Wow! Wow! Really? What just happened this past Tuesday at the end of the NFL Trade Deadline?
In the span of several hours, the NFL landscape shifted enough to affect this current season and significantly alter next year's campaign. Like most seismic shifts, we won't fully understand the fallout until the dust settles.
Well, this recent NFL dust up may not settle until well past February of next year. Enjoy this week's shake up.
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And we're using Tankathon.com's NFL Draft order.
1. Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Okay, you're Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions and you were hired to get better results than your predecessor, Matt Patricia. In two and a half seasons, the previous regime never generated a winning season (13-29-1). Sadly, Campbell's staff appears to be on a similar collision course toward ineptitude, compiling just four wins in 24 games played (4-19-1). Drafting a quarterback with the first overall pick may buy Campbell some needed job security, if not potentially more wins.
2. Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Georgia
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Anderson completed a bounce back performance against Mississippi State, registering nine total tackles and seven hurries with one sack. According to PFF, Anderson's overall defensive grade of 89.9 was a vast improvement from his ineffectual showing versus Tennessee (60.2). If Anderson is the real deal, he'll need to produce this week against rival LSU on the road, in Baton Rouge at Death Valley.
3. Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Panthers need stability with leadership at the quarterback position, and Young offers plenty of those traits when helming an offense. Currently, his team is listed sixth in the country according to the College Football Playoff rankings. Despite the setback loss to Tennessee, he's posting similar stats to last year's Heisman run. Entering the week, Young is completing 66 percent of his passes with 18 passing scores to just three interceptions.
4. Steelers: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Steelers' interior defensive line's average age is approximately 29.5 years, with their youngest player (Carlos Davis) having logged a total of 12 snaps on the season. Although preseason All-American and Outland Trophy nominee Jalen Carter was sidelined for a few games, he's returned in time to face off against top ranked Tennessee (College Football Playoff rankings). Pittsburgh scouts may be watching to assess whether or not Carter can reassert his stature as the nation's best interior defender.
5. Jaguars: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Jaguars are talented but struggle to produce sacks, especially from the interior of their defensive front. Bresee is an instinctive player who plays with leverage and above average strength. He is adept at slipping blocks and pursuing ball carriers with an unsuspecting burst and sustained lateral quickness. Bresee's ability to align as either a three-technique or five-technique defender, attests to the type of versatility he possesses and what many NFL coordinators likely covet.
6. Raiders: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Las Vegas gambled on the pass rushing tandem of Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby with embarrassing results. Combined, the two veteran stars have a total of six and a half sacks with Jones providing the half sack. Jones is an aging player (32 years old) who may be having a singularly bad year, or maybe the advent of a steep decline in his skill set. If Las Vegas maintains this draft positioning, possibly taking Murphy could instigate the youthful talent infusion the Raiders desperately need.
7. Buccaneers: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Yes, Hooker is older (24 years) than most potential pro prospects and will be 25 by the time the NFL draft commences. Hooker's age shouldn't bother the Buccaneers considering they've been rocking with Tom Brady, the oldest player in the league. Ideally, Hooker's maturation and experience should serve him well when acclimating to the demands of a professional athlete. Whether Brady returns for another season or not, Hooker possesses the athletic ability and astute leadership to helm a NFL offense.
8. Eagles (via NO): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
The Eagles recently traded for the edge rushing prowess of Robert Quinn, who last season tallied 18.5 sacks for the Chicago Bears (team record). However, Quinn and longtime Eagles edge rusher, Brandon Graham are unrestricted free agents well into their thirties age wise. Philadelphia may want to infuse its defense with a speedier more athletic edge rusher like Anudike-Uzomah. A long-limbed, yet powerfully built athlete, Anudike-Uzomah capably transitions from speed-to-power when pressing his advantage against overmatched blockers.
9. Texans (via CLE): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
To say the Texans struggle to score points would be overstating the obvious. Houston ranks 29th in points scored per contest (16.6) and fields an offense with statistics found languishing in the league's bottom third. Addison is an elite route runner and productive pass catcher who could become a consistent target for incumbent signal caller, Davis Mills.
