AFC EAST

1. Buffalo Bills (12-5)- The Bills still rule the division, and as long as Josh Allen is healthy, nobody will challenge them.
2. New York Jets (8-9)- I’m a Justin Fields believer and I think Aaron Glenn will help the Jets make strides, but the AFC is just too stacked for them to make a breakthrough.
3. New England Patriots (6-11)- The Patriots will be better, and Mike Vrabel will make them competitive, but the talent deficit is just too great.
4. Miami Dolphins (5-12)- I hate to predict injuries, but Tua Tagovailoa just can’t stay healthy and the Dolphins will implode without him.

AFC NORTH

1. Baltimore Ravens (13-4)- The Ravens are the most loaded team in the AFC & Lamar Jackson is a perennial MVP candidate.
2. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)- If they can avoid the slow starts they’ve had the past couple years, Joe Burrow should lead the Bengals back into contention, but the defense (or lack thereof) will keep them from the peak.
3. Cleveland Browns (7-10)- The Browns are the opposite of Cincy, they have a playoff caliber defense, but how much can a Joe Flacco led offense produce.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-12)– The streak of winning seasons comes to a crashing halt. Aaron Rodgers is a first ballot Hall of Famer, but he’s been washed for a couple years. Will this catastrophe cost Mike Tomlin his job?

AFC SOUTH

1. Houston Texans (10-7)- CJ Stroud should rebound from uneven sophomore campaign, enough for the Texans to carry the weakest division.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-9)- Will Trevor Lawrence finally reach his full potential? If he does, the Jaguars could dominate this division.
3. Indianapolis Colts (5-12)- The Colts will realize quickly that Daniel Jones is not the answer at quarterback.
4. Tennessee Titans (4-13)- If Cam Ward can prove worthy of the number one pick, the Titans could surge out of the division basement.

AFC WEST

1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)- This division still belongs to Patrick Mahomes & the Chiefs until someone takes it from them.
2. Denver Broncos (10-7)- Bo Nix & the Broncos could give KC their first serious challenge for division supremacy in years.
3. Los Angeles Chargers (9-8)- Justin Herbert & Jim Harbaugh will keep the Chargers in contention until the very end.
4. Las Vegas Raiders (7-10)- The Raiders will be better under Pete Carroll, but it won’t be enough to get them out of the basement in a tough division.

AFC PLAYOFFS

#2 Buffalo over #7 Chargers

Allen & the Bills are just too much for LA.

#3 Kansas City over #6 Broncos

Mahomes isn’t going out in the first round against upstart Denver.

#5 Cincinnati over #4 Texans

The Bengals offense will overwhelm Houston.

#3 Kansas City over #2 Bills

Buffalo still can’t beat the Chiefs when it matters.

#1 Baltimore over #5 Bengals

Cincy’s lack of defense will be their Achilles heel against the Ravens.

#1 Baltimore over #3 Chiefs

The Ravens are the team to finally dethrone KC.

NFC EAST

1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-4)- The defending champs are still the most complete team in the NFL, in my opinion.
2. Washington Commanders (10-7)- Washington went all in behind Jayden Daniels, but they’re no closer to Philly.
3. New York Giants (7-10)- The Giants have a ferocious defense, but the Jaxson Dart era won’t start soon enough to save them this season.
4. Dallas Cowboys (5-12)- I just feel an implosion coming in Dallas this year.

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay Packers (11-6)- I’m not convinced that Jordan Love is an elite QB, but the Pack has enough talent to win this division.
2. Detroit Lions (10-7)- Detroit will have an uneven season after losing both their coordinators.
3. Chicago Bears (9-8)- There will be hiccups in Ben Johnson’s first season at the helm, but the improvement in Chicago will be evident.
4. Minnesota Vikings (8-9)- JJ McCarthy being essentially a rookie will relegate the Vikings to the basement in the toughest division in football.

NFC SOUTH

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)- This is the Bucs division until someone takes it from them.
2. Carolina Panthers (8-9)- Bryce Young continues to ascend but the Panthers fall short of the playoffs.
3. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)- The Falcons are perennially one of the most underachieving teams in the NFL.
4. New Orleans Saints (3-14)- The number one pick in the 2026 draft will belong to New Orleans. Arch Manning, anyone?

NFC WEST

1. Los Angeles Rams (11-6)- As long as Matthew Stafford can stay healthy, the Rams are legit contenders.
2. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)- The Cards will show flashes, but I don’t trust Kyler Murray enough to put them in the playoffs.
3. Seattle Seahawks (7-10)- I think Sam Darnold comes back down to earth and takes the Seahawks with him.
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)- The Niners lost too many key pieces for Brock Purdy to carry them into contention.

NFC PLAYOFFS

#7 Chicago over #2 Packers

Start building the statues of Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson after they oust their bitter rivals.

#3 Los Angeles over #6 Commanders

The Rams end Washington’s Super Bowl dreams.

#5 Detroit over #4 Buccaneers

The Lions will start cooking at the right time of the season.

#5 Detroit over #3 Rams

The Lions oust LA & their old friend, Matthew Stafford.

#1 Philadelphia over #7 Bears

The Birds steamroll Chicago, who is still giddy over their victory in Lambeau the week before.

#1 Philadelphia over #5 Lions

As I said earlier, Philly is the most complete team in the NFL.

SUPER BOWL PREDICTION

Philadelphia Eagles over Baltimore Ravens

On paper, this could be one of the best Super Bowl matchups ever.

Some Awards Predictions

MVP- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore

Some might argue that he should be going for a three peat here.

Offensive Player of the Year- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit

He won’t put up Saquon Barkley numbers, but I think Gibbs will lead the league in total yards.

Defensive Player of the Year- Jalen Carter, Philadelphia

This is the year I think Carter becomes the second coming of Aaron Donald.

Offensive Rookie of the Year- Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas

The Raiders will lean on Jeanty and it will pay off.

Defensive Rookie of the Year- Abdul Carter, NY Giants

Carter will become another Penn State alum wreaking havoc in NFC East backfields.

Protector of the Year- Pennei Sewell, Detroit

I feel like this first time award will go to a tackle and I’m picking Sewell.

Comeback Player of the Year- Isaiah Pacheco, Kansas City

Tough award to pick, because what actually constitutes a comeback?

Coach of the Year- Ben Johnson, Chicago

Getting the Bears to the playoffs should be enough to get Johnson this award.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Round 1 (16)– Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss (above)

Round 2 (15)– Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Round 3 (14)– Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon

Round 4 (13)– Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State

Round 5 (38)– Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

Round 6 (35)– Hayden Conner, OG, Texas

Round 7 (9)– Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada

I like the Cardinals draft class. They went heavy on defense, but that was their biggest weakness. Nolen and Burch should have an instant impact on their pass rush. Johnson has injury concerns, but if he can overcome them he could be one of the steals of this draft. I like the double dip at cornerback, especially given Johnson’s health concerns, and Burke could develop into a starter, as could his fellow Buckeye, LB Simon. Getting Crawford in the seventh round is tremendous value.

You might have wished for Arizona to address their offensive line before the sixth round and maybe add another receiver to complement Marvin Harrison Jr, but Arizona landed some pretty good players.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Round 1 (15)– Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia (above)

Round 1 (26)– James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

Round 3 (32)– Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

Round 4 (16)– Billy Bowman Jr, S, Oklahoma

Round 7 (2)– Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin

The Falcons finally addressed their defense in the draft, after years of focusing on offensive skill positions. Having Walker fall in their laps was fortuitous. Watts is excellent value in the late third and Bowman could eventually join him as a starting safety for Atlanta. Grabbing an offensive lineman from Wisconsin with some upside in the seventh round is never a bad idea.

My feelings on Atlanta’s draft class are tempered, however, by the price they paid to move up and get Pearce. I like the player, but Atlanta gave up a 2026 first, a price usually reserved for quarterbacks.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Round 1 (27)– Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (above)

Round 2 (27)– Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Round 3 (27)– Emery Jones Jr, OT, LSU

Round 4 (27)– Teddye Buchanan, LB, California

Round 5 (3)– Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M

Round 6 (2)– Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan

Round 6 (10)– Tyler Loop, K, Arizona

Round 6 (27)– LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado

Round 6 (34)– Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech

Round 6 (36)– Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers

Round 7 (27)– Garrett Dellinger, OG, LSU

The Ravens are one of the better drafting teams in the NFL. Part of it is luck, like Starks still being on the board at 27, but when it consistently happens year after year, you have to believe they have a hand in making their own luck. Green had character concerns, but getting him at the end of the second is great value, he’s a first round talent.

The day three haul was vast and sprinkled with players with starter upside including Buchanan, Vinson, Peebles & Dellinger. Does the selection of a kicker signal the end of the road for Justin Tucker in Baltimore?

