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Steelers Draft NC State LB Payton Wilson Near End Of Third Round

April 26th, 2024 at 10:25pm CST by Ely Allen

The freefall is over for NC State linebacker Payton Wilson. Despite being ranked as the 48th overall best prospect, according to ESPN, Wilson finally comes off the board late in the third round at 98th overall to the Steelers. The Steelers used the top pick acquired in the trade that sent Kenny Pickett across the state to Philadelphia to select their new defender.

ESPN weren’t the only ones to like Wilson coming out of Raleigh. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network ranked Wilson as the 41st best prospect on his board. Wilson received lots of interest from NFL teams, as well, with both the Lions and Cowboys showing interest in particular.

Medical concerns will be the main reason people point to for his fall to the back of the third round. Wilson suffered season-ending knee and shoulder injuries in 2018 and 2021, respectively, but had been healthy over his last two seasons with the Wolfpack. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network mentioned in draft coverage that one of Wilson’s knees doesn’t even have an ACL, making his collegiate accomplishments all the more impressive.

Despite starting only one game in his redshirt freshman season, following the knee surgery in 2018, Wilson led NC State in tackles. As a full-time starter again in 2020, Wilson earned first-team All-ACC honors while leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss. He rebounded strongly after 2021’s season-ending injury but really shined as a sixth-year redshirt senior last year.

In his final season with the Wolfpack, Wilson saw career highs in tackles (138), tackles for loss (17.5), sacks (6.0), forced fumbles (1), passes defensed (9), and interceptions (3) en route to unanimous All-American honors. He was given the Butkus Award for the best linebacker in the FBS and was named First-Team All-ACC after leading the conference in tackles. His injury history aside, Wilson makes plays all over the field with instincts, effort, and toughness. If his health can keep him on the field, he’ll be the kind of four-down linebacker that we don’t see often anymore.

The Steelers bring Wilson into a strong group, where he’ll have to compete for snaps. Pittsburgh upgraded the position group in a big way by signing Patrick Queen from their division rival this spring. Now they’ll add Wilson to a group that also returns starters Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. This takes a little pressure off of Wilson, in case there are any injury bugs that still need to get worked out, but entering the NFL at 24 years old, Wilson won’t be content to sit and learn.

If health provides to limits to Wilson’s rookie year, he could step into a talented group of linebackers and potentially earn significant snaps next to Queen, who isn’t likely to come off the field very often. Depending on how he compares to the incumbent starters Holcomb and Roberts, Wilson could be a surprise third-round contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

49ers Acquire No. 86 Pick From Eagles

April 26th, 2024 at 9:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 49ers have traded up the third-round order, swapping places with the Eagles. San Francisco has dealt Nos. 94 and 132 to Philadelphia in exchange for the 86th pick.

Taking advantage of the move up the board, the 49ers have drafted Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni. He has experience at tackle but also on the inside, and it will be interesting to see where he is used at the pro game. This marks the first selection on either side of the ball with respect to line of scrimmage additions during this year’s draft for San Francisco.

The 49ers have been deemed a team which could be in the market for help along the offensive line, though they elected to add at the receiver spot on Thursday night by selecting wideout Ricky Pearsall. That was followed by the decision to help fill the cornerback spot (Renardo Green), but Puni has the potential to see action early in his career, particularly if he is shifted to guard.

The latter began his college career at Division II Central Missouri. Puni spent four years there, seeing time at left and right tackle. That was followed by his decision to transfer to Kansas, and he was a first-teamer with the Jayhawks as well. Puni started all 13 of his appearances in 2022 at the left guard spot before kicking back to the blindside during this past season.

San Francisco has Trent Williams entrenched as a foundational offensive piece at the left tackle position, although his future has been called into question with retirement as an option in the not-too-distant future. Colton McKivitz is on the books for the next two years, meanwhile, and he is in line on the right side. Puni’s quickest path to playing time will thus come at guard, and he is regarded as having starting upside – something which would go a long way to filling a notable need for the NFC champions.

