Draft Season | New York GiantsJohn Schmeelk and Tony Pauline ago through every pick in the first round of the NFL Draft and discuss each team’s biggest positional needs.
:00 - Pro day updates
4:32 - Picks 1-8
18:45 - Picks 9-16
30:30 - Picks 17-24
39:38 - Picks 25-32
It's now officially open. This is Draft Season, presented by Moody's, a proud partner of the New York Giants, Dcode versus Unlock Opportunity. Learn more at moodies dot com. John Schmolke, Tony Polling from sports Kita back with you for another episode. Free agency is in the books, Tony, at least for the most part. You still have some guys that are out there, Some big time quarterbacks are still out there. As Giant fans are well aware, we're still trying to figure some of that stuff out. But we have a much better feel and we always joke how mock drafts before free agency are pretty much useless. So I think it's a good time now to take a look at what these rosters look like as we're through that big first wave and even part of the second wave of free agency, and kind of see where these teams are.
Yeah. Absolutely, I mean Mason Graham and Patriots, you can forget about that. You know, the the Dolphins filled needs at the safety position. You have to see where they go and we'll go through it all. But absolutely, I mean, free agency for the longest time has been an area where teams can fill needs which gives them options in the draft. Unfortunately, for other teams, it creates big holes that then have to be addressed in the draft.
Before we get to that, though, Tony, I feel like we should have one little pro day update. We haven't had a ton of pro days over the last couple of weeks, but we did have a fairly big one yesterday. I guess it was right Arizona had their pro Day, which means we got to see Tech McMillan run. He only ran one forty. Obviously none of these times are official, but what did you hear from scouts about how he ran?
Well, it wasn't in Arizona prode. From what I understand is that McMillan just ran. Did a private workout for specific teams. It was reported at four four eight. You had said it's four five five. I always figured he was going to be a four or five to five guy. I am kind of surprised that he even ran before the draft. But you know, that's the thing about McMillan. He's not a speed receiver. You're not drafting Tech McMillan for a vertical offense, acting him to be a game controlling, intermediate possession type receiver, and he's outstanding at that. I still think he's gonna go top ten. I think the Patriots should give him serious consideration at number four. I think the jet should give him serious consideration at number seven in my opinion, except if you're going to have Travis Hunter on your cornerback board. And my opinion, Ted McMillan is far and away the best receiver in this draft.
I agree to me. I watched Golden since we've last talked, and I think he's gonna be a really good player too. I like him, Tony, but I still have McMillan as my number one receiver I would have in this draft class, but specifically last year. Probably not. I wouldn't have him as a top ten pick last year, but this year top ten pick all day for me. And I've heard Dallas at twelve would be interested in him if he gets there, so we'll see how that goes.
Dallas at twelve would jump all over him. I mean, I reported from the Senior Ball that Dallas's goal was to come out of the first round with the receiver, and then later on ESPN reported that Dallas would consider trading up for a receiver. And you've got to imagine it's gonna be a guy like Ted McMillan.
Well, that's exactly why we're doing this exercise today, Tony. We'll see what team needs are where they might go just jumping out of me. In general, looking through the teams, corner is always is a big time need for a lot of teams in this draft. Not a great draft to have a need at corner, but I do see that pop up often on my list. And then it's just always depth on the offensive and defensive lines, and I think this is a good draft to fill those needs specifically.
Yeah, I think a lot of teams address some of their needs to spit specifically on the interior of the offensive line. Like you said, I mean with the cornerback, it's gonna be slim picks. And you know, the closer we get to the draft, the worst the cornerback class looks because of injuries, because of guys who really didn't play live up to expectations in twenty twenty four. And that's why some of these quote unquote mediocre corners got really huge contracts over the last week in free agency.
Given a couple of these guys that I watched the last couple weeks that worked out really well. Then I went back and I watched their tape and I'm like, huh, that doesn't really look like that on tape, and I'm like, all right, I thought maybe he could be a third round pick. Maybe he's more of a fourth round pick. So and then again once next week, by the way, folks, is to give you an update. Next week, me and Tony you do a mock draft, and then we'll probably do another position update. I would imagine as Tony finished his tape and we get more pro days in the bag, we'll probably getting close to the end of the pro day circle at that point, so we'll we'll try to do a little bit of a refresh on the positional rankings as we head into the NFL Draft at the end of April. So let's start with the Tennessee Titans, mister Pauline. And it's funny leaving the common I think both of us thought that the Titans would be very open to trading that first pick, and they still might very well be open to that, but boy, based on what they did in free agency, it just screams to me that they're gonna take cam Ward number.
One and cam Ward has always been in my madrast when I don't do trade trades, hypothetical trades, He's always been number one to the Tennessee Titans. And I reported from the combine that the Titans actually do like cam Ward. I mean, they did a good job addressing needs on the on the offensive line, signing Dan Moore. A little bit of a risky signing there, but he's a good player and the contract is structured that if he has a good year in twenty twenty five, he's gonna make some big money moving forward. They bringing a veteran, like bringing a veteran from Detroit like Kevin Zeitler. They did address some needs at the linebacker position, which Raymond Jones and Cody Barton. So you know, are they going to take I'll do a carter with the With what they did in free agency, they still have maybe some needs at the at cornerback, although it's not that great. So you got to forget about Travis Hunter. What you said points to cam Woard being selected with that pick.
Yeah. Look, I honestly, in terms of their needs, Tony, I don't I do still have edge corner and wide receiver as needs for them. So to me, that does lead the window open for an Abdul Carter, for a Travis Hunter. But if they like cam Ward, they they don't have a lot of guys in that quarterback room right now other than Will Levis.
So well, they brought him. What they brought in, They brought in Brandon Allen, you know, as a veteran backup. Yeah, Brandon, I mean, can you move forward? They got a new coach there, they got a new coach there, they got a new GM there. Are they gonna move forward with Will Levis? I find that very difficult to believe, since Will Levis is not their player.
