One of the biggest stories within every Draft Class is the Quarterbacks and this class has one of the worst groups of the last decade. The top two QBs are a cut above the rest but for reference, would be below all 6 of last year's 1st round QBs. The fact they are the best of this group means they will be drafted high but be prepared for only 2 First Rounders this year and possibly for them to fall out of the top 5.
Not only is the QB group weak this year, but the entire class can be classified as weak and specific positional groups in particular. If you're looking for more specifics on the class as a whole, make sure to check out my 'NFL Prospect Big Board' dropping in the next couple days.
This exercise is to show which prospects are looked at with 1st round grades coupled with NFL teams best and biggest needs at the moment. After Free Agency we will get a more clear look at their needs but for now, this is what we got.
A Few Disclaimers:
- Draft Order from 19-32 comes from My Playoff Predictions
- No Trades
_________________________________
1. Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado
Tennessee Titans
Big Board Rank: 8
Pro Comp: Andy Dalton
Sanders may not have the skill or hype that we've seen with other #1 pick QBs in the past but he is still a coveted NFL prospect. One of the most accurate throwers we've seen coming out of college in a long time, Sanders 74% completion percentage this season led the nation and his career 71.8% is best all-time. Sanders is also unquestionably tough, taking over 150+ sacks in college and always getting back up.
Sanders may not be ready to start in the NFL right away but in a crowded Tennessee QB room, he should emerge at a Pro Bowl-level by his second season.
___________________________________
2. Cameron Ward QB Miami
Cleveland Browns
Big Board Rank: 15
Pro Comp: Jordan Love
A similar story as Sanders, Ward's collegiate career will be remembered historically as one of the greats with the most career passing yards. Ward's aura is different however, with Sanders having arguably the highest floor of any QB in the class, Ward has the highest ceiling. Cam Ward's arm comes without question as one of the most fluid throwers with great velocity and power. However, he has concerns surrounding him about decision-making and inconsistent accuracy. If Sanders should sit a year to learn NFL basics, Ward may need to sit for 2 years to hone his skills.
Cleveland desperately needs a QB and behind Winston and possibly Watson, Ward should be afforded the opportunity to learn and grow before stepping onto the field.
___________________________________
3. Travis Hunter CB Colorado
New York Giants
Big Board Rank: 1
Pro Comp: Deion Sanders
Perhaps the greatest athlete College Football has seen since Saquon Barkley, Travis Hunter has done things that was previously unthinkable this season. Awarded the best WR and DB in the country meant the Heisman wasn't far away.
The biggest question will be Hunter's position at the next level; he's already stated that he wants to play both sides of the ball but that may not be practical. Projecting better as a CB, Hunter should enter the league and immediately be a lockdown DB but could definitely play 15-20 snaps a game at WR. Both positions of need for the Giants.
___________________________________
4. Will Campbell OT LSU
New England Patriots
Big Board Rank: 7
Pro Comp: Quenton Nelson
One of the "fallers" on a lot of draft boards in recent weeks, Will Campbell is the best linemen in the class. The dig on Campbell is a lack of arm length that has him projected to play Guard in the NFL. The thing is, even if he does play Guard he will be an All-Pro level Guard in the NFL. In 1,595 passing plays Campbell let up 32 hurries (2%), 13 QB Hits (.8%) and only 4 sacks (.3%).
The Patriots desperately need OL help and whether Campbell plays inside or outside, his ability to play either may be the most attractive skill set to Mike Vrabel.
___________________________________
5. Will Johnson CB Michigan
Jacksonville Jaguars
Big Board Rank: 3
Pro Comp: A.J. Terrell
The Jaguars need a lot of pieces on their defense and depending on their new Head Coach is, Will Johnson will be the perfect fit for them. A definitive Top-7 player in this draft, Johnson will transform the weak secondary in Jacksonville with his ability to play man or zone. A true #1 boundary corner could be the first move in making the Jaguars defense feared after giving up the most pass yards per game last season.
___________________________________
6. Mason Graham DT Michigan Las Vegas Raiders
Big Board Rank: 2
Pro Comp: Quinnen Williams
The Raiders would love to take a Quarterback here but with the only two First-Round talents off the board take the best player available. Mason Graham is the best interior D-linemen to come into the NFL since his Pro Comp, Quinnen Williams in 2019. The Raiders D-line starts and stops with Maxx Crosby and pairing the perennial Pro Bowler with a DT like Graham could give their defense the extra juice to make some noise next season and several more season after that.
