1.01 Indy Erik – Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, 5’ 8” 211 lbs
A delicious landing spot for Jeanty, who joined an offense starving for talent. The dude will be a workhorse from day 1. The Raiders’ offense is trending in a competent direction, after bringing in Geno Smith to replace the litany of middling QB talents of the recent Raider past. Smith, while shown he’s not one to elevate those around him, can provide stability for a team looking to establish a culture. Jeanty just needs the opportunity to stay on the field, and will see 20+ touches weekly. (If Chip Kelly still has a brain) He’s the type of player to build a dynasty roster around in our RB-heavy scoring.
Erik has 6 of the 33 picks in the first round, so he’ll be a frequent flyer. He doesn’t have much salary assets left after the draft, so nailing these picks are critically important. He’ll obviously get off to a good start here with a 400+ point potential in Jeanty.
1.02 Cleveland Kyle – Jacksonville Jaguars WR Travis Hunter 6’ 0” 188 lbs
The unicorn is a fascinating prospect because we’ve never seen anyone like him. Yes, we’ve seen players like Marcus Jones, who had a few weeks of receptions, PR/KR points and a major role on defense, but never a full-time WR and part-time corner. Hunter’s role was up for debate during the process, with most reports detailing him as a better corner than receiver. Two teams at the top of the draft, however, preferred him at receiver, the Browns and Jags. While he was connected to Cleveland through the process, they ultimately traded his rights to Jacksonville, giving 2011 Julio Jones trade vibes in the process. As for what to expect for Hunter, he joins an mid-offense with an already established WR1 in Brian Thomas Jr. That will limit his targets and if this were his opportunity alone, he may not be worth more than a late 1st. However, the corner snaps play a major piece here. If Hunter can be an average WR2 (12-13 PPG) and receive part-time corner production (6-7 PPG), he’ll be a quality asset.
Kyle mortgaged a historical amount for this pick, so he’ll likely chase the dragon with Hunter. I’m not sure the WR2 on the Jags and part-time corner has immense upside, but he should make for a fine #3 RB/WR/TE on an IFL offense.
1.03 Jacksonville Nate – Los Angeles Chargers RB Omarion Hampton, 6’0” 221 lbs
Omarion Hampton is the next in line of the rich history of Chargers’ rushers. The IFL has seen quality players like Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon be stud muffins for GMs, and the franchise houses one of the GOATs in LaDainian Tomlinson. Hampton joins a run-heavy approach in LA and OC Greg Roman, who is known as one of the most run-focused coordinators in football. Hampton will be fighting for opportunity against Najee Harris, who was signed to a 1-year 5.25 million deal. (same money as Jordan Mason and Jaylen Warren)
Nate ends up snagging the other elite RB asset in this draft in Hampton. One hell of a talent to snag here at the 3rd overall pick, Nate will look to build out his offensive rebuild here. The new era of the CMC/Chubb stack could begin here!
1.04 Kansas City Curt – WR Tetairoa McMillan, 6’ 4” 219 lbs
Tetairoa McMillan received a wide range of polarizing opinions during the draft process, but ultimately, he landed in one of the best spots for instant opportunity. The Panthers have been starving for a competent young WR, and they invested a top 10 pick for one. I remember turning on a PacBig-12 after dark game where Arizona was playing New Mexico and Tet was abusing the poor Lobos. He set a school record with 304 yards and 4 TDs. Even more importantly, Bryce Young came alive in the second half of last year, finishing as the QB17 from week 8 onward. If Tet can settle in as a target hog and redzone weapon in the Mike Evans mold, he’ll stabilize as a competent #3 offensive piece for Blake through his rookie contract.
The Hawaii connection is too strong to pass up. Tet is locked in as a much-needed WR1 for the Panthers and with a now functioning offense, he could turn into a consistent, high volume option. Curt has slowly built one of the best WR rooms in the IFL.
