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The 2021 NFL draft started Thursday and continues by Saturday (ABC/ESPN/ESPN App). We’ve the professionals and cons for every of the 32 first-round picks. The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off the draft in Cleveland by choosing Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 decide. The New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers additionally went QB at Nos. 2 and three with Zach Wilson and Trey Lance, respectively.
We’ll track all 259 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you can also see all the best available draft prospects.
The draft continues with Rounds 2-Three on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds Four-7 on Saturday (midday ET).
Right here is the primary spherical of picks, analyzed by our ESPN NFL Nation reporters.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson | Highlights
Why they picked him: Lawrence is essentially the most polished QB prospect since Andrew Luck, and ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him behind John Elway, Peyton Manning and Luck amongst QBs he is graded. The Jaguars’ offense the previous decade has been terrible, and QB play is an enormous purpose. The Jaguars had been final in factors scored and ranked 30th or worst in QB completion share, Whole QBR, passer ranking and passing yards within the league from 2011 to 2020 with Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne, Blake Bortles, Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew II, Jake Luton and Mike Glennon taking snaps. Lawrence was 34-2 as a starter at Clemson and threw for 10,098 yards and 90 touchdowns with solely 17 interceptions in three seasons. He received a nationwide championship as a freshman and led the Tigers to 2 extra playoff appearances.
Greatest query: There is no such factor as an ideal prospect, however Lawrence is shut. Jaguars common supervisor Trent Baalke, when requested what he realized about Lawrence that he did not know throughout the pre-draft course of, mentioned: “No negatives.” There was a quick stir about Lawrence’s feedback in a Sports activities Illustrated piece that he does not have a chip on his shoulder and his highschool coach’s remark that Lawrence may stroll away from the sport and be positive. That will have riled up some followers, however Lawrence addressed these feedback a number of days later and reassured everybody that he’s motivated and does wish to win. — Michael DiRocco
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Jets traded Sam Darnold, partly, as a result of they imagine Wilson could be a franchise quarterback. Among the many QBs not named Trevor Lawrence, Wilson stood out to them due to his arm expertise and skill to make fast reads out and in of the pocket. The Jets’ quarterback clock is formally reset — once more.
Greatest query: Can he actually be a Week 1 starter? The NFL may very well be tradition shock for Wilson, who dominated weak competitors in 2020. The good transfer shall be to ease him in slowly, letting him study from a vet — assuming they add one sooner or later. — Wealthy Cimini
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State | Highlights
Why they picked him: The 49ers had been unafraid to make a daring commerce up the board to No. Three and equally unafraid to take the participant who’s the draft’s greatest thriller. That may be Lance, who matches the invoice of “greatest, quickest and strongest” quarterback coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned he is searching for. At 6-foot-Four, 226 kilos, Lance brings a robust proper arm, fast ft, fast processing abilities and the maturity to deal with every little thing Shanahan will ask him to do in his offense. Lance’s lack of expertise — with 17 begins on the FCS degree — is offset a bit by the truth that he spent extra time underneath heart working Shanahan staples than any of the opposite high quarterback prospects. Lance’s ball safety can be interesting to the 49ers after he went 287 consecutive makes an attempt with out an interception in 2019. There’s loads of threat right here, however the reward may very well be big.
Greatest query: Can Shanahan and the 49ers get Lance to achieve his potential? That lack of expertise in opposition to high competitors makes Lance the most important unknown amount among the many high quarterbacks on this draft. Whereas Lance has drawn comparisons to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen due to his bodily traits, he additionally comes with accuracy questions (50% completion price in 2020, 67% in 2019) just like these Allen had when he arrived within the NFL. Lance’s ground may be decrease than these of the opposite high quarterback prospects, however his ceiling may be larger, particularly if he will get the possibility to settle in behind Jimmy Garoppolo for a season earlier than turning into the starter. At 20, Lance is simply scratching the floor on his potential, which places the onus on the 49ers to assist him attain it. — Nick Wagoner
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida | Highlights
Why they picked him: Pitts may be essentially the most proficient non-quarterback within the draft — and maybe essentially the most gifted participant no matter place. He may be listed as a decent finish, however he has the traits of a dominant large receiver at 6-6, 245 kilos with a reported Four.44-second 40-yard sprint time. He can line up everywhere in the formation for coach Arthur Smith, who got here up as a decent ends coach. Pitts can play out broad, within the slot or in line as a decent finish and be a matchup problem all through. Falcons common supervisor Terry Fontenot known as him “a particular participant” Wednesday.