No, I agree with you one hundred percent. All right, let's go to the Cleveland Browns at number two, Tony. They obviously bring back Miles Garrett. They land Kenny Pickett in the tray. They also bring him Elite Collins, Cornelius Lucas, Joe Tryon, Shoyinka, and then Devin Bush the linebacker. So they bring in some players here do the Browns I take a look at their needs? To me, quarterback is still a screaming kneed Tony. Kenny Pickett does not change that for me, I think other than Jerry Judy, they could use another wide receiver, and then at running back, Nick Chubb's not back yet, so like, is Nick Chubb a guy that that they want to settlement a running back? And then I think defensive tackle is a spot they could use some help out as well.
Yeah, I mean bringing Miles Garrett back when he requested a trade was basically their free agency and designing him to that huge contract because he's such a good player. And you know, when you're a team like Cleveland that hasn't drafted well, in my opinion, it's just foolish to trade away your great players that you drafted in the hopes of getting more and more picks and you don't know what you're gonna get. But I agree with you. I mean, in the quarterback situation is strange. Are you going to take a quarterback with the second pick of the draft when you got when you brought picking and you traded, you brought pick it in via trade. You still got Deshaun Watson there. Although he's changed his contract around, eventually he's going to be back. May not be in twenty twenty five, but he's going to be back in one shape or another. Offensive line is also so in theed Jedrick wellis you don't know what you're getting from It was significant was injured last year. They could bring Nick Chubb back. It's interesting. They have a lot of needs on offense, but when they are called to the clock, if we assume cam Wari is the first pick of the draft, the best players on the board are gonna be on defense. You know, Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. If you look at him as a cornerback.
I'm with you. The first three needs iyah for Cleveland are all on the offensive side of the ball, Tony, so I'll be interested to see what they do there. Let's go to the Giants at three. And this is why I think we think quarterbacks will go early in this draft, Tony, even if the great might not be there. The third straight team at the top of the draft where you I list quarterback as the number one need. All they have right now in the quarterback room is Tommy DeVito. Now this is recording on Tuesday, airing on Wednesday. Maybe they'll have another quarterback in the room by then, but they need have to need a quarterback. I still think they could use some youth of defensive tackle into your offensive line, offensive tackle, and then maybe some wide receiver as well. So again, I think that John's will be looking for a quarterback here. If that doesn't work out, they could use some depth at the edge position on defense, Asizo Jialari just signed for the Philadelphia Eagles, who's behind Brian Burns and Keevon Thibadeau. So I could see them easily being an abdual quarter team if he gets to them at number three and the quarterback is not there.
Yeah, I mean, it's just a bizarre situation. There's no other way to say it. I mean, here we are midway through March and the Giants don't have a starting quarterback. And even if there's a starting quarterback there, it can't make a trade to get up and get camp Ward. It takes you door Sanders. It's a strange situation. Obviously, we have to see what happens the way it plays out. If they're able to get Aaron Rodgers, what do they do then? Is there any market for that pick because the Giants do have a lot of needs.
Hey, look, without a starting quarterback in the building, you don't know what it's going to look like. So I think until the starting quarterback is there. There's very little clarity on what next season is going to look like. And you know, whether it's an Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, I think they'll bring it a veteran Tony, and then I think they will add a quarterback in the draft. Whether it's a three, I have no idea, but I think at some point they will add a quarterback at some point to supplement whomever that veteran is. All right, let's go to the Patriots at four. I hesitate to list all the guys they signed Tony because there were many. They had a ton of money to spend, and they spent a lot of it, but they still have a lot left, to be quite honest with you. Milton Williams and Carlton Davis and Harold Landry and Robert Splaine. With a big additions on defense, good players. They're all going to start Mike Rabele trying to build up that defense. Then an offense, Morgan Moses, the offensive tackle, the veteran Matt Collins the wide receiver. With the main additions on that side of the ball. But look, you look at the Patriots, they still have need on the offensive line, specifically at left tackle. They have needed wide receiver on offense with their Javon Baker and Jalen Polk not really working out last year at least yet. So I think offensive line, wide receiver, and then edge those are the spots I'd be looking at if I were the Patriots.
Yeah, I think they basically answered all their needs on defense in free agency in the first week, which basically points to it being an offensive draft at least in the early portion. You know, offensive line will talk about that next week when we do our mock draft. Receiver. You know, the thing about the Patriots with the receiver and the receiver position is they're never able to develop a receiver one that they drafted. You know, you just mentioned guys they drafted last year. You can go far, you know, you go earlier than that. When Belichick was there. They have just not been able to really develop receivers, especially the ones that they select early in the draft. Maybe it's different this year with Mike frabele Rabel does you know Relish he does put an importance on the big receivers. That's why he had you know, he had the issue with A j. Brown where he wanted to resign him, which schli was exit at Tennessee. So I think early on you're looking at offense because I think the Patriots did such a good job addressing defensive needs in free agency.
Is there an offensive tackle Tony that could be worth the bang for the buck therefore.
Well, I mean, we'll see. I mean, Will Campbell at the top of his game, is an outstanding pass protector. But he's got the short arms, and as we've talked about on this podcast, you know, he's very soft. The times armand Membo, he's lying up draft boards. He's gonna gonna land in the top ten. The question is do you think you can play him at left tackle? And if you can't, are you happy or are you comfortable taking him and moving him inside to guard? Armand Membo has been on a straight shot north literally since the start of the twenty twenty four season. His combine workout was outstanding. As I wrote it sports Ski, the guy looked like a three hundred and thirty pound sprinter when he was doing those pulling drills. Whenever the long polls to the left and the right. I mean, the way he moved and with the speed that he moved, there's nothing but upside with that. Guy.
All right, let's go to the Jacksonville Jaguars at number five. Here, Tony, they do a lot of work in fre agency as well. On offense, they had Patrick McCarry and Robert Hainsey to be offense starting offensive lineman for them at garden center. On defense, Jordan Lewis and Eric Murray to play in the secondary. Diami Brown an addition a wide receiver, So they do add some folks do the Jaguars, Tony. I look at their needs. A cornerback to me still screams as in need, especially an outside corner. I know they've had a lot of guys in the offensive line. I look at that group, especially offensive tackle, Tony, I don't feel great about it. And then I know they drafted Brian Thomas junior last year, but they let Christian Kirk go. I think they could use a weapon or two for Trevor Lawrence.
