2024 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

Thursday night in Detroit proved to be a historic one as the NFL Draft broke records across the board. The most offensive players taken in Round 1, conversely the least amount of defensive players, the latest a defensive player has come off the board. The record was tied for most quarterbacks taken in Round 1.

While there weren’t any splashy trades history was made in other ways. Now, day two of the NFL Draft has a lot to live up to. Here is how we see things kicking off with our Round 2 mock draft…

1. Buffalo Bills: Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa
2. New England Patriots: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
3. Arizona Cardinals: Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB, Missouri
4. Washington Commanders: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
5. LA Chargers: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
6. Tennessee Titans: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
7. Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders
8. Washington Commanders: Austin Booker, DE, Kansas
9. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
10. Houston Texans: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
11. Atlanta Falcons: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OG, Oregon
13. New Orleans Saints: Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan
14. Indianapolis Colts: Jonathon Brooks, RB Texas
15. New York Giants: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida St.
18. Philadelphia Eagles: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
20. LA Rams: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas St.
22. Cleveland Browns: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
23. Miami Dolphins: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio St.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Trey Benson, RB, Florida St.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jeremiah Trotter Jr, LB, Clemson
26. Green Bay Packers: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
27. Houston Texans: Jaylin Wright, RB, Tennessee
28. Buffalo Bills: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
29. Detroit Lions: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio St.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Tanor Bortolini, OG, Wisconsin
31. San Francisco 49ers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
32. Kansas City Chiefs: TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa St.

2024 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

After months of speculation, mock drafts, and rumors we will finally have answers. The 89th NFL Draft will take place in Detroit, Michigan. While initially bristling at the idea of moving the draft out of New York City, I have to admit the idea of turning the draft into a weekend football festival is pretty fun. It will be fun to see how Detroit pulls it off.

The NFL Draft is an event like any other. It underscores the idea of hope springs eternal. Every year as Round One rolls around, hopes rise that this is the year or this is the player to turn things around. Anything is possible.

While last year there was a flurry of teams maneuvering up and down the draft board, this season has more of a definitely maybe feel to it. While the Minnestoa Vikings will be the team to watch in the Top 10, there are dark horse candidates like Denver, Las Vegas, and even Indianapolis that could make moves. At the bottom of the draft, should quarterbacks Michael Penix and Bo Nix still be on the board I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone jump up to take their guy.

In our final mock draft we have some surprises and some picks made consistently through the offseason. Lets get to it…

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
   • This pick has been locked up for months. Williams is already studying the playbook.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
   • This is where the draft starts. If Washington is smart they take Daniels, and maybe it’s the hangover from the Dan Snyder era, but that feels like a big if.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
   • If Washington does that smart thing, the Patriots are left in a tough position. They should look to trade down, but if they can’t find the right deal we have Maye as the pick in our last mock draft.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio St.
   • This has been the pick all mock draft season. The only way this doesn’t happen is if the Cardinals receive an offer they can’t refuse, and even then it would be hard to turn down with a talent like Harrison on the board.
5. LA Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
   • New head coach Jim Harbaugh has been talking about the trenches all offseason, and this may be where we see Joe Alt selected, but they have zero weapons for Justin Herbert.
6. NY Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
   • Three straight quarterbacks followed by three straight wide receivers. Why not? The G-Men had the second worst pass offense in the league last year and still have Daniel Jones’ albatross of a contract weighing them down. Expect a QB here next season.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
   • Another wire to wire pick over mock draft season. If Alt is gone at this point expect another offensive lineman – possibly Fuaga. The long story short is that Tennessee is still recovering from the back-to-back nightmare of Isaiah Wilson. Hopefully Ran Carthon’s new regime gets it right.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse, OLB, Florida St.
   • This is a very interesting place in the draft. The first defensive player will come off the board here, but who? Turner? Murphy? Who knows, maybe even Quinyon Mitchell! But for our last mock draft we have Verse.
9. Chicago Bears: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
   • If the top wide receivers are gone, I wouldn’t be surprised if Chicago trades down. But we don’t mock draft trades and with that we have Bowers here. He doesn’t leave the Top 10.
10. NY Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon St.
    • The Jets landed Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses over free agency. If healthy, the Jets are set at tackle and Fuaga moves inside to play guard. That’s a big if however and Fuaga could kick back outside to tackle. That’s versatility the Jets need up front.
11. Minnesota Vikings: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
    • We had this in our last mock. The Vikings hope they can stay put, land their (hopefully) franchise quarterback, and keep ahold of their draft assets. The biggest question is how aggressive will Minnesota be.
12. Denver Broncos: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
    • A slight fall for Turner, but he lands in a great spot. Turner would be an instant impact player for the 30th ranked defense in 2023. He had 22.5 sacks in 3 seasons at Alabama.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: JC Latham, OT, Alabma
    • The Raiders will be interesting to watch. They are on their third brain trust over the last five years, and it will be GM Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierece’s first season at the helm. Telesco pays attention to the trenches and I think he does so again this year.
14. New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn St.
    • This pick has been the same in all our mock drafts. At this point, Fashanu is the best left tackle prospect on the board. He also has tremendous upside, the Saints luck out.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
    • There’s been yo-yoing all draft season over which cornerback goes first – Mitchell or Terrion Arnold. We flip back to Mitchell. While the jump from Toledo to the NFL may be stark, it’s hard to ignore his ability or his stats – 37 pass breakups and six interceptions in two years.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa
    • This is less of a who I think they’ll pick or should pick, but Seattle has a knack for throwing curveballs in Round 1. Bruce Irvin? Rashaad Perry? In our last mock draft we have DeJean as the curveball. It may be high for him, but he could be a Day One starter for the Seahawks with how thin they are at safety.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
    • One of the biggest mysteries is how long Murphy will be available. He could go Top 10, he could go much later. Time will tell, but this a dream scenario for the Jags. There is little depth along the d-line and they could use an infusion of talent.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
    • We had Thomas here in our first mock draft. Tee Higgins issued a trade request and even if he hadn’t, he would have played the year on the franchise tag and left in 2025. The pipeline from Baton Rouge to Cincinnati is strong.
19. LA Rams: Laiatu Latu, OLB, UCLA
    • The last time the Rams made a first round pick Jeff Fisher was their head coach. True story. What they’ll do now is anyone’s guess. The loss of Aaron Donald will be a big and take a lot of people to try and pick up his level of production. Latu, injury concerns aside, is the arguably the best pass rusher in the class.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
    • The additions of Russel Wilson and Justin Fields made headlines in the offseason. Now they need to protect them. Fautanu will be the bookend to last year’s first rounder Broderick Jones.
21. Miami Dolphins: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
    • Miami lost both Connor Williams and Robert Hunt in the offseason. Powers-Johnson could be a Day One starter at either guard or center, which bodes well for the Phins. The offense is the strength of their team and need to keep it that way.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
    • I don’t imagine this happening, but if it does what an absolute steal by Philadelphia. The Eagles secondary was putrid last year and needs a major haul. Arnold had 20 pass break ups and six interceptions.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
    • Minnesota lost DJ Wonnum, Dean Lowry, and Khyiris Tonga over free agency and there is little depth behind them. Newton changes that. He racked up 13 sacks over the past two seasons proving he’s a three-down playmaker in the trenches.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
    • The Cowboys have needs at left tackle and center, luckily for them Barton started at both positions over his time at Duke. Wherever he lines up for head coach Mike McCarthy, they are getting a Day One starter.
25. Green Bay Packers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
    • Out of the Packers last four first round picks, GM Brian Gutekunst has selected three Georgia players. This year, he adds another Bulldog. Mims is a colossal tackle with immense talent, which is exactly what Green Bay need after the departure of stalwart David Bakhtiari and ascension of Jordan Love.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, OLB, Penn St.
    • If Tampa Bay wants to get back to the playoffs in 2024, they need to shore up their defense quickly. Former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is looking like a bust. Robinson is hyper athletic and just scratching the surface of his talent.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, DE, Missouri
    • Robinson is the perfect five-technique for Arizona and their 32nd ranked rush defense. The Cards did bring in Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols to help bolster the trenches, but more is needed. Robinson’s arrow is pointing up after a breakout season where he had 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles-for-loss.
28. Buffalo Bills: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
    • Speed kills in the NFL and Worthy broke the NFL Combine’s 40-yard dash record. After the departure of Stefon Diggs, it’s no secret that the Bills will be targeting a receiver. Worthy has some question marks, but his speed will keep defenses on edge as soon as he hits the field.
29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
    • The Lions struck gold last year with Brian Branch, so why not grab another Crimson Tide corner? Detroit had the 27th ranked pass defense in 2023. If they want to get back to the NFC Championship and go further, they need to bolster the secondary.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
    • Our final continuity pick of mock draft season, we keep Guyton to Baltimore. If they stalwart left tackle Ronnie Stanley can stay healthy for the season, the Ravens have a quality bookend in Guyton. If not, Guyton can flip to the left side.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan
    • This is a bit a wild card, but the defensive line has been the hallmark of the Shanahan/Lynch era in San Francisco and they took hit in free agency losing multiple starts and impact players. Kneeland is raw, but ascending. He has the nastiness to thrive as a pass rusher.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
    • The Chiefs enter with a lot of question marks. They need help at receiver, corner, among other positions. For our final mock, we have them selecting Morgan. The Chiefs didn’t resign last year’s starter Donovan Smith and now there’s an open hole on Patrick Mahome’s blindside.

2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

We are a week away from the big day. The big question now is what is smoke and what isn’t? The Patriots have signaled they are willing to trade down. The Vikings have positioned themselves to make a leap. Will the Broncos trade away All Pro Patrick Suratin II in order to move up/ Only time will tell.

