Tight End

[Chargem]

I think everyone agrees the biggest priorities for the off season are DL, T, and WR in some order so just taking the conversation in a slightly different direction.

The Chiefs have played a lot of 12 and 13 personnel this year, and it has generally been very effective. Next year its Fortson's last cheap year, Gray will be going into year 3.

How would you feel if the Chiefs took a tight end in the 1st or 2nd round?

Are there any tight end prospects you like in the top half of the draft?

What about free agents?

[The Franchise]

**** no. This team has bigger needs than another TE.

[Stryker]

Originally Posted by The Franchise

**** no. This team has bigger needs than another TE.

Sorry, but this! We have defensive needs.

[Chris Meck]

nah, we've got THREE.

None of them are Kelce, but nobody you could draft will be either.

It's probably our most stacked position.

[Chargem]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

nah, we've got THREE.

None of them are Kelce, but nobody you could draft will be either.

It's probably our most stacked position.

We've got three, but they are sometimes all on the field at the same time, so a single injury and all of the 13 personnel plays are out of the playbook.

Do you really think Kelce/Fortson/Gray is more of a stacked group than JJSS/MVS/Toney/Hardman/Moore/Watson?

Just to be clear, I would definitely lose my shit if they drafted a 1st round TE, but maybe they do need to think investing in another one somewhere in the coming draft.

[RunKC]

I loved what I saw from Matt Bushman in preseason. Big guy who runs a 4.53 40. He could be a nice weapon next year

[kccrow]

I've been on board grabbing one with one of our two 4ths. Probably would have considered the 3rd before they traded for Toney.

I'm not overly enamored with Gray. He's a functional 2nd TE but would you trust him to ever truly take over for Kelce? I don't. He's kind of a complimentary H-back type.

The same goes for Fortson. Fortson has a role, but he's not built to be an every-down TE. He's mostly a big WR that works in goal-line situations well and the occasional wheel.

If GOD FORBID, Kelce ever got knicked, we'd be gasping for air.

I'm not saying that you try to stack the position, but another modest investment on a true TE would probably be smart. There are a few nice options out there this year IMO.

As for Bushman, he was released with an injury designation so I'm thinking that's a moot point.

[Urc Burry]

I brought him up in another thread. And I thought it was too much of a luxury then, and even more so after watching the bengals run it down our throats. But Darnell Washington is a freak. And he would be amazing with us. Especially as a blocker

[JPH83]

Originally Posted by kccrow

I've been on board grabbing one with one of our two 4ths. Probably would have considered the 3rd before they traded for Toney.

I'm not overly enamored with Gray. He's a functional 2nd TE but would you trust him to ever truly take over for Kelce? I don't. He's kind of a complimentary H-back type.

The same goes for Fortson. Fortson has a role, but he's not built to be an every-down TE. He's mostly a big WR that works in goal-line situations well and the occasional wheel.

If GOD FORBID, Kelce ever got knicked, we'd be gasping for air.

I'm not saying that you try to stack the position, but another modest investment on a true TE would probably be smart. There are a few nice options out there this year IMO.

As for Bushman, he was released with an injury designation so I'm thinking that's a moot point.

Really wouldn't hate it in the 4th if we've gone for DL and OT prior, especially if it was a guy who profiled as a receiver first. Or was the sort of raw athlete you sometimes can still pick up at TE later on. Someone like Luke Musgrave perhaps? Anything higher though and it seems rich to me.

I'm similarly indifferent on Gray. I thought even a 5th was generous and while he's probably justified that he's not been much more imo. He really hasn't got the juice or wiggle that I think they anticipated. Probably become a slightly better blocker though, but the idea our TE room is set seems a bit optimistic.

[kcbubb]

I wouldn’t do this but Darnell Washington is intriguing to me, especially if we draft a LT replacement for OBJ. This would never happen bc we are a pass first team and Darnell probably fits someone like the titans better. Our line plus TE would be huge and have a big advantage in run blocking and short yardage. Musgrave in the 4th is interesting.

