Eagles secure their future with four pick haul
Selections: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana (1.23), SAF A.J. Haulcy, LSU (2.54), ED Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State (3.68), OT Markel Bell, Miami (3.98c)
The Eagles have had an interesting offseason so far. A.J. Brown trade rumors were no doubt prevalent, but they haven’t done much in the way of major additions. Arnold Ebiketie and Riq Woolen were each brought in on one-year deals, and the team signed both Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore. Additionally, they sent a fifth-round selection to Green Bay for Dontayvion Wicks. In terms of departures, Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship all signed elsewhere. Despite more significant departures than additions, the Eagles have the opportunity to add four top 100 players to their roster. Whether Brown is dealt this summer or not, adding a player like Cooper to be the WR2/3 is a luxury. In the second round, they found Blankenship’s replacement on the back end, and found the athletic Sutton in round three, who should help fill the void left by Phillips. Bell is a big guy, and whether he becomes a Lane Johnson successor or competition for Tyler Steen, adding a player with size as rare as the Canes’ is never a bad idea.
Jesse Minter reconstructs the Ravens’ trenches
Selections: C Spencer Fano, Utah (1.14), OG Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech (2.45), DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State (3.80)
Minter saw what having a subpar offensive line can lead to in L.A., as they were dismantled by the Patriots’ front en route to a 16-3 wildcard loss. After replacing Tyler Linderbaum with Fano at No. 14, they went on to further upgrade the interior with Rutledge, who has recently received first round buzz. John Simpson’s addition in free agency solidifies one of the guard positions, but Jim Harbaugh didn’t seem to have confidence in Emery Jones to be better than Daniel Faalele. If Minter feels that’s the case too, selecting the Yellowjacket and continuing to work with Jones behind the scenes may be the best option. Dre’Mont Jones signed with the Patriots, and the IDL needs help regardless. Jackson is a defensive tackle with a massive frame that could help open more pass rush opportunities than the 2025 IDL group was able to.
Lions move up for a blindside protector
Selections: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia (1.12), LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama (3.92)
The Lions released Taylor Decker earlier this offseason at the request of the ex-Ohio State tackle. Penei Sewell is one of the league’s best on the right side, but Larry Borom shouldn’t be more than a spot starter. Left tackle is far and away from the team’s biggest weakness, and they swap Pick No. 50 for Pick No. 92 to move up five spots for Freeling. Still a raw prospect; he is an excellent athlete with prototypical size, giving Dan Campbell’s staff plenty to work with. It remains a possibility that the Lions flip Sewell to the left side and select a right tackle (Fano, Blake Miller) without trading up, but limiting the number of changes on the offensive line seems like the smoothest option.
Browns build the foundation for their QB of the future
Selections: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State (1.6), OT Caleb Lomu, Utah (1.24), OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon (2.39), D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana (3.70)
The Browns don’t have a legitimate starting quarterback at this point. Todd Monken will likely hold an open competition between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, with Watson likely to have the inside track given his contract. Barring a sudden resurgence from Watson, the Browns looking to find a new starter soon seems likely. Ty Simpson was selected by the Steelers at No. 21 in this mock draft, and options down the board would be redundant to the fliers they took on in Sanders and Gabriel last season. Instead, the team focuses on building out the rest of the roster for whoever their future quarterback might be. Tate and Lomu offer immediate options, with Lomu being an option at left tackle. They invested heavily in the offensive line in free agency, signing Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson while re-signing Teven Jenkins. Dawand Jones has struggled to stay healthy but is a good starter at right tackle. Lomu could step in as the blindside protector, while second round pick Emmanuel Pregnon could compete for starting spot along the interior. A line of Lomu and Jones at tackle, with Johnson, Elgton Jenkins and Pregnon along the interior with Teven Jenkins as a utility man isn’t bad at all. Ponds would be an upgrade in the slot over Myles Darden.
Rams among draft winners as they roll on with Matt Stafford
Selections: WR Makai Lemon, USC (1.13), LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri (2.61), QB Drew Allar, Penn State (3.93)
The Rams significantly upgraded at cornerback after acquiring Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. They still have the luxury of the Falcons’ 13th overall pick, which they use on Lemon here. The Rams ran 13 personnel more than any team in the league, likely out of necessity. They don’t have a legitimate third receiver, and Devante Adams isn’t getting any younger. Lemon is slot exclusive but could have a Jaxon Smith-Njigba type of impact. Trotter is a young and effective linebacker who could start alongside Nate Landman, while former five-star recruit Drew Allar could develop into Stafford’s successor under McVay’s tutelage.