BUFFALO BILLS

Round 1 (30)– Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (above)

Round 2 (9)– TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina

Round 3 (8)– Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Round 4 (7)– Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Round 5 (34)– Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State

Round 5 (37)– Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech

Round 6 (1)– Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech

Round 6 (30)– Chase Lundt, OT, Connecticut

Round 7 (24)– Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland

The Bills are in a Super Bowl window as long as Josh Allen is under center, but they have to get past some offensive juggernauts in the AFC, so it makes total sense to focus on defense. I think Hairston & Sanders, while good players, were slight reaches by Buffalo. However, they got good value for Jackson & Walker.

I like both of their day three corners. Buffalo hopes their defensive additions push them over the hump in the AFC.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Round 1 (8)– Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (above)

Round 2 (19)– Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Round 3 (13)– Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

Round 4 (12)– Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia

Round 4 (20)– Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State

Round 5 (2)– Cam Jackson, DT, Florida

Round 5 (27)– Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame

Round 6 (32)– Jimmy Horn Jr, WR, Colorado

I was sure that the Panthers were going defense with their first pick, but McMillan was a good curveball. He’s the big bodied, contested catch receiver that should help Bryce Young take the next step. Carolina transformed their pass rush by adding both Scourton & Umanmielen. Ransom was a good addition to their secondary on day three.

I feel Carolina reached a bit on Etienne & Evans, but both have upside if they stay healthy.

CHICAGO BEARS

Round 1 (10)– Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (above)

Round 2 (7)– Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Round 2 (24)– Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

Round 2 (30)– Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

Round 4 (30)– Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland

Round 5 (33)– Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA

Round 6 (19)– Luke Newman, OT, Michigan State

Round 7 (17)– Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers

The Bears surprised me in this draft because they went in directions I wasn’t expecting. Taking Loveland over Tyler Warren was a shock, but I have to trust Ben Johnson on this. Burden wasn’t on my radar because Chicago didn’t have a glaring need at wide receiver, but this is a slam dunk pick. Burden has first round talent.

Trapilo was my favorite pick because he was the one non-first round tackle that I felt had the potential to be a starter at left tackle. I thought they’d go for more of a run stuffer at defensive tackle, but Turner is a good interior pass rusher and is no slouch at run defense.

It became obvious that Chicago’s day three approach was athletic upside. All four of their picks on day three offer that, even if Hyppolite feels like a massive reach.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Round 1 (17)– Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M (above)

Round 2 (17)– Demetrius Knight Jr, LB, South Carolina

Round 3 (17)– Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia

Round 4 (17)– Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson

Round 5 (17)– Jalen Rivers, OG, Miami-Fl

Round 6 (17)– Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech

Defense has been the Achilles heel for the Bengals for years, so focusing there was smart. Stewart is an athletic freak, but he might have the highest bust potential of any first round pick. I like both Knight & Carter, but double dipping at linebacker and not hitting the secondary is questionable.

I like the Fairchild pick and think he could become a starter on Cincinnati’s offensive line, but I hate the Rivers pick. It was a reach and he’s a penalty machine. He’ll really need to clean up his game to see the field.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Round 1 (5)– Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (above)

Round 2 (1)– Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Round 2 (4)– Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Round 3 (3)– Harold Fannin Jr, TE, Bowling Green

Round 3 (30)– Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

Round 4 (24)– Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee

Round 5 (6)– Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Did any team have a more interesting draft than the Browns? From giving up Travis Hunter for a massive haul to ending the unprecedented slide of Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland made this draft interesting.

Graham & Schwesinger instantly upgrade Cleveland’s defense. Judkins & Sampson should complement each other well in the backfield.

The double dip at quarterback is questionable, but it makes for the most interesting training camp competition in the NFL.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Round 1 (12)– Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama (above)

Round 2 (12)– Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Round 3 (12)– Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina

Round 5 (12)– Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas

Round 5 (16)– Shemar James, LB, Florida

Round 6 (28)– Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon

Round 7 (1)– Jay Toia, DT, UCLA

Round 7 (23)– Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson

Round 7 (31)– Tommy Akingbesote, DT, Maryland

Hard to find fault with a draft class in which the Cowboys landed three players; Booker, Ezeiruaku & Revel that I had pegged as potential first rounders. All three should have starting or rotational roles this season.

Blue could prove to be the running back Dallas has been searching for. The only real negative from this draft is not landing a wide receiver.

DENVER BRONCOS

Round 1 (20)– Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas (above)

Round 2 (28)– RJ Harvey, RB, Central Florida

Round 3 (10)– Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois

Round 3 (37)– Sai’vion Jones, EDGE, LSU

Round 4 (32)– Que Robinson, EDGE, Alabama

Round 6 (40)– Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida

Round 7 (25)– Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah

The Broncos already had a good defense, the addition of nickel corner Barron and edge rushers Jones & Robinson could take them to another level.

After passing on running back in the first round, Denver might have landed the perfect one for Sean Payton’s offense in Harvey. Basketball player turned tight end Lohner is the type of seventh round flier I love to see.

DETROIT LIONS

Round 1 (28)– Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State (above)

Round 2 (25)– Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia

Round 3 (6)– Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas

Round 5 (35)– Miles Frazier, OG, LSU

Round 6 (20)– Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State

Round 7 (14)– Dan Jackson, S, Georgia

Round 7 (28)– Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia

The Lions had a bit of an uneven draft. Williams was a bit of a surprise, but a very good player. Ratledge feels like he was made to play for Dan Campbell and Frazier adds depth to the offensive line.

I think Detroit reached on TeSlaa and they definitely overpaid to move up to pick him. Stockpiling Georgia players has worked for Philadelphia, so Detroit grabbing two Bulldogs in the seventh round is a smart move.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Round 1 (23)– Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (above)

Round 2 (22)– Anthony Belton, OT, NC State

Round 3 (23)– Savion Williams, WR, TCU

Round 4 (22)– Barryn Sorrell, EDGE, Texas

Round 5 (23)– Collin Oliver, LB, Oklahoma State

Round 6 (22)– Warren Brinson, DT, Georgia

Round 7 (21)– Micah Robinson, CB, Tulane

Round 7 (34)– John Williams, OT, Cincinnati

The Packers made their fans happy by taking a wide receiver, Golden, in the first round for the first time in 22 years. Then, they doubled down on wide receiver in the third with Savion Williams. Green Bay also had one of the feel good stories of the draft by picking Sorrell, the last player still in the green room.

With the questions surrounding Jaire Alexander, I would have thought Green Bay would’ve addressed cornerback before the seventh round.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Round 2 (2)– Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State (above)

Round 2 (16)– Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Round 3 (15)– Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

Round 3 (33)– Jaylin Smith, CB, USC

Round 4 (14)– Woody Marks, RB, USC

Round 6 (11)– Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State

Round 6 (21)– Graham Mertz, QB, Florida

Round 7 (8)– Kyonte Hamilton, DT, Rutgers

Round 7 (39)– Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa

After trading out of the first round, the Texans doubled down on Iowa State receivers, Higgins & Noel, that complement each other. They were also able to land the top offensive tackle still on the board after the first round, Ersery.

Houston reached quite a bit on Marks, but they found good value in Reed & Lachey.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Round 1 (14)– Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (above)

Round 2 (13)– JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

Round 3 (16)– Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota

Round 4 (25)– Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State

Round 5 (14)– DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

Round 6 (13)– Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame

Round 6 (14)– Tim Smith, DT, Alabama

Round 7 (16)– Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin

Well, the Colts ended up with two players that I was targeting for the Bears, Warren & Tuimoloau, so that grades well for them.

Indianapolis was rather ho-hum the rest of the draft, but don’t be surprised if Leonard makes a little noise in Indy’s quarterback competition.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Round 1 (2)– Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (above)

Round 3 (24)– Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane

Round 3 (25)– Wyatt Milum, OG, West Virginia

Round 4 (2)– Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech

Round 4 (5)– Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame

Round 6 (18)– Jalen McLeod, LB, Auburn

Round 6 (24)– Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy

Round 7 (5)– Jonah Monheim, C, USC

Round 7 (20)– LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse

I like the Jaguars being aggressive and moving up to get the guy they wanted in Hunter, but they paid a quarterback premium to do so. I wanted to trash Jacksonville for that, but the truth is I rather like their draft class.

Milum should eventually earn a starting role and he’ll reset the tone of that group. Tuten could be a home run pick, even if the Jacksonville running back room is crowded. Kiser could carve out a role and Monheim was good value in the seventh round.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Round 1 (32)– Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State (above)

Round 2 (31)– Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

Round 3 (2)– Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville

Round 3 (21)– Nohl Williams, CB, California

Round 4 (31)– Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

Round 5 (20)– Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon

Round 7 (12)– Brashard Smith, RB, SMU

The Chiefs had a pretty nice draft. If fully healthy, Simmons may end up being the best tackle in this class. Royals & Bassa were both great value picks.

