Re-Drafting The 2024 NFL Draft After Early Offseason Buzz
Have you ever bought something and immediately regretted it? Or the other way around where the purchase quickly proved to be so valuable that you feel like you got a steal?
Here, we'll be playing the NFL draft version of instant buyer's remorse or satisfaction by re-drafting the 2024 first round based on the early offseason buzz stemming from OTAs and minicamp. Also, existing/remaining team needs and any ongoing contract negotiations will be considered.
Since this is a re-draft where the picks will be shuffled, the order will be as it was heading into April 25, meaning any draft-day trades will be reverted. For example, the Buffalo Bills will have a first-round pick and are sticking at No. 28.
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams
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Original Pick: QB Caleb Williams, USC
New Pick: QB Caleb Williams, USC
There's no change up at the top of the draft as the Bears desperately needed a new quarterback and the former Trojan looked sharp during the Chicago's spring practices, according to CBS Sports' Dave Richard.
"There really weren't too many off-target throws from Williams save for his first interception, an ugly misread that went right into the waiting hands of Kevin Byard," Richard wrote.
"His only other pick was a late-but-accurate throw that linebacker Tremaine Edmunds leaped and snatched, and that was immediately followed by a terrific deep ball that traveled at least 50 yards into the hands of Velus Jones Jr., who had to wait for maybe a half-second to catch the ball at the front right pylon. Touchdown.
"Williams was predominantly on point with his accuracy, a clear upgrade over what the Bears previously worked with. His timing appeared to be best with [D.J.] Moore and [Rome] Odunze, though [Keenan] Allen seemed to catch up by the time minicamp ended."
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
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Original Pick: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
New Pick: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
There's no question that the Washington Commanders needed a quarterback during the draft after Sam Howell struggled last season and was eventually traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
While B/R's scouting department ranked Drake Maye ahead of Daniels on its final big board, Washington sticks with its pick as Maye struggled during rookie minicamp while the LSU product turned heads this spring.
"So much of the analysis is going to be based off these three practices and the kind of limited interaction," former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen said on the Locked On Commanders podcast, "and that's all we can talk about. But a lot of work happened behind the scenes, obviously.
"Think of that rookie minicamp and (how he) just kind of answered the bell right away. I think you saw the quick feet, you saw the quick release, you saw the accuracy, and it was something that we kind of knew was in the bag from LSU.
"We kind of knew that was there, but to see him work his progressions, see the footwork...to see it translate in that first practice was great."
3. New England Patriots: Joe Alt
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Original Pick: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
New Pick: LT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
As mentioned on the previous slide, while Maye picked it up toward the end of the New England Patriots' spring practices, he stumbled during rookie minicamp. Overall, his performance led NBC Sports Boston's Tom Curran to list the most likely scenario for the former Tar Heel this season as him getting his first start in Week 13.
While that isn't a terrible scenario for a rebuilding team, the Patriots have several other needs offensively, including at left tackle. So, in a re-draft scenario that is based on recent buzz, New England pivots to adding an immediate starter on the blind side to improve the supporting cast and opts to find its quarterback of the future next offseason.
Granted, the pads don't come on until training camp, but Alt appears to have established himself as a starter during OTAs, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper.
"In each of the first two open OTAs, the Chargers rotated the right side of their first-team offensive line. That was not the case Tuesday," Popper wrote. "First-round pick Joe Alt took all of the reps at right tackle. Trey Pipkins III took all of the reps at right guard. Jamaree Salyer worked exclusively with the second team at right tackle and right guard."
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4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr.
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Original Pick: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
New Pick: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
While three of the first four picks in this re-draft have been all chalk, it's hard to argue against this one. Harrison was widely considered the best player overall in this year's draft class when removing position value and, so far, he seems to be living up to expectations.
"When the Arizona Cardinals began their positional drills during the early minutes of their only minicamp practice last week, there was a new yet familiar face at the front of the wide receiver line," ESPN's Josh Weinfuss wrote on June 20.
"In just a few weeks, rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. has made his way from the back to leading the group, a role decided by the players and typically reserved for veterans or stars. It's an acknowledgment of how his teammates view him and a sign of what his standing is with the team that drafted him No. 4 overall in April."
