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NFL Nation, ESPN
The 2024 NFL draft started Thursday night time in Detroit, with the Chicago Bears ending the suspense by deciding on USC quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 total. A document six quarterbacks could be chosen within the first 12 picks, and 14 straight offensive gamers got here off the board earlier than a defensive participant was chosen — additionally a primary.
We can be monitoring all 257 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you can also try all the most effective out there draft prospects.
The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (midday ET).
ESPN’s group of reporters will submit professionals and cons under for every of the 32 gamers chosen in Thursday’s first spherical:
protection:
Prime prospects at each place
Kiper’s place rankings
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Why they picked him: The Bears have been getting ready to draft Williams for months. A radical vetting of the quarterback supported their perception the Heisman Trophy winner can be an improve on the place and the correct match for the group’s tradition. Common supervisor Ryan Poles was employed to interrupt Chicago’s cycle of quarterback futility and believes the Bears have the items in place to develop a franchise QB. Nothing displays that greater than buying and selling Justin Fields to Pittsburgh to clear the runway for Williams as he begins his NFL profession.
Williams is the kind of quarterback Poles has been looking for since being a part of the Kansas Metropolis entrance workplace that drafted Patrick Mahomes in 2017. He could make throws with surgical precision and freelance with a novel capability to flee strain and maintain performs alive. He threw 72 touchdowns to 10 interceptions over his final two seasons and had a career-best 68.6% completion share regardless of his passing yards taking a slight dip throughout his ultimate faculty season. After 10 wins the previous two seasons mixed, Chicago is lastly in place to maneuver previous the rebuild section in competition.
Greatest query: What are sensible expectations for Williams’ rookie season? The Bears have by no means drafted a participant with the No. 1 total choose, not to mention a quarterback who carries the burden of a franchise that hasn’t received a playoff sport since 2010. Chicago’s fundamental goal needs to be constant quarterback play, the catalyst behind transferring on from Fields, and counting on its QB to be the explanation the group wins video games. Williams will undoubtedly expertise rookie rising pains, however the stage of expertise surrounding him means the Bears have to have extra wins than losses and place themselves to turn out to be a playoff group in 2024. — Courtney Cronin
Why they picked him: It isn’t simply because Daniels is extra ready to make an early influence than the others. It’s as a result of he can nonetheless develop whereas having a talent set — the power to outrun defenders and make them miss — that the opposite quarterbacks don’t possess on the similar stage. Commanders coach Dan Quinn mentioned earlier than the draft he likes how rapidly Daniels will get by his progressions within the pocket and may alter to protection modifications after the snap. Daniels additionally was essentially the most correct passer within the NCAA final season on throws of 20 air yards or extra, finishing 66.7% with 22 touchdowns. After which there are his legs: Daniels ran for 1,134 yards final season and was second amongst quarterbacks with 20 features of 20 or extra yards. He’s a dynamic menace.
Greatest query: Sturdiness. Daniels has a slender body and weighed 210 kilos at his professional day. He additionally had a penchant for taking massive hits in faculty — he as soon as hurdled the center of the road on a scramble towards Florida State and was drilled backwards to the bottom. He must study when he should hand over on a run and slide, or when he must throw the ball out of bounds to keep away from a sack. Washington followers noticed what occurred to a possible long-term reply at QB when one other dual-threat quarterback — Robert Griffin III — was injured. They don’t need a repeat. — John Keim
Why they picked him: Figuring out a possible quarterback of the long run was the group’s high precedence, and as head coach Jerod Mayo mentioned of Maye: “There’s actually no ceiling.” Mayo additionally cited his management capability and a “improbable interview” on the NFL mix. The 6-foot-4, 223-pound Maye has the scale and highly effective arm to cope with inclement Northeast climate circumstances late within the season. Veteran QB Jacoby Brissett won’t solely compete with him but in addition function a mentor.
Greatest query: How a lot time will the 21-year-old Maye want earlier than he is able to play? He began 26 video games in his faculty profession, which is a notable distinction to fellow excessive draft choose Daniels (55). — Mike Reiss
4. Arizona Cardinals — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Why they picked him: Harrison is the offensive playmaker the Cardinals need and want. He’ll give quarterback Kyler Murray the instruments to take Arizona’s offense to the following stage and probably the playoffs. Harrison is as ready for the NFL as any prospect in current reminiscence and has the talent set — and pedigree — to make an on the spot influence as Arizona’s WR1.
