What were Yates’ top five picks for each round of the NFL draft? Which teams received the best value?
No. 61 Detroit Lions cornerback, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.The highlights from newest Lion Mekhi Wingo
Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was drafted by the New York Giants with the 166th overall pick.
Round 1
I greatly admired Adams during the entire process, impressed by his ability to play multiple positions, his toughness, and strength. My prediction is that Adams will excel as a guard and could potentially start as a rookie for the Cardinals. My colleague Mel Kiper Jr. is responsible for our draft ratings, but I believe Arizona would rank highly on my list. The Cardinals nailed their entire draft selection.
Tanor Bortolini plays center/guard for the Indianapolis Colts and was drafted at No. 117.
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, Indianapolis Colts (No. 15)
“The Dallas Cowboys selected Nathan Thomas, a rookie offensive tackle, with the 233rd overall pick.”
Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell from the Philadelphia Eagles, wearing jersey number 22.
“Tanner McLachlan, a tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals, was drafted at pick number 194.”
G, C.J. Hanson, selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with pick number 248.
Barrett displayed a high level of physical intensity during his time at Michigan, where he had a successful college career with the most games and victories in the program’s history. Despite his smaller size of 5-11 and 233 pounds, he consistently exceeded expectations on the field. As the former standout linebacker and current GM, Dan Morgan and the Carolina front office are especially experienced in evaluating linebacker play. Barrett’s 66 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in the previous season are impressive statistics.
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Round 2
“The thing that stands out to me about the Rams’ draft strategy is their focus on quality football players, despite it being a commonly used phrase. Jackson is a determined pass rusher with impressive burst and reach on the edge. In order to strengthen their front seven, the Rams selected three rookies (Jackson, Verse, and Fiske), all of whom are expected to have an immediate impact. Jackson recorded 8.5 sacks, 35 pressure plays, and 16 tackles for loss during his last season.”
Beau Brade, Safety for the Baltimore Ravens.
Take a look at some of the best moments from Christian Haynes, the new guard for the Seahawks, during his time in college.
C #26, Graham Barton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Carolina Panthers selected Michael Barrett (No. 240) as a linebacker.
The highlights from newest Saint Spencer Rattler G, Christian Haynes, for the Seattle Seahawks, wearing jersey number 81. After some time to think about it, I wanted to examine the top five picks in each of the seven rounds from my incredible week in Detroit. These selections may not be the overall best players chosen in each round (I also loved seeing the Bears take Caleb Williams at No. 1 and the Cardinals snag Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 4!), but they are my personal favorites. I considered aspects such as value, suitability, and overall impact on the team. Let me begin with the other choice made by the Bears in the first round. DeWayne Carter, defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, wears jersey number 95.
Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Denver Broncos (No. 145)Round 3
Player number 37, Ja’Lynn Polk, is a wide receiver for the New England Patriots.
Hanson, who attended Holy Cross, is a product of a small school. His movements in pulling defensive linemen are very smooth. What stands out to me the most about Hanson’s playing style is his attitude: he is determined to complete every block he makes. Despite being only 300 pounds, he aims to gain weight while learning from the league’s top interior offensive line.
No. 71 Isaiah Adams, a guard for the Arizona Cardinals.Cole Bishop, S, Buffalo Bills (No. 60)
Prospect profile for Braeden Fiske, defensive tackle for the Rams.
The 2024 National Football League draft has been finalized. In the first round, six teams selected a quarterback, many receivers were chosen, and there was a noticeable emphasis on strengthening the lines. We witnessed a variety of moves. I was especially impressed by the Cardinals, Steelers, and Commanders and their efforts to enhance their teams’ lineups.
Take a look at the best moments from Braeden Fiske, the newest defensive tackle for the Rams from college.
I received a high grade for Bortolini in the third round, particularly due to his impressive performance at the combine that showcased his skill in redirection – an important quality for an interior offensive lineman. Bortolini is versatile, both in terms of the positions he can play (guard or center) and the offensive scheme. He was able to hold his own at Wisconsin last season, despite the team shifting away from their traditional power-running style. Bortolini’s abilities can aid in creating running opportunities for Jonathan Taylor and giving quarterback Anthony Richardson more time in the pocket.
Calen Bullock, Safety for the Houston Texans, wearing the number 78.
