By Matt Kwitowski, Sports Department Member
1- Tennessee Titans, QB Cam Ward, Miami
Cam Ward is seen by many as the best quarterback in this year’s draft. Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist, who makes tight throws and escapes from the pocket to extend plays. The Titans are in big need of a quarterback, as Will Levis had a horrific season for the team last year.
2- Cleveland Browns, Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State
Some believe that the Browns will draft a quarterback in the first round, but with the signing of Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, I think they will wait until later rounds to make that move. Carter was a menace last season, racking up 12 sacks, and pairing him up with Myles Garrett would make the Browns defense extremely scary for opposing offenses.
3- New York Giants, WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
Like The Browns, I believe the Giants will wait to draft a quarterback and instead take one of the most unique prospects in NFL history. Travis Hunter plays both wide receiver and cornerback, which has caused concern for some teams. However, the Giants general manager has made it clear they are fine with the Heisman winner playing both positions.
4- New England Patriots, OT Will Campbell, LSU
In the offseason, the Patriots went out and heavily improved their defense. Now they need to focus on the offense, and most importantly protect their young quarterback. Will Campbell is one of the best linemen in the draft, and is a strong, powerful blocker.
5- Jackonsville Jaguars, DT Mason Graham, Michigan
The Jaguars rush defense was extremely weak last season, allowing 2,254 yards on the ground. The addition of Mason Graham would quickly change that, as he had 45 tackles for Michigan last season, and can even cause problems in the pass game.
6- Las Vegas Raiders, RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The Raiders could do anything with this pick, as they need a lot of help right now. However, I think it will be hard for them to pass on one of the best running back prospects in the past years. Jeanty was 27 yards away from Barry Sander’s NF: single season rushing record. Jeanty’s ability to break tackles will make him a star in this league.
7- New York Jets, TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
The Jets could use another weapon on offense with the loss of Davante Adams in free agency. Warren was the best tight end in college football last season and is a receiving nightmare for defenses. Warren could also be a great blocker in the run game.
8- Carolina Panthers, LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
The Panther’s defense was statistically one of the worst in the league last season. Adding a guy like Jalon Walker is exactly what they need. Walker can do anything you need him to do, whether it’s get to the quarterback or stop the run, and is good at coverage.
9- New Orleans Saint, QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
For most of the offseason, it was believed that the Saints would use their first pick to improve their defense. However, after it came out that quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could cost him a lot of time, so the Saints are going to have to go a different route. Some believe New Orleans should go with Shedeur Sanders, but I think Jaxson Dart has more potential to be a week one starter than Shedeur, and the Saints need someone who can step up immediately.
10- Chicago Bears, OT Armand Membou, Missouri
Caleb Williams was the most sacked quarterback last season, and that is less than ideal for a young player. Membou has a lot of experience, playing in 35 collegiate games. He ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash and weighs 332 pounds. There’s no question he will be an exceptional addition for the worst offensive line in the league
11- San Francisco 49ers, CB Will Johnson, Michigan
The Niners have offically entered a rebuild, as they have lost many of their key pieces that brought them to a Super Bowl two years ago. One of those players they lost was Pro Bowl cornerback Charvarious Ward. Will Johnson could fit this role perfectly as he excels at reading the quarterback and making plays. However, injuries could be a concern for Johnson.
12- Dallas Cowboys, WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Many expected the Cowboys to aquire a wide receiver in free agency, but since that hasn’t happened, McMillan could be a great wide receiver two for the team. McMillan is the best receiver in the class, as he was third in the FBS in receiving yards. McMillan is able to make contested catches and would be a major threat to defenses around the league.
13- Miami Dolphin, S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Miami is in need of more lineman, but with their current safety situation, I think it would tough to pass on Starks. Miami lost Jevon Holland in free agency, and as a three-year starter from Georgia, Starks would be ready to start immediately.
14 -Indianapolis Colts, TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
The Colts need a player who can give Anthony Richardson easy completions, and Loveland could be that guy. Loveland has big hands and rarely drops a pass. I think Loveland could be the target Richardson needs to develop.
15- Atlanta Falcons, DE Mike Green, Marshall
The Falcon’s defensive line is currently very weak. They need a leader and someone who has proven they can cause chaos in the pocket. Mike Green fits that description perfectly. Green led the FBS in sacks last season and will be a tough player to stop in the NFL.