Kansas City really only reached on Williams, and that was only a slight reach.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Round 1 (22)– Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (above)

Round 2 (23)– Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

Round 3 (22)– Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon

Round 4 (23)– Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

Round 5 (22)– KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn

Round 5 (29)– Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse

Round 6 (23)– Branson Taylor, OT, Pittsburgh

Round 6 (38)– RJ Mickens, S, Clemson

Round 7 (40)– Trikweze Bridges, S, Florida

I can’t find any fault in the Chargers draft. I love Hampton and he’ll make a good one-two punch with Najee Harris in the running game. Tre Harris is a good complement to Ladd McConkey at wide receiver, while Lambert-Smith gives them a speed element.

Los Angeles took Caldwell a little sooner than projected, but I am a fan of his. Gadsden is more of a big receiver type tight end than the physical blocker that you’d think Harbaugh would prefer.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Round 2 (14)– Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon (above)

Round 3 (26)– Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

Round 4 (15)– Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn

Round 5 (10)– Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State

Round 5 (36)– Chris Paul Jr, LB, Ole Miss

Round 7 (26)– Konata Mumpfield, WR, Pittsburgh

The Rams get high marks from me just for fleecing Atlanta to move out of the first round. Ferguson was a bit of a reach with their first pick, but I trust McVay will make the most of him.

Los Angeles found good value with Paul in the late fifth round.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Round 1 (6)– Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (above)

Round 2 (26)– Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Round 3 (4)– Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

Round 3 (34)– Caleb Rogers, OT, Texas Tech

Round 3 (35)– Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary

Round 4 (6)– Dont’e Thornton Jr, WR, Tennessee

Round 4 (33)– Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina

Round 6 (4)– JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss

Round 6 (37)– Tommy Mellott, WR, Montana State

Round 6 (39)– Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State

Round 7 (6)– Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

The Raiders had a solid if somewhat weird draft. What needs to be said about Jeanty? He’s the next great NFL running back. Vegas double dipped at three positions; wide receiver, offensive tackle & defensive tackle, in all three cases I preferred the player they took second. In this case, I preferred Thornton over Bech, Grant over Rogers & Pegues over Hemingway. This isn’t to disparage Bech, Rogers & Hemingway, just stating how I saw it.

Las Vegas gets point for going with late sixth fliers on small school receiver Mellott & quarterback Miller.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Round 1 (13)– Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (above)

Round 2 (5)– Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona

Round 5 (5)– Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland

Round 5 (13)– Jason Marshall Jr, CB, Florida

Round 5 (19)– Dante Trader Jr, S, Maryland

Round 6 (3)– Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State

Round 7 (15)– Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Round 7 (37)– Zeek Biggers, DT, Georgia Tech

The Dolphins had a decent draft, addressing several needs. Grant was a bit of a surprise, but Miami needed interior defensive lineman. I’m not sure they needed to triple dip on the defensive line, especially since they only added one offensive lineman.

That lineman, Savaiinaea, is a good one, though. I fully expect him to win a starting position this year. Marshall & Trader address needs and should be able to find roles as rookie. Ewers was a good seventh round flier, especially given Tua Tagovailoa’s ongoing health concerns.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Round 1 (24)– Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State (above)

Round 3 (38)– Tai Felton, WR, Maryland

Round 5 (1)– Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, EDGE, Georgia

Round 6 (25)– Kobe King, LB, Penn State

Round 6 (26)– Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh

I like Jackson, a lot, but the Vikings had more pressing needs. I think Minnesota got great value with both of their sixth round picks, King & Bartholomew.

Minnesota only had five picks, I expected them to use at least one on their secondary.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Round 1 (4)– Will Campbell, OT, LSU (above)

Round 2 (6)– TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

Round 3 (5)– Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State

Round 3 (31)– Jared Wilson, C, Georgia

Round 4 (4)– Craig Woodson, S, California

Round 4 (35)– Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State

Round 5 (8)– Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU

Round 6 (6)– Andres Borregales, K, Miami-Fl

Round 7 (4)– Marcus Bryant, OT, Missouri

Round 7 (35)– Julian Ashby, LS, Vanderbilt

Round 7 (41)– Kobee Minor, CB, Memphis

The Patriots knocked this draft out of the park. The landed the best tackle in the draft, Campbell, who will fight & die for Drake Maye. They got a three down running back, Henderson, who isn’t just a home run threat with the ball in his hands, he’s also maybe the best pass blocking back in this class. They also gave Maye a new receiver and a new center, Williams & Wilson, respectively.

New England found good day three value in Woodson, Farmer & Swinson. This is such a good draft, I’m not even going to ding them for picking a kicker AND a long snapper!

Kobee Minor is Mr. Irrelevant, 2025.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Round 1 (9)– Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas (above)

Round 2 (8)– Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

Round 3 (7)– Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas

Round 3 (29)– Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia

Round 4 (10)– Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

Round 4 (29)– Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

Round 6 (8)– Devin Neal, RB, Kansas

Round 7 (32)– Moliki Matavao, TE, UCLA

Round 7 (38)– Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse

The Saints took Banks a little earlier than I had projected, but he’s still a great pick. New Orleans found good day three value in Stutsman, Neal & Diggs.

Ultimately, this draft will be judged on how Shough turns out and also the fate of Shedeur Sanders.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Round 1 (3)– Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State (above)

Round 1 (25)– Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Round 3 (1)– Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

Round 4 (3)– Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

Round 5 (18)– Marcus Mbow, OG, Purdue

Round 7 (3)– Thomas Fidone II, TE, Nebraska

Round 7 (30)– Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State

The Giants absolutely crushed this draft. First, they didn’t overthink it and just took one of the two best players in this draft, Carter, with the third pick. Then, they traded back into the first round for their quarterback of the future, and they didn’t sacrifice a future first round pick to do it. Alexander & Skattebo were great picks, as well, and should play major roles immediately.

New York got great day three value in Mbow & Black, both have eventual starter upside.

NEW YORK JETS

Round 1 (7)– Armand Membou, OT, Missouri (above)

Round 2 (10)– Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

Round 3 (9)– Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Round 4 (8)– Arian Smith, WR, Georgia

Round 4 (28)– Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

Round 5 (26)– Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami-Fl

Round 5 (40)– Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami-Fl

I love what the Jets did in this draft. The addition of Membou gives Justin Fields the best offensive line he’s ever played behind. Taylor is a sure handed security blanket and Smith is a deep threat complement to Garrett Wilson.

Thomas & Moore address needs in New York’s secondary. The only pick I have any issue with is Mauigoa, who I feel was a reach.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Round 1 (31)– Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (above)

Round 2 (32)– Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

Round 4 (9)– Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska

Round 5 (7)– Mac McWilliams, CB, Central Florida

Round 5 (25)– Smael Mondon Jr, LB, Georgia

Round 5 (32)– Drew Kendall, C, Boston College

Round 6 (5)– Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse

Round 6 (15)– Myles Hinton, OT, Michigan

Round 6 (31)– Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

Round 6 (33)– Antwaun Powell-Ryland, EDGE, Virginia Tech

Howie Roseman put on another drafting master class for the Eagles. I cannot believe the rest of the NFL let Campbell fall to the Super Bowl Champions. Mukuba was a safety I had targeted for the Bears.

Philadelphia added depth to the best offensive line in the league with Kendall, Hinton & Williams. Williams was especially good value. Speaking of day three value, Mondon was a great add.

To top it off, Philly added my favorite developmental quarterback in this draft in McCord.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Round 1 (21)– Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon (above)

Round 3 (19)– Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Round 4 (21)– Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

Round 5 (28)– Yahya Black, DT, Iowa

Round 6 (9)– Will Howard, QB, Ohio State

Round 7 (10)– Carson Bruener, LB, Washington

Round 7 (13)– Donte Kent, LB, Central Michigan

The Steelers had a solid draft. Harmon is a stud. Johnson & Sawyer were great additions and great value picks. Howard is the perfect developmental quarterback to learn from a certain future Hall of Famer.

Pittsburgh took a seventh round flier on a legacy pick, Bruener is the son of a former Pittsburgh draft pick.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Round 1 (18)– Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State (above)

Round 2 (3)– Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Round 2 (18)– Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami-Fl

Round 3 (28)– Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Round 5 (4)– Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame

Round 5 (30)– Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

Round 5 (39)– Robbie Ouzts, TE, Alabama

Round 6 (16)– Bryce Cabeldue, OT, Kansas

Round 7 (7)– Damien Martinez, RB, Miami-Fl

Round 7 (18)– Mason Richman, OT, Iowa

Round 7 (22)– Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

The Seahawks had an excellent draft, in my opinion. Their first two picks, Zabel & Emmanwori, were two of my favorite players in this draft. Arroyo has serious upside if he can stay healthy. Seattle will have special offensive packages for Milroe immediately and hopefully he can develop like Jalen Hurts did in Philly.