1.05 Jacksonville Nate – Cleveland Browns, RB Quinshon Judkins, 6’0” 221 lbs
It’s been awhile since the Browns were truly on the market for a stud running back and it appears they found one in Judkins. Selecting him toward the top of the 2nd, they clearly feel like he’s the heir apparent to Nick Chubb, who is going down as the franchise’s 3rd all-time leader in rushing. (Jim Brown is obvs 1st and Leroy Kelly is 2nd) Judkins’ ceiling is a bit capped due to receiving opportunity with 3rd down/COP backs Jerome Ford and 4th round rookie Dylan Sampson, but a David Montgomery-type career appears to be on deck.
This just feels right as back in the day, Nate Sr. built his roster around Nick Chubb. A draft with stud running backs at the top of Nate’s roster; nature is healing. Chuba (who is a MUCH more palatable in the AFC at $19.8 million), Omarion and Judkins vaults Nate into the playoff conversation if he can properly round out his roster around them.
1.06 Indy Erik – Chicago Bears, TE Colston Loveland, 6’6” 248 lbs
Colston Loveland became the 5th highest tight end drafted, tying with Eric Ebron back in 2014. It was a back-and-forth debate on the #1 TE with Tyler Warren, but Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson saw Loveland as their target months ago. His route running and underrated blocking were cited as primary reasons. Loveland is likely slotted to be a copy/paste of Sam LaPorta in Detroit. Like LaPorta, there are questions of opportunity in the near term. There are no questions, however, of talent.
Erik takes a stab at this class’ TE1. Erik has a solid crop of running backs, but a questionable group of WRs and a no-show at TE. (sorry Kincaid stans) Having Kincaid may shy him away from another high TE pick, but it shouldn’t as talented as Loveland is.
1.07 Kansas City Curt – New England Patriots, RB TreVeyon Henderson, 5’10” 202 lbs
Another early 2nd round pick, TreVeyon Henderson, landed in a spot expected to be the next Jahmyr Gibbs. It’s likely he won’t be tasked with carrying the vast majority of the load for the Patriots, he will undoubtedly be their most explosive player on offense. Henderson is their locked-in 3rd down back, both as a quality pass catcher and elite pass protector, something Drake Maybe desperately needs. What will be curious to watch is the carry allocation with Stevenson, who is being paid in the James Conner/David Montgomery tier through at least 2026. How that carry allocation plays out will determine TreVeyon’s ceiling, but as long as the Pats offense can take a step into mediocrity, Hend-0 will be a startable asset for a long time.
Curt jumps at one of the most explosive players in the class. With zero running backs on his active roster, this is a talent injection that fills a need too.
1.08 Cincinnati Danny – Philadelphia Eagles, LB Jihaad Campbell, 6’3” 235 lbs
Jihaad Campbell had a bit of a draft day slide, likely due to a torn labrum that may restrict him in the offseason program. That may have played to his long-term benefit, as he was drafted by one of the NFL’s premier teams in the Philadelphia Eagles. Going into and shortly after the draft, there was uncertainty about how he would be deployed, but by all indications, Campbell will play mostly off-ball linebacker. With Nakobe Dean recovering from a patellar tendon, uncertain for week 1 and a free agent after this season, he’s locked and loaded for IDP goodness.
The fit is strong here as Danny is a Nakobe Dean owner. Campbell should guarantee that he’ll have a starting linebacker from the Philly room. He also has a massive need at linebacker in general, so it would be a bit surprising if he passes him up.
1.09 Las Vegas Craig – New York Giants, DE Abdul Carter 6’ 3” 250 lbs
The Giants didn’t have a dire need at pass rush with Burns and Thibs holding down both spots, but Carter was the best player available at #3 overall. That may warrant a bit of a precarious position for him in the early going for playing time, or it may not if he showcases elite talent, which landed him premium draft capital to begin with. Carter is one of the twitchiest EDGEs to come out in recent years and is often compared to Micah Parsons. He should hold down an EDGE spot quickly for any team lucky enough to snag his services.
Craig lowkey has a lot of needs, so this could go a number of directions. He’s been searching for someone to complement Aidan Hutchinson, and boy, has he found the guy in Abdul Carter. They will form one of the most potent EDGE duos in the IFL.
