Category: NFL Draft

NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Arizona Cardinals

The State of the Cardinals:

The Cardinals enter the 2022 season as a team seemingly progressing towards a deep playoff push, but uncertainty is abound. It will be the fourth year of Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure that has seen an increase in wins each season, but late season woes and disappointing finishes as well. They have also yet to extend their young quarterback Kyler Murray, causing him to show frustration in the public. With an aging group of skill position players, they will look to fortify their future.

#23 Overall

Drake London – WR – USC

London lacks explosive speed and quickness, but his hands, size, basketball-level athleticism, and natural feel for the receiver position should make him an impact player in the NFL at multiple levels of the field.

London gives the Cardinals another big play receiver that could take their offense to the next level.

Treylon Burks – WR – Arkansas

Burks will have to improve as a sharp route separator as his tree expands moving forward, but his body control, catching skills, and competitive speed make him an impact player at all levels of the field.

Burks is a big-bodied playmaker that fits well and will be an impact blocker for Kingsbury’s offense.

Trevor Penning – OT – Northern Iowa

Penning is a physically dominant and imposing run blocker with an ideal frame for an NFL tackle, but he needs to keep developing his hand use and improve his pad level to round out his overall profile taking the big step up in competition.

Penning’s size, athleticism, and demeanor give him tremendous potential, and after he gains some refinement, he can take over at either tackle or guard spot.

#55 Overall

Trey McBride – TE – Colorado State

McBride has the hands, catch radius and body control as a receiver with the willingness and competitiveness as a blocker to start at the next level, but inconsistent separation skills and run block effectiveness could hold him back.

McBride is a ready to play prospect that can help this team win now and is a natural to take over for Zach Ertz.

Drake Jackson – Edge – USC

Jackson has the physical profile and energy of a potential starter, but he needs technical refinement of his quality tools to reach a consistent three-down level of development.

With Markus Golden getting older and Chandler Jones moving on, Jackson is a player that can contribute some this year and could be a potential impact rusher.

#87 Overall

Nik Bonitto – Edge – Oklahoma

Bonitto is an athletic, rangy, bendy pass rusher who should excel at getting to the passer with his lack of strength and run game stoutness limiting him to just third downs early in his career at the next level.

If the Cardinals wait on an Edge, Bonitto is a pass rush specialist that could fill the role vacated by Chandler Jones.

Isaiah Likely – TE – Coastal Carolina

Likely is a unique hybrid tight end with the athletic, receiving skills needed to pose a threat to defenses, but he’ll need to improve as a standard blocker to become a complete player.

With no clear tight end of the future on the roster, Likely gives them an explosive playmaker that could develop into a well-rounded, top-tier player.

Greg Dulcich – TE – UCLA

Dulcich isn’t the shiftiest route runner or most technically refined run blocker, but he’s a converted wide receiver with good competitive toughness and the strong all-around skill set of a potential starter.

Dulcich is a weapon in the pass game that can model himself after Ertz.

To learn more about the Cardinals and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 27, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Atlanta Falcons

The State of the Falcons:

Truly the end of an era in Atlanta. Decade-plus quarterback Matt Ryan was sent to Indianapolis for one last push at a Super Bowl, while the Falcons re-tool a roster that has continued to overachieve. Their SIS-WAR expected wins was 3.2 last year, but they won 7. All efficiency metrics rank in the 20s. This is not a good football team.

With a hole at virtually every position besides their last two first round selections (TE Kyle Pitts and CB A.J. Terrell), the Falcons are looking for any piece of value coming their way. Trying to reunite Marcus Mariota with a coach who benched him for Ryan Tannehill in Arthur Smith is, a start. With Mariota likely just a bridge QB, the Falcons have plenty to address with their five Top 100 picks.

#8 Overall

Kyle Hamilton – S – Notre Dame

Hamilton is a versatile safety who impacts all three levels of the field and is a rangy playmaker with the cover skills, speed, and athleticism to be an elite-level defender against both the run and pass.

If there’s a slide for his testing metrics, the Falcons should jump on the incredibly versatile and dynamic safety.

Charles Cross – OT – Mississippi State

Cross’ transition to a more diverse offense will be an adjustment, but he’s a true pass protecting left tackle displaying outstanding athleticism and body control, whose improvements already at a young age suggest a very high ceiling.

Cross is a franchise left tackle that can be a pre-built solution for their QB investment of the future.

Travon Walker – Edge – Georgia

Walker has the physical and athletic traits that are highly coveted as a versatile defensive lineman, and if he can reach his potential as a pass rusher at the next level, he can be a special pass rushing talent.

Walker’s phenomenal athletic upside and home-grown talent would make him a fan-favorite franchise building block.

Garrett Wilson – WR – Ohio State

Wilson has the speed, route running, and ballcarrying traits that excite teams, and if he can work on attacking the ball when it’s in the air and improving his ability along the sideline, he will be a strong starter very early in his NFL career.

