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Last year, 10 rookies were identified as I believed were in the most advantageous positions to thrive. The mark with the first pick (Bryce Young) could have made some better selections overall (such as C.J was missed. Stroud and Sam LaPorta, which stand out as notable omissions).

If you happen to be part of the dwindling group that doesn’t follow women’s college basketball, let me catch you up. During Johnson's redshirt freshman season with South Carolina, the Gamecocks’ journey ended in a national semifinal defeat against Iowa. In that game, Iowa star Caitlin Clark left Johnson wide open behind the three-point arc, signaling with a wave that she wasn’t concerned about Johnson as a shooting threat.

Johnson opted not to take the shot, and the incident went viral. Fast forward to this year’s national championship game, where Johnson made a comeback late in the first half by stealing the ball from Clark and scoring a layup, giving South Carolina a three-point lead at halftime. Johnson and the Gamecocks ultimately triumphed with a score of 87-75, wrapping up their revenge tour in impressive fashion.

DRAFTED: Round 1, No. 1 overall
It's difficult to recall a previous No. 1 overall pick who found themselves in a better situation than Caleb Williams in Chicago. He steps into an offense with a strong offensive line, a talented new running back in free-agent acquisition D’Andre Swift, and arguably the finest wide receiver group in the league featuring DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and fellow rookie first-rounder Rome Odunze. This setup is perfect for any young quarterback, especially one with Williams' exceptional skill set. With the ability to outmaneuver opponents both from the pocket and on the run, Caleb is poised to excel with this roster, which also provides significantly better defensive support than what he encountered at USC.

Read more about the rounds here

Rank 1
Round 1: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington (No. 20 overall)
Round 2: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia (51)
Round 3: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan (84) | Payton Wilson, LB, N.C. State (98)
Round 4: Mason McCormick, OG, South Dakota State (119)
Round 6: Logan Lee, DE, Iowa (178) | Ryan Watts, DB, Texas (195)

General Manager Omar Khan has been exceptional this offseason, replenishing the quarterback role with two high-caliber choices for both immediate and future needs, while also boldly strengthening their defense line in the draft. Pittsburgh had the advantage of seven picks in the 2024 draft, with three dedicated to offensive linemen, clearly prioritizing fortification in the trenches (which also happens to align with my personal preference). Khan initiated the draft by securing a top spot for tackle Fautanu, a move that may not have been feasible in drafts that didn't witness six quarterbacks being chosen in the first 12 picks.

Pittsburgh seized the opportunity by selecting Fautanu, incorporating him into a lineup that already features last year's top pick, Georgia tackle Broderick Jones. This not only provides an immediate rival for Dan Moore but, as I predict, also secures two cornerstone tackles for the future. Khan didn't stop there, though. He invested his subsequent pick on a center, addressing another uncertainty following Mason Cole's exit. Adding to the depth behind veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, he even drafted McCormick, ensuring all boxes were ticked on the offensive line.

The standout selection of this entire class could very well be Wilson, an electrifying receiver who wreaked havoc on defenses during his time at Michigan. He should pair effectively with big-play threat George Pickens, providing Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields with a variety of options, particularly following the team's split with Diontae Johnson.

Read more about the High Marks

1. ARIZONA CARDINALS - WR MARVIN HARRISON JR., OHIO STATE
The decision of the Cardinals to reintroduce Kyler Murray into the lineup early in the season indicated their unwavering commitment to him, despite having the opportunity to secure a top quarterback pick. In this context, Marvin Harrison would be an excellent fit for Arizona, serving as the primary wide receiver to bolster Murray's game.

2. ATLANTA FALCONS - QB JAYDEN DANIELS, LSU
The Falcons' rotation between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke throughout the season clearly indicates their recognition of their most significant requirement. While they may not have a high enough draft pick for Drake Maye or Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, an electrifying dual-threat quarterback and Heisman winner, could be an equally suitable choice. With his exceptional rushing skills (demonstrated by an outstanding rushing grade in 2023), Daniels would provide the Falcons with an additional dynamic weapon in their ground game.

3. BALTIMORE RAVENS - OT AMARIUS MIMS, GEORGIA
While the Ravens may have other urgent areas to address, prioritizing their offensive line could prove to be an ideal move. With both Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses set to surpass 30 years of age next season, and Moses entering the final year of his contract at 33, the team could benefit from drafting a player like Amrius Mims. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 330 pounds, Mims, a former five-star offensive tackle, may not have extensive starting experience. However, his youth, exceptional athleticism, and glimpses of talent on the field make him a promising investment for Baltimore.