Greatest query: As with all rookie, the most important query surrounding Harrison can be how he adapts to the NFL. He is been getting ready for the bounce to the skilled stage primarily his whole life below the tutelage of his father, Corridor of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr., however how he adjusts to truly doing it — going through myriad defensive schemes, quicker and larger cornerbacks and the general pace of the sport — can be one thing to observe. — Josh Weinfuss
Why they picked him: Since Jim Harbaugh took the job of Chargers head coach in February, the workers has preached the significance of getting a speeding offense to “out-physical” groups. Alt will presumably begin at proper deal with reverse Chargers’ Professional Bowl deal with Rashawn Slater, giving the group a pairing that would turn out to be one of many league’s finest. Final season, the Chargers’ middling offensive line performed a big position of their struggles. The Chargers’ speeding offense averaged 96.6 yards per sport final season, twenty fourth within the NFL.
Greatest query: What’s going to occur with Trey Pipkins III? Pipkins has been the Chargers’ beginning proper deal with for the previous two seasons, the place his play has fluctuated from middling to good. The Chargers’ choice of Alt proves that the group believed they wanted an improve regardless of Pipkins signing a three-year, $21.75 million contract final offseason. A commerce would save the Chargers $10.5 million over the following two seasons. — Kris Rhim
Why they picked him: The Giants have not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018. Nabers’ explosiveness makes him a primary candidate to get there for a few years to come back. His run-after-the-catch capability is particular, making him a super match for coach Brian Daboll’s offense. “Appears to be like like a operating again with the ball in his arms,” a supply accustomed to Nabers mentioned. This lastly provides quarterback Daniel Jones a receiver who will demand important consideration and double groups from defenses.
Greatest query: How will Nabers deal with New York? There have been some across the league that questioned whether or not Nabers was a superb match within the Huge Apple. However his character wasn’t one thing groups thought-about a serious concern, regardless of an arrest on a gun cost that was ultimately dropped at LSU. Nabers is very shut along with his extensive receivers coach at LSU, Cortez Hankton, who reassured groups the WR would not be an issue. Nabers, a number of sources mentioned, is somebody keen to place his head down and work and who cares about successful. — Jordan Raanan
Why they picked him: At 6-foot-6, 342 kilos, Latham is the kind of energy participant the Titans can depend on to anchor their offensive line. Deal with was their greatest want coming into the draft. With veteran offensive line coach Invoice Callahan within the combine, there is a good probability Latham flips from proper deal with to the left aspect just like the Browns did once they chosen Jedrick Willis Jr. in 2020.
Greatest query: Will Latham play left or proper deal with? The Titans’ left tackles allowed 29 of their 64 sacks final season. Latham performed 1,753 snaps at proper deal with over his profession at Alabama. — Turron Davenport
8. Atlanta Falcons — Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Why they picked him: Clearly, the Falcons wished a successor to $180 million signee Kirk Cousins. This was a shock — the most important of the draft up to now — for the reason that Falcons’ greatest want was on protection, particularly at pass-rusher. However Falcons GM Terry Fontenot is unconventional and mentioned this week the group would take the most effective participant out there “for us.” Atlanta should have thought that was Penix, who it visited and spent fairly a little bit of time with in current weeks.
Greatest query: His harm historical past and age (23). Penix separated his left (throwing) shoulder in 2021, tore his proper ACL in 2018 and 2020 and dislocated his proper (non-throwing) shoulder in 2019. From a pure talent standpoint, the left-hander was top-of-the-line quarterbacks on the board, particularly recognized for his nice arm power on the deep ball. However these sturdiness questions are why Penix was projected to go a lot decrease than No. 8 total. — Marc Raimondi
9. Chicago Bears — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Why they picked him: Placing Williams in the very best state of affairs means surrounding him with top-tier expertise. The Bears did that final month once they traded for extensive receiver Keenan Allen and signed operating again D’Andre Swift in free company. Now, eight picks after making Williams its future, Chicago provides top-of-the-line receivers within the draft and may boast one of many league’s finest receiver trios with Allen, Odunze and DJ Moore. In 2023, the Biletnikoff Award finalist led the nation with 21 receptions on passes thrown 20-plus yards down discipline and was the go-to deep ball menace for Penix, who went one choose earlier. Provided that he is already been catching passes from Williams within the weeks main as much as the draft, Odunze seems to be off to a quick begin in constructing chemistry, which ought to assist him turn out to be a vertical menace on this offense.