Seattle got great seventh round value in Martinez & White. White will make an instant impact on special teams and he was another one of my favorite players in the draft.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Round 1 (11)– Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia (above)

Round 2 (11)– Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

Round 3 (11)– Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State

Round 3 (36)– Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky

Round 4 (11)– CJ West, DT, Indiana

Round 4 (36)– Jordan Watkins, WR, Ole Miss

Round 5 (9)– Jordan James, RB, Oregon

Round 5 (24)– Marques Sigle, S, Kansas State

Round 7 (11)– Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana

Round 7 (33)– Connor Colby, OG, Iowa

Round 7 (36)– Junior Bergen, WR, Montana

I’m just not a fan of this draft by the 49ers. It started well, Williams should be a stud pass rusher, but other than him and fourth rounder, West, all of their picks feel like reaches.

With holes on both sides of the ball, it’s odd that San Francisco went exclusively defense through two days of the draft. It’s also highly questionable not to take an offensive lineman until the late seventh round.

There should be a couple hits in here, Williams, West & Collins seem likely, but all in all I feel like the Niners missed in this draft.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Round 1 (19)– Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (above)

Round 2 (21)– Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Round 3 (20)– Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State

Round 4 (19)– David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas

Round 5 (21)– Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU

Round 7 (19)– Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

With Chris Godwin coming off a serious injury and Mike Evans another year past thirty, the Buccaneers going with Egbuka in the first is a good move.

Tampa Bay only had six picks, so doubling up on wide receiver, cornerback & edge rusher seems a bit unwise. I do like most of their picks, though, and Johnson was particularly good value in the seventh.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Round 1 (1)– Cam Ward, QB, Miami-Fl (above)

Round 2 (20)– Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA

Round 3 (18)– Kevin Winston Jr, S, Penn State

Round 4 (1)– Chimere Dike, WR, Florida

Round 4 (18)– Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas

Round 4 (34)– Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

Round 5 (31)– Jackson Slater, OG, Sacramento State

Round 6 (7)– Marcus Harris, CB, California

Round 6 (12)– Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan

The Titans draft will ultimately be judged on the success of Ward. He was the best quarterback in this class, by far, and he is a clear upgrade on Will Levis, but turning down the haul they could have gotten, or landing one of the true blue chippers is a choice. If Ward becomes the franchise quarterback Tennessee has lacked since Steve McNair, all good. If not, well, they’ve set themselves back another 4-5 years.

Tennessee did land some players besides Ward that I like. I especially like the fourth round selections of Helm & Ayomanor.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Round 1 (29)– Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon (above)

Round 2 (29)– Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

Round 4 (26)– Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech

Round 6 (29)– Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA

Round 7 (29)– Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona

Taking an offensive tackle that might not see the field much his rookie year might not have been the wisest choice, especially given the need for a pass rusher, but I love Conerly, so I won’t ding the Commanders for it. I will ding them for not getting an edge rusher in this draft.

Washington has a smaller draft class, but I do like every player they drafted. I think Amos, especially, could pay dividends his rookie season.

This year’s draft will be talked about for years as the Shedeur Sanders draft. We’ve seen draft slides before, but never like this.

Nobody has an answer. We don’t know what happened behind closed doors in team meetings with Sanders. We are all just speculating.

So, I’m going to add my two cents, since that is the motto of my blog.

This is happening because his name is Sanders and his dad is Coach Prime. No, I’m not implying that NFL franchises have colluded to stick it to the Sanders family.

What I am implying is that his value was over inflated from the start because of his bloodline. Everyone, from the media to the fans had a higher opinion of him, because his name was Sanders, than the actual decision makers in the NFL.

Read some of the media scouting reports on Shedeur Sanders, they are basically calling him average, they don’t point out any elite traits, and then they projected him as a first rounder.

Some mention that he is a winner, having a hand in turning around two programs, but that doesn’t make him worthy of being a high round pick. The two quarterbacks from the National Championship game, Will Howard & Riley Leonard haven’t been drafted and they’ve won far more than Shedeur Sanders.

To put it as simply as I can, we were all fooled by the Sanders name and we ignored the fact that Shedeur Sanders was an average athlete with an average arm and he was always seen, by NFL scouts as a back up quarterback.

Some of the former scouts and executives now working in media may have heard the talk, some even saw it with their own eyes, but no one wanted to be the first to drop Sanders down to where he actually should have been ranked.

By not being honest in their assessments, they did all of us a disservice and they especially did Shedeur Sanders a disservice.

With that being said, here’s rounds 4 through 7:

I correctly predicted 27 first rounders. The five I missed were Kenneth Grant (13 to Miami), Donovan Jackson (24 to Minnesota), Tyleik Williams (28 to Detroit), Josh Conerly Jr (29 to Washington) & Maxwell Hairston (30 to Buffalo).

Of those five, I did have Grant & Jackson in different rough drafts of my final mock. Conerly & Williams both made appearances in earlier first round mocks. The only real surprise, to me, was Hairston.

The five players that I predicted would go in the first round but are still available are Donovan Ezeiruaku, Nick Emmanwori, Shedeur Sanders, Mike Green & Will Johnson.

I correctly predicted five player-team pairings: Cam Ward (Tennessee), Abdul Carter (NY Giants), Will Campbell (New England), Tyler Warren (Indianapolis) & Derrick Harmon (Pittsburgh).

I also correctly predicted that Travis Hunter would be the second pick, but I had the wrong team making the pick.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Pick #16– Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

For most of mock draft season, I had the Cardinals taking a defensive tackle with their first pick. This is higher than I projected Nolen, but I was hearing that he was rising up draft boards. Solid pick by Arizona.

Day Two Mock

Pick #47– Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona

Pick #78– Chris Paul Jr, LB, Ole Miss (photo below)

ATLANTA FALCONS

Pick #15– Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

Pick #26– James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

I like the fact that the Falcons finally addressed their defense in the first round, but they paid a very steep price to jump back into the first round for Pearce. Giving up a future first for anything other than a quarterback is very questionable.

Day Two Mock

Pick #101– Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State (photo below)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Pick #27– Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The Ravens just know how to draft. They were patient and let the best safety in the draft come to them. Starks and Kyle Hamilton give Baltimore the best safety tandem in the NFL.

Day Two Mock

Pick #59– Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue (photo above)

Pick #91– Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

BUFFALO BILLS

Pick #30– Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The Bills needed to combat the high powered offenses they’ll have to face in the AFC. Hairston wasn’t on my first round radar, but I know he’s got speed.

Day Two Mock

Pick #56– Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss (photo above)

Pick #62– Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Pick #8– Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Panthers had me convinced they were going defense in the first round, but they did need to get Bryce Young a big time receiver.

Day Two Mock

Pick #57– Jared Wilson, OC, Georgia (photo above)

Pick #74– Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA

CHICAGO BEARS

Pick #10– Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

As a Bears fan, I have to admit this pick underwhelmed me. The board didn’t break our way and I thought we’d take a different tight end, but I’ve got to trust Ben Johnson on this one.

Day Two Mock

Pick #39– Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Pick #41– TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State (photo below)

Pick #72– Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Pick #17– Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Whether or not they keep Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals needed to add a pass rusher. Stewart was more disruptive than productive in college, but he’s got all the tools to be great.

Day Two Mock

Pick #49– Wyatt Milum, IOL, West Virginia (photo above)

Pick #81– Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Pick #5– Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Some may question giving up a chance to add a blue chip talent like Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, but the Browns got a haul and still landed a very good player in Graham. It seems like Cleveland is punting on this quarterback class and stocking up for next year’s.

Day Two Mock

Pick #33– Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Pick #36– Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Pick #67– Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

Pick #94– Cameron Skattebo, RB, Arizona State (photo below)

DALLAS COWBOYS

Pick #12– Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

I thought for sure that the Cowboys would take a skill position player, but Booker is an excellent pick.

Day Two Mock

Pick #44– Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss (photo below)

Pick #76– Emery Jones, OT, LSU

DENVER BRONCOS

Pick #20– Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

I didn’t expect the Broncos to go cornerback, but Barron is tremendous value.

Day Two Mock

Pick #51– Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa (photo below)

Pick #85– Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami-Fl

DETROIT LIONS

Pick #28– Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Williams might not have been on my radar, but the Lions going defensive line wasn’t a surprise.

Day Two Mock

Pick #60– Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia (photo above)

Pick #102– David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Pick #23– Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

For the first time in 22 years the Packers took a wide receiver in the first round. Golden is fast and I had him as the number two receiver in the draft.

