This is as even a matchup, on paper, as you can find. However, I think my projections are on the conservative side and I think we can out perform those. I’m not expecting a cake walk, but I feel like Ice can beat the Juice.
My Keys to the Game
1- Ashton Jeanty
My top pick has a very favorable matchup in week one. He could set the tone for my season.
2- Jacksonville Jaguars Defense
I drafted the Jags specifically for this week one matchup.
3- Chicago Bears Passing Attack
With Caleb Williams, Luther Burden III & Colston Loveland all in my lineup, not to mention Kyle Monangai, the Bears passing game will play a big role in my entire season.
4- Kyle Pitts
Pitts has an average week one matchup, but he could set the tone and justify my decision to plan on using a second TE as my flex this season.
My division rival had been a thorn in my side since my entry into this league, befitting their name. That changed last season as I won the division, beating them twice including knocking them out of the playoffs. They did, however, hand me my only loss in the division, preventing me from getting that extra first round pick bonus.
As usual, I expect a hard fought game. I’m slightly favored, at the moment, but I take nothing for granted against the Heels.
My Keys to Victory
1- Jahmyr Gibbs
My keeper, arguably the top player in fantasy football and easily the best player in this contest. He’s got a pretty good matchup, if he takes advantage, I should be able to cruise to victory.
2- Justin Herbert
Our QBs are pretty even, slight edge to Herbert, but Herbert definitely has the better matchup.
3- Wide Receivers
My weakest position group, by design, they can set the tone for my season with a good week one showing. I’m a little concerned about Luther Burden III, my WR1’s availability.
4- Tennessee Titans Defense
My very last pick of the draft, but they draw the week one start due to matchup. A solid showing will solidify my belief in streaming defenses.
This is my entry into the Lancaster Fighting Amish league. I change team names nearly every year, last year we were called BJ & Da’Bears. Unlike the actual Chicago Bears, we did not have a good season, finishing 3-11. I actually traded away a few players to contending squads, which netted me an extra pick in the fifth round of the draft and another extra pick in the sixth round.
This league is a twelve team league with a lot of roster flexibility. We have 16 roster spots, our roster consists of 1-3 QBs, TEs, Kickers & Defenses & 2-6 RBs & WRs. We can start 1 QB, 2-3 RBs, 3-4 WRs, 1-3 TEs, 1 K & 1 DEF.
This league allows us to keep up to three players at the previous draft position. For example, I drafted Caleb Williams in the eighth round before his rookie season, as long I keep him he will cost me my eighth round pick.
This league utilizes a snake draft, my preferred drafting method, 1-12, 12-1 etc.
My Draft
I drew the eighth draft slot, but due to keepers I had the third pick in the first round.
Round 1- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Round 2- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Round 3- Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears
Round 4- Jaylen Waddle, WR, Denver Broncos
Round 5- Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears
Round 5- Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Round 6- Jonathan Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers
Round 6- Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans
Round 8- Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears (keeper)
Round 9- Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Round 10- Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
Round 11- Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (keeper)
Round 12- Ka’imi Fairbairn, K, Houston Texans
Round 13- Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Round 14- Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans
Round 15- Jacksonville Jaguars Defense
Running Backs
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
I had my first round pick earmarked for either Saquon Barkley, Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton. Barkley went with the pick before and I valued Jeanty higher than Hampton, who will compete for touches in a crowded Chargers backfield. Jeanty should be the clear lead back for the Raiders, and may garner the second most targets in the passing game behind Brock Bowers.
Hampton nearly made it back to me in the second round, but he went the pick before me. My choice came down to two Arizona Cardinals: Trey McBride, who I had last year, or rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. I went with Love because I already had Colston Loveland, and while I’m not adverse to having two high end TEs, I felt it was too early to double up on the position. My feelings on RBs in fantasy football are well known, to me RB was the only pick here and I had Love atop my board.
Love may struggle early, as he deals with a crowded Arizona backfield, but I made this pick with an eye on the future. This being a keeper league, it’s nice to have the rights to a player that should become a superstar in the NFL.
With the first of my two picks in the fifth round, I went with Kyle Monangai. I didn’t really want another Bears offensive player, but I felt that Monangai offered decent value here. He’s quality depth and should be a decent spot starter for me.
In the sixth round I took a flyer on Carolina’s Jonathan Brooks. I really didn’t like the receiver options on the board, nor quarterback, and I already had two tight ends. Brooks was the most intriguing name on the board. His career has been marred with injury thus far, but he’s healthy now offers the most upside in the Panthers backfield.
