line and can step freely to defensive linemen, or climb to the second level.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (5th in Oregon history)
  • 2023: Better pass-blocking grade than former top center prospects Tyler Linderbaum and Creed Humphrey
Strengths
  • Uses hands well to shock defensive linemen in pass pro
  • Shows ability to re-anchor vs. nose tackles
  • Good athlete, can combo block and lock up second-level defender quickly to ensure gap integrity in run game
  • Tenacious, consistent in both run and pass-blocking
Weaknesses
  • Can struggle to block defenders and create movement when he is covered
Combine Data
  • Bench press: 30 reps
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 8 inches
25 Cooper DeJean
Iowa, Jr
 
CB

Green Bay has given itself flexibility at this spot after the moves it has already made, so I see this as a combination of need and the best player available. DeJean's absence from the combine has caused him to be overlooked in some circles and raised questions about how teams see him, but I've seen enough of him in college to expect he's still a first-round pick.

Rating: 88.27 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Cooper DeJean is an extremely physical cornerback at the catch point who has big size and great speed. He can run with any wide receiver and is very smooth when flipping his hips and staying in phase on vertical routes. He also adds something in the return game.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (2-time first-team All-Big Ten)
  • 2022: 5 INT (including Iowa single-season record 3 pick-sixes)
Strengths
  • Extremely physical at catch point, even if he gets beaten earlier in route; has ability to recover and make play on ball
  • Even from off man, can drive downhill and close separation gap in a hurry on in-breaking routes
  • Has return ability
Weaknesses
  • Is his NFL future at CB or safety?
  • Can get too handsy at times in coverage

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
26 Brock Bowers
Georgia, Jr
 
TE

Speaking of best player available, here's Brock Bowers falling to Tampa. Retaining Mike Evans is huge, as is keeping Baker Mayfield, but the Bucs can't stop adding weapons to their offense if they want to maintain their hold on the division. Bowers is not the classic tight end, but he's a matchup nightmare in the passing game.

Rating: 92.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Kittle
Summary

Brock Bowers is a wiry strong athlete who is willing to contribute as a run blocker. His lack of ideal mass means he is more valuable as a blocker in space than inline. Bowers has soft hands and great range to go high or low. He has a good feel for pressing defenders at the route before making his cut. Bowers is incredibly effective creating yards after the catch.

About
  • Career: Only 2-time John Mackey Award winner (given to nation's best TE)
  • Most career rec yds (2,538) and rec TD (26) by TE in SEC history
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job creating separation
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Does not tip off his breaks with his eyes, leans into the defender's body to create spce
  • Great hands and range to make catches outside of his frame
Weaknesses
  • Lacks ideal height
  • Lighter frame makes it more difficult to hold up as an inline blocker

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
10 56 714 12.8 6
27 Kool-Aid McKinstry
Alabama, Jr
 
CB

The Cardinals have gotten to work fixing their defense and continue toward that goal by adding McKinstry to the secondary. Overall, moving down, adding assets and finishing the first round with Rome Odunze and McKinstry is a very strong start to the draft for Arizona.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Antoine Cason
Summary

Kool-Aid McKinstry has been a key contributor for the Alabama defense since his freshman campaign. He has good top-end speed, but it is not always evident on film. McKinstry is a smart player with good route recognition, but he can do a better job of tracking the ball downfield. He shows good foot quickness to mirror receivers up the boundary and transition across the field.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (2-time first-team All-SEC)
  • Career: 0 TD allowed on 1,206 coverage snaps
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job transitioning across the field
  • Good foot quickness to mirror receivers
  • Smart cornerback who understands his responsibilities
Weaknesses
  • Can catch him leaning at the stem in man coverage
  • 8.1% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Downfield tracking

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
28 Tyler Nubin
Minnesota, Sr
 
S

Cards on the table: I had no idea what to do as I went through this mock exercise and reached this pick. Buffalo has had to clear a lot of cap room recently, but it's also added some pieces. One spot that still needs to be addressed is safety, and while I don't know for sure there's a safety teams view as a first-rounder in this draft, Nubin's my favorite in the class.

Rating: 85.58
Pro Comparison: Juan Thornhill
Summary

Tyler Nubin is a large, lengthy, ballhawking FS prospect. He has plenty of experience, having seen every route concept imaginable and making a play on many of them. His insane production comes from plus instincts, above-average quickness, and serious range and catch radius as the ball is arriving. He has an occasional flash against the run, but best deployed as a deep patrol man. He's like a sizable net in the back end of a defense. His backpedal can be high, which slows him down a bit when needing to plant and drive. He's fast but not a burner and not the most reliable tackler. He stops a lot of throws in his target area because of his positioning and how rapidly he can close a window. He's not exceptionally versatile but rocks in his free safety role in coverage.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big Ten
  • Led FBS with 12 INT in past 3 seasons
Strengths
  • Serious range in coverage
  • Outstanding ball skills
  • Fluid athlete with some burst
Weaknesses
  • Not very versatile, mostly played FS in college
  • Tackling isn't super reliable

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 5
29 Chop Robinson
Penn State, Jr
 
EDGE

In previous mocks, I said that no matter what happened, I would have the Lions address their secondary with this pick. Well, I lied. This time, I have them adding Chop Robinson to enhance their pass rush, which will, in turn, help the secondary. So it's only a half-lie!

Rating: 89.40 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Nik Bonitto
Summary

Chop Robinson plays with as high a motor as you'll see at any level. He will test through the roof, and that testing will match his tape. Plays every snap at an 11 on a 10-point scale, and for as active as he is as a pass-rusher, he's also really good against the run.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-Big Ten (4.0 sacks, 7.5 TFL in 10 games)
  • 2022-23: Led Big Ten with 18.6% pressure rate
Strengths
  • Twitched-up edge rusher who plays much bigger than his size
  • Consistently disruptive in the backfield
  • Uses hands well as a pass-rusher but also solid against the run
Weaknesses
  • Undersized but plays much bigger than his measurements
  • Very little not to love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.25 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
7
30 JC Latham
Alabama, Jr
 
OT

The Ravens may go receiver or corner here instead, but they have a need at tackle, and Latham is excellent value for them this late in the first. Plus, it's not like the Ravens don't have a long history of drafting Alabama players.

Rating: 91.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Teven Jenkins
Summary

JC Latham is a big power/anchor-based RT with vice grips for hands. Good quickness. Best in quick-setting scenario where he can get his hands on EDGEs instantly. Just enough athleticism to get back to secondary rushers on stunts or delayed blitzes. Very patient and collected in pass pro. Glides laterally against inside moves/counters. Could play with more of a mean streak. Not highly effective in space/on the move. Has room to improve as a run blocker. Must add more sand in his pants at the NFL level. Anchoring flashes on film that are awesome. Understands his assignments but can be a tick labored/awkward getting there. At times opens the gate too early -- it shouldn't be as easy to soften his edge. Generates plenty of torque. Size, natural power, and some athletic flashes make him a fun OT prospect.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-SEC
  • 3 sacks allowed in 970 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Large, naturally strong frame
  • Plenty of experience in the SEC at multiple positions
  • Rarely out of position
Weaknesses
  • Movements can be a bit labored
  • Not as nasty at the point of attack as his size would indicate
  • Must improve as a run blocker
31 Jordan Morgan
Arizona, Sr
 
OT

The 49ers have been actively overhauling their defense this offseason but still need reinforcements on the offensive line. Morgan is one of the most underappreciated players in this class. It's understandable due to the depth at tackle, but I see him as an above-average starter at the position for a decade.

Rating: 85.50 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Bernhard Raimann
Summary

Jordan Morgan is a fluid, highly capable athlete with a classic NFL OT frame, despite slightly shorter arms than what's normally desired. Wingspan is fine. Fires out of his stance fast and naturally. Glides. Super loose hips, which help him mirror against all types of counter moves. Awesome in that regard. Moves like a large tight end. Hand work is mostly good but inconsistent. Almost seems like he leans on his athleticism too much and doesn't fire his hands early enough. Anchor is great -- clean back bend -- but certainly room for improvement overall. Has the frame to add 10 to 15 pounds without sapping athletic gifts. Combo-blocking capability pops on film. While he doesn't possess the strongest grip strength, he carries out blocks on the move as well as any blocker in the class. Pass-blocking is a speciality because of all the ways he can win at the point of attack, although there's an occasional lackluster rep when his edge is softened too easily. Overall, Morgan is an NFL-ready blocker with loads of upside because of his natural smoothness and gifted feet.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-Pac 12
  • Allowed 3 sacks on 880 pass-blocking snaps in past 2 seasons
Strengths
  • Sturdy, NFL OT build with plus wingspan
  • Smooth movement in every direction
  • Stellar pass protector (mirroring + anchor)
Weaknesses
  • Needs to get more nasty in run game
  • Hand work needs to be more consistent
  • Could stand to add 10-15 pounds to his frame for power purposes
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.04 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 2 inches
32 Tyler Guyton
Oklahoma, Jr
 
OT

The tackle run continues to end the first round. Adding Marquise Brown in free agency probably doesn't keep the Chiefs from taking another receiver in the draft, but it could push them to address other needs earlier. As Patrick Mahomes approaches 30, the Chiefs should have a long-term eye on protecting him along the offensive line.

Rating: 87.30 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Anton Harrison
Summary

Tyler Guyton is a right tackle who moves really well for his size and has good ankle flexion to recover when balance is lost. Most of his balance issues stem from not adjusting his hands when engaged and punch placement. Guyton can use varied timing in his punches to confuse defenders. He has good eyes to handle exchanges and pick up stunts into his gap.

About
  • 2023: All-Big 12 honorable mention
  • 2023: 0 sacks allowed on 335 pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Moves really well for his size
  • Good ankle flexion to recover
  • Good eyes to handle exchanges and stunts into his gap
  • Good first-step quickness
Weaknesses
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Can do a better job of varying punch pace to confuse defenders
  • Punch placement can improve
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.19 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.71 seconds
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 11 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.5 seconds
# Team Player Pos
1 Caleb Williams
USC, Jr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

Justin Fields has yet to be traded, but that doesn't impact the Bears' draft plans. Caleb Williams will be the pick here.

Rating: 94.07 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Patrick Mahomes
Summary

Caleb Williams is as close to Patrick Mahomes as we've seen since 2017. His footwork looks cleaner in his drop back, he has a plus arm, throws with great accuracy to all three levels, and consistently wins with his legs -- whether he's in the pocket, flushed from the pocket or on designed runs. Added bonuses: does a good job of avoiding hits near the sideline. Can throw with anticipation on intermediate routes, layers the ball well on intermediate routes and has good deep-ball accuracy. Would like to see him stick with his first read a little longer -- he loves to rely on his mobility and playmaking abilities -- but it's hard to argue with the results. There's a long list of QBs who play well off-platform and out of structure; he may already be one of the best.

