NFL Draft 2024: Day 2 Grades for Every Pick

The first round of the 2024 NFL draft was historic. Six quarterbacks came off the board within the first 12 picks, while the draft began with 14 straight offensive prospects.

Afterward, all 32 NFL organizations took a much-needed breather and recalibrated for the second and third rounds on Friday.

A few new teams came to play on Day 2. The Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans all drafted for the first time.

Going into the draft, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department gave first-round grades to 23 prospects. Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry, Illinois' Jer'Zhan Newton and Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson were among that group, and all three heard their names called during Day 2.

Beyond those three, a large swath of second- and third-round value came off the board, but there's still plenty for Day 3 on Saturday. Significant names such as Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson and North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson landed in ideal spots, particularly the final two with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bleacher Report provided analysis and grades for every Day 2 selection based on talent, fit and the team's decision-making process.

Strengths: Phenomenal ball skills, ideal X-receiver size and red-zone target, plays through contract as route-runner, catch-point and after the catch

Weaknesses: Lack true top gear, can round off routes, disappears for stretches

Keon Coleman initially looked like a future top-10 pick after he transferred to Florida State. But things went off the rails, particularly in the second half of the season.

Coleman originally played at Michigan State, where he led the Spartans in receiving during the 2022 campaign (over Jayden Reed, who became a second-round pick and standout NFL rookie). During his first six games with the Seminoles this past season, he caught 29 passes for 418 yards and seven touchdowns, with multiple highlight-worthy grabs. Over the final six contests, he had only 21 receptions for 240 yards and four touchdowns.

Granted, quarterback Jordan Travis' season-ending injury late in the year didn't help. Coleman and the Seminoles never got an opportunity to show what they could do on the biggest stage since Travis' injury robbed them of an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Things didn't exactly get better when the 6'3", 213-pound target ran an official 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. Conversely, he reached the fastest peak speed of any receiver during the combine's gauntlet drill, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Coleman's size, play speed and ability to make spectacular catches keep him among the class' most intriguing wide receiver prospects.

The Buffalo Bills chose not to trade down a third time. Instead, they selected Coleman at No. 33 overall. His size, verticality and special teams contributions make this an excellent value for a Bills team that had a major need at wide receiver after trading Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis in free agency.

The soon-to-be 21-year-old prospect is the perfect target for Josh Allen's big arm.

Grade: A

Strengths: Consistently works himself open at all three levels, quick and smooth change of direction, sells routes, reliable hands

Weaknesses: Easily tackled, not a physical target who is going to win jump balls or work through defenders to make tough catch

Georgia's Ladd McConkey isn't a pure slot receiver. He's not the next Wes Welker or Julian Edeman or Danny Amendola. He's a fantastic receiving threat who can be a valuable target when working from multiple alignments.

Two years ago, the 6'0", 186-pound target finished second on the national championship-winning Bulldogs (behind all-everything tight end Brock Bowers) with 58 receptions for 762 yards. The two tied with seven touchdowns grabs.

This past season, McConkey dealt with an ankle injury and played in only nine games. His overall statistics dipped as a result. Still, he has the top-end speed (4.39-second 40-yard dash), short-area quickness and a knack for getting open to make himself regularly available in the passing game.

While McConkey is more than capable of playing the slot, he spent 79 percent of last season aligned as an outside receiver, per Jacksonville Jaguars beat reporter John Shipley.

The Los Angeles Chargers started the draft by selecting offensive tackle Joe Alt instead of taking a wideout after releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason.

During Thursday's media session, new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said, "Offensive linemen we look at as weapons. When we talk about attacking on offense, offensive line is the tip of the spear."

While Harbaugh prefers to build a strong offensive line and lean on his run game, he also understood that his offense lacked legitimate weapons. So much so that the Chargers traded up three slots to acquire McConkey.

McConkey is an instant separator and can fill a similar role to what Allen did. The difference? McConkey actually has a top gear.

Grade: B

Strengths: Heavy hands, excellent athlete with basketball background, versatile along defensive front, violently stacks blocks

Weaknesses: Still building a pass-rush repertoire, can hold the point against doubles and down-blocks far more consistently

Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro is still growing as a football player.

Orhorhoro came to the United States from Nigeria at nine years old. He didn't play organized football until his junior year in high school. He once had dreams of playing in the NBA.

The 3-star recruit joined the Tigers program as a defensive end. He grew into a 6'4", 294-pound interior defender. He still has plenty to develop, particularly as a pass-rusher (12 career sacks in five seasons). But his potential to be a complete defensive tackle is abundant.

"I always joke with my teammates that I'm really a defensive end at heart," Orhorhoro told the Draftk Network's Justin Melo. "I try to work the same moves I used to work back in the day when I was smaller. It surprises me that I can still move that well. I move at a high level despite gaining weight over the years. I can move, bend, and dip. That's a big thing for me."

The Atlanta Falcons felt compelled to trade up and surrender a third-round pick to select Orhorhoro. That was problematic on three fronts.

First, Illinois' Jer'Zhan Newton is a superior prospect, and he's still on the board. Second, Orhorhoro doesn't provide a significant pass-rush presence. Finally, Atlanta paid a relatively significant price: the Nos. 43 and 79 picks for Nos. 35 and 186.

Granted, Orhorhoro has awesome traits. But he isn't a solution for what the Falcons could have immediately added.

Grade: D

Strengths: Strong at the point of attack, excellent hand usage, plays with leverage, ability to work half a man and shoot gaps, tremendous at shedding blocks

Weaknesses: Can be moved off his spot particularly when double-teamed, can be a tick slow off the snap

The 2023 season didn't go quite as planned for Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton, but that disappointing campaign doesn't take anything away from him.

The Fighting Illini won eight games and played in a bowl game in 2022, but they then lost stalwarts Devon Witherspoon, Jartavius Martin and the Brown twins to the NFL. Newton could have declared as a redshirt sophomore, but he chose to return to school for another season.

Newton was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American this past season, but he did so in relative obscurity since Illinois went 5-7. The 6'2", 304-pound defensive tackle also suffered a foot injury midway through the season that required offseason surgery, which he didn't reveal until the NFL Scouting Combine.

Still, evaluations are about traits and skill sets. Newton is a consistently disruptive force in both phases of the game, with 22.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over the last two seasons.

After seeing the Atlanta Falcons select an interior defender one pick earlier, the Washington Commanders stood by and chose the better value in Newton without having to give up any assets.

While they got excellent value here and deserve to be recognized for doing so, the Commanders could have used a left tackle prospect to protect new franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. They passed on an opportunity to do so, which could turn out to be a mistake.

From a pure addition standpoint, Newton will immediately enter the lineup and rotation with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. A disruptive interior force should now always be on the field for new head coach Dan Quinn.

Grade: B

Strengths: Big, strong hands, excellent catch radius, tracks ball extremely well, can play through defenders

Weaknesses: Lacks top gear and burst, doesn't provide enough as a blocker, gathers too much into routes

It's hard not to look at Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk and view him as anything other than a lesser version of former teammate Rome Odunze. Polk isn't quite as big or fast as Odunze and didn't produce at the same level in the same offense.

While Odunze went higher than Polk in the draft, Polk is a quality NFL prospect in his own right. After all, Justin Jefferson (Ja'Marr Chase), A.J. Brown (DK Metcalf) and Terry McLaurin (Parris Campbell Jr.) weren't necessarily viewed as the top targets on their collegiate squads. A prospect doesn't need to be his team's WR1 in college to be a critical component to an NFL offense.

Polk is a physical target who's extremely well-versed in working down the sideline and bodying off defensive backs. He isn't a speed threat, but he can provide a reliable target for a quarterback needing to work outside the numbers or the intermediate portion of the field.

The New England Patriots understood the assignment. They got new franchise quarterback Drake Maye in the first round. Now, they're building around their talented, young signal-caller.

Polk immediately gives Maye a big downfield threat to target. He may not be a burner, which is par for the course when it comes to Patriots wide receivers. But he is a capable playmaker who can help Maye make plays when everything isn't perfect.

Grade: B

Strengths: Huge, powerful nose tackle, wall at the point of attack, easily disengages from single blocks, presents some upside as a pass-rusher, specifically with bull rush

Weaknesses: Gives up his body to blockers too quickly, doesn't alway fire off the ball, gets worn down with a tendency to play high

In a world where the average incoming defensive tackle prospect is shrinking in size, Texas' T'Vondre Sweat is the outlier.

Sweat, who is the reigning Outland Trophy winner and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, tips the scales somewhere over 360 pounds, depending on the day.

"A lot of people are misinformed because I'm big," Sweat told the Draft Network's Justin Melo. "I move incredibly well for my size. They see 365 on the scale and it scares them. It never scared me. Don't get scared because it's a big number."

Sweat is a bulldozer when he's fully engaged, with the ability to get under offensive linemen's pads and walk them right back to the quarterback. He's hell to move at the point of attack, too.

How Sweat holds his weight in check, the effort that he provides on a down-by-down basis and what he provides on obvious passing downs will always be major concerns, just as they are with any massive nose tackle. Sweat didn't help answer any questions about his discipline when he was arrested under suspicion of driving while intoxicated in early April.

Clearly, the Tennessee Titans weren't overly concerned about Sweat's off-field issues. That might wind up being a major mistake.

Yes, Sweat can be a force in the middle of the defensive line alongside Jeffery Simmons. But it's surprising that his perceived maturity issues and concerns about his work ethic didn't seem to affect his draft status.

Grade: F

Strengths: Powerful enough to hold point of attack and explosive enough to be a consistent disruptive presence

Weaknesses: Lacks length (31-inch arms), which can be compounded by inconsistent hand play, tendency to get high through blocks

College football's semi-new open transfer rules are a boon to players who are capable of playing against a higher level of competition after previously being overlooked. They can up their profiles and increase their draft stock with standout play.

Florida State's Braden Fiske is a primary example of a MAC standout who transferred to the ACC for one year, thrived and tore up the predraft process. He now finds himself in a much better position than he was 16 months ago.

