The 2024 season is officially in the books, as the Philadelphia Eagles have been crowned champions of the National Football League. Now with the official draft order set and the NFL Scouting Combine just days away, it’s safe to say DraftSZN is in full swing. 

To get us started, here is the first mock draft of the season from Mar’Quell Fripp-Owens.

As always, any complaints, comments, or concerns should be sent in the direction of The Philly Blitz.

Enjoy!

1. Tennessee Titans: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado

Many believe the Titans will be in contention for a quarterback here. While I don’t believe the organization is committed to Will Levis for the long term and will bring in someone to challenge him in some way, I don’t believe it happens with this selection. 

When you think of the Titans franchise in its current state, who is the first player to come to mind? Maybe Jeffery Simmons?

Tennessee is in need of a face of the franchise, and Travis Hunter fits that bill perfectly. Whether it be on offense or defense, maybe even both; what Hunter could offer this franchise comes in more ways than one, both literally and financially.

If the Titans opt to go with Hunter the receiver, it comes at the perfect time with Calvin Ridley being the only receiver with valuable experience under contract heading into next season. If they choose Hunter the cornerback, it’s worth noting that after the 2025 season, the Titans can save $12 million by parting ways with Chidobe Awuzie. 

2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The Myles Garrett era looks to be coming to an end in Cleveland, and the Browns will be in desperate need of pass rushing if/when that happens. 

While the entire Deshaun Watson saga hasn’t played out the way the Browns would’ve hoped for, the quarterback certainly could be in play here. Something tells me the Browns could make a play at the position later on, much in part to what they can/should receive from an eventual Garrett trade.

In the meantime, Cleveland is able to cure losing one elite pass rusher by replacing him with another. Carter explodes off the ball, looking for violence while doing so. His versatility could also play a factor, but the dominant presence he presents off the edge makes this an easy decision.

3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami

Things couldn’t have gone much worse for the Giants in 2024, both on and off the field. Typically after offseasons that result in seasons like that, general managers and coaches aren’t afforded a chance to redeem themselves.

Luckily for Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll, this isn’t the case, as they are presented with an opportunity to right their wrongs. After a failed attempt to hitch their wagons to Daniel Jones, honestly, there is no other option for the Giants this draft day. They must come away with a franchise quarterback, and they have to get it right.

If they will, remains to be seen but if you’re Joe Schoen, you have to take the big swing right? Well, is there a bigger swing than Cameron Ward? He’s proven the ability to get better each season no matter the level of competition but still has much maturation needed to reach his ceiling. 

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, Tackle, LSU

It doesn’t take long to watch a Patriots offensive possession before you notice the need along the offensive line. Whether it be due to performance, injury, or lack of consistency along the line with the group using eight different starters and seven different combinations through the course of the season.

Clearly the unit should be in for an influx of talent heading into the offseason. Specifically along the tackle positions depending on how and where the team decides to use Cole Strange. One could say that LSU tackle Will Campbell profiles better along the interior than at tackle due to his limited foot speed, which can lead to speed rushers gaining an advantage. Something that could be lessened by a move to guard.

With this selection, New England should have their options as to how they choose to protect the quarterback. Especially if they are able to address the need at pass catcher during free agency.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan

There are multiple areas the Jaguars could look to upgrade, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. Multiple players in the secondary will enter contract season after this year, but somehow the focus remains on a front seven that ranked 32nd in pass rusher win rate and 27th in run stop rate, both according to ESPN. 

“Yeah, I think the most important thing you talk about when you talk about defense, is your play style.” Stated new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. “My vision for us defensively, we want to be a tough, fast, physical, violent at the point of attack team. What does that mean? That means that you’ve got guys who take pride in not getting blocked,”

Mason Graham has proven an ability to impact the game both in run defense and as a pass rusher, and the scary part is, he’s only going to get better. Remember this sentence as we get deeper into draft season, but Graham isn’t a gym shorts guy, so don’t be discouraged by any testing metrics because what you see on tape will translate to the next level. 

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado

The Raiders needed to make a big swing at the quarterback position last offseason. In a perfect world, Vegas was able to reunite Coach Antonio Pierce and his former QB at Arizona State, the eventual offensive rookie of the year, Jayden Daniels. Instead, they weren’t afforded that opportunity, and a new regime is now in a position to not make that same mistake. 