About
  • 2022 Heisman Trophy winner (1st from USC since Reggie Bush)
  • Career: Most total yards (8,673) and TD (93) in 2-year span in USC history
Strengths
  • The next Patrick Mahomes isn't hyperbole
  • Can throw from every arm angle and do it with pinpoint accuracy
  • Consistently wins with his legs though he doesn't look to run at the first sign of trouble
Weaknesses
  • Tries to do too much at times
  • Needs to do a better job of playing within the offense
  • Will sometimes pass up easy throws looking for the big play

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3633 68.6 30 5
2 Jayden Daniels
LSU, Sr
 
QB

New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury gets another dual-threat dynamo and Heisman Trophy winner (with Kyler Murray being the other) in Jayden Daniels.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Tyrod Taylor
Summary

Jayden Daniels is one of the most improved players in college football over the past two years. He is an experienced passer who doubles as an impact runner. His decision-making has improved immensely since his days at Arizona State. Daniels has enough arm strength to push the ball downfield . He showed the ability to uplift and entire offense this past season.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy winner (led FBS in total YPG and total TD/game)
  • Career: 1st ever with 12,000+ pass yds and 3,000+ rush yds in FBS history
Strengths
  • Impact performer as a runner
  • Over 3,000 college football snaps of experience
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Keeps his eyes downfield when pressured
  • Makes good decisions on read options
Weaknesses
  • Thin frame, but has not missed time due to injury
  • Average arm strength
  • Footwork has made strides but remains a work in progress

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3812 72.2 40 4
3 Drake Maye
North Carolina, Soph
MOCK TRADE from NE
QB

Mock Trade from: NE

Of teams with top-three picks, it seems as though the Patriots have the weakest roster. So, while New England badly wants to find a long-term successor to Tom Brady , it opts to trade back eight spots and acquire valuable assets it can use to build out its team under new head coach Jerod Mayo. Meanwhile, the Vikings get their Kirk Cousins replacement in Drake Maye using the second first-round pick they gained in a trade with the Texans.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Justin Herbert
Summary

Drake Maye is a tall pocket passer with some athletic juice. He has a live arm with a compact release. He drives the football with ease and throws a gorgeous spiral with high regularity. His accuracy to all levels is very good, but there are a few seemingly uncharacteristic misses deep. His misses are typically low/behind. He was utilized in the designed run game in college but it will be somewhat of a stretch to see him succeed doing that in the NFL. Has a flair for making plays on the run and can be a useful, Mahomes-like scrambler. The natural playmaker gene is there, as he rarely gives up on a play. He wants to rip the vertical shot down the seam/numbers. He truly can make every throw, and his arm talent borders on elite. His high-arcing touch is good, not amazing. He can make impressive throws with defenders draped on him. His pocket presence is solid, but sometimes awkward when navigating. He has lots of experience reading the entire field. Overall, he has a great blend of pocket passing, arm talent, accuracy, and athleticism. He's a very impressive QB prospect for the modern-day NFL.

About
  • 2022: ACC Player of the Year (First in UNC since Lawrence Taylor in 1980)
  • Only FBS player with 7,000+ pass yards and 1,000+ rush yards in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Arm strength is fantastic
  • Full-field reader
  • Big frame with plus athleticism to scramble and elude rushers inside the pocket
Weaknesses
  • Occasional miss low/behind his WR
  • At times awkward when attempting to navigate the pocket
  • In some instances will try to do too much when things break down

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3608 63.3 24 9
4 Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State, Jr
 
WR

The Cardinals opt to keep the No. 4 pick and select one of the best WR prospects in recent memory.

Rating: 94.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Randy Moss
Summary

Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best player in the entire draft class. Father was an NFL Hall of Famer and Harrison Jr. has a chance to be even better because of his physical gifts -- size, speed, huge catch radius and the ability to win running a variety of routes. When he is locked in he's all but unstoppable.

About
  • Career: 2-time unanimous All-American (1st from OSU since Orlando Pace)
  • 1st player in Big Ten history with 14+ rec TD in multiple seasons
Strengths
  • Incredibly strong at the top of routes; he's able to create separation vs. physical CBs
  • Hands-catcher with an enormous catch radius
  • Can stack CBs off the line of scrimmage and has the shiftiness to create separation on every route
Weaknesses
  • Did have a few focus drops during the 2023 season
  • Showed frustrations at times at the level of QB play in 2023

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 67 1211 18.1 14
5 Malik Nabers
LSU, Jr
 
WR

It's never a bad thing to provide Justin Herbert with the best offensive tackle in the draft class, but the Chargers decide to go the receiver route after releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen . Malik Nabers has all of the tools to be a big contributor right away in Los Angeles.

Rating: 93.23 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Brandon Aiyuk
Summary

Malik Nabers is a super-explosive WR prospect. He gets to top gear in a flash and can sustain that speed down the field. He’s effortless off the line and has serious acceleration. He’s a bouncy athlete when needing to elevate. He has plus wiggle off the line and can get on top of CBs quickly to stack them on vertical routes. Physicality can get the best of him in press, but he’s not a weak player. He works well fighting back to the football/finding it down the field and in the red zone. Natural mover with the ball in his hands. He has RB vision, plus quickness, and his supercharged burst all indicate him being a YAC weapon in the NFL. He won't be an elite burner, but he’s certainly not slow. While not tall for the position, he has a "my-ball" mentality in traffic. Route-running is good, but he didn't run the full route tree. He has the athletic chops to be a star in that area eventually. In most classes, he'd be the clear WR1. His game is tailor-made for today's NFL.

About
  • 2023: Converted 78.7% of his receptions into either a first down or a touchdown, according to TruMedia (second-highest among players with at least 100 target)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 catches of 30-plus yards
Strengths
  • Incredible explosiveness
  • RAC ability is elite
  • Will go up and get ball in traffic
Weaknesses
  • Not a huge frame
  • Didn't run many routes in college
  • Occasionally physical press beats him at the line

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 89 1569 17.6 14
6 J.J. McCarthy
Michigan, Jr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Quarterback Rising Up Boards

Best-case scenario for the Giants, who get the QB they're reportedly interested in without giving up anything.

Rating: 91.50 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Joe Burrow
Summary

J.J. McCarthy is an incredibly efficient passer who operated in a predominantly run-heavy offense. He is slight of frame but has the mobility and accuracy to make plays out of structure. McCarthy does not have the strongest arm but throws with touch to all three levels. He is a tough player who has consistently won at every level of his career.

About
  • 2023: CFP national champion (led Michigan to 15-0 record)
  • 27-1 career record as starting QB (3rd-best in FBS history)
Strengths
  • Sixth-highest completion percentage in 2023 (72.3%)
  • Does a good job manipulating the pocket
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Great ball placement
Weaknesses
  • Ball security in tight pockets
  • Late to see some breakers
  • Average arm strength
Combine Data
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.23 seconds
  • 3-cone drill: 6.82 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 2991 72.3 22 4
7 Joe Alt
Notre Dame, Jr
 
OT

The Titans got Will Levis a stud RB (Tony Pollard ) and a stud WR (Calvin Ridley) in free agency. Now they get him a stud LT in Joe Alt.

Rating: 92.87 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Taylor Decker
Summary

Joe Alt made tremendous strides in his career from 2022 to 2023. He looks like a much more flexible prospect capable of digging out smaller rushers. He can struggle with power players that get under his pad level and does not have ideal shock and power in his initial punch. Alt does a great job of adjusting his hands and feet when engaged.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Highest overall PFF grade (90.7) by FBS OL
Strengths
  • Does a great job adjusting his hands and feet when engaged
  • A much more fluid player in 2023 than 2022
  • Does a good job with punch placement
  • Moves well to mirror defenders laterally
Weaknesses
  • Average job of engaging and sustaining blocks in space
  • Average shock and power in his hands
  • Power players can get under his pads and walk him back
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.05 seconds
  • Bench press: 27 reps
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.51 seconds
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
8 Dallas Turner
Alabama, Jr
 
EDGE

With Kirk Cousins signed, the suddenly dangerous Falcons turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. Dallas Turner gives Atlanta firepower off the edge.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Summary

Dallas Turner is a quick edge rusher with good first-step quickness. He could stand to add more mass to take his game to another level but is not deficient in that regard. Turner has great waist bend at the high side of his rush to flatten and become a heat-seeking missile towards quarterbacks. He should quickly become a factor for a team at the next level.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and SEC Co-Defensive POY
  • Career: 22.5 sacks and 32.5 TFL (both 2nd in SEC in span)
Strengths
  • Great waist bend at the high side of his rush
  • Good quickness to shoot gaps and get on the hips of blockers
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Plays to the whistle
  • Works back when getting too deep in his rush
Weaknesses
  • Could stand to add more weight to hold up in run support
  • Needs a runway to create power as a rusher
  • Inconsistent job of getting off blocks
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 40-5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
9 Jared Verse EDGE

This pick was initially Rome Odunze . Then the Bears traded for Keenan Allen . I don't think the Allen trade prohibits Chicago from still going WR here, especially if they view Odunze as a blue-chip player, but in this mock draft, the front office pairs Montez Sweat with one of the best pass rushers in this class in Jared Verse.

Rating: 92.57 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Josh Allen
Summary

Jared Verse is an Albany transfer who was unranked coming out of high school. He would've been a first-round pick after the 2022 season, but he returned to Florida State and will again be a first-round pick in 2024. He plays with heavy hands and is twitchy off the edge. When he is locked in, he is unblockable.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
  • 2022-23: Most pressures (98), T-most sacks (18.0) in ACC over this span
Strengths
  • Stout at the point of attack
  • Plays with heavy hands and has a quick get-off that consistently beats offensive tackles
Weaknesses
  • Made huge stride in Year 1 at Florida State, but leveled off some in Year 2
  • Very little to not love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Bench press: 31 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.44 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
10 Taliese Fuaga OT

The Jets were reportedly keyed in on Taliese Fuaga at the Senior Bowl, and the Oregon State standout has done nothing to hurt his chances of being a top-10 pick. The offensive line remodel continues in front of Aaron Rodgers.

