We hyped it up for months. The NFL draft delivered. After the first two picks went off as expected, San Francisco pulled the first surprise of the draft and we were off and running. Three receivers went in the top 10. Four if you count Kyle Pitts. The Raiders ruined everyone’s mock draft, as we have come to expect by now. In short, it was a wild and exciting night.
I will continue to say, it is too early to hand out draft grades. At some point in the near future, I will go back and regrade the 2016 NFL draft. You need about five years to evaluate a draft class, and even then, that might not be enough.
Still, there is plenty of room for initial reactions to everything that just went down in Cleveland. Let’s review the biggest surprises from Thursday and take a look at the best players still available.
San Francisco fooled (almost) everyone Shortly after the 49ers traded up to the No. 3 pick, it came out that Kyle Shanahan loved Mac Jones as a prospect. For weeks, speculation ran wild that Jones was going to be the pick. He fit the mold of what Shanahan loved in a quarterback and would give San Francisco a chance to win now with a healthier roster. Jones is pro ready and brought a lot of similar traits to Kirk Cousins, whom Shanahan found success with in Washington. It just made sense. Then, the narrative started to change. Rumors started to circulate that the 49ers were undecided on the pick, weighing Trey Lance and Justin Fields as well. As it turns out, they were not set on Jones. My initial reaction is that John Lynch and the front office got this absolutely right. After a few years of feeling like they were leaking information, we all knew the 49ers liked Javon Kinlaw and Brandon Aiyuk last year, San Francisco kept a lid on their draft plans for this year.
Philly and Dallas made a trade with … each other? What in the world just happened? Apparently, the Cowboys hate the Giants more than they hate the Eagles. Philadelphia sent a third-round pick to Dallas to jump New York, taking the Heisman trophy winner, DeVonta Smith. The move reunites Smith with his college quarterback back at Alabama in 2017 and part of 2018. Jalen Hurts was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa before Smith was really part of the starting lineup, but there is at least some familiarity there. It is an interesting move by Jerry Jones. I guess he decided that he would rather take the extra third round pick if he was going to play against Smith twice a year regardless. Overall, savvy move by both sides that forced Dave Gettleman to trade down for the first time ever as a general manager.
Why do we even bother mocking picks to the Raiders anymore? Speculation about what Las Vegas could do with the 17th pick was all over the place. I thought Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was a great fit. My co-host on the Draft Season Never Ends podcast James Schiano predicted the Raiders would tab Teven Jenkins. He was closer, but Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden shocked everyone again by taking Alex Leatherwood. I had a late second-round grade on Leatherwood, ranking him 59th overall. ESPN showed a graphic that said its draft prediction algorithm gave the Alabama tackle a 60 percent chance of still being available when Las Vegas picked in the second round at 46. It was another head-scratching move, but this is what Mayock and Gruden do. In 2019, they stunned everyone by selecting Clelin Ferrell fourth overall. Last year, Las Vegas reached to draft Damon Arnette in the first round. This organization clearly has a very different outlook on the scouting process than everyone else in football.
Clemson backfield reunited in Jacksonville Everyone and their fiancée had the Jaguars selecting Trevor Lawrence first overall in their mock drafts. It was a done deal. What we didn’t expect was for Jacksonville to take a running back with its second pick of the first round. Travis Etienne is an electric player in the open field and there was some speculation the team could look to add a complementary running back to support James Robinson. Taking Etienne in round one is a stunner though. As the league as a whole continues to devalue the position, Jacksonville suddenly has two starting-caliber options. Urban Meyer said he was going to take the best player available, but this is puzzling. Especially when you consider that Meyer told reporters that Etienne was going to be used as a third-down back. Excuse me? Very bizarre roster-building strategy indeed. Love the player, just wonder if maybe the Jaguars could have used the pick to fill a more pressing need on a roster with a lot of holes.
Payton Turner sneaks into the first round I did not see this one coming. I had heard some buzz earlier in the day that Payton Turner could be a potential first-round pick, but I chalked that up to draft day noise. Turns out, it was spot on. He had been trending up recently, according to NFL Mock Draft Database. Only The Score had him ranked in the first round from what I can find, with his average ranking topping out at 68 overall. Turner was the second-to-last player to earn a third-round grade from me. He is long and agile though, so I can see the appeal for New Orleans, especially after losing Trey Hendrickson in free agency. Turner is also a really good fit in the Saints’ 4-3 system. However, considering that the team has Cameron Jordan and former first-round pick Marcus Davenport already on the roster, this has to go down as a bit of a surprise given the team’s other needs at corner, linebacker and receiver.
No JOK on Day 1 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was viewed as a lock by many in the media to go in the first round. He was a rangy coverage linebacker who could line up at safety and nickel corner. He is my top-rated player still available heading into Day 2. Did Isaiah Simmons’ struggles as a rookie sour the whole league on Owusu-Koramoah? It seems unlikely, but I am unsure how else to explain why one of the fastest linebackers in this class fell out of the first round. As the NFL has trended more and more toward linebackers who are lighter and quicker, JOK felt like a perfect fit for the modern NFL defense. He could easily go No. 33 overall to the Jaguars, who could use someone with his coverage ability in their defense. Much as I said about Josh Jones last year though, it is unclear when exactly his slide will stop.
Best Players Available
That is what stood out to me from the first night of the NFL draft. There are still 227 more picks to be made though, so the draft is really only getting started. With that in mind, here are my top remaining prospects:
16. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame 24. Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama 27. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU (first-round cut off) 29. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas 30. Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma 31. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State 32. Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State 33. Liam Eichenburg, OT, Notre Dame 35. Carlos Basham, DL, Wake Forest 36. Jabril Cox, LB, LSU 38. Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan 42. Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU 43. Javonte Williams, RB, UNC 44. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia 45. Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa 46. Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia 47. Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas 48. Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami 49. Nico Collins, WR, Michigan 50. Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State 51. Jevon Holland, S, Oregon 52. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford 53. Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami 54. Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh 55. Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State 56. Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh 57. Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse 58. Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse 60. Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky 61. Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State 62. Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama 63. Jay Tufele, DL, USC 64. Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss 65. Peter Werner, LB, Ohio State 66. James Hudson III, OT, Cincinnati (Second-round cut off) 67. Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue 68. Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri 69. Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC 70. Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson 71. Richie Grant, S, UCF 72. Trey Smith, G, Tennessee 73. Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma 74. Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State 75. Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington 76. Davis Mills, QB, Stanford 77. Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota 78. Walker Little, OT, Stanford 79. Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina 80. Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa 81. Michael Carter, RB, UNC 82. Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF 83. Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State 84. Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama 85. Kyle Trask, QB, Florida 86. Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State 87. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC 88. D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan 89. Dyami Brown, WR, UNC 91. Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame (Third-round cut off) 92. Tyler Shelvin, DL, LSU 93. Nolan Laufenburg, G, Air Force 94. Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas 95. Monty Rice, LB, Georgia 96. Quinn Meinerz, C, Wisconsin-Whitewater 97. Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan 98. Jackson Carmen, G, Clemson 99. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State 100. Kenny Yeboah, TE, Ole Miss
Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
It is finally draft day! At long last, I am so excited to sit down with some wings and watch the first round unfold.
There is going to be a ton of movement on Thursday. Rumors are flying everywhere about which teams may want to move up or down. I have a few different trades projected in this mock. They are as follows:
Denver trades 1.9, 2.40 and a 2022 first-round pick to Atlanta for 1.4, 6.188
New England trades 1.15, 2.46 and 2022 first-round pick to Detroit for 1.7
Washington trades 3.74 and a 2022 conditional third-round pick to Denver for Drew Lock
Washington trades 1.19 and 4.125 to Arizona for 1.16
I also want to make it clear, this is what I think should happen and what I would do if I were the general manager for each team. I do not believe this is how the draft is going to unfold.
Check back in throughout draft weekend as I will be recapping the biggest surprises and best players still available after each day of the draft.
And so, the 2021 draft season is finally coming to an end. After countless hours of work, here is my final mock draft for the 2021 NFL draft.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15) – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson This pick has been all but set in stone since January. Trevor Lawrence definitely has some room for improvement, but most of the mechanical issues we’ve seen in his game are easily correctable. He would give the Jaguars a fresh start and a whole new outlook as a franchise.
2. New York Jets (2-14) – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State Yup, I’m a bit different than the masses here. I really like Trey Lance. I think his mobility, arm strength and big-play ability will translate well to the NFL. Make no mistake, he is a project. With only 17 career games and tons of technical flaws, he will need to spend at least a year learning how to play the position at an NFL level. When he does put the pieces together though, his potential is incredibly high. I think New York can afford to be patient for a year or two while it continues to rebuild the roster around Lance.
3. San Francisco 49ers via Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans (6-10) – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU 49ers fans would be ecstatic if this was not Mac Jones. In Zach Wilson, they would get a quarterback with incredible arm talent, capable of throwing off platform and on the move. The biggest knocks on Wilson are his success against a weak schedule in college and durability concerns. He has a very slight frame that could struggle to hold up in the NFL. He already suffered one shoulder injury and does not do a great job of protecting himself as a runner.
4. Denver Broncos via Atlanta Falcons (5-11) – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State What happens at No. 4 is going to impact the rest of the draft. Atlanta could easily stay put and take Kyle Pitts, but I think this team is way more than one player away from competing. Trading down with Denver to net some extra picks while staying in the top 10 would be a great move. For the Broncos, they can reset the clock on their franchise quarterback. Justin Fields could sit for most of the year behind Teddy Bridgewater while the former Ohio State quarterback gets up to speed. His physical traits make him an enticing pick. The opportunity to get him should be too good for new general manager George Patton to pass up.
5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon Don’t overthink this. I know that Joe Burrow really wants to be reunited with his former college teammate Ja’Marr Chase, but Penei Sewell has the potential to completely change the outlook of this offensive line. He is incredibly athletic and only 20 years old. Starting him at left tackle would allow Cincinnati to push Jonah Williams inside to guard, which is where many felt his NFL future lied anyway when he was coming out of college. There will be plenty of receivers to draft in the second round.