As well defensive tackle as well. I mean, they've been hurting for a defensive tackle for a number of years now. The problem is, you look at the Jacksonville Jaguars draft history of the past five to six years. They've expended so much early draft capital on defensive front. Seven players I think, and you know you mentioned they let Christian Kirkle. They also let Evan Ingram go and now they have a Hall of tight end. I don't understand that move. I know it was injured last year, but you know you got a quarterback there and Trevor Lawrence. You want to add weapons, you don't want to get rid of weapons. So that was kind of a strange with me. I would agree with cornerback. I also think defensive tackle Mason Graham more than anything else, he's one of the safer picks at the top of the draft. You know what you're getting with them. May not have the same upside as many of the other players, but you know what you're getting with them. And really with a lot of those defensive front seven players that Jacksonville has drafted the past couple of years, they've not been safe picks. They've been up and down, they've been inconsistent, or they've been outright bus Yeah.
On defensive tackle, Tony you're right. Eric Armstead is thirty one, Mason Smith was a pick last year, Davon Hamilton a third round pick in twenty twenty, so, Jordan Jefferson a fourth round pick last year. So I'm with you. They do have some need of defensive tackle for sure, Raiders at number six. They don't need a quarterback anymore with Gino Smith there Tony, but I think they could use someone to throw the ball to a little bit. They don't have a ton of weapons out there. Brock Bauers is obviously very good, and the wide receiver they got from the Patriots two years ago, Jacobe Meyers is a good player, but I think they can use another weapon outside. They could use some help on the offensive line, then, I think on cornerback on defense is a spot that certainly needs some bullstering.
Need a lot of help on the offensive line, need some help at cornerback. I still think despite the fact, you know, the contract they gave to Max Crosby, they could still use another Edgresher, you know. I think they're going to address the quarterback position at some point in the draft to bring in a younger guy that you know, can learn under Gino Smith. I don't know that that quarterback is Aidan O'Connell. Whether they do it, you know, this early in the draft, or they do it in Day two, remains to be seen.
I think a running back too, is something that they could add Tony. I don't love that running back spot there right now, the spot you could take a look after the Raiders all right, jetson seven Uh. I think they need some help at a wide receiver and tight end Tony, Like they just need weapons to go with Garret Wilson. They could still continue to bolst on that offensive line. In my opinion, you can never stop that. And they did lose a corner in free agency. I think they could use some help outside as well.
In defense. Yeah, absolutely, I mean you've got to you're bringing justin fields in. You got Garrett Wilson there there already and he will hopefully be there for a while. Alan Lazard is likely on his way out. Xavier Gibson, he's a nice number five receiver, he's not a starting receiver as your return specialist. Desperate need for receivers there, you know, there's a desperate need at the tight end position. I am, in my own self, very disappointed that Rutgert has not turned out to be the tight end that we all thought he could be when he was drafted. And even though they you know, they signed, they gave money, a big money to Brandon Stevens I agree with you. A number one cornerback where another cornerback is need as seen number one saw Scardons there, but another big time cornerback is there. They'll all have their options and they could probably get be lucky because you could have the best receiver on the draft available to him. You could have the best cornerback in the draft available to him. And you know, would they take Tyler Warren with that seventh pick? Oh my gosh, I don't know. Last time they took a tight end early in the draft from Penn State, we saw what happened.
That would be Kyle Brady. For the fans that are too young to remember that pack in gott What year was that.
Tony ninety five? I believe ninety five?
Was it ninety five? Yeah? Might have been that far that that long ago? Wow?
Who all right?
Carolina Panthers at number eight, Tony, they did some work in Fridge. They brought back some of their own guys, Tommy tremble Bag, Jacy Horn on the big extension, Michael Jackson the cornerback, also back. They had a couple defensive players too. Look, their defense was a mess last year, so they do a lot of work on that side, Trayvon morg the safety on a big contract, Urshawn and Wharton coming over from the Chiefs a big contract, and then Patrick coming over as well, so they try to really improve their defense here, Tony. When I look at their needs, I got wide receiver still. I know they have Adam Thiel, and I know they drafted the kid out of South Carolina last year, but I think wide receiver the spot they need help ad And then I still think they need some help at.
Corner and tight end as well. I mean they you know, Tommy Tremble's they're starting tight end. So they did a good job on the defensive line of free agency. Adding Morrig, I think was another piece at the cornerback position. Safety safety position, I'm sorry, safety position, you know. Are they happy with what they have at and rusher? You know? And some more offensive lineman because Bryce Young seemingly has turned it around. And I don't say he's not living up to expectations, but he's not the biggest bust as everyone was saying just nine months ago. But I agree with you, you know, receiver, tight end, maybe some offensive lineman, and then some players in the in the defensive back seven.
I'm with you, all right. Let's jump over to the New Orleans Saints. Here, Tony, there are always a aggressive like, they don't hesitate throwing money around and kicking the can down the road. They bring back Chase Young, they bring back Juwan Johnson, they bring back Isaac Yatam, and then they signed Justin Reid the safety, and then they have a couple of minor guys coming in as well. And when I take a look at the Saints team, look, they still need an edge rusher. They've been I feel like they've been searching for an edge rusher for a while, Tony, a pass rusher off the edge. I think now they're at the point where they might be able to use some wide receiver help next to Chris Olave. And at some point do they have to have the succession planned to Alvin Kamara. I don't know how much how much longer he's gonna keep going at running back.
I think this is what happens. And they still need offensive line help, and I think this is what happens. We talked about Jacksonville and so much early draft capital being spent on defensive line and pass rushers, and it hasn't worked. Out. I mean how much draft capitol, early draft capital have New Orleans Saints spent.
On the Trevor Penning, Caesar Ruiz, Eric McCoy to tell the ESA Fuaga it is just a lot of guys and.
They still and they still need help there. And this is another team. You know, we talked about the Patriots, We've talked about the Jets, even the Panthers, another team that needs wide receiver and tight end, wide receiver and tight end. I do think that they could use an outside linebacker, but I know that they want They were very high in Brock Bowers last year, lost out on him wide receiver and tight end, and again that's not going to fill their needs. You know, is Derek Carr there for the for the mainstay you mentioned running back. Fortunately for them, they'll be able to address the running back position sometime in Day two, even day three because it's such a deep class.
