The NFL Draft is just one day away, and the air is thick with exciting rumors and speculation. With three elite quarterbacks at the top of the board, it will be fascinating to see how everything plays out. Of course, the NFL Draft never shakes up exactly how we envision it. Let’s delve into a potential scenario that we could see unfold tomorrow, with possible trades that may unfold as teams look to secure their preferred prospects:
1. TRADE: Los Angeles Chargers (from CHI) — QB JJ McCarthy (Michigan)
Here’s your blockbuster deal! The Chargers will acquire the No. 1 Overall pick in this year’s draft from the Chicago Bears. In exchange for the pick, Justin Herbert will be sent to the Windy City — thus sending shockwaves across the NFL. Jim Harbaugh would love to retool this roster with more financial flexibility. He’ll be able to do that after dealing the recently-extended Herbert to the Midwest. Now with the ability to nab a QB on a rookie deal, he’ll take the signal-caller he’s most comfortable with in McCarthy.
2. Washington Commanders — QB Caleb Williams (USC)
What a coup this would be. Washington is hitting the reset button. Flush with draft capital, Williams figures to be the centerpiece of this rebuild. We saw how popular an electric dual-threat QB can be in the nation’s capital (remember Robert Griffin III?). Williams might not be the athlete RGIII was — though his ability to throw the ball downfield is excellent. Expect Washington to add to its already decent corps of receivers. Finding a third guy to go along with Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin would help give the D.C. native a real chance at succeeding this fall.
3. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings (from NE) — QB Jayden Daniels (LSU)
The Vikings trade up here to take the third of the three top quarterbacks in this draft. Daniels is a fantastic athlete with real intangibles. Teammates love him, and he’s got the physical profile to be a very dynamic player in this league. You do worry a bit about his slight frame. There are also questions about whether the Southern California native can adequately move beyond a first read and go through his progressions. Daniels will enter a situation with two big-time receivers — Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. We saw how he did last year in a similar environment featuring two elite pass-catching threats in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.
4. Arizona Cardinals — WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
This is a no-brainer pick for the upstart Cardinals. Kyler Murray is entrenched as the team’s starting signal-caller for the foreseeable future. Harrison arguably has the most upside of any receiver in this draft. When you combine his pedigree and spider-like wingspan, you’re looking at a guy who eerily resembles a young AJ Green. Arizona would do well to stand pat, grab a franchise WR1, and call it a proverbial day.
5. TRADE: Denver Broncos (from LAC) — QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)
Zach Wilson was added to Denver’s QB room, but that doesn’t exclude the Broncos from discussions surrounding the top quarterbacks in the class. Sean Payton will leap up here and grab his guy in Maye. Teammates love him, and he’s got the physical profile of a guy similar to Justin Herbert and Josh Allen. Maye did struggle a bit versus better competition, and this past year was a bit of a step back from an efficiency standpoint. However, most scouts aren’t worried. UNC lacked real skill talent this past year. While Maye will go lower than many expect him to in this iteration, Denver will be doing cartwheels with a potential steal here.
6. New York Giants — WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Daniel Jones needs obvious help. Odunze gets the nod here over Nabers in a move that essentially is splitting hairs. Odunze is a bigger, more well-rounded receiver in comparison. He’s an excellent route runner — and has proven he has the deep-field speed to take the top off a defense. Odunze is also a high-character guy who routinely demonstrates real competitiveness. New York will love his style of play from the jump.
7. Tennessee Titans: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Tennessee needs a left tackle, and Alt is the best offensive lineman in this draft. The Chargers likely would nab him if they still hang onto their pick. However, in this iteration, the Titans grab a player at a huge position of need. Alt is gigantic yet nimble and impressively mobile for a man his size. He’s the type of guy you take, and watch become a multi-time Pro Bowler.
8. TRADE: Jacksonville Jaguars (from ATL) — WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Trevor Lawrence, meet your new best friend. In the wake of Calvin Ridley leaving for the rival Titans, Jacksonville needs a game-changer on the perimeter. Nabers dominated the SEC this past year — flashing the ability that made him the most explosive receiver in College Football. The twitchy athlete has insane first-step quickness, and often defensive backs aren’t even able to jam Nabers at the line of scrimmage.
9. Chicago Bears: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
With the three stud receivers off the board, Chicago essentially has its choice of two elite defensive ends (Turner, Laiatu Latu), a stud tight end (Brock Bowers), and a host of offensive linemen. We’ll go with Turner, a guy who was dominant within the SEC a year ago. Being an Alabama player, it’s easy to imagine Turner coming into the team as a well-coached, mature player. Possessing elite pass rushers is what every team desires. As such, the Bears will take who they deem as the best end in the draft.
10. New York Jets: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Aaron Rodgers will love his new security blanket. Bowers is the best tight end in this draft. Functioning similarly to an H-Back, you can see the makings of someone in the vein of Chris Cooley or Dallas Clark — except with better athletic ability. The more weapons Rodgers has at his disposal, the better.