As a member of the Western Michigan Broncos, Fiske became a three-year starting defensive tackle and a second-team All-MAC selection. Upon joining the Seminoles, Fiske became a strong interior presence working alongside the highly regarded Jared Verse, Patrick Payton and Fabien Lovett Sr.

The spotlight shone brightly at the Senior Bowl, where Fiske basically became unblockable in one-on-one drills. He then posted excellent combine numbers with another stellar workout. Over the last seven months, the 6'4", 292-pound defensive tackle showed he can play up and down the line of scrimmage with the potential to thrive in multiple roles.

The Los Angeles Rams are coping with Aaron Donald's retirement. They selected Verse in the first round to provide some pass-rush punch off the edge.

The Rams sent the No. 52 pick along with a fifth-rounder and a 2025 second-round pick to the Carolina Panthers to jump up for Fiske. That's a steep price, even if Fiske can assume the role of 3-technique left by Donald. Those are impossible shoes to fill, though.

Grade: C

Strengths: Elite athlete, cornerback and safety experience, top return skills, excellent in zone coverage

Weaknesses: Transitions can be a little clunky, not as good with back to ball, less-than-ideal length

Perhaps the most anticipated workout of the entire predraft cycle happened later than expected.

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean was viewed as one of the 2024 class' premier athletes. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken fibula in November and couldn't work out at the NFL Scouting Combine.

At the high school level, DeJean was also a three-time letterman in baseball, basketball and track. His basketball highlights are wild. He also captured state titles in the 100-meter dash and long jump.

DeJean's athleticism transferred to the football field. He became a unanimous All-American, as well as the Big Ten Defensive Back and Return Specialist of the Year.

Even without months of predraft prep like other prospects, DeJean finally had a personal pro day on April 8, where he posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 38.5-inch vertical and 10'4" broad jump, according to The Athletic's Dane Brugler. The 6'0½", 203-pound defender is more than capable of holding up at cornerback in the NFL.

The Philadelphia Eagles continue to find exceptional value to rebuild an aging secondary. First, Quinyon Mitchell fell into their proverbial lap at No. 22 overall. General manager Howie Roseman saw another top talent sliding further than expected and traded up to acquire DeJean.

Initially, DeJean can provide depth at multiple spots. Ultimately, he and Mitchell can form a highly athletic cornerback duo to outright replace Darius Slay and James Bradberry IV.

This selection isn't quite a home run since the Eagles had to give up their other second-round draft pick and a fifth-rounder for this pick and No. 78. However, it's worth noting that DeJean landed 27th overall on the B/R Scouting Department's final big board.

Grade: A-

Strengths: Intelligent and athletic defensive back capable of covering top receivers while consistently communicating with teammates, moves well laterally with burst to drive on the ball

Weaknesses: Doesn't always trust technique and gets overly handsy down the field, lackadaisical in backpedal at times

When expectations are heaped on a prospect from the start, there's generally only one way to go. Yet Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry held his standard relatively high after entering the Crimson Tide program as a 5-star recruit and the country's No. 1 cornerback prospect.

McKinstry certainly didn't disappoint. He became a starter as a true freshman and turned into the team's top cover corner. The junior prospect is excellent in man-to-man coverage and leaves the program ranked behind only Patrick Surtain II, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marlon Humphrey, according to Pro Football Focus, all of whom have excelled in the NFL.

In most instances, that would indicate a high-upside player. With McKinstry, it shows how high his floor is as a prospect. He's going to come in and play cornerback at a relatively high level regardless of scheme or situation.

Teammate Terrion Arnold and Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell may have passed McKinstry on some boards along the way. But McKinstry discovered that he had been playing through a Jones fracture during NFL combine medical evaluations. Even with the broken bone, the 6'0", 199-pound defensive back ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at Alabama's pro day.

The New Orleans Saints saw Cooper DeJean come off the board at No. 40 and couldn't wait in hopes of McKinstry falling to them later in the second round. So, the Saints traded up four slots and gave up much less than the Philadelphia Eagles just did for DeJean. Meanwhile, the Saints selected the higher-graded player on the B/R Scouting Department's final big board.

New Orleans already has a talented defensive backfield with Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor and Tyrann Mathieu. But McKinstry was our 15th-ranked overall prospect.

Grade: A+

Strengths: Very good quickness in short areas, smart when it comes to play and route recognition, flies to the ball, wrap-up tackler

Weaknesses: Lacks top gear, doesn't always trust technique when working down the field, underwhelming ball skills

Young, talented recruits sometimes need to experience tough love before they can emerge as impact players. Kamari Lassiter admitted that he needed what he experienced at Georgia to prepare himself for the NFL.

"Georgia helped me mature in a way that I never thought I would be able to mature," Lassiter told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "From just playing football, they helped me understand the game in a way that I never understood. I understand situational football now. I'm able to talk football with GMs and coaches and everything. I'm sitting in front of you guys in a place that I didn't think I would be sitting a couple of years ago."

The 21-year-old is now better prepared than most prospects for the transition from college to the NFL after serving as the Bulldogs' top cornerback over the last two seasons. Lassiter's instincts and understanding of what's in front of him are important, because he isn't an elite athlete.

The Houston Texans saw what was happening with the current run on cornerbacks and spent their first pick of the draft on Lassiter.

Outside of Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans don't have a long-term cornerback on the roster. Jeff Okudah, Desmond King II, Myles Bryant and C.J. Henderson are all on one-year deals. Lassiter can immediately slot into nickel corner and provide the Texans with a starting option in 2025 and beyond.

Grade: C

Strengths: Explosive athlete, excels when he can see routes develop, inside-out versatility

Weaknesses: Questionable lateral movement, can be far more consistent against the run, high pad level

Rutgers' Max Melton was an interesting evaluation. His tape proved to be a mixed bag, while his athletic testing greatly elevated his status.

As a cover corner, Melton is one of the stickier options in the draft class when he wants to be. He excels in zone coverage and shows tremendous ball skills when he sees the play developing in front of him.

Melton also has extensive experience working as an outside and slot corner. However, he's tight in his backpedal, highly inconsistent against the run and often gives up too many easy routes.

The alluring part of Melton is his athletic profile. The 5'11", 187-pound prospect blew the combine out of the water with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, 40.5-inch vertical and 11'4" broad jump.

To the earlier point about some stiffness, Melton's change-of-direction times at Rutgers' pro day weren't as impressive. He had a 4.29-second short shuttle and 6.95-second three-cone effort.

The run on cornerbacks extended to four straight in the second round with the Arizona Cardinals choosing Melton. Interestingly, Arizona moved back eight slots, gained a third-round draft pick and still landed the most athletic option of the bunch.

With a quartet of Sean Murphy-Bunting, Garrett Williams, Kei'Trel Clark and Melton, Arizona now boasts a far better secondary than it had last season.

Grade: B+

Strengths: Massively powerful blocker, size belies quickness out of stance and athleticism to make any block, position versatility if necessary

Weaknesses: Too reliant on raw strength, upright playing style, can improve hand placement

Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson is unlike any other top center prospect.

Over the span of the last 15 draft classes, the average weight of the top center prospect came in at 308 pounds. None of them cracked the 320-pound barrier. Powers-Jackson weighs 328 pounds, and the extra weight doesn't limit his effectiveness. In fact, the opposite is true.

The reigning Rimington Trophy winner is a powerhouse at the point of attack, but he has more than enough lateral agility and athleticism to play well in a zone-heavy scheme, consistently get to the second level and play in space while locating and hitting moving targets.

Powers-Johnson is still a relative newbie at the position. He was already considered the best center in the nation, but he won the prestigious hardware after converting to the position full time this past season. Powers-Johnson previously bounced between both guard spots, some time at center and even a few snaps at right tackle. Oh, he converted to defensive tackle for a bit and made a start there during the 2021 campaign.

Despite the unorthodox approach to his development and his unusual size at the position, Powers-Johnson is an absolute load in the middle of a front five.

Few players come out of the evaluation process and appear earmarked for All-Pro status. The Las Vegas Raiders' first-round pick, tight end Brock Bowers, is one of them in this year's class. Powers-Johnson is another.

Yes, JPJ fell to the second round, which was mainly due to injury concerns earlier in his career. But he can be an absolute bulldozer along the interior for the Raiders. The rookie will almost certainly take over at right guard despite predominantly playing center in college.

The Raiders' surrounding cast is rapidly improving for whomever starts at quarterback this fall.

Grade: A+

Strengths: Sideline-to-sideline speed, quick trigger, can match up against tight ends and running backs in coverage, effective blitzer

Weaknesses: Plays out of control at times, compounds lack of bulk by playing upright against blocks, can get lost at times in zone coverage

Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper is the best of a bad linebacker class. Not a single linebacker prospect carried a top-50 grade from the B/R Scouting Department.

Despite the position class' lack of top-end talent, multiple prospects will find themselves contributing in the NFL early in their careers. Cooper leads the way as an athletic second-line defender who's comfortable working in space and playing downhill against the run.

Cooper is a long and rangy defender. He triggers quickly after making his read, often with violent consequences upon contact. However, that style of play causes him to over-pursue and get caught out of position at times as well.

Aside from the need to be more disciplined, Cooper has a long and wiry frame. He currently weighs 230 pounds after joining the Aggies as a 215-pound recruit. How he holds up physically when regularly playing in NFL boxes remains in question.

The Green Bay Packers traded down four picks, knowing that linebacker doesn't hold that much value in this year's class. However, the opportunity to land the top talent at any position with the 45th overall pick is good value.

Cooper can immediately line up next to Quay Walker to provide Green Bay with two rangy, off-ball defenders.

Grade: B

Strengths: Loose runner with good hip swivel, short-area quickness and long speed, can immediately shift into top gear, capable receiving threat

Weaknesses: Coming off major knee injury, impatient at times, marginal power and contact balance

Texas' Jonathon Brooks would be RB1 in this year's draft class had he not suffered a torn ACL during a Nov. 11 game against the TCU Horned Frogs. Instead, he's on the road to recovery.

"I'm just getting started to running," Brooks told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "The expected timeline [for a return] is training camp. July 1 or the start of training camp."

