#1 Carolina Panther: CJ Stroud, QB Ohio State

The Panthers have the number one overall pick and they are going to be using it on Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud. Stroud fits the bill as Frank Reich-approved quarterback. Reich loves his tall quarterbacks and CJ throws with pinpoint accuracy that no other quarterback in this class possesses. With the Panthers trading up to the first overall pick, they cannot afford to miss with this pick and Stroud is the most NFL ready quarterback.  

#2 Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB Alabama

With the Panthers taking Stroud number 1 overall, Bryce Young falls into the Texans lap at #2 overall. Young has had the best college career out of all draft-eligible quarterbacks, but his stature puts things into question. He is 5 ’10 ” and 190 pounds soaking wet which is the smallest quarterback that the draft has ever seen in recent memory. Young’s college play speaks for itself and his ability to create plays with both his arm and his legs is exceptional.

#3 Tennessee Titans: Anthony Richardson, QB Florida (trade)

The Titans need a quarterback with Ryan Tannehill being put on the trade block and Malik Willis not being an NFL level quarterback. The new general manager of the Titans, Ran Carthon is here to change the culture from the last regime. He has already made aggressive moves in free agency and this type of splash move would really leave his mark. The asking price for this pick would be pickswap with the Arizona Cardinals this year, 2024 first round pick, 2025 first round pick and a second this year.

#4 Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB Kentucky

With the top 3 quarterbacks off the board, the Colts are forced to take Will Levis with this pick. Their strategy in recent years of using veteran quarterbacks has obviously not worked out as apparent by the mediocre record in the past years. Levis can sit for a year behind Matt Ryan if need be but it would be best to play him now to garner some experience. He would be in a run heavy system which would take pressure off of him to make big plays while he learns the offense. 

#5 Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DT Georgia

The first defensive player off the board is going to be Jalen Carter. Although his character concerns off the field are somewhat concerning, Carter is too good to pass up. We saw this last year when Micah Parsons fell to 11 due to character concerns and he ended being the best defensive player in the class. Carter provides a pass rush that the Seahawks need and an ability to stop the run. He is quite possibly the best player in the class, character issues or not.

#6 Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB Oregon

The Lions had a promising secondary last year with players like Kerby Joseph and Jeff Okudah playing well. Now that Okudah has been traded, the Lions need a corner to round out the defense. Gonzalez has a long frame at 6’2” and was a phenomenal athlete at the combine, grading as the most athletic corner in the class. He has an ideal size for a prototypical corner and has the athleticism to cover up his unrefined technique. 

#7 Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB Illinois

The Raiders secondary last year was atrocious and was the reason for many lost games. When Rock YaSin and Nate Hobbs are your starters at corner, you are not in a good place. Witherspoon was one of the best corners in college football last year. At 6’ 185 pounds, he is a little small for a corner but he more than makes up for his stature with his physical play on the field. He could start to lead the Raiders secondary into a bright future

#8 Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE Texas Tech

One of the biggest weaknesses in the Falcons last year was their pass rush. They had a measly 21 sacks this year, which was the lowest in the NFL. Tyree Wilson could provide a monster pass rush with his monster size at 6’7 275 pounds. He is also a great run defender because of how big he is. He has the size and speed to provide a boost to the Falcons sorry excuse of a pass rush. Wilson is a bit of a project though as his production in college was not up to par.

#9 Chicago Bears: Will Andersen Junior, OLB Alabama

Will Andersen had a bit of a down year recently but the talent is still there. He is a phenomenal run defender and one of the best speed rushers in college football. He has a great arsenal of pass-rush moves. Andersen is a little bit undersized for his position at 6 ‘2, 245 pounds. He also does tend to take plays off when he is tired but the talent he has is undeniable. The Bears need talent at pretty much every position on the field and Andersen is the best player available at #9. 

#10 Philadelphia Eagles: Bijan Robinson, RB Texas

If positional value was not taken into account, Bijan would be the best player in this draft. He has generational contact balance, great ability to break tackles, has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and great power behind his legs. The only downside to Robinson’s game is his top speed. This is hardly a problem though with his many other skills making up. The Eagles had the best rushing attack in football last year with Miles Sanders, so it could be elevated to greater heights with Bijan.