2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State
If a chance to select a quarterback presents itself later in the first round, New York should be ready. But the Jets need so much and can start here by taking the best player available. Reese has traits that are awfully reminiscent of what we’ve seen from Micah Parsons.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Mauigoa allowed only two sacks (and none from Week 4 on) and three QB hits all season, according to PFF. A consensus All-America left tackle for the College Football Playoff runner-up, Mauigoa could walk in and anchor the Cardinals’ offensive line for a decade.
4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Titans could go edge at No. 4 (Texas Tech’s David Bailey), but everything in GM Mike Borgonzi’s world right now has to be about helping quarterback Cam Ward. There are spots in need of upgrades all over the place, but the Titans are pretty desperate for a true WR1. Tate (or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson) fits.
5. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson has everything necessary to become WR1 on an NFL depth chart, and a Pro Bowler. He was one of the nation’s most prolific pass catchers the past two years and is a complete route runner. If he rejoins former teammate Cam Skattebo and combines with a healthy Malik Nabers, this Giants offense would be radically improved.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Browns
are starting over at head coach (again), and this feels like another situation that will not be very friendly toward a young QB, be it Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel or a new face. Cleveland still needs so much help offensively that it’d be smart to spend these precious assets on its core.
Fano is my favorite offensive lineman in the draft. He’s an outstanding athlete, with potential as a right or left tackle.
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
Along with their offensive injuries, the Commanders’ 27th-ranked defense was a major reason for the team’s plummet. Bailey was a force on the nation’s No. 3 total and scoring defense. A unanimous first-team All-American, he finished with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. He would change Washington’s defense in an instant.
8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
There may not be a better pound-for-pound football player in this draft class. Incredibly intelligent, explosive and absolutely fearless, Downs is one of the most unique defensive backs we’ve seen in quite a while. He could help a team’s culture overnight.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami
Miami led the nation in sacks, and Bain was an offense-wrecking machine. He frequently drew double teams, yet still finished with 9.5 sacks and 83 total pressures, according to PFF. Lined up alongside Chris Jones, Bain immediately would revitalize the Chiefs’ slumping defense.