6. Miami Dolphins via Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU This is exactly what Miami was hoping for when it traded up to this spot: the chance to select either Ja’Marr Chase or Kyle Pitts. I prefer Chase here. He has great speed, plays way bigger than you would expect and can make opposing corners look foolish downfield. Finding a true No. 1 receiver for Tua Tagovailoa to grow with has to be the priority for Miami in this draft. Chase might be the best receiver prospect since Julio Jones. It is hard to pass that up.
7. New England Patriots via Detroit Lions (7-9) –Mac Jones, QB, Alabama What New England decides to do at quarterback is one of the most interesting points of conversation in this draft. I think moving up to grab Mac Jones would be a great move. He feels like he fits a lot of what the Patriots traditionally like to do on offense. I know they have built this team to be successful with Cam Newton at the helm, but I think Jones would be more than capable of making the most of the weapons the Patriots have acquired. His ball placement is next level and his consistency at the position would be a huge stabilizing factor for the whole team.
8. Carolina Panthers (5-11) – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida After going all defense in the 2020 draft, Carolina finds a new weapon for Sam Darnold to work with. Kyle Pitts is an anomaly with the way he is able to move at his size. This would essentially be like drafting another receiver for the offense. The Panthers have tried to get by with Ian Thomas at tight end ever since Greg Olsen left, but Pitts would be a huge upgrade over anyone currently on the roster. An offense featuring him, Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore and Robby Anderson would be explosive.
9. Atlanta Falcons via Denver Broncos (4-12) – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama I know Atlanta drafted a cornerback in the first round last year, but I think they reached in doing so. A.J. Terrell had a decent rookie season and looks like he could be a solid No. 2 corner, but the Falcons still need to find their top guy in the secondary. Patrick Surtain is the best all-around option in this class at the position. He comes from Alabama very polished with tons of experience against elite competition. He faced Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle in practice over the past two years. I think he would be a great addition to this Falcons defense.
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-10) – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina With Surtain off the board, Dallas can still go corner here. Jaycee Horn is the best press man corner in the class. I know that has not always been the Cowboys style defensively, but Horn has tons of experience in other coverages as well. South Carolina lined him up all over the place at varying depths. I think he is pro ready and has the physical traits to keep up with NFL receivers. He has long arms, good long speed and an impressive vertical. Horn and Trevon Diggs would give the Cowboys an exciting cornerback tandem.
11. New York Giants (6-10) – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama Despite their best efforts to surround Daniel Jones with playmakers, he has never had anyone around him like Jaylen Waddle. That might be because there are few players like Jaylen Waddle. His speed, agility and change of direction are incredible. He would add a whole new element to this Giants offense that has been lacking in recent years. Waddle’s big-play ability perfectly complements players like Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and even Evan Engram. No more excuses for Daniel Jones if this is the pick.
12. Philadelphia Eagles via San Francisco 49ers (4-11-1) – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama With the top two corners off the board, this should be an easy pick for the Eagles. DeVonta Smith is a fluid route runner with a great catch radius and reliable hands. If he weighed 185 pounds, he might be the first receiver taken. His small frame is a concern for a lot of people, myself included. His talent is undeniable though and very much worth betting on at this point in the draft. The comparison I’ve been making for a while now is that he is Chad Johnson (aka Chad Ochocinco) without the on-field antics. I would sign up for that in a heartbeat if I were the Eagles.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern Building the trenches to protect Justin Herbert is Los Angeles’ priority. Especially with the top receivers off the board, there should be no hesitation in taking Rashawn Slater. He is a rock solid tackle with elite potential at guard. His versatility and consistency make him a great selection in this spot. The Chargers’ line would quickly start to look like one of the best in the league with Slater, Corey Linsley and Bryan Bulaga. They could still use some help at the guard spots.
14. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC While edge rusher has been a popular projection here, I don’t think the Vikings can afford to pass up on Alijah Vera-Tucker. He is the best interior lineman in this class, except for maybe Slater, but I expect him to line up at tackle. Vera-Tucker played tackle as well in his final season at USC, but his arm length makes me think he would be much better suited to play on the interior. The Vikings still need to solve their left tackle issues, but the interior of the line would be in great shape.
15. Detroit Lions via New England Patriots (5-11) – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State I would consider the Lions taking Micah Parsons with the seventh pick. To acquire more draft capital and still land him would make Brad Holmes look like a genius. Parsons is an instinctive linebacker with great speed and size. Detroit’s defense has been a mess in recent years and Parsons’ presence would signal the sign of a major refresh. As the top off-ball linebacker in this draft, you can expect him to make an immediate impact.
16. Washington Football Team via Arizona Cardinals (7-9) – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech Washington needs to find its replacement for Trent Williams. It is actually two years late in doing so, but better late than never. Christian Darrisaw is a massive tackle who can anchor in pass coverage and lock down the left side of this offensive line. After re-acquiring Ereck Flowers, this Washington offensive line would suddenly look much better than it did a few weeks ago. There are still plenty of question marks, but after acquiring Drew Lock in this mock, this team looks set to defend its division title in 2021.
17. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) –Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame Big school? Check. Position of need? Check. That has seemed to be the Raiders only criteria in drafting players in the first round in recent years. That being said, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would be an awesome addition to a terrible defense. He could line up all over the formation and could immediately improve Las Vegas’ ability to cover tight ends and running backs. I know the Raiders have invested a lot of money at linebacker in recent years, so Owusu-Koramoah could start out at strong safety instead. He has enough range to play there and it would give him the freedom to drop down into the box and wreak havoc on a regular basis. The Raiders might have had the worst safety duo in the league a year ago, so the need for an upgrade is huge.
18. Miami Dolphins (10-6) – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama Miami could go a number of directions here, but I think it is hard to pass up on the top running back in this class. Najee Harris can work between the tackles, has great hands out of the backfield and would give the Dolphins another offensive weapon to help Tua Tagovailoa’s development. Add in the fact that Harris and Tagovailoa shared the Alabama backfield in 2019 and this just seems like a great fit for the Dolphins.
19. Arizona Cardinals via Washington Football Team (8-8) – Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern Arizona moves down a few spots to acquire a late-round pick, which is important for a team without a third or fourth-round selection. The Cardinals can still address a big position of need as well by taking Greg Newsome. I am a huge fan of Newsome and I think he will develop into a starter very quickly in the NFL. He is a good athlete who showed a good understanding of how to time his arrival to make a play on the ball. He is not a ballhawk with only one collegiate interception, but he looks like he could be one of the better cover corners in this class.
20. Chicago Bears (8-8) – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas This is a bit early for Samuel Cosmi, but with a number of teams that need a tackle picking soon after the Bears, I don’t think Chicago could afford to trade down. Cosmi has a massive frame that could use some filling out. He moves extremely well for someone measuring in at 6’7″. He needs to develop some better play strength, which I think will come with building a stronger base. If Cosmi hits the squat rack early and often, he has the potential to be a great left tackle in the NFL.
21. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) –Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan Indianapolis needs a left tackle, but a lot of the top remaining tackles on the board at this point project best as right tackles. The Colts also have a big need at their defensive end spot with Justin Houston still a free agent. Kwity Paye would fit really well into a 4-3 scheme. He is very raw, but possesses impressive physical traits. At worst, he could be a reliable run stopper in his early days while he works to refine his pass rushing moves.
22. Tennessee Titans (11-5) – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami He would have to add some weight to his frame, but I think Gregory Rousseau could be an excellent fit as a 3-4 defensive end. He has the room to do it as well, standing nearly 6’7″ and only 266 pounds. If you turn on his film, you will see Rousseau dominate against interior defensive linemen on a regular basis, while struggling a bit when he lines up on the outside. The Titans still need some pass rushing help even after signing Bud Dupree, who is coming off a torn ACL. I think Rousseau needs some time to develop after only one year on the field in college after switching from being a wide receiver and safety in high school. There is a ton of untapped potential there though.
23. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks (2-14) – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech Injury concerns push Caleb Farley way down the board. If he was healthy, he would probably be a top-10 pick. While the issues he is facing are very serious, I think the Jets should take the risk in this spot. If Farley is able to recover, he would be a steal and give the Jets a true No. 1 corner, something they have lacked since Darrelle Revis left town. Farley’s physicality and size makes him a great fit for Robert Saleh’s defense and would completely change the outlook of the secondary.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame I will stand by this pick no matter what. Liam Eichenberg is going to be successful in the NFL. He might not be a great player, but he will be an above average starter that can play for 10 to 12 years, if he stays healthy. Pittsburgh desperately needs to revamp its offensive line after watching injuries and poor play decimate it last season. Adding Eichenberg on the right side would be a huge stabilizing factor. This probably should not be the only pick the Steelers invest into their offensive line either.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams (1-15) – Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama Jacksonville has an interesting collection of edge rushers but no one to man the middle of that defensive line. Christian Barmore has tons of potential and showed how dominant he can be in the national title game as he split blocks and outworked Ohio State’s offensive line. He definitely needs some coaching to reach his full potential, but as a redshirt sophomore, I feel like Barmore has only scratched the surface of what he could become.
26. Cleveland Browns (11-5) – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa Cleveland has one of the best offenses in the league. That did feel weird to type. However, their defense is not quite at the same level yet. Zaven Collins would give them a big, off-ball linebacker capable of making plays in space. He flashed some pass rushing ability as well in his time at Tulsa. His versatility and size makes him a good value at a position of need for the Browns.
27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota Baltimore was involved in contract talks with several receivers during free agency, but came away with just Sammy Watkins when the dust settled. They need to find some reliable possession receivers to get the most out of Lamar Jackson. Rashod Bateman would bring some much-needed size to this receiver corps. Bateman has yards-after-the-catch ability as well. He dominated the Big Ten in 2019 before playing in about half of Minnesota’s 2020 season. I think he would thrive in Baltimore.
