11. New York Jets
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
Taking a top receiver here is tempting, especially after the departure of Robby Anderson in free agency, but Thomas is the more sensible pick. This year’s receiver class is extremely deep, which should give the Jets plenty of strong options on Day 2, and finding a franchise left tackle is a more premium need.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Derek Carr and the Raiders desperately need a true No. 1 receiver after the Antonio Brown debacle blew up in their faces. While a strong case could be made for Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb or Jeudy’s Alabama teammate in Henry Ruggs III, the Raiders opt for the more complete prospect here. Jeudy will make an immediate impact for an offense that needs more big plays.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from IND)
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
George Kittle is Jimmy Garoppolo’s No. 1 target, but the 49ers need to give him an elite wide receiver prospect to balance out the target share. Ruggs is tempting here, but San Francisco might prefer bigger, more physical pass-catcher who can still make big plays down the field and after the catch. The 49ers made a big trade for this pick, and they need someone who can make an immediate impact.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
Just hear me out on this. Yes, the Bucs already have two Pro Bowl wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But this draft is all about helping Tom Brady win immediately, and there’s not an offensive lineman or running back worth taking at this pick, especially over an explosive playmaker like Ruggs. He immediately gives Brady the NFL’s most dangerous trio of wide receivers, bringing elite speed Evans and Godwin simply don’t have.
15. Denver Broncos
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
The early run on the top receivers hurts the Broncos, who would have to move up if they want to land an explosive pass-catcher to pair with Courtland Sutton. Instead, they switch gears and go defense, taking one of this year’s most dominant and versatile interior linemen. Kinlaw backed up strong film with a dominant performance in Senior Bowl practices.