Also, Arizona desperately needed help at wide receiver this offseason and doesn't need a quarterback with a healthy Kyler Murray back in the fold. So, sticking with the original pick is the best move for the Cardinals in this scenario.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers
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Original Pick: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
New Pick: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
With the Patriots taking Alt off the board at No. 3, the Los Angeles Chargers are forced to go in a different direction in this exercise. As long as Justin Herbert is around, the Chargers don't or shouldn't repay the favor by picking up Drake Maye.
So instead, Jim Harbaugh and company opt to add a versatile offensive weapon who appears to have picked up right where he left off in college.
"Brock Bowers could be seen doing a little bit of everything Wednesday morning," Raiders' digital reporter Levi Edwards wrote on May 29. "The tight end lined up in multiple spots in similar fashion to what he was accustomed to doing at Georgia, showcasing both his pass-catching and rushing abilities."
On top of impressing as a receiver in Athens, Bowers had 19 carries for 193 yards and five touchdowns as a Bulldog which is something Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman could certainly take advantage of in their run-heavy offense.
Also, while Los Angeles has a good blocking tight end in Will Dissly, it could use a receiving threat at the position, especially one of the two-time Mackey Award winner's caliber.
6. New York Giants: Drake Maye
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Original Pick: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
New Pick: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
This is probably a dream scenario for the New York Giants and general manager Joe Schoen. Heading into the draft, rumors swirled that the Giants were looking to move up to select Maye. But in this scenario, the franchise's quarterback of the future falls right into Shoen's lap.
Again, while the North Carolina product wasn't perfect during the spring, he did show some flashes as the practice sessions went on, according to Pats Pulpit's Brian Hines.
"With Maye working on his own field during 7-on-7 work, he took advantage of the increased reps with a highly impressive period," Hines wrote on May 29. "His best throws included a deep bomb fade down the left sideline to Tyquan Thornton and then a Cover-2 hole shot to JuJu Smith-Schuster which he fit in between two defenders.
"Maye had some other nice completions in the quick game and received recognition from Jacoby Brissett after one quick completion against pressure during 11-on-11s."
In New York, the former Tar Heel would likely play behind Daniel Jones to begin his career, similar to the situation he's currently in with New England and Brissett. But the Giants might be a better fit given that they have an established left tackle in Andrew Thomas. The front office would just need to find a go-to receiver without having Nabers in the mix.
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham
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Original Pick: OT JC Latham, Alabama
New Pick: OT JC Latham, Alabama
While the temptation to pair Will Levis with Malik Nabers certainly exists, the Tennessee Titans are ultimately best sticking with their original pick in this scenario.
The Titans were active in the wide receiver market this offseason, signing free agents Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd to go along with DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks. Meanwhile, their offensive tackles heading into the draft were questionable at best and Latham has been impressive so far in Nashville.
"He's built differently from mental aspect from most first-rounders I've been around," offensive line coach Bill Callahan said via ESPN's Turron Davenport. "He'll always do the extra. He's out here every day doing things to improve is craft. It's enjoyable as a coach. You yearn for players like that. He's obsessive about getting everything correct."
So, there's no need for Tennessee to go for the glamour position and add a player to an already strong position group when the trenches needed--and, to a certain extent, still need--plenty of work.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner
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Original Pick: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
New Pick: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
It's over two months later and people are still trying to figure out why the Atlanta Falcons used a first-round pick on the oldest quarterback in the draft instead of addressing a need. After signing Kirk Cousins in free agency, Atlanta is seen as the favorite to win the NFC South this year and the defense could use a pass-rusher.
Meanwhile, Turner has been receiving rave reviews in Minnesota so far.
"Turner has looked the part of an edge rusher, and all-field playmaker, that pre-draft evaluations suggested -- at least as much as anyone can before pads come on," ESPN's Kevin Seifert wrote. "The most notable moment came in a practice that was closed to reporters but was recounted by left tackle Christian Darrisaw.
"As Darrisaw described it, Turner put a spin move on another offensive lineman that was quicker than any of them had seen from four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, who recorded 87.5 sacks in eight seasons with the Vikings before signing a free agent contract with the Texans this spring."