All right. The Chicago Bears have been busy Tony. They select with pick number ten, They do a good job of really solidifying the interior offensive line. They trade for Jodah Jackson, they trade for Joe Toney, and they signed the top center on the market in Drew Dolmen. So I think they feel probably pretty good about their offensive line situation right now do the Bears, But I think they could use it offensive tackle. So do they try to kind of complete that group with an offensive tackle, do they go after an edge player on defense? Or I still think they could use some help on the outside pass rush. And then look, we saw when Ben Johnson was in Detroit they picked Jami or Gibbs early. It would not shock me if we see an early draft running back go to the Bears either.
I mean, first of all, the Bears, in my opinion, have had the best offseason in football. Oh you saw it, you know, bringing in Ben Johnson, which was everybody wanted Ben Johnson's head coach. They basically transformed the interior of that offensive line. Obviously, it looks like they're happy with Braxton Jones. Maybe they pull a surprise in the draft, but everything right now points to Ashton Genty. There is some thought process out there. It could be a tight end like Tyler Warren. But again, you know, as I reported Sports Getter from the combine Ben Johnson, the whole object is to build around Caleb Johnson and building Caleb Williams and build an offense that is going to play to his strengths. I think thus far they've done fantastic job of it.
Completely agree, and you know they're gonna want to run the football there, So again, a running back would not shock me at all. The San Francisco forty nine Ers lost a bunch of guys here, Tony. I will not go through the whole list. They had some minor signings Luke Farrell the tight end, Mac Jones backup quarterback, DeMarcus Robinson the wide receiver. Nothing crazy there. They bring back Kyle used check you after letting him go. Jordan Mason ends up getting traded, so he's not a running back anymore. But look, the Niners are starting to have some holes, Tony. They traded Deebo Samuel in the offseason as well. I still don't love their offensive tackle situation. I think you eventually have to figure out your succession plan after Trent Williams. You know he's getting older. I think they can use some help on the defensive line. So I think this is a trenches draft for the Niners, Tony. I think they need to reinvest in that part of their team offensive line. Defensive line.
Yeah, and this is you know when they say you got a short window or you better win when that window is therefore you and it looks like that window if it's not closed for the forty nine ers, is quickly closing. I would agree with you. They need an edge rusher. They need offensive lineman in tier offensive linemen. You mentioned tackled I mean, do you take one of these guys, plug him in on the Kelvin Banks or you know, Will Campbell whoever, use him ac guard and then basically groom him to play offensive tackle in the future. I mean, that's a possibility. You can kind of kill two birds with one stone. But I think it's got They've got to look early on anyway, at the edge, edge rusher in interior offensive line.
All right, let's go to the Dallas Cowboys. They select next couple of trades for them, a couple of former first round picks, kyri Elam and Kenneth Murray coming on board for some late round pickswaps. They bring back Osa Digezua, Marquis Bell, a couple other guys on defense, special teamers. They bring in a bunch of guys that I think have some pedigree Tony and it'll provide some depth for them, but nobody that's a high end player, certainly Jones, whose offensive lineman. He's had a lot of injury issues. He's a guard. Sawimon Thomas the defensive tackle who's been a solid pro, but he's underwhelmed based on what his draft position was. Javonte Williams, so I don't still think he's bounced back from the knee injury. Peyton Turner a former You mentioned the Saints investing in draft picks and they haven't worked out. He's one of them. Jack Sandburn, good linebacker, Miles Sanders, Dante foul Or, Paris Campbell. So the Cowboys a bunch of guys on like one year contracts here Tony, but look who their receivers other than Ceedee Lamb. You know they they traded for the young Panthers wide receiver last year whose name is escaping me at the moment. He was the second round pick for them a couple of years ago. Cavant de Turpin, Jayalen Tobert. It's just not exciting and wide receiver. I still think they could keep getting younger and solidifying the offensive line. Javonte Williams is their only running back. Rico Daddo left, they could use a running back on that team. And then I still think defensive tackle and linebacker, inside linebacker are spots that they could use helping well. A lot of needs for the Cowboys.
Jonathan Mingo is the name that you skip that traded for the Dallas traded for, and I agree, I mean again, go back to senior by reported they they're looking at receiver. They want to fortify that defensive front seven. Resigning Digi Zua is a good start. Uh absolutely can use the running back, but I think the signing of guys like Javonte Williams means that they probably will look to get another back later in the draft given the depth of the position. You know, the question is do they think Tech McMillan's gonna fall to home. I don't think he's going to They trade up for Tech McMillan. You know, is Luther Burdon. You know in the mix for them is a Mecca Buca. It's a little bit early, but he's go He's gonna run very very fast, you know. Dallas is they'reing a kind of a strange situation unless, as they say, man from Heaven falls for the to them and and the tech McMillan drops to their selection.
All right, let's go to the Miami Dolphins, Tony. I know their fans have been freaking out a little bit because they were very quiet in free agency. Nick Westbrook, Akine the wide receiver minor contract, and then James Daniels. Those are only really big addition on the defensive line. So they haven't really done a ton to help themselves because you know, they spent a lot of money on Tyreek Hill, Jayalon Wattle to a tongue of vay Loa, So not a ton of money there even they you know, on defense, Chubb on the defensive line. Look to me, Tony, their interior offensive line is you know, they've solidified it, but I think they need defensive tackles. They lost Christian Wilkins last offseason cornerback safety. I think the Dolphins really need to invest in their defense here where they I still think I have a lot of holes in my.
Opinion, and then maybe even a wide receiver. I would agree with you. I think right now it's looking like the defensive tackle. Some people think if Will Johnson is there, that could be the pick. They signed two safeties, but I mean, the guys that they signed were basically private situational players or backups from the teams they came for. You can't expect Ashton Davis to be starting safety. So you know, if the kid and then the warrior is there from South Carolina, they have holes, but you know they should be able to fill that hole with the thirteenth pick of the draft, with a good pellet, with a good player.