I rounded out my RB corps by taking Woody Marks in the tenth round. I also drafted him in my other league, but I think I got even better value here.
My early focus was on RBs and I like the youth and upside I was able to acquire. All my RBs, except Jonathan Brooks, are rookies or entering their second season. Brooks, while technically a third year back, has barely played over his first two seasons due to injury. My hope is that Jeanty and Love establish themselves as true fantasy workhorse backs, if this happens I should have an excellent season.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Wide Receivers
Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears
I, once again, de-emphasized the WR position and it’s probably my weakest position group, but overall it’s a decent group.
Luther Burden III is decent value in the third round. I like him to have a breakout in his second NFL season.
I think Jaylen Waddle could have a big year in Denver. He’s the big play receiver they’ve been lacking. I was happy to snag him in the fourth round.
By the sixth round, the receivers were getting pretty picked over, so finding a potential WR1 in Carnell Tate was a coup. Tate also influenced my later selection of a backup QB.
Josh Downs offers valuable depth to my receiving corps, and he could provide some big weeks as a spot starter.
Xavier Worthy in the tenth round is a good example of the difference between a 12 team league and a 16 team league like I drafted last weekend. Worthy is my WR2 in the 16 team league, so landing him as my WR5, here, makes me very happy.
WR is probably my weakest group, by design, but it’s a decent group. Burden, Waddle and Tate all have WR1 potential and Downs & Worthy are both capable of big weeks.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Denver Broncos
Tight Ends
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears
I’m entering this season of fantasy football firmly believing that TEs are viable flex plays. That’s why I didn’t shy away from taking a second TE early.
I took Kyle Pitts with my second fifth round pick, despite having a tight end already on my roster. Pitts showed signs of realizing his vast potential last season and I’m counting on that continuing.
I drafted Colston Loveland in the 11th round last year, and it turned out to be a steal. Going forward, I think Loveland only costing me an 11th round pick will pay huge dividends.
TE is maybe my strongest position. I envision starting both Loveland and Pitts many weeks.
Quarterbacks
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
I drafted Caleb Williams in the eight round before his rookie season, with the idea that he would be my long term fantasy quarterback. He started to pay dividends last year and I fully expect him to propel me to a playoff run this season. There’s a reason I named this team after him.
When it came time to think about a backup QB, I was shocked that Patrick Mahomes was still on the board, and I harbored some hope to pair him with Xavier Worthy on my bench. Alas, he was drafted before I went on the clock in the 13th round, but I still went with Worthy.
I then pivoted to Cam Ward, who I also drafted in my other league. I already had his rookie receiver and potential #1 target, Carnell Tate, so I like the pairing. I think Ward can make great strides this season under the tutelage of Brian Daboll.
Williams is my franchise player, this team is built around him. I expect him to be my starter every week except his bye week. With him and two of his primary targets on this roster, if the Bears offense reaches the heights I expect, I should have a playoff squad.
Kicker
Ka’imi Fairbairn, K, Houston Texans
I had Ka’imi Fairbairn on my roster last season and he was excellent. I had no problem making him the third kicker selected. Hopefully, he makes me protect him during his bye week like he did last season.
Team Defense
Jacksonville Jaguars Defense
I’m a big believer in streaming fantasy defenses, when possible, based on matchups. I never finish a season with the defense I drafted and I usually cycle through a good 6-8 defenses throughout the season.
When the fifteenth round came, and my final pick was due, I had three team defenses I was looking at: Jacksonville vs Cleveland, LA Chargers vs Arizona & Las Vegas vs Miami. The Jacksonville Jaguars were my top choice and they were available when I went on the clock.
Here’s hoping they give me reasons to consider holding onto them for another week.
Roster Review
I like my draft, I don’t think I made any of the huge mistakes I made last year (Brian Thomas Jr in the first round!), and I focused my early attention on running backs and tight ends.
My receiver group, while my weakest position, does have considerable upside.
I did make a few mild reaches and I’m definitely heavy on the Bears offense, but I expect big things from the Ben Johnson led unit.
I can’t be as bad as I was last season, and I certainly expect to be in contention with this roster.
I think the coaching change is enough to push Buffalo over the top.
2- New England Patriots
Last year wasn’t exactly a fluke, but I expect New England to take a big step back.
3- New York Jets
Jets can’t be the dumpster fire they were last year, but they’re not contenders.
4- Miami Dolphins
Miami is the early favorite to land the number one pick in the 2027 draft.
North
1- Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is still the most talented team in this division.
2- Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow just needs to stay healthy and I think Cincinnati can make a run.
