Player Trades
Deebo Samuel heads East
Jets receive: Deebo Samuel
49ers receive: 1.10, 3.69, 2023 5th
Deebo Samuel had an All-Pro year, but has followed it up by requesting out of San Francisco. Everyone has their guess as to why, but we don’t know for sure. What we are being told is that Samuel told the team to refrain from even making an offer, and asked to be traded. The Jets add an elite, versatile weapon for Zach Wilson as the 49ers gain a top pick to control the damage of losing Samuel, as well as some mid-round capital.
Kadarius Toney out of NYC early
Chiefs receive: Kadarius Toney, 5.147
Giants receive: 3.94
Kadarius Toney flashed his potential when on the field last year, but that’s just the problem. He was not on the field very often. While off the field, there have already been multiple issues with the team. The Giants recoup some value from Toney as the Chiefs take a shot on a young WR who could turn into a huge steal for them.
Giants Stay Active
Giants receive: 3.86, 2023 4th
Raiders receive: James Bradberry, 4.112
The Giants make another move as they ship off rumored to be available CB James Bradberry to the Raiders, who will be very grateful to have his services, for some improved draft capital.
Round 1
1) Jacksonville Jaguars- Aidan Hutchinson (EDGE, Michigan)
The consensus top overall pick at this point, though Travon Walker has been pushing for that spot recently. The Jaguars go with who they likely think is the best player available. Hutchinson has a mix of quickness and power, and can win in multiple ways. The primary concern with him is his arm length, as establishing first contact can be vital. But this is a player who tested very well physically, and is a great athlete. He is scheme versatile and has one of the higher floors of defenders in the class.
2) Detroit Lions- Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE, Oregon)
Believed to be the top pick for a long time, Thibodeaux goes #2 as the probable top remaining prospect on the draft board for Detroit. There are rumblings of him falling down draft boards for several teams, but I neither believe it nor agree with it. Kayvon is incredibly explosive and possesses an excellent first step. He is good against the run game as well. He has room for growth in rushing the passer, which developing some go-to moves could help with, but he has attributes that should immediately translate and a very high ceiling.
3) Houston Texans- Ikem Ekwonu (OL, NC State)
With flexibility to play multiple OL positions and fit many different protection schemes, the Texans nab Ekwonu, an excellent and mean run blocker, who can succeed for them at Guard and/or be the eventual replacement for Laremy Tunsil if he is not kept around long-term. He has places to improve in pass protection, but has given off the impression that he is more likely to make those improvements than not.
4) New York Jets- Derek Stingley Jr. (CB, LSU)
The common take on Stingley is that he put out a remarkable first year of tape (true) and then did not seem to be the same player for the rest of his LSU career. While I will grant that the first year we saw was the most impressive, and there are injury concerns, the later years still showed the high-level talent and potential he possesses. An impressive array of size, speed, and ball skills. He is incredibly athletic and has good anticipation. He joins a CB group in need of the talent he can bring.
TRADE:
Giants receive: 1.20, 2.52, 7.241, 2023 2nd
Steelers receive: 1.05
The Steelers make an aggressive move up into the Top 5 of the draft as the Giants, who still own 1.07, move back while gaining 2 other high draft picks over the next 2 years.
5) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Giants)- Malik Willis (QB, Liberty)
This is why the Steelers got aggressive. They move up to take a swing on Malik Willis from Liberty. Mitch Trubisky was just signed for 2 years, which may work out perfectly. Willis has a very high ceiling, but is far from a finished product. He has great mobility/rushing upside and a strong arm, but could struggle having to go through progressions early on and will need to sharpen up his accuracy. He has a lot of positives and a lot of negatives. A big swing of a pick that could pay off huge. Sitting behind an experienced QB, for however long he may need, could help him blossom into the next Steelers franchise QB as Pittsburgh attempts to keep up with the other great QBs in the AFC North.
6) Carolina Panthers- Evan Neal (OT, Alabama)
Neal was long beleived to be the top overall OL, but even after slipping behind Ekwonu, the Panthers will be more than happy to grab Neal here. Neal is huge (6’7, 350 lbs) and possesses shocking mobility for someone of that size. He is physically incredible, and comes into the league with a very high floor. He will need to improve on consistency to reach his ceiling. Though the Panthers go into another year without a solid solution at QB, Neal is a prospect you’d be hard-pressed to pass up on at this spot.
7) New York Giants- Travon Walker (EDGE, Georgia)
The first piece of many off the board from a historic Georgia defense, Walker is largely a projection-based pick. It’s not all there quite yet as a pass rusher, but the ceiling is extremely high, he is good in the run game, and the tools to become a star are all there for him. Walker has been a huge riser on draft boards everywhere, even becoming the #1 overall pick on a large number of mock drafts. I don’t quite buy that, but I do buy into him being a Top 10 pick with potential to be a steal, even this high.