Greatest query: Tight ends sometimes do not go this excessive within the draft (Vernon Davis had been earliest choice for a TE at No. 6 total in 2006), and the transition from faculty to execs is a troublesome one which often takes a yr. However Pitts goes to be checked out to be a Day 1 affect participant, so he’ll must defy historical past. The query is whether or not the Falcons did the correct factor taking Pitts over a quarterback with Matt Ryan turning 36 on Could 17. Solely time will inform. — Michael Rothstein
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Bengals are searching for this yr’s first-round decide to be a direct contributor. Chase confirmed a knack for that in his last season at LSU (84 catches, 1,780 yards, 20 TDs in 2019), when he and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow led the Tigers to a nationwide championship. Chase is one other big-play broad receiver who may open up the staff’s offense.
Greatest query: Will Chase’s bodily fashion nonetheless achieve success within the NFL? Additionally, nearly as good as Chase may change into, Cincinnati will want its move safety (Burrow was sacked 32 instances earlier than his season-ending knee harm) to enhance in 2021 to ensure that Burrow and the passing assault to be efficient. — Ben Child
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: A necessity for pace. Waddle is believed to be the draft’s quickest participant though he did not check due to a fractured ankle. With elite run-after-catch and deep-ball capacity, Waddle is an effective instance of the game-changing playmaker the Dolphins want to assist QB Tua Tagovailoa. When confronted with a selection between reuniting Tagovailoa with considered one of his two former Alabama receivers, they leaned towards the larger, sooner and extra electrical Waddle over the extra productive and polished DeVonta Smith.
Greatest query: Can Waddle change into a whole No.1 receiver? Waddle was by no means the most efficient receiver at Alabama, with Jerry Jeudy holding that title in 2018 and Smith dominating in 2019 and 2020. Lofty pre-draft comparisons to Tyreek Hill made headlines, however Waddle is much much less superior as a route runner and in opposition to press protection than Hill, so he’ll must make large jumps there to change into Miami’s No.1 receiver. — Cameron Wolfe
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon | Highlights
Why they picked him: Sewell was arguably the perfect obtainable choice at his place all through this whole draft class. Detroit has added one other robust choice, who will doubtless be an instantaneous starter, to an already good offensive line to offer additional safety to new quarterback Jared Goff. He matches the mildew of what the Lions are constructing underneath new common supervisor Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell with toughness and grit by choosing the 2019 Outland Trophy winner — which is awarded to the nation’s greatest inside lineman.
Greatest query: Sewell opted out of the 2020 season, so it stays to be seen how that can have an effect on him. Though Sewell is fast on his ft, some may ponder whether his energy and method will translate to this stage, however he appears to be the secure guess at No. 7 underneath the brand new Lions regime. — Eric Woodyard
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina | Highlights
Why they picked him: A press nook was the one place common supervisor Scott Fitterer believed may assist the roster essentially the most exterior of tight finish Kyle Pitts and left sort out Penei Sewell. In Horn, the Panthers have a bodily, large nook with nice attain, one thing Seattle believed in when constructing its championship groups when Fitterer was there. With injury-prone Donte Jackson getting into the final yr of his contract, the Panthers have a long-term answer at one of many nook spots.
Greatest query: Quarterback Sam Darnold had higher be good, as a result of the Panthers had a shot at Justin Fields, a participant many believed to be at worst the third-best quarterback within the draft. This decide reveals Carolina believes in Darnold and goes to offer him each likelihood to succeed. It additionally reveals the Panthers imagine a participant corresponding to Horn can assist them win now. — David Newton
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: With the commerce for Teddy Bridgewater on Wednesday, the Broncos turned to their protection with their first decide of the draft. Broncos coach Vic Fangio has mentioned constantly that the important thing to taking part in protection within the NFL is to have as many topflight cornerbacks as attainable. Surtain, given his versatility as a man-to-man cornerback, or in zone and as a run defender, shall be a walk-in starter. He was one of the full prospects on the board.