Granted, the Falcons had plenty of options here as the top edge defender on B/R's final big board, Jared Verse, was available as well. However, the praise for the Alabama product appears to be higher and he was only a few spots behind Verse on the overall rankings while also being listed as the best speed rusher in the class.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze
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Original Pick: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
New Pick: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
It's pretty clear that the Chicago Bears set out to improve the team's offense early in this year's draft and wanted to pair new quarterback Caleb Williams with a young receiver. While the temptation is there to shake things up and have the Bears pivot to Malik Nabers, Odunze has reportedly already been picking up Chicago's offense well in OTAs and minicamp.
"Rome really impressed us in terms of his ability to grab concepts and really execute out there for sure," head coach Matt Eberflus said via Gabby Hajduk of the team's website.
"...I think that was really mature on his part to be able to actually discern and understand how he learns best. The part about being a good learner is knowing how you learn best. I think he knows himself really well. Very mature for his age. He's a wonderful teammate and he's going to be exciting to watch."
So, there's no reason to go in a different direction in the Windy City, especially since the Washington product received a slightly higher grade (0.1 points) as a prospect than Nabers on B/R's final big board.
10. New York Jets: Malik Nabers
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Original Pick (traded to No. 11 with MIN): OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
New Pick: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
As a reminder, there are no draft day trades in this re-draft so the New York Jets stick and pick with the 10th overall selection.
While Fashanu could end up becoming a good left tackle in New York for years to come, he'll likely spend this season playing behind Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. Meanwhile, the Jets have a 40-year-old quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and are in "win-now" mode, gunning for a Lombardi Trophy this fall.
So, they pivot to taking someone who can make an immediate impact and give Rodgers the first-round wideout he begged for in Green Bay. Also, it doesn't hurt that Nabers has been showing out so far for the other team in the Big Apple.
"Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers had an excellent day — by far the best we've seen from him in OTAs," The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll wrote on June 6.
"The No. 6 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft tallied two long touchdown receptions from quarterback Drew Lock in the 11-on-11 period and also made an impressive catch on a pass from quarterback Daniel Jones during another drill.
"...Overall, it was an encouraging showing from the Giants' top draft pick, who is expected to quickly become the team's No. 1 wide receiver."
11. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy
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Original Pick: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
New Pick: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
After the draft, it was revealed that part of the reason why Kirk Cousins chose to leave the Minnesota Vikings in free agency was because the team informed him of their plans to select another quarterback. So, it's pretty clear that Minnesota's brass was hell-bent on finding a long-term solution under center.
While Michael Penix Jr. is also availabe in this exercise, Penix has reportedly been up and down with the Falcons so far and hasn't received strong enough reviews for the Vikings to pivot away from McCarthy. Granted, it doesn't sound like the latter has been much better.
"The raw ability that McCarthy possesses has been striking to see firsthand," Dan Mizutani of The Pioneer Press wrote. "He already has shown he can fit throws into tight windows with relative ease.
"...The biggest issue for McCarthy has been his lack of consistency when either layering the ball to the boundary or pushing the ball downfield. That's not unexpected considering he's relearning his footwork under the tutelage of O'Connell and new quarterback coach Josh McCown."
So, the Michigan product appears to be inconsistent thus far, but that's okay for a Vikings team that is expected to start Sam Darnold to begin this season anyway. Plus, the 21-year-old has a high ceiling given his age, another advantage over the 24-year-old Penix.
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix
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Original Pick: QB Bo Nix, Oregon
New Pick: QB Bo Nix, Oregon
While Michael Penix Jr. is still on the board in this exercise, the Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton were reportedly very interested in Nix, referring to him as "our guy". Payton also revealed after the draft that he went as far as pretending to be interested in trading up to help ensure the Broncos land the Oregon product.
Others may disagree about the coach's and organization's evaluation of the quarterback, but Nix doesn't appear to be giving Denver any buyer's remorse so far.
"I'm told that he really has impressed," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter on June 16, "just beyond the normal talk about rookies coming along and playing well. I'm told that around traffic in the pocket with defensive linemen flying around him, he's delivered the ball calmly and accurately.
"I'm told that has stood out to the Broncos and he's shown a lot of maturity; those 61 collegiate starts have shown up. So, this is a long quarterback battle—[Jarrett] Stidham involved, [Zach] Wilson, but Nix has made an early compelling case. We'll see if he can ride that momentum going into late July, early August. Good signs so far."
