The first draft of the de facto 6GML took place and wow was it an impressive start for these 6 GMs. The rookies displayed poise and precision and the veterans worked the board like they’ve done this their whole lives. At the top there were 5 opportunities for top 5 selections, and only one was utilized by GM BD and the Eagles. At pick 2, GM TP took his chance to move down for multiple picks pre-draft and turned them into arguably the best draft in the NFL. GM TH waited until about 48 hours before the draft to turn his 3rd overall pick into 5 picks including 3 1sts. GM EP also utilized the multiple pick strategy to build up his young roster. GM SD and his Packers were patient and waited until draft night, and the move played out wonderfully well as he picked up the player he wanted at 5 while still adding two additional picks including a 1st in 2024. GM CD wasn’t as lucky on the trade back front while operating at the back of round one, and yet with two picks he still found tremendous value while doing what he does best, finding players who work well in his scheme. The wheels were turning for all these GMs the past 72 hours, let’s see how well everyone did based on BuildThe53 Grades.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - GM BD
The Eagles decided to turn down a treasure trove of picks to move from the 1st spot to the 9th spot and add superstar WR DJ Moore. They did it in order to select the first overall pick who we all knew was going to be a QB, while the consensus was that Bryce Young was going to be the selection, BD went with the higher upside player and snagged QB Will Levis. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Levis fell all the way to round 2 and the Tennessee TItans and the Eagles could have taken the trade back and still snagged the Kentucky signal caller. That is definitely not going to help the overall grade. Nobody could have predicted the free fall from Levis but we have the benefit of hindsight here on Sunday and that move could end up being one that stings for the next half decade.
RD 1 PICK 1: Will Levis, QB Kentucky - BT53 Ranking 10th overall
Levis was my top rated QB as well. He’s got exceptional physical gifts. BT53 would have 100% taken the tradeback though with a young roster.
RD 2 PICK 33: Luke Musgrave, TE Oregon State - BT53 Ranking 27th overall
Solid pick here in round 2 although it felt like a luxury pick. The team doesn’t have much in terms of DL help - Reddick is an exceptional player but the others are below average. Probably should have prioritized a premium position here.
RD 3 PICK 64: Dawand Jones, OT Ohio State - BT53 Ranking 30th overall
Awesome pick here for the Eagles. Jones fell down the board and the Eagles swooped in with the tremendous snag. Jones is a massive human who can absolutely maul in the run game. Getting him this late was one of the better picks in the draft. Jones won’t start with Havenstein there this year, but getting him one season of learning under his belt was a brilliant move.
RD3 PICK 101: Antonio Johnson, S Texas A&M - BT53 Ranking 54th overall
Back to back great picks from the Eagles GM who settled in nicely in round 3. Johnson is a super high floor hard hitting safety who should have gone in round 2. Getting him with a 3rd round comp pick is like finding free money.
RD 4 PICK 109: Nick Herbig, EDGE Wisconsin - BT53 Ranking 120th overall
Solid value here for Herbig who will probably be the direct backup to Haason Reddick as a hybrid pass rusher. Getting someone who can immediately fill the role of your best defender is never a bad move. Value was pretty much spot on too.
RD5 PICK 136: Jaelyn Duncan, OT Maryland - BT53 Ranking 111th overall
Duncan is a developmental guy who has tons of talent but bad tape. Getting someone like this is the PERFECT spot to snag your high upside low floor guys. He could bust for sure, but he could also be a starter down the line and taking those risks is the BT53 Model in round 5. It’s just what you do. It’s kind of a solid team building move here too, because you already snagged a RT to sit for a year and watch, and now you have someone who might be able to develop and play the left side.
RD5 Pick 174: Kayshon Boutte, WR LSU - BT53 Ranking 104th overall
An enigmatic player here but a really intriguing high ceiling WR who thrives as a slot but can play all 3 WR positions. He's shifty after the catch and at times can look like the best player on the field in the SEC, which is saying something. Boutte is wildly inconsistent and has some character/effort concerns, however taking him this late in the drat is a great idea. This is a super low risk move that could pay huge dividends if Boutte can return to form. Great move late in the process.
RD6 PICK 180: Zach Evans, RB Ole Miss - BT53 Ranking 6th round grade
The value was right here for Evans but felt like a second luxury pick. Evans was the number one RB in his recruiting class coming out of high school so the talent is there. But on a roster already with Najee Harris and Christian McCaffrey it’ll be interesting to see if Evans can make the roster. GM BD needs to hope Evans can learn to play special teams early.
