Needs: QB, LB, EDGE, OL, WR

No need for guess work here. WIlliams is the man to usher in a new era of Bears football. More importantly, he’s got the pieces around him — established wideouts and a rising offensive line — to actually thrive.

Williams’ game is so good the primary complaint about him is that he turns nothing into something too much. His improvisation skills put a dent in the amount he operated in structure at USC, but that’s something that can be trained away at the next level. What’s important is that he can find inches and turn them into yards.

Needs: OT, QB, EDGE, CB

Jayden Daniels is an electric playmaker whose 2023 looked like someone was playing NCAA ’25 with Baker Mayfield on rookie mode. Maye, by comparison backslid. But Maye has some Josh Allen in his game, a sturdy, big-armed passer who can crash forward with his legs.

His stability as a pocket passer may give him the edge, but it’s a toss-up between the two. Maye’s higher floor is appealing for a franchise that’s spent the last two decades in the woods when it comes to quarterbacks.

Needs: QB, DL, S, CB, OG

• Vikings send: 11th, 23rd picks, 2025 first round pick, 2025 third round pick

• Patriots send: Third overall pick

Are the Patriots locked into Drake Maye? Probably not. But if they get a godfather deal, this is a team that understands it’s not a proper environment for a rookie quarterback to thrive. So when the Vikings offer three firsts for the third overall pick, well, that’s a proper deal for a rebuilding franchise.

Minnesota uses the two 2024 firsts it acquired in order to trade up for a quarterback and doesn’t have to settle for J.J. McCarthy. Instead, they land an electric playmaker who can hit the ground running with Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson and Jordan Addison in his lineup. Everyone wins in this situation.

Needs: EDGE, WR, CB, LB, DL, IOL

It’s tempting for the Cardinals to trade back from No. 4. But if no acceptable trade is offered, Arizona will be just fine standing pat. Marvin Harrison Jr. fills arguably the team’s most glaring need and will be rain in the desert of Kyler Murray’s receiving options.

The question is whether he’s set himself so high above the rest of 2024′ class that the Cardinals would turn down any trade offer. Given the three-man status of this year’s top tier of wideouts, Arizona would likely be amenable to a slide back. Just not out of the top 10.

Needs: QB, WR, RB, CB, LB, S

• Giants send: Sixth overall pick, 2024 third round pick (70th overall)

• Chargers send: Fifth overall pick

The Daniel Jones experiment can end in 2025. But that year’s class of rookie quarterbacks is underwhelming, and it doesn’t serve New York to pick from a crop similar to 2022’s when Kenny Pickett was the first passer off the board. While the Giants could wait and see if McCarthy slips, trading up not only locks down their guy but keeps other teams from jumping the line.

McCarthy could start in 2024 or wait a year behind Jones. If Jones works out, New York has a moderately valuable trade asset. If not, it has a successor waiting in the wings. Losing a third rounder is tough, but sensible.

Needs: WR, CB, DL, IOL, LB, TE

• Giants send: Sixth overall pick, 2024 third round pick (70th overall)

• Chargers send: Fifth overall pick

Since this is a Jim Harbaugh joint, we can’t discount the idea of Los Angeles taking 2024’s first offensive lineman, then coming back in Round 2 for a running back to establish the throwback offense that was so successful at Michigan. But Harbaugh isn’t dumb enough to think he can survive without a viable passing game. The easiest way to upgrade that unit in the midst of a salary cap crunch is to find a rookie stud.

That’s Odunze, who can revive Justin Herbert’s deep game with his uncanny knack for turning 50/50 balls into a 75 percent proposition. His tracking and ability to high point balls gives him the edge here over Malik Nabers, but either would be a boon in Los Angeles.

Needs: CB, S, EDGE, OL, QB

The draft has unfolded perfectly for the Titans, who have plenty of directions in which to turn at No. 7. Quarterback and wideout are minor needs — Will Levis is replaceable, but this offseason has been predicated on getting him the kind of help that can lift him up and give him a true chance to prove he’s a franchise player.

Selecting Alt is the next obvious step on that journey. The Notre Dame All-American is a monster with NFL bloodlines. He’s quick laterally to shadow edge rushers and uses his long reach and active hands to deflect all types of moves at tackle.

Needs: EDGE, DT, CB, LB

• Colts send: 15th overall pick, 2024 second round pick (46th overall)

• Falcons send: Eighth overall pick, 2024 fifth round pick (143rd overall)

Indianapolis has largely languished this offseason, opting to run back a successful 2023 with a healthy Anthony Richardson. But Richardson needs help to fulfill his Josh Allen potential. Michael Pittman is a strong possession receiver, Alec Pierce is the deep guy and Josh Downs works from the slot. The Colts don’t have anyone who can do everything well. Until now.