11. TRADE: New England Patriots (from MIN) — OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
This isn’t a sexy pick. Those in New England will probably hate trading back when a potential franchise QB is sitting there for the taking. Fashanu is a very good player. He was dominant for Penn State this past year, and there’s no reason to think he won’t be a Pro Bowl-level talent on the professional level. It might help the team in the short-term, but passing on a guy who could be your QB for the next 10+ years will be a tough pill to swallow for some.
12. TRADE: Los Angeles Chargers (from DEN) — Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
It wouldn’t be a Jim Harbaugh draft without taking an offensive lineman. Fuaga was excellent with the Beavers in former head coach Jonathan Smith’s scheme. He can get to the second level with ease and also plays with some real power. From a cultural standpoint, Fuaga makes a whole lot of sense for the Chargers.
13. Las Vegas Raiders — CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Mitchell is the best player you’ve never heard of. Coming from Toledo, the Florida native possesses all of the requisite skills an elite corner would need. A fluid athlete in space, Mitchell would represent a MASSIVE upgrade for a defense needing a serious jolt of athleticism. You can never have enough talent in the secondary when playing in a division featuring Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
14. New Orleans Saints — OT JC Latham, Alabama
Latham’s draft range appears to be anywhere from 10 to 20. He’s visited with several teams and reportedly has impressed with his character. Latham has gone through the rigors of SEC play — meaning that his transition to the NFL should be a smooth one. The Saints could use some youth integrated into what’s been a strong OL group. At 6’6″ and 340 pounds, he can play both inside and outside in a pinch.
15. Indianapolis Colts — CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
The run of Alabama players continues here with Arnold. The talented corner is essentially battling with Quinyon Mitchell to be the first defensive back off the board. He was a true ballhawk with the Crimson Tide a year ago — picking off five passes en route to a very good season. Indianapolis is yet another team in need of some athleticism on the back end, and Arnold surely would help in that category.
16. Seattle Seahawks — EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
If Latu lasts this long, the Seahawks would be doing cartwheels. Latu is a West Coast guy through and through. Raised in Northern California, he briefly attended the University of Washington before transferring to UCLA. In two years with the Bruins, he developed into arguably the most feared pass-rushing edge in the country. A player with tremendous effort and bend, Latu should make an immediate impact. If he drops, it could be due to concerns over an old neck injury he suffered while at Washington.
17. TRADE: Atlanta Falcons (from JAC) — Chop Robinson, Penn State
Moving down could be risky for the Falcons as they may fall out of range for one of the top defenders. However, if Atlanta ranks the top pass rushers similarly, it could behoove them to move into this range. Chop Robinson is a worthy consolation prize here. The Penn State rusher would immediately be an impact player for Raheem Morris’ defense. And, he’s flashed ability as both a pass rusher and a run-stopper.
18. Cincinnati Bengals — DT Byron Murphy Jr., Texas
D.J. Reader is gone, leading us to expect an interior defensive lineman with this pick for the Bengals. Byron Murphy Jr. is the top defensive tackle on the board, though Jer’Zhan Newton from Illinois isn’t too far behind. Murphy gets the slight edge due to his massive build and ability to fill gaps as a run-stuffer. Cincinnati’s defense has been one of the few groups that has given Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs problems over the years. Adding a guy like Murphy Jr. will only add to Cincinnati’s trove of talented defenders.
19. Los Angeles Rams — EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
It could be any number of positions for the Rams here. Finding a replacement for the retired Aaron Donald might be tempting. Of course, no player is good enough to fill that void — especially a rookie. We wouldn’t completely rule out the Rams grabbing one of the QBs. Matthew Stafford is 36 years old and doesn’t have many years left. However, it’s probably best to maximize Stafford’s window and try to build up the defense. Jared Verse has double-digit sack potential and has the skill to massively outplay his draft spot.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers — OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Pittsburgh addressed the secondary and the QB position in the offseason, leading us to believe it will be spending a first-round pick to rebuild the offensive line. Amarius Mims is a mammoth of a tackle. The five-star recruit stands at 6-foot-7 with an enormous 7-foot-1 wingspan. He won’t be overwhelmed by the speed or size of opposing defenders. Mims boasts some of the highest upside of any offensive lineman in the entire pool.
21. Miami Dolphins — DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
Newton will likely end up being taken off the board after Byron Murphy Jr. due to size concerns. The Illinois DT is a bit undersized for the position but has significant tools as a pass rusher which could keep him in the league for many years. Miami needs some pass-rushing chops after seeing Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips have their season ended due to injury last year. Newton steps in as a difference-maker due to his ability to get to the quarterback.