Greatest query: Will the Bears boast a top-10 offense? It isn’t too early to start out questioning whether or not the twenty seventh ranked passing offense from a 12 months in the past can turn out to be top-of-the-line in 2024. With this a lot expertise within the receiver room coupled with how the Bears plan to make use of tight ends Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett, Williams is strolling right into a state of affairs the place he has succesful cross catchers at each flip. — Courtney Cronin
10. Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets) — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Why they picked him: Let’s go forward and state the apparent. The Vikings wanted a quarterback after bidding farewell to Cousins six weeks in the past. They signed veteran Sam Darnold to a one-year deal shortly after, however he is finest regarded as a bridge starter who the Vikings hope will play nicely sufficient that they do not should rush McCarthy onto the sphere. The Vikings had hoped to commerce as much as get Maye, per sources, however couldn’t pry the No. 3 choose away from the Patriots.
Greatest query: McCarthy’s comparatively gentle faculty profession makes it powerful to mission when he’ll be able to play. He simply turned 21 and averaged solely 22.1 makes an attempt per sport final season, ranked No. 92 amongst certified FBS quarterbacks. The Vikings have Darnold on their roster, however will one 12 months be sufficient? How lengthy can the No. 10 total choose within the draft fairly be anticipated to face on the sidelines? — Kevin Seifert
11. New York Jets (from Minnesota) — Olumuyiwa Fashanu, T, Penn State
Why they picked him: Precedence No. 1 is protecting Aaron Rodgers on the sphere. The Jets allowed 64 sacks final season, the primary of which resulted in a torn proper Achilles for his or her future Corridor of Fame quarterback. They added three new starters in free company, however tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses (each 33) are Band-Aids. Smith hasn’t performed a full season since 2015. In Fashanu (6-foot-6, 312), they get a pure left deal with with prototypical dimension and arm power. He is a superb cross protector (one sack in two years as a starter) who wants some method work within the run sport.
Greatest query: How does Fashanu get on the sphere? There isn’t any clear path to fast taking part in time, which is uncommon for a participant drafted this excessive on a perennial loser — however a group able to contend, the Jets consider. At Penn State, he performed completely at left deal with. As a rookie, he isn’t going to supplant Smith, a probable Corridor of Famer, however he can put together to take over for Smith in 2025. — Wealthy Cimini
Why they picked him: With the desperation stage to search out franchise quarterbacks league-wide at an all-time excessive, no group is extra needy than the Broncos. A lot so the Broncos made Nix the sixth quarterback off the board within the first 12 picks of the draft. The Broncos had used 12 totally different quarterbacks, 13 totally different gamers, as starters on the place since Peyton Manning retired following the 2015 season. The Broncos have additionally missed the playoffs within the eight seasons since their Tremendous Bowl 50 win.
Greatest query: Whether or not Nix can flip his outstanding effectivity in his two years at Oregon, together with 77.4% completion fee this previous season, right into a extra well-rounded, all-parts-of-the-field sport. Some groups had charted nearly a 3rd of his makes an attempt at or behind the road of scrimmage. He must present he can drive the ball to all elements of the sphere to flourish with the Broncos. His expertise — 61 faculty video games at Auburn and Oregon — to go along with his mobility and toughness are why the Broncos made the choose. — Jeff Legwold
Why they picked him: A real thriller, except the Raiders’ new entrance workplace of GM Tom Telesco and coach Antonio Pierce merely adopted the board and chosen the most effective participant out there, no matter place. Keep in mind, the Raiders used a second-round choose on Michael Mayer final 12 months and he was coming into his personal earlier than a foot harm landed him on injured reserve as he missed the ultimate three video games. Maybe the Raiders envision a twin menace at tight finish going ahead.