The Raiders hired Pete Carroll as the new head coach, who brought in Chip Kelly to be his offensive coordinator. This past season, as Shedeur Sanders saw statistical improvements across the board, the offensive coordinator for that Colorado team was Pat Shurmur. 

Interestingly enough, when Kelly took his first NFL head coaching gig, the man he chose to be his offensive coordinator is the same guy who called plays for Sanders this past season. There’s a connection here that I believe will play a significant part in this landing spot.

7. New York Jets: Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan 

Something that stands out to me when discussing the future of the New York Jets is I often refer back to new Head Coach Aaron Glenn’s stance on Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback position, and most importantly, the roster when he took the job. 

“Me and Moug are going to sit there and watch every game tape there is and then we’re going to look at the whole roster. This thing is not about Aaron Rodgers folks. This is about the roster and we plan on building the best roster that we can. So whatever that may be – guard, tackle, defensive tackle – that’s what we’re evaluating. And listen, everybody is under the microscope. That’s just what it is, so we’re going to do the best we can to make sure we build the best roster.”

To me it sounds as if the Jets roster could be in for a complete overhaul. While there are a few foundational pieces on offense that the Jets could look forward to the future with, defensively the team is set to lose multiple pieces, specifically in the secondary where Sauce Gardner is the only starter under contract for the 2025 season. 

When you consider an Aaron Glenn defense, you typically think about tough, big, physical—up-in-your-face—cornerbacks ready to play man coverage for 60 minutes. Insert Will Johnson, who has all the builds of the next great lockdown cornerback. An instinctive player with great route recognition and short-area explosiveness that makes him a nightmare when attempting to target.

8. Carolina Panthers: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

It’s hard to fight the easy urge for Carolina to invest in a legit pass catcher here for Bryce Young to continue to take the strides he showed toward the end of the season. The Panthers, however, actually got solid production from rookies Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette. This, along with the return of veteran Adam Thielen and the potential breakout of second-year tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, gives Young a formidable group to work with.

On the other side of the ball, however, Carolina hasn’t been able to recover from trading away EDGE Brian Burns last offseason and the injury to tackle Derrick Brown during the year. This resulted in the Panthers tallying just 32 sacks on the season, ranking in the bottom third of the league. 

Adding a prospect such as Mike Green, whose pass-rushing acumen is already that of a NFL veteran is an easy fix to this issue. Green finished the season with an FBS-leading 17 sacks and would easily supply the Carolina pass rush with some much-needed juice.

9. New Orleans Saints: Tetairoa McMillian, Wide Receiver, Arizona

With new Head Coach Kellen Moore taking the reins in New Orleans, there are a multitude of directions the Saints could go in the first round. Pass rusher could be on the board with Cam Jordan not getting any younger and multiple bodies set to exit over the next two seasons. The team could look for someone to pair with last year’s second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry at cornerback following the trade of Marshon Lattimore.

In this instance, however, New Orleans addresses the wide receiver position. There are two ways you can view this Saints WR core. The first being as a healthy unit, a group of Tetairoa McMillian, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed could stake claim as one of the better young cores in the league. Pair this with a newly extended Alvin Kamara and an exciting new play caller in Moore, and this presents a hell of a situation for a young quarterback.

Or you could view the Saints WR situation in its current reality, where Olave has suffered five career concussions (two of which were last season), while Shaheed, who is known as a deep threat, is coming off a meniscus tear. To be honest, this New Orleans wide receiver room could use a sense of consistency, and that starts with the selection of McMillan. Who at 6’5 profiles as the prototypical X WR. 

10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, Offensive Tackle, Missouri

The goal for the Chicago Bears should be to figure out as many ways as possible to maximize the success of quarterback Caleb Williams. Last offseason the team went out and acquired a multitude of pass-catching talents to aid the quarterback but was failed by an inability to keep him protected, among other things. 

With holes along the entire interior as well as left tackle, the Bears could use a guy like Membou, who is a multi-year starter at tackle but offers capabilities to move inside to guard if needed. Membou does some of his best work as a run blocker, where his power and athleticism are on full display. 

