Apr 29, 2021
-
NFL NationESPN
The 2021 NFL draft began Thursday and continues thru Saturday (ABC/ESPN/ESPN App). We have the execs and cons for every of the 32 first-round picks. The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off the draft in Cleveland by deciding on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 settle on. The Recent York Jets and San Francisco 49ers additionally went QB at Nos. 2 and 3 with Zach Wilson and Trey Lance, respectively.
We are in a position to tune all 259 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you additionally can gaze the total handiest on hand draft prospects.
The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (noon ET).
Right here is the first round of picks, analyzed by our ESPN NFL Nation newshounds.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson | Highlights
Why they picked him: Lawrence is mainly the most polished QB prospect since Andrew Luck, and ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him in the inspire of John Elway, Peyton Manning and Luck among QBs he’s graded. The Jaguars’ offense the previous decade has been unpleasant, and QB play is a sizable function. The Jaguars were last in aspects scored and ranked 30th or worst in QB completion percentage, Total QBR, passer rating and passing yards in the league from 2011 to 2020 with Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne, Blake Bortles, Sever Foles, Gardner Minshew II, Jake Luton and Mike Glennon taking snaps. Lawrence modified into once 34-2 as a starter at Clemson and threw for 10,098 yards and 90 touchdowns with handiest 17 interceptions in three seasons. He won a nationwide championship as a freshman and led the Tigers to 2 extra playoff appearances.
Ideal quiz: There’s no such thing as a very best prospect, but Lawrence is shut. Jaguars general supervisor Trent Baalke, when requested what he realized about Lawrence that he did now not know all the diagram thru the pre-draft job, stated: “No negatives.” There modified into once a short trail about Lawrence’s comments in a Sports actions Illustrated fragment that he would now not have a chip on his shoulder and his high school coach’s comment that Lawrence may well well also stride away from the sport and be stunning. That may well well have riled up some followers, but Lawrence addressed these comments several days later and reassured all individuals that he’s motivated and does are attempting to settle on. — Michael DiRocco
2. Recent York Jets
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Jets traded Sam Darnold, in portion, because they contain Wilson most often is a franchise quarterback. Amongst the QBs no longer named Trevor Lawrence, Wilson stood out to them as a consequence of his arm talent and talent to contain fast reads in and out of the pocket. The Jets’ quarterback clock is formally reset — yet again.
Ideal quiz: Can he if reality be told be a Week 1 starter? The NFL may well well be culture shock for Wilson, who dominated damaged-down competitors in 2020. The stunning trot may be to ease him in slowly, letting him be taught from a vet — assuming they add one at some level. — Affluent Cimini
3. San Francisco 49ers (from Miami Dolphins by diagram of Houston Texans)
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota Insist | Highlights
Why they picked him: The 49ers were unafraid to contain a bold trade up the board to No. 3 and equally unafraid to purchase the player who’s the draft’s largest thriller. That may well well be Lance, who suits the bill of “largest, quickest and strongest” quarterback coach Kyle Shanahan stated he’s having a sight for. At 6-foot-4, 226 pounds, Lance brings a extremely efficient exact arm, fast toes, fast processing abilities and the maturity to take care of every thing Shanahan will quiz him to present in his offense. Lance’s lack of expertise — with 17 starts on the FCS level — is offset relatively by the truth that he spent extra time under center working Shanahan staples than any of the other high quarterback prospects. Lance’s ball safety is additionally interesting to the 49ers after he went 287 consecutive attempts with out an interception in 2019. There’s rather a lot of likelihood right here, however the reward may well well be big.
