The Rams select Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State Happy to add a huge cornerback who can bring some physicality to the secondary. My understanding is he projects more as a zone corner, and the Rams ran the most zone coverage in the NFL last year so that works for me.
Saints select Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green Saints lost all their DTs and patched that hole up half ass in free agency. I suppose Nathan Shepherd is fine as a run plugger - the Saints run a very aggressive 4-3 front with an all out downhill attack, so they are one of the few teams who don’t need a strong “nose tackle” type. However, I’m not sold at all on Khalen Saunders as more than a rotational guy. I did add an EDGE so their pass rushing success doesn’t hinge on Carl Granderson and Payton Turner, now it’s time to add more pass rush on the interior. Brooks is a very fast off the snap, powerful man who uses a low center of gravity to consistently get after it. While he played a lower level of competition, his 93.8 PFF grade last year is NO slouch and shows he’s doing the dirty work in the run game with technique as well. I think this perfectly fits the Saints mold at DT as they typically go for undersized guys who can win with agility and good feet - one guy between Brooks and Saunders is their delayed Sheldon Rankins replacement, and I’m thinking Brooks because he has a little more juice just a little bit more length and power vs the run.
With the 73rd pick the Houston Texans select DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State The Texans add a young pass rusher to their depth with Anudike-Uzomah. The 2022 Big 12 DPOY has an explosive first step with good physical traits and should project as a nice rotational piece on passing downs.
The Falcons select Rashee Rice, WR, SMU Other than Pitts and Drake London, I can't name another "Weapon" for Anthony Richardson. I was choosing between Rice who is less athletic but more pro-ready and a higher ceiling, and a riskier WR who could be more explosive. I opt for the safer bet hoping to give Richardson an 'ol reliable in the offense starting out.
Steelers select Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor Our D-line needs to get younger and start looking toward the future. With Alualu out and solid bookends, the middle becomes a priority, even if it’s not an every down position.
I was hoping Ika would fall to JAX. Walker / RRH at 3-4 end and Ika rotating with Hamilton at nose would def be an improvement to our IDL