The Saints benched Spencer Rattler, and Tyler Shough hasn’t looked like the solution either. Ty Simpson brings verve and command — a live arm, rhythm mechanics, and SEC-tested pocket moxie. He’s fearless throwing to all levels and does so error free (only 1 INT on the year). A short trip down I-59 from Tuscaloosa makes this a local marriage of need and familiarity.

The Titans have never truly recovered from letting A.J. Brown walk. Calvin Ridley, now over 30, hasn’t found the end zone this season, and the offense ranks bottom-ten in yards per attempt. Jordyn Tyson changes that. He’s the most complete receiver in the class — dynamic after the catch, explosive vertically, and the type of true WR1 who can finally reset Tennessee’s passing attack.

It’s never good to be drafting third overall again, but this time the Jets land a Heisman contender with real poise. Fernando Mendoza brings accuracy, anticipation, and calm in chaos — exactly what New York’s fractured (24th ranked) offense needs. Moving on from the Justin Fields experiment gives the franchise and fanbase a clean reset built around leadership and tempo.

If the Dolphins aren’t completely liquidated, missing on Jordyn Tyson will sting — but Dante Moore softens the blow. Tua Tagovailoa has as many interceptions as touchdowns over his last five games, and Miami has dropped four of those contests. Moore’s arm talent, mobility, and gift for playing in a rhythm/rpo style attack much like Mike McDaniel’s will give the franchise a necessary reboot and a modern prototype to rebuild around.

The Giants might have something in Jaxson Dart, but they don’t have a credible protection plan for him. In fact they are among the worst, and rank 24th in sacks yielded. Enter, Spencer Fano OT1. He is a clean technician who checks every box Evan Neal didn’t — consistent feet, punch timing, and leverage. He gives the offense a real franchise tackle up front.

The Raiders’ are driving headlong into another losing season. So, with a defense that is middling on most metrics and 11th worst in scoring (24.4 ppg), they go BPA with Rueben Bain. He’s best defender in draft and can gas up a franchise that feels stuck in neutral. He’s compact, explosive, and already looks like a double-digit-sack player. Las Vegas could go offense, but passing on Bain’s unmistakable upside would be a mistake for a franchise desperate for difference-makers.

Even if Browns fans aren’t convinced by their quarterback room, drafting a premier tackle is the right call. With two first-rounders, Cleveland can circle back on QB later. And Francis Mauigoa is a better talent than any QB on the board. As a pass protector he is a tone-setter with powerful grip, violent counters and elite vertical sets. As a run blocker he is the kind of freak athlete and mauler Kevin Stefanski needs to carry the Browns 28th ranked rushing attack back to credibility.

Washington’s defense is 23rd in scoring and trying to lean on aging stars like Von Miller and Bobby Wagner to get it done. So Arvell Reese is an easy pick that fits the Dan Quinn prototype — explosive, rangy, and aggressive downhill. Reese is a sideline-to-sideline scrape artist with the ability to rush from SAM alignment that you only see once or twice a decade. A perfect chess piece for Quinn to move around his fronts.

Cincinnati sits dead last in defensive pass EPA, so help on the back end is non-negotiable. Caleb Downs provides instant leadership and range — a safety who can play deep, roll into the slot, or fill the alley. He’s as steady as they come and brings the balance this secondary has been missing.

Baltimore is a case study in imbalance with a defense that visibly lags behind its offense. And while it’s hard to picture the Ravens finishing the season poorly enough to pick in the top 10 Keldric Faulk would be the perfect selection. Faulk adds length, power, and alignment flexibility across the front. The Auburn standout brings double-digit-sack potential and the kind of motor that John Harbaugh wants on his defense.

The Rams still haven’t replaced Jalen Ramsey’s impact on the back end. They finished 27th in defensive pass EPA and gave up over 250 passing yards per game last season. Mansoor Delane brings controlled aggression and mirror quickness — a long, instinctive cover man who can shadow top receivers and thrive in match coverage. He gives L.A. a legitimate CB1 again.

Arizona’s defense needs plenty, but keeping Kyler Murray upright is the bigger priority. The Cardinals rank bottom-five in sacks allowed and yards per carry, and Kaydyn Proctor helps both. The Alabama tackle is massive yet fluid, with the anchor strength to neutralize power rushers and the athleticism to pull in space. A foundational piece for a line that’s lacked one.

Houston has asked too much of C.J. Stroud. They rank bottom-third in rushing yards (871) and yards per carry (4.1). Jeremiyah Love is the best back in this class — a patient, explosive runner who fits Bobby Slowik’s zone scheme. His addition balances the offense and eases Stroud’s workload down the stretch.

Without Micah Parsons, Dallas’ defense has cratered — a 112.3 opponent passer rating (second-worst in the league) and bottom-five marks in sacks and rushing yards allowed. L.T. Overton brings the bend and burst to reignite the pass rush. His length and twitch make him a nightmare in Dan Quinn-style fronts, restoring the chaos this defense used to live on.

The Vikings have allowed a 104.7 opponent passer rating, seventh-worst in the NFL, making corner a glaring hole. Jermod McCoy hasn’t played this season, but his 2024 tape was top-five caliber. Brian Flores will bet on the traits — elite recovery speed, confidence in press, and ball skills that stabilize the boundary for years.

Peter Woods gives Carolina the interior disruption they’ve lacked since Derrick Brown began drawing double-teams every snap. Quick off the ball and built to anchor, Woods frees up linebackers and keeps the pocket muddy. He’s a low-risk, high-floor pick who helps the Panthers control gaps and raise their sack totals from the inside out.