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I normally like to approach these making some assumptions about FA. In this case I'm expecting Wylie, Hardman, JJSS and Thornhill all to have priced themselves out of a return, and Clark moved on from. So it's another year of churn and burn. But i'm also assuming moves at DE and DT in FA, something like Arden Key or a 1 year flier on Davenport and Greg Gaines at DT or another nose tackle. In other words, there's plenty of needs but DL is not completely bare.
I've then basically tried to have my cake and eat it, and not only fill out areas of need but preempt some future needs and attempt to address them. With that in mind PFF game me the below with loads of trades made (PFF seemed the most realistic but it now seems as fantastical as others so I highly doubt a few of these are available).
38. Andre Carter - DE - I traded back because noone fit. TBH I'm not massively high on what this guy is right now, but the possible upside seems too intriguing to pass up. He isn't ready for a Karlaftis workload year 1, he needs to get stronger and improve against the run, but he can rotate in on obvious passing downs. Year 2 or 3, who knows.
69. Tank Dell - WR - Again I traded back and despite the obvious limitations of being TINY it seemed too good to pass up at this point. He isn't Hardman, he isn't quicker and he's much better latterally. But he CAN do some of what he did and be a gadget guy who offers a little bit more. He gets immediate separation and I've no doubt we'd use him brilliantly.
80. Sydney Brown - S - I think he's a stud. Great athlete, I think he'll have the versatility to thrive even if you have to live with Thornhill-like tackling. He's his natural replacement for me.
88. Nick Herbig - LB - I wanted a coverage LB anticipating Gay perhaps moving on next year, but they just didn't fall. So I took a different route. Some have him as an edge, I honestly don't have a clue what he is aside from being very good. If he offers even average coverage I think he could form the best pass-rush/blitzing LB tandem with Chenal in the league. We now have bend and length, power, and speed rushing the QB.
104. Sam LaPorta- TE - Wasn't intending on a TE but again the value looked too good. This way we improve the TE room as he's a big upgrade on Gray and Fortson, maybe we lighten the load on Kelce a little. Another receiving weapon and YAC monster.
109. Blake Freeland - OT - I don't think he's an NFL tackle year 1, he just needs to get stronger. Given I've not assumed an RT in FA, this leaves us pretty weak at the position, pretty much hoping on Niang or this guy. It might go badly wrong but I think year 2 and beyond he could absolutely be the answer. It seemed worth the risk at this pick.
116. Moro Ojomo - DE - Suspect he goes earlier, again might need a year to season but I think he has huge upside and will be a big upgrade on Saunders and Nnadi.
139. Michael Wilson - WR - Injuries are the concern, otherwise I think he's worth the risk at this point. Senior Bowl releases looked top-notch. I think he's JJSS's replacement as a reliable big body, but with potentially better separation.
168. DeWayne Bridge - RB - Again I was pretty indifferent on RB but seeing him here I jumped.
205. Keaton Mitchell - RB - I think the 1-2-3 punch with Bridge and Pacheco makes this a really dangerous and rounded RB room. People will have to respect the combination of speed, power and shiftiness. I think Mitchell may also be a medium term option to convert to WR.
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