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr.
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Original Pick: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
New Pick: Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Bowers is off the board in this exercise and the Las Vegas Raiders didn't get a chance to draft one of the top six quarterbacks in the class during the original/real draft. However, the Raiders were reportedly interested in selecting Penix, just not trading up for him, and he's available in the re-draft.
As previously mentioned, the Washington product hasn't been consistent so far in Atlanta, but he has shown a few strong reps that would be a welcomed sight in Las Vegas.
"In the three open practice sessions that have taken place in Penix's first two weeks, he's shown much of the same traits - a big left arm, flashes of brilliance, and some pretty severe overthrows," Falcon Report's Daniel Flick wrote on May 21.
"...Now eight practices into his Falcons career, Penix has oft shown the physical tools that instilled belief in the Falcons he can be the long-term answer under center. He's also provided several reminders of why Cousins is the starter."
Meanwhile, Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell have also been inconsistent for the Raiders, so Penix's ups and downs aren't much of a deterrent in this scenario. Also, the latter's big arm could give him a competitive advantage over the other two.
14. New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu
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Original Pick: OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
New Pick: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
The New Orleans Saints were looking to find a new left tackle when they took Fuaga during the real draft in April. While that could end up being a good pick, Fashanu is available in this exercise and is the better pass protector of the two. Also, the Penn State product has more experience on the blind side and received rave reviews in minicamp.
"Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke to reporters on Wednesday and revealed that Fashanu was highlighted in the team's meeting that morning for his impressive performance during Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice," The Jet Press' Justin Fried wrote on June 15.
"Fashanu has spent the entire spring working at left tackle, filling in with the first-team offense during Tyron Smith's scheduled off days. The former Penn State star has more than held his own with the starters when given the opportunity."
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell
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Original Pick: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
New Pick: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
While the early reviews on Latu have been good so far, this is a case where need takes over in the re-draft. The Indianapolis Colts have plenty of edge rushers on the roster but lots of questions at outside cornerback as the team is looking for starters at the position.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has always coveted corners who have good ball skills, and Mitchell fits Bradley's prototype with six interceptions and 37 passes defended during his last two years at Toledo. Also, it doesn't hurt that the former Rocket made a strong impression on his six-time Pro Bowl teammate during the spring.
"Great. A lot of great things, man," Darius Slay said of Mitchell via NBC Sports Philadelphia's Dave Zangaro. "Quick dude, got a quick twitch. I love his off-man. I'm real good at off-man, what I do.
"I watched his tape in college for a good minute. Some things that I'm going to help him with for sure that he asked me about already to do and that's my duty to do. I'm looking forward to helping him because I see a great talent in him. I'm looking forward to seeing him make a lot of plays for this organization."
16. Seattle Seahawks: Taliese Fuaga
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Original Pick: DL Byron Murphy II, Texas
New Pick: OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
While Murphy has looked strong so far for the Seattle Seahawks, the front office added Dre'Mont Jones and Leonard Williams in 2023 who play the same position. That might limit how much of an impact the rookie has this season and Seattle lost three starting interior offensive linemen this offseason.
Fuaga was drafted as a tackle and held down the edge in college, but he profiles better on the interior, according to B/R's offensive line scout Brandon Thorn.
"Overall, Fuaga has the size, power and run-blocking skills to earn a starting role in his first training camp at guard inside a run-first, play-action-based system," Thorn wrote in the Oregon State product's scouting report. "He also has enough quickness to play tackle in a pinch."
Also, Charles Cross and Lucas Abraham were in the same draft class and the Seahawks might have to choose between one of them when their contracts are up. So, this re-draft scenario would give the front office an internal replacement for Cross or Abraham when that time comes.
It also doesn't hurt that the Saints have reportedly liked what they've seen from Fuaga so far. Granted, the pads haven't come on yet.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold
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Original Pick (traded to No. 23 with MIN): WR Brian Thomas Jr, LSU
New Pick: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
This is another situation where need plays a major factor in the re-draft. While the Jacksonville Jaguars could use Thomas out wide, they have Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis for Trevor Lawrence to throw to. Also, this year's wide receiver class is deeper than the cornerbacks and the Jags could use another starting option at the latter position.
Additionally, the Alabama product had a strong showing in the spring, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard.