28. New Orleans Saints (12-4) –Jabril Cox, LB, LSU New Orleans can stay in the Bayou for this one. The Saints have been searching for linebacker help in recent years. Jabril Cox would be a great fit in their 4-3 defense. He can diagnose the run and he excels in coverage. New Orleans would have no concerns leaving him on the field on passing downs. After four years at North Dakota State and a year with LSU, Cox feels NFL ready with the speed and instincts to help right away.
29. Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida I know the Packers have managed to find success without investing in the wide receiver position, but Kadarius Toney would add a new element to this offense that has been lacking in recent years. His route-running ability and short-area quickness presents a different skill set than anyone currently on Green Bay’s roster. He could line up in the slot or out wide. I think this move would also go a long way in showing Aaron Rodgers the team is willing to listen to his concerns. It is usually a good idea to keep your MVP quarterback happy.
30. Buffalo Bills (13-3) – Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia This is a bit early for Eric Stokes, but I have a very specific reason in mind for this. The Bills came up short against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. A big reason why was Tyreek Hill had nine catches for 172 yards. Stokes might not be as fast as Hill, but he is one of the speediest corners in this class. He ran a 4.31 40 at his pro day and that speed shows up on film, too. His four interceptions in 2020 points to his ability as a difference maker as well. I think he would be a perfect complement to Tre’Davious White and give Buffalo an exciting starting combo at corner.
31. Baltimore Ravens via Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) – Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State I have other edge rushers higher on my board than Jayson Oweh, but this just feels like such a Ravens pick. He has elite physical traits, but lacks the college production to back them up. Baltimore has a fantastic track record of developing edge rushers as well. With Matt Judon gone, this also feels like a need. The Ravens would have to feel pretty good walking away from the first round with Bateman and Oweh.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami Medical concerns are the only red flag regarding Jaelan Phillips. His talent is that of a top-20 player. He showed out in his one year at Miami after transferring from UCLA. However, he has already suffered two concussions and previously retired from football for medical reasons. If there is a team that this should not matter to, it is the Buccaneers. Not that they won’t be concerned with his overall health, but if Phillips only plays a few seasons before deciding to protect himself from future damage, I think that would be fine. Tampa is in win-now mode and will be happy to get an immediate contributor as they make the most of this title window.
33. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15) – Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State For fans of more traditional, inline blocking tight ends, Pat Freiermuth is your guy. He works the middle of the field well and provides a consistent target for his quarterback. Jacksonville desperately needs an upgrade at the position as well with one of the worst tight end rooms in the league.
34. New York Jets (2-14) – Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State After grabbing Wilson and Farley in the first round, New York can bolster its offensive line with Wyatt Davis. He is a beast as a run blocker who has some room for improvement in pass protection. He will help Joe Douglas do what he loves to do: build in the trenches.
35. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) – Joe Tyron, EDGE, Washington Atlanta grabbed the top corner in the draft in the first round. Now they can invest along the defensive line. Joe Tryon has great play strength and incredible size for the position. I think he will seamlessly to a a 4-3 defensive end in the Falcons defense.
36. Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (10-6) – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia This would be the perfect landing spot for Azeez Ojulari. He is a speed rusher that could excel in a 3-4 outside linebacker role. He needs to diversify his game, but I think Brian Flores will help get the most out of him. It also fills a position of need for the Dolphins after they cut Kyle Van Noy.
37. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1) – Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky The Eagles could easily go corner here, but Jamin Davis is going to be a starting linebacker in the NFL. He has elite speed for the position and would immediately be the best linebacker on the Eagles roster. The combination of Davis, T.J. Edwards and possibly Eric Wilson could be a solid starting trio for Philly.
38. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) – Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU They passed on one of Joe Burrow’s former teammates in the first. The Bengals won’t do it again. Terrace Marshall had a great season with Burrow, catching 13 touchdowns in 2019. His size and long distance speed makes him a fun fit in a Cincinnati offense that already has Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
39. Carolina Panthers (5-11) – Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan Carolina continues to rebuild its offense. Jalen Mayfield is a big offensive tackle with the potential to eventually start on either side of the line. He definitely needs a bit of seasoning, but he could replace Greg Little in the starting lineup in 2022.
40. Atlanta Falcons via Denver Broncos (4-12) – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson Using one of the picks acquired in their trade down, Atlanta grabs a game-breaking running back. Travis Etienne is a home run hitter with good hands out of the backfield. After Todd Gurley failed to take hold, this feels like a great value for the Falcons.
41. Detroit Lions (5-11) – Carlos Basham, DL, Wake Forest I don’t think it is an overstatement to call Detroit’s defense awful in 2020. The Lions re-signed Romeo Okwara, traded for Michael Brockers and still have Trey Flowers to build a solid defensive line. Carlos Basham could finish the job. He has the size and speed to excel as a 4-3 defensive tackle and versatility to line up at defensive end as well.
42. New York Giants (6-10) – Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas The Giants turn to the defensive side of the ball and grab a raw, athletic pass rusher. Joseph Ossai is still learning how to play on the edge. He spent his earlier years at Texas in more of an off-ball role. I could see Ossai turning into a solid pass rusher capable of dropping into coverage as needed.
43. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) – Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia Even with Robert Saleh gone, I believe the 49ers are going to continue to prioritize long corners in their defense. Tyson Campbell measures in at 6’1″ with above average arm length. He ran an impressive 4.4-second 40 at his pro day as well. Size and speed is often a winning combo in the NFL.
44. Dallas Cowboys (6-10) – Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State Dallas’ rapid decline along their offensive line is more about injuries than anything else, but I think it showed the importance of depth. Not to mention, Tyron Smith and La’el Collins are coming off serious injuries. Dillon Radunz has the versatility to play tackle or guard, and I think will be a long-term start in the league.
45. Jacksonville Jaguars via Minnesota Vikings (1-15) – Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State Jacksonville franchised Cam Robinson for 2021, but could use tackle help for the future. Teven Jenkins projects best as a right tackle, but his movement skills could allow him to move to the left side. Either way, Jacksonville needs to invest in protecting Trevor Lawrence.
46. Detroit Lions via New England Patriots (5-11) –Nico Collins, WR, Michigan Pretty much all of Detroit’s receivers left in free agency this offseason. At some point, the Lions will need to restock. Keeping Nico Collins close to his alma mater could be a great move. He had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl and could be a reliable target for Jared Goff.
47. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) – Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami The Chargers signed Jared Cook to lessen the blow of losing Hunter Henry, but that is a short-term fix. Brevin Jordan can make plays in space and can almost operate as another receiver in this offense. After going offensive line in the first round, Los Angeles can grab a receiving threat to aid in Herbert’s continued development.
48. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) – Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa Somewhat surprisingly, the Raiders cut Maurice Hurst. That creates a major need at defensive tackle. Daviyon Nixon has all the physical tools and standout athleticism. He just needs to put those things together more consistently to find success at the next level.
49. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) – Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma Reuniting Kyler Murray with his former college center would be good for his long-term health. Creed Humphrey is a perfect fit for the Cardinals offense as pass blocking, mobile interior lineman. You could plug him in at guard for a year before taking over for Rodney Hudson in 2022 at center.
50. Miami Dolphins (10-6) – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama This is all about putting Tua Tagovailoa in a position to be successful. Alex Leatherwood blocked for him for two years. He definitely has some major areas for growth, but he could take over at right tackle and allow Robert Hunt to kick inside.
51. Washington Football Team (7-9) – Jevon Holland, S, Oregon Washington added to its offensive line in the first round and acquired a young quarterback to develop via trade. Now it can address the backend of its defense. Jevon Holland would have a field day making plays behind this front four. He can line up at nickel corner, strong safety or even free safety. That versatility is enticing.
52. Chicago Bears (8-8) – Davis Mills, QB, Stanford And here comes the move for a quarterback. Chicago is desperate to turn things around and I think the front office and coaching staff will be willing to take a shot on the toolsy Davis Mills. After just 13 career games in college, Mills is basically an unknown. I don’t think the Bears will be in a position to land one of the top five quarterbacks, so this is plan B.
53. Tennessee Titans (11-5) – Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford Tennessee’s secondary is a bit of a work in progress. Signing Janoris Jenkins gives the Titans a capable starter on the outside with Chris Jackson across from him. 2020 second-round pick Krisitan Fulton is still in the mix too. I still think this team could use some help on the outside still. Paulson Adebo has not played football in a long time, but I think he has the physical tools to develop into a starter.
54. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) – Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss At this point, the Colts can no longer rely on Paris Campbell to provide speed and playmaking for this offense. If he can stay healthy, his presence will be a nice bonus. Elijah Moore would give Indy a dynamo out of the slot capable of taking over a game. His upside is limited due to his height. I don’t think he will ever start on the outside, but he can still provide tons of value to this offense.
55. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – Javonte Williams, RB, UNC The Steelers need to get back to running the football. After adding Eichenberg in the first round, Javonte Williams would give them a physical runner to take the pressure off Ben Roethlisberger. Williams is not much of a pass catcher, but Pittsburgh already has Anthony McFarland to play in a third-down role.
56. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) – Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama Russell Wilson made it clear this offseason that the Seahawks need to do a better job protecting him. Landon Dickerson could be a great value at this point in the draft. He is recovering from a serious knee injury, but if he can get back to full strength, he could be Seattle’s starting center in Week 1.
57. Los Angeles Rams (10-6) – James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati The Rams desperately need to invest in their offensive line. Jared Goff struggled because he lacked the mobility to make plays when the protection broke down. Matthew Stafford is not much faster. James Hudson could be the Rams starting left tackle in 2022.
58. Kansas City Chiefs via Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh Kansas City has done an excellent job rebuilding its offensive line through free agency and trades. Now it can afford to grab a pass rusher to help its defense. Rashad Weaver has a great first step and a good array of moves. I even think he could kick inside on some passing downs to give opposing offensive lines a different look.