3- Pittsburgh Steelers
I don’t see Pittsburgh making a playoff run in Aaron Rodgers last season.
4- Cleveland Browns
Cleveland is still a quarterback away from being a serious playoff contender.
South
1- Houston Texans
Houston has the best defense in the NFL, if CJ Stroud can get back to his rookie form, they are legit Super Bowl contenders.
2- Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville won’t sneak up on anyone this year, but they might not need to.
3- Tennessee Titans
Tennessee will be better, but I’m not sure they’re serious contenders, yet.
4- Indianapolis Colts
I think Indianapolis implodes in year two of the Daniel Jones experiment. Heads will roll after the season.
West
1- Los Angeles Chargers
Call it a hunch, but I like the Chargers to overtake Denver and win this division.
2- Denver Broncos
Denver was on the cusp of a Super Bowl last season and they might have gotten better offensively.
3- Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City still has holes in the roster, and we don’t know when Mahomes will be Mahomes again.
4- Las Vegas Raiders
I think Las Vegas will be much improved, but not enough to get out of the basement.
Playoffs
1- Buffalo Bills
3- Houston Texans
2- Los Angeles Chargers
4- Baltimore Ravens
5- Denver Broncos
6- Jacksonville Jaguars
7- Cincinnati Bengals
AFC CHAMPIONS
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo finally gets over the hump in the AFC, surviving stout challenges from Houston & Los Angeles.
NFC
East
1- Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia is still the best team in the division, by a wide margin.
2- New York Giants
Giants have a lot of young talent and may finally have the coach in John Harbaugh to maximize it.
3- Dallas Cowboys
I never buy the hype about Dallas, and I have serious doubts they can contend.
4- Washington Commanders
Washington went all in last season and fell flat, I think the rebuild will be hard.
North
1- Chicago Bears
Year two of the Ben Johnson era will see the offense become elite. If the defense improves a little, Chicago is a legit contender.
2- Detroit Lions
Detroit should return to the postseason with a new, competent offensive play caller.
3- Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has squeaked into the playoffs the last few years, but I think they’ll fall short this year.
4- Minnesota Vikings
Kyler Murray will be an improvement at quarterback, but he’s not enough to push Minnesota up the ladder.
South
1- Carolina Panthers
The division will be tougher this year, but I think Carolina can manage to repeat.
2- New Orleans Saints
I was real close to picking New Orleans to win this division, but I’m not quite there yet.
3- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How Tampa Bay collapsed last year is a foreshadowing of their fall from contention this year.
4- Atlanta Falcons
I like the coaching hire, but I think quarterback will hold Atlanta back.
West
1- Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have gone all in, and on paper they’re the favorites to win it all.
2- Seattle Seahawks
Seattle won’t have an easy time defending their division crown let alone their Super Bowl title.
3- San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco made the playoffs despite a rash of injuries last year, they can’t suffer the same bad luck this year.
4- Arizona Cardinals
Arizona is closer to the number one pick in 2027 than getting out of the basement in the division.
Playoffs
1- Los Angeles Rams
2- Chicago Bears
3- Philadelphia Eagles
4- Carolina Panthers
5- Seattle Seahawks
6- Detroit Lions
7- San Francisco 49ers
NFC CHAMPIONS
Chicago Bears
Yes, this is a homer pick, but I legit believe Chicago can ascend to the top of the NFC, though the NFC West duo of Seattle & Los Angeles are formidable obstacles.
Super Bowl LXI
Chicago Bears over Buffalo Bills
I can’t pick the Bears to make the Super Bowl and not pick them to win it.
AWARDS
MVP- Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
First 4,000 yard passing season in Bears history will also see Williams become the first Chicago MVP since 1977.
Offensive Player of the Year- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Robinson will have a monster season in Stefanski’s offense.
Defensive Player of the Year- Will Anderson, Houston Texans
Anderson is the best player on the best defense in the NFL.
Offensive Rookie of the Year- Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks
Price will get a jump start being the main ball carrier for the defending champions until Zach Charbonnet returns.
Defensive Rookie of the Year- Jacob Rodriguez, Miami Dolphins
Rodriguez will make Dolphins fans remember Zach Thomas.
Protector of the Year- Pennei Sewell, Detroit Lions
Picked him last year, I’ll pick him again as Detroit returns to the postseason.
Comeback Player of the Year- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Seriously, is there any other way this award could go?
Coach of the Year- Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
Johnson could’ve gotten this last year, repeating as NFC North champs could get him the award this year.
This is my entry into the Thunderdome Fantasy Football League. It’s my fourth season in this league and I finished in fourth place last season.
