Cowboys, Patriots have similar interests
1. Bengals — Joe Burrow, QB, LSU: Given his standing, there’s little reason for him to participate in on-field workouts.
2. Redskins — Chase Young, DE, Ohio State: Any other outcome would rank as perhaps the most stunning development of the draft.
3. Lions — Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: With Matthew Stafford trade speculation summarily dismissed by GM Bob Quinn, the most pressing question of Detroit’s offseason still hinges on whether a quarterback-hungry team will offer a bounty for this selection — and whether the Lions would accept such a package.
4. Giants — Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama: The kind of smooth-moving yet powerful blocker Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley need.
5. Dolphins — Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama: His agent, Leigh Steinberg, said the quarterback would throw for teams in March or April after taking more time to recover from hip surgery. Miami stands out as a natural landing spot, especially given the significant draft capital in hand should the Dolphins feel compelled to move up for him.
6. Chargers — Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon: Philip Rivers’ reign in Southern California is officially over, with the franchise ready to identify a successor at quarterback after 16 years.
7. Panthers — Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn: Brown’s overpowering nature in the middle could have a ripple effect on the rest of the defense.
8. Cardinals — Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson: Expect Simmons to post some of the most impressive testing numbers at the combine and further build his case for the top 10.
9. Jaguars — Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: After hitting it big with Josh Allen in the first round last year, Jacksonville
should once again use its top pick to scoop up a disruptive force along the front four.
10. Browns — Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia: Reversing Baker Mayfield’s trajectory and instituting a run-first attack are among the top items on their to-do list. Nabbing Thomas should help address both matters.
11. Jets — Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville: The 6-7, 369pounder sizes up as an attractive option for the Jets, whose primary concern this offseason should be safeguarding Sam Darnold.
12. Raiders — Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama: It would be fitting for the Las Vegas-hosted draft to provide a little bit of hometown luck in this fashion, as the Raiders are starved for a true No. 1 receiver.
13. Colts — CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma: Given the Colts’ lackluster receiving corps beyond T.Y. Hilton and the underwhelming free agent options, Lamb is a fitting option to bring the “explosive elements” GM Chris Ballard Ballard said he’s hunting for.
14. Buccaneers — Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa: Wirfs has a beguiling set of physical tools that could allow him to become a high-end starter with more polish.
15. Broncos — Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: Regardless of his 40-yard time, the speedster would unlock the big-play potential offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur seeks from his passing attack.
16. Falcons — K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB/DE, LSU: Next to Young, Chaisson might have the highest upside of any player at his position.
17. Cowboys — Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama: Byron Jones is poised to command a sum the Cowboys might find too immense. A fitting replacement might await in Diggs, another big corner with head-turning athleticism.
18. Dolphins (from Steelers) — Josh Jones, OT, Houston:
Jones is an ascendant talent who could be a building block for a ramshackle Dolphins line.
19. Raiders (from Bears) — Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma: Murray offers enticing speed and play-making ability, though his recognition skills are lagging.
20. Jaguars (from Rams) — C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida: The next phase in Jacksonville’s defensive rebirth should entail investing in a top corner, particularly if A.J. Bouye is cut loose.
21. Eagles — Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Philadelphia’s stagnant deep passing game should be reinvigorated by the addition of a 6-4, 215-pound target who averaged 19.8 yards per catch last year.
22. Bills — Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado: Dynamic and powerful after the catch, Shenault checks off a lot of boxes for Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense.
23. Patriots — A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: Another value-based win for Bill Belichick, who would bolster his front seven with a massive edge defender from a Hawkeyes program for which the coach has expressed his admiration.
24. Saints — Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: The former Sun Devil is a speed demon, and his big-play prowess would be tantalizing for New Orleans’ offense.
25. Vikings — Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU: Minnesota’s salary cap crunch could force some sacrifices in the secondary, necessitating some cheaper reinforcements, such as the physical Fulton.
26. Dolphins (from Texans) — Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin: Despite lacking the build and length many teams seek from premier pass rushers, Baun nevertheless is explosive off the edge and displays a relentless edge that would win over coach Brian Flores.
27. Seahawks — Grant Delpit, S, LSU: He’s not the next Earl Thomas — who is? — but Delpit would be a tantalizing option for coach Pete Caroll and GM John Schneider if he’s still on the board.
28. Ravens — Terrell Lewis, OLB/DE, Alabama: This selection seems bound for a front seven that lacks any first-round players, and Lewis is brimming with potential as a lengthy pass rusher.
29. Titans — Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State: The AFC title game should serve as a reminder that it’s never a bad idea to load up on talented corners, especially with Logan Ryan set to hit the market.
30. Packers — Patrick Queen, LB, LSU: Blake Martinez proved to be an insufficient presence in the middle, and a linebacker with Queen’s range would address one of Green Bay’s most significant shortcomings.
31. 49ers — Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama: If San Francisco is unable to retain Jimmie Ward with its limited cap space, McKinney could slide in as a replacement capable of handling a wide range of coverage assignments.
32. Chiefs — Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia: Adding an imposing corner such as Hall would help Kansas City continue its defensive development.