The Giants have a need for an elite pass rusher after a lackluster season. Last season, the Giants had just 34 sacks and have been looking for a franchise QB for years. Thibodeaux has excellent size, speed, and power and could have a high ceiling as a rookie. He logged 19 sacks in three seasons at Oregon.
The Seahawks may be in the mix to take Baker Mayfield in the first round, but they still need a long-term quarterback option. Landing on Willis would be a good option if he falls to the Seahawks in Round 1. But if the Seahawks are looking to add a quarterback for the long-term, they could wait until the second round to take Tyler Ridder, a four-year starter at Cincinnati.
The Jets don’t have a need for a first-round quarterback, but they do have needs in the offensive line. They will likely choose an edge rusher or an offensive tackle at Nos. 5 and 7. New York also needs a pass rusher or cornerback. The new general manager, Joe Schoen, will have many options to fill these needs. In the middle rounds, the Jets should target a wide receiver and a defensive end.
With Hall’s pick, Michael Carter’s ADP will fall, but he has a three-down profile and will have to compete for a committee role early in the season. Meanwhile, Delanie Walker is in Seattle’s backfield, where there is a theoretical opportunity but an ambiguous path to success. With Geno Smith or Drew Lock at quarterback, Walker could struggle as a back.
The Bengals are also in the mix. If they pick a cornerback, they’ll likely be able to add an immediate impact. The team could use a pass rusher as they are reloading after losing J.J. Watt and Chandler Jones. They have a lot of cap space to spend, but the Jets will be patient and cautious. As a result, they may look to add another line back. If the Jaguars choose to draft a cornerback, they’ll likely take Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson.
The Texans’ biggest need is management, but they could also use a pass-catcher. After signing Brandin Cooks to a two-year contract, the Texans need another option to take pressure off Davis Mills. As such, they should be looking for an upgrade on a team that hasn’t been able to win for a long time.
There are several quarterbacks available in the draft. Several teams have a high NFL picks and may choose to go with one of the top quarterbacks or running backs in the second round. However, some NFL teams are likely to be swayed by a team looking to trade up. James Willis, the second-round quarterback picked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could be a dark horse candidate. He has a great upside as an understudy and a different style than his fellow draft prospects.