Greatest query: Offensive deal with and cornerback have been a lot larger wants and each CB was nonetheless on the board, so you need to surprise … Why one other tight finish? Past that, maybe Mayer’s harm is worse than initially disclosed. Knee-jerk response — it is a confounding choose. — Paul Gutierrez
14. New Orleans Saints — Taliese Fuaga, T, Oregon State
Why they picked him: The Saints wanted an offensive deal with greater than some other place on the roster. It is unknown if 2022 first-round deal with Trevor Penning goes to develop right into a starter on the left aspect, and former All-Professional proper deal with Ryan Ramczyk has critical knee points. Andrus Peat and James Hurst, two gamers who have been in a position to fill a number of roles on the offensive line, are each gone. Defending quarterback Derek Carr must be a high precedence after he left three video games with accidents final season.
Greatest query: Does Fuaga begin instantly, and if that’s the case, what does that imply for Ramczyk? Fuaga earned All-America honors in 2022 and 2023 as proper deal with for Oregon State. Ramczyk has been the Saints’ RT since 2017, however knee points have left each his coaching camp standing and his future in query. Nonetheless, the Saints have lamented speeding Penning right into a beginning place earlier than he was prepared (he was benched as a starter early within the 2023 season), so it is going to be attention-grabbing to sees how they method Fuaga’s growth, particularly if Ramczyk shouldn’t be able to go initially of the season. — Katherine Terrell
Why they picked him: The Colts noticed a giant enhance of their pass-rush manufacturing final season, registering 51 sacks. However the capability of opposing quarterbacks to proceed to muster too many massive performs was regarding. Intensifying the cross rush with an edge rusher able to harassing quarterbacks might go a good distance towards altering these outcomes. Latu is coming off a 13-sack senior season, including 21.5 tackles for losses and two interceptions.
Greatest query: The difficulty with Latu will come right down to his well being. The consensus All-American and Pac-12 Defensive Participant of the 12 months sustained a neck harm throughout his sophomore season that originally resulted in his retirement. Latu underwent surgical procedure however returned to the sport lower than two years later. Given the choices out there when the Colts picked — Dallas Turner, Quinyon Mitchell and others — the Colts should really feel assured within the medical questions right here. — Stephen Holder
16. Seattle Seahawks — Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Why they picked him: The Seahawks have allowed essentially the most speeding yards of any group over the previous two seasons, which was one purpose they missed the playoffs in 2023, fired coach Pete Carroll and changed him with defensive whiz Mike Macdonald. Defensive deal with has turn out to be a premier place in immediately’s NFL, and Murphy was broadly thought-about the most effective on this draft. Seattle wasn’t hurting for numbers at that spot, however each Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins are over 30 and on one-year offers, so this was a necessity even when it wasn’t as massive as its gap at proper guard.
Greatest query: Ought to the Seahawks have taken Washington offensive deal with Troy Fautanu as an alternative? Their offensive line has a gap at proper guard, just a few different query marks and a critical want for difference-makers. Fautanu would have made life loads simpler on QB Geno Smith and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who coached him at Washington. The Seahawks’ pondering might need been that they’ll discover that O-lineman on Day 2, whereas a defensive deal with corresponding to Murphy — the second defender off the board — is more durable to search out. However discovering a plug-and-play O-lineman on Day 2 will not be simple both provided that they do not have a second-round choose. Seattle’s subsequent choice is at No. 81 total, one purpose a commerce down from No. 16 appeared like a risk. — Brady Henderson
17. Minnesota Vikings (from Jacksonville) — Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Why they picked him: The Vikings bid farewell to their high three edge rushers from final season after rating No. 25 in strain share (27%): Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum and Marcus Davenport. Then they signed Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel in free company, however it is a group that hadn’t used a first-round choose to draft a defensive finish or exterior linebacker since 2005. There can by no means be too many edge rushers on a group, and Turner brings a unique gear of pace after operating a 4.46 within the 40 on the NFL mix.
Greatest query: After the Vikings signed Greenard and Van Ginkel, is transferring as much as draft Turner a luxurious this group cannot afford? It required third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks to maneuver up from No. 23 to No. 17 to get Turner at a time when it has important questions at cornerback place and is bringing again 35-year-old security Harrison Smith with no inheritor obvious on the roster. The Vikings have three picks within the 2025 draft at this level. Go-rusher is mostly a extra necessary place than cornerback, however the Vikings’ roster is exceptionally tilted in that route proper now. — Kevin Seifert
Why they picked him: The Bengals love huge offensive linemen. Cincinnati picked up Trent Brown within the offseason to play proper deal with to play reverse Orlando Brown Jr. Each guys are 6-foot-8. Mims can also be 6-foot-8 and ranks favorably in his measurables. Cincinnati will be capable of convey Mims alongside and have him able to ultimately take over for Brown, who signed on a one-year deal this offseason.