Rating: 92.43 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jedrick Wills
Summary

Taliese Fuaga is a large, girthy, mobile people-mover at RT. He has shocking burst and lateral quicks given his gargantuan size; some Penei Sewell-ian vibes when he's on the move. He has frequent mashing reps and is a menace at the second level. He’s an authoritative blocker who tries to get his hands on DLs early. Sometimes quality rushers can throw him off balance, but those reps are few and far between and he works hard to recover. Grip strength could improve and he’s not incredibly accurate at the second level, but he gets out there in a flash. Despite his wide frame and easy power, he could actually add more lower-body strength for setting edge/turning DLs. Kick slide is good, not great. Overall, Fuaga is a mostly ready-to-go classic RT with power and mobility.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Pac 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF run-blocking grade (90.9) in FBS
Strengths
  • Prototypical NFL OT frame
  • Immense athletic gifts for his size
  • Masher at the point of attack
Weaknesses
  • Aggressive style can get the best of him, balance isn't always stellar
  • Needs to add more lower-body strength
  • Good, not great kick slide at times
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.13 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
11 Rome Odunze
Washington, Jr
MOCK TRADE from MIN
WR

Mock Trade from: MIN

The Patriots reportedly tried to land Calvin Ridley in free agency, but the star WR ended up signing with the Titans. New England's consolation prize at WR1 is the powerful and productive Rome Odunze.

Rating: 92.60 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Muhsin Muhammad
Summary

Washington has attempted to manufacture touches for Rome Odunze for years. He is a good route runner with an ability to elude defenders post-catch. He has great size with the range to go high or low. From 2022 to 2023, he added 15 pounds of good weight to improve his physicality through routes. As he gains more reps carrying that additional weight, he should only improve.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American (2-time first-team All-Pac 12)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 1,640 rec yards (Washington record)
Strengths
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Elusive post-catch
  • Good range to go high or low
  • Does a great job tracking the ball downfield
  • Fluid athlete with good top-end speed
Weaknesses
  • Physicality through his routes
  • Struggles to consistently get off jams at the line of scrimmage
  • Average burst
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.03 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 6.88 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
15 92 1640 17.8 13
12 Brock Bowers
Georgia, Jr
 
TE

Russell Wilson is officially gone, so the Broncos are definitely in the mix to add a QB. I just don't know if Sean Payton is willing to give up as many assets as other teams (Vikings, Giants, etc.) to move into position to take one of the top prospects. Instead, Denver adds a arguable top-5 talent outside the top 10.

Rating: 92.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Kittle
Summary

Brock Bowers is a wiry strong athlete who is willing to contribute as a run blocker. His lack of ideal mass means he is more valuable as a blocker in space than inline. Bowers has soft hands and great range to go high or low. He has a good feel for pressing defenders at the route before making his cut. Bowers is incredibly effective creating yards after the catch.

About
  • Career: Only 2-time John Mackey Award winner (given to nation's best TE)
  • Most career rec yds (2,538) and rec TD (26) by TE in SEC history
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job creating separation
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Does not tip off his breaks with his eyes, leans into the defender's body to create spce
  • Great hands and range to make catches outside of his frame
Weaknesses
  • Lacks ideal height
  • Lighter frame makes it more difficult to hold up as an inline blocker

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
10 56 714 12.8 6
13 Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Penn State, Jr
 
OT

Olu Fashanu falls into the laps of the Raiders, who are in need of quality offensive linemen after Jermaine Eluemunor left for the Giants in free agency.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Trent Williams
Summary

Olu Fashanu has long arms, a good base, great athleticism, is solid at the point of attack and consistently anchors well against power rushers. He's patient in his pass sets and rarely panics. He's only going to get better.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 697 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Physical freak in every regard; can manhandle edge rushers but has the athleticism to get to the second level and bury his target
  • Still young and developing; he's only going to get better
Weaknesses
  • Needs to continue to refine his technique because he sometimes relies on this athleticism to win vs. lesser opponents
  • Had a better 2022 season, so he'll need to show he can play with more consistency
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.11 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 1 inches
14 Brian Thomas Jr.
LSU, Jr
 
WR

Michael Thomas out, Brian Thomas Jr. in for Derek Carr and the Saints offense. The other LSU standout has all the tools to thrive alongside Chris Olave.

Rating: 91.77 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Pickens
Summary

Brian Thomas Jr. is a tall, decently sculpted perimeter wideout with plus ball-tracking capabilities. He’s not super explosive, but he can win off the line to the inside or outside or with physicality. Some wiggle to his game, which also pops after the catch. Surprising agility for a taller WR. Deceptive long speed, and his build-up speed surprises DBs. He has some high-point ability and will find the ball over his shoulder/in-traffic with good regularity. He shows flashes dipping past DBs in his route. Nothing about his game stands out more than the rest; he’s just a solid all-around WR prospect with a relatively polished game and fair amount of upside due to his age.

About
  • 2023: Third-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 rec TD last season (T-5th most in SEC history)
Strengths
  • Complete game, rock-solid in every element of playing WR
  • Tracks the football downfield with ease
  • Plus cutting skills after the catch for a taller WR
Weaknesses
  • Not incredibly explosive
  • Sometimes, physicality disrupts him
  • Not a contact-balance type after the catch
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 11 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 68 1177 17.3 17
15 Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo, Jr
 
CB

The Colts made Kenny Moore the highest-paid nickel cornerback in NFL history, but they still need an outside guy opposite Dallis Flowers , who missed most of last season with a torn Achilles. Quinyon Mitchell can be that player from Day 1.

Rating: 92.73 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Darius Slay
Summary

Quinyon Mitchell checks a lot of boxes for NFL teams. He has great size to be a man coverage cornerback on the boundary. He has a quick click and close to flash downhill in run support. Mitchell has good top-end speed but gets a bit loose in transitions across the field. He is competitive at the catch point and has great ball production over the past two seasons. Mitchell does not have significant exposure against Power 5 competition.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-MAC
  • Most passes defended in FBS (37) over past 2 seasons
Strengths
  • Six interceptions over the past two seasons
  • Great frame to play on the boundary in man coverage
  • Good top-end speed
  • Competitive at the catch point
  • Quick click and close to impact the run game
Weaknesses
  • Gambler by nature, which could lead to big plays
  • Two games against Power 5 competition in his career
  • Gets a bit loose in transitions occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 20 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 2 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13 1
16 Byron Murphy II
Texas, Jr
 
DL

The Seahawks brought back Leonard Williams, but they need more on the defensive interior. Byron Murphy II will not only disrupt the passer; he'll help a rush defense that allowed 24 rushing touchdowns (tied-second worst in NFL) in 2023.

Rating: 92.13 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Javon Hargrave
Summary

Byron Murphy II is a long armed, squatty, explosive DT. His first-step quicks are a problem for interior OLs, and he gets his hands into their chest in a flash. He resets the line of scrimmage with speed-to-power conversion and effortlessly works across the frame of blockers to soften their edges. He has a nice rip move and uses an occasional swipe. He’s a very fluid athlete with loose hips who can track the football down the line of scrimmage. He will occasionally drop to one knee to anchor against doubles, but it's not a clear strength. He’s surprisingly powerful at the point of attack given his size. His hands are never complacent, and he works noticeably hard against the run and is rarely on the ground. He’s best in a pure up-the-field pass-rush role. He has good block-shed ability. He doesn't have enough pure strength to counter off the initial rush, but that rush is almost always super explosive.

About
  • 2023 Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF pass-rush grade (91.5) among FBS DT
Strengths
  • Exudes explosiveness
  • Pass-rush moves he deploys are highly effective
  • 100% effort on every play
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't always have a counter ready if his first move fails
  • Smaller size gets him washed out against the run at times
  • Won't be great against doubles
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
  • Bench press: 28 reps
  • Vertical jump: 33 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
17 Terrion Arnold
Alabama, Soph
 
CB

All of the sudden, the AFC South has some offensive firepower with C.J. Stroud and the Texans and Will Levis and the Titans, the latter of which has both DeAndre Hopkins and newly signed Calvin Ridley. If the Jaguars want to get back on top of the division, they'll need better defensive players at premium positions. Getting potentially the top CB in the class certainly qualifies.

Rating: 92.53 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Terrion Arnold is a boundary cornerback with good size. He has average top-end speed but has little difficulty carrying routes up the boundary. Arnold gets a bit loose in routes transitioning across the field and can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a form tackle. He is a high-energy cornerback who will occasionally lose patience and grab the receiver during routes. Over the past two years, Arnold has tremendous ball production. He is not afraid to play downhill in run support and jam at the line of scrimmage.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: 5 INT (T-most in SEC)
Strengths
  • Not afraid to be physical, jam receivers at the line of scrimmage
  • Versatility to play on the boundary or in the slot
  • Willing to play downhill in run support
  • Good size for the position
  • Great ball production over the past two years
Weaknesses
  • Gets a bit loose transitioning across the field
  • 11% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Loses patience and grabs in coverage occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 37 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14 5
18 JC Latham
Alabama, Jr
 
OT

Protect Joe Burrow at all costs -- that needs to be the goal for the Bengals this offseason. Yet Cincinnati let right tackle Jonah Williams walk and haven't signed any offensive linemen during the first week of free agency. That makes it imperative that Cincinnati invest significant draft capital into the position, and it does so here by selecting the massive yet nimble JC Latham.

Rating: 91.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Teven Jenkins
Summary

JC Latham is a big power/anchor-based RT with vice grips for hands. Good quickness. Best in quick-setting scenario where he can get his hands on EDGEs instantly. Just enough athleticism to get back to secondary rushers on stunts or delayed blitzes. Very patient and collected in pass pro. Glides laterally against inside moves/counters. Could play with more of a mean streak. Not highly effective in space/on the move. Has room to improve as a run blocker. Must add more sand in his pants at the NFL level. Anchoring flashes on film that are awesome. Understands his assignments but can be a tick labored/awkward getting there. At times opens the gate too early -- it shouldn't be as easy to soften his edge. Generates plenty of torque. Size, natural power, and some athletic flashes make him a fun OT prospect.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-SEC
  • 3 sacks allowed in 970 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Large, naturally strong frame
  • Plenty of experience in the SEC at multiple positions
  • Rarely out of position
Weaknesses
  • Movements can be a bit labored
  • Not as nasty at the point of attack as his size would indicate
  • Must improve as a run blocker
19 Johnny Newton
Illinois, Jr
 
DL

Future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald has retired, which means defensive tackle just became a major need for the Rams. Johnny Newton doesn't compare to one of the best defensive players of all-time, but he'll help lighten the blow of Donald hanging up the cleats.