Overall GM BD had a quality draft. He added 4 of the top 54 players in the draft class, and 6 of the top 120. Obviously the move that’s going to ding his grade was the Levis pick at first overall, but it doesn’t hurt him as badly as some might think. With Levis going 33rd overall, BD gets a MASSIVE discount on his pricing, ala an MLB GM taking a player below slot. The main issues was giving up all the extra picks for the move back and not having DJ Moore on the roster. Having Brown and Smith already may have made him expendable, but they could have had the best trio in the NFL. This was a nice start, the Johnson pick in particular considering the lack of safety depth on his team and in this class was an absolute gem of a pick. For a first draft, this one was solid.
OVERALL GRADE: GOOD
BALTIMORE RAVENS - GM TP
Baltimore’s GM TP decided to utilize the draft point calculator pre-draft to take his second overall pick and slide down to accumulate more assets. He continued to do this throughout the draft and came away with a ridiculous amount of selections - 13 in all! TP was already there with his superstar QB in terms of not needing a pick that high, so he went with a volume approach that paid huge dividends. Not only did he add tons of assets to his young team, he added very high quality assets and utilized a mixture of positional importance and best player available to add arguably the best draft class of any team in the NFL.
Round 1 Pick 9: Bijan Robinson, RB Texas - BT53 Ranking 2nd overall
For your first overall pick to take the league’s least important position was a bold move, but in a draft very low on top end talent to get one of only 2 players to receive a grade above 90 wasn’t going to be a bad call. Robinson is an all-time talent at RB and the 2nd best RB prospect BT53 has ever graded. Adding him in the backfield with Hurts is going to be a nightmare. You lose some grading points due to positional value, but gain some in terms of getting one of only two elite prospects in this draft.
Round 1 Pick 21: Myles Murphy, DE Clemson - BT53 Ranking 17th overall
The Ravens really needed a pass rusher in a bad way coming into the draft and they get a super talented one in round 1. Murphy still needs developmental time in terms of pass rushing moves but he’s ready to contribute in the NFL right now physically. I’d be shocked if he doesn’t start opposite Josh Sweat as a rookie. Good positional value and good overall value here at 21.
Round 2 Pick 32: Jalin Hyatt, WR Tennessee - BT53 Ranking 33rd overall
Another nice pick here and a good scheme fit. Hyatt is a take the top off the defense guy and he went right where he should have gone. The team had Aiyuk and Palmer as part of it’s receiving corps but they HAD to get someone who could take the top off the defense. Hyatt was its perfect complimentary receiver and now will open up even more space for its best weapon, Mark Andrews. This was scheme, value, and positional importance all wrapped up in one. Important pick.
Round 2 Pick 42: Joe Tippman, C Wisconsin - BT53 Ranking 55th overall
Tippman is a rock solid center with great movement skills who can come in and be an instant starter if necessary. Ruiz and Fortner are both low end starters who probably are better positioned as multi positioned backups - Tippman could come in and be a starting caliber center from day one. He’s an upgrade over what they have.
Round 2 Pick 63: DJ Turner, CB Michigan - BT53 Ranking 74th overall
Turner was getting first round love in some late mock drafts so to snag him here felt like a good actual value. He’s got speed for days and is a tough guy. He needs to improve his consistency but having a 4.3 CB is never a bad thing and gives them another matchup player to utilize. With Newsome and Humphrey there already who can both play slot if necessary, adding Turner who is just a blazer gives them a very intriguing young trio to work with.
Round 3 Pick 100: AT Perry, WR Wake Forest - BT53 Ranking 37th overall
I think the AT Perry fall in real life was absolutely insane and this was one of the best value draft picks of the entire weekend. Perry is a contested catch monster who runs solid routes and is a redzone weapon. The fact he continued to drop down the board over the weekend was insane to me, as there is no way he should have even been available at 100 where he went in the 3GML - Let alone all the way at pick 195. The Ravens get a way “under slot” player here who I believe will end up a good WR in the NFL.
Round 4 Pick 115: Cameron Young, DT Mississippi State - BT53 Ranking 6th round grade
This wasn’t my favorite pick but I know a lot of others liked Young more than I did. Young felt like a bit of a luxury pick here too as the team already has Tomlinson and Hill to play the nose in their 34 system with Greg Gaines to play the 4i T spot but maybe he’s going to be a multi-position backup there, in which case the pick makes more sense. He’s a talented guy but really needs to improve the consistency.