But while we wait for Detroit to provide answers to all our questions, lets take the bate. Lets lean into all the rumors. For our second mock draft of the NFL Draft season we’re leaning into all the crazy scenarios that the players’ agents are hyping. Let’s jump into it.

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
   • If this pick isn’t up at the podium within the first minute of draft day I will lose my mind.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
   • Did Daniels’ former college head coach Brian Kelly let it slip that Washington will select the former Tiger? This mock draft says so. (Round 2: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona; Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB, Missouri)
3. New England Patriots: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
   • While McCarthy wasn’t a gunslinger at Michigan, he ran a pro-style offense and ran it efficiently. A solid building block for New England. (Round 2: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU)
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio St.
   • This pick stays the same. The only way Arizona passes on Harrison Jr is if they trade back. He solves, arguably, their greatest need and his former-Buckeye teammate Paris Johnson is already rolling out the welcome wagon. (Round 2: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers)
5. LA Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
   • No mock draft trades this go-around. Instead, the Chargers stay put and select Nabers. An absolutely explosve playmaker who steps into Keenan Allen’s legendary shoes and atones for last year’s whiff in Quentin Johnston. (Round 2: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida St.)
6. NY Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
   • Daniel Jones’ recovery looks like it’s going well and he’ll be ready for the season. If that is the case, the Giants will have to swallow that ugly cap hit for another year and give Jones some targets to throw to. (Round 2: Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas St.)
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
   • This is about as close to a lock as there is. In Round 2 they go with Junior Colson. Tennessee’s linebacking corps is thin at best. (Round 2: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan)
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
   • I’m not sold on Turner here, but we’ll continue to mock draft him here. Atlanta land Michael Penix in Round 2, landing their QB of the future and giving him time to season behind Kirk Cousins. (Round 2: Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington)
9. Chicago Bears: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
   • An offense with Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kemet, and Bowers would give defensive coordinators nightmare. It would also give Williams no reason to not hit the ground running.
10. NY Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon St.
    • The Jets have a 40-year old quarterback coming off a blown Achilles. This pick kind of speaks for itself. Fuaga also gives the Jets versatility as he could also be a Day One starter at guard.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
    • A dream scenario for the Vikings who stay put and land their (hopefully) franchise quarterback in Maye. We all anticipate them to trade up to get their guy, but for Mock Draft 2, the Viks stay put and get lucky.
12. Denver Broncos: Jared Verse, OLB, Florida St.
    • Verse will have an interesting night next Thursday. He could go Top 10, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he slid down the draft board as well. Broncos have an underwhelming defense. They need whatever talent they can get.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
    • The Raiders desperately need a bookend tackle for Kolton Miller. Fautanu can do that or jump start the running game by kicking in to play guard. Either way, he should be a Day One starter. (Round 2: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon)
14. New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn St.
    • Fashanu could be the start Day One of the right side if Ryan Ramczyk isn’t healthy or be the Day One starter on the left side. A dream scenario for quarterback Derek Carr. (Round 2: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky)
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
    • In our last mock draft we had Terrion Arnold here, now we have Mitchell. The common denominator here is the Colts 24th ranked defense. It will interesting to see how is the first cornerback selected next Thursday. (Round 2: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas)
16. Seattle Seahawks: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
    • Seattle took a step back in 2023 and then their head coach was forced out. On top of all that they lost a pair of starters from the interior of the o-line, who underperformed as well in 2023. JPJ is a Day One starter.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
    • A flip-flop for the AFC South rivals, as JAX lands Arnold in our second mock draft. J-Ville had the 26th best pass defense and then lost one of their starters. More help is needed. (Round 2: Calen Bullock, S, USC)
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
    • Yes, the Bengals brought in Trent Brown via free agency, but he’s only played a full season once out of the past four. Mims will be the long-term bookend on the right side. (Round 2: Maason Smith, DT, LSU)
19. LA Rams: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
    • The Rams need help along the defensive line more than they need help at any other position. Whoever is available – Murphy or Newton – they need to run their selection up to the podium. (Round 2: Kamren Kinchens S Miami)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
    • Making it to the playoffs last season was a tremendous overachievement for the Steelers. They need a lot of help at a lot of positions. Here, they land Thomas to help rebuild their receiving corps. (Round 2: Nate Wiggins CB Clemson)
21. Miami Dolphins: Laiatu Latu, OLB, UCLA
    • This pick remains the same from our first mock draft. Latu has serious injury concerns, however he played the last two seasons with no problems. If teams are confident with his health, Latu could go earlier. (Round 2: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington St.)
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Chop Robinson, OLB, Penn St
    • Another repeat pick. Vic Fangio needs pass rushers to run his 3-4 defense and they are thin at the position. Robinson is raw, but is a good rotation piece as he develops his game. (Round 2: Ladd McKonkey, WR, Georgia; Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas St.)
23. Minnesota Vikings: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
    • Minnesota lost some pieces along the defensive front during free agency. Following the departures of Wonnum, Lowry, and Tonga the cupboard is pretty bare. Newton would be their top wrecking ball.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
    • Where left guard Tyler Smith plays is up in the air. Does he stay at guard? Does he move to left tackle? That remains to be seen. The selection of Barton would indicate the Cowboys move Smith to tackle, but time will tell. (Rd 2: Trey Benson, RB, Florida St)
25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa
    • GM Brian Gutekunst loves drafting defensive players in Round 1. As such, we see Green Bay continuing to build their secondary. (Round 2: Zach Frazier, OG, West Virginia; Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
    • The Bucs’ were a surprise in 2023 as they moved on from Tom Brady. While they overachieved last season, the pitfalls of their roster are still there. In our second mock draft, Cooper remains the Bucs’ guy. (Round 2: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan)
27. Arizona Cardinals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
    • The Cards signed Jonah Williams over free agency, but he’s not the long term answer. Paris Johnson will likely move to the left side, with Latham being their long term plan as a bookend.
28. Buffalo Bills: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
    • Rumors have been swirling about Buffalo possibly trading up for a receiver, but how receivers come off the board will be worth watching. It is a deep class and teams trading up for other positions might drive down the talent. Do they stay at No. 28 or move up? Time will tell. (Round 2: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida St.)
29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
    • After last year’s double surprise in Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, who knows how GM Brad Holmes will approach things this year. Something tells me they’ll trade out of the first round, but here they take McKinstry. (Round 2: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan)
30. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
    • For a team that made it to the AFC Championship last year the Ravens have a lot of question marks. Their pass rushing, offensive line, and wide receiver rooms need a lot of help. Here we have them taking Guyton. (Round 2: Austin Booker, OLB, Kansas)
31. San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson, DT, Missouri
    • The Niners lost a lot of pieces along the defensive line. They also added Jordan Elliott and Maliek Collins, but a pass rushing threat who can move up and down the line in Robinson is too good to pass up. (Round 2: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida)
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
    • We’ve all seen what Patrick Mahomes can do with a serious speed threat. Worthy blew the roof off of Indianapolis. Factor in Rashee Rice’s off-field problems, this is a need and a security blanket. (Round 2: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn St.)
33. Carolina Panthers: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
    • Round 1 ends with a Longhorn and Round 2 begins with a Longhorn. Mitchell gives the Panthers a size and speed threat that they desperately need. They had the worst pass offense in the league last year. (Round 2: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State)
34. Houston Texans: Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan
    • Head coach DeMeco Ryans got his start in San Francisco. He knows the value of a deep pass rushing threat. Adding Kneeland not only provides a pass rush threat, but a moveable chess piece. (Round 2: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky)

2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

There is no season better than draft season. The NFL Draft is like Christmas for NFL fans and this year should bring a lot of surprises. There has been a marked up tick in draft day trades over the past two years, with 15 deals conducted – nine in 2022 and six in 2023. The way this offseason is shaping up I wouldn’t be surprised if we hit double digits. It’s so likely, that we’ve even factored in our first mock trade ever.

The driving force behind the trade market is the quarterback class, which is so rich we could very well see QBs go off the board with the first four picks. First overall is all but formerly announced with the Bears selecting Caleb Williams from USC. But the run on QBs will ultimately be set by Washington and their second overall pick.

So, who will it be? Lets take a look with our first mock draft of the season.