This is a sixteen team league and we roster 2 QBs, 4 RBs, 4 WRs, 2 TEs, 2 Ks, 2 Team Defenses & 2 LBs. We only draft 16 rounds, plus a keeper, meaning one roster spot is left open, it’s the team owner’s choice what that spot is, but most of us leave the second LB spot open to fill on the waiver wire.
The keeper can be any player from the previous season. It doesn’t count as a draft pick unless we decide to keep the same player two years in a row, then it costs you the first round pick.
We utilize a ladder draft system, meaning the team that picks first in a particular round, picks 16th the next round and every other team moves up one slot.
My Draft
I finished fourth last season, which gave me the 13th overall pick.
Keeper- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
Round 1- Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Round 2- Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
Round 3- Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears
Round 4- Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
Round 5- Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Round 6- Oronde Gadsden, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Round 7- Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Round 8- Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
Round 9- Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Tennessee Titans
Round 10- Chase McLaughlin, K, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Running back is my number one priority in every fantasy draft. I feel it’s the most important position in fantasy football. RBs can score nearly as much as WRs and it’s not nearly as deep a talent pool. On top of that, there is a limited number of true workhorse running backs. I think it’s important to draft a minimum of two running backs before the end of the fourth round in any draft.
That being said, the presence of Jahmyr Gibbs as my keeper lessened the need for me to draft a running back in the first round. I considered a WR with the 13th pick, but after Detroit‘s Amon-Ra St. Brown & Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb went with the 11th & 12th picks, there were none I was interested in at that point.
TE was another consideration, but I had hopes of landing Chicago’s Colston Loveland in the second or third round, so I passed and went with the top RB on my board, Chase Brown.
I’m quite happy with the RB duo of Gibbs and Brown. Both are dual threats out of the backfield and the clear lead backs for their respective teams.
There is, however, one problem. They both have a week 6 bye. This made it important to target two more running backs in rather short order.
Taking Zach Charbonnet in the fifth round may not solve my bye week conundrum, since he might not return from his ACL injury in time. The value, however, was too good to pass up. Charbonnet should be back up to full speed in time for the fantasy playoff push, which coincides with the time that rookie running backs hit the proverbial wall. Charbonnet’s only competition for touches, when healthy, is rookie Jadarian Price.
Woody Marks was also good value in the 8th round. He’ll split carries with David Montgomery, but Marks is the Houston back with the higher upside.
Overall, I’m pleased with my running backs. If I can survive the week 6 bye and if Charbonnet makes it back on the field sooner rather than later, this should be a solid group.
Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Tight Ends
Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
I was targeting Colston Loveland, which is why I didn’t strongly consider Trey McBride or Brock Bowers in the first round. Unfortunately, this league has four other Bears fans besides me. Loveland was the first TE off the board with the sixth pick in the second round.
I was considering a WR in the second round, but once McBride went with the tenth pick, I focused on Bowers. The drop off in production, coupled with the rise of risk in the next tier of TEs, compelled me to go with Bowers.
I had Bowers last season, when healthy he is a monster. Fully capable of finishing the season as TE1.
I really wanted a second WR before getting a second TE, but the board didn’t fall my way. One lesson I’ve learned is that I shouldn’t be averse to using a TE as my flex play.
I felt that Oronde Gadsden was the best player on the board when I went on the clock in the sixth round. It didn’t hurt that I had already drafted his QB, which gives me a chance of doubling down on some TDs.
This is my strongest position group, as both my tight ends are starting caliber, with Bowers being truly elite if he stays healthy. I will probably start both many weeks.
Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Wide Receivers
Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears
It’s not that I don’t value WRs, it’s that I think the position group is deeper than the others. I considered WR in both the first and second round, but I opted for other positions that offered greater value.
I really like Luther Burden III not just because I’m a Bears fan, but because he showed great promise as the season wore on. I think he’s due for a breakout. I’m not sure having him as my WR1 is the wisest decision, since his value is mostly due to my own projections AND he’s been dealing with a groin injury in the preseason.
I desperately needed a WR2 when I went on the clock in the seventh round. Luckily, there was still a WR available that I felt had considerable upside. Xavier Worthy has high end WR2 potential, though he may have to operate without Patrick Mahomes for part of the season.
The eighth and ninth rounds saw the start of the team defense and kicker runs, but I resisted the urge to join both because I needed another RB, which I got by taking Woody Marks in the eighth, and I still only had two WRs. I got my third in the ninth round.