Day Two Mock

Pick #54– TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina (photo above)

Pick #87– Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech

HOUSTON TEXANS

The Texans traded down nine spots and out the first round. They picked up an extra third round pick this year and next. Not a bad haul, except in comparison to what LA got from Atlanta.

Day Two Mock

Pick #34– Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Pick #58– Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota (photo below)

Pick #79– Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

Pick #89– Miles Frazier, IOL, LSU

Pick #99– Demetrius Knight Jr, LB, South Carolina

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Pick #14– Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

This was the first of two picks outside the top five that I correctly predicted. The Colts have to be thrilled to land Warren.

Day Two Mock

Pick #45– Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA (photo below)

Pick #80– Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Pick #2– Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado

Hunter is a special talent. He’s one of one, but the Jaguars paid a quarterback premium to land him.

Day Two Mock

Pick #70– Kevin Winston Jr, S, Penn State (photo below)

Pick #88– Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Pick #32– Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

If Simmons is fully healthy, the Chiefs got a steal, especially considering they added an extra fifth round pick to move back one spot.

Day Two Mock

Pick #63– Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State (photo below)

Pick #66– Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

Pick #95– Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Pick #22– Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

This pick was a bit of a surprise pick, considering the Chargers signed Najee Harris, but Jim Harbaugh will be able to play his style of football with Hampton.

Day Two Mock

Pick #55– Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

Pick #86– Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville (photo below)

LOS ANGELES RAMS

The Rams moved down twenty spots and out of the first round, but they got a haul usually reserved for quarterbacks.

Day Two Mock

Pick #46– Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State (photo below)

Pick #90– Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Pick #6– Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Many mock drafters had the Raiders landing Jeanty, including me until my final mock. Jeanty is a special talent that will let Pete Carroll to run the offense he prefers.

Day Two Mock

Pick #37– Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (photo below)

Pick #68– Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Pick #13– Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Dolphins were the first team to take a player that wasn’t in my final first round mock. Grant is a massive run stuffer, just not sure I like the value here.

Day Two Mock

Pick #48– Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame (photo below)

Pick #98– Zy Alexander, CB, LSU

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Pick #24– Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State

While I didn’t have Jackson in the first round in my final mock draft, I did consider him a possible first rounder. The Vikings just spent considerable money on their offensive line during free agency, so I’m not sure this was a necessary pick.

Day Two Mock

Pick #97– Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma (photo below)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Pick #4– Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Campbell to the Patriots was the chalk pick, but the absolute right pick.

Day Two Mock

Pick #38– Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (photo below)

Pick #69– Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State

Pick #77– Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Pick #9– Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas

This was a mild surprise, but given Ryan Ramczyk’s retirement, the Saints had a need for Banks.

Day Two Mock

Pick #40– Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (photo above)

Pick #71– Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU

Pick #93– DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

NEW YORK GIANTS

Pick #3– Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Pick #25– Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

The Giants had a good first round of the draft. First they didn’t overthink it and took the best player on the board in Carter. Then they traded back in and got their quarterback, Dart, and really didn’t pay all that much to do it.

Day Two Mock

Pick #65– Harold Fannin Jr, TE, Bowling Green (photo below)

NEW YORK JETS

Pick #7– Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Membou was one of three players I thought the Jets might take, but he wasn’t my final pick. I’m just happy that Justin Fields will finally have a competent offensive line in front of him.

Day Two Mock

Pick #42– Mason Taylor, TE, LSU (photo below)

Pick #73– Jack Bech, WR, TCU

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Pick #31– Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

I don’t know if the Eagles are the best drafting team in the NFL or just incredibly lucky. Landing Campbell at 31 feels like highway robbery.

Day Two Mock

Pick #64– Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State (photo below)

Pick #96– Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pick #21– Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Another pick I predicted correctly. Harmon just feels like a Steelers defensive lineman.

Day Two Mock

Pick #83– Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama (photo below)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Pick #18– Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State

I had a feeling the Seahawks would go with a guard. With the one I projected to them off the board, Zabel makes total sense.

Day Two Mock

Pick #50– JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State (photo above)

Pick #52– Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

Pick #82– Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

Pick #92– Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pick #11– Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

I really like this pick. If Williams gets anywhere close to his ceiling, which is sky high, the 49ers will have a fierce pass rush.

Day Two Mock

Pick #43– Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina (photo above)

Pick #75– Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

Pick #100– Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Pick #19– Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Bit of a surprise pick by the Buccaneers, but Godwin is coming off a season ending injury and Evans isn’t getting any younger. Egbuka gives Tampa another weapon.

Day Two Mock

Pick #53– Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Pick #84– Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State (photo below)

TENNESSEE TITANS

Pick #1– Cameron Ward, QB, Miami-Fl

Was Ward the best player in this draft? No, but he is the best quarterback and the Titans had a need.

Day Two Mock

Pick #35– Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (photo below)

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Pick #29– Josh Conerly Jr, EDGE, Oregon

I love the player in Conerly, just not sure it was the best pick for the Commanders after the acquisition of Laremy Tunsil.

Day Two Mock

Pick #61– Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame (photo below)

This is one of the toughest final mock drafts I’ve ever done. Maybe it’s because, for the first time I can remember, every team still possesses their own first round pick. Maybe it’s the lack of high end quarterbacks. Maybe it’s just the large collection of second tier prospects.

The top four are the only picks I’m certain of, and even there there is some wiggle room. Colorado’s Travis Hunter or Penn State’s Abdul Carter will go second to Cleveland, the other will go third to the New York Giants.

After the first four, we could have chaos. I thought the Jacksonville pick at five was a lock, but there’s been a lot of buzz as we wind down the hours to the draft. The term “the draft starts here” is completely overused, but it feels apt to say that the intrigue starts at five and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hovering over everything is the quarterback question. There’s four teams, not counting Tennessee, with a pretty serious need at quarterback and only two quarterbacks, after Miami’s Cam Ward, worth considering in the first round. Will they go early? Will some team try to move into the back end of the first for one?

Not even Mel Kiper has the answers and that is what makes mock drafting so much fun, and infuriating at the same time.

All that being said, this is it, my final mock. It’s been revised several times, thrown out and restarted, but now I’m out of time and this is what I’m going with:

Picks 1-4

• Ward to Tennessee is a lock.
• While I think Cleveland should go with Carter, the buzz for Hunter is deafening.
• The NY Giants would probably rather have Hunter, but Carter is a very good consolation prize.
• Provided picks 1-3 are Ward, Hunter & Carter in any order, Campbell to New England is a lock.

Picks 5-8

• I think the Jaguars are trying to entice someone to move up for Jeanty and they get Chicago to bite.
• Pete Carroll’s first pick in rebuilding Las Vegas will be in the trenches with Membou.
• Aaron Glenn will go defense with his first pick as NY Jets head coach with Graham.
• I’m pretty confident that Carolina is going defense here and they’ve been linked to Walker for awhile.

Picks 9-12

• The more I think about it, the more unlikely it feels that New Orleans will go quarterback here. Instead I think they’ll add Williams to their defense.
• Jacksonville might be eager to move down from five because they’ve settled on McMillan as their guy.
• San Francisco taking Johnson, while not a lock, has been a consistent pick of mine.
• I think Golden would be the pick for Dallas even if McMillan was still on the board.

Picks 13-16

• Miami has a need at corner and safety, Barron is the most versatile defensive back in this class.
• Indianapolis will be ecstatic if Warren makes it this far.
• With the two Georgia defenders, Walker and Williams, off the board, Atlanta bets on the physical attributes of Stewart.
• With Banks still on the board, I think Arizona will look to solidify their offensive line.

Picks 17-20

• Cincinnati has taken chances on players with character concerns before. The talent of Green is undeniable.
• The LA Chargers jump ahead of division rival, Denver, to ensure they land Loveland.
• Tampa Bay picks Campbell to be the next great Buccaneer linebacker.
• Hampton is the workhorse, three down running back Denver needs.

Picks 21-24

• I just don’t see Pittsburgh going quarterback with this pick. I like defensive line and Harmon is the best on the board.
• After trading down, Seattle picks Booker, the top pure guard in the draft.
• Green Bay looks to solidify their defensive line with Nolen.
• Minnesota landing Starks feels like as much of a lock as the twenty fourth pick can be.

Picks 25-28

• Houston needs offensive line help and Simmons could be a steal if he’s fully healthy.
• Cleveland has the first pick of the second round, so they’re a prime candidate to move back into the first for a quarterback. They trade with the Rams to land Sanders.
• Emmanwori feels like the type of hard hitting safety that Baltimore loves.
• Detroit can slide Zabel into the spot vacated by Kevin Zeitler.

