CORNERBACKS

Draft Grade Index:

90+ All-Pro Projection

85-89: Pro Bowl Projection

81-84: 1st Round – Year 1 starter

77-80: 2nd/3rd Round – Year 1 contributor, year 2-3 starter

74-76: Early Day 3: Core special teamer and rotational player

71-74: Mid Day 3: Core special teamer and backup

68-70: Late Day 3: Developmental and special teamer

TOP 20 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1) Quinyon Mitchell – Toledo – 6’0 / 195

Grade: 85

Three-year starter. Earned first team All-MAC honors in both 2023 and 2022. All-American in 2023 and 2022. Mitchell set a program record with 46 career pass breakups and ranked second nationally in his final year. Mitchell did what he had to in the MAC to be considered a potential top prospect. He dominated in most off-coverage and was simply a step or three faster than everyone on the field most Saturdays. He then did what he had to do at the Senior Bowl, leveling up his competition and still dominated. Lastly for the hat trick, Mitchell had arguably the best performance among all defensive backs at the Scouting Combine. This is a prototype physical package on the field but the only box left unchecked is how well we can progress in press man coverage. The traits and mentality are there, but he may need some extra time to develop that part of his game before a starting role. His ceiling at a position of such value is worth the gamble and while he progresses there, he has the makings of a top-shelf gunner on special teams.

*We have not seen a non-Power 5 corner taken first (at the position) since Leodis McKelvin in 2008. Mitchell has a strong possibility of being that guy in 2024. Very few are considering a trade down by the Giants and while it may not be the most popular decision for the short term, I believe it is as likely as them trading up. If they find themselves anywhere outside of the top 10, Mitchell becomes a strong possibility. The glaring hole at outside corner outside of Deonte Banks stands out every time I look at the Giants depth chart. While I’m not sure I see Schoen using consecutive first rounders on the same position, Mitchell makes the most sense if they want defense. He may not be the immediate impact guy of the two listed below, but there is no denying this is the highest upside defensive back in the class. He dominated the MAC, he dominated at the Senior Bowl, he had the most impressive weekend at the combine.

2) Terrion Arnold – Alabama – 6’0 / 189

Grade: 83

Third-year sophomore entry. Two-year starter that earned first team All-SEC and All-American honors in 2023, leading the SEC with five interceptions. Arnold was a five-star safety recruit in high school that could have opted to play college basketball instead. The uniqueness to his game, unlike many other highly-graded cornerback prospects, is how much he played both the nickel and outside roles. Coming from the Nick Saban school of defensive back play is always notable, but the usage here is noteworthy. He played 200+ snaps from the slot and 550+ outside in 2023. His performance at both spots was exceptional. This stems from his versatile tools and skillset respectively. His twitch and pop stands out when he needs to mirror a sudden receiver. His easy turn and run speed stands out when he needs to trial a vertical threat. Add in the quality tackling, receiver-type ball skills, and top-shelf intangibles, it is hard to imagine a world where he is not a team’s number one guy in a couple years.

*Arnold was a safety in high school (a very good one). He played outside and in the slot at Alabama. He is a physical, smart player that was making plays every week. And he is going to be every coach’s dream come true from an intangible perspective. My fear in spending a high pick for a guy like Arnold is him being left alone on an island against a true vertical threat in the NFL. I’m not confident he can be that kind of guy. A team will need the right plan for him and if he ends up with NYG, I’m sure it will be more of a nickel role (which they need as well) which still leaves the outside vulnerable.

3) Kool-Aid McKinstry – Alabama – 5’11 / 194

Grade: 83

Junior entry. Two-year starter. First-Team All-SEC and an All-American in both 2023 and 2022. The former five-star recruit could have played college basketball if he wanted to. He chose the right path, as he meshed well with one of the best cornerback programs in the country under the specialist Nick Saban. Corners that come from this program are pro-ready day one both on the field and in the film room because of how well they are schooled and how hard they are coached. McKinstry has a safe vibe to his game. He knows where to be and when to be there. His ability to read a route immediately and know the design of a play gives his floor an incredibly high level. The SEC tested him in 2022 and then threw his way half as much in 2023. McKinstry may have seen slight dip on production, but do not make the mistake of calling it a dip in impact. There are issues that arise with his ball location, as he left a lot of production on the table. The margin for those errors at the next level will be much smaller, so there are areas he can clean it up. McKinstry has the ceiling of a true shut down guy at the next level but also a basement that still provides solid number two status.

*Interesting debate here that I still wrestle with. Which one of these Alabama corners is the true #2 in this class? Obviously the question, do they want an outside guy or nickel, needs to be answered. From there, the answer can more easily come about. McKinstry was brought in for a 30 visit and I believe that was in case they find themselves in a trade-down situation. McKinstry was thrown at 80 times in 2023, just 39 times in 2023. While his measurables aren’t anything to write home about either, he appears more pro-ready than the two above. It will be interesting to see where he lands.

4) Nate Wiggins – Clemson – 6’1 / 173

Grade: 82

Junior entry. Two-year starter and two-time first team All ACC. Wiggins brings an elite length/speed combination that specific systems are going to drool over. He is high-hipped, and it can cause issues at times, but overall he plays both smooth and fast. Getting the ball over him will always be a risk, especially if he cleans up the route recognition. He will get himself into trouble at times because of eye discipline. He has the tendency to look too deeply into the backfield and will be slow to relocate his man in coverage. The deep losses need to be fixed but if they are, he can be a true number one guy. Wiggins will not be an effective defender against the run and his impact in press coverage is light. There will be margin to improve on, however. This is one of the highest-upside defenders in the entire class. His competitive juice and sheer desire in pursuit are good signs for the mentality that will be needed to reach that ceiling.

*Teams will have to weigh how much they value run defense in their corners when looking at Wiggins. With what I expect to see out of NYG in the new scheme, I’m not sure I see the fit. He is a high risk, high reward prospect at a position that is incredibly hard for everyone to project to the next level.

5) Mike Sainristil – Michigan – 5’9 / 182

Grade: 82

Fifth-year senior. Two-year starter on defense after starting 9 games over his first three seasons at wide receiver. Earned All Big-Ten honors both years after making the switch to cornerback and was a 2023 All-American as he finished second in the country in both interceptions and pick-sixes. Sainristil is a playmaker in every sense of the word. He also has one season under his belt as an every down nickel and then he started a handful of games on the outside. His size profile screams the former, but do not sleep on him as a potential multi-position player at the next level. The two-time team captain is smart both on and off the field and will be a coach’s dream come true. A guy that changed sides of the ball halfway through his career, made big play after big play, and was penalized just one time in just under 1,400 defensive snaps does not come around often. He is a willing run defender but his inexperience shows up there when it comes to angles and technique, which could cause issues at nickel.

*A 5’9” nickel corner that ended with a late first round grade? Top of my head I can’t remember last time I did that. Perhaps Jason Verrett? Anyway, Sainristil is truly one of my favorite players in the class. His story is both unique and impressive. He has had my attention for two years now and he only gave it a boost with his play on the outside in 2023. I’ve been told he’s been one of the best interviews in the class and will be an immediate leader on and off the field. If by some chance he makes it to their second rounder, there are very few guys I would rather use the pick on.

6) Max Melton – Rutgers – 5’11 / 187

Grade: 82

Four-year starter. All-Big Ten in 2023 and 2022. Brother of Green Bay wide receiver, Bo. Melton is a force on special teams and a cornerback that credibly projects to starter-caliber both at nickel and the outside. He blocked four punts over his career, started 40 games, and picked off eight passes. Simply put, he produced from any and all angles that Rutgers put him in. This is a football player in every sense of the word. He fills his run assignments like a safety, proving to be an asset and not a liability on all downs. He can run with real NFL speed down the field, as proven in his toughest matchups he has seen throughout his career. Snaps against Marvin Harrison Jr. and Roman Wilson proved that he can do against Sunday-receivers. Melton plays bigger than his height/weight measurements would suggest. He has an unusually wide wingspan with plus-length. Where he needs to clean up his game will be against short underneath crossers. Melton commits his hips too soon and will get caught out of position on routes that cross his face. However, when it comes to vertical routes and feeling route combinations in zone, Melton has the ability to do two things at once. The explosive playmaker has several game-changing traits ready to go and all the tools in the shed that can be built on.

*Melton is the guy I liked more and more as I got deeper into his tape. He blends a lot of movement traits together along with a tough-guy attitude that can create a lot of big plays, which we saw over his career. Melton doesn’t full trust himself yet. He needs to learn to play the game with his feet more than his hands. He got flagged a bit too much in college (nothing drastic) but he always got away with a lot of grabby play. Melton brings credible inside-out versatility that needs to be valued in this system. He could easily be the second-round target and I would strongly applaud it. He fits perfect.

7) Josh Newton – TCU – 5’11 / 190

Grade: 80

Fifth-year senior. Four-year starter. Spent three seasons at Louisiana-Monroe prior to transferring to TCU in 2022. First Team All-Big 12 in 2022, second team in 2023. Newton is one of the most experienced defenders in the class. He played over 3,600 snaps split between the two programs and has been very productive. The vast majority of those snaps came on the outside where the tools are merely average for the next level. While he plays twitchy with minimal-to-no wasted movement, the top end speed is questionable if he is left alone on an island. While he plays tough and without hesitation, his power presence does not alter big receivers. Newton’s game is based on reaction speed, precise lower body techniques, and coordination when attacking the ball. He can play sticky for the first three quarters of a play and his body control at the top of a route can get him to play faster than he times. Newton is a battled tested, mature kid that will be NFL ready right away but does have a cap on his potential because his tools just don’t reach the high-enough level. He is an ideal number two or three corner that can stick in the league a long time.

*I am taking a chance on Newton here. I think he projects day three to most from what I have seen and heard. Every time I watched his tape, I walked away saying he plays like a hungry pro that sticks around for a long time. His intangibles are next-level, and he was a guy that kept showing up after getting beat. Now, he did get man-handled against the two future pro receivers against Texas. But he came back strong and played at a very high level the final two weeks. In a conference where playing corner is really tough, Newton’s tape is very, very good.

8) Kris Abrams-Draine – Missouri – 5’11 / 179

Grade: 79

Three-year starter. First team All-SEC in 2023 in addition to All-American honors. Abrams-Draine was a high level high school basketball player and wide receiver. He transitioned to cornerback in 2021 and flourished right away. He led the team is passes defended three straight years, capping off his career as the leader int the SEC as well. The fluid, easy mover has the speed to carry vertical routes and body control to remain sticky. He fits in to multiple schemes and has a safe feel to his game. While Abrams-Draine falls short when it comes to tools, he displays eye-discipline and instincts that vary in the class can match. He projects to a solid number two or three that can play inside and outside.

*Another corner that I’m higher on than the market. Abrams-Draine has production that very few can match. Doing so in the SEC after transitioning from receiver makes it even more impressive. Some are drawn away from the lack of size and I did factor that in obviously, but I rarely found it beating him up in college. His coordination within traffic is so good that I actually think the lack of size helps him in some scenarios. Just an overall impressive guy that knows how to play the position and understands where to be.

9) Andru Phillips – Kentucky – 5’11 / 190

Grade: 79

One-year starter. Also part of the heavy rotation in the Kentucky defensive backfield in 2022 which hosted two eventual pro outside corners. Phillips moved from the slot to outside, although he played all over the defensive backfield all three years, in 2023. Former high school track standout that starred in triple jumps where he finished number one in the nation. That burst stands out on film. Although slightly undersized, Phillips already has a lot of pro traits in his arsenal. He is smooth as butter in his backpedal and his ability to stick is foot in the ground and explode downhill created a lot of impressive tape. The inside-out versatility in addition to impressive tape in both zone and man coverage will make him attractive to any team looking to upgrade the cornerback room. There are off-field concerns from an arrest in 2021 that need to be answered. He also failed to grab a single interception over his career. Phillips does not react as quickly in man coverage and there are too many missed tackles. The good and bad with him creates a wide margin within his projection, but this guy has starting corner written all over him.

*Phillips is a guy that picked up a lot of steam over the season. His movement traits and fluidity are so pro-caliber. When he makes plays on the ball, there are a few elite, hard to find components that immediately jump off the screen. That is how I first found him. I was watching Florida offense tape and this kid kept jumping off the screen. The physical limitations did impede some of his playmaking potential. He may have to be a slot only but man I love how he turns and runs. The character concerns need to be a part of his process, no question.

10) Nehemiah Pritchett – Auburn – 6’0 / 190

Grade: 79

Fifth-year senior, four-year starter. Pritchett was also an all-state outfielder on the diamond in high school. His calling card was always on the gridiron and he balled out once he got consistent snaps on defense in 2020. After leading the team (and finishing third in the SEC) in passes defended, the spotlight turned his way. Pritchett never gripped on to the national spotlight from there, but he remained one of the most consistent cornerbacks in the country through 2023. His wiry build plays long and fast. His acceleration vertically helped keep him over the top of some of the best deep threats in college football. His short area change of direction does get leggy and it could impede his ability in a strict man-cover scheme. But when it comes to cover three deep coverage roles, Pritchett is set up to be a quality starter. While there are a few physical limitations, this is an experienced corner that plays smart and a step ahead. Add in the long speed and he gives the secondary a safe feel to it.

*I had a first-round outlook on Pritchett prior to the season. He did not finish as high, but he was close. He has some of the traits I value a lot at the position. His ball location and burst out of his breaks stand out. He knows how to stay away from penalties, and I love the body control when he is involved in the action. Pritchett also protects the deep route tree exceptionally well. He was rarely thrown at in 2023 after missing the start of the season with an ankle injury. He allowed under 50% of balls thrown his way to be completed and I loved his tape vs LSU. I like him if the staff thinks he can be physical enough.

11) Cam Hart – Notre Dame – 6’3 / 202

Grade: 78

Fifth-year senior, three-year starter. Hart showed up to Notre Dame and spent his redshirt season as a wide receiver. He was recruited to play both spots and it didn’t take long to realize his NFL future resided on the defensive side of the ball. This is where the size and speed truly stand out. Hart is an intriguing corner prospect because of how much ground he can cover. He has shown the ability to use his length to its maximum potential. The physical go-getter forced three fumbles in 2023 alone but has just two interceptions to his name. He may not be the best playmaker because of some tightness throughout his entire frame, but the receiver background leaves some hope there. Hart was a fixture on special teams and can offer help in several areas. He will be in demand for man-heavy schemes that value the size/speed combination.

*Sneaky-strong (and likely) target for the Giants if they are still looking for a corner in round three. The one concern is a shoulder issue that has re-occurred multiple times since 2019. While I am not as concerned considering he is a corner (and not a safety), it is something that could be bad enough to get him crossed off. He also suffered a concussion at the Senior Bowl.

12) Ennis Rakestraw Jr. – Missouri – 5’11 / 183

Grade: 77

Three-year starter. Rakestraw Jr. really only had one full season of being healthy and productive. A torn ACL in 2021 limited him to just four games and a nagging groin injury allowed him to play just nine games in 2023. What he put on tape over the past two years, however, was enough to project him to a possible starter role at the next level. This is a physical player that remains competitive throughout the entire route and has some extra juice when he closes in on the action. He can play downhill in a hurry. That, in combination with a lack of pure vertical speed, could land him in a zone-dependent scheme. He may not be fast enough to be left alone on an island against pro deep threats. Rakestraw Jr. did have solid ball production in 2022 and he has above average length on the undersized frame. There are enough tools and enough quality plays on tape to project a starter ceiling, but that lack of durability and speed will lower his floor. He is on that border of number two / top backup type cornerback prospect.

*If I am a man-heavy scheme, I’m not confident this kid makes a ton of sense. The lack of speed showed up a few times and there is a history of lower body injuries. He looks solid when he can look downhill on the action, and he has a great first step. He can close in a hurry. There is some unknown with this kid, but some believe he is a round 2 guy. I can see the upside but again it will be scheme specific.

13) TJ Tampa – Iowa State – 6’1 / 194

Grade: 77

Three-year starter. Two-time All Big 12. Tampa was a Division I basketball recruit and former wide receiver recruit that was shifted to cornerback right before beginning his career at Iowa State. The long-limbed, physical cover man has a unique physical profile that fits in well with zone-heavy defensive schemes. He has tremendous eye balance and rarely gets caught out of position. He needs to keep it that way, as Tampa is approaching the line of being too slow at a position you cannot afford to be too slow. The physical nature to his play style will provide the defense he plays for with an extra weapon against the run. There is a chance we see him moving to safety at the next level. Tampa’s first look will be at outside corner to a zone-heavy scheme and he can be a quality starter if the footwork catches up to his eyes and instincts.