Round 4 Pick 129: Darius Rush, CB South Carolina - BT53 Ranking 100th overall
Another solid snag here from TP. Rush has a chance to be a low end starter or quality 3 position CB backup in the NFL and this is a great place to add quality depth to your secondary. He’s a nice player who likely can play in the sub packages as well. Quietly good move.
Round 5 Pick 137: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB UCLA -BT53 Ranking 115th overall
DTR was actually my QB6 in this entire class and getting somoene who you don’t have to change your offense for when your star QB goes out is a very underrated thing in the NFL. DTR is exceptionally athletic and his accuracy improved consistently throughout his career. It seems like the immaturity issues he had early in his career have improved.
Round 5 Pick 142: Noah Sewell, LB Oregon - BT53 Ranking 116th overall
Sewell is a linebacker who has some instinct problems but plays the game hard and projects as very high end special teamer in the NFL. While he plays the run well, he can get lost at times in coverage and will need to be utlized as an early down guy in the league. Its a skillset that’s undervalued in the NFL as teams get spread out more, but you always need guys who can stop the run.
Round 5 Pick 165: JL Skinner, S Boise State - BT53 Ranking 110th overall
Excellent pick here. Perfect round 5 selection. Skinner is going to essentially be a matchup guy with big TE’s in the league as at 6’4 he possesses a skillset that very few safeties have. While he’s currently injured and may miss his rookie season, he’s a perfect guy to draft and stash on IR while you can develop him.
Round 5 Pick 174: Kayshon Boutte, WR LSU - BT53 Ranking XXX overall
An enigmatic player here but a really intriguing high ceiling WE who thrives as a slot but can play all 3 WR positions. He's shifty after the catch and at times can look like the best player on the field in the SEC, which is saying something. Boutte is wildly inconsistent and has some character/effort concerns, however taking him this late in the draft is a great idea. This is a super low risk move that could pay huge dividends if Boutte can return to form. Great move late in the process.
Round 6 Pick 180: Xavier Hutchinson, WR Iowa State - BT53 Ranking 141st overall
Hutchinson projects as a very nice WR3/4 in the NFL with an ability to play special teams and be a physical WR. The great thing about Hutchinson is that he can play all 3 WR spots and his play demeanor is good so he looks to project well as that 4th WR on the roster who is a 3 position backup. These guys are super valuable in that they can do a bit of everything so they save you a full roster spot. Solid pick in round 6.
Round 7 Pick 219: DeWayne McBride, RB UAB - BT53 Ranking 168th overall
McBride is a one trick pony, but it’s a really good trick. He’s a physical downhill thumper who will play special teams in the NFL and could carve out a role as a power back or early down back. He doesn’t catch the football though so he’s gotta be a niche guy but in round 7 he’s got a SHOT to make a roster.
Overall TP had an excellent first draft. He had 5 of the top 55 players on the BT53 board, and a whopping 9 of the top 116 players! TP added a ton of volume this season but still added the 2nd highest rated player in the class, 3 WR’s to add to his group that all have different skillsets, and filled his biggest need at DE with a high upside pass rusher early. The only ding is taking Robinson at 9 analytically is scary, because going RB that high adds on injury risk as well as positional opportunity. This was a tremendous start.
OVERALL GRADE: VERY GOOD
HOUSTON TEXANS - GM TH
Well the back to back defending Super Bowl Champions and 3-Time Overall Super Bowl Champion Texans decided this offseason to go all in on a championship. No team has ever won 3 in a row and GM TH pushed his chips in to go make that happen. However, he seems to be taking a two-timeline approach with an old man group of Aaron Rodgers, Bobby Wagner, Tyrann Mathieu, Corey Linsley and then trading for Nuk Hopkins while also having a young core of L’Jarius Sneed, Deebo Samuel, Logan Wilson, and their duo of Phillips and Rousseau off the edge. With that in mind it was interesting to see whether he built for the future or to try to go all in on that third in a row now. He opted for the former, trading the third overall pick with less than 48 hours to go to the draft for a haul that included 16, 47, a 1st in 2024, a 1st in 2025, and a conditional pick (now based on CJ Stroud’s starts) that could be as high as a 2nd in 2025 with Washington. It was a massive haul to build for the future - and one that gained significant excess value.