New Head Coach Ben Johnson made it a point of emphasis to get the run game going during his time in Detroit, which worked behind one of the best offensive lines the league had to offer. If Chicago wants an opportunity to run all the cool plays Johnson has to offer, it starts with protecting the quarterback.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks Jr., Offensive Tackle, Texas

The San Francisco 49ers have attempted to invest heavily into the offensive line with seven linemen drafted through the past five years. Three of those selections have gone on to become starters along the Niners offensive line, including last year’s third-round selection, Dominick Puni, who was initially drafted as a tackle but moved inside to guard to fill a need. 

San Francisco looks to go to the well once more, using a similar blueprint as last season by selecting a tackle and potentially moving him to guard. Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr profiles as a franchise-caliber left tackle with three years and 37 starts under his belt. He could potentially be seen as the heir apparent at the position whenever Trent Williams looks to hang it up. 

In the meantime, Banks’ athleticism and abilities to operate out in space make him a seamless fit for the Shanahan zone-blocking scheme. He could use improvements with his hand placement and base, but these are things that shouldn’t become an issue until his eventual move out to tackle takes place.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas

There are a few things to consider when thinking about an Eberflus defense, the first being that the coverages are typically based out of a two-high shell, with the ideology of not allowing anything behind you. Second is that this is a primary nickel defense that seldom blitzes, but when it does, it typically comes from the slot. 

With this in mind, I couldn’t think of a better landing spot for Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, who thrived in that ‘Big Nickel’ role for the Longhorns. Barron is a physical player who is best when the game is kept in front of him but offers a bit of versatility in terms of alignment with Texas, offering him a bigger role on the outside this past season. 

This gives Dallas an opportunity to keep their options open for the future. With starting nickel Jourdan Lewis slated to hit free agency, the need is there for Barron to make an instant impact. This while Daron Bland will head into the final year of his deal after this season and Trevon Diggs, coming off two knee surgeries in three seasons, could give the Cowboys an option on the outside as well in the future.

13. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Booker, Offensive Guard, Alabama

I’ve often stated about this Miami Dolphins team as constructed that it is “all flash, no substance.”. This refers to the fact that the team is built ‘from the outside-in’, considering the plethora of talent at the skilled positions but desperate need for a lot in the trenches. 

It’s part of the reason for the team’s odd performances in cold weather games and the lack of playoff success. The Dolphins need to learn how to play ‘Black Air Force One Football,’ and that takes a specific toughness that this team currently doesn’t possess. 

That ends today with the selection of Tyler Booker, who is as nasty as they come at the guard position. The power Booker packs behind his punch is felt on every single rep by defenders. Booker’s presence will be felt not just between reps but in the locker room as he was referred to as the ‘heart & soul’ of that Alabama group.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State

The Indianapolis Colts offense is an example of a unit that has everything that it could ask for but not exactly what it needs. The quarterback and the skilled position players seem to pair up well on paper, but what wasn’t taken into account based on the moves this season was the necessary growth needed at the quarterback position.

This growth, however, is a two-way street. While the Colts could certainly use more from Richardson, Richardson could use more from the Colts. The threat of a dominant running game that takes advantage of the skill set in place is there. What it seems as if the Colts are missing, however, is an ‘easy button. Someone who can be that ‘quarterback’s best friend’ as Richardson goes through his development.

For this Colts offense, Tyler Warren could be everything and more. His positional versatility will create mismatches as he is a threat both inline and in the slot. The most important thing, however, is Warren is presented as a weapon; he has proven the ability to make an impact with the ball in his hands in multiple facets. Right now what this Colts offense needs is more pieces that can take the pressure off Richardson, and Warren is the perfect addition. 

15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia 

We have waited for this moment for so long. The Atlanta Falcons use high-end draft capital and select a pass rusher. Something that has been a need for the Falcons for some time now. Through the first 11 weeks of the season, the Atlanta defense produced just 11 sacks. However, following the week 12 BYE, the unit saw a turnaround with 20 sacks through the last five weeks of the season.

“We have pressure players, we have to add to that,” stated General Manager Terry Fontenot. “We showed ability, we showed improvement in that area, but that definitely needs to be an area that we continue to improve.”

How Williams will be utilized in Atlanta is a key component to this conversation. It’s no secret that Georgia wasn’t shy about where they chose to deploy Williams in his limited supply of snaps. He made most of his money as a 4 tec/4i but has also shown flashes as an EDGE rusher.