*Tampa is a guy I would like to see at safety. He can fit in the classic cover 2 corner role, but there are things I like about his game that fit better in the middle. I work with a guy that thinks he can be round one. I can’t get there with him running a near-4.6 and grabby style when matched against quickness. The length and physical style combined with good forecasting can be a weapon in the middle. He can add some bulk, too.

14) Jarvis Brownlee Jr. – Louisville – 5’10 / 194

Grade: 77

Fifth-year senior, four-year starter. All-ACC in 2023. Began his career at Florida State where he spent three seasons. Following the transfer to Louisville, Brownlee Jr. took his game to another level. He plays with a level of competitive swagger that is needed for success at the position. He is a daring player that, in some cases, over trusts his own ability. This created a quality volume of ball production over his career. Brownlee Jr. starred at the Senior Bowl during practices, as players and coaches from the American team voted him the top corner on the roster. He has some “rise to the occasion” to him that can be hard to measure. Brownlee Jr. is tough, strong, and aggressive. His best tape is found in press coverage where he can delay the release of a receiver off the line. His over-eager style can be toyed with by savvy, jittery route runners. The lack of top end athletic ability will limit his upside but the way he plays can help him stick to a roster as a quality backup and special teamer.

*Brownlee Jr. is an ultra-competitive, swagger-filled cover man with excellent ball skills. That’s a nice start. He has both above average length for his frame and some power to him that will surprise receivers off the line. There is an attitude to complement the skill set and following his transfer to Louisville, we saw a different level of player. What solidified him as a day two guy was his week at the Senior Bowl. I loved what I saw there. He likes to jump routes and while you will need to deal with the occasional wrong read, he seems to pick and choose his spots based on instincts that are real. There are a couple of off-field issues I would want to dig into before drafting him.

15) Renardo Green – Florida State – 6’0 / 186

Grade: 77

Fifth-year senior, three-year starter. All-ACC in 2023 and 2022. Green began his career as a cornerback but was moved to safety his sophomore season. He shifted back over to cornerback in 2022 and won a team most improved player award. Fast forward to 2023 and Green led the ACC in passes defended (14) after an impressive week one against LSU receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., both likely first round picks. There is a lot of hot and cold to his game and it stems from the combination of his aggressive nature and lack of recovery speed. Green can play explosive and violent, but his ability to smoothly change direction is inconsistent. He labors in man coverage when left unprotected over the top. Green’s vast experience at both safety and cornerback along with his style of play are ideal fits for a nickel role at the next level. He can be a true force in that role.

*There is going to be a lot of demand for this kid. As you can see, there is a huge cluster of guys with similar grades and projections. Incredible depth of corners that I think can start in the league, but they may not be household names. Green’s vast experience at multiple positions, excellent week at the Shrine practices (he was the top DB there), and elite workout at the combine was as good of a process as he could have had over the past 9 months. Is he big enough to play an effective slot/safety role? I saw some Julian Love in his game.

16) Myles Harden – South Dakota – 5’11 / 195

Grade: 76

Four-year starter. Three-time All-MVFC, first team in 2023 in addition to being named an FCS All-American. Harden blossomed from a zero-star recruit to one of the top FCS prospects in the class. His measurables will scare some teams, as he is short-armed and lacks long speed. Harden is one of the cleanest-technique players in the class, however, and his 3.98 short shuttle at the combine was the fastest, all positions. It confirmed the belief that stems from the tape; Harden is one of the most sudden movers one can find in this corner group. He plays the game in short windows in fast forward with no wasted motion and a knack for getting to the ball. His zone-based college scheme and performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl practices proved what he can do if the amount of green he is responsible for can be limited. Harden will not be an ideal fit for everyone, but this is a sticky underneath cover man that will make plays on the ball and offer reliable zone coverage.

*Harden is my favorite FCS player in the draft. He opened a lot of eyes in the pre-draft process between Shrine week and the Combine. Elite mover with no wasted time or steps. His production was elite, and he plays bigger than I anticipated. Every year we see a no namer defensive back excel at nickel right away. Harden is my pick to be that guy in 2024.

17) Willie Drew – Virginia State – 6’0 / 191

Grade: 76

Sixth-year senior, three-year starter. All-CIAA in 2023 and 2022. Won the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2023 and finished the season as a Division II All-American. Drew began his long career at James Madison despite multiple FCS offers. A serious knee injury nearly ended his career in 2019. The transfer to Virginia State took place in 2020 but his season was cancelled due to the pandemic. After almost two seasons of no game action, Drew was back on the field and clearly dominated the lower level of competition. Drew’s ball production was elite, and he checked another box at the Senior Bowl in practices. His tools are good enough but there is a clear lack of development in specific skill-based components of the position. His short area movement does not match his long speed, but he took in the NFL coaching in Mobile which is a good sign for what he may be able to do in the future. Drew is a bit of a gamble, but his speed and ball skills create a strong place to build from.

*Our small school guy at Ourlads turned me on to Drew after the season. I hadn’t watched him until February in Mobile. Man, he looked great. The lower fluidity with explosion and receiver-caliber ball skills will be a nice foundation for him to build from. No disrespect to coaching at lower levels, but this kind of kid will benefit a ton from pro caliber programs. His raw talent is there and there will be a transition period that keeps him off the field for a year, but I am drawn to what he can be moving forward. He graded out higher than a lot of the guys on this list in a few areas.

18) Caelen Carson – Wake Forest – 6’0 /193

Grade: 76

Four-year starter. Carson is a highly experienced corner that was often tasked with shadowing the opponent’s top receiver. He is an aggressive cover man that has the right mentality. He has played in multiple schemes and has always come out on the other side proving to be a capable defender that will contribute against the run and pass. Carson has suffered multiple injuries over his career, all to his lower body. He also struggles to stay with pro-caliber long speed. The questions are enough to keep him out of a projected starter role, but there is enough quality tape against quality opponents to keep his hopes alive.

*I planned to like Carson more than this. He was a guy near the top of my corner stack leading into the 2023 season and even after the first month. But the deep dive into his film, medical history, and lack of ball production put him near the bottom of this fringe-starter stack. Simply put, the idea of him from his best tape is better than the projection that stems from his full dose of tape.

19) Kamari Lassiter – Georgia – 5’11 / 187

Grade: 76

Junior entry, two-year starter. All-SEC in 2023. Lassiter is a pro-ready corner when looking at his play-style, techniques, and discipline. He is well-schooled and drew rave reviews from the program’s coaching staff. Lassiter does not have standout size or speed, which can make him a tough sell to certain NFL decision makers. He is a proven commodity in the SEC, however; one that built a long resume filled with quality tape and very few losses. He shut down a side of the field on a routine basis, allowing just one touchdown over his final 24 games. In addition, he was flagged just once over his final 17 games. Lassiter brings tremendous eye discipline and sudden movement to the table and is equally effective in both man and zone cover schemes. The poor forty time (4.6) will worry some teams but do not overlook the fact he had the best 3-cone time among corners at the combine. This is a corner that can contribute with the pro-caliber maturity and mindset already set to go.

*I’ve been back and forth on Lassiter as much as any corner in the class. He was top ten for a long time. This just reminds me of former Georgia corner Derion Kendrick who benefitted from playing on a stacked Georgia defense. His lack of speed has torched him so far. Lassiter has more quickness and plays more physical, so the hope for him will be scheme-based. He can hang in zone coverage.

20) Khyree Jackson – Oregon – 6’4 / 194

Grade: 75

Fifth-year senior, one-year starter. Did not play football for two seasons after high school and then struggled to find a home between off-field issues and the pandemic. Graduated high school in 2017 but did not begin his college career until 2021 at Alabama. Jackson’s story is one of the most unique you will ever find. He was overlooked as a high school recruit because of multiple moves and transfers in addition to missing his junior year with an injury. His name did appear on the radar, but his grades were so poor he had to go the junior college route. Simply put, Jackson had incredible talent and rare tools, but his motivation and maturity created a roller coaster of a life. He found a home at Alabama under Nick Saban. His greatest contributions came on special teams and after being suspended for a violation of team rules, he transferred to Oregon. Finally on the field and in a starting lineup, Jackson opened the door to his ceiling. His size, speed, length, and attitude are an ideal fit for teams that put the corners on the line of scrimmage. He moves better than most at his size. There are still several rough edges to his game, and he is very old for a prospect. There has been a significant climb in his quality of play to give gasoline to the idea of him being a slept-on prospect that can make it at the next level.

*One of the more interesting day three guys in the class. I can’t recall a story that quite matches up with this one. The character questions will need a ton of extra screening, but that size/speed is real. He also creates the MMA match aura for a receiver matching up against him for an afternoon. There will be a lot of up and down to his game but knowing he fought through life adversity and came out with an outlook that some still consider day two-caliber is enough to take a chance on. Where that risk is taken will be different around the league.

21-43:

21) DJ James – Auburn – 6’0 / 175: 75

22) Deantre Prince – Mississippi – 6’0 / 183: 75

23) Elijah Jones – Boston College – 6’1 / 184: 74

24) Decamerion Richardson – Mississippi State – 6’2 / 188: 74

25) Te’Cory Couch – Miami – 5’10 / 185: 74

26) MJ Devonshire – Pittsburgh – 5’11 / 186: 74

27) Jarrian Jones – Florida State – 6’0 / 190: 74

28) Qwan’tez Stiggers – Toronto (CFL) – 6’0 / 204: 74

29) Daequan Hardy – Penn State – 5’9 / 179: 73

30) Kalen King – Penn State – 5’11 / 190: 72

31) Myles Sims – Georgia Tech – 6’3 / 188: 71

32) Marcellas Dial – South Carolina – 6’0 / 190: 71

33) Tarheeb Still – Maryland – 6’0 / 188: 71

34) Johnny Dixon – Penn State – 5’11 / 188

35) Storm Duck – Louisville – 6’0 / 195: 71

36) Ja’quan Sheppard – Maryland – 6’2 / 199: 70

37) Josh Wallace – Michigan – 5’11 / 186: 70

38) Chau Smith-wade – Washington State – 5’10 / 184: 69

39) Beanie Bishop Jr. – West Virginia – 5’9 / 180: 69

40) Chigozie Anusiem – Colorado State – 6’1 / 200: 69

41) Mikey Victor – Alabama State – 6’2 /205: 68

42) Ryan Cooper Jr. – Oregon State – 5’11 / 186: 68

43) Miles Battle – Utah – 6’3 / 196: 68

NYG APPROACH

Like the receiver groups year after year, there is a ton of depth at corner. It is filled with guys that can make rosters, credibly back up early on in the career, and contribute on special teams. If you want a real projected starter and difference maker, you’re gonna have to try and get one in the second or third round. The debate with the Giants will be how much they believe in the 2023 training camp star Tre Hawkins. His rookie season went as bad as it could have in limited action and while we can’t hold that against him considering where he was drafted and where he came from, it is a classic “don’t make a decision based on him” type scenario. If he pans out to be something real, you have real depth when injuries arise. Not a bad problem to have.

At nickel, NYG has options that I feel more secure with but a strong case can be made to get a real dude there. And that is where I see likely value being for NYG in round 2. While you would rather have the answer on the outside, getting a difference maker at nickel could do wonders for this defense overall. Deonte Banks and a strong nickel presence can give the new scheme a path of less resistance to hiding problems or a gray situation at the other outside corner. If they go elsewhere (man there are lot of holes on this roster) – there will be a good value available day three. No matter what, NYG absolutely needs to add a corner to this team. As early as round one (following a trade down).

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

Draft Grade Index:

90+ All-Pro Projection

85-89: Pro Bowl Projection

81-84: 1st Round – Year 1 starter

77-80: 2nd/3rd Round – Year 1 contributor, year 2-3 starter

74-76: Early Day 3: Core special teamer and rotational player

71-74: Mid Day 3: Core special teamer and backup

68-70: Late Day 3: Developmental and special teamer

TOP 15 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1) Ruke Orhorhoro – Clemson – 6’4 / 294

Grade: 83

Fifth year senior, three-year starter. Lagos, Nigeria. Orhorhoro played just two years of high school football after arriving to America as a nine-year old. He was actually a better basketball player early on. Clemson took a chance on the raw 265 pounder and after barely seeing the field in both 2019 and 2020, he stepped up in a big way when Bryan Bresee got injured in 2021. He turned himself into a consistent, steady interior player capable of taking on the dirty work. His ability to play wide and low with immense staying power and surprising quickness can put him into multiple roles within multiple schemes. Orhorhoro has some of the best hand strength you will find, as he constantly wins the lockout battle over and over. The stutter step quickness and ability to adjust late to a blocker will get him into the backfield occasionally and he has a knack for finishing (8 tackles for loss each of the last three years). This is an every down, starting caliber lineman that will be dependable play to play with some more upside to chew off since he is still relatively new to the game. Orhorhoro is a the kind of prospect a team can feel both safe about and intrigued by when it comes to the floor-ceiling ratio.

*If you asked me in the fall who would end up as the top DT grade in the class, I would have all but guaranteed it to be one of the two guys below. Orhorhoro has a Dalvin Tomlinson-type feel to his game in that he is going to be NFL-ready week one. His play strength is immense. I had the opportunity to speak with multiple ACC offensive linemen over the past three years and I always ask who the top guy is they’ve ever played against. Ruke’s name came up more often than anyone. They said he was the strongest guy that had to match up against. The difference between him and Tomlinson is two-fold. Ruke is still new to the game. He is very inexperienced compared to most prospects despite starting 30 games in college. Second, Ruke is one of the best athletes to ever test at the combine. He absolutely dominated the position drills and testing. There is something about this kid I am drawn to. I will get into the DT group in relation to NYG at the end, but this is someone I am looking at hard in round two if he is still there. He makes sense from every angle.

2) Jer’Zhan Newton – Illinois – 6’3 / 296

Grade: 82

Three-year starter. Three-time All-Big Ten, first team in 2023 and 2022, and two-time All-American, first team in 2023. Newton was a high school running back and basketball star. That kind of athletic ability shows up along the interior, a spot he is usually matched up against bigger, slower offensive linemen. His style of play fits into the prototypical three-technique role that has him shoot a single gap and create havoc in the backfield. His ability to play low and quick can be a headache for blockers to deal with. While Newton rarely left the field in college, his lack of stoutness and ability to hold the point may prevent him from being a true every down player. He is best suited for a defensive line that goes overkill in rotations. He proved he can stay on the field as much as any prospect that plays up front in the class but if a defense can take away the negative plays he has against the gap-controlled running plays, his contributions can rival what the stars of the NFL produce. Newton will need the right situation to reach his ceiling and even though there is some “home run or strikeout” in his game, he will at least make impact plays for the defense weekly.

*Newton played more than any FBS DT since the start if 2022. He was on the field for 749 snaps in 2023 alone! For reference, DeWayne Carter played 588. Brandon Dorlus 587. Maason Smith 582. Byron Murphy 438. Orhorhoro. 409. You get the picture. This guy does not come off the field. He is more than a pass rusher. He penetrates with the best of them and has the mobility in his lower body to adjust on the fly and disrupt a running game. He can crush a wide-zone rushing attack. Why don’t I have him higher? As a stay-at-home guy, he struggles mightily. He gets turned, he gets moved, and he struggles to maintain lockout with a blocker. It doesn’t always matter, but it matters enough. Still a first-round grade, though.

3) Byron Murphy II – Texas – 6’0 / 297

Grade: 81

Junior entry. One-year starter from DeSoto, TX. Played in a heavy rotational role for his first two years before moving into more of an every down-type spot in 2023. He did play a lot all three years and will enter the league with over 1,000 snaps of experience. Murphy II is slightly undersized for the interior when it comes to his length and height, but he plays with tremendous power and quickness. His pure strength and speed metrics are rare for both his position and weight class, and it shows up on tape. He clearly has a plan for his pass rush snaps, setting blockers up and adjusting based on their initial footwork. There is a strong sense of “know-how” with his techniques and because he plays with such a low base and high hands, the likelihood of a lone blocker staying on him for more than a couple seconds is low. Murphy II even splits double teams at a highly successful rate. His best fit would be in a three-tech role but he can be moved around a bit and will support the run (averaged 10 snaps a game from the A gap). After never missing a game in his career, Murphy II will be viewed as a starting-caliber inside defender capable of boosting a pass rush right away with top-ten (at the position) potential.

*Pre-grading process my gut was leaning toward Murphy being DT1 and a top 15 pick. Between the deep dive on film and his official measurements, he took a slight hit. There is a very small list of DTs that played at his size (height/length/wingspan). In the same breath, there is a very small list of DTs that are as athletic as him. Murphy II can play every down. I do not question that. Will he hold up? Some will bring up Grady Jarrett, a guy I overlooked in 2015 because of size. I think this is a better projection for a player like this, someone that could end up getting drafted late round one because of the positional value boost.