Round 1 Pick 16: Deonte Banks, CB Maryland - BT53 Grade 16th overall
Banks is a press man corner who reminds BT53 of Marlon Humphrey with his physicality and ability to lock down other WRs. TH shifted to always go with positional importance in round 1 and he locked up a premium position at what was probably his only position of need.
Round 2 Pick 47: John Michael-Schmitz, C Minnesota - BT53 Grade 34th overall
The Texans used the extra pick they snagged from Washington in this year’s draft to take the successor to Corey Linsley. JMS is an extremely high floor center prospect who has excellent tape and rarely loses in either the pass or run game. JMS may get some reps as a rookie but his skill set means he’ll likely slide into guard for a year or two before taking over as the starting center for the next decade. GM TH values the center position as the next most valuable position outside of the big 5 priority positions and he makes another investment here.
Round 2 Pick 59: Josh Downs, WR UNC - BT53 Grade 41st overall
We figured GM TH would be aggressive moving up at least once in this draft considering how few roster spots were there but he gave up 66 and a 4th to move up 7 spots to pick up the UNC stud slot receiver. It turns out it was too much to give up as Downs would have likely still been there (unless he was stolen from another 3GML GM) so that knocks down the grade here. Also with this WR corps, where the hell is Downs going to play? Hopkins, Deebo, Bateman, R. Moore, Shahid, and the 99 Rated Mims are all here - felt like the definition of a luxury pick. However, Downs may be a star as he’s been compared to TY Hilton and Tyler Lockett. GM TH just liked the value too much. I don’t blame him, but on a team that could use help and depth elsewhere to add a 7th WR seemed odd - particularly when trading up for him.
Round 3 Pick 90: Darnell Washington, TE Georgia - BT53 Grade 29th overall
I get that there is some knee worries here and that Washington maybe doesn’t adore football, but the risk is worth the reward here for the Texans. Washington is one of the most dynamic blocking TE’s who has come out in the past 10 years and at 6’6 and 272 pounds is essentially a consistent 3rd tackle who happens to run 4.6. With Dalton Schultz already there and a duo of Likely and Dulcich behind, the team now has 4 TEs all with different skill sets for new OC Brian Johnson and the incomparable god of a man, David Shaw.
Round 6 Pick 181: Keondre Coburn, DT Texas - BT53 Grade 71st overall
A sneaky steal here for the Texans who declined the extension for DT Davon Hamilton and decided to add a potential future starter down the road in round 6. Coburn is a very impressive run defender and in 2022 became a better pass rusher, picking up a ridiculous 33 hurries from the 1T spot. I think Coburn could start a lot of games in the NFL and picking him up at 181 is a theft. Him landing in KC makes this pick even better.
Round 6 Pick 208: Deuce Vaughn, RB Kansas State - BT53 Grade 147th overall
Definite luxury pick here but who are we to judge the TH’s RB grading system. The team loves RB by committee approaches and with the trio of Allgeir, Mitchell, and Gibson it’s going to be weird to see how Vaughn gets utilized. At 5’5 Vaughn plays tough but can he hold up? He’ll be a niche player but he has a shot to be effective in the NFL as he’s dynamic with short area quickness.
Round 7 Pick 220: Alex Austin, CB Oregon State - BT53 Grade 151st overall
Austin is a solid all around cornerback who can play man or zone and is good both against the run and the pass. The issue here is that he lacks much athleticism or quick twitch ability as he’s a true 4.60 guy and really athletic players are going to give him problems. However, he played special teams for the Beavs and on a team with only 5 CBs right now before him, he has a legit shot to make the team.
Overall this was a damn good draft for Houston, mostly based on the trade back value. Adding two future first round picks, and a future pick that could be as high as a 2. They also turned pick 3 into Deonte Banks and John Michael Schmitz. In addition they snagged an extra 4 and an extra 5 later on in this process. The Texans draft is going to be defined by that move back and also just how good Will Anderson is vs the Texans 4 defensive ends. Houston added 4 of the top 41 players in this class though - a massive haul for a team not looking for depth. That in addition to adding a massive haul of picks back make this an excellent draft.