Rating: 89.20 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kobie Turner
Summary

Jer'Zhan Newton is a polished, hand-work master at DT. He has plus athletic gifts and can threaten either shoulder of a guard or center on any rush; he’s not strictly an upfield rusher. He has a full pass-rush arsenal. He has legitimate counter ability and knows he has to be urgent with those counters. Goes swipe into a bull rush often and he’s effective with it. Rushes a bit higher than what's ideal. Good pop on contact, but not a certified people mover. Not incredibly explosive. Far from a slow plodder. His bull rush flashes were there, too; just not a trademark of his game. He’s a solid block-dispatcher and a quality run defender with good vision/awareness to locate RBs. If his rushes were lower, this would be a squeaky clean DT prospect. But altogether, he's quite the refined specimen on the inside.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
  • Led FBS defensive tackles with 102 QB pressures over past two seasons (35 more than next-highest)
Strengths
  • Full arsenal of pass-rush moves are locked and loaded
  • Understand how to counter off his initial rush
  • Some pop to his game upon contact
Weaknesses
  • Not a tremendously explosive or fluid athlete
  • Rushes tend to get high and lose steam
  • Final season wasn't as good as 2022

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
20 Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon, Jr
 
IOL

Easy one here. Steelers select the Oregon Mauler to replace the recently released Mason Cole . New QB1 Russell Wilson gets a rookie center.

Rating: 87.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Creed Humphrey
Summary

Jackson Powers-Johnson consistently wins with effort and strength and is one of the best offensive linemen in the class. He is at his best when he is uncovered at the line and can step freely to defensive linemen, or climb to the second level.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (5th in Oregon history)
  • 2023: Better pass-blocking grade than former top center prospects Tyler Linderbaum and Creed Humphrey
Strengths
  • Uses hands well to shock defensive linemen in pass pro
  • Shows ability to re-anchor vs. nose tackles
  • Good athlete, can combo block and lock up second-level defender quickly to ensure gap integrity in run game
  • Tenacious, consistent in both run and pass-blocking
Weaknesses
  • Can struggle to block defenders and create movement when he is covered
Combine Data
  • Bench press: 30 reps
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 8 inches
21 Troy Fautanu
Washington, Jr
 
IOL

The Dolphins get younger and much cheaper after replacing the departed Robert Hunt (who signed a 5-year, $100M deal with the Panthers) with Troy Fautanu. He played left tackle at Washington but will likely kick inside.

Rating: 89.77 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Tyler Steen
Summary

Troy Fautanu is a smaller, compact, quickness-based OT prospect with plus awareness and quality feet. He's a quick setter. Clearly he has to get stronger, as anchoring capabilities are not where they need to be. Because of power deficiency, he has to lean into his blocks, which makes it easier for DLs to get off him against the run. He's further ahead as a pass protector right now, which isn't the worst dynamic. Lateral quicks to follow inside moves into the pocket. Not enough sustained juice in his kick slide to get to speedy outside rushers. He may have a future at guard because he doesn't possess a classic NFL OT frame. He's very mobile and gets to the second level in a hurry, though he's not very accurate finding LBs there. Grip strength must improve at the next level. Despite that, he has outstanding hand work; he swats down hands, constantly looking to reset his hands to control defenders. He's very capable picking up stunts. Overall, the physical tools are there for Fautanu, but he has to get stronger and learn to get more depth/speed in his traditional pass-blocking sets.

About
  • 2023: Morris Trophy winner (best OL in Pac-12)
  • 2023: Fifth-best PFF pass-block grade (88.2) among FBS OT
Strengths
  • Plus athlete, light on his feet
  • Awareness is awesome, will get to inside moves, blitzes, and stunts
  • Comfortable in space on screens and combos at the second level
Weaknesses
  • Not quite explosive enough to get to outside speed rushers in traditional pass set
  • Has to get significantly stronger at the NFL level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.01 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
22 Nate Wiggins
Clemson, Jr
 
CB

The Eagles addressed edge rusher by retaining Josh Sweat and signing Bryce Huff. Now they address the aging secondary, adding the long and blazing fast Nate Wiggins.

Rating: 88.80 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kaiir Elam
Summary

Nate Wiggins is arguably the best cover cornerback in this draft class. Wiggins has a slight frame, so he will need to add weight, but he was much improved against the run in 2023 compared to the previous season. He can run with anybody and is consistently making plays at the catch point.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-ACC
  • 2 career INT return TD (including 98-yard pick-6 vs Drake Maye)
Strengths
  • Smooth in transition from man to covering vertical routes
  • Uses hands well to control wideout through the route, stays in phase
  • Might be best coverage corner in class
Weaknesses
  • Did improve in run support but needs to continue to get better
  • Slight frame; will need to add weight at the next level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.28 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 36 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
23 Michael Penix Jr.
Washington, Sr
MOCK TRADE from HOU
QB
HQ Spotlight: Michael Penix Jr. NFL Draft Prospect Preview

Mock Trade from: HOU

The Patriots traded back, used the extra pick to snag a No. 1 WR, and now get that wideout his college QB in Michael Penix Jr. The main concern for the Heisman Trophy finalist was his medical history, but "With the First Pick" podcast host and former GM Rick Spielman said recently that he passed that test with flying colors. Combine that with a squeaky clean combine workout, and he's worthy of first-round consideration.

Rating: 88.30 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Tua Tagovailoa
Summary

NFL decision-makers have a wide array of opinions on Michael Penix Jr.’s abilities; some like him in Round 1, while others think he's a Day 3 target. It's hard to argue that he's the best deep ball thrower in this draft class, and he arrives in the league with a ton of experience.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy runner-up (best finish in Washington history)
  • 2022-23: Most pass yards (9,544) in 2-year span in Pac-12 history
Strengths
  • Best deep-ball thrower in this class
  • Throws with anticipation on intermediate routes
  • Very good at putting the ball in position to maximize YAC
Weaknesses
  • Injury history will be a concern for many NFL teams
  • Can he consistently throw the ball accurately over the middle of the field on intermediate routes?

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 4903 65.4 36 11
24 Amarius Mims
Georgia, Jr
 
OT

The Cowboys let All -Pro left tackle Tyron Smith hit free agency, so they find his replacement in Amarius Mims.

Rating: 91.80 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Evan Neal
Summary

Amarius Mims has the athleticism and talent to become the best offensive tackle from this draft class. Injuries have limited the right tackle's availability, but his performance against Ohio State in 2022 put him on the national radar. He does a good job adjusting his feet when engaged in pass protection and drives his feet on contact in the run game. Mims can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged and would be better served working on his punch placement and being more aggressive at the point of attack.

About
  • 2021-22: 2-Time CFP national champion (starter in 2022)
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 377 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Absorbs contact well
  • Does a great job adjusting his feet when engaged
  • Drives feet on contact in the run game
  • Great upper body strength
  • Good foot quickness
Weaknesses
  • Limited playing experience due to injuries
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Punch placement can improve
  • Would like to see him dictate action at the point of attack more often
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.07 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 25.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
25 Laiatu Latu
UCLA, Sr
 
EDGE

The Packers have used 12 of their past 13 first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball -- with the lone offensive player being Jordan Love -- and I expect that to continue this year. Green Bay snags the sliding Laiatu Latu to improve their pass rush.

Rating: 91.97 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaelan Phillips
Summary

Laiatu Latu is a tall, well-built edge rusher. He tends to rush a tick high, but he has a nasty, often-used swim move. He’s fast and effective with it. He’s a highly capable athlete. He dips/leans around the corner and retraces when he's past the QB. Everything about his rush skill set is very natural and smooth. He has never-stopping hands, and there's some power to them. Swipe and rip are there, too. He wins with leverage and using OTs (and OGs) momentum against them when countering. Burst is great but not elite. At times, his higher rushes and desire to use the swim leave his midsection susceptible and his power sapped. He works hard against the run. He has a large tackling radius and can be a menace against OGs inside when they don't get up and under him. Good bend for his size, but it’s not a trademark attribute. Closing speed is impressive. He needs to add a bull rush. Overall, Latu is a three-down edge rusher in the NFL and an All-Pro talent with polish.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (First from UCLA since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2005)
  • Led FBS with 23.5 sacks in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Towering, lengthy frame
  • Wins with a variety of pass-rush moves
  • Bend/speed around the corner are awesome for his size
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't have a consistent bull rush, lacks some power
  • Rushes can get high
  • At times, leaves his midsection open to blockers
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 2
26 Kool-Aid McKinstry
Alabama, Jr
 
CB

The Buccaneers shipped Carlton Davis to the Lions, which made sense based on Davis ' price tag and Tampa's previous moves (re-signing Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans ). Kool-Aid McKinstry isn't as highly touted as former Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold, but he has all the tools to develop into a consistent outside corner.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Antoine Cason
Summary

Kool-Aid McKinstry has been a key contributor for the Alabama defense since his freshman campaign. He has good top-end speed, but it is not always evident on film. McKinstry is a smart player with good route recognition, but he can do a better job of tracking the ball downfield. He shows good foot quickness to mirror receivers up the boundary and transition across the field.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (2-time first-team All-SEC)
  • Career: 0 TD allowed on 1,206 coverage snaps
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job transitioning across the field
  • Good foot quickness to mirror receivers
  • Smart cornerback who understands his responsibilities
Weaknesses
  • Can catch him leaning at the stem in man coverage
  • 8.1% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Downfield tracking

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
27 Adonai Mitchell
Texas, Jr
 
WR

The Cardinals invested heavily on defense in the first wave of free agency, but they need to get Kyler Murray some playmakers, especially after Marquise Brown signed with the Chiefs. Adonai Mitchell only had one year of big-time collegiate production, but his skillset lends itself to being one of Murray's favorite targets right away.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Michael Wilson
Summary

Adonai Mitchell is a tall WR prospect with a somewhat sleek frame. His hip sink/lateral quicks are impressive for a WR his height. He flashed sharp route-running ability and sells intricate routes well, particularly double moves down the field. He understands how to set up DBs with head/shoulder fakes and subtle jukes. He did see some press coverage in college and was capable of beating it with quicks, although he's not a release master at this stage. He has forward lean in his routes, which comes from impressive burst off the line and plus sustained speed. He’s got legit long speed, but not a YAC type; he only had a few impressive scampers after the catch in college. The athleticism is there to do it, but he has low-level contact balance. He has reliable, strong hands but wasn't a big contested-catch winner. He hasn't played a ton of football. Overall, Mitchell is a young WR prospect with smooth athleticism and route-salesmanship beyond his years, all of which indicate his best football is in front of him.

