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NFC Draft Mailbag to get an idea of where they are leaning
—Max
The Cardinals have been all over the place with their top-30 visits. In no particular order, they’ve met with edge defenders Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart, and James Pearce Jr.; defensive tackles Walter Nolen and Kenneth Grant; linebacker Jihaad Campbell; corners Will Johnson and Trey Amos; offensive tackles Kelvin Banks Jr. and Josh Simmons; and wide receiver Matthew Golden.
While some teams use these meetings as decoys, that list signals to me that the Cardinals are open to taking the best player available. Especially if that player plays defensive line, offensive tackle, corner, wide receiver, or linebacker. They may also be preparing for a trade—I could see them moving up if a player they like starts to fall, or moving back if they get a worthwhile offer and think they can draft one of the above guys later than 16. It’s all proper due diligence.
If I had to take a stab right now, I would say the three most likely choices if they stay at 16 are CB Johnson, LB Campbell, or edge Stewart.
—Kyle
I like where your head’s at, Kyle. I think you have a clear understanding of the importance of not looking at the first round in a vacuum and thinking about the combination of first- and second-rounders. This is a topic on the minds of a lot of GMs, and it’s why I think the offensive tackles will go off the board sooner than grades might indicate.
Atlanta has the second-fewest picks (five) in the draft, so Terry Fontenot should consider any opportunity to move back. I’m starting to get the sense that Will Campbell, Armand Membou, and Kelvin Banks Jr. will be gone in the first 13 picks, if not a little earlier. That creates a tricky predicament for Atlanta. Josh Simmons is up next, and he’s the most talented of the group, but there are some real maturity questions. Ultimately, I think they’ll go edge here if they keep the pick. They’ll likely have a higher-graded option—think Shemar Stewart, Mike Green, or James Pearce Jr.—than they would at tackle. I’m also hearing IDL Walter Nolen is on their short list at 15.
—Tyler
I think Walker is the pick at no. 8 if he’s there, and to your point, Carolina will need an upgrade at starting outside WR. Jalen Coker would be a really good WR3 moving forward, but they could look to bolster that room in Rounds 2 and 3. At pick 57, I like Tre Harris as a big, physical YAC guy. I’m also a big fan of Jaylin Noel and think he’ll be one of the steals of this draft with his 4.39-second 40 speed and exceptional route-running skills. While there may not be many good tight end options in Round 2, at pick 74, I would look at Terrance Ferguson or Harold Fannin Jr. as really reliable pass catchers who can create with the ball in their hands after the catch. Kyle Williams and Tory Horton could also be good options in Round 3 at wide receiver.
—Daniel
If I’m being 100 percent honest here, Daniel, I’m really starting to think all three of those players could be available when the Bears pick at 10. If that’s the case, I’m taking Jeanty. Put him in an offense with Caleb Williams and see what magic Ben Johnson can create for those guys.
If none of the three happen to be available, though, I like the idea of pairing Colston Loveland up with Cole Kmet. Johnson could cook up some really fun 12 personnel packages with that duo.
On Skattebo, I think 39/41 is too rich. I’d be much more interested in Quinshon Judkins at 41, assuming Jeanty isn’t the pick at 10.
—Landon
I hear you on the offensive line, but I think they're counting on Guyton’s development. I’m inclined to think Dallas targets OG on day two at pick 44 or 76. A couple of names to keep in mind: Donovan Jackson in Round 2 and Tate Ratledge in Round 3. If they do go OG here, I think it would be Grey Zabel. But again, I don’t get the sense that that’s the direction they’re heading in with this pick.
The popular pick seems to be Tetairoa McMillan, but if you follow me, you know I’m lower on him than consensus and think there’s a lot of smoke about him going to Jacksonville in the top five. If they are going wide receiver at 12, it needs to be Matthew Golden, in my opinion. His speed opposite CeeDee Lamb, his ability to adjust to the ball down the field, and his commitment to the game are exactly what Dallas could use in a no. 2 receiver.
At 12, Dallas is also right in the range of a second wave of edge rushers I expect to go after Abdul Carter and Jalon Walker, so if they think very highly of one over the others, this would be a great spot to grab a Mykel Williams, Mike Green, or Shemar Stewart.
—Devin
I like thinking outside the box, Devin. I really do. But I also recognize a window of opportunity when I see one, and Detroit is smack-dab in one, and it won’t stay open for long. I think they need to focus on the now more than they do the long-term future. This defense was ravaged by injuries last year, and depth on all three levels will be an emphasis in this year’s draft, especially with the talent available.
