NFL Archives |

Depth Chart Battles For The 2023 Green Bay Packers

I will be listing some depth chart battles to watch for during training camp for the upcoming 2023 season. Roster battles are kind of a misnomer. NFL teams usually already know going into training camp who will make up 48 of their 53 man roster.

These depth chart battles though will be determined in camp and pre-season, they will also be listed as how open of a competition they will be.

Packers Depth Chart Battles: Wide Open

These competitions will feature multiple players batting it out for a spot with no real favorite entering camp.

“Strong Safety”

Photo Credit: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

I put the quotes around it since the Packers do not differentiate between the two safety spots, although I expect Darnell Savage to play mostly free. So this is really a battle for the starting spot opposite him. The competition will be strong with between three to four guys competing for opportunity to start.

Rudy Ford, Tarvarius Moore, and Jonathan Owens will fight it out for that spot with Anthony Johnson Jr. having an outside shot at it. All of them should make the roster. Training camp will determine playing time, at least early on.

Tight end

This position is also pretty wide open 1-4. Josiah Deguara, Tucker Kraft, Tyler Davis, and Luke Musgrave will all be fighting it out for playing time. I still see Deguara as more of a hback/fullback, but I could see him getting some time as a regular tight end. With his experience, for all we know Davis could be the week one starter, although I expect it to be either Kraft or Musgrave.

#2 Edge rusher

With Rashan Gary coming off a late-season ACL tear, the expectation is that he will miss at least a couple games to begin the season and probably start out the season on the PUP. A lot of Packers fans expect Lukas Van Ness to start simply because he was a top 13 pick. However, due to his rawness I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the Gary development plan. This would allow competition until Gary returns. I see Kingsley Enagbare and, to a lesser extent, Justin Hollins competing with Van Ness to start the season.

Packers Depth Chart Battles: Slight Advantage

These battles will between a couple players, where one might have a slight advantage.

#2/#3 Defensive lineman

Photo Credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

With Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry gone, there are a lot of snaps available. The two leading candidates for those snaps would easily be TJ Slaton and Devonte Wyatt. The question becomes, with Green Bay relying so heavily on sub packages that utilize only two defensive linemen, who gets the #2 spot and who gets the #3 spot.

With their skills sets being different, I see Slaton as the leader to be the #2 guy. His experience is big going into year three. Also, his skill set plays much better with Kenny Clark, as he can play more nose freeing up Clark for more pass rush opportunities. While Wyatt could also add a second pass rush threat with Clark, his run defense needs work, as does his pad level. It would make more sense to let him come in on long-distance passing downs.

#3 Running back

This one should also be an interesting one. You have Lew Nichols III, Patrick Taylor, and Tyler Goodson battling it out for one spot. I put Nichols as the slight favorite for a couple reasons. #1 he is a draft pick. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has shown he doesn’t like to cut his draft picks. #2 his age/upside. He is younger than Taylor and has shown he could be an all-around type back.

Taylor knows the ins and outs of the offense and can play in all three phases. At this point, though, he lacks upside and looks to be what he is. Goodson has the athleticism that the other two lack and could really bring something dynamic to the offense. But, he has struggled in pass protection and hasn’t shown he can contribute on special teams.

Packers Depth Chart Battles: Heavy Favorites

These spots have their challengers, but the incumbent is considered a heavy favorite who will be hard to dislodge.

Center

Joshua Myers has been the guy the last two season, but he has been inconsistent. He actually played worse in 2022 versus his rookie year. He will face a challenge from Zach Tom. With Myers being a former second round choice and missing a big chunk of his rookie season I see him as the heavy favorite, at least early in the season.

If he continues to struggle, though, I could see them pulling the plug by mid-season. Tom can back up all five positions and it’s easier just replacing a guy instead of moving a bunch of guys around.

Right guard

Jon Runyan Jr. is going into his third year as the starter. He has yet to show much progress — he still will have some bad games mixed in with good ones. Runyan will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, so it’s important for him to really show some improvement. Runyan still has upside, having played only left tackle at Michigan. There is still some developmental potential there and the Packers are probably betting on it.