Colts Move Up To No. 79

April 26th, 2024 at 9:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Colts have moved up the third-round order, swapping places with the Cardinals. Indianapolis has acquired No. 79 in exchange for 82 and 191.

With the newly-acquired pick, the Colts have drafted Pitt offensive tackle Matt Goncalves. That makes him the second player taken on the offensive side of the ball to join the Colts today, after the team selected the first defender (Laiatu Latu) during Thursday’s opening round. This latest choice will provide depth up front after wideout Adonai Mitchell was added in the second round.

Goncalves spent four seasons at Pitt, redshirting in his freshman campaign. After that point, though, he developed into a key figure on the Panthers’ offensive line by seeing time at both tackle spots. The 6-6, 330-pounder started three of nine contests in 2021 before becoming a full-time starter in the following campaign. He split his time between left and right tackle that year.

Goncalves entered the 2023 season with high expectations, and he was the only Pitt player named to the preseason All-ACC list. His senior year came to an abrupt end after just three contests due to injury, however, something which no doubt impacted his draft stock. Goncalves, if healthy, will provide a high-floor option capable of seeing time at either tackle spot early in his time with the Colts.

Indianapolis has Bernhard Raimann in place on the blindside along with high-priced Braden Smith at the right tackle spot with respect to first-team options. Both players are under contract for multiple years, so Goncalves will likely not have a path to a starting spot right away. He could serve as a capable backup in the short- and long-term, though.

Texans Move Up Eight Spots In Third Round, Trade With Eagles

April 26th, 2024 at 9:18pm CST by Ely Allen

The Texans have made a big move in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, trading up eight spots to select in the slot formerly owned by the Eagles. Houston is sending the Eagles its third- (86th) and fourth-round (123rd) picks in exchange for the 78th overall pick in third round.

With the pick, the Texans have selected USC safety Calen Bullock, ballhawk in Los Angeles for the Trojans. Earning a starting role partway through his freshman season, Bullock tallied two interceptions and five passes defensed en route to Freshman All-American honors. Bullock exploded onto the scene as a sophomore, leading USC with five interceptions and 10 passes defensed. He earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors for his efforts.

Last year, despite opposing quarterbacks having plenty of tape telling them not to throw his way, Bullock continued to dominate. With 61 tackles, two interceptions, and nine passes defensed, Bullock finished his collegiate career with first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

It was interesting to hear the team announce Bullock as a “defensive back” as some NFL draft boards had Bullock as a cornerback at the professional level. He has the ball skills and body control to play cornerback, though his college production came at safety and nickel.

Steven Nelson, a two-year Houston starting CB, remains in free agency; the Texans needed to find a cornerback to start opposite Derek Stingley. They brought in Jeff Okudah, a former top-three overall pick who has struggled so far at the NFL level, and then drafted Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter earlier tonight in the third round. Lassiter could thrive more in a nickelback role, though, so perhaps Houston doesn’t see Bullock as a cornerback.

Perhaps, the Texans see Bullock as the eventual replacement to veteran safety Jimmie Ward, who missed seven regular-season games and two playoff matchups in his age-32 season. Ward’s two-year deal concludes after this season, so Bullock may be seen as the eventual starter next to Jalen Pitre in 2025 and beyond. Regardless, Bullock’s versatility should help him see the field plenty as a rookie.

Jets Acquire No. 65 From Panthers

April 26th, 2024 at 8:34pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets have jumped up the board to begin the third round. New York has sent Nos. 72 and 157 to the Panthers in exchange for the 64th selection.

New York has opted to choose Western Kentucky receiver Malachi Corley. He will add a unique skillset to the team’s receiving room, having frequently drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel in the pre-draft process. Corley’s abilities as a receiver, rusher and returner make him one of the more intriguing members of a deep WR class.

The Jets addressed the receiver spot earlier this offseason by signing Mike Williams to a one-year deal. The ex-Chargers Pro Bowler will provide a vertical threat on his new team, whereas Corley will likely operate in a different capacity. The latter thrived on turning short passes into notable run-after-catch gains during his time in college.