8) Atlanta Falcons- Ahmad Gardner (CB, Cincinnati)
‘Sauce’ Gardner didn’t allow a single TD in his entire college career. Not one. He is a popular pick to be the CB1 in the draft, but CB2 and a Top 10 pick is hardly anything to consider a drop. Sauce has all the confidence you want out of a Corner. He is great at press man coverage, where he shows off his length and impressive hand activity off the line.
9) Seattle Seahawks- Charles Cross (OT, NC State)
While he is the 3rd Tackle off the board, Cross is excellent in pass protection. He is strong and was consistent throughout his college career. He recovers well on the times he is beaten, but most of the time he’ll get his hands on the defender and win that way. The Seahawks beef up the trenches and protect whoever they decide to be their next Franchise QB.
TRADE:
49ers receive: 1.15, 2.51
Eagles receive: 1.10, 3.69
The 49ers flip the Deebo Samuel package to Philadelphia, who moves up 5 spots with a specific prospect in mind.
10) Philadelphia Eagles (from 49ers)- Kyle Hamilton (S, Notre Dame)
Kyle Hamilton is the best Safety prospect in the draft. A popular opinion is that he is one of the best Safety prospects in years. I’m not quite there with him. I think he plays much closer to his 40 time than people realize, and his coverage leaves a lot to be desired. Despite that though, he is still a very good prospect, and could excel in a box safety role. Philly moves up to snag a playmaker for their secondary.
11) Washington Commanders- Drake London (WR, USC)
The first WR off the board is not the consensus top WR, nor is he WR1 on my board. I see Washington going with Hamilton here if he is there, but if not, I think they go in the direction of WR. London is here because he has a large frame and excellent catch radius. A different skill set than the star WR they already have in McLaurin. I see them going with a player who offers something different, London is just that.
12) Minnesota Vikings- Trent McDuffie (CB, Washington)
The Vikings need help in the secondary, that’s no secret. They get a player in McDuffie who can play corner both on the outside and inside. He has fluid movement and is solid in run support. Almost always in position. A lockdown talent who should see early success. He joins Minnesota’s secondary as a versatile piece that they absolutely need right now.
13) Houston Texans- Jermaine Johnson (EDGE, Florida State)
In a stacked EDGE class, Johnson isn’t always seen as one of the top couple pass rushers. I very much disagree with the consensus. Hot take, but this is, in my eyes, the best player in the draft. Johnson will be able to contribute against the run and pass immediately. He dominated the senior bowl, showing why he deserves to be mentioned in the conversation with the best players in the draft. Texans go best player available and get what I consider to be an absolute steal.
14) Baltimore Ravens- Jordan Davis (DL, Georgia)
The Georgia defense is putting a lot of guys into the league. When watching them, it’s hard to even focus on one guy at a time, but Davis will always stand out in some fashion. An impossible combination of size and athleticism, if Davis has the stamina to play more snaps than he had to in college, he has a strong chance to make the 13 teams in front of Baltimore look foolish.
15) San Francisco 49ers (from Eagles)- Garrett Wilson (WR, Ohio State)
After moving back, the 49ers get the main piece in giving away Deebo Samuel. Wilson is one half of an elite pair of 1st round Ohio State wideouts. He is an excellent separator in space, Wilson is far from a finished product, but is dynamic after the catch, has sub 4.4 speed, and brings in 50/50 balls that you wouldn’t usually expect someone to with his frame. The route running at all 3 levels needs to be tuned up, but the sky’s the limit if he puts it all together.Â
16) New Orleans Saints- Jameson Williams (WR, Alabama)
The rising popular pick for WR1 in the class ends up as the 3rd WR off the board. Williams is very fast, and his track background shows when he plays. He consistently generates separation on long-breaking routes. He was a good take-off, but could be quicker in getting in and out of his breaks. Williams is coming off an ACL tear, but it shouldn’t change his game. He pairs up with the returning Michael Thomas in New Orleans, as their different skill sets give defenses a lot to think about.
17) Los Angeles Chargers- Devonte Wyatt (DL, Georgia)
The lesser talked about of the highly ranked interior defensive linemen from Georgia. Wyatt doesn’t have the ceiling of Davis but would still be a solid player for a Chargers line who could still use a boost at DT, even after free agency. Wyatt has decent traits but high effort and showed success in both the run and pass game in his last year at Georgia.
18) Philadelphia Eagles- Devin Lloyd (LB, Utah)
The Eagles double down on defense with Lloyd. Lloyd can play multiple different LB positions and is a very physical player. He has some inconsistencies in recognition, but was extremely productive at Utah and his aggressiveness should translate to the pro level.
19) New Orleans Saints- Trevor Penning (OT, Northern Iowa)
After losing Terron Armstead, the Saints go offense again in Round 1 and pick up Trevor Penning. Penning has the ability to play either RT or LT. He has NFL ability and traits, but coming from an FCS school, the more dramatic jump in competition could cause a need for some time to adjust.