The WR room in Atlanta is abysmal. We’ve seen the Falcons build around a WR previously (Julio Jones), and Wilson comes with the versatility to win anywhere and everywhere.

#43 Overall

Quay Walker – LB – Georgia

Walker’s ability to defend the run and play in zone coverage make him an intriguing prospect at his size and athletic profile, and if he can continue to improve his instincts, he has the potential to be a high-level starter at the next level.

The tools of a dependable LB, with pass game experience and run game excellence.

Bernhard Raimann – OT – Central Michigan

Raimann is a raw athlete with good size and the strength to hold up early at the next level, though refining his hands and overall skill set as a lineman could allow him to develop into a solid starter one day.

Let him have all the reps he needs, and use his athleticism to mold him into the franchise tackle the Falcons want.

#58 Overall

Perrion Winfree – DT – Oklahoma

Winfrey’s positional versatility, power, and pass rush ability will give him a chance to make an impact early on, but his body control and agility will need to improve for him to become a three-down player.

A Senior Bowl dominator, Winfree displays a dominant athletic profile, where he can work on technicalities with plenty of reps.

Kenneth Walker III – RB – Michigan State

Walker isn’t the most dynamic running back, and his passing game skills will need to be improved if he wants to see an every-down workload, but his vision as a ballcarrier is excellent and should allow him to be a quality starter right away.

Patterson is a fun, dynamic player, but the Arthur Smith Titans leaned on a fantastic pound-the-rock runner, and Walker is exactly that.

#74 Overall

The Falcons WR room is this bad. Each one of these receivers is a bit different, but would all provide needed upside and ability, something necessary for Marcus Mariota if he’s getting a real shot at a long-term starting gig.

Wan’Dale Robinson – WR – Kentucky

Robinson is undersized and needs improved route sharpness, savvy, and overall receiving play detail, but his short-area quickness and extensive history as a ballcarrier give him an intriguing ceiling as a mismatch weapon out of the slot.

David Bell – WR – Purdue

Bell needs to improve his route running separation skills, but his deep ball tracking and slippery ballcarrying abilities should make for a multi-level threat and a reliable, alignment-versatile third option.

Jalen Tolbert – WR – South Alabama

Tolbert has the size, speed, and athletic body control to take the top off a defense at the next level, but he’ll need to improve on the finer points of receiver play to become a more versatile offensive contributor.

#82 Overall

Sean Rhyan – OG – UCLA

Rhyan is strong and powerful, generating push in the run game and using accurate hand placement in pass pro, but heavy feet, a lack of quickness, and the inability to redirect against pass rushers pencil him in as a backup swing tackle.

Could play tackle, but also projected to move inside. Smart and powerful, but technique refinement necessary.

Myjai Sanders – Edge – Cincinnati

Sanders has a relentless mindset with the length, repertoire, and hand use to be an effective three-down player, but he’ll need to keep his pad level down and focus on mixing up his pass rush moves in order to hit his ceiling.

The ceiling is high for Sanders, and plenty of snaps are available for him to develop more moves.

To learn more about the Falcons and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 27, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Philadelphia Eagles

The State of the Eagles:

After a trip to the playoffs that surprised some, the Eagles enter the 2022 season with second year head coach Nick Sirianni, and third year quarterback Jalen Hurts. They have already moved one of their first round picks into 2023, as Hurts is in a prove-it year and the 2023 QB class looks to have high-end talent.

As for the rest of the roster, the secondary is in dire need of help in the back-end, as well as someone to play opposite CB Darius Slay. They also must improve upon their lackluster 2021 sack production

#15 Overall

Derek Stingley Jr. – CB – LSU

Stingley has the man coverage, athleticism, and ball skills to be an NFL defense’s No. 1 cornerback, but his injury history and dip in on-field production since his freshman year are concerns that need to be vetted.

If available, Stingley Jr. could give the Eagles the best cornerback tandem in the league if he regains the form he displayed as a freshman at LSU.

Kyle Hamilton – S – Notre Dame

Hamilton is a versatile safety who impacts all three levels of the field and is a rangy playmaker with the cover skills, speed, and athleticism to be an elite-level defender against both the run and pass.

With his 40-yard dash time causing concerns, Hamilton could fall into the lap of the Eagles and give them the versatile tone-setter their defense requires.

Trent McDuffie – CB – Washington

McDuffie is a fluid athlete who has the speed, quickness, and transition ability to be a solid shutdown corner at the next level, though his size for the outside and limited on-ball production could be what holds him back.

McDuffie would thrive as a No. 2 cornerback and would force offenses to test Darius Slay more frequently.

#18 Overall

George Karlaftis – Edge – Purdue

Karlaftis is an athletic and powerful edge prospect with his best football ahead of him, especially if he can continue refining his pass rush detail.

