Wild Card Preview…Another Common Cowboys L? – DraftID Podcast
1. Houston Texans
Will Anderson | Alabama, Edge
The Texans could go all in on the QB of their future, but this team is still in the middle of a DEEP rebuild and have a competent QB running the show. Instead, they take the prospect with both the highest ceiling and highest floor in the class. Anderson immediately would bring juice to a struggling defense both as a pass rusher and run stuffer.
2. Carolina Panthers
CJ Stroud | Ohio State, QB
Matt Rhule will be gone before this pick is made, which likely would put all control in GM Scott Fitterer’s hands. Carolina has whiffed on veteran QBs for three straight years, so now they can commit to using their high pick on the guy they will build around. It is long overdue that Carolina should commit to the rebuild.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
Jalen Carter | Georgia, DT
I think the Raiders are far too talented to be picking third, but that defense could easily lose them a large portion of their remaining games. Jalen Carter is a versatile defensive tackle that can bring a spark to Vegas.
4. Indianapolis Colts (from Philadelphia from New Orleans)
DJ Uiagalelei | Clemson, QB
The Colts move up to snag their top QB, which may surprise you this early in the year. Clemson’s signal caller has always had the traits, but now seems to be firing on all cylinders and much more comfortable at the helm. Call me crazy now, but let’s revisit DJ throughout the fall.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
Paris Johnson Jr. | Ohio State, OT
The Steelers got their QB and RB, so now they need their blindside protector. Paris Johnson Jr has been unbelievable this season and has yet to allow a sack or penalty. He is as traitsy as it gets for an OT.
6. New England Patriots
BJ Ojulari | LSU, Edge
BJ Ojulari has busted onto the scene in 2022 and is very much a prospect that I anticipate to crack the top 10. Ojulari has played just 3 games this year, but has accumulated 18 pressures, 6 sacks and a forced fumble. He has high caliber traits, NFL pedigree and potential through the roof.
7. Washington Commanders
Bryce Young | Alabama, QB
The 2021 Heisman has garnered the national hype since taking over as the Alabama QB, but it wouldn’t surprise me if his smaller frame deters some teams. I am not 100% sure that he is the QB2 of this class, but he clearly has the talent of a top 15 draft pick.
8. Detroit Lions
Joey Porter Jr. | Penn State, CB
Joey Porter Jr. has taken over as my top CB in the class and is off to a phenomenal start to the 2022 season. The Lions defense has been the worst in the NFL largely due to their underwhelming defensive backs. Okudah may be a steady starter, but Porter Jr. can take over as the true alpha.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis)
Myles Murphy | Clemson, Edge
The Eagles trade back from 4 and add another contributor to their stout defense. Myles Murphy is a project, but has the size, speed and length to become an elite NFL edge rusher. Through 5 games, Murphy has accumulated 13 pressures and 3 sacks for the Tigers.
10. Atlanta Falcons
Tyree Wilson | Texas Tech, Edge
Talking about draft risers, no edge rusher has gained more this season than Tyree Wilson. The Red Raider was a name to watch entering the season after a strong 2021 year highlighted by 37 pressures and 6 sacks. So far this year, Wilson is off to a piping hot start with 27 pressures and 6 sacks through just 5 games! At 6’6″ 275, you love the frame and way he moves around the edge.
11. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)
Jordan Addison | USC, WR
Jordan Addison is the silkiest route runner in college football and is putting together a strong campaign and could possibly be the first back-to-back Biletnikoff winner since Justin Blackmon. Addison is a smaller style of receiver, but has similar traits to super stars like Stefon Diggs.
12. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)
Will Levis | Kentucky, QB
Are we sure that the Seahawks don’t extend Geno Smith to be their guy? No. He has outperformed anybody’s expectations heading into this season. However, with a top 15 pick they will surely be doing their due diligence on the QB class. Levis is a project, but has elite arm traits that NFL teams invest in early in the draft. With back to back picks here, the Seahawks can afford to take a shot.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Peter Skoronski | Northwestern, OT
A position that the Seahawks seemingly have been lacking for what seems like an eternity is a left tackle. Skoronski may not have the best length, but he moves as well as anyone in this class and brings a polished skillset to the next level.
14. LA Chargers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Ohio State, WR
Keenan Allen will be 31 at the start of the 2023 NFL season, with a potential out in his contract the following offseason. The slot receiver has been a go-to for Herbert, but also has struggled to stay on the field throughout his career. I think he will remain a Charger for the short term, but it is hard for me to believe that they team will be paying him the $23M he is owed in 2024. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has played the slot role for the Buckeyes but has the versatility to move around the offense. The Chargers stars are aging, so they MUST acquire some young talent in this draft.
15. Arizona Cardinals
Bryan Bresee | Clemson, DT
Defensive tackle is a weird position in the 1st round. Rarely do we see many go in the top 10 unless they possess the versatility to move across the defensive line. The Cardinals aging vet J.J. Watt’s days are numbered, so they could make a move to bring in the elite prospect with shades of a Watt-esque power lineman to strengthen this group.
16. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams)
Isaiah Foskey | Notre Dame, Edge
Isaiah Foskey is one of the few bright spots on the Notre Dame defense this year and has recorded 16 pressures and 3 sacks in just four games. The Lions used their 2nd overall pick last year on Edge Aidan Hutchinson, but this defense is still the worst in the NFL and will continue to bring in high caliber young talent when available.
17. New York Jets
Antonio Johnson | Texas A&M, DB
The Jets CB combo of DJ Reed Jr. and Sauce Gardner has been one of the best groups in the NFL through 4 weeks, but this young Jets team could add another playmaker in a hybrid safety role. This season, the versatile defensive back has split time primarily as a deep safety and slot corner.
18. Chicago Bears
Cedric Tillman | Tennessee, WR
Justin Fields is getting the brunt of the blame for the Bears struggling pass offense, but he really hasn’t had much help from his receivers. Outside of finding a moderate amount of production from Darnell Mooney, the revolving door of washed up journeyman receivers has a serious impact on the Bears spreading the field. Cedric Tillman is a big bodied receiver that can play a true do-it-all role as the Bears future WR1.
19. Baltimore Ravens
Cam Smith | South Carolina, CB
The Ravens spent a 1st round pick on safety Kyle Hamilton last year and add another DB here with the lockdown corner out of South Carolina. Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters have combined as the 32nd ranked duo in the league and have costed the Ravens in big situations this season. By drafting a true outside corner, it allows for Humphrey to play more of a rover role than being locked into a CB spot.
20. Miami Dolphins (from SF)
Drew Sanders | Arkansas, LB
The Alabama transfer is enjoying a breakout season for the Arkansas Razorbacks and has seen his draft stock skyrocket. Sanders has been solid against the run, but also has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the nation. 21 pressures and 7 sacks this season makes the 6’5” Linebacker a very intriguing prospect that can be plugged into a variety of roles in the NFL.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Michael Mayer | Notre Dame, TE
There has been a void left to be filled since Gronk retired. There is a chance that he could return this season, but the Bucs need to find both a long-term and short-term solution if Brady returns in 2023. In his career, Mayer has been a dependable target that has caught 72% of his targets for 1,500 yards and 12 TDs.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Kelee Ringo | Georgia, CB
The Bengals are a solid team but there are holes throughout their roster. One of the biggest holes, which is frequently exposed, is Eli Apple starting at CB. Ringo is a high ceiling project that can start Day 1.
23. Tennessee Titans
Broderick Jones | Georgia, OT
Taylor Lewan’s future is up in the air and if the Titans continue to build their offense around Derrick Henry, then they need to get younger up front. On 170 pass blocking snaps this year, Jones has allowed just 3 pressures. He may lack ideal length to play outside, but he has been one of the most balanced blockers in college football and moves well enough to move inside.
24. New York Giants
Noah Sewell | Oregon, LB
The Giants OL is going to always be a work in progress, and they lack legit NFL receivers, but arguably their biggest weakness going into the draft may be LB. They recently brought in veterans AJ Klein and Landon Collins to strengthen the group, but this is a team in need of a long term defensive signal caller.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
Johnny Wilson | Florida State, WR
This class is full of slot receivers, but the Jags need a true number 1 on the outside. Johnny Wilson is flying under the draft media radar, but the 6’7” receiver who has allegedly been clocked in the 4.5s could make for a scary prospect. Wilson struggled to produce at Arizona State with former QB Jayden Daniels, but now has taken over as FSUs top target. I will need to see a full season of his tape this year, but don’t sleep on Johnny Wilson.
26. Buffalo Bills
Josh Downs | UNC, WR
The Bills have their top two receivers locked down, but now could benefit from bringing in a solid slot receiver. Josh Downs has missed time this year, but came back with a strong 120 yard game last week.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Bijan Robinson Jr. | Texas, RB
Ezekiel Elliott has regressed, and the Cowboys cannot rely on him alone in the run game. With Pollard likely gone after this season, the team could make a splash and bring in the in-state RB.
28. Green Bay Packers
O’Cyrus Torrence | Florida, IOL
The ULL transfer has been phenomenal at Florida this season starting at RG. The Packers offense continues to get older every year, but could add a player here with one of the highest ceilings in the draft.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Jahmyr Gibbs | Alabama, RB
We’ve seen the Chiefs spend late 1st round picks on RB before and here take advantage of another player with superstar potential. Gibbs is off to a blazing start to the season and likely will play a huge role for Alabama while Bryce Young is out. If there is one thing that this Chiefs offense craves it is SPEED.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Trenton Simpson | Clemson, LB
The Vikings have been solid this season, but you can tell there is still a hole where Anthony Barr was. Trenton Simpson is a steady run defender, but also has been one of the top pass rushing LBs in college football in his career.
31. Miami Dolphins
Forfeited
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Jacob Cowing | Arizona, WR
Jacob Cowing is still a relatively quiet name in college football, but he has taken over as Arizona’s top offensive playmaker this season. He has produced at an elite level through 5 games with 40 receptions for 566 yards and 7 TDs. The Eagles have assembled one of the top offenses in the league, but can continue to add to their deep WR room here.
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