Height: 6'3"

Weight: 259 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Patriots sound fully committed to continuing their planned future with head coach Jerod Mayo despite the trying ups and downs of life after Bill Belichick. If they're going to stay the path, the Patriots would be wise to ensure tahey have the horses in the front needed to live up to the identity of their coach's background. The formula for doing that could be either a running mate for Christian Gonzalez at cornerback or potentially a star pass-rush weapon. If they opt for the pass rush route, Abdul Carter has been an absolute terror this season for the Penn State Nittany Lions — who appear poised for a deep run into the College Football Playoff after a smothering defensive performance against SMU.

Of course, the other option for the Patriots is cashing out on this pick for a quarterback-hungry team — the team may be able to sell this pick for a war chest of picks in a limited quarterback class. But assuming they stay put, New England entered Week 16 with two players with more than 2.5 sacks on the season after trading away Matthew Judon at the beginning of the year, finding a centerpiece of the future pass rush, especially one with the alignment versatility of Carter, would change the pass rush dynamics for Mayo and the Patriots.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 185 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: Jacksonville needs needle movers and star power. The kind of talents that you can help forge a new identity within the vision of a new coach. And no matter what role you forecast for Travis Hunter, he feels like the kind of player who has something for EVERYONE.

Offensive-minded coach, defensive-minded coach, you name it. Hunter has impact ability and is a rare talent. Those don't last long on draft day.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 215 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: You can't find a better fit for Shedeur Sanders from a scheme perspective than Brian Callahan's offense. You don't need a monster arm to run this offense, but you need good field vision and the ability to execute reads and play in rhythm.

As it just so happens, those are some of Sanders' biggest strengths as a player. I love that he'd be landing with a team that's already invested in the offensive line group and has the opportunity to add some potent weapons around him. Given the marriage of skills and scheme, this situation could sneakily be a good one sooner rather than later.

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 320 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Browns' offensive issues run much deeper than just an aging offensive line — but when the Browns have been good in recent memory, the offensive line unit has had plenty to do with their successes. With Nick Chubb battling injuries in another trying season and pushing the age cliff that so often claims running backs, plus QB Deshaun Watson's own injury issues after another season-ending injury, Cleveland needs to act and right the ship in the trenches.

Jedrick Wills has not lived up to his prior draft status and the rest of this group is comprised of aging (and expensive) veterans. A physical run blocker such as Kelvin Banks Jr. would be a welcomed sight and afford the Browns a new potential solution at left tackle while getting back to their roots as a team built on physical trench play in the AFC North.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 225 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: As Denzel Washington once said, "I'm leaving here with something!"

The Raiders' win against the Jaguars has thrown the conventional understanding of the top of the draft in a complete loop. Falling behind not only Tennessee but also Cleveland puts the Raiders in a precarious position for drafting a quarterback — although they ultimately choose to draft the most physically gifted one eligible for 2025 here in Jalen Milroe.

Will Milroe choose to return to Tuscaloosa? If so, the Raiders may be up the creek without a paddle. And although he's got more development needed than both Ward and Sanders, he does have special talent that can be used to craft a unique offense to defend.

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 212 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Panthers' overtime win in Week 16 over the Cardinals is the latest sign of life for Dave Canales' bunch. And as such, the team has some positive momentum to build around QB Bryce Young.

They spent heavily on the offensive line this past offseason, and although the defense took a major step back this year, Carolina would still be wise to get another big-time threat for Young in the passing game.

Tetairoa McMillan boasts another massive catch radius to go alongside Xavier Legette and give Carolina a young nucleus of passing talent that can win down the field or across the middle.

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 310 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: Chicago's offensive line has played inconsistently this season, and OT Braxton Jones suffered an ugly-looking injury in Week 16. For a quarterback like Caleb Williams, who looks to hold the ball and let things develop down the field, finding a more refined pass protector at tackle could help everyone get on the same wavelength.

If not for an injury of his own, Ohio State's Josh Simmons may well be a consensus OT1 in this year's class. His athleticism, versatility ,and pass protection instincts all shined bright for the Buckeyes across the first half of the 2023 season before a knee injury cut his year short.