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
   • Trading Justin Fields solidified this move, but top wide receiver DJ Moore was vocal about keeping Fields. Williams will have to prove the trade was the right move and prove it quickly.
2. Washington Commanders: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
   • It’s undoubtedly a quarterback here, but the question is which one? It’s likely between the Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and McCarthy, who has seen his stock rise considerably this spring.
3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
   • With McCarthy off the board, the Pats runs this pick up to the podium. A dynamic playmaker who could help turn the page for first-time head coach Jerod Mayo and New England.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio St.
   • GM Monti Ossenfort manipulated the first round masterfully last year by trading out of and then back into the Top 10. Arizona could very well pull of something similarly this year, but for now we have them selecting the wide receiver they desperately need.
5. Minnesota Vikings: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina***
   • After acquiring the 23rd overall pick from the Houston Texans, the Vikings all but signaled their intentions to move into the Top 10, presumably for a quarterback. Denver and Las Vegas could be in the market for a QB, but a divisional rival won’t make that trade possible.
6. NY Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
   • The G-Men have done their homework on the top quarterback prospects, but unless they trade up I don’t see them landing one. As a result, they take Nabers. An explosive weapon that the Giants have needed since OBJ left down in 2018.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
   • Tennessee’s top two needs for the past three years have been offensive tackle and cornerback. Over that time they have spent a wealth of draft capital and seen ZERO returns. They addressed corner in free agency and will now, hopefully, land their left tackle for the next decade in Alt.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
   • The Falcons addressed the offense in free agency. Now they must turn their attention to the defense, especially with defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris steering the ship. Turner was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last year.
9. Chicago Bears: Jared Verse, DE, Florida St.
   • The overall weak class of pass rushers this year helps boost Verse’s stock. Making the jump from the University of Albany to Florida State is a big step up in competition and Verse made the leap with ease, racking up 18 sacks and 29.5 tackles-for-loss in two years for the Seminoles.
10. NY Jets: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
    • If Aaron Rodgers is to succeed in New York, he needs someone to throw to beside Garrett Wilson. Odunze exploded for a 92/1,640/13 stat line last year. A trio of Wilson, Odunze, and veteran Mike Williams would be quite formidable.
11. LA Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia***
    • A masterclass in manipulating the draft board, the Bolts trade back and still land their guy. The Chargers have lacked a strong tight end since Antonio Gates retired, but Bowers could put an end to that. And at a perfect time too, with Los Angeles moving on from both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason.
12. Denver Broncos: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
    • Given their needs and the way the draft board has shaken out in this mock draft, it would be wise to move down, but Murphy is the man to help Denver’s 30th ranked rushing defense.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon St.
    • Left tackle Kolton Miller has proved to be a quality starter, but the Raiders need a bookend right tackle. Fuaga’s stock is rising and for good reason. He could be a Day One starter on the right side.
14. New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn St.
    • New Orleans has had solid success with drafting tackles in recent years – Terron Armstead, Ryan Ramczyk, and Andrus Peat. The outlier is 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning. With Peat a free agent, Ramczyk dealing with injuries, and Penning looking like a bust reinforcements are needed.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
    • Make no mistake about it, Arnold is a Top 10 talent however with the run on QBs, WRs, and OTs, Arnold slips a bit. GM Chris Ballard brings in a physical playmaker with six interceptions and 20 pass breakups over the past two years.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
    • Pete Carroll may no longer be head coach, but he is still technically an advisor. Carroll and GM John Schneider have proven to swim against the tide on draft day and with that Barton goes earlier than anticipated. He’ll likely be a Day One starter at guard or center.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
    • Another Top 10 talent pushed down the draft board, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mitchell is the first corner off the board or breaks in the Top 10. He’s that good.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
    • The Tee Higgins saga isn’t looking too good at the moment and I think it’s pretty safe to say 2024 will be his last year in Cincinnati. Enter Thomas. A year to get familiar with the offense and then he’ll be off to the races with fellow LSU tigers Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in 2025.
19. LA Rams: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
    • The Rams had a thin defensive line rotation last year and then lost Aaron Donald to retirement and Jonah Williams in free agency. Newton has a similar build and game to Donald and should help bolster the defensive line.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
    • Last year’s first round pick Broderick Jones was expected to land the left tackle spot, he didn’t. Adding Fautanu gives the Steelers a training camp battle at the tackle spots between Jones, Fautanu, and Dan Moore.
21. Miami Dolphins: Laiatu Latu, OLB, UCLA
    • Miami’s edge rushers were hammered with injuries last year, seeing Bradley Chubb go down with an ACL and Jaelan Phillips go down with an Achilles. Those are long term injuries. They brought in veteran Shaq Barrett but more is needed. Latu comes with his own injury history (he was once medically retired) but has a nonstop motor and more importantly a clean bill of health.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Chop Robinson, OLB, Penn St
    • Philly’s defense was an absolute mess last year. Head coach Nick Sirianni narrowly kept his job, but an overhaul of the defense was conducted. Enter Vic Fangio. A defensive mastermind, Fangio runs a 3-4 defense loaded with pass rushers. After the departure of Haason Reddick more of those pass rushers are needed.
23. LA Chargers: Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri
    • The Bolts pass defense was in shambles last year and while they add Kristian Fulton in free agency more is needed. Rakestraw is a physical corner who can play in the slot or on the outside.
24. Dallas Cowboys: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
    • For years, the strength of the Cowboys has been the offensive line, but this year they lost future hall-of-famer Tyron Smith and starting center Tyler Biadasz. Factor in the injuries and aging state of things, it’s clear to see reinforcements are needed. Latham is a colossus who can continue to keep o-line a strength.
25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa
    • Whether he plays safety or cornerback, it doesn’t really matter for Green Bay. They need help at both positions and DeJean is an impact playmaker wherever he lines up in the secondary.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
    • The team lost captain Devin White over free agency. Franchise legend Lavonte David resigned and is still a strong contributor but is getting older. Behind David, the cupboard is pretty bare. That’s not a good thing when you run a base 3-4.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
    • The offensive line has been a problem for the Cardinals for years, but it looks like they’re finally addressing things – drafting Paris Johnson in Round 1 last year and signing former-first rounder Jonah Williams this offseason. Adding JPJ, would be a benefit to quarterback Kyler Murray but also their Top 5 rushing attack from 2023.
28. Buffalo Bills: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
    • After the Stefon Diggs trade, the Bills basically do not have a wide receiver room. At least not one befitting a team in the midst of a Super Bowl window. Keep in mind, it was two years ago when a frustrated, franchise-tagged star receiver was traded in the middle of night one of the draft. Could Tee Higgins follow AJ Brown’s footsteps?
29. Detroit Lions: Darius Robinson, DT, Missouri
    • The Lions made a massive leap in 2023. Now they need to build on that success. Adding Robinson would do just that. Capable of playing inside and outside, Robinson would give Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn a chess piece in the trenches.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
    • Guyton has a lot of similarities to former-Sooner and former-Raven Orlando Brown Jr. Guyton not only gives them a bookend to stalwart Ronnie Stanley, but also a successor to Stanley down the road.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
    • Speed gets you drafted and Worthy broke the 40-yard dash record at the Combine. This is a luxury pick after building one of the best rosters in the NFL. Good luck to the defensive coordinator that has to game plan for Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and now Worthy.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
    • In the latest episode of problematic Kansas City Chiefs, Rashee Rice caused a six-vehicle crash in Dallas and now his availability for the 2024 season is up in the air. Rice’s off-field issues aside, the receiving corps was still barebones. They added Marquise Brown in free agency but more is needed here

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

While Round 1 came and went in Kanas City and no veterans were trade, there was still a dizzying amount of team maneuvering around the board. Some of those were masterful (Houston, Arizona, New England) and others were a bit more head-scratching (Detroit). While the hopes of a quick draft were dashed at midnight, it was an overall exciting affair.
With 31 pick in, there are some names out there that may seem surprising – Will Levis, Joey Porter Jr, Max Mayer – so lets jump right into the mix and see if we can make sense of the fallout.

1.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn St.
2.) Arizona Cardinals: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas St.
3.) Detroit Lions: Max Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
4.) Indianapolis Colts: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
5.) LA Rams: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
6.) Seattle Sehawks: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
7.) Las Vegas Raiders: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
8.) Carolina Panthers: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
9.) New Orleans Saints: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
10.) Tennessee Titans: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
11.) Green Bay Packers: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
12.) New York Jets: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio St.
13.) Atlanta Falcons: Steve Avila, C, TCU
14.) Green Bay Packers: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
15.) New England Patriots: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
16.) Washington Commanders: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
17.) Detroit Lions: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
18.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
20.) Miami Dolphins: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
21.) Seattle Seahawks: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
22.) Chicago Bears: Derick Hall, DE, Auburn
23.) LA Chargers: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
24.) Detroit Lions: Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech
25.) Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Ojulari, OLB, LSU
26.) New York Giants: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
27.) Dallas Cowboys: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon St.
28.) Buffalo Bills: Joe Tipmann, C, Wisconsin
29.) Cinnati Bengals: J.L. Skinner, S, Boise St.
30.) Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
31.) Philadelphia Eagles: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
32.) Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

In just a few hours a new draft class will enter the NFL and with them bring hope to their respective new fanbases. And this is surely going to an NFL Draft to remember. Last year we saw not only one of the fastest first rounds in recent memory, but we also saw star players (Hollywood Brown, AJ Brown) get traded and we could surely see more names on the move (Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins).

There’s also the great unsettled nature of the picks. Usually by draft day certain picks have solidified, but not this year. The only slam dunk is the No. 1 pick. After that – it’s anybody’s guess. So lets do just that. Here’s our totally educated yet not at all final mock draft for 2023

1.) Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
This is the only sure pick. Young ushers in a new era in Charlotte.

2.) Houston Texans: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama
There is a lot of smoke for Tyree Wilson, but I just can’t buy it. Anderson had 34.5 sacks and 58.5 tackles for loss over three years. Anderson will be a Pro Bowler. He will be around for a decade.

3.) Arizona Cardinals: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
It’s no long wait for Wilson after Houston passes on him. Wilson is the perfect building block for new head coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense. Wilson had 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. His best football is ahead of him.

4.) Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Indianapolis has the first big decision of the mock draft – Levis or C.J. Stroud. While Stroud certainly has the production, I think it will be Levis. Levis comes with some questions, but he would have the supporting cast to excel quickly.

5.) Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
A dream come true for head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider. Carter, arguably the best player in the draft, does come with some red flags, but Seattle has the infrastructure and history of being able to work with a wildcard. After last year’s hyper successful draft class, Carter helps the team take another step toward building a new Legion of Boom.

6.) Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
This pick remains the same from the last mock draft. As shockingly good Detroit’s offense was (4th overall) there defense was shockingly bad (32nd overall). Any addition to the defense is a plus. Witherspoon had 23 PBUs over his final two seasons in Illinois.

7.) Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Over his career new Raiders’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo has proven fragile. It’s important for head coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler to protect him. Skoronski can play at tackle or guard and the Raiders need help at both. Should be a Day One starter.