We have seven edge rushers and four defensive tackles that are projected to go in Round 1. I think at least one of those guys could fall to Detroit at 28. My guess is Brad Holmes will play the patience game here and see which one’s available. The tough decision for me would be between James Pearce Jr. and Donovan Ezeiruaku. Pearce is more talented, but Ezeiruaku fits Dan Campbell’s culture better.
—Michael
Great question, Michael. Quite honestly, you could make an argument that Green Bay has a greater need at corner given the uncertainty around Jaire Alexander, so that seems to make it an easy call for me, but I think Williams would be the choice here, and for good reason. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley runs a Cover 1–heavy, man-to-man-centric scheme, and Barron is a better fit for defenses that run more zone. Plus, if Green Bay takes an edge (Williams will likely be long gone, but Green or Pearce could be available) in Round 1, they’ll have options in the secondary in Round 2. Shavon Revel is 6-foot-2 with long arms and projects as a press man and zone corner. He’d be a first-round pick if he hadn’t torn his ACL last year. Another option could be Darien Porter, whose traits are most similar to Riq Woolen’s. Porter is a 6-foot-3 raw corner with 33-plus-inch arms and confirmed 4.3-second 40 speed, and as a former WR, he has really good ball skills.
mcshay-report.beehiiv.com
Arizona Cardinals
Hey Todd, you have talked about the top of the draft quite a bit (1-15), but was wondering if you had heard anything regarding where the Cardinals were leaning? I think in the latest mock you had Matthew Golden slotted in there, but I have seen a lot of the top 30s focused on DL and also heard some things about interest in Jihaad Campbell. Just curious about your thoughts!—Max
The Cardinals have been all over the place with their top-30 visits. In no particular order, they’ve met with edge defenders Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart, and James Pearce Jr.; defensive tackles Walter Nolen and Kenneth Grant; linebacker Jihaad Campbell; corners Will Johnson and Trey Amos; offensive tackles Kelvin Banks Jr. and Josh Simmons; and wide receiver Matthew Golden.
While some teams use these meetings as decoys, that list signals to me that the Cardinals are open to taking the best player available. Especially if that player plays defensive line, offensive tackle, corner, wide receiver, or linebacker. They may also be preparing for a trade—I could see them moving up if a player they like starts to fall, or moving back if they get a worthwhile offer and think they can draft one of the above guys later than 16. It’s all proper due diligence.
If I had to take a stab right now, I would say the three most likely choices if they stay at 16 are CB Johnson, LB Campbell, or edge Stewart.
Atlanta Falcons
Hi Todd! If the Falcons decide to stick and pick at 15, do you think they’d be better off drafting the best offensive tackle available and attacking their defensive line needs in the second round, given the depth at those positions compared to this draft’s scarcity at offensive tackle? Or would they be better off taking the best defensive lineman available at 15?—Kyle
I like where your head’s at, Kyle. I think you have a clear understanding of the importance of not looking at the first round in a vacuum and thinking about the combination of first- and second-rounders. This is a topic on the minds of a lot of GMs, and it’s why I think the offensive tackles will go off the board sooner than grades might indicate.
Atlanta has the second-fewest picks (five) in the draft, so Terry Fontenot should consider any opportunity to move back. I’m starting to get the sense that Will Campbell, Armand Membou, and Kelvin Banks Jr. will be gone in the first 13 picks, if not a little earlier. That creates a tricky predicament for Atlanta. Josh Simmons is up next, and he’s the most talented of the group, but there are some real maturity questions. Ultimately, I think they’ll go edge here if they keep the pick. They’ll likely have a higher-graded option—think Shemar Stewart, Mike Green, or James Pearce Jr.—than they would at tackle. I’m also hearing IDL Walter Nolen is on their short list at 15.
Carolina Panthers
Big fan of the pod and report! Thanks for doing this. The Panthers in my estimation are almost certain to go defense and likely Jalon Walker if he’s there at 8. But I wanted to ask about getting Bryce Young some more weapons to continue the run of excellent play he had at the end of last season. Who are some of your favorite day two/three WRs and TEs that would fit what Carolina needs?—Tyler
I think Walker is the pick at no. 8 if he’s there, and to your point, Carolina will need an upgrade at starting outside WR. Jalen Coker would be a really good WR3 moving forward, but they could look to bolster that room in Rounds 2 and 3. At pick 57, I like Tre Harris as a big, physical YAC guy. I’m also a big fan of Jaylin Noel and think he’ll be one of the steals of this draft with his 4.39-second 40 speed and exceptional route-running skills. While there may not be many good tight end options in Round 2, at pick 74, I would look at Terrance Ferguson or Harold Fannin Jr. as really reliable pass catchers who can create with the ball in their hands after the catch. Kyle Williams and Tory Horton could also be good options in Round 3 at wide receiver.