1.10 Tennessee Jason – New York Giants, RB Cam Skattebo, 5’ 9 1/2” 219 lbs
The man, the myth, the Day 3 legend Cam Skattebo landed with the New York Football Giants. Currently on their depth chart are 2nd-year converted wide receiver Tyrone Tracy and past his prime Devin Singletary. That leaves Cam in a prime position to receive carries in year one. There’s been some positive talk coming out of rookie OTAs, including GM Joe Schoen mentioning “He’s ahead of a lot of rookies” and many fantasy analysts predicting he’ll lead the team in touches. While that is far from a guarantee, it’s hard not to see him having an impact in year one.
If there’s anyone that would/could take a risk like this, it’s Jason. He has Tyrone Tracy, so the fit roster wise makes sense. Skattebo just kind of has the Titans vibe too. Jason can almost guarantee a starter of a backfield here, so while it may be a bit of a reach a couple picks early, the pick can be made with roster building in mind.
1.11 Buffalo Travis – Denver Broncos, RB RJ Harvey, 5’8” 205 lbs
RJ Harvey ascended his draft profile through a stellar combine, attending Indy bricked up like a Texas suburban home. He caught the eye of one coach in particular, Sean Payton, who tweeted recently about his daughter liking his 2nd round pick. (It was deleted, so I’m assuming comments got a lil’ sus) As a late 2nd round pick, Harvey has to contend with last year’s Day 3 RB Audric Estime and UDFA Jaleel McLaughlin. If he can at least be competent, there’s an excellent chance for fantasy goodness for a long time.
After a few years of contention, Travis’ roster is as stale as popcorn that stuck in a movie theater seat cushions. He began his rebuild during the deadline last season and just let Justin Jefferson head to Cleveland. He wins the services of RJ Harvey, likely to be a week 1 starter for Sean Payton’s Broncos. It’s a major win for the new rendition of the Bills.
1.12 Kansas City Curt – Pittsburgh Steelers, RB Kaleb Johnson, 6’1” 224 lbs
It was a bit of a draft day slide for Kaleb Johnson, who at the beginning of the draft process was ranked along the likes of TreVeon and Quinshon, but he landed in a quality spot. Johnson will be contending with Jaylen Warren, who signed an identical deal to Najee Harris, a 1-year 5.25 million contract. Johnson fits into Arthur Smith’s zone run scheme, but needs to work on his pass blocking in order to maximize opportunities on third down. (something Warren excels at) This situation is certainly in flux, as Warren has often been noted as being an efficient runner deserving of more opportunity.
Curt’s Skatteheart, it weeps. Kaleb is a fine constellation prize tho. Henderson and Johnson form a dynamic 1-2 punch at the top of his RB/WR/TE roster. The rebuild is coming to a close in KC. It’s time to compete with one of the most dynamic offenses in the AFC.
1.13 Indy Erik – Indianapolis Colts, TE Tyler Warren 6’5 ½” 256 lbs
If you want an all-purpose tight end that won’t leave the field, you’ve found your guy in Tyler Warren. He has the physical tools to be in the Gronk/Kittle mold, throwing defenders right out of the club. Not only is he an all-purpose tight end, but he also is a former QB and can provide tush push carries in the Mark Andrews mold, too. There’s a lot of potential here for fantasy goodness, but he joins one of the most precarious offenses in Indy. Whether it’s Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson at QB, both need to take a step forward to provide for their receivers. It may take some time for Warren to be a consistent producer, but he’ll be given every opportunity through the next half decade to prove his worth. (he is tied for the 7th highest tight end drafted in NFL history)
The man who lives in Indiana invests in Midwestern tight ends. Erik keeps bulking up his offense with youngers, Decker-style. Warren provides incredible value here at the end of the 1st and could low-key become a premier weapon in Indy without one in the passing game.