Ideal quiz: Can Shanahan and the 49ers gain Lance to ascertain his potential? That lack of expertise against high competitors makes Lance the largest unknown quantity among the many tip quarterbacks on this draft. While Lance has drawn comparisons to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as a consequence of his bodily traits, he additionally comes with accuracy questions (50% completion price in 2020, 67% in 2019) much like these Allen had when he arrived in the NFL. Lance’s flooring may be decrease than these of the other high quarterback prospects, but his ceiling may be larger, in particular if he will get the likelihood to resolve in in the inspire of Jimmy Garoppolo for a season earlier than turning into the starter. At 20, Lance is stunning scratching the flooring on his potential, which puts the onus on the 49ers to attend him attain it. — Sever Wagoner
4. Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida | Highlights
Why they picked him: Pitts would be essentially the most gifted non-quarterback in the draft — and presumably essentially the most gifted player no matter draw. He’ll be listed as a tight close, but he has the traits of a dominant sizable receiver at 6-6, 245 pounds with a reported 4.44-second 40-yard walk time. He can line up all over the formation for coach Arthur Smith, who got right here up as a tight ends coach. Pitts can play out huge, in the slot or in line as a tight close and be a matchup bid all the diagram thru. Falcons general supervisor Terry Fontenot known as him “a special player” Wednesday.
Ideal quiz: Tight ends on the entire produce no longer trot this high in the draft (Vernon Davis had been earliest replace for a TE at No. 6 total in 2006), and the transition from school to execs is a no longer easy one which most often takes a 365 days. However Pitts is going to be regarded at to be a Day 1 impression player, so he’ll have to defy historical previous. The quiz is whether or no longer the Falcons did the exact thing taking Pitts over a quarterback with Matt Ryan turning 36 on May well 17. Most productive time will expose. — Michael Rothstein
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Rush, WR, LSU | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Bengals are having a sight for this 365 days’s first-round settle on to be an rapid contributor. Rush confirmed a knack for that in his final season at LSU (84 catches, 1,780 yards, 20 TDs in 2019), when he and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow led the Tigers to a nationwide championship. Rush is one other sizable-play huge receiver who may well well also initiate up the crew’s offense.
Ideal quiz: Will Rush’s bodily vogue tranquil be profitable in the NFL? Additionally, as upright as Rush may well well also turn into, Cincinnati will want its circulate safety (Burrow modified into once sacked 32 cases earlier than his season-ending knee ruin) to give a eradicate to in 2021 to make sure that Burrow and the passing attack to be efficient. — Ben Diminutive one
6. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia Eagles)
Jaylen Traipse, WR, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: A necessity for sail. Traipse is believed to be the draft’s quickest player even supposing he did now not test as a consequence of a fractured ankle. With elite bustle-after-purchase and deep-ball capability, Traipse is a upright example of the sport-altering playmaker the Dolphins have to attend QB Tua Tagovailoa. When confronted with a desire between reuniting Tagovailoa with one of his two weak Alabama receivers, they leaned toward the larger, faster and extra electric Traipse over the extra productive and polished DeVonta Smith.
Ideal quiz: Can Traipse turn into a total No.1 receiver? Traipse modified into once by no diagram essentially the most productive receiver at Alabama, with Jerry Jeudy retaining that title in 2018 and Smith dominating in 2019 and 2020. Lofty pre-draft comparisons to Tyreek Hill made headlines, but Traipse is some distance much less superior as a route runner and against press coverage than Hill, so he’ll have to contain sizable jumps there to turn into Miami’s No.1 receiver. — Cameron Wolfe
7. Detroit Lions
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon | Highlights
Why they picked him: Sewell modified into once arguably the handiest on hand option at his draw all the diagram thru this entire draft class. Detroit has added one other strong option, who’s frequently an rapid starter, to an already upright offensive line to give additional safety to recent quarterback Jared Goff. He suits the mold of what the Lions are constructing under recent general supervisor Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell with toughness and grit by deciding on the 2019 Outland Trophy winner — which is awarded to the nation’s handiest interior lineman.