"Arnold has entered his first NFL offseason cycle with the confidence of a seasoned vet and has backed it up with his early play as he fights for a starting role," Woodyard wrote. "Arnold displayed his nose for the ball during team drills at mandatory minicamp where he matched up with Lions All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, even getting a pass breakup on Day 2.
"Arnold also picked off Jared Goff in a late-game situation during OTAs. Lions' teammate Derrick Barnes has already given him a nickname alluding to both his jersey number and ability to freeze out receivers. "You see it now, call him 'Sub Zero,' out there doing what he do," Barnes said of Arnold."
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Thomas Jr.
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Original Pick: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
New Pick: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
With Orland Brown Jr. and free-agent signing Trent Brown expected to start at the two offensive tackle spots this season, the Cincinnati Bengals clearly prioritized a player who can contribute down the line rather than immediately with their first-round pick. Using that same line of thinking but shaking things up a bit, the Bengals nab Thomas in this re-draft.
Tee Higgins is playing on the franchise tag and it feels like this will be his last season in Cincinnati seeing as he's been looking for a new contract for a while now and hasn't gotten one. So, the front office gets ahead of a need and selects his replacement who showed promise during the Jaguars' spring practices.
"It was first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. who flashed the most during the day," Jaguar Report's John Shipley wrote on May 28. "...Thomas made one impressive touchdown in the corner of the end zone in red-zone drills. Lawrence put the ball where only Thomas could get it, and the rookie receiver used his catch radius to haul it in.
"It wasn't the perfect day with one dropped touchdown later in the practice, but Thomas' speed and hands overall flashed a good bit on Tuesday."
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse
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Original Pick: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
New Pick: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
With Aaron Donald retiring, the Los Angeles Rams set out to restock their defensive line with several players to help replace Donald's production. While Byron Murphy II was an option here, the Rams got a good pass-rushing defensive tackle in Braden Fiske on day two of the draft.
Also, Verse has been as advertised so far in Los Angeles as second-year edge rusher Byron Young told J.B. Long and Maurice Jones-Drew on the team's YouTube channel that the Florida State product is "doing way better" than he did last year. That's high praise coming from a guy who had eight sacks as a rookie.
"Coming through OTAs, he's handling it like a pro so I can already see he's going to be really special. That's what I like about him," Young continued. "No lie, if you've been here so far, he's just handling it like a pro."
"...His get-off is insane, rushing the passer, every day just showing up, listening, being accountable. Me being a vet and him being younger, he's listening. He's just a guy that wants to learn. Every day I talk to him and that's what I love about him. He's a guy that's hungry. He's definitely hungry."
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims
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Original Pick: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington
New Pick: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
There are a few factors at play with the Pittsburgh Steelers shifting to a different offensive lineman in this exercise. While Fautanu lined up at tackle in college and is expected to hold down the edge in Pittsburgh, B/R's offensive line scout Brandon Thorn felt his best position is at guard in the NFL.
Additionally, the former Husky admitted he had a rough start during the Steelers' spring practices, struggling to adjust to the speed of NFL rushers.
Meanwhile, Thorn ranked Mims as the fourth-best tackle in the draft class and the best one still available at this stage in the first round. Also, according to ESPN's Ben Baby, the Georiga product has looked sharp so far.
"Mims took advantage of the first-team reps vacated by RT Trent Brown, who missed all but the mandatory minicamp," Baby wrote. "Mims will get time to work his way into the league as a projected backup.
"But so far, he has checked all the boxes for coach Zac Taylor. 'Consistently doing it over training camp and blocking people and being able to react very quickly,' Taylor said. 'That's the part that I'm excited [about] -- to see how he handles all that.'"
21. Miami Dolphins: Laiatu Latu
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Original Pick: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
New Pick: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Likely part of the reason why the Miami Dolphins used a first-round pick on Robinson is that their starting edge rushers, Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb, both suffered season-ending leg injuries in November and December last year. That could cause Phillips and/or Chubb to miss the beginning of the upcoming campaign.
So, Miami's front office was smart to add an insurance policy during the draft. However, Robinson is more of a project while Latu is more "pro-ready" and the latter has stood out in Indianapolis so far, per ESPN's Stephen Holder.