Greatest query: Will the dearth of reps be an issue for Mims? Main as much as the draft, there weren’t any indications the dearth of snaps Mims had at Georgia have been going to discourage the Bengals from selecting him. He performed in 21 video games with the Bulldogs, however his dimension and size make him an excellent match for what Cincinnati needs in an offensive deal with. — Ben Child
19. Los Angeles Rams — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Why they picked him: The Rams wanted to interchange Aaron Donald’s manufacturing, and second-year defensive lineman Kobie Turner’s versatility allowed Los Angeles to select the most effective defensive lineman out there. On the annual conferences in March, normal supervisor Les Snead mentioned addressing the line of defense “would positively be a precedence.” The Rams confirmed that, making Verse their first first-round choose since 2016. That is solely the second defensive participant the Rams have drafted with their first choose since Sean McVay was employed as head coach and the best defensive participant taken by the Rams since Donald in 2014.
Greatest query: Have the Rams completed sufficient to interchange Donald? Snead has made it clear one participant will not substitute the long run Corridor of Famer’s manufacturing, however taking Verse is an effective begin. Final season, Donald led the group with 45 pressures. Verse will not be anticipated to duplicate that, because the Rams will even be counting on two of their draft picks from final season. Together with Turner, who led the NFL in sacks by a rookie, the Rams even have exterior linebacker Byron Younger, who was second on the group with 35 pressures, in line with ESPN Analytics/NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Sarah Barshop
Why they picked him: The Steelers continued their overhaul of the offensive line by deciding on an offensive deal with with their first-round choose for the second 12 months in a row, however this one would not essentially mission to remain on the skin. GM Omar Khan preached the significance of place flexibility and flexibility throughout all teams throughout pre-draft interviews, and the Steelers might take a look at plugging Fautanu into any variety of spots on the road, together with probably at middle, the place they’re looking for a starter after releasing two-year starter Mason Cole in February.
Greatest query: Will the Steelers maintain Fautanu at offensive deal with or slide him to the inside? In pre-draft interviews, Fautanu mentioned he most well-liked to remain at deal with, however at 6-4, 317 kilos, he has the body to maneuver inside. He additionally began a sport at left guard whereas at Washington. — Brooke Pryor
21. Miami Dolphins — Chop Robinson, LB, Penn State
Why they picked him: The Dolphins have two pass-rushers they love in Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. However they lack depth behind them, even after signing veteran Shaquil Barrett this offseason. Robinson provides the Dolphins a complete of three first-round picks at edge rusher and a formidable rotation as soon as they’re wholesome on the place — Phillips (Achilles) and Chubb (knee) have been each injured in Miami’s regular-season finale.
Greatest query: Regardless of his bodily traits, the place was the manufacturing? Robinson recorded 11.5 sacks in three seasons with Maryland and Penn State. His tape exhibits an explosive first step, as did his 4.48 40-yard sprint; the Dolphins are banking on his instruments outweighing his lack of manufacturing. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Why they picked him: The Eagles’ secondary struggled badly in 2023, ending thirty first in each passing yards and passing touchdowns allowed. With Darius Slay (33) and James Bradberry (30) deep into their careers, the Eagles want a youth and pace infusion at cornerback. Mitchell ran a 4.33-second 40-yard sprint on the scouting mix and earned All-America honors this previous season after main the group with 18 cross breakups.
Greatest query: The extent of competitors is the one query. With Mitchell taking part in within the MAC, there’s much less tape towards the most effective of the most effective on the collegiate stage. However Mitchell carried out nicely on the Senior Bowl and has the traits that ought to translate nicely to the professional stage. If all goes nicely, he might compete for a beginning job instantly. — Tim McManus
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Minnesota by Cleveland and Houston) — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Why they picked him: The Jaguars obtained extra assist for quarterback Trevor Lawrence by taking a giant receiver (6-foot-3, 209 kilos) with big-time manufacturing within the SEC. Thomas provides the offense a big-play deep menace (17.3 yards per catch and 17 TD catches final season) in addition to somebody who can win the 50-50 balls to associate with 4.33 pace (second-fastest on the mix). He additionally ought to assist the Jaguars’ red-zone struggles due to his dimension.