59. Cleveland Browns (11-5) – Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh Back-to-back Pittsburgh picks here. Patrick Jones had a phenomenal career with the Panthers, recording 17 sacks over his final two seasons. He has good initial burst, but needs to get better at keeping his balance. We saw him struggle with that at the Senior Bowl.
60. New Orleans Saints (12-4) – Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse Rumors are flying around that the Saints want to trade up for a corner in the first round. If they decide to wait until the second round, I think Ifeatu Melifonwu would be a great selection. He has the length and explosiveness needed to play the position in the NFL. He is probably better suited to be a zone corner at this stage.
61. Buffalo Bills (13-3) – Walker Little, OT, Stanford This would be a great landing spot for Walker Little. He would not need to start right away, allowing him to get up to speed and get fully healthy. Injuries plagued Little in college before he ultimately opted out of the 2020 season. He has moments of greatness on film, but Buffalo’s job will be to pull those out and help him do it consistently.
62. Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky Think back to the NFC Championship game and it will be easy to remember the Packers needing help in the secondary. Kelvin Joseph could be a great No. 2 corner on this defense across from Jaire Alexander. He is aggressive, sometimes a bit too much so, but possesses great makeup speed. He also understands positioning at a high level.
63. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) – Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State I don’t think there is a receiver worth going here that fits what Kansas City is looking for, but the team definitely could use a boost at linebacker. Pete Werner has sideline-to-ideline ability and diagnoses plays quickly. His range and sure tackling fills a huge void for the Chiefs.
64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) – Jay Tufele, DL, USC Tampa continues to plan for the future. Jay Tufele definitely fits the mold of a 3-4 defensive end. He had a strong 2019 season before opting out of 2020. With Ndamukong Suh on a one-year deal and recently turning 33, Tufele could be the 2022 starter.
Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Second episode of the podcast is out now! Chris and James are back to make their final predictions ahead of the 2021 NFL draft. They break down what they expect to happen for all 32 picks in the first round. Make sure you check it out ahead of the start of the draft on Thursday night.
You can find every episode on Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. As always, we appreciate reviews, feedback and when you hit that subscribe button. Hope you enjoy the first show. Plenty more to come!
The countdown has reached one. On the final day before the NFL draft, I decided to have some fun with my player rankings. I am going to dive into my top 100, my positional rankings and even rank the position groups in this class.
This was easily the most difficult year I’ve ever had trying to nail down my final rankings. With no combine, incomplete medical information and the pandemic truly testing my mental fortitude, I certainly struggled. However, as I sit here in late April, I still feel pretty good about the list I have put together. I will dive into more of the specifics for some of these rankings when I get into the positional rankings. I also noted the cut off for where I have players graded by round. Without further ado, here are my top 100 players in this draft.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa (First-round cut off)
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
Liam Eichenburg, OT, Notre Dame
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Carlos Basham, DL, Wake Forest
Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington
Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU
Javonte Williams, RB, UNC
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa
Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
Nico Collins, WR, Michigan
Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
Jay Tufele, DL, USC
Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Peter Werner, LB, Ohio State
James Hudson III, OT, Cincinnati (Second-round cut off)
Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC
Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
Richie Grant, S, UCF
Trey Smith, G, Tennessee
Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina
Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
Michael Carter, RB, UNC
Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF
Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan
Dyami Brown, WR, UNC
Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame (Third-round cut off)
Tyler Shelvin, DL, LSU
Nolan Laufenburg, G, Air Force
Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas
Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
Quinn Meinerz, C, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
Jackson Carmen, G, Clemson
Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Kenny Yeboah, TE, Ole Miss
Let’s get into the nitty gritty now and take a look at each of the position groups. I tried to get very granular with these. Too often we just use the terms “EDGE” or “Linebacker” for so many front seven players. I wanted to really dive into which players fit into which schemes in my eyes.
Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
Trey Lance, North Dakota State
Zach Wilson, BYU
Mac Jones, Alabama
Justin Fields, Ohio State
Davis Mills, Stanford
Kyle Trask, Florida
Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
Jamie Newman, QB, Wake Forest
Shane Buechele, SMU
I don’t think there should be any surprise at No. 1. Trevor Lawrence checks all the physical boxes and enters the NFL with a wealth of high-level college experience. Meanwhile, my No. 2 quarterback lacks a lot of that polish that teams love about Lawrence. Trey Lance is incredibly physically gifted and has an incredibly high ceiling. I like his size a lot and think he is more likely to hold up at the next level than Zach Wilson. I do believe that Wilson has the best arm in this draft class, but I worry that he will not last long in the NFL. He runs with abandon and we saw that lead to a few injuries in college. Mac Jones is the most pro-ready passer in this class, but lacks the physical traits that wow fans and scouts alike. His ball placement is special though and I think he will be successful in the NFL, even if he is a bit unathletic by today’s standards for the position. Justin Fields is more of a project than I think most people realize. His speed is incredible, but his throwing motion and technique lack refining. I still believe in his potential, but I think his floor is lower than anyone else in the top five. Davis Mills is the biggest question mark in this class. Between injuries and a lack of experience, this is all about projection for him. I think he is a third-round prospect who will come off the board much sooner. Kellen Mond and Kyle Trask have some encouraging traits, but don’t bring enough to the table to make me believe either one of them will be high-end starters. I think both could be successful, but it will be more because of their surrounding talent than their raw skill. Jamie Newman is a wild card. He transferred from Wake Forest to Georgia only to opt out of the 2020 season after losing the starting job to Stetson Bennett. He is an intriguing project, but needs a ton of work. Shane Buchele is one of my favorite late-round quarterbacks. I think he could develop into a low-end starter or a reliable backup at the next level.
Running Back
Najee Harris, Alabama
Travis Etienne, Clemson
Javonte Williams, UNC
Michael Carter, UNC
Rhammondre Stevenson, Oklahoma
Trey Sermon, Ohio State
Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech
Kenny Gainwell, Memphis
Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
Kylin Hill, Mississippi State
The top six running backs in this class feel like they could be regular starters in the NFL. Najee Harris is an exciting blend of size and skill. He is a big back with good vision and incredible hands. He will be an asset in the pass game, which is rare for a player his size. Travis Etienne is a home run hitter with reliable hands out of the backfield. He has impressive burst and balance with the ability to turn the corner on just about any play. Javonte Williams runs how you would expect a former linebacker to. He seeks out contact, pushes through arm tackles and keeps his legs churning through the hit. His backfield mate Michael Carter was the lightning to Williams’ thunder. He is elusive and agile with good hands as a receiver. He carries his weight well and seems sturdy enough to survive in the NFL despite being a bit undersized. Rhammondre Stevenson reminds me a lot of LeGarrette Blount. He will probably only be a two-down back in the NFL, but he is a slasher who can pick up good yardage whenever he touches the ball. I believe Trey Sermon’s draft stock would have been much higher if he did not miss the national championship game. He runs with purpose and showed flashes of being an elite back. Those flashes were just a bit too inconsistent to rank him higher. Khalil Herbert wraps up his college career with a fair amount of tread on his tires. He is far from Jonathan Taylor levels, but it is still a concern for me. He was an exciting player to watch in his one year at Virginia Tech and would be a solid addition to just about any backfield in the league. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we haven’t seen Kenny Gainwell take the field since his incredible 2019 season. He has low usage, but can he replicate his success, or will he be a one-season wonder? Chuba Hubbard is closer to the Hebert end of this spectrum. He had an outrageous 351 touches in 2019 before scaling things back in a shorter 2020 season. He definitely waited a year too long to leave school, but if he recreate his 2019 form, he will be a mid-round steal. Kylin Hill feels like a quality No. 2 back, ready to handle 8-to-12 touches per game right away.
Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
DeVonta Smith, Alabama
Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
Kadarius Toney, Florida
Terrace Marshall, LSU
Nico Collins, Michigan
Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
Rondale Moore, Purdue
Amari Rodgers, Clemson
Shi Smith, South Carolina
Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State
Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC
D’Wyane Eskridge, Western Michigan
Dyami Brown, UNC
Sage Surratt, Wake Forest
Anthony Schwartz, Auburn
Demetric Felton, UCLA
Tomorrion Terry, Florida State
Josh Imatorbhebhe, Illinois
This is another loaded receiver class. The top three are about as good as they come. Ja’Marr Chase might just be the best receiver prospect since Julio Jones. Jaylen Waddle might have been on his way to the Heisman before breaking his ankle. The actual Heisman winner, DeVonta Smith, is a technician with great hands and an impressive catch radius. Rashod Bateman could be a really strong possession receiver in the NFL. Few players are as fun to watch as Kadarius Toney, but he needs a bit more consistency in his play. Terrace Marshall was the third option in LSU’s historic 2019 passing offense, but he still won his matchups and looked sharp as the top guy in 2020. Nico Collins is a big-body receiver with great ability to adjust to the ball in the air. He still has some refining to do, but Michigan receivers have excelled after getting out of Ann Arbor in recent years. If you are looking for a slot machine, Elijah Moore is your best bet in this year’s class. Rondale Moore has first-round level talent, but undrafted levels of experience and injury history. In a year where the medicals are tough to confirm, he could definitely slide. He was rarely the star of the show, but Amari Rodgers deserves a bit more credit for Clemson’s offensive success. Shi Smith is one of my favorite sleepers in this draft. Tylan Wallace seemed like he should not be able to get open as frequently as he did in college. His good technique helps him overcome his lack of elite athleticism. Amon-Ra St. Brown strikes me as a future No. 2 in the right offense with his strength and leaping ability. Small-school star D’Wayne Eskridge could be the latest MAC receiver to take the NFL by storm. Dyami Brown can win downfield, but struggled with drops in his career. His game feels like a great fit for the Chargers offense.I had high expectations for Sage Surratt heading into 2020. He definitely didn’t meet them, capped off by an injury-riddled Senior Bowl week. When healthy, he is a nightmare for undersized corners. Someone is going to take a chance on Anthony Schwartz and his 4.27 speed. Demetric Felton showed out at the Senior Bowl and could be a fun player for offensive coordinators to move around. Tommorrion Terry instant brings value as a vertical threat. Much like Donovan Peoples-Jones, I think Josh Imatorbhebhe’s athleticism is going to translate very well to the NFL.
