Merriam Mock Drafts

Let’s take a look at how the draft may unfold after watching free agency. We’ve learned a lot more about each team’s roster direction which limits their decision-making a bit going forward.

* – Denotes a traded pick

1) *Carolina Panthers via CHI – CJ Stroud (QB, Ohio State) 6’3” 214 lbs 

The connections between Stroud and the Panthers’ organization only grew this week. Frank Reich has only coached quarterbacks with a baseline of Stroud’s height. Stroud, it seems will hear his name called first on Thursday night.

2) Houston Texans – Bryce Young (QB, Alabama) 5’10” 204 lbs

Houston won’t pass up on an opportunity to draft a quarterback here. The majority of teams have Bryce Young as the top QB, and Houston gets him at a slight discount.

PROJECTED TRADE: The Indianapolis Colts send the 4th overall pick, the 79th pick, and a 2024 3rd round pick for the 3rd overall selection 

3) *Indianapolis Colts via AZ – Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida) 6’4” 244 lbs

It’s unlikely Richardson falls out of the top five picks after his combine performance. Indy may move up to make sure they can select this toolsy QB with the best ability to play Jalen Hurts’ role in Shane Steichen’s offense.

4) *Arizona Cardinals via IND – Will Anderson Jr (EDGE, Alabama) 6’4” 253 lbs

The dream scenario for Arizona is one where they can pick up extra future selections and Will Anderson. The standup edge player from Alabama has produced highly in multiple seasons. He is an unquestioned day-one impact pass rusher.

5) *Seattle Seahawks via DEN – Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia) 6’3” 314 lbs

Seattle has the organizational culture to bring in a player like Carter and bet on his ability to overcome off-field concerns. This roster has several talented veterans that can serve as good role models for the young man.

6) *Detroit Lions via LAR – Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech) 6’6” 271 lbs

Detroit’s free agency additions specifically filled starting roles. The Lions hope to approach this draft with the freedom to select the true best players available. In this case, it’s another power rusher for a suddenly ferocious pass-rush group.

7) Las Vegas Raiders – Will Levis (QB, Kentucky) 6’4” 229 lbs

Our connections with the Raiders say they will take a quarterback if available at pick seven. The Jimmy Garoppolo signing is a strong bridge option while Levis develops into Las Vegas’ long-term starter.

8) Atlanta Falcons – Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon) 6’1” 197 lbs

Defense seems like the focus here at the eighth pick for Atlanta after signing Taylor Heinicke to backup Desmond Ridder. With most of the top defensive linemen off the board, the Falcons won’t turn down an opportunity to develop an impressive cornerback duo.

9) *Chicago Bears via CAR – Peter Skoronski (OT, Northwestern) 6’4” 313 lbs

After the trade back the Bears need to make Justin Fields their priority. Skoronski could fit many ways into this offense. In week 1, he’s likely Chicago’s starting right tackle.

10) *Philadelphia Eagles via NO – Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois) 6’0” 181 lbs

Even with the resigning of James Bradberry and Darius Slay, the Eagles will need to add younger options to their cornerback room. They also need a starting nickel player, which Witherspoon is capable of playing.

11) Tennessee Titans – Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) 6’5” 311 lbs

The Titans need a left tackle option that can play right now. Some of the other options at this point in the draft are more developmental than Jones. 

12) *Houston Texans via CLE – Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia) 6’2” 238 lbs

What splash can Houston make for defensive-minded head coach DeMeco Ryans? Nolan Smith’s pedigree and athleticism are intriguing. He had the production in college to qualify for a top 12 selection.

13) New York Jets – Brian Branch (S, Alabama) 6’0” 190 lbs

Branch is a bit undersized, but his play style fits the modern nickel perfectly. It’s a bit awkward for the Jets to target the offensive line at this point in the draft. Branch helps form a potentially game-dominating secondary.

14) New England Patriots – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) 6’1” 196 lbs

Smith-Njigba’s testing results are extremely similar to Julian Edelman’s. His role in an NFL offense is similar. Bill Belichick has won multiple championships with a reliance on great slot receiver play.