I'm with you. Let's go to the Indianapolis Colts, Tony Cameron Biden. They were very active. I think it's pretty obviously that that Chris Ballard's trying to make a run here to try to get better. They bring a Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson, a couple of defensive backs, and Cameron buying them the safety from Minnesota, shar Various Ward coming over from the forty nine ers. Khlile Herbert is a backup running back to Jonathan Taylor. But look you look at their team, Tony, I still think they could use a tight end. I think they could use a cornerback. I think they could use a guard, and I think they can use some outside and inside linebacker help on defense.
Yeah, there's a screaming need a tight end, And I mean, whether it's Anthony Richardson, whether it's Daniel Jones, you got to give a target to play with. I still think they could go safety if a top safety is there, or you know, somebody in the defensive backfield. But tight end is the number one need. The question is just Titler Warren fall to them at fourteen or would they take Colston Loveland at that selection. I don't think so because of the injury.
Yeah, we've vosted tight end and wide receiver for a bunch of here teams. Here, Tony, We'll see how high those guys end up going in a very deep draft on the defensive front. All right, let's go to the Atlanta Falcons. They bring back a lot of their own players. They signed Devine Diablo, the linebacker, sleep safety combo guy. Leonard Floyd continues his tour of the National Football League. On one of your contracts at edge, Mike Ford a small contract to play corner for them. And look, I'm still looking aside from center, Tony, where I'm not sure what they're gonna do. Look, I think the Falcons have got to get this defense better, and I think that's got to be their top priority. Defensive tackle, edge players, corner, you'll figure out a way to stop the pass, because that's something they were not able to do last year.
I think the Falcons needs which you also which you illustrated, and including center and safety, basically the same now as they were before free agency started. I don't see that they've helped themselves at the free agency. Obviously they lost the center, so that's a position that they're going to have to fill. Unlike the Bears, I don't think they were any better of a team after free agency than they were before it started.
All right, let's go to the Arizona Cardos. They have the sixteenth overall pick here, Tony, and look, they're on a rebuild, so they have a lot of work to do still. They were not super active in for agency, but they did do some damage. Their big signing was Josh Sweat on the edge a big contract, Dalvin Tomlinson who has been a solid defensive tackle for a long time. Those are their major additions here. They bring back Baron Browning as an edge player, but I think frankly, Arizona and the Falcons have very similar needs Tony edge players, defensive line players, cornerback, and then I'll throwing wide receiver and offensive line for the Cardinals as well. They stove a lot of work to do.
I'm going to go with those last two as their primary needs. I think they did a good job, you know, signing Sweat. I think Tomlinson is underrated. He's a veteran. You know, people will grab it with players will gravitate because of the way he plays. I think I like what they did on defense, which means I think it's going to be more offensive oriented. Would it be a receiver, would it be you know, offensive line. They've drapped a lot of offensive long linemen. Paris Johnson finally back at the right's position at left tackle. You know, you got to protect Hyler Murray if you want him to be effective. So I think that's the way it's looking based on what they did in free agency, all.
Right, Cincinnati Bengals at seventeen Tony, I think they're gonna have to eventually add some non wide receivers to the roster. They did bring back a lot of players on free agent contracts. I mentioned Chason Higgins with their monster deals. BJ hillback a good solid defensive tackle, Mikeasiki back at tight end, josephill sideback as an edge player, the only guy on the outside they brought in where Tenterroll Slayton the defensive tackle, and saman j p Ryan who returns to be their backup running back. So you look at this Bengals team Tony and pass rushers, cornerbacks, defensive tackles and maybe a guard.
Or maybe an offensive lineman. You know you are another offensive line did you have to marry Smimsic a few years ago? We see what happens with Trey Hendrickson. As far as the edges can shine when it's a defensive tackle, I think they want a bigger guy. They want a big body, space heater in the middle of the line to compliment the other players there. Oh, sounds like a Kenneth Grant team Tony potentially unless the unless the Miami Dolphins stay Kenneth Grant. But that's the way it looks. Still have to see what happens with Trey Hendrickson. He wants to stay, but he wants to get paid. Another team pays him. Trey Hendrickson could be on his way way out of town.
Seattle Seahawks throwing some money around Tony, they select eighteenth. Obviously, they switch out Gino Smith. They get an extra pick for Sam Donald. I think that I think it makes sense based on where they are. They get a pick in the DK Metcalf trade. They bring back Ernest Jones and Jaron Reed. They also bringing Cooper cup to Marcus Lawrence, Marquez Valdez Scantling. You look at the Seattle team, I think their defense looks pretty strong right now. Tony. I think Mike McDonald's done a good job of bringing in the guys they need on defense. I think they could always use another edge player. They don't have a dominant pass rusher yet, but look, I still think they need help on the interior offensive line, maybe right tackle as well, depending on how healthy their right tackle is going to be. And then wide receiver and tight end or two spots where I think they could use some.
Help, especially receiver. I mean they've created holes, cutting players and trading players at the receiver position, so I think that's an area be ironic if a Mecca Buca ends up playing with his former teammate Jackson Smith Nijigba if Seattle decides to go in that direction.
Yeah, I agree, with you, all right, Let's go to the ted Bay Buccaneers. Next, Tony, they select at nineteen overall. They bring back Chris god When, Ben Brettison, Levonte David, those are the major ones. They bring it to Son Reddick as a well. I think he might have been the first free agent signed if I remember proper, when Anthony Nelson comes back, anythy Nelson comes over as well to the Tampa Bay Bucks. You look at it for me, Tony. I think they could still use another edge player. Levonte David at some point is going to stop being able to play football. I think they might need an inside linebacker at some point. And I don't know how much you love Kate Atten. I think they could use another tight end. And I think on defense they could use the safety.
Yeah, I think linebacker. I like this is Son Reddick trade. I think you know they're a team Tampa that has used a lot of draft picks on ed rushers. It hasn't worked out. I think that Reddick signing was a good one. Obviously he's got a chip on his shoulder considering what happened last year with the Jets. You know, is this a place where jahat Campbell goes. I mean they do need a linebacker and off ball linebacker. He's the best off ball linebacker here. I think a cornerback is also a consideration, and offensive line as All.
