Daniel Jones may or may not the long-term QB for the Giants. Since he’ll likely return under center next year, it’s important to surround him with the talent to succeed in year 2 of Brian Daboll’s offense. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a good start, as the Buckeyes receiver went ballistic in 2021 with record-breaking performances but was hampered by injuries this past season. He also offers a great skill set that would make any QB happy. Smith-Njigba’s hands, route-running ability, RAC skills and body control will make him a reliable target from the slot for Jones.
No. 23) Baltimore Ravens – Georgia CB Kelee Ringo
The slide finally ends for the talented Bulldogs defensive back. It’s been a rocky season for Ringo, who could shut down his matchup one week and follow it up by being a liability. There are a lot of questions surrounding the future for Baltimore, but adding a gifted corner to a defense that features Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams in the secondary would good news for the Ravens.
No. 24) Los Angeles Chargers – Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
Adding a security blanket for Justin Herbert not named Keenan Allen or Mike Williams should be a priority this offseason. LA has struggled to find a reliable target at tight end for several years now. Michael Mayer would be the perfect player to be Herbert’s go-to down the middle of the field, offering some of the best hands, route running skills and RAC ability at his position.
No. 25) Dallas Cowboys – SMU WR Rashee Rice
Adding a No. 2 wide receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb and QB Dak Prescott should be a top priority. Rashee Rice would be a nice Z receiver for Dallas, offering a good physical and athletic profile to go along with creativity in space, good hands and a fiery competitive spirit that Cowboys fans would like.
No. 26) Cincinnati Bengals – Georgia TE Darnell Washington
The Bengals will need to address the tight end position after receiving inconsistent production from their group. If he has a great draft process, Darnell Washington would bring unreal size (6’7”, 270 lbs.), length, power, hands and incredible athleticism to Cincinnati, making them a powerhouse offense that can go toe-to-toe with Buffalo and Kansas City.
No. 27) Minnesota Vikings – Minnesota iOL John Michael Schmitz
The Vikings are not a flawless team, especially on the offensive side of the ball. They’ll likely need a new center or guard with Garrett Bradbury being a pending free agent. I believe John Michael Schmitz would be the perfect successor for Bradbury, providing the power and functional movement skills to be an anchor in the middle of the Vikings offensive line.
No. 28) Denver Broncos (via 49ers) – Clemson LB Trenton Simpson
Whoever the next head coach is will be crucial to the future of this franchise if they don’t want to begin a complete rebuild despite having an incredible defense. In this scenario, George Paton works to add to his talented defense by selecting athletic freak Trenton Simpson, who offers great blitzing skills and is a physical player against the run.
No. 29) Buffalo Bills – Texas RB Bijan Robinson
The Bills are an elite football team with very few holes. Why not take another step in becoming a dang-near unstoppable offense with the selection of Bijan Robinson, arguably the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley? Robinson has a complete skill set and is a home run threat anytime he touches the ball. His receiving skills will come in handy in Buffalo’s passing attack as well.
No. 30) Kansas City Chiefs – Notre Dame EDGE Isaiah Foskey
George Karlaftis looks to be their future at EDGE, but adding another young buck opposite of him would allow the Chiefs to have two very talented pass rushers on rookie deals. Isaiah Foskey was a productive EDGE for the Fighting Irish over the last two seasons and has the skill set to make an impact early on.