Greatest query: Lots of the staff’s devoted shall be asking why the Broncos would move on quarterbacks Justin Fields and Mac Jones so as to add to the protection? The one query many scouts had about Surtain, and it’s a small concern given his capacity, is whether or not he was a “plateau” participant, given the extent of teaching he had obtained at Alabama, or did he nonetheless have room to develop within the seasons to return? For the Broncos, he was essentially the most ready-made NFL participant on the board. — Jeff Legwold
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: With each of the highest corners off the board, the Eagles moved up from No. 12 to No. 10 to seize essentially the most prolific receiver within the draft. Smith led the NCAA in receptions (117), receiving yards (1,856) and receiving TDs (23) en path to a Heisman Trophy in 2020. With easy route-running abilities, sudden ft and certain fingers, he’ll make a direct affect in coach Nick Sirianni’s West Coast-style offense.
Greatest query: Smith’s present weight is claimed to be underneath 170 kilos. A giant a part of the NFL sport is getting off the road of scrimmage in opposition to man-press. Though he had few points at Alabama, it is but to be seen whether or not he can do it on the subsequent degree. — Tim McManus
11. Chicago Bears (from New York Giants)
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Bears have not had a real franchise quarterback since Sid Luckman retired in 1950. After the Mitchell Trubisky experiment fizzled out after 4 seasons, the Bears had been underneath huge stress to seek out their subsequent quarterback of the long run. Chicago signed veteran Andy Dalton, who may open the yr because the starter, however Fields would be the No. 1 sooner fairly than later. Plus, the Bears needed to discover a strategy to energize their fan base, which reacted to the Dalton transfer with a collective yawn. Mission completed.
Greatest query: When will Fields begin? The Bears rushed Trubisky into motion earlier than he was prepared again in 2017 as a result of the veteran they signed as their bridge quarterback (Mike Glennon) was horrible. In an ideal world, the Bears most likely need Fields to sit down behind Dalton for a brief time period. However the stress to play Fields shall be too nice to disregard. The Bears imagine they’ve the correct quarterback room and training workers to develop a younger quarterback. We’ll quickly see whether or not they’re appropriate. — Jeff Dickerson
12. Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia Eagles)
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State | Highlights
Why they picked him: Coach Mike McCarthy mentioned the Cowboys wanted to get sooner on protection. Parsons ran a Four.39 40-yard sprint at his professional day. He was an affect participant at Penn State and regarded the most effective athletes within the draft. He had 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 6 compelled fumbles and 5 move deflections in two seasons. The Cowboys had been targeted on corners, however Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain II went proper earlier than their decide, main them to maneuver down in a commerce with Philadelphia.
Greatest query: How will he match with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch in 2021? He has some pass-rush capacity, so will the Cowboys use him in a delegated pass-rusher function? Smith is on the books for a assured $7.2 million in 2020, whereas the Cowboys are prone to move on selecting up the fifth-year choice on Vander Esch, which must be exercised by Monday. — Todd Archer
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern | Highlights
Why they picked him: Slater has performed left and proper sort out, and the Chargers love his versatility. He doubtless will begin at left sort out and shall be tasked with defending franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. He is NFL-ready and robust on the level of assault.
Greatest query: He is the primary offensive lineman drafted by the Chargers since D.J. Fluker in 2013. He opted out of 2020, however the Chargers will need to have felt assured sufficient to pick him this excessive within the draft. His inside move safety in opposition to fast defensive ends is suspect. He has the instruments, however the query stays how he’ll transition to the Chargers’ offense after taking the yr off. — Shelley Smith
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC | Highlights
Why they picked him: If you are going to decide a brand new franchise quarterback (Zach Wilson), it pays to guard that funding. Vera-Tucker, anticipated to interchange Alex Lewis at left guard, will enhance the offensive line. He and LT Mekhi Becton, final yr’s No. 1 decide, will type a rock-solid left aspect of the road. This was a sensible decide.