The main priority for the Buccaneers going into the draft was strengthening the offensive line on the inside. Barton initially played as the center for Duke in 2020 before transitioning to left tackle for three seasons. He is expected to primarily line up on the interior for Tampa Bay, but his ability to play various positions is a valuable asset for the team. He possesses excellent agility and is skilled at run blocking.
I was surprised when Brade did not get drafted. I was impressed by his performance on film, showing his knack for making plays and skill in both tackling and covering receivers. In the game against Ohio State, Brade was tasked with guarding Marvin Harrison Jr., which shows the confidence the defensive coordinator had in his abilities. He will be a valuable addition to Baltimore after the draft.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Levi Drake Rodriguez as their defensive tackle, with the 232nd pick.
ESPN Insider, Field Yates
Round 4
The New Orleans Saints selected Spencer Rattler with the 150th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Jaden Hicks is a safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, drafted at number 133.
The numbers will never tell the full story on Carter, as he was an absolute menace to block from a variety of alignments during his time at Duke. He can line up over the center, as a 3-technique and even kick out over the tackles. Carter plays full tilt at all times and consistently impacts the integrity of the pocket. Buffalo lacks depth on the interior of the defensive line beyond Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, and Carter helps.
Finding footage of Manu proved challenging due to his background in basketball and playing for the University of British Columbia. However, once obtained, the tape showcased his remarkable abilities. In terms of physical measurements, Manu stands at 6-7 and weighs 352 pounds, with a vertical jump of 33.5 inches and 40-yard dash time of just over 5.0. His strength displayed on tape is sure to carry over into the NFL.
View 257 selections | Analysis of Picks
Kiper’s draft evaluations | Top, bottom selections
Based on Yates’ preferred choices, notable insights were gained.
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Tracy is a fun player to study, as he was a wide receiver for four seasons at Iowa before transferring to Purdue and playing two years as a running back. That versatility could easily lead to early opportunities for the Giants, especially given the team’s thin backfield behind new starter Devin Singletary. Tracy ran for eight TDs last season.
Due to Wilson’s injury background, he was ranked at No. 98. However, considering the end of the third round, this was a highly worthwhile investment as it offered great value. After watching his performance on tape, I believe Wilson was the standout player among inside linebackers, displaying exceptional speed and adaptability. He possesses both pass rushing and coverage abilities, as well as impressive range in defending runs from side to side, with strong instincts. In a move to strengthen their linebacker group, the Pittsburgh team has signed free agent Patrick Queen, and now Wilson joins in on this effort.
by NFL
Caelen Carson, a cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, was drafted at number 174 by the NFL.
Take a look at the top plays from the Lions’ latest addition to their defensive line, Mekhi Wingo.
Bishop was my top-ranked safety in the class, showing great speed that allows him to play with range as a deep middle-of-the-field defender. He excels in man coverage and as a blitzer, as well. In short, Bishop is a movable DB who helps fill a significant need for Buffalo; Jordan Poyer left in free agency, and Micah Hyde is presently unsigned.McLachlan was one of my favorite sleepers in the class and my 113th-ranked player. He has excellent size (6-5, 244 pounds) and is an instinctive/smooth route runner with really good skills after the catch. Cincinnati was a rare team that leaned on a legitimate rotation of tight ends in 2023 (four consistently saw play time), and McLachlan figures to be a part of something similar, with Mike Gesicki and fellow draftee Erick All also with the Bengals this season.
Round 5
The value of Hicks, ranked 67th overall, was closely linked to my team. In the past two seasons, he had over 700 snaps at safety, over 200 snaps at outside linebacker, over 150 snaps at inside linebacker, and over 150 snaps at slot cornerback, making him the only player in the Power 5 to achieve this feat. My assessment suggests that tight end Jared Wiley, also selected in the fourth round, was an excellent value as well. The Kansas City front office is highly regarded in the NFL for various reasons, including their consistent success in the draft. This year’s draft class appears to be another strong one.
Thomas played in 26 games at Louisiana where he always played as the left tackle without missing any playing time. However, he is versatile enough to also play as a guard, and this could potentially suit him better in the NFL. Thomas’ strongest attribute is his strength; once he gains control over his opponent, it’s game over.
Los Angeles Rams’ DT, Braden Fiske, selected at No. 39.