4) Braden Fiske – Florida State – 6’4 /292

Grade: 79

Sixth-year senior, four-year starter. Spent five years at Western Michigan before entering the transfer portal in 2023 where he was one of the most highly sought after transfer recruits in the country. Fiske was one of two All-Americans on the Florida State defensive line, and he showed flashes, especially late in the year, of the being the most disruptive. His get-off and ability to adjust on the move creates havoc in the backfield. The functional athleticism he plays with has had teams consider him as a situational fullback at the next level. Beyond the movement traits, Fiske brings power, but he lacks stout presence. He can get displaced by the double team and the lack of length arises when he is a stay-at-home defender. He needs to be in three or five-technique role and an every down role may not be in the cards for him. However, the ability to penetrate and impact the backfield is enough to warrant a day-two slot and his rotational impact along with the mentality he plays with will be attractive to all schemes.

*Now this is a name to keep an eye on for the Giants pick at #47. One of my favorite guys to watch in the entire class. Fiske broke out in a big way down the stretch, but don’t mistake this for a one-shot wonder. He was a pro prospect coming into 2023 and everyone wanted a piece of him in the transfer portal. This might be one of the best five athletes we have ever seen at DT in combine history. His energy is contagious and whoever drafts him will have a new coach/fan favorite. There is some hot/cold to his game and it may keep him in a rotational role. But he will make an impact player. Ideal fit for NYG.

5) Fabien Lovett Sr. – Florida State – 6’4 / 314

Grade: 79

Sixth-year senior. Four-year starter split between two seasons at Mississippi State and Florida State. Transferred to the Seminoles in 2020 and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2021 and 2022. While he played just under 550 snaps over the last two years, Lovett had a hard time staying healthy with nagging lower body injuries, two of which were to his foot/toe. This is a guy that actually received and accepted a Senior Bowl invite in 2023, but returned to school. He has the ideal pro body for an interior run stuffer. His length, strength, and post-snap feel have been NFL ready for years. His floor is that of a solid situational run defender. What he tried to enhance, but never quite got there, was the pass rush skill set. While he did show the occasional flash (especially in 2021, his final healthy season), Lovett is going to remain an unknown there. I like the upside he has in that area and if he does reach it, he can be a complete starting interior lineman that can wreak havoc. He will turn 25 toward the end of his rookie season and his medicals need some extra screening, but this is a sneaky high-ceiling, unique prospect.

*I am pretty sure I will be the only one with a grade this high on Lovett. I was here on him last year and I saw enough in 2023 to keep him there. 35.5” arms with his this foot quickness and lower body power? He screams starting DT. A foot injury history for a guy this big will need screening. I was told he got the green check there, thus I did not downgrade him. This is also a DT that makes sense for NYG without the size handicap. While he does not bring anything near the athletic ability of Fiske, he does bring more every-down ability and still has a pass rush upside that we got a glimpse of in 2021.

6) Michael Hall Jr. / Ohio State – 6’3 / 290

Grade: 78

Third-year sophomore entry, two-year starter from Streetsboro, OH. Hall Jr. has a unique game that is fully built on disruptive quickness. While he is undersized for every down duty inside, he knows how to get by blockers in a hurry. He fits the mold of the classic three-technique (where he spent 75% of his snaps) with developed rush moves and a nose for the ball. The comfort in which he moves with, both in space and in a phone booth, will make a difference. The ups and downs are real with a player like this. He gets moved and spun in the running game and the bull rush capabilities are low. The lack of consistent durability and overall workload could be sign of what he is truly capable week to week in the NFL. He will need a specific front and role to be effective and it will likely not be an every down role. Pass rushers have value, however, and his upside in that area is good enough to warrant a slight boost to his grade.

*My grade on Northwestern DT Adebawore last year was probably a bit rich. I had a first-round grade on him, and he ended up going in the fourth. Hall Jr.’s grade is probably closer to where I should have put him. That said, Hall Jr. fits in with this scheme and is one of my favorite second-tier options for the interior pass rusher role next to Lawrence. His get off is some of the best I have seen, and his length can offset some of the size concerns. 33.5” arms are long enough to make a real difference. He has rush moves, he has excellent closing burst, and he has some killer instinct to his game. He was the most disruptive interior pass rusher at the Senior Bowl. Because of the pass rush value, I could see him sneaking into round two.

7) Kris Jenkins – Michigan – 6’3 / 299

Grade: 78

Three-year starter. All-Big Ten in 2023 and 2022, Second Team All-American in 2023. Jenkins is the son of former Pro Bowler Kris Jenkins (Panthers, Jets). He is undersized for every down duty as an inside-gap defender, but he has a level of versatility that multi-fronts will be attracted to. Jenkins’ burst and quickness post-snap can get him to shoot the gap and track down runs away from him. He works down the line exceptionally well, as his sheer athleticism is elite for the position. He shows no wasted steps, constantly wins the leverage battle, and chooses violence with his hands. There are a lot of attractive and versatile traits to his game. Jenkins is best suited for a three or five-technique type role with the occasional shift further inside. However, for him to maximize the physical gifts he has, there needs to be more variety with his pass rush. He never got over the hump there. If that remains the case, he is more of a rotational guy than a pure starter. He will be a solid player, though, and the physical ability is there to be much more.

*For the second straight year, a Michigan DT was in the top 10 of the Bruce Feldman “Freak List” – reserved for the best athletes in college football. For the second straight year, I was underwhelmed by that player on tape, and he did not test even close to what the school was stating he did in their private workouts. It was Mazi Smith a year ago (DAL first rounder), another guy I had a 78 grade on. While he deserves more time to prove what he can be, things are not off to a good start. Jenkins does have impressive talent, but there were too many losses in between his flashes to give him anything more than this. I do see a good fit here in this scheme and situation; however I fear he will be off the board before I would think the value is right.

8) DeWayne Carter – Duke – 6’2 / 302

Grade: 76

Fifth year senior, three-year starter. Three-time All-ACC, first team in 2023. One of the top students in the country, was a finalist for the “Academic Heisman” (William V. Campbell Trophy). First three-time team captain in program history. Carter is a densely built, powerful, low-to-ground defender that plays the game with immense power and quickness. He gets off the snap with a plan and shows the ability to adjust if he initially loses. A lot of his production came from second-effort plays and it makes sense considering how hard he plays. Carter will pursue the ball all over the field and chase down the action from behind. His best role will likely be at three-technique where his get off and powerful twitch can create a lot of wins. The lack of reach and lockout capabilities will make it tough for him to win as a run defender down to down, but the penetration skills and intelligence factor will create plays in flashes.

*Carter is essentially a scaled back version of the Newton/Murphy/Fiske trio. For teams in on those guys but don’t get their hands on them, Carter is a nice Plan B. His 2023 did not go as planned. They moved him to defensive end a lot and it seemed to throw off his rhythm. Some guys are not meant to be moved around and Carter is one of them. This can be a nice mid-round fit for NYG if they want to beef up the inside pass rush, something I strongly feel they need to do. He is more explosive than quick, more pass rusher than complete defender. Let him shoot the gap, get someone else to do the other stuff.

9) T’Vondre Sweat – Texas – 6’4 / 366

Grade: 76

Fifth year senior. Two-year starter. Two-time All-Big 12, first team in 2023. All-American and Outland Trophy Award winner in 2023. Sweat’s game is built on his rare size and power. He can overwhelm defenders at the point of attack with his mass and heavy hands. His game has developed into more versatile style with every down usage. The newfound pass rush and pursuit capabilities give him starter upside for both odd and even fronts with a high floor to build from. This is a kid that has been on a constant ascent both on and off the field since arriving in 2019. His maturity concerns did improve as time went on, but a DWI arrest in early April of this year puts a dark cloud over that fact. On the field, Sweat evolved into a true difference maker away from the point of attack. His ability to move like he does at 366 pounds does not come around often. Add in the dominant flashes he showed at the Senior Bowl in 1 on 1’s, there is optimism around what he can be. He will need to answer for his arrest, however.

*Sweat could not have gotten arrested at a worse time. His maturity concerns from earlier in his career centered around partying and lack of good decision making. And here we are watching him get a DUI in April. The fact this happened says a lot in my eyes. I downgraded him from a 79. The idea of NYG going after him (as a player) is more fun fantasy that intelligent reality. He would give the team a fourth oversized run defender without a true pass rush arsenal beyond anything other than a bull rush. It would be more luxury than necessity for a team that needs a lot of help. I don’t see this lining up, but I do think a team will use a third rounder on him. He is truly dominant in flashes.

10) Brandon Dorlus – Oregon – 6’3 / 283

Grade: 76

Fifth year senior, four-year starter. Three-time All-Pac 12, first team in 2023 and 2021. The highly experienced and versatile lineman gives a high floor, high ceiling outlook that can be used in multiple ways at a dependable level. If he can become more consistent with specific lower body techniques, he will be a quality starter with above average pass rush capabilities that can be moved all over the front. He has split his career between lining up as a an edge defender and interior lineman. The physical tools are there to project to both at the next level. The lockout game is strong and when he pairs it with proper bend, he consistently wins the initial fight with the blocker. From there, he shows an array of crafty moves with his hands to create space and opportunity. The athletic ability is good enough to get into the creases and when his forward lean is there, he finds daylight when pursuing the action. Dorlus is a finisher when he smells blood. His 160 career pressures and 27 tackles for loss that were compiled from all angles and positions prove his ability to impact the game. A versatile front will value him a lot, but he needs to improve his lower body power and strength. As he grows into his frame, his best fit will be inside but a front could use him as a five-technique occasionally because of the edge setting prowess he shows.

*At first glance, I was looking at round one for Dorlus. He is a true tweener that gave me some Justin Tuck vibes early on. After the deep dive on his film, I did not see enough sheer talent to be considered that high and his testing confirmed that. I can think of several schemes that would do him right and get the most out of him where you could make an argument for day two. If NYG wants a size-guy to rotate in behind Thibodeaux and Burns with capability of rushing from inside, I like the Dorlus fit. Similar vibe to what Jihad Ward offered in Martindale’s scheme but younger and faster.

11) Jordan Jefferson – LSU – 6’3 / 313

Grade: 76

Three-year starter. The former state champion wrestler spent four years at West Virginia where he contributed all four seasons, starting for two years, before transferring to LSU in 2023. There is a level of intrigue that comes from his combination of get off and upper body power. He has a lot of tape where he creates a new line of scrimmage with proper pad level. From there, he has the quickness to shed his man and reach the ball carrier in the tackle box. He had glimpses of high-level run defense. While he will struggle to man two gaps because of a slight deficit in his lower body (both strength and technique-based), Jefferson should be able to contribute right away if he is in the right role. He does not stay square, but some defenses will value that less than others. The heaviness to his punch and level of athleticism that landed him on the Bruce Feldman Freak List last summer in addition to the quality week at the Senior Bowl will credibly project him to a number three-defensive tackle spot at the next level. He was not used much as a pass rusher at LSU but there are traits worth trying to develop there. Interesting prospect.

*Jefferson actually caught my eyes in 2022 while scouting Dante Stills’ tape (2023 6th rounder by ARI). I did not even know he transferred to LSU until August. These linemen that test well athletically paired with the wrestling background are always intriguing. He has the Barry Cofield-type day three grade but capable of playing early as a stopgap type feel to his game. Jefferson has some hot and cold to his game and he was not a productive pass rusher. But he has get off with good hands and the right mentality for a guy that can offer a solid 5-10 snaps per game. Similar feel to what Nunez-Roches offers NYG right now.

12) Maason Smith – LSU – 6’5 / 306

Grade: 75

Junior entry. Two-year starter that missed almost all of 2022 after tearing his ACL week one. Smith was a top-shelf, five-star recruit out of high school that got on the field as a rotational piece right away in 2021. There were some flashes but the main draw was based purely on potential as a result of his rare combination of power height, weight, speed, and power. He was supposed to be the guy in 2022 but it was over after just eight snaps. The hype around him was still very real heading into 2023. Smith played all over the line over his career and the crowded defensive tackle room at LSU may have taken some of the production away from him. However, the fact is he never quite reached a consistent level of dominance. The flashes were there, but four of his six career sacks came against McNeese State and Georgia State and he still has several technique-based issues in his game. He plays high and lacks variety within his attacks. Smith still brings a level of sheer power that few can match and his youth will strengthen the level of intrigue. His best spot will likely be in a 3-4 front where could play on the outside. There is some Stephon Tuitt in his game.

*Even in a room full of some of the biggest people in the world, certain guys still stand out. That is Smith. This kid is just put together different. When he is standing around, you notice the absolute giant he is. You don’t always see it on film for good reason; this kid can really bend. Add in the 35” arms (second longest) and 84.5 wingspan (the widest) and you have a freak label. Smith did not look right in 2023, as he was a year off his ACL surgery. While recovery is quicker than it used to be, I still think it takes 18 months for a bigger guy to get their movement traits back to 100%. Smith’s tools and five-star status and impressive freshman campaign had some guys talking round one here at this time a year ago. If NYG wants to swing for a high-ceiling guy that can give NYG a Marcus Stroud + John Henderson (JAX) vibe to the DT room, they may have to go round three for Smith. I will say this…it would really excite me even though he could be a complete dud.

13) Mekhi Wingo – LSU – 6’0 / 284

Grade: 75

Junior entry. Spent one season at Missouri prior to transferring to LSU. Two-year starter. Earned second team All-SEC and All-American honors in 2022. Wingo’s 2023 season stood out in multiple ways, ways that sum up what teams will think about the person. First of all, he was given the prestigious #18 jersey – reserved for the number one leader on that team. That was even more notable than usual considering he had been with the program for just one year prior to getting that jersey. Second, he tore his adductor muscles off his pelvis in October which forced him into surgery, ending his season. Third, rather than sitting out the Bowl Game and prepping for the draft, he opted to come back. And lastly, he not only played, but he had his best game of the season with 2 sacks against a solid group of Wisconsin linemen. Wingo is small and gets washed out by the double team at times. He is a good, not great, athlete. But this is a productive gap shooter that will impact the game on passing downs. He is not a fit for every scheme or role inside, but he should have at least a rotational role with impact on third down. Coaches are going to love this kid’s attitude and he proved he can win against quality blockers multiple times over the last two seasons especially.

*Yet another undersized but credible threat for a three-tech spot. I cannot recall having this many in the same class, especially in the top 4-5 rounds. Wingo is probably the final option if you really want one to impact your defense in 2024. Remember what Kobie Turner did for the Rams in 2023? An end-of-third-round rookie that was not invited to the combine that led all rookies in sacks. Wingo plays the game with a lot of similarities. 284 pounds and a 77” wingspan is really, really small though even for this role. A team will get a guy they know will come in and work, though.

NFL Comparison: Kobie Turner / LAR

14) McKinnley Jackson – Texas A&M – 6’1 / 326

Grade: 72

Senior entry, three-year starter. Lucedale, MS. Jackson is a two-time team captain and has made a habit of winning team awards for toughness offseason strength work. He is a coach’s favorite type on and off the field. He is wide and thick everywhere. The length he can play with is rare considering his height and it opens doors for a variety of play styles and roles. His game is built on a quick first step that turns into power. His push and stoutness give him the ability to get the initial win spatially. There is a quick first step to penetrate if he aligns in a gap. McKinnley’s low-to-ground build and strength at 330+ pounds can create wins behind the line of scrimmage. His 15 career tackles for loss and the consistent plays on tape where he is found disrupting the action in the backfield prove he can be more than a space eater. His pass rush repertoire remains a work in progress, as he needs to get better with his hands when it comes to counter moves. At worst, Jackson will be a serviceable one/zero-technique that can muddy the waters against the inside running game. His intangibles and tools are unique to consider strong possibility he can be more than that.

*If I am running strictly a 3-4 front and I need a boulder to line up at nose tackle, I am going to have a higher grade on Jackson. This is a big-time presence inside. His unique frame presents a big upside for that spot. He needs to change his style of play, however. He overshoots in pursuit and will lack the gap integrity. If he fixes that and stops trying to be something he isn’t this is a Casey Hampton (remember him?) that can stick around for a long time.

15) Justin Eboigbe – Alabama – 6’4 / 297

Grade: 70

Fifth year senior, one-year starter, Forest Park, GA. Eboigbe played all over the line with almost equal distribution between defensive end and tackle. His blend of size, power, and hand-strength will fit best into a five-tech role, but he can fit into any scheme. This is a credible inside-out threat that can be shifted based on situations and matchups. His impact on the defense was delayed after suffering a neck injury that limited him to just four games in 2022. He bounced back in his final year with a season that essentially doubled his career production across the board. The tools were always attractive but because of the injury and crowded defensive line room, they were never consistently on display until 2023. He will be a plus-run defender right away and will give the occasional pressure in the passing game. His country-strong hands and ability to produce power from his lower half will give him a high-floor outlook. He is high-cut and shows some tightness in his hips when adjusting his weight laterally, but he should be able to keep techniques clean if can be a rotational player at the next level. He will be good for 10-15 snaps per game at the start of his career with the potential to evolve into more.