Greatest query: Can Thomas present the manufacturing they misplaced when Calvin Ridley signed with Tennessee? The Jaguars added Gabe Davis on a three-year deal in March to play exterior and Thomas would line up reverse Davis with Christian Kirk within the slot. Ridley had 1,016 yards and eight TDs receiving in 2023. No rookie receiver has surpassed 1,000 yards in franchise historical past. — Michael DiRocco
24. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) — Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Why they picked him: Lions normal supervisor Brad Holmes mentioned he would choose the most effective participant out there — no matter place — and this transfer seemingly upgrades Detroit’s protection instantly. This choose additionally addresses considered one of its greatest wants — the secondary — by including an All-American, who’s seen as one of many high cornerbacks on this class after the group launched Cam Sutton this offseason.
Greatest query: Was this the correct CB? Generally Arnold is usually a little too bodily on the sphere, but when that is his greatest knock it is a good downside to have. Or ought to the Lions have drafted an edge rusher? There’s not a lot of a con with this choose aside from if it was the correct defensive place, as protection was actually the place the Lions want to enhance. — Eric Woodyard
Why they picked him: Gone are five-time All-Professional David Bakhtiari and three-year starter Jon Runyan Jr. It means there’s possible a spot for Morgan on the road whether or not they mission him as a deal with to interchange Bakhtiari or a guard, the place Runyan had performed each side. It is also about time normal supervisor Brian Gutekunst went with an offensive participant within the first spherical. Morgan is the second offensive participant taken by the Packers in Spherical 1 since 2012 (with Jordan Love in 2020 being the opposite). Inexperienced Bay is about to make a serious funding in Love by way of a contract extension, so defending him is paramount.
Greatest query: Does this imply they’re going to ultimately transfer Zach Tom? Tom carried out nicely at proper deal with final season, and the Packers consider he is usually a advantageous participant there — even a Professional Bowl participant. However there are these within the group who consider Tom could be an All-Professional guard and Corridor of Fame middle. Or does it imply that they are not bought on Rasheed Walker because the long-term reply at left deal with? — Rob Demovsky
Why they picked him: The Bucs have lacked an enforcer alongside the inside offensive line for the reason that retirement of Ryan Jensen. Heart Robert Hainsey registered a 59.6% run block win fee at middle in 2023 and would not have the pure decrease physique mass or power to dominate the place. His 90.7% cross block win fee was additionally twenty sixth within the league amongst facilities. The Bucs have to reestablish the road of scrimmage to guard their long-term dedication to quarterback Baker Mayfield — particularly given he is a shorter quarterback at 6-foot-1 and desires a clear inside pocket. Barton allowed one sack in 2023 and two in 2022. The Bucs wanted to bolster the league’s worst speeding offense over the previous two years, averaging 82.9 yards on the bottom per sport.
Greatest query: Barton’s lack of arm size at 32 1⁄8 inches and foot pace towards some edge rushers will not be a difficulty transferring inside, the place he can make the most of his core power, energy and low middle of gravity. And the truth that he is already performed inside (the Bucs have a historical past of drafting tackles and transferring them inside) lessens the probability of Hainsey and Luke Goedeke-like rising pains. — Jenna Laine
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston) — Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
Why they picked him: Go rush has been a precedence for the Cardinals since they’d simply 33 sacks final season, their fewest since 2010. Robinson, who had 8.5 sacks final 12 months at Missouri, is understood for his versatility and may play inside and out of doors on the road. He’ll compete for a beginning job instantly however the place he strains up on passing downs is but to be seen.