16. Arizona Cardinals: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee 

The Arizona Cardinals are in an interesting circumstance in terms of the multiple directions they could go to upgrade the team in the first round of the draft. It’s possible a wide receiver could be in play, settling in as the final piece of the pass-catching puzzle for this Drew Petzing offense. The team could even look to solidify its offensive line, finding a mauler to pair next to Paris Johnson Jr. on the left side of the field.

The attention, however, should turn to the defensive side of the ball. While Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis are cooking up something interesting in the secondary with their 3-High Shells. The front seven became an issue with an inability to consistently get after the quarterback, finishing the season with just 41 sacks. 

Considering how Gannon’s defense was at its best in Philadelphia when the team had the ability to dominantly rush the passer. The Cardinals could use a dominant edge rusher, which is exactly what James Pearce Jr. has been over the last two seasons. Both Baron Browning and Julian Okwara are scheduled to become free agents, and the team could use someone to pair with Zaven Collins. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan

The Bengals played an unsustainable brand of football in 2024. Averaging 27.8 ppg is great when your defense isn’t allowing 25.5 ppg of their own. Not to mention allowing 124.8 rushing yards per game and 223.5 passing yards per game. 

The offense has lived up to its side of the bargain in Cincinnati; now it’s time for the defense to return the favor. Out is former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and in comes Al Golden, who returns to the jungle this time in a different role. 

The first order of business for the Bengals should be to fill the void in the middle left by the release of Sheldon Rankins. Kenneth Grant may be widely known as the forgotten man being paired next to a top 5 selection in his own right at Michigan. But make no mistake, this young man has all the makings of a game wrecker in the middle of a defense.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Jalon Walker, Linebacker, Georgia

By no means would I consider the Seahawks pass rush to be an immediate need. However, as Head Coach Mike MacDonald referred to the group on many occasions this past season — it’s certainly a “work in progress”. 

This was a pretty exciting pairing for me based on what Walker currently is, what he projects to be, and how that could be utilized under MacDonald. Walker seemingly has a multitude of routes to playing time due to his versatility. He can be utilized in the ‘Patrick Queen role’ dating back to MacDonald’s time in Baltimore—where Walker can be used as an off-ball blitzer or as a spy against mobile quarterbacks. 

Walker also could be utilized as a pure EDGE rusher, where his length and explosiveness make him a handful. For Seattle, multiple pass rushers enter the last year of their contracts, while much of the remaining depth also faces contract issues in the near future. 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver, Missouri

After almost a decade of dominance for the duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, it’s about time the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a close eye on the future of the wide receiver position. With Godwin nursing a significant ankle injury set to hit free agency and Mike Evans set to enter the final year of his contract, there seems to be some uncertainty surrounding the position. 

The team invested a third-round pick on wide receiver Jalen McMillian who has become a bit of a difference maker in the offense, but with the addition of Luther Burden III, the Buccaneers can once again see the unit become a position of strength.

Burden has typically seen his production come from the slot but has the skill set to develop into a quality option on the outside. The best trait Burden offers is his abilities, his yards after catch abilities, where he was among the best in the nation in 2023. This should be a seamless fit for a Tampa offense that saw 53% (2,510) of their total passing yards come after the catch. 

20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, Tight End, Michigan

Kudos to Head Coach Sean Payton, who, as the old adage says, ‘when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.’ Which is exactly what Payton has done with the Broncos offense since being hired.

After identifying Bo Nix as the potential franchise quarterback and making a playoff run with a limited supply of weaponry. The goal for Denver this offseason should be to upgrade the skilled positions around Nix. Starting with both running backs, which became a revolving door as the season progressed, and at tight end, where historically Payton has placed premium value on the position. 

The ‘Joker’ role is what Payton like to refer to these kind of players. Guys who create mismatch nightmares in the most unconventional way, which is exactly how you’d explain Colston Loveland. You could use the term ‘Power Slot’ as a great description of Loveland, who is a three-level difference maker in an offense, accounting for 34.7% of the Michigan passing offense this past season. 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State 

After a season that saw George Pickens as the only Steelers receiver that eclipsed 40 receptions. Not to mention with Van Jefferson and Mike Williams slated to hit free agency. It’s safe to assume that Pittsburgh will be in the market for a receiver this offseason. 

Emeka Egbuka is a smooth operator at the wide receiver position. A route-running purist with reliable hands and a willingness to work and win across the middle of the field. Cut from the same cloth as the Chris Olave-Pierre Garçon family. 