A trade up gives Indy the leverage to select the final member of this year’s elite class of wideouts. Nabers has a diverse route tree, strong separation skills and reliable hands. He’s a jet pack for a stable receiving corps — and possibly the ignition Richardson needs to reach the stratosphere.

Needs: QB, LB, EDGE, OL, WR

Fuaga rises above the rest of the blockers here because of his ability to kick inside should Chicago opt to keep Braxton Jones starting at left tackle. He’s not a perfect fit, since he and Darnell Wright are both best suited at right tackle. but his aggression, athleticism and versatility make him too tempting to pass up.

Of course, Chicago would hope one of the top three wideouts would slide to No. 9, but the Colts cut the line by trading with Atlanta. Fortunately, Keenan Allen is town to mitigate the Bears’ need for an explosive young receiver this spring. Instead, they get another mauler who can keep Caleb Williams upright.

Needs: WR, S, DT, QB

Aaron Rodgers needs targets and blocking. Signing Tyron Smith helped assuage the latter concern. But the Jets’ passing game is currently a bottle episode with opponents set to double-team Garrett Wilson to oblivion (or a mere 1,000-yard season) and whatever remains of Mike Williams.

Bowers can help. Though the track record for rookie tight ends isn’t great, his athleticism and run-after-catch ability make him an asset for a quarterback who’ll turn 41 years old this season after suffering a torn Achilles less than a year ago. Bowers can play in-line or from the slot to bring much needed dynamite to an inert aerial attack.

Needs: QB, WR, OT, EDGE, CB

• Vikings send: 11th, 23rd picks, 2025 first round pick, 2025 third round pick

• Patriots send: Third overall pick

The Patriots’ slide back net premium draft assets. The mission now is to either find a quarterback the team can live with or create a better environment for whomever is throwing passes in 2024 and beyond. The top four passers are all long gone at this point; let’s focus on the latter.

Fashanu is a great place to start. The All-American can handle either tackle spot as a dynamic mirror to opposing pass rushers. His presence would help slide Mike Onwenu to the interior of the line where he works best. And, while he’s still polishing his game, the Penn State star has enough raw talent to immediately improve a questionable group of blockers.

Needs: OT, DT, TE, WR, EDGE, S

• Saints send: 14th overall pick, 2025 third round pick

• Broncos send: 12th overall pick

The Saints exist in salary cap purgatory, as is tradition for general manager Mickey Loomis. The only relief, aside from a slew of voidable contract years that extend the team’s misery, is to find low cost talent at premium positions. The easiest way to do that is at the draft — and New Orleans makes a modest trade up here to find their guy in Latham.

Latham can take over at left tackle (though he manned the right side at Alabama) and relieve the Saints the uncomfortable reality of having to rely on Trevor Penning. He has all the traits of a franchise tackle, is strong and mean and, with a little bit of refinement, could fix one of New Orleans’ biggest problems.

Needs: OT, QB, CB, WR, EDGE

Las Vegas couldn’t trade up for a quarterback. It’s too early to start thinking about Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. So Antonio Pierce falls back on what he knows and takes 2024’s first defensive player at pick 13.

Latu is an immediate impact player with the skill and tenacity to give the Raiders one of the best pass rushing combinations in the league. He’d make Maxx Crosby all the more dangerous by cutting off quarterbacks’ escape routes and introducing an extra dose of chaos to the pocket. He’s 2024’s most productive edge rusher after 23.5 sacks his last two seasons.

Needs: LB, CB, S, DT, WR

• Eagles send: 22nd overall pick, 2024 second round pick (50th overall)

• Broncos send: 14th overall pick (acquired from Saints)

The Philly secondary is flush with former five-star recruits from blueblood institutions — see Eli Ricks and Kelee Ringo. Instead, general manager Howie Roseman opts for a former three-star high schooler who only had one Power 5 offer.

Mitchell was dominant at Toledo and has proven his skills can translate at every opportunity. He starred at the Senior Bowl. He showed out at the combine. Now he gets to add youth, athleticism and lockdown bonafides to a secondary that will have to replace Darius Slay and James Bradberry soon.

Needs: CB, EDGE, LB, WR

• Colts send: 15th overall pick, 2024 second round pick (46th overall)

• Falcons send: Eighth overall pick, 2024 fifth round pick (143rd overall)

Atlanta slides back seven spots and still gets the guy it would have taken at No. 8. Turner was inconsistent at Alabama, but at his best he’s a Ferrari engine in a massive frame, crashing around edges to ruin opposing quarterbacks.