15) Green Bay Packers – Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame) 6’5” 249 lbs

The whole world seemingly expects Green Bay to draft a tight end here. It’s a bit early in the draft to do so, but LaFleur’s system clearly emphasized the position. Mayer may not be the top option available, but he has the highest pass-catching floor.

16) Washington Commanders – Paris Johnson Jr (OT, Ohio State) 6’6” 313 lbs

Paris Johnson would greatly benefit from a year of development. Washington needs to draft a long-term plan at left tackle but will give Charles Leno another year as the starter. For now, Washington is insured in the case of injuries.

17) Pittsburgh Steelers – Joey Porter Jr (CB, Penn State) 6’3” 193 lbs

The Steelers have historically cared about past familial ties to the NFL. Porter Jr not only gets to stay in Pennsylvania but also play for his father’s team. Pittsburgh has needed a starter at outside cornerback.

18) Detroit Lions – Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU) 6’3” 208 lbs

Johnston has a seemingly wide selection range. Detroit – as mentioned earlier – can choose to add wherever they’d like. Johnston can develop behind a group of weapons that is solid enough for now but could use a bit more juice.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Anton Harrison (OT, Oklahoma) 6’4” 315 lbs

Defiant Takes Football isn’t as high on Harrison’s draft stock as the public perhaps, but there are people who believe Harrison shows day-one pass protection ability. Tampa badly needs a starting option at left tackle to replace Donavan Smith. 

20) Seattle Seahawks – Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah) 6’4” 246 lbs

Seattle has quietly put a big emphasis on upgrading the tight end position over the years. With multiple first-round picks, Pete Carroll may dip his toe into this strong class. Kincaid fits the backfield H-back type Seattle covets.

21) Los Angeles Chargers – Bryan Bresee (DT, Clemson) 6’6” 298 lbs

Defensive tackles with impressive traits that show flashes of pass rush ability get selected in the first round. It’s a difficult piece to find, and Bresee has loads of potential. The Chargers have long searched for such a player.

22) Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Addison (WR, USC) 5’11” 173 lbs

Baltimore needs a field-stretching option after losing Hollywood Brown. They did recently sign Nelson Agholor to a one-year deal, but lack direction at the position. Addison gives – hopefully for Baltimore – Lamar Jackson another playmaker.

23) Minnesota Vikings – Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland) 6’0” 197 lbs

It’s unknown at this point for certain what Brian Flores will be running schematically on defense. However, the Vikings have emphasized adding defensive backs. Banks can play in whatever scheme they employ.

24) Jacksonville Jaguars – Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia) 6’7” 264 lbs

The Jaguars have assembled an upgradeable but solid cast of receivers for Trevor Lawrence. What they could use from this draft is a unique matchup piece. Darnell Washington’s size is a headache for opposing defensive coordinators.

25) New York Giants – Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College) 5’9” 182 lbs

For a group of roster builders that made their names in Buffalo, they’ll look to find Daniel Jones a Stefon Diggs this offseason. Though there isn’t that type of player in this draft, Flowers is the closest thing.

26) Dallas Cowboys – Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas) 5’11” 215 lbs
Bijan’s landing spot in the draft could truly be anywhere. Dallas makes the most sense after cutting Ezekiel Elliott. Tony Pollard may not be a true 3-down player. Robinson helps in short-yardage situations and late in games.

27) Buffalo Bills – Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee) 6’5” 333 lbs

Buffalo could use an upgrade at one of their tackle spots. Wright immediately slots in on the right side and pushes the athletic Spencer Brown to swing tackle. Darnell could eventually move to the left side.

28) Cincinnati Bengals – Dawand Jones (OT, Ohio State) 6’8” 374 lbs

With La’el Collins’ injury and the trade request from Jonah Williams, the Bengals are looking for a starting right tackle. A tackle duo of Dawand Jones and Orlando Brown Jr may be the biggest in NFL history.

