6. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
Quarterbacks come at a premium at the top of the draft, so the Bolts are another team that could have to move up the board to get their man. The Philip Rivers era is over, and Herbert would be a perfect replacement to usher in a new era. He returned for his senior season, and capped it off with an MVP performance in the Rose Bowl and a strong week at the Senior Bowl.
7. Carolina Panthers
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
The shocking retirement of All-Pro Luke Kuechly opens up a gaping hole on the Carolina defense, but they’re in a perfect position to address it here. While some will argue about where Simmons will fit at the next level, his rare combination of athleticism and versatility transcends all doubts about where to line him up. He’s the kind of defensive prospect that only comes around once in a while.
8. Arizona Cardinals
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
This may surprise some, seeing Lamb come off the board before Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some teams have them graded in that order. One such team could absolutely be the Cards, who would love to pair Lamb with his college quarterback, Kyler Murray. This tandem could make the same kind of magic they did in Norman.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is tempting here, but the Jags desperately need to improve their rush defense, and the receiver class is extremely deep this year. That makes them opt for Brown, a monstrous force who is a huge bargain at this pick. His rare combination of size, athleticism and power would be the perfect blend of need and value here.
10. Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
There’s no denying the amount of talent this offense has at the skill positions, but it’ll be all for naught if the Browns don’t improve their offensive line in a big way this offseason. Wills has been a fast riser throughout this season, and could easily be off the board by this pick. If he’s not, he’d be the perfect blend of need and value for Cleveland.