8.) Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio St.
The Falcons could do any number of ways with this pick, however, with Stroud having fallen this far I think you have to take him. It doesn’t matter what they said about Desmond Ridder, Stroud was a Heisman Trophy finalist and produced 85 passing touchdowns over the past two years.

9.) Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio St.
A positional holdover from the last mock draft. While Skoronski is now off the board, Johnson is the man now. Johnson’s ceiling is as high as No. 3 overall to Arizona, but ultimately I see Vegas and Chicago as the two to land OTs in the Top 10. They may get flipped on draft night.

10.) Philadelphia Eagles: Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
I want this pick to be Texas RB, Bijan Robinson. I wanted to carryover the pick from the last mock draft, but if I’m going with my gut I’m going with Van Ness. The Eagles love addressing the trenches and drafting for the future. Last year it was Jordan Davis as a replacement for Javon Hargrave. This year it’s Van Ness for franchise legend Brandon Graham.

11.) Tennessee Titans: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Initial reaction was to slot in Georgia OT Broderick Jones here, but I think the Titans are still dealing with PTSD from the Isiah Wilson pick in 2020. Wright has the ability to play the right side or the left and gives the Titans new bookend tackles along with free agency signing and former first rounder Andre Dillard.

12.) Houston Texans: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Richardson slides out of the Top 10, but not by much. Head coach DeMeco Ryans brought with him former 49ers passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik as offensive coordinator. Seeing what the Slowik did to help develop Brock Purdy last year gives hope that the Texans would be able to put Richardson in a position to thrive, weather in 2023 or 2024.

13.) Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Kincaid is arguably the best tight end in the draft. While he is not known for his blocking, his ability as a pass catcher is tremendous. This pick stays the same from our last mock draft, only a little earlier thanks to the Aaron Rodgers trade with the Jets.

14.) New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Last year Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton oddly slipped to No. 14 despite being a squeaky clean prospect, this year it’s Gonzalez falling to the No. 14 spot. Gonzalez has gotten better and better each year, proven by his 4 interceptions and 7 PBUs to cap off his final collegiate season. He brings size and a high ceiling to New England.

15.) New York Jets: Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio St.
For a team that already has Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, Corey Davis, and Denzel Mims you wouldn’t exactly call WR a need, but word on the street is the Jets would like to form a reunion for former Buckeye Wilson and Smith-Njigba.

16.) Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn St.
Defense is always going to be a strength for a Ron Rivera coached team. And while the Commanders had the 3rd best pass defense, more corners are needed with the current state of NFL offenses. Porter brings size and skill to the secondary. Think Josh Norman when Rivera was coaching the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance.

17.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
A slight slide for Jones and the Steelers couldn’t be happier. Jones should be a Day One starter and provide last year’s first rounder, quarterback Kenny Pickett, with some protection. With Jones’ arrival, the offense will have been quickly remade with Jones, Pickett, running back Najee Harris, and receiver George Pickens ushering in a new era post-Roethlisberger.

18.) Detroit Lions: Max Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The decision to trade TJ Hockenson to a division rival midyear was an interesting move by Detroit. Doing so with no discernable backup was more surprising. Mayer is a classic two-way tight end that should start immediately for the Lions. Mayer is cut from the same mold as head coach Dan Campbell, and should provide a solid safety blanket for quarterback Jared Goff.

19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Yes, the Bucs signed Baker Mayfield, but it was only a one year deal. And yes, they have former second-rounder Kyle Trask on the roster, but he has only been active for one game over two years. Hooker, after taking a redshirt year, could be the answer in 2024.

20.) Seattle Seahawks: Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Originally we had this pick happening at No. 5 overall, while that may have been overzealous, Smith still lands in Seattle. He is the freaky edge rusher that Seattle covets. In a rotation with Darrell Taylor and Uchenna Nwosu, the Seattle defense would keep opposing quarterbacks up at night.

21.) LA Chargers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
I know the running back position is devalued, but that being said Robinson, based off pure talent, should go much higher than this. Atlanta could be in the mix at No. 8 and, in my heart, Philly at No. 10 would be perfect. But if Robinson were to shamefully fall this far, the slide ends with the Bolts. Pairing Robinson and Austin Ekeler would bring a dynamic threat.

22.) Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Flowers to Baltimore would round out the Ravens wide receiving corps quiet well. After having nothing in the cupboard for year, entering 2023 with OBJ, Rashod Bateman, Flowers, and Devin Duvernay is quite strong. Assuming OBJ and Bateman stay healthy. Flowers is a complete wide receiver with his only knock being size.

23.) Minnesota Vikings: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
There is certainly a scenario where Banks goes higher, but for this mock draft he lands in Minnesota. Like the Titans, the Vikings have wound up in this never ending cycle of spending high draft capital at the corner position. The team drafted Andrew Booth in the second round last year, but was lost to injury, and signed Byron Murphy in free agency. Banks brings size and grit to the NFC North.

24.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Will McDonald IV, OLB, Iowa St.
Lats year’s top pick Travon Walker struggled all year and their top pass rusher, Josh Allen, only had seven sacks on the year. In a talent loaded AFC more pass rushers are needed. While McDonald’s numbers did dip last year he still racked up 27 sacks over his final three years at Iowa St.

25.) New York Giants: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Head coach Brian Daboll worked with Stefon Diggs in Buffalo as the offensive coordinator. Addison has shades of Diggs to his game. Addison might be the best route runner in the draft and he will be anxious to prove his numbers in 2021 while at Pitt were no fluke. The Giants decided to pay Daniel Jones, now they have to stock his arsenal.

26.) Dallas Cowboys: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
Kancey may go higher, but he is an ideal fit for Dallas. Not does he help a team who ranked 22nd in run defense, but he also helps provide an interior pass rushing threat. With Micah Parsons on the outside and Kancey coming down the middle opposing quarterbacks better get rid of the ball quick.

27.) Buffalo Bills: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Underutilized at Georgia, Washington has the size and athleticism to thrive in Buffalo. Not only is his blocking the caliber of an offensive linemen, he is explosive enough to threaten in the pass game. Not to mention he’s the size of an offensive lineman to boot.

28.) Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi St.
When you’re in a three way battle with Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes for conference supremacy you need playmakers on defense. That’s what Forbes does. The knock on him will be size, but all he does is disrupt the passing game. Whether it’s breaking up a pass or intercepting them. Forbes is a headache on the boundary.

29.) New Orleans Saints: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
Murphy very well could go higher than this, but if he is still on the board he’s a perfect fit for the Saints. Murphy was a consistent disruptor for Clemson with 36 tackles for loss in his career. While he didn’t hit double digit sacks in any year that constant ability to blow up plays is valued.

30.) Philadelphia Eagles: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The running back position is the one spot that’s a bit thin on an otherwise stellar roster. The team did sign former first-rounder Rashaad Penny, but he hasn’t proven he can stay healthy for a full season. Gibbs, should they pass on Robinson, is a solid fit. A dual threat out of the backfield, Gibbs averaged 6.1 YPC for Alabama last year. In a rotation with Penny, Gibbs could have Alvin Kamara style production.

31.) Kansas City Chiefs: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Chiefs lost both starting tackles over free agency. They addressed one spot by signing Jawaan Taylor and now they address the other spot with Harrison. Harrison, is a bit raw, but has the menace you need in the trenches. Harrison thrives in pass protection and should win out a starting role over the summer.

2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

1.) Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
You don’t trade up to the No. 1 overall pick and not take a QB. There was a lot of chatter around C.J. Stroud from Ohio St., but the top player in the draft is Bryce Young. What it turns out to on draft day? Well it’s team owner David Tepper who’s making this pick.

2.) Houston Texans: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama
 If Houston had lost their final game of 2022 this wouldn’t be a problem but they rallied, won, and are now in a position where their fate is out of their control. If Stroud is the pick at No. 1 than Houston takes Young. If not, look to Will Anderson. New head coach DeMeco Ryans knows the value of a premier pass rusher from his playing days (Mario Williams) and coaching career (Nick Bosa).

3.) *Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Of the first three picks this is the only pick I’m certain of and I don’t believe Carter goes here. This pick will 100% be traded whether or not C.J. Stroud is still on the board or not. There are allegedly six teams talking to Arizona about moving up. Who moves up is anybody’s guess.

4.) Indianapolis Colts: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio St.
Maybe the Colts move up and take Stroud a pick earlier, nevertheless, this is the ideal draft scenario for the Colts. Andrew Luck left the organization in a tailspin after his sudden retirement and they’ve failed to properly address the quarterback position in the years since. An offense with Stroud, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman Jr. would be fun to watch.

5.) Seattle Seahawks: Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Seattle is impossible to mock draft for. They march to the beat of their own drum, especially in Round 1. Is it a reach? Absolutely. Smith missed most of his final season at Georgia due to injury, but fully healthy Smith blew the roof off of Lucas Oil Field at the combine. A pass rusher with his elite skill set is exactly what Seattle needs. This pick reminds me of the Bruce Irvin selection back in 2012.

6.) Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Lions had the worst overall defense in 2022 and the second worst pass defense. In addition they just traded away a former Top 10 cornerback they missed on in the 2020 NFL Draft. They need to draft wisely here. With the free agency signings of Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley taking some of the pressure off Witherspoon, defensive coordinator (and former Pro Bowl cornerback) Aaron Glenn should get Witherspoon up to speed quickly.

7.) Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
Maxx Crosby has developed into one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, but there’s not much else. Chandler Jones was supposed to provide the double threat, but it seems age could be catching up to him. In a division where you face Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russel Wilson twice a year you need all the pass rush help you can get.