Tight End
Kyle Pitts, Florida
Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
Brevin Jordan, Miami
Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
Kenny Yeboah, Ole Miss
Hunter Long, Boston College
Tre’ McKitty, Georgia
Quinton Morris, Bowling Green
Noah Gray, Duke
Kylen Granson, SMU
This tight end class is better than last year’s, but that’s not saying much. Kyle Pitts is truly a generational talent at the position. Pat Freiermuth is a borderline first round talent with his physical skill set. I like how Brevin Jordan’s game should translate to the NFL. He fits the mold of these athletic tight ends allowed to operate in space. He is definitely a bit of a throwback, but Tommy Tremble provides immediate value as a blocker. Kenny Yeboah showed impressive ball skills and athleticism at the Senior Bowl. Hunter Long could be a solid second option at the position. Same goes for Quinton Morris and Tre’ McKitty. If you are looking for a late-round flier at the position, Noah Gray and Kylen Granson are my picks.
Offensive Tackle
Penei Sewell, Oregon
Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
Samuel Cosmi, Texas
Liam Eichenburg, Notre Dame
Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
James Hudson III, Cincinnati
Walker Little, Stanford
Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
Brady Christiansen, BYU
Stone Forsyth, Florida
D’Ante Smith, East Carolina
Unlike the tight end class, the offensive line group brings both sizzle and substance. Penei Sewell is an outstanding athlete with plenty more room for growth in his game. Rashawn Slater could be a rock-solid tackle or an All-Pro guard. That versatility is enticing. Good luck moving Christian Darrisaw once he has anchored down. Getting Samuel Cosmi to an NFL squat rack could see him realize his immense potential. Liam Eichenburg is definitely one of my draft crushes. He just screams unheralded Pro Bowl right tackle for the next eight years to me. He has not developed quite as quickly as many hoped, but Jalen Mayfield still brings plenty to the table and could be a Day 1 starter at right tackle. While Trey Lance deserves the buzz, Dillon Radunz has the makings of a quality starting tackle who can kick inside to guard if the transition from I-AA ball proves to be too difficult. Teven Jenkins has all the necessary athleticism to be a great tackle, but his measurables worry me a little bit. It is unclear if Alex Leatherwood’s future is at tackle, but he has the versatility and experience to be a fit somewhere along the offensive line. James Hudson is still new to the position and would be a great project to work with. When healthy, Walker Little has looked like a first-round talent, but after seeing him play just one game across 2019 and 2020, it is hard to buy into his intangibles. His injury history and lack of experience scare me a bit. Spencer Brown is raw, but few human beings can move the way he does at 6’8″ and 300-plus pounds. Without a doubt, Brady Christiansen is a bit more polished than some of the guys ahead of him, but at 25-years-old, he is one of the oldest prospects in this class. In the later rounds, you look for traits to build upon. Stone Forsyth and D’Ante Smith both bring great size and length to the position.
Interior Offensive Lineman
Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
Landon Dickerson, Alabama
Trey Smith, Tennessee
Nolan Laufenburg, Air Force
Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Jackson Carman, Clemson
Drew Dalman, Stanford
Aaron Banks, Notre Dame
Ben Cleveland, Georgia
Drake Jackson, Kentucky
Jimmy Morrissey, Pittsburgh
Deonte Brown, Alabama
Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame
This is a deep group of starting caliber centers, but the best interior lineman in this draft is definitely Alijah Vera-Tucker. I love Creed Humphrey and the experience he brings after four seasons starting at Oklahoma. I think he is pro-ready with some more potential still to be unlocked. Wyatt Davis is a road grader who will improve any running game. Landon Dickerson’s injury history holds him back after yet another knee injury. He will be a solid starter if he can get back to his pre-injury form. Trey Smith tested very well at Tennessee’s pro day and should be a starter at either guard spot in the NFL. Nolan Laufenburg is not getting much press, but he is a beast as a run blocker and has solid lateral quickness for the position. His crop top drew a lot of attention at the Senior Bowl. Quinn Meinerz backed it up with some solid play and could be a starting center come 2022. Drew Dalman tested incredibly well and could be the latest Stanford lineman to find success at the next level. Similar to Stanford, Notre Dame has a good track record of sending offensive linemen to the pros and I think that trend will continue with Aaron Banks. Ben Cleveland might be a steal in the later rounds of the draft with his combination of size and agility. While a bit undersized, Drake Jackson played really well at the Senior Bowl. Jimmy Morrissey is one of my favorite late round interior linemen. Deonte Brown is massive, but his lack of athleticism showed up in Mobile. Robert Hainsey feels like he will last a long time in the NFL as a swing guard providing depth.
4-3 Defensive End
Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Kwity Paye, Michigan
Jaelan Phillips, Miami
Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Joe Tryon, Washington
Jayson Oweh, Penn State
Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Joseph Ossai, Texas
Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh
Patrick Jones II, Pittsburgh
Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
Payton Turner, Houston
Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt
Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State
Shaka Toney, Penn State
Time to really break things down. Gregory Rousseau is definitely raw and unrefined, but his tape makes me believe he can find success as a down lineman. Kwity Paye’s athleticism will likely see him drafted in the first round, but there is a lot of room for improvement. Without the injury concerns, Jaelan Phillips would be the top edge rusher in this class, but they are too big to ignore. Carlos Basham is quietly one of the best defensive linemen in this draft class. He got double-teamed a lot at Wake Forest.With his size and length, Joe Tyron can add or drop from his frame to fit what scheme he is drafted to play in. Jayson Oweh raw athleticism definitely points to him being more successful in the pros than he was in college. Azeez Ojulari only does one thing as a speed rusher, but he does it really well. Joseph Ossai is still learning how to play on the edge after starting his career as an off-ball linebacker. After missing 2019 with a torn ACL, Rashad Weaver impressed me in 2020. I’m willing to bet he looks even better another year removed from his injury. His teammate, Patrick Jones II, fell a bit in the draft process, but was incredibly productive and consistent throughout his college career. He missed part of the season due to a suspension, but Ronnie Perkins was nearly unstoppable down the stretch for Oklahoma. Both Payton Turner and Dayo Odeyingbo bring elite length to the position. Even if they are not the most refined prospects, those intangibles are worth targeting in the middle rounds. Hamilcar Rashed Jr. took a major step back production wise in 2020, leaving scouts to wonder if his 2019 breakout was actually an anomaly. While not quite as athletic as his former Penn State teammate, Shaka Toney is still an intriguing project.
3-4 Defensive End
Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Christian Barmore, Alabama
Kwity Paye, Michigan
Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Joe Tryon, Washington
Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh
Jay Tufele, USC
Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Payton Turner, Houston
Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt
Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA
Alim McNeil, NC State
I won’t belabor the point with players I already talked about. Christian Barmore has tons of exciting traits, but rumors that he is resistant to coaching could cause him to slide. Daviyon Nixon has some incredible moments on film at Iowa. If he can find some consistency, he will be a star in the NFL. Jay Tufele lost a lot of his traction after opting out, but he projects as a future starter in the league. As the league trends towards finding interior pass rushing, Levi Onwuzurike fits the profile of a disruptive interior player. No player likely hurt their draft stock worse than Marvin Wilson. Still, I’m willing to bet on him rediscovering his 2019 form with a change of scenery. Milton Williams turned some heads with the testing numbers he posted. His athleticism will be something teams covet. Osa Odighizuwa is longer than he is tall, which bodes well for him at the next level. It seems like every year NC State produces another NFL defensive lineman. I expect Alim McNeil to do his part as a rotational player.
4-3 Defensive Tackle
Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Christian Barmore, Alabama
Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Joe Tryon, Washington
Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
Jay Tufele, USC
Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Payton Turner, Houston
Tyler Shelvin, LSU
Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA
Alim McNeil, NC State
Darius Stills, West Virginia
Marlon Tuipulotu, USC
Believe it or not, I think this is Gregory Rousseau’s best fit in the NFL. At 6’7″, he has room to add to his frame. He dominated interior linemen while at Miami. If he can bulk up a bit, I think he could be an elite 3-tech. Tyler Shelvin enters the conversation here. He is definitely best suited as a nose tackle, but I think he could survive as a run-stuffer paired with an interior pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme. Darius Stills and Marlon Tuipulotu both bring a lot of experience, which could serve them well as potential backups in the league.
3-4 Defensive Tackle
Christian Barmore, Alabama
Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
Jay Tufele, USC
Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Tyler Shelvin, LSU
Alim McNeil, NC State
Marlon Tuipulotu, USC
Tommy Togiai, Ohio State
Tedarrel Slaton, Florida
Bobby Brown, Texas A&M
This is not a good draft to need a nose tackle. Tommy Togiai plays bigger than he really is, which is good because he is a bit undersized in this spot. Tedarrel Slaton and Bobby Brown are space eaters who can contribute as two-down players and goal line defenders at the next level.
3-4 Outside Linebacker
Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Jaelan Phillips, Miami
Joe Tyron, Washington
Jayson Oweh, Penn State
Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Joseph Ossai, Texas
Quincy Roche, Miami
Patrick Jones II, Pittsburgh
Baron Browning, Ohio State
Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
Payton Turner, Houston
Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State
Shaka Toney, Penn State
Malcolm Koonce, Buffalo
Chris Rumph II, Duke
While I believe he is best suited to play off the ball, Zaven Collins is a solid pass rusher with great size. For the record, this is where I think Ojulari, Ossai, Perkins and Rashed Jr. fit best. Quincy Roche had a great week in Mobile, but he lacks the size to play in a 4-3 scheme. He could be a great situational pass rusher right out of the gate. Much like Collins, I like Baron Browning as an off-ball linebacker, but he has the athleticism to play on the outside. Malcolm Koonce and Chris Rumph II are lean edge rushers who could contribute in a rotational role.
