The Draft now behind us, let’s focus on the top 10 editorial picks
Pittsburgh Steelers, Joey Porter Jr. (CB) – (2nd Round – Pick 32)
The beautiful story. Son of legend Joey Porter who spent most of his career with the Steelers, Joey Porter Jr. starts out as a pro at the same club that made his father a star. Hoping for him the same fate at the cornerback position.
If we can mention the selection of Broderick Jones as well, we preferred the cornerback for the glamorous side. In addition, the Steelers are filling a need with this choice that we hope will win for Pittsburgh fans.
Buffalo Bills, O’Cyurs Torrence (OL) – (2nd Round – Pick 58)
Do not go up when a potential team before them had a need for this position on the offensive line, to stay in position to take the best player of this vintage in this position. That’s what the Buffalo Bills did, with the selection of O’Cyurs Torrence.
The player will become an indisputable holder at the post of guard from week 1. His specialty in pass protection will allow Josh Allen to have a little more time to throw the ball.
Baltimore Ravens, Trenton Simpson (LB) – (3rd Round – Pick 86)
Give competition to the position of linebacker to put pressure on a player, that’s what the Baltimore Ravens did. If Patrick Queen had a bad season in 2023, Baltimore already has a replacement with a much higher expected player.
Besides, that’s good, the Ravens have not activated the 5th year of Queen’s rookie contract. A potential steal which does not cost much for a player who will make many teams regret.
Indianapolis Colts, Adetomiwa Adebawore (DT) – (4th Round – Pick 110)
Why did it sink so low after a quality Combine process? We’ll never know. The boon for the Colts to strengthen the defensive line with a player to be a complement to Kwity Paye and/or DeForest Buckner.
The latter potentially on the start next season, Indianapolis may have found his replacement with Ade Ade, expected above. A non-risky choice that can only pay off.
Arizona Cardinals, Owen Pappoe (LB) – (5th Round – Pick 168)
The decision not to extend Isaiah Simmons for next year only affirms the Cardinals’ need for renewal at linebacker with the selection of Owen Pappoe.
Athletic and very good in coverage, the Auburn player will have the fangs and add non-risky value to one of the worst pass defenses last season.
Cleveland Browns, Luke Wypler (OL) – (6th Round – Pick 190)
A young center, having proven himself in one of the best conferences in university, in one of the best teams in the country, and to take it only in the 6th round. This is called a wise choice.
This is what the Cleveland Browns did with a player who will probably be the incumbent in a year after learning from Ethan Pocic. Surrounded by Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio, Luke Wypler can consider himself blessed to have 2 experienced and talented teachers.
Los Angeles Rams, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (CB) – (6th Round – Pick 182)
When you are a team in reconstruction, you are looking for a player capable of competing with, or even overtaking, the incumbent in his first year. Plus, if the player in question is a varsity finalist, having given up just 34% receptions when targeted and only 2 touchdowns in 15 games in 2022, you smell a good deal.
That’s what the Rams did with Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, small but full of determination and aggression.
Tampa Bay Buccanneers, Trey Palmer (WR) – (6th Round – Pick 191)
Take Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage, the 3 incumbents on the Tampa Bay Buccanneers side, you mix all this cocktail and you get the receiver drafted in the 6th round by the Florida franchise.
Trey Palmer is an underrated player who had a great season at Nebraska after 3 low-key years at LSU. The explosive receiver is only asked to have balls in their direction so that they can be more than a rotational option.
Houston Texans, Xavier Hutchinson (WR) – (6th Round – Pick 205)
You are in the 6th round, you are looking for a receiver. At this time, a finalist for the trophy for the best university receiver, named 3 years in a row in the 1st typical team of his university conference, is still available. Additionally, this player has posted above-average receiving percentages.
After writing all of this, you think you’ve hit the jackpot. With Xavier Hutchinson, CJ Stroud has a safe bet to throw the ball to. Houston and DeMeco Ryans may have THE big shot of this Draft.
Minnesota Vikings, DeWayne McBride (RB) – (7th Round – Pick 222)
If Dalvin Cook is cut in the next few weeks or he’s gone after the 2023 season, what are the Vikings going to do? The question may already be answered in part with the selection of DeWayne McBride. In 3 seasons at UAB, the player posted higher running averages than many runners yet selected higher in this Draft.
In 2022, the UAB system was made for him. That’s going to be less the case in 2023, but he’s going to offer a totally different style from Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison. Another number that proves it’s a nice shot: 1, like the number of games in 2022 where the running back has finished a game without a touchdown in 11 games.
