Monday 3/8 Mock Draft V2 (Trades Included)
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence QB, Clemson
Let’s not sweat this pick. Trevor Lawrence is the pick here far and away. True franchise-changing capabilities from the Clemson QB.
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson QB, BYU
With the Jets now officially shopping Sam Darnold, the position here is pretty obvious. A new QB in a new system should give the Jets a fresh new identity far away from the losing culture in New York that has been prevalent ever since Adam Gase took over as head coach. QB is the easy choice, the hard choice is picking between Zach Wilson and Justin Fields. Although I believe Fields has a higher ceiling, Wilson is the much more pro-ready player at this moment and I believe the Jets want to hit the ground running without having to wait 2-3 years fine tuning Justin Fields.
3. TRADE- Carolina Panthers: Justin Fields QB, Ohio State
Carolina Acquires: Dolphins 2021 1st (3)
Miami Acquires: Panthers 2021 1st (8), 2nd (39), 5th (155), and 2022 1st
The Panthers have thus far been extremely gung-ho in their pursuits for a new starting quarterback, offering their 8th overall pick for Matthew Stafford and reportedly offering multiple firsts and Christian McCaffrey for Texans QB Deshaun Watson. The Panthers are obviously trying to upgrade from Teddy Bridgewater and I do not think it is unrealistic for them to move up for their new franchise quarterback. Fields is the perfect candidate to sit behind Teddy for the remainder of his contract and truly learn the offense while in turn the offensive staff can figure out how to utilize him properly.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance QB, NDSU
As Matt Ryan gets older and more expensive, the Falcons need to look to the future. They have a great crop of young talent but Matt Ryan is most certainly not the QB he once was. However, because of Ryan’s ludicrous contract it makes him almost impossible to cut or trade away which means whatever QB that comes in will have to sit for at least two years. Perfect for the Falcons, Trey Lance is exactly the QB who needs to take a year or two to fully adapt to the NFL. The raw talent and athleticism is there with Lance but after a successful 2019 campaign and one pretty bad game in 2020, there are still lots of question marks surrounding him. Allowing Lance to mature and develop behind Ryan will prove to be beneficial for both parties.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell OT, Oregon
I legitimately fear for Joe Burrow’s safety behind the Bengals offensive line. Not anymore. Sewell is the best tackle prospect out of this draft and is an easy day 1 starter no mater where he goes. The Bengals offensive line goes from utter garbage to solid with the addition of just one rookie.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Marr Chase WR, LSU
No matter who is under center for the Eagles next season I think everyone can agree that the Eagles need weapons. With Desean Jackson already out the building and the release of Alshon Jeffery pending, the Eagles have absolutely no talent in the WR room. Adding Chase to this offense will make it easier for Hurts to push the ball downfield with confidence and will truly help to open the playbook up.
7. Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith WR, Alabama
Another team in absolute need of weapons is the Detroit Lions. As Kenny Golladay heads into free agency the Lions really will not have a serviceable number one pass catcher if he decides to leave Detroit. After the Stafford trade it is obvious the Lions are in it for the multiple year rebuild and taking DeVonta Smith here is a great way to add talent early on in the process, giving their eventual franchise QB a solid target to trust.
8. TRADE- Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Waddle WR, Alabama
Miami Acquires: Panthers 2021 1st (8), 2nd (39), 5th (155), and 2022 1st
Carolina Acquires: Dolphins 2021 1st (3)
A perfect trade back scenario for the Dolphins, moving back five spots and still being able to take the guy who they would have taken at three. If the Dolphins want to go all in on Tua they need to get him some more help. And what better way than to add one of Tua’s favorite targets from Alabama.
9. Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley CB, Virginia Tech
Perfect scheme fit for the best corner in the draft. Denver desperately needs help at corner and needs to add depth to the position in any way they can. Caleb Farley is everything the Broncos and Fangio should look for in a corner and as a new GM, George Paton will be able to make a franchise changing pick with his first selection.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II CB, Alabama
This Cowboys defense is BAD. Every game they played last year looked like a Big XII matchup, which is not a compliment. Adding to the secondary would be an amazing start to solidifying this unit that has been depleted ever since they let Byron Jones walk in free agency.