8.) Atlanta Falcons: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Atlanta needs a serious injection of talent, but at No. 8 it may be best to trade down. However  we don’t mock draft trades. Taken this and coupled with a desperate-to-win owner in Arthur Blank, paired with a keen offensive mind in head coach Arthur Smith, Richardson could be the choice. Richardson put on a show at the NFL Combine, but as that event fades into the rearview, Richardson’s stock may be starting to slide.

9.) Chicago Bears: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Justin Fields was sacked 55 times, tied for the league lead, and had the highest sack probability at 14.7%. Fields showed last year that he has the tools to reach another level. Not to mention the Bears traded down to acquire more weapons for Fields (D.J. Moore) and pass on this year’s top QB prospects. Now they need to continue that show of faith in Fields and protect him. Skoronski is a Day One starter at tackle or guard and should be there for the next 10 years.

10.) Philadelphia Eagles: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
This is a luxury pick for the Eagles. After a creative deal during last year’s NFL Draft, the Eagles wound up with a Top 10 pick after reaching the Super Bowl. The Eagles love to draft the trenches and they could easily address that here. But with such a well built roster, why not address the one gap with a talent that has been cited as having a Hall of Fame ceiling?

11.) Tennessee Titans: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Titans are absolutely in the mix to trade up to No. 3 and take a quarterback there. The Ryan Tannehill contract was crazy when it was signed and now the Titans really need to get out from under it. Levis could develop for a year behind Tannehill or take over midseason or impress in camp to the point that Tannehill is dealt in the summer. In any case, the rebuild starts on night one of the NFL Draft.

12.) Houston Texans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio St.
Quarterbacks are overrated, acquiring JSN rounds out a stellar first round for Houston. The Texans added Robert Woods and Noah Brown in free agency, along with Nico Collins and a healthy John Metchie III, whoever is under center Week 1 will have a decent arsenal.

13.) New York Jets: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio St.
Whenever the Jets acquire Aaron Rodgers it will be imperative they keep him upright. Paris Johnson gives the Jets options, either a bookend to Mekhi Becton or he can shift inside and play as a guard. Johnson has the grit to thrive in a Robert Salah team and should be a Day One starter.

14.) New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Gonzalez steadily got better and should continue to get better playing for Bill Belichick. The Patriots had a Top 10 defense last year and Gonzalez brings some needed size to the position. Gonzalez has the versatility to excel in press or off coverage and can allow the Patriots to slide Jalen Mills back to safety/nickel.

15.) Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Packers and GM Brian Gutekunst seemingly hate the idea of drafting offensive weapons in the first round, but they are now in a position where they have to. They have no tight ends and a thin wide receiver corps. If Jordan Love is to succeed he needs pass catchers. Kincaid is the best on the board.

16.) Washington Commanders: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Commanders have been looking for answers along the offensive line ever since Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff left town. Charles Leno is a quality left tackle, but Cornelius Lucas could be upgraded on the right side. And neither are the long term answer for their respective positions. Wright can play on the left side or right and should be a Day One starter.

17.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Jones plays with vintage Pittsburgh grit and toughness. Sometimes it works against him, but he should be Pittsburgh’s starter on the left side come Week 1. They invested a first in quarterback Kenny Pickett last year and this year they invest in protecting him.

18.) Detroit Lions: Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
Van Ness’ ceiling on draft night is Top 10, but if he slides past the Eagles he could have to wait awhile. For the sake of this mock draft, the Lions couldn’t be happier. Pairing Van Ness with last year’s first-rounder Aidan Hutchinson would be a dream scenario.

19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
This is the point in the draft where Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker starts entering the mix, however the roster is a bit of a mess despite winning the Super Bowl just three years ago. They need help at most positions and with the trenches picked through at this point in the mock draft – the Bucs go with Mayer,  an instant upgrade to the TE position.

20.) Seattle Seahawks: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Seattle’s scouting department hit the jackpot last year when they drafted bookend tackles (Charles Cross, Abraham Lucas). The year prior they rounded out the interior by pairing Damien Lewis with Gabe Jackson. That leaves one critical position left to address along their offensive line. Schmitz, a Rimington Trophy finalist, should be the final piece to making the Seattle o-line one of the best in the league.

21.) LA Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Yes, the Chargers already have Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, however Allen is getting up there in age and both are injury prone. Behind them there isn’t much depth. The Super Bowl suggested that perhaps the best strategy to beat Patrick Mahomes (division rival of the Chargers) isn’t to try and lock him down (you can only do that for so long), but rather outscore Mahomes and the Chiefs. Addison helps the scoreboard.

22.) Baltimore Ravens: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn St.
What a turn this would be. The son of a Steelers legend playing for the despised division rival Ravens. After years of great football with Jimmy Smith, Marcus Peters, and Marlon Humphrey,  only Humphrey remains on the team. Adding Porter would not only sure up the space opposite Humphrey, but also gives the Ravens another core youngster to build the secondary around following last year’s first rounder, safety Kyle Hamilton.

23.) Minnesota Vikings: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Vikings could go a number of ways, however Minnesota had the second worst total defense and second worst pass defense in the NFL last year. Banks has the physicality and motor to thrive in the NFC North and helps continue to the youth movement in the secondary that started with last year’s picks Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr.

24.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Why Branch is listed as a safety nobody knows. Branch played primarily in the slot at Alabama and should thrive there in the NFL. Branch is a versatile piece who can excel on all four downs and even provide some scare to opposing QBs as a blitzer.

25.) New York Giants: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The long, expensive nightmare that was Kenny Golladay is over. The team resigned Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued this group for a long time. Flowers is a smaller sized weapon, but he leaves BC as the school’s career leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

26.) Dallas Cowboys: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
Dallas would be wise to turn to division rivals Philly to get an idea on how to take the next step: load up along the defensive line. The Cowboys have lagged in developing defensive tackles and that is shown in their 22nd ranked rush defense. Kancey, while undersized, can help in the run game and is a terror as a pass rusher.

27.) Buffalo Bills: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Solid, but unspectacular is a far way to sum up veteran Dawson Knox. Washington is a goliath. Stuck in a timeshare at Georgia, Washington was mostly used as a blocker but when given his chance at the NFL Combine, Washington showed how freakishly athletic he is. He will be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

28.) Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi St.
The Eli Apple renaissance was short lived. Now the Bengals need to address the position quickly. The Bengals were wise to take Dax Hill last year as the eventual heir to Jesse Bates’ safety role. Now it’s on Forbes to usher in a new era at corner. The big knock against Forbes is his size, but his production (20 PBUs and 14 interceptions) in the SEC speaks for itself.

29.) New Orleans Saints: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
Cam Jordan isn’t getting any younger, Marcus Davenport is in Minnesota, and Peyton Turner can’t stay healthy. A lot is needed in the pash rush department down in New Orleans. Murphy had steady solid production at Clemson and would learn a lot playing opposite franchise legend Jordan.

30.) Philadelphia Eagles: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
Philly lost Isaac Seumalo in free agency and need to find a replacement. In this mock draft the Eagles already landed Bijan Robinson, so snagging Torrence to help pave the way while addressing the need is a win-win. Not to mention they get another piece to protect Jalen Hurts and his new contract.

31.) Kansas City Chiefs: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Chiefs like their weapons to be fast and Johnston has wheels. Matched with his size, he could be an ideal weapon for the Chiefs, especially after losing Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman in free agency.

2022 NFL Mock Draft

Arguably the most memorable off-season in NFL history comes to a close this week with the NFL Draft rolling into Las Vegas. Originally slated to host the 2020 draft, the Las Vegas draft party will surely rival the 2019 event held in Nashville – still the highlight of NFL’s now touring job fair.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs head into the weekend with twelve picks apiece. While tied for the most selections, the clubs couldn’t be further apart. The Jaguars, led by new head coach Doug Pederson, have a wonderful opportunity to expedite the organization’s latest rebuild. The Chiefs, on the other hand, will try to bolster their roster and keep ahead of the pack in the talent loaded AFC.

The Miami Dolphins, who shipped a bounty of draft picks to Kansas City in the blockbuster trade for Tyreek Hill, have the fewest number of picks with four. Their pick not coming until Round 3.

With the stage set for a wild weekend in Sin City, here is mock draft for Round 1.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
When your starting from scratch you simply take the best player. Hutchinson, a Heisman Trophy finalist, racked up 14 sacks last year for Big Blue, but GM Trent Baalke could over think things and select Travon Walker. Remember this is t he guy who drafted Aldon Smith over JJ Watt, Robert Quinn, Ryan Kerrigan, Cam Jordan, and Cameron Heyward.

2. Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
Walker is an emerging talent who is leaving Georgia with a career best six sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Not exactly the production you would expect of the No. 2 overall pick, but the talent is there is to develop into an opposing quarterback’s nightmare.

3. Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Houston’s selection will be very interesting. The team is finally out from under the cloud of Deshaun Watson, but they still need a complete roster overhaul. The team tried to move on from left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but ended up keeping him. The Houston’s GM Nick Caserio’s time in New England has surely created deep ties with Alabama.

4. New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The AFC saw an incredible influx of talent and the Jets had the third worst pass defense last year. Gardner is regarded as the best cornerback in the class and for good reason. The Bearcats legend didn’t give up a single catch in the red zone during the regular season last year. The Jets need that talent and the swagger Gardner brings.

5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
The G-Men have lacked a pass rush threat for years now. They seem to be onto something with last year’s second-rounder Azeez Ojulari. Adding Thibodeaux to Wink Martindale’s defensive would be a massive upgrade. The former Duck racked up 19 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss in three years.