Corley flashed considerable potential in 2021 when he amassed 691 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed that up with a stellar campaign, leading Conference USA in catches (101) and yards (1,295), adding 11 scores. That led to high expectations this past season, and Corley delivered again with a 79-984-11 statline.

New York already has Garrett Wilson atop the depth chart in terms of pass-catching options, and the team is open to bringing back Corey Davis. Regardless of if the latter winds up in the fold for the 2024 campaign, Corley should be able to carve out a role in the team’s offense for the short- and long-term future.

Chiefs Trade Up One Spot In Second Round, Swap With 49ers

April 26th, 2024 at 8:26pm CST by Ely Allen

The Chiefs could not wait one pick longer and opted to make a deal with the 49ers to move up one spot in the second round. In order to convince San Francisco to switch spots, they gave the 49ers their own second-round pick (64th) and a fifth-rounder (173rd). The 49ers gave them the 63rd pick and a sixth-round, 211th overall selection.

With the trade, the Chiefs moved ahead of San Francisco in order to draft BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia. Suamataia started his career at Oregon before transferring to the Cougars. He started his redshirt freshman season for BYU at right tackle in 2022, earning Freshman All-American honors. The following year, the Cougars moved him to left tackle, where he started 11 games and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors.

The Chiefs are looking for a new player to start at tackle across from Jawaan Taylor in 2024. Their 2023 left tackle stopgap — Donovan Smith — remains in free agency. The team returns Wanya Morris and Lucas Niang, two third-round picks from the past four years, but neither has established himself as a reliable starter on the offensive line. Kansas City had been linked to the 21-year-old earlier this week, hosting him on a “top 30” visit.

While some teams viewed him as a potential late-first-round option, Suamataia was viewed by many as a project at tackle, expecting some time to be needed for development. If the Chiefs are in a hurry, they may rush Suamataia out there early, regardless, but if they can afford to have Morris or Niang hold down the fort until Suamataia has some time to learn and grow, both the Chiefs and their new rookie tackle could stand to benefit.

Colts Send No. 46 To Panthers

April 26th, 2024 at 7:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Panthers are the latest team to trade up in the second round. Carolina has acquired pick No. 46 from the Colts, sending Nos. 52, 142 and 155 to Indianapolis.

With their second pick in the draft, the Panthers have added Texas running back Jonathon Brooks. As a result, he is the first tailback to come off the board as part of a class not lauded for its star power in the backfield. Still, Brooks will be able to contribute right away in Carolina.

Needing to wait his turn to take over starting duties, Brooks saw only 51 carries in his first two seasons with the Longhorns. In 2023, however, he ascended to the RB1 spot and delivered in a notable fashion. In 11 contests, he posted 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Brooks added 286 yards on 25 receptions.

An ACL tear ended the season prematurely, though, something which hurt his draft stock. Still, it comes as little surprise that Brooks has been the first running back selected. Connections were frequently made — including earlier today — to the RB-needy Cowboys, but he has come off the board well before Dallas’ next selection. Given Carolina’s decision to trade up for him, Brooks will likely be counted on as a rookie.

The 6-0, 216-pounder intends to be healthy in time for training camp, and in that case he would be able to compete for snaps early in his career. The Panthers did not receive the desired return on investment after signing Miles Sanders in free agency last year, and Chuba Hubbard finished the 2023 campaign atop the depth chart. As both of those backs look to improve on their showings from a poor offensive year, Brooks will give Carolina a new, intriguing two-way option in the backfield.

Saints Obtain No. 41 From Packers, Select CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

April 26th, 2024 at 6:55pm CST by Ely Allen

The second-round pick the Packers acquired in last year’s Aaron Rodgers trade is now the Saints’ property. Green Bay dealt No. 41 to New Orleans, which will add Nos. 45, 168, and 190 for moving down a bit in Round 2.