Picks 29-32

• Pass rusher feels like one of the few needs Washington has, so Pearce is a natural fit.
• Buffalo picks Egbuka to give Josh Allen another weapon.
• New Orleans makes a deal with the Chiefs to move back into the first round and secure Dart and the all important fifth year option.
• Philadelphia adds the highly productive Ezeiruaku to replace Josh Sweat.

Bonus Picks

• After trading out of the first round, the LA Rams kick off day two of the draft by selecting Revel.
• Kansas City moves out of the first round and lands Jackson, who I think they would have considered in the first.

Here we are, it’s finally draft week. For the first time in recent memory, I have no clue what the Bears will do in the first round. Usually by this time I have a pretty good idea, maybe not the exact player but the position. This year, no idea.

That’s a credit to the work Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson have done thus far. There is no glaring hole on this roster. The Bears can go in so many different directions. For once, they are actually in a position to take the best player available.

I went into this mock with three players as locks for the Bears to take if they’re available at ten. Those players are LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham & Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.

I don’t really expect any of those three to be available, and they weren’t in this mock. When the Bears went on the clock at ten, the best player on the board was Penn State tight end, Tyler Warren.

I like Warren, a lot, but the Bears have Cole Kmet. Is tight end really the best use of their first round pick, even when he’s as good as Warren?

My gut told me no, so I listened to offers. I accepted one from the Indianapolis Colts.

TRADE

Colts receiver pick #10

Bears receiver picks #14 & 80

I figured the Colts were moving up for Warren, and my focus shifted to Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr & North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.

Imagine my surprise when Indianapolis selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Four picks later, when the Bears were back on the clock, it felt like fate and I didn’t fight it anymore.

Round One, Pick #14

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

While I was reluctant to use a first round pick on a tight end, partly out of my affinity for Cole Kmet, there is no denying that Warren is one of the best players in this draft.

A creative play caller like Ben Johnson will have a lot of fun with Warren and maximize his vast potential. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Warren could be this year’s Brock Bowers.

This pick makes me a little sad because it could signal the end of Kmet’s Bears tenure. The one-two punch of Warren and Kmet will be fun this season, but Kmet could become a cap casualty next offseason. Warren is a clear upgrade and the Bears could save valuable cap space by moving on from Kmet next year.

That being said, this was the right pick, especially since I was able to add an extra third round pick and still land him.

Round Two, Pick #39

Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

The Bears caught another stroke of luck with Conerly still being on the board at thirty nine. This was my easiest pick in this mock draft.

Conerly is young and relatively raw, but his potential is immense. Review the tape of his performance against Penn State’s superstar edge, Abdul Carter, and you’ll see it.

Conerly needs to add play strength and further develop his technique, but the good news is that the Bears don’t need him to be a day one starter at left tackle.

Braxton Jones is the incumbent left tackle and he should be ready for the start of the season. The Bears also have last year’s third round pick, Kiran Amegadjie, so they can take it slow with Conerly, hopefully.

Jones will likely depart Chicago next offseason and Conerly should be ready to take over full time left tackle duties.

This is a tremendous pick that I’m very happy with.

Round Two, Pick #41

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

While I might be unsure of what the Bears will do with their first pick of this draft, there are three things I’m certain of. I feel extremely confident that the Bears will pick an offensive tackle, a running back and a defensive tackle in this draft. In this mock, they’ve gotten two of the three in the second round.

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is the clear number one running back in this class, but I doubt he makes it to the Bears pick in the first round. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton should also be a first rounder, but he’s a stretch at ten or even fourteen.

The Ohio State tandem of Henderson and Quinshon Judkins aren’t that far behind. I specified my preference for Judkins in earlier writings. I just think he’d complement D’Andre Swift and give the Bears a power element to their backfield that they currently lack.

The Bears, however, seem to prefer Henderson according to reports. It’s understandable. Henderson has drawn comparisons to Jahmyr Gibbs, who Ben Johnson coached in Detroit. Henderson has three down capabilities and he might well be the best pass blocking running back in this draft.

I’m very happy with this pick, even if I personally prefer Judkins.

Round Three, Pick #72

TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina

This is a very deep defensive tackle class and I’m sure the Bears will grab one. Here, they pick Sanders, who offers potential three down value.

Though a bit undersized than a classic run stuffer, Sanders is an adept run defender and offers some juice as a pass rusher. He should find a role in the Bears defensive line rotation.

TRADE

Rams receive picks #80 & 240

Bears receive picks #90 & 127

The Bears acquired the eightieth pick from Indianapolis in their first round trade, the offer of a fourth round pick to move down ten spots is too good to pass up.

Round Three Pick #90

Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State

The Bears have an underrated, if not pressing need at safety. Kevin Byard is 32 and clearly on the downside of his career. Jaquan Brisker has a concerning history of concussions. Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks are both solid backups and special teamers but neither appears to be a long term starter.

Ransom is a smart, physical safety that excels in run support and intermediate coverage. He doesn’t possess top end speed, but his football smarts usually have him in good position.

Ransom should develop into a plus starter at safety for the Bears.

Round Four, Pick #127

Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon

I have the Bears double dipping into this deep defensive tackle class because I think they might have more need there than originally thought.

I have a feeling that Gervon Dexter is going to transition to defensive end, leaving the Bears thin on the interior. New addition Grady Jarrett is still a good pass rusher and Andrew Billings is a stout run defender, but neither are three down guys at this point of their careers. The rest of the Bears defensive line room are rotational depth pieces.

While their earlier pick at defensive tackle, TJ Sanders, does profile as a three down player, he is actually better as a pass rusher. Caldwell, on the other hand, is a classic run stuffer.

With Billings in the final year of his contract, Caldwell could be positioned as his heir apparent, while playing a rotational role as a rookie.

Round Five, Pick #148

Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State

The outside cornerback spot opposite Jaylon Johnson is a question mark. Tyrique Stevenson has flashed potential, but his game really regressed down the stretch in 2024. He became a liability.

Maybe a change in coaching staffs can resurrect his career, but having a backup plan is a good idea.

Black has good size and excellent speed and has shown good traits. There are elements of his game that need improvement, but he’s well worth a fifth round pick.

Round Seven, Pick #233

Willie Lampkin, IOL, North Carolina

Lampkin is vastly undersized to be an NFL lineman, but he’s just a damn good football player.

To put it away Bears fans will completely understand, Willie Lampkin is the exact opposite of Nate Davis. If you could fill out a roster with guys that play with the passion and determination of Lampkin, you’d win multiple Super Bowls.

His lack of size limits his prospects, but he could find a role as a backup center or he is athletic enough to convert to fullback.

The Chicago Bears hold seven picks in this year’s draft. They have the 10th overall pick, 39th, 41st, 72nd, 148, 233 & 240. Thanks to what they were able to accomplish thus far in the offseason, they are not in a position where they are drafting strictly for need. They can take a “best player available” approach with all their picks.

Over the next several weeks I’ll spotlight every position group, with the exception of quarterback (the Bears won’t draft one) and specialists (aka kickers, punters and long snappers).

I have covered the offensive & defensive lines, running backs, receivers & tight ends and the secondary in previous posts. In this final post, I’ll cover linebackers.

The Bears don’t have a pressing need at linebacker. Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards are firmly entrenched as starters. However, Edwards is in the final year of his contract and Edmunds has never lived up to his and is a likely cap casualty next offseason.

Also, the departure of Jack Sanborn in free agency has left them a little thin at linebacker. The Bears could look ahead to 2026 and draft an eventual starter or just add depth for this season.

With only seven picks, they can’t draft every position, but linebacker should be under consideration.

FIRST ROUND

Georgia’s Jalon Walker isn’t exactly a scheme fit for the Bears, as he’s more of a 3-4 outside linebacker/edge rusher, but he’s good enough to strongly consider in the first round. He has the athletic chops to be either a high end edge rusher or off ball linebacker, or a hybrid of both.

Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell as projects as more of a 3-4 outside linebacker/ edge rusher and his upside is considerably lower than Walker. Even with a trade down, I’d prefer the Bears pass since there should be equal or better players available at more important positions.

DAY TWO

Day two of the draft is the most likely time the Bears could draft an eventual starter at linebacker.

UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger is a former walk on that worked himself up to an All American. He has the instinct and traits to become a solid WILL or MIKE linebacker, and he offers value on special teams as he waits for his chance to start.

Clemson’s Barrett Carter has the athleticism to become a quality WILL linebacker in the NFL.

Ole Miss’ Chris Paul Jr is a bit undersized for an NFL linebacker, but has the athleticism and traits to become a starter at WILL.

South Carolina’s Demetrius Knight is a very intelligent and passionate player. He is an elite run defender and blitzer, but struggles a bit in man to man coverage. He does have a future as a starting MIKE linebacker.