Karlaftis shows the ability to rush the passer from the outside, as well reduce down and could take over for Brandon Graham going forward.

Daxton Hill – S – Michigan

Hill is a versatile and competitive defensive back who can be impactful at all levels of the field with his man coverage ability, despite his slight frame.

With a lack of production from the safeties on the roster, Hill could fill multiple roles and looks to have his best football in front of him.

#51 Overall

Jaquan Brisker – S – Penn State

Brisker is a polished, ready-made, versatile DB with a well-rounded set of physical, mental, and emotional tools that add up to a high-floor safety in the NFL.

The Eagles need cohesion on their defense and Brisker can act as a coach on the field and become a leader as a rookie.

Jalen Pitre – S – Baylor

Pitre is a super twitched-up athlete with very good instincts for when to attack and a skill set that will have him making plays all over the field, but limited deep cover skills likely limit him to exclusively playing near the LOS.

Pitre is a playmaker that can both sure up the Eagles’ run defense and help boost their sack numbers.

Roger McCreary – CB – Auburn

McCreary projects best as a 3rd corner with good height, speed, and athleticism to play in the slot or out wide, and despite his short arms, he is at his best in press coverage.

Despite his lack of ideal length, McCreary is a pure technician that can be left alone on an island.

#83 Overall

Jalen Tolbert – WR – South Alabama

Tolbert has the size, speed, and athletic body control to take the top off a defense at the next level, but he’ll need to improve on the finer points of receiver play to become a more versatile offensive contributor.

The Eagles could use a vertical threat opposite DeVonta Smith and Tolbert is a master at taking the top off the defense.

Cole Strange – G – Chattanooga

Strange has the reactive athleticism to mirror defenders, consistent leg drive to move them, and the nastiness to finish through the whistle, but he’ll need to improve his balance, footwork, and awareness to maximize his potential.

Strange has the ability to play guard at the next level, and at the Senior Bowl, showed that he is also an option at center.

#101 Overall

Dameon Pierce – RB – Florida

Pierce is a powerful back who has the contact balance, strength, and toughness to impact the next level, but his lack of playmaking ability, long speed, and receiving impact may keep him from being a three-down player.

Pierce gives the Eagles a running back that fits the current offensive scheme and reduces the future cap hit from that position.

Dylan Parham – G – Memphis

Parham is a smart player with the athleticism and quickness to be a versatile lineman, but will need to get stronger and more physical to maximize his potential at the next level.

Parham’s athleticism and experience across the offensive line make him a prime candidate to take over for center Jason Kelce moving forward.

Sam Williams – Edge – Ole Miss

Williams is a fantastic athlete who will bring good length, strength and upside to a team’s pass rush attack, but he needs to refine his technique and play with more mental consistency to become a reliable three-down player.

With experience ranging from off-ball linebacker to interior defensive lineman, Williams has consistently won with both physicality and athleticism.

To learn more about the Eagles and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 26, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Buffalo Bills

The State of the Bills:

The Bills are in full on win now mode and perennial super Bowl favorites heading into the 2022 season. After having their season ended by the Kansas City Chiefs the past two seasons, GM Brandon Beene is looking to add the missing pieces with an eye on the Lombardi trophy.

The offseason has already seen them fill key holes at some crucial positions by bringing in Von Miller, Rodger Saffold III, and O.J. Howard in free agency. Through the draft they will be looking to fill their No. 2 CB role, add another WR to Josh Alllen’s arsenal, and perhaps bring a youthful young RB into the locker room.

#25 Overall

Andrew Booth Jr. – CB – Clemson

Booth is a twitchy, athletic corner with the man coverage tools and ball skills to develop into a strong starter at the next level, but his tackling woes and lack of hip fluidity could hold him back early in his career.

Looking to fill the No. 2 CB spot across from Tre’Davious White, the Bills would look to Booth to fill that role in the first round.

Jahan Dotson – WR – Penn State

Dotson’s size and toughness limit him in certain situations, but his explosiveness and body control allow him to make spectacular plays at all levels of the field.

With departures of Emmanuel Sanders and Cole Beasley the Bills need to look at filling a void at the WR position and Dotson does just that.

Kenyon Green – OG – Texas A&M

Green can have inconsistent hand placement and needs more refined technique against finesse rushers, but he is a physical and athletic guard with the footwork, sheer strength, and awareness to be a difference maker on the inside.

The weak point of the Bills offense has been their OL play, more specifically their guards over the past several seasons, so any help would be a welcome addition to protecting Josh Allen and aiding in the run game.

#57 Overall

Christian Harris – LB – Alabama

Harris is a fast, smart, and versatile linebacker who has many of the requisite physical traits of a quality starter, but he needs to improve his downhill playmaking and zone instincts to reach his full potential.

