We are a month away from the NFL draft. There are still moving pieces that will happen over the next few weeks that will help shape how it all unfolds.
Teams will still add free agents, and some trades could shake up the order of the first round. The hot topic is still the potential of the Minnesota Vikings trading up to the first five picks to get a quarterback. Last week I explored the Vikings moving up to the No. 4 slot in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.
This week, I dive into Minnesota making a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, moving them up to the No. 5 slot.
Here is how the board fell:
Barring a sudden change of heart, we might as well sharpie Caleb Williams as the new franchise quarterback for the Bears.
Last week I went with Jayden Daniels as the selection but let’s switch it up here. The Commanders go with Drake Maye and bet on him hitting his ceiling at the next level.
The Patriots bet on the Heisman Trophy winner being the guy that will right the ship in the post-Tom Brady era. New England looks fresh in 2024 with Jerod Mayo and Jayden Daniels leading the way.
While the Cardinals could be tempted to trade out of this selection for a quarterback-needy team, they decide to stay in this slot and pair Marvin Harrison Jr. with Kyler Murray for a much-needed upgrade in their receiving corps.
LAC trades: No. 5
MIN trades: No. 11 and No. 23
The Vikings move ahead of the Giants to ensure they can land J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota finds their new quarterback of the future in the post-Kirk Cousins era.
Rumors are swirling that the Giants are interested in selecting one of the top quarterbacks in this class but miss out due to the Vikings trade. New York selects Malik Nabers to help Daniel Jones turn around his career or at least have a weapon for the next guy.
The Titans find their new left tackle with the selection of Joe Alt to continue their build around Will Levis that they have been doing this offseason.
The Falcons use the draft to build up their defense after focusing on the offensive side of the ball. Atlanta selects Dallas Turner to bring some juice to the edge rush group.
CHI trades: No. 9
JAX trades: No. 17, No. 96, 2023 Third Round Pick
The Jaguars make a shocking move in a trade-up to get a weapon for Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville selects Rome Odunze to fill the void left by Calvin Ridley.
The Jets could be tempted by Brock Bowers but they continue to bolster the offensive line with the selection of Troy Fautanu. New York gets security behind Tyron Smith and a versatile player to help the unit deal with injuries throughout the season.
The Chargers miss out on one of the top three receivers after trading back but get some help in their rushing attack with the selection of Taliese Fuaga. He fits the running style that John Harbaugh will be running in Los Angeles.
The Broncos miss out on the top quarterbacks but select Jared Verse. Denver gets a player that can help their defense get after Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
The Raiders have question marks at quarterback but select Quinyon Mitchell. The athletic cornerback prospect forms a strong cornerback tandem with Jack Jones.
Trevor Penning hasn’t panned out for the Saints at left tackle and has been a detriment to the offense. New Orleans selects Olu Fashanu to help solve their pass protection issues from that side of the offensive line.
This is a popular spot for Brock Bowers to come off the board but after the Colts missed out on the L’Jarius Sneed sweepstakes, cornerback remains a top need for Indianapolis going forward.
The Seahawks get a versatile defensive back for new head coach Mike McDonald. Cooper DeJean can be utilized in a variety of ways in Seattle’s defense.
After trading back to add much-needed draft capital, the Bears select Laiatu Latu. He forms a pass-rush tandem with Montez Sweat.
The Bengals sit and watch Brock Bowers fall down the board to them. Joe Burrow gets a new weapon for the passing attack. His ability to work in the slot can help fill the void left by Tyler Boyd.
The Aaron Donald retirement shifted focus on the Rams leaving the first round with one of the top interior defensive linemen. Los Angeles selects Bryon Muprhy to pair with Kobie Turner in the middle of their defense.
Wide receiver remains a big need for the Steelers. Pittsburgh adds Brian Thomas Jr. to pair with George Pickens after they traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.
The Dolphins lost several pieces on their defense this offseason. In an attempt beef up the defensive line, Miami selects Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton to help fill the void left by Christian Wilkins.
The Eagles add some youth in the cornerback room with the pick of Nate Wiggins. He can provide depth and be an option if Darius Slay Jr. or James Bradberry see a decline in their performance in 2024.
The Chargers are desperate for help in their receiving corps. Los Angeles adds Adonai Mitchell to go with Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston.
The Cowboys have to figure out what they are going to do at left tackle after Tyron Smith’s departure. Dallas watches JC Latham fall down the board and bets on him succeeding in that spot after playing as a right tackle in college.
The Packers look to make sure that Jordan Love will be protected this season. Green Bay selects Graham Barton because of his versatility to play across the offensive line while working with one of the youngest offenses in the entire NFL.
The Bucs need more talent in the interior of their offensive line. Tampa looks to solve their answer at center with the pick of Jackson Powers-Johnson to pair with the recently re-signed Baker Mayfield.
After getting help for Kyler Murray with Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals look to add some help with their pass rush with the selection of Chop Robinson.
The Bills get some help on the defensive side of the ball for Sean McDermott. Buffalo selects Kool-Aid McKinstry, who should be able to come in and compete for one of the starting cornerback spots on the boundary.
The Lions add some talent in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball with Darius Robinson. Detroit gets a defensive lineman who can play opposite of Aidan Hutchinson but also kick inside as needed.
The Ravens add Ladd McConkey, who has familiarity with offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Baltimore gets a receiver that can work in the slot or out on the boundary.
There have been rumblings that the 49ers may trade Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk this offseason. If San Francisco is leaning towards doing that, then they add some serious speed to their offense with Xavier Worthy.
The Chiefs currently have Wanya Morris penciled in as their left tackle with Donovan Smith remaining as a free agent. Kansas City adds Tyler Guyton to compete for the role to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.