About
  • 2023: Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year
  • 2023: Led the Big 12 in receiving TDs (11)
Strengths
  • Large frame with strong hands
  • Forward lean in his routes with smooth athletic gifts and plus speed
  • Despite being larger, is a already a gifted route runner
Weaknesses
  • Minimal YAC capabilities due to lesser contact balance
  • Only flashes of contested-catch wins despite his size
  • Hasn't played a ton of football
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.34 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 11 feet, 4 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
14 55 845 15.4 11
28 Chop Robinson
Penn State, Jr
 
EDGE

Want to finally unseat the Chiefs? You have to be able to make Mahomes uncomfortable. With veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd signing with the 49ers, the Bills replace him with the explosive and athletic Chop Robinson.

Rating: 89.40 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Nik Bonitto
Summary

Chop Robinson plays with as high a motor as you'll see at any level. He will test through the roof, and that testing will match his tape. Plays every snap at an 11 on a 10-point scale, and for as active as he is as a pass-rusher, he's also really good against the run.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-Big Ten (4.0 sacks, 7.5 TFL in 10 games)
  • 2022-23: Led Big Ten with 18.6% pressure rate
Strengths
  • Twitched-up edge rusher who plays much bigger than his size
  • Consistently disruptive in the backfield
  • Uses hands well as a pass-rusher but also solid against the run
Weaknesses
  • Undersized but plays much bigger than his measurements
  • Very little not to love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.25 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
7
29 Graham Barton
Duke, Sr
 
OT

Like Troy Fautanu, Graham Barton was a college tackle who's expected to move inside in the NFL. The Lions could certainly use him there after Jonah Jackson signed with the Rams.

Rating: 85.53 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Peter Skoronski
Summary

Graham Barton is a short-area quickness, hustle, technique based OT in somewhat of an OG body. Works the angles awesomely. Tends to lean into blocks when getting across the line. Occasionally late with his hands -- and they get outside -- but his sweet feet kept him in position in pass pro. Effortlessly slides against inside moves. Doesn't have enough length or power to anchor around the corner with great consistency. Plus accuracy getting to the second level because he trusts his athleticism. Very aware of stunts, and will get to most of them. Definitely has a nasty demeanor finishing blocks. Probably a guard at the next level but has enough juice to play center, too. Versatility and relatively clean film at OT are his biggest selling points.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
Strengths
  • Light feet when executing all blocks
  • Works the angles/leverages awesomely
  • Plus accuracy finding LBs at second level
Weaknesses
  • Lacks power, doesn't have much anchor
  • Tends to get off balance against bigger rushers
  • Minimal length
30 Tyler Guyton
Oklahoma, Jr
 
OT

The Ravens immediately replace Morgan Moses, who was traded to the Jets during the first week of free agency.

Rating: 87.30 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Anton Harrison
Summary

Tyler Guyton is a right tackle who moves really well for his size and has good ankle flexion to recover when balance is lost. Most of his balance issues stem from not adjusting his hands when engaged and punch placement. Guyton can use varied timing in his punches to confuse defenders. He has good eyes to handle exchanges and pick up stunts into his gap.

About
  • 2023: All-Big 12 honorable mention
  • 2023: 0 sacks allowed on 335 pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Moves really well for his size
  • Good ankle flexion to recover
  • Good eyes to handle exchanges and stunts into his gap
  • Good first-step quickness
Weaknesses
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Can do a better job of varying punch pace to confuse defenders
  • Punch placement can improve
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.19 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.71 seconds
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 11 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.5 seconds
31 Cooper DeJean
Iowa, Jr
 
CB

The 49ers go best player available and stop the slide of Cooper DeJean, a versatile and productive playmaker who will make the secondary better in whatever role he plays.

Rating: 88.27 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Cooper DeJean is an extremely physical cornerback at the catch point who has big size and great speed. He can run with any wide receiver and is very smooth when flipping his hips and staying in phase on vertical routes. He also adds something in the return game.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (2-time first-team All-Big Ten)
  • 2022: 5 INT (including Iowa single-season record 3 pick-sixes)
Strengths
  • Extremely physical at catch point, even if he gets beaten earlier in route; has ability to recover and make play on ball
  • Even from off man, can drive downhill and close separation gap in a hurry on in-breaking routes
  • Has return ability
Weaknesses
  • Is his NFL future at CB or safety?
  • Can get too handsy at times in coverage

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
32 Darius Robinson
Missouri, Sr
 
EDGE

Yes, Chris Jones is back, but you can never have enough pass rushers. Darius Robinson is a Round 1 talent with the versatility that DC Steve Spagnuolo will love.

Rating: 88.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Keion White
Summary

Darius Robinson is a DE/DT hybrid. Jolting and active hands. Great swipe to rip and bull rush is legitimate. Serious, near NFL-caliber power. Length galore. Some flexibility. While not ridiculously explosive, he's a better athlete than most DL/EDGEs his size. Wins with counters off his bull rush. Expansive tackling radius. Mostly rushed as an end in three-man fronts in college. Doesn't deploy pass-rush moves as often as he should. Most of his losses as a pass-rusher come when he rushes too high. Overall, Robinson is a new-age 5-technique with legitimate positional versatility, immense length and power.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-SEC
  • 2023: Led Mizzou DL with 43 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and 14 TFL
Strengths
  • Serious specimen with length and power
  • Legit positional versatility
  • Athleticism and pass-rush moves are impressive
Weaknesses
  • Rushes can get too high
  • Needs to deploy hands more frequently
  • Wins aren't always quick
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds
  • Bench press: 21 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
# Team Player Pos
1 Caleb Williams
USC, Jr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

It's becoming obvious that Caleb Williams is the pick for the Bears. They have had a nice offseason, and if he's the real deal, watch out for this team.

Rating: 94.07 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Patrick Mahomes
Summary

Caleb Williams is as close to Patrick Mahomes as we've seen since 2017. His footwork looks cleaner in his drop back, he has a plus arm, throws with great accuracy to all three levels, and consistently wins with his legs -- whether he's in the pocket, flushed from the pocket or on designed runs. Added bonuses: does a good job of avoiding hits near the sideline. Can throw with anticipation on intermediate routes, layers the ball well on intermediate routes and has good deep-ball accuracy. Would like to see him stick with his first read a little longer -- he loves to rely on his mobility and playmaking abilities -- but it's hard to argue with the results. There's a long list of QBs who play well off-platform and out of structure; he may already be one of the best.

About
  • 2022 Heisman Trophy winner (1st from USC since Reggie Bush)
  • Career: Most total yards (8,673) and TD (93) in 2-year span in USC history
Strengths
  • The next Patrick Mahomes isn't hyperbole
  • Can throw from every arm angle and do it with pinpoint accuracy
  • Consistently wins with his legs though he doesn't look to run at the first sign of trouble
Weaknesses
  • Tries to do too much at times
  • Needs to do a better job of playing within the offense
  • Will sometimes pass up easy throws looking for the big play

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3633 68.6 30 5
2 Jayden Daniels
LSU, Sr
 
QB

They are definitely taking a quarterback and Jayden Daniels should be the pick. He's the most-improved player I've ever seen in the draft process. That matters.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Tyrod Taylor
Summary

Jayden Daniels is one of the most improved players in college football over the past two years. He is an experienced passer who doubles as an impact runner. His decision-making has improved immensely since his days at Arizona State. Daniels has enough arm strength to push the ball downfield . He showed the ability to uplift and entire offense this past season.

About
  • 2023: Heisman Trophy winner (led FBS in total YPG and total TD/game)
  • Career: 1st ever with 12,000+ pass yds and 3,000+ rush yds in FBS history
Strengths
  • Impact performer as a runner
  • Over 3,000 college football snaps of experience
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Keeps his eyes downfield when pressured
  • Makes good decisions on read options
Weaknesses
  • Thin frame, but has not missed time due to injury
  • Average arm strength
  • Footwork has made strides but remains a work in progress

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3812 72.2 40 4
3 J.J. McCarthy
Michigan, Jr
 
QB
HQ Spotlight: Quarterback Rising Up Boards

Would I draft J.J. McCarthy here? No way. But he just seems like a Patriots quarterback -- a leader and a winner.

Rating: 91.50 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Joe Burrow
Summary

J.J. McCarthy is an incredibly efficient passer who operated in a predominantly run-heavy offense. He is slight of frame but has the mobility and accuracy to make plays out of structure. McCarthy does not have the strongest arm but throws with touch to all three levels. He is a tough player who has consistently won at every level of his career.

About
  • 2023: CFP national champion (led Michigan to 15-0 record)
  • 27-1 career record as starting QB (3rd-best in FBS history)
Strengths
  • Sixth-highest completion percentage in 2023 (72.3%)
  • Does a good job manipulating the pocket
  • Throws with touch to all three levels
  • Great ball placement
Weaknesses
  • Ball security in tight pockets
  • Late to see some breakers
  • Average arm strength
Combine Data
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.23 seconds
  • 3-cone drill: 6.82 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
15 2991 72.3 22 4
4 Drake Maye
North Carolina, Soph
MOCK TRADE from ARI
QB

Mock Trade from: ARI

They make the bold move to go get a quarterback, which they must do. Drake Maye is rumored to be their guy.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Justin Herbert
Summary

Drake Maye is a tall pocket passer with some athletic juice. He has a live arm with a compact release. He drives the football with ease and throws a gorgeous spiral with high regularity. His accuracy to all levels is very good, but there are a few seemingly uncharacteristic misses deep. His misses are typically low/behind. He was utilized in the designed run game in college but it will be somewhat of a stretch to see him succeed doing that in the NFL. Has a flair for making plays on the run and can be a useful, Mahomes-like scrambler. The natural playmaker gene is there, as he rarely gives up on a play. He wants to rip the vertical shot down the seam/numbers. He truly can make every throw, and his arm talent borders on elite. His high-arcing touch is good, not amazing. He can make impressive throws with defenders draped on him. His pocket presence is solid, but sometimes awkward when navigating. He has lots of experience reading the entire field. Overall, he has a great blend of pocket passing, arm talent, accuracy, and athleticism. He's a very impressive QB prospect for the modern-day NFL.

About
  • 2022: ACC Player of the Year (First in UNC since Lawrence Taylor in 1980)
  • Only FBS player with 7,000+ pass yards and 1,000+ rush yards in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Arm strength is fantastic
  • Full-field reader
  • Big frame with plus athleticism to scramble and elude rushers inside the pocket
Weaknesses
  • Occasional miss low/behind his WR
  • At times awkward when attempting to navigate the pocket
  • In some instances will try to do too much when things break down

2023 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3608 63.3 24 9
5 Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State, Jr
 
WR

With Keenan Allen traded to the Bears and Mike Williams released, they need to get a receiver in the worst way. Marvin Harrison Jr. is considered by most to be the best.