*While there isn’t anything about his game that screams upside, I bet Eboigbe will be able to come into the league right away and create a role for himself that sees the field weekly. The run defending defensive lineman is not nearly as valuable as it was 10-20 years ago but be sure to remember the fact 2023 was his first full clean year in the rotation. And he was a key piece that brought it every week. He had a pressure in all but one game. He had a tackle in all but one game. He played multiple positions in every game. Sounds like a classic old-school Patriot to me that plays better than the sum of his parts would lead you to believe.

16 – 29:

16) Tyler Davis – Clemson – 6’2 / 301: 70
17) Kristian Boyd – Northern Iowa – 6’2 / 329: 70
18) Jaden Crumedy – Mississippi State – 6’4 / 301: 70
19) Logan Lee – Iowa – 6’5 / 281: 70
20) Leonard Taylor – Miami – 6’3 / 303: 70
21) Gabe Hall – Baylor – 6’6 / 291: 69
22) Tuli Letuligasenoa – Washington – 6’1 / 295: 68
23) Myles Murphy – North Carolina: 6’4 / 309: 68
24) Evan Anderson – Florida Atlantic: 6’1 / 320: 68
25) Taki Taimani – Oregon – 6’1 / 309: 68
26) Keith Randolph – Illinois – 6’3 / 296: 68
27) Marcus Harris – Auburn – 6’2 / 286: 68
28) Casey Rogers – Oregon – 6’4 / 294: 68
29) Jonah Laulu – Oklahoma – 6’5 / 292: 68

NYG APPROACH

NYG has the numbers at DT to look past the position draft weekend. They have the big bodies behind Lawrence in Davidson, Phillips, and Riley. They have a serviceable starter in Nunez-Roches. They have guys that can compete for a roster spot in Horne and Anderson. But rewind to week one of 2023 and they also were employing Leonard Williams (traded to SEA) and A’Shawn Robinson (signed with CAR). Brian Burns was added to the edge to but if you’re leaving it up to me, they need another pass rush option inside. Some of this will depend on the young guys and their progression but even in a best-case scenario, a case can be made to get another tackle in here. I believe there is only room for one. So which direction do they go? A complete DT-type that can develop some presence as a pass rusher? Or a pure three-technique that is going to lack size for every down duty? I am pass rush biased so I am leaning toward the latter and because I am all-in on building an identity, I would do it as early as round two.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Draft Grade Index:

90+ All-Pro Projection

85-89: Pro Bowl Projection

81-84: 1st Round – Year 1 starter

77-80: 2nd/3rd Round – Year 1 contributor, year 2-3 starter

74-76: Early Day 3: Cores special teamer and rotational player

71-74: Mid Day 3: Core special teamer and backup

68-70: Late Day 3: Developmental and special teamer

TOP 20 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1) Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State – 6’3 / 209

Grade: 92

Junior entry, two-year starter. Unanimous All-American in both 2023 and 2022, a first for receivers in program history. Earned first team All-Big Ten both seasons. Biletnikoff Award winner in 2023. Son of 13-year veteran and Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison. Harrison Jr. is a factory-engineered playmaker that can align anywhere pre snap, run all routes at a high level, and cleanly catch any ball within striking distance. While he will not be an every-down vertical threat, Harrison Jr. has both the physical body type, impeccable footwork, and mental characteristics to get him open all over the route tree. He can make the “wow” play look easy and routine and as long as he remains focused on fine tuning the small things to add strength, his future in the league will belong with the league’s true number one receivers.

*Harrison Jr. has been the number one player in this draft class since I put an initial list together last summer. While the spots behind him have been slightly moved around and other receivers have joined him in the elite tier, I still trust the polish of Harrison Jr. the most. Despite such poor quarterback play in 2023 (a significant drop off from Stroud in ’22) Harrison Jr. essentially matched his production. There was a lot more to chew off too had the situation around him been better. Is there a world where Harrison Jr. would not be the ideal fit for NYG? Absolutely. If a system wants more yards after the catch, the other two are better options. Harrison Jr. does not play as tough or as strong as I want but the other areas in his game and his unusual amount of focus, drive, and work ethic to be great are enough to overshadow that. This is the number one player on my board for NYG – yes above the quarterbacks.

NFL Comparison: Michael Thomas / FA

2) Rome Odunze – Washington – 6’3 / 212

Grade: 91

Three-year starter. Earned first team All-Pac 12 honors in both 2023 and 2022. All-American both seasons as well, first team in 2023. Odunze has all of the tools and a rapidly growing skill set to be a credible number one threat at the next level. He can win in several ways that stem from more than just talent alone. His feel for route running and unique blend of ability, size, and speed will add both explosive plays and efficiency to an offense. If the questionable areas of his game can catch up to the rest, he can be one of the more dangerous receivers in the game.

*Odunze had a contested catch rate of 75%. Anything above 45% gets my attention. I have not seen a number that high since 2018 and that was Jakobi Meyers, who averaged 11.4 yards per reception and ran a 4.64 forty. Odunze averaged 17.8 yards per on a huge frame with 4.45 forty and elite shuttle time. That number simply hits different, it is truly special. Add in the top-shelf intangibles that everyone wants and the rare movement traits off the line and occasionally appear on routes gets him the rare All-Pro projection. The Washington offense did not have him run as many routes as I would have liked but he did run a full tree, and he seems more raw than incapable. Odunze is a guy you bet on, and he is very much in play at #6. Such an ideal fit for this current NYG receiver group as well.

NFL Comparison: Larry Fitzgerald / RET

3) Malik Nabers – LSU – 6’0 / 200

Grade: 90

Junior entry, three-year starter. All-American and first team All-SEC in 2023. Nabers steadily developed from a high school player that did not play as a senior to one of the most productive receivers in the country. He plays a notably physical brand for the position with level of competitiveness that shows up in several ways. Blended in with his elite top-end burst and above average speed, Nabers has the style of a guy that can evolve into a credible number one threat. His routes need work in specific areas but they are already elite in others, showing the likelihood of his quality projection in that area. The savvy, team-first playmaker is going to be a coach’s favorite and has the upside of a true number one with his top trait being what comes after the catch.

*We have seen glimpses and heard Brian Daboll discuss how much value a playmaker after the catch can be in his system. We’ve also heard how much he values a guy that can line up in different spots. Something like that makes me think he can be the guy that is atop their list in a few weeks. Nabers has elite twitch and toughness. His issues with drops have come from the fact he makes his post-catch move prior to bringing the ball in. That has been somewhat corrected and when it clicks, it looks special. The concept of pairing him with an eventual new, young quarterback makes sense. Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson can create serious excitement in that area and if everything else falls into place, watch out. This would actually take some pressure off the quarterback much like the situation around Brock Purdy in SF. Nabers will be a fun player.

NFL Comparison: DJ Moore / CHI

4) Brian Thomas Jr. – LSU – 6’3 / 209

Grade: 85

Junior entry, three-year starter. Earned second team All-SEC and third team All-American honors in 2023. A former 1,000-point scorer that turned down division one basketball offers out of high school more than doubled his career production in his final season with the Tigers. The tall, long, and flexible downfield target led FBS with 17 touchdowns, scoring in 10 of 13 games. He is the kind of playmaker that looks overly inviting to a passer. He tracks the deep ball with precision and control, he can go up and get it, and he shows excellent coordination near the boundary. Thomas broke out at the right time and was a key part to the statistical season that led to quarterback Jayden Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy. He came down with several wins in contested situations in and near the end zone. There are some edges to the skill set that need more refining but in a league of scoring and explosive plays, Thomas can be a true number one.

*Thomas Jr. was not this high on my list until I got done watching his film. I then saw the amount of elite wins he had on tape against future NFL corners. I then watched him put together one of the best explosion/speed workouts in combine history for a player with his size profile. A lot of things lined up to give Thomas Jr. a Pro Bowl projection. I see a Tee Higgins-type impact at the next level. One of those guys that can be a number one but may be best suited to be a complement to a different top tier guy. An example would be Tampa Bay or Dallas. I prefer his game over this cluster of guys because of what he can project to, but I do think he may need a bit more time than some believe. He did not run a ton of quality routes and if there is a question about his athleticism, it will be short-area agility and change of direction.

5) Ladd McConkey – Georgia – 6’0 / 186

Grade: 82

Redshirt Junior entry. Two-year starter. All-SEC in 2022. Winner of the Wuerffel Trophy, a community service-based award combining with athletic and academic achievements. McConkey is a slightly built, but quick-footed receiver that creates more than the sum of his parts. He is a refined route runner with a sense of intelligence that is hard to find. He shows a strong understanding of what defenses are trying to do both pre-and post-catch. The amount he can create via doing precisely what he needs to do and then some more via innovation will be a welcomed addition to an offense that has primary weapons already in place. Sleep on a contributor like McConkey and he will carve you up. His tools and upside are likely not enough to be projected to a number one threat, but he can complement one at a high level.

*The name Garrett Wilson comes to mind when watching McConkey run routes and after the catch. He does not exactly have the same length profile or contested catch upside which can limit him, but I do see a similar impact at the next level. Remember, Wilson won the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year. McConkey is pro ready yesterday. He is going to come in and be a quarterback’s best friend early on if the situation is right. The one thing that bumped him down a bit was the occasional drop paired with small hands. That duo can be an issue. Besides that, McConkey’s game is polished but it may not be the best fit for what NYG has. They need someone more physical but if the engineers of the offense want another shifty, fast but undersized guy in round two, I wouldn’t argue against this value.

NFL Comparison: Jordan Addison / MIN

6) Adonai Mitchell – Texas – 6’2 / 205

Grade: 82

Junior entry, three-year starter. Mitchell spent two years at Georgia where he started 15 games. He missed 9 games due to injury in 2022 before transferring to Texas for the 2023 season and leading the Big 12 in touchdowns. His combination of size, smooth movement traits, and ball skills make him a dangerous weapon on all levels of the route tree. If Mitchell can become more complete and consistent when it comes to effort and concentration, he will be a key piece to a quality passing game. The worst case would be a good red zone threat and third down target. All of the traits are there for him to be a high-end possession receiver at the next level early on with a credible shot at being a true number one if he cleans things up.

*Mitchell is my prediction for the receiver that ends up going higher than most are projecting. The top three receivers are set but after that, it is pretty open. Mitchell put together one of the best workouts in combine history. He ran a 4.34 and jumped out of the building. That said, I was less than inspired by his on-field workouts. On tape, his fluidity and body control stand out like a CeeDee Lamb (except Mitchell is bigger and faster) type. That said, I have several game notes where I question his effort and hustle. He was awful after the catch. Wide receivers are a different breed. In some ways, you have to let the divas, well, diva. If Mitchell brings even the B+ effort to the field most weeks, he can be a dangerous player. It is a matter of how much you are willing to risk and the leadership around him. If something clicks mentally, yes he can be grouped with the top three.

NFL Comparison: AJ Green / RET

7) Xavier Worthy – Texas – 5’11 / 165

Grade: 81

Junior entry, three-year starter. All-Big 12 all three seasons, first team in 2023 and 2021. All-American in 2023. Exploded on to the national scene as a true freshman in 2021 after having his senior season of high school cancelled due to Covid in 2020, earning the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Award and re-writing the program’s receiving records for first year players. Worthy’s game is built on the most sought-after trait in the game, speed. He can move quicker and faster than most players in the league and he pairs it with toughness and intelligence. How an offensive scheme can hide his lack of size and physical presence will largely determine whether or not can be a true number one, or a very good two. Either way, he is going to make a passing game more explosive.

*Dating back to the summer of 2023, I’ve had Worthy in my first-round stack. This was not a result of him setting the all-time record in the forty. His speed grade to my equation was already elite. So, nothing changed there. Worthy is only the second first round grade I have given to a guy under 170 pounds. The other? DeVonta Smith. Worthy is just an inch smaller and has similar length. But the similarity that outweighs the pounds? Toughness. Worthy plays like a pit bull. He will fight for yards, he will run through contact, he will extend himself over the middle. In some ways, the lack of size is a weapon for him. Will he hold up? Or will we see a Tank Dell part II and watch him get hurt the second he gets into a pile of NFL men. Putting him in the NYG offense would create one of the smallest group of pass catchers in the NFL, but also the fastest. Works for Miami…

NFL Comparison: Desean Jackson / FA

8) Ricky Pearsall – Florida – 6’1 / 189

Grade: 80

Three-year starter. All-Pac 12 in 2021. Spent three seasons at Arizona State where he finished as the team’s leading receiver in his final year before transferring to Florida where he led the team in receiving two straight years. Pearsall is a refined receiver with a pro-caliber skill set across the board. His alignment versatility and experience as a pre-snap motion player will give a play caller several options when it comes to his usage. He is a machine on third down, as over two thirds of his catches went for a first down or touchdown at Florida. The ability to win at the start of the route and his feel for coverages will make him a quarterback’s best friend in high-leverage situations. Pearsall is not the most physically gifted player when it comes to sheer size and speed, but his sudden movement traits, near-perfect hands, and toughness will make him a consistently dependable threat at the next level. He is a year-one contributor that can catch 70+ passes per year if he is in the right system and role.

*Pearsall is polished on film. Everything about his game is a joy to watch and it just feels clean and safe. I had a middle of the pack day two grade on him before the Senior Bowl and combine and he boosted his stock at both. He ran a 4.41 and jumped out of the building. Remember, this kid’s calling card was route running and ball skills. He made everything look easy against SEC defensive backs but now adding the plus-athletic traits to his grading sheet put him at the top of the loaded day two group. The Giants are a sneaky-strong fit and one that I will even call likely if he makes it to their round two slot (however he might be a first rounder). While the majority of his snaps in college over the past two seasons have come from the slot, I think he can hack it as a hybrid-alignment guy which is what Daboll wants. He would be more reliable than explosive in this offense and I can see him being a key part of the offensive nucleus for a long time.

NFL Comparison: Amon-Ra St. Brown / DET

9) Troy Franklin – WR – 6’2 / 176

Grade: 80

Junior entry, two-year starter. All-Pac 12 and All-American in 2023. Franklin is going to change how a defense defends the pass when he comes on the field. He goes from zero to sixty in a blink, putting tremendous pressure on deep coverage. He is an easy and natural mover on anything vertical with enough bendability to avoid contact and gain immediate separation. He has the very-reachable potential to be one of the top downfield threats in the league right away. In order for him to be more than that, he needs to be more precise with both his routes and ability to run the full tree.

*Franklin was a guy I had a first-round grade on during the season. The deeper I went, the more I saw he was not complete enough to warrant that. He is somewhere between DeVonta Smith and Jalin Hyatt as a prospect. Not nearly as complete as Smith but has more explosive speed. Not quite as explosive as Hyatt but has a bit more ability after the catch and more toughness. If NYG wants more vertical speed to pair with Hyatt, this could be 1-2 punch a couple years from now that takes the top off every defense in the league. They better have a guy that can get it to them if they go this route. I like Franklin a lot, but there is a lot that needs to be cleaned up and the lack of fluid agility he showed at the combine in both drills and workouts makes me question the complete upside in his game.

NFL Comparison: DJ Chark / CAR

10) Roman Wilson – Michigan – 5’11 / 185

Grade: 79

Senior entry, three-year starter. All-Big Ten in 2023. Wilson has elite quickness and agility with sure hands. His skill set is bred for the slot, but he is more than a specialist. He spent 40% of his snaps out wide. The alignment versatility and the ability to produce from both spots will create options for the passing game. His ability to set up defensive backs and put them into specific positions before snapping in and out of a break will gain constant separation. This is the kind of weapon an offense wants to have in their arsenal on third and manageable. Wilson can be a 100-catch receiver at the next level and will add return value. He will outperform several players drafted ahead of him.

*Man, this grade was hard to accept. I was round one on Wilson for most of the year and even after the Senior Bowl. While he did not finish far from it, I had a hard time not cheating the system a bit. Wilson is a guy I have “a feeling” about. He plays the game the right way and I do think he would have been much more productive in a different offensive scheme. That said, his lack of size is going to limit him. That 72.5 wingspan is nearly as small as it gets, and it could end up making him a slot-only. Wilson will be a high-volume pass catcher and if he gets linked to a good situation, he will catch 100+ yearly. The workout could have been a bit stronger, and I did grade him very well after the catch. I still have him labeled as one of my favorite players in the draft, but he needs to be slotted correctly. I don’t see the fit here with NYG as long as Wan’Dale Robinson is in the picture.