The defensive strategy used by Wake Forest involved having Carson play primarily in off-man coverage. This highlighted two strengths in his game: his quick reaction to backpedal and return to the ball, and his ability to resist falling for double moves. While Carson did not have impressive numbers when it came to interceptions in the last two seasons, he is skilled at disrupting the play when the ball is near him.
At one time in the draft, there was a significant difference between quarterbacks, with Rattler being selected 138 picks after Bo Nix, who was chosen as the 12th overall pick by Denver. However, Rattler’s strong arm and ability to move effectively, both in and out of the pocket, made him a valuable consideration for New Orleans. While it is not certain that he will become a starter in the near future, with the scarcity of quarterbacks in the NFL, having depth at the position is crucial. He is expected to serve as the backup to Derek Carr in New Orleans.
I liked Davis as a potential fourth round pick due to his age (he will be 25 this season) and his value as a player at his position. However, I have been a big supporter of his throughout the evaluation process. He is capable of making big plays with his impressive vision and quickness. Despite his average speed (4.52) and smaller stature (5-8, 211 pounds), he compensates for it with his ability to stay on his feet after contact and his toughness. He will complement James Cook well as a running back.No player in the draft packed more pound-for-pound punch than Mustapha, who fearlessly flies around to deliver big hits at 5-10, 209 pounds. I remember the first game I watched of Mustapha’s, thinking in that moment that he at the very least had a chance to become a difference-maker as a core special teamer. That was the floor. The ceiling is much higher, as he can be a defensive impact player for a 49ers team that needed safeties.
The Chicago team’s ideal situation would be to acquire both Williams and Odunze in the first round. Odunze is highly rated as the sixth best prospect and I strongly believe that a young quarterback, as talented as Williams, should have a strong supporting team. The Bears have made strides in building a strong receiving group by signing Odunze. He has excellent skills in running routes and Williams will appreciate his ability to make catches under pressure.This was one of the best value picks of the third day, as Wingo ranked 81st overall on my board. He impressed me with his ability to play behind the line of scrimmage. His lightning-quick first step and active hands make him tough to block. Wingo probably lasted until No. 189 because of his stature (6-foot and 284 pounds), but it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s at least a rotational interior pass-rusher early on.
Harden was ranked as the 147th player on my draft board, meaning the 80-spot difference makes this an excellent value pick for Cleveland. In college, he displayed a keen ability for finding the football, having caused four fumbles and intercepting four passes in the last two years, consistently causing disruptions.
Myles Harden, a defensive back for the Cleveland Browns, was drafted at the number 227 spot.
I admire Abrams-Draine’s ability to identify and anticipate routes, likely influenced by his experience as a wide receiver in his early college years (five games in 2020). This skill enables him to position himself effectively and make up for his smaller stature (5-11, 179 pounds). He has successfully defended against 25 passes in the last two seasons.One of the draft’s hidden gems, Rodriguez finished his college career at Texas A&M-Commerce and just destroyed opposing interior offensive lines during his time there. He has great burst that caught the eyes of scouts this past season, and Minnesota landed a potential sleeper here. He had 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in 2023.