While the Bills starting LBs are locked down with Edmunds and Milano, they will be looking for a back-up and some fresher legs if one of their starters may miss time due to injury which Harris can provide for them.

John Metchie III – WR – Alabama

Metchie has the quickness, route running, and ability after the catch to be a threat out of the slot at the next level, but his inability to make contested grabs and lack of long speed may be what holds him back.

The Bills will be looking for WR help especially for a savvy route runner who can fill the void of Cole Beasley in the slot and Metchie fills this role perfectly.

Kenneth Walker III – RB – Michigan St

Walker isn’t the most dynamic running back, and his passing game skills will need to be improved if he wants to see an every-down workload, but his vision as a ball carrier is excellent and should allow him to be a quality starter right away.

While RB may not be a focus of the offseason, having more options behind Devin Singletary also wouldn’t hurt the Bills offense and Walker provides skills they could use.

#89 Overall

Ed Ingram – OG – Georgia

Ingram is gap-scheme-specific, and his limited athletic ability and finesse traits could hold him back if misutilized, but his pulling prowess, point-of-attack tenacity and power, and pass pro awareness should make him a starting-caliber NFL guard.

Ingram would give the Bills another option as an interior lineman, a position of weakness in the past.

James Cook – RB – Georgia

Cook is a dynamic receiver who has the versatility and playmaking ability to win in space at the next level, but he’ll need to become a more technical and consistent runner and improve in pass pro to become a three-down back.

The third round is where the Bills may start to be more inclined to add a RB and Cook’s skill set, especially his abilities in the passing game, will earn him snaps on the Bills offense.

Wan’Dale Robinson – WR – Kentucky

Robinson is undersized and needs improved route sharpness, savvy, and overall receiving play detail, but his short-area quickness and extensive history as a ball carrier give him an intriguing ceiling as a mismatch weapon out of the slot.

The versatility of Robinson would be a welcome addition to the Bills offense where he could fit right in lining up in the slot.

To learn more about the Bills and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 26, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
San Francisco 49ers

The State of the 49ers:

The 49ers turned an injury-riddled slow start into being one quarter away from the Super Bowl, thanks in large part to the steady play of QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the explosive talent of WR-turned-RB Deebo Samuel.

Now, Garoppolo and Samuel are both awaiting potential draft-night trades, as San Francisco’s competitive roster turns to 2020 1st-round QB Trey Lance.

The 49ers pieced together its secondary last year and saw multiple free agent departures that need addressing, especially on the offensive line. However, Lance’s readiness and the apparent replacement of Samuel’s touches are the most crucial keys to sustaining their contending status.

Potential mid-late 1st Round Pick (Deebo Samuel trade)

Treylon Burks – WR – Arkansas

Burks will have to improve as a sharp route separator as his tree expands moving forward, but his body control, catching skills, and competitive speed make him an impact player at all levels of the field.

Burks has often been compared to a larger Deebo Samuel in this draft process, so he’d be an ideal target in the event of a trade. The 49ers have a clear trend in their receiving preferences – yards after catch abilities – and Burks has that in spades.

Trevor Penning – OT – Northern Iowa

Penning is a physically dominant and imposing run blocker with an ideal frame for an NFL tackle, but he needs to keep developing his hand use and improve his pad level to round out his overall profile taking the big step up in competition.

This is a deep WR class, so the Samuel replacement could come later. Having bookend tackles with the elite athleticism and mauling tenacity of Trent Williams and Trevor Penning could be too difficult to pass up.

#61 Overall

Tariq Woolen – CB – UTSA

Woolen’s gliding strides, elite athleticism, and superior length are difficult traits to teach, but he needs to match his play strength to his size and continue growing his natural coverage skills and comfortability to reach his high ceiling.

Woolen is a high upside cornerback prospect, with exceptional length and athleticism to go with a raw wide receiver background, that would give the 49ers a quality outside corner to develop opposite FA signing Charvarius Ward.

DeMarvin Leal – DT – Texas A&M

Leal is an athletic and agile defensive lineman at his size, who offers great versatility as a pass rusher but needs to work on his interior run defense to keep that flexibility on all three downs.

Arik Armstead’s move inside could be the template for Leal, and Javon Kinlaw has had a bumpy start to his career. Leal fits the 49ers’ mold of pass rushers with alignment diversity.

Darian Kinnard – OG – Kentucky

Kinnard is a big, strong blocker with a mauling mentality in the run game, but needs to refine his footwork, hand accuracy, and overall technique in the pass game to be an effective starter at the next level.

San Francisco will have some new pieces up front next season. Kinnard is a big body but moves well for Shanahan’s zone scheme, especially with a shift inside to guard.

Wan’Dale Robinson – WR – Kentucky

Robinson is undersized and needs improved route sharpness, savvy, and overall receiving play detail, but his short-area quickness and extensive history as a ballcarrier give him an intriguing ceiling as a mismatch weapon out of the slot.

