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32. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Both of the Chiefs' tackle spots continue to be big questions. Kingsley Suamataia, a second-rounder this year, was a healthy scratch in Week 11, and left tackle Wanya Morris has given up six sacks. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor hasn't worked out since signing a big contract before the 2023 season, leading all offensive linemen in penalties last season and ranking in the top 10 in that category this season. But Simmons could be the answer. He was trending toward OT1 status before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in October, and his recovery agility and use of length stand out.
23. Houston Texans (7-4)
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Houston's trade for Joe Mixon has worked out nicely, as he has been a perfect scheme fit when healthy. But Mixon will be 29 years old next season and has an out from his contract after the 2025 campaign. It's important for Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik -- a Kyle Shanahan disciple--- to have an effective running game, which would make Jeanty an ideal fit at this spot.
The 215-pounder leads the nation in rushing yards (1,893) and total touchdowns (27) while averaging a wild 7.4 yards per carry. He hasn't been used as a pass catcher as much this season but is capable, grabbing 43 passes for 569 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. He has similarities to Alvin Kamara, making him a three-down back who could take pressure and attention off Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
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25. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Tight end isn't a new need for the Chargers, who were linked to Brock Bowers in the 2024 draft. Loveland would be an ideal fit in Los Angeles, as he played his first two collegiate seasons under Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder has overcome subpar Michigan quarterback play to rack up 53 receptions and four touchdowns this season, already topping last season's figures. I was wowed by his flexibility, movement traits and straight-line speed when watching him catch passes from J.J. McCarthy at Michigan's pro day in March. Loveland is a modern tight end with Dallas Goedert-like upside.
26. Green Bay Packers (7-3)
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley craves cornerbacks with physicality and toughness, so he could make a push to get a player like Barron into the fold. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Barron is a versatile defender who started as a safety at Texas but has played mostly as an outside corner this season, occasionally kicking into the slot. He has four interceptions and seven pass breakups while giving up only eight completions. And he has the size to play inside or outside in the NFL.
27. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
The value of off-ball linebackers is frequently debated in NFL draft circles, but a good one can positively change a franchise. Carter is a weakside linebacker with legitimate three-down skills and would fill a need for the Eagles, who have to find help alongside 2022 third-rounder Nakobe Dean.
He is everywhere on the Clemson tape, as he has posted 12.5 sacks and three interceptions over the past three seasons, while also getting at least 50 tackles in each campaign. He had Round 1 buzz before the 2024 draft, and that has only been boosted with the most complete season of his career. The Eagles' roster is pretty solid across the board, which would allow them to use a luxury pick on Carter.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama*
The Steelers' future at quarterback is a big question heading into the offseason, as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to be free agents. Either could return, but the Steelers might be searching for a more long-term option. Milroe has a combination of Wilson's arm strength and pocket mobility and Fields' rushing ability. He's still a bit raw as a prospect, but he has thrown 15 touchdown passes and rushed for 17 more scores this season. Milroe just needs to improve his touch as a passer, but scouts I've talked to have said he has the most upside of any draft-eligible quarterback in the class. And should the Steelers re-sign Wilson, Milroe could sit, learn and develop further.
29. Minnesota Vikings (8-2)
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss*
The Vikings should address the trenches with their first-round pick; the debate will just be whether they would focus on the offensive or defensive side. But the way the board shook out here and overall positional value made Nolen an easy choice. He has been excellent this season after transferring from Texas A&M to Ole Miss. He's built in the mold of a versatile 3-technique but also has 5-technique ability at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, sporting active hands, length, quickness and strength. His All-Pro potential would be welcomed in Brian Flores' complex defensive scheme.
30. Buffalo Bills (9-2)
Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Bills have improved their pass rush this season, but they're still lacking production from their defensive interior, as only DaQuan Jones has more than two sacks from inside. Buffalo also has three D-linemen (Austin Johnson, Quinton Jefferson and Jordan Phillips) slated for free agency and has drafted only one defensive tackle (DeWayne Carter) in the past five drafts. The Bills have a clear-cut need that shouldn't be ignored any longer.
Williams doesn't get the hype of Ohio State teammates Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, but his tape speaks for itself. At 6-foot-3, 327 pounds, Williams is a classic nose tackle who can anchor in the run game, but he also has 2.5 sacks this season.
31. Detroit Lions (9-1)
Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona*
The Lions have been dominant this season, but they have clear needs to address in the offseason. The interior offensive line is one, as Detroit lost Jonah Jackson in free agency and it's unclear how much longer center Frank Ragnow will play after this season. Savaiinaea has played both tackle spots this season but is projected as an NFL guard by scouts. He's a mauler in the run game and has shown improved footwork and poise in pass blocking, not giving up a sack this season and committing only two penalties. At 336 pounds, Savaiinaea has the power and first-step quickness to reposition defensive linemen.
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