22. TRADE: Buffalo Bills (from PHI) — Xavier Worthy, Texas
Make no mistake about it, Xavier Worthy will find his way into the first round. Speed is always in demand in the NFL, and Worthy ran the fastest-ever recorded 40-time (4.21) at the NFL Combine last month. The slight-of-frame receiver would be a perfect fit in Buffalo alongside Josh Allen’s rocket arm. The Bills haven’t had a true speed threat in years, and are obviously in need of a receiver following the Stefon Diggs trade. They manage one more trade to move up a few spots to secure the draft’s fastest player.
23. TRADE: Kansas City Chiefs (from NE via MIN) — WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
Sensing a run of WRs, the Chiefs make a move to get their guy. We see them keying on a player like Brian Thomas Jr. who can get it done in a myriad of ways. Thomas Jr. is a 6-foot-3 deep threat who runs a 4.33. Kansas City has fared just fine since Tyreek Hill’s departure, but could surely use another player capable of taking the top off of defenses. Thomas Jr. would thrive catching passes from Patrick Mahomes.
24. Dallas Cowboys — C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
We don’t see a scenario where the Cowboys don’t take an offensive lineman with their first pick. Longtime stalwart Tyron Smith is gone, and the line desperately needs some youth. In this spot, we can see them taking the top interior offensive lineman on the board in Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson. A rugged road-grader who plays with a chip on his shoulder, JPJ would bring power and grittiness to this Dallas group.
25. Green Bay Packers — T Troy Fautanu, Washington
The Packers are another team looking to replace a franchise stalwart at tackle. The team parted ways with five-time All-Pro David Bakhtiari this offseason after a few injury-plagued seasons. Given the overall talent of this roster, Green Bay has the luxury of selecting Bakhtiari’s replacement with this pick. Fautanu is one of the better tackles in the draft. He’s a monster in the run game and has some tremendous athleticism for a guy his size. Green Bay is forming an absolute juggernaut on the offensive side of the ball.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins is the pick here as a player who could develop into a true CB1. While he struggles against the run, Wiggins is more than capable of holding his own on an island against wideouts. His speed stands out on tape, as he fluidly gets in and out of cuts and rarely looks outmatched. A player of Wiggins’ caliber allows defenses to throw out different looks. He can play man, he can play zone, and he can even play off coverage and utilize his closing speed to make plays on the ball.
27. TRADE: Las Vegas Raiders (from ARI) — QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
This is a situation where the Raiders can have their cake and eat it too. Vegas skips on a QB with the No. 13 pick, but can’t resist trading back up into the first round to get their guy. Securing the coveted fifth-year option will go into the thought process here. Michael Penix Jr. has the requisite arm strength to push the ball downfield. He joins an offense that boasts talented pass catchers in Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Michael Mayer.
28. TRADE: Philadelphia Eagles (from BUF) — OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Philadelphia trading down and picking up a couple of picks does a few things. For one, the Eagles will still be in a position to select a player of need at No. 28. Additionally, they’ll be able to add depth with the extra draft capital they receive. We could see them going offensive line or cornerback at this spot. Tyler Guyton is the best player available between either position and could eventually become Lane Johnson’s replacement.
29. Detroit Lions — CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
The Lions would be doing cartwheels in their war room if Cooper DeJean is still available. This current regime has valued versatility and playmaking ability with their defensive backs. They crushed it last year with the selection of Brian Branch and will add another key piece in DeJean here. The Iowa product can play either corner or safety and is an absolute ball hawk who won’t turn 22 until after his rookie season ends.
30. Baltimore Ravens — WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
This is a perfect fit for both parties. AD Mitchell is an extremely gifted player. He has the size, speed, and route running ability necessary to excel as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. However, there are some reports that have called his character into question. No team is better suited for a player of Mitchell’s talents than the Ravens. Baltimore has never shied away from making a splash at the draft, and they won’t pass up a chance to get the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson another potent pass-catcher with this selection.
31. San Francisco 49ers — OL Graham Barton, Duke
San Francisco doesn’t have a lot of holes. However, if we’re nitpicking a bit, getting another young offensive lineman could be the wisest decision. Graham Barton is easily the best option on the board. The value here comes in Barton’s ability to play virtually any spot across the offensive line. He can fill several roles, and may not find his long-term position for a year or two. However, adding that sort of depth is invaluable for a team that has dealt with a number of injuries to its stars over the years.
32. TRADE: New England Patriots (from KC) — QB Bo Nix, Oregon
In our scenario, we see the Patriots expertly navigating through the first-round and eventually landing the final pick of Day 1. With that selection, New England finally lands its QB of the future in Oregon’s Bo Nix. Accuracy and athleticism define Nix’s playstyle as he truly emerged as a strong signal caller during his time with the Ducks. While he won’t overwhelm anybody with wicked arm strength, Nix has the potential to be a starter in this league for a decade-plus. Plus, Patriot fans will welcome even average QB play after watching Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe flail around aimlessly for the last couple of years.