29) *New Orleans Saints via SF – Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa) 6’5” 272 lbs

Toolsy edge rushers that haven’t produced a whole lot or consistently shown traits on the field generally go a little later than expected. Van Ness is a younger prospect in terms of the development curve. This is good news for New Orleans who has the time to wait.

30) Philadelphia Eagles – O’Cyrus Torrence (OG, Florida) 6’5” 330 lbs

Torrence is another player with a wide range of selection outcomes. If he’s here for the Eagles, it’s difficult to see a guard-needy team passing. Torrence isn’t a perfect scheme fit, but the Eagles will take the talent.

31) Kansas City Chiefs – Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) 6’5” 268 lbs

Like Van Ness, would not be surprised if Murphy slips a bit in this draft. Kansas City is in a roster mode where they can always draft the best player available. Murphy and Georga Karlaftis would form a hulking duo of edge players.

2ND ROUND

32) *Pittsburgh Steelers via CHI – Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh) 6’1” 281 lbs

33) Arizona Cardinals – Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Mississippi State) 6’1” 166 lbs

34) Houston Texans – Jack Campbell (LB, Iowa) 6’5” 249 lbs

35) Indianapolis Colts – Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia) 6’2” 207 lbs

36) Los Angeles Rams – Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina) 6’1” 180 lbs

37) *Seattle Seahawks via DEN – Jalin Hyatt (WR, Tennessee) 6’0” 176 lbs

38) Las Vegas Raiders – Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama) 5’9” 199 lbs

39) Carolina Panthers – Josh Downs (WR, North Carolina) 5’9” 171 lbs

40) New Orleans Saints – Luke Musgrave (TE, Oregon State) 6’6” 253 lbs

41) Tennessee Titans – Drew Sanders (LB, Arkansas) 6’4” 235 lbs

42) *New York Jets via CLE – John Michael Schmitz (C, Minnesota) 6’4” 301 lbs

43) New York Jets – Keion White (EDGE, Georgia Tech) 6’5” 285 lbs

44) Atlanta Falcons – Adetomiwa Abedawore (EDGE, Northwestern) 6’2” 282 lbs

45) Green Bay Packers – Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State) 6’4” 239 lbs

46) New England Patriots – Antonio Johnson (S, Texas A&M) 6’2” 198 lbs

47) Washington Commanders – Steve Avila (OG, TCU) 6’4” 332 lbs

48) Detroit Lions – Clark Phillips III (CB, Utah) 5’9” 184 lbs

49) Pittsburgh Steelers – Trenton Simpson (LB, Clemson) 6’2’ 235 lbs

50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mazi Smith (DT, Michigan) 6’3” 323 lbs

51) Miami Dolphins – Cody Mauch (OG, North Dakota State) 6’5” 302 lbs

52) Seattle Seahawks – Felix Uzomah-Anundike (EDGE, Kansas State) 6’3” 255 lbs

53) *Chicago Bears via BAL – Isaiah Foskey (EDGE, Notre Dame) 6’5” 264 lbs

54) Los Angeles Chargers – Zach Charbonnet (RB, UCLA) 6’0” 214 lbs

55) *Detroit Lions via MIN – Hendon Hooker (QB, Tennessee) 6’3” 217 lbs

56) Jacksonville Jaguars – Keeanu Benton (DT, Wisconsin) 6’4” 309 lbs

57) New York Giants – Joe Tippman (C, Wisconsin) 6’6” 313 lbs

58) Dallas Cowboys – Siaki Ika (NT, Baylor) 6’3” 335 lbs

59) Buffalo Bills – Derick Hall (EDGE, Auburn) 6’3” 254 lbs

60) Cincinnati Bengals – Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa) 6’3” 245 lbs

61) *Chicago Bears via SF – Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami FL) 6’0” 198 lbs

62) Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Harrison (EDGE, Ohio State) 6’5” 274 lbs

63) Kansas City Chiefs – Matthew Bergeron (OT, Syracuse) 6’5” 318 lbs

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