He's declared for the 2025 draft, none the less, and, assuming he passes his medicals, I would assume his blend of technique, athleticism, and power will be plenty tempting for offensive line-hungry teams.

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 285 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Saints are facing the outlook of rebuilding their roster and would be wise to pursue an aggressive youth movement given their salary cap outlook for the next several seasons. If they do so, look to the traditional "premium positions" to get drafted early.

And with executive Mickey Loomis still at the helm, we should have a pretty good idea of what the Saints are looking for and what they'll like at those spots. Loomis is a long-tenured GM who has, on numerous occasions, gravitated toward powerful pass rushers.

Nic Scourton is exactly that, but he also boasts a slew of pass-rush counters at his disposal to attack the pocket from outside or inside alignments.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 202 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: San Francisco's season from hell continued in Week 16, watching critical players on the offensive line go down amid the aging Trent Williams' injury-mired season. But when a player like Will Johnson falls into your lap — never mind the fact that Charvarius Ward is in a contract year this season — you have to take him.

Johnson has the size, physicality, and ball instincts to be an NFL star. His stature and coverage versatility would go a long way in helping the 49ers have coverage answers for physical wide receivers in the NFC West, such as Puka Nacua, DK Metcalf, and Marvin Harrison Jr. This is a true best player available selection, but it also just so happens to overlap with a looming need.

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 315 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Miami Dolphins kept their slim playoff hopes alive in Week 16 with a home win against the San Francisco 49ers and now face two teams picking in the top 8 of the current draft order to close the season. They'll need help to chase down the No. 7 seed in the playoffs.

But what we know for sure is that the Dolphins have met the glass ceiling that awaits teams who simply choose to skimp on the guard position offensively. Miami's run game woes have been due to a number of issues — including play from the tight end position and some injuries at offensive tackle, including star Terron Armstead (will he play in 2025?). But make no mistake — this offense isn't operating the way it could with dynamic athleticism at guard. So draft Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. He can play tackle.

So, too, can 2024 2nd-round pick Patrick Paul, who has looked promising in limited opportunities. But Conerly Jr. has the explosiveness out the blocks to fit in this scheme at a number of positions and boy do the Dolphins love their offensive linemen to have positional flexibility. This is a scheme match made in heaven, whether he plays inside or the team kicks Austin Jackson inside and plays one of Conerly Jr. or Paul at tackle.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 205 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: Indianapolis also kept its playoff hopes alive. Due to a head-to-head tiebreaker, it's ahead of Miami right now, but it needs similar help from a Broncos or Chargers collapse to make the dance. No matter what the outcome is for the Colts, this is a team that could use someone to tie everything together defensively.

The team has a young quarterback with physical tools, plenty of young wide receivers to throw to, and a heavily invested in running game. Defensively, they need to get healthy. And boy, would Malaki Starks do some wonders. This defensive weapon could do some of the same kinds of things for Gus Bradley that a young Derwin James did in Los Angeles when the two were on the Chargers together. That, on this Colts squad, is quite a tempting idea.

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 243 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Bengals' defense had a good day against the Cleveland Browns, but don't let that fool you—this unit needs a makeover. The Bengals entered Week 16 ranked 31st in the NFL in scoring defense despite the crazy numbers they've been putting up offensively.

A marquee pass rusher to pair with Trey Hendrickson would certainly change the feel of playing the Bengals' defense from behind, and few offer the first step of explosiveness and body control that James Pearce Jr. does for the Vols. Pearce Jr. has the best get-off in the class and illustrates an NFL-ready rush plan to defeat offensive tackles.

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 323 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Cowboys are seeking more stability as a franchise this upcoming offseason after a stagnant year last offseason due to contract negotiations and cap restraints. Dallas, however, would likely benefit greatly from adding another stud in the trenches to help fortify the team's protection and run schemes.