Greatest query: Robinson is not recognized for his strikes, as an alternative counting on his lengthy arms and energy to push offensive linemen off their spot and get to the quarterback. That’ll solely go thus far within the NFL, so discovering an arsenal of strikes can be mandatory for Robinson to have an effect. — Josh Weinfuss
28. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (from Buffalo) — Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Why they picked him: Pace. Worthy ran a 4.21 within the 40 on the scouting mix. He’ll current massive issues if he breaks a deal with after the catch. The addition of Worthy, together with the signing of Hollywood Brown, provides the Chiefs a makeover at a place of want the place there’s additionally uncertainty because of Rashee Rice’s authorized subject.
Greatest query: Worthy is 172 kilos and there have been questions on his capability to combat by press protection. Can he play sufficient snaps to justify the commerce up? — Adam Teicher
29. Dallas Cowboys (from Detroit) — Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma
Why they picked him: The Cowboys’ greatest questions are on the offensive line, having misplaced Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz in free company. They handed on the prospect to take Graham Barton at No. 24 with their commerce down with Detroit. Guyton may help fill a necessity at left deal with with the departure of Tyron Smith. It is perhaps loads to ask of him since 13 of his 15 begins at Oklahoma have been at proper deal with, however the Cowboys have a current historical past of being proper within the first spherical on the offensive line, with Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith. The choice of Guyton would imply Tyler Smith will keep at left guard.
Greatest query: How rapidly can he make the transition to left deal with? He has the scale and the traits of a left deal with. They’ll want him to play straight away contemplating the choices on the roster: Asim Richards, Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball. With a lefthanded quarterback at Oklahoma, Dillon Gabriel, he did shield the blindside final 12 months. Whereas passing on Barton would possibly turn into a nasty transfer, including an additional third-round choose with so many wants is a bonus. — Todd Archer
30. Baltimore Ravens — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Why they picked him: Wiggins has the pace and size to turn out to be a No. 1 cornerback. Baltimore had its selection of extremely rated corners and selected Wiggins over Cooper DeJean and Kool-Support McKinstry. The Ravens are addressing considered one of their greatest wants, despite the fact that Baltimore brings again each of their starters in Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens. Humphrey has been sidelined for 12 video games over the previous three seasons, and Stephens is coming into a contract 12 months. The choice to pick out Wiggins, who allowed one completion over 20 yards final season, is no surprise. As Ravens normal supervisor Eric DeCosta mentioned, the Ravens’ depth within the secondary “has all the time been examined.”
Greatest query: Lack of dimension. Wiggins weighed in at 173 kilos on the NFL mix. He joins Emmanuel Forbes as the one defensive backs since 2003 to weigh 175 kilos or much less on the mix and get drafted within the first spherical. Forbes struggled and was benched halfway by his first season with Washington. However Wiggins is likely one of the quickest prospects on this 12 months’s draft. He ran the 40-yard sprint on the NFL mix in 4.28 seconds, which trailed solely extensive receiver Xavier Worthy (4.21). — Jamison Hensley
Why they picked him: The 49ers have loads of questions on the receiver place with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings coming into the ultimate 12 months of their rookie offers and Deebo Samuel’s cap quantity rising over the following two seasons. Pearsall presents the flexibility to play all around the formation and provides the Niners a viable plan for the long run at a place, whether or not that is in 2024 or past.
Greatest query: What does this imply for Aiyuk? The Niners have maintained that they wish to re-sign Aiyuk to a contract extension and any commerce involving Aiyuk appeared more likely to have to incorporate a first-round choose. It appears unlikely the Niners, who’re nonetheless in a Tremendous Bowl window with quarterback Brock Purdy ineligible for an extension till subsequent offseason, would deal Aiyuk for a Day 2 pick-plus. Receiver was a necessity as quickly as subsequent 12 months regardless, but it surely’s truthful to surprise what the Pearsall choose means for Aiyuk. — Nick Wagoner
32. Carolina Panthers (from Buffalo) — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Why they picked him: The Panthers wished to get quarterback Bryce Younger, the highest choose of the 2023 draft, one other receiver to go along with Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo. They might have gambled he could be there at 33, however with six receivers already off the board and the Payments additionally in want of a receiver, they could not take that probability. Legette provides them a giant (6-1, 221) playmaker with pace (4.39 40) who can create separation.
Greatest query: Not a lot on Legette, besides he wants some polish and has struggled towards press protection. The query is did the Panthers hand over an opportunity so as to add extra second-day picks by buying and selling considered one of their two second-round picks with the hope Legette made it to 33? — David Newton
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