[kcbubb]

Ha… just saw that cbs mocked Darnell to us��

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...ears-over/amp/


Round 1 - Pick 1
Bryce Young QB
ALABAMA • JR • 6'0" / 194 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st
Bryce Young might be historically undersized by successful NFL QB standards, but we don't care. He's been that good for Alabama, dragging that team to victory just about every week. And he's doing it with none of the playmakers who made life so much easier for Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones in previous years.
Round 1 - Pick 2
Jalen Carter DL
GEORGIA • JR • 6'3" / 300 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Chicago
PROSPECT RNK
3rd
POSITION RNK
1st
The Bears appear to be a team headed in the right direction, in large part because they have found their franchise QB in Justin Fields. But there's a lot of work to do on the other side of the ball after moving on from Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith. Both Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr. could be options here, and both are layup selections.
From Denver Broncos
Round 1 - Pick 3
Will Anderson Jr. EDGE
ALABAMA • JR • 6'4" / 243 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
1st
POSITION RNK
1st
The Geno Smith "I didn't write back" storyline is one of the best of the 2022 season, but it shouldn't obscure the fact that Seattle's defense is a hot mess. And thanks to the Broncos trade, they'll be able to address that side of the ball very early in the draft. Whether it's Jalen Carter or Will Anderson Jr., they'll be arguably the best player on Seattle's defense the moment they step on the field.
Round 1 - Pick 4
Myles Murphy DL
CLEMSON • JR • 6'5" / 275 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Arizona
PROSPECT RNK
5th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Murphy won't be 21 until next spring and while we'd like to see him play with more consistency ... he won't be 21 until next spring. On top of that, when he's on, he's hard to stop, which makes him such an interesting prospect.
Round 1 - Pick 5
Will Levis QB
KENTUCKY • SR • 6'3" / 232 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Indianapolis
PROSPECT RNK
10th
POSITION RNK
1st
Since Andrew Luck's retirement, the Colts have had little success turning to QBs nearing the end of their careers, and it's safe to assume that owner Jim Irsay will be looking for the team's next face of the franchise. Levis, who definitely looks the part, has been plagued by injuries and poor play all season. That said, NFL teams love how he projects to the next level but he'll be a controversial talking point for the next six months.
Round 1 - Pick 6
Tyree Wilson EDGE
TEXAS TECH • SR • 6'6" / 275 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Atlanta
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Wilson is a high-motor player who consistently finds his way into the backfield. He's still raw but the physical tools are there and when he puts it all together, he is going to be a problem.
From Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 7
Kelee Ringo CB
GEORGIA • SOPH • 6'2" / 210 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
18th
POSITION RNK
3rd
The Georgia-to-first-round pipeline continues. A year after five Bulldogs went in Round 1, expect a handful this time around too. Ringo is a long, physical corner who has matched up against some of the best players in the country.
Round 1 - Pick 8
C.J. Stroud QB
OHIO STATE • JR • 6'3" / 218 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Carolina
PROSPECT RNK
4th
POSITION RNK
2nd
The Panthers have cycled through three QBs this season, and here's the only certainty: the '23 starter currently isn't on the roster. There's a 100% chance owner David Tepper finally addresses the position this offseason, and if C.J. Stroud is available, it's easy to imagine him being the pick.
Round 1 - Pick 9
Peter Skoronski OT
NORTHWESTERN • JR • 6'4" / 315 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Las Vegas
PROSPECT RNK
17th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Skoronski is solid and consistent, which are two of the best things you can say about an offensive lineman. The biggest issue he'll face during the pre-draft process will be arm length and whether his NFL future is at tackle or guard. We think he can play tackle but wherever he ends up, he'll make the Raiders offensive line better.
From New Orleans Saints
Round 1 - Pick 10
Paris Johnson Jr. OT
OHIO STATE • JR • 6'6" / 310 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
7th
POSITION RNK
1st