Brooks' ongoing recovery will slow his transition to the NFL, as he'll first need to get back into football shape and then will need time to regain his previous explosiveness as a runner. But he could be a potential long-term bell cow at a discounted price.

The 20-year-old prospect didn't even enter the 2023 campaign as Texas' starter. An injury to CJ Baxter in the season opener led to Brooks becoming the guy, and he took advantage by running for 1,139 yards in 10 appearances.

Much like the Edgerrin Cooper pick one spot earlier, the Panthers landed the top player at a devalued position in the middle of the second round. Brooks can be a special ball-carrier as long as he returns to form after his ACL tear.

The Panthers have now added a first-round wide receiver in Xavier Legette and a new RB1 to help Bryce Young. They clearly learned from the mistakes they made last year.

Grade: B

Strengths: Ball hawk, understand and drives on routes in front of him, quick to diagnose and trigger, mixes it up in the run game

Weaknesses: Marginal athlete who lacks top gear, slow to transition into deep coverage, take poor angles at times

Former Minnesota Gophers prospect Antoine Winfield Jr. is now a first-team All-Pro and one of the NFL's best safeties. Tyler Nubin was a better all-around player than Winfield was at Minnesota.

That isn't to unfairly place a high-end comp on Nubin. Instead, it's meant to provide context.

In four seasons at Minnesota, Winfield played in 33 games and registered 172 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, nine interceptions and six defended passes, although he dealt with injuries before his breakout final campaign in 2019. Over the last four seasons, Nubin appeared in 43 games and amassed 201 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 13 interceptions and 11 defensed passes.

The incoming All-American is a natural free safety/center fielder with outstanding instincts and ball skills. In fact, Nubin allowed a significantly lower passer rating into his coverage compared to Winfield in college, per Pro Football Focus.

However, Nubin is an inferior athlete, with multiple poor times in the 40 and change-of-direction drills. His natural feel for the game covers plenty of concerns.

In a fascinating run of top prospects at devalued positions, the first safety is now off the board to the New York Giants. Nubin can immediately slot into the spot left by Xavier McKinney, who signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency.

Grade: A

Strengths: Prototypical frame, long arms to affect passing lanes, strong upper body to control offensive linemen

Weaknesses: Stops feet on contact then loses leverage, lacks legitimate pass-rush moves, can be driven off the ball

LSU's Maason Smith entered the 2023 campaign as a projected first-round draft pick. He showed a ton of potential during the 2021 season, but he suffered a torn ACL in the season opener in 2022.

The 5-star recruit looked like a potential dominant force on his way to becoming a freshman All-SEC selection. He registered four sacks and showed enough athleticism to be a force as a base end or defensive tackle.

Smith didn't look like the same explosive athlete upon his return, though. He rarely made an impact, looked sluggish and often played too high. But flashes here and there harkened back to that potential that was so intriguing.

Between Smith's impressive 6'5", 305-pound frame, 35-inch arms and his pedigree coming into the collegiate ranks, he has immense upside, particularly in a draft class with multiple undersized defensive tackle options.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are selecting more the idea of a player than what Smith actually is at this point in time. They already signed Arik Armstead in free agency after the San Francisco 49ers released him, but their defensive line depth is thin.

Smith's lack of development this past season after a major injury makes this pick a tad rich.

Grade: D

Strengths: Powerhouse along defensive interior, explosive athlete, excels when playing the run

Weaknesses: Minimal pass-rush threat, slow off the ball, doesn't have best technique to handle double-teams

The hype for Kris Jenkins began before it was truly warranted.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic often drives interest in prospects by assembling an annual list of exceptional athletes. Jenkins was no different after appearing in the 2023 edition. Then-Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh further fueled that hype.

"He just keeps going and going," Harbaugh told Feldman. "He's No. 1 in our KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). He's over 300. He's the poster child for enthusiasm unknown to mankind. Watch him become a top-10 pick."

But Jenkins' caliber of play doesn't always reflect his athletic profile. A similar case jappened last year with Jenkins' former Michigan teammate, Mazi Smith. He got drafted in the first round, but he wasn't ready for the NFL, didn't start until late in his rookie season and struggled when he did.

Jenkins is powerful and stout against the run, but he lacks polish as a pass-rusher, plays sluggish at times and can disappear for stretches.

D.J. Reader's departure left a massive void along the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive interior. Jenkins has the size and strength to play a similar role, though he's much further behind when it comes to the technique and consistency necessary to eventually reach that level.

After taking Amarius Mims in the first round and Jenkins to start Day 2, Cincinnati is heavily banking on its coaching staff to bring the best out of its new developmental options.

Grade: C

Strengths: Tremendous feel for zone coverage, top-notch instincts, elite nickel defender, quick trigger against run, wide receiver experience

Weaknesses: Small frame, can struggle to bring down ball-carriers in open field, will bite on fakes

Aside from his 5'9", 182-pound frame, it's difficult to find anything negative to say about Michigan's Mike Sainristil.

"He's super smart and was the leader of a team that had a lot of great leaders and then won a national title," an anonymous NFL coach told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. "What's not to love? Well, aside from his size, but the guy just keeps showing up on film."

Sources went a step further when discussing Sainristil with Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline. They described his interviews with teams as "elite" and defined his football intellect as "genius."

The wide receiver convert has a natural feel for routes and the type of playmaking ability not often seen among defensive backs. While he'll be typecast as a nickel corner, the first-team All-American can provide snaps at outside corner and safety as well as wide receiver and returner.

Even with two second-round picks and names such as BYU's Kingsley Suamataia, Houston's Patrick Paul and Washington's Roger Rosengarten still on the board, the Commanders once again passed on an offensive tackle to protect Jayden Daniels' blind side. That's somewhat flummoxing.

However, Sainristil is an instant playmaker at nickel corner. It's difficult to completely bury the Commanders for their second-round choices when they've landed a first-round-caliber defensive tackle and the top player from college's football best defense this past season.

Grade: B

Strengths: Thick and powerful, vice-like grip to control defenders, wrestling background, moves well in space, three-time team captain

Weaknesses: Hand play can improve both off the snap and into contact, average lateral movement

Zach Frazier's collegiate career ended with a bear crawl followed by a hop to the sideline after he suffered a broken fibula on West Virginia's final offensive series of the 2023 campaign.

Frazier's response to the injury encapsulates who he is as a player: He's tough and willing to leave everything on the line for his teammates. At the same time, that iconic moment in Mountaineers history stunted Frazier's ability to shine during the predraft process.

Frazier missed practicing at the Senior Bowl, though he did attend to interview with teams, and he didn't test at the NFL combine. He readied himself for the Big 12 pro day and posted a 5.24-second 30-yard dash (1.81-second 10-yard split), 28.5-inch vertical and 8'4" broad jump.

The testing itself is almost inconsequential. It's that he pushed through his rehab to show what NFL teams will get upon drafting him. Frazier is a four-time state wrestling champ who plays with excellent leverage, and his bear paws lock up defenders. He's exactly the type of hard-hat-wearing leader that every team wants at center.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit two home runs in the first two rounds by selecting…*checks notes*...two offensive linemen. Other organizations may be somewhat disappointed with those unsexy selections. But the Steelers now have potential decade-long protectors at left tackle and over the ball.

Two rookies may start along Pittsburgh's front five this fall, but Troy Fautanu and Frazier are massive upgrades at their respective positions.

Grade: A+

Strengths: Immediate vertical presence, expansive target radius, flexible route-runner for bigger target, excellent ball-tracking

Weaknesses: Runs hot and cold depending on game/situation, poor blocker, inconsistent attacking the ball, lacked top-end production

Adonai Mitchell is the poster boy for potential vs. production.

Mitchell originally committed to the Georgia Bulldogs, where he never finished better than fourth in receiving yardage, even after starting as a true freshman. His sophomore campaign was ravaged by a high-ankle sprain, though he caught the game-winning touchdown in the Peach Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes and snagged another score in the National Championship Game against the TCU Horned Frogs.

As a 5-star transfer to Texas, Mitchell put together his most complete season yet with 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. But he still played second fiddle to Xavier Worthy as the Longhorns' top target.

Mitchell's athletic profile is the most exciting part of his game. He's a 6'2", 205-pound target with 4.34-second 40-yard dash speed, a 39.5-inch vertical and 11'4" broad jump. His relative athletic score compared to other wide receivers over the last 37 years is a near perfect 9.99, according to Pro Football Network's Kent Lee Platte.

The traits dominate the overall production in this particular case, with extreme upside once placed in an NFL passing game.Many thought the Indianapolis Colts would add a first-round weapon to help the development of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.

General manager Chris Ballard admitted that he offered a big deal to trade up for one of those elite targets, but it didn't happen. Instead, the Colts turned their attention to the class' top defensive prospect in Laiatu Latu.

Indianapolis just needed to be patient. Ballard even traded down a few spots in the second round, and Mitchell fell right into the Colts' lap.

Mitchell was viewed as a first-round possibility for multiple teams. His athletic profiles fits what Indianapolis likes, and Richardson now gets a new weapon to enjoy alongside Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce.

Grade: A

Strengths: Outstanding athletic profile, versatile, can grab passes outside of his frame, creates after catch

Weaknesses: Marginal blocker, struggles at point of attack, not crisp at top of stem

Ben Sinnott entered this past season as the favorite to be FB1, but he's far more than a fullback. He proved as much throughout his career at Kansas State.

First, the 6'4", 250-pound Sinnott isn't built like a fullback. He can line up in the backfield, on the wing, in-line and out wide, but his primary value is built upon being an offensive weapon like Georgia's Brock Bowers.

While Bowers was the clear TE1 in this year's class, Sinnott fared nearly as well as him in certain advanced stats. Bowers is known for his ability to create after the catch, but Sinnott ranks second among the tight end class in broken tackles+missed tackles per reception, according to Sports Info Solutions.

However, at this point, the Washington Commanders' lack of attention to the offensive tackle position is becoming, well, offensive.

Sinnott is a fine player, but his talents may be wasted in a Kliff Kingsbury offense that doesn't typically feature the position. Additionally, the Kansas State product had a Day 3 grade on the B/R Scouting Department's final big board.