Greatest query: How badly did the Jets need Vera-Tucker? They traded up 9 spots, giving up their two third-round picks (66 and 86) and receiving a fourth-rounder from the Vikings (143). It is loads to surrender for a guard, however the Jets noticed him as one of many most secure prospects within the draft. — Wealthy Cimini
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Patriots have been searching for Tom Brady‘s alternative since he departed in free company, and Jones’ strengths most mirrored Brady among the many high QB prospects within the draft. He is correct and identified for his decision-making, that are two of the highest issues coach Invoice Belichick values most on the place. He has additionally performed a few of his greatest soccer in high-stakes, high-pressure conditions.
Greatest query: Jones was a one-year starter who wasn’t seen as a first-round-caliber prospect getting into 2020. He additionally had NFL-caliber skill-position gamers round him, which sparked questions as to how a lot of his success may very well be attributed to his teammates. — Mike Reiss
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa | Highlights
Why they picked him: Collins is a secure decide and drafting him offers Arizona critical depth at exterior linebacker. He offers the Cardinals their exterior linebacker of the long run, and he can study from Chandler Jones and Isaiah Simmons. Collins is flexible and a tough hitter, which can give defensive coordinator Vance Joseph loads of choices to make use of him in packages.
Greatest query: Why did they decide Collins when there have been different urgent wants, and when will he get on the sphere? There’s now a logjam at exterior linebacker with Jones, Simmons and Markus Golden, however Simmons may even play off the sting. This was a decide for the long run, however Arizona must win now. — Josh Weinfuss
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Raiders traded away beginning heart Rodney Hudson, proper guard Gabe Jackson and proper sort out Trent Brown this offseason and had a urgent want at proper sort out. And, apparently, they preferred Leatherwood a lot that they stood pat at No. 17 to pick him, fairly than attempt to commerce again, get extra picks and nonetheless get him — until there have been no takers.
Greatest query: Is Leatherwood the cornerstone proper sort out, or may he slide inside to proper guard with the re-signed Denzelle Good shifting to proper sort out? Drafting a defensive participant at No. 17 after which buying and selling up from No. 48 within the second spherical to get a participant corresponding to Leatherwood, the fourth offensive lineman chosen (although he was not a consensus top-5 O-line prospect), appeared to be a greater proposition. — Paul Gutierrez
Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Dolphins’ greatest defensive want was an edge rusher who can win one-and-one constantly whereas holding up in opposition to the run. Enter Phillips. Many scouts seen Phillips because the draft’s greatest edge rusher and a possible top-10 prospect within the draft if he did not have medical points. He performed proper down the street on the College of Miami and was the most efficient pass-rusher in faculty soccer final season.
Greatest query: Phillips was compelled to medically retire at UCLA two years in the past due to concussions and he is had a wrist harm previously, too. Phillips says he had two concussions in faculty and he was forthright with groups within the pre-draft course of. The Dolphins clearly had been comfy along with his medical historical past, however well being is the most important query for Phillips. — Cameron Wolfe
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky | Highlights
Why they picked him: Davis’ ability set and flexibility made him a desired match at linebacker. He can play inside, one thing the staff actually wished, and he can play in its sub-packages along with his capacity to cowl. Davis runs effectively, one thing Washington completely wanted at linebacker, and is taken into account a tough employee and disciplined participant — that can go a great distance with coach Ron Rivera. Washington needs to construct a particular protection, and Davis ought to make the again seven higher.
Greatest query: He began for just one season at Kentucky, so he is inexperienced, and he’ll must change into extra of an attacker within the run sport. Rivera likes to say if you cannot cease groups on the bottom, you will all the time be in unhealthy passing conditions. — John Keim
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida | Highlights
Why they picked him: “Explosive” is how an government described the Florida playmaker. He is an offensive weapon the Giants can use everywhere in the subject, together with within the backfield. They wished to offer quarterback Daniel Jones one other weapon, and Toney was the perfect on the board at No. 20.
Greatest query: Ought to the Giants have taken Michigan defensive finish Kwity Paye, somebody they seen as maybe the perfect edge rusher within the draft? It appears the Giants had been intent on getting Jones extra assist, whether or not it’s a wideout corresponding to DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle or extra safety with an offensive lineman. Paye, maybe, would have stuffed an even bigger want. — Jordan Raanan
Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Colts are determined for assist in the pass-rush division after dropping a mixed 15.5 sacks with the departures of Denico Autry (Tennessee) in free company and veteran Justin Houston, who stays unsigned.