NFL Comparison: Zay Flowers / BAL

11) Malachi Corley – Western Kentucky – 5’11 /207

Grade: 78

Three-year starter. First Team All-Conference USA in 2023 and 2022. Corley spent over 90% of his career in the slot and nearly half of his receptions were behind the line of scrimmage. There are several standout attributes to both his game and physical build. He looks like a running back after gaining over 20 pounds since his freshman year. The all-time leader pass catcher in program history has been among the nation’s leaders in yards-after-catch and broken tackles each of the past two years and couples that ability with the kind of quickness and sudden speed to create separation as an underneath route runner. While his lack of radius and flexibility hurts him in contested situations, Corley’s role can be specific-but-dominant in the right offense. Teams need to know what he is, and what he is not. He will be a menace underneath and with the ball in his hands.

*You have to take some of Corley’s production with a grain of salt. Watching his film was funny. Screen pass after screen pass after screen pass. The opposing defensive backs and coaches from the Senior Bowl voted him as the best receiver during practices. I can confirm, nobody could cover him underneath. His is shifty, powerful, and smart. The combination of traits can make him a lethal slot when it comes to getting open and the icing on the cake is how nasty he is after the catch. He is easily one of the most competitive players in the class. Like Wilson, I’m not sure the fit with NYG can pan out. Slot-only type but one that will be a ton of fun to watch. For those into the fantasy game – circle this guy.

NFL Comparison: Deebo Samuel / SF

12) Keon Coleman – Florida State – 6’3 / 213

Grade: 78

Junior entry, two-year starter. Michigan State transfer that also had a stint on their basketball team, one of the best programs in the country. All-Big Ten in 2022. Arrived to Florida State for the 2023 season and led the ACC with 11 touchdowns and earned first team All-ACC at receiver, all-purpose, and returner. Coleman can change the outlook of a passing game early in his career based on his size and ability to go up and get it. If nothing else develops, he is still a formidable weapon near the end zone. The intrigue comes from his basketball background and the fact he still has plenty of margin to chew up when it comes to the nuances of route running. His speed alone will not get enough separation; thus, the development of his skill set is needed for him to reach his credible number two receiver upside.

*Coleman nearly made my preseason top 32 list. He was two spots away. I still have the day two outlook on him, but I bumped him down a tad because of hard it is for him to initially separate combined with a poor 40 (4.61). Coleman can be an Allen Robinson type. I would bet on him in almost all contested situations and the savvy craftiness he has to him both with the ball and avoiding too much collision with defenders can make up for some lack of speed. He can be a nice complement to what else NYG has in the receiver room and a guy that creates options near the end zone. A true number one? I don’t see it. A solid number two? That is the ceiling.

NFL Comparison: Allen Robinson / FA

13) Javon Baker – Central Florida – 6’1 / 202

Grade: 78

Two-year starter. All-Big 12 in 2023 and 2022, first team in 2023. Spent two seasons at Alabama in a backup/rotational role prior to transferring to Central Florida. Baker was in a crowded wide receiver room early in his career, playing behind the likes of first rounders Jameson Williams, Jaylen Waddle, and DeVonta Smith. There simply were not enough passes to go around in that offense. He was immediately the number one receiver at Central Florida and ended up leading the country in yards per reception (21.2) among receivers with over 33 catches in 2023. Baker made the most of his opportunities, finishing ninth in the country in yards per route run but his 17.1 yard average depth of target was higher than anyone in the top 25. Baker is a unique downfield threat that excels in 50/50 situations. His sudden change of direction and contact-strength sets him up well both as a route runner and ball carrier. His versatile game is NFL-ready and capable of fitting into a solid number two type.

*Baker could have been the next dude from the Alabama program. There were a couple of off-field concerns combined with Saban constantly pumping in new talent via recruiting and the transfer portal at the position that led to the transfer. It worked out for Baker, and I’ve heard great things about his growing maturity. Baker has a lot of professional nuances to his game that I love, both as a route runner and contested catch guy. The sheer talent is not enough to anything higher than a third-round outlook. This is a guy that could fall into day three and if NYG goes elsewhere with their first three picks, I’ll be banging the table for him in the fourth.

NFL Comparison: Reggie Wayne / RET

14) Malik Washington – Virginia – 5’8 / 191

Grade: 77

Two-year starter. Transferred to Virginia in 2023 after four seasons at Northwestern. Earned first team All-ACC and second team All-American in 2023 after re-writing the program’s single season record book in receiving yards and catches. Led the nation in receptions, finished second in yards while hauling in 80+% of his targets. Washington is an explosive and shifty slot receiver that is short, but thick. His play strength and body control play bigger than that listed size. What stands out the most, and arguably more important than his physical profile, are his competitive genes and intelligence. Washington knows the game, understands leverage, and forces the defense to react to him. If he struggles to get open, he has proven the ability to win in contested situations routinely. This is an NFL-ready inside threat that can quickly turn into a quarterback’s best friend underneath.

*Yet another shifty and explosive slot receiver that will be ready week one. Like most of the guys that project to this role, his success will depend on where he gets drafted. I wonder if the abundance of guys that will primarily align inside (including the tight ends) will bump at least one of these guys down a round or two. Plain and simple, more than a few teams don’t have room for these slot-only’s. Does that create extra value for a team to chew on? Can NYG find a spot for a guy like this if he were to fall? I say yes. NYG needs depth, NYG needs to create intra-squad competition, and NYG needs more playmakers. At the right spot, it makes sense.

NFL Comparison: Jaylen Waddle / MIA

15) Jermaine Burton – Alabama – 6’0 / 196

Grade: 76

Senior entry, four-year starter. Burton spent his first two seasons at Georgia where he started 15 games and played in 24. Despite fighting multiple lower body injuries, he led the National Champion Bulldogs receivers in yards in 2021. The decision to transfer centered around the Alabama’s propensity to produce first round draft picks at the position (four from 2020-2021) and a relationship with Bryce Young. The one constant in his game, no matter what program he was in and no matter which quarterback he played with, was the ability to make big plays. Over four years, he averaged 18.0 yards per reception including a career-high 20.5. in 2023 (number one in the SEC). Burton plays with a swagger and toughness that will show up as he works the middle of the field as well. There is a lot to like but until he can perform better after the catch, there is some thought he will be a vertical-threat only. He can still be highly sought after but the point is if he can ascend to a more complete player, he can be a high end number two at the next level.

*For the record, Burton was bumped down from a 79 because of character concerns. There are certain things I overlook and ignore, and there are some I will not. Burton is a big-time talent and has proven himself at the toughest stage of college football in multiple offenses. Simply put, he is fast, and he can catch anything. There is a toughness to his game that can make him special, too. Yes, special. Burton has Odell Beckham vibes in some of his tape. He wasn’t as well rounded as Beckham was coming out, but I did think of young Odell more than a few times when watching his film. The pre-draft interviews will go a long way for him, both with Burton himself and his college coaches. At some point, he is worth taking a chance on. Upside is through the roof.

NFL Comparison: Odell Beckham / FA

16) Xavier Legette – South Carolina – 6’1 / 221

Grade: 76

Four-year starter. All-SEC in 2023. Leading up to his final season, Legette had 423 career yards and five touchdowns on 75 targets. He more than doubled all of those numbers in 2023 alone. He led the SEC in yards per reception (17.7) among receivers with over 55 catches and ranked fourth in the conference in catches per game. To say he was a late bloomer would be an understatement. His unusual frame and play strength along with credible deep speed gives him a unique style that rarely comes across at the position. His ability to play from multiple alignments in addition to his contributions on special teams will give coaches a long list of potential usages at the next level with the ceiling of a solid number two receiver. Legette has standout traits that produced at a high level in the SEC and brings a sense of physicality to both the offense and special teams’ rooms that can used all over the field.

*Maybe the guy that improved his grade the most via 2023 on-field play in this class. Some are calling him a potential first rounder. I’m not there on him but I am intrigued. I want to like him because he has a story filled with overcoming adversity and by all accounts is one of the guys coaches and fans alike will love. He’s also incredibly unique. He is built like DK Metcalf and he’s got a few flashes where he looks dominant. The disconnect I have is with his short area movement. He is tight and I think it will limit his impact as a receiver. The. fallback will be a quality backup with a rare tool set and special teams contributions. Worth a shot day three but not before.

NFL Comparison: Noah Brown / HOU

17) Jalen McMillan – Washington – 6’1 / 197

Grade: 75

Senior entry, three-year starter. All-Pac 12 in 2022. Accomplished track star in high school, running a 10.67 personal best in the 100M. McMillan put together one the best seasons in Washington history in 2022 and even though his final year was somewhat derailed by injury and the ascent of other playmakers within that offense, he has enough on tape to promote the idea of him being a potential downfield threat at the next level. He is a smart, tough player that primarily lined up in the slot, but they liked to move him around and take advantage of what he can do to get open. He is best suited for a number three or four role that specializes in the deep passing game.

*Before Rome Odunze was Rome Odunze, McMillan was the leading receiver on this team and the guy everyone was projecting to a future first round slot. A year later, the speedster was the Robin to Odunze’s Batman character. And lastly, in 2023, McMillan was the guy that got hurt and saw his number two status questioned by the rise of teammate Ja’Lynn Polk. The scouting is now complete, and McMillan is the guy I remain most intrigued by when it comes to the gap between his floor and ceiling. This is a real speed threat that measured in well enough to be a complete guy. Nice fit for NYG day three if they want to get more explosive.

18) Brenden Rice – USC – 6’2 / 208

Grade: 75

Senior entry, three-year starter. All-Pac 12 in 2023. Son of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice. Began his career at Colorado where he played in 17 games over two seasons prior to transferring to USC. An accomplished track star (sprints), Rice brings an element of size, speed, and physicality in addition to the lineage that can factor right away at the next level. His skill set does not fall far from the tree, as his advanced ball skills and route tactics are detailed and advanced. He plays with a competitive edge that is visibly intense. The try-hard mentality and competitive attitude gives him that extra edge in contested situations. Rice does not have the most fluidity yet and his play speed does not match the timed speed. The NFL frame and style of play will give him a nice right away, but his ceiling will be determined by advancing as a route runner and playing with more control.

*I was initially viewing Rice as a second rounder before I dove all in on his tape. I brought him back down to earth after that and the Senior Bowl week. Don’t get this twisted though. It is simply a numbers game with him in the crowded round 3-4 group. Rice has a few elements to his game that will translate. He knows route running and reading defensive backs just like you would assume Jerry Rice’s son would. He is one of the best competitors and arguably the most physical receiver in the class. He did show flashes of playing to sub 4.5 speed. The issue stems from a lack of body control and inconsistent ability to get open. The tightness in his hips and wasted steps are going to make things difficult with specific areas. This is a guy I would be excited to get in blue, though. Just needs to be in the right slot.

19) Jamari Thrash – Louisville – 6’0 / 188

Grade: 74

Fifth year senior, three-year starter. Spent four years at Georgia State before transferring to Louisville for the 2023 season. First Team All-Sun Belt in 2022 before the transfer. After elevating to a higher level of competition, Thrash rose to the occasion and earned second team All-ACC honors, more-than doubling the production of the next highest pass catcher on the team. He is a smooth and easy moving route runner that glides as if he were on ice skates. The transitions in and out of his breaks along with the mental capacity to set defenders up will create space to work with for the quarterback. Thrash is a smooth criminal that has the skill set to be a space-creator and big play threat.

*Above I described Thrash as a “smooth criminal”. It kept coming up in my head over and over and I had to put it in there. He is unassuming. He isn’t big and his speed is (maybe) slightly above average. But this guy separates as well as anyone and his hands are suction cups. Really, there isn’t a huge gap between him and Ladd McConkey. He is a nice fallback option if one of those sure-thing route runners cannot be had. Thrash is going to be in the league a long time and he will be one of those overlooked, under-appreciated types.

NFL Comparison: Chris Olave / NO

20) Devontez Walker – North Carolina – 6’1 / 193

Grade: 74

Two-year starter. Had three stops within his college career, beginning at North Carolina Central before transferring to Kent State where he led the MAC in touchdowns. Missed the first month of 2023 because of the NCAA declining his eligibility. Walker has the studs to be a nice project that can evolve into a solid number two receiver that specializes in explosive plays with a lot of air yards. The size/speed combination is hard to find, and he has proven he can win against some of his best competition. The immediate contribution may not be there because he is a bit of a one-trick pony at the moment, but his ceiling and position could get him drafted a round higher than his grade.

*Walker has the triangle numbers to be a real deep threat, but he needs to improve as a finisher. His Senior Bowl week was a frustrating watch. But there is enough on tape as Drake Maye’s top vertical threat to project him as a potential weapon at the next level. This could be a Darius Slayton type in that he can be a contributor year one, but the frustration comes from a lack of consistency and development from a macro-perspective.

21-42 GRADES:

21) Ja’Lynn Polk – Washington – 6’1 / 203: 73
22) Luke McCaffrey – Rice – 6’2 / 198: 73
23) Jacob Cowing – Arizona – 5’8 / 168: 72
24) Anthony Gould – Oregon State – 5’8 / 174: 72
25) Jha’Quan Jackson – Tulane – 5’9 / 188: 72
26) Bub Means – Pittsburgh – 6’1 / 212: 71
27) Tahj Washington – USC – 5’10 / 174: 71
28) Jalen Coker – Holy Cross – 6’1 / 208: 70
29) Ainias Smith – Texas A&M – 5’9 / 190: 70
30) Xavier Weaver – Colorado – 6’0 / 175: 70
31) Ryan Flournoy – Southeast Missouri State: 6’1 / 202: 70
32) Isaiah Williams – Illinois – 5’9 / 179: 69
33) Cornelius Johnson – Michigan – 6’3 / 212: 69
34) Tayvion Anderson – Kentucky – 5’10 / 191: 69
35) Jordan Whittington – Texas – 6’1 / 205: 69
36) David White – Western Carolina – 6’2 / 201: 69
37) Devaughn Vele – Utah – 6’4 / 203: 69
38) Joshua Cephus – UTSA – 6’2 / 193: 68
39) Lideatrick Griffin – Mississippi State – 5’10 / 181: 68
40) Tejhaun Palmer – UAB – 6’2 / 210: 68
41) Cole Burgess – SUNY Cortland – 6’0 / 192: 68
42) Casey Washington – Illinois – 6’1 / 201: 68

NYG APPROACH

Take quarterback out of the discussion and look at the current Giants roster. There are needs everywhere but the one that shines brightest resides at receiver. There is some hope between Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt. Both drafted on day two by this regime. Both explosive play threats. Both unproven. Darius Slayton, on the other hand, is proven. He is proven to be a solid but unspectacular receiver with a proper blend of efficient and explosive-type play. While he has not delivered on the promise he showed as a rookie in 2019, we know what NYG has in him. 740, 751, 339, 724, 770 yards. Amazingly, Slayton has been the number one receiver each season outside of 2021. Four out of five years. And therein lies the problem.

In the passing era of modern football, NYG does not have anything close to what can resemble a true number one guy at this premium position. Finding one, or at least trying to, is a must for both the short and long term. You can attack free agency (Stefon Diggs, Chris Godwin, Amari Cooper in 2025), sure. But you are paying top dollar to an aging star. You can attack the trade market (Brandon Aiyuk / Tee Higgins), sure. But you are giving up a premium draft pick and immediately paying top dollar. The route to finding a true number one almost needs to be via the draft in this NYG scenario. Pulling off another Brian Burns-type trade and sign is almost impossible when considering the economics.

With that, I’ll go on record saying NYG absolutely, unequivocally needs to add a high-ceiling receiver to this offense with one of their first three picks. I would put more-than 65% odds they will do so with one of their first two picks. The irony here is they are guaranteed to get one of the three elite graded receivers by simply staying at 6 overall. “But who is going to throw him the ball?” line is short-sighted and lacks awareness when it comes to roster building. I don’t know, to be honest. But I do know an All-Pro (or even Pro Bowl) caliber receiver is going to be a huge asset to this team and their rebuild efforts. Maybe that QB comes via a later draft pick? Or a 2025 free agency signing? Or a 2025 first round pick. But neglecting the need for a guy like this with an offer like this because you don’t know who the future quarterback is a classic move that many teams make which end up putting them into a hamster wheel of offensive mediocrity and misery. NYG needs a playmaker, preferably a guy who line up in multiple spots. They’ll be staring one in the eyes in a couple weeks. If they are not fully positive about a quarterback that would even make this a debate, the decision is easy. Get one of the top three. You then have the start of something potentially special. Not good, but special if the other two pan out as well.

