# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Bryce Young Alabama, JrMOCK TRADE from CHI
|
QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: CHI 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 that made life so much easier for Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones in previous years. |
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2 |
Will Anderson Jr. Alabama, JrMOCK TRADE from HOU
|
EDGE | ||||
Mock Trade from: HOU The Bears moved on from Robert Quinn before the trade deadline so they'll be in the market for an edge rusher this offseason, and Will Anderson is in the same pre-draft conversations as Chase Young and Nick Bosa when it comes to best non-QB players in a class. |
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3 |
C.J. Stroud Ohio State, JrMOCK TRADE from ARI
|
QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: ARI With Derek Carr set to be somewhere else in 2023, drafting a QB seems to be a high priority -- enough so that in this mock we have Vegas moving up before the Panthers do. C.J. Stroud has flown under the national-media radar all season, but some NFL teams will tell you he'll be in the running for QB1, and his performance in the semifinal game vs. Georgia showed that he can beat you with his arm and his legs. |
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4 |
Will Levis Kentucky, Sr
|
QB | ||||
The Bears appear to be a team headed in the right direction, in large part because they've 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 Carter and Anderson could be options should Chicago stay put at No. 1 and both are layup selections. Or the team could choose to trade out of the top selection should their be interest from QB-needy teams looking to move up. |
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5 |
Jalen Carter Georgia, Jr
|
DL | ||||
Jalen Carter, who was arguably the best defender on a 2021 Georgia 'D' that had five first-round picks, would fill a huge void in Seattle, where the defense has struggled getting after the quarterback. |
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6 |
Tyree Wilson Texas Tech, Sr
|
EDGE | ||||
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. |
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7 |
Myles Murphy Clemson, JrMOCK TRADE from LV
|
DL | ||||
Mock Trade from: LV 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. |
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8 |
Joey Porter Jr. Penn State, Jr
|
CB | ||||
Porter Jr. 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. |
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9 |
Anthony Richardson Florida, Soph
|
QB | ||||
Richardson is one of the most exciting prospects in this class. The problem: he's short on experience, and while his physical tools are rare, the Panthers are in dire need of a starting QB right now. David Tepper could choose to go the free agency route (again), but that has been, shall we say, a crapshoot. At the end of the day, Carolina may have to move inside the top 5 if they're a quarterback they really want with Day 1 starter potential. |
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10 |
Christian Gonzalez Oregon, Soph
|
CB | ||||
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. |
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11 |
Paris Johnson Jr. Ohio State, Jr
|
OT | ||||
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. |
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12 |
Peter Skoronski Northwestern, Jr
|
OT | ||||
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. |
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13 |
Broderick Jones Georgia, Soph
|
OT | ||||
Jones had had 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. |
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14 |
Quentin Johnston TCU, Jr
|
WR | ||||
The Patriots are looking for a new OC this offseason, and they'll also need to get Mac Jones more weapons on the outside after the offense stalled in 2022. Johnston's an above-the-rim playmaker whose athleticism and contested-catch abilities put him in the running for WR1. |
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15 |
Jordan Addison USC, Jr
|
WR | ||||
Addison isn't a big target, but he's one of the most dynamic players in the country who can line up anywhere. Whether it's Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love or the QB behind Door No. 3, the Packers need to break the 20-year drought of not taking a wideout in the first round. |
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16 |
O'Cyrus Torrence Florida, Jr
|
OL | ||||
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. |
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17 |
Brian Branch Alabama, Jr
|
S | ||||
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. |
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18 |
Devon Witherspoon Illinois, Jr
|
CB | ||||
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. |
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19 |
Michael Mayer Notre Dame, Jr