Right, let's go to the Denver Broncos that pick number Tony. We're doing a good job rolling through these pretty quick, Tony. I'm very impressed. Excellent work here we go. All right, they bring back DJ Jones, they trade or they don't trade. I guess that was a signing, right, Evan Ingram, Jared Stidham comes back as their backup quarterback. They let Zach Wilson go. Then they signed a couple of I would say high risk players right just because of the injury history telling No Hufunga at safety on a big contract. Drake Greenlaw, He's a year off his injury. He should be okay. And Matt Park comes back as a swing tackle for them. Tony, the Broncos have a nice little roster man. I was very impressed when I was looking at him. But running back is a screaming need for me for them. If he gets there, that's an Ashton genty. I think landing spot. That's an O'marion Hampton landing spot their center, I think maybe a little bit more helping. Then on defense, I think edge is a big need for them still, and then outside of Patrick Sirtan, I think they could use another corner and.
Maybe even another safety depending on what happens. But I agree with you, I mean it's running back. I think signing Evan Ingram after or basically pick him up off the waiver wire, was a tremendous move. Maybe they get a tight end later in case Evan Ingram can't make it through the entire season. But I think they've done a good job in the offseason to fill needs. Right now, I'm looking at them as running back, maybe another safety, maybe another tight end.
All right, now we get to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tony and Mike Tomlins the double edged sword. He's great. He always figures out a win games. He's a great coach. Here's the problem. The Steelers are never in a position to draft a quarterback. That's how they went up with Kenny Pickett a couple of years ago, and now again they're sitting at pick number twenty one yere with Mason Rudolph as the only viable quarterback on their roster. In free agency. They brought in Darius Slay, Mason Rudolph, Malik Harrison, Kenneth game Ow's a backup running back, not a ten of work. The obviously trade for DK Metcalf, which was the big one, and then the huge extension for him, but it starts a quarterback for the Steelers Tony. They let Naja Harris go. I think they can maybe use a running back to pair with Jalen Warren. You have to at some point and assume Cameron Hayward, you know, I put him in the Levante David category. They're really good players, but how much longer can he keep playing at a high level. So I think defensive tackle is another spot. And then even with the addition of Darius Slay, I could see them adding a young corner as well.
Well. Don't forget they also signed Brandon Eckles as their nickelback, which I thought was an excellent signing because Eccles was effective when he was on the field for the Jets. I would agree defensive line or running back those are going to be the two big needs early on. I don't know that there's going to be a good running back there at twenty one, you know, would they reach for a guy like on Marion Hampton that early. But I do think Walter Nolan, Tyler Williams, someone like that will be available to them.
All right, let's go to the AFC West and say what's up to the Los Angeles Chargers who were quiet in fra agenty, Tony. They did not do a ton in terms of adding people to that team. McKai Becton, gigantic guard that screams, Jim Harbaugh, Dante Jackson the corner, Mike Williams comes back, Nanji Harris I mentioned, then Benjamin Saint just comes over. Uh. They ended up resigning some of their guys, Elijah Moulden back, Khalil Mack back on a pretty big one year contract, Tier Tart back, Jaylen ragerback, Bradley Boseman back. So some quiet moves are smaller moves by the Chargers trying to kind of keep that team intact. When I went through their roster, Tony, I think defensive line is going to be a huge need for them. It's a good draft to have those needs defensive tackle, line, defensive end, and then look, they need another receiver like Wi McConkie can't do it. All himself, dude, like they need someone out there that can make some plays and wide receiver and give Justin Herberts some targets.
They also need a tight end. I mean, we'll dislease their their number one tight end. So I think that the Mecky Beckon the signing was was terrific if filled a need. He showed the ability to play last year with good coaching. We know how much Harblall, you know, values offsive linement. Like you said, it was a Jim Harbaugh signing. I think Naja Harris was also another good signing. I think I would agree with you about the defensive tackle position, but I also think a receiver or a tight end is there.
Yeah. With the ed I would also consider, you know, maybe another running back to pair with Naja Harris as a change of pace guy too. I think it'd be something that I would consider. The Packers, Tony, they bring in Aaron Banks to play guard for them on a monster contract. They bring in Nate Hobbs to play cornerback for them, and they re sign linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. So I was really impressed when I looked at the Packers roster Tony. It's good they have a good roster. I think they're missing like star level players, so I know they'll do this generally, but I would consider a trade up to try to get a difference maker. But if they sitdn't pick a twenty three corner I don't think you know, there's rumors that they might move on and trade their veteran quarterback jy R. Alexander defensive tackle. I think Kenny Clarkson a little bit older if you want to try to uh build that up a little bit. They're pretty deep at edge with van Ness and you know Gary, but I guess you could always add some help there. And then I think they have a deep wide receiver room Tony. But do they have a difference making wide receiver in that room? So I can see them maybe trying to add a big time player there if they can, I'd.
Say defensive line wide receiver in cornerback. The only thing is you know you're gonna get the same type of receiver at twenty three that's already on the roster. I don't know that you're gonna get a big time player there. The problem is there one there potentially the best the best conference in the NFL, especially with Chicago. Now you expect Chicago to make a jump, so as talented as they are, that is that is a tough conference. Defensive line, wide receiver, cornerback.
Totally agree. All right, Let's go to the next team on this list, twenty fourth or row the Minnesota Vikings Tony. They lost some guys in for agency, but they were also the Cameron Bian being the most notable one that they let walk out the door. But boy, the Vikings were not hesitant about throwing money around Will Fries, the offensive guard that helps solidify the interior that offensive line, Jonathan Allen and Javon han Grave to try to solidify the middle of that defensive line. Ryan Kelly will be their starting center this year. I think they want to run the ball a lot better. They bring back Byron Murphy on a big deal. They bring back Aaron Jones, They bring back Theo Jackson and Harrison Smiant to play safety. Nice little roster there. To me, it's the edge and corner Tony that they could use a little bit of help. And I know people will roll their riyse of me, probably because they have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison who are their next receivers. After those two guys, it gets dicey quick. I can see them being a mid late round wide receiver team too.