4-3 Outside Linebacker
Micah Parsons, Penn State
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Jabril Cox, LSU
Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Joseph Ossai, Texas
Baron Browning, Ohio State
Pete Werner, Ohio State
Nick Bolton, Missouri
Chazz Surratt, UNC
Dylan Moses, Alabama
Monty Rice, Georgia
Cameron McGrone, Michigan
K.J. Britt, Auburn
I considered putting Micah Parsons in the 3-4 group as well, but I think he does his best work when he is allowed to attack downhill and react without having players put their hands on him at the snap. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah won’t last long on draft night because of his ability to cover players in space. I also have him listed as my top strong safety. That’s the type of ability we are talking about here. Jabril Cox is not quite as fast as JOK, but he can still flex out and match up tight ends and slot receivers on occasion. Jamin Davis tested off the charts and his potential is as one of the best all-around linebackers in the game. Pete Werner seems like the next great undersized linebacker to start racking up 150-plus tackles at the next level. While he has great straight-line speed, I worry Nick Bolton is going to struggle given his lack of agility. Chazz Surratt is still learning the position, which points to untapped potential. However, he is also already 24 years old. A year ago, Dylan Moses seemed like a lock to go in the first round, even coming off a torn ACL. Now, he will be lucky to go in the first three rounds after a rocky season in his return from injury. Cameron McGrone is a bit undersized, but has a nose for the football. Monty Rice and K.J. Britt would be solid cover linebackers capable of coming in on third downs.
Inside Linebacker
Micah Parsons, Penn State
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Jabril Cox, LSU
Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Baron Browning, Ohio State
Pete Werner, Ohio State
Nick Bolton, Missouri
Chazz Surratt, UNC
Dylan Moses, Alabama
Monty Rice, Georgia
Cameron McGrone, Michigan
K.J. Britt, Auburn
Riley Cole, South Alabama
Charles Snowden, Virginia
Much of this list is the same, but we lose a few of the more natural pass rushers here. Riley Cole got his name on the radar at the Senior Bowl coming off a strong redshirt-senior season. Look for him in the later rounds. Same goes for Charles Snowden, whose size for the position will grab the attention of teams right away.
Cornerback
Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
Greg Newsome, Northwestern
Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
Eric Stokes, Georgia
Tyson Campbell, Georgia
Paulson Adebo, Stanford
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse
Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky
Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State
Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota
Aaron Robinson, UCF
Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas
Shaun Wade, Ohio State
Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina
Elijah Molden, Washington
Marco Wilson, Florida
Tay Gowan, UCF
Keith Taylor Jr., Washington
Shakur Brown, Michigan State
This is a solid corner class that starts to drop off around the 13 or 14 mark. Patrick Surtain II could fit into any defensive scheme. His size and top end speed make him my top corner. Jaycee Horn and Greg Newsome move ahead of Caleb Farley as reports of his back issues seem to keep getting worse. Eric Stokes ran a 4.31 40-yard at his pro day, which ranks in the 97th percentile. Finding that type of speed in a 6’0″ corner is rare. His former Georgia teammate, Tyson Campbell, also ran well and is a bit taller, but he lacks the same fluidity as Stokes. Paulson Adebo fell off the radar after missing the end of 2019 with an injury and opting out of 2020. He tested great and his film makes me believe he could be a starter early in his career. If you are looking for long, toolsy corners, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kelvin Joseph and Benjamin St-Juste deserve your attention. Asante Samuel Jr.’s tape is better than being the 10th corner in this draft, but his lack of size and length caps his upside. He would be a great nickel corner though. Aaron Robinson showed he has the physicality to be a good press corner at the Senior Bowl. Robert Rochell is a bit untested coming out of Central Arkansas, but his length and speed make him an interesting project. Shaun Wade and Israel Mukuamu are both long and physical, but have struggled in man coverage in their career on the outside. Those traits could be very useful in the right scheme though or at safety, if teams want them to switch positions. Elijah Molden and Marco Wilson could both be solid nickel corners. Tay Gowan is a bit of an unknown with only 13 career appearances, but could be worthy of a late flier. I came away very impressed by Keith Taylor Jr. at the Senior Bowl. He did not win every rep, but he was not afraid to compete with the top receivers in attendance. Shakur Brown has a nose for the football and could carve out a role for himself in the slot.
Strong Safety
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Trevon Moehrig, TCU
Jevon Holland, Oregon
Richie Grant, UCF
Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech
Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State
Talanoa Hufanga, USC
Tyree Gillespie, Missouri
Caden Sterns, Texas
Shawn Davis, Florida
I already talked about it, but it’s worth repeating. Owusu-Koramoah is a true hybrid player. However, the best all-around safety in this draft is Trevon Moehrig. Jevon Holland brings tons of versatility. He can play in either safety spot and even line up in the slot. Richie Grant had an impressive career at UCF and backed that up with a strong week at the Senior Bowl. Don’t sleep on Divine Deablo. In addition to having a great name, he can be a heat-seeking missile. Hamsah Nasirildeen is a bit of a conundrum. I’m still not sure if he is a big safety or an undersized linebacker. While he lacks elite speed, Talanoa Hufanga is a playmaker and a leader. Tyree Gillespie has good long speed, but his lack of short-area quickness limits his upside. Shawn Davis and Caden Sterns are both long, hard-hitting safeties. Sterns has a bit more speed those, which gives him the edge.
Free Safety
Trevon Moehrig, TCU
Jevon Holland, Oregon
Andre Cisco, Syracuse
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse
Richie Grant, UCF
Jamar Johnson, Indiana
Shaun Wade, Ohio State
Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina
Christian Uphoff, Illinois State
Ar’Darius Washington, TCU
I’ve already praised Moehrig and Holland. I also love Andre Cisco. He was a ballhawk at Syracuse, but needs to improve as a tackler to really be a quality starter. Melifonwu has the size and range to be a potential centerfielder. Jamar Johnson sees the field well, but he does not bring any elite traits to the table. Christian Uphoff could be the latest D-III star to make the NFL jump. He lacks elite top speed, but his size and first step could see him hang around in the NFL. Ar’Darius Washington on the other hand is very undersized, but makes up for that with consistent effort and impressive initial quickness.
Ranking the position groups
Wide Receiver – Top-end talent is among the best we’ve ever seen. There are plenty of good receivers that will slide into the later rounds.
Offensive Tackle – With a few elite prospects and a good amount of depth, this offensive tackle class should produce a good number of starters.
Quarterback – While extremely top heavy, this might be one of the best groups we’ve seen come out in a long time. All five quarterbacks could legitimately go in the top 10 picks. There just isn’t much depth in this year’s class.
Cornerback – Without a standout prospect, this group is a bit more about volume. I have a ton of corners with second-round grades. I think we will see a decent group of starting corners come out of this class, even if they aren’t stars.
Linebacker – There are a handful of really good players that could come off the board in the first three rounds. The quality of this group fades quickly after you make it through the first 11 or 12 players though.
Running Back – There is no Saquon Barkley or Ezekiel Elliott in this class. Nor is there a ton of late-round backs that I feel confident in. I do have three running backs in my top 50, but only four in my top 100.
Safety – Perhaps I am underrating this group a little. There are a number of fun and interesting safeties as you move down the board. There just aren’t many that you feel like are slam dunks.
Interior Offensive Line – No Quenton Nelsons or Zach Martins to be found in this class. If you add Rashawn Slater to the mix, that does tip the scales a bit, but I think teams view him as a tackle.
Edge Rushers – No elite prospects and not a ton of depth. This is a tough year to need a pass rusher. When only two players earn first-round grades, which is what I have, it’s an underwhelming class.
Interior Defensive Line – Somehow, this group is even worse. It was difficult to come up with 10 potential nose tackles from this draft. Several of those players are better suited playing elsewhere. Overall, this interior line class stinks.
While the focus in the days leading up to the NFL draft is undoubtedly that year’s picks and prospects, it is both fun and somewhat freeing to look back at an older draft class. It provides a nice break from prospect debates and allows you to wonder what would happen if the teams were given a chance to do the draft over again. It is also a good reminder of how past drafts could impact the decisions being made now based on the lessons we have learned over the years.
I’ve long said that you need five years to properly evaluate a draft class. Players can of course continue to develop and grow in the years that follow, but there is a large enough sample size to draw some conclusions. Any sooner, and you could end up with some player evaluations that are incomplete. Now that several of these prospects are in their late 20s and on (at least) their second contract, the picture becomes much clearer.
What a wild five years it has been for this 2016 group. This is one of the most interesting draft classes to re-examine because there are a pair of controversial quarterbacks amid a ton of talented players. Looking back, there is no question Dak Prescott should have been the first player selected, but where does that leave Carson Wentz and Jared Goff? Plus, how early should running backs like Ezekiel Elliott or Derrick Henry go given the shifting NFL landscape? These are the questions that make this exercise so fun and worthwhile.
A few housekeeping things here to help make sense of how I run this redraft. I undid any draft day trades that took place. The Rams and Eagles both moved up prior to the draft, so those deals will stay in place, but I have a feeling most teams would be uninterested in trading down if they knew how a player was going to perform and develop over the next five years. Additionally, I still heavily weighed positional value when making these selections. While Derrick Henry has been a much better player than Carson Wentz, Wentz’ positional value is astronomically higher than Henry’s. This is still about drafting the best players to build your roster, not playing fantasy football.
With all of that in mind, let’s dive into this 2016 NFL redraft.
