Just when you think things can’t get any crazier in the NFL, the Ravens trade two first-round picks for Maxx Crosby and then a few days later, they rescind the trade due to a “failed physical”. I put that in quotations because it feels a little convenient. They knew he had meniscus surgery in January; the knee stuff wasn’t a surprise. They then signed Trey Hendrickson to a deal that is suspiciously the same money left on Crosby’s deal. The Ravens look bad and it’s only one piece of the mock draft puzzle. The first-round pick (14) goes back to the Ravens now (along with next year’s one). The Ravens need a new center because the Raiders seriously outbid them for Tyler Linderbaum. I’m not a conspiracy buff but the Ravens didn’t rescind the trade until the Raiders had stolen Linderbaum. I’m not saying…but…I’m not, not saying.
Free agency certainly changed the team needs as is to be expected and so did a trade or two. My repeated attempts to send RB Jeremiah Love to Kansas City are over with the Chiefs signing Kenneth Walker III. The Chiefs’ need to refill their secondary becomes paramount with the losses of CB Trent McDuffie (traded), CB Jaylen Watson (signed with the Rams), and S Bryan Cook (headed to the Bengals). The Panthers no longer have a crying need for a MLB with Devin Lloyd signing and they spent a boatload of money on edge rusher Jaelen Phillips; another need off the checklist. The Commanders signed two edge rushers, Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson, probably not a priority early in the draft now. The Dolphins traded WR Jayden Waddle to Denver, that was the big move for the Broncos and that may be a white flag from the Dolphins. I love trying to put all the pieces together. Let’s take a look at my latest Mock Draft.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14): Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana
As expected, the Raiders did not go out and sign Malik Willis or trade for Patrick Mahomes (just seeing if you’re paying attention). This pick is Mendoza; it’s been Mendoza and at this point we could just have him sign his contract and tell the Jets they’re on the clock. Fernando should find a house, buy it, set up the moving company to take his stuff from Bloomington to Vegas, probably just use the company that moved him from Berkley, CA to Bloomington last year. Someone give him a key to Raiders’ facilities so he can start working out.
2. New York Jets (3-14): Arvell Reese Edge Ohio St.
The Jets have been quite aggressive in changing up their defensive personnel for Aaron Glenn. They traded for DT T’Vondre Sweat and S Minkah Fitzpatrick, and signed Edge Joseph Ossai, DE Kingsley Enagbare, DT David Onyemata, S Dane Belton, and CB Nashon Wright, that looks great for Glenn who is trying to save his job. The problem is Wright, Belton, Enagbare and Onyemata are all one-year deals, this isn’t a long-term plan. GM Darren Mougey still needs to set this team up for success in the future even if Glenn isn’t the coach. The best player available is Arvell Reese who can slot in with these guys just fine. There are some questions as to whether or not Reese is really an edge player. His pro day workout showed some issues that might give the Jets some pause. However, Reese doesn’t have to be an edge player for them with the guys they signed plus Will McDonald around, he can be a LB. They have Demario Davis, who is 37 and Jamien Sherwood, someone they aren’t completely sold on. The team will have to decide soon if they are keeping McDonald long-term and Ossai’s contract isn’t prohibitive in any way. Reese gives Glenn, or any new coaching staff in the future, plenty of versatility to fit into any system.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14): Sonny Styles LB Ohio St.
I have consistently had the Cardinals trading down because they need a RT and there isn’t great value in taking one here. They addressed offensive line with the signing of LG Isaac Seamalo, and they also brought in RT Elijah Wilkinson, who started last year for the Falcons. Styles is such a phenomenal athlete and would change the feel of their defense. Cody Simon was okay at ILB last year and Mack Wilson is fine too, but Styles is a true difference maker. Teams like the Giants (Tremaine Edmunds) and the Browns (Quincy Williams) addressed LB so there may not be team looking to move up unless the Titans want to move up one spot. When in doubt, just take the 6’5 240 lbs. athletic freak on defense and call it a day.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14): David Bailey DE Texas Tech
Robert Saleh wants to remake the Titans’ defense and he’s off to an excellent start. They signed three new CBs (Alontae Taylor, Cor’dale Flott, and Josh Williams) and he rebuilt most of the front four with the trade for DE Jermaine Johnson and signing DT John Franklin-Myers. David Bailey would be the last piece to a truly overhauled defensive line with Johnson and Bailey at DE and Fraklin-Myers and Jeffrey Simmons inside at DT. Saleh likes an attacking front four and these guys would fit the bill. Franklin-Myers can also play DE on running down early to allow Bailey to grow into the role a little more and that would be ideal for him. The Titans might decide to try to move up for Sonny Styles if they think Arizona might take him, but they can’t go wrong with Styles or Bailey.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (TRADE from NYG): Rueben Bain Jr. DE Miami
The Chiefs decided not to wait and see if Jeremiah Love would be available to solve their RB problem and they signed Kenneth Walker III instead. Here they decide not to wait to see who they can get at nine overall, they make a move up to get the pass rusher they want. They picked up extra draft picks from their trade of Trent McDuffie to the Rams and if they are willing to part with a third-round pick here, they can get ahead of Washington and New Orleans and get Rueben Bain Jr. With Reese and Bailey gone in the first four picks, the run on edge players scares them into moving up. Bain is the perfect fit in their defensive scheme, and they desperately need to get more pop off the edge. The team saw their Super Bowl window slam shut last year and they know they can’t wait around to make some changes.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12): Monroe Freeling LT Georgia