|
TE | ||||
Who knows what Tom Brady's future is in Tampa Bay, but what better way to convince him to run it back at 46 than to add a tight end in the mold of Gronk. And while there's only one true Gronk, Mayer was one of the best players in college football last season, dominant at all three levels, and a solid blocker in the run game, too. |
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20 |
Kelee Ringo Georgia, Soph
|
CB | ||||
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. |
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21 |
Anton Harrison Oklahoma, Jr
|
OT | ||||
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. |
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22 |
Bijan Robinson Texas, Jr
|
RB | ||||
Robinson is special, and while he is probably one of the best players in this class, he could still be around late in Round 1 because he's a running back. And while the Ravens and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have parted ways, it's fair to assume that the team will still revolve around Lamar Jackson and the run game. JK Dobbins showed flashes after returning from ACL surgery but there isn't a lot of depth behind him. A backfield of Jackson, Dobbins and Robinson is a problem for the rest of the AFC, even if Baltimore has more pressing needs here. |
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23 |
BJ Ojulari LSU, Jr
|
EDGE | ||||
Ojulari, whose brother played at Georgia and plays for the Giants, had a solid campaign for the Tigers, and he has many of the same explosive qualities that made his brother so hard to block for the Bulldogs. Ojulari could end up being better than Azeez, and that's saying something. |
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24 |
Dalton Kincaid Utah, Sr
|
TE | ||||
Kincaid could end up being one of the best rookie offensive weapons in 2023, especially if Doug Pederson uses him like the Jags used Evan Engram in '22. Engram and two other Jacksonville TEs are currently free agents though the team could certainly decide to re-up the former Giants first-rounder who is coming off a career year. Even still, Kincaid would only make Trevor Lawrence's life easier in '23. |
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25 |
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Ohio State, Jr
|
WR | ||||
Smith-Njigba barely saw the field during the 2022 season because of injuries but he's still one of the top wideouts in the class. And with Daniel Jones about to get paid, the Giants might as well get him some more weapons. |
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26 |
Jalin Hyatt Tennessee, Jr
|
WR | ||||
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. |
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27 |
Cam Smith South Carolina, Jr
|
CB | ||||
The Bills don't have a lot of needs -- and safety, interior offensive line, or even running back (if, say, Bijan Robinson is still sitting there) could be options here. But cornerback could be a target, as well. Cam Smith is a first-round talent who can be a Day 1 contributor. |
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28 |
Darnell Washington Georgia, Jr
|
TE | ||||
Darnell Washington is 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. The Bengals will only have one TE under contract after the season and Washington would serve the dual role of both receiver and blocker in Cincy's offense. |
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29 |
Drew Sanders Arkansas, Jr
|
LB | ||||
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. |
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30 |
Jaelyn Duncan Maryland, Sr
|
OT | ||||
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more athletic offensive tackle in this class, and Duncan pops on tape at time. How he makes his way through the pre-draft process will ultimately determine if he can find his way into the first round. |
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31 |
Jahmyr Gibbs Alabama, Jr
|
RB | ||||
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 essentially be yet another weapon for Jalen Hurts in this offense. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
C.J. Stroud Ohio State, JrMOCK TRADE from CHI
|
QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: CHI The Raiders maybe could land Stroud at No. 7, but when you love a quarterback you can't just hope he falls to you. Stroud is a high-caliber pocket passer who'd thrive with Davante Adams and Co. immediately. |
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2 |
Bryce Young Alabama, Jr
|
QB | ||||
The Texans upgrade the quarterback position in a big way with Young, who has all the improvisational brilliance to succeed in today's NFL. |
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3 |
Jalen Carter Georgia, Jr
|
DL | ||||
Carter is the ideal replacement for the retiring J.J. Watt. He's a long, hyper-athletic interior rusher who disruptive on three downs. |
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4 |
Will Levis Kentucky, Sr
|
QB | ||||