DRAFT GRADE: GOD MODE ACTIVATED
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS - GM EP
A HUGE welcome back to the OG Super Bowl Champion GM EP. GM EP has a very specific plan when he goes into drafts and he executed his plan exceedingly well this season. He wanted to remake his defense in his image in year one and work on offense in his second season. EP as always decided to move down from pick 4 in order to accumulate more picks which was a bit surprising as I thought he would at least consider QB there, but instead he went with his guy Jacoby Brissett. It turned out even better than he could have hoped though, snagging a very quality QB on day 2 in Hendon Hooker, which made his points based decision an even better choice. The Chargers went in with a plan, and executed it very well.
Round 1 Pick 17: Calijah Kancey, DT Pittsburgh, BT53 Ranking 40th overall
This pick wasn’t my favorite, but the Ravens did add quite a bit of value trading back in this class to add Kancey. They were able to accumulate even more picks, as usual, and still get one of the guys they were targeting. While I think Kancey is a role player, that’s what EP thinks as well and is going to use him as a penetrator in his hybrid defense. The scheme fit is impeccable and the pick, while rich, doesn’t feel nearly as bad considering he went 19th overall AND the Chargers added a ton of value by dealing back.
Round 1 Pick 22: Nolan Smith, EDGE Georgia, BT53 Ranking 32nd overall
Similar deal here to Kancey. He felt like a bit of a reach to me, and to NO other analyst around as I had Smith lower on my board than anyone else. That being said, he’s a really dynamic player. The Chargers want to boast the most explosive defense in the league and they want to build the team in that image. Getting Kancey and Smith 100% help accomplish that goal. Again - this is a draft with a purpose.
Round 2 Pick 35: Joey Porter Jr, CB Penn State, BT53 Ranking 26th overall
What a great value here for the Chargers at a serious position of need. In fact this is probably one of the 5 best draft picks of the entire weekend, for any team. The Chargers had a lot of interior pass defenders but no outside guys, so to get a physical big corner at a tremendous value was a home run selection. He’ll be their CB1 immediately.
Round 2 Pick 46: Kelee Ringo, CB Georgia: BT53 Ranking 73rd overall
BT53 wasn’t as high on Ringo as most analysts but it turns out the NFL and BT53 were in the same spot as Ringo fell to the 4th. This isn’t problematic though as he gets a “below slot” selection here at 46. Ringo is in the same mold as Porter Jr, a big physical outside cornerback who won’t have anyone give him problems with athleticism. The pick made too much sense for GM EP as he continues to add fast, physical players to his hybrid defense. If you start to look at that unit, it’s one of the most intimidating in the NFL and may be the most difficult to prepare for in the NFL.
Round 3 Pick Pick 74: Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee: BT53 Ranking 48th overall
Grand slam pick here from the Chargers as they get someone who could easily turn into a quality starter at the most important position in round 3. Hooker could have gone in round one and BT53 woudlnt have batted an eye, to get him in the middle of round 3 is beyond insane value. There’s a very real shot that the Hooker/Brissett tandem could be the Chargers version of the 2QB system that Houston has used with such success. Arguably the best analytics pick in the draft for the 3GML.
Round 4 Pick 105: Clark Phillips III, CB Utah: BT53 Ranking 49th overall
There was no way that EP was going to leave this draft without a slot cornerback, that just wasn’t going to happen. CP3 was the best defensive back in the Pac12 this past season and despite his diminutive stature is a ball hawk and a physical player. He has the demeanor that EP is looking for and was a steal at this point. His size meant he wasn’t going in round 2 but he shouldn't have lasted to the 4th.
Round 4 Pick 106: Roschon Johnson, RB Texas: BT53 Ranking 121st overall
Johnson is a perfect complimentary back in the NFL and is one of the best pass protectors in this draft class. He has very little wear on the tires and is an upside pick as he can do a lot of positive things. He’s a player without a ton of weakness to his game and although he doesn’t have great speed, he is a good player who picks up chunk yards with good vision and contact balance and if he hadn't left Texas may have ended up a top 10 back in the country.
Round 4 Pick 116: Colby Wooden, DE Auburn: BT53 Ranking 145th overall
It’s interesting when looking at EP’s drafts because a lot of the time there are slight reaches but they fit his scheme so well that you leave feeling good about what he did. Wooden is a great scheme fit for this team to play the 5T- 34 DE position. He can rush from the interior or would be a very good edge setter as an end, including if he wanted to play the Jumbo DE look in the 43 situation. This was a draft pick with a specified role in mind - something that EP specializes in doing better than almost every GM in the league.
