No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns keep big play wide receiver Carnell Tate in the state of Ohio by selecting him with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. The Browns entertain trading back here, but the opportunity to add Tate to the offense is too big of a chance to pass up. Now the plan is to continue building the offensive line and find a long-term solution at quarterback. They hope either Shedeur Sanders, a rejuvenated Deshaun Watson or Dillon Gabriel can emerge as that guy.
No. 7: New York Jets via Washington Commanders – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
Jets general manager Darren Mougey plays the board perfectly. After trading back with the Cowboys, the Jets trade back up into the top 10 and get a player in David Bailey who may just have been their selection at No. 2 overall. An elite pass rusher, Bailey is a player the Jets can form an identity with defensively. Now they have two remaining first round picks to add more starter level prospects.
No. 8: New Orleans Saints – Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami (FL)
The Saints have Chase Young and Carl Granderson at the edge, but there’s still a big need there to replace Cameron Jordan. Rueben Bain Jr. falls right into their laps here at No. 8. Don’t let the arm length concerns fool you, Bain Jr. is lethal off the edge and will help that Saints’ defense emerge in the NFC South as a unit to be reckoned with.
No. 9: Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Kansas City Chiefs – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
With Sonny Styles still on the board, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get aggressive by trading up into the top 10 to select their Lavonte David replacement. An inside off-ball linebacker who can do it all, Styles not only provides youth to the linebacker group, but he has the ceiling to be just as impactful as David.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Bengals see their top targets go off the board in the top 10. With the No. 10 overall pick, they select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman to help solidify their secondary. A high-IQ, versatile defender with natural leadership skills, Thieneman may not excite Bengals fans this high in the draft, but they will quickly warm up to his contagious work ethic and defensive playmaking skills.