The Colts are ecstatic to pick Levis, who's a big-armed, highly athletic quarterback ready to lead the team in its next chapter. |
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5 |
Will Anderson Jr. Alabama, Jr
|
EDGE | ||||
Anderson is one of the best edge-rushing prospects over the last decade, and is the exact type the Seahawks defense needs. |
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6 |
Devon Witherspoon Illinois, Jr
|
CB | ||||
Witherspoon looks like a supreme athlete, and his 2022 film was squeaky clean. He could ascend to the first cornerback off the board in this class. |
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7 |
Trenton Simpson Clemson, JrMOCK TRADE from LV
|
LB | ||||
Mock Trade from: LV Simpson can become the quarterback of the Bears defense. He has that type of high-end athletic skill set. In the trade back, the Bears get this pick from the Raiders along with their 2023 picks in Round 2, Round 3 and Round 5, a 2024 first and third, plus a 2025 first and fourth. |
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8 |
Tyree Wilson Texas Tech, Sr
|
EDGE | ||||
Wilson is a long, athletic pass-rushing specialist. Music to the ears of GM Terry Fontenot. |
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9 |
Anthony Richardson Florida, Soph
|
QB | ||||
Richardson is a project-type prospect, but being an All-Pro is his upside, and he doesn't have to start immediately. |
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10 |
Lukas Van Ness Iowa, Soph
|
EDGE | ||||
Van Ness is going to be a major riser during the pre-draft process. He's long, plays with a nonstop motor, and has pass-rush moves to go along with smooth athleticism. The Eagles have to reload along the defensive line. |
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11 |
Peter Skoronski Northwestern, Jr
|
OT | ||||
The Titans want to control the line of scrimmage and had problems doing that this season. Skoronski is one of the safer prospects in this class. |
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12 |
Jordan Addison USC, Jr
|
WR | ||||
Addison can either learn lots from the similarly sized Brandin Cooks in Year 1, or act as his instant replacement. |
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13 |
Paris Johnson Jr. Ohio State, Jr
|
OT | ||||
Could the Jets be major players on the veteran QB market? I think they will. So for the draft, they build the offensive line with Johnson, a super-steady tackle prospect. |
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14 |
Michael Mayer Notre Dame, Jr
|
TE | ||||
Mayer isn't a big-time athlete,but he does everything well at the position. Safe selection here for the Patriots. |
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15 |
Brian Branch Alabama, Jr
|
S | ||||
Branch did everything on the back seven of Alabama's defense this past season. He'll be a welcomed addition to the Packers roster. |
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16 |
Cam Smith South Carolina, Jr
|
CB | ||||
The Commanders have to get better play out of the outside cornerback position. Smith is a big, physical, dynamic athlete at the position. |
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17 |
Joey Porter Jr. Penn State, Jr
|
CB | ||||
Another Joey Porter in Pittsburgh. This one is a lanky, twitched-up perimeter corner who plays the ball well in the air. |
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18 |
Dalton Kincaid Utah, Sr
|
TE | ||||
Kincaid has a first-round athletic profile and awesome film at Utah. He steps into the vacancy filled by the T.J. Hockenson trade. |
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19 |
Broderick Jones Georgia, Soph
|
OT | ||||
Jones isn't ready to be a high-caliber NFL blocker right now. He has to get stronger and play with better balance. His movement skills give him plenty of upside. |
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20 |
Bryan Bresee Clemson, Soph
|
DL | ||||
He's not consistent, but Bresee's flashes are jaw-dropping. He's the big-body type the Seahawks need along their defensive line. Anderson and Bresee in Round 1 for Seattle? Giddy up. |
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21 |
O'Cyrus Torrence Florida, Jr
|
OL | ||||
Johnston is a long-striding vertical weapon who'd pair perfectly with the cannon-armed Justin Herbert. Here's to hoping the Chargers let Herbert show off his arm talent more frequently in 2023. |
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22 |
Christian Gonzalez Oregon, Soph
|
CB | ||||
The Ravens add youth to their secondary with Gonzalez, whose film was super clean in 2022. |
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23 |
Myles Murphy Clemson, Jr
|
DL | ||||
Murphy has an NFL body and stars against the run. He can learn the intricacies of rushing the passer from Za'Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter early in his NFL career. |
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24 |
Anton Harrison Oklahoma, Jr
|
OT | ||||
