Favorite Draft Picks: NFC

Here are some of my favorite draft picks of the NFC teams.

Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Addison, WR, USC, 1st round

While many were expecting a defensive player with the first pick, receiver was a significant need. Jordan Addison will pair beautifully with Justin Jefferson.

Chicago Bears

Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina, 3rd round

The Bears selected a couple of defensive tackles that I liked for the Vikings. Florida’s Gervon Dexter Jr. in the second and Zacch Pickens in the third. 

Detroit Lions

Brian Branch, DB, Alabama, 2nd round

At first, I wasn’t sure what the Lions were doing in this draft. They had two first-round picks and selected players that they probably could’ve selected with their next pick. They added very good players no matter where they selected them. That’s the purpose of the draft. Brian Branch was one of my favorite players in the draft. 

Green Bay Packers

Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa, 1st round

Lukas Van Ness was another draft favorite. I wish that he he’d been selected by a different team.

Dallas Cowboys

DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas, 3rd round 

I was hoping that the Vikings would select DeMarvion Overshown. They had the opportunity with their third-round pick. They apparently prioritized other players/positions.

New York Giants

Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland, 1st round

If the Vikings had gone defense in the first round, Deonte Banks was one of my favorites. They had the opportunity but went with Jordan Addison. No complaints. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia, 1st round

The draft sure fell the Eagles way. Jalen Carter early in the first round. Nolan Smith late in the first round. The Eagles did nothing but wait. 

Washington Commanders

Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State, 1st round

Part of me was surprised that Emmanuel Forbes was selected before Christian Gonzalez and Deonte Banks. Part of me wasn’t. He may generously weigh 170lbs but Forbes was as talented as any corner in the draft. 

Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas, 1st round

I don’t understand the reservation of selecting a running back early in the draft, even the top-10. If that running back is as talented as Bijan Robinson, grab him. Robinson was one of the best players in this draft. 

Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama, 1st round

Bryce Young was easily the best quarterback in this draft. He’s as talented as any quarterback in recent drafts. Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, whoever. His size does not matter. 

New Orleans Saints

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson, 1st round

Bryan Bresee was my favorite defensive tackle in the draft. After Jalen Carter, he was the most talented. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh, 1st round

Calijah Kancey was right behind Bryan Bresee as my favorite defensive tackles. 

Arizona Cardinals

Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville, 6th round

A sixth-rounder! I really liked Kei’Trel Clark as a nickel corner for the Vikings. 

Los Angeles Rams

Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest, 3rd round

Kobie Turner was one of my favorite Day 2 defensive tackles. 

San Francisco 49ers

Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State, 3rd round

The 49ers didn’t select a player until the 24th pick of the third round. That Vikings traded that pick to them. It was a long wait. They selected one of the draft’s best safeties in Ji’Ayir Brown.

Seattle Seahawks

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois, 1st round

The Seahawks had an outstanding draft last year. On paper, this draft might be just as great. With four picks in the first two rounds, they had the means to add elite players. I was convinced that the Seahawks would select Jalen Carter with #5. I was very surprised when they selected Devon Witherspoon. He was the best corner in the draft and worthy of that #5 pick.