6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
The Panthers have made their search for a franchise quarterback abundantly clear. Willis offers, arguably, the highest ceiling of any quarterback in this class, but Pickett is the most NFL ready. We have been back and forth on this, but in the end we have Pickett for our mock draft.

7. New York Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi St.
The Giants had the second worst passing attack in the league last year and Daniel Jones is in a make or break year. They have the weapons in Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Kadarius Toney (if he doesn’t get traded). Now they need to protect Jones. Cross would be a solid bookend to former first-rounder Andrew Thomas.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The easy pick here is wide receiver. The Falcons currently have Olamide Zaccheaus as their No. 1 option, but with the trade of Matt Ryan, now is the time for Arthur Smith to really put his stamp on the organization. Marcus Mariota, who played under Smith at Tennessee, can man the ship for 2022. Whoever doesn’t go to Carolina, goes here.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Ickey Ekwonu, OT, NC State
A dream scenario for Seattle. The team has had longstanding trouble along the offensive line. They addressed their dire need for a left tackle in 2017 by trading for Pro Bowler Duane Brown, however Brown’s time seems to be up in Seattle. Landing arguably the best tackle prospect is a great building block for the start of the post-Russell Wilson era.

10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St.
The Jets could stick with defense here, but when arguably the best wide receiver in the draft is still on the board and your WR1 only made it through nine games last year you need to upgrade. Especially with a potential franchise quarterback in the building, you need to give Zach Wilson weapons. Just look at Cincinnati’s success with bolstering the receiver room.

11. Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Don’t tell anybody, but Washington has a sneaky good roster. The trade for Carson Wentz provides them their most stable quarterback option since 2017, and with the talent vacuum in the NFC they could find themselves back in the playoffs. They’re only a few pieces away. One piece that’s needed? A commanding presence in the secondary is just what Ron Rivera needs to fix his 29th ranked pass defense.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU
For a team to have spent as much draft capital on cornerbacks as the Vikings have, and still need to address the position in Round 1 tells you why they have moved onto a new head coach (Kevin O’ Connell) and GM (Kwesi Adofo-Mensah). Adding Stingley to the ranks gives them a successor to Patrick Peterson.

13. Houston Texans: Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida St.
Houston needs help at literally every position. Rule number one of a real build is start in the trenches. First Neal, now Johnson. Johnson transferred from Georgia due to a lack of playing time and finished the season with 11.5 sacks. With a sparse pass rush and a talent influx like never before seen in the AFC, Johnson could be a Day One starter.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Davis to Baltimore is a perfect match. The colossus would help the team move on from long time anchor Brandon Williams. While he has the mold of a classic nose tackle, Davis has the terrifying athleticism of a five-technique.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Josh Sweat led the team with 7.5 sacks in 2021. Second on the team? Derek Barnett with two. Much more is needed. While Karlaftis’ sack production went down after his impressive freshman season he was still disruptive, ending his collegiate career with 10 tackles-for-loss.

16. New Orleans Saints: Drake London, WR, USC
The Saints wide receiver corps is bare-bones. Michael Thomas missed the entire season and neither Tre’Quan Smith or Marquez Callaway rose to occasion. London exploded onto the scene with 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns after posting back-to-back 500 yard seasons.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Bolts have built a serious contender and are now only a few pieces away from being serious Super Bowl contenders. They have the weapons in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but who is behind them? Allen is starting to get up there in age and Williams has the speed to stress defenses. This trio would be dangerous.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
Philly continues to bolster their defense in our mock draft, adding Pitre with their second selection in Round 1. Rodney McLeod signed with Indianapolis and only resigned Anthony Harris to a one year deal. Behind them there isn’t much. Pitre is a disruptive playmaker, racking up 29.5 tackles-for-loss, six sacks, and four interceptions over the past two years.

19.New Orleans Saints: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

After losing Pro Bowler Terron Armstead in free agency tackle became the Saints’ biggest need. Raimann has big shoes to fill and is very raw, but he could grow into a premier left tackle.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Ben Roethlisberger retired and Mason Rudolph has proved not to be the heir apparent the Steelers were hoping he would develop into. The team signed Mitch Trubisky, but he is just a seat warmer while the Steelers look for their next franchise quarterback, i.e. Corral. Back-to-back 3,000 yard seasons and nearly 50 touchdowns over the past two years turned heads. It also helped that his interceptions dropped from 14 in 2020 to 5 last year.

21. New England Patriots: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
A lot of mock drafts have the Patriots scooping up one of the top linebackers, Dean or Lloyd. While it certainly is in play, Penning and McDuffie are particularly interesting here. Penning gets the nod in our mock draft. While the Pats did sign some pieces for their secondary, their already thin line got thinner. Penning is the type of player who flourishes in New England.

22. Green Bay Packers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio St.
The team was in desperate need of a wide receiver before trading away Davante Adams, now their receiving corps is at threat level midnight. Olave never topped 1,000 yards, but he did rack up 35 touchdowns in his time at OSU. Living up alongside Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb should given Aaron Rodgers a serviceable trio.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Cardinals have had a surprisingly tumultuous offseason for a team that made the playoffs last season. If they want to keep Kyler Murray happy, and in Arizona, they need to stack the arsenal. A receiver room with DeAndre Hopkins, Rondale Moore, and Burks would be dangerous.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
After years of having the best offensive line in the NFL, the Cowboys are now having to deal with restocking the trenches. The team moved on from Connor Williams and La’el Collins and they will need to find an heir for future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith. Green has experience playing across the line and could be Day One starter.

25. Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Bills are ready for a Super Bowl right now. What few question marks the team had were shored up in free agency, which affords them the ability draft for the long term. McDuffie, however, could play a big part of rookie if he lands in Buffalo. The Bills had the best pass defense in the league last year and then lost Levi Wallace in free agenct. McDuffie could make his way into the starting lineup in year one, like former first-rounder Tre’davious White.

26. Tennessee Titans: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
The Titans offense runs through Derrick Henry. How do you make things easy for Henry? Provide bulldozers. Johnson, who has experience at tackle too, can hopefully end the Titans offensive line woes. Ever since former first-rounder Jack Conklin left, holes have sprung up all over the line.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DT, Houston
The depth along the Bucs defensive line is starting to show. Ndamukong Suh and Steve McLendon are free agents, leaving only Vita Vea and William Gholston. Hall would be the perfect five-technique for the Bucs scheme.

28. Green Bay Packers: David Ojabo, OLB, Michigan
After years of suffering a lackluster pass rush, the Packers went out and signed Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith. The duo proved to be a dynamic threat at first, but Preston Smith’s play has dipped and the team moved on from Za’Darius Smith during free agency. Ojabo was anticipated to be a Top 10 pick before suffering an Achilles injury during a pre-draft workout. His talent is not worth passing over at No. 28. The fifth-year option comes into play here.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: DeVonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
The Chiefs have been looking for a tag team partner to pair with Christ Jones for some time now. Jarran Reed departed in free agency and Derrick Nandi was resigned, but more is needed. Wyatt is a disruptive force that should instantly help boost the Chiefs lackluster rush defense.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
With their second pick KC goes back to Athens. The team traded away Tyreek Hill and signed Juju Smith-Schuster, but more is needed. Pickens is a tremendous talent, but had virtually all of last season scratched due to a knee injury. If healthy by the end of the summer this could prove to be one of the first round steals.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson
Cincy lost the Super Bowl because of their offensive line and defensive secondary. They bolstered the line in free agency, now the team needs to add the cornerback position. Booth is an aggressive corner with a high ceiling. With Cincy’s starters coming back, Booth will get the opportunity to develop.

32. Detroit Lions: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
A back-to-back Butkus Award finalist, Lloyd has all the playmaking ability the Lions desperately need at the second level. In his three years as a starter Lloyd racked up 250 tackles, 43 for loss, and 15.5 sacks. Not to mention his ability to play inside and out will be beneficial in the Lions new defensive scheme.

2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Part of what makes the NFL Draft so enjoyable is the unpredictable nature of it all. Everything is up in the air, from the order the teams pick to whether the player selected even pans out. Nothing is set in stone. And sure enough each year the final mock drafts hype the uncertainty with the “most unpredictable in years” headline slapped onto them.

But the 2020 and 2021 draft are truly the most unpredictable. Call them the COVID-era drafts.

Last year there was the cancellation of the NFL Combine (repeated again this year) and the full steam ahead, NFL-Don’t-Stop-For-Nothin’, remote draft. Surprisingly the 2020 draft went off without a hitch. We saw inside Comissioner Roger Goodell’s man cave, RV command centers in one general manager’s drive way, and Bill Belichick turning his draft over to his dog.

As for this year, while the NFL has seemingly got their sea legs under them from a logistics standpoint, but the prospects are more unproven than ever before. Nearly half of the Top 10 in our final mock draft didn’t even play in 2020. How do you effectively evaluate that?!

Despite the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft, the first two selections are all but ironclad. But there are still thirty more selections to shake out. Lets get this mock draft rolling…

1.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

2.) New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide barks out the snap count during the SEC Championship football game (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

3.) San Francisco 49ers: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

The draft starts with San Francisco. When they first traded up my initial thought was this is for Justin Fields, but as of late the rumor says it is either Mac Jones or Trey Lance. Jones burst onto the scene in 2020 and posted an incredible 203.1 passer rating on the year. One year-wonders are always dubious.

4.) Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

How good was Pitts in 2020? He played five less games than 2019 and still put up more yards (770) and more than doubled his touchdowns (12) on eleven less catches. As a bonus, Pitts isn’t all stats. He is an eager blocker too. They could draft a quarterback, but this looks like a long-term rebuild. May as well take the best player.