He will see challenges from Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom. Rhyan was a third-round pick just a year ago and was transitioning from left tackle to guard, he also got suspended for the final six games. There still is a lot of upside and potential to Rhyan. Tom is probably better off at center or tackle, but should still back up at guard, as well.

Right Tackle

Yosh Nijman started 11 games at right tackle in 2022 and seemed to fare better there than at left tackle. He was a raw, athletic freak coming out in 2019, and basically spent two season on the bench. The thought is he has only really played two years in the NFL, so there still might be some untapped potential in him.

He, of course, will get pushed by Zach Tom and maybe Rasheed Walker. With his size, contract, experience, and pending free agency, he is the heavy favorite to start the season.

Those are the major depth chart battles for the Packers as I see it going into the season. Thanks for stopping by! You can always read my other writings, as well.

Around the Block Network is a proud supporter of our LGBTQIA+ contributors, friends, family, and fans. This pride month, we would like to encourage you to make a donation to organizations helping fight for equality across the country, including the ACLU, Human Rights Campaign, and the Trevor Project.

Top 3 Trade Destinations for Dalvin Cook

Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is the focus of persistent trade rumors — Photo Credit: Stephen Maturen/GettyImages

One of the most persistent storylines of the NFL offseason has circled around the Minnesota Vikings and the future of their star running back, Dalvin Cook. The trade winds have swirled for months, and the rumors just don’t seem to go away. Cook has been linked to a number of teams during this saga. Yet, for now, he remains in Minnesota.

It feels like it’s only a matter of time before the Vikings ship Cook off somewhere, but where? Here are the top three trade destinations as I see them for Cook, with a wildcard thrown in just for fun – and maybe some chaos!

Dalvin Cook Trade Destinations: Top 3

Arizona Cardinals

For my money, the Arizona Cardinals make the most sense to pull off a trade with the Vikings for Dalvin Cook. They are a team that has been making moves for a couple of years, trying to make that next leap into consistent playoff relevance.

The Cards have their quarterback of the future, Kyler Murray. They have a star wide receiver in Deandre Hopkins – who has his own trade rumors swirling. A consistent threat at the running back position could be the piece they need to put it all together.

One of the big things holding the Cardinals back is health. Kyler Murray is set to miss the beginning portions of the season. Current starting running back James Conner has had an extensive injury history in the NFL. Cook has had his own injury history, but he’s mostly been able to battle through and be a consistent presence in the Vikings backfield. If he can provide that for the Cardinals, they may have what it takes to compete with the 49ers for the division.

Dallas Cowboys

I’ll be the first one to admit that, on the surface, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for the Dallas Cowboys to pursue a trade for Dalvin Cook. They seem poised to move on from their cornerstone running back Ezekiel Elliott after a significant dip in his production.

Bringing in another aging, slowing running back would be questionable decision-making, to say the least. Add in the fact that they just signed running back Tony Pollard to a franchise tag deal, and it makes even less sense.

On the other hand, we all know who runs the Cowboys: Jerry Jones. Jones has always been one to make flashy, high-profile moves – whether it makes sense for the team or not. At this point in the NFL offseason, he couldn’t pull off a flashier move than making a trade with the Vikings for Cook.

Do I think it will happen? No. But will I be surprised if Jones up and decides he absolutely has to have Cook, damn the cost? Also no.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are the team most heavily connected to the Vikings in a trade for Dalvin Cook. The rumors have been floating about for months, and just when you think they’ve died out, they come back with a vengeance. On the surface, trading Cook to the Dolphins makes some sense.

Miami has been making a hard push in a competitive AFC. They traded for former Kansas City Chiefs star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Broncos defensive end Bradley Chubb last season. Earlier this offseason, they traded with the Los Angeles Rams to bring in Jalen Ramsey. What’s one more trade, right?