Round 4 Pick 117: Jake Haener, QB Fresno State: BT53 Ranking 154th overall
This was a pick I was a bit puzzled by. You went out and got Hooker but then you doubled up with Haener. I like Haener as a player, he can really spin it and is a gritty gutty guy with good intangibles. That said he projects as a backup for sure and it felt like a bit of a strange pick.
Round 5 Pick 138: Josh Whyle, HBack Cincinnati: BT53 Grade 6th/7th round
Whyle is an H-back and definitely will play that role for the Chargers. Once again - beating a dead horse - he got drafted to play a very specific role for this team. He’s going to be a core special teams player and be a move piece for an offense that utilizes a ton of short motion. It’s something this player thrives at doing. For most teams this is a reach, for the Chargers this is a perfect selection at a proper value.
Round 5 Pick 139: Olu Oluwaitimi, C Michigan: BT53 Grade 139th overall (DEAD ON)
I liked him so much more than I actually ranked him at 139, but knew that he could be had here in round 5 so I kept him there on my board. I would be very surprised if he doesn’t turn into a starter in time but his temperament and leadership are highly valued. He also could easily play guard with the physicality he plays with and at worst is a high football IQ guy who can play as a quality power blocker as a 3 position backup. One of my sleeper favorite players in the class.
Round 7 Pick 221: Kenny McIntosh, RB Georgia: BT53 Grade 162nd overall
The Chargers and Texans are the two teams who love to rotate backs so McIntosh makes sense here. He’s a guy who can likely help on special teams and is a very smooth operator catching passes out of the backfield. He has a shot to make the roster as a rare 5th RB if he can show in pre-season he can help on special teams.
OVERALL this was a draft that for sure fit what GM EP is trying to do. He moved back, added depth, and found players who are tremendous fits for what he is trying to build. He has now built the league’s most athletic defense and one whose depth and ability to put players in perfect roles for success creates nightmares for OC’s everywhere. Adding Hendon Hooker was one of the most important picks in the draft and he could end up being someone who pays immense dividends for the type of offense this team wants to run. The values were scattered but solid, but they weren’t as important as the roles these guys will fill. This was a high quality draft.
DRAFT GRADE: GOOD
GREEN BAY PACKERS - GM SD
GM SD knows exactly what type of GM he is and he simply lets the board fall to him and finds value, no matter what that looks like. By the time the draft is over he typically has a ton of quality football players from big programs with high floors and he rarely reaches. It’s a let the board come to me strategy that means that this team, unless it overpays in free agency or for nostalgia of keeping its currently players, will always be competitive. He drafts a lot like Ozzie Newsome did for 2 decades before he retired and the Ravens have been relevant for 20 years mostly based on his draft acumen. The Packers were patient and moved back from pick 5 to add 11, 41, and a 1st round pick next year with Tennessee. Based on actual day values, the Packers added excess value by doing so, and then still managed to get the player they wanted at 11 - it was a jumpstart into a terrific draft for GM SD and the Pack.
Round 1 Pick 11: Christian Gonzalez, CB Oregon: BT53 Rank 5th overall
While it might not quite be a grand slam in terms of pick, it’s at least a 3 run homer. Gonzalez plays a premium position, has tremendous H-W-S, was a position of need and they got him at a tremendous value. On top of it, they were going to take him at 5 and added 41 and a 2024 1st rounder while they were at it. Not sure you can start your draft much better than this - Oh and damn they got him at “below slot” as well.
Round 2 Pick 36: BJ Ojulari, EDGE LSU: BT53 Rank 42nd overall
The Packers had to make it out of this draft with another edge. Harold Landry is paid a trillion dollars and coming off a season ending injury and Baron Browning has played edge for only one season, Ojulari is a high effort speed rusher who will work every down. He’s small though, so when he and Landry or Browning are both out there, there’s a shot teams will be able to run it down their throats. The pick was a good value though, but the DC will have to scheme it up to keep their rotation clean or stopping the run could be an issue.
Round 2 Pick 41: O’Cyrus Torrence, G Florida: BT53 Rank 15th overall
Another big time pick from GM SD. Torrence is a mountain of a man who has the highest floor of any interior lineman in this class, BT53 had him graded higher than any other outlet and think he has a shot to be a very high end starter. The issue this team has is they have a mixture of pieces on their OL. For the past couple seasons they’ve struggled to run with consistency and the main issue is their hodgepodge OL. They have power blockers like Powers and now Torrence, and mix them together with Zone guys like Linderbaum, Jones, Williams, and McGlinchey. While Torrence was an exceptional pick, GM SD needs to pick a run scheme or he’ll likely continue to struggle with consistency in the run game. - That said, this pick was elite.