___________________________________
7. Abdul Carter LB Penn St.
New York Jets
Big Board Rank: 5
Pro Comp: Micah Parsons
An easy comparison to Micah Parsons means that Abdul Carter has the potential to be a top-Edge threat in the NFL in the not-so-far future. Stealing him at 7 would be best case scenario for the Jets who got a great season out of Will MacDonald and not much else. Carter's production would instantly make the secondary's job easier and could truly reach their potential as the best unit in the league instantly.
___________________________________
8. Tetairoa McMillan WR Arizona
Carolina Panthers
Big Board Rank: 6
Pro Comp: Keenan Allen
Bryce Young's emergence in the second half of the season showed that he can still make it in this league and if he will, he'll need better weapons. Not to bag on Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette but they are much better suited as complimentary pieces and Tetairoa McMillan is a potential All-Pro. At 6'5 and 215 pounds, McMillan is a physical presence with great hands that will help Bryce Young and the Panthers become legit contenders.
___________________________________
9. James Pearce Jr. Edge Tennessee
New Orleans Saints
Big Board Rank: 10
Pro Comp:
Before the season, Pearce Jr. was a consensus #1 pick and has fallen down many draft boards even farther than 9. While I'm not as high on him as I was before the season either, I still believe he is a Top-10 talent. The knock on Pearce is his potential to play the whole season at only 240 pounds. The thing is, from a pure talent perspective, Pearce Jr is the best Edge in the class and the Saints could use it. Instantly paired with Cam Jordan as his heir-apparent in New Orleans, Pearce Jr. could get double-digits sacks in his first season.
___________________________________
10. Kelvin Banks Jr. OT Texas
Chicago Bears
Big Board Rank: 14
Pro Comp: Tytus Howard
Many projections have Banks Jr. as a Guard at the pro level but wherever he plays he will be amongst the strongest of his group. An imposing linemen, once Banks Jr. gets his hands on you their's no escape. The Bears gave up the most sacks in the league to their #1 pick QB last season and could use 2 or 3 linemen. Banks' versatility could be his strongest asset for the Bears who need solid protection for Caleb no matter where they play.
___________________________________
11. Nic Scourton Edge Texas A&M
San Francisco 49ers
Big Board Rank: 11
Pro Comp: Brandon Graham
A do-it-all Edge threat, Scourton will be the compliment to Nick Bosa the 49ers have been searching for for years now. Quick and powerful, Scourton will need some coaching for his hand placement and acquiring more pass rush moves, but his freaky athleticism means his potential is sky high especially when learning from one of the best pass rusher sin the game.
___________________________________
12. Ashton Jeanty RB Boise St.
Dallas Cowboys
Big Board Rank: 4
Pro Comp: Maurice Jones-Drew
This draft pick is one that I would not normally make for a team with multiple needs on both offense and defense but with further thought and research makes too much sense. Not only to the Cowboys have a propensity to draft or value RBs highly but Jeanty is a steal at this pick and is the best fit of all remaining prospects. When you factor in Rico Dowdle's expiring contract, Jeanty to the Cowboys seems like the perfect marriage.
___________________________________
13. Luther Burden III WR Missouri
Miami Dolphins
Big Board Rank: 12
Pro Comp: Julian Edelman
The Dolphins are legitimately on the presuppose of being Super Bowl contenders if Tua can stay healthy. Unfortunately with the Tyreek Hill drama, the Dolphins will need another WR to pair with Waddle and Luther Burden's ability in the slot would make him the perfect fit.
___________________________________
14. Malaki Starks SAF Georgia
Indianapolis Colts
Big Board Rank: 9
Pro Comp: Jessie Bates III
One of the biggest fallers in the draft only because of "positional importance", Malaki Starks is the best All-around DB in the class. Able to line up in 4 different positions and equally good against the pass or run, a do-it-all DB is exactly what the Colts need in a secondary filled with average players and backups at best.
___________________________________
15. Mykel Williams Edge Georgia
Atlanta Falcons
Big Board Rank: 13
Pro Comp: Carl Granderson
A player with sky-high potential, Mykel Williams is a genetic freak with freakishly long arms and terrific vision. His best asset is setting the edge against the run but his pass rush potential is there due to unbelievable athleticism. Home to the worst pass rush in the league, the premier pass rushers are gone at this point and while Williams may not become a pass rusher for 2 years or so, he may be the best of the class in a few years time if paced and coached correctly.