In the event of a Deebo Samuel trade that isn’t addressed with a potential earlier pick, Robinson offers a similar package of RB/WR experience and ballcarrying flexibility that the 49ers covet.

#93 Overall

Kerby Joseph – S – Illinois

Joseph is a rangy, ball-hawking deep safety who has the smarts and skills to be a starter at the next level, though he’ll become more of a threat if he gets a little more physical and is willing to mix it up more often.

Jaquiski Tartt is now a free agent after spending 7 seasons in San Francisco. Joseph is a different style of player than Tartt, and what the 9ers currently have as alternative options, but he’s a back-end pass and run playmaker.

Marcus Jones – CB – Houston

Jones is an excellent, fluid athlete with the speed, quickness, and mirror-match ability to excel at the next level, but his size and issues against bigger receivers may prove difficult to overcome from time to time.

One of the most unique players in this year’s class, Jones is a twitchy, undersized ball hawk, who can contribute from the slot in subpackages and boost a tepid return game.

Kingsley Enagbare – Edge – South Carolina

Enagbare has the hand usage, pass-rush technique, and motor to be an effective pass rusher early on, but must get stronger in his lower half and get a little more athletic to be an impact player against the run.

Enagbare could be a nice edge rusher complement to Joey Bosa and give the 49ers good rotational depth at a position that’s lacked consistent production.

#105 Overall

Jeremy Ruckert – TE – Ohio State

Ruckert isn’t a dynamic weapon, but he has a well-balanced game in all phases with the blocking temperament and receiving upside to become a solid tight end.

George Kittle is arguably the most complete tight end in the NFL, but injuries and heavy usage suggest finding a strong No. 2 is a need. Few tight ends in this class match Ruckert’s combination of blocking and receiving upside.

Max Mitchell – OT – Louisiana

Mitchell has the frame and athleticism to become a valuable swing tackle and potentially more if he can continue to work on the technical aspects of his game.

Mitchell is an experienced zone blocker with a well-rounded skill set to assist at multiple spots on the 49ers’ evolving offensive line.

Luke Fortner – OC – Kentucky

Fortner has the quickness, athleticism, and smarts to start at the center position by Year 2, but he needs to improve his strength and leverage in order to hit his full potential.

Alex Mack has a lot of miles on his body. Fortner could potentially contribute early at guard in their zone scheme as the center-in-waiting for the future.

To learn more about the 49ers and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 26, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Chicago Bears

The State of the Bears:

With a new head coach in Matt Eberflus and a second year quarterback in Justin Fields, the Bears are in a transition period and need to find a clear direction. As a defensive-minded coach takes over, they will likely get back to the physical play the organization is known for.

After using their 2022 first round pick to move up and get Justin Fields, they will have to wait until pick No. 39 to make their first selection this year. They need to hit on solid starters and get some building blocks to put them in a position to take over a division that could be in flux in the very near future.

#39 Overall

David Ojabo – Edge – Michigan

Ojabo is an excellent athlete with the speed, range, bend, and flexibility to be a force as a pass-rush specialist, but he needs to get stronger and just see more reps in order to develop into an all-around player at the next level.

Ojabo gives the Bears their stud edge of the future and can afford to let him get back to full health after he tore his Achilles in the draft process.

Boye Mafe – Edge – Minnesota

Mafe has the hand use and freaky athleticism teams covet in edge defenders, but he will have to work on his pad level and round out his pass rushing plan of attack to reach his potential as a three-down starter.

Though he will be on the field in 2022, Mafe has a lot of refinement needed and could turn into an All-Pro if he fulfills his potential.

George Pickens – WR – Georgia

Pickens is a big-bodied, big-play threat whose hands, tracking ability and competitiveness will make him a consistent contributor, especially once he learns an NFL route tree and if he becomes more dynamic after the catch.

Pickens has the ability to contribute early on, as well as develop a relationship with Justin Fields that could turn into one of the best tandems in the league.

#48 Overall

DeMarvin Leal – IDL – Texas A&M

Leal is an athletic and agile defensive lineman at his size, who offers great versatility as a pass rusher but needs to work on his interior run defense to keep that flexibility on all three downs.

Getting pressure up the middle is needed in today’s NFL and Leal is as good as anyone doing so in this draft.

Perrion Winfrey – IDL – Oklahoma

Winfrey’s positional versatility, power, and pass rush ability will give him a chance to make an impact early on, but his body control and agility will need to improve for him to become a three-down player.

After terrorizing every opponent at the Senior Bowl, Winfrey showed he has skills that might mean his best football is ahead of him in a role more suited to what he does best.

#71 Overall

Nik Bonitto – Edge – Oklahoma

Bonitto is an athletic, rangy, bendy pass rusher who should excel at getting to the passer with his lack of strength and run game stoutness limiting him to just third downs early in his career at the next level.