They did sign Isaiah Rodgers and Jeffer Kudah at the cornerback spot, so you know, I think if a good cornerback is there, you know, but what cornerback is gonna be there? Are you taking Shannon Ravel, You're taking Benjamin Morrison Treamos? You know. I do think safety is a position. You know, maybe this is where Malachi Starks goes if you know a team prior, if Denver doesn't take Malachai Starks, I think that safety is at the position that they're definitely going to look at.
Houston Texas at twenty five Tony obviously, you know they have CJ. Shot At at quarterback. Weird moves. This year, they really changed out a lot of their offensive line, which was a weakness for them. They do bring in Christian Kirk, CJ. Gardner, Johnson, and at Ingram on trades to try to solidify the offensive line. I don't know how much better it is. DJ sting DJ Derek Stingley Junior on a big resign three years ninety million. Mario Edwards comes back on the defensive line. Those are the major moves there. I take a look at this Houston Texan team, Tony, I'm looking at offensive line, offensive line, offensive line, and then maybe a wide receiver too, because we don't know what Tank Dell's feature is going to be there.
Maybe a defensive tackle. I know they brought in Sheldon Rankins or you were lying on him, but yeah, I mean, it'll be interesting to see what happens with them with their offensive line. I mean, if Blake Fisher their left tackle of the future, are they you know, are they comfortable with that, especially the guy like CJ. Shatt. I mean, this is an organization that seems to be moving north and just needs a few more pieces. And then they trade Tunzel. I would agree with you also about the receiver position as far as depth is concerned.
I'm with you on that. All right, Let's go to the next team, the Los Angeles Rams, who obviously their biggest move this offseason was keeping Matthew Stafford their starting quarterback, which is obviously a very big keep for them. Jimmy Garoppolo c goomes back as their backup, but then in for agency DeVante Adams, Tony a two year contract he can still play to go with Puka Naku and wide receiver to very big body wide receivers. They resigned to to at well and wide receiver as well, and then puta Ford comes in on the defensive line. I took over their roster cornerback. I know they don't really value the position, but I think inside linebacker is a spot where they need a lot of help. End Tyler Hasby, I don't know how much he's got left in the tank. And then I would keep trying to slidify that offensive tackle spotify with them.
Tony, Yeah, I've got cornerback, tight end, linebacker, offensive line.
I mean, yeah, we're on the same page.
Colston Lovelin, maybe if he slides here, you know, it may not be ready to play for a while, but I think that would be a good fit for him. A bigger cornerback would also be It would be also be a good fit here. And maybe this is where that group of top gear cornerbacks that didn't we live up to expectations or had injuries in twenty twenty four start to come off the board.
All right, let's go to the Baltimore Ravens here, pick number twenty seven. They bring back Ronnie Stanley on a three year contract. Cooper rush backup quarterback DeAndre Hopkins to play wide receiver, Patrick McCord back to play fullback. Ben Cleveland returns as well. I mean, I'm not going to break any news here. The Ravens have a good roster. I think they could use a dominant pass rusher. They have some guys out there they rotated edge. I think they could use some help there. I think eventually you got to think about what happens after Marl and Humphrey. He clows that a little bit. He's still a good player, but he's getting older. And then I think you can still use some help with guard Tony and some helping wide receiver.
I'd also say safety as well. I agree with you on edge. I think safety is a position. They could do some depth at the receiver position. How many times have they taken receiver in the first round. I mean, you see how important the left tackle position is. Because everybody thought, you know, through the combine, that Ronnie Stanley was gonna get cut, and what do they do? They signed him to an extension. So I think it tells you that number one, obviously the importance of the position number two, there were still concerns about the players available at the left tackle spot in this year's draft.
All right, let's go to the Detroit Lions, Tony. They do a lot of small deals, bringing back a lot of their own guys, Derek Barnes being the biggest one, Marcus Davins portback, Levey and Zerrique back. They also bring in DJ Reid the wide the cornerback rather from the Jets on a big three year contract. Way that line's roster is good.
Man.
It's funny you get to the end of these this draft order and you're like, A, and I understand why these teams are so good. I think they can still use an edge to complimentate in Hutchinson on the other side, I know we had a good year last year. A Meek Robertson. There's just so much bad tape earliers career. I would think a nickelback is something I would still look at, and then I'd look at a little depth and wide receiver behind him, mom ros Saint Brown and Jamison Williams.
Defensive line, wide receiver, maybe another safety at this spot. You know, it's kind of funny you mentioned how they brought Barnes back on a big contract. Well, the word was was that Aaron Glenn was going to try and take Eric signed Barnes in free agency. Not only the Detroit Lyons signed Barnes, but designed Dj Reid, who was the best the Jets' best cornerback last year that played better in than Mad Gardner. So that was a that was a major cup for them.
All right. So let's go now to the Washington Commanders, and I think when you look at the roster, you see, all right, you know, they they were good last year, but they had some holes to fill, and I think they did a really good job filling some of those holes. I still don't quite understand why the Texans traded a Laramie Tunsel, but now he's the blind side protector for the Commander's young quarterback, which is just phenomenal for them. Deebo Samuel comes over in a trade from the forty nine ers. They bring back Bobby Wagner, they bring back Mariota, they bring back zach Ertz, and then they signed Javon Kinlaw to a surprisingly massive deal Tony, which that kind of took me by surprise a little bit. But they still have some holes here, man. I think they could use an edge player. I think they could use a safety, inside linebacker. You know how much longer is Bobby Wagner going to play? And then I think it's tight end and maybe even a running back on offense.
Cornerback, end running back as well. I think after the Bears, I think the Redskins came out of free agency as the second most improved team, if you will, with all of their moves, especially tons of left tackle. I agree with you at edge. I agree cornerback. I al still think running back. You know, again, what do they do because of where they're draft team? Did they take an O'marion Hampton? Did they take the kid from UCLA to fill the edge need? Uh, They're gonna have some options. Do they trade back? I mean there's a I'm sure there'll be some teams that want to trade up to maybe get a quarterback. If there's one more one on the board, they could trade back and get some extra selections. But I mean the fact is the Redskin Psychologists, the Commanders are a better team now than they were on March first.