1.St. Louis Rams Original pick: Jared Goff, QB, Cal Redraft selection: Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State This is one that I’m sure the Rams wish they could do over. After trading Jared Goff away to acquire Matt Stafford in a deal that involved the Rams also having to part with two first-round picks, it is safe to say Goff’s time with the organization did not end well. There were some highs, as Los Angeles reached the Super Bowl in 2019. Goff can still be successful in the NFL, but Dak Prescott has become one of the premier passers in the league. He was off to an unbelievable start in 2020 before suffering a season-ending injury. Both have played in 69 career games, and while Goff actually has more passing yards, Prescott has been the better quarterback overall.
2. Philadelphia Eagles Original pick: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State Redraft selection: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State I really struggled with this pick. On one hand, Carson Wentz got his career off to a blistering start. He was on track to win MVP in 2017 before tearing his ACL. He has never been the same since and the Eagles have done a terrible job protecting him. The problem is, Philly’s other options at quarterback were Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel. Maybe Bradford could have gotten the Eagles back to the playoffs, but Philadelphia likely never wins a Super Bowl without Wentz. In the end, the Eagles still moved him for some solid draft capital and wound up trading Bradford for a first-round pick as well. I think it’s worth it to win the Lombardi even if you have to spend some time rebuilding in the years that follow.
3. San Diego Chargers Original pick: Joey Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State Redraft selection: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State There is nothing that Joey Bosa has done that makes him unworthy of going here again, but the list of corners that you trade two first-round picks for is very short. The Chargers already had Casey Hayward, but pairing him with Jalen Ramsey would have given them one of the best tandems in the NFL. He might not be a ballhawk, but Ramsey is a true lockdown corner and that provides so much value for a defense. This really comes down to preference, but if I get to choose between two top corners (Ramsey and Hayward) or two top edge rushers (Bosa and Melvin Ingram), I’m picking the corners every time. I mocked Ramsey to the Chargers back in 2016 and I am standing by that five years later.
4. Dallas Cowboys Original pick: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State Redraft selection: Joey Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State Joey Bosa’s fall is a short one. I think this would have been the pick for Dallas back in 2016 had Bosa still been on the board. He has been one of the best pass rushers in the league since the moment he was drafted. He posted 10.5 sacks as a rookie and leads the entire class with 47.5 in his career despite playing 15 fewer games than Yannick Ngakoue, who is second among 2016 draftees. Ezekiel Elliott has obviously had some great moments in his Cowboys career, but the value of a top-five running back simply does not compare to that of a top-five pass rusher.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars Original pick: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State Redraft selection: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame. The Ravens really like Ronnie Stanley. So much so that they recently traded Orlando Brown Jr. to the Chiefs after he made the Pro Bowl while filling in for an injured Stanley. I can’t say I blame Baltimore one bit. When healthy, Stanley has been a top-five left tackle over the past few seasons. For Jacksonville to snag him before he even gets to Baltimore is tough for Ravens fans to see, but it is the right move for the Jaguars. The team started Kelvin Beachum at left tackle in 2016. Stanley is a massive upgrade for a team that has seen its offensive line deteriorate in recent years.
6. Baltimore Ravens Original pick: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame Redraft selection: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State As I already mentioned, the Ravens will be incredibly disappointed to see Stanley taken one pick before they were up, but Michael Thomas is an excellent consolation prize. While Lamar Jackson was not on the scene yet, Thomas is exactly the type of receiver the team has been looking to pair their MVP quarterback with. He has good hands, an impressive catch radius and a knack for making big plays. 37-year-old Steve Smith and 30-year-old Mike Wallace were Baltimore’s top two receivers in 2016. Thomas would have provided some much needed youth at the position while setting the Ravens up for future success.
7. San Francisco 49ers Original pick: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon Redraft selection: Tyreek Hill, WR, West Alabama There is a real argument to be made for the 49ers to stick with their original pick from 2016. DeForest Buckner is a dominant interior defender with 38 career sacks and an All-Pro selection to his name. However, few players change how a defense lines up on every play like Tyreek Hill does. His speed and playmaking ability are truly in a class of their own. The opportunity for him to (eventually) play in Kyle Shannahan’s offense would be unfair. Even Chip Kelly, who ran San Francisco into the ground in 2016, might have been able to utilize him semi-effectively. Considering that this team had Jeremy Kerley, Torrey Smith and Quinton Patton as its starting wideouts that year, Hill would be a welcome addition to the Niners’ offense.
8. Cleveland Browns Original pick: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor Redraft selection: Jared Goff, QB, Cal On draft day in 2016, the Browns traded down from No. 8 to No. 15 and selected Corey Coleman. He turned out to be a bust and Cleveland finished the year 1-15 with Cody Kessler, Robert Griffin III, Kevin Hogan and Josh McCown playing quarterback. That is an awful quarterback room. While Jared Goff has his fair share of critics, he would be an improvement over any of those other players, then and now. There are physical limitations to Goff’s game, but when put in the right system, he is an above average starter. I actually think that Goff would be a good fit to run the 2021 Browns, but that framework was a long ways off in 2016. It is easy to point to the Browns eventually drafting Baker Mayfield in 2018 as a reason not to take Goff in 2016, but those 2016 and 2017 Browns would have greatly benefited from having even league average quarterback play. If Goff failed quickly in Cleveland, the Browns still would have had a chance to grab Mayfield by the time 2018 rolled around.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Original pick: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida Redraft selection: Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor Tampa desperately needed a No. 1 corner capable of generating turnovers back in 2016. It turns out, they drafted the wrong player to fill that roll. Vernon Hargreaves has bounced around the league. The Bucs actually traded down two spots with the Bears on draft night and watched as the Giants took another corner who ultimately did not pan out. Meanwhile, Xavien Howard has developed into an All-Pro caliber corner. Since 2017, he has the most interceptions in the NFL with 22. Miami got one of the steals of the draft by landing him in the second round. There is no way he last that long this time around.
10. New York Giants Original pick: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State Redraft selection: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State Back in 2016, Tennessee moved up to grab Jack Conklin ahead of New York. It turned out to be a really smart move as Conklin has grown into one of the best right tackles in the NFL. The Giants struck out, reaching for Eli Apple after seeing their preferred player come off the board. With no trades in this redraft, New York gets Conklin to solidify Eli Manning’s protection. He would have been a welcome upgrade over Bobby Hart on the right side of that Giants offensive line.
11. Chicago Bears Original pick: Leonard Floyd, EDGE, Georgia Redraft selection: Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE, Maryland Leonard Floyd has turned into a solid pass rusher, racking up 29 sacks in his career. However, he also has three years with fewer than 4.5 sacks in his five NFL seasons. It’s hard to justify taking that sort of player again at this point in the draft, especially with Yannick Ngakoue on the board. Only Joey Bosa has more sacks than Ngakoue in this draft class. Unlike Floyd, he has been consistently productive as well. In each of his five seasons, Ngakoue has recorded at least eight sacks. Swapping out Floyd for Ngakoue probably means the Bears never trade two acquiring Khalil Mack, which definitely limited the front office’s ability to build out the rest of the roster.
12. New Orleans Saints Original pick: Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville Redraft selection: Chris Jones, DL, Mississippi State Outside of Aaron Donald, there might not be a better interior pass rusher in the NFL than Chris Jones. He has 40.5 career sacks, including 33 over the past three seasons. His presence has fundamentally changed how the Chiefs defense has operated in recent years. Jones would offer a massive upgrade over Sheldon Rankins, who has not been able to replicate his eight-sack season from 2018. Jones playing alongside Cameron Jordan would be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.
13. Miami Dolphins Original pick: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss Redraft selection: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss How do you evaluate Laremy Tunsil’s time in Miami? He was a solid starting left tackle in 2017 and 2018 after spending his rookie season at left guard. Then, he was sent to Houston in a mega trade that netted the Dolphins two first-round picks and a second-round selection in 2021. That’s a pretty incredible haul. Tunsil has continued to excel in Houston, reaching back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2019 and 2020, but he probably still wasn’t worth multiple first rounders. Either way, it put the Dolphins in a great position and I don’t think Miami would mind doing that all over again given the current status of the team following that move.
14. Oakland Raiders Original pick:Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia Redraft selection: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon While Oakland certainly had a need at safety, it is clear Karl Joseph was not worth a first-round pick. Plus, with DeForest Buckner still on the board, this pick should be a no-brainer. The Raiders were trotting out Dan Williams and Stacy McGee as their starting tackles in 2016. Buckner’s slide in this redraft is not indicative of how he has performed in the NFL. He has become one of the NFL’s premier interior lineman, especially as a pass rusher. Only Aaron Donald and Chris Jones have more sacks among interior lineman over the past three seasons. Buckner is strong against the run as well. There is no question he would have elevated the front four for the Raiders. Not to mention that pairing him with Khalil Mack would have been incredible to watch.
15. Tennessee Titans Original pick: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State Redraft selection: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama Looking back, Tennessee crushed the 2016 draft. They traded up to draft Jack Conklin, then grabbed Derrick Henry and Kevin Byard in the second and third rounds. With Conklin off the board, I think Henry is the logical pick here. His career got off to a bit of a slow start, but no running back has become more essential to a team’s offensive identity than Henry in Tennessee. He has led the NFL in rushing each of the past two seasons and has seven more rushing touchdowns than any other player since 2018. He might not offer much as a pass catcher, but his value as a runner is so high, it almost doesn’t matter. You could argue Ezekiel Elliott is the better player, but I don’t think anyone fits the Titans’ power run scheme better than Henry.
16. Detroit Lions Original pick: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State Redraft selection: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State Time for a mini run on running backs. Taylor Decker has been a good, but not great offensive tackle for Detroit since he entered the league in 2016. That certainly carries a lot of value, but Ezekiel Elliott is a game-changing running back with his ability to make plays between the tackles and in the passing game. Zeke has roughly 1,800 more yards from scrimmage than Derrick Henry as well. Elliott’s biggest issue has been fumbling with 21 in his career. Still, he would undoubtedly be the best running back the Lions have had since Barry Sanders. An offense featuring Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Ezekiel Elliott would be really exciting and difficult to stop.