___________________________________
16. Jalon Walker LB Georgia
Arizona Cardinals
Big Board Rank: 16
Pro Comp: Kyle Van Noy
A linebacker at his core, Walker also possesses edge rush traits that make him a very-high floor OLB at the pro level. The Cardinals could use every position on defense at this point and drafting a versatile LB who is a proven winner and leader at Georgia could be the missing piece in a defense full of young DBs and DLs already.
___________________________________
17. Shavon Revel Jr. CB Eastern Carolina
Cincinnati Bengals
Pro Comp: Tariq Woolen
An injury concern may push Revel Jr. down the board after tearing his ACL at the beginning of the season. As a player however, Revel is one of the most physically dominant DBs in this class at 6'3 and 195 pounds with a bonafide mean streak. The Bengals haven't had a Pro Bowl DB since 2015 and if given the proper time to heal his injury, Revel Jr. will not only be their CB1 but could finally end that almost-decade long streak.
___________________________________
18. Jonah Savaiinaea OG Arizona
Seattle Seahawks
Pro Comp: Darnell Wright
Another versatile O-linemen, Savaiinaea (Sav-I-Nye-E-uh) is a 6'5, 330 pound mauler and the perfect fit for a soft interior on the Seahawks. This will be regarded as a reach for most draft experts but so was Charles Cross in 2022 who is now the Seahawks best O-linemen. Savaiinaea may be a reach but even if he's a solid, not great Guard for multiple years, their line will be stronger and the pick will be worth it.
___________________________________
19. Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Big Board Rank: 17
Pro Comp: Kendall Fuller
I am a huge fan of Benjamin Morrison. He suffered a hip injury which required surgery in October and could be much more serious than a "common" ACL injury, but before said injury, I had Morrison as my #1 pure corner in the draft above Johnson and even Hunter. If Morrison could get to where he was before the injury, the Buccaneers will get a prototype size CB with instincts, ball skills and athleticism that could make him an All-Pro for a team that DESPERATELY needs a corner. Even if he only regains 80-90% of his mobility and agility he'll still be their CB1.
___________________________________
20. Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio St.
Denver Broncos
Pro Comp: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
One of the best route runners in the draft, Egbuka is the latest Ohio State WR to go in the First Round and should be an excellent fit on the Broncos who could use a #2 man for Bo Nix. Egbuka is a better version of Jerry Jeudy who was traded form Denver at the deadline. In perspective from Sean Payton, Egbuka is cut from a similar cloth as Michael Thomas as an athletic route runner capable of catching 100+ catches a year.
___________________________________
21. J.T. Tuimoloau Edge Ohio St.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pro Comp: Cameron Jordan
A nasty, powerful edge rusher, J.T. Tuimoloau's 11.5 sacks this season should rocket him up to First Round-material. The Steelers first round-strategy over the last few years seemingly has been to go after guys who "fit the Steeler mold" and maybe no player better fits that description of Tuimoloau. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith may have a mean streak but are more finesse than power and a little bit of changeup before Highsmith's contract ends next season could be wonderful for this defense.
___________________________________
22. Wyatt Milum OT West Virginia
Houston Texans
Pro Comp: Luke Goedeke
Yet... ANOTHER versatile O-linemen in this class, Milum stands 6'6" and 317 pounds with technical skills that make him great in both pass pro and run blocking. The Texans had one of the worst pass blocking in the league this year and if Milum doesn't work out as a true Tackle in the pros, would make an excellent Guard and solidify the interior of this group.
___________________________________
23. Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
Green Bay Packers
Pro Comp: D.J. Reader
#3 on Bruce Feldman's freak list, Grant's 340-pound stature makes him a NFL-Nose Tackle who has the speed and agility of a 5-tech pass rusher. His athleticism makes up for a skill set that will need improvement at the next level. The Packers have missed on several DI prospects in hopes of being the next Kenny Clark and truth is, Grant has potential to be even better.
___________________________________
24. Jahdae Barron DB Texas
Minnesota Vikings
Pro Comp: Kool-Aid McKinstry
Another one of MY guys that I like more than others, Barron is a high-floor DB who is physical and has great ball skills. A natural leader, Barron has been a captain on the Longhorns defense for 2 years now and brings experience and versatility to a Vikings secondary that could go through a lot of change this offseason. Not the best athlete, Barron's tape will be his major selling point and is deserving of a draft pick this high in a weak DB class.