"The Colts are optimistic about Latu's chances for success as they've already seen some of the qualities observed in Latu at UCLA translate to the NFL," Holder wrote. "'One thing we noticed in the draft process was he's pretty polished,' defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said.
"Latu's array of pass-rush moves has been on display, but the next step is to perfect the countermoves that will also be necessary against the skilled pass-protectors he'll see in the regular season. Look for Latu to play in obvious pass-rush situations, which sets him up for potential high sack numbers."
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Chop Robinson
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Original Pick: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
New Pick: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
The Philadelphia Eagles were on a mission to improve the defense's secondary during the NFL draft, using the team's first two picks on defensive backs. However, Mitchell isn't available in this scenario, and general manager Howie Roseman would still have Cooper DeJean as a potential solution at cornerback.
So, Roseman goes with a trademark selection, restocking the defensive line with a project pass-rusher who is an elite athlete. Also, it sounds like Robinson is already making strides on one of his biggest areas of improvement as a prospect, his use of hands.
"With Phillips and Chubb still recovering from season-ending injuries, Miami will need its first-round pick to be ready to contribute to its pass-rush rotation sooner rather than later," ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques wrote.
"He's getting valuable experience during spring practice as Chubb and Phillips work their way back, but he's still evolving. On draft night, Robinson said he needed to improve his hand placement during his pass rushes; after an offseason of work, he said he has '100 percent' improved and has developed the necessary muscle memory at this point."
23. Minnesota Vikings: Byron Murphy II
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Original Pick (traded to No. 17 with JAX): EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
New Pick: DL Byron Murphy II, Texas
With draft day trades wiped away in this re-draft exercise, the Minnesota Vikings miss out on taking Turner to improve the defense's pass rush. However, the Vikings can still address their defensive line and upgrade the unit's interior rush, which was one of the team's biggest weaknesses last season.
Murphy was listed as the best pass-rusher in his position group on B/R's final big board as he can put pressure on the quarterback by collapsing the pocket and finishing the 2023 campaign with five sacks. The Texas product's scouting report listed several moves that he can develop and should be able to win with at the next level.
Also, he's been turning heads for the Seattle Seahawks so far, as John Boyle of the team's website notes below.
"While it will take years to fully assess a draft class," Boyle wrote, "one thing that is clear almost instantly is that first-round pick Byron Murphy II very much looks the part of an NFL defensive lineman, both in terms of explosiveness and speed, and also in a ripped physique that includes tree trunks for legs."
24. Dallas Cowboys: Ricky Pearsall
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Original pick (traded to No. 29 with DET): OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
New pick: WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
While the Dallas Cowboys could still take Guyton with the 24th pick, this re-draft is primarily based on buzz and ESPN's Todd Archer noted that it's "next to impossible" to evaluate offensive linemen with no pads on. Archer also stated that the Cowboys didn't do any 11-on-11 or 1-on-1 drills this spring, so Jerry Jones is going in a different direction in this exercise.
Meanwhile, Dallas is in contract negotiations with Ceedee Lamb where the wideout is currently holding out for a new deal. The problem is Jones and Co. also have Dak Prescott's and Micah Parson's expiring contracts to worry about which, potentially, could make Lamb expendable.
So, here the Cowboys get a potential replacement out wide in Pearsall, who performed well for the San Francisco 49ers during OTAs and minicamp.
"Pearsall has been exactly as advertised," ESPN's Nick Wagoner wrote. "The Niners have used him at multiple receiver positions in the offense and as a punt returner, which is probably his best ticket to touching the ball early in his rookie year.
"The team wants Pearsall to be able to step in anywhere in case of injury, and he so far has proved plenty versatile, according to coach Kyle Shanahan. 'We're getting him a lot of reps, getting a lot of different routes, trying all the positions and we've been really impressed with how he's started off,' Shanahan said."
25. Green Bay Packers: Troy Fautanu
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Original Pick: OL Jordan Morgan, Arizona
New Pick: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington
The Green Bay Packers were looking to upgrade their offensive line and find a potential replacement for David Bakhtiari at left tackle after releasing Bakhtiari during the offseason. That being said, head coach Matt LaFleur typically likes to "cross-train" offensive linemen during the spring to find the best starting five for the fall, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
That's what makes both Morgan and Fautanu good fits in Green Bay as they were college tackles who project better as guards in the NFL, according to B/R's offensive line scout Brandon Thorn. But the reason why the Packers pivot away from the former is Thorn ranked the latter significantly higher, IOL1 versus IOL7.