1.14 Indy Erik – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR Emeka Egbuka, 6’1” 202 lbs
Emeka Egbuka was surprisingly selected by the Bucs in the 1st round. In Jason Leicht We Trust in Tampa, so I’m not too worried about the selection from an NFL perspective. From a fantasy perspective, it may take some time for this to pan out. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are target hogs and it will prove difficult for Egbuka to be a reliable starter in the near term. This could point to a future without Mike Evans, who is a free agent after 2025. I’m very curious to see Emeka’s alignment with Godwin, who loves his slot usage as well. Also pour a lil’ liquor out for Jalen McMillan stans.
Erik has plenty of weapons on offense this year, so investing in talent could be wise. Egbuka may not be a major contributor this season, but he doesn’t need to be. The moment Godwin/Evans isn’t available, Egbuka becomes a weekly starter with a JSN ceiling.
1.15 Los Angeles Josh – Tennessee Titans, QB Cam Ward, 6’2” 219 lbs
I’m not sure there’s been a less talked about 1st overall pick since Eric Fisher was the first overall pick in 2013. (I’d bet a pretty penny someone reading this doesn’t know who that is) Cam is an incredible story of resilience and perseverance after his college journey from San Antonio’s Incarnate Word to Washington State to Miami. He will undoubtedly need to continue those traits on a tragic Tennessee Titans team. Granted, maybe things weren’t so bad as they dealt with offensive line injuries, and Will Levis was his usual pea-brained self in the decision-making department. Ward’s receivers aren’t exactly screaming playmakers, but Calvin Ridley is at least still in the fold. For a 1st overall pick with dynamic ability, some rushing upside in a below-average situation, the early-mid 2nd round feels about right.
Josh needs a backup QB behind Mahomes. Dean does too, so the 1.16 feels like Ward’s floor. Not a lot of pressing needs for Josh’s squad to point in one direction.
1.16 Houston Dean – Seattle Seahawks, S Nick Emmanwori, 6’ 3” 220 lbs
If you were to pick one landing spot heading into the draft for Emmanwori to land in, it would be Seattle. One player he’s often compared to is Kyle Hamilton and butter your biscuits their former DC now turned Seattle HC Mike McDonald traded up in the second round to select him! Kyle is the only other safety in IFL history to be selected in the first round. Emmanwori’s elite playmaking ability and tailor-made box-style approach are perfect for IDP rosters.
Great number of options for Dean. Could go for Schewesinger or pick the home run safety. Ward has to be near the top of the list too with Kyler Murray feeling more and more suspect as the years wear on.
2.01 Kansas City Curt – Cleveland Browns LB Carson Schwesinger, 6’2 ½” 242 lbs
The man with the draft class’ best hair enters a superb situation for fantasy goodness. All that needs to go right is for him to buck the trend of non-full time LBer snaps. By being an early 2nd round pick in a non-premium position, that appears to be likely. Schwesinger is a cerebral tackle eater and should lead the Cleveland defense in the middle for a long time.
Curt turns to linebacker, as he needs another 1-2 to round out the roster. Schwesinger falling to the 2nd is a bit of a surprise, but not impossible with the talent of this class offensively. Curt also rosters Devin Bush, another Cleveland linebacker.
2.02 Pittsburgh Spencer – Green Bay Packers, WR Matthew Golden, 5’11” 191 lbs
It had been 23 years since the Green Bay Packers took a wide receiver in the first round (Javon Walker), but the Packers said “we’re hosting the draft, let’s fire dis fanbase up!” And boy did they with Golden’s charismatic attitude and swagger… not to mention his 4.29 wheels. It seems the Packers have decided to eventually move on from Watson/Doubs when they are free agents after 2025. Golden should receive some snaps in quick order, he’s attached to a young QB and competent playcaller.
Spencer’s team is in pretty rough shape, so best player available is the play here. Golden has the chance to be an above average team’s #1 WR and finding that type of opportunity in the early 2nd is a big time value.