The problem with this scenario is two-fold. The first and most obvious thing is that trading for a running back doesn’t make much sense for a team that has already expended so many resources making a push. The second issue is that Cook doesn’t really fit the mold of what this new Dolphins team is after. With the guys they’ve brought in and drafted over the past few seasons, they clearly have one thing in mind: Speed.

That being said, bringing in a running back like Cook could provide the Dolphins with some much-needed versatility in the backfield. Right now, they don’t have a back who fits that traditional “thumper” mold like Cook could. If brought in, Cook could provide the perfect complement to guys like Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and third-round pick De’Von Achane.

Dalvin Cook Trade Destinations: Wild Card

San Francisco 49ers

Out of all the options we’ve explored for a Vikings trade of Dalvin Cook, this one probably makes the least sense – but is also the most fun. That’s why this is my wildcard option. The 49ers are almost assuredly not going to trade for Cook. They have a potent offense already with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle – the best tight end in football.

They also just played this game last season, making a trade with the Carolina Panthers for Christian McCaffrey. Not only does it not make sense for the 49ers to turn around and expend more assets at the position, but McCaffrey is also a much better fit for what the 49ers want to do on offense. It would be a pipe dream to think San Francisco would be interested in trading for Cook, much less be willing to pull it off.

And yet, one can’t help but dream. Cook would add a new dimension to the 49ers’ offense they don’t currently have. The offense in San Francisco is already so innovative and fun. Can you imagine what Kyle Shanahan could come up with if he had the ever-present threat of simply running the ball down a team’s throat? Cook could open that offense up even further with his presence alone, and that’s fun enough to include here.

Green Bay Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction 1.0

It’s been awhile, I had to take a bit of a break post draft, but am now ready to get back in the groove. This will be my first Green Bay Packers roster prediction of the off-season.

With this being the first one of the off-season we won’t go into too much detail on depth chart, playing time, or even practice squad yet; probably in the next one. So let’s get to it!

Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Offense

Quarterback (2):

Jordan Love, Sean Clifford

This one is pretty easy; Love will be the guy, we all know that. Clifford was a fifth-round pick, and the only other quarterback on the roster is Danny Etling. As a rookie, Clifford is probably already a better QB than Etling.

The front office could bring in a vet, but I would still find it hard to believe they would cut a fifth-round pick. Maybe they keep three quarterbacks, if the vet at least shows he is a little better than Clifford.

Running back (3):

Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Lew Nichols III

The first two are obvious. Nothing much else to say there. The third spot comes down to Tyler Goodson, Lew Nichols, or Patrick Taylor. Taylor has been in Green Bay for three seasons. While he has shown he can play at the NFL level, he just hasn’t shown enough progression for the Packers to keep him around.

With Goodson, he could make the roster if the Packers decide to keep four, but I doubt as the third because you want a guy who can do everything for that spot and his pass pro is pretty bad.

Tight end (4):

Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Josiah Deguara, Tyler Davis

This position is pretty cut-and-dry. Kraft and Musgrave are, of course, both day two picks who will probably see the majority of the snaps this season at tight end. Deguara is the fullback/H-back, and Davis is the special teamer/occasional tight end. His spot is the most in danger, but there isn’t much behind him. If Austin Allen can show something in preseason, he could beat him out.

Wide Receiver (6):

Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Grant DuBose, Bo Melton

The first four are pretty much locks to make the roster. Watson and Doubs will be the starters with Reed playing out of the slot. Wicks and DuBose have upside, and both are solid blockers. Wicks has just 18 career snaps on special teams, where DuBose has 97, so he will have to show he can learn it.

Toure and Melton will be in a fight for the 6th spot. I kept Melton over Toure because he can be a gadget/RB/returner/slot, where Toure is pretty much just a slot. A lot will be depend on if the Packers are willing to go light or heavy at another position. The Packers could also trade Melton or Toure.

Offensive line (9):

David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, John Runyan Jr., Yosh Nijman, Zach Tom, Sean Rhyan, Rasheed Walker, Royce Newman

I would say eight of these guys are pretty much locks to make the roster (Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, Nijman, Tom, and Newman). That leaves one spot to be fought over by Jake Hanson, Caleb Jones, Luke Tenuta, and Rasheed Walker. Walker and Hanson are the only two with any real positional versatility, but Hanson isn’t very good.