Round 3 Pick 68: Trenton Simpson, LB Clemson: BT53 Rank 67th overall
The definition of a luxury pick here. The team is absolutely loaded at LB with just an obscene amount of quality players at the position, but Simpson may end up switching to safety. The thing here is that this was just too good of a value to pass up. While BT53 had him rated around this range, most outlets had him in the 30s, SD just said hell with it, let’s add a ton of value and we’ll figure out how to deal with it later. Worst case Simpson could end up being one of the NFL’s best special teamers and down the road may end up as a truly elite nickel/dime backer.
Round 3 Pick 97: Jordan Battle, S Alabama: BT53 Rank 72nd overall
It’s almost boring how consistently good SD does with just adding value. He picks guys from gigantic Power 5 schools that slip down the board. And he does it over and over and over again and guess what - it works. It’s kind of infuriating as another GM to watch him just kind of constantly get better and add value without reaching. Battle is guess what - a high floor guy. He’s a very quality player who likely thrives more in a 2 deep shell but has the ability to cover, run defend, and play the robber role. Very consistently good player.
Round 4 Pick 107: Tyler Scott, WR Cincinnati: BT53 Rank 84th overall
Given the position Scott plays and his productivity it’s very surprising he was available here in the 4th round. He’s a quick guy who has the ability to get open to all three areas of the field but is best out of the slot. GM SD is a receiver drafter, who will almost always add at least one each year and he’s done so with some impressive results. He loves to draft slot guys and that’s where Scott thrives. He’s managed to create exceedingly dynamic passing games by moving pieces around though and we’ll see where Scott ends up and what role he has here but the value was very good.
Round 5 Pick 140: Henry To’o To’o, LB Alabama: BT53 Rank 138th overall
This was the one pick I didn’t understand. The value was fine, with To’o To’o clocking in right at where he should have gone - the issue is that the Packers now have 7 LB’s on its roster heading into the 2023 season. There is no way they can play all these guys and if they put one on a practice squad they are going to get eaten up.
Round 6 Pick 179: Karl Brooks, DL Bowling Green: BT53 Rank 87th overall
Steal. Absolute Steal. Brooks can play some 43 edge if you need him to do so, but he thrives as an interior pass rusher. Brooks will likely play some sort of rotational role for this team but GM SD’s defense has always had an incredible 3T who has dominated the NFL. Geno Atkins, Q Williams have both been terrors, setting records and getting GOAT’ed. Brooks could be an absolute theft here in round 6 and while he may just be a rotational piece early, there’s a real shot for Brooks to be a dynamic situational pass rusher.
Round 7 Pick 222: Cory Trice, CB Purdue: BT53 Grade 131st overall
If the Packers are going to play press man coverage, which they very well could, this could be a VERY sneaky good pick. Trice can only do one thing, play press man, but he’s one of the best in this draft at doing just that. Getting him here was a truly impressive grab. The thing about him too, is that if he fails, he could be one of the games elite special teams players. His ability with his length and punch as a vice on kick/punt returns could be pro bowl caliber.
OVERALL this draft was exceptionally productive. Not only did the Packers had a ton of value, and never reached on anyone, there was only one pick that was odd and even it was solid value with To’o To’o. The gem of the draft was certainly Christian Gonazlez who at pick 11 with only pick 17 cost while adding 41 (O’Cyrus Torrence who is a top 15 player in the class) and a 1st in 2024 feels like arguably a top 3 move in the entire 2023 draft. Ojulari was good value at a position of serious need. Battle and Simpson were high quality players who were surprises to be available and fit the mold. Brooks was an incredible value as a situational player and Tyler Scott, well odds are since SD drafted him he’ll be a f***ing Pro Bowler in 2025 or some shit. A master class on knowing who you are as a drafter and doing your job.
OVERALL GRADE: Very good to Elite
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - GM CD
There are 4 or 5 GM’s in the entire NFL that draft exceptionally well for what their teams want to do. Kansas City and Brett Veach are great at that, so too in the 3GML is EP and even more so GM CD with the 49ers. CD knows his scheme, knows his team holes, and knows what he wants out of players and he goes to get them. Sometimes the ratings are a bit off, but he creates excess value by getting guys who he knows will be successful with him. It’s led to a lot of success in the 3GML including a title and another trip to the Super Bowl. With two late first round picks in a draft low on high end talent, he had to make lemonade out of lemons.