4. BUFFALO BILLS - WR TROY FRANKLIN, OREGON
Apart from Stefon Diggs, the Buffalo Bills' wide receiver corps has been lacking in depth. One crucial component that is noticeably absent is another deep threat to enhance their passing game, especially considering Gabe Davis' inconsistent performance. With Davis nearing free agency, the Bills will likely seek a replacement. Franklin would be an ideal candidate for this role. In the most recent season, he recorded an impressive 37 receptions of 15 yards or more, showcasing a deep target percentage of 23.4% and an outstanding receiving grade of 94.3 on passes exceeding 20 yards.

5. CAROLINA PANTHERS - WR EMEKA EGBUKA, OHIO STATE
The Panthers are in dire need of a dependable receiving target to bolster their passing game. At the top of the second round, Egbuka might be an available option for them. With his versatility to play multiple receiver positions such as X, flanker, and slot, he could serve as the ideal rookie receiver to jump-start their passing attack and provide a high-volume contribution.

6. CHICAGO BEARS - QB CALEB WILLIAMS, USC
Fields is currently showcasing exceptional performance on the field, and I acknowledge that. However, I maintain my belief that resetting the quarterback contract timeline by acquiring a talented rookie quarterback with starting potential would be the optimal strategy for the Bears. Caleb Williams, despite not being flawless, possesses numerous strengths and occasionally accomplishes feats that seem almost impossible. Considering the impact he could have on the franchise while being on a rookie contract, he could be an ideal fit for the Bears.

7. CINCINNATI BENGALS - TE BROCK BOWERS, GEORGIA
The Bengals have been experiencing a shortage of tight end production, ranking 28th in team tight end receiving grade and 23rd in team tight end receiving yards. Acquiring a player like Bowers, who consistently earned exceptional PFF grades throughout his three seasons playing for the Bulldogs, would be an ideal solution to address this issue.

8. CLEVELAND BROWNS - WR TEZ WALKER, NORTH CAROLINA
Finding the perfect prospect for the Browns is a bit challenging since they don't have a pick until the second round. However, when assessing their offense, it becomes evident that they already possess a reliable receiver in Amari Cooper, an explosive tight end in David Njoku, and a solid slot option in Elijah Moore. Consequently, their primary need is a deep-threat receiver. Tez Walker, who has played at both Kent State and North Carolina in the past two years, emerges as a strong candidate for this role. His impressive average depth of target of 16.8 yards, which ranks in the 96th percentile, and a separation percentage of 78.3% that places him in the 87th percentile, make him a compelling choice for the Browns.

9. DALLAS COWBOYS - IOL GRAHAM BARTON, DUKE
Barton has served as the left tackle for the Blue Devils in recent seasons; however, his shorter arm length may necessitate a transition to an interior position at the professional level. If Dallas were to draft Barton, it would provide them with significant flexibility, particularly with Tyler Smith, who has the ability to play both tackle and guard. This would enable Dallas to construct its offensive line in a versatile manner over the upcoming years.

10. DENVER BRONCOS - QB BO NIX, OREGON
With Russell Wilson's departure from Denver and his current position on the bench, the Broncos find themselves in need of a new quarterback. However, it is difficult for me to justify placing Caleb Williams or Drake Maye in this scenario, considering the significant draft capital required to move up to such a high position. If the Broncos were to stay in the middle of the first round, where they are projected to pick, Nix would be an excellent choice. Nix possesses impressive NFL-level arm strength, both in terms of distance and velocity, and he also brings added mobility with his legs. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the most experienced college quarterback of all time, having started in 60 games. The potential collaboration between Nix and Sean Payton could prove to be highly fruitful.

11. DETROIT LIONS - CB TERRION ARNOLD, ALABAMA
Perhaps if injuries weren't a factor, the Lions wouldn't have as high of a need in this area, but they still require improvement on the defensive side of the field. Given their draft position, acquiring a lockdown CB1-type cornerback seems to be the ideal fit for them. Arnold stands out as a strong candidate, showcasing impressive ball skills with five interceptions and 13 forced incompletions throughout the season.

12. GREEN BAY PACKERS - CB COOPER DEJEAN, IOWA
The Packers have secondary needs at both safety and cornerback positions. Fortunately, there is a player in this year's draft class who has the potential to fulfill either of these needs. DeJean, who stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 207 pounds, has excelled as an outside cornerback for the Hawkeyes over the past two seasons. I would confidently deploy him in that role in the NFL. He has demonstrated his playmaking abilities with seven interceptions and 13 forced incompletions in the last two seasons, making him one of the top secondary playmakers in this draft class.

13. HOUSTON TEXANS - WR ROME ODUNZE, WASHINGTON
The Texans appear to have made a successful move with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Now, their focus is on further bolstering the receiving corps to establish dominance in the passing game. Odunze possesses the talent that would typically make him a top wide receiver prospect in other draft classes. His ability to run routes at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds is incredibly impressive. Additionally, his numbers for contested catches have notably improved in 2023. The combination of Odunze and Stroud would undoubtedly create a perfect quarterback-wide receiver connection.

14. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - CB NATE WIGGINS, CLEMSON
Wiggins has the potential to be the premier cornerback in this draft, making him the go-to choice for defensive coordinators who want to instruct their players to prevent receivers from catching the ball. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, Wiggins possesses the length necessary to effectively defend receivers of various body types. While the Colts have a young cornerback group, they still require a top-notch CB1. Wiggins has the ability to fulfill that role admirably.

15. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - OT JORDAN MORGAN, ARIZONA
Morgan has primarily served as an offensive tackle for the Wildcats, but he possesses valuable positional versatility and can also play as a guard or tackle. The Jaguars have a more immediate need on the interior of the offensive line, and Morgan could potentially start in that role. Furthermore, his flexibility allows the team to consider utilizing him as a tackle in the future, if necessary.

16. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - WR AD MITCHELL, TEXAS
It's no secret that the Chiefs need to enhance their receiving corps during the offseason. While they already have a promising young receiver in Rashee Rice, who excels in the slot and after-the-catch situations, they now require a larger, taller receiver who can dominate in the red zone. This is where AD Mitchell, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds, comes into play. Mitchell possesses the potential to fulfill this role, as he has demonstrated his prowess with 10 touchdowns this season. Additionally, he is regarded as one of the top big receivers in the class, known for his exceptional route-running abilities.

17. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS - DI JER’ZHAN NEWTON, ILLINOIS
While the Raiders may be considering a quarterback in their draft discussions, many of the top prospects in the first round have already been accounted for in this scenario. As a result, their attention shifts towards improving their defense. Despite not being a quarterback, Newton remains an excellent fit for the Raiders, who are in dire need of a playmaker on the interior of their defensive line in both the run and pass game. Newton stands out as one of the few, if not the only, interior defensive linemen in this draft class with the caliber that warrants a first-round selection.

18. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS - WR MALIK NABERS, LSU
Although the Chargers selected Quentin Johnston as a first-round receiver in the previous offseason, he has faced significant challenges in proving himself as a potential WR1 for the team. In my opinion, Johnston's struggles should not prevent the Chargers from pursuing a talent like Nabers, especially considering the arrival of a new regime that did not participate in the selection of Johnston.

19. LOS ANGELES RAMS - OT JC LATHAM, ALABAMA
Despite having one of the least impressive rosters at the beginning of the season, the Rams have managed to secure a playoff spot thanks to the contributions of Matthew Stafford and their offense. While they have made the most of their current offensive line, it doesn't mean they couldn't benefit from improvements, particularly at the offensive tackle position. Latham, a prospect weighing in at 360 pounds, stands out as an exceptionally large offensive tackle who possesses impressive mobility and agility for a player of his size.

20. MIAMI DOLPHINS - OT AMARIUS MIMS, GEORGIA
Assuming the Miami team is in good health, there may not be a multitude of areas that require immediate attention. However, bolstering the offensive line with a skilled lineman seems like a suitable choice for them. Despite being relatively inexperienced, Mims, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 330 pounds, possesses exceptional movement abilities and the necessary attributes to become a long-term starting tackle. Pairing Mims with Terron Armstead on the opposite side of the line would be an ideal scenario for the team.

21. MINNESOTA VIKINGS - QB BO NIX, OREGON
Since Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending injury, the Vikings have been constantly switching quarterbacks. With Cousins set to become a free agent in the upcoming offseason, finding a young quarterback becomes crucial for the team. In my opinion, Nix would be an ideal fit due to his skill set, which includes dual-threat capabilities and valuable experience. His abilities would be well-suited to work with offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell.

22. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - QB DRAKE MAYE, NORTH CAROLINA
In New England, it is evident that both Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones are not the permanent solutions for the team's long-term quarterback needs. However, there is potential for Maye to fill that role. It is difficult to make a definitive decision between Maye and Caleb Williams, as there are uncertainties regarding the team's future coaching staff, which could potentially impact the best fit for the team. In this situation, it might be comparable to flipping a coin to determine which quarterback would be the better choice.

23. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - QB JAYDEN DANIELS, LSU
Despite enduring a highly disappointing NFL season, the Saints still have a chance to secure a division victory. However, this achievement should not overshadow the frustrations they have faced, particularly regarding their quarterback situation. Derek Carr is set to be their quarterback in 2024 due to his contract, but his contract becomes more flexible the following year. In order to secure the fifth-year option and avoid immediately thrusting him into a starting role, it could be an ideal scenario for the Saints to draft a promising talent like Daniels in the first round. This choice would not only capitalize on the LSU-New Orleans connection but also provide the team with a viable long-term option.