Grade: D

Strengths: Consistently disruptive, quick first step and good lateral movement, displays power despite smaller frame

Weaknesses: Inconsistent pad level and hand usage, surrenders chest too often, needs improvement on reading keys

Aaron Donald changed the perception of defensive tackles. Even if an interior defender is undersized in a traditional sense, he can still be a dominant pass-rusher and run defender.

Ohio State's Michael Hall Jr. isn't Donald. That's an unfair comparison for anyone. But he can thank Donald and others like Osa Odighizuwa, Justin Madubuike and Kobie Turner, all of whom are highly effective sub-295-pound defensive tackles.

Hall did weigh 299 pounds at Ohio State's pro day after coming in at 290 during the NFL Scouting Combine. The Buckeyes official site listed him at 280 pounds. His actual playing weight likely falls somewhere between those.

Hall offsets his lack of bulk with his outstanding athletic profile. He ran a sub-4.8-second 40-yard dash at Ohio State's pro day and posted a 9.24 (out of 10) relative athletic score, according to Pro Football Network's Kent Lee Platte. These numbers confirm what's seen on tape–he's one of the nation's best upfield penetrators.

The Cleveland Browns didn't have a first-round pick, so they spent their first pick in this draft to further solidify their defensive interior. After years of neglect, general manager Andrew Berry went out and signed veteran Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Mo Hurst and Quinton Jefferson. He also drafted Siaki Ika last year.

Hall now provides Cleveland with a disruptive 3-technique who could potentially become a long-term solution.

Grade: B

Strengths: Massive frame and wingspan, powerful hands once engaged, strong anchor, will finish plays

Weaknesses: Lacks polish with angles and hand placement, not nearly as effective in run game

The primary job of a left tackle is to keep a quarterback's blind side clean when pass protecting. According to Pro Football Focus, Paul was the only offensive lineman in college to post 90-plus pass-blocking grades in each of the last two seasons.

The 23-year-old prospect is a three-time first-team all-conference selection with a 6'8", 331-pound frame and pterodactyl-like 36¼-inch arms. His size and length make him highly difficult to circumnavigate on the way to his quarterback.

However, Paul's technique is a work in progress. He has a tendency to overset or give up his chest, which NFL pass-rushers will exploit. Paul also isn't nearly as effective as a run-blocker. He'll get overextended and play over his toes at times.

Still, a team can't coach Paul's size, length and ability to keep a quarterback upright.

Paul enters the perfect situation with the Miami Dolphins. He doesn't need to be in the lineup right away. Terron Armstead, who turns 33 this summer, can mentor Paul, setting him up to start in 2025.

Paul's tools are far too tantalizing at a premium position to pass up, even if the Dolphins shouldn't expect an immediate return on this selection.

Grade: B+

Strengths: Surprising short-area quickness, powerful with long arms, effective from multiple alignments, motor runs hot

Weaknesses: Isn't much of a speed rusher, shows some tightness when cornering, needs to add a little finesse to his game

Edge-defenders can win in a variety of manners. Traditionally, NFL teams are looking for long and athletic defensive ends who can dip their shoulder, shorten the porch and flatten opposing quarterbacks. Not every option is built the same way, though.

Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland is a perfect example. Kneeland is a 6'3", 267-pound defender whose game is predicated on violence. He'll play through blockers, blow them up and still work his way to the ball-carrier. As a pass-rusher, his initial explosiveness can be overwhelming.

Statistically, the second-team All-MAC selection's career wasn't eye-catching. Kneeland managed 26 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks over his final three seasons in college. But his athletic profile and violent nature make him quite intriguing.

Kneeland topped all defensive ends at the NFL Scouting Combine in the short shuttle (4.18) and three-cone drill (7.02). He can play all over the front seven and create havoc in small areas.

The Dallas Cowboys continue to build in the trenches after adding offensive tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round. Guyton is expected to replace veteran Tyron Smith at left tackle. Kneeland is a little different.

The Cowboys have two exceptional edge defenders in Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence. Parsons can be moved all around the field, though, and Lawrence is a free agent after this season. Meanwhile, Dorace Armstrong, who finished second on the team with 7.5 sacks last season, left in free agency.

Kneeland should provide Dallas with quality depth at the onset of his NFL career.

Grade: C+

Strengths: Long-armed edge with speed to threaten offensive tackles, multiple moves in pass-rush repertoire, flexibility to turn corner

Weaknesses: More of a straight-line pass-rusher, lacks size and strength to consistently hold up at point of attack

Chris Braswell is used to being overlooked. After all, he spent his entire collegiate career at Alabama being overshadowed by Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner.

But the senior prospect continued to improve and carve out a bigger role with each passing season.

"I always knew I could play at a high level," Braswell told The Draft Network's Justin Melo. "I had some talented guys in front of me. We all learned from each other. I eventually made the most of my opportunity. I was excited to showcase my talents on the field."

He did so with 10.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three forced fumbles this past season. Although Turner was named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Braswell brings some juice off the edge himself.

Braswell posted a 4.60-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. The 6'3", 251-pound defender understands how to convert speed to power as well.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found gold in last year's third round by selecting edge-defender YaYa Diaby, who went on to lead the team with 7.5 sacks in 2023. Conversely, 2021 first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has mostly been a disappointment.

With Shaquil Barrett no longer in Tampa Bay, Braswell can come in and challenge both of the team's young edge-rushers. He could possibly push Tryon-Shoyinka off the roster since the Washington product is on the last year of his rookie deal.

Grade: C

Strengths: Backfield flexibility, slot standout, cornerback-like ball skills, understands routes in front of him

Weaknesses: Lacks length and some fluidity throughout transitions, physical but not necessary a consistent finisher

Javon Bullard originally committed to the Georgia Bulldogs as a 3-star cornerback. But his versatility and physicality set him apart from other prospects.

Bullard is listed as a safety, but he's excellent when working from the slot. During the 2022 regular season, he graded as the third-best defensive back in slot coverage, per Pro Football Focus. Last season, the two-time national champion allowed the fourth-lowest passer rating into slot coverage, according to CFB Home.

"I play defense. I don't play just defensive back," Bullard said during an NFL Network interview. "I play defense. I'll line up anywhere you want me to play."

Don't mistake the 5'11", 198-pound Bullard as an undersized cornerback convert who's incapable of handling the rigors of playing safety on a full-time basis, though.

"I feel like this game should be played one way," he said. "If you aren't up to playing that way, you shouldn't be playing this game. Physicality is a huge part of this game. I embrace that. … I love that part of my game."

The Green Bay Packers were destined to shake up their secondary during this year's draft. Bullard is the primary addition to play nickel corner and can be a complementary piece to Xavier McKinney at safety.

Grade: B

Strengths: Bulldozer in run game, long arms with heavy hands, good initial set and angles

Weaknesses: Struggles to readjust after initial set, wide hands, slow off the snap

Notre Dame left Joe Alt may have been the top offensive line prospect in this year's NFL draft class, but the Fighting Irish featured another standout at right tackle.

Blake Fisher isn't nearly as polished or athletic as Alt, but the 21-year-old still boasts significant upside as a potential long-term NFL starter.

Fisher was the first true freshman to start at left tackle at Notre Dame, but he suffered a torn meniscus in the season opener. Upon his return, Alt had secured the blind side, and Fisher took over at right tackle, where he started 25 consecutive games.

Right now, his skill set is much stronger in the run game than it is as a pass protector. In fact, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman benched Fisher during an Oct. 7 loss to the Louisville Cardinals after he got "beat repeatedly," according to Pete Sampson of The Athletic.

The Houston Texans' selection of Fisher is fascinating since they're already set at offensive tackle with Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard. The latter could potentially slide to guard whenever the 21-year-old prospect is ready to take over at right tackle, though.

Grade: C

Strengths: Elite play speed, versed in multiple roles, communicative, instinctive, reliable tackler

Weaknesses: Lacks length, can get caught in traffic, overaggressive in zone coverage and against run

The Utah Utes have consistently fielded one of the nation's best defenses since Kyle Whittingham ascended to head coach in 2005. A total of 32 Utah defenders have been drafted since that point. Safety Cole Bishop is the highest-rated option from this year's crop.

Bishop is one of those defenders who could be found flying all over the field during any Utes game. It's because he's such an excellent and instinctive athlete.

The 6'2", 206-pound defender posted an eye-popping 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, to the surprise of many. According to Pro Football Network's Kent Lee Platte, Bishop is the 15th-most athletic safety coming into the league since 1987.

More importantly, Bishop's workout numbers translate to the field. He can be used in multiple roles depending on the system. He's going to close ground quickly, whether he's playing deep, in the box or blitzing a quarterback.

Bishop can immediately enter the Buffalo Bills' lineup and make an impact. As they transition away from their long-standing safety duo in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, the incoming rookie can provide a solution to what previously looked like a transitional phase.

Grade: A

Strengths: Tone-setting physicality, will jam and harass receivers at line of scrimmage, very comfortable in zone coverage

Weaknesses: Thin frame, too handsy when in phase, injury history

Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw III may be only 183 pounds, but he plays the game like a junkyard dog.

Rakestraw isn't afraid to take on blocks, play through them and arrive at the ball-carrier with intent to ruin that person's day. Defenders with Rakestraw's build rarely play as physically as he does.

Smaller-bodied players tend to break down when playing such a physical brand of football. Rakestraw does have a concerning injury history, but his two biggest issues weren't contact related. In 2021, he suffered a torn ACL. Last season, a lingering groin injury that eventually required surgery hampered his campaign and predraft prep.

"I still feel like there's a lot of things I can't do," Rakestraw told reporters in March. "I can't push out. I can't show the explosion that I've got right now. Like, I keep saying back to the drawing board. I was just cut open a couple of months ago. Everybody wasn't cut open. They're 100 percent."

Beyond the injuries, questions about his coverage down the field remain.

If there was one prospect in this year's draft who fits the Detroit Lions' personality as a knee-biting defender, Rakestraw is that guy.

The Lions have done an exceptional job revamping their secondary this offseason. Detroit traded for Carlton Davis III prior to the draft, then traded up in the first round to select Terrion Arnold in the first round. Rakestraw gives them yet another upgrade.