Ebuka should immediately step in and become a top target in this Steelers offense. His work in the short and intermediate area should open things up downfield for running mate George Pickens. 

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State

Good things come to those who wait as a top 10 player in this class falls into the lap of the one team and one coach that just might be crazy enough to make the positional value and allocation of resources worth it. 

Last offseason, when the world continued to mock pass catchers on this Chargers team, I saw the vision of the Harbaugh-Roman-led franchise wanting to beef up the offensive line. This year, as the world continues to mock pass catchers on the same team, I see the vision of a Chargers team that ranked 20th in rushing yards per game and the desperate want to improve. 

Having the opportunity to add Ashton Jeanty will take Harbaugh’s vision of a consistent Chargers rushing attack and turn it into a reality. 

23. Green Bay Packers: Shavon Revel, Cornerback, East Carolina

The relationship between the Packers and star cornerback Jaire Alexander seems to have deteriorated to a point of no return. The expectation is that Green Bay will move on from the seven year pro at some point in the offseason, granting his wishes. 

This turn of events makes the cornerback position a potential immediate need with what would be just two remaining cornerbacks on the active roster. With this uncertainty at the position, it would be wise for Green Bay to get ahead of the issue early.

Which they do here with the selection of Shavon Revel. While Revel is still in the midst of his recovery from an ACL tear suffered in September, to be completely honest, there was a high chance Revel had the opportunity to compete for the rights as CB1 in this class if not for the injury. Hell, injury inclusion in his tape prior is good enough for him to still garner CB2 recognition.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Malachi Starks, Safety, Georgia

Why not get the Mad Scientist in Brian Flores even more toys to work with? The Minnesota Vikings have needs across the secondary with both starting cornerbacks and safety Cam Bynum scheduled to hit free agency. 

It’s well known that Brian Flores loves to utilize his ‘Big Nickel’ look, trotting out three safeties at times. That’s if you consider Malachi Starks to be a safety; personally, I refer to him as a weapon.

It’s hard to find a true weakness in Stark’s game outside of the traditional positional value conversation that surrounds certain positions. He’s proven an ability to play in the nickel if needed, excelling both in coverage and as a run defender. Starks is more than capable of holding his own as a deep safety, often finding himself at or near the football. 

25. Houston Texans: Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver, Texas

In a perfect world, the Houston Texans would have the opportunity to address the issues along the interior offensive line with this selection. Injuries, however, have put them in a position where wide receiver has become a much more pressing need than it was expected to be just a year ago. 

With the futures of both Stefan Diggs, who suffered an ACL tear, and Tank Dell, who suffered a gruesome knee injury during the playoffs, up in the air, the Texans will need to relieve some of the pressure off of stud receiver Nico Collins. 

The addition of Matthew Golden gives the Texans a versatile threat capable of winning from the inside and out. Golden’s abilities to create separation for himself both down the field and from the short-intermediate areas should give CJ Stroud another much-needed weapon.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Injuries along the offensive line caused some inconsistency to start the season, but in its healthiest form this Rams OL is actually intriguing. Bo Limmer, Steve Avila, and Rob Havenstein have become a bit of mainstays along this unit, bringing a sense of consistency for the future. 

With the acquisition of Kevin Dotson last offseason rounding the bunch out, the only position of concern amongst this unit would be at left tackle. Mostly due to the fact that both Alaric Jackson and Joe Noteboom are slated to hit the open market. 

The Rams come away with a steal here with a player who certainly doesn’t belong on the board here, if not due to injury. Josh Simmons was on track to be the clear-cut OT1 and the first tackle off the board if not for a knee injury that ended his season prematurely. Simmons was coming into his own prior to this and offers Los Angeles an opportunity to solidify the position for the long term. 

27. Baltimore Ravens: Grey Zabel, (OT/OG), North Dakota State

The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2024 season with three new starters along the offensive line. Now it appears they will enter 2025 with two more new starters. The left side of the offensive line is slated to look a lot different as both LT Ronnie Staley and LG Patrick Mekari are scheduled to hit free agency. 

There aren’t many prospects that made themselves more money during Senior Bowl week than North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel. The tape speaks for itself with Zabel, but having the opportunity to see him consistently produce quality reps against a greater level of competition was very encouraging. 