QUARTERBACKS

Draft Grade Index:

90+ All-Pro Projection

85-89: Pro Bowl Projection

81-84: 1st Round – Year 1 starter

77-80: 2nd/3rd Round – Year 1 contributor, year 2-3 starter

74-76: Early Day 3: Cores special teamer and rotational player

71-74: Mid Day 3: Core special teamer and backup

68-70: Late Day 3: Developmental and special teamer

TOP 15 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1. Jayden Daniels – LSU – 6’3 / 210

Grade: 87

Five-year starter. Earned first team All-SEC and All-American in 2023. Spent three years at Arizona State where he was the first true freshman in school history to start week one. Transferred to LSU in 2022 where he ended up winning the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Davey O’Brien Award, and Heisman Trophy. (in 2023). Daniels brings two important traits to the table that fit perfect into today’s NFL. He is a true dual threat that knows how and when to use his legs to enhance both the passing and running games. He also has a tremendous amount of experience with his best football coming after he transferred into the SEC. The ability to process and get the ball out actually improved after making that jump in competition against NFL-caliber speed. He plays fast and confident, he shows poise and intelligence. If he can avoid a lot of heavy contact in order to stay on the field, he will end up a dangerous big play machine at the next level. The concerns around his body type and durability are warranted, but he hasn’t missed a start since November of 2019, shows extreme dexterity in his joints, and exudes both mental and physical toughness.

*Daniels set records for explosive plays. Daniels checks every both athletically. Daniels left his mark on the LSU coaching staff when it came to leadership and work ethic qualities (among coaches that set the bar high). Daniels has impressed in private meetings with teams. What else can one want? The body type is the one thing that will prevent some from putting him into the elite category (I bet he plays closer to 200 pounds) and because of historical data, I won’t push back against those that want to steer clear. But you have to keep in mind the historical data is partially from a different era of football. With how much quarterbacks are protected now; I think him being around 205-210 pounds is not as big of a deal as it would have been in 2000-2010. Brian Daboll made this offense more efficient in year one, but he knows that will never be good enough. They need more explosive plays while maintaining the efficiency both on the ground and via the air. That sums up Daniels and what he brings to the table. The game is changing and Daniels is closer to the prototype than had he come out ten years ago, by a mile. He’s the guy if he is somehow there at 6.

NFL Comparison: Randall Cunningham / RET
NFL Ceiling: Lamar Jackson / BAL

2. Caleb Williams – USC – 6’1 / 214

Grade: 87

Three-year starter. All-Big 12 in 2021 and All-Pac 12 in both 2023 and 2022 after transferring from Oklahoma to USC. Winner of the Heisman Trophy, AP Player of the Year, and Maxwell Award in 2022 after setting a USC single season record for total offense and touchdowns. Williams was a five-star recruit that followed Head Coach Lincoln Riley out west from Oklahoma following his freshman season. Riley guided two quarterbacks (Baker Mayfield in 2018 and Kyler Murray in 2019) to eventual number one overall slots in the NFL Draft in addition to reviving Jalen Hurts’ college career prior to being selected in the second round of the 2020 Draft. Williams’ succeeded in the quarterback-friendly system as well but his overall talent is on a different level. The playmaking ability is dripping off the innovative, creative competitor. He can create on his own and there is always a credible threat for the homerun when he touches the ball. Because his offensive line was so poor, specifically in 2023, Williams was forced out of structure often. He needed to make up for one of the worst scoring defenses as well and that combination created bad habits. He tried too hard to play hero-ball and got away from taking what was available initially. While that does make it look good on the highlight reel and it did provide clarity on what he is uniquely capable of, Williams will not get away with most of those circus acts at the next level. NFL defenses are too fast and complex for that. He will need to show he can get back to basic, fundamentally sound football that centers around ball protection and sound decision making. If he applies himself properly and the system around him is strong, the sky truly is the limit for the uber-talented star.

*Williams ends up with the same grade as Daniels. While I trust Daniels more, I will acknowledge Williams does have the ceiling of a perennial All-Pro. Simply put, he can do things nobody else can on a weekly basis. I also think he has shown better pocket awareness and “sixth sense” in his game. His contact balance and lower body strength will make him tougher to take down for a sack, and he throws better on the move. What puts him as “1B” in this class has nothing to do with some of the off-field stuff that bothers some. Painting his nails, crying in his mom’s arms after a loss, his sense of fashion. None of that matters to me and none of it factored into the grade. I simply do not like the lack of ability to control his “backyard” football. I do not think it will work against NFL speed and if anything, pro defenses will leverage against it. The fumble issue was all-time bad, the Notre Dame tape was as bad as it gets among the top guys in this class, and I think he created more issues than some want to admit for that USC team. Are there whispers about how different of a dude he is? Yup. Dating all the way back to high school. Do I fear him being the face of a franchise during a bad stretch? Yup. Do I think he’s reading and taking in the talk of him being a generational talent (whatever that means)? Yup. But he has a clean slate in the NFL, period. This isn’t Johnny Manziel. I will not be surprised if the personality differences get ugly if things get bad, however. And for some, that is enough to look past him.

NFL Comparison: Kyler Murray / ARI
NFL Ceiling: Aaron Rodgers / NYJ

3. JJ McCarthy – Michigan – 6’2 / 219

Grade: 84

Junior entry. Two-year starter, La. Grange, IL. An accomplished lacrosse and hockey player in high school, McCarthy spent one season as a backup before winning the starting job in 2022 and eventually ascending to a National Champion and Manning Award finalist. He went 27-1 as a starter and set program single-season records in interception rate and completion percentage. Playing in a pro-style offense under Jim Harbaugh that was built on a power run game, McCarthy did not have the carry the team week in, week out. His drop back volume and overall need to spray it all over the field was did not reach the level of most others at the position. When it mattered, however, he showed clutch genes and dependable play. McCarthy is a very mature 21-year-old that is still only scratching the surface of what he can become. Focusing on what he does well in big moments on the national stage under the big lights gives the notion he can handle the pressure, literally and figuratively, of leading a team from under center. The fact he did not have to throw the ball as often can leave his projection a bit gray. However, considering how much this position is based on what goes on between the ears along with an ability to be a dual threat, McCarthy is set up for success at the next level and has several key variables made clear.

*I was asked a few times during the fall and December where McCarthy would go in the 2024 Draft if he were to come out. I said day two more times than I can count. Before the deep dive into all of his film from 2023 AND 2022, that is what his game looked like from the casual onlooker. I thought (and still think) he was best suited to return to school and be the unquestioned #1 overall guy in 2025. When he declared, I went all in on his film and came out with him being the #3 guy in this class. You want to know who was the best in class against pressure? McCarthy. What about the best on third + fourth down? McCarthy. What about protecting the football? McCarthy. Who’s played the most football in a pro-style offense? McCarthy. It was not enough to put him ahead of the other two, but I do think he is the number three guy and the most realistic option for NYG at 6 if they stay put. Now the question is, do you trade up for him to avoid getting leapfrogged by MIN? It is a tough call. NYG is not a quarterback away and they need the resources (draft picks) to build this thing long term. McCarthy is good, but I would not label him special. After a long time pondering, I came away saying I would not give anything more than a third-round pick to move up for him and my preference is to not trade up at all.

NFL Comparison: Rich Gannon / RET
NFL Ceiling: Joe Burrow / CIN

4. Drake Maye – North Carolina – 6’4 / 223

Grade: 83

Third-year sophomore entry, two-year starter. All-ACC both seasons, first team in 2022. Coming from an athletic family (two brothers and father played basketball at North Carolina, one played baseball at Florida), Maye has been waiting for his time seemingly forever. He arrived to the Tar Heels as a four-star recruit and backed up eventual NFL quarterback Sam Howell for a season. After the redshirt year he went on to win FWAA Freshman All-American honors, finished as a Manning Award finalist, and earned ACC Player of the Year honors with a dual-threat approach. His production coming from his arm and legs matched the levels we have seen from the likes of Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson, Robert Griffin III, and Marcus Mariota to name a few. He led the team in rushing, but also set a program record with 38 passing touchdowns. He was just the fifth quarterback in ACC history to amass over 5,000 total yards. While Maye did see a dip in production in 2023 and there are specific elements to his game that absolutely need to be sharpened, he does show a prototype combination of traits to be a quality starter at the next level. He can make every throw at a high level, and he does a lot of good work on the move where he needs to be the creator. If he can gain more consistency with ball placement and become more confident in his decisions, the likelihood of him becoming a quality starting quarterback is high. The hesitation comes from inconsistent ball placement and random poor decisions he will make with the ball, both correctable issues if he can be put in the right position.

*I see Maye’s name thrown around into the Josh Allen/Justin Herbert section of projections. I can see why. The size and easy arm talent is close to (not quite there) those two. I do have Maye graded as the best pocket passer in the group. To some, that is enough to label him the guy in this class (or at least QB3) and I won’t argue against it. If I had to bet on who the NYG brass will make a move for, it is Maye. I’m simply worried about the inconsistency and step backwards he took in 2023. I don’t want to hear about a lack of supporting cast either. He had Josh Downs last year (Colts 2nd leading receiver as a rookie), and 2024 prospect Tez Walker in 2023 (and a RB that we will be talking about next year) along with a few others that will be in training camps / on pro rosters. It was not a poor supporting cast. Maye simply looks and plays like Tarzan some plays, looks and plays like Jane on others. The situation around him needs to be a certain way for it to work, more so than the other guys. The one positive NYG can be for him is the fact he will sit for a full season here. That is a must for him unless a team is fully loaded (which NYG is not). That can give this front office another 12 months to build the support system for him. Any of these four quarterbacks for NYG would be fully endorsed by me, but Maye is the one that scares me the most.

NFL Comparison: Jameis Winston / FA
NFL Ceiling: Eli Manning / RET

5. Bo Nix – Oregon – 6’2 / 214

Grade: 80

Five-year starter. All-Pac 12 in both 2023 and 2022, first team in 2023 in addition to winning the conference Offensive Player of the Year Award and a spot on the All-American Squad. Nix spent three years at Auburn, following in the footsteps of his father. He was the first true freshman to start under center for the program since 1946. The son of a legendary high school coach is battle tested. After winning the 2019 SEC Freshman of the Year award, his career began to spiral. He graduated in just three years and transferred to Oregon. He left there as the program’s all-time leader in completion percentage and set single season records in completions, yards, and passing touchdowns. His completion percentage in 2023 was an all-time NCAA record. Nix started more games under center than any other quarterback in FBS history. Simply put, this is a guy that is battle-tested, mentally and physically tough, and all-time productive. The physical traits are more than good enough to make everything happen on the field a quarterback needs to make happen.

*A big part of playing and evolving in the NFL at this position is the response to adversity. Not everyone wants to talk about it, but it is the truth. Nix has had almost unfair expectations put on his shoulders since he came out of high school. It went great, then it went horrible. Sounds like some of the young quarterbacks that flame out, right? Nix resurrected his career in a big way. Now, the fact he did it in the Pac-12 and not the SEC needs to be weighed (part of what makes the Daniels ascent special). But watch some of his early tapes at Auburn and watch his 2023 at Oregon; it is easy to see the contrast in him as a player. Nix is a guy I like a lot as a day two option for the Giants. Do I think he will be there? No. But I did not think Will Levis would fall to round 2 a year ago. It is a possibility. It would likely require a day 2 trade-up but there are options at #6 overall to trade down and pick up extra capital to offset any sort of loss. Or they can get a blue chip WR at #6 and make the aggressive move up in round 2 for a guy like Nix. I think his floor is what NYG currently has in Daniel Jones. His ceiling is something in the area of what Deshaun Watson was with Houston (pre-drama). Do you like the day two risk of Nix or the top 10 risk of one the guys above? Another tough call considering what else could come in through the door if they go receiver early.

NFL Comparison: Daniel Jones / NYG
NFL Ceiling: Deshaun Watson / CLE (from his HOU days)

6. Michael Penix Jr. – Washington – 6’2 / 216

Grade: 79

Sixth-year senior, five-year starter. Spent four seasons at Indiana where he earned All-Big Ten honors in 2020. Transferred to Washington in 2022 and earned All-Pac 12 honors in both 2023 and 2022. All-American in 2023 in addition to winning the Maxwell Award. Winner of the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year Award. Penix’s career was marred by injuries early on. He suffered four separate season enders to his right knee and both shoulders respectively. He was turning Indiana around in 2020, as he had them as highly ranked as number seven in the country and he was leading the Big Ten in passing before he went down. The transfer to Washington displayed what he was capable of. Penix did not miss a single game in two years, he set and then broke single season passing records for the program, and he led the nation in passing in both 2023 and 2022. He is battle tested and has come out on the other side of adversity a winner. He has more than enough arm talent and athletic ability to physically do it all. The lack of pressure he dealt with during his time at Washington from opposing pass rushers does leave some gray area around his projection. He did not always deal with tight windows and quality opposing defenses well. This is a wildcard-type prospect for multiple reasons, but one that has the ability to be an explosive play engineer.

*You ever golf with someone that is an absolute monster off the tee box? Forget everything else. He’s simply a dude every time he gets to tee it up, he launches it. That is Penix as a quarterback. He can make the explosive downfield passes with the be best. Because of scheme and who he had at receiver, Penix simply did not have to do a lot with crossers and/or west coast concepts. Because of his offensive line and poor Pac-12 pass rushes, he constantly had a ton of room to navigate within the pocket. The question that he enters the league with, beyond the scary medicals, is what he can do with his long drive off the tee box. Can he chip? Can he putt? Can get the approach shot over water and in front of the sand? How many clubs in that bag does he truly use at a high level? We just don’t know. There is a level of unknown to every prospect. That is what makes some of this playing darts with a blindfold on. Penix, if healthy and that is a big if, has as much arm talent as any of the guys listed above. For the record, the medicals downgraded him from an 82 grade. So don’t get it twisted. NYG in round two makes some sense as long as the medicals are clean but that would give NYG two quarterbacks with serious concerns in that area. Robbing Peter to pay Paul?

NFL Comparison: Marcus Mariota / WAS
NFL Ceiling: Jordan Love / GB

7. Joe Milton – Tennessee – 6’5 / 235

Grade: 75

Sixth-year senior. Two-year starter. Spent three seasons at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee in 2021 where he lost his job to Hendon Hooker (Detroit third round pick in 2023). Milton has rare arm strength combined with a plus-sized frame and easy confidence. The traits are there to create the high-ceiling outlook if he can be properly developed. In order for him to come anywhere near that ceiling, he needs a lot of ducks to line up perfectly. His mechanics, ability to read a defense, and accuracy all need significant upward strides, or the bottom is going to fall out fast. Hit or miss, star or castoff. A team will likely need to keep three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster for at least a full season because of how far away he is from being ready.

*If NYG is going to punt on quarterback early (which a case can be made for), Milton is a name to keep an eye on for day three. I think coaches will know within a year of working with him whether or not he can be a guy. That Tennessee offense is something else and while some will say it is too simple to project potential NFL success from, it can actually mean Milton has ability between the ears we don’t know about yet. Milton’s tools are as good as it gets. If the processing can catch up and his lower body can get more consistent, he’s 90% there. Some are fully out on Milton, I’m not. The NYG quarterback situation, if they don’t go QB early, is an ideal spot for a guy like Milton if you’re ok with three quarterbacks on the 53 and waving goodbye to Tommy Cutlets.

NFL Comparison: Jeff Driskel / WAS
NFL Ceiling: Carson Wentz / KC

8. Michael Pratt – Tulane – 6’2 / 217

Grade: 74

Four-year starter. All-AAC three straight years including first team honors in 2023 along with winning the Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award. Pratt turned the Tulane program around during his time under center. They had not reached double-digit wins since 1998 and they went 2-10 during Pratt’s first full season as the starter. He ended his career with two straight double digit-win seasons and a Cotton Bowl win over USC in January of 2023. His consistent ascent as a quarterback puts proof to the amount of work he puts in off the field. He is a plus-athlete and hard-nosed competitor that has the ability to lead through example. There are questions about his hip rotation and general feel for coverages, but the physical ability is there to be a true dual threat at the next level.

*Pratt is the kind of backup that can come in for a few weeks when your starter goes down with an injury and keeps it together. He can lead your team to a couple wins. I see some Josh Dobbs in his game but in terms of developing him into anything more, I’m not sure there is enough on tape to project anything more. The way he approaches his game and the mental side is ideal for any quarterback room, however. And the fact he put an entire program on his back and got it out of the basement means something. He can be a leader, one that makes a real difference beyond playing on the field.