___________________________________
25. Tyler Warren TE Penn State Los Angeles Rams
Pro Comp: Evan Engram
From a player I would reach for to a player I would take much lower than others, Warren has become a "Top-15" player and TE1 to a lot of people but I don't buy it. He's remarkably talented and great with the ball in his hands for a 260-pounder, but without the same usage rate he got at Penn State, I don't believe he's a true game changer. He is definitely worthy of a first-round pick though and has the most potential at the position... but also the highest bust potential.
___________________________________
26. Colston Loveland WR Texas
Los Angeles Chargers
Pro Comp: Jameson Williams
My TE1, Loveland isn't the best blocker but is as reliable a pass catcher as you'll find in the draft. In the mold of Kyle Pitts and Brock Bowers, Loveland will be most effective in the slot and in the red zone where he can use his 6'5, 245-pound frame to make contested catches in the middle of the field and rumble for an extra 5-yards after the catch. Loveland's connection to Jim Harbaugh makes this pick too easy to make and should become Herbert's #2 option behind McConkey in no time.
___________________________________
27. Josh Simmons OT Ohio State
Washington Commanders
Pro Comp: Charles Cross
If not for a knee injury during this season, Simmons may have been as high as a Top-10 pick. Simmons may be the only legitimate LT in this class with a 6'5", 310-pound frame and excellent arm length. The Commanders had a magical run this year behind Jayden Daniels and should do everything in their power to protect him. With a stud like Simmons available this late, take him, let him take his time to recover and watch Daniels thrive.
___________________________________
28. Deone Walker DT Kentucky
Buffalo Bills
Pro Comp: John Henderson
So this is anoth3er one of MY guys who is projected closer to a mid-2nd or even 3rd round pick. Deone Walker has potential to be the biggest game changer in this draft, standing at 6'6" and 345 pounds at nose tackle, Walker has sneaky athleticism too. His ability to stay on the field for an NFL workload is his biggest critique and while he's also doesn't have the best pass rush repertoire, Walker's potential at the next level as a black hole in the middle of the defense could be the perfect p[airing with Ed Oliver in Sean McDermott's defense.
___________________________________
29. Omarion Hampton RB North Carolina
Baltimore Ravens
Pro Comp: Najee Harris
Hear me out, this is definitely not a need for the Ravens but man would it make this offense even more explosive. Derrick Henry may not have too many years at this level left and while Hampton is a plan for the future, it also solves the 3DRB role that Henry doesn't quite have. If made, this move may make the Ravens' offensive weapons the BEST in the entire league.
___________________________________
30. Cameron Williams OT Texas
Philadelphia Eagles
Pro Comp: Jawaan Taylor
A powerful and athletic freak, Williams doesn't have the prestige YET to be compared to Lane Johnson, but being drafted to the Eagles and being mentored by Johnson could easily build him to that level. Williams is an imposing tackle with the size and strength to be an NFL tackle. He will need work on zone schemes and agility training to be effective against speed rushers but a year of tutelage, which is the "Eagles way" could be exactly what he needs.
___________________________________
31. Princely Umanmielen Edge Ole Miss
Kansas City Chiefs
Pro Comp: Matthew Judon
A similar pick to Felix Anudike-Uzomah 2 years ago, Umanmielen is a pure speed rusher with a rare ability to turn finesse moves to power moves at just the right time. His best strength is his bend which he couples with an NFL-frame of 6'5" and 255 pounds to get past the best tackles in College. A more diverse skill set will be needed to make him All-Pro worthy, and could be the missing piece to an already dominant Chiefs' defense.
___________________________________
32. Armand Membou OG Missouri
Detroit Lions
Pro Comp: Alijah-Vera Tucker
A college Tackle at Missouri, Membou translates better to Guard and would be an amazing fit in Detroit for their interior. Able to play Tackle if needed, Membou would quite literally make this offense the best running squadron in the league with his great size and mean streak. Similar to the Ravens' pick, this is not a need but rather an extra piece to make a great unit potentially an all-time great unit.
___________________________________
Check out fansonlysportz.com for more sports meeida content posted daily.
Make sure to stay tuned as we continue NFL Draft coverage throughout the next several months!
-Z.D.
Комментарии