The wildcard in trying to project RIGHT NOW who we might pick #1 is free agency, potential trades between now and then, injury status of the current roster, and salary considerations. For instance, we might decide that a quality DE to put opposite of WA is our most pressing need but then Casserio might trade for or sign one.
It's arguable that our running game is the WORST in the league. Our ability to pressure the QB is one of the worst in the league. And what will Stingley's situation be next spring? Barring a career-ending injury (knocks on wood) to someone else on the team, I believe our #1 pick will be someone who can help with our aforementioned issues. Accordingly, that seemingly rules out picking a WR or a tight end. I also do NOT believe that we would use our #1 on a running back.
My guess is that our #1 pick will be an offensive lineman, a defensive lineman, or a cornerback.
The updated "win totals" in Vegas have Cleveland at 9.5. Incidentally, Houston is at 7.5. If accurate, we would pick anywhere from 18-24.
Who might be available after pick #17?
Here are the 18-32 picks from this mock draft by NBC.
Several teams appear headed toward an organizational restart with the prospect of drafting a first-round signal-caller
www.nbcsportschicago.com
18. New Orleans Saints: WR - Malik Nabers, LSU
Over the past several seasons, drafting a receiver from LSU has proven to be a prudent decision. Nabers offers alignment versatility and an elite route-running element any NFL team could utilize. His ability to exploit defensive backs, combined with executing precise angled cuts, makes Nabers a reliable option for third-down conversions.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Edge - J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
Tuimoloau is a game-wrecking edge rusher who is just grazing the tip of his potential and may yet develop exponentially over the course of the season. His ability to diagnose screen-plays is advanced, as is his knack for penetrating behind offensive lines. Impressively, Tuimoloau registered 17.5 tackles for loss and eight and a half sacks in just 29 games played.
20. Indianapolis Colts: Edge - Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Last week’s Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week, Latu led UCLA’s defensive attack, generating one sack, a forced fumble and three tackles versus Washington State. An athletic force multiplier, Latu is a tremendous pass rusher with good acceleration and closing speed.
21. Buffalo Bills: S - Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
Experienced (46 games to date), highly motivated, and accountable, Nubin exudes leadership and sound football decisiveness, comporting himself like a coach on the field. An astute player, Nubin is keenly aware of his surroundings and rarely, if ever, is out of position. A solid NFL physique (6-2, 210 lbs) and above-average athleticism have Nubin firmly situated on many draft boards.
22. Dallas Cowboys: DB - Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Extremely versatile and skilled, DeJean is an athletic defensive back who could literally play any secondary position and be a difference-maker wherever he lined up. Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn loves to blitz and vary areas to pressure offenses. DeJean is the type of multifaceted talent that could be effectively weaponized by a guru like Quinn.
23. Baltimore Ravens: WR - Rome Odunze, Washington
Considering the amount of dropped passes (8) that led to a frustrating loss last weekend, the Ravens still need quality receiving talent to progress as viable Super Bowl contenders. Odunze possesses excellent size (6-3, 201 lbs) and speed (4.35 40-time) to challenge NFL defensive backs. His ability to track long passes over either shoulder makes him a deep threat defenses shouldn’t underestimate.
24. Seattle Seahawks: LB - Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Venerable linebacking legend Bobby Wagner is an unrestricted free agent, who at 33 years of age, might be a luxury Seattle may no longer be able to afford. Trotter has strong NFL bloodlines (father played for the Eagles) and understands the nuances of his position better than most of his peers.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT - Amarius Mims, Georgia
Mims is a massive six-foot-seven, 330-pound behemoth of a man whose physical traits are attention-getting. He plays to his size, showcasing an unapologetic mean streak backed with powerful arms and a balanced base. Pittsburgh’s offense needs immediate help, especially with its anemic rushing attack. Currently, the Steelers are fourth worst at running the ball, gaining just 3.4 yards per carry five games into the 2023 campaign.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: DL - Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
Although the Jaguars’ 52 pressures rank eighth in the NFL, their blitzing 32.8 percent of the time has only led to nine sacks (27th ranking). Potentially, choosing an interior defensive lineman like Hall could help create up-the-middle pressure without blitzing more players. Over his last 17 games, Hall registered nine tackles for loss with six sacks from the defensive interior.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR - Keon Coleman, Florida State
The Bucs are mired in salary cap restructuring mode and may not be able to afford perennial 1,000-yard receiver Mike Evans. It’s possible Tampa Bay may choose a more affordable version of a younger Mike Evans-like pass catcher. Currently, Coleman is securing passes at a rate of 1.9 yards per reception while having caught six touchdown tosses in just five games.
28. Detroit Lions: CB - Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Detroit may be one standout secondary component away from fielding a multifaceted defense that could handle any varied or nuanced NFL offense. In today’s pass-happy NFL, Wiggins’ length, sinewy strength, and football IQ make him a viable target for Detroit’s defensive designs.
29. Miami Dolphins: TE - Ja’Tavion Sanders, BYU
The Dolphins’ passing attack is already lethal by NFL standards, but adding a pass-catching threat like Sanders could make it the deadliest in the league. Sanders is a quality route-runner who is surprisingly elusive after the catch. His size and speed demand attention, especially with his ability to threaten the seams of a defense.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: OT - Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
Considering the amount of money allocated to its franchise quarterback, Philadelphia may have to depend more on young and affordable talent to replenish any players lost to fiscal attrition.. A huge part of Philly’s sustained success revolves around the front office’s ability to create talented depth before it becomes depleted. Suamataia is an agile, long-armed athlete whose lateral quickness and well-timed balanced feet make him ideal for offenses that use RPO (read/pass/option) schemes.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT - Patrick Paul, Houston
Paul attained first-team All-American Conference status last season, starting 13 games and competing in over 900 plus snaps. According to PFF, Paul’s 94.8 pass-blocking grade is the best in the country, while his overall rating of 84.6 ranks seventh in the nation. As a two-time team captain, Paul has proven to be disciplined, dependable and accountable, imbuing traits required at the next level.
32. San Francisco 49ers: S - Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)
Kinchens provides an immediate injection of athleticism and explosive game-breaking coverage skills. His ability to intercept passes and flip field position (averages 18.1 yards on interception returns) makes him a threat across the gridiron. An intelligent surveyor of the field, Kinchens’ instincts and preparation are integral to his success.