Round 6
I am such a big supporter of DeJean that if he was drafted by the Eagles at the 22nd position, he would have been one of my top first-round picks. However, getting him at No. 40? That’s a steal. The Eagles’ desire for fast players this off-season has been satisfied with the signings of Mitchell and DeJean. DeJean brings versatility to the team and is a skilled player in man-to-man coverage with exceptional ball-handling abilities – he intercepted seven passes during his college career. Legette was ranked 28th on my draft board due to his explosive abilities. Whenever he has the football, positive things are likely to occur due to his strength and speed. His performance at the combine, including his height (6-foot-1), weight (221 pounds), 40-yard dash time (4.39 seconds), and vertical jump (40 inches), caught my attention as it matched his on-field performance. This selection adds to the Panthers’ successful offseason, where they have invested many resources into creating a better environment for Bryce Young. I believe this will result in a significant improvement for Young this year, and Legette will contribute to this.Seahawks guard Christian Haynes’ prospect profile Malik Washington is a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, drafted at number 184. “Malik Mustapha, chosen as the 124th pick for the San Francisco 49ers.” Throughout this process, it was clear to me that Latu stood out as the top defensive player in this class and ranked 12th in my rankings. The main concern was his medical history, as he retired due to neck issues in 2020 while at Washington before transferring to UCLA. However, the Indianapolis team was confident in his medical status and made a justified decision to invest in him. Latu has exceptional pass-rush abilities and recorded 23.5 sacks in the last two seasons. Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (No. 40) Haynes is a player who consistently brings a high level of determination and drive to each snap. He ranked at number 59 on my list. In the last two seasons, he has not allowed any sacks and only five instances of pressure. His specialty is pass protection and he will play a crucial role in filling Seattle’s gap at interior lineman, filling the void left by the departures of Damien Lewis and Evan Brown who both left during free agency.One of the best small-school prospects in the draft, Findlay’s Jerrell was a savvy Day 3 upside swing by Seattle. He has a basketball background, and you can see his explosive physical traits on tape — exactly what you wanted to see from a prospect who played at a lower level. Jerrell consistently overwhelms opposing players. Number 98, Payton Wilson, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Rams selected two Florida State defenders as their first two draft picks (they chose edge rusher Jared Verse in the first round). This will greatly enhance their front line. Fiske ended his collegiate career with an impressive record of six sacks in his last five games, utilizing his speed and strength to be an unstoppable force. Despite his smaller size (297 pounds), he compensates with his speed and technique to outmaneuver larger offensive linemen. Mekhi Wingo, DT, Detroit Lions (No. 189) Dylan Laube, a running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, was selected at No. 208. In 2023, Washington had a remarkable season, breaking the ACC record for most catches in a single season with 110. Despite his small stature at 5-9 and 191 pounds, he played with a strong presence on the field. As such, he is expected to primarily play in the slot position for the Dolphins, alongside star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, I am particularly curious about Washington’s skill in gaining yards after the catch and his ability to catch the ball in challenging situations. The Detroit Lions selected OT Giovanni Manu with the 126th overall pick.
32. Carolina Panthers, WR, Xavier Legette Mitchell showed excellent performance in college while playing for Toledo. In his last two seasons, he had a total of 39 instances of breaking up passes. His performance at the Senior Bowl and combine were also impressive. He was among the top prospects with the least concerns in his class. Moreover, he was able to address Philadelphia’s major need. Since both Darius Slay and James Bradberry are over 30, GM Howie Roseman was smart in selecting my top cornerback without having to trade up, at the 22nd spot. I really liked Laube on Day 3, as he has a lot of potential and value. He’s versatile and stands out as one of the top receiving running backs in his class, with 68 receptions for 699 yards and 7 touchdowns in the previous season. He also adds value as a returner. In the biggest game for New Hampshire last season against Central Michigan, he had an impressive performance of 12 catches for 295 yards. Take a look at the standout moments from the Saints’ recently acquired quarterback, Spencer Rattler. Rakestraw proved to be a great value selection in the early rounds of the draft, as he was ranked 32nd on my board but was ultimately drafted at the 61st spot. He is a bold and assertive cornerback who adds a lot of physicality to the game, excels in defending against the run, and is always making plays behind or at the line of scrimmage. I am impressed by Detroit’s improvements to their cornerback lineup by adding Carlton Davis III and selecting both Terrion Arnold and Rakestraw in the first two rounds. Dedicated followers of our podcast “First Draft” have likely heard me passionately discuss Polk as the top player on my list for this class. On my rankings, Polk ranks 43rd, mainly due to his exceptional handwork, precise route running, resilience, and body coordination. He may not have the flashiest style, but he consistently delivers in crucial moments. During his time at Washington, he averaged 16.9 yards per catch in the last two seasons, making him a prime target for quarterback Drake Maye. Can you rephrase that favorite undrafted free agent signing? Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears (No. 9) The post What were Yates’ top five picks for each round of the NFL draft? Which teams received the best value? appeared first on Americano Sports.
Brennan Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams was drafted at No. 154 in the EDGE position.Round 7
Can you reword that
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis, selected at No. 128 overall.
Yann Robin Combines Kata and Contemporary Music at Maison de la Culture et du Japon in Paris – A Paris 2024 Certified Project
Yann Robin, composer and judoka, imagined “Nage no kata”, a new show combining kata and contemporary music hosted by the Maison de la Culture et du Japon in Paris. Five…
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