Tom and Jenkins can both play center, and the Packers have a number of guards already. Walker could play left or right tackle, and could train to play guard as well. Tenuta and Jones are right tackles only. Jones did play some left tackle in the preseason, but I wouldn’t trust him there in a regular season game. If they go with 10, then it’s between Hanson or Jones. I would go with Jones.

Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Defense

Defensive Line (5):

Kenny Clark, TJ Slaton, Devonte Wyatt, Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks

This position is mostly cut-and-dry, as well. Clark, Slaton, Wyatt, and Wooden are locks. Brooks is close, since he is a draft pick and has shown he can rush the passer and the Packers like defensive linemen that can collapse the pocket. He has some versatility as well. The only question is do they keep a 6th?

I don’t think so, since they use so much sub-package defense and Ford didn’t play last season and didn’t do much in pre-season, either. They could easily get him on the practice squad.

Credit: Justin Fine/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Edge Rushers (5):

Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Justin Hollins, Keshawn Banks. PUP: Rashan Gary

Gary tore his ACL in November, so even if he’s ahead of schedule that still puts him ready to play at the end of September or early October. PUP is four weeks now, so that pretty much lines up. Smith, Enagbare, Van Ness, and Hollins are all pretty much locks.

I chose Hollins because he showed he can get after the quarterback a bit last season, can defend the run, and can play some special teams. Despite poor testing, Banks is more athletic than Brenton Cox Jr. (he was dealing with a hamstring issue during his pro day); although Cox does play with more power and is better against the run.

With your last edge rusher spot you are looking for someone who’s athletic, can play special teams, and whose motor is non-stop. That is Banks. Cox had motor issues in college, and he isn’t fast or quick, and has no special teams experience. Banks has almost 200 special teams snaps in his career. Once Gary is back, Banks likely goes to the practice squad.

Linebackers (5):

DeVondre Campbell, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Tariq Carpenter, Eric Wilson

The top four here are set in stone. The only question is do they keep five or six? Wilson would be close to a lock. The only other off-ball linebacker is Jimmy Phillips, who has a legit chance to make the roster.

I think they could stash him on the practice squad for a season and use him as a game day call up if there are injuries. He is a good linebacker and has a lot of special teams experience, playing 137 snaps just this past season.

Cornerback (6):

Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Keisean Nixon, Shemar Jean-Charles, Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine. IR/PUP: Eric Stokes

Alexander, Douglas, and Nixon are locks, and SJC is close to it unless he bombs in the pre-season. He has special teams experience and can back up Nixon in the slot. Valentine is an athletic freak and a good special teams play, and of course has potential down the line.

Ballentine is another Gutekunst type; an athletic freak who is a good special teams player. You could do worse with your 6th CB.

I have Stokes on either the in-season IR or PUP, because we just don’t know where he is in his recovery.

Safety (5):

Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, Anthony Johnson Jr., Tarvarius, Moore

The Packers have eight total safeties on the roster right now, and outside of Savage their aren’t many roster locks. Due to his youth and starting experience, I would pencil Owens in as a starter this season. Ford showed last season he can play from scrimmage, if needed, and is a good special teams player.

Johnson Jr., of course, has down-the-line starter potential, and Moore is like a more physically talented version of Leavitt — and he still has some untapped potential.

Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Special Teams

Special Teams (3):

Anders Carlson, Matt Orzech, Patt O’Donnell

Carlson is a lock, despite what Packers coaches have said and will say leading up to the season. He is a kicker who was drafted in the 5th round — unless he is complete garbage they wont cut him.

Orzech is experienced and received some guaranteed money, so much like Carlson, unless he stinks up the joint he is a lock for the roster. O’Donnell, though, will have a fight for his spot with Dan Whelan, who I think is a year away but I would not be surprised if they kept him over O’Donnell.