10. Seahawks (via DEN): Isiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Foskey is an explosive long striding talent, who's immediate suddenness generally keeps offensive linemen off balance. Considering his compact muscularity and length, it's amazing how flexible his ankles are when bending and looping around blockers. Foskey's blend of power, speed, quickness and flexibility creates unease and indecision among linemen tasked to block him.
11. Cardinals: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Skoronski is arguably the best offensive lineman in this draft class and he routinely produces highly rated performances on a weekly basis. Technically sound and consistently productive, the only knock against Skoronski is the length of his arms. Some project him as a better fit at guard in the NFL because of his limited arm length, as opposed to left tackle where he currently out performs his competitors. Regardless of where he lines up, Skoronski's athleticism and varied skill set make him a day one starter.
12. Bears: Paris Johnson, OL, Ohio State
Chicago made some impressive trading deadline maneuvers, but still require a quality pass protector for its budding franchise quarterback, Justin Fields. Johnson is a highly intelligent and motivated athlete with incredible athletic attributes. Sporting an impressive wingspan (85 5/8 inches) and a thickly elongated frame (6'6", 315 lbs), Johnson aggressively staggers many defenders with his power punches. A load to handle on running plays, he's equally difficult to maneuver past on passing downs
13. Packers: Broderick Jones, OL Georgia
A back-to-back NFL MVP, Rodgers was sacked 30 times in 16 games played last season. So far, in just eight games this campaign, Rodgers has been taken down 17 times and pressured on 21.8 percent of his passes. Considering that 45 year old Tom Brady, with an injury afflicted offensive line is pressured 14.1 percent of the time and has thrown 66 more passes than Rodgers, drafting a quality blocker would be a good investment.
14. Lions (via LAR): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Ringo showcases sprinter speed (4.3 40-time) and at six-foot-two and 210 pounds, his ceiling projects higher than most of his draft class peers. Explosive and fluid in his movements, Ringo's loose hips allow for easy change of direction while shadowing receivers and challenging them at the point of reception. Detroit ranks last in the league in overall defense and 29th in generating interceptions, so focusing on Ringo seems like a no-brainer.
15. Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Colts are in a free fall from their preseason expectations and find themselves reassessing their team trajectory and assets. Over the past several years, the Colts chose to hinge their fortunes on the arms of Hall of Fame caliber passers, or discarded veterans with something to prove. If Levis is available mid round, expect the Colts to try a different tact and possibly select a promising quarterback with above average athleticism and untapped potential.
16. Bengals: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Porter Jr. sports prototypical size for a corner (6'2, 191 lbs) and enjoys mixing it up physically on the gridiron. Combative with receivers, Porter forced 19 pass breakups over the last 29 games played and as an ardent supporter against the run, he's totaled 111 career tackles . Porter is quickly becoming a recognized force in pass coverage and been named as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation's best defensive back).
17. Patriots: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Witherspoon performs on the field like a typical New England Patriot defender, playing with savvy aggressiveness and honed instincts. Assessing with patience and confidence, he is never in a hurry and almost always is in position to make plays. Currently, he's tied with Joey Porter Jr. for the most passes defended (11) in the Big Ten conference. His closing speed, high football I.Q. and concept visualization skills make him an intriguing prospect to NFL evaluators.
18. Commanders: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Simpson is the type of three-down linebacker that lines up anywhere on the field. So far this season, he's lined up on the defensive front, in the slot and defended within the box. His versatility is exactly what Washington could use to bolster a defense that ranks 30th in forced turnovers and 26th in passing scores allowed.
19. Falcons: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
In a surprise move, the Falcons traded season long, suspended star wideout, Calvin Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite Atlanta's current division leading position, the Falcons are still in rebuild mold and require a significant infusion of talent. Releasing Ridley opens the door for Atlanta to possibly draft another sturdy pass catcher, and Johnston is a physical receiver who can dominate opposing defenders.
20. Broncos (via SF): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Much like the aforementioned Falcons, Denver's subsequent trading of edge specialist Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins, essentially created a glaring need to be filled. Quick and agile for his size (6'6", 275 lbs), Wilson compliments his athleticism by utilizing his length (86 inch wingspan) to create leverage and manipulate blockers at the point of attack. Denver may discover a similar talent in Wilson minus the injury issues that plagued Chubb when he played in the Mile High City.