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty is a popular pick and rightfully so — but adding Will Campbell from LSU can create a fascinating domino effect for Dallas. They have young players in Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe on the line and a well-established starter in Tyler Smith. But is this the end of the line for Zack Martin? He's an expensive contract for a team that just gave out monster deals to both the starting quarterback and the star wide receiver. Martin is in a contract year, and Campbell has positional fluidity — but would be a great fit on a line with Beebe and Smith.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 245 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: One of the major truths in life at the NFL level is you can never have enough pass rushers. And for Mike MacDonald, Georgia LB Jalon Walker is a tailor-made fit for the scheme. Walker has the ability to play on the line of scrimmage as a SAM backer and rush the passer or, alternatively, drop out and take shallow zones and occupy throwing windows underneath.

For a simulated pressure defense that tries to change the picture of quarterbacks post-snap, that versatility is invaluable. There's not another coach in the league who could get more out of Walker than MacDonald, the master of the league's hottest scheme.

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 290 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a tumultuous season. Still, you can fully expect general manager Jason Licht to look to attack the defensive depth chart with prototypical builds — as they've done several times on the edge and at cornerback for this defense. You don't get more "prototype" than Shemar Stewart, a long and explosive talent who can wreck shop in the run game and flash tremendous potential in rushing the passer.

Stewart's length and explosive hands protect him from being a boom-or-bust type of prospect; he should be expected to, at the very least, be a sturdy edge presence against the run. Give him to Todd Bowles, though. This is a good fit for a player who has an immeasurable ceiling.

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 193 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: The Falcons' defensive outlook under Raheem Morris is undoubtedly promising. The team has made heavy investments in the front between the 2024 NFL Draft but needs some more juice in the secondary if this team will boast a complete group. AJ Terrell is a talented corner but the spot opposite of him should very much be considered up for grabs — and Shavon Revel may be one of the most physically talented players in this year's class.

A mid-season knee injury cost him most of his final season but he, like Ohio State OT Josh Simmons, chose to declare anyway. He has freakish length and physicality for a space athlete and is capable of impacting the game both in coverage and against the run.

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 215 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: This shouldn't feel legal, but we will do it anyway.

Harbaugh wants to tote the rock. Ashton Jeanty totes the rock at a high, high level. The prospect of adding a running back in the top 20 is always a little scary, but this is probably the ideal fit for Jeanty — who can run concepts out of any system thanks to his balance, vision, pad level, and foot quickness. Jeanty being fed by a Harbaugh-coached team feels like a first-class ticket to some Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors and would help the Chargers to double down on their identity as a physical, smashmouth football team.

JK Dobbins has been wonderful this year, but his durability questions are not going away, and he's an expiring contract after the season, meaning carries are there for the taking.

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 310 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: Houston needs wide receiver help long-term, and the team's offensive line is still shaky at best. But this team's strength has been built upon the foundation that Coach DeMeco Ryans' defense provides. Seeing the team wholly lean on that identity with a top draft choice would not be surprising. With Derrick Harmon, the Texans can get their hands on a disruptive presence who still has the strength to anchor the point of attack and be a multi-faceted player on the interior.

Playing between Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter will give Harmon ample opportunities to live up to the reputation he's carved out for himself at Oregon this season after transferring in from Michigan State.

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 257 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: Denver's tight end position is a complete vacancy in Sean Payton's offense in Denver. Things did not work out with young talent Greg Dulcich, leaving the Broncos with an obvious need for Payton's offense as the team looks to continue leveling up their personnel around young QB Bo Nix.

Tyler Warren is a better receiving target than a blocker right now, but he's shown the ability to do plenty of both with his tape at Penn State. Warren adds a completely different element to the scheme with an ability to find voids in the middle of the field and track the ball well on vertical targets.

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 245 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: Back-to-back tight ends at this stage of the first round is admittedly a bit of a tell that this class doesn't meet the norms as some of the more premier positions. But tight ends are weapons, too.

Colston Loveland is a pseudo-wide receiver with an excellent catch radius and a dynamic receiving profile. Loveland is the perfect next step of evolution to try to stay ahead of the curve for a Rams offense that has always blurred the lines between 11p and 12p with their skill player assignments.