24. NEW YORK GIANTS - QB DRAKE MAYE, NORTH CAROLINA
Despite the initial struggles witnessed with Daniel Jones at the beginning of this season, if the Giants are presented with an opportunity to draft Drake Maye, I would strongly consider it. Maye has consistently delivered a significant number of impressive throws, surpassing all other quarterbacks in the FBS over the past two seasons. Acquiring Maye would serve as an ideal investment for Brian Daboll's offensive system, providing the Giants with a promising new addition to their roster.

25. NEW YORK JETS - OT JOE ALT, NOTRE DAME
Throughout this season, we have repeatedly emphasized the importance of the 2024 offseason for the Jets, as they adopt an all-in approach with a healthy Aaron Rodgers returning as their quarterback. To effectively support this strategy, prioritizing the offensive line in the first round of the draft is the optimal course of action. Alt, who has served as a starting lineman for the Fighting Irish for three years, possesses the necessary experience to seamlessly step into the left tackle position for the Jets. The reason behind choosing Alt over Penn State's Olu Fashanu is my belief that Fashanu may face a learning curve adapting to the physical demands of the professional game, while I have no such concerns with Alt.

26. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - CB QUINYON MITCHELL, TOLEDO
Despite the Eagles' decision to keep their current starting cornerbacks during the previous offseason, Mitchell remains an ideal investment for the team in that position. His performance over the past two years has consistently garnered elite coverage grades, showcasing his exceptional ability to disrupt opposing offenses. With an impressive 35 forced incompletions, six interceptions, and an additional eight dropped interceptions, Mitchell has proven himself to be a standout player in terms of coverage skills.

27. PITTSBURGH STEELERS - CB KOOL-AID MCKINSTRY, ALABAMA
The Steelers made a wise decision in the 2023 draft by investing in Joey Porter Jr. as a future starting cornerback. However, it is crucial for them to continue this trend, even with a first-round pick this year. The aging of their secondary beyond Porter is a growing concern, making it necessary to prioritize the acquisition of talented cornerbacks. Mckinstry, one of the most seasoned press-man cornerbacks in the draft, would be an excellent addition to the team. With his experience and skill set, the Alabama product has successfully caused 28 incompletions over the past two seasons, highlighting his ability to disrupt opposing passing plays.

28. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - OL TROY FAUTANU, WASHINGTON
The 49ers are a highly competitive team that is in strong contention for a Super Bowl. When a team reaches this level, one of the most valuable investments they can make is in bolstering their offensive and defensive lines. Fautanu, who has served as the starting left tackle for Washington in the last two seasons, may find his long-term position in the NFL as a guard. Despite lacking certain physical attributes, particularly length, Fautanu excels at tackle due to his fierce competitiveness, deep passion for the game, and unwavering dedication. These qualities make him an ideal addition to the 49ers' roster, providing them with the kind of dependable depth and versatility needed to thrive as a team in contention.

29. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - ED DALLAS TURNER, ALABAMA
The Seahawks are in need of additional talent in their pass-rush department, and Turner has emerged as one of the most effective pass rushers in the country this season based on the number of pressures he has generated. Furthermore, in 2023, he achieved an impressive pass-rush win rate of over 20%.

30. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - ED LAIATU LATU, UCLA
Over the last two seasons, Laiatu has been the most productive edge rusher in college football. He has an exceptional track record of generating 128 quarterback pressures, accompanied by an impressive 22.3% pass-rush win percentage during that period. The Buccaneers are in need of greater reliability and effectiveness from their edge players in terms of disrupting the opposing backfield. In this regard, Laiatu would be an excellent choice to fulfill that role and provide the consistent backfield production that the team requires.

31. TENNESSEE TITANS - OT TALIESE FUAGA, OREGON STATE
The offensive tackle position for the Titans has not met their expectations in terms of performance. Fuaga, on the other hand, is a promising prospect who brings a highly competitive nature and embodies the aggressive style of play that is characteristic of Mike Vrabel-led teams. With an impressive run-blocking grade of 90.5 over the past two seasons, Fuaga has demonstrated his ability to excel in creating lanes for the running game. He could be a valuable addition to the Titans' offensive line, providing the level of play and intensity that the team seeks.

32. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS - QB CALEB WILLIAMS, USC
The Commanders are now in a position where they are close to potentially acquiring one of the top two quarterbacks in this year's draft class. While both Williams and Maye would be excellent choices for the team, Williams holds a special appeal due to his connection to Washington, D.C. This adds a unique element of a homecoming for the franchise, making him an ideal prospect for the Commanders.

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