21. Chargers: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Extremely competitive, Phillips defiantly welcomes all challengers and generally rises to the competition level. Seven games into this season, Phillips snatched five interceptions having returned two of them for scores. The Chargers need help in their secondary considering the seriousness of corner back, J.C. Jackson's ruptured patella tendon injury. If the Rams draft the ballhawk from Utah, Phillips' versatility could thrust him onto the field on opening day.
22. Seahawks: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Sewell is a powerfully sculpted interior linebacker, whose size (6'3", 250 lbs) and strength enables him to ward off blockers while making bone-jarring tackles. He possesses the size and athleticism to man the inside and thrive in the middle of a crowded melee. This versatile hybrid defender is scheme friendly, and presents defensive coordinators with a plethora of formation options that would create mismatches in Seattle's favor
23. Jets: Antonio Johnson, FS, Texas A&M
Johnson's positional versatility makes him an attractive prospect for most NFL teams. His ability to line up as a slot corner, a nickel linebacker, or play either safety spot makes him a deceptive defender who keeps offenses guessing. His active mind matches an easy athleticism that can mentally and physically handle today's complex offenses. A hybrid talent like Johnson would be nearly impossible for New York to ignore.
24. Dolphins: FORFEITED
The Miami Dolphins forfeited one of their two first-round picks (plus a third-round pick in 2024) for tampering surrounding Tom Brady.
25. Ravens: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The LSU Tigers have developed some outstanding receivers who have flourished as professionals in the NFL ( Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham, Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase). Boutte is the latest Tiger displaying elite level athleticism and playmaking skills which should make him a coveted asset heading into the draft. In 23 career games, he recorded 15 touchdown receptions and has a SEC single game record of 308 receiving yards.
26. Chiefs: Jaquelin Roy, DL, LSU
Roy exemplifies classic attributes of a three-technique defensive linemen, ranging from his size (6'4", 297 pounds) to an explosive first step. Roy displays the upper body strength required to succeed at the pro level, but it's his initial burst that separates him from his peers. With the declining play from starting interior defensive lineman, Derrick Nnadi, Kansas City should seriously consider taking an ascending talent like Roy. An impactful player who can either collapse the pocket or sprint through it.
27. Cowboys: O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
When selecting players this far down the draft board, teams generally acquire individuals that shore up minor areas of concern. Dallas' offensive line is above average, but adding another quality lineman further insulates the offense from untimely injuries. Torrence works well in space and does an excellent job of attacking the second level of defenses with effective consistency. He's powerful enough to move the pile and mean enough to do so with practiced prejudice.
28. Giants: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Can anyone point out the lead receiver, a primary pass catching threat or alpha-minded number one wideout on the Giants' roster? I cannot and that's more the reason why New York should target a player like Smith-Njigba. Giants' fans would do well to remember his single game record of 347 receiving yards from the 2022 Rose Bowl.
29. Titans: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Eventually, rookie quarterback Malik Willis will be granted the opportunity to make the Titans his team. So, arming him with a tight end talent like Mayer could hasten the young signal caller's development. Mayer is strong enough to hold a block in order to fake a run play, then swiftly release into the open for a downfield pass reception. The Titans hope a gifted player like Mayer is available when they pick on April 27th.
30. Vikings: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Gonzalez is the type of elongated defender with elite speed that irritatingly sticks to receivers like a bad case of halitosis. His permeating defense is irksome to pass catchers, typically frustrating them into incomplete routes and dropped passes. Quick feet that move lithely, Gonzalez smoothly shifts his hips and weight with a balanced ease that receivers are unable to separate from downfield.
31. Bills: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Robinson's slip-n-slide, jump cutting prowess is so smooth and succinct, his efficient running style has many scouts salivating about his potential at the pro level. NFL evaluators are impressed with Robinson's entire repertoire as a complete running back. Aside from his instinctive running style and next level burst past flailing defenders, coaches rave about his pass protection ability and willingness to block.
32. Eagles: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
Joseph is a playmaking safety with ball hawkish skills, having picked off 10 passes in his last 28 games played. He can operate effectively in the deep middle portions of the field, or match up individually with move tight ends. His intelligence, athleticism, versatility and leadership qualities make him an ideal choice for any defense.