Chicago Bears
If Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, and Mykel Williams are all gone by pick 10, where do you think the Bears go? Also, is Cam Skattebo too early at pick 41? Would he make it to pick 72? Any love for him out there? Thanks.—Daniel
If I’m being 100 percent honest here, Daniel, I’m really starting to think all three of those players could be available when the Bears pick at 10. If that’s the case, I’m taking Jeanty. Put him in an offense with Caleb Williams and see what magic Ben Johnson can create for those guys.
If none of the three happen to be available, though, I like the idea of pairing Colston Loveland up with Cole Kmet. Johnson could cook up some really fun 12 personnel packages with that duo.
On Skattebo, I think 39/41 is too rich. I’d be much more interested in Quinshon Judkins at 41, assuming Jeanty isn’t the pick at 10.
Dallas Cowboys
I know a secondary pass catcher to play with CeeDee is probably the Cowboys’ biggest and flashiest need, but is the offensive line being overlooked? Tyler Guyton struggled as a rookie, the GOAT Zack Martin is gone, and Terence Steele seems to have more bad than good days now. Who would be a fit for them at 12?—Landon
I hear you on the offensive line, but I think they're counting on Guyton’s development. I’m inclined to think Dallas targets OG on day two at pick 44 or 76. A couple of names to keep in mind: Donovan Jackson in Round 2 and Tate Ratledge in Round 3. If they do go OG here, I think it would be Grey Zabel. But again, I don’t get the sense that that’s the direction they’re heading in with this pick.
The popular pick seems to be Tetairoa McMillan, but if you follow me, you know I’m lower on him than consensus and think there’s a lot of smoke about him going to Jacksonville in the top five. If they are going wide receiver at 12, it needs to be Matthew Golden, in my opinion. His speed opposite CeeDee Lamb, his ability to adjust to the ball down the field, and his commitment to the game are exactly what Dallas could use in a no. 2 receiver.
At 12, Dallas is also right in the range of a second wave of edge rushers I expect to go after Abdul Carter and Jalon Walker, so if they think very highly of one over the others, this would be a great spot to grab a Mykel Williams, Mike Green, or Shemar Stewart.
Detroit Lions
Curious if it would make sense for the Lions to draft Jalen Milroe at 28 if he is available. Milroe offers a ton of upside and would have the time to develop behind Goff. Is the cost of passing on defensive or offensive line worth it for a player with the potential of a Jalen Milroe?—Devin
I like thinking outside the box, Devin. I really do. But I also recognize a window of opportunity when I see one, and Detroit is smack-dab in one, and it won’t stay open for long. I think they need to focus on the now more than they do the long-term future. This defense was ravaged by injuries last year, and depth on all three levels will be an emphasis in this year’s draft, especially with the talent available.
We have seven edge rushers and four defensive tackles that are projected to go in Round 1. I think at least one of those guys could fall to Detroit at 28. My guess is Brad Holmes will play the patience game here and see which one’s available. The tough decision for me would be between James Pearce Jr. and Donovan Ezeiruaku. Pearce is more talented, but Ezeiruaku fits Dan Campbell’s culture better.
Green Bay Packers
If the Packers luck into a situation where my two favorite prospects (Jahdae Barron and Mykel Williams) fall to them, who do you think I should be rooting for them to get? It seems like a win-win.—Michael
Great question, Michael. Quite honestly, you could make an argument that Green Bay has a greater need at corner given the uncertainty around Jaire Alexander, so that seems to make it an easy call for me, but I think Williams would be the choice here, and for good reason. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley runs a Cover 1–heavy, man-to-man-centric scheme, and Barron is a better fit for defenses that run more zone. Plus, if Green Bay takes an edge (Williams will likely be long gone, but Green or Pearce could be available) in Round 1, they’ll have options in the secondary in Round 2. Shavon Revel is 6-foot-2 with long arms and projects as a press man and zone corner. He’d be a first-round pick if he hadn’t torn his ACL last year. Another option could be Darien Porter, whose traits are most similar to Riq Woolen’s. Porter is a 6-foot-3 raw corner with 33-plus-inch arms and confirmed 4.3-second 40 speed, and as a former WR, he has really good ball skills.
NFC Draft Mailbag! Answering Your Questions for All 16 Teams.
mcshay-report.beehiiv.com