Paris Johnson, who plays left tackle for the Buckeyes this season, also has experience on the interior; either way, he is a Day 1 starter, which in Philly could be at guard early in his career before moving to tackle if and when Lane Johnson decides to hang them up.
From Cleveland Browns
Round 1 - Pick 11
Quentin Johnston WR
TCU • JR • 6'4" / 215 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
23rd
POSITION RNK
2nd
Johnston's an above-the-rim playmaker whose athleticism and contested-catch abilities make him WR1 at this point in the proceedings. The Texans drafted their QB of the future first overall and now they give him an explosive playmaker.
Round 1 - Pick 12
O'Cyrus Torrence OL
FLORIDA • JR • 6'5" / 347 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
24th
POSITION RNK
4th
Torrence transferred from Louisiana and didn't miss a beat. He's been dominant for Florida and is a plug-and-play player at the next level.
Round 1 - Pick 13
Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR
OHIO STATE • JR • 6'1" / 200 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Tennessee
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
1st
Smith-Njigba barely saw the field this season because of injuries but he's still one of the top wideouts in the class. The Titans offense has been stagnant at times and adding a downfield threat will be at the top of the off-season to-do list.
Round 1 - Pick 14
Joey Porter Jr. CB
PENN STATE • JR • 6'2" / 194 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
New England
PROSPECT RNK
30th
POSITION RNK
5th
Porter is the prototypical big, physical cornerback who looks like he belongs in the NFL. He can sometimes get a little too handsy downfield, but he checks many of the boxes of what teams look for when drafting DBs.
Round 1 - Pick 15
Anthony Richardson QB
FLORIDA • SOPH • 6'4" / 232 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK
19th
POSITION RNK
4th
Typically, NFL teams give QBs taken in the first round three years to prove themselves. It sure feels like Zach Wilson, who was benched for Chris Streveler on Thursday, may not be long for the Jets, no matter what coach Robert Saleh might say publicly. And if that is, in fact, the case, Richardson would be worth considering here. He is one of the most exciting prospects in this class. Yes, he's short on experience, but his physical tools are rare.
Round 1 - Pick 16
Christian Gonzalez CB
OREGON • SOPH • 6'2" / 201 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Pittsburgh
PROSPECT RNK
22nd
POSITION RNK
1st
Gonzalez, a Colorado transfer, is a big-time athlete who is still growing into the position. He has the size, strength and speed to line up against NFL wide receivers; he just needs to improve in run support.
Round 1 - Pick 17
Jordan Addison WR
USC • JR • 6'0" / 175 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Green Bay
PROSPECT RNK
45th
POSITION RNK
7th
The Packers have neglected the wide receiver position for years -- including the 2020 class, one of the deepest in draft history -- so why not finally give Aaron Rodgers a pass catcher taken in Round 1? Addison isn't a big target, but he's one of the most dynamic players in the country who can line up anywhere.
Round 1 - Pick 18
Jared Verse EDGE
FLORIDA STATE • SOPH • 6'4" / 248 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
11th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Verse, an Albany transfer, has been electric in '22, even when overcoming a knee injury. At full health, he's a real problem, and the Lions could bookend him with last year's first-rounder, Aidan Hutchinson.
Round 1 - Pick 19
Brian Branch CB
ALABAMA • JR • 6'0" / 193 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Jacksonville
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Branch isn't the first name you hear about when the conversation turns to Alabama's defense, but maybe he should be. He's a sure tackler, can blitz off the edge, and is solid in coverage, and if Nick Saban trusts him, that's all you need to know about his NFL prospects.
Round 1 - Pick 20
Bijan Robinson RB
TEXAS • JR • 6'0" / 220 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Tampa Bay
PROSPECT RNK
25th
POSITION RNK
3rd
The Bucs could target a QB here but have other needs to address. RB isn't a huge priority with Rachaad White's emergence, but the team could move on from Leonard Fournette and plug in Robinson, who has been dominant for the Longhorns this season.
Round 1 - Pick 21
Devon Witherspoon CB
ILLINOIS • JR • 6'0" / 180 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Washington
PROSPECT RNK
35th
POSITION RNK
7th
Witherspoon had a great season for the Illini, and while there will be questions about his slight frame, you wouldn't know it to watch him play.
Round 1 - Pick 23
Michael Mayer TE
NOTRE DAME • JR • 6'4" / 265 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK
12th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Mayer is more Gronk than Kelce but that's not a bad thing. And in New York, he'll get plenty of opportunities -- presumably, with Daniel Jones -- in part because there are only two tight ends currently on the roster and one is set to hit free agency after the season.
Round 1 - Pick 24
Cam Smith CB
SOUTH CAROLINA • JR • 6'0" / 188 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
L.A. Chargers
PROSPECT RNK
8th
POSITION RNK
1st
The Chargers defense has been inconsistent this season, in part due to injury, but also because there's a need to upgrade the secondary. Smith is a first-round talent who can be a Day 1 contributor.
Round 1 - Pick 25
Nolan Smith EDGE
GEORGIA • SR • 6'3" / 235 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Baltimore
PROSPECT RNK
13th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Smith is listed at just 235 pounds so he'll need to add weight, but he's also scratching the surface on what he'll be able to do at the next level. He suffered a torn pec in November and his season is over, but that shouldn't affect his NFL future.
From San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 26
Drew Sanders EDGE
ARKANSAS • JR • 6'5" / 233 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Denver
PROSPECT RNK
29th
POSITION RNK
4th
Sanders is a former five-star who transferred from Alabama after the 2021 season and all he's done is show out for the Razorbacks. He was an edge rusher for the Crimson Tide but he lines up all over the defense for Arkansas and he's been a one-man wrecking crew when he's on the field.
Round 1 - Pick 27
Jalin Hyatt WR
TENNESSEE • JR • 6'0" / 185 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Dallas
PROSPECT RNK
21st
POSITION RNK
3rd
Hyatt wasn't in the first-round conversation heading into the season but he's a great example of a player taking advantage of his opportunities, thanks in large part to Hendon Hooker's Heisman Trophy campaign. Hyatt is a bona fide deep threat who consistently stacks defensive backs who have been helpless to do much about it all season.
Round 1 - Pick 28
Broderick Jones OT
GEORGIA • SOPH • 6'4" / 310 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Cincinnati
PROSPECT RNK
56th
POSITION RNK
6th
Jones is coming off a strong '22 campaign for the Bulldogs, where he has faced some of the best defensive players in the country every day at practice for the last two years.
Round 1 - Pick 29
Darnell Washington TE
GEORGIA • JR • 6'7" / 270 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK
27th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Arik Gilbert was the Georgia tight end to watch coming into the season, but it's been Washington who has gotten scouts' attention. He's listed at 6-7, 265 pounds (he actually plays bigger than that), and while he's growing into his role as a receiver, he's essentially another offensive tackle when he's inline. Basically, he'd serve two roles in Kansas City: receiver in a high-powered offense and an extra blocker.
Round 1 - Pick 30
Anton Harrison OT
OKLAHOMA • JR • 6'5" / 315 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Minnesota
PROSPECT RNK
26th
POSITION RNK
4th
There was some thought that Harrison might return to Oklahoma for an NIL deal that was too good to pass up, but he's instead opted for the NFL. He's one of the top tackles in the class, and now the question is whether he finds his way into Round 1 or goes early on Day 2.
Round 1 - Pick 31
Antonio Johnson S
TEXAS A&M • JR • 6'3" / 195 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Buffalo
PROSPECT RNK
14th
POSITION RNK
1st
Johnson flies around the field like he's shot out of a cannon, looks to run through the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage, and is a wrap-up tackler in space. He can line up in deep center field or near the line of scrimmage, and that versatility makes him one of the best defensive backs in this class.
Round 1 - Pick 32
Jahmyr Gibbs RB
ALABAMA • JR • 5'11" / 200 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
39th
POSITION RNK
7th
The Eagles haven't taken a RB in the first round since 1986 (!) but we said the same thing about Andy Reid and RBs right until the moment he selected Clyde Edwards-Helaire a few years ago. And while CEH may not be the best example of why Philly might consider a back here, Gibbs has drawn comparisons to Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara as both a runner and a receiver. He would essentially be yet another weapon for Jalen Hurts in this offense.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by kcbubb

Ha… just saw that cbs mocked Darnell to us��

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...ears-over/amp/


Round 1 - Pick 1
Bryce Young QB
ALABAMA • JR • 6'0" / 194 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st
Bryce Young might be historically undersized by successful NFL QB standards, but we don't care. He's been that good for Alabama, dragging that team to victory just about every week. And he's doing it with none of the playmakers who made life so much easier for Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones in previous years.
Round 1 - Pick 2
Jalen Carter DL
GEORGIA • JR • 6'3" / 300 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Chicago
PROSPECT RNK
3rd
POSITION RNK
1st
The Bears appear to be a team headed in the right direction, in large part because they have found their franchise QB in Justin Fields. But there's a lot of work to do on the other side of the ball after moving on from Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith. Both Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr. could be options here, and both are layup selections.
From Denver Broncos
Round 1 - Pick 3
Will Anderson Jr. EDGE
ALABAMA • JR • 6'4" / 243 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
1st
POSITION RNK
1st
The Geno Smith "I didn't write back" storyline is one of the best of the 2022 season, but it shouldn't obscure the fact that Seattle's defense is a hot mess. And thanks to the Broncos trade, they'll be able to address that side of the ball very early in the draft. Whether it's Jalen Carter or Will Anderson Jr., they'll be arguably the best player on Seattle's defense the moment they step on the field.
Round 1 - Pick 4
Myles Murphy DL
CLEMSON • JR • 6'5" / 275 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Arizona
PROSPECT RNK
5th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Murphy won't be 21 until next spring and while we'd like to see him play with more consistency ... he won't be 21 until next spring. On top of that, when he's on, he's hard to stop, which makes him such an interesting prospect.
Round 1 - Pick 5
Will Levis QB
KENTUCKY • SR • 6'3" / 232 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Indianapolis
PROSPECT RNK
10th
POSITION RNK
1st
Since Andrew Luck's retirement, the Colts have had little success turning to QBs nearing the end of their careers, and it's safe to assume that owner Jim Irsay will be looking for the team's next face of the franchise. Levis, who definitely looks the part, has been plagued by injuries and poor play all season. That said, NFL teams love how he projects to the next level but he'll be a controversial talking point for the next six months.
Round 1 - Pick 6
Tyree Wilson EDGE
TEXAS TECH • SR • 6'6" / 275 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Atlanta
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Wilson is a high-motor player who consistently finds his way into the backfield. He's still raw but the physical tools are there and when he puts it all together, he is going to be a problem.
From Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 7
Kelee Ringo CB
GEORGIA • SOPH • 6'2" / 210 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
18th
POSITION RNK
3rd
The Georgia-to-first-round pipeline continues. A year after five Bulldogs went in Round 1, expect a handful this time around too. Ringo is a long, physical corner who has matched up against some of the best players in the country.
Round 1 - Pick 8
C.J. Stroud QB
OHIO STATE • JR • 6'3" / 218 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Carolina
PROSPECT RNK
4th
POSITION RNK
2nd
The Panthers have cycled through three QBs this season, and here's the only certainty: the '23 starter currently isn't on the roster. There's a 100% chance owner David Tepper finally addresses the position this offseason, and if C.J. Stroud is available, it's easy to imagine him being the pick.
Round 1 - Pick 9
Peter Skoronski OT
NORTHWESTERN • JR • 6'4" / 315 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Las Vegas
PROSPECT RNK
17th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Skoronski is solid and consistent, which are two of the best things you can say about an offensive lineman. The biggest issue he'll face during the pre-draft process will be arm length and whether his NFL future is at tackle or guard. We think he can play tackle but wherever he ends up, he'll make the Raiders offensive line better.
From New Orleans Saints
Round 1 - Pick 10
Paris Johnson Jr. OT
OHIO STATE • JR • 6'6" / 310 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
7th
POSITION RNK
1st
Paris Johnson, who plays left tackle for the Buckeyes this season, also has experience on the interior; either way, he is a Day 1 starter, which in Philly could be at guard early in his career before moving to tackle if and when Lane Johnson decides to hang them up.
From Cleveland Browns
Round 1 - Pick 11
Quentin Johnston WR
TCU • JR • 6'4" / 215 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
23rd
POSITION RNK
2nd
Johnston's an above-the-rim playmaker whose athleticism and contested-catch abilities make him WR1 at this point in the proceedings. The Texans drafted their QB of the future first overall and now they give him an explosive playmaker.
Round 1 - Pick 12
O'Cyrus Torrence OL
FLORIDA • JR • 6'5" / 347 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
24th
POSITION RNK
4th
Torrence transferred from Louisiana and didn't miss a beat. He's been dominant for Florida and is a plug-and-play player at the next level.
Round 1 - Pick 13
Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR
OHIO STATE • JR • 6'1" / 200 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Tennessee
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
1st
Smith-Njigba barely saw the field this season because of injuries but he's still one of the top wideouts in the class. The Titans offense has been stagnant at times and adding a downfield threat will be at the top of the off-season to-do list.
Round 1 - Pick 14
Joey Porter Jr. CB
PENN STATE • JR • 6'2" / 194 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
New England
PROSPECT RNK
30th
POSITION RNK
5th
Porter is the prototypical big, physical cornerback who looks like he belongs in the NFL. He can sometimes get a little too handsy downfield, but he checks many of the boxes of what teams look for when drafting DBs.
Round 1 - Pick 15
Anthony Richardson QB
FLORIDA • SOPH • 6'4" / 232 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK
19th
POSITION RNK
4th
Typically, NFL teams give QBs taken in the first round three years to prove themselves. It sure feels like Zach Wilson, who was benched for Chris Streveler on Thursday, may not be long for the Jets, no matter what coach Robert Saleh might say publicly. And if that is, in fact, the case, Richardson would be worth considering here. He is one of the most exciting prospects in this class. Yes, he's short on experience, but his physical tools are rare.
Round 1 - Pick 16
Christian Gonzalez CB
OREGON • SOPH • 6'2" / 201 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Pittsburgh
PROSPECT RNK
22nd
POSITION RNK
1st
Gonzalez, a Colorado transfer, is a big-time athlete who is still growing into the position. He has the size, strength and speed to line up against NFL wide receivers; he just needs to improve in run support.
Round 1 - Pick 17
Jordan Addison WR
USC • JR • 6'0" / 175 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Green Bay
PROSPECT RNK
45th
POSITION RNK
7th
The Packers have neglected the wide receiver position for years -- including the 2020 class, one of the deepest in draft history -- so why not finally give Aaron Rodgers a pass catcher taken in Round 1? Addison isn't a big target, but he's one of the most dynamic players in the country who can line up anywhere.
Round 1 - Pick 18
Jared Verse EDGE
FLORIDA STATE • SOPH • 6'4" / 248 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
11th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Verse, an Albany transfer, has been electric in '22, even when overcoming a knee injury. At full health, he's a real problem, and the Lions could bookend him with last year's first-rounder, Aidan Hutchinson.
Round 1 - Pick 19
Brian Branch CB
ALABAMA • JR • 6'0" / 193 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Jacksonville
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Branch isn't the first name you hear about when the conversation turns to Alabama's defense, but maybe he should be. He's a sure tackler, can blitz off the edge, and is solid in coverage, and if Nick Saban trusts him, that's all you need to know about his NFL prospects.
Round 1 - Pick 20
Bijan Robinson RB
TEXAS • JR • 6'0" / 220 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Tampa Bay
PROSPECT RNK
25th
POSITION RNK
3rd
The Bucs could target a QB here but have other needs to address. RB isn't a huge priority with Rachaad White's emergence, but the team could move on from Leonard Fournette and plug in Robinson, who has been dominant for the Longhorns this season.
Round 1 - Pick 21
Devon Witherspoon CB
ILLINOIS • JR • 6'0" / 180 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Washington
PROSPECT RNK
35th
POSITION RNK
7th
Witherspoon had a great season for the Illini, and while there will be questions about his slight frame, you wouldn't know it to watch him play.
Round 1 - Pick 23
Michael Mayer TE
NOTRE DAME • JR • 6'4" / 265 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK
12th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Mayer is more Gronk than Kelce but that's not a bad thing. And in New York, he'll get plenty of opportunities -- presumably, with Daniel Jones -- in part because there are only two tight ends currently on the roster and one is set to hit free agency after the season.
Round 1 - Pick 24
Cam Smith CB
SOUTH CAROLINA • JR • 6'0" / 188 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
L.A. Chargers
PROSPECT RNK
8th
POSITION RNK
1st
The Chargers defense has been inconsistent this season, in part due to injury, but also because there's a need to upgrade the secondary. Smith is a first-round talent who can be a Day 1 contributor.
Round 1 - Pick 25
Nolan Smith EDGE
GEORGIA • SR • 6'3" / 235 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Baltimore
PROSPECT RNK
13th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Smith is listed at just 235 pounds so he'll need to add weight, but he's also scratching the surface on what he'll be able to do at the next level. He suffered a torn pec in November and his season is over, but that shouldn't affect his NFL future.
From San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 26
Drew Sanders EDGE
ARKANSAS • JR • 6'5" / 233 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Denver
PROSPECT RNK
29th
POSITION RNK
4th
Sanders is a former five-star who transferred from Alabama after the 2021 season and all he's done is show out for the Razorbacks. He was an edge rusher for the Crimson Tide but he lines up all over the defense for Arkansas and he's been a one-man wrecking crew when he's on the field.
Round 1 - Pick 27
Jalin Hyatt WR
TENNESSEE • JR • 6'0" / 185 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Dallas
PROSPECT RNK
21st
POSITION RNK
3rd
Hyatt wasn't in the first-round conversation heading into the season but he's a great example of a player taking advantage of his opportunities, thanks in large part to Hendon Hooker's Heisman Trophy campaign. Hyatt is a bona fide deep threat who consistently stacks defensive backs who have been helpless to do much about it all season.
Round 1 - Pick 28
Broderick Jones OT
GEORGIA • SOPH • 6'4" / 310 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Cincinnati
PROSPECT RNK
56th
POSITION RNK
6th
Jones is coming off a strong '22 campaign for the Bulldogs, where he has faced some of the best defensive players in the country every day at practice for the last two years.
Round 1 - Pick 29
Darnell Washington TE
GEORGIA • JR • 6'7" / 270 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK
27th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Arik Gilbert was the Georgia tight end to watch coming into the season, but it's been Washington who has gotten scouts' attention. He's listed at 6-7, 265 pounds (he actually plays bigger than that), and while he's growing into his role as a receiver, he's essentially another offensive tackle when he's inline. Basically, he'd serve two roles in Kansas City: receiver in a high-powered offense and an extra blocker.
Round 1 - Pick 30
Anton Harrison OT
OKLAHOMA • JR • 6'5" / 315 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Minnesota
PROSPECT RNK
26th
POSITION RNK
4th
There was some thought that Harrison might return to Oklahoma for an NIL deal that was too good to pass up, but he's instead opted for the NFL. He's one of the top tackles in the class, and now the question is whether he finds his way into Round 1 or goes early on Day 2.
Round 1 - Pick 31
Antonio Johnson S
TEXAS A&M • JR • 6'3" / 195 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Buffalo
PROSPECT RNK
14th
POSITION RNK
1st
Johnson flies around the field like he's shot out of a cannon, looks to run through the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage, and is a wrap-up tackler in space. He can line up in deep center field or near the line of scrimmage, and that versatility makes him one of the best defensive backs in this class.
Round 1 - Pick 32
Jahmyr Gibbs RB
ALABAMA • JR • 5'11" / 200 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
39th
POSITION RNK
7th
The Eagles haven't taken a RB in the first round since 1986 (!) but we said the same thing about Andy Reid and RBs right until the moment he selected Clyde Edwards-Helaire a few years ago. And while CEH may not be the best example of why Philly might consider a back here, Gibbs has drawn comparisons to Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara as both a runner and a receiver. He would essentially be yet another weapon for Jalen Hurts in this offense.

holy wall of unformatted unreadable text, Batman!

[Dante84]

I keep doing the PFN mocks and Mayer AND Kincaid are both available on some of these. I know we have bigger needs, but at some point it becomes a value discussion.

Do we want TE1, or WR4-5, OT-5, DT-4/5 Edge-6, CB-4/5?

I guess I’m asking, how would you feel if we pulled the trigger one Veach’s top TE?

[The Franchise]

If you're going to go TE in the first, then I would rather see them take Mayer. You can leave him in as a traditional TE and take that off of Kelce's plate. Then after Kelce retires, you just need to find someone who can basically be our X receiver like Kelce has been.

[Dante84]

Originally Posted by The Franchise

If you're going to go TE in the first, then I would rather see them take Mayer. You can leave him in as a traditional TE and take that off of Kelce's plate. Then after Kelce retires, you just need to find someone who can basically be our X receiver like Kelce has been.

Yeah I like that Mayer has a different style than Kelce, almost more like Gronk. With such big weapons in the MOF, it sure would let the young WR’s do their thing.