Grade: A

Strengths: Quickness out of his snap to hit his spots, good athlete to mirror top pass-rushers, plays with balance to recover, handles defensive movement

Weaknesses: play strength can improve, will get overaggressive in his pass sets

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. attempted more passes (555) than any other FBS quarterback last season. Defenses sacked him a total of 11 times.

The Huskies were rightly awarded the Joe Moore Award for the nation's best offensive line, which had plenty to do with the squad's offensive tackles.

On the left side, Troy Fautanu was a dancing bear well-deserving of a high first-round grade. At right tackle, Roger Rosengarten didn't receive the same recognition, but he was a vital part of the unit's success. The underclassman didn't allow a single sack and conceded only two quarterback hits across 610 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.

Rosengarten's biggest asset is his ability to recover thanks to his outstanding athleticism. The 21-year-old prospect can be erratic with his technique, but he was able to overcome some situations at Washington because he moves extremely well. So well, in fact, that he'll get a look at playing on either side. He'll need to become more consistent at the NFL level, though that should come with time and top-notch coaching.

The Baltimore Ravens decided to pass on an offensive lineman in the first round despite having major needs at multiple positions up front. We gave them a harsh grade accordingly.

However, the addition of Rosengarten helps make up for that decision. Rosengarten can immediately slot into the right tackle position. The Ravens now need to address their guard spots.

Grade: A

Strengths: Untapped natural skill set, thick body yet nimble movement skills, athleticism can be seen when he's asked to climb to second level or move in space

Weaknesses: Everything is a work in progress, from footwork to hand placement to showing exactly which side he's more natural

Kingsley Suamataia's evaluation comes with an understanding: He's still an ascending player learning exactly who he is.

Preseason hype started for the 6'5", 326-pound blocker when he was named among the top three in Bruce Feldman's list of exceptional athletes.

"Kingsley Suamataia is the most athletic and violent OL I've ever coached," BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick told Feldman. " More athletic than Garett Bolles when I was at Utah. More athletic than Blake Freeland."

Keep in mind: Bolles was a first-round pick, and Freeland tested last draft cycle as the 23rd-most athletic offensive tackle since 1987.

But Suamataia was more of an athlete than a polished prospect. He redshirted at Oregon during his freshman year before transferring to BYU. He played right tackle for the Cougars, then shifted to the left side this past season.

Early returns were rough as the underclassman found his footing as a blindside protector. He improved throughout the season and showed a comfort level at both spots, including a little guard, during the Senior Bowl.

Forget for a moment that the Kansas City Chiefs decided to swap picks, thus losing a little value later in the process. Why? Suamataia was worth it, particularly when he was projected as a potential option at the end of the first round. They ended up taking wide receiver Xavier Worthy there instead.

The Chiefs need a solution at left tackle after they didn't re-sign Orlando Brown Jr. to a contract extension last offseason. Suamataia goes to a great situation where offensive line coach Andy Heck can develop his prodigious physical gifts.

Grades: A+

Strengths: Good flexibility, physical, plays the run

Weaknesses: Marginal athlete, doesn't always get his head around in coverage

With the selection of Renardo Green, the San Francisco 49ers are simultaneously looking to add immediate help to their secondary while also preparing for the future. Both Deommodore Lenoir and Charvarius Ward are free agents after the upcoming season.

Until then, Green provides a physical presence, which could be a hindrance in the NFL. But he has ball skills and the ability to play through the catch point instead of solely relying on bodying up wide receivers. He just needs to trust his technique.

Grade: C

Strengths: Running back approach, elite at creating after the catch, plays through contact, plucks passes

Weaknesses: Lacks nuanced route-running, wasn't asked to run complete route tree

More and more, wide receivers are asked to be playmakers instead of just targets. The Shanahan system and its many derivatives have spread throughout the NFL.

Receivers in those schemes are ball-carriers, running backs, blockers and threats down the field. But the skill set to do everything isn't necessarily baked into every receiver prospect.

Western Kentucky's Malachi Corley is at his best when he's asked to create. As ESPN's Field Yates noted, Corely accumulated 2,068 yards after the catch and forced 77 missed tackles over the last two seasons. That ranked first and second, respectively, at the FBS level.

The 5'11", 215-pound wide receiver is thick and powerful. However, he isn't a polished route-runner. The New York Jets need a plan in place to take full advantage of his skill set, particularly after seeing him catch 180 passes for 2,279 yards and 22 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Once again, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers should be quite happy. First, Gang Green landed the class' best pass protector (Olu Fashanu) in the first round. The Jets didn't have a second-round pick thanks to the Rodgers trade, but they moved to the top of the third round to add Corley, whose skill set will mesh well with Garrett Wilson.

Grade: B

Strengths: Game-changing speed, excellent contact balance, violent finisher, legitimate threat as a pass-catcher

Weaknesses: A little stiff as more of a power downhill runner, struggles in pass protection

Florida State's Trey Benson fits the bill of a slashing runner.

Benson waits for an opening, immediately cuts and glides through the defense with his 4.39-second 40-yard-dash speed. He'll finish runs, too. He isn't simply a speedster who's looking to bounce the ball outside at all times. Benson will invite and play through contact.

Over the last two seasons, the Oregon transfer served as the lead option in a crowded backfield. Benson carried the ball 310 times for 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns during that stretch. However, of the top seven running prospects on the B/R Scouting Department's final big board, the Florida State tailback is the only one who didn't either carry the ball 200 times in a season or eclipse 1,000 rushing yards.

Less tread on the tires tends to be a good thing for young backs. At the same time, the 21-year-old would be better positioned as a rotational piece to start his career.

The Arizona Cardinals will now have a little old-school thunder and lighting in their backfield. Benson complements James Conner well and gives Arizona an actual chunk-play threat out of the backfield. Eventually, Benson can become the team's featured back.

Grade: B

Strengths: Big, thick, strong, long arms, times hands well, can cave side as a run-blocker, tackle/guard experience

Weaknesses: Tendency to play high, gives up soft edge in pass set

Sub-6'5" offensive tackles who tend to be more physical often find themselves at guard upon reaching the NFL. TCU's Brandon Coleman might prove to be the exception to that rule.

"In a similar mold as longtime starting tackle Cordy Glenn mixed with 49ers backup Jaylon Moore in terms of body type and play style, Coleman wins with quick, decisive pass sets and hands that he uses to square up, engulf and control defenders," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said.

"His sustain skills are still a work in progress, but he demonstrates the movement skills to improve in this area over time."

Coleman played offensive tackle and guard at TCU, where he split time last season with four starts at left guard and seven at left tackle. He might have the opportunity to stay on a quarterback's blind side thanks to his 34⅝-inch arms.

After we (virtually) pleaded with the Washington Commanders to address left tackle over the past two rounds, they finally pulled the trigger with Coleman. He may not be an immediate starter, but he has the potential to be their long-term solution. Cornelius Lucas is a solid fallback option.

Grade: B

Strengths: Moves well, sound pass set, long arms, solid run-blocker, extensive starting experience

Weaknesses: Will overset against speed, deliberate punch, high pad level

Much like Notre Dame's Blake Fisher and Washington's Roger Rosengarten, Caedan Wallace had the pleasure of playing opposite an elite offensive line prospect at Penn State. But all three are legitimate options in their own right.

Wallace started 40 games at right tackle in the Big Ten. Last season, he allowed only one sack in 359 pass-blocking snaps, according to The Daily Collegian's Lexie Linderman.

While Wallace may be viewed as a pure right tackle prospect, he has starting potential on the strong side while likely receiving cross-training at guard. But his home should be at right tackle since he's a 6'5", 314-pound blocker with 34-inch arms and an elite 9.1 relative athletic score.

The New England Patriots waited a little longer than expected to address their offensive line. They can't be faulted for adding a wide receiver in the second round to help quarterback Drake Maye.

Wallace can take over at right tackle, thus pushing Mike Onwenu inside to guard. That would solve one side of New England's offensive front.

Grade: B

Strengths: Tough linebacker who likes to hit, comfortable working in coverage with ability to carry tight ends, long with bigger frame

Weaknesses: Gets caught up in traffic and struggles to get off blocks, inconsistent run fits

Few (if any) prospects have come further along to make the NFL than Michigan's Junior Colson.

Colson was born in Haiti. He lost his father at a young age and found himself in an orphanage run by his uncle. After Haiti suffered a large earthquake in 2010, he was eventually adopted at the age of nine by a family who visited on a church mission to help with natural disaster recovery.

Colson came to the U.S. without any knowledge of the English language. Yet he thrived in his new surroundings, eventually becoming a 4-star football recruit and the third-best prospect in the state of Tennessee in the recruiting class of 2021.

Here he is today as one of the top linebacker prospects in this year's draft class after leading the national champions with 95 total tackles this past season.

"The second he got on the field, you could see he was different and he made this defense different single-handedly," former teammate Mazi Smith told reporters late in the 2022 campaign.

Jim Harbaugh couldn't resist. He really shouldn't have, either. The Wolverines won a national championship for a reason. They have the most talented class entering the professional ranks this year.

Harbaugh already knows Colson and understands how much of an impact he can make within his defensive scheme. His ability to work in space can immediately offset Denzel Perryman's penchant for primarily playing downhill.

Grade: B

Strengths: Smooth backpedal and transition, quickly drives on the ball, flies up against the run

Weaknesses: False steps, still a work in progress regarding route recognition

The New York Giants continued reworking their secondary by selecting Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips. After adding B/R's top-rated safety (Tyler Nubin) in the second round, they're getting some much-needed talent and athleticism at cornerback with Phillips.

Deonte Banks will man one of the Giants' cornerback spots, but the rest are up for grabs. Phillips is raw and needs a lot of technical refinement, but his fluidness and explosive traits can't be taught.

Grade: C

Strengths: Thick and strong at point of attack and when asked to anchor, finisher, tackle/guard flexibility, team captain

Weaknesses: Upright and narrow play style, struggles to adjust with movement or counters

Illinois' Isaiah Adams is the No. 1 overall prospect for the draft. The CFL draft, that is.

