Consensus Ranking in Parenthesis
1. Travis Hunter (2)
2. Abdul Carter (3)
3. Mason Graham (4)
4. Tet McMillan (11)
5. Mykell Williams (16)
6. Will Campbell (6)
7. Armand Membou (8)
8. Ashton Jeanty (7)
9. Will Johnson (12)
A few things of note:
- I think realistically we're targeting players in the 4-9 range
- OLmen take a slight dip in on board since I feel like we've already invested 3 top 100 resources into the OL AND have a highly paid RT
- I'm not a fan of RB's this early - but in a weak class if Jeanty falls he should be in play IMO.
- I've been one of the biggest Johnson fans on here but he's starting to slip for me. After a below average short shuttle and him not running AGAIN at his pro day it's a minor flag. McShay also just indicated he heard he was running high 4.5s in training for his pro day ultimately deciding not to run.
I think from a fan and media standpoint those ranking are good if not exactly correct.
My problem comes with no fan or media know exactly what the teams are thinking. Rule of thumb is that if you have a "franchised QB" then you one, have to protect him and two, give him weapons. For sure, BPA, comes into play especially with the blue chip guys regardless of need or anything else except for some team willing to overpay to get one of them.
So look at the teams ahead of us.
Tennessee - they need a QB because Levis has proven himself although his OL rank is 21st overall and literally at the bottom on pass protection. They probably take Cam Ward QB but I could see them entertaining a trade down with New Orleans or the Jets where they most likely go OL if the picks are enough.
Cleveland - another team that needs a QB, actually desperately with only Pickett and Flacco, remember Watson is out for the year. They probably ride with Travis Hunter mainly because that would excite the fans and they need someone for hope with the fans.
New York Giants - another team desperate for a QB as Wilson and Winston are just one year deals and doubt they take Sanders or trade up for Ward. Another team that could trade down but most likely takes Abdul Carter DE, they probably take a QB 2nd round or trade back into 1st at the bottom as seems like the coaching staff likes Slough or Ewers.
New England Patroits - Drake Maye was sacked 21 times last year, hurried 50 times and hit to many times and he didn't start really until game 4. Pass protection was a joke at both OT spots. You have to protect him or kiss your season goodbye. They take whoever they view as the top OT candidate in either Campbell, Membou, Banks, Simmons or Conerly.
Jaxsonville - either DL or OL probably the choice but Lawrence is being paid very well but injured over last 3 years due to poor OL play so would be no surprise to see them go OL but even WR would help as they, like Dallas, only have one guy to really count on.
Las Vegas - QB is a need even with Geno under contract for a couple of years but history with their new coach is that a top RB or top WR are where they are going
New York Jets - they are counting on Justin Fields at QB, like walking in a mine field hoping not to hit mine, but Fields won't be throwing running for his life with literally no decent OTs, it is the Jets though so who really knows. Cousin in New York listening to radio show that reported the Jets were offering Garrett Wilson WR to the Cowboys for the #12 pick, seriously doubt it but again it is the Jets.
Carolina - 3 positions standout for the Panthers, one, a true #1 WR with speed, 2, an Edge rusher as they have zip there, and 3, a DT especially a 3Tech so chose your poison, thinking Edge, WR then DL are the list, could see either McMillan or Golden at WR or Walker LB/Edge or Graham DT but a sneaky pick could be Tyler Warren at TE who could be a great outlet for Bryce Young
New Orleans - QB! With the news about Carr, it almost has to be a QB, Sanders maybe but seems like Dart is more of the guy Moore would like. It could also be a spot for Will Johnson CB but gotta believe it is QB
Chicago - could easily be a DL or IOL guy (OT that could move inside) but new coach Johnson really believes in the run game so if Jeanty available he goes there but also a sneaky spot for T. Henderson RB Ohio St, they really apparently like him as a compliment to Swift
San Francisco - could go a number of ways from DL to IOL to OT to CB as they will a lot times to the unexpected, could see Graham or one of the OTs or Tyler Booker OG being overdrafted at #11 or taking a TE, most likely it will be a guy no one expects
Now the Cowboys -
WR - an upgrade at #2 spot would be good, draft a guy round 1 or 2, trade for a guy (Garrett Wilson), draft a guy 3rd day of draft while signing a FA like Lockett or Allen
DT - unless we believe Mazi Smith is going to be the guy, a run stopper or a guy to pair with Osa is needed so ....
RB - Jeanty would be nice but don't see anyway he falls to #12 so think we take a RB in round 2 if we don't trade down to late teens or early 20s and grab a guy
CB - sure we take one in the draft but have a hard time convincing myself it will be in the first 2 days of the draft
OG, Edge, LB - same as CB, but think they feel comfortable with what they have done in FA even as fans we aren't
QB - they probably draft one in 6th or 7th round
TE - again unless something changes, we are looking Day 3 or UDFA
OT - could be early if BPA although I think they are pleased with Guyton progress this offseason and we might not like Steele but he did look way better the last six games
Anyway, I could easily see Mason Graham DT, Walter Nolen DT, Mykel Williams Edge, Matthew Golden WR, Kevin Banks OT, Tyler Warren TE, Colston Loveland all possibly available at #12 or at least 2 or 3 of them. Who would Dallas take as BPA, remains a mystery or would we trade down or trade with the Jets for Garrett (frankly, would only offer a 3rd for Garrett Wilson).
Is this your ranking?