16- Arizona Cardinals, IOL Grey Zabel, NDSU
The Cardinals could use their pick to help protect Kyler Murray, as lineman is one of their biggest needs. Zebel started in 41 games and has been moved all around on the line. He can fire off the ball and move opposing defenders.
17- Cincinati Bengals, DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
What the Bengals need most in this year’s draft is defense, defense, and defense. The Bengal’s defense was absolutely atrocious last year and cost them multiple games. Derrick Harmon would be a giant move for the Bengals, as he stands in at 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds. Harmon can stop the run and was one of the best defensive tackles at pressuring the quarterback.
18- Seattle Seahawks, OG Tyler Booker, Alabama
Seattle allowed the third most sacks in the league last season. Tyler Booker could help limit the amount of hits Sam Darnold takes this season. Booker’s big size makes him hard to move and get around.
19- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DE, Mykel Williams, Georgia
Tampa’s offense has looked great the past couple years, but now it’s time to focus on the defense. They could use a guy who can rack up sacks, and if he progresses and stays healthy, Mykel Williams could definitely be that guy. Williams is a strong pass rusher who doesn’t let anyone get in his way. Getting him at 19 would be a steal.
20- Denver Broncos, RB Omarion Hampton, UNC
On paper, Denver has talent at almost every position accept running back. Omarion Hampton has a lot of potential to be a star, as he has speed and strength. Hampton was one of the best in the country at yards after contact.
21- Pittsburgh Steelers, QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Even if the Steelers do sign Aaron Rodgers, they’re going to need a long-term option at quarterback. The QB class this year is very weak, but I can see the upside for Shedeur. He has a powerful arm and can make some great throws. However, there is a lot he will need to improve if he wants to be a starter in the league for a long time.
22- Los Angeles Chargers, WR Matthew Golden, Texas
The Chargers added wide receiver Ladd McConkey last season but still need more weapons on offense. Matthew Golden’s stock skyrocketed when he ran 4.3 40-yard dash at the combine. Golden explodes off the line and is difficult to cover.
23- Green Bay Packers, WE Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
The past couple seasons, the Packers have been known for having good receivers, but no prominent wide receiver one. Drafting Egbuka would be a major benefit for Jordan Love and the entire offense. He excels at separating from the defender, and tracking and adjusting to the ball.
24- Minnesota Vikings, S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
The Vikings lost Cameron Bynum in free agency and Harrison Smith is nearing the end of his career. It’s safe to say safety is a questionable position for the Vikes. Emmanwori has what it takes to be one of the best safeties in the league. He’s fast, tall, disruptive, and a great tackler.
25- Houston Texans, OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
The Texans did a terrible job of protecting C.J. Stroud last season, and to make it worse they traded Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders during free agency. Banks has a lot of experience under his belt and is very tough to beat for pass rushers.
26- Los Angeles Rams, LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
The Rams are looking for a linebacker, after they lost Christian Rozeboom in the offseason. Jihaad Campbell is the kind of linebacker that can captain a defense. He’s a threat to any offense he faces.
27- Baltimore Ravens, DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Defensive tackle Michael Pierce is now retired from the NFL, and the Ravens are in need of a big man up front. Kenneth Grant would be a great addition to that defense. Grant is an excellent run stopper who can easily slip blocks.
28- Detroit Lions, Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
The Lions need someone to pair up with Aiden Hutchinson and this duo would be scary. Pearce was the only edge to run a sub-4.5 40, and he had the quickest 10-yard split for the edges at the combine. Pearce is one of the most explosive pass rushers in the draft.
29-Washington Commanders, Edge Donovan Ezeriuaku, Boston College
The Commander’s defensive line is very weak right now, and they need more guys who cause problems for the quarterback. Ezeriuaka does exactly that- he had 16.5 sacks last season.
30- Buffalo Bills, CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The Bills signed Tre White to a one-year contract, but they still need depth at the cornerback position. Some believe Barron is the best corner in the draft. He is exceptional at reading the quarterback and had 5 interceptions for the Longhorns last season.
31- Kansas City Chiefs, OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
The Chiefs dealt with issues on the offensive line last season and are looking to improve it. Simmons isn’t the best tackle in this class, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t a weapon. He has been excellent in the run game in the past.
32- Philadelphia Eagles, Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart’s stats aren’t anything to make you fall off your chair, but he still has potential to be a game wrecker. He had an excellent combine and can overpower blockers. The Eagles are in need of a pass rusher, as Josh Sweat left the team in free agency.
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