The Ajax, Ontario native (just northeast of Toronto) entered the offseason as the CFL Scouting Bureau's top-ranked prospect. The offensive lineman will probably be busy for at least the next few years, though, because the NFL is calling.

Adams went from playing Canadian football to Garden City Community College (Kansas) to the Big Ten conference.

"Yeah, I don't think many kids from Canada have taken this route," Adams said, per The Canadian Press. "I've been fortunate to play at so many different levels and face a lot of great competition. It's really been a unique journey so far."

On the field, the 6'4", 315-pound blocker is physical and boasts experience at both right tackle and left guard.

The Arizona Cardinals have Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams set at offensive tackle, so Adams can immediately slot into one of their guard spots. With veteran Will Hernandez on the right side, Adams can take over the left.

Grade: B

Strengths: Elite athlete, sideline-to-sideline range, can blitz and rush off the edge

Weaknesses: Doesn't trust his eyes, often gets fooled out out of position, relies too much on natural ability

The Carolina Panthers' investment in Kentucky linebacker Trevin Wallace is far more about potential than what he currently is.

Wallace is a fantastic natural athlete and had a 9.34 relative athletic score (out of 10), according to Pro Football Network's Kent Lee Platte. But his instincts and natural feel for the game aren't quite there yet.

Panthers general manager Dan Morgan played linebacker in the NFL for seven years. He must see something in Wallace that he thinks can be developed into a three-down, second-line defender over time.

Grade: C

Strengths: Thick, wide body, force generator to uproot and displace defenders, knockout artist when on the move, excellent post-snap recognition

Weaknesses: Lack of length becomes a hindrance at times, average-to-subpar lateral and reactive agility

Every year, college football churns out a thick, experienced and powerful guard prospect who has the skill set to start in the NFL right away, even if he's not as valued throughout the predraft process.

Kansas State's Cooper Beebe is that prospect in this year's draft class.

Beebe left the Wildcats as a four-year starter with 48 career starts, two Big 12 Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year nods, and as both an Outland Trophy finalist and a William V. Campbell finalist. He allowed one sack over his last 42 games.

The 6'3", 322-pound blocker accumulated starting experience at left tackle and guard, though he lacks the length (31½-inch arms) to play offensive tackle in the NFL. Either way, his style of play is a joy to watch.

Beebe is one of the most physically dominating prospects in this year's class. He often overwhelmed defenders at the point of attack. He's the true definition of a mauler.

The Dallas Cowboys already addressed their offensive line in the first round with the selection of Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton. They doubled down by selecting Beebe in the third round.

Dallas' coaching staff could completely revamp the offensive line with Guyton staying at right tackle, Tyler Smith bumping back out to left tackle and Beebe taking over at left guard. It will be fascinating to see how the Cowboys' line battles shake out.

Grade: B

Strengths: Absolutely relentless, continually works his hands, good power-rusher, sets edge and sheds blocks

Weaknesses: Not a quick-twice athlete, straight-line defender, compact lacks length

Hustle is an often overlooked aspect when evaluating pass-rushers. Everyone wants to see clean wins off the edge thanks to awesome physical tools and/or varied technique, but so many plays at the NFL level come down to want-to.

Watch the Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt and how hard he goes. There's no doubt he's a great natural talent, but he never gives up on any down. He eventually makes plays that others don't purely based on hustle.

Washington's Bralen Trice is wired similarly. Watt is a much better athlete than Trice, but that one trait is reminiscent.

Trice is a pure power pass-rusher with a varied pass-rush repertoire and motor that never stops, hence why he led the FBS in pressures each of the last two seasons, per Pro Football Focus. When the 6'4", 245-pound defender doesn't win a rep initially, he's going to continue to chase, even if the ball is 10 or 20 yards down the field. Sometimes, he'll still make the play.

Finally, the Atlanta Falcons made a quality pick at an exceptional value. The Michael Penix Jr. and Ruke Orhorhoro picks are what they are. But Trice is a legitimate edge-rusher who just lacks explosive athletic traits. Considering no one on the Falcons roster had more than 6.5 sacks last season, Trice is a welcome addition.

Grade: A

Strengths: Long levers, knows how to use his length, good agility to hit aiming points, flexible lower body

Weaknesses: Inconsistent footwork, will struggle to maintain against more athletic defenders, coming off season-ending injury

While this year's draft class doesn't feature an elite prospect from a small school, Yale's Kiran Amegadjie is the top prospect from a non-FBS program. However, his status has been tempered throughout the predraft process after he suffered a partially torn quadriceps, which prevented him from playing the Bulldogs' final six games and any all-star events.

Despite that obstacle, Amegadjie is one of the few options beyond the first- and second-tier offensive tackle prospects who offers legitimate left tackle upside thanks to his experience, movement skills and awesome length (36⅛-inch arms).

"Length is at the forefront of my game," Amegadjie told The Draft Network's Justin Melo. "It's the biggest advantage I have on the field, especially in pass protection. It's really about getting my hands on my opponent and locking out.

"If I get in a position where I get my hands on a guy, I know he can't touch me. If he can't touch me, he can't shed the block."

The Chicago Bears are adding competition at left tackle. Technically, Amegadjie can play guard and possibly replace Teven Jenkins, who has dealt with injuries throughout his career. But the incoming rookie's length and skill should send a warning signal to incumbent Braxton Jones.

The Bears have gone all offense with their first three picks. They have only one more pick remaining in this year's draft.

Grade: B

Strengths: Quality speed off the edge, expanded pass-rush repertoire, converts speed-to-power, holds own at point of attack

Weaknesses: Little stiff in hips and ankles when turning corner, can be worked off spot because of subpar pad level, lower-body strength

The NFL runs in the blood of the Elliss family. Luther Elliss played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos, and made a pair of Pro Bowls. Three of his sons–Kaden, Christian and Noah–are currently on NFL rosters.

Elliss' youngest son, Utah edge-rusher Jonah Elliss, may be the most talented one.

The 21-year-old comes into the league after being tabbed a first-team All-Pac-12 selection and a consensus All-American. The 6'2", 248-pound edge-defender registered 12 sacks this past season, trailing only the Pac-12 leader, UCLA's Laiatu Latu.

Elliss didn't work out at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he did post eye-popping change-of-direction numbers during an early April workout, including a 6.69-second three-cone drill, per The Athletic's Dane Brugler. That would have been the fastest time ever recorded by an edge defender at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Denver Broncos' starting outside linebackers, Brandon Browning and Jonathan Cooper, aren't natural pass-rushers. They've developed nicely to man their respective spots, but Elliss was born to play the position. He'll immediately be the most natural pass-rusher on the Broncos.

Grade: A

Strengths: Experienced pass protector, long arms (34⅞ inches), sound pass set and weight distribution

Weaknesses: Heavy-footed, difficult to shift and adjust due to poor lateral agility, not the most aggressive run-blocker

Maryland's Delmar Glaze entered the 2024 NFL draft as one of college football's most experienced pass protectors.

As a three-year starter between right and left tackle, Glaze played in an offense that threw the ball 1,412 times during that stretch. As a redshirt freshman, Glaze contributed to the most prolific passing offense in Maryland program history. He also protected quarterback Tualia Tagovailoa, who eventually became the Big Ten's all-time leading passer.

Last season, the third-team All-Big Ten selection finished third among offensive tackles from Power Five conferences in blown block rate, per Sports Info Solutions. Even so, Glaze does project inside because of his marginal athleticism. He continually stoned interior pass-rushers at the Senior Bowl when playing guard.

The Las Vegas Raiders are clearly trying to build an identity through their offensive front. With quarterback in question, the ability to control the line of scrimmage will make everyone else on offense better.

The Raiders added Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round to likely play right guard. Glaze can be an immediate utility lineman, providing depth at multiple positions.

Grade: C

Strengths: True center fielder, sideline-to-sideline speed, quick trigger and physical presence against the run

Weaknesses: Thinner frame, can play high and out of control, will bite on routes and allow big plays

USC football is always loaded with NFL talent. This year, quarterback Caleb Williams was the class' headliner. It's far more difficult to receive some shine when you're the best player on one of the nation's worst defenses.

Thus is the plight of safety Calen Bullock.

USC finished 119th in total defense this past season. While many wondered why Williams was asked to press or the Trjoans didn't win enough games down the stretch, it's because they surrendered nearly 43 points per game in their last six games (not including the bowl game).

Bullock couldn't erase all of the mistakes, especially as a younger underclassman thrust into a leadership role. But his traits as arguably the best pure center fielder in this year's draft class were still apparent.

Bullock turns 21 at the end of April. He's a long and rangy defensive back with 4.48-second 40-yard-dash speed. He should continue to grow with a better surrounding cast around him.

The Houston Texans felt compelled to trade up and continue to build up their secondary with Bullock. Jimmie Ward turns 33 this summer. Bullock can be a true free safety or even play some cornerback to play alongside Jalen Pitre.

Grade: A

Strengths: Physical run blocker, takes good angles, experienced starter

Weaknesses: Middling athlete, marginal lateral agility, oversets

The Indianapolis Colts traded up to snag Pittsburgh's Matt Goncalves. That's a fascinating decision considering that the team already spent draft picks on Braden Smith, Bernhard Raimann, Blake Freeland and Jake Witt in recent years.

Goncalves could be a long-term replacement for Smith, who has dealt with injuries and hasn't played a full season since 2019. However, the Pitt product doesn't fit Indianapolis' preferred athletic profile, which makes this selection surprising. Last year's season-ending injury certainly didn't help matters.

The third-team All-ACC honoree could slide inside to guard as well and push Will Fries for a starting spot.

Grade: C-

Strengths: Deep threat, snaps off routes, glue-like hands, consistently works to get open

Weaknesses: Doesn't have the size or strength to play through contact consistently or create after the catch

On the surface, Jermaine Burton comes across as a generic wide receiver prospect in that he isn't the biggest (6'0", 196 lbs) or fastest (4.45-second 40-yard dash) wide receiver. He never even eclipsed 800 receiving yards during his four seasons at Georgia and Alabama.