I targeted Wan’Dale Robinson with the plan of adding his QB as my backup in a later round. Robinson won’t be a WR1, but he can give me some good weeks and could become a solid WR2.
The fourth WR I took was an upside gamble, but one that pairs with my QB1. Tre Harris looks unlikely to garner any starts for me, right now, but if he realizes his potential, this could end up being a very good pick.
WR is easily my weakest position group, but that was partly by design. I think receivers are the easiest position to find and upgrade on the waiver wire, if needed. There is potential in my WR group, but I will have my eye on waivers every week.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
I had Justin Herbert on my roster last season, and he had a good season for me, so I wasn’t hesitant to draft him again. I had to go quarterback in the fourth round, or risk having to make a bad choice in the sixth. I’m happy with Herbert.
Cam Ward in the eleventh round was a package deal with Wan’Dale Robinson. Tennessee has a favorable matchup during Herbert’s bye week and Ward offers the upside that I like to target in later rounds.
I like my QBs, Herbert is a solid starter and Ward has upside to go along with a favorable matchup in the one week I will definitely need him.
Kickers
Chase McLaughlin, K, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
My opinion of the value of kickers has been improving over the last few years. I used to think a kicker was a kicker. It was the last position I filled every year. Then, fifty yard field goals became normal.
This league used to greatly reward kickers that hit fifty yard field goals, maybe too much. The rules were tweaked a bit for this season, but it still pays to have a kicker with a big leg.
I might have considered going with a kicker earlier than the tenth round if I didn’t think I had needs at RB & WR. I considered it a stroke of luck that Chase McLaughlin was still on the board. He tied for the league lead in made 50 yard field goals last season.
In a smaller league, I’d never roster a second kicker, but it’s a necessity here. The main caveat for my backup kicker is having a different bye week than my first kicker. After that, I look for a big legged kicker on a good offense. Buffalo’s Tyler Bass fit the bill, for me.
Kickers won’t make or break a fantasy football season, but a good kicker can win you a game or two. McLaughlin has the leg to steal a game or two for me.
Team Defense
New York Giants Defense
In contrast to kickers, my opinion of the value of team defenses in fantasy football has plummeted. In a smaller league, I’d just draft a defense based on week one matchup and stream defenses throughout the season. I can’t do that in a 16 team league, I need to roster two defenses and hope for the best.
The run on defenses started in the eighth round, and I stayed out of it until the twelfth round. I didn’t get an elite fantasy defense, but I think the New York Giants have the potential to rack up a lot of sacks.
With my last pick in the draft I selected the Tennessee Titans defense. On paper, this isn’t a good defense, but new head coach Robert Saleh has been a defensive wizard over the years, and I think he could coax some improvement out of them.
Team defense isn’t one of the strengths of my team, but that was by design. By neglecting the position, I think I made other positions stronger and I think that will have more of an effect on my season than having an elite fantasy defense.
Linebacker
Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
This is little more than a throwaway position, though the LB can spell the difference between a win or a loss in a close matchup. Even still, I place little value here and it’s the last position I draft. I have to have all my starters in place before I even consider taking a LB.
I was quite happy to land Carson Schwesinger as my LB. He had a great rookie season and seems poised to be among the league leaders in tackles, which is all you can hope for in fantasy football.
I have one roster spot available and that is allocated for a second LB. I’ll probably wait a week or two into the season before adding one, though.
Roster Review
I liked my draft. I think I set myself up well to make another playoff run. Justin Herbert, Jahmyr Gibbs & Brock Bowers return for another season with the Trash Pandas, hopefully Bowers can stay healthy.
My wide receiver group is weak, weaker than I thought last season’s was coming out of the draft, but that group greatly disappointed. There’s upside there, but I’m going to be keeping an eye on the waiver wire.
The Bills had a nice offseason. The DJ Moore addition should provide huge dividends and they drafted a handful of players that could be difference makers.
If Bo Nix doesn’t get hurt, Denver makes the Super Bowl. The addition of Jaylen Waddle is huge, even if it caused them not to pick until the third round. With their defense, they’re still a contender.
5- Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles first round pick, Makai Lemon-WR-USC. Credit- James Black/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Philly’s biggest offseason move was changing offensive coordinators. They made a nice move to jump ahead and steal Lemon from Pittsburgh. If the OC change pays dividends, this is a dangerous team.
6- Chicago Bears
Bears first round pick, Dillon Thieneman-S-Oregon. Credit- Michael Reaves/ Getty Images
The Bears did nothing to improve their pass rush, but the offense is going to be very lethal. If they get internal defensive line improvements, they could be legit contenders.