Round 1 Pick 26: Brian Branch, DB Alabama: BT53 Rank 19th overall
I know that CD wanted to drop this pick back if he could but with the 4 QBs gone in our world, he couldn’t find a buyer. Oh well, he instead took the draft’s best safety and tape wise arguably a top 6-8 player in the entire class. While he’s not a dynamic athlete by any stretch, he’s instinctive, tough, and can play slot, two deep, robber, dime backer, big nickel, whatever you want. And he does all things at a high level. Rock solid player. He’ll likely be a situational player as a rookie before seamlessly taking over for CGJ next year. This was a pick with a 2 year plan on it, which is ideal for rookies. It wasn’t exactly what he wanted, and yet, turned into an excellent pick.
Round 1 Pick 29: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE Kansas State: BT53 Rank 28th overall
The 49ers needed to go into this draft and get a true 43 edge and this guy was the perfect fit at the right positon. FAU is a super tough guy who had to play the 5T last year for Kansas State on a 3 man line. Way out of position he still worked his tail off and was still productive. With Burns on one side someone who is tough and physical against the run and can push the pocket from the other side is ideal, this pick is that guy. CD knows what he’s doing in terms of finding complimentary pieces. If I were drafting for CD he’d have been my target from day 1 at pick 29.
Round 3 Pick 80: Ade Adebawore, DL Northwestern: BT53 Rank 57th overall
Why the heck was this guy still around? He’s got insane athletic ability, is very smart, plays the game hard and can play inside or outside while running a 4.49. He’s a straight line guy for sure but that’s fine as a 3-5T who can create mayhem while also giving you a chance to have a jumbo 43End. This was another steal here, and Adebawore with FAU at the edge is honestly a dream scenario for the 49ers coming into this draft.
Round 3 Pick 96: Luke Wypler, C Ohio State: BT53 Rank 95th overall
I honestly thought when real life Houston traded up in round 2 it was for Wypler. Instead he fell to round 6 to give the 49ers a “below slot player”. He’s a perfect scheme fit for the 49ers with great movement skills and an ability to get to the second level on the outside zone. The fact that he and Justin Fields know each other is a bonus as well. The 9ers snagged Connor McGovern but that should just be a one year fix, Wypler if he can get on the field has a shot to take this job over in year 2.
Round 4 Pick 127: Israel Abanikanda, RB Pitt: BT53 Rank 64th overall
I was the highest of all analysts on Abanikanda as he is the prototype for the zone blocking scheme. He hasn’t shown pass catching ability yet on a consistent basis but at 215 pounds he has blazing speed and can create huge chunk plays when he sees a tiny gap. He’s got legit sub 4.4 speed at 215 and has the size to handle a big workload. Great selection.
Round 6 Pick 191: Trey Palmer, WR Nebraska: BT53 Rank 79th
The 49ers wanted to add some speed to its receiving corps and got a bit of a sleeper late in round 6 with the selection of Palmer. He’s got sub 4.4 speed and while he’s a poor route runner, which is problematic in this offense, you can’t teach speed. Over the past two seasons GM CD has put an emphasis on adding speed to his WR room with DJ Chark, Chase Claypool, and now Palmer. It opens up the middle of the field and also gives running lanes to two time defending MVP Justin Fields. Palmer adds more speed for when/if DJ Chark misses time. BT53 also had the highest grade on Palmer of the analysts.
Round 6 Pick 211: Moro Ojomo, DT Texas: BT53 Rank 109th overall
Damn it’s almost like CD had a copy of BT53’s draft guide as they kept just finding elite values late in the draft. It wasn’t a flashy year for CD but damn he kept finding guys rated so highly on the BT53 Big Board. Ojomo is a multi positional run defender who isn’t a sexy pick but can really cause problems as a run defender. He can two gap but also has the ability to move laterally to be an effective productive guy.
Overall, he had the lowest draft capital by far but added an insane amount of value per BT53. GM CD had just 7 picks and yet all 7 of them finished in the top 109 on the BT53 big board, including 4 in the top 64 overall. Realistically there were zero bad picks here and 7 that graded out very positively and despite the low amount of draft capital - this was a huge win for the 49ers.
OVERALL GRADE: Elite
