As NFL Draft Day gets closer, teams across the league are scouting new talent hoping to add hungry young players to their ranks. Notable prospects like Xavier Watts, a safety from Notre Dame, and Jalon Walker, an edge/linebacker from Georgia, are attracting attention for their standout performances. Just like NFL General Managers like Mickey Loomis, they’re imagining how these talents might complement their team’s long-term plans.
Of all these players, there isn’t a more perfect candidate for defensive-needy teams than Xavier Watts. Measuring in at 6-foot-4, 219-pounds, Smith has a clean playing style and controlled aggression. For the franchises looking to shore up their defensive backfield, he represents a bullseye as a highly coveted trade target. His ability to blend roles would offer immense value to any team looking to add a playmaking, all-around safety.
Potential Fits for Teams
Mickey Loomis, General Manager for the New Orleans Saints, has expressed interest in players that align with the team’s needs. Loomis obviously sees the potential of Watts fitting like a glove into their new hybrid defensive scheme. Loomis isn’t done shoring up the defense. Having chosen first-round flameouts like Payton Turner in 2021 and Marcus Davenport in 2018, he’s clearly on a mission to build a terrorizing group.
The Tennessee Titans frequently mentioned as a favorable landing spot for Tannehill, they still have Will Levis on the roster. Teams such as the Titans are weighing their options. They could move up or down in the draft to make sure they address those key positions. We hope the focus on quarterbacks will bring the focus to some more valuable assets once the draft gets rolling.
Emerging Stars on the Offensive Side
The same NFL Draft that emphasizes great defensive prospects is home to some exciting offensive talents. Joining in the fun has been Omarion Hampton, another running back, this one from North Carolina, who made news by posting consecutive seasons of 1,500-plus rushing yards. His talent to create points for himself and others may be a difference-maker for squads looking to enhance their offensive arsenal.
Another fascinating possibility is Golden. Oh, he caught my attention by running the fastest 40-yard dash of any offensive player at the combine at an incredible 4.29 seconds. His elite speed and agility make him a dangerous weapon in space, which should appeal to teams looking to add explosive playmakers to their offense.
On top of that, McMillan, who has some of the best ball skills you’ll ever see, is set to do big things in the NFL. His position versatility and natural playmaking ability would help teams in need of separating themselves from the receiver market and improve their receiving corps. Jaylin Noel, Iowa State’s All Big 12 wide receiver, essentially said it courtside as we watched the game together. As of writing, he is listed at 5-foot-10, 194 pounds.
Defensive Talents Making Waves
UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger has become one of the most dynamic line-backers. During last year’s breakout campaign, he recorded 115 combined tackles. His knack for seeing plays develop and making aggressive plays on the ball could boost any secondary. On the field, Jalon Walker looks the part of a superstar. Taylor’s 6-5, 260-pound linebacker has an NFL-ready physique. He should be a real menace off the edge, drawing interest from squads seeking to upgrade their edge rush.
Johnson, perhaps the best receiver on this list, is a beacon of ball skills and size at 6-foot-2. His unique blend of size and skill would have made him a phenomenal addition to any team hoping to resurrect their secondary.
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