Rating: 94.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Randy Moss
Summary

Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best player in the entire draft class. Father was an NFL Hall of Famer and Harrison Jr. has a chance to be even better because of his physical gifts -- size, speed, huge catch radius and the ability to win running a variety of routes. When he is locked in he's all but unstoppable.

About
  • Career: 2-time unanimous All-American (1st from OSU since Orlando Pace)
  • 1st player in Big Ten history with 14+ rec TD in multiple seasons
Strengths
  • Incredibly strong at the top of routes; he's able to create separation vs. physical CBs
  • Hands-catcher with an enormous catch radius
  • Can stack CBs off the line of scrimmage and has the shiftiness to create separation on every route
Weaknesses
  • Did have a few focus drops during the 2023 season
  • Showed frustrations at times at the level of QB play in 2023

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 67 1211 18.1 14
6 Malik Nabers
LSU, Jr
 
WR

The Giants lack a true playmaker outside, which is what Malik Nabers can be. I think he's the best receiver in this draft.

Rating: 93.23 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Brandon Aiyuk
Summary

Malik Nabers is a super-explosive WR prospect. He gets to top gear in a flash and can sustain that speed down the field. He’s effortless off the line and has serious acceleration. He’s a bouncy athlete when needing to elevate. He has plus wiggle off the line and can get on top of CBs quickly to stack them on vertical routes. Physicality can get the best of him in press, but he’s not a weak player. He works well fighting back to the football/finding it down the field and in the red zone. Natural mover with the ball in his hands. He has RB vision, plus quickness, and his supercharged burst all indicate him being a YAC weapon in the NFL. He won't be an elite burner, but he’s certainly not slow. While not tall for the position, he has a "my-ball" mentality in traffic. Route-running is good, but he didn't run the full route tree. He has the athletic chops to be a star in that area eventually. In most classes, he'd be the clear WR1. His game is tailor-made for today's NFL.

About
  • 2023: Converted 78.7% of his receptions into either a first down or a touchdown, according to TruMedia (second-highest among players with at least 100 target)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 catches of 30-plus yards
Strengths
  • Incredible explosiveness
  • RAC ability is elite
  • Will go up and get ball in traffic
Weaknesses
  • Not a huge frame
  • Didn't run many routes in college
  • Occasionally physical press beats him at the line

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 89 1569 17.6 14
7 Joe Alt
Notre Dame, Jr
 
OT

They took guard Peter Skoronski last year, so now they take Joe Alt to play next to him. The line in front of Will Levis suddenly would be much improved.

Rating: 92.87 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Taylor Decker
Summary

Joe Alt made tremendous strides in his career from 2022 to 2023. He looks like a much more flexible prospect capable of digging out smaller rushers. He can struggle with power players that get under his pad level and does not have ideal shock and power in his initial punch. Alt does a great job of adjusting his hands and feet when engaged.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Highest overall PFF grade (90.7) by FBS OL
Strengths
  • Does a great job adjusting his hands and feet when engaged
  • A much more fluid player in 2023 than 2022
  • Does a good job with punch placement
  • Moves well to mirror defenders laterally
Weaknesses
  • Average job of engaging and sustaining blocks in space
  • Average shock and power in his hands
  • Power players can get under his pads and walk him back
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.05 seconds
  • Bench press: 27 reps
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.51 seconds
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
8 Dallas Turner
Alabama, Jr
MOCK TRADE from ATL
EDGE

Mock Trade from: ATL

The Falcons have seemingly been searching for a top-tier edge rusher for a decade. Dallas Turner has those types of skills. They did a lot for the offense in free agency, so now it's time to add to the defense.

Rating: 92.93 (All-Pro)
Summary

Dallas Turner is a quick edge rusher with good first-step quickness. He could stand to add more mass to take his game to another level but is not deficient in that regard. Turner has great waist bend at the high side of his rush to flatten and become a heat-seeking missile towards quarterbacks. He should quickly become a factor for a team at the next level.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and SEC Co-Defensive POY
  • Career: 22.5 sacks and 32.5 TFL (both 2nd in SEC in span)
Strengths
  • Great waist bend at the high side of his rush
  • Good quickness to shoot gaps and get on the hips of blockers
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Plays to the whistle
  • Works back when getting too deep in his rush
Weaknesses
  • Could stand to add more weight to hold up in run support
  • Needs a runway to create power as a rusher
  • Inconsistent job of getting off blocks
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 40-5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
9 Jared Verse EDGE

The Bears need to add an edge player opposite Montez Sweat. Jared Verse has the speed and power teams love. They could consider offensive line here, but edge makes more sense.

Rating: 92.57 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Josh Allen
Summary

Jared Verse is an Albany transfer who was unranked coming out of high school. He would've been a first-round pick after the 2022 season, but he returned to Florida State and will again be a first-round pick in 2024. He plays with heavy hands and is twitchy off the edge. When he is locked in, he is unblockable.

About
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
  • 2022-23: Most pressures (98), T-most sacks (18.0) in ACC over this span
Strengths
  • Stout at the point of attack
  • Plays with heavy hands and has a quick get-off that consistently beats offensive tackles
Weaknesses
  • Made huge stride in Year 1 at Florida State, but leveled off some in Year 2
  • Very little to not love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Bench press: 31 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.44 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
10 Rome Odunze
Washington, Jr
 
WR

They are trying to get more help outside to go with Garrett Wilson. Rome Odunze is a big target who would make a nice complement to Wilson's game -- even with the one-year signing of Mike Williams.

Rating: 92.60 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Muhsin Muhammad
Summary

Washington has attempted to manufacture touches for Rome Odunze for years. He is a good route runner with an ability to elude defenders post-catch. He has great size with the range to go high or low. From 2022 to 2023, he added 15 pounds of good weight to improve his physicality through routes. As he gains more reps carrying that additional weight, he should only improve.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American (2-time first-team All-Pac 12)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 1,640 rec yards (Washington record)
Strengths
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Elusive post-catch
  • Good range to go high or low
  • Does a great job tracking the ball downfield
  • Fluid athlete with good top-end speed
Weaknesses
  • Physicality through his routes
  • Struggles to consistently get off jams at the line of scrimmage
  • Average burst
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.03 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 6.88 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
15 92 1640 17.8 13
11 Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo, Jr
MOCK TRADE from MIN
CB

Mock Trade from: MIN

They signed Sean Murphy-Bunting in free agency, but you can never have enough corners. They also could look to add a receiver here, maybe Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU

Rating: 92.73 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Darius Slay
Summary

Quinyon Mitchell checks a lot of boxes for NFL teams. He has great size to be a man coverage cornerback on the boundary. He has a quick click and close to flash downhill in run support. Mitchell has good top-end speed but gets a bit loose in transitions across the field. He is competitive at the catch point and has great ball production over the past two seasons. Mitchell does not have significant exposure against Power 5 competition.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-MAC
  • Most passes defended in FBS (37) over past 2 seasons
Strengths
  • Six interceptions over the past two seasons
  • Great frame to play on the boundary in man coverage
  • Good top-end speed
  • Competitive at the catch point
  • Quick click and close to impact the run game
Weaknesses
  • Gambler by nature, which could lead to big plays
  • Two games against Power 5 competition in his career
  • Gets a bit loose in transitions occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 20 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 2 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13 1
12 Brock Bowers
Georgia, Jr
 
TE

They don't get a lot out of the position, so taking Brock Bowers would make sense. They could also look to get help for their offensive line.

Rating: 92.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Kittle
Summary

Brock Bowers is a wiry strong athlete who is willing to contribute as a run blocker. His lack of ideal mass means he is more valuable as a blocker in space than inline. Bowers has soft hands and great range to go high or low. He has a good feel for pressing defenders at the route before making his cut. Bowers is incredibly effective creating yards after the catch.

About
  • Career: Only 2-time John Mackey Award winner (given to nation's best TE)
  • Most career rec yds (2,538) and rec TD (26) by TE in SEC history
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job creating separation
  • Builds speed quickly
  • Does not tip off his breaks with his eyes, leans into the defender's body to create spce
  • Great hands and range to make catches outside of his frame
Weaknesses
  • Lacks ideal height
  • Lighter frame makes it more difficult to hold up as an inline blocker

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
10 56 714 12.8 6
13 Taliese Fuaga OT

You can never go wrong taking a big, powerful offensive lineman. Taliese Fuaga would fit better on the right side than Olu Fashanu from Penn State.

Rating: 92.43 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jedrick Wills
Summary

Taliese Fuaga is a large, girthy, mobile people-mover at RT. He has shocking burst and lateral quicks given his gargantuan size; some Penei Sewell-ian vibes when he's on the move. He has frequent mashing reps and is a menace at the second level. He’s an authoritative blocker who tries to get his hands on DLs early. Sometimes quality rushers can throw him off balance, but those reps are few and far between and he works hard to recover. Grip strength could improve and he’s not incredibly accurate at the second level, but he gets out there in a flash. Despite his wide frame and easy power, he could actually add more lower-body strength for setting edge/turning DLs. Kick slide is good, not great. Overall, Fuaga is a mostly ready-to-go classic RT with power and mobility.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Pac 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF run-blocking grade (90.9) in FBS
Strengths
  • Prototypical NFL OT frame
  • Immense athletic gifts for his size
  • Masher at the point of attack
Weaknesses
  • Aggressive style can get the best of him, balance isn't always stellar
  • Needs to add more lower-body strength
  • Good, not great kick slide at times
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.13 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
14 Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Penn State, Jr
 
OT

In this mock, Olu Fashanu falls down this far, which might be unlikely since he's so talented. The Saints have to fix their line, and he would go a long way towards doing that.

Rating: 93.03 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Trent Williams
Summary

Olu Fashanu has long arms, a good base, great athleticism, is solid at the point of attack and consistently anchors well against power rushers. He's patient in his pass sets and rarely panics. He's only going to get better.

About
  • 2023: Consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 697 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Physical freak in every regard; can manhandle edge rushers but has the athleticism to get to the second level and bury his target
  • Still young and developing; he's only going to get better
Weaknesses
  • Needs to continue to refine his technique because he sometimes relies on this athleticism to win vs. lesser opponents
  • Had a better 2022 season, so he'll need to show he can play with more consistency
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.11 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 1 inches
15 Terrion Arnold
Alabama, Soph
 
CB

They have two young corners they like, but in a division loaded with young passers on the rise, they need more. Terrion Arnold would be a nice addition.