There you guys have it, my early 53-man roster prediction for the Packers 2023 season. As always, you can always read any of my other articles here at ATB Netowrk.

49ers Post Draft Reaction: An In-depth Review

Photo Credit: Briana McDonald 49ers Digital Media Coordinator

As the dust settles on the 2023 NFL draft, I am left scratching my head. The 49ers started their draft late in the third round at pick #87 with a glaring need for the team was offensive line and secondary help after losing Mike McGlinchey, Daniel Brunskill, Jimmie Ward, and Emmanuel Moseley. Instead, the 49ers traded up in the third round with the Vikings to draft safety Ji’ayir Brown from Penn State.

After that, the draft was a bit… odd, for lack of a better word. With pick #99 the 49ers selected kicker Jake Moody from Michigan. Taking a kicker was not the craziest thing for the 49ers due to Robbie Gould testing free agency for the upcoming season. At the end of the draft, the 49ers did not select an offensive lineman, which has been a need since the 2022 season ended.

Below is a list of the new 49ers and how they can contribute in 2023.

Pick 87: Ji’ayir Brown S | Penn State

Ji’ayir Brown is an explosive safety ready to make a play. He is great at run defense, racking up 153 total tackles in his college career with nine of them being for loss. His pass defense is also impressive where he totaled 10 interceptions and nine pass deflections. His discipline might get him in trouble due to over pursuit or misreading a play. Luckily, he will be playing in one of the best defenses in the NFL, which will be able to cover up his mistakes.

I look forward to him contributing a lot in his first year and possibly starting early in the season due to Jimmie Ward and Tarvarius Moore signing with new teams.

Pick 99: Jake Moody K | Michigan

Jake Moody was the best place kicker in the 2023 NFL draft. He made 148 of his 148 extra point attempts at Michigan and made 52 of his 60 field goals in his last two seasons. Most of those field goals came within 40 yards, where he was very consistent. His downside is his leg strength, where he is a bit questionable once he crosses the 40-yard threshold.

It will be an interesting spring and summer where he and veteran Zane Gonzalez battle to fill the huge void Robbie Gould left.

Pick 101: Cameron Latu TE | Alabama

Cameron Latu will not hop off the page with his athleticism or power, but has a way of shaking the secondary and pinpointing the ball. He is not great at run blocking off the line, but does excel at next-level blocking.

I can see the 49ers using him when needing a short pass or help with blocking downfield on wide receiver screens. He will more than likely start the season as a 3^rd string tight end and not see a large capacity of snaps.

Pick 155: Darrell Luter Jr. CB | South Alabama

Darrell Luter Jr. is a physical corner with long arms. His stats are not as impressive as a first-round talent, but he makes it up with his physicality and long arms. He is great at press coverage, but may have an issue with zone coverage. He will need to improve his coverage on the long ball, but his long arms and ability to read a wide receiver’s eyes should help him quickly adapt in the NFL.

I do not expect him to start Week 1, but with the luck the 49ers have with the health of their corners he could be thrown in at any time.

Pick 173: Robert Beal Jr. DE | Georgia

Robert Beal Jr. is a lengthy athletic edge rusher who found himself being overshadowed by his star-studded teammates at Georgia. He is a raw talent that needs to be coached to his true ability. He is inconsistent with his pass rush moves, but when they work he looks like an All-Star.

I think after a season or two with one of the league’s top defensive line coaches, Kris Kocurek, we could see Robert Beal Jr. have a nice career in the NFL.

Pick 216: Dee Winters ILB | TCU

Dee Winters is a bit undersized in comparison to the average NFL linebacker, but he is not afraid to stick his nose in a play. He is great at shooting the gaps and laying a big hit on a ball carrier. He will need to work on his pass defense and ability to read an offense. I expect him to see some snaps during the season, especially on obvious run downs.