2.03 Indy Erik – Cincinnati Bengals, LB Demetrius Knight Jr., 6’2” 235 lbs
Demetrius Knight was a bit of a surprising selection in that the Bengals already had two veteran and quality linebackers in Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson. However, Pratt, a defensive captain, requested a trade back in February and it’s looking possible he’ll be cut at any moment. That leaves Knight Jr., as the favorite to directly replace him. While that is certainly not set in stone, it leaves him as a potential insta-start for whoever drafts him.
Erik has quite the reputation for picking linebackers, but he has a couple who finally hit in Daiyan Henley and Edgerrin Cooper. Perhaps he lets the good times roll with another ticket in Knight Jr.
2.04 Kansas City Curt – San Francisco 49ers, LB Nickolas (Nick) Martin, 5’11 ½” 221 lbs
Can’t say too many people knew about Nick Martin pre-draft outside of the die-hard IDPers. But we all should know him now. Selected 75th by the 49ers, he’s expected to replace Dre Greenlaw. Martin’s 2024 was cut short due to a torn MCL, but he participated fully in the combine. He’s a tackle eater, finishing 5th in tackles nationally in 2023. He has to beat out Dee Winters for snaps. They could bring someone in, but at this time, it’s looking like Martin will be a part of the next round of 2nd round IDP relevant rookies.
The 2.15 in the NFC was probably too low for an incoming starter on the 9ers who they used Day 2 capital on. An early 2nd feels more realistic and Curt double dips on two linebackers that can supplement his roster immediately.
2.05 Buffalo Travis – Dallas Cowboys, RB Jaydon Blue, 5’ 9” 196 lbs
Jaydon Blue, speedster extraordinaire, is joining a depleted Cowboys running back room. They went budget in bringing in plodders Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, putting this 4.38 explosive Longhorn in position to gain opportunities quickly. He certainly provides this team with a dimension they sorely lacked. Blue is a well-rounded rusher and pass catcher, but he must get his fumbles under control to receive a consistent workload. With a wide-open depth chart, there is a range of outcomes for this talented runner to become a quality fantasy asset. Even at his size, we’ve seen backs join the NFL in recent years provide 300-400 point seasons.
Travis will be very active come Saturday and he’ll be giving the Day 3 running backs with opportunity a very close look. Blue certainly fits that bill and could be a quick and economical offense enhancer at the 2.05.
2.06 Pittsburgh Spencer – Chicago Bears, WR Luther Burden III, 6’0” 206 lbs
Luther Burden III was a locked-in 1st round NFL draft pick heading into the season, but his lack of production had him take a tumble into the middle of the 2nd. Burden ended up in Chicago, an ascending offense with newly minted HC Ben Johnson and last year’s 1st overall pick Caleb Williams. Unfortunately, he has bookoo target competition, in DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland all signed comfortably through 2026. Thankfully, Burden likely slots into Amon-Ra St. Brown’s old role, but what that will look like with already established veterans is anyone’s guess. A high target role could be in the cards, which would be ideal for our PPR league.
Burden takes a tumble in comparison to his NFC’s player copy counterpart. Spencer would be elated to land the incoming slot receiver in an ascending Ben Johnson offense.
2.07 Kansas City Curt – New York Jets, TE Mason Taylor, 6’5” 251 lbs
Mason Taylor, a talented draft prospect in his own right, has been overshadowed by the two elite prospects at the top of the board. Taylor joined a barren tight end room after being an early 2nd-round pick by the Jets, but will likely face initial difficulty in a poor offense. That being said, Justin Field did provide decent production to Cole Kmet during his time in Chicago, so this could warrant production in the short term. Taylor is a massive body and underutilized at LSU, like many college players at the position. Son of Hall of Fame Jason Taylor, although you probably already know about his elite NFL bloodlines.
7 tight ends prospects on Curt’s roster; however, they’ve all struggled early in their career. Curt could finally use a tight end that is likely be a starter from the jump, with upside for quick startability.