Additionally, while the Washington product did stumble out of the gates this spring, he picked it up towards the end of OTAs and minicamp.
"'Troy's learned a lot of the different techniques very quickly,' offensive line coach Pat Meyer said via ESPN's Brooke Pryor. 'The first couple days his timing was off because the speed of the game is different.
"Now we don't have any pads on yet, so nothing's going to be determined until we get into camp -- but his timing's much better in terms of his get-off and run game and his sets and throwing his hands and being aggressive with his hands and whatnot. He's improved tremendously from rookie minicamp to now."
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton
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Original Pick: OL Graham Barton, Duke
New Pick: OL Graham Barton, Duke
Heading into the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to find a new center as the position has been a sore spot for the team after Ryan Jensen battled knee injuries during his last two years with the club. While Barton doesn't have much experience in the middle of the offensive line and was primarily a tackle, he seems to be adjusting well so far.
"When I just mentioned [Barton's] name to Baker [Mayfield] today," NFL Network's Sara Walsh said on May 28, "Baker's eyes lit up. [the quarterback] said, 'He is a stud. He is built for this.' [Mayfield] said because he sees quick bursts out of this guy, [Barton] can be really fast and cover a lot of ground.
"[Mayfield] said [Barton] leverages his blocks and [offensive coordinator Liam] Cohen said basically the same thing, his size, his ability to do things. They are really fired up.
"This is not just saying what they should say about this guy, trying to build up his confidence. They are, I could see it in both of their faces when I asked about Bart, they are really excited to have this guy, and hope and believe that he is part of that puzzle piece to get the ground game going."
27. Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Morgan
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Original Pick: DL Darius Robinson, Mizzouri
New Pick: OL Jordan Morgan, Arizona
The talk surrounding Robinson has been rather underwhelming as most of the chatter about him during OTAs and minicamp has been centered around him learning and soaking in knowledge from veterans. There's nothing wrong with the rookie leaning on teammates, but in a re-draft scenario that's based on buzz, it leaves something to be desired.
So, the Arizona Cardinals reverse course here and stay within the state to address the other side of the trenches by picking up Morgan, whose versatility has stood out so far in Green Bay, according to A to Z's Wendell Ferreria.
"Jordan Morgan was a left tackle in college, but his first weeks with the Packers showed exactly how they want to develop him," Ferreria wrote. "During rookie minicamp, Morgan aligned at left tackle. Last week, his reps with the first-team offense came at right tackle. And now he had individual drills and team reps at left guard."
While the Cardinals spent a first-round pick on Paris Johnson Jr. last year to play left tackle and signed Jonah Williams in free agency for the right side, Williams is on a two-year deal that has a potential out in the offseason. Also, all three projected starting interior offensive linemen are entering contract years.
So, Arizona would have plenty of spots for Morgan to line up and his versatility would be a valued asset on the team's offensive line.
28. Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman
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Original Pick (traded to No. 33 with KC and CAR): WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
New Pick: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
The Buffalo Bills made a couple of draft-day trades that are getting wiped out in this exercise. That led to Buffalo falling out of the first round, but they ended up getting the wide receiver most people thought they would land heading into April.
There's no need to shake things up here as the Bills stick with the guy they took just five picks later in the real draft. Coleman has generated some buzz on social media with his viral interviews and, more importantly, he's already won over his new quarterback.
"[Keon is] a talker, I don't know if you guys knew that, but he's a very smart player," Josh Allen said via Bills Central's Kyle Silagyi.
"He's been getting in his playbook, he knows it very well already as a rookie. Constantly studying, constantly asking questions. He loves football, I think that's the first and foremost the thing that you learn about him, he loves this game, loves the nuances of it.
"That's fun to be around. You've got a guy that's young and eager—just turned 21—who has a lot to learn in this game, a lot to learn to be a good player in this league, but I think he has the tools necessary to do that and hopefully we can utilize his abilities."
29. Detroit Lions: Nate Wiggins
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Original Pick (traded to No. 24 with DAL): CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
New Pick: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Heading into the draft, cornerback was one of the Detroit Lions' biggest needs. That's why they traded up to select Arnold. However, that isn't an option in this exercise, especially since the top two corners in this year's draft class--Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell--came off the board before the 24th overall pick.