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 280 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: Washington enjoyed a massive win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16, inching closer to a postseason berth. Dan Quinn has done a wonderful job with this Commanders team in his first year in the system but will need more firepower to help ensure opposing teams don't roll up the yards and points when Washington levels up in competition as a contender.

Landon Jackson is a mauler at defensive end and showcases one of the most valuable traits an NFL rusher can have — he wins by reducing angles and playing with power.

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 208 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: If Russell Wilson ball is going to be here to stay in Pittsburgh, the Steelers can try to build out a collection of talent that thrives in how Wilson operations. George Pickens Jr. is one such talent with his ability to attack the football in the air.

Luther Burden is an offensive weapon that Arthur Smith would love to get his hands on; he's highly skilled in creating yards and capturing space on the perimeter with the ball in his hands. Smith could get creative with implementing Burden, and Wilson would prosper by having an underneath weapon to foil his opportunistic moonball shots down the field. The Steelers' offensive weaponry will need some tweaking due to expiring contracts this offseason, and Burden has the ability to be a long-term answer.

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 330 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: The Ravens are a football team that is built through the trenches. Their DNA is undeniable. As they did last year with Roger Rosengarden in the second round, the Ravens do a great job of having personnel foresight with this group and have a chance to do so yet again amid Patrick Mekhari's expiring contract and Ronnie Stanley's status as an aging player. Aireontae Ersery is a powerful people-mover who would compound the issues of trying to defend Derrick Henry in the run game.

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 200 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: The NFL loves long corners with instincts and burst. As a result, they're likely to grow impatient while waiting to draft Darien Porter. Porter is a highly instinctive player in coverage and has all the uncoachable elements of the position worth betting on.

The Packers' last bet on a long, bursty corner didn't work out so well in Eric Stokes Jr., but Porter has the foundation of a talented perimeter starter. With new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley in place, starting with a blank slate at that spot feels like it could pay dividends.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 247 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman loves drafting pass rushers. In Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku, the Eagles would be getting a refined rusher with a terrific combination of pass-rush counters to come in and contribute to Vic Fangio's defense.

Ezeiruaku would be a valuable part of the Eagles' rotation moving forward amid the upcoming departure of Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff looming as a potential free-agent miss.

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 320 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: The Bills notoriously run their defense out of nickel, to the point where they're at times willing to simply let teams run the ball against their light boxes. Most of the time, it works out in their favor. It certainly helps to have Superman behind center, too.

But in the off occasion the Bills run into a team that has some X-factors in the run game that can allow a team to snowball on them, adding a talent like Alfred Collins could potentially change the dynamic of the Bills' defensive front.

This is a monster of a human with some of the best point-of-attack skills of any defender in the class. Playing in front of Terrell Bernard and Matt Milano would not only give Collins a chance to shine, but it would make those two linebackers better, too.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 203 lbs.

Class: Senior

Fit: You will not find better instincts in this year's class defending the pass. Watts is a ball magnet with a habit of making game-changing plays from his position as a deep safety. Imagine him playing in the post for Brian Flores' aggressive defensive scheme — where he can use those instincts to process and take advantage of quarterbacks making hasty decisions under pressure. Harrison Smith is under contract through 2025, and Camryn Bynum is on an expiring contract. There's room back there, too.

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 248 lbs.

Class: Soph.

Fit: Aidan Hutchinson's injury looms large for the Lions and understandably so. The trade for Za'Darius Smith has stemmed the tide, but the Lions need a better young running mate in their edge room.

Marshall's Mike Green would be an absolute terror opposite Hutchinson; his explosive first step and quarterback-hunting abilities would likely have him cleaning up on obvious passing downs thanks to the attention "Hutch" has earned to command with his play.

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 314 lbs.

Class: Junior

Fit: Maybe Membou will step in for Jawaan Taylor long-term. Maybe he will replace Trey Smith. The good news? He's capable of either. Membou is a big, physical and yet graceful offensive lineman who is a multi-year starter in the SEC.

He has the power to uproot guys inside yet the athleticism to attack defenders outside of the core. The Chiefs can stay ahead of Father Time here and continue investing in the offensive line that has made them so hard to defend when it matters most.