Yeah, they just trying to build around the Jayden and Daniels and and and make another deep run into the playoffs. All right, let's go to the Buffalo Bills, Tony. They're a team that I think has, you know, just trying to do what they can to figure out a way to beat the Chiefs, and they just can't seem to be able to do it. A lot of bringing back their own guys, which I think makes sense for them. They're a good team, right Josh Allen big extension, Greg Russeau back, Khalil Shaker back, Tho Binard back, and then Demo Hamlin back, Ty Johnson back at running back. They also bring in Josh Palmer on a nice little contract to help that wide receiver corp. I would have liked a little bit more speed and pop, but Palmer is a good player. Michael Hoyt the defensive tackle, a defensive lineman. They bring in p d suspension, same for Larry Ogunjobi, but those guys will help up front. Joey Bosa comes in. He kind of slots into that veteran Ron von Miller spot with him departing from the Bills. But I still think they could use a little help at depth at corner Tony. I think they could still use another edge player to help. And then I do wonder if they start wandering about replacing James Cook. Not that James Cook is an issue or he's not great, He's really good, but he's talked about wanting a monster running back contract, and I'm not sure what the way the Bills are structured they're gonna be able to afford paying a running back a ton of money.
Well, we thought, what two three years ago, they were gonna take the kid from Iowa State. They passed them up. They take care Elam, The Jets take the running back from Iowa State, Priests Hall. He turns out to be a star. And then Carrie Elam has been a total bust for the Buffalo Bills. They just traded him to the Dallas Cowboys. As you mentioned early on, I think that was more of a scheme. So I think that obviously running back is consideration. I agree with you with depth of cornerback. I also think defensive tackle. I think they got to get a bigger guy in there, more of a run stuffer in there to help the players that are already on the roster.
All Right, two more teams to go here. We got the Chiefs Tony again, They're trying to figure out their left tackle spot. That's been something they've been trying to figure out for a couple of years here in terms of how they're going to protect Patrick Mahomes blind side. And I think after what happened in the Super Bowl, they understand quite well how important that is. Yeah, So they bring in Jalen Moore, who's never really been a full time starter, but they gave a pretty big contract to play tackle for them. They bring in Christian Fulton to play corner, Trey Smith back as a franchise tag guard. He already signed that. Nick Bolton a three year deal, Hollywood Brown back for them as well. And I look at it, Tony, I think at some point you have to draft Travis Kelsey's replacement a tight end. I think that's fascinating. Could an Elija a Royal type of guy. Maybe not in round one, but round two be some when they look at I think they could use some pass rush help on the edge, and they could use corner and wide receiver help, and then you know, if there's an offensive tackle too. I think the Chiefs actually have a fair amount of needs given the fact that they were in the Super Bowl.
Yeah, and left tackle is the biggest need. I mean, it's Jalen Moore gonna be the guy that you know, kind of solves the issue. They took Sue Mattea from BYU last year in the second round, thought it was a great pick. Never panned out.
Waynam Morris has never really just real quick on on Sue Mataia. We knew that he wasn't ready to go right away. I think pulling the ripcord on him after just one year would be a mistake.
I agree, And he was taken in the second round, so it's not like it's the first round. Bus you knew he had the upside, you know, It's just that the mental aspect had to and the fire had to meet the physical skills because he had the physical skills. Now, I believe they got him starting at guard after the trade of Downy, So maybe you developed him at guard. Maybe it turns out to be a good guard that could eventually be a left tackle. Wayna Morris, the third round pick from twenty twenty three, has never really hand out. That's kind of been there. Achilles Hill. As you mentioned, as we saw during the Super Bowl, I would agree with you. At tight end, you got to get somebody in there in the future to replace Travis Kelcey who does not have that much to or tread left on the tire, and a receiver as well.
All right, Finally, the Philadelphia Eagles, Tony, they're really good, but I was surprised what I took a look at their roster. I think this is going to be a big reinforce the Trench's draft for the Eagles. They lose Milton Williams, they love Josh Wett, Lane Johnson gets a year older, They lose McKay Beckton. I think this is a big offensive defensive line draft for the Eagles as they try to re solidify up front on both sides of the ball. And then I think inside linebacker, in corner or two other spots three they might want to look at somebody too.
And Harry Roseman loves drafting offensive linean a defensive lineman. I mean he basically the Eagle fans laughed at him when they selected and when he selected Cam Jurgen in the second round of the twenty twenty two draft. Look how that has panned out. I agree with you, offensive line. You know how long is Lane Johnson gonna be around for there? Were rumors that he was going to retire after they won the Super Bowl. Doesn't look like that's gonna happen, and edge Rusher to replace Josh Sweat. I would agree with you offensive a defensive line, and that's Howie Roseman's strength.
I'm with you to anything you want to add before we say goodbye.
No, I know next week. This week, as we're speaking on Tuesday, the Pro Day workouts are really kicking into gear. There are a bunch yesterday with UCLA and Arkansas and Syracuse. The Big Twelve workout workouts are happening this week. Should dors Sanders again is not gonna throw at the Big Twelve workout, He's gonna throw at the Colorado Pro Day. So I'm sure we'll have a good, big a bunch of news next week on the Pro days.
Yeah, we'll have that, and we'll have them out draft as well as Tony. I do our post com post free agency mock draft, which I think is always a little bit more educational and really good job. We did not really mention any players connected with teams much today, so that'll leave a lot to chew off the bone for tomorrow's episode of Draft Season brought to you by Moody's, a proud partner of the New York Football Giants, uniting the brightest minds that turn today's risks into tomorrow's opportunities. Learn more at moodies dot com. For Tony polling from sports Keta, I'm John shmelt Tony anything on sports key to coming up. People should know.
About uh A lot of Pro Day information if you want to know how players have done it, prode and who they are meeting with or who they are talking to. I mean, we just had two articles go up before the Arkansas, the UCLA and the Sarah Cheese Prode and we'll have an updated mock draft by the end of the week, a post free agency mock draft.
Nice and that's what we'll and then me and Tony will do our own next week. So of course, no one's more locked in than Tony on this stuff. Check them out at sports Keta. I'm John Schmelk. And of course you can find Draft Season on your favorite podcast platform from the Giants app or just go to Giants dot com slash podcast you can find that and all of our other podcasts as well. For Tony polling on John schmulk, we'll see you next time. Everybody