Burton is a case where standard metrics can be deceiving, though.

In each of the last three seasons, Burton led all receivers on his team in receiving yardage. According to Pro Football Focus' Jon Marci (h/t FantasyPoints' Scott Barrett), Burton led all of the incoming wide receivers in actual yards per target and yards per target over expectation, which is depth-adjusted.

Basically, Burton knows how to get open and can do so at all three levels, particularly when working deeper down the field. He's more than capable of posting bigger numbers overall in an offense with more opportunities.

With Tee Higgins likely leaving after he plays out the franchise tag this year, the Cincinnati Bengals needed a new long-term bookend to star wideout Ja'Marr Chase. Burton was quietly one of the nation's best route-runners.

Questions about his attitude came to the surface throughout the predraft process. However, Burton knows how to play the position. He should have no trouble contributing with Joe Burrow throwing to him.

Grade: A

Strengths: Experienced blocker with nuanced understanding of angles, fits and timing, powerful at the point of attack

Weaknesses: Compact frame that can get overextended when laterally agility is tested, hands get wide

A very specific niche can define a quality NFL prospect. For instance, Connecticut's Christian Haynes is the best zone-run-blocking guard among this year's interior class.

The four-year starter at right guard is advanced when it comes to aiming points and fits. His hands latch onto defenders and don't let go, as Haynes drives defenders where he wants them to go and then finishes them.

Some will look at his profile and think it's too narrow. He'll need to cross-train at center and left guard, which he surely will throughout practices. Nevertheless, Haynes is a ready-made starter.

"If the coach needs me at center I can do that, or if he still needs me at guard I can play guard," Haynes told reporters last spring when he took some reps over the ball before starting every game at his usual spot. "It is really the versatility and showing them what I can do at the next level. … It helps myself because it makes myself more valuable going into next year, that I can bring more stuff to the table."

The Seattle Seahawks desperately needed a starting-caliber guard. They landed one in the third round with the selection of Haynes. Sometimes, it's that simple.

Grade: A+

Strengths: Powerful frame, explosive athlete, true Y tight end, accomplished blocker

Weaknesses: Limited production, athletic traits have yet to translate in pass game

What's so exciting about a tight end prospect with 41 career catches for 420 yards? He must be a dominant blocker, right? Well, sort of.

Illinois' Tip Reiman is a massive tight end (6'5", 271 lbs) with an even bigger athletic profile.

The Fighting Illini have been a run-heavy team under head coach Bret Bielema. Despite regularly using multiple tight ends, Illinois' scheme doesn't feature them in the passing game. A prospect with Reiman's lack of production usually doesn't drum up much interest.

His athletic testing was nearly off the charts, though. Reiman posted the 10th-best relative athletic score of any tight end prospect since 1987, according to Pro Football Network's Kent Lee Platte. When his natural upside is combined with his extensive experience as an in-line option and blocker, intrigue abounds.

Going into the draft, the thought was that Reiman would get more opportunities to catch passes after playing in a run-dominant offense in college. Except he's now going to the Arizona Cardinals, who already have Trey McBride at tight end to serve as a primary receiving threat.

Reiman could be utilized more. He's more likely to be the in-line option when the Cardinals employ 12 personnel.

Grade: C

Strengths: Patient and decisive runner with uncanny vision, cuts tightly off blocks, red-zone weapon

Weaknesses: Lacks top gear, not an overly powerful runner, can be overwhelmed as a pass protector

It's difficult to find a better collegiate running back than Blake Corum.

Corum left Michigan as its all-time leader in rushing touchdowns and ranked fifth in career rushing yardage. Keep in mind, Michigan's football team was originally founded in 1879 and featured some all-time greats.

From a micro point of view, the two-time Big Ten Running Back of the Year has the best vision among this year's class of running backs. So, why isn't he graded higher?

Well, Corum isn't the biggest or fastest back. He's a 5'8", 205-pound option with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash. However, his change-of-direction numbers are excellent, which confirm his ability to see and then slice his way through traffic. A season-ending knee surgery in 2022 must also be taken into account.

Although running back Kyren Williams broke out last season, the Los Angeles Rams still decided to select Corum in the third round. That's how much they must have liked him.

The one-two punch that the Rams now feature in the backfield can take pressure off quarterback Matthew Stafford and keep him protected. Considering how well the Rams' wide receivers block, the combo of Williams and Corum can be truly special.

Grade: B+

Strengths: Outstanding combination of top-end speed and short-area quickness, controlled and tempoed route-runner, plucks ball out of the air

Weaknesses: Small frame and catch radius, can be brought down easily, struggles with blocking

A fully realized version of Roman Wilson never materialized at Michigan. The reigning national champions were a line-of-scrimmage squad wanting to dominate at the point of attack and usually did so. In fact, no target eclipsed 900 receiving yards during any season throughout Jim Harbaugh's nine-year tenure, including Nico Collins, who finished top-10 in the NFL this past season with almost 1,300 yards.

That last point is important. Just because Michigan's system wasn't geared toward the passing game doesn't mean the program lacks excellent wide receiver prospects. Wilson certainly is.

The senior prospect from Hawaii needed all four seasons to become the Wolverines' top receiving threat, when he led the team with 48 receptions, 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. His quickness and ability to create after the catch were evident. But the real shake-and-bake to his game showed up at the Senior Bowl, when no one could cover Wilson–not even Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell.

Wilson is a slippery target with excellent short-area quickness, which should help him become a favorite weapon in an NFL offense.

No organization drafts wide receivers better than the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they did it again this year. Wilson is a tremendous value in the third round. The B/R Scouting Department had an early second-round grade on him.

The Steelers are smashing this year's draft with three fantastic selections thus far.

Grade: A+

Strengths: Four-year starter, understands technique and how to use his frame, aggressive blocker

Weaknesses: Average movement skills, plays stiff and a little upright, coming off major injury

Michigan's Zak Zinter appeared to be well on his way to becoming a high-round draft pick until he suffered a broken tibia and fibula against Ohio State that required emergency surgery.

Five months removed from the injury, Zinter recently posted on social media that he's "ready for [his] day job."

The 6'6", 309-pound blocker is an experienced and polished blocker with future starter written all over him, even if he's a limited athlete overall.

The Cleveland Browns are preparing for the future. Wyatt Teller's salary-cap hit escalates to nearly $22 million in 2025, which is the last year of his current deal. Meanwhile, Joel Bitonio turns 33 later this year.

It's been a great run for the two. Zinter likely will replace one of them long-term, though.

Grade: C

Strengths: Controls and finishes in run game, understands proper angles, guard/tackle experience

Weaknesses: Will get sped up in his pass set when asked to faced more athletic or power threats, inconsistent pad level

The transfer portal proved to be a gateway to the NFL for Kansas' Dominick Puni. The 6'5", 313-pound blocker played four seasons at Central Missouri before joining the Jayhawks in 2022.

"A lot of kids make that decision (to transfer) thinking they're a lot better than they are, so I went in not knowing what a lot of coaches were thinking and what they see," Puni said prior to the 2022 campaign, per Zac Boyer of KU Sports. "It's a big gamble, but I didn't know what to expect."

Puni spent a season at left guard and then shifted over to left tackle this past season. He didn't allow a single sack or even a quarterback hit as Kansas' blindside protector, according to Pro Football Focus. However, the first-team All-Big-12 selection may still project better at guard in the NFL with his punishing style of play.

The San Francisco 49ers are set along their offensive line…somewhat. Both guard spots can be upgraded. Puni should slide inside for San Francisco, compete for one of those spots this year and potentially start as soon as this season.

Grade: B+

Strengths: Thick and long defender, competent in zone coverage, adds to pressure packages

Weaknesses: Poor angles, suspect eye discipline against run

The Dallas Cowboys signed Eric Kendicks this offseason on a one-year deal to man the middle of their defense. He's a Band-Aid at middle linebacker, though.

Notre Dame's Marist Liufau is a 6'2", 234-pound downhill defender, which isn't typical of today's linebackers. The Cowboys defense should allow him to blitz and rush the passer in certain instances.

A year from now, he could be taking over for Kendricks.

Grade: C

Strengths: Hits top gear quickly, flies through second and third levels, thick and tough to tackle, good hands

Weaknesses: Poor vision, runs upright, wasn't tested as a pass protector, ball security

Eight running backs cracked the 4.5-second barrier in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. USC's MarShawn Lloyd was one of two to do so while weighing at least 220 pounds.

Lloyd is an explosive see-it, hit-it runner who's going to give defenders fits when they try to bring him down. According to Sports Info Solutions, the South Carolina transfer led this year's running back crop with an average of 4.2 yards after contact per attempt.

Lloyd's natural receiving skills might be the most interesting part of his game. He never caught more than 18 passes in a season, which was a missed opportunity for his teams.

While the Green Bay Packers signed both Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon this offseason, the latter is only on a one-year deal. Lloyd should automatically add value on passing downs to spell Jacobs, too.

Grade: C+

Strengths: Quick to play downhill, strong tackler, explosive short-area burst, understands route concepts

Weaknesses: Lack of length is a hindrance when blocked or playing against bigger targets, isn't the best at adjusting in space

Georgia's Tykee Smith is a powderkeg who plays safety. He may be short and stout, but when he lets loose, he packs a punch.

At 5'10" and 202 pounds, Smith doesn't quite look like a typical defensive back. Basically, his game is built upon being an undersized linebacker who can serve as a tone-setter at safety. He uses his 4.46-second 40-yard dash to arrive with bad intentions. It should come as no surprise that Smith led the Bulldogs last season with 70 total tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss.

While Smith isn't viewed as a coverage safety, he does see the ball well in front of him. He led Georgia with four interceptions as well.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still don't know whether Antoine Winfield Jr. will sign a long-term contract extension or play on the franchise tag this season. Smith could be insurance in case they eventually lose Winfield. But he can also operate out of the slot with Winfield and Jordan Whitehead in the lineup this fall.

Grade: C+

Strengths: Consistently plays the ball, good top-end speed, uses height and length well

Weaknesses: Little stiff in backpedal and through transitions, lean frame, not much help against the run

When it comes to Boston College's Elijah Jones, ball skills abound.