Ideal quiz: Sewell opted out of the 2020 season, so it remains to be viewed how that will have an effect on him. Though Sewell is fast on his toes, some may well well also wonder if his energy and system will translate to this stage, but he appears to be the protected wager at No. 7 under the recent Lions regime. — Eric Woodyard
8. Carolina Panthers
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina | Highlights
Why they picked him: A press nook modified into once the one draw general supervisor Scott Fitterer believed may well well also attend the roster essentially the most initiate air of tight close Kyle Pitts and left address Penei Sewell. In Horn, the Panthers have a bodily, sizable nook with colossal attain, something Seattle believed in when constructing its championship groups when Fitterer modified into once there. With ruin-prone Donte Jackson entering the last 365 days of his contract, the Panthers have a prolonged-term solution at one of the nook spots.
Ideal quiz: Quarterback Sam Darnold had better be upright, for the reason that Panthers had a shot at Justin Fields, a player many believed to be at worst the third-handiest quarterback in the draft. This settle on reveals Carolina believes in Darnold and is going to give him every likelihood to be successful. It additionally reveals the Panthers contain a player comparable to Horn can attend them settle on now. — David Newton
9. Denver Broncos
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: With the trade for Teddy Bridgewater on Wednesday, the Broncos turned to their protection with their first settle on of the draft. Broncos coach Vic Fangio has stated persistently that the key to taking part in protection in the NFL is to have as many topflight cornerbacks as that you may well well imagine. Surtain, given his versatility as a man-to-man cornerback, or in zone and as a bustle defender, could be a stride-in starter. He modified into once one of essentially the most total prospects on the board.
Ideal quiz: Most of the crew’s faithful may be asking why the Broncos would circulate on quarterbacks Justin Fields and Mac Jones to add to the protection? The handiest quiz many scouts had about Surtain, and it’s a little bid given his capability, is whether or no longer he modified into once a “plateau” player, given the level of coaching he had obtained at Alabama, or did he tranquil have room to develop in the seasons to attain? For the Broncos, he modified into once essentially the most willing-made NFL player on the board. — Jeff Legwold
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from Dallas Cowboys by diagram of Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers)
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: With both of the tip corners off the board, the Eagles moved up from No. 12 to No. 10 to purchase essentially the most prolific receiver in the draft. Smith led the NCAA in receptions (117), receiving yards (1,856) and receiving TDs (23) en route to a Heisman Trophy in 2020. With at ease route-working abilities, surprising toes and likely hands, he’ll contain an rapid impression in coach Sever Sirianni’s West Wing-vogue offense.
Ideal quiz: Smith’s unique weight is stated to be under 170 pounds. A sizable portion of the NFL recreation is getting off the toll road of scrimmage against man-press. Though he had few factors at Alabama, it be yet to be viewed whether he can produce it on the subsequent level. — Tim McManus
11. Chicago Bears (from Recent York Giants)
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio Insist | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Bears haven’t had an ethical franchise quarterback since Sid Luckman retired in 1950. After the Mitchell Trubisky experiment fizzled out after four seasons, the Bears were under astronomical stress to gain their next quarterback of the future. Chicago signed dilapidated Andy Dalton, who may well well also initiate the 365 days as the starter, but Fields would be the No. 1 sooner in draw of later. Plus, the Bears had to gain a technique to energize their fan obnoxious, which reacted to the Dalton trot with a collective yawn. Mission finished.
Ideal quiz: When will Fields initiate? The Bears rushed Trubisky into action earlier than he modified into once willing inspire in 2017 for the reason that dilapidated they signed as their bridge quarterback (Mike Glennon) modified into once frightful. In a very best world, the Bears presumably prefer Fields to take a seat down in the inspire of Dalton for a short time frame. However the stress to play Fields may be too colossal to push aside. The Bears contain they have the exact quarterback room and coaching workers to present a younger quarterback. We are in a position to shortly gaze whether or not they are moral. — Jeff Dickerson
12. Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia Eagles)
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn Insist | Highlights
Why they picked him: Coach Mike McCarthy stated the Cowboys desired to gain faster on protection. Parsons ran a 4.39 40-yard walk at his legitimate day. He modified into once an impression player at Penn Insist and thought of one of the handiest athletes in the draft. He had 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 5 circulate deflections in two seasons. The Cowboys were inflamed about corners, but Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain II went exact earlier than their settle on, main them to trot down in a trade with Philadelphia.