When it comes to Zabel, the name of the game is experience and versatility. With 41 career starts, aligning at LT, RT, LG, and RG, Zabel should be able to step in and become a day-one starter at just about any position across the offensive line. 

28. Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

If there was someone who made themselves as much money as Zabel during senior bowl week, it would probably be Shemar Stewart. 

The Lions pass rush is in need of reinforcements, and help is on the way. Not just in the form of star EDGE Aidan Hutchinson’s return, but also finding a way to pair him with a running mate.

The following a plethora of injuries, the Lions finished 2024 ranking 23rd in sacks with just 37. Oddly enough for Stewart, he’s never been a big-time production guy with just 1.5 career sacks during his time in College Station. Stewart, however, is the typical ‘traits over tape’ prospect whose blend of speed and power makes it easy to project a potential double-digit sack guy by his second contract.

29. Washington Commanders: Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker, Alabama

You couldn’t script the first year of a rebuild any better for this Commanders team. A year after making draft selections from the top of the board, you find yourself making an NFC Championship appearance. Now with $100m+ in cap space and quality draft capital, the goal now is to infuse the roster with an influx of talent. 

With Dante Fowler and Clelin Ferrell scheduled to hit free agency, there is room to add more help along the EDGE. Insert Jihaad Campbell, who should serve of interest to Dan Quinn given his usage of 5-man pressures and late down blitzes. Now I know you’re confused; we’re talking about EDGE, but that says linebacker for Campbell. But there is more than what meets the eye for this young man.

Campbell was typically used in an off-ball role during his time at Alabama. However, there have been rumbles of what he potentially could bring to the table as an edge rusher based on his length. This selection offers up a bit of versatility in terms of how Quinn can utilize him both now and in the future with the simulated pressure packages he loves so much. 

30. Buffalo Bills: Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Through the years of 2019-2021, the Bills invested high-end draft capital in efforts to beef up the defensive line. For the most part, they have succeeded, but somehow you watch this Bills front and feel the need that something is missing.

“You have to play well up front, and I’m just talking generally speaking,” coach Sean McDermott said. “You win the line of scrimmage, you can control the game, and I believe that in order to move forward as a team, in games where I’ve been in the Super Bowl (from his days in Philadelphia and Carolina), your front is what gets you there.”

For Buffalo, the addition of Nolen should be a heaven-sent. While Nolen is far from a finished product, the talent and the traits are evident. For the Bills, having the opportunity to pair him with Ed Oliver should be something they seriously consider. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Donovan Jackson, (OT/OG), Ohio State

After falling just short on the NFL’s first ever three-peat, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a bit of a reset along the offensive line. Inconsistencies at the tackle spots plagued the team all season, which led to an eventual move from guard to tackle for standout Joe Thuney.

While this move mitigated some of the concerns on the outside, the interior, which was once the foundation of the Kansas City offensive line, found itself as an issue. To put it in perspective, the Chiefs ranked first in interior blocking rate via PFF prior to the move. After the switch, however, the unit fell all the way to 19th. Now with the potential exit of guard Trey Smith via free agency, the need has only been intensified. 

Donovan Jackson presents a calming presence for the Kansas City OL; his original home is at guard, where he’s clearly the most comfortable. That said, he’s shown an ability to hold his own on the outside but is at his best when he doesn’t have a lot of space to operate with. He offers a fair amount of strength and athleticism that is on display when in space as a run blocker. 

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Conerly Jr., Offensive Tackle, Oregon

Talk about an abundance of riches; the question on everyone’s mind is what will the Philadelphia Eagles do at pick 32? Well, if there’s anything we know in life, it’s that three things are guaranteed—Death. Taxes. And Howie Roseman addressing the trenches of this football team, whether it be a need currently or not. 

The Eagles have a need at EDGE with Josh Sweat set to hit free agency and the signing of Bryce Huff not turning out the way the team would have liked. The only thing keeping me from addressing the need here is that I could see Philadelphia moving up on day two to address that need. Especially considering the fact the Eagles have three fifth-round selections. 

Instead, the Eagles once again are early to the party, selecting the successor of an all-pro player, allowing him to sit and learn from the elite talent in front of him. For Josh Conerly, the first thing that jumps off the screen is his athletic abilities. He gets to the second level with ease and explodes out of his stance in both pass and run sets. Jeff Stoutland has another toy to work with. 

Cover Image Credit: The Philly Blitz