The Jaguars add to the offensive front to protect Trevor Lawrence. Harrison is a masher on the outside. |
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25 |
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Ohio State, Jr
|
WR | ||||
The Giants added in the trenches early in the 2022 draft. This time, they go receiver in Round 1. Smith-Njigba is a deceptive YAC type when healthy. |
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26 |
Drew Sanders Arkansas, Jr
|
LB | ||||
The Cowboys could be extremely multiple with Sanders on the defense next to Micah Parsons. Sanders is a long, athletic off-ball/edge hybrid. |
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27 |
Emmanuel Forbes Miss. State, Jr
|
CB | ||||
The Bengals dip into the defensive back well early in the draft again because Forbes is a big play waiting to happen at corner. |
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28 |
BJ Ojulari LSU, Jr
|
EDGE | ||||
The Broncos add another outside pass-rushing weapon in the refined, athletic and strong Ojulari. |
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29 |
Parker Washington Penn State, Soph
|
WR | ||||
Washington, the Nittany Lions' leading receiver in 2022, adds another weapon to Buffalo's arsenal for Josh Allen. |
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30 |
Felix Anudike-Uzomah Kansas State, Jr
|
EDGE | ||||
The Chiefs again pick a late first-round edge in hopes of eliminating some pressure from Chris Jones on the inside. |
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31 |
Bijan Robinson Texas, Jr
|
RB | ||||
Robinson running behind the league's best offensive line? Sounds like a blast for Philadelphia. Not so much for Eagles opponents. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Will Anderson Jr. Alabama, Jr
|
EDGE | ||||
The Bears finished dead last in sack production this season. They need a difference-maker off the edge and Anderson certainly fills that void. |
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2 |
Bryce Young Alabama, Jr
|
QB | ||||
Anderson is simply a difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball. Chicago finds itself picking this early because it does not have enough difference-makers. Other teams will likely be calling the Bears in an effort to move up for the right to select Bryce Young. |
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3 |
Jalen Carter Georgia, Jr
|
DL | ||||
The shortest path to the quarterback is from the interior defensive line. There are multiple ways to generate pressure and the Cardinals should be able to apply more over the ball with Carter next season. |
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4 |
Will Levis Kentucky, Sr
|
QB | ||||
Indianapolis is faced with a decision between C.J. Stroud and Levis. When you explore the physical skill sets that the Colts have started since general manager Chris Ballard has arrived, it has been more of the big pocket passers. Will a new head coach prefer a different style? |
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5 |
C.J. Stroud Ohio State, Jr
|
QB | ||||
Geno Smith may have earned a spot on the roster next season but it is still difficult to envision the Seahawks bypassing a chance to take a potential franchise quarterback only to extend a playoff window with a 32-year-old quarterback that has predominantly been a journeyman to this point in his career. |
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6 |
Myles Murphy Clemson, Jr
|
DL | ||||
Murphy is the best player on the board in my opinion and the gap between the next tier of talent is noticeable. Edge rusher may not be the franchise's biggest need but the roster does not exclude the position from consideration. |
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7 |
Peter Skoronski Northwestern, Jr
|
OT | ||||
The Derek Carr era appears to be over in Las Vegas. Will the Raiders reach for a talent like Anthony Richardson at No. 7 overall? In this scenario, they choose to upgrade protection and build before plugging in the quarterback. |
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8 |
Tyree Wilson Texas Tech, Sr
|
EDGE | ||||
Arnold Ebiketie is an intriguing young player who is still developing into a three-down player. Wilson gives them significant length and juice opposite him. Wilson is still a work in progress as well but there may not be another available player with a higher ceiling. |
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9 |
Anthony Richardson Florida, Soph
|
QB | ||||
Carolina comes across as desperate to land a viable long-term quarterback option. Richardson has a very high ceiling but there are going to be some growing pains on the elevator ride up. |
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10 |
Bijan Robinson Texas, Jr
|
RB | ||||
Positional value aside, Robinson is one of the most gifted talents in the entire draft class. Few blue-chip talents are left and Philadelphia plucks one off the board to replace Miles Sanders at the end of his contract. |
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11 |
Quentin Johnston TCU, Jr
|
WR |