If the Bears wait on an edge, Bonitto is a pass rush specialist that could step right into the shoes of Robert Quinn.

Justyn Ross – WR – Clemson

Ross has the combination of size, athleticism, and quick-twitch to contribute in a variety of ways in a receiving room at the next level, but must overcome injury and production concerns to do so.

After an all-world freshman season, injuries hindered Ross’s development, but the Bears can take a gamble in efforts to to have a true no. 1 option in a few years.

To learn more about the Bears and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 26, 2022
SIS NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Green Bay Packers

The State of the Packers:

A wild offseason in Green Bay after falling short in the playoffs at the hands of the 49ers. Aaron Rodgers’ question marks were squashed when he was handed a large extension, but subsequent cuts had to be made to satisfy the contract requirements, with many familiar names leaving Green Bay, including star WR Davante Adams.

Green Bay needs WR desperately and has some gaps at RT and LB. The Packers have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds to address these issues. Could this be the year they finally take a WR in the first round?

#22 Overall

Treylon Burks – WR – Arkansas

Burks will have to improve as a sharp route separator as his tree expands moving forward, but his body control, catching skills, and competitive speed make him an impact player at all levels of the field.

Burks gives the Packers a highly athletic and alpha-type receiver to be their new #1.

Chris Olave – WR – Ohio State

Olave has the catch radius, catch skills, and tracking ability to be a threat at all levels of the field, but needs to become a cleaner route runner and get quicker out of breaks to take advantage of his full potential.

Olave is a well-rounded WR that can win at any level, filling the void left by Davante Adams’ departure.

Nakobe Dean – LB – Georgia

Dean is a smart, rangy linebacker who excels against the run and pass at all three levels of the field, but a lack of length, and inconsistencies as a tackler and disengaging blockers may prove difficult for him from time to time.

Dean’s smarts and speed would be a perfect complement to De’Vondre Campbell’s tackling ability, and likely becomes their green-dot wearer of the future.

#28 Overall

Jahan Dotson – WR – Penn State

Dotson’s size and toughness limit him in certain situations, but his explosiveness and body control allow him to make spectacular plays at all levels of the field.

Safe hands and an all-around game would give Rodgers reliability at one of the WR spots.

Tyler Smith – OT – Tulsa

Smith consistently puts defenders on the ground while using heavy hands and generating tons of movement in the run game, and while he should be tabbed as a starter, he needs to clean up the holding penalties and become a better space player.

Smith is a dominant run blocker, with good strength and athleticism. Would be a likely candidate to start at RT immediately.

Quay Walker – LB – Georgia

Walker’s ability to defend the run and play in zone coverage make him an intriguing prospect at his size and athletic profile, and if he can continue to improve his instincts, he has the potential to be a high-level starter at the next level.

Very similar to current MLB De’Vondre Campbell, Quay could sure up the linebacker room with high athleticism and a well-rounded game.

#53 Overall

Nicholas Petit-Frere – OT – Ohio State

Petit-Frere’s lateral mobility, innate athleticism, hand use, and pedigree are strong traits to bank on at the next level, but he’ll need to improve in pass protection and overall consistency to see time as a starter.

Great athlete, and comes with run game strength, and workable pass protection, all giving the line depth or a potential RT starter.

Tariq Woolen – CB – UTSA

Woolen’s gliding strides, elite athleticism, and superior length are difficult traits to teach, but he needs to match his play strength to his size and continue growing his natural coverage skills and comfortability to reach his high ceiling.

A future starter with great athleticism, solves the Packers’ corner depth issue while getting an impact player.

#59 Overall

David Bell – WR – Purdue

Bell needs to improve his route running separation skills, but his deep ball tracking and slippery ball carrying abilities should make for a multi-level threat and a reliable, alignment-versatile third option.

Bell’s downfield abilities with his awesome YAC skills would make for a dynamic weapon not currently seen in the Packers WR room.

Daniel Faalele – OT – Minnesota

Faalele has the gargantuan size and surprising athleticism teams salivate over in a potential tackle, but he will need to continue to improve his body composition and his foot quickness to reach his high potential.

Faalele being a giant, he could easily be an elite right tackle prospect, but needs to learn how to correctly use that size.

#92 Overall

Darrian Beavers – LB – Cincinnati

Beavers is a powerful, smart, and versatile linebacker that teams look for in the Mike position, but will need to work on his man coverage skills and become more consistent stacking and shedding to see time as a starter.

Beaver’s run game physicality and smarts to redplays and navigate trash would make an excellent MLB duo.

Coby Bryant – CB – Cincinnati

Bryant doesn’t have elite speed and needs to become a better tackler, but is an intelligent and athletic corner who has the field awareness and ball skills to be a long-time starter at the next level.

Bryant’s smarts and ball-skills will make him a day 1 starter, even when the Packers are invested in their current corners.