Pick 247: Brayden Willis TE | Oklahoma

Brayden Willis has strong hands and a great ability to pick up yards after catch. He likes to get to the middle of the field, and is not afraid to make a contested catch. He will be able to provide some help in the 49ers pass offense, but needs to improve his run blocking. Maybe a year under George Kittle’s wing could help Willis’ run blocking ability.

Pick 253: Ronnie Bell WR | Michigan

Ronnie Bell is a strong-handed receiver who’s not afraid to block in the run game. Bell had ACL surgery in 2021, but bounced back with an impressive season. Speed and quickness are a bit lacking, but he makes it up with strong hands and well-timed leaps. I would imagine he would start the season on special teams and occasionally get a few snaps on offense.

Pick 255: Jalen Graham OLB | Purdue

Jalen Graham is an energetic line backer who plays with no fear. He plays very physically, but can also drop back in coverage. He is a bit undersized and lacks the ability to read blocking assignments at times. Jalen will be in a backup role and play on special teams.

If I had to give this 49ers draft a grade, I would give it a “C”. Some holes will be filled, and some are still a question mark.

Favorite Day Three Prospects

Day two of the NFL draft is in the books, and we look forward to the top prospects left for day three. I surveyed some of our own NFL draft experts, along with experts from some popular draft outlets to get a sense of some of the favorites still left on the board.

JP Acosta – SB Nation: AT Perry, WR, Wake Forest

AT Perry favorite day three prospects — Photo Credit: AP Photo/Gerry Broome

“Perry is a senior coming from a gimmicky Wake First offense, but he provides a nice blend of speed and size. He can stretch the field as an outside receiver and has a bit more finesse to his route running than other receivers. He’s limited in the amount of routes he ran, but for a team who wants speed on the outside, AT Perry is a solid pick on Day 3.”

Zack Dietz – Giants Country: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

“One of my favorite remaining prospects is South Carolina CB, Darius Rush. Blessed with great size, length, and athleticism, the former Gamecock is an experienced defensive back who would be an ideal in press-heavy schemes. Many analysts saw him as the better SC corner over Smith, who Miami selected in the second round last night.”

Tyler Forness – Vikings Wire: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

“Darius Rush is my favorite defender in the draft class and a member of the All-Forno team. A freaky athlete that can make up ground in coverage, Rush needs to work on staying with the receiver early on in the route to become a capable starter.”

Saivion Mixson – ATB Network: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

“The fact that Darius Rush is here is insane. Rush has what it takes to be a corner for a LONG TIME in this league. His ability to recognize a receiver’s routes and a receiver’s hips into and out of routes was on display at the Senior Bowl and I thought would be enough for someone to take him in the third. Oh well, someone is going to get a good immediate depth piece that could become more later in his career.”

Eric Edholm – NFL.com: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

“He’s small, sure, but his reaction skills, ball skills, and competitiveness all stand out. Maybe he’s only a slot, but less-talented, smaller corners were taken before him.”

Devin Jackson – Philadelphia Inquirer: Jalen Cropper, WR, Fresno St

“Cropper is more quick than fast, using varied route tempo with natural hands to attack the ball over the middle of the field while having the versatility to be used all over the field, creating chunk yardage plays on pop passes and jet sweeps. I believe he can be a high-end WR3 in an offense with how savvy he is exploring zone coverage.”

Mitch Wolfe – Eagle Insider/Still Curtain: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

“This time last year, if you would’ve tried to tell anyone that Kelee Ringo would be a Day 3 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, they would’ve assumed he suffered a catastrophic injury or (had) done something terrible off the field. But neither of those things happened and yet, Ringo remains.

The 20-year-old CB from Georgia started for two years on one of the best defenses in college football history. He even ran in the 4.3s at the Combine. But there were concerns about his lateral agility and ability to consistently mirror quicker receivers. Some even predicted that he would move to safety.

These concerns were well-founded when it came to Ringo as a first-round prospect. But on Day 3, even if he does have to move to safety, his physical tools are simply too enticing to pass up.”