DAY THREE PROSPECTS

There will still be quality linebacker prospects with starting upside available on day three of the draft. Here’s a few names to remember:

• Smael Mondon Jr, Georgia
• Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
• Teddye Buchanan, California
• Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
• Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky
• Jay Higgins, Iowa
• Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
• Kobe King, Penn State
• Cody Simon, Ohio State

While I like the idea of the Bears getting ahead of the need at linebacker, I don’t think they should spend a first or second round pick at the position.

The third round might be the sweet spot. Schwesinger, Carter, Paul or Knight would all be fine picks that will eventually take over at MIKE or WILL.

Day three offers some enticing depth options. I’m especially intrigued by Kobe King and Cody Simon.

This wraps up my positional breakdowns for the draft. Now we wait until the Chicago Bears go on the clock on April 24.

In this mock draft, I’ll present my dream scenario. This would be the perfect draft, in my opinion. Next week I’ll do a mock with the picks I think will actually happen. For now, we dream.

First Round

With the tenth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Will Campbell, offensive tackle, LSU.

This is actually more plausible than you might think, still unlikely perhaps, but not impossible. Here’s how I have the first nine picks:

1. Tennessee Titans select Cam Ward, quarterback, Miami.
2. Cleveland Browns select Abdul Carter, defensive end, Penn State.
3. New York Giants select Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, Colorado.
4. New England Patriots select Travis Hunter, cornerback/ wide receiver, Colorado.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars select Mason Graham, defensive tackle, Michigan.
6. Las Vegas Raiders select Ashton Jeanty, running back, Boise State.
7. New York Jets select Tyler Warren, tight end, Penn State.
8. Carolina Panthers select Jalon Walker, linebacker, Georgia.
9. New Orleans Saints select Jaxson Dart, quarterback, Ole Miss.

Does any of that sound impossible? Is it wishful thinking? Perhaps, but you can’t say it’s far fetched.

Tennessee going with Ward has been fait accompli for weeks. There’s no surprise there.

There are only two blue chip, can’t miss players in this draft: Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. Cleveland could go with either, and it doesn’t matter who they choose, but my money is on Carter.

I’m 50/50 on whether the NY Giants will pick a quarterback or the blue chip talent that Cleveland doesn’t take. For my dream scenario to play out, I need the Giants to go with Sanders.

This leaves either Carter or Hunter for New England. They won’t pass. However, if the Giants pass on quarterback, the Patriots are very likely taking Campbell.

Jacksonville could go offensive line, but most analysts agree it’ll be defense for the Jaguars at five.

Las Vegas is another team that could go offensive line, but I do think they’ll go Jeanty, one of the five best players in this draft.

The NY Jets very well might go offensive tackle here, but I think there’s a very good chance they could opt for Missouri’s Armand Membou over Campbell. There are no questions about Membou’s ability to play tackle in the NFL, the only concern with him is that he’s exclusively been a right tackle. The Jets just so happen to need a right tackle.

Most analysts believe that Carolina will go defense. It could be any defensive player, but I’m picking Walker.

I’ve been mocking a QB to New Orleans even before the news about Derek Carr’s season being in jeopardy due to a shoulder injury. Now, I’m firmly convinced they’ll take a QB, I just need it to be the third one instead of the second.

And, there we have it, Campbell is still on the board at ten. The Bears better be sprinting to the podium with this pick.

There are some questions about whether Campbell’s arm length will force him to move inside to guard in the NFL. Personally, I think he’ll stick at tackle and be a damn good one.

He played in the juggernaut SEC, weekly facing off with NFL caliber pass rushers and more than holding his own.

The fact is, in my opinion, Will Campbell is the best offensive lineman in this class, period. He could be the final piece in the Bears offensive line rebuild and their long term answer at left tackle.

If I’m wrong about his ability to stick at tackle, then he becomes a long term All Pro caliber guard. Sure, the Bears just traded for two starting guards in Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, but neither are signed long term at this point.

Thuney is 32 years old and has not signed an extension, yet. He could be a free agent next offseason. Jackson, meanwhile, is signed through 2027, but there is no guarantee that he will recover his former Pro Bowl form.

But, I digress, Will Campbell will be a high quality left tackle and he’ll help make the Bears biggest weakness in 2024 into a strength of the 2025 team

Second Round

With the thirty ninth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Donovan Ezeiruaku, defensive end, Boston College.

Personally, I don’t think Ezeiruaku makes it out of the first round, but this is the dream scenario mock and I have seen mock drafts that have him still available when the Bears go on the clock on day two of the draft.

Even if available, the likelihood of the Bears taking Ezeiruaku is slim. New Bears defensive coordinator prefers bigger defensive ends and Ezeiruaku is built more like a 3-4 outside linebacker than a 4-3 defensive end.

But I’m making the picks here, not Dennis Allen. The fact is that Ezeiruaku can flat out rush the passer. His 16.5 sacks were second in the entire FBS last year. The Bears need players that can consistently harass the quarterback and turn those pressures into sacks.

I think Ezeiruaku is that guy and if Allen is as good a defensive coordinator as the experts say, he’ll find ways to utilize Ezeiruaku’s talents.

I’d consider a defensive tackle here, if Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen or Michigan’s Kenneth Grant are still on the board.

With the forty first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Quinshon Judkins, running back, Ohio State.

There’s no wishful thinking on availability with this pick. In fact, the Bears could have their pick of running backs not named Ashton Jeanty in the second round, though I suspect North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton will go in the first round.

This pick actually comes down to two Ohio State running backs, Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, both would be fine additions, but my preference is Judkins.

Judkins is a bruising, punishing north-south runner that wears down defenses and takes over games. With Judkins as lead back, the Bears won’t be consistently behind the sticks like they so often were with D’Andre Swift as the featured back.

With the addition of Judkins, Swift can be more of a change of pace, home run threat back. Swift would be a poor man’s version of Jahmyr Gibbs to Judkins’ David Montgomery as Ben Johnson recreates the Sonic & Knuckles rushing attack that he had in Detroit.

Third Round

With the seventy second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Alfred Collins, defensive tackle, Texas.

This is a very good class of defensive tackles and I would love for the Bears to come out of day two of the draft with one.

The Bears should have some pretty good ones to choose from in the third round. In addition to Collins, Toledo’s Darius Alexander, Tennessee’s Omarr Norman-Lott, Texas A&M’s Shemar Turner and Kentucky’s Deone Walker should all be available.

I like Collins because I think he’s just scratching the surface of his potential. He’s already a plus run defender and he’s flashed some juice as an interior pass rusher.

With some pro seasoning, good coaching and mentoring by a consummate professional like Grady Jarrett, I think Collins’ ceiling is very high. Potentially Pro Bowl high.

Fifth Round

With the one hundred forty eighth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Malachi Moore, safety, Alabama.

I think safety is an underrated need for the Bears. Kevin Byard will be 32 this season and he’s clearly on the downside of his career. Jaquan Brisker missed the final twelve games in 2024 due to a concussion, the third of his NFL career.

Their depth at safety is okay with Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks, but neither feel like long term starting options.

I’m not implying that Moore will become a starter in the NFL, let alone a plus starter, but the Bears have had good luck with day three Alabama safeties before. Eddie Jackson was a fourth round pick and enjoyed several stellar seasons in Chicago.

Moore is excellent in coverage and a willing, if not always effective, run defender.

Seventh Round

With the two hundred thirty third pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Cody Simon, linebacker, Ohio State.

I highly doubt that Simon lasts until the seventh round, but this is a dream scenario mock draft and landing a good depth piece that can contribute on special teams and may eventually earn a starting role at linebacker would be dream.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, Simon has shorter arms that could lower his draft stock. Will it push him into the seventh round? Who knows?

What I do know is that Simon can play football. As a seventh round pick, even if he’s just a high end special teamer, this would be a win.

With the two hundred fortieth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Ricky White III, wide receiver, UNLV.

White has two things that make him an enticing seventh round pick. The first is speed. He may be lacking in size and play strength, but he has speed and could find a role as a deep threat.

White is also a special teams standout. He had four blocked punts in 2024, FOUR! He also recovered another blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown.

Finding core special teamers with upside is the goal in the seventh round and White offers that.

And there we have it, my perfect Chicago Bears seven round mock draft.

We’ve landed a franchise left tackle in Campbell, a pass rushing demon in Ezeiruaku, a bell cow running back in Judkins, a rotational piece on the defensive line in Collins, a potentially eventual starter at safety in Moore, a special teamer that could become a starter at linebacker in Simon and a special teams ace and potential speed threat at receiver in White.

I would be very, very happy with this draft.

The Chicago Bears hold seven picks in this year’s draft. They have the 10th overall pick, 39th, 41st, 72nd, 148, 233 & 240. Thanks to what they were able to accomplish thus far in the offseason, they are not in a position where they are drafting strictly for need. They can take a “best player available” approach with all their picks.