20) New York Giants (From Steelers)- Tyler Linderbaum (IOL, Iowa)
After moving back 15 spots, the Giants snag the top IOL prospect in Linderbaum. The standout Center from Iowa may not be the typical size for his position, but he more than makes up for it with his mental and physical prowess, which is especially apparent in the run game. Also noteworthy, Linderbaum weighed in heavier than before at his pro day, and seemed to retain the mobility that has him so highly touted.
21) New England Patriots- Chris Olave (WR, Ohio State)
As often as this word may be used when describing Olave, it just fits so well. He is the epitome of ‘smooth.’ His frame and size could be cause for concern that physical corners will bottle him up, but if he gets off the line, he is very good and is flying a bit under the radar as a prospect in my opinion. The other half of a talented Ohio State WR duo, Olave brings his skillset of great route-running and deep threat ability to New England, giving Mac Jones his WR1 for the future.
22) Green Bay Packers- Treylon Burks (WR, Arkansas)
Burks didn’t test incredibly well, but put NFL ability and traits on tape every game while at Arkansas. He is versatile enough to work from anywhere on offense, and showed a good combo of size and speed. He has strong hands and impressive body control. Davantae Adams isn’t a guy you can replicate, but Burks can surely soften the blow as the main piece being returned from the trade.
23) Arizona Cardinals- Zion Johnson (IOL, Boston College)
- Zion Johnson has experience at multiple positions, but clearly profiles best as a Guard at the next level, likely on the right side. He is a high-floor, lower-ceiling prospect. Extremely powerful, but athletic limitations show his ceiling when caught in space. It will be important to play him the right way, taking advantage of what he does well.
TRADE:
Cowboys receive: 2.46, 3.77, 2023 3rd
Vikings receive: 1.24
The Vikings move back into the first round for their 2nd pick of the day. The Cowboys, typically trade up candidates, acquire 3 day 2 picks over the next 2 years.
24) Minnesota Vikings (From Cowboys)- George Karlaftis (EDGE, Purdue)
After boosting the secondary earlier, the Vikings double down on defense. Yes, they just brought in Za’darius Smith, but an elite pass rush makes games a living hell for opposing QBs, and Karlaftis is a physical, durable, high-energy player. He will provide an instant improvement to the defense with room still to grow.
25) Buffalo Bills- Andrew Booth Jr. (CB, Clemson)
Tre White is an amazing CB, but the Bills need help in that area to help him out. Booth doesn’t have the most starting experience, but can play both press and zone well. His judgment and tracking of balls in the air rivals anyone in the class, but he can overcommit when anticipating at times. He has a lot of room to grow and can become a very good player for Buffalo.Â
26) Tennessee Titans- Kenyon Green (OL, Texas A&M)
Green comes to the Titans as a very good run blocker with a lot of power to move defenders. He may be prone to holding penalties at the pro level for a bit, and he may struggle against overly athletic interior rushers. But he has good movement for his size and should be a force in the run game very early on.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Daxton Hill (DB, Michigan)
Tampa will be dancing in the war room if Daxton Hill falls to them. Hill is explosive and has top-end speed. He can play multiple different coverages as well as multiple different positions in the secondary. If he can be more active in run support, there are very few weaknesses in his game. Hill is the type of prospect who can make a lot of teams look bad for passing on him.Â
28) Green Bay Packers- Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE, Penn State)
After taking a WR to ‘replace’ Davantae Adams, the Packers take an EDGE here to soften the blow from losing Za’darius Smith. Ebiketie is a skilled pass rusher with good hands. He lacks the size and build to consistently plug holes in the run game, but is efficient with his movement and should contribute for Green Bay’s defense.Â
29) Kansas City Chiefs- George Pickens (WR, Georgia)
Kansas City kind of has to take a WR early after trading Tyreek Hill. He is a guy who was squarely in the conversation of top WRs before injuries started to take their toll. He worked his way back from a torn ACL, but we still need to see him cut with quickness again to feel confident in his ability to do so. He is a huge boom or bust prospect that could pay off in a big way for the team who takes a shot on him.Â
30) Kansas City Chiefs- Kaiir Elam (CB, Florida)
The Chiefs lost pieces in the secondary, so Elam could soften the blow of that. He is very patient and plays big at the catching point. He is not without his red flags, however. His last year was not his best year on tape, and he struggles in run support. The Chiefs go boom or bust on back to back picks at important, weakened positions. The potential payoff from these 2 players is huge, and may be worth the risk.
31) Cincinnati Bengals- Tyler Smith (OL, Tulsa)
Tyler Smith isn’t getting a ton of first round buzz necessarily, but he has positional flexibility and a lot of potential to develop into a franchise tackle. He has a lot of risk, making him a boom or bust prospect, but the upside is great. He is extremely powerful and may be better suited at guard to use that power in the run game.
32) Detroit Lions- Nakobe Dean (LB, Georgia)
The final pick of the first round is another player from that incredible Georgia defense. Nakobe Dean is a 3 down linebacker with great tackling. He is built more like a power RB, but is athletic, disciplined and technically sound. His explosive play style will join forces with Thibedeaux as the Lions double up on defense on Day 1.