Over the last two seasons, Jones defended 21 passes and snagged seven interceptions. This past year, the sixth-year senior's five interceptions was tied for the third-most at the FBS level.

To better understand how good Jones was in coverage during his final season on campus, he finished second in the SEC in completion percentage allowed and first overall in man-coverage grade.

Jones has excellent straight-line speed as well, with a 4.44-second 40-yard dash. However, he's nowhere near as fluid moving laterally and when he's asked to transition and mirror off a wide receiver's stem. He was also somewhat of a late bloomer and is already 24 years old.

Six picks among the top 90 will give the Arizona Cardinals a strong infusion of talent after they fielded the league's least talented squad last season. Jones was the last one selected in that range, but he and Max Melton will give the Cardinals legitimate cornerback depth for the first time in recent memory.

Grade: B

Strengths: Physical presence, plays faster than he times

Weaknesses: Lacks play strength, inconsistent tackling

The Green Bay Packers have now drafted a pair of off-ball linebackers in Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper and Missouri's Ty'Ron Hopper. They must have felt that they lacked the connective tissues between the defensive line and secondary to field a cohesive defense.

Hopper's skill set is complementary to Cooper, who is leaner and better off working in space. The two-time second-team All-SEC selection is more of a downhill presence, with 19.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

Grade: C

Strengths: Quick acceleration in and out of breaks, sells then snaps off routes, plucks the ball outside of his frame

Weaknesses: Suspect play strength, can be bodied by physical corners, benefited from plenty of free releases

Washington's third wide receiver was better than many top targets for other collegiate programs.

Jalen McMillan caught only 45 passes for 559 yards and five touchdowns as part of the Huskies' high-powered passing offense. But he played in only seven games while dealing with a knee injury during the 2023 campaign.

When it mattered most, McMillan showed up with 20 receptions for 222 yards and two scores during the Pac-12 championship game and College Football Playoff. He also led the Huskies with 79 receptions–four more than Rome Odunze–during the 2022 campaign.

McMillain is a smooth operator when he's healthy and on the field. With Odunze being the big-time X-receiver and Ja'Lynn Polk as a more physical option, McMillan went about his business as the best pure route-runner of the bunch.

The junior is a 6'1", 197-pound prospect who glides in and out of his breaks with enough explosiveness–4.47-second 40-yard dash and 37-inch vertical–to be a legitimate threat.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are giving quarterback Baker Mayfield another weapon while preparing for life after Chris Godwin, who is set to become a free agent next spring. In fact, the B/R Scouting Department's final big board had McMillan rated higher than Polk, who got picked 55 spots earlier.

Grade: A

Strengths: Long and decisive, motor runs hot, excels with defensive line movement, team captain

Weaknesses: Struggles to hold point of attack when engaged, unpolished pass-rusher

Certain traits outweigh others, particularly at premium positions. For edge defenders, the ability to rush the passer is the most important, and rightly so. But quality traits in one phase shouldn't entirely overlook an incomplete skill set.

Penn State's Adisa Isaac is a smooth athlete and edge-rusher. He isn't a polished product by any means. But he could enter an NFL lineup as a sub-package pass-rusher, particularly with his relentless nature.

Isaac's run defense can be downright scary. He is physical and uses his hands to help offset his sub-250-pound frame. But he sometimes takes chances, loses gap control or gets blown off the ball by much bigger offensive linemen.

The Baltimore Ravens are checking off their list when it comes to premium positions.

Cornerback in the first round? Check. Offensive tackle in the second round? Check. Pass-rusher in the third round? Check.

Kyle Van Noy did re-sign with the Ravens on a two-year, $9 million deal this offseason, but he's 33 years old. Isaac could eventually grow into Odafe Oweh's bookend.

Grade: C

Strengths: NFL athlete, has length to be disruptive off edge, shows good bend and burst

Weaknesses: Purely a pass-rush project right now, not strong enough to hold point of attack against professional blockers

Houston Christian's Jalyx Hunt has a little Haason Reddick to his game.

That isn't to portray Hunt as the same caliber of prospect as Reddick, who was a first-round draft pick in 2017. Rather, the two took a similar path as recruits. They entered the collegiate ranks as long and lean safeties and then converted to pass-rushers.

Hunt is now a 6'4", 252-pound defender who's still learning how to become an adept edge-rusher. But he has the length (34⅜-inch arms), athletic profile and untapped potential to turn into a much better version of himself in the NFL than he ever did while playing sub-FBS-level football.

The Philadelphia Eagles can never have too many talented defensive linemen. After passing on the position group twice to address the secondary in the first two rounds, general manager Howie Roseman couldn't take it any longer and chose Hunt.

Developing alongside Bryce Huff, who has a similar skill set, could be critical to the FCS product's maturation.

Grade: C+

Strengths: Good length and burst off the line of scrimmage, stacks and sheds

Weaknesses: Erratic hands, questionable lateral movement

The Buffalo Bills are old along the defensive interior. DaQuan Jones, Austin Johnson, DeShawn Williams and Eli Ankou will all be 30 or older at the start of the season. Aside from Ed Oliver, this group needs an overhaul.

DeWayne Carter started three years for the Blue Devils. He's stout and explosive. But he also needs to develop his technique to consistently get off blocks.

Grade: C

Strengths: Excellent athletic profile, top-end speed and quickness, huge motor

Weaknesses: Footwork can be erratic, allows too much separation

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to rely on veteran Ronald Darby to play opposite Tyson Campbell. But the numerous investments that they've recently made at cornerback have yet to truly work out.

Florida State's Jarrian Jones immediately adds juice with both his play style and athletic profile. He's operating at full speed at all times, which is fortunate since he has 4.38-second 40-yard dash speed. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones finished with the fifth-best coverage grade among cornerbacks last season.

Grade: B

Strengths: Tree trunk of a man, stout and plays with leverage, long arms, two-time team captain

Weaknesses: Won't provide much as a pass-rusher, can be undisciplined with gap integrity

Certain prospects are what they are. Texas A&M's McKinnley Jackson is a pure nose tackle.

Jackson moved around a bit along the Aggies' defensive front and managed 7.5 sacks during his collegiate career. But his skill set is very narrow, and it points directly to him playing over the center or shaded.

McKinnley is just under 6'2" and 326 pounds. He's a middle-of-the-line plugger. That's OK. He can play a very specific role, particularly in a league where defensive tackles are getting smaller and geared more toward collapsing the pocket.

The Cincinnati Bengals seemingly decided they want bullies in the middle of their defense after selecting McKinley and MIchigan's Kris Jenkins. The roster lacked that type of physicality after D.J. Reader signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency.

Now, Cincinnati should be able to hold its own in battles with the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens in the rugged AFC North.

Grade: B

Strengths: Elite sideline-to-sideline speed, instinctive and disciplined in zone coverage, adds value as blitze/pass-rusher

Weaknesses: Not a physical, downhill presence, sawed-off arms (30½"), multiple serious injuries

Few prospects can top the resume of North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson.

He left NC State ranked fifth on the school's all-time leading tacklers list. Wilson was named first-team All-ACC twice. The sixth-year senior was also named a unanimous All-American and won the Butkus and Chuck Bednarik Awards as well as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

Wilson's collegiate credentials are above reproach. So, why wouldn't a 6'4", 233-pound linebacker who ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine be considered an elite prospect? There are three main reasons.

Wilson is a run-and-chase linebacker. He'll rack up big tackle numbers, but he struggles when he's asked to mix it up in traffic against blockers. He also has an extensive medical history, including two season-ending knee injuries and a season-ending shoulder issue, and he turned 24 on April 21.

Wilson's injury history must have affected his draft status, as he fell all the way to No. 98 overall. But no franchise knows quality linebacker play better than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilson could be a star in the Steelers system as long as he stays on the field.

Grade: B+

Strengths: Excellent movement and coverage skills as single-high safety or down in the box, good instincts and triggers quickly, reliable tackler, full-effort defender

Weaknesses: Subpar athleticism, lacks top gear, will get caught staring into backfield when trying to make a play

Miami's Kamren Kinchens held the top spot among the incoming safety class for a large portion of the predraft process, but a significant asterisk comes with that designation.

Kinchens is a smooth operator on the field. He does everything a coaching staff asks from the position: works sideline-to-sideline, covers the slot, plays downhill, helps create turnovers, blitzes, plays physical and keeps under control into and through contact and basically serves as the back-line eraser.

However, he's an abysmal athlete, comparatively speaking. Kinchens posted one of the worst relative athletic scores of any safety prospect since 1987, according to Pro Football Network's Kent Lee Platte.

To be fair, the two-time first-team All-ACC performer looked great during the combine's position drills, and he clearly has the instincts and effort to perform in the NFL. However, those athletic limitations might catch up to him when it comes to a lost step or two against NFL targets.

Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead has done a wonderful job plucking playmakers in the mid-to-late rounds. Kinchens is another. His poor predraft testing must have hurt his status, because he looked like a potential first-round target based purely on his tape.

The Rams shouldn't care, because Kinchens can fill the void left by Jordan Fuller.

Grade: A

Strengths: Exponential improvement at wide receiver, quarterback mentality yet blocks on the edge

Weaknesses: Lacks explosive qualities, struggles to separate, needs to improve releases

Luke McCaffrey originally committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers as a quarterback. He transferred to Rice to learn how to become a professional wide receiver.

"When I was transferring, I wanted to go to a school where I wanted to develop and grow," McCaffrey told Bleacher Report. "A big part of that was going to a pro-style offense and West Coast system that Coach [Mike] Bloomgren and Coach [Marques Tuiasosopo] built at Rice.

"It was so special to be part of that process. Every play you have the play you call, the kill, an alert, you have an answer for zero or whatever the blitz of the week may be. To be able to ID everything from the front to the back of the coverage, it was special for the development of my mind for football. Plus, you build that cohesiveness with other smart kids on the football field who are as equally as talented."

The Washington Commanders just got a do-everything prospect with great bloodlines. His older brother is San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey.

Grade: C