7- Houston Texans
Texans second round pick, Kayden McDonald-DT-Ohio State
Houston has a legit championship defense, and they added an elite run stuffer. If CJ Stroud can stop his regression, the Texans can make some noise.
8- Detroit Lions
Lions second round pick, Derrick Moore-EDGE-Michigan. Credit- Scott W Grau/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Getting a competent offensive coordinator was the biggest move of the offseason for Detroit. Strengthening the offensive & defensive lines should help get them back into the playoffs, too.
The Niners had an odd draft, every pick felt like a reach. San Francisco operates differently, though, and it works for them.
10- Baltimore Ravens
Ravens first round pick, Olaivavega Ioane-IOL-Penn State. Credit- Gregory Fisher/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Ravens had a nice offseason, even with the Maxx Crosby shenanigans. They’re still the most talented team in the division and they should be contenders in the AFC.
Packers need a healthy Micah Parsons and an ascension from last year’s first rounder, Matthew Golden, to challenge Chicago and Detroit in the division.
12- New England Patriots
Patriots second round pick, Gabe Jacas-EDGE-Illinois. Credit- Steph Chambers/ Getty Images
Patriots had as easy a path to the Super Bowl as there’s ever been. I expect a regression, but they could still contend.
13- Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars third round pick, Emmanuel Pregnon-IOL-Oregon. Credit- Ali Gradischer/ Getty Images
Jaguars top an unimpressive offseason with an ugly draft. Repeating last year’s success will be difficult.
14- Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs first round pick, Mansoor Delane-CB-LSU. Credit- Derick E Hingle/ Getty Images
The Chiefs have overhauled their defense and added a true lead running back in Kenneth Walker III. With a healthy Patrick Mahomes, KC is dangerous until proven otherwise.
15- Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys first round pick, Caleb Downs-S-Ohio State. Credit- Samantha Madar/ Columbus Dispatch/ USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Dallas did what they needed to do and addressed their defense in the draft. Was it enough? With their offensive firepower, they could make noise in the NFC.
The Chargers chances lie where they always have. Did they do enough to protect Justin Herbert?
17- Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals second round pick, Cashius Howell-EDGE-Texas A&M. Credit- Joe Robbins/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Bengals used their first round pick to acquire Dexter Lawrence, which will help their defense. If Joe Burrow can stay healthy and the defense improves enough, they can challenge for a playoff spot.
Falcons biggest move of the offseason was hiring Kevin Stefanski as head coach. He did more with less in Cleveland. The quarterback situation is a question mark, though.
19- Carolina Panthers
Panthers first round pick, Monroe Freeling-OT-Georgia. Credit- Todd Kirkland/ Getty Images
Panthers need Bryce Young to be more consistent to keep hold of the division crown.
20- New York Giants
Giant first round pick, Arvell Reese-LB-Ohio State. Credit- Associated Press
Giants should have a ferocious defense, but how many edge rushers do they need? The NFC is stacked, but the Giants could be a sleeper.
21- Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers third round pick, Gennings Dunker-IOL-Iowa. Credit- Rich Graessle/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Steelers season rests on Aaron Rodgers decision. Can Mike McCarthy will them to the postseason like Mike Tomlin did?
22- Minnesota Vikings
Vikings first round pick, Caleb Banks-DT-Florida. Credit- Peter Joneleit/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Bringing in Kyler Murray makes a lot of sense. Feels like they blew the draft, especially taking Banks over Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.
23- New Orleans Saints
Saints first round pick, Jordyn Tyson-WR-Arizona State. Credit- Kevin Abele/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New Orleans, and Tyler Shough, made great strides last year. I’m not ready to call them a contender, yet, but in their division, they might be.
24- Washington Commanders
Commanders first round pick, Sonny Styles-LB-Ohio State. Credit- Jason Mowry/ Getty Images
Commanders went all in last year and fell flat. They needed to get younger, and better, on both sides of the ball. Not sure they’ve enough to get themselves back into contention.
25- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buccaneers first round pick, Rueben Bain Jr-EDGE-Miami. Credit- Associated Press
Tampa’s run of division titles ended last season, not sure if they have enough firepower to get it back, yet.
26- Indianapolis Colts
Colts third round pick, AJ Haulcy-S-LSU. Credit- Justin Ford/ Getty Images
Colts hopes rest on Daniel Jones and his repaired Achilles. That’s the kind of gamble that gets head coaches and GMs fired.
27- Tennessee Titans
Titans first round pick, Carnell Tate-WR-Ohio State. Credit- Luke Hales/ Getty Images
Tennessee got a good head coach and a great OC. They gave Cam Ward some weapons. Can he, and they, make strides in his second season?
28- Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders first round pick, Fernando Mendoza-QB-Indiana. Credit- Michael Reaves/ Getty Images
Raiders will be improved and adding Kirk Cousins ensures they can move Mendoza along slowly. They have enough to make teams uncomfortable.
29- New York Jets
Jets first round pick, Kenyon Sadiq-TE-Oregon. Credit- Brian Murphy/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Jets can’t be as much as a dumpster fire as they were last season. No matter what, they’ve added some weapons for the franchise quarterback they’ll add next year.
30- Cleveland Browns
Browns first round pick, Spencer Fano-OT-Utah. Credit- Joe Robbins/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Cleveland had an excellent draft. Quarterback is still the big question mark. Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders?
Holy crap! This couldn’t have gone any better. He was the perfect first prospect for the Bears, I just didn’t think there was any chance he’d still be on the board at 25. In fact, I had him going 12th to Dallas and I figured there was no way he’d get past Minnesota at 18. Thank you, Vikings, for botching another draft.
Minnesota passed on a perfect replacement for Harrison Smith and instead had the biggest reach of the night, taking Caleb Banks a defensive tackle from Florida, with a history of foot problems, a player I had as a late second rounder, at best.
This let Thieneman fall into our laps at 25. The Bears didn’t screw this up. They didn’t reach on an edge rusher, they didn’t take the 7th best offensive tackle, they took the best player on the board that just happens to be a perfect scheme fit. Outstanding first round.
Now, can they keep it going?
Updated Bears Mock Draft
In my full day two mock, I have the Bears lucky streak continuing as Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas and Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II are on the board at #57 & 60, respectively. In this mock, the Bears weren’t so lucky.
I ended up trading completely out of the second round, adding an extra pick in this draft and a second rounder in next year’s. I didn’t like the board at either 57 or 60, so this made sense.
With the 67th pick, I have the Bears taking Michigan edge Derrick Moore. Moore is a pass rushing demon, that needs work as a run defender and edge setter. He’ll bring instant pass rushing juice and he has the tools to become a more complete player.
At pick #89, I have the Bears taking one of my draft crushes, Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling. Great size and length with tremendous speed. Also, probably the most tenacious blocking receiver in this class. Ben Johnson will love him.
With the 95th pick, I have the Bears taking Auburn center Connor Lew. I passed on Kansas State’s Sam Hecht earlier, trading down and adding picks instead. When Duke’s Brian Parker II went off the board, I had to pivot to Lew. Lew is a technically sound player and he should be a solid pro, but he has had injury issues.
Going into the fourth round, I think the Bears caught some more luck by being able to land Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette with pick #117. Everette should challenge Tyrique Stevenson for the starting corner role opposite Jaylon Johnson.
At pick #129, I took another draft crush in Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton. Singleton is a bigger, faster version of D’Andre Swift. He can bring juice to the kickoff return game and earn more carries as the season progresses, before fully supplanting Swift for the 2027 season.
With the 131st pick I took Southeast Louisiana defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor. I wasn’t prioritizing defensive tackle, but with the other needs filled, for the most part, I had my eye open. Proctor wasn’t just the best player available, he’s an explosive near perfect scheme fit.
With the Bears final pick, at #241, I took a developmental offensive tackle in Illinois’ JC Davis. Davis has all the physical tools, he just needs to refine his technique and improve his footwork to be a competent swing tackle.
I called 28 of thirty two players correctly, including correctly matching three teams & players. Let’s recap:
RAIDERS- Fernando Mendoza-QB-Indiana- This was a foregone conclusion. Everyone started 1 for 1.
JETS- David Bailey-EDGE-Texas Tech- It was him or Reese, couldn’t really go wrong with either.
CARDINALS- Jeremiyah Love-RB-Notre Dame- I think they tried to trade down, but I always wondered who would pay that price to move into this spot. Best player available. Called this one correctly.
TITANS- Carnell Tate-WR-Ohio State- First curveball. Figured them to go defense, but supporting Ward is a good move.
GIANTS- Arvell Reese-LB-Ohio State- Great player, but how many pass rushers do the Giants need?
CHIEFS- Mansoor Delane-CB-LSU- Chiefs traded up for him when I think they could’ve had him at 9.
COMMANDERS- Sonny Styles-LB-Ohio State- Called this pick. Best player on the board. Perfect fit for Dan Quinn defense.
SAINTS- Jordyn Tyson-WR-Arizona State- I had him going here throughout the pre-draft process and switched it up at the end. Saints needed another receiver.
