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Drafted: Round 1, No. 7 overall

It wasn't surprising to see head coach Aaron Glenn select a right tackle with his first draft pick after watching his previous employer, Detroit, win behind a dominant offensive line with perennial Pro Bowler Penei Sewell at RT. Membou could garner Pro Bowl honors early in his career as the anchor of a front that seeks to maul and mash defenders into submission. The 6-foot-4, 332-pounder routinely whipped SEC defenders with a heavy-handed approach that mixed physicality with nimble footwork at the line. Membou’s rugged demeanor and competitive spirit will spark an offensive line that wants to run the ball with Justin Fields at quarterback.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 10 overall

The comparisons to Lions tight end Sam LaPorta might have convinced head coach Ben Johnson to take the Michigan standout as the first pick of his tenure. Loveland’s superb ball skills, route-running ability and positional flexibility make him an interesting chess piece for the Bears to utilize, creating mismatches when opponents are locked in on neutralizing other playmakers like DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, Luther Burden III and D’Andre Swift. With Loveland poised to dominate between the hashes on various in-breaking routes at intermediate range, Chicago has surrounded former No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams with enough firepower to unlock his immense talent and potentially dominate in his second season.  

Drafted: Round 1, No. 25 overall

Considering Brian Daboll's past work with Josh Allen in Buffalo, it is easy to see why the coach handpicked the Ole Miss standout as his future franchise quarterback in New York, trading back into the first round to make Dart the second signal-caller off the board. Though the 6-foot-2, 223-pound passer obviously isn't a carbon copy of the league's reigning Most Valuable Player, he possesses the dual-threat skills to make Big Blue's offense pop with RPOs, designed quarterback runs and deep shots featured prominently on the call sheet. If the Giants patiently allow for the rookie to acclimate to the pro game -- with Dart in position to sit and learn behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston -- the first-rounder could lead the franchise out of the doldrums as an potent playmaker with a rugged game. 

Drafted: Round 2, No. 47 overall

Jonathan Gannon’s vision-and-break scheme perfectly matches Johnson’s skills as a ballhawking cover corner with superb instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills. The 6-2, 194-pounder is terrific at anticipating routes based on the hash-split rule and quarterback clues. The Cardinals' defense features several zone-based concepts that will enable Johnson to produce turnovers in a scheme that encourages him to play aggressively in a “see ball, get ball” manner.

Drafted: Round 2, No. 59 overall

Ozzie Newsome once told me that sack production translates from college to the NFL. That’s why I was not surprised to see his Ravens snag the reigning FBS sack king to bolster a pass rush that needs to be at its best to neutralize the elite quarterbacks in the AFC. Widely viewed as a first-round talent, Green likely dropped to Round 2 for character reasons. He denied two previous, uncharged sexual assault allegations at the combine. GM Eric DeCosta on the team's vetting of Green last Friday night: "We understand the severity of what these allegations were, of course, but doing our due diligence, we are comfortable with Mike." From a strict on-field perspective, the Marshall product is an alluring edge rusher, especially for this defense. Green’s explosive first-step quickness, fierce handplay and relentless effort make him a perfect addition to a defensive front that is always in hunt mode in Zach Orr’s scheme. Moreover, the 6-foot-3, 251-pound pass rusher exhibits the hair-on-fire playing style and alpha-dog temperament the Ravens covet in their trench defenders.

Drafted: Round 2, No. 61 overall

Finding a press-man specialist to place opposite Marshon Lattimore was a top priority for Washington heading into draft weekend. Amos fits the bill as a long corner (6-1, 195 pounds) with an aggressive game built on physicality and disruption at the line of scrimmage. The Commanders are intent on limiting layups (quick passes) and 3-pointers (deep throws) with their bump-and-run tactics. 

Drafted: Round 3, No. 65 overall

Credit general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll for finding the perfect playmate for Dexter Lawrence at the point of attack. Alexander’s size, strength and athleticism should lead to a host of splash plays for the Giants as opponents devote double-teams to the monstrous Pro Bowler beside him. Though the 6-4, 305-pounder's collegiate sack production left something to be desired, his tools (arm length and agility) could help him emerge as a disruptive force on a front that features four pass-rushing demons (Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and fellow rookie Abdul Carter). 

Drafted: Round 3, No. 83 overall

The seamless transition from Iowa’s zone-based system to Pittsburgh's downhill rushing attack could help Johnson hit the ground running in the pros. As a big back (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) with straight-line speed and a smooth running style, he patiently surveys the defense from behind the line until he spots a crack at the point of attack. With the Steelers’ fielding a massive offensive line specializing in bulldozing defenders off the ball, Johnson could immediately post a 1,000-yard season as the team’s new RB1. 

Drafted: Round 3, No. 96 overall

After watching veteran Jessie Bates III flourish in the Falcons’ scheme, Raheem Morris handpicked Watts to play alongside the veteran star. The Notre Dame standout is an outstanding center fielder with 13 interceptions and 31 passes defensed as a two-year starter. As the Falcons look to pick off tipped and overthrown passes with an upgraded pass rush, Watts could immediately make an impact as a playmaking specialist in a ballhawking defensive backfield. 

Drafted: Round 5, No. 147 overall

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers have unearthed a couple of nice late-round gems at running back in recent years: 2024 fourth-rounder Isaac Guerendo and 2021 sixth-rounder Elijah Mitchell. In James, the team might have found another explosive one-cut runner with the tools to flourish in its system. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder with 4.55 speed is rugged enough to handle the rigors of running between the tackles, while also displaying the explosiveness to take it the distance when he splits a crease at the line of scrimmage. James could provide key contributions by season’s end as a fill-in for Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.