NFL Comparison: Brandon Allen / SF
NFL Ceiling: Sam Howell / SEA

9. Spencer Rattler – South Carolina – 6’0 / 211

Grade: 74

Four-year starter. Spent three years at Oklahoma prior to transferring to South Carolina for his final two seasons. Following his redshirt season in 2019, Rattler burst on the scene in 2020, winning the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year Award and first team All-Conference honors. He went 15-2 as a starter under Lincoln Riley. However, in 2021 he was benched week six for Caleb Williams. In total, Rattler started 42 games between the two programs. He won the team-MVP award both seasons with South Carolina and set a single season record for both completions and completion percentage. He is a gifted thrower with a lot of pro traits already developed in his game. The footwork, power created from his base, and pure arm talent all scream NFL starter. There is a lot of unknown to his game despite the heavy amount of experience. He rarely threw the ball deep and did not have a lot of success when doing so. He is undersized and he does not have standout athleticism. Rattler projects to a quality backup at the next level that has the arm talent and swagger to start if he can develop and hide the shortcomings he could not extinguish over the 42 college starts.

*There is a ton of love for Rattler around the league. It really seems like he is heading toward a round two slot. I can’t get there on him. There are too many components beyond looking good when you throw that matter to me. He falls below average in multiple areas of what I look for and there were some immaturity concerns that centered around him thinking he was better than he was. That did not factor into his grade, but it did help break the tie between a few guys. Rattler will look good enough to get you excited, but once the filters come off the finished product won’t be enough.

NFL Comparison: Bailey Zappe / NE
NFL Ceiling: Baker Mayfield / TB

10. Jordan Travis – Florida State – 6’1 / 200

Grade: 74

Sixth year senior. Four-year starter. All-ACC in both 2023 and 2022, first team in 2023. Won the ACC Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2023. Travis transferred to Florida State from Louisville in 2019 and leaves the storied program as one of the most accomplished and productive quarterbacks in its history. He set records in career touchdowns and total offense in addition to finishing atop the quarterback rushing record book and second in passing. His late-season ankle injury ended his final season early and hampered his pre-draft process. He proved to be capable of leading an offense and creating on his own with both his legs and arm. The creative playmaker protected the ball, came up big in clutch situations, and led by example. There are multiple physical shortcomings to his game that do limit his ceiling, but this will be a quality addition to anyone’s quarterback room and should be in the league for a long time as an athletically-biased backup.

*If you liked Bryce Young last year – you have to at least somewhat like Travis. There is a lot of Steph Curry in their games; undersized but slippery, weak but tough to get hands on, and always ready to fire even when he isn’t fully lined up. Travis’ significant broken leg suffered late in the year should keep him off the field 100% until training camp but that won’t impact the grade. He will be drafted to provide depth and in most cases, he will be the third guy. Is there potential for more? Yes. Travis has the gamer-trait in him that I’ve been drawn to since 2022. He is a quiet-leader type that teammates respond well to. If NYG wants to wait until the round 5/6 area for a new quarterback, Travis is on my short list of guys I want that I believe will be around.

NFL Comparison: John Wolford / TB
NFL Ceiling: Case Keenum / HOU

11. Kedon Slovis – BYU – 6’2 / 223

Grade: 71

Five-year starter. Spent three seasons at USC, where he won Pac 12 Freshman of the Year in 2019 and earned first team All-Pac 12 honors in 2020. Transferred to Pittsburgh in 2022 before ending up at Brigham Young in 2023. Slovis was heading for stardom after a historic true freshman season for one of the most followed college programs in the nation. It only declined from there to the point where he lost his job in 2021. He replaced Kenny Pickett at Pittsburgh but never quite took off, prompting the second transfer. Slovis’ completion percentage decreased all five years of his career. The primary concern is that he did not progress and there is a credible durability concern. He is an underrated athlete, however, and there are a lot of fundamentals to the position that look natural and consistent to the point where he can project to back up duty for years.

*Rewind back to 2019, the year in which he looked like a first rounder, and I was initially thinking this could be the next Josh Rosen! Yes, that Josh Rosen. Yes, arguably my worst miss as an evaluator at the quarterback position. That said, maybe the projection in 2019 does end up being accurate. Rosen is currently holding on for dear life as a backup and that is where I end up slotting Slovis. This is a guy that tested athletically much better than I anticipated. He looks good in workouts and has a very clean, mature way about him on and off the field. Things just don’t seem to click when he gets pushed away from his point. Despite the experience, Slovis never quite matched what we saw in 2019. Multiple programs but the same shortcomings. He can stick somewhere as a backup, though.

12. Devin Leary – Kentucky – 6’1 / 215

Grade: 71

Sixth-year senior. Five-year starter. Spent five seasons at North Carolina State before transferring to Kentucky in 2023. He suffered season ending injuries in both 2022 (shoulder) and 2020 (fibula). His best season came in 2021 where he broke the program record set by Philip Rivers for passing touchdowns. The highly experienced, tough-minded signal caller has the arm talent to make it at the next level. He has a small, but thick frame and a fast release. The accuracy woes led to a career high in interceptions and career low in completion percentage in his one season in the SEC. The starting point is strong enough to warrant a third string job for Leary, but he will need to prove he is more the 2021 version of himself than the 2023 one fast if he wants to stick to a roster long-term.

*Everyone that watches Leary throw the ball is impressed. Everyone. He can spin it as well as anyone. I’ve been keeping an eye on him since 2021 where he really caught fire and there were rumblings about him declaring for the draft. 2022 did not pan out. The transfer to Kentucky, replacing eventual second rounder Will Levis was a gamble, one with huge upside, also did not pan out. Leary is the kind of guy that looks better in workouts than on film. His response to pressure has never been good and he has enough experience in multiple systems with some solid-enough talent surrounding him to dampen his projection. Backup life is for him, one without much upside to be more.

13. Sam Hartman – Notre Dame – 6’1 / 211

Grade: 70

Sixth-year senior. Five-year starter. All-ACC in 2022 and 2021 before transferring to Notre Dame for 2023. Left Wake Forest as the all-time leader in yards, completions, and touchdowns and finished second all-time in ACC career yards. Hartman is a free-spirit type quarterback that will take chances, play strong against pressure, and bounce back from adversity. Hartman was one of only five FBS true freshmen to start week one in 2018 before losing his job a year later. Hartman won the job again in 2020 and never looked back. This is a guy that played well in multiple systems and was often playing against defenses more talented than what he was working with offensively. He won two separate bowl game MVP awards and has an immense amount of experience under his belt. Physically, Hartman can throw the deep ball with strength and precision. Mentally, he is the coachable type and brings a level of toughness to the team with the way he plays. He will be a backup that elevates the room but lacks the upside of anything more.

*Hartman does just enough to keep him in the discussion. He is a good kid, and he is the kind of guy that raises up the quarterback room behind closed doors. The experience he has as the poster boy of multiple college program shows the needed and desired maturity coaches want from their quarterbacks. When push comes to shove, I don’t think the talent is enough to project anywhere past third string.

14. Carter Bradley – South Alabama – 6’3 / 218

Grade: 68

Sixth-year senior. Three-year starter. Two-time All-Sun Belt. Spent four seasons at Toledo before transferring to South Alabama in 2022. Son of Colts Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley. Carter never fully held the starting gig at Toledo but he did play a credible amount of snaps his final three seasons. He set a single season school record in his first year with South Alabama right away, putting himself on the NFL radar. While 2023 did not meet expectations, Bradley continued to build his reputation as a guy that can make every NFL throw while handling the mental capacity the position demands. The NFL lineage helps strengthen the notion.

*There is not much to get overly excited about with Bradley, but there is a safe feel to his game that was also seen at the Senior Bowl. He knows when to take chances and when to take the single. He plays smart. His knowledge of the game alone is worth looking at because that backup quarterback, in some cases, can be just as much of a coaching staff add-on.

15. Tanner Mordecai – Wisconsin – 6’2 / 210

Grade: 68

Sixth year senior. Three-year starter. Spent three seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to SMU, where he spent two years. Finished off at Wisconsin in 2023. All-AAC in 2021. Mordecai has had statistical success in air-raid type offensive systems. He threw over 70 touchdowns and 7,000 yards over a two-year span. He can sling it and the athletic ability is up there with some of the best in the class. When he got matched up against a tougher schedule in the Big Ten, Mordecai did not raise his level of play. While he still has the occasional flash and his ability to run is always a threat, Mordecai proved that his ceiling is too low to credibly project anything more than a backup.

*This is a kid I found myself wanting to root for. In evaluation, you always need to be careful with a situation like that. It can hide the truth. The truth is Mordecai was in a QB-friendly system for years and it created a lot of production for him. He also turned the ball over too often in that system as well. I always speak about how I like Jayden Daniels ascending after transferring a level up to the SEC. Mordecai did the opposite at Wisconsin. The small hands factor into the equation as well but I still think he is worth a shot in training camp because the talent has always, and still is, there.

16-20:

16. John Rhys Plumlee – Central Florida – 6’0 / 200: 67
17. Taulia Tagovailoa – Maryland – 5’10/202: 67
18. Jack Plummer – Louisville – 6’4 / 216: 67
19. Austin Reed – Western Kentucky – 6’1 / 220: 67
20. Jason Bean – Kansas – 6’1 / 184: 65

NYG APPROACH

The discussion that won’t go away. I don’t get to BBI much from January through March – but every time I do, I see multiple threads on Daniel Jones and the future of the Giants quarterback position. The majority of fans seem ready to move on. The front office has been aggressive with their pursuit of scouting and information-gathering around the quarterbacks in this class. And Joe Schoen did put in an out of the contract he signed him to after 2024. It is an expensive one, but nothing worth avoiding for financial reasons alone. So, where do they go with this top-six slot in the draft? Ironically, the same slot they chose Jones from in the 2019 NFL Draft.

I was skeptical that, after the seesaw relationship between this front office and Jones, that Schoen would pull the plug just six games (in a horrid situation) after signing him to the largest contract in franchise history. And to be real, there is a small(er) part of me that still feels that way. Do they believe in Jones? Hard to imagine especially with the two serious injuries suffered in 2023 alone. Does that mean they will go all-in on a new quarterback in 2024, which also means likely passing on a blue-chip receiver (arguably the top need on this team outside of QB)? That is where I’m coming from. NYG can punt on quarterback if their guy isn’t there and still walk away with a true nucleus player at a game-altering position. This would leave the future of this franchise on unstable ground, but whatever they end up doing in 2025 at the position would have a head start should they have a true number one target and a few solid accessory pieces to work with.

Now, if they do go quarterback with #6 overall (or higher with a trade up), who’s it gonna be? Here is where I currently see it:

Williams and Daniels are off the board
Minnesota is going to trade up for Maye or McCarthy
New England is 50/50 on taking Maye or McCarthy

So, odds are without a trade up, NYG will not get one of the top four quarterbacks. The only way I see it happening is if the Pats don’t want one. I do think it is possible they go the long-term route and build the nucleus with Joe Alt or Marvin Harrison Jr. That would be best-case scenario for NYG because even if they get leapfrogged by MIN, they still have the leftover between Maye/McCarthy. I have my preference, and it is the latter. But even with that, I don’t see “special.” I do see “better.” I do see “cheaper.” But keep in mind when it comes to that cheaper label, the economic advantage of the rookie quarterback window is only 2-3 years. They’re paying Jones big money in 2024 and the cap penalty for cutting him in 2025 is near $25 million. This situation is so much more complicated than it needed to be, much more than we want it to be.

So, such as in life, try to come up with simple solutions that chip away at the most glaring problems. The glaring problem on this roster both short and long term is a low ceiling quarterback situation in a league that is run by elite quarterbacks. NYG does not have one. They will not have the possibility of one until a new face comes in. NYG also has a shot at an elite wide receiver. The priority is the former and a sweet consolation prize is the latter. They are in the middle of a five-year rebuild with some key pieces in place. That said, they still are very far away from being a credible contender. And because of the money already designated for Andrew Thomas and Dexter Lawrence, they can’t sell multiple future premium draft slots for a good, not great, quarterback prospect. The draft is where they need to build from, with multiple doubles, triples, and maybe a couple of home runs.

NYG needs to stay at 6. Coin flip between the elite receiver & good, not great, quarterback. I do not see NYG being very competitive in 2025 so it could be in their best interest to move around the rest of draft weekend in an effort to pick up extra bullets for a trade up in 2025. That is my conclusion.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Draft Grade Index:

90+: All-Pro Projection

85-89: Pro Bowl Projection

81-84: 1st Round – Year 1 starter

77-80: 2nd/3rd Round – Year 1 contributor, year 2-3 starter

74-76: Early Day 3: Cores special teamer and rotational player

71-74: Mid Day 3: Core special teamer and backup

68-70: Late Day 3: Developmental and special teamer

TOP 15 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1) Olumuyiwa Fashanu – Penn State – 6’6 / 312

Grade: 88

Two-year starter. All-Big Ten in both 2023 and 2022, first team in 2023 and an All-American. Winner of the Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. Finalist for the 2023 Academic Heisman. Fashanu is a player that can start at left tackle right away. There will be power-based losses early on, but the 21-year-old should be able to enhance his strength soon enough to be considered an ideal blind side protector for today’s NFL. The name D’Brickishaw Ferguson has come up several times when scouting his tape. The athleticism and attention to detail will be sought after by offensive line coaches looking to develop a young talent. He comes from an academic family, did not start playing football until he was in high school, and put on some serious weight since arriving at Penn State with room for more. All of the intangibles are there and he has multiple elite physical traits.

*Fashanu has some Charles Cross in him, but with more upside. He is such a comfortable mover in space and the body control he shows does not come around often. There was a lack of consistency in hitting his landmarks but it had nothing to do with an athleticism shortcoming. He could have been OT1 had he come out last year and I did expect to see a better level of play in 2023. That is what kept him out of the 90+ region but I would not be even a little surprised to see him on the All-Pro team before the end of his rookie contract. Because of that and because of what Evan Neal has shown – a surprise Fashanu selection would have my support in the first round, but I doubt that is in the cards.

2) Joe Alt – Notre Dame – 6’9 / 321

Grade: 87

Junior entry, three-year starter. Unanimous first team All-American. Son of John Alt, a former Kansas City first round pick and two-time Pro Bowler and brother to Mark Alt who played in the NHL for five seasons. A former basketball player, tight end, and quarterback. Alt is a young, unique tackle with NFL lineage that is still relatively early on the progression curve of the position. He blends top-shelf physical tools and ability with reliable intangibles and maturity. The team captain is a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect. While he does not always play with an upright chest and his high-hipped frame can create the occasional mishap, his losses on tape are hard to find. He will start at either tackle spot early in his career and is set up to be a key player for a long time at a premium position.

*This was a challenging evaluation. On one hand, Alt rarely ever loses. On the other hand, it does not always look the way I want it to look, and it partially stems from his unusual height. Yes, I do think one can be tall enough to the point it actually worsens the size variable of a player’s grade. After all was said and done, I still put the Pro Bowl projection on Alt because of how well he tested athletically. The NFL lineage helps as well. This is a safe bet. I would even say his floor is higher than Fashanu. I trust his ability to play right tackle (he was LT only in college) more than Fashanu as well and there is a better power game as a run blocker. Like Fashanu, I would not criticize or be down if NYG surprisingly went with him at 6 (or after a trade down) but I don’t see it happening.

3) Troy Fautanu – Washington – 6’4 / 317

Grade: 86

Three-year starter. All-Pac 12 in 2023 and 2022, first team in 2023 in addition to earning All-American honors. Morris Trophy Award winner. Fautanu is an ideal fit for a zone blocking scheme where he can get on defenders in a hurry with a quick second burst into space. While Fautanu did play both guard and tackle over his career, he was predominantly on the outside and his tool set matches that. He is a comfortable mover with rare potential body control and ability to adjust his weight. He can credibly project to both inside and outside roles and has the upside of a Pro Bowl lineman in time but the team that drafts him and their situation up front will dictate where he ends up. This is the kind of player you simply get in the building and figure out the usage down the road.

*There is not a single offensive lineman that garnered more interest than Fautanu. That does not mean he is viewed as the top guy – but simply the one that everyone wanted more information on. He had 28(!) interviews lined up at the combine which is unheard of for an offensive linemen. Part of that is the position versatility, part of that is he can be a top 10 guy but also someone that could fall into the late 20’s. It is difficult to project where he will end up. For a long time, he was THE guy I was hoping NYG could grab at the top of round 2 but the fact they traded that pick away and likelihood he is going somewhere in the top 20 has erased that from my hopes. Fautanu has a few technical warts so there is some risk here, but if he comes anywhere close to his upside, he is a game-changing offensive lineman that can play both guard and center at a high level. He creates options for a team.