To learn more about the Packers and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 25, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
New England Patriots

The State of the Patriots:

After failing to get past the Wild Card Round for the third year in a row, the Patriots will look to retool their team to get out of what has been uncharted territory in recent memory. After a highly successful 2021 draft, the Patriots and Bill Belichick will look to build upon that success in an ever improving AFC East division.

With losses in free agency and aging stars, the defensive side of the ball, especially in the back 7, is an area of concern that will need to be addressed in the draft.

On offense, finding second year quarterback Mac Jones a bona fide No. 1 receiver is crucial as well as retooling the team’s biggest strength from last season, the offensive line.

#21 Overall

Devin Lloyd – Will LB – Utah

Lloyd has the speed, aggressive mindset, pass rushing ability, and defensive playmaking ability teams crave in a Will linebacker, and if he continues to hone his craft within the box, he has a very high ceiling.

Lloyd’s versatility would fit perfectly into a Bill Belichick defense as he can make an immediate impact in coverage as well as rushing the passer.

Trent McDuffie – CB – Washington

McDuffie is a fluid athlete who has the speed, quickness, and transition ability to be a solid shutdown corner at the next level, though his size for the outside and limited on-ball production could be what holds him back.

Adding a plus athlete with the upside of a shut down defender who can also make an impact in the run game will contribute to filling the void of losing top cornerback JC Jackson.

Treylon Burks – WR – Arkansas

Burks will have to improve as a sharp route separator as his tree expands moving forward, but his body control, catching skills, and competitive speed make him an impact player at all levels of the field.

The Patriots have lacked production from a big bodied receiver after missing on former first round pick N’Keal Harry. Adding the toughness, ball skills, and big frame that Burks provides will give Mac Jones a great target in his offense.

#54 Overall

Tariq Woolen – CB – UTSA

Woolen’s gliding strides, elite athleticism, and superior length are difficult traits to teach, but he needs to match his play strength to his size and continue growing his natural coverage skills and comfortability to reach his high ceiling.

Woolen’s rare combination of athleticism and length will fit well in the Patriots versatile secondary. If he can develop his raw talent and can cash in on interception opportunities he can help fill the void of JC Jackson’s turnover production.

Chad Muma – Mike LB – Wyoming

Muma is an explosive player with ideal size and a motor that does not quit in order to make splash plays and contribute as a core special teamer, but he needs to refine his skills to make a consistent impact in all areas.

Adding a high motor, agile, tackling machine to the second level of the defense will allow this defense to take the next step. Muma’s athleticism in the run game will provide a big boost in what was at best a sufficient tackling team last year.

Darian Kinnard – OG – Kentucky

Kinnard is a big, strong blocker with a mauling mentality in the run game, but needs to refine his footwork, hand accuracy, and overall technique in the pass game to be an effective starter at the next level.

After losing both starting offensive guards from last season, the Patriots will have Michael Onwenu to fill one spot and will need to find a replacement opposite him. The Patriots were at their best when running the football and Kinnard figures to fit right in as his biggest strength is blocking upfield in the run game.

#85 Overall

Nik Bonitto – Edge – Oklahoma

Bonitto is an athletic, rangy, bendy pass rusher who should excel at getting to the passer with his lack of strength and run game stoutness limiting him to just third downs early in his career at the next level.

After signing Matt Judon in free agency last year, finding another stand-up pass rusher to fit in their 3-4 defense is important to the Patriots success. Bonitto’s athleticism and motor figures to fit well for the Patriots on third down and in definite pass situations.

Alec Pierce – WR – Cincinnati

Pierce has the size, speed, and big-play ability that teams want in an outside receiver, but his inability to consistently win 50/50 balls will limit his appeal to be a game-changing receiver.

Adding Alec Pierce to the offense would provide Mac Jones with a down the field option to an otherwise short and intermediate passing game.

Kerby Joseph – S – Illinois

Joseph is a rangy, ball-hawking deep safety who has the smarts and skills to be a starter at the next level, though he’ll become more of a threat if he gets a little more physical and is willing to mix it up more often.

Adding a ball-hawking defensive back now, will not only allow him to learn from Devin McCourty, but also help fill the turnover void left by the departed JC Jackson.

To learn more about the Patriots and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 25, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Cleveland Browns

The State of the Browns:

It’s been a rollercoaster of an offseason for the Browns. First, they tell Baker Mayfield he’s their quarterback then they pursue Deshaun Watson. Watson tells the Browns they are out of the running, then reverses course and chooses to sign with the Browns.

Now, the Browns have both Watson and Mayfield on the roster at quarterback, as Mayfield is still waiting to see where his next destination is going to be. Not to mention they’ve also signed Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs.

In the meantime, the rest of the roster isn’t in terrible shape. A few hits in this year’s draft and the Browns could be set up nicely for a big run in 2022. However, they don’t have a 1st-round pick. What they do have is three picks on Day 2, which is where a lot of the meat in this class is located. Let’s check out some options for their three Day 2 picks.

