By Kyle Golik
#5 Baltimore Ravens
Best Pick: OT Roger Rosengarten
Best Value: CB T.J. Tampa
Hidden Gem: RB Rasheen Ali
Quick Thoughts: Baltimore is perennially one of the best drafting organizations in the NFL with complete alignment from ownership to head coach John Harbaugh. This year is no different. The Ravens found two cornerbacks in Tampa and Wiggins who are more than capable starters. EDGE rusher Adisa Isaac outshined Miami Dolphins first-round selection Chop Robinson at Penn State last season with 16 tackles for loss and should be a solution off the edge. Rosengarten will be an immediate starter at right tackle and was excellent in pass protection for Michael Penix Jr. at Washington last season.
#4 Pittsburgh Steelers
Best Pick: OT Troy Fautanu
Best Value: C Zach Frazier
Hidden Gem: LB Payton Wilson
Quick Thoughts: Pittsburgh fortified their offensive line with their first two picks in Fautanu and Frazier, both at the very top in this year’s draft class at center and tackle. However, the Steelers’ top grade is earned with their third and fourth-round selections. Wide receiver Roman Wilson should thrive in the slot in Pittsburgh and linebacker Payton Wilson comes to the Steelers with a great collegiate resume. If he can avoid the injuries that plagued him at NC State, he could be an impact starter for the Steelers.
#3 Washington Commanders
Best Pick: QB Jayden Daniels
Best Value: DT Jer’Zhan Newton
Hidden Gem: WR Luke McCaffrey/G Brandon Coleman
Quick Thoughts: The case can be made Washington had the best overall draft class this year with the Commanders with five potential starters and two others who will make immediate impact in rotation. Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Jayden Daniels will be the Week 1 starter for Washington and will be flanked by three receivers who will maximize Daniels’ elite arm. Slot receiver Luke McCaffrey, brother of Christian and son of Ed – a slot receiver with Denver Broncos back in the 1990s, has some of the highest upside. Jer’Zhan Newton, my No. 1 defensive tackle, will make a great rotation with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Finally, Day 3 selection safety Dominique Hampton was the defensive anchor for the Washington Huskies with over 100 tackles and provides excellent depth for a rebuild in the nation’s capital.
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#2 Arizona Cardinals
Best Pick: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Best Value: RB Trey Benson
Hidden Gem: OT Christian Jones
Quick Thoughts: Tied for a draft high 11 picks, Arizona did a masterful job maximizing their opportunities with this draft. It’s hard to argue with their first pick in wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., considered by many one of the biggest certainties in this draft. EDGE Darius Robinson was one of the fastest risers through the Senior Bowl and Combine and his physical and workout measures fill an immediate need for a pass rush. CB Max Melton should be a Week 1 starter at minimum covering the slot or on the boundary. Landing Benson to compliment James Conner is a huge get and offensive tackle Christian Jones is excellent at pass protection and provides excellent depth to Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams.
#1 Philadelphia Eagles
Best Pick: CB Quinyon Mitchell/CB Cooper DeJean
Best Value: LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Hidden Gem: WR Johnny Wilson
Quick Thoughts: Howie Roseman demonstrated his GM mastery with his drafting and eight trades to put together my top draft class. With a major need at corner, you cannot get much better than landing the Top two cornerbacks in this class. I expect both DeJean and Mitchell to be starting Week 1 for Philadelphia. Landing Trotter at No. 155 who I felt was a borderline Top 100 prospect should also pay dividends. Taking Clemson’s Will Shipley adds excellent depth to Saquon Barkley. Taking a flier on Wilson at wide receiver, who is a physical specimen, if the Eagles can fix the drops can add to the great depth with DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, A.J. Brown, and Devante Parker.