Rating: 92.53 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Terrion Arnold is a boundary cornerback with good size. He has average top-end speed but has little difficulty carrying routes up the boundary. Arnold gets a bit loose in routes transitioning across the field and can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a form tackle. He is a high-energy cornerback who will occasionally lose patience and grab the receiver during routes. Over the past two years, Arnold has tremendous ball production. He is not afraid to play downhill in run support and jam at the line of scrimmage.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: 5 INT (T-most in SEC)
Strengths
  • Not afraid to be physical, jam receivers at the line of scrimmage
  • Versatility to play on the boundary or in the slot
  • Willing to play downhill in run support
  • Good size for the position
  • Great ball production over the past two years
Weaknesses
  • Gets a bit loose transitioning across the field
  • 11% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Loses patience and grabs in coverage occasionally
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 37 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14 5
16 Byron Murphy II
Texas, Jr
 
DL

Taking an up-the-field type of player makes sense for new coach Mike Macdonald, who had Justin Madubuike in Baltimore. Byron Murphy II plays a lot like Madubuike.

Rating: 92.13 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Javon Hargrave
Summary

Byron Murphy II is a long armed, squatty, explosive DT. His first-step quicks are a problem for interior OLs, and he gets his hands into their chest in a flash. He resets the line of scrimmage with speed-to-power conversion and effortlessly works across the frame of blockers to soften their edges. He has a nice rip move and uses an occasional swipe. He’s a very fluid athlete with loose hips who can track the football down the line of scrimmage. He will occasionally drop to one knee to anchor against doubles, but it's not a clear strength. He’s surprisingly powerful at the point of attack given his size. His hands are never complacent, and he works noticeably hard against the run and is rarely on the ground. He’s best in a pure up-the-field pass-rush role. He has good block-shed ability. He doesn't have enough pure strength to counter off the initial rush, but that rush is almost always super explosive.

About
  • 2023 Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big 12
  • 2023: Highest PFF pass-rush grade (91.5) among FBS DT
Strengths
  • Exudes explosiveness
  • Pass-rush moves he deploys are highly effective
  • 100% effort on every play
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't always have a counter ready if his first move fails
  • Smaller size gets him washed out against the run at times
  • Won't be great against doubles
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
  • Bench press: 28 reps
  • Vertical jump: 33 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
17 Brian Thomas Jr.
LSU, Jr
 
WR

They tried to keep Calvin Ridley, but he went to Tennessee. So now they add a speedy, big player to go with Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. They could consider corner here as well.

Rating: 91.77 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: George Pickens
Summary

Brian Thomas Jr. is a tall, decently sculpted perimeter wideout with plus ball-tracking capabilities. He’s not super explosive, but he can win off the line to the inside or outside or with physicality. Some wiggle to his game, which also pops after the catch. Surprising agility for a taller WR. Deceptive long speed, and his build-up speed surprises DBs. He has some high-point ability and will find the ball over his shoulder/in-traffic with good regularity. He shows flashes dipping past DBs in his route. Nothing about his game stands out more than the rest; he’s just a solid all-around WR prospect with a relatively polished game and fair amount of upside due to his age.

About
  • 2023: Third-team All-American (AP)
  • 2023: Led FBS with 17 rec TD last season (T-5th most in SEC history)
Strengths
  • Complete game, rock-solid in every element of playing WR
  • Tracks the football downfield with ease
  • Plus cutting skills after the catch for a taller WR
Weaknesses
  • Not incredibly explosive
  • Sometimes, physicality disrupts him
  • Not a contact-balance type after the catch
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
  • Bench press: 11 reps
  • Vertical jump: 38.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 68 1177 17.3 17
18 JC Latham
Alabama, Jr
 
OT

They need to get a long-term answer at right tackle and JC Latham is a perfect fit. He is a big, power player who will give them a nice right tackle even after they signed Trent Brown to a one-year deal.

Rating: 91.47 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Teven Jenkins
Summary

JC Latham is a big power/anchor-based RT with vice grips for hands. Good quickness. Best in quick-setting scenario where he can get his hands on EDGEs instantly. Just enough athleticism to get back to secondary rushers on stunts or delayed blitzes. Very patient and collected in pass pro. Glides laterally against inside moves/counters. Could play with more of a mean streak. Not highly effective in space/on the move. Has room to improve as a run blocker. Must add more sand in his pants at the NFL level. Anchoring flashes on film that are awesome. Understands his assignments but can be a tick labored/awkward getting there. At times opens the gate too early -- it shouldn't be as easy to soften his edge. Generates plenty of torque. Size, natural power, and some athletic flashes make him a fun OT prospect.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-SEC
  • 3 sacks allowed in 970 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Large, naturally strong frame
  • Plenty of experience in the SEC at multiple positions
  • Rarely out of position
Weaknesses
  • Movements can be a bit labored
  • Not as nasty at the point of attack as his size would indicate
  • Must improve as a run blocker
19 Laiatu Latu
UCLA, Sr
 
EDGE

With Aaron Donald gone, they need to get help on the edge to help improve the rush. They have some good, young down players, but need edge help. Laiatu Latu can be that guy.

Rating: 91.97 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Jaelan Phillips
Summary

Laiatu Latu is a tall, well-built edge rusher. He tends to rush a tick high, but he has a nasty, often-used swim move. He’s fast and effective with it. He’s a highly capable athlete. He dips/leans around the corner and retraces when he's past the QB. Everything about his rush skill set is very natural and smooth. He has never-stopping hands, and there's some power to them. Swipe and rip are there, too. He wins with leverage and using OTs (and OGs) momentum against them when countering. Burst is great but not elite. At times, his higher rushes and desire to use the swim leave his midsection susceptible and his power sapped. He works hard against the run. He has a large tackling radius and can be a menace against OGs inside when they don't get up and under him. Good bend for his size, but it’s not a trademark attribute. Closing speed is impressive. He needs to add a bull rush. Overall, Latu is a three-down edge rusher in the NFL and an All-Pro talent with polish.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (First from UCLA since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2005)
  • Led FBS with 23.5 sacks in past two seasons
Strengths
  • Towering, lengthy frame
  • Wins with a variety of pass-rush moves
  • Bend/speed around the corner are awesome for his size
Weaknesses
  • Doesn't have a consistent bull rush, lacks some power
  • Rushes can get high
  • At times, leaves his midsection open to blockers
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 2
20 Troy Fautanu
Washington, Jr
 
IOL

They need more help up front, and Troy Fautanu can play guard or tackle. He is a power player who fits the Steelers.

Rating: 89.77 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Tyler Steen
Summary

Troy Fautanu is a smaller, compact, quickness-based OT prospect with plus awareness and quality feet. He's a quick setter. Clearly he has to get stronger, as anchoring capabilities are not where they need to be. Because of power deficiency, he has to lean into his blocks, which makes it easier for DLs to get off him against the run. He's further ahead as a pass protector right now, which isn't the worst dynamic. Lateral quicks to follow inside moves into the pocket. Not enough sustained juice in his kick slide to get to speedy outside rushers. He may have a future at guard because he doesn't possess a classic NFL OT frame. He's very mobile and gets to the second level in a hurry, though he's not very accurate finding LBs there. Grip strength must improve at the next level. Despite that, he has outstanding hand work; he swats down hands, constantly looking to reset his hands to control defenders. He's very capable picking up stunts. Overall, the physical tools are there for Fautanu, but he has to get stronger and learn to get more depth/speed in his traditional pass-blocking sets.

About
  • 2023: Morris Trophy winner (best OL in Pac-12)
  • 2023: Fifth-best PFF pass-block grade (88.2) among FBS OT
Strengths
  • Plus athlete, light on his feet
  • Awareness is awesome, will get to inside moves, blitzes, and stunts
  • Comfortable in space on screens and combos at the second level
Weaknesses
  • Not quite explosive enough to get to outside speed rushers in traditional pass set
  • Has to get significantly stronger at the NFL level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.01 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
21 Amarius Mims
Georgia, Jr
 
OT

Terron Armstead is getting up in the years and was said to be considering retiring, so it's time to get a long-term left tackle. Amarius Mims can play right guard in 2024 when Armstead is on the field.

Rating: 91.80 (All-Pro)
Pro Comparison: Evan Neal
Summary

Amarius Mims has the athleticism and talent to become the best offensive tackle from this draft class. Injuries have limited the right tackle's availability, but his performance against Ohio State in 2022 put him on the national radar. He does a good job adjusting his feet when engaged in pass protection and drives his feet on contact in the run game. Mims can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged and would be better served working on his punch placement and being more aggressive at the point of attack.

About
  • 2021-22: 2-Time CFP national champion (starter in 2022)
  • Career: 0 sacks allowed on 377 career pass-blocking snaps
Strengths
  • Absorbs contact well
  • Does a great job adjusting his feet when engaged
  • Drives feet on contact in the run game
  • Great upper body strength
  • Good foot quickness
Weaknesses
  • Limited playing experience due to injuries
  • Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Punch placement can improve
  • Would like to see him dictate action at the point of attack more often
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 5.07 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 25.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
22 Kool-Aid McKinstry
Alabama, Jr
 
CB

Corner is a big issue for them as age has become a problem with their starters. They need to get a young cover player who can improve the back end.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Antoine Cason
Summary

Kool-Aid McKinstry has been a key contributor for the Alabama defense since his freshman campaign. He has good top-end speed, but it is not always evident on film. McKinstry is a smart player with good route recognition, but he can do a better job of tracking the ball downfield. He shows good foot quickness to mirror receivers up the boundary and transition across the field.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-American (2-time first-team All-SEC)
  • Career: 0 TD allowed on 1,206 coverage snaps
Strengths
  • Good top-end speed
  • Does a good job transitioning across the field
  • Good foot quickness to mirror receivers
  • Smart cornerback who understands his responsibilities
Weaknesses
  • Can catch him leaning at the stem in man coverage
  • 8.1% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
  • Downfield tracking

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
14
23 Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon, Jr
MOCK TRADE from MIN
IOL

Mock Trade from: MIN

They need to get better inside and center Hjalte Froholdt is in the final year of his contract. Jackson Powers-Johnson would give them a nice player to develop the line around.

Rating: 87.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Creed Humphrey
Summary

Jackson Powers-Johnson consistently wins with effort and strength and is one of the best offensive linemen in the class. He is at his best when he is uncovered at the line and can step freely to defensive linemen, or climb to the second level.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (5th in Oregon history)
  • 2023: Better pass-blocking grade than former top center prospects Tyler Linderbaum and Creed Humphrey
Strengths
  • Uses hands well to shock defensive linemen in pass pro
  • Shows ability to re-anchor vs. nose tackles
  • Good athlete, can combo block and lock up second-level defender quickly to ensure gap integrity in run game
  • Tenacious, consistent in both run and pass-blocking
Weaknesses
  • Can struggle to block defenders and create movement when he is covered
Combine Data
  • Bench press: 30 reps
  • Vertical jump: 32 inches
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 8 inches
24 Nate Wiggins
Clemson, Jr
 
CB

Corner help is needed with Stephon Gilmore gone. Nate Wiggins has outstanding cover skills, but some scouts have knocked him for his tackling. But he's not as bad on tape as that sounds.