Ideal quiz: How will he match with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch in 2021? He has some circulate-bustle capability, so will the Cowboys employ him in a designated circulate-rusher feature? Smith is on the books for a assured $7.2 million in 2020, whereas the Cowboys are inclined to circulate on selecting up the fifth-365 days option on Vander Esch, which desires to be exercised by Monday. — Todd Archer
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern | Highlights
Why they picked him: Slater has played left and exact address, and the Chargers delight in his versatility. He likely will initiate at left address and may be tasked with maintaining franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. He’s NFL-willing and strong on the level of attack.
Ideal quiz: He’s the first offensive lineman drafted by the Chargers since D.J. Fluker in 2013. He opted out of 2020, however the Chargers will have to have felt confident adequate to purchase him this high in the draft. His interior circulate safety against fast defensive ends is suspect. He has the tools, however the quiz remains how he’ll transition to the Chargers’ offense after taking the 365 days off. — Shelley Smith
14. Recent York Jets (from Minnesota Vikings by diagram of Seattle Seahawks)
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC | Highlights
Why they picked him: At the same time as you are going to settle on a brand recent franchise quarterback (Zach Wilson), it pays to protect that funding. Vera-Tucker, expected to replace Alex Lewis at left guard, will give a eradicate to the offensive line. He and LT Mekhi Becton, last 365 days’s No. 1 settle on, will make a rock-solid left facet of the toll road. This modified into once a blinding settle on.
Ideal quiz: How badly did the Jets prefer Vera-Tucker? They traded up nine spots, giving up their two third-round picks (66 and 86) and receiving a fourth-rounder from the Vikings (143). Or no longer it’s a lot to resign for a guard, however the Jets observed him as one of the secure prospects in the draft. — Affluent Cimini
15. Recent England Patriots
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Patriots have been having a sight for Tom Brady‘s replace since he departed in free company, and Jones’ strengths most mirrored Brady among the many tip QB prospects in the draft. He’s merely and known for his resolution-making, that are two of the tip things coach Bill Belichick values most on the draw. He has additionally played about a of his handiest football in high-stakes, high-stress instances.
Ideal quiz: Jones modified into once a one-365 days starter who wasn’t viewed as a first-round-caliber prospect entering 2020. He additionally had NFL-caliber skill-draw gamers round him, which sparked questions as to how powerful of his success may well well be attributed to his teammates. — Mike Reiss
16. Arizona Cardinals
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa | Highlights
Why they picked him: Collins is a staunch settle on and drafting him provides Arizona extreme depth at initiate air linebacker. He provides the Cardinals their initiate air linebacker of the future, and he can be taught from Chandler Jones and Isaiah Simmons. Collins is flexible and a exhausting hitter, which can present defensive coordinator Vance Joseph rather a lot of alternate choices to make employ of him in programs.
Ideal quiz: Why did they like Collins when there have been other urgent wants, and when will he gain on the field? There’s now a logjam at initiate air linebacker with Jones, Simmons and Markus Golden, but Simmons may well play off the brink. This modified into once a settle on for the future, but Arizona desires to settle on now. — Josh Weinfuss
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Raiders traded away initiating center Rodney Hudson, exact guard Gabe Jackson and exact address Trent Brown this offseason and had a urgent want at exact address. And, it appears, they loved Leatherwood so powerful that they stood pat at No. 17 to purchase him, in draw of try to trade inspire, gain extra picks and tranquil gain him — except there have been no takers.