Greatest query: Paye lacks consistency, and he did not put up eye-popping sack numbers whereas at Michigan, with solely 11.5 sacks in three-plus seasons. However he did have the perfect stress share of any edge rusher within the draft. — Mike Wells
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Why they picked him: Farley is without doubt one of the high cornerbacks within the draft, with a mix of dimension, abilities and pace that makes him greater than able to being trusted in man protection.
Greatest query: How wholesome is Farley after having again surgical procedure? If he comes again robust from harm, he’s the perfect man-to-man cowl nook on this draft. — Turron Davenport
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech | Highlights
Why they picked him: With Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater off the board at No. 14, the Vikings selected to maneuver again 9 spots in a commerce with the Jets (No. 23) and picked up two third-rounders within the course of whereas nonetheless touchdown one of many draft’s top-rated offensive tackles. Minnesota wanted to handle the offensive line early within the draft with a participant who can contribute instantly for a unit that allowed 39 sacks final season. Darrisaw is a “pure left sort out,” in response to common supervisor Rick Spielman, and his bodily abilities and slot in a zone-blocking scheme make him a powerful candidate to fill the void at left sort out in 2021. The Vikings felt as in the event that they wanted not simply an athletic blocker however somebody with the scale to deal with pace rushers and highly effective defensive linemen. Darrisaw’s 6-5, 322-pound body, coupled along with his size, is what Minnesota was searching for.
Greatest query: It seems the Vikings have 4 of 5 positions set on the offensive line with Darrisaw penciled in at left sort out and Brian O’Neill staying at proper sort out, in response to coach Mike Zimmer. The most important query on the O-line this offseason has been the place Ezra Cleveland will play in 2021 after he was drafted within the second spherical final yr after three seasons taking part in left sort out at Boise State. The Vikings nonetheless must discover a beginning left guard, a spot they may handle on Day 2. However for now, a number of questions appear to be nearer to being answered with the number of Darrisaw. — Courtney Cronin
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama | Highlights
Why they picked him: The league’s worst working sport wanted an overhaul, and the Steelers recognized Harris as the perfect working again within the subject early within the draft course of. He is an every-down again, prepared for contact on Day 1. He’ll give Pittsburgh a much-needed carry on the bottom.
Greatest query: Do the Steelers have the offensive line to guard him? The road lacks star energy and expertise up entrance. The one participant who stands out, David DeCastro, is 31. Pittsburgh shall be trusting its scheme and a deep receiving corps to supply stability for Harris. — Jeremy Fowler
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson | Highlights
Why they picked him: City Meyer talked about including pace at receiver and working again, and Etienne was a dynamic playmaker at Clemson. He is the Atlantic Coast Convention’s profession chief in speeding (Four,952 yards), speeding TDs (70) and scrimmage TDs (78). Etienne shall be concerned closely within the passing sport: His 588 receiving yards final season was the second most amongst FBS working backs. He may spend time within the slot, too.
Greatest query: The Jaguars had greater wants on protection — particularly inside line of defense and edge rusher — and so they’re playing that they will be capable of seize a participant at a type of positions within the second spherical. James Robinson ran for greater than 1,00zero yards final season as an undrafted rookie, and now the staff has added Etienne along with Carlos Hyde in free company, so there’s some uncertainty about his future. — Michael DiRocco
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Browns have devoted this offseason to bolstering a protection that ranked 19th in effectivity final yr. Newsome solidifies a revamped secondary, having allowed a QBR of three.Four as the first defender in protection final season, third greatest within the FBS.
Greatest query: Will Newsome begin instantly reverse Denzel Ward? He’ll have an opportunity, supplied he can beat out 2019 second-round decide Greedy Williams, who missed all of final season with a shoulder harm. — Jake Trotter
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Ravens give Lamar Jackson a Keenan Allen-type weapon who creates separation with slick route working, and Bateman catches every little thing he can get his fingers on. This marks the primary time in Ravens historical past that they’ve three first-round broad receivers on their roster (Bateman, Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins), which ought to assist Baltimore keep away from a 3rd consecutive yr of rating final in catches and receiving yards as a large receiver group.