11. New York Giants: Kyle Pitts TE, Florida
Even Engram is bad. On a serious note, the Giants have had a less than ideal receiving unit ever since they traded away Odell and with the recent release of Golden Tate it is obvious that New York is going for a full overhaul of their receiving core. Although Pitts is labeled as a tight end, he is simply a receiving threat. Giving Daniel Jones someone to be confident in throwing the ball will do wonders for his development and truly open up almost every other aspect of the Giants’ offense. The ability for Pitts to play almost everywhere on the field is where I think he will be priceless for an offense that desperately needs to get rolling.
12. San Francisco 49ers: Rashawn Slater OT, Northwestern
In a less than favorable situation for the 49ers, I expect John Lynch to take the best player available. I will honestly be surprised if Slater makes it to 12 but of he does I think the 49ers should sprint to the podium. Adding tackle depth to a contending team is always a solid and safe investment. And with Trent Williams’ future in San Francisco up in the air, 100% solidifying a tackle spot is essential.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Samuel Cosmi OT, Texas
Protecting Justin Herbert has leapt to the top of the Chargers’ to-do list this offseason and even if they have to overpay for a tackle here at 13, I think it is worth it. Cosmi comes into the offensive line as an unquestioned starter.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Alijah Vera-Tucker IOL, USC
It is always pretty easy to give the Vikings the best interior offensive line prospect on the board, but Alijah Vera-Tucker makes it especially simple. A dominating prospect that can solve the Vikings’ questions about where to play Ezra Cleveland. This pick will overall better the Vikings offensive line which is a no-brainer.
15. New England Patriots: Micah Parsons LB, Penn State
Linebacker for New England? How original. At 15 the likelihood of a receiving threat dropping that is also worth the pick is unlikely, but with Micah Parsons on the board it makes this selection pretty easy. Every year we see a versatile linebacker emerge into the top of the draft pool and Micah is no exception. His ability to play off ball while also being able to rush the passer at an effective rate will make him valuable to the Patriots weaker front.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn CB, South Carolina
As the Cardinals continue to build up their defensive units over the last two off seasons it seems like the secondary has not gotten the spotlight in a while. In light of Patrick Peterson’s probable departure from Arizona, bringing in a young talent in Jaycee Horn to eventually fill the void makes perfect sense for a team eyeing the playoffs next season.
17. Oakland Raiders: Kwity Paye EDGE, Michigan
It feels strange to see the first edge defender coming off the board so low but if Kwity Paye drops to 17, the Raiders are in luck. Not only does Paye fit the Raiders’ mold for prospects (experience from top tier programs) he adds to an already aggressive defensive line. After the (so far) miss on Clelin Ferrell the Raiders really need to make up for lost time by securing the edge opposite of Maxx Crosby.
18. Miami Dolphins: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB, Notre Dame
The Dolpins have a great board to choose from here, realistically being able to fill up to 5 needs with any given player. However, the recent release of Kyle Van Noy creates a huge gap in the Dolphins defense that I believe they plan to fill in the draft. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is truly a “positionless” player much like what we saw out of Isaiah Simmons last daft season. His athleticism, explosiveness, and play-making ability at all levels of the defense will add tremendous depth and talent to an already stacked Dolphins’ defense.
19. Washington Football Team: Mac Jones QB, Alabama
The Mac Jones hype train seems to get larger and larger every day, making it impossible to not slate him in the first round. Washington has been wishy-washy with their QB situation for two seasons now and it is time to solidify their future. Besides a tackle here I really do not see another pressing need that I think is worth the 19th overall pick.