Ideal quiz: Is Leatherwood the cornerstone exact address, or may well well also he dash inner to exact guard with the re-signed Denzelle Correct intriguing to exact address? Drafting a defensive player at No. 17 after which trading up from No. 48 in the second round to gain a player comparable to Leatherwood, the fourth offensive lineman chosen (even when he modified into once no longer a consensus high-5 O-line prospect), perceived to be a better proposition. — Paul Gutierrez
18. Miami Dolphins
Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Dolphins’ largest defensive want modified into once an edge rusher who can settle on one-and-one persistently whereas retaining up against the bustle. Enter Phillips. Many scouts viewed Phillips as the draft’s handiest edge rusher and a potential high-10 prospect in the draft if he did now not have scientific factors. He played exact down the avenue on the University of Miami and modified into once essentially the most productive circulate-rusher in school football last season.
Ideal quiz: Phillips modified into once forced to medically retire at UCLA two years in the past as a consequence of concussions and he’s had a wrist ruin in the previous, too. Phillips says he had two concussions in school and he modified into once forthright with groups in the pre-draft job. The Dolphins clearly were overjoyed along with his scientific historical previous, but health is the largest quiz for Phillips. — Cameron Wolfe
19. Washington Soccer Team
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky | Highlights
Why they picked him: Davis’ skill situation and versatility made him a desired match at linebacker. He can play inner, something the crew if reality be told wished, and he can play in its sub-programs along with his capability to cloak. Davis runs successfully, something Washington fully wanted at linebacker, and is believed of a exhausting worker and disciplined player — that will trot a truly perfect distance with coach Ron Rivera. Washington desires to present a special protection, and Davis have to contain the inspire seven better.
Ideal quiz: He started for handiest one season at Kentucky, so he’s inexperienced, and he’ll have to turn into extra of an attacker in the bustle recreation. Rivera likes to claim if you may well well no longer close groups on the ground, you’re going to always be in depraved passing instances. — John Keim
20. Recent York Giants
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida | Highlights
Why they picked him: “Explosive” is how an govt described the Florida playmaker. He’s an offensive weapon the Giants can employ all over the field, collectively with in the backfield. They wished to give quarterback Daniel Jones one other weapon, and Toney modified into once the handiest on the board at No. 20.
Ideal quiz: Ought to tranquil the Giants have taken Michigan defensive close Kwity Paye, anyone they viewed as presumably the handiest edge rusher in the draft? It appears the Giants were intent on getting Jones extra attend, whether or no longer it be a wideout comparable to DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Traipse or extra safety with an offensive lineman. Paye, presumably, would have filled a larger want. — Jordan Raanan
21. Indianapolis Colts
Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Colts are decided for attend in the circulate-bustle department after losing a blended 15.5 sacks with the departures of Denico Autry (Tennessee) in free company and dilapidated Justin Houston, who remains unsigned.
Ideal quiz: Paye lacks consistency, and he did now not keep up watch-popping sack numbers whereas at Michigan, with handiest 11.5 sacks in three-plus seasons. However he did have the handiest stress percentage of any edge rusher in the draft. — Mike Wells
22. Tennessee Titans
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Why they picked him: Farley is one of the tip cornerbacks in the draft, with a combination of size, abilities and sail that makes him better than succesful of being depended on in man coverage.
Ideal quiz: How healthy is Farley after having inspire surgical scheme? If he comes inspire strong from ruin, he’s the handiest man-to-man cloak nook on this draft. — Turron Davenport
23. Minnesota Vikings (from the Recent York Jets)
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech | Highlights
Why they picked him: With Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater off the board at No. 14, the Vikings chose to trot inspire nine spots in a trade with the Jets (No. 23) and picked up two third-rounders in the job whereas tranquil touchdown one of the draft’s high-rated offensive tackles. Minnesota desired to take care of the offensive line early in the draft with a player who can make contributions straight away for a unit that allowed 39 sacks last season. Darrisaw is a “pure left address,” in step with general supervisor Rick Spielman, and his bodily abilities and slot in a zone-blockading scheme contain him a unheard of candidate to absorb the void at left address in 2021. The Vikings felt as in the event that they wanted no longer stunning an athletic blocker but anyone with the size to take care of sail rushers and extremely efficient defensive linemen. Darrisaw’s 6-5, 322-pound physique, coupled along with his length, is what Minnesota modified into once having a sight for.