2.08 Cincinnati Danny – Seattle Seahawks, TE Elijah Arroyo, 6’ 5” 250 lbs
Elijah Arroyo was barely on the draft radar prior to this year, but man he arrived in a big way when Cam Ward came to town. He provided the first overall pick a massive body for vertical routes. Arroyo, like Mason Taylor wasn’t a prolific producer, but he was very effective when given opportunity. In year one, he’ll learn behind Noah Fant, whose contract expires after 2025. If he can flash potential or even steal away snaps from Fant, Arroyo could rise up the TE ranks quick.
Arroyo wasn’t a selection on the NFC side, but is very much in the 2nd round conversation. Danny is a fit cause he also owns Noah Fant. (similar to his Jihaad selection in the 1st)
2.09 Indy Erik – Cleveland Browns, DT Mason Graham, 6’ 3 ½” 296 lbs
Mason Graham has been occasionally looked at as one of the blue chip prospects of this class. That conversation dissipated as the process wore along, but that didn’t stop the Browns for trading back and selecting him 5th overall. They clearly think he can be an anchor fo the interior of the defensive line, potentially fixing an anemic run defense. The Browns’ defensive line uses a HEAVY rotation, however, at least the past two years, so Graham would have to showcase elite talent from the jump to receive ample opportunity to be fantasy viable. The draft is LITTERED with highly drafted DTs that haven’t panned out early in their careers for this very thing. (Nic can tell his buddy Erik about Jalen Carter.)
This is a bit of a reach, but Erik needs a DT in the worst way. He only has 1 DT and as I’ve mentioned before, he doesn’t really have adequate resources to build out his roster in free agency. Keep a close eye on who he drops to taxi, as his picks cost $50 million and only has $33 million in cap space. (A problem he’s faced before, with Zach Charbonnet)
This mock has Erik landing RB Ashton Jeanty, WR Emeka Egbuka, TE Colston Loveland, TE Tyler Warren, DT Mason Graham and LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
2.10 Buffalo Travis – San Francisco 49ers, DE Mykel Williams, 6’5” 260 lbs
The 2nd EDGE rusher off the board and starter opposite one of the best EDGEs in Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams is shaping up to be a potential sleeper in drafts. Similar to Jared Verse last year, Williams is a bit overshadowed by other EDGE rushers in the class, but he has the talent to capitalize on his opportunity. While he was hobbled last year, he was still productive on a National Championship Ohio State team. This is a best-case scenario landing spot, and it wouldn’t shock me if he outscores Abdul.
There really isn’t anyone at EDGE for Travis who is a long-term starter. He’ll likely have to address this in free agency, but for now, Mykel is a high upside rookie pick.
2.11 Pittsburgh Spencer – Atlanta Falcons, DE Jalon Walker, 6’1” 243 lbs
Jalon Walker is another one of those hybrid-type players in the Jihad Campbell ilk. Unlike Campbell, he is primed to play EDGE in year one and is classified as such on MFL. It is a curious decision, as Walker played most of his snaps at linebacker in college, but the Falcons are notorious for needing EDGE help. Walker is undersized for the position, so there’s certainly risk here. Hopefully, he won’t be miscast like so many other hybrid types before him.
As it has been with Spencer’s other picks, we’re rolling with best player available. Walker can immediately be his EDGE1 pre-free agency. With Dallas Turner and Lukas Van Ness both non-starters in 2025, Walker can enhance the prospect pool at this position.
2.12 Tennessee Jason – Jacksonville Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten, 5’9” 206 lbs
Rootin’ Tootin’ Bhayshul Tuten is another one of these highly drafted Day 3 running backs! The beginning of round 4 saw him selected second and by a front office that just entered Jacksonville. Travis Etienne’s arrow is pointing straight down after a disappointing year and there reports surfacing they aren’t high on him as a player. That leaves him and Tank Bigsby to vie for long-term opportunities. Tuten is a talented rusher who was often overlooked by scouts until he erupted at the combine. That is no longer the case for fantasy drafters.
Jason continues to take advantage of a strong RB draft. Tuten fits his backup running back with upside room that he’s been building over the past year and change.