20. Chicago Bears: Christian Darrisaw OT, Virginia Tech
Holding the 20th overall draft pick, the Bears are not in a great situation to grab their new QB in the draft. I believe that they will go ahead and bring in a veteran QB to pair with their established weapons and stout defense. Tackle here at 20 is the safe pick. Offensive line has been a growing issue for the Bears and if they are to bring in a QB they need to make sure he is well protected.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Tevin Jenkins OT, Oklahoma State
Offensive tackle became the Colts’ top priority this offseason after the retirement of cornerstone left tackle Anthony Castonzo. Solidifying the left side of the line is wildly important for any team but especially for Indianapolis after they traded for Carson Wentz. In order to give Wentz, and in turn the whole offense, the Colts need to find a day one starter on their line which I believe Tevin Jenkins fits that role perfectly.
22. Tennessee Titans: Azeez Ojulari EDGE, Georgia
The Titans’ defensive line is easily their worst unit across the board and adding a first round talent to the mix is most certainly a top priority. Azeez is profound in both the run and pass, adding physicality and experience to the unit.
23. New York Jets: Rashod Bateman WR, Minnesota
Throwing Zach Wilson out there with the Jets current receiving core should be considered a hate crime. Adding one of the most explosive players in the draft in Rashod Bateman will do wonders for Wilson’s development as a playmaker. Route running and consistency is what Rashod has to offer and I could not think of two better traits to posses when working with a rookie quarterback.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Mayfield OT, Michigan
The Steelers could not get anything going last season on the ground. And with most of their offensive line set to hit free agency, I cannot find a bigger need for this team that a versatile lineman. Jalen Mayfield is a day one starter that can fit perfectly into either a guard or tackle role, perfect for a contending team.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Barmore IDL, Alabama
The Jaguars are in a best player available situation here at 25 and with Barmore still being available I think they are the ones who should pull the trigger.
26. Cleveland Browns: Jaelen Phillips EDGE, Miami
Adding talent to the defensive line will prove to be essential for the Browns. Even though the injury concerns are there, I think pairing Jaelen Phillips opposite of Myles Garrett will do wonders for his development as a dominant pass rusher.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Kadarius Toney WR, Florida
The Ravens need help on the receiving side of the football. Hollywood Brown, Willie Snead, and Dez Bryant will not cut it going up against the Chiefs, Browns, or Bills. The Ravens have ignored this issue for far too long and they should finally address it here at 27.
28. New Orleans Saints: Trevon Moehrig S, TCU
Safeties always find their way into the back half of the draft and with the Saints desperate to create cap space I think drafting Moehrig to replace upcoming restricted free agent Marcus Williams is their best bet in terms of cost-cutting. An insanely versatile secondary defender on a rookie contract will prove beneficial to the Saints cap situation as they are headed for another season as contenders.
29. Green Bay Packers: Eric Stokes CB, Georgia
After Kevin King’s atrocious performance in the NFC Championship game, I doubt the Packers will be eager to being him back in free agency this offseason, creating a vacancy at corner opposite of Jaire Alexander. Eric Stokes has all the traits there but definitely needs some guidance and play time in order to become a formidable corner in the league. Playing next to Jaire will prove to be essential for his development and if the Packers play their cards right, they can have one of the better corner duos in the NFL come three to four years.
30. Buffalo Bills: Zaven Collins LB, Tulsa
As Matt Milano will opt to test out the free agency market, the Bills will have to replace his production immediately. Having youth on the second level is extremely important especially when dealing with fast paced offenses. Zaven Collins and Tremaine Edmunds will prove to be one of the best linebacker duos in the league.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Terrace Marshall WR, LSU
After an utterly atrocious performance from the Chiefs receiving core in the most important game of their lives, it is obvious that Patrick Mahomes needs just a little more help. Taking Terrace Marshall here will make it a harder decision to double team Tyreek Hill which opens up the offense immensely.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gregory Rosseau EDGE, Miami
Adding to their already stout defensive line, the Bucs add who in my opinion is the best player available. Even though I expect the Bucs to keep Shaq Barrett it is never a bad idea to add depth at one of the most important positions in football.
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