No. 45 is the pick the Saints obtained from the Broncos in the swap for Sean Payton‘s rights. A year later, the Packers (barring another trade) will use it to bolster their roster.

With the pick, the Saints are adding Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. This will bring two Crimson Tide corners off the board, with the Lions using their first selection on Terrion Arnold on Thursday night.

McKinstry loomed as a first-round-caliber player going into his final Alabama season after logging 16 passes defensed as a sophomore, but Arnold ended up being viewed as the higher-level prospect following Nick Saban‘s final season.

The fall out of the first round for McKinstry seems to center around the lack of any elite qualities. Still, while there doesn’t see to be any much that McKinstry is elite at, there’s also not much that he does poorly (besides fielding punts). McKinstry does everything well with a high football IQ.

McKinstry will fit well into a talented rotation at cornerback in New Orleans. With Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo set to return as the team’s starters at the position, McKinstry will get to learn and develop under one of the league’s better veterans and a young corner who established himself as a Day 2 pick three years ago. The Saints’ depth at the position isn’t great after Lattimore and Adebo, so trading up to add McKinstry makes sense in the midst of a run of second-round cornerbacks.

Eagles Acquire No. 40 From Commanders

April 26th, 2024 at 6:54pm CST by Adam La Rose

Trades continue to flood the top of the second round. The Eagles have moved up to No. 40, swapping places with the Commanders. Philadelphia will send 53 and 161 to Washington while picking up No. 78.

Adding further to their investments in the secondary, the Eagles are selecting Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean. The team went cornerback on Thursday night by drafting cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, and they have followed that up with another highly regarded contributor in the defensive backfield. DeJean is one of a few defenders who surprisingly did not hear their names called on Day 1.

Questions have been raised about his best position at the NFL level, having spent time both on the perimeter and in the slot. DeJean may see time at safety in the pros, but in any spot he will be counted on to provide starting-caliber play early on in his career. Over the past two seasons, he played a central role in Iowa’s defense while also demonstrating his special teams prowess.

DeJean raked up five interceptions in 2022, and he posted another two last season before a broken fibula ended his junior campaign. In spite of that missed time, the 6-1, 203-pounder was named a unanimous All-American after cementing his status as a versatile defender and a dynamic return man (11.5 yard average, one touchdown on punt returns).

The Eagles entered the offseason with plenty of questions at the CB spot with veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry still in line to hold down starting positions. The addition of Mitchell will give the team another option on the outside, whereas DeJean could see time at nickel or safety. Philadelphia reunited with C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency, but DeJean will serve as depth behind him with the potential to become much more over time.

Panthers Deal No. 39 To Rams

April 26th, 2024 at 6:47pm CST by Ely Allen

The Panthers acquired No. 39 from the Giants in the Brian Burns trade; they are sending that pick to the Rams. Los Angeles will use the pick to select another Florida State defensive lineman in Braden Fiske. Through this pick, the Panthers will add a Rams second-rounder in 2025. Los Angeles will also send Carolina Nos. 52 and 155.

Apart from Burns’ Florida State affiliation in this deal, the Seminoles continue to be involved in Los Angeles’ draft plan. Fiske is set to rejoin Florida State pass rusher Jared Verse, who the Rams selected at No. 19 overall last night.

Much like Verse, Fiske was a transfer addition to the Seminoles’ ACC championship team. Fiske arrived in Tallahassee after five years at Western Michigan, where he had 27.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. He gave the Seminoles impressive one-year production with nine tackles for loss and six sacks en route to second-team All-ACC honors.

Fiske will join Verse in the Rams’ efforts to replace the defensive production lost with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. He’ll have to work his way into the rotation with Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown III, but Fiske figures to see the field early as a rookie.

The Panthers move back 13 picks but add the mid-fifth-round selection as a result. While it would’ve been nice to have two fifth-round picks in a row, Los Angeles still retains the 154th pick, giving Carolina the pick it acquired in the multi-pick trade that brought Kevin Dotson from Pittsburgh.