Ideal quiz: It appears the Vikings have four of 5 positions situation on the offensive line with Darrisaw penciled in at left address and Brian O’Neill staying at exact address, in step with educate Mike Zimmer. The largest quiz on the O-line this offseason has been the keep Ezra Cleveland will play in 2021 after he modified into once drafted in the second round last 365 days after three seasons taking part in left address at Boise Insist. The Vikings tranquil have to gain a initiating left guard, a situation they would well even take care of on Day 2. However for now, about a questions seem like nearer to being answered with the gathering of Darrisaw. — Courtney Cronin
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: The league’s worst working recreation wanted an overhaul, and the Steelers identified Harris as the handiest working inspire in the field early in the draft job. He’s an every-down inspire, willing for contact on Day 1. He’ll give Pittsburgh a magnificent-wanted eradicate on the ground.
Ideal quiz: Enact the Steelers have the offensive line to protect him? The toll road lacks star energy and expertise up front. The one player who stands out, David DeCastro, is 31. Pittsburgh may be trusting its scheme and a deep receiving corps to give balance for Harris. — Jeremy Fowler
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson | Highlights
Why they picked him: City Meyer talked about collectively with sail at receiver and working inspire, and Etienne modified into once a dynamic playmaker at Clemson. He’s the Atlantic Wing Conference’s profession chief in speeding (4,952 yards), speeding TDs (70) and scrimmage TDs (78). Etienne may be concerned heavily in the passing recreation: His 588 receiving yards last season modified into once the second most among FBS working backs. He may well well also employ time in the slot, too.
Ideal quiz: The Jaguars had larger wants on protection — in particular interior line of defense and edge rusher — and they also’re playing that they’ll be in a position to purchase a player at a form of positions in the second round. James Robinson ran for better than 1,000 yards last season as an undrafted rookie, and now the crew has added Etienne to boot to to Carlos Hyde in free company, so there is some uncertainty about his future. — Michael DiRocco
26. Cleveland Browns
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Browns have devoted this offseason to bolstering a protection that ranked 19th in effectivity last 365 days. Newsome solidifies a revamped secondary, having allowed a QBR of 3.4 as the first defender in coverage last season, third handiest in the FBS.
Ideal quiz: Will Newsome initiate exact away opposite Denzel Ward? He’ll have an replace, supplied he can beat out 2019 second-round settle on Grasping Williams, who missed all of last season with a shoulder ruin. — Jake Trotter
27. Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Ravens give Lamar Jackson a Keenan Allen-form weapon who creates separation with slick route working, and Bateman catches every thing he can gain his hands on. This marks the first time in Ravens historical previous that they have gotten three first-round huge receivers on their roster (Bateman, Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins), which have to attend Baltimore steal away from a third consecutive 365 days of rating last in catches and receiving yards as a big receiver community.
Ideal quiz: Does Bateman take care of the necessity of a sizable plan for the Ravens? Bateman measured at 6 toes at his legitimate day after being listed at 6-2 in school. At cases, he would now not play sizable, failing to battle for contested catches. Baltimore has struggled to gain a gargantuan huge receiver for Jackson, missing on Miles Boykin (third round, 2019) and Dez Bryant (free agent last season). — Jamison Hensley
28. Recent Orleans Saints
Payton Turner, DE, Houston | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Saints stunning picked up the fifth-365 days option for 2022 for weak first-round DE Marcus Davenport on Thursday. However they lost rather a lot of depth on their line of defense this offseason, parting programs with DE Trey Hendrickson and DTs Sheldon Rankins and Malcom Brown. Turner (6-6, 268) has the size and length the Saints covet in their 4-3 DEs, and he’ll have to have the flexibility to trot inner to DT as successfully.