The Browns are slowly but steadily rebuilding their offensive line. After trading for Tytus Howard, they re-signed OG Teven Jenkins, and then signed LG Zion Johnson and C/G Elgton Jenkins. While I wouldn’t say Teven Jenkins is a surefire starter and they overpaid Johnson, technically they have starters at four spots. That leaves LT still to be filled unless they actually think Dawand Jones is a LT, he’s not. They may be better playing Jones at RT and moving Howard inside to guard. Freeling is the guy who climbed the draft boards between the end of the season and the actual draft. That doesn’t always work out great, but Freeling has the length and athleticism to be a LT in the NFL. There aren’t many of those guys in this draft, so the Browns take their shot here and hope they find a long-term answer at the position. This team knows it has time to develop a player like Freeling, they know where they are as a franchise.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12): Jeremiah Love RB Notre Dame
This would be the dream for the Commanders because they desperately need to improve their running game. The offensive line has some talent and with Jayden Daniels returning to health, the offense can get back on track. This may come down to a choice between Love and Carnell Tate because they need offensive playmakers everywhere. Love is an elite prospect and is so far above the other RB prospects, he’s not even in the same universe. There is far more depth at WR in this draft, and I also still believe Brandon Aiyuk ends up in Washington once the 49ers jettison him. Love would make for a great backfield mate to Daniels and he’s the top RB on the roster on day one.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11): Carnell Tate WR Ohio St.
The Saints have Chris Olave at WR and then not much else. If they want QB Tyler Shough to continue to progress as a player, they need to get him some help. Tate is the perfect complement to Olave as a big-bodied outside WR who can get down the field but also dominate in the intermediate area. He would be a great red zone target and pushes guys like Devaughn Vele into more of a support role, where he would be better suited. The Saints could use some new blood on defense so CB Mansoor Delane or S Caleb Downs are certainly a possibility but giving Shough a chance to succeed is a smart move.
9. New York Giants (TRADE from KC): Spencer Fano OL Utah
The Giants aren’t the most obvious trade down candidate as they could take an o-lineman or they could draft Jeremiah Love or Carnell Tate at five overall, both fill major needs. However, they don’t have a third-round pick, and this team has plenty of holes to fill. They need WR, DT, offensive line, and LB help, just to name a few. Fano has a chance to step in at RG immediately with the potential to be a long-term solution at RT. Some teams also see him as a potential center and this team can’t be too married to the idea of John Michael Schmitz at center since he’s entering the last year of his rookie deal and hasn’t been the picture of consistency.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11): Mansoor Delane CB LSU
The team addressed issues on the defensive line with DT Jonathan Allen and DE Boye Mafe signing. You can question the wisdom of the Allen signing but they needed a DT and beggars can’t be choosers. The Bengals’ CBs were solid last season with Dax Hill being healthy, DJ Turner playing well and even Jalen Davis was solid at nickel. All three of these guys are scheduled to be free agents in 2027 so unless they get working on contracts now, they could lose one, two, or all three next year. Delane isn’t an elite athlete, he’s actually about as average of an athlete as you’ll find at CB. However, he’s also excellent in coverage. At LSU, he showed he could be a man cover corner last season, and that was after three years of being a very good zone corner at Virginia Tech. His versatility makes him a worthy choice here even if he’s not the superior athlete most teams like at CB.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10): Caleb Downs S Ohio St.
I doubt anything would please Jeff Hafley more than getting Caleb Downs to start the rebuild of the Dolphins’ secondary. They’re a blank slate and Downs is arguably the best defensive player in this draft. Getting him at 11 overall would be a major coup and Hafley was a secondary coach coming up the ranks. Downs is an immediate starter at safety and the best player in their secondary and it’s not close. If they think Downs won’t fall this far they do have plenty of draft capital to make a move up if they want after trading WR Jaylen Waddle. The Waddle trade does mean they will consider WR if guys like Downs and Mansoor Delane are off the board, but if either of those guys are around, they have to take the best defensive player available for the secondary. WR is a far deeper position and they can find help later.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1): CJ Allen LB Georgia
This is pretty high for an off-ball LB who isn’t the ridiculous athlete that Sonny Styles is, but the Cowboys are telegraphing this pick with their moves. Unless they plan on drafting Makai Lemon to be their third WR and turning this offense nuclear, they are looking to fill the ILB role. They love DeMarvion Overshown but he’s only one ILB and he’s coming off his long rehab season. Marist Liufau is not the answer next to him. Allen is a hard-nosed, run-stuffing beast who can help this team continue to improve their run defense and he can be the QB of the defense. They finally got some beef up front with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, now all they need is a tackling machine at the second level, welcome CJ Allen. There will be talk about the value of taking an off-ball LB at this high of a pick but the Cowboys have never cared about positional value in the draft. They have routinely taken interior offensive linemen in round one (Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin) despite that not being a valued position. All of them were excellent picks.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): Makai Lemon WR USC
The Rams had one glaring need going into this off season and it was outside CB. They decided to import the Chiefs top two CBs, Trent McDuffie (trade) and Jaylen Watson (free agent) to fix it. The entire Rams offense