2.13 New York Cory – Cincinnati Bengals, DE Shemar Stewart, 6’5” 267 lbs
Freak of nature Shemar Stewart joins a team desperate for pass rush help. Similar to Mykel Williams in San Francisco, Stewart will likely be tasked with starting opposite of a stud muffin delux in Trey Hendrickson. (If not outright replacing him if Trey is traded.) Stewart lacked college production, but not effectiveness. He faced some bad luck in college stats wise, but he’ll need to overcome that in order to be a viable IDP asset. The opportunity is there and that’s half the battle.
Cory has one of the weakest EDGE rooms in the AFC and doesn’t have the cap resources to do much about it. Adding EDGE talent that can contribute right away would be a sound plan. Stewart has the athletic upside to be a quick fix at the position.
2.14 Tennessee Jason – Los Angeles Rams, TE Terrance Ferguson, 6’5” 247 lbs
Sean McVay finally got this tight end! After trying to trade up for Brock Bowers last year, the Rams opted to select Ferguson in the 2nd round. He’s expected to be a play-action specialist in Los Angeles, something he excelled at Oregon. The Oregon offense routinely stole plays from the Rams playbook, so the fit is perfect from a schematic standpoint. Can Ferguson command the targets to warrant startability? That’s another question entirely, but opportunity is there after a Cooper Kupp-sized hole was left in LA. Devante Adams won’t be there forever.
Jason quietly has assembled a quality trio of tight ends in Bowers, LaPorta and Njoku. Add Ferguson to that list, who appears to be a potential starter week 1, and this room becomes only more potent.
2.15 New England Mark – Atlanta Falcons, DE James Pearce Jr., 6’5” 245 lbs
James Pearce Jr. was a hot topic throughout the draft process for various reasons. He’s a quick twitch pass rusher, but was oddly used more situationally in Tennessee than he should have been. He was often mocked in the teens, but fell to the late first due to character concerns. He was, however, taken with massive draft capital after Atlanta traded up with their second and 2026 1st round pick for his services. That almost guarantees a quality role for Pearce Jr., who has the profile of a double-digit sack artist.
Mark owns zero EDGEs, so this will undoubtedly be in the conversation in him and Dan’s British War Tea Room. Whoever is available and at the top of his board at this position will be squarely in play. Mark has holes galore to fill, but plenty of cap space to do it in free agency, making this projection difficult to predict.
2.16 Kansas City Curt – Los Angeles Rams, RB Jarquez Hunter, 5’9” 204 lbs
Jarquez Hunter was a quality prospect heading into draft night, and that further solidified after the Rams utilized early Day 3 capital to select him. The Rams may be looking for a replacement after Kyren Williams jettisons the organization after this season. It will be a well-watched competition on who is his backup to begin the season, as that could provide massive dividends in 2026, if not sooner. The Rams traded up to select him, further cementing their love for the Auburn workhorse back. Not to mention there are reports he was their highest Day 3 offensive player and GM Les Sneed had an eye on him since fall.
Curt loves the Rammies and I’m certain he’s heard the talk about this guy’s future upside. Always fun to own your favorite team’s players and Hunter could become a factor for the team sooner rather than later.
This mock has Curt landing RB TreVeyon Henderson, RB Kaleb Johnson, RB Jarquez Hunter, WR Tet McMillian, TE Mason Taylor, LB Carson Schwesinger, and LB Nikolas Martin.
2.17 New England Mark – Houston Texans, WR Jayden Higgins, 6’4” 214 lbs
Jayden Higgins was a massive draft riser during the offseason program and it’s no surprise given his size and production at Iowa State. A late arrival to football, he’s still very much developing as a player. Higgins joins a depleted receiving room after being a 2nd round selection by Houston, who lost Stefon Diggs to free agency and Tank Dell to injury. He and his teammate Jaylin Noel team up again here. Higgins will likely be deployed as the Z as Nico dominates defensive game plans.
We wrap up the mock with the likely new WR2 in Houston. He must contend with Christian Kirk for that title, but he’s bounced around and it now on the back-9 of his career. Higgins has upside to be a #4 RB/WR/TE on an IFL offense.