Ideal quiz: Did the Saints miss out on a larger want and a better value? This modified into once a shock settle on since few analysts projected Turner to trot in Spherical 1 and for the reason that Saints’ wants at CB, LB, WR and even QB were extra apparent. Additionally, Turner battled injuries in school. However ESPN’s Adam Schefter had stunning reported Thursday morning that Turner most often is a Spherical 1 shock after groups purchased decided scientific reports. — Mike Triplett
29. Green Bay Packers
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia | Highlights
Why they picked him: Consider when Tom Brady torched Kevin King and all individuals else in the secondary no longer named Jaire Alexander in the NFC Championship Sport? Yes, the Packers re-signed King, but it be stunning a one-365 days deal ($5 million). Right here’s about a prolonged-term cornerback accomplice for Alexander. It provides recent defensive coordinator Joe Barry two fast corners who can cloak. Stokes allowed the second-lowest completion percentage (18.2%) and second-lowest Total QBR (1.3) in press coverage in the FBS last season. Alexander yielded a 45.9 passer rating and a completion percentage of 46% as the closest defender, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. All other Packers cornerbacks allowed a 95.9 passer rating and a completion percentage of 63% as a nearest defender.
Ideal quiz: It has nothing to present with Stokes. The handiest quiz that issues this day, the following day and till the ache is resolved is what happens with Aaron Rodgers now that ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Rodgers has suggested some all the diagram thru the group that he would now not are attempting to return to the Packers? Melancholy Stokes. On a night when the Packers wants in reveal to extol his virtues, they’los angeles a replace employ most of it answering questions about Rodgers and sure providing no concrete answers. — Elevate Demovsky
30. Buffalo Bills
Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami | Highlights
Why they picked him: Rousseau modified into once extremely productive all the diagram thru the 2019 season, when he recorded 19.5 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks. He has the size and length the Bills covet at defensive close and will produce into an elite edge rusher with upright coaching.
Ideal quiz: Can he proceed to present whereas taking part in a relatively recent draw? Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season and is tranquil raw; he played safety in high school and missed time in 2018 with an ankle ruin. Rousseau has potential but have to refine decided aspects of his recreation to overcome his lack of quickness. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
31. Baltimore Ravens (from Kansas City Chiefs)
Jayson Oweh. DE, Penn Insist | Highlights
Why they picked him: After losing Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in free company, the Ravens addressed their largest want by grabbing a circulate-rusher with off-the-chart bodily traits and a vastly high ceiling. Oweh is explosive, rangy and fluid with uncommon high-close sail. How powerful does Baltimore delight in him? Oweh is the first circulate-rusher drafted in the first round by the Ravens since Terrell Suggs 18 years in the past.
Ideal quiz: How productive will Oweh be on the NFL level? Oweh is the first FBS defensive lineman in seven years to gain drafted in the first round after no longer recording a sack in his final collegiate season. ESPN’s Todd McShay stated he believes Oweh is extra disruptive on tape than the stats would counsel. However the dearth of sacks reveals Oweh is a raw prospect. — Jamison Hensley
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Joe Tryon, DE, Washington | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Bucs positioned themselves to draft the handiest on hand player by re-signing all 22 Mountainous Bowl starters on offense and protection. However there is a tumble-off after Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul, with JPP entering the last 365 days of his contract. Tryon is in a colossal situation to make contributions exact away to their circulate bustle with out the stress of initiating exact away.
Ideal quiz: The Bucs left Georgia initiate air linebacker Azeez Ojulari and Alabama defensive address Christian Barmore on the board. Barmore would have brought formative years and versatility to an rising older interior line of defense, and Ojulari could be a better bustle defender. However they produce no longer want Tryon to be a finished product. He has room and time to present. — Jenna Laine