Rating: 88.80 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kaiir Elam
Summary

Nate Wiggins is arguably the best cover cornerback in this draft class. Wiggins has a slight frame, so he will need to add weight, but he was much improved against the run in 2023 compared to the previous season. He can run with anybody and is consistently making plays at the catch point.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-ACC
  • 2 career INT return TD (including 98-yard pick-6 vs Drake Maye)
Strengths
  • Smooth in transition from man to covering vertical routes
  • Uses hands well to control wideout through the route, stays in phase
  • Might be best coverage corner in class
Weaknesses
  • Did improve in run support but needs to continue to get better
  • Slight frame; will need to add weight at the next level
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.28 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 36 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
25 Cooper DeJean
Iowa, Jr
 
CB

They need help at corner and Cooper DeJean would make sense. He could also move inside to safety if they needed to do that down the road.

Rating: 88.27 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Jaycee Horn
Summary

Cooper DeJean is an extremely physical cornerback at the catch point who has big size and great speed. He can run with any wide receiver and is very smooth when flipping his hips and staying in phase on vertical routes. He also adds something in the return game.

About
  • 2023: Unanimous All-American (2-time first-team All-Big Ten)
  • 2022: 5 INT (including Iowa single-season record 3 pick-sixes)
Strengths
  • Extremely physical at catch point, even if he gets beaten earlier in route; has ability to recover and make play on ball
  • Even from off man, can drive downhill and close separation gap in a hurry on in-breaking routes
  • Has return ability
Weaknesses
  • Is his NFL future at CB or safety?
  • Can get too handsy at times in coverage

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10 2
26 Graham Barton
Duke, Sr
 
OT

The center spot was an issue for them last year, so taking Graham Barton makes sense. He played tackle last year, but most teams think he's better off inside.

Rating: 85.53 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Peter Skoronski
Summary

Graham Barton is a short-area quickness, hustle, technique based OT in somewhat of an OG body. Works the angles awesomely. Tends to lean into blocks when getting across the line. Occasionally late with his hands -- and they get outside -- but his sweet feet kept him in position in pass pro. Effortlessly slides against inside moves. Doesn't have enough length or power to anchor around the corner with great consistency. Plus accuracy getting to the second level because he trusts his athleticism. Very aware of stunts, and will get to most of them. Definitely has a nasty demeanor finishing blocks. Probably a guard at the next level but has enough juice to play center, too. Versatility and relatively clean film at OT are his biggest selling points.

About
  • 2023: Second-team All-American
  • 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-ACC
Strengths
  • Light feet when executing all blocks
  • Works the angles/leverages awesomely
  • Plus accuracy finding LBs at second level
Weaknesses
  • Lacks power, doesn't have much anchor
  • Tends to get off balance against bigger rushers
  • Minimal length
27 Xavier Worthy
Texas, Jr
 
WR

They need deep speed in their offense. Xavier Worthy blew away the 40-yard dash at the combine, so he could be that guy. He isn't big, but he can fly.

Rating: 88.17 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: DeVonta Smith
Summary

Xavier Worthy is a thin-framed wide receiver who shows great quickness to set up route breaks and sinks his hips to flatten his routes. He lacks the mass to make much of an impact as a blocker and could struggle getting off jams at the next level. Worthy has great top-end speed to separate on vertical routes.

About
  • 2-time first-team All-Big 12 (2021, 2023)
  • Career: Led Big 12 in rec yards (2,755) and rec TD (26)
Strengths
  • Great top-end speed
  • Shows urgency at the route stem to get out of his breaks
  • Shows hands late as to not tip off the defender
  • Sinks his hips into breaks and flattens routes
Weaknesses
  • Thin frame
  • Lacks of mass makes it difficult to get off jams at the line of scrimmage
  • Offers little as a blocker
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.21 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 41 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 11 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
14 75 1014 13.5 5
28 Troy Franklin
Oregon, Jr
 
WR

Troy Franklin is thin, but he can fly. The Bills need a burner to help open up the passing game. Franklin has that type of ability.

Rating: 86.07 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Justin Jefferson
Summary

Troy Franklin is a decently tall, lanky and polished WR prospect. Stylistically -- his frame and how he moves on the field -- gives me Justin Jefferson vibes. Franklin is a smooth operator running routes, finding soft spots in zone, getting into DB's blind spot, etc. He's got good, not amazing explosiveness; his long speed is most impressive. He flashes wiggle to beat press at the line, just not ultra consistent there. He could stand to get stronger to deal with press physicality and during the route. He wants to shake DBs after the catch on simple comebacks. He won't bounce off tacklers but can juke them, as he has quality short-area burst in those scenarios. His separation isn't amazing, but he has the goods to eventually excel there because of his athleticism and moments of intricacy creating space in the route. His biggest weaknesses is a lack of physical nature to his game, and his hands are good, not great. He tracks it well but doesn't always get to it at its highest point and did have some easy drops on film. Overall, Franklin is a uniquely framed flashy wideout with upside.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-Pac 12
  • 2023: 1,383 rec yds, 14 rec TD (Oregon program records)
Strengths
  • Unique frame allows him to fly down the field and be flexible to run sharp routes
  • Short-area burst to win after the catch and at the line
  • Tracks the football well deep
Weaknesses
  • Not overly physical
  • Some easy drops on film
  • Could be more explosive off the ball
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.41 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.31 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 6.9 seconds

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 81 1383 17.1 14
29 Darius Robinson
Missouri, Sr
 
EDGE

They signed Marcus Davenport in free agency to a one-year deal, but they need more help. Darius Robinson could be a major steal in this spot playing opposite Aiden Hutchinson.

Rating: 88.93 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Keion White
Summary

Darius Robinson is a DE/DT hybrid. Jolting and active hands. Great swipe to rip and bull rush is legitimate. Serious, near NFL-caliber power. Length galore. Some flexibility. While not ridiculously explosive, he's a better athlete than most DL/EDGEs his size. Wins with counters off his bull rush. Expansive tackling radius. Mostly rushed as an end in three-man fronts in college. Doesn't deploy pass-rush moves as often as he should. Most of his losses as a pass-rusher come when he rushes too high. Overall, Robinson is a new-age 5-technique with legitimate positional versatility, immense length and power.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-SEC
  • 2023: Led Mizzou DL with 43 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and 14 TFL
Strengths
  • Serious specimen with length and power
  • Legit positional versatility
  • Athleticism and pass-rush moves are impressive
Weaknesses
  • Rushes can get too high
  • Needs to deploy hands more frequently
  • Wins aren't always quick
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds
  • Bench press: 21 reps
  • Vertical jump: 35 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
30 Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Missouri, Jr
 
CB

The Ravens need to inject some youth into their corner spot. They also lost Ronald Darby to the Jaguars in free agency. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. didn't test great, but he plays faster than his times.

Rating: 87.40 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Kyle Fuller
Summary

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is a thinner built cornerback who is not afraid to mix it up. He is willing to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and is competitive at the catch point despite limited ball production. Rakestraw does a good job transitioning across the field and up the boundary but allows too much cushion underneath in zone coverage.

About
  • Career: Allowed 0 TD in 1,017 career coverage snaps
  • Career: 24 passes defended (T-3rd most in SEC since 2020)
Strengths
  • Triggers downhill quickly in run support
  • Fluid hips to transition across the field or carry routes vertically
  • Competitive at the catch point
Weaknesses
  • Limited ball production
  • Gets stuck at the top of his drop occasionally
  • Allows a lot of room underneath in zone coverage
  • Frame on the thin side
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.51 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 0 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
9
31 Chop Robinson
Penn State, Jr
 
EDGE

They signed Leonard Floyd, but they need more help rushing the passer. Chop Robinson has the speed that would show up in their defense.

Rating: 89.40 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Nik Bonitto
Summary

Chop Robinson plays with as high a motor as you'll see at any level. He will test through the roof, and that testing will match his tape. Plays every snap at an 11 on a 10-point scale, and for as active as he is as a pass-rusher, he's also really good against the run.

About
  • 2023: First-team All-Big Ten (4.0 sacks, 7.5 TFL in 10 games)
  • 2022-23: Led Big Ten with 18.6% pressure rate
Strengths
  • Twitched-up edge rusher who plays much bigger than his size
  • Consistently disruptive in the backfield
  • Uses hands well as a pass-rusher but also solid against the run
Weaknesses
  • Undersized but plays much bigger than his measurements
  • Very little not to love about his game
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
  • 20-yard shuttle run: 4.25 seconds
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 8 inches

2023 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
7
32 Adonai Mitchell
Texas, Jr
 
WR

They signed Marquise Brown to a one-year deal, but they need long-term help. Adonai Mitchell can stretch the field, which they need. Could also consider corner here.

Rating: 89.10 (High-level starter)
Pro Comparison: Michael Wilson
Summary

Adonai Mitchell is a tall WR prospect with a somewhat sleek frame. His hip sink/lateral quicks are impressive for a WR his height. He flashed sharp route-running ability and sells intricate routes well, particularly double moves down the field. He understands how to set up DBs with head/shoulder fakes and subtle jukes. He did see some press coverage in college and was capable of beating it with quicks, although he's not a release master at this stage. He has forward lean in his routes, which comes from impressive burst off the line and plus sustained speed. He’s got legit long speed, but not a YAC type; he only had a few impressive scampers after the catch in college. The athleticism is there to do it, but he has low-level contact balance. He has reliable, strong hands but wasn't a big contested-catch winner. He hasn't played a ton of football. Overall, Mitchell is a young WR prospect with smooth athleticism and route-salesmanship beyond his years, all of which indicate his best football is in front of him.

About
  • 2023: Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year
  • 2023: Led the Big 12 in receiving TDs (11)
Strengths
  • Large frame with strong hands
  • Forward lean in his routes with smooth athletic gifts and plus speed
  • Despite being larger, is a already a gifted route runner
Weaknesses
  • Minimal YAC capabilities due to lesser contact balance
  • Only flashes of contested-catch wins despite his size
  • Hasn't played a ton of football
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.34 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 11 feet, 4 inches

2023 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
14 55 845 15.4 11

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