That’s wonderful for the Falcons, who had only 42 sacks in 17 games last season. Atlanta needs to inject young life into a veteran defense. Getting a top-two pass rusher is a great way to start.

Needs: IOL, LB, DT, EDGE

Fautanu’s flexibility is part of his charm. So while Seattle already has Charles Cross and Abe Lucas locked into tackle spots, they get to keep the Husky product in town in order to provide a mauler at guard.

Fautanu is an asset for a team with a pair of high-profile young running backs. He’s a punishing blocker who moves like a tight end to get out in space and smash linebackers. He’s also a steady pass protector with the arm length to fill in at tackle (or take over there) against NFL foes. He’s the kind of grit-and-grind player who could thrive under Pete Carroll and would thrive in Mike Macdonald’s Ravens-esque culture.

Needs: WR, OT, DT, EDGE, S, CB

Calvin Ridley’s departure leaves Jacksonville’s receiving corps with a handful of useful pieces but no alpha dog. It’s unclear whether Thomas can be that guy, but he has all the tools to get there.

He’s a 6-foot-3, 210 pound receiver with 4.33-second 40 speed and a knack for finding the end zone; his 17 touchdowns last season led all FBS players. The Jaguars would hope he’s the latest link in a chain of great LSU wideouts in the pros. And that he’s just what Trevor Lawrence needs to make the jump from good to great.

Needs: OT, DL, EDGE, WR, TE

Which side of the line will Cincinnati address here? Will the Bengals find a new right tackle to replace Jonah Williams? Or will they buttress their front seven with an elite defensive lineman prospect?

In this case, the chance to draft a top three defender is too much in a draft where solid blocking will persist well into Day 2. Murphy isn’t a space-eating tackle, but he’s an exceptional pass rusher from the middle of the line who can vacuum the room quarterbacks need to step up in the pocket. He’d be the kind of rising tide that would make Cincy’s 2024 revenge tour even more terrifying.

Needs: OT, OG, S, LB, CB

• Packers send: 25th overall pick, 2024 third round pick (88th overall), 2024 sixth round pick (202nd overall)

• Rams send: 19th overall pick, 2024 sixth round pick (217th overall)

Jordan Love’s breakthrough was exactly what the Packers needed. Now they have to sustain it in an offseason where several key linemen departed.

Mims is a raw talent with only eight starts in his college career, but the former five-star recruit has the ability to be one of the NFL’s top blockers. He’s a 340-pound eclipse whose pass blocking is ahead of his run blocking at the moment — a growing pain Green Bay can live with if it means helping Love reach his All-Pro potential.

Needs: OT, WR, CB, LB, S

Joey Porter Jr. worked out well as last year’s second round pick. While Donte Jackson could benefit from a change of scenery, it makes sense to have a young contingency plan in place. Particularly if Pittsburgh has its pick of cornerbacks at No. 20.

If the Eagles don’t trade up, this selection may down to Arnold or Toledo stud Quinyon Mitchell — the two cornerbacks competing to be the first defensive back selected. Arnold is younger and has slightly better closing speed. Mitchell is bigger and has faster straight-line speed. Either is a great selection, but the Alabama star’s track record of shutting down elite competition makes him the Steelers’ guy.

Needs: OL, DL, S, EDGE, CB

This offseason was brutal for the Dolphins, who saw talent depart on both sides of the ball. Restocking the offensive line that paved the way for the league’s most efficient rushing attack is important, but interior linemen will persist into Day 2. Only two more high-ceiling/high-floor pass rushers remain.

Thus, Verse gets to remain in the Sunshine State. He’s a wide-bodied outside linebacker who could immediately step into the team’s 3-4 rotation and serve as a valuable insurance policy of Jaelan Phillips can’t return to form after last year’s torn Achilles. This may not be Miami’s biggest need, but it’s a value that makes sense in the back half of Day 1.

Needs: QB, CB, LB, EDGE, S, TE

• Eagles send: 22nd overall pick, 2024 second round pick (50th overall)

• Broncos send: 14th overall pick (acquired from Saints)

The top 15 was too early to select Nix. But outside the top 20 and after picking up second and third round picks for their trouble? That’s an easier pill to swallow for a team with plenty of needs.

Nix is a hyper efficient quarterback who had a 45:3 touchdown:interception ratio last fall. He also had the sixth-lowest average target depth (6.9 yards downfield) in FBS. His deep game may not reflect his raw numbers, but he’s a smart quarterback who mitigates risk and puts the ball in safe places. The Broncos’ quarterback room is a disaster right now. Nix can help.