BROWNS- Spencer Fano-OT-Utah- Great trade back and still landing their top tackle.
GIANTS- Francis Mauigoa-OT-Miami- Bit of a shocker here, but protecting Dart isn’t a bad idea.
COWBOYS- Caleb Downs-S-Ohio State- They traded up one spot, but they had to land Downs.
DOLPHINS- Kadyn Proctor-OT-Alabama- Don’t love this pick. Feels way too early for Proctor.
RAMS- Ty Simpson-QB-Alabama- Way earlier than anyone expected, but I never question Sean McVay and quarterbacks.
RAVENS- Olaivavega Ioane-G-Penn State- Another last week change that I should not have made. Ioane to Baltimore made too much sense.
BUCCANEERS- Rueben Bain Jr-EDGE-Miami- Steal of the draft so far. Can’t believe Bain fell this far.
JETS- Kenyon Sadiq-TE-Oregon- Bit of a surprise here, but Sadiq is insanely talented.
LIONS- Blake Miller-OT-Clemson- Detroit going tackle wasn’t a surprise, but going with Miller was. Pretty decent reach, in my opinion.
VIKINGS- Caleb Banks-DT-Florida- Worst pick in the first round. He was a mid to late second round guy. Talented, but history of foot problems. First player picked that I didn’t have in the first round.
PANTHERS- Monroe Freeling-OT-Georgia- Solid pick, thought he would have gone sooner.
EAGLES- Makai Lemon-WR-USC- Philly really wanted him if they traded w/ Dallas for him. Probably signals that AJ Brown is getting traded.
STEELERS- Max Iheanachor-OT-Arizona State- Bit earlier than I expected, but Iheanachor had been rising up the boards.
CHARGERS- Akheem Mesidor-EDGE-Miami- Great player. Age was the only reason he was still on the board.
COWBOYS- Malachi Lawrence-EDGE-Central Florida- Second player taken that I didn’t have going in the first round, but I don’t hate the pick. Lawrence can rush the passer.
BROWNS- KC Concepcion-WR-Texas A&M- Browns have had a good first round. Starting tackle and now a top receiver.
BEARS- Dillon Thieneman-S-Oregon- Dream pick for my Bears. Never imagined he’d still be on the board.
TEXANS- Keylan Rutledge-G-Georgia Tech- Third player I didn’t have going in the first, and they traded up for him. It does fill a need.
DOLPHINS- Chris Johnson-CB-San Diego State- Didn’t love Miami’s first pick, but I do love this one, even if they had to trade up for him.
PATRIOTS- Caleb Lomu-OT-Utah- Patriots almost had to trade up for the last first round worthy offensive tackle.
CHIEFS- Peter Woods-DT-Clemson- Love this pick. Steve Spagnuolo will get the most out of a very talented player.
JETS- Omar Cooper Jr-WR-Indiana- Jets moved back into the first round, for their third pick and added another pass catcher.
TITANS- Keldric Faulk-EDGE-Auburn- Tennessee jumps back into the first to get their pass rusher.
SEAHAWKS- Jadarian Price-RB-Notre Dame- I figured this would be Seattle’s first pick, but I figured they’d trade out of this spot and take him tomorrow.
Players I had in the firstroundthatdidn’t get picked
Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy
Tennessee CB Colton Hood
Washington WR Denzel Boston
Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Best Picks
Rueben Bain Jr, Tampa Bay- At one point, Bain was projected as a top five pick. Getting him at 15 is great value.
Dillon Thieneman, Chicago- I had him going 12th to Dallas, never imagined he’d get past Minnesota at 18, thrilled Chicago got him at 25.
Monroe Freeling, Carolina- He was my number two tackle, when Carolina picked him he was the fifth off the board.
Olaivavega Ioane, Baltimore– The most obvious player and team match. Baltimore didn’t overthink it like I did.
Sonny Styles, Washington- Washington was patient and got the perfect player for their defense.
Worst Picks
Caleb Banks, Minnesota– Late second round grade. Big dude with a history of foot problems. Passed over Thieneman for him.
Jadarian Price, Seattle– I imagine they tried to trade down. I like the player and the fit, don’t like the value.
Kadyn Proctor, Miami– Thought it was too early to take such a boom or bust prospect.
Keylan Rutledge, Houston– Mid second round grade, but worse than that they traded up for him.
Max Iheanachor, Pittsburgh– Feels like a bit of a panic pick after the Steelers were sniped by Philly for Makai Lemon.
Nickels and Dimes 