5.) Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

While quarterback Joe Burrow may be banging the table for former teammate Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow is coming off a severe knee injury. The Bengals need to protect their star quarterback. Sewell has the talent to be a 10-year stalwart at left tackle. This will be another big shift in the draft.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 07: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

6.) Miami Dolphins: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Recent reports have stated Miami is open to trading down again. Maybe they anticipate Chase going to Cincinnati. Nevertheless, the Phins are playing with house money thanks to the Houston Texans. If Chase is still on the board, this is a no-brainer. Maybe Waddle goes here.

7.) Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

If things shake out as we have them here, Detroit is sitting in the catbird seat. New England, Washington, and maybe Minnesota and Chicago could all make a move for a quarterback with Trey Lance and Justin Fields on the board. We don’t mock draft trades, but this is starting to look like a very likely trade spot.

8.) Carolina Panthers: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Carolina needs some help along the offensive line, but Taylor Moton and Gregg Little offer enough that Carolina can address those needs later on. The secondary, however, needs a jolt. The pass defense was 18th in the league last year and offered little encouragement they are on an upward trajectory. Surtain could very well be a Day One starter.

9.) Denver Broncos: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota St.

Broncos get lucky here and Trey Lance falls to them. While Lance did not get to play in 2020, he left an incredible impression in 2019 when he tossed 28 touchdowns and ZERO interceptions. Allegedly the Broncos are still high on Lock, but want competition. You don’t draft a quarterback in the Top 10 for competition. The Broncos could go defense now with the Teddy Bridgewater trade. Micah Parsons comes to mind.

10.) Dallas Cowboys: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern

For the past decade the strength of the Cowboys has been their offensive line and after a year where injuries eroded the position it became clear the the Cowboys need to reinvest. Slater can play anywhere along the line and possibly an heir to longtime left tackle Tyron Smith.

11.) New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

New York wants Daniel Jones to succeed. They need him to succeed. And for that to happen Jones needs a strong supporting cast. They added Kenny Golladay in free agency, but more is needed. Waddle, while injured for most of last year, is an explosive talent who would blend in nicely with Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton.

COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 28: Jaycee Horn #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

12.) Philadelphia Eagles: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

The Eagles are in the midst of a massive rebuild. The only place they have proven talent is in the trenches and even there they have injury and age concerns. The secondary has been in shambles for years. Adding Horn would be a great addition.

13.) LA Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Bringing in Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler over free agency was a start, but the offensive line still has a massive hole at left tackle. Quarterback Justin Herbert proved to be a special talent in his rookie year, now they have to protect him. Darrisaw could be a 10-year starter for the Bolts.

14.) Minnesota Vikings: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami

This pick remains the same from our last mock draft. Phillips comes with some question marks, but Phillips’ ceiling is high. Teamed with a healthy Danielle Hunter, the Vikings pass rush threat could get back on track.

15.) New England Patriots: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio St.

A dream scenario for the Patriots. Fields was rumored to slip even before news broke that Fields had been diagnosed with epilepsy. Nevertheless, Fields is a true talent and would do well to learn for a year behind Cam Newton. Patriots are rumored to be big fans of the former-Buckeye and if they are to draft Fields they’ll need to trade up for him. A very likely scenario.

16.) Arizona Cardinals: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC

The Cardinals were on their way to the playoffs before inconsistency and an injured Kyler Murray ended the season on a sour note. Vera-Tucker is arguably one of the safest picks and would solidify the offensive line.

Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons celebrates a tackle during the fourth quarter on Nov. 9, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

17.) Las Vegas Raiders: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn St.

Parsons will be interesting to watch on draft day. An undeniable talent, but there are some off-field concerns. He could go as high as No. 9 to Denver, but I don’t see him falling past Vegas. The Raiders have not had a playmaker at linebacker for a few years now. Parsons is a heat-seeking missile who plays sideline to sideline.

18.) Miami Dolphins: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

The Dolphins don’t have a running back. Simple as that. They could go for edge rusher here and address the position, but Harris is a special talent and has familiarity with Tua Tagovailoa from their days in Tuscaloosa.

19.) Washington Football Team: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Toney would give Washington a threat on the outside that would draw some attention away from star receiver Terry McLaurin. Toney’s addition would also give newly signed Curtis Samuel the ability to work from the slot. The team still needs a quarterback for the future, but with the arsenal loaded with this trio they will be set for success for the get-go.

20.) Chicago Bears: Gregg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

Would not be surprised to see a wide receiver here. They need insurance if they can’t iron out a long-term deal with Allen Robinson. Even if they do they need more targets. That being said they also need help at cornerback. The team hit on Jaylon Johnson in the second round last year, but will be counting on an aging Desmond Trufant to man the other position. Newsome II is a savvy defender who could contribute early.

Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter of their Big Ten football game against Iowa at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, October 5, 2019. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

21.) Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

The Colts are desperate for a left tackle, but with the top prospects off the board that would be a reach. Paye is one of the best pass rushers in the draft and has the versatility to lineup at multiple positions along the defensive line. That versatility is a big plus for GM Chris Ballard.

22.) Tennessee Titans: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Farley is a Top 10 talent, but questions surrounding a back injury could see Farley fall on draft night. He could fall entirely out of the first round, but his talent is too special to pass on at this stage. Tennessee lost their top two corners from last year and need to restock the cupboard quickly.

23.) New York Jets: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma St.

The Jets are another long-term rebuild. This pick comes from Seattle’s acquisition of Jamal Adams last year. The Jets took their franchise quarterback earlier and already have Mekhi Becton entrenched on the left side. Landing Jenkins as a bookend would give the Jets a tremendous foundation to build a dynamic offense.

24.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jayson Oweh, OLB, Penn St.

The Steelers have a LOT of holes in their roster. Running back, left tackle, center, cornerback. Take your pick. The strength of the team is defense and the strength of the defense is their pass rush. They lost Bud Dupree over free agency and there’s not much behind TJ Watt. Oweh, didn’t post any sacks in 2020, but is a freakish athlete with a high ceiling.

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 17: Elijah Moore #8 of the Mississippi Rebels out runs the tackle of Jerry Jacobs #0 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

25.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

Speed, speed, speed. That’s the name of the game for new head coach Urban Meyer. The team has deep threats in DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault, but the receiving corps is still thin and Marvin Jones is not the answer. Moore is an electric talent that constantly gets seperation. The only thing working against him is his size. Meyer could choose speed over size.

26.) Cleveland Browns: Gregory Rosseau, DE, Miami

Cleveland was so close to beating the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs last year. What dashed their hopes? No pressure on the quarterback once Myles Garrett left with injury. They just signed Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal, but they need a player for the future. Rousseau gives the Browns a developmental talent to rotate with Garrett and Clowney.

27.) Baltimore Ravens: Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU

The trade the Ravens made with the Kansas City Chiefs has given the team a lot of options heading into the draft. They need a pass rushers bad, but this team is only going as far as Lamar Jackson can take them and he needs help. Marshall, would finally add size and speed to the receiving corps.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane celebrates with LJ Wallace #20 after intercepting a pass and scoring during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

28.) New Orleans Saints: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

The Saints have become incredibly thin at the linebacking position. The only proven player is Demario Davis and he isn’t getting any younger. In our last mock draft we had Jamin Davis, but here we have Collins. Collins could go much earlier, but nevertheless, the defense needs to be addressed.

29.) Green Bay Packers: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida St.

Rolling over this pick from the last mock draft, Samuel to Green Bay just makes too much sense. A steady, technically sound player in the secondary is exactly what the Packers need.

30.) Buffalo Bills: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

A bit of a slide for Owusu-Koramoah here. Like Collins a few picks earlier, Owusu-Koramoah could very likely go higher, but the flurry of quarterbacks to go early on Day One will force top talent down. Teaming Owusu-Koramoah with with Tremaine Edmonds in Buffalo would be explosive.

31.) Baltimore Ravens: Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

The Ravens don’t pick again until Round 3. They desperately need help among the linebacking corps, but the offensive line was incredibly thin even before they shipped out Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Again, the team only goes as far as Lamar Jackson can take them. With this approach, the Ravens can now spend the rest of the draft focusing on the D.

32.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia

Ojulari should go higher than this. Ojulari is likely to go higher than this. But for the our final mock draft, this is where he lands. Ojulari has the tools to be a master sack artist. As such, rotating amongst Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul will serve him well, before ultimately supplanting JPP. Adding to the pass rush while aiming for a repeat Super Bowl title is always a wise move.

2021 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

1.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

This is all but set in stone. The real question here is, how long will take the Jaguars to submit the draft card? What is worth noting is they land Kadarius Toney to kickoff Day 2. The speedster would build on the explosiveness already in the arsenal by teaming with DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault. (Round 2: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida)

2.) New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Similar to the Jags’ pick, this is all but set in stone. If there were any doubters, the Sam Darnold trade converted them. Like the Jags, lets focus on the second round pick here. Landing Etienne in Round 2 would be a steal for the Jets who at this point only have Tevin Coleman as a proven threat on the roster and his injury history is noted. (Round 2: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson)

3.) San Francisco 49ers: Mac Jones, QB, Aabama

This pick is not as solid as the first two, but pretty close. You don’t make the move the Niners made unless you’re targeting a quarterback. The question is, which one? The scuttlebutt is Jones, but Justin Fields and Trey Lance are still out there. For this mock draft, we stick with the rumors. (Round 2: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue)

4.) Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota St.