#44 Overall

Quay Walker – LB – Georgia

Walker’s ability to defend the run and play in zone coverage make him an intriguing prospect at his size and athletic profile, and if he can continue to improve his instincts, he has the potential to be a high-level starter at the next level.

Cleveland’s current linebacker room is young and talented, but adding Walker to the mix would give them more depth and versatility with him being in the mix for the Mike job by year 2.

Skyy Moore – WR – Western Michigan

Moore is a lightning-quick receiver with room to grow and the innate skills that allow him to be a dynamic playmaker for a creative offense at the next level, especially if his refinement and development go as planned.

The receiving corps has been spread a little thin since Odell Beckham was traded and Jarvis Landry left in free agency. Moore is a dynamic receiver who should step into a slot role right away and give Watson a strong weapon in the middle of the field.

Travis Jones – DT – UConn

Jones is a physical and technical defensive tackle who has the strength and hand use that transition to the NFL, though he needs to get more agile and improve as a pass rusher in order to see time on all three downs.

While Jones isn’t rated in our Top 101, he’s still growing as a pass rusher, and one has to think getting out of UConn and into an NFL room will be a huge step in the right direction for him. He should fight for rotational snaps on the interior D-line right away.

#78 Overall

Cole Strange – OG/OC – Chattanooga

Strange has the reactive athleticism to mirror defenders, consistent leg drive to move them, and the nastiness to finish through the whistle, but he’ll need to improve his balance, footwork, and awareness to maximize his potential.

The Browns are in very good shape at the guard position, but lack some interior depth. Strange is a versatile player who can fill any of the interior offensive line positions, whether that be at guard or center.

Josh Paschal – Edge – Kentucky

Paschal is a strong run defender and brings power as a pass rusher, but needs to get much more consistent and detailed with his pass rush plan in order to really be a three-down player at the next level.

Paschal wore a lot of hats on Kentucky’s defensive line, but lining him up at edge and letting him reduce down on occasion will be a huge benefit to the defensive front.

#99 Overall

Jelani Woods – TE – Virginia

Woods is an adequate receiver and blocker with the smarts and physicality to see time as a backup tight end, though he’ll need to get faster and improve his functional strength once he gets to the next level.

Woods went from rarely seeing passes in four years at Oklahoma State to having a breakout receiving campaign in his lone year at Virginia. Woods should bring another athletic option to the tight end room that still has David Njoku and Harrison Bryant.

Coby Bryant – CB – Cincinnati

Bryant doesn’t have elite speed and needs to become a better tackler, but is an intelligent and athletic corner who has the field awareness and ball skills to be a long-time starter at the next level.

The 2021 Jim Thorpe Award winner is somewhat forgotten behind his teammate Sauce Gardner, but Bryant is a smart corner who has plenty of instincts and ball skills to be productive at the next level.

To learn more about the Browns and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 25, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Tennessee Titans

The State of the Titans:

The Tennessee Titans secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC last year, but lost their 1st playoff game to the Bengals. Derrick Henry coming back from injury will be a welcomed sight, but losing Rodger Saffold creates a hole in their offensive line. Losing Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans will also have the Titans looking to bolster their linebacker depth.

The skill positions are basically set, adding Robert Woods and Austin Hooper should help take pressure off of Henry.

The Titans are likely only a couple pieces away from being a threat in the AFC again and will look to improve their offensive line in the draft.

#26 Overall

Zion Johnson – Guard – Boston College

Johnson is a plug-and-play left guard at the next level with the anchor and hand usage to pass protect at a high level and the scheme versatility to excel in the run game.

The Titans have a hole at guard and Johnson can step in and start day 1. This isn’t the sexiest pick, but it works so well and Derrick Henry will be the first to welcome him.

Kenyon Green – Guard – Texas A&M

Green can have inconsistent hand placement and needs more refined technique against finesse rushers, but he is a physical and athletic guard with the footwork, sheer strength, and awareness to be a difference maker on the inside.

Green will immediately improve the offensive line and has all the traits teams look for in a zone-scheme guard.

#90 Overall

Marcus Jones – Cornerback – Houston

Jones is an excellent, fluid athlete with the speed, quickness, and mirror-match ability to excel at the next level, but his size and issues against bigger receivers may prove difficult to overcome from time to time.

Jones’ ability to be a starting slot cornerback and a kick returner should make him a valuable player in his first year.

Brian Asamoah – Linebacker – Oklahoma

Asamoah makes up for his lack of size and play strength with explosive speed, an alpha-dog mentality, and desire to enforce his will on his opponents on his way to claiming a starting spot at the next level.

The Titans lost some linebacker depth this offseason and Asamoah is a tone-setting linebacker that can elevate other players around him.

To learn more about the Titans and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 25, 2022