There is an overwhelming amount of expectation placed on NFL general managers each April to pluck only the highest quality players out of a sea of draft prospects nearly 500 deep. One “wrong” pick in the eyes of a raucous fanbase can dirty a GM’s entire image with the franchise, oftentimes leading to a short leash and regime change later down the line.
But what happens when a general manager makes the correct decision? You know, like grabbing the best center in the draft late in the third round, or unearthing the second-best safety at pick No. 96?
I took the time to list out the best value picks of the first two days of the NFL Draft, going in chronological order, down below.
Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama (Eagles at 31)
Campbell adds another level of versatility to one of the league’s most stout defensive units. The junior draft entry is an outstanding addition alongside Nakobe Dean and Zach Baun in pass coverage and can lineup as a wide 9 in exotic looks for Vic Fangio. Campbell is a fantastic scraper and has a nose for the ball when tracking from the “will” position.
A perfect fit for a Philly defense looking to retool its pressure looks after the departure of many key pass rushers this offseason.
Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State (Chiefs at 32)
An excellent athlete and nasty run blocker, Simmons’ knee injury cracked his sterling top 10 draft stock back in October. A three-year starter (two for the Buckeyes), Simmons developed as a technically sound nightmare for edge rushers in pass protection.
Kansas City grabs my fourth-ranked offensive tackle with the final pick in the first round in an attempt to stabilize a rocky offensive line that was susceptible far too often in 2024.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, ED Boston College (Cowboys at 44)
Ezeiruaku offers exceptional length and burst off the edge for Dallas, who will pair the No. 44 overall pick with Micah Parsons off the other edge. The Boston College product is a salty edge setter and an even better separator at the point of contact. Ezeiruaku will play primarily as a wide 9 for Dallas and offers an excellent pass rush option on day one.
Omar Norman-Lott, IDL Tennessee (Chiefs at 63)
Kansas City sat and picked at the end of both of the first two rounds, grabbing two outstanding players in the trenches with each selection. Norman-Lott was the interior anchor of Tennessee’s deep defensive line in 2024, imposing his athleticism across the entire defensive front alongside James Pearce Jr. Norman-Lott offers upside as a pass rusher and twitch off the ball as a run defender.
Perhaps a bit undersized as a traditional 3-tech, Norman-Lott may find a role as a situational pass rusher on day one for Kansas City.
Shavon Revel Jr., CB East Carolina (Cowboys at 76)
Dallas grabs its second player on this list after standout cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. falls to 76. Revel is a fantastic athlete who is scheme-versatile and athletic enough to hang with any type of receiver in coverage. A true first round pick, Revel’s ACL tear early in 2024 slid the East Carolina product down most team’s draft boards and out of the 15-25 range he was predicted preseason.
Do him a favor; turn on the East Carolina versus Appalachian State game highlights from 2024. You won’t regret it.
Jared Wilson, C Georgia (Patriots at 95)
Wilson fell all the way to the end of the third despite possessing a first-round grade for me, bolstering a New England offensive line desperate for help. Wilson is an elite athlete at the center position and is lightning quick off the snap to the A-gap to wall off defenders. Wilson’s heavy, striking hands do not lose grip once they grip a jersey, which works in conjunction with an adept understanding of twists and schemes along the defensive front.
Xavier Watts, S Notre Dame (Falcons at 96)
Watts was a two-time first-team All-American, Bronko Nagurski award winner and a three-year starter on one of the best defenses in college football; and will now pair up with the NFL’s best safety in Jessie Bates III to terrorize opposing quarterbacks.
Watts recorded 13 interceptions in his final two years in South Bend, possessing innate decisiveness and even better instincts. A rangy, athletic, thumping safety that can absolutely control a game if given a chance, Watts will be a fantastic addition on the backend of a rebuilt defense in Atlanta.