This is where the draft gets interesting. Do they trade Falcons trade out? The team needs to blow things up. They are in a salary cap mess and have a lot of holes in their roster. With new head coach Arthur Smith adding draft capital for a total rebuild would be smart. If they don’t trade out, play-action specialist Lance should be tabbed as Matt Ryan’s heir. (Round 2: Joe Tryon, DE, Washington)

5.) Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

I would like to see Kyle Pitts go here, but Joe Burrow has been banging the table for his former college teammate. The duo were dynamic in their time together at LSU. Whether it’s Pitts or Chase, the signing of left tackle Riley Reiff affords the team the opportunity to load the arsenal and address Burrow’s protection later. (Round 2: Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama)

6.) Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Miami traded back up presumably with the hopes of  drafting Chase. Landing Pitts is a pretty good consolation prize. Head coach Brian Flores and co-offensive coordinator George Godsey come from New England, a team that has always shown the value of a dynamic tight end. Pitts and Mike Gesicki would be a formidable tandem. (Round 2 – Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina)

7.) Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

This pick remains the same from our last mock draft despite the wind is behind Smith’s Alabama teammate Jaylen Waddle, but I don’t know how you can overlook Smith. Size is a concern, but look at Randy Moss and CeeDee Lamb. The Lions shouldn’t overthink things here. (Round 2 – Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri)

8.) Carolina Panthers: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Is it a cornerback or a tackle? That is the question we keep coming back to. Previously we had Penei Sewell, but I think Slater has jumped him. Patrick Surtain II was also penciled in here for a hot second, but for now we keep things at tackle. Especially with Sam Darnold now on board. (Round 2: Elijah Molden, CB, Washington)

9.) Denver Broncos: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio St.

This mock draft would be a dream scenario for Denver Broncos and new GM George Paton. Still think it’s a little early to give up on Drew Lock, but when you’re drafting this high and a potential franchise quarterback drops into your lap you have to pull the trigger. (Round 2: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama)

10.) Dallas Cowboys: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

Paye has established himself as the top pass rush threat in this year’s draft class. New defensive coordinator Dan Quinn likes to move shuffle his defensive linemen around to get a mismatch. Paye played all over the line at Michigan. A raw talent, but a talent that could turn into trouble for the NFC East. (Round 2: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon)

11.) New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

The Giants are making a push to ensure quarterback Daniel Jones is in an environment in which he can thrive and they can win. Adding Kenny Golladay and Kyle Rudolph via free agency was the first step. Adding Waddle would put things over the top and still allow Darius Slayton the thrive from the slot. (Round 2: Jayson Oweh, OLB, Penn St.)

12.) Philadelphia Eagles: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

A great move by GM Howie Rosman. The Eagles move back, add draft capital, and land the top cornerback in the draft. The Eagles thought they had solved their issues in the secondary by signing Darius Slay last year, but the group was meager yet again and then lost Jalen Mills during free agency. Surtain is an instant boost to a lackluster group. (Round 2: Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU)

13.) LA Chargers: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Another dream comes true in our second mock draft. It would be a shock if Penei Sewell fell this far, but it could happen. The Bolts need to protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. They added veteran pivot Corey Linsley over free agency, but there is still a massive void at left tackle. Sewell steps in to protect his former college teammate on Day One. (Round 2: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia)

14. Minnesota Vikings: Jaelen Phillips, DE, Miami

Phillips turned heads at his pro day and is racing up boards. There was plenty of hype around Phillips as he transferred from UCLA to Miami and had to sit out the 2019 season. He answered the call by posting career best numbers in sacks (8) and tackles for loss (15.5). Phillips is raw, but could be dynamic. And if any team can develop a star pass rusher with high upside it’s the Vikings (see: Danielle Hunter).

15.) New England Patriots: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn St.

The Patriots have spent a lot addressing the linebacking corps, but the inside position is still a concern. Dont’a Hightower is getting up there in age and Ja’Whaun Bentley did not capitalize on his opportunity as the starter in 2021. Parsons has some off-field concerns, but strong leadership in Hightower, Devin McCourty, and Kyle Van Noy should help. (Round 2: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss)

16.) Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

This pick rolls over from our previous mock draft.  Arizona resigned Robert Alford and brought Malcom Butler on board. Both are on one year contracts and Alford can’t stay healthy. Horn is the long term answer and allows Byron Murphy to remain at the nickelback. (Round 2: Joseph Ossai, OLB, Texas)

17.) Las Vegas Raiders: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

The team needs help at every level of the defense. Vegas bolstered their defensive line over free agency by adding Yannick Ngakoue, Quinton Jefferson, Matt Dickerson, and Solomon Thomas. They also resigned Jonathan Hankins. Now they need to address the linebackers. Owusu-Koramoah flies sideline to sideline and would give an instant boost to the second level. (Round 2: Quinn Meinerz, OG, Wisconsin-Whitewater)

18.) Miami Dolphins: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami

Emmanuel Ogbah lead the team with nine sacks last year. Second in sacks amongst the defensive linemen was Shaq Lawson with four and he was traded this offseason. Needless to say the team needs more pressure off the edge. Rousseau exploded for 15.5 sacks in 2019, but sat out last season. (Round 2: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma)

19.) Washington Football Team: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC

Washington finally has some talent on the offensive side of the ball in Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Antonio Gibson. Now they need to fortify the the trenches so they can actually succeed. Not to mention league folk hero Ryan Fitzpatrick needs some protection and the club could use some Brandon Scherff insurance should the team be unable to resign their star lineman. (Round 2: Seth Williams, WR, Auburn)

20.) Chicago Bears: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

The Bears desperately need help at the wide receiver position. It also doesn’t help that their No. 1, Allen Robinson, is yet to sign a long term contract and is set to play the 2021 season under the much loathed franchise tag. It also doesn’t help that the salary cap shrunk and the Bears have no prospects at quarterback. Talent is needed at the position, but so is an insurance policy if Robinson is dealt before the season. (Round 2: Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota St.)

21.) Indianapolis Colts: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Stalwart left tackle Anthony Castonzo retired after the season and left big shoes to fill. The Colts’ offensive line has been an immense strength and shoring up the blindside is a must. Darrisaw is a Day One starter who has the ability to become their new 10-year starer. (Round 2: Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forrest)

22.) Tennessee Titans: Gregg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

It’s no surprise that the Titans moved on from last year’s starters at cornerbacks Malcom Butler and Adoree Jackson. But Janoris Jenkins is not the answer and Kristian Fulton’s rookie season was impacted by injruy. More help is needed. Newsome is a steady, smart player who could step in and help get things back on track for the league’s 29th ranked pass defense. (Round 2: Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn)

23.) New York Jets: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma St.

The Jets landed their franchise quarterback at No. 2, now they need to protect Zach Wilson. Last year they hit with Mekhi Becton. Jenkins would be a tremendous bookend, who  has the grit and nasty needed in the trenches.

24.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Despite streamrolling through most of their schedule, the wheels fell off for Pittsburgh down the stretch. That was in part to having the worst rushing attack in the league last season. Harris can change that. A complete running back, Harris turned in nearly 1,500 yards and 26 touchdowns over his final season in Tuscaloosa. (Round 2: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame)

25.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Caleb Farely, CB, Virginia Tech

Farely is arguably a Top 10 talent, however after sitting out the 2020 season and then having back surgery over the draft process questions have grown. The Jaguars have been in this position before when they selected Myles Jack early in the second round after he fell due to injury concerns. Farely and last year’s first-rounder C.J. Henderson would provide a dynamic duo for Urban Meyer to work with. (Round 2: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn St.)

26.) Cleveland Browns: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

Zaven Collins can do it all and a rangy linebacker is just what Cleveland needs. The team let Joe Schobert walk last offseason and quickly realized his replacement was not on the team yet. Despite the season being shortened to just eight games Collins posted career best numbers in sacks and snagged four interceptions. (Round 2: Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma)

27.) Baltimore Ravens: Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia

The Ravens need to ramp up their pass rush and quickly. Their top pass rusher last year was Matthew Judon, with six, and he signed with conference rivals New England over free agency. Ojulari posted 15 sacks over the past two seasons in Athens. (Round 2: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama)

28.) New Orleans Saints: Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

To say Davis had a breakout year in 2020 would be an understatement. The heat-seeking missile posted a career best 102 tackles and three interceptions. He has the size and speed to bolster any linebacking corps. Something the Saints could use right about now as their starting unit as currently stands is an aging Demario Davis and unproven Zach Baun. (Round 2: Osa Odighizuwa, DT, UCLA)

29.) Green Bay Packers: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida St.

Green Bay got torched by TB12 in the NFC Championship game. If Green Bay is to take the next step they need to take another swing at addressing the cornerback position. The team has poured draft picks into the secondary and so far has only walked away with Jaire Alexander and Darnell Savage as proven stars. Samuel could provide an instant impact. (Round 2: Jabril Cox, LB, LSU)

30.) Buffalo Bills: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

Any pick is a luxury thanks to a well built roster. Moehrig falling to the Bills would be too good to pass on. The Swiss-army knife could start in the slot before eventually replacing one of the incumbent safeties Jordan Poyer or Micah Hyde. (Round 2: Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina)

31.) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

Unless the top tackle prospects are off the board, I would be shocked to see Chiefs go in any other direction. That being said cornerback could be in play here. However after cutting All-Pro right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, this is a position too important to skimp on. Especially after the abuse Patrick Mahomes took during the Super Bowl fresh in everyone’s minds. (Round 2: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio St.)

32.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington

This pick stays the same as our last mock draft. As noted previously, the group is just far too thin and old along the defensive line to pass on Onwuzurike. Of course if the contract negotiations with Antonio Brown drag on, attention could turn to wide receiver. (Round 2: Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville)

56.) Seattle Seahawks: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse

57.) LA Rams: Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa