Ya’ll ready for Part 2? Today we get some football appetizers…

As a reminder, we probably won’t see many starters during the duration of preseason action; those appearances seem to have waned further and further over the years. What we will have, is a chance to see a lot of rookies and young players get a chance to spin. Luckily, there were some pretty interesting picks made during the draft… and not all in a good way. Many questions were addressed by each team heading into the 2025 season, but a whole host of new questions have cropped up in their place.

Between this and my Part 1 of this article (Rounds 1-3), you can hit Ctrl + F (or ⌘ command + F if you’re one of those ) and search to find the entries for your team. Search per game matchup, OR read straight through — piece it together however you want. Yes, all the Seahawks picks are either listed or mentioned (in the case of three who did not make the cut). Every team in the league had at least one guy make it in his round… some teams had four. Each team is not equally interesting .

In honor of actual football coming back to us in the 8th month of the year, here are the 8 most interesting picks in each round of April’s draft to keep tabs on this preseason.

ROUND 4

• Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars HB – (Pick #104) A tough, fast and explosive threat on the ground, as a receiver and in the return game. He’s also a smaller back, and I always love those that hold it down for the short kings (5’9” counts in the NFL, aight?). Could he provide a Devon Achane-lite impact in Duvall? Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby don’t scare me, but the fact that Tuten was the fastest back at the combine does. The fact that he said in an interview with NFL Network that, “I like contact a lot”, does. This after the Jags went way up to get a dynamic receiver / DB with the 2nd overall pick (Travis Hunter), and also took a guard in the 3rd (Wyatt Milum) … Trevor Lawrence’s success and support system is being treated as mission critical at this point, after a career of inconsistency thus far for sunshine.
• Cam Skattebo, Giants HB – (Pick #105) The Giants already had a breakout ball carrier from last year, in Tyrone Tracy Jr., who ran for 830+ at 4.4 Yards Per Carry (YPC) as a rookie. That didn’t stop Big Blue from taking this tank of a back: Cam Skattebo. Some will say that just based on his tape, he should’ve been given more respect in the draft process. An ASU legend, the Sun Devils had him all over the formation, and it remains to be seen if he will end up plying any of the lost art of fullback. New York seems to like him plenty enough at tailback. He’s not fast, but C-Skat. is a bruising halfback in the mold of David Montgomery. Same mold, different mamas. Even if he don’t know $hi+ about NFL legends . I’m excited, but this is a little overboard:

• Dont’e Thornton Jr., Raiders WR – (Pick #108) Pete Carroll loves to take calculated shots downfield at a steady pace… so does Geno Smith. After the Silver and Black took a big-hearted possession WR earlier (Jack Bech) they team him up here with this deep threat (4.30 second speed in the 40-yard dash). Thornton led all of college football with 6 catches of 50+ yards last season. Yeah, Pete’s gonna like that. He might be a one-trick pony… but that trick is pretty damn good. This is a nice convergence of a classic Raiders pick, and a classic Pete Carroll pick.
• Woody Marks, Texans HB – (Pick #116) Somebody’s poisoned the water hole!!! Mixon is hurt, and both Nick Chubb as well as Dameon Pierce (also currently hurt) were ineffective last season. Enter Woody Marks, who caught 261 passes in his college career, and seems marked for the 3rd down back role. H-Town continues to build even depth across the roster, and this man may yet still get a shot at contributing in a meaningful way. He totes the rock with grit and heart, and we may get to see him reach for the sky if he scores for the Texans.
• Billy Bowman Jr., Falcons S – (Pick #118) Through this point in the draft, the Falcons double-dipped at EDGE rusher in the 1st Round (Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr.) to solve the annual pass rush deficit, then double-dipped at safety with their next two picks! I even have a conspiracy theory that they stole this guy before the division rival Panthers could get to him (after trading down), leaving Carolina with three starting safety types who are all box safeties with questionable coverage skills Bowman has been compared to Quandre Diggs, with his instincts, range and hitting power. I’m not sure if he’ll live up to the comp. as a 4th-round player, but he may start out in rotation in the slot for ATL. The Dirty Birds look like they’re gearing up for some shootouts fire up the royal Michael Penix and keep him clean!!!
• Jack Sawyer, Steelers EDGE – (Pick #123) Sawyer had the 2nd highest total of pressures in this draft class last year! Every single player on that list got drafted before him, and I saw so many teams with pass rushing needs pass up on him. I think some will regret that. This guy is a balanced and aggressive power rusher who adds to the rejuvenation of the defense this year (DT, Derrick Harmon in the 1st, DB’s, Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey via free agency and trade, respectively). Mike Tomlin said he wanted to establish a “big-man presence” this offseason… throw in acquisitions of DK Metcalf and rookie power back, Kaleb Johnson on offense and he’s achieved that objective across the roster. Tomlin also said that Jack Sawyer’s “got Steeler DNA. Whether or not Aaron Rodgers has anything left in the tank, Blitzburgh now has four potentially potent pass rushers ready to hunt the great QB’s from the edge in the AFC.
• Dylan Sampson, Browns HB – (Pick #126) EDGE rushers and running backs are FLYING off the shelf in the 4th! It’s vision, instincts and speed with this tailback. He was drafted as the lightning to Quinshon Judkins’ thunder (2nd-Round pick), and Cleveland will want to run the ball heavily with their cadre of questionable signal callers behind center. There’s also the fact that Judkins is in some legal trouble, and is the only remaining unsigned draft pick from this class… does that mean Sampson will get his chance to shine early?
• Elic Ayomanor, Titans WR – (Pick #136) Tennessee traded up directly in front of Seattle, then as soon as this pick was made, the Seahawks announced they had traded out of the 4th (they did take a higher-rated WR in the next round). Was this their man the whole time, and the Titans caught on? Either way, this is a big, athletic target who adds to Cam Ward’s arsenal and threat downfield. He, as well as fellow 4th-Round pass catchers, Chimere Dike and Gunnar Helm, will fill in behind Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett and Chig Okonkwo to support the #1 pick. Man, the 206 doesn’t need his ugh anyway, he’s just a smaller, slower DK that’s sour grapes and a sore subject, as he does bring some similar elements to the field. I love that Ward is getting every chance to be surrounded with talent.

ROUND 5

• Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Vikings DL – (Pick #139) One of only five players drafted this year by Minnesota, Ingram-Dawkins is a hybrid DE / DT player who should mix into a rotation up front. The Vikes’ moves this offseason were about reallocation. They took priority away from Sam Darnold and gave some to J.J. McCarthy, and the rest they poured into investments in the offensive line in free agency (Ryan Kelly, Will Fries) and the draft (1st-Rounder, Donovan Jackson). On defense, although the secondary seems weakened (on paper), the emphasis on the trenches this year stands out. Signing Jonathan Allen from the Commanders and Javon Hargrave from the 49ers were nice moves. Adding their first defensive player of the draft in Ingram-Dawkins at the top of the 5th, “Minny” fortifies a unit that led the league in takeaways during last year’s campaign. This is a player who only started for one year at Georgia, showed off his quickness, but has a lot of potential room to grow behind some experienced vets. While speaking with the NFL Network during the draft, Kevin O’Connell mentioned T.I.D.’s (live from the VIP) versatility to play up and down the line… this should be fun.
• Rylie Mills, Seahawks DE – (Pick #142) This one is different, since he won’t be playing in the preseason while recovering from injury. I’ll still be paying attention to any news about his progress. Mills is one of only two defensive players among the Hawks’ 11 selections in the 2025 draft, Seattle takes a player who led Notre Dame in sacks from an interior rush position. Mills also owns the distinction of having been named to Bruce Feldman’s College Football Freaks List for the second consecutive year just before the 2024 season. He’s there below recent Seahawks signee and UDFA, Thor Griffith. He may be a freak, but don’t freak off… no Diddy, but Mills is strong, long and explosive in the trenches as a pass rusher. The catch is that the rookie may still need time to fully recover from 2024’s knee injury, as he may not be back until midway through the season (if that). This guy has the physical tools to be a good player, so can he ramp up to push Byron Murphy II / Jarran Reed / Mike Morris for playing time opposite Leo Williams (keeping BMII fresh and motivated)? I felt that more of a run stuffing NT would be a better fit in Seattle, but Mills is going to eventually audition to be the future tag team partner for Murph.
• Shedeur Sanders, Browns QB – (Pick #144) A tough, intelligent and accurate pocket passer, and son of a Hall of Famer, Sanders was a projected top-10 of the 1st Round pick. Before our eyes we witnessed possibly the most dramatic draft “slide” of all time NFL history unfold… until the Brownies traded up one spot ahead of Philly for a 5th-Round dart throw (their final 2025 selection) on Shedeur. Did all the analysts collectively get his talent wrong? Did he absolutely BOMB all of his interviews? Were the coaches and GM’s too worried about the specter of eventually losing their jobs to legendary DB and coach, Deion Sanders?? Did the league collude to teach Neon Deion, a confident and accomplished black man) a lesson about who holds the power??? It was weird to see some anonymous grown men come out (with undertones of malice and ridicule) to bash this young man. Nick Saban said of Shedeur: “When he’s in the pocket and he throws the ball on time, he is one of the most accurate passers in this draft. And he can be an exceptionally good quarterback if he did that”. Cleveland has not proven to be able to develop and support young QB’s. Ever. Now that Shedeur has been buried in the 5th Round and has to fight his way out of a competition with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and 3rd-Round rook, Dillon Gabriel, we’ll have a chance to see what he’s made of outside of the nurturing shadow of his pops. GM, Andrew Berry said that Sanders’ reaction “was probably a mixture of like gratitude, relief and determination”. Can he fight his way to relevancy at the bottom of the wet paper bag that is the Browns organization? Watching him in the preseason will be absolute cinema, one way or another. There surely won’t be any hot takes on X…
• Jaydon Blue, Cowboys HB – (Pick #149) One of the 6 straight draft picks that were on the altar of sacrifice to the media blitz on Shedeur Sanders after he was selected. These six dudes received basically zero analysis or coverage after the selection of Shedeur. Nonetheless, Jaydon Blue is a smaller back who possesses speed to make house calls from anywhere on the gridiron. Where Blue will get leveraged most is as a true receiving threat out of the backfield, as that is his superpower. Despite shady rumors from an ex-Dallas coach about Blue being “borderline lazy”, J.B. said the incident added “a little fuel to my fire”. Was there any truth to it, or was this old staffer throwing $hi+ out there, just hating for views? Offensive coordinator turned head coach, Brian Schottenheimer resurrected the name of an old favorite of mine to describe Jaydon Blue’s game: Darren Sproles and his agility. He who is 5’6” and 6th in NFL history in all-purpose yards. This guy has a lot to prove on multiple fronts before even touching the grass.

• Collin Oliver, Packers EDGE – (Pick #159) The Pack took the final guy in the green room in the 4th Round at EDGE (Barryn Sorrell), then doubled back for another, with Oliver. Where Sorrell is a power rusher, Collin Oliver is a speed rusher who may start off as a DPR (Designated Pass Rusher). Green Bay had a tough time getting pressure on Philly in their playoff loss to the eventual league champs… so it looks like they see a PRBC (Pass-Rush-By-Committee) as the answer to the woes that they’ve sat with over the spring season. Keeping the rotation fresh and varied could certainly change the equation for the Wisconsin team in gold and green; Oliver also brings the unique dimension of versatility that portends his ability to rush even from off-ball positioning. The young man who has love for an old band called, A Tribe Called Quest should go H.AM. (Hard as a mu£***er) if given the chance to display his best.
• Francisco Mauigoa, Jets LB – (Pick #162) Apart from having a fun name to say, Francisco Mauigoa is putting on for all the uces, as a breakout player who was born in American Samoa. Mauigoa also made the journey from WSU Cougar to Miami Hurricane along with top overall pick, Cam Ward. He is a downhill hitter as a tenacious defender in the middle who helps to usher along new HC, Aaron Glenn’s clear agenda to get tougher (and more Detroit-like) in the middle of the field. There’s also the fact that his brother, Francis (that had to be confusing growing up) has a chance to go in the top 3 of next year’s draft. If Francisco of the Jets keeps his head in the game, maybe he’ll get a chance to pass rush against his bro, an offensive lineman.
• Tory Horton, Seahawks WR – (Pick #166) The deep threat that Seattle’s receiving corps badly needed once they traded DK Metcalf and released Tyler Lockett. JSN and Cooper Kupp can route you up, but the Hawks had a need for speed prior to this selection (and possibly still do). In addition to being a field stretcher, Horton is tough, a savvy route runner and can hop right into the punt return game. Remember when Lockett added that explosive element as a youngin’ with his very first punt return ever? on to the next generation… which includes a fight for WR3 duties between Horton, a recent signee (MVS) and a local folk hero (Jake Bobo). Tory is somehow the 3rd-highest rated Seattle rookie in Madden 26 this year… let’s just hope that with all that speed, Horton doesn’t hear a “who” when we talk about his name at the end of the year.
• Chris Paul Jr., Rams LB – (Pick #172) Well, there are officially two Chris Paul’s in L.A. pro sports now! Unlike the “Point God” who plays for the Clippers, C.P.J. will work to limit scoring in the city of angels. Los Angelas finally moved to replace Ernest Jones IV with another menacing and instinctive run stopper. Doesn’t hurt that he didn’t allow any passing TDs in coverage either… NEVA LOST. From the only interview of him that I saw, it seems like “Pooh” Paul is a straight up character, so I also want to see how that gregarious nature carries over to the field of competition.

ROUND 6

• Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins HB – (Pick #179) There are SO MANY running back selections I could’ve included in this article! I’m excited to see this class of backs tote the pill and make their mark on a potential rebirth of the running back era. This one’s a little different. Miami takes one of the biggest (the largest), heaviest and most power-based tailbacks in this draft. They had put such an emphasis on speed for so long, that taking a power back like this is almost unexpected (but beneficial). He led the FBS in rushing yards, and was 2nd in rushing touchdowns two year ago. College teams stacked the box on him this year, and he did not show out in quite the same fashion. Tyreek seems to think he could fill a niche. The Dolphins have the longest active drought in the NFL when it comes to playoff wins… it’s been 25 years! The ‘Fins have made multiple picks this year to shift to a more physical identity, perhaps to find success even when the weather turns unforgiving.
• JJ Pegues, Raiders DT – (Pick #180) Travis Hunter’s worst nightmare (more on that below). This is an immediately relevant pick and a position that the team formerly based in California (just like Pete) went double or nothing after taking the epically named Tonka Hemingway in the 4th. That looks like an ingenious gamble for Vegas, especially after the shocking and strange release of Christian Wilkins and his freaky self. The wild thing is that both young men can play interior defensive line as well as coming in as goal line fullbacks. Emphasis on Pegues here as the more versatile of the two. In addition to being an agile run stopper on the interior, JJP has played TE, Wildcat QB, FB, HB and WR, dawg. Forget the Jags’ Hunter… let Pegues spin on both ends!! The Raiders also took a QB in the late 6th who ran a 4.39 40 (Tommy Mellott) and is expected to convert to WR… there will be no shortage of trick play possibilities in Vegas.
• Kyle McCord, Eagles QB – (Pick #181) All eyes will be on the top-rated rookie quarterbacks (Ward, Dart, Shough, Gabriel, Milroe, Sanders), but how about the next tier down? That’s not a shot at McCord here, as I saw some pre-draft pieces about the strong-armed passer being a possible factor / sleeper at the position. KMC will go at it with another 6th-Rounder, 3rd-year passer: Tanner McKee. Throw in Dorian Thompson-Robinson and this should be an interesting battle royale in the warmup games. Kyle McCord led the FBS in passing yardage this past college season and has a chance to be Jalen Hurts’ backup. The defending Super Bowl champions do a good job of investing in QB assets, and got some draft ammo from trading previous backup, Kenny Pickett. Kyle McCord may be compared a lot to the next two QB’s taken (both sharing the national champion stage): new Steelers quarterback (and reigning national champion), Will Howard and new Colts quarterback, Riley Leonard.
• Tyler Loop, Ravens K – (Pick #186) The second kicker taken, after New England broke the seal four selections earlier. Baltimore is the only team to finish in top 10 in scoring offense and scoring defense in each of the last two seasons. They used 3 of their first 4 picks on defense (all three levels), then on the next pick doubled up on the offensive line. Here they drafted a K to touch on the 3rd phase of the football team. In fact, this is a momentous occasion! Here we have the first kicker drafted in the Ravens’ history as an organization (they had been the only team in the league to not have done so)! This one has versatility, as he handles kickoffs, and has also punted. The big leg hit on a 62-yarder in his final collegiate season. Is Justin Tucker going to be given the Deshaun Watson treatment? I mean, I guess we’re good to go here.
• Bryce Cabeldue, Seahawks OG – (Pick #192) The Hawks are certainly looking to fortify the line and create an efficient machine that can control the pace on the ground. Cabeldue is a quick mover while zone-blocking, and needs to compete like the Cable due, the rent’s due, the lights due and the car note’s due if he wants to make this roster (or just hope that the Hawks straight up cut Anthony Bradford). Seattle had the penultimate pick in the 5th Round and took a nasty blocker who has the supposed vision to chew a path as the lead blocker for the ballcarrier… Robbie Ouzts. We are going to watch the birth of an endangered species with his transition from massive TE / H-back to a full time FB this preseason! After taking Grey Zabel in the opening round of the draft, Seattle selects a guard who brings strength, movement skills and depth. Lance Zeurlin and Bucky Brooks agreed that 6th and 7th round guards and centers have the chance to make rosters and even start in the right situations. The 12’s saw that happen just last year with Sataoa Laumea. To keep adding to this group, Seattle takes another lineman in the next round (Mason Richman).
• Ahmed Hassanein, Lions DE – (Pick #196) The fan that announced this pick had a very interesting speech, then left the mic saying, “One pride, worldwide”. That’s very fitting for this selection, as this is the very first Egyptian player to ever be drafted into the league. He recorded the 2nd-highest amount of sacks (22) in the FBS over the last two years. I thought Detroit would take a bookend edge rusher earlier, but here we are. This guy is still new to football, but he plays with constant urgency and relentlessness. Maybe he can pick up a few tips during the revenge tour of Aidan Hutchinson.
• Kain Medrano, Commanders LB – (Pick #205) Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu had good years last year, but their status as starters together make the ILB unit stand out with an average age of 32… Nick Bellore is currently on the roster and is older than both (36). Medrano can play in coverage better than all three veterans, and will do battle with two sophomore 5th-Rounders: Jordan Magee and Dominique Hampton for the rights to succeed the starting vets. They should soak up as much game from the older guys while they have that wealth of knowledge available to them in their careers. B-Wagz will be a Hall of Famer whenever he leaves the game. Medrano, the speedy Bruin, was the fastest linebacker at the NFL Combine.
• Chase Lundt, Bills OT – (Pick #206) The offensive line that gave up the least sacks in the league last year (14) adds a 6’7” player who allowed a 0.5% pressure rate that was the 2nd best among all right tackles in D-1 football. He and Alec Anderson may form a solid tandem of swing linemen to fill in and keep Josh Allen as clean as possible if/when there are injuries up front. Lundt is a finesse technician who played for Jim Mora Jr. (the scapegoat who was fired after one year so that Seattle could bring in Pete Carroll) and is fighting for a roster spot. He’s one of the tackles with shorter arm length who may yet still stick at tackle (instead of getting moved inside to play guard). Here he is (77) in a bad picture, standing on the sidelines on Hard Knocks while Dion Dawkins (73) mean mugs the camera:

ROUND 7

• Damien Martinez, Seahawks HB – (Pick #223) It’s tough to see injuries… the what-ifs can haunt and rob football fans of what could be. It can rob us all of competition at the highest level. Don’t forget, it has an impact on these guys’ lives, livelihoods and mental state as well. The fact that Kenny McIntosh had mostly sat on the bench for the first two years of his career, but then came on STRONG with his opportunities late last year is a beautiful thing. The fact that he tore his ACL in training camp mere days ago and may possibly not ever get to provide the full panoply of his game in Seattle is heartbreaking. I’ll be rooting for him, his well-being and his recovery. Football is a tough sport. Simultaneously, I am excited to see how Damien Martinez can prove himself and to see him contribute whatever he can behind Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Seattle takes this guy and Ricky White III (WR) as young playmakers who can fight for spots and maybe even PT. Martinez is a hammer of a ball carrier who should provide some oohs and ahhs in exhibition games in August. His vision, acceleration and YAC-ability should serve him well behind a zone blocking line.
• Quinn Ewers, Dolphins QB, – (Pick #231) Quinn Ewers was once a highly sought high school prospect who could never quite find that extra gear to rise to franchise QB status. Even so, Ewers is probably thinking to himself I beat out Arch Manning, there’s no question I can beat out Zach Wilson for the rights to backup (oft-injured starter) Tua Tagovailoa. He’s got a quick trigger, but is an inconsistent performer. There is an underrated backup QB battle that should unfold in the 305 in the waning light of the summer.
• Tez Johnson, Buccaneers WR – (Pick #235) At 154 pounds, this guy’s got me thinking. Like bro, I think my niece might weigh more than this! Jk, she doesn’t… but somewhat believable, right? I remember when WR’s under 190 were considered small, but Johnson makes DeVonta Smith look like a heavyweight Can Tez withstand the physicality of the league? Can he unseat Trey Palmer or Sterling Shepherd for a roster spot? Tezmania is a shifty route runner and ball carrier. The Bucs already have an embarrassment of riches with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan (last year’s 3rd-Round pick) and Emeka Egbuka (this year’s 1st-Round pick who barely missed the cut in Part 1 of this article). Once you slot… apparently for the Bucs, you just can’t stop.
• Caleb Lohner, Broncos TE – (Pick #241) A dude who played four years of college basketball then finally decided to give football a try… in his only season playing at a competitive level he had 4 catches… all four resulted in touchdowns. Sean Payton can appreciate a red zone post-up game, as last seen in: Graham, Jimmy. The lonely Lohner seems to free his mind at night. He’ll be working day and night before the season to refine his overall game as much as possible. That may be on the practice squad, but preseason is his chance to put his box out skills to work.
• Konata Mumpfield, Rams WR – (Pick #242) I told my Rams homie that we need to get him a shirt that says: Puka & Tutu & Konata & Kyren. These guys have hall of fame level first names! Don’t even get me started on how annoying Garoppolo and Kinchens are to type out we’ll see if Mumpfield can make a mark in a crowded receiver room. He’s a RAC-type route runner with limited speed who should be able to catch some passes underneath to give preseason hero, Jordan Whittington some competition.
• Dominic Lovett, Lions WR – (Pick #244) After taking Sir Isaac TeSlaa (fast for his size) in Round 3, Detroit selects a player that looked promising at his first stop (Mizzou) but didn’t ascend to star level after transferring to Georgia. Lovett is even faster than the first guy. Not a bad plan for the Lions to put all this speed around Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams to mitigate the loss of a top shelf play caller in Ben Johnson (now leading the rival Bears). Lovett dropped his first pass in the Hall of Fame Game but then followed it up with a 10-yard catch and run, a 20-yard punt return, then a few more catches (one to convert on 3rd down in the red area).
• Jacory Croskey-Merrit, Commanders HB – (Pick #245) This guy only played one game last year, after a mixup with redshirt rules he ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any back in this draft… was this guy a well-kept secret because of the odd circumstances? He cuts on a dime, and just adds to a solid collection of backs in D.C.
• Moliki Matavao, Saints TE – (Pick #248) This is a 7th-Rounder who may get a lot of action, as the 2nd and 3rd stringers, Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill (you guess the order…) are both presently dealing with injuries. Matavao is a big, contested catch maven. He may not be the fastest moving player, but he does a lot of little things right. How will he click with the 3-man QB competition? Tyler Shough (Round 2 rookie), Spencer Rattler and Jacob Haener might be looking his way to act as a security blanket early and often.

See ya’ll outside!

‘Twas the first day of training camp, when all through the state // not a 12 was bragging, not even actor dude, Rainn // For we have Sam Darnold, and we don’t know his fate // To get upstaged by our rivals again would bring pain.

It’s like Christmas for football fans, we’ve got injury reports, camp overreactions and a deluge of memes across our timelines already! Football season is coming. It’s already kinda here. All those offseason memes talmbout, “what I wouldn’t give to watch a TNF game between the Jags and Titans right now” is about to become a reality, buddy! We’ll see if you’ve got it in you to stick it out in a preseason game.

We probably won’t see many starters during the duration of preseason action; those appearances seem to have waned further and further over the years. What we will have, is a chance to see a lot of rookies and young players get a chance to spin. Luckily, there were some pretty interesting picks made during the draft… and not all in a good way. Many questions were addressed by each team heading into the 2025 season, but a whole host of new questions have cropped up in their place. There are Seahawks questions, but each and every team has questions and tribulations to go through.

The below list of rookies is not who I think are going to turn out to be the best players… in fact, some of these picks are interesting because I think they are strange fits! Either way, these are players that will make me tune in this summer, and possibly all season. Cue the circus music. In honor of actual football coming back to us in the 8th month of the year, here are the 8 most interesting picks in each round of April’s draft (keep an eye out for part 2: Rounds 4-7 coming soon) to keep tabs on this preseason.

ROUND 1

• Cam Ward, Titans QB – (Pick #1) Three schools in his collegiate career, WSU legend and the first of some of these NIL top picks who moved around to find the best situation for themselves. He’s confident, aggressive and the fact that he clowned both Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in viral social media videos sets him up as a natural foil. Is he the least talked about #1 pick in a long time…? When asked about the pressure of being a franchise QB Ward had this to say: “I don’t feel no weight on my shoulders. I’m still a zero-star recruit, I just happen to be a high draft pick”. He goes on to state bluntly: “I’ll always remember what they said about me, it’ll never leave the back of my mind. It’s there every day”. That’s a CHIP on this man’s shoulders, and you love to see the competitiveness!
• Travis Hunter, Jaguars WR/CB – (Pick #2) The youngest GM in the NFL took a huge swing with his very first draft action of his career. Jacksonville makes an aggressive move to jump out of mediocrity and provide Trevor Lawrence all the jet fuel he needs to come into all of his prodigious promise. The fact that corner was also a need on a developing defense makes this doubly interesting. Possibly the most valuable player by far, who some have prophesied could change the sport? Yeah, lemme see what’s goin on right quick . They got two of their birds, and it only took one stone: a (Glad)stone thrown with conviction behind it.
• Mason Graham, Browns DT – (Pick #5) The 2nd-least flashy guy (outside of Cam Ward) who showed up to the draft green room in Green Bay. That’s ok, he’ll let his play speak for itself. M.G. utilizes leverage and a constant motor to stop the run. He will play next to another M.G., as Siaki Ika was supposed to with his big ahh… Is this the pick that kept Myles Garrett in Cleveland? Or is it the fact that it wasn’t going to be another top pick on a QB, but instead a trade down before this pick? The world may never know… either way, the Brownies seem determined to play ball-control football in stopping the run on defense (Graham, as well as MLB, Carson Schwesinger at the top of Round 2) and allowing more pass rush opportunities for Garrett and co. Will they ultimately regret trading down from the spot where they could’ve taken the multi-dimensional Travis Hunter?
• Ashton Jeanty, Raiders HB – (Pick #6) In a year where Saquon Barkley is receiving all of the flowers, Vegas raises the Heisman runner-up as the highest drafted back since Barkley (2nd overall in 2018). He possesses speed, vision and balance and will assert those gifts to give this woebegone rushing attack some juice. It’s no secret that Coach Carroll covets a powerful ground attack. The young man who just gained the 2nd-most rushing yards in FBS history (trailing only Barry Sanders) should qualify for the role, in a sort of Alvin Kamara / LaDainian Tomlinson mold. In Jeanty’s words: “It’s tackle football, you know what I’m sayin’? I’d draft the guy they can’t tackle”.
• Tyler Warren, Colts TE – (Pick #14) An elite player who lined up as a Y-TE, in the slot, out wide, in the backfield, even as a wildcat QB and hell… even for one snap as a center… he’s an asset in both the run and pass game. I even heard words like Kittle tossed around when finding a pro comparison for this guy. Indy is souping up the chassis around starting QB, Daniel Jones. That’s right, I said Daniel Jones! I think he’ll have the chance to impress with the best supporting cast of his career. The Colts had the least amount of catches from TE’s last year…  Warren sliding to 14 might’ve been a preemptive godsend to Indy to make up for the Halliburton (NBA) injury.
• Shemar Stewart, Bengals EDGE – (Pick #17) A guy whose measurables and traits outweighed his actual college production. Sam Hubbard retired, Trey Hendrickson is beefin’ with the front office, and now Cincinnati tried to put unprecedented language in the rookie QB-hunter’s contract… now Stewart and the team are at odds… who’s going to rush the passer in Cinci?! Will every game be a track meet with their highly paid QB and WR triumvirate? How truly odd it would be if this scenario ended up playing out because the Bengals wanted to start a new contract precedent.
• Grey Zabel, Seahawks OL – (Pick #18) Versatile, agile and powerful… great traits for an outside zone offensive guard going to a team that struggled to protect their QB (3rd most sacks allowed) or run the ball (bottom-5 in rush yards) last year! All of Seattle let out a sigh of relief for this pick. Zabel posted the 3rd highest vertical jump by any offensive lineman ever at the NFL combine. He is as explosive of a guard prospect as has ever been measured. Is he the stabilizing force that the Seahawks have needed? The Steve Hutchinson to Charles Cross’ Walter Jones? I’ll believe it when I see it there, sheriff.
• Josh Simmons, Chiefs OT – (Pick #32) A team that was coming off of back-to-back Super Bowls, was clearly feeling themselves and had sights set on history. that didn’t happen, as the Philly Eagles came in and roughed KC up. Get a blindside bodyguard for the chosen one: Pat Mahomes (who’s got a haircut ), and this is a new era for him. Simmons may need time to recover from an injury, but this pick could restore some power and pride to the offensive side of the ball for the NFL’s latest dynasty. I expect this team to be extremely driven this year…

ROUND 2

• Nick Emmanwori, Seahawks S – (Pick #35) A young man who is bigger, faster and more explosive than Derwin James; he also possesses ball skills (most INTs in the SEC since the start of 2023) and plenty of confidence! In fact, his physical dimensions and metrics have surpassed so many other DB’s that the analysts at the combine moved on to comparing him to specimens like DK Metcalf (Seattle fans are familiar). Can he be Kam Chancellor (after being trained by the same guy in college)? Can he be Kyle Hamilton (destined to be coached by the same play caller in the NFL)? During his draft conference call Emmanwori mentioned that the Seahawks had stated that they think he and Hamilton are somewhat similar. If even a fraction of those comparisons, the Hawks have a HELL of a 3-safety set, joining Julian Love and Coby Bryant. Seattle traded a 27-y/o DK Metcalf and with the flexibility of the extra 2nd, reincarnated him with another player who is jumbo for his position of safety, then later in the round took a player (Elijah Arroyo) who could pitch in to help replace DK’s literal receiving production. Nick Emmanwori might be able to play anywhere on defense except interior defensive lineman. LASTLY, Sherm announces his name, as the Hawks traded way up for him, along with the NFL reveal of Nike Rivals?? Don’t even try to tell me this dude isn’t the Lisan Al-Gaib!
• Jonah Savaiinaea, Dolphins OG – (Pick #37) Miami took a 331 lb. DT in Round 1, and now they select a 324 lb. OG to help protect QB, Tua Tagovailoa. The Fins are adding beef to try to become a more physical team, and it will come on the right side of the line (technically the southpaw’s blind side). The Dolphins have been built in such a finesse manner in the past, that things would absolutely ignite when everything was aligned and working right… the problem has been that things are rarely working all the way right. It’ll be interesting to see if this team can become a more resilient bunch when the going gets tough.
• TreyVeon Henderson, Patriots HB – (Pick #38) They already had a couple good backs… but Nick Saban did say that this guy could have the biggest impact of any player so far a polished pass protector and future 3rd down weapon. Mike Vrabel starting off his Patriots tenure with two straight offensive players?! Somebody go and see if they cloned my man. After taking highly touted offensive tackle, Will Campbell in the top 5, New England sets out to make sure that Drake Maye is set up for (a little more) success early in his career.
• Luther Burden III, Bears WR – (Pick #39) New head coach, Ben Johnson and his squad are really going pass game dominance or BUST here! They haven’t addressed any needs through two rounds and keep taking highly rated receiving threats (Colston Loveland at 10th overall, and now this). Burden is a Deebo / Amon-Ra St. Brown type player who can create catch-and-run yards out of the slot. Is the new HC play calling prodigy relying too heavily on the pass? Will Caleb Williams have a true breakout year with all of the weaponry at his disposal? I mean… with D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and Loveland all being counted on, does Cole Kmet or Burden come off the bench. Sheesh! I thought a complimentary pass rusher could really elevate the Chicago stop unit, but Big Ben Johnson is ready to come at the whole league with an air assault! The new head coach seems bent on not letting the offense record the lowest yards per play mark in the league again, like last year.
• Will Johnson, Cardinals CB – (Pick #47) Arizona ended the biggest draft day “slide” west of Shedeur Sanders, taking a young man who many considered at one point to be the top pure corner. I put “slide” in quotations because it only references a slide in value compared to what the amateurs think… many teams most likely knew about the red flags beforehand. I’m talkin’ more red flags than Love Island… and don’t pretend you don’t catch that reference either! Fitting that this man goes to the Red Sea. I kept seeing the description of young Will be painted out that he is a zone corner… well, ‘Zona ran man coverage schemes at a bottom-10 rate last year, so this could be a beautiful marriage. Johnson is a 6’2” corner with intelligence and ball-hawking talent (more pick-6 scores on defense than TDs given up). He is also a player who comes with both injury and speed concerns. If those prove to be of no material concern to his game, the Cards may have gotten a steal here. Arizona has been quietly building this defense in the shadows for a few years now and should not be taken lightly.
• Elijah Arroyo, Seahawks TE – (Pick #50) Nick Saban called him “tough” and “smart”. This guy can fly down the field, run great routes, and is a decent blocker with room to improve. Capable of creating splash plays in the creases, he is the replacement for Noah Fant. How will it shake out between he and A.J. Barner? One thing we know is that Arroyo is a smooth and natural receiving threat who is willing to block. Confidence and effort should be expectations, if his draft media appearances are any indication. On some Metcalf type shii? ABC’s coverage even showed a highlight of him chasing down a defender on an INT, à la DK.
• Nick Scourton, Panthers DE – (Pick #51) A guy who (reportedly) played at around 180 pounds in his 2024 college season as a power edge. He then (reportedly) weighed in at 157 at the combine in an impressive physical transformation. Where will he play? Interior D-line or EDGE? A mix of both? Will he be miscast? Does he know Sir Purr? Can the Panthers’ weak ahh defense (4th-worst and then dead last over the last two years) be salvaged? I’m going to start calling this guy the Riddler since I have so many questions. This organization’s motto is keep pounding, but they’ve been the ones getting pounded relentlessly ever since they let Spider-Man (Brian Burns) leave. If nothing else, a strong run game defender goes to the only team to allow more than six 100-yard rushers last season (Carolina allowed 10). Carolina even doubles up later with a more traditional finesse EDGE rusher in the 3rd (Princely Umanmielen).
• Tre Harris, Chargers WR – (Pick #55) After taking a tone-setting runner with their first pick (Omarion Hampton), the Bolts nab an intelligent and hard-nosed perimeter threat to aid Justin Herbert in the air attack. A little bit of a trivia fact is that Harris is a player that was Malik Nabers’ HS quarterback… He is now the next in line of big-bodied wideouts to come out of Ole Miss. Will he be more A.J. Brown and DK Metcalf, or more Laquon Treadwell? He may need to step up and tag team with Ladd McConkey if Quentin Johnston continues to disappoint. Doesn’t help that veteran WR, Mike Williams abruptly retired past the midway point of July. Will Harris’ abilities be enough to help stretch this passing attack vertically, or will Los Angeles’ AFC team be hemmed into the short game again?

ROUND 3

• Ashton Gillotte, Chiefs EDGE – (Pick #66) The Eagles won the Super Bowl over the Chiefs with a 16-pressure and 6-sack performance from their defense. The WILD thing is that Philly didn’t blitz ANY of Patrick Mahomes’ 42 drop backs They caused that much disruption and chaos with a 0% blitz rate. Remember when the L.O.B. embarrassed the greatest offense of all-time to win a ‘ship? The Broncos then committed to becoming a tougher team and created the “No-Fly Zone” defense that went on to beat Cam Newton’s Panthers on the big stage two years later. Same vibe here, and I look forward to seeing how Kansas City reshapes itself to make another run at it. Can Gillotte overtake Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna and Felix Anudike-Uzomah to provide an effective one-two punch with George Karlaftis? He does bring power and production to the table. Good news, since KC resorted to blitzing at the 5th-highest rate last year… they had a rude awakening to seeing the light in why they need to change that. As a possibly versatile DE, does he give them more flexibility to lean into 3-4 schemes?
• Harold Fannin Jr., Browns TE – (Pick #67) A hometown kid from Canton, OH who messed around and recorded more receptions and yards than any tight end in college football history… he was the only one ever to lead the FBS in overall receiving yardage. Will the Browns feature him and David Njoku simultaneously? is this them hedging their bets on the enigmatic Diontae Johnson? This guy may very well be the future of pass catching in Cleveland for whatever next QB ends up emerging after the fumbling of their B.M. Fannin will forever be compared to the five TE’s that were selected before him (Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, Mason Taylor, Terrance Ferguson, and Elijah Arroyo). This has the potential to be the G.O.A.T. tight end draft class
• Darien Porter, Raiders CB – (Pick #68) When Pete Carroll hand picks a cornerback with any significant draft capital (first 5 rounds) he is usually right. Porter is a big, fast corner who possesses another unique trait that Coach Carroll has shown an affinity for: a WR turned DB. This also applies to players in the Seattle past such as Richard Sherman, Tre Flowers and Tariq Woolen who excelled in press zone coverage. It seems there is always criticism of Pete’s DB picks, as many analysts liked both Shavon Revel Jr. and Azareye’h Thomas more at this point in the process… we shall see, as we are dealing with a legendary teacher / evaluator of talent in the secondary. Carroll assembled the best collection of defensive backs of all time in Seattle, as a matter of fact.
• Kyle Williams, Patriots WR – (Pick #69) Four consecutive scintillating selections in the third round. The New New England brass is making it a priority to support sophomore, Drake Maye in whatever way possible. They are the only team who I’ve predicted their 1st Round pick right in each of the last 3 years… they’ve made selections to address what I felt was 3 of their top 4 needs. Williams is Cougar Gold who has the speed and acceleration to stretch defenses vertically. My readers already know that I’m loyal to the soil, but like Lavar Burton: don’t take my word for it, as Steve Smith Sr. likes him, so you know he’s certified. A guy that I thought was a fit for Seattle at this point in the draft and will combine with Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker from last year and Cardi B’s new boo to form a Boston bombardment. Get your tea ready.
• Nick Martin, 49ers LB – (Pick #75) The Niners take a compact, tenacious and speedy off-ball linebacker who could use more seasoning. The good news is they are good at sprinkling the good stuff on with their LB core, recently housing names like the all-world Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and Dee Winters. All were able to step up in a significant way at times. Some of the criticisms of Martin were surrounding his size… so SF taking physical, run stuffing DL with their first two picks (Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins) makes a lot of sense when it’s all interconnected. Even though Martin may be considered undersized, he tied for the most reps in the bench press (26) at the 2025 NFL combine ! San Francisco has committed to re-upping its front seven with young talent.
• Jaylin Noel, Texans WR – (Pick #79) Noel joins his teammate, fellow Cyclone-turned-Texan and 2nd Round pick, Jayden Higgins. While Higgins may be the perimeter X-WR, Noel is an explosive, route running, slot-type wideout. With the two Iowa bros teaming up as fresh blood, and Christian Kirk arriving in free agency, C.J. Stroud will have an all-new arsenal to go along with Nico Collins. Will Tank Dell be able to make it back at some point this year? Jaylin Noel was a two-year captain who has drawn comparisons to Tyler Lockett… Houston will be hoping he can help remove the shroud of a sophomore slump with Stroud.
• Savion Williams, Packers WR – (Pick #87) Downtown Green Bay just about exploded with cascades of brew-enhanced applause and jubilation once the Pack FINALLY selected a wideout in the 1st Round (first time in 23 years… at 23rd overall)! I know because I was there, fraternizing, jabbing at and talking ball with the nicest fans in the league. Matthew Golden has expectations to fulfill his destiny from the jump. Well, cheeseheads may have bitten off more than they can chew, as the host team doubled down on WR’s with the selection of Savion Williams here. It’ll be a dog-eat-dog competition in that position room, with a notable name or two probable to get cut or traded as the season looms. The veteran group of Watson, Doubs, Reed, Hardman and even Seattle legend Bo Melton (who was forced to move to DB) are joined by the two youngsters… and hey, competition is usually a good thing for results in a free market. We’ll see if that also applies to an air attack, and if we see J. Love’s squadron take a significant leap forward after injecting their arsenal with more talent. Either way, taking a Cordarrelle Patterson clone should bring some spice.
• Jalen Milroe, Seahawks QB – (Pick #92) Quite possibly the most interesting pick in this entire draft, as Seattle reinvests the pick it got in trading away former QB, Geno Smith. The first Nigerian signal caller in the league? The 2nd fastest, and possibly even the fastest quarterback ever… wow. Seattle mixes it up in a way reminiscent of when they took Russell Wilson in this same round 13 years ago when they already handed out significant money to a starter type mere months earlier. This time, they take a transcendent athlete at the quarterback position who also had the most turnovers in college football last year. Even if he has the speed of Lamar and the strength of Cam Newton… can he develop into an efficient passer in the short to intermediate portions of the field? That is the huge developmental question here, and it’s a great thing that Sam Darnold DOES seem more entrenched than Matt Flynn was 13 years ago, giving this unrefined passer (Milroe) a chance to grow and form answers to those questions without immediate pressure. At the very least, new OC, Klint Kubiak (former Saints OC) may see this as an upgrade over what Taysom Hill brought to red zone packages (which New Orleans was very good at) as a threat as a passer and an electric runner. Nick Saban on his former QB at Alabama: “I’ll tell you, he’s going to give the Seahawks an element of offense that nobody else in this draft can give anybody”. Saban goes on to say that “he just needs a little refinement and consistency in the passing game, and he can be an outstanding player”. Will VR help to push him to a position where he can let the naysayers know? Get your popcorn ready for preseason with this guy…

I want to take a hot sec to say RIP to Vikings 4th-round pick, Khyree Jackson. He had so much more life in front of him, and the death of him and his boys because of a drunk driver is a tragedy. Each life is precious, and as we project the exciting ways that these young players could impact the league, let us remember that each person we pass means something to someone else. Sonder, in effect… not to be confused with the toxic R&B group.

The below isn’t a list of the best players, or even the best fits from the 2024 NFL Draft… in fact some of these are listed because I think they are strange fits. This is simply a list of really interesting picks that will make me pay attention to fit/potential/team strategy all year long! From training camp to preseason action, to roster cuts on into the regular season.

ROUND 1 offense reaches a peak of supremacy never before seen

⁃ Caleb Williams, Bears QB – (Pick #1) Dynamic playmaking ability, dual-threat capabilities, a live arm, and a whacky, unique personality that people will either love, or love to hate? Sign me up Williams is known as a highly driven individual and arrives in a city that has never known a prolific passer. Chicago has built a strong supporting cast for their new signal caller, something they can’t say that they fully did for Justin Fields (and something that last year’s #1 pick in Bryce Young did not have).

⁃ Joe Alt, Chargers OT – (Pick #5) This is so Harbaugh. They’re creating an impregnable wall in front of Justin Herbert, and switching the team’s identity from annually finesse, to freshly smash-mouth and power… yes, even in the powder blue. Will this be a better use of resources than replacing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen at wideout?

⁃ Malik Nabers, Giants WR – (Pick #6) This man has no regard for the Giants but he provides something they’ve needed: a confident and electric playmaker out wide. The G-Men have not had a receiver cross even the 800-yard mark since OBJ was traded. “‘Leek” plays passionately, and trains hard. Either Danny Dimes makes use of him, or Drew Lock will be given a shot. Now somebody get him a crash course in public relations.

⁃ Michael Penix Jr., Falcons QB – (Pick #8) Maybe the most shocking and unexpected pick in the entire draft… The Falcons PAID Kirk Cousins on a 4-year contract, then turned around and drafted a pinpoint, 24-year-old deep-ball QB in the top-10.  Part of this could’ve been gamesmanship in keeping MPJ away from the division rival Saints… Tom Pelissero called this cheating on your wife on your honeymoon I’m weak lol. I see a lot of ridicule, but we’ll see who gets the last laugh. Sensational.

⁃ Bo Nix, Broncos QB – (Pick #12) Sean Payton took a Drew Brees / Tua Tagovailoa type of quick-strike, accurate distributer. He played in the most college games of any QB ever, so he may be expected to start right away. It felt like they HAD to make this move to secure the final immediately viable starting option in the draft, so we’ll see if that desperation pays off. He’ll say he won’t be, but Russell will be watching.

⁃ Byron Murphy II, Seahawks DT – (Pick #16) Six QB’s and a record 14 consecutive offensive players selected in the first 14 picks allowed a game-wrecker type with an incredible pass-rush win-rate to team up with Jarran Reed, Dre’Mont Jones, Jonathan Hankins and Leonard Williams Murphy is a chosen chess piece at defensive tackle to help implement Mike Macdonald’s new defensive scheme, and should fit right in with some still promising young DB’s and pass rushers in Seattle. The Pete Carroll era used to load up on playmakers on the perimeter, but it seems that Mikey Mac. and his regime will focus more on the trenches (Seattle’s next pick was an offensive guard). The Hawks hope this kid (and his use of quickness and leverage) can help stop the bleeding in the run defense category…

⁃ Xavier Worthy, Chiefs WR – (Pick #28) The defending champs take the fastest player ever recorded at the NFL combine (4.21 40-yard dash), to conjoin his speed with Hollywood Brown, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice (maybe). Having Andy Reid at play caller is a major plus. Can he be closer to Tyreek Hill than Mecole Hardman?

⁃ Ricky Pearsall, 49ers WR – (Pick #31) Somewhat of a surprise 1st-rounder, Pearsall is a tough route-runner with hands who would seem to be a great fit with Kyle Shanahan’s motion-heavy offense. I’m more excited, as a fan of a rival team, about what this could mean about Santa Clara losing either Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk If they find a way to keep all 3, this could make them much more dangerous on offense.

ROUND 2 the defense strikes back (Nickels and DT’s)

⁃ Jer’Zhan Newton, Commanders DT – (Pick #36) After Seattle drafted BMII, I will be keeping an eye on a team with a lot of Seattle roots (Dan Quinn, Ken Norton, Jr., Bobby Wagner) to see if we chose the right DT. Some analysts liked Newton better than Murphy, but health concerns may have caused Johnny to fall down the apple tree. Can he make an impact behind Payne, Allen and another 2nd-rounder in Mathis?

⁃ Cooper DeJean, Eagles CB – (Pick #40) A versatile and physical piece. You throw in Shipley later; it makes this draft interesting and legen-dairy. Along with Quinyon Mitchell in the 1st, Fangio has a restocked defensive secondary, after it became a laughingstock by the end of last year (Mahomes tossed 2 WIDE the HELL open TDs in the Super Bowl the prior year, and they started to get targeted and abused in fantasy this past year):

⁃ Jonathon Brooks, Panthers HB – (Pick #46) The Panthers and Bryce Young need all of the playmakers they can get their paws on after remaking the offensive line, and they become the first team to select a running back. J.B. could be the best ball carrier in this draft class (if he’s recovered from an ACL injury) and give the offense an element of toughness and vision on the ground to stabilize what was a hot mess in 2023.

⁃ Zach Frazier, Steelers C – (Pick #51) The Steelers have really reinforced their offensive line with guys that bring nasty streaks to the table. After taking the player that I wanted Seattle to take in Troy Fautanu, they added a tough and highly regarded center in Frazier. Roman Wilson in the 3rd was compared to Doug Baldwin, and eliminated my worries that Pittsburgh would try to trade for Tyler Lockett. A new offense is on the way.

⁃ Ben Sinnott, Commanders TE – (Pick #53) A massive tight end who can contribute blocking the run game, as well as refresh the arsenal through the air with great hands and tough yardage. I have a feeling we may see the rock get run a bit more in DC than last year, when Eric Bienemy was tossing it all over the yard with Sam Howell. Only Bowers and Reiman went before Sinnott among TE’s in this draft, and these were the only 3 selected in the first 3 rounds.

⁃ Michael Hall Jr., Browns DT – (Pick #54) Although he didn’t meet the minimum of 250 pass rushing opportunities, he would’ve had a better pass-rush win-rate than Jalen Carter’s 2021 season if the efficiency held. Hall is undersized, yet explosive. He and Siaki Ika could be the future front surrounding Myles Garrett for the rest of M.G.’s career. They are finally getting my man some help, I mean sheesh.

⁃ Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Lions CB – (Pick #61) ERJ is a scrappy and gritty competitor. Along with Terrion Arnold falling to them earlier in the draft, the improvements could be fascinating to track. Add that to the free agency additions of Marcus Davenport, D.J. Reader and Carlton Davis and the continued growth of Brian Branch, Jack Campbell and Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions have set out to create a deep and versatile version of the defense for Aaron Glenn in 2024.

⁃ Kingsley Suamataia, Chiefs OT – (Pick #63) I like that the Chiefs didn’t panic in replacing their LT position. They take a player who has a lot of raw tools in the 2nd round, and stage a full-on competition with a 3rd-rounder from last year’s draft. One of those two need to step up if Kansas City wants to 3-peat. Andy Reid and Brett Veach take shots, and this is a player who could help the offense be more athletic if the shot lands.

ROUND 3 LB and OG get hot

⁃ Malachi Corley, Jets WR – (Pick #65) The Jets are “Zach Wilson-proofing” this offense indeed (even after the lad’s departure), and it’s kind of impressive. New York also added a back in the 4th who is more of a tank to Breece Hall’s lambo’. Corley adds another gritty weapon (who has been compared to Golden Tate, with his YAC-ability), especially as FA acquisition, Mike Williams gets ramped up after his ACL injury. Over the last two seasons, the only WR’s who had more yards than him were the first 3 guys selected in the top-10 (Harrison Jr., Nabers, Odunze).

⁃ Trey Benson, Cardinals HB – (Pick #66) The red birds are creating a balanced offense around K1QB1 with their picks (7 in the top 90, which hasn’t happened since DAL did in ‘91). They may even sneak up on some people this year with a very young roster. Trey can be the dynamic dash that the cardinals need on offense. They already have an underrated smash (they really are a sneaky link):

⁃ Cooper Beebe, Cowboys OL – (Pick #73) This is how bad the Cowboys really don’t want a ring but they are building that elite offensive line back (along with Tyler Guyton in the 1st round as an outside blocker), taking a powerful, versatile, top-tier interior blocker here with a pick they acquired in a trade. I’ve still got questions for the way they’ve went out and built this team, but their reprioritization of the O-line is good to see after the “all in” comments from Jerrah. The 16th overall pick, Byron Murphy II, sure had a lot of respect for Coop.

⁃ Delmar Glaze, Raiders OT – (Pick #77) He may go by D.J., but he better show up pon de replay. Remember when the Raiders went from having a strong line a few years back, to then having a weak line after John Gruden got rid of everybody…? Vegas has rolled the dice on a big tackle to pair with fellow rookie, JPG to attempt to return to a solid protective service unit (I’m not touching that one…). The Silver and Black also signed veteran OT, Andrus Peat in free agency to give themselves options.

⁃ Jermaine Burton, Bengals WR – (Pick #80) On the brink of potentially losing Tee Higgins, the Bengals actually draft a player who has a skill set more similar to Ja’Marr Chase’s; this rather than searching for a guy that shares the same size qualities to get jiggy like Higgy. Burton is strong and explosive and has juice… Cincinnati could squeeze value out of this pick.

⁃ Zak Zinter, Browns OG – (Pick #85) Cleveland has remade their line with young, talented prospects. Zinter was an emotional leader of the national champion Michigan Wolverines, until he suffered a major injury along the way. The Browns also nabbed an undrafted player in OG, Javion Cohen, who at times was being projected as a 1st-round pick! The tradition of elite offensive line play along Lake Erie is not being forsaken any time soon.

⁃ Tykee Smith, Buccaneers CB – (Pick #89) In the age of 5 DB’s as a base defense, Smith is a slot who loves to be all up in the mix. Tampa adds versatility to the backend of a young defense. It’s wild how much they’ve slowly turned it around with younger players each year since Brady first signed. The Bucs depth chart on defense is an all-name contender, since that’s what really matters here.

⁃ Ty’Ron Hopper, Packers LB – (Pick #91) He and Edgerrin Cooper are added to play alongside Quay Walker. Not sure if investing so heavily there is an opportunity-cost issue, but it will be interesting, nonetheless. Then again, Green Bay had 5 picks in the first three rounds, and now seem to be strong and deep in the middle of their defense. The cheeseheads add a guy who can play a few different roles in the middle and on special teams.

ROUND 4 run on running backs

⁃ Ja’Tavion Sanders, Panthers TE – (Pick #101) After taking Xavier Leggette in the 1st and Brooks (highlighted above) in the 2nd round, Carolina proceeds to add to their posse of intriguing playmakers at every level of the offense. This is an athletic player, in the mold of David Njoku, who could outshine his draft position with his sure hands.

⁃ Theo Johnson, Giants TE – (Pick #107) They knew Darren Waller had more on his plate than just football. Drafting a solid TE prospect was a need. I mean yikes, wish the man well, but that’s not the type of ROI you want after such an investment at TE Johnson is big and fast, a perfect fit for Big Blue (who have a lot of small and fast WR’s).

⁃ Javon Baker, Patriots WR – (Pick #110) This was the 5th-straight pick on offense for the Pats! The Belichick days will soon feel long a distant, iron-clad memory, tinged in Lombardi silver. They needed a fix for the O badly and get a guy who could take New England vertical. I mean, he wants to get everyone vertical .

⁃ Devontez Walker, Ravens WR – (Pick #113) There may not be a team that more directly addressed their exact needs this draft than the Ravens. They did it with picks at value (according to experts’ rankings, which we all know are 100% indicative of the future of course). Walker was being discussed as a potential 1st-round pick at points in the offseason and will bring blistering speed to Baltimore. Can they overcome the disappointment after they felt like last year was their year?

⁃ Tanor Bortolini, Colts OL – (Pick #117) An inside player who can get up to the 2nd level. Broke the 3-cone record at the NFL Combine that was once held by Jason Kelce! I gotta see this… apparently, so does Shane Steichen (who just so happened to coach Kelce). The Philly Hurts offense will continue to be mirrored by the Indy Richardson offense.

⁃ Tory Taylor, Bears P – (Pick #122) Chicago selected their leader on offense, own a possible top-10 defense, now what…? How about the first punter of the draft!? Although he was called the 2nd-biggest reach of the draft by Warren Sharp, this guy was voted the nation’s top punter last season, on the way to breaking the NCAA record for single-season punting yardage. He’ll be tasked with giving the Bears defense a lot of room to prove he was worth it.

⁃ Bucky Irving, Buccaneers HB – (Pick #125) With his name alone, he’s destined to be a Bucs legend, right? Wiggle, wiggle wiggle. You know what he do: a shifty, slippery runner who has drawn comparisons to Devin Singletary and Kenneth Walker III with his quick acceleration. I like what the Bucs have been building on offense. Started off with building an iconic QB-C combo. Remember when that was a thing? We were spoiled to have Manning and Saturday, Manning and O’Hara and even Hurts and Kelce. Irving will spark the competition to field a formidable rushing attack, after Rachaad White only averaged 3.6 YPC.

⁃ Isaac Guerendo, 49ers HB – (Pick #129) This pick had the extra special excitement of being announced from Mexico City. This is a downhill, size and speed guy who tested extremely well but shared the rock with his teammate who later went to Houston. The Shanahan family has proven adept at finding running back contributors an all over the board. Is I.G. an impact contributor to the new kickoff format?

ROUND 5

⁃ Spencer Rattler, Saints QB – (Pick #150) Six QB’s were taken in the top 12 overall picks of the draft… then Rattler had to wait a record 137 picks until he become the seventh QB, in round 5. That should add to the chip on his shoulder, after losing his starting job in college to #1 overall pick, Caleb Williams. This could be the origin story of a villain and a saint, as he waits in the wings to take over for Derek Carr.

⁃ Jaylon Carlies, Colts LB – (Pick #151) A player who was a 3-year starter at safety in college will transition from a 223 lb. DB to a will linebacker role immediately. For all those interested in what somebody like Jamal Adams would’ve looked like if he changed positions, we may get a little glimpse into that sort of a transition for a player (although he has much lesser of a pedigree than the former top-10 pick in Prez’).

⁃ Brennan Jackson, Rams OLB/Edge – (Pick #154) The Rams love taking players from the PNW (Kupp, Nacua, Rapp, etc.) and it’s a little annoying… Jackson will rotate in as a pass rusher behind Jared Verse and Byron Young. LA is replacing Aaron Donald via a committee approach, and this is a pick who will bring an effort and hustle mentality to the locker room.

⁃ Mohamed Kamara, Dolphins OLB/Edge – (Pick #158) A 5th round pick who may get meaningful snaps out of the gate because of the unique situation the Dolphins are in. Their top two pass rushers are very good and under contract, but both rehabbing from major injuries (ACL for Bradley Chubb and Achilles for Jaelan Phillips). Miami selected Chop Robinson earlier in the draft and signed 31-year-old Shaq Barrett to replace names like Van Ginkel and Ogbah, so the powerful Kamara has an opportunity to seize.

⁃ Edefuan Ulofoshio, Bills LB – (Pick #160) One of 10 Washington Huskies drafted this year from the national championship team. Ulofoshio went from walk-on to team captain and second-team All-American. He’s a dawg who brings the energy and will most likely be asked to show what he’s got on special teams first. Cynthia Frelund, et al. will eventually have to learn how to pronounce his name.

⁃ Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants HB – (Pick #166) Devin Singletary is in town to try to help replace Saquon Barkley, but TTJ has a varied skill set that includes playing WR and returning kicks. Eric Gray will be in the mix as a downhill runner as well, but we may see this rook get a chance to develop and contribute as the Giants shift to a more aerial attack.

⁃ Jordan Travis, Jets QB – (Pick #171) A young, creative, dual-threat passer who needs time to develop, and will be afforded that under Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor in New York. The Jets roll the dice again (this time without the pressure of 1st-round expectations) on a player who was a late season injury away from having FSU in the college football playoffs.

⁃ Qwan’tez Stiggers, Jets CB – (Pick #176) The Jets have made some very interesting picks! This is a prospect who did not play college football, dropping out after the death of his father. After a year off he played in the Fan Controlled Football (indoor) league, then jumped to the CFL, where he became the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Rookie. Stiggers will look to prove he belongs in “The League”. This kid will have people rooting for his winding journey to the NFL.

ROUND 6

⁃ Logan Lee, Steelers DE/DT – 178 A stout run defender, despite his relatively small stature. He needs time before he can be considered a regular contributor, but the Steelers are working to get younger on the interior of the defensive line.

⁃ Sataoa Laumea, Seahawks OL – (Pick #179) Tenacious, nasty and athletic guy who played tackle and guard, but will probably settle inside. Laumea had a 4th round grade from many experts and has a real chance to factor into the Seahawks plans on the offensive line. He is a 3x All-PAC 12 player who started 44 games in his college career and is an asset in the run game (68.7 run block grade, per PFF).

⁃ Kimani Vidal, Chargers HB – (Pick #181) I know Harbaugh is importing a battery of Baltimore backs to carry the run game, but Gus Edwards is not necessarily dynamic, while J.K. Dobbins can’t stay healthy. This compact, hard-charging runner can fit right into what slim Jim wants to get accomplished on the ground. I always keep my eyes on the short kings, since we have an extra chip on our shoulders

⁃ Malik Washington, Dolphins WR – (Pick #184) The ‘Fins have some interesting pieces out wide (Tyreek, Waddle and OBJ), but this pick gives them a young, physical slot who could one day outplay this draft slotting. Berrios, Cracraft and Ezukanma have not proven to be game changers. I have a feeling this could be a preseason hype type of player.

⁃ Johnny Wilson, Eagles, WR – (Pick #185) The 2nd-tallest wide receiver in NFL history at 6’7”… let this man post up in the red zone! Is he a downfield beacon? A big slot?? A tight end??? Sometimes tweeners (Devin Funchess) have a tough time finding a home in the NFL. Others truly find their niche and dominate (Aaron Donald). Wilson’s fit in the Philly offense will be interesting to keep tabs on.

⁃ Zion Logue, Falcons DT – (Pick #197) Not quite as spicy as the Penix pick in the premier round, Logue’s selection does mean that the Falcons will have selected an interior defensive lineman in every even round of the draft. Welcome to the future, Atlanta. He didn’t do a ton in college on a stacked Georgia team, but his huge frame gives him potential to make an impact.

⁃ Will Reichard, Vikings K – (Pick #203) First kicker, but the Rams took a big leg later in the round. Reichard is supposed to be automatic within 50, and played in a lot of big games at ‘Bama, so let me get eyes on this…

⁃ Jawhar Jordan, Texans HB – (Pick #205) What a menacing name. His running mate at Louisville went to SF earlier (Guerendo is featured above) to also start off as a 3rd- or 4th-stringer. Jordan is not as toolsy, but owns vision as a runner. Dameon Pierce has to prove he isn’t a one-hit wonder, but still tippin’ in H-Town.

ROUND 7

⁃ Travis Clayton, Bills OT – (Pick #221) Only the 2nd player ever to be drafted from the IPP (International Player Pathway), after Jordan Mailata in 2018. A UK-born rugby dude with some movement ability for a big man.

⁃ Brenden Rice, Chargers WR – (Pick #225) The son of the greatest WR to ever live goes to a team in need of receiving help. He adds another ingredient of toughness to the Bolts. He said he wants to create his own legacy, and that starts with making the team this offseason.

⁃ Myles Cole, Jaguars DE – (Pick #236) A tweener who allows them to be versatile up front on defense. Long arms with speed, who we now know is faster than fellow former Red Raider, Mahomes (Even after Patty asked not to be overlayed on the 40 anymore ).

⁃ Josiah Ezirim, Saints OT – (Pick #239) Huge developmental prospect who, if he plays his cards right, could find himself in a race with Trevor Penning to be the heir to Ryan Ramczyk to bookend Taliese Fuaga. Did you get all that? There will be a test. Ezirim was a DL just two years ago.

⁃ James Williams, Titans S – (Pick #242) A free safety that excels defending the run game and will convert to LB The Titans have had many interesting picks, but this is the first to be among the 8-most interesting to me in its given round.

⁃ Justin Rogers, Cowboys NT – (Pick #244) One of the few true nose guards in this class at 330 lbs., he is another pick by Dallas that is devoted to the trenches. The ‘Boys (and new DC / former Vikings HC, Mike Zimmer) love a good run plugger, and lost Hankins to the Hawks.

⁃ LaDarius Henderson, Texans OG – (Pick #249) A member of the national champion (my Husky) offensive line at Michigan. He provides another (agile and consistent) option for what has been a slightly chaotic interior of the line for the Texans.

⁃ Kalen King, Packers CB – (Pick #255) A case study in where a player’s career arc goes after struggles at the worst possible time (bad follow up to 2022’s all-American season, bad showing at Senior Bowl, bad 40 time)? He was being mocked in the 1st round at one point, and now here he is almost slipping out of the draft entirely!

Most picks made in the first 3 rounds
Packers – 5 picks in the first 3 rounds
Commanders – 6
Cardinals – 7