Greatest query: Does Bateman handle the necessity of an enormous goal for the Ravens? Bateman measured at 6 ft at his professional day after being listed at 6-2 in faculty. At instances, he does not play large, failing to battle for contested catches. Baltimore has struggled to discover a sizable broad receiver for Jackson, lacking on Miles Boykin (third spherical, 2019) and Dez Bryant (free agent final season). — Jamison Hensley
Payton Turner, DE, Houston | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Saints simply picked up the fifth-year choice for 2022 for former first-round DE Marcus Davenport on Thursday. However they misplaced a variety of depth on their line of defense this offseason, parting methods with DE Trey Hendrickson and DTs Sheldon Rankins and Malcom Brown. Turner (6-6, 268) has the scale and size the Saints covet of their Four-Three DEs, and he ought to have the flexibility to maneuver inside to DT as effectively.
Greatest query: Did the Saints miss out on an even bigger want and a greater worth? This was a shock decide since few analysts projected Turner to go in Spherical 1 and for the reason that Saints’ wants at CB, LB, WR and even QB had been extra evident. Additionally, Turner battled accidents in faculty. However ESPN’s Adam Schefter had simply reported Thursday morning that Turner may very well be a Spherical 1 shock after groups received optimistic medical reviews. — Mike Triplett
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia | Highlights
Why they picked him: Bear in mind when Tom Brady torched Kevin King and everybody else within the secondary not named Jaire Alexander within the NFC Championship Sport? Sure, the Packers re-signed King, however it’s only a one-year deal ($5 million). That is a couple of long-term cornerback associate for Alexander. It offers new defensive coordinator Joe Barry two speedy corners who can cowl. Stokes allowed the second-lowest completion share (18.2%) and second-lowest Whole QBR (1.Three) in press protection within the FBS final season. Alexander yielded a 45.9 passer ranking and a completion share of 46% as the closest defender, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. All different Packers cornerbacks allowed a 95.9 passer ranking and a completion share of 63% as a nearest defender.
Greatest query: It has nothing to do with Stokes. The one query that issues at this time, tomorrow and till the scenario is resolved is what occurs with Aaron Rodgers now that ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Rodgers has instructed some throughout the group that he doesn’t wish to return to the Packers? Poor Stokes. On an evening when the Packers ought to be capable of extol his virtues, they will as a substitute spend most of it answering questions on Rodgers and certain offering no concrete solutions. — Rob Demovsky
Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami | Highlights
Why they picked him: Rousseau was extremely productive throughout the 2019 season, when he recorded 19.5 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks. He has the scale and size the Payments covet at defensive finish and will become an elite edge rusher with correct teaching.
Greatest query: Can he proceed to develop whereas taking part in a comparatively new place? Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season and remains to be uncooked; he performed security in highschool and missed time in 2018 with an ankle harm. Rousseau has potential however might want to refine sure features of his sport to beat his lack of quickness. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Jayson Oweh. DE, Penn State | Highlights
Why they picked him: After dropping Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in free company, the Ravens addressed their greatest want by grabbing a pass-rusher with off-the-chart bodily traits and a tremendously excessive ceiling. Oweh is explosive, rangy and fluid with uncommon top-end pace. How a lot does Baltimore like him? Oweh is the primary pass-rusher drafted within the first spherical by the Ravens since Terrell Suggs 18 years in the past.
Greatest query: How productive will Oweh be on the NFL degree? Oweh is the primary FBS defensive lineman in seven years to get drafted within the first spherical after not recording a sack in his last collegiate season. ESPN’s Todd McShay mentioned he believes Oweh is extra disruptive on tape than the stats would recommend. However the lack of sacks reveals Oweh is a uncooked prospect. — Jamison Hensley
Joe Tryon, DE, Washington | Highlights
Why they picked him: The Bucs positioned themselves to draft the perfect obtainable participant by re-signing all 22 Tremendous Bowl starters on offense and protection. However there is a drop-off after Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul, with JPP getting into the final yr of his contract. Tryon is in an excellent spot to contribute instantly to their move rush with out the stress of beginning instantly.
Greatest query: The Bucs left Georgia exterior linebacker Azeez Ojulari and Alabama defensive sort out Christian Barmore on the board. Barmore would have introduced youth and flexibility to an growing old inside line of defense, and Ojulari may be a greater run defender. However they do not want Tryon to be a completed product. He has room and time to develop. — Jenna Laine