NFC North
Chicago Bears: Replace Rashaad Coward with Isaiah Wilson
As it stands right now, the Bears’ starting right guard is a player who, just 365 days ago, was 3rd on the depth chart at defensive tackle. Sure, Rashaad Coward made strides and looked competent last year, but he likely isn’t an NFL starting caliber offensive lineman. Isaiah Wilson not only fits the value of the 43 pick, but he’s a very solid tackle who has all the signs of being a possibly elite guard. In a weak iOL class, like 2019 is, Wilson should be one of Chicago’s targets with their two second round picks.
Green Bay Packers: Replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling with Jalen Reagor
The Packers’ receiving corp is, in the nicest possible terms, not deep. Devin Funchess, yes THAT Devin Funchess, is currently their number two receiver. While he isn’t horrible, and is completely justifiable as the third option, for a team which many say should win the division, he’s not an acceptable number two. In comes one of the draft’s best receivers, Jalen Reagor. He’s lightning quick, runs great routes, and is the perfect downfield complement to Davante Adams.
Minnesota Vikings: Replace Olabisi Johnson with Justin Jefferson
Olabisi Johnson is currently Minnesota’s number two wide receiver. Yes, this team is very bad, but that may not be acceptable for an XFL roster. In comes Justin Jefferson, the perfect Stefon Diggs replacement. Jefferson has absolutely fantastic hands, is phenomenal running routes, and is great at finding soft spots in the zone. Adam Thielen is going to be the number one option, may as well complement him really well.
Detroit Lions: Replace Oday Aboushi with Robert Hunt
Hunt is a straight up mauler that may be available in the third round. For a roster relatively devoid of talent, the offensive line on this team is actually pretty solid. However, after paying Halapoulivaati Vaitai an exorbitant amount of money, the right guard spot is currently filled by a six year veteran who has only played in more than eight games once. Hunt should be able to jump right in on day one and find success, albeit with a few growing pains, which makes having Frank Ragnow next to him ideal.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: Replace Xavier Woods with Xavier McKinney
The Cowboys defense is actually really solid, with the weakest spot being on the secondary. They don’t need position or scheme specific guys, they need a playmaker in the back half of the unit. That’s where Xavier McKinney comes in. McKinney isn’t a straight up safety, he should be able to move all around and give Mike Nolan the ability to throw multiple looks at an offense, something the current personnel doesn’t allow.
Philadelphia Eagles: Replace TJ Edwards with Patrick Queen
Bar none, the Eagles linebacking unit is the worst positional unit in the NFL currently. They should realistically come out of this draft with two or three new names here, including a first rounder. They need a linebacker who can see the field well and make the intelligent, though maybe not sexy, plays. Patrick Queen’s football IQ is off the charts, and he’s also has some of the highest lateral quickness you will see from a linebacker. He should be an Eagle come draft day.
New York Giants: Replace Cam Fleming with Mekhi Becton
Truth be told, I like the Giants roster. I like their coach. They aren’t quite there just yet, but they are well on their way, and career-long protection for Daniel Jones is a very good step towards getting “there.” Becton is a coach’s fever dream, not only being massive and physical but also fluid and agile. He also has a ton of room to grow. He’s the best offensive lineman in this class and should be fantastic protection for a quarterback who the Giants clearly love.
Washington Redskins: Replace Kelvin Harmon with Van Jefferson
Washington is getting Chase Young at two, so there is no point in writing about him here. They already have the big play threat in Terry McLaurin, who had an incredible rookie season. However, they need a route technician who is able to separate himself within 10 yards to allow McLaurin to be his best self. Van Jefferson may very well have been the best route runner in college football last year, and fits that mold absolutely perfectly. He may not fall into the third round, but if he does, Washington should sprint to the (virtual) podium.
NFC South
New Orleans Saints: Replace nobody with Jordan Love
The Saints are the best team in the division. They aren’t a perfect roster (their backup quarterback is their number two tight end), but I feel fairly comfortable saying they should make the playoffs without a contribution from their first round pick. Drew Brees almost retired this offseason, and with a reported analyst job lined up whenever he wants it, 2021 is far from a guarantee. Jordan Love has issues with reading the field and decision making, and who better to sit a year behind and learn from than the man with all of the passing records?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Replace Justin Evans with Antoine Winfield, Jr.
Tampa Bay needs defensive playmakers wherever they can get him, and Winfield is this draft’s ultimate ballhawk. He also does have the versatility to get into the backfield, like Todd Bowles loves to do with his defensive backs, and to cover guys in man coverage when there are other blitzes called. He’s the swiss army knife the Buccaneers need, especially when he can be had in the second round.
Carolina Panthers: Replace Ian Thomas with Brycen Hopkins
I still believe in Brycen Hopkins. Is he going to be a superstar? No. But the Panthers don’t need superstars, they need guys to fill out their roster so they can look a shred competent out on the football field. Hopkins is a really athletic tight end with the ability to run all of the routes, though his frame and strength leave a bit to be desired. He’s going to be a very solid pass-catcher though, so Carolina should be all over him.
Atlanta Falcons: Replace Takk McKinley with Josh Uche
I feel bad for whoever gets picked here because they have to wear those godawful jerseys. Atlanta needs an edge rusher who can get to the quarterback. If K’Lavon Chaisson is available at 16, Atlanta should take him. However, I don’t think he will be. Uche isn’t a flawless prospect by any means, but his burst is incredible and, with some coaching and upgrades to his pass rushing moves, he’s going to be the guy which causes offensive coordinators to lose sleep. In the second round, this would be a slam dunk pick.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers: Replace Akhello Witherspoon with Jeff Gladney
The 49ers are going to take whatever wide receiver falls to them with their first 1st rounder. With the second, they need to upgrade their defense’s weak link, the second cornerback. Jeff Gladney is going to be a true number one corner some day. His ability to stick with receivers with both mobility and physicality, along with his ability to read the play, are going to make him a great fit alongside, and eventual replacement for, Richard Sherman.
Los Angeles Rams: Replace Chandler Brewer with Hakeem Adeniji
I’m kind of cheating here, because Brewer is a backup. However, I fully believe in Adeniji, and he should be the inevitable replacement for Andrew Whitworth. He’s lightning quick with his feet and going to be a very strong pass blocker. Should he fill out his frame a bit more and get stronger, his only glaring downside, he’s going to not only be able to play an elite tackle, but move inside to guard if needed and be very good there. It may take a year, but picking Adeniji will pay dividends for the Rams’ offense.
Seattle Seahawks: Replace LJ Collier with Yetur Gross-Matos
That Collier pick was horrible. Absolutely horrible. Gross-Matos, his replacement, is an extremely explosive 4-3 pass rusher, somewhat of a rarity in the draft. He’s not a good run defender, but his ability to get to the quarterback, and to fit in Pete Carroll’s scheme, is a duo that isn’t found anywhere else in the draft. There are character concerns here, but assuming Seattle’s brass is comfortable with that, there may not be a better team-player fit in the first round.
Arizona Cardinals: Replace Marcus Gilbert with Jedrick Wills
Before the DeAndre Hopkins trade, this would have very easily shouted “DRAFT CEEDEE LAMB.” However, now that they got the exact manifestation of what Lamb is going to be, it’s time to protect Kyler Murray. Wills is probably the best pass blocker in this draft class, which makes him a perfect fit for the high flying, pass happy Kliff Kingsbury offense. Can’t think of a better team-player fit on the offensive line than this one.