4) Amarius Mims – Georgia – 6’8 / 340

Grade: 85

Junior entry, one-year starter. Mims looks like was scientifically manufactured in an offensive tackle factory. He has an enormous frame in all directions with ideal weight distribution from top to bottom. It is hard to find bad weight on him. The abrupt snap he shows out of his stance with proper bend and flat back with inside hands is textbook. The elite play-strength is already there for the 21-year old, as there are several flashes of him moving defenders at all levels against their will. The significant red flag is his lack of experience. He played just 803 snaps in college, which is approximately worth less than a full season. His eight career starts are as few as one will find when looking at an offensive lineman in this process. Coaches will drool over what he can turn into and a strong argument can be made there is enough quality tape on him against NFL-caliber opponents. The interview and pre-draft process will be big for him, as he will need to check all of those boxed to hide the lack of time spent on the field during games and the fact he has a right tackle-only with average adjustment-twitch against speed. Swing for the fence type prospect; the ceiling is elite.

*Here is a line I shared with an AFC scout that he agreed with. “If Mims hits 80% of his ceiling, he is a Pro Bowler”. That is the kind of talent we are talking about. I thought he should have done what Fashanu did (who was in a similar lack-of-experience situation last year) and returned to school to have the unquestioned top OT spot in 2025. But here we are looking at a guy that could be had in the teens or twenties that has a higher ceiling than every OT in this class. My biggest concern beyond the unknown? Durability. Guys this big with multiple injuries (Mims’ injuries have not been serious) always worry me. It is hard to be this big and recover from anything. There is Mekhi Becton-type freakish ability but like I said about Becton years ago, the size can be a detriment to his availability. Where he ends up will be dictated by how much risk a team is willing to take on. But remember, the upside is All-Pro without question.

5) JC Latham – Alabama – 6’6 / 342

Grade: 85

Junior entry, two-year starter. All-American and first team All-SEC in 2023. Latham has a special trait that will work well at any level of football, and that is pure hand strength. Combine that with his easy knee bend and natural athletic ability, his upside can match anyone that plays on the right side in the league. He needs to continue the progress he showed from 2022 to 2023 to further hide the slight lateral-reactions that show up from time to time. If he does, he can be a top-shelf right tackle early on. Even if he were to flatline his progression as a pass protector, Latham is going to be a weapon in the run game. His play style is overwhelming and consistent in that area.

*Latham is the guy that improved his grade the most from pre-2023 and post-2023 via quality game tape. That is the ideal way to see a surge. I thought he was a day two project when I put out my initial grades in August. I had a problem with his reaction speed and how often he would abandon technique. He was a different player in 2023 which makes sense because it was his second year of real experience. Like Evan Neal, he did not test athletically. Do I have some PTSD from that? Yes. I was concerned about that after watching Neal’s Pro Day workout and I foolishly ignored it. But watching Latham in drills, it is obvious he is a better athlete than Neal and his body is much more pro-caliber. One thing to keep in mind; Latham was a guard when he started off at Alabama and his game would be elite there. It will depend who drafts him but he gives a unit options.

6) Taliese Fuaga – Oregon State – 6’6 / 324

Grade: 84

Two-year starter. All-Pac 12 in 2023 and 2022, first team in 2023. All-American as a senior. Fuaga is a road grader that sends second and third level defenders flying. He puts defenders from all levels on the ground and moves them against their will whenever he wants to. He combined the top end power with light feet and a quick burst to win initially. His play strength and mentality finishes them off, notably in the running game. He is a credible weapon in the trenches with is ability to displace his man. Fuaga played right tackle his entire career at Oregon State and did not allow a single sack. His tool set may be better suited inside because the lack of length and natural bend can be an issue on the outside. He credibly projects to a starter level at both spots, however, in any kind of scheme. The ceiling will be higher at guard.

*Fuaga is a questionable tackle in my eyes. Not everyone agrees. I kept him here because that is where I think he will start out based on what guys in the league have told me. I had a similar vibe on Alijah Vera-Tucker out of USC a few years ago who has been a hybrid inside/outside guy with the Jets. I saw a few things live in Mobile at the Senior Bowl that concern me about protecting the edge. But other than that, Fuaga wins as much as anyone. He put out some really good performance against his toughest competition, including the UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu, who I am very high on.

7) Tyler Guyton – Oklahoma – 6’8 / 322

Grade: 82

Two-year starter. All-Big 12 in 2023. Spent two seasons at TCU primarily as a backup prior to transferring to Oklahoma where he locked in the starting right tackle job for two seasons. A former high school defensive lineman and basketball player, Guyton’s tool set and the fact he is an offensive lineman with just two years of game experience leads to the notion there is plenty left for him to realistically absorb. He checks all of the boxes when it comes tools and talent. The flashes of dominance are there and if a coach can get him to play pissed off more often, he can be a quality starter on the outside. Guyton plays raw at times, relying on talent more than technique but can get away with it for the most part.

*Guyton is a favorite of a few guys I speak with. Not necessarily current grade, but long-term projection. After all, that usually trumps ties within position stacks and because of this OT group being so crowded, he still has a shot at being a surprise top-fifteen back. Guyton’s lack of bend concerns me a bit. If that wasn’t an issue, I would end with a Tyron Smith-type outlook. So, whether he can get that fixed or not (not easy to fix) will dictate his success. The idea of NYG using a second rounder on a tackle is still alive in my head. One of these guys is going to fall and if it is Guyton, it is hard to argue against gambling on him as a hedge to Evan Neal. That said, he does not offer inside versatility so it could be viewed as an unnecessary risk and inefficient use of resources.

8) Kingsley Suamataia – BYU – 6’5 / 326

Grade: 80

Two-year starter. All-Big 12 in 2023. Former five-star recruit that was wanted by everyone coming out of high school. Backup at Oregon in 2021 prior to transferring to BYU in 2022. Started for one season at right tackle while eventual NFL draft pick Blake Freeland manned the blind side. Shifted over to left tackle in 2023. Suamataia has a rare blend of tools that NFL coaches want to work with and develop. His natural power, size, and athleticism do not come around often and he did not allow a sack in 22 of 23 career starts. The production on surface level is attractive, but the occasional lapse in concentration and overall sloppy feel to his bend and body control will create the need for some extra time on the bench. He will need to improve subtle techniques, but his ceiling is that of a quality starting right or left tackle.

*I was as high as top 20 overall on Suamataia earlier in the season. I love the physical package. He is long, strong, and athletic. While it does not always show up tape, I’ve seen the combination of traits to keep that late first/early second outlook on him. His skill set could work inside as well if things do not pan out. Simply put, guys move different when he gets a clean punch to their chest plate. His hands are so heavy, and the lower body explosion landed him #3 on the Bruce Feldman Freak List. Maybe he won’t be a year-one guy but by 2025 I think you’ll know if he can be your next OT or your next OG. NYG will likely need one at this time next year. Remember, think 2-3 years from now more than this season when looking at the draft for a team like this.

9) Patrick Paul – Houston – 6’7 / 331

Grade: 77

Five-year starter. Paul started just five games over his first two seasons, the second of which ended early because of an ankle/foot injury. The brother of Commanders guard Chris Paul, Patrick is a long-armed and athletic piece of clay that needs extra development. If he reaches the upside that his rare blend of tools presents, this is a guy that can man the left tackle island at a high level for a long time. He has the kind of frame that can make up for a lot of losses. He takes up so much space and moves well when it is planned. The issues arise when he needs to adjust his weight laterally, as the stability in his hips and overall coordination look young and raw. He comes across like someone that is still learning himself physically but can still hack it while he improves the skill set in a rare-sized frame.

*Paul is stacked with a few guys that have similar outlooks, but his ceiling is much higher. There is such a thing as being “too long” and Paul is approaching that territory. His 36+” arms and 86+” wingspan is ridiculous, but it can make his hands a bit lethargic. It actually dampens his power a bit and it can open the door for extra penalties. He only had three in 2023, but he was flagged 18 times over 2021-2022. I bet he goes somewhere in round two because he has the profile some OL coaches drool over.

10) Roger Rosengarten – Washington – 6’5 / 308

Grade: 77

Two-year starter. All-Pac 12 in 2023. Rosengarten started 28 games at right tackle, protecting the blind side of Michael Penix Jr. He did not allow a single sack over that span despite Penix Jr.’s propensity to throw the ball deep. He is a technically sound blocker with the right mentality. There is a repeatable process with both his hands and feet to get him in the right position and he pairs that with grit and determination. The ability to recover shows that. Rosengarten may not be the most talented or gifted, but his tools are more than good enough, and his frame appears to be an unfinished product. The studs are there to build a solid, long-term player with swing tackle potential early on that can evolve into starting caliber. Rosengarten fits best in a zone-heavy scheme but will make his money in pass protection and can credibly project to both sides of the line.

*At first, I was surprised to see Rosengarten come out early. With teammate and left tackle Troy Fautanu declaring for the draft, the left tackle spot would have been his to lose. But then again, he was the blind side protector of one of the top passing games in the country and maybe his stock won’t ever be as high as it was following their National Championship appearance. He has a classic high-floor, low-ceiling outlook. I see some David Diehl in his game as a tackle, but he tested better athletically. Keep an eye on him in the round 3-4 area; it would be pick I fully support.

11) Kiran Amegadjie – Yale – 6’5 / 323

Grade: 77

Three-year starter. All-Ivy in 2021 and First Team in 2022. Played in just four 20223 contests prior to tearing his quad muscle in practice which required surgery, keeping him out the rest of the season and the majority of the pre-draft process. Played guard in 2021 before moving to left tackle in 2022. Amegadjie looks like he was created in a factory that specializes in blind side protectors. His length is off the charts and his basketball background shows up below the waist. He is a comfortable, easy mover with proper balance and bend. The tools are there for both a higher starting point and ceiling when looking at the linemen in this class. He may not be ready for the power demands of the NFL right away, but with time and proper development he can reach heights very few can. He checks all the intangible boxes as well and combining those with his tools and glimpses of high-quality play, it is easy to bang the table for him.

*Another high-ceiling guy that I think several OL coaches will want to work with. The length is off the charts and the basketball background is noteworthy. He is more raw than Patrick Paul but he is in the same category. His power presence is not there but I would assume a pro strength program will be a significant jump up from what he had at Yale, so one could argue the upside is higher. The one thing I would say about drafting him in round three is the fact he likely needs to be a gameday inactive for the entire 2024 season. You have to fully commit to him not playing in year one even if injuries start to pile up.

12) Delmar Glaze – Maryland – 6’4 / 315

Grade: 76

Three-year starter. All-Big Ten in both 2023 and 2022. Glaze split his snaps between right and left tackle. His length and athleticism are suitable for the outside as well and he showed even more versatility by shifting inside to guard during Senior Bowl week. He can. credibly project to both because of his skill set to handle the different demands. He is an athletic bull with heavy hands that can latch on. His ability to get across the face of a defender in a blink while maintaining balance and ability to re-direct will make him a weapon in outside zone schemes. He shows a solid forward lean without compromising foot leverage, always keeping them a bit behind his hips but capable of adjusting on the fly. He looks comfortable in space and that is why he should get his initial look at tackle. If it does not work out, plan B can be a shift inside or provide the valuable role of a versatile sixth lineman, the one that comes off the bench first.

*Put Glaze in the category of guys I am a little higher on than most because of what he did against his top competition for two straight years. His game tapes against Ohio State (one at RT and one at LT) were very good. The issue was a lack of consistency. He had a few really poor performances in 2023 and I thought he got overmatched at the Senior Bowl. Following that week, I took him out of day two. He has something in him, just needs to smooth the edges.

13) Blake Fisher – Notre Dame – 6’6 / 310

Grade: 76

Junior entry, three-year starter. Fisher arrived at South Bend and won the starting left tackle job right away. An injury week one was thought to shelf him for the rest of the season, but he returned to the starting lineup for the Fiesta Bowl at right tackle, as fellow draft prospect Joe Alt took over the blind side job midway through the year. Fisher went on to start the next two seasons, opposite Alt. He has the pro body and athleticism with heavy, dense contact to promote the idea of being a quality starter at the next level. There is a lot to like when examining his ability to move defender in the run game and control a pass rusher on the move. His lack of consistency stems from poor technique and initial losses, which are very correctable. He has youth on his side and if he does not develop to his potential, Fisher still projects to a quality swing-role.

*There is more interest in Fisher than people think. NYG sent their new OL coach to the Notre Dame pro day and there was a lot of work being done with Fisher. I can’t imagine they were there for Alt. This is a sneaky fourth round pick with the talent and heavy hands of a starting tackle in the league. In a normal offensive line draft, we could see him get over drafted as high as round two. While I do not have enough confidence in him to put him there, I can see him being a guy outlasting several that were drafted ahead. Fisher has more talent than Alt. Yes, you read that right.

14) Matt Goncalves – Pittsburgh – 6’6 / 327

Grade: 75

Three-year starter. All-ACC in 2022. Played in just three 2023 games, injuring his toe which led to a season-ending injury. Goncalves is a big, technique-savvy tackle with sizeable experience on both sides of the line. He finished his career with 16 consecutive games not allowing a sack and was penalized just four times his entire career. His game is clean, and he knows himself as both an athlete and technician. Goncalves does not have ideal length or re-direct speed for tackle. There are noticeable limitations in his arsenal, but he should get a look outside before being moved to guard, where he did play some early in his career. He can be an ideal versatile depth piece for a quality offensive line with starter potential.

*This was a kid on my potential top 96 list prior to the injury. He feels safe, albeit limited. In such a strong OT group, he can be an easy guy to overlook. But there are a handful of linemen like this in the league. Maybe a little short on athletic talent but far advanced on football IQ and technique. I really wish he was healthy in 2023. On the flip side, someone may get really lucky considering where he can be had.

15) Christian Jones – Texas – 6’5 / 308

Grade: 74

Sixth year senior, four-year starter. After a late start to the gridiron (was a soccer player until junior year of high school), Jones was lightly recruited and then was on the field for just 29 snaps from the start of 2018 to the end of 2019. He was raw, but his frame is above average even for NFL standards. From there, he split time between right and left tackle in his first two seasons as a starter, then reverted back to the right side. The baseline tools are there, and he has steadily improved each season of his career. The question is how much is there left to chew off considering he is one of the most experienced linemen in this draft when looking at snaps played since 2020.

*Jones dropped some weight after the season with the hope of improving his ability to move. He is plenty powerful enough but the two-handed lunges for his man in addition to sub-par balance created some ugly losses on tape. However, when he is in the right position and the hands get where they need to, he can overwhelm defenders. I’m not sure I see enough athletic potential to project anything beyond a quality backup, but I do think he can be worked with to develop a secure baseline should injuries pop up. His upper body is very effective.

16-29:

16) Javon Foster – Missouri – 6’5 / 313: 74
17) Garrett Greenfield – South Dakota State – 6’6 / 311: 73
18) Walter Rouse – Oklahoma – 6’6 / 313: 72
19) Travis Glover – Georgia State – 6’6 / 317: 71
20) Caedan Wallace – Penn State – 6’5 / 314: 71
21) Frank Crum – Wyoming – 6’8 / 313: 70
22) Julian Pearl – Illinois – 6’6 / 312: 69
23) Nathan Thomas – Louisiana – 6’3 / 332: 69
24) Ethan Driskell – Marshall – 6’8 / 313: 69
25) Andrew Coker – TCU – 6’7 / 315: 68
26) Anim Dankwah – Howard – 6’8 / 353: 68
27) Mike Edwards – Campbell – 6’5 / 366: 68
28) Josiah Ezirim – Eastern Kentucky – 6’6 / 329: 68
29) Jeremy Flax – Kentucky – 6’5 / 343: 68

NYG APPROACH

If you don’t have three tackles you’re comfortable starting on any given Sunday, you need to find a way to find one (or two? or three?). We know the left side is locked up by All-Pro Andrew Thomas. We also know if he goes down with an injury, this entire offensive line is going to fall apart. Sure, the free agent signings of Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan and even Aaron Stinnie look good on paper. So did Mark Glowinski and Tyre Phillips. Sure, perhaps Matt Nelson has been an overlooked depth piece. Lastly and most importantly, sure, maybe Evan Neal is going to figure it out in year three after an absolutely horrid start to his career. Tackle is one of the most important positions in football and NYG is banking on a bunch of maybes. If you’re asking me, tackle should be in play at #6 and/or after a slight trade down. This class is borderline historic when it comes to amount of starting caliber, real dudes available. I think they will kick the can down the road because they feel Neal deserves another shot (remember this regime did draft him) and they hedged with a couple third/fourth tier free agency signings. How far down the road? Mathematically they may look at this roster and say there’s no more room. It is a deep group right now but one that could easily lead to the position being a significant need in 2025, yet again. Maybe the best move is to wait until round three or round four. See who drops and go after a guy with some versatility. No matter they opt to do, this tackle class has answers to a problem NYG has been dealing with since Kareem McKenzie left after the 2011 season. Maybe isn’t good enough.