Over the next several weeks I’ll spotlight every position group, with the exception of quarterback (the Bears won’t draft one) and specialists (aka kickers, punters and long snappers).

In this piece, I’ll take a look at defensive backs.

CORNERBACKS

The Bears have two solid cornerbacks, Jaylon Johnson and nickelback Kyler Gordon, and one question mark.

Tyrique Stevenson got off to a promising start in 2024, but much like the entire Bears season, he fell apart after the Hail Mary loss to Washington.

I feel like the Bears will draft a cornerback in this draft, in what round depends on how they feel about Stevenson.

First Round

In these pieces I’m trying to focus on players that have a realistic chance of being drafted by the Bears. That’s why this will be my only mention of Colorado’s Travis Hunter.

Michigan’s Will Johnson may be there at ten, and if the Bears have lost faith in Stevenson then this would be a fine pick.

Texas’ Jahdae Barron is worthy of a first round pick, but he’s best suited for nickelback and the Bears have a pretty good one in Kyler Gordon.

Day Two

There’s some good corners that will be available on day two of the draft. Taking a corner in the second round would seem to show a complete lack of faith in Stevenson, while a third round corner, or later pick would serve to put him on notice.

East Carolina’s Shavon Revel has all the physical attributes and measurables to become an early starter in the NFL. He has been mocked in the first round, but he did suffer a season ending knee injury last September which could push him into day two.

Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison has great ball skills. He’s excellent in zone but struggles a bit in man coverage.

Ole Miss’ Trey Amos is also better in zone than man coverage, and he’s a subpar run defender.

Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas has shown good traits and improvement in his college career. He needs more seasoning, but he has the potential to be an above average outside corner.

Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston possesses blazing speed and good ball skills, he’s a threat to take any interception to the house. His slight build could pose an issue against bigger receivers and he doesn’t offer much in run support.

Iowa State’s Darien Porter is good athlete and he’s shown the traits to be a quality NFL cornerback, he also adds value on special teams. He’s an older prospect and still needs seasoning, though.

Ohio State’s Denzel Burke is a strong run defender and he’s decent in zone, but struggles in man coverage.

Virginia Tech’s Dorian Strong is an average athlete and lacks top end speed, but his coverage skills are above average in zone and man.

Day Three Prospects

Day three is when I think the Bears are most likely to pick a cornerback. There will still be some decent prospects available and most offer special teams value as well.

• Cobee Bryant, Kansas
• Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
• Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
• Justin Walley, Minnesota
• Zah Frazier, UTSA
• Mello Dotson, Kansas
• Jermari Harris, Iowa
• Isas Waxter, Villanova
• Jason Marshall Jr, Florida

SAFETIES

On the surface, safety doesn’t look like a need for the Bears, but there are question marks. Kevin Byard’s age, for one. He had a decent first season in Chicago, but he’s not the Pro Bowl caliber player he once was.

Then there’s the troubling concussion history of Jaquan Brisker. He suffered a concussion in Week 5, against Carolina, his fourth known concussion of his NFL career. He didn’t play another snap during the season. The Bears have to be a little bit concerned.

The Bears depth at safety is okay, but bringing in another might not be a bad idea. They shouldn’t do it in the first round, however.

Day Two

There are two safeties that have first round grades in this draft. Georgia’s Malaki Starks & South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori. Of the two, Emmanwori is the most likely to slip into the second round, and also the one I’d prefer. The chances, though, are slim.

Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts has been a popular pick for the Bears in mock drafts. I like Watts, but picking him in the second round probably means missing out on either a left tackle, edge rusher or running back.

Texas’ Andrew Mukuba, Penn State’s Kevin Winston Jr & Ohio State’s Lathan Ransom are realistic third round targets.

Mukuba is the better pass defender, Winston the better run defender, while Ransom is a good combination of the two.

Day Three Prospects

I think the Bears could still find an eventual starting safety on day three of the draft. Here’s some names to watch:

• Billy Bowman, Oklahoma
• Jonas Sanker, Virginia Tech
• Jaylen Reed, Penn State
• Malachi Moore, Alabama
• Sebastian Castro, Iowa
• Kitan Crawford, Nevada
• Craig Woodson, California

Depending on how the Bears feel about Tyrique Stevenson, safety is the bigger need. If Will Johnson is available at ten, he’d be hard to pass up. Instant upgrade and he’d give the Bears a pair of lockdown corners, to go with one of the better nickelbacks in the NFL.

I haven’t seen any mocks with the Bears going Johnson, but I think it could be one of those under the radar possibilities.

The Bears won’t address safety in the first round, but there is a good chance they do on day two. Emmanwori probably doesn’t make it to day two, but if he does they’d have to think long and hard about it.

Personally, I think round three would be the earliest they address the secondary, but there is a possibility someone will be available at one of their earlier picks that they have a high grade on.

The Chicago Bears hold seven picks in this year’s draft. They have the 10th overall pick, 39th, 41st, 72nd, 148, 233 & 240. Thanks to what they were able to accomplish thus far in the offseason, they are not in a position where they are drafting strictly for need. They can take a “best player available” approach with all their picks.

Over the next several weeks I’ll spotlight every position group, with the exception of quarterback (the Bears won’t draft one) and specialists (aka kickers, punters and long snappers).

In this piece I’ll look at wide receivers and tight ends.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Honestly, I don’t think the Bears need to take a wide receiver in this draft. With DJ Moore & Rome Odunze, their top two are locked down for years to come. Olamide Zaccheaus is a solid third receiver and the fourth option will be shared by Devin Duvernay and Tyler Scott.

Wide receiver is not a pressing need. The Bears shouldn’t be looking at any before day three. This is one of the weaker wide receiver classes in years, so it’s a good year not to particularly need one.

I’ll start with day two prospects, because you never know.

Day Two

One receiver that I’ve heard connected to the Bears has been Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel. Noel is fast and a home run threat with the ball in his hands. He might still be on the board when the Bears go on the clock in the third round.

Utah State’s Jalen Royals, Texas’ Isaiah Bond, Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor, Oregon’s Tez Johnson, Colorado State’s Tory Horton & Miami-Fl’s Xavier Restrepo are all players that will be available in the third round and could still be on the board on day three.

Day Three Prospects

Day three wide receivers need to have some special teams value. Here’s some names to watch:

• Savion Williams, TCU
• Pat Bryant, Illinois
• Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech
• Ricky White, UNLV
• Kyren Lacy, LSU
• Ja’Corey Brooks, Louisville

TIGHT ENDS

The Bears only have two tight ends on the roster, Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe. They’re probably coming out of this draft with one, where they take him is up for debate.

First Round

Penn State’s Tyler Warren is the best pass catcher in the draft, in my opinion, not just the best tight end. There’s a pretty good chance that he could be on the board at ten and he’ll most likely be the best player available.

I want the Bears to go left tackle or edge in the first round, but there’s a damn good argument to be made for Warren. I like Cole Kmet, but Warren is a different animal and he’d be awesome in a Ben Johnson offense.

I’m seriously torn. Positional value says tight ends shouldn’t be top ten picks, but there are exceptions. I still think the Bears should go edge or tackle in the first round, but I’m not going to complain about Warren.

Michigan’s Colestand Loveland is the other first round worthy tight end, but I don’t think he should be on the Bears radar. I think there will be better players available at more important positions no matter where the Bears end up picking in the first.

Day Two

LSU’s Mason Taylor has Hall of Fame bloodlines and serious upside. He’ll be on the board when the Bears pick in the second round, but I think they should go in a different direction. However, if he’s somehow still around in the third round, I’d be quite happy with the pick.

Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr is a highly productive tight end, but he doesn’t offer much as a blocker. He’ll probably be available in the third round, but I’m not sold on the Bears picking him.

Texas’ Gunnar Helm fits the profile of a good TE2 to Kmet’s TE1, but I don’t think the Bears should take him in the third and without a fourth round pick they probably won’t land him.

Miami-Fl’s Elijah Arroyo is another tight end that would make a good complement to Kmet. He’s had a serious knee injury in the past, which gives me pause about the Bears using their third round pick on him.

Day Three Prospects

Day Three is probably where I’d prefer the Bears to address the tight end position. Maybe Arroyo or Helm fall into range, but there’s also some intriguing prospects that are sure to be available. A few to keep an eye on:

• Jake Briningstool, Clemson
• Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
• Luke Lachey, Iowa
• Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech

Because they only have two tight ends on the roster, I think the Bears will add one during the draft. I’m not sure I want them using an early round pick on one and this is one position it hurts not having a fourth round pick.

Evans and Lachey are the names I’d watch the closest as we get into the later rounds of the draft.