Ian Cummings – Pro Football Network: Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri

Isaiah McGuire day three prospects — Photo Credit: David Carson, Post-Dispatch

“My favorite remaining prospect on Day 3 is Missouri EDGE Isaiah McGuire. He’s 6’4”, 270 pounds, with near-34” arms. High-end explosiveness off the snap and elite power capacity, but also has underrated bend for his size, and a working pass-rush arsenal around the apex. Stacks a high motor in both phases on top of it all. He’s my 40th overall prospect.”

Aaron Freeman – Locked On Falcons: Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri

“We have seen recent years produce capable pass-rushers on the third day of the draft including Maxx Crosby, Josh Sweat, Carl Lawson, and Matt Judon. If there was somebody in this year’s class that I would bet on that could turn into that type of pro, McGuire would be my pick. He possesses the size, power, and a well-developed array of moves and his dominant tape against first-round Georgia tackle Broderick Jones is more than enough to sell you on his upside.”

Cory Kinnan – Browns Wire: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati

“Scott slipping to day three is criminal. One of the more explosive receivers in the class, Scott has an underrated ability to throttle down seamlessly and create blind spots. Not just a speed guy, Scott will make the NFL pay.”

Brian Maafi – ATB Network: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern

“Day three is typically about two different type of players, either a guy with traits and upside you take a shot on, or someone who has a decent floor, but maybe not much upside but can contribute in a specific role. Adebawore is the former. He has the highest ceiling of all the players left in my opinion and is a player I think would be worth the shot.”

Daniel Olinger – The Draft Network: Christopher Smith II, S, Georgia

“Watching Jalen Carter’s film the last two days, Smith pops immediately too on Georgia’s tape. He’s a maniac who loves nothing more than getting a 20-yard running start before blowing someone up in the backfield. I know safety isn’t a premium position, but Smith was a starter on the national champion team’s defense for a reason. He can definitely work his way to being a starter at the next level.”

Alex Katson – Neptune Scouting/Chargers Wire: Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton

“An NCAA record-setting heptathlete on the track, Iosivas should be appealing for teams looking to add developmental speed on Day 3. He played in the Ivy League and skipped spring practice every season to run track, but he flashes legit ability at all three levels of the field on tape.”

Honorable Mentions:

There are many others that deserve mention as favorite players left on day three. Here are a few others that weren’t mentioned.

Jay Ward, S, LSU

Jay Ward is a versatile piece for any secondary. He can play as either a nickel or as a deep safety. He’ll be equally good at either and will be able to carve out a role as a third or fourth safety for a team. I believe he can be a budget version of Quan Martin, who the Commanders drafted at pick 47.

Nick Herbig, Edge, Wisconsin

Nick Herbig is a very intriguing player. There is not a consensus on where he will play at the next level. Some think he’s best as an edge rusher, others as an off-ball linebacker due to his size limitations. Either way, Herbig is a round 3 caliber player who fell. His skill set as a pass rusher is what is most enticing for me.

Daniel Scott, S, Cal

Daniel Scott is one of my favorite day-three safeties. He impressed me at the Senior Bowl where I thought he was one of the top safeties there. On his physicality there, Scott noted “We got full pads on… obviously got a little bit of jitters so you want to play a little faster, compete a little bit, but I just wanted to show, you know just cause I’m not six-five… and 200 something pounds I can still bang with people, still cover, show my versatility.” Overall, I think he will be a good value for whoever selects him.

Luke Wypler, iOL, Ohio State

Luke Wypler is one of my favorite centers in the draft. In fact, I like him more than some interior linemen draft on day two. He has very good movement ability and should have enough anchor to hold up at the next level. I believe someone is getting a starting caliber player on day three, given he goes into the right scheme.

Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan St

Bryce Baringer is the top punter in the draft this year, and whoever drafts him will get immediate improvement at that position (and won’t spend a 3rd rounder on it… 49ers). Baringer boomed punts for the Spartans this past season but has been working to improve his hangtime. Baringer talked about the switch from college to the NFL where there aren’t three or four guys that release on the snap, stressing the need for added hangtime, saying “If they can’t return it, I did my job”.