17. Atlanta Falcons Original pick: Keanu Neal, S, Florida Redraft selection: Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State Keanu Neal is far from a bust, but the best ability is availability and that is something Neal has struggled with quite a bit. He played in just four games across the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He returned in 2020 and looked like a quality starter again. However, healthy or not, Neal is not at the same level as Kevin Byard. One of the most overlooked players year in and year out, Byard burst onto the scene with a league-leading eight interceptions in 2017. It earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods. He has not slowed down either. Only Xavien Howard has more interceptions from this draft class. Slotting him into this Falcons secondary would be a huge stabilizing factor.
18. Indianapolis Colts Original pick: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama Redraft selection: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama Another pick that stays the same five years later, Ryan Kelly has been a rock in the center of the Colts defense. You might not hear about him much, but for interior offensive linemen, that’s a good thing. He was the first of the building blocks Indianapolis put into place to rebuild their offensive line. He might not be the most crucial piece of the puzzle, but the Colts would be much worse off without him.
19. Buffalo Bills Original pick: Shaq Lawson, EDGE, Clemson Redraft selection: Leonard Floyd, EDGE, Georgia Buffalo was searching for a lean outside linebacker to rush the passer with this pick, but Shaq Lawson never really caught on in the NFL. His production and playtime makes him a situational rusher. Not what you are looking for in a first-round selection. Meanwhile, Leonard Floyd has turned into a three-down option at the position with better sack production. He took a big step in 2020, reaching double-digit sack numbers for the first time in his career. He might not be an elite edge rusher, but certainly a good addition to this Bills defense.
20. New York Jets Original pick: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State Redraft selection: Joe Thuney, G, North Carolina State Darron Lee only lasted three years in New York before being traded to Kansas City for a mid-round pick. Despite all his athleticism, he never really developed into a reliable starter. If given a second chance, the Jets would likely bolster their offensive line. Joe Thuney is a player I think the Jets should have signed this offseason after an impressive five-year run with the Patriots. Building a solid offensive line for Ryan Fitzpatrick and eventually Sam Darnold likely would have changed the outlook of this franchise.
21. Washington Original pick: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU Redraft selection: Justin Simmons, S, Boston College This turned out to be a very disappointing wide receiver class. Josh Doctson was one of several first-round receivers to flop at the next level. At least Washington moved down a spot to draft him? Yeah, that doesn’t make anyone feel much better about it. While the need is still high for Washington, there just is not a player worth selecting here. Justin Simmons on the other hand has developed into a top safety. He has a ton of interceptions, including a career-high five in 2020. Washington was working with the duo of Donte Whitner and Duke Ihenacho in 2016 at safety. Simmons would offer a healthy dose of stability that neither of those guys could bring to the table.
22. Houston Texans Original pick: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame Redraft selection: Matt Judon, EDGE, Grand Valley State This was a tough decision. There are plenty who will argue that Will Fuller should be the pick again. He has explosive field-stretching ability and is coming off an exciting 2020 season. However, he has missed 27 games already in his career. He is actually fifth among receivers from this draft class alone, trailing Michael Thomas, Tyreek Hill, Tyler Boyd and Sterling Shepard. Fuller is third in receiving touchdowns, but there is a big gap between him and Thomas, who is second. In the end, I think Houston would benefit from tabbing Matt Judon instead. He is a versatile pass rusher who would slot in nicely across from Whitney Mercilus. A front seven featuring those two, J.J. Watt (when healthy) and Jadeveon Clowney would be a scary one for the rest of the AFC South.
23. Minnesota Vikings Original pick: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss Redraft selection: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State For years, the Vikings have been attempting to build a good offensive line. In recent years, they have spent premium picks on Garrett Bradberry and Brian O’Neill. They could very well select another offensive lineman in the 2021 draft. Taking Taylor Decker back in 2016 was not an option, but in this scenario, he falls to them and gives them a quality left tackle to build around. He has never been flashy or in the All-Pro conversation, but Decker has done a good job protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside. On the other hand, Laquon Treadwell was a bust and Minnesota already had Adam Theilen and Stefon Diggs on the roster. This just makes way more sense.
24. Cincinnati Bengals Original pick: William Jackson III, CB, Houston Redraft selection: James Bradberry, CB, Samford William Jackson turned out to be a solid selection for the Bengals, but it took him a few years to really get up to speed in the NFL. He missed his entire rookie season with a torn pectoral muscle and did not become the full-time starter until 2018. Conversely, James Bradberry was a Day 1 starter in Carolina and continued to progress throughout his career, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2020. He is disruptive and consistent on the outside and fills a huge need for the Bengals.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers Original pick: Artie Burns, CB, Miami Redraft selection: William Jackson, CB, Houston William Jackson weathers a very short drop and stays in the division. I just finished knocking him for taking a few years to get up to speed, but he has been a very reliable starter over the past three years. He might not be a lockdown, elite corner, but quality cover players are hard to come by. Even if he wouldn’t end up being an impact starter out of the gate, he would be a better option than Artie Burns. Burns got off to a decent start, but lost his job in 2018 and left Pittsburgh after the 2019 season.
26. Seattle Seahawks Original pick: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M Redraft selection: Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA Germain Ifedi has carved out a solid career for himself as a guard in the NFL. That was not quite what the Seahawks were looking for when they selected him after trading back to No. 32 in the 2016 draft. There are not many offensive tackles worth taking in this spot, so Seattle turns to the defensive side of the line and grabs Kenny Clark. Defensive tackle was definitely a need for the team as well as they went on to take Jarran Reed in the second round. Clark fills a huge role as a run stuffer on the Packers defense. He earned the starting job in 2017 and really came into his own in 2019, making his first Pro Bowl appearance. Clark is a solid pass rusher as well, with 18.5 sacks in his career, but he makes his money stopping the run. Seattle was anywhere from middle of the pack to mediocre in run defense from 2017 to 2019. Clark would’ve helped them prevent that lull.
27. Green Bay Packers Original pick: Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA Redraft selection: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA Green Bay misses out on Clark by one pick here, but instead grabs one of his college teammates. The word on Myles Jack coming out of school was that he had first-round potential, but knee injuries were going to cause him to drop. He went early in the second round on draft day back in 2016, but the Packers will not let him reach the end of round one here. While the Packers have found success mostly ignoring the position in recent years, I still stand by the idea that Clay Matthews would have been much more productive during his final seasons with the Packers if Green Bay had a true middle linebacker. Jack has the range to make plays from sideline to sideline and the instincts to make big plays in crucial moments.
28. Kansas City Chiefs Original pick: Chris Jones, DL, Mississippi State Redraft selection: Deion Jones, LB, LSU Kansas City made out like bandits in 2016, trading down into the early second round and stealing Chris Jones. Jones has been off the board for a while in this redraft, but there are still players worthy of consideration here. Deion Jones feels like a great fit for the Chiefs. He could operate in space and thrive as a coverage linebacker on a team that desperately needed one next to an aging Derrick Johnson. Jones would fit even better come 2019 when Steve Spagnuolo came to town. His 11 career interceptions are the most by any linebacker and tied with Jalen Ramsey and James Bradberry for fourth most in this class.
29. Arizona Cardinals Original pick: Robert Nkemdichie, DL, Ole Miss Redraft selection: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame Robert Nkemdichie did not work out in Arizona, or anywhere in the NFL for that matter. He only appeared in 29 career games, four more than the 49ers bust Joshua Garnett, who went the pick before Nkemdichie in 2016. Neither belonged in the first round. Jaylon Smith probably did. He, like Myles Jack, fell because of a knee injury. Smith missed the entire pre-draft process while rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in January at the Fiesta Bowl. He has struggled at times in the NFl, but his physical ability shines through sometimes. He has the speed and quickness to run sideline to sideline with mobile quarterbacks. He had a rocky 2021 season, but he has shown enough since his debut in 2017 to warrant a late-selection here.
30. Carolina Panthers Original pick: Vernon Butler, DL, Louisiana Tech Redraft selection: Matthew Ioannidis, DL, Temple This might come as a bit of a surprise, but Matt Ioannidis is quietly one of the better interior pass rushers in the NFL. He has 22 sacks in his NFL career despite missing 13 games in 2020 due to injury. When healthy, he plays an important role on Washington’s defensive line. He would not fill exactly the same role the Panthers were looking for when they drafted Vernon Butler. Butler was about 20 pounds heavier and much more athletic. However, he only lasted three seasons in Carolina before leaving for Buffalo in free agency.
31. Denver Broncos Original pick: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis Redraft selection: Cody Whitehair, OL, Kansas State Spoiler alert: Paxton Lynch was not a good NFL quarterback. The former Memphis star struggled to adapt to the speed on defenses and ultimately finished with four career touchdowns and less than 800 total passing yards. In other words, he was a bust. While Denver needed to find its quarterback of the future, it also needed an offensive line. Peyton Manning limped to the Super Bowl after being battered all year behind the Broncos’ leaky pass protection. Cody Whitehair would not have solved every issue, but he would have been a really good start. He has been a starter since Day 1 in Chicago, missing just two games in his NFL career. He earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2018. Either he or Matt Paradis could kick to guard and give the Broncos a really strong interior of its offensive line.
32. Cleveland Browns Original pick: Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE, Oklahoma State Redraft selection: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame The Patriots had to forfeit their first-round pick because of one of their many scandals, so we will add the Browns first pick of the second round as a bonus here. Emmanuel Ogbah has actually developed into a solid situational pass rusher, tallying 27 career sacks, including nine in 2020. Cleveland misused him though, as they did many players in the Hue Jackson era, and he found much more success playing elsewhere. Will Fuller could give the Browns the type of receiver they were looking for when they took Corey Coleman. Fuller entered the league as a straight line burner, but has developed into a solid No. 2 option. His injury history and recent suspension definitely hurt his value, but he would still be a good target for Jared Goff, whom the Browns took in the first round in this scenario.
Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
The Aftermath 