Once again, ladies and gentlemen, the NFL Draft is here.
The eyes of the NFL world will be on Detroit to see the next wave of NFL athletes enter the league. SB Nation will provide live scoring based on the Big Board of the top 100 most promising players in this year’s draft.
This year looks like it’s going to be a little more chaotic after the first three picks. USC QB Caleb Williams will be the No. 1 overall pick, and we know that to be true. He probably already remembers his favorite order at JP Graziano’s. The odds of him being selected No. 1 overall are astronomical.Washington selects 2 and all odds seem to point to LSU QB Jaden Daniels is the pick. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero previously reported that the Patriots are eyeing UNC QB Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick. Anything can happen from there. A number of teams are being discussed for promotion and trade backs and it will be exciting to see what happens.There is also the possibility of a transaction involving san francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk will be out tonight.
A great night is about to begin, so follow along as we score here.
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers) – Caleb Williams, USC, QB
Grade: A+
The Bears have needed a reset at the QB position for a while, and they finally gave it to my QB1B, Williams. He is a dynamic playmaker with a strong shoulder and a special feel for the game and will be a standout in Shane Waldron’s offense. He tends to play a little too much like Superman, but that’s not something an NFL coach can’t fix. He’s waiting for a big play to happen right away, and he could be an NFL star right away.
2. Washington Commanders – Jaden Daniels, LSU, QB
Grade: B+
The Commanders needed a quarterback who could provide pop, and Daniels delivered. He’s ready for big plays with his arms and legs, and those explosive plays will work well with Kliff Kingsbury. There are a lot of questions about his ability to mitigate high volume shots as a runner and passer, and his ability to throw over the middle, but that won’t be asked of him in Washington. This is a good choice.
3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, UNC, QB
Grade: A+
It’s great for the Patriots to get my QB1A with the 3rd overall pick. Maye is a strong-armed, aggressive passer and a growing processor at the QB spot. He’s more ready to start than people think, and even if he’s not ready to start by the Pats’ standards, they have the infrastructure to help the young QB right away. I really liked this pick.
4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State University
Class A
This was obvious. Harrison Jr. is the best player in this draft class and a bonafide superstar on the outside. His body control, savvy as a route runner, and ability to win through separation and getting above the rim will work wonders in Arizona with a legitimate NFL QB and other weapons around him. Dew. The glove fits your hand.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – Joe Alto, OT, Notre Dame
Grade: B-
got it. I understand choosing Alt. He’s a tackle technician with NFL pedigree and a strong pass protector. But he’s a career left tackle, and unless the Chargers plan to move Rashawn Slater to right, Alt will likely play right tackle. The strength of his play has waned at times, which could be an issue early in his career, but it’s understandable why the Chargers chose the offensive line here. A trade back would have been nice, but Harbaugh and his guys are committed to moving the ball and protecting Justin Herbert, and nothing could be better.
6. New York Giants – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Class A-
Yes, the Giants will need a quarterback soon. However, you can’t force yourself to love a quarterback just because you need him. So Nabers is the rule here. He’s waiting for the big plays to happen and can immediately bring life to the offense despite his slightly lively route-running repertoire. I wish Washington WR Roma Odunze was here a little longer, but this is still dominant.
7. Tennessee Titans – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Grade: B
This is a very interesting pick for the Titans, assuming current RT Nicolas Petit-Frere moves to left tackle in 2024 from right, where he played throughout his rookie season. This was Alto’s position, but Latham is a perfect fit here. He’s a dancing bear on the right side of the line, moving people in the run game and not being solid in pass protection. Under Bill Callahan’s guidance, this could be some real fun! Let’s hope Petit-Frère works at left tackle, though.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Grade: C-
Hey, you. Look, I love Michelle Penix Jr. and his game. It’s clear that the injury concerns didn’t scare the team, and neither did the erratic release. Knowing that Kirk Cousins is going to be a Falcons player for the next couple of years, it makes me wonder why the Falcons would go with the No. 8 QB. This is confusing. Love this player, weird fit and a great place to take him.
9. Chicago Bears – Roma Odunze, WR, Washington
Class A
I like this pick for both the short and long term for Odunze and the Bears. He’s my WR2 and has a very clean game on the outside, allowing me to play WR Keenan Allen in the slot and allowing DJ Moore to continue to be explosive. Odunze could develop into a top receiver to pair with Moore and Caleb Williams.I like this choice