The good news for the Lions is there still is another first-round caliber defensive back available in Wiggins, whose speed has reportedly stood out to teammate Brandon Stephens. Additionally, the Clemson product received a good review from the Ravens' secondary coach Doug Mallory during OTAs.
"I think the first thing that stands out [is that Wiggins is an] extremely hard worker, smart [and] intelligent," Mallory said via the team's website. "When you see him out here on the field, he's got great length, and that's the thing; it's just hard to find corners that have that type of length and that can run like he runs.
"But he has great balance, body control, change of direction. He's been real sticky in coverage, and there are certainly a lot of things ... He's just like everyone else; [there are] a lot of areas that they need to improve, but he certainly has good traits to work with."
30. Baltimore Ravens: Edgerrin Cooper
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Original Pick: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
New Pick: LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
While the Baltimore Ravens needed a cornerback heading into the draft, Wiggins just slipped through their proverbial fings in this scenario, going one draft slot earlier to the Lions. Taking another corner could have been on the table but the Ravens lost Patrick Queen in the offseason, leaving the defense with a need for an athletic linebacker to fill Queen's shoes.
Cooper is cut from the same cloth and made a name for himself during Green Bay's OTAs and minicamp.
"Head Coach Matt LaFleur noted after the final minicamp practice that he called a play designed to fool or deceive Cooper in some way, but the second-round draft pick from Texas A&M didn't bite," Mike Spofford of the Packers' website wrote.
"'I thought for sure we were going to get him on (it), and he did a heck of a job,' LaFleur said. ...Cooper has made his assimilation to the NFL look perhaps easier than it's been as he's absorbed as much of new coordinator Jeff Hafley's defense as he can," Spofford continued.
"The first off-ball linebacker taken in the entire draft, at No. 45 overall, the 6-2, 229-pound Cooper showed his impressive speed during the spring. That's his most standout physical trait, particularly when called on to blitz."
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ladd McConkey
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Original Pick: WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
New Pick: WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
With the ongoing Brandon Aiyuk drama, the San Francisco 49ers were smart to prioritize a wide receiver in the draft. However, in this exercise, Pearsall is off the board and headed to Dallas, leaving San Francisco to look at another option.
McConkey is a shifty receiver who can create yards after the catch which is the type of wideout Kyle Shanahan typically likes. Also, the former Bulldog stood out this spring for the Chargers, drawing some good reviews from offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
"I'm very excited about Ladd," Roman said via Dawgs Daily's J.C. Shelton. "We know the physical traits - the speed, the quickness, the ability to change direction and catch the ball, make plays with the ball in his hands. But just how he's picking things up and how he works at it every day. It's just such a great attitude, his attention to detail.
"He's up in the coaches office late in the afternoons [and] early evenings, you know, trying to talk about a few things that happened that day and get clarity on it. Just those are the kinda things you look for and he's really displaying them. [He's] picking things up quick. ...I think he's a guy that we can definitely do some different things with."
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Paul
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Original Pick: WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
New Pick: OT Patrick Paul, Houston
While the Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver corps was lackluster last year and the front office likely saw some similarities between Tyreek Hill and Worthy during the pre-draft process, the Texas product hasn't gotten off to a good start in Kansas City.
According to ESPN's Adam Teichner, Worthy didn't practice much during OTAs and minicamp and was inconsistent when on the field. Meanwhile, the Chiefs also have question marks at left tackle. So, in this re-draft scenario, they pivot toward addressing the latter need.
Thus far in Miami, Paul has impressed his veteran mentor, Terron Armstead, as well as his position coach Butch Barry.
"I've had a short time with Patrick so far. I've seen some great things on the field, impressive for sure," Armstead said via Pro Football Network's Adam Beasley. "Got a lot to learn, a lot of areas to improve in, but you see it — for sure, you see the potential. You see why he's here. Smart young man."
"You can see that he's got great length and great athleticism," Barry said during Dolphins minicamp. "A guy that wants to learn, a guy that wants to be the best that he can be. I think that we have quality veterans that can really help in that. But he's got so much upside for us to work with, and we just have to keep honing in."
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