Needs: QB, WR, OT, EDGE, CB

• Vikings send: 11th, 23rd picks, 2025 first round pick, 2025 third round pick

• Patriots send: Third overall pick

New England’s quest to make its roster appealing to a new quarterback continues with its second pick of the first round. Mitchell is a frustrating mix of elite skills and middling production, but he saved his best work for his biggest games at both Georgia and Texas, starring in College Football Playoff showdowns.

He’d immediately take a spot toward the top of a weak receiving corps, being a big downfield target and, ideally, drawing defensive attention so Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry can thrive in the short/intermediate range. Mitchell will need the right environment to thrive, but the good news is he isn’t a Bill Belichick wideout pick, so he might turn out just fine.

Needs: OT, C, S, CB, RB, WR

This isn’t the flashy pick Cowboys fans might like. It’s a vital one, however. After an offseason where Jerry Jones promised to go “all in,” then largely watched his team bleed talent, Powers-Jackson would be a suitable replacement for Tyler Biadasz.

Powers-Jackson is built like a barrel and treats defensive tackles like a sitcom bouncer. He’d be an immediate stabilzing force for an offense in flux. He’d carve out space for whomever is taking handoffs next fall and, importantly, kinda/sorta give Dak Prescott a reason to stick around.

Needs: DT, DE, S, EDGE, CB

• Packers send: 25th overall pick, 2024 third round pick (88th overall), 2024 sixth round pick (202nd overall)

• Rams send: 19th overall pick, 2024 sixth round pick (217th overall)

There’s no way to replace Aaron Donald, who leaves a Hall of Fame void in the middle of the Rams’ defensive line. But Newton can replenish a depleted unit thanks to his ability to create the kind of problems that makes everyone around him better.

Newton is a beefy tackle who can swing out to end and use his power and quickness to replace some of the pass rushing reps Donald leaves behind. His ability to shoot gaps effectively forces double teams, which allows the space for his teammates to thrive.

Needs: EDGE, IOL, OT, CB, RB

Tampa Bay’s aggressive pass rush (a 40 percent blitz rate!) ranked only 21st in pressure rate last season. Shaquil Barrett is no longer with the team and Joe Tyron-Shoyinka hasn’t developed as the team hoped.

Robinson can pay immediate dividends for the reigning NFC South champions. His game boils down to one move, but hot damn what a move. No one in the draft explodes off the edge like he does. While that leaves more to be desired, it also gives him a stable floor as a rookie as he fleshes out his game to become a more well-rounded edge rusher.

Needs: EDGE, WR, CB, LB, DL, IOL

• Raiders send: 2024 second round pick (44th overall), 2025 second round pick

• Cardinals send: 27th overall pick, 2025 fifth round pick

Is Las Vegas really going to wade into Antonio Pierce’s first full season as a head coach with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew at quarterback? Especially knowing 2025’s crop of rookie quarterbacks will be vastly inferior to this year’s? It’s possible, but the Raiders pay a moderate price here to get Mark Davis the kind of electric college playmaker that’s typically sated the team’s draft needs.

Penix is undeniably exciting, but his pro career will hinge on just how much of Washington’s success was based on him and how much was the result of a stacked offense around him. He may not have the tools to be a franchise quarterback, but he has the vision and confidence to make big throws and take the right risks. He’s a worthy gamble.

Needs: WR, CB, S, EDGE

There’s a gaping void at wideout in Buffalo, and while trading up to secure a top five wideout would help, it would also chip away at valuable draft assets for a team with a tight salary cap and plenty of holes to fill. Thus, the Bills stand pat and get a shifty wideout whose separation skills should prep him for bigger things on Sundays.

McConkey was never a star at Georgia, but he was a reliable presence whose number could be called on third down for clutch yardage. He’s got top-level straight line speed but the selling point here is the crispness of his routes and how he uses body control to create space even amidst tight coverage. Buffalo still has a ways to go to keep Josh Allen thriving, but McConkey is a good start.

Needs: EDGE, CB, S, WR

Robinson doesn’t have the career numbers of a first round edge rusher, but that’s a feature, not a bug. He played his first three seasons at Missouri at tackle before shifting to end, leading to a breakthrough 14-tackle for loss, 8.5-sack 2023. He followed that up with a starring role at the Senior Bowl, earning first round buzz.

He’s a 6-foot-5, 285-pound powerhouse who is equally proficient at standing up blockers and stopping the run or shedding them and slicing his way to the pocket. While he lacks elite top line speed, he can put his hand in the dirt and devastate offensive linemen up front. He’d get the chance to thrive back in his hometown cleaning up the devastation Aidan Hutchinson wreaks.

Needs: OL, WR, EDGE, CB, S

Free agency was brutal on the Ravens, who lost a handful of vital cogs from last year’s 13-win team. That includes 40 percent of last year’s starting offensive line, led by new Detroit Lion Kevin Zeitler.

Barton played tackle at Duke and could fill in there with Baltimore. His full-time pro destination, however, is in the middle of the line. There, his power and quickness can shine without too much consternation about his reach. He’s quick, strong, versatile and the exact kind of high-floor prospect who thrives in Maryland.

Needs: OT, IOL, CB, EDGE

DeJean languished longer than expected on this board — it was a slow market for defensive backs — but that misfortune works wonders for the Niners. San Francisco has needs at corner and safety and picks up a high caliber athlete capable of handling both (and bringing some juice on special teams as well.

DeJean was the catalyst behind an Iowa defense that got the Hawkeyes to 10 wins despite the FBS’s worst offense (by a longshot). He’s physical, rangy, and an avid tackler who can play inside or out.

Needs: WR, OT, EDGE, CB

That slow market for defensive backs paid off big for both participants of Super Bowl 58. McKinstry has as much upside as anyone in his class, a former five-star recruit as the best cornerback in high school football and an NCAA All-American.

So why did he drop this far? His speed and acceleration is merely good, not great. He played exclusively outside at Alabama, which limits his versatility. But, on the other hand, he’s really freaking good. Which, huh, bad news rest of the AFC.

33. Carolina Panthers: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Needs: EDGE, CB, TE, DL, WR

34. New England Patriots: DL Braden Fiske, Florida State
Needs: QB, WR, OT, EDGE, CB

35. Arizona Cardinals: CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
Needs: EDGE, WR, CB, LB, DL, IOL

36. Washington Commanders: EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Needs: OT, QB, EDGE, CB

37. Los Angeles Chargers: CB Max Melton, Rutgers
Needs: WR, CB, DL, IOL, LB, TE

38. Tennessee Titans: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Needs: CB, S, EDGE, OL, QB

39. Carolina Panthers (via New York Giants): WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
Needs: EDGE, CB, TE,DL, WR

40. Washington Commanders (via Chicago Bears): CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Needs: OT, QB, EDGE, CB

41. Green Bay Packers (via New York Jets): OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Needs: OT, OG, S, LB, CB

42. Houston Texans (via Minnesota Vikings): IOL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
Needs: IOL, DT, S, LB, CB

43. Atlanta Falcons: LB Payton Wilson, North Carolina State
Needs: EDGE, DT, CB, LB

44. Arizona Cardinals (via projected trade with the Las Vegas Raiders): EDGE Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
Needs: OT, QB, CB, WR, EDGE

45. New Orleans Saints (via Denver Broncos): WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
Needs: OT, DT, TE, WR, EDGE, S

46. Atlanta Falcons (via projected trade with the Indianapolis Colts): CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan
Needs: CB, EDGE, LB, WR

47. New York Giants (via Seattle Seahawks): WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
Needs: QB, WR, RB, CB, LB, S

48. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
Needs: WR, OT, DT, EDGE, S, CB

49. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Kiran Amegadjie, Yale
Needs: OT, DL, EDGE, WR, TE

50. Denver Broncos (via projected trade with the Philadelphia Eagles via New Orleans Saints): WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
Needs: LB, CB, S, DT, WR

51. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
Needs: OT, WR, CB, LB, S

52. Los Angeles Rams: S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
Needs: DT, DE, S, EDGE, CB

53. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Junior Colson, Michigan
Needs: OT, DL, EDGE, WR, TE

54. Cleveland Browns: DL Kris Jenkins, Michigan
Needs: LB, DT, EDGE, WR

55. Miami Dolphins: IOL Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Needs: OL, DL, S, EDGE, CB

56. Dallas Cowboys: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina
Needs: OT, C, S, CB, RB, WR

57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OG Christian Mahogany, Boston College
Needs: EDGE, IOL, OT, CB, RB

58. Green Bay Packers: LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
Needs: OT, OG, S, LB, CB

59. Houston Texans: DL Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
Needs: IOL, DT, S, LB, CB

60. Buffalo Bills: CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
Needs: WR, CB, S, EDGE

61. Detroit Lions: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
Needs: EDGE, CB, S, WR

62. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Chris Braswell, Alabama
Needs: OL, WR, EDGE, CB, S

63. San Francisco 49ers: S Javon Bullard, Georgia
Needs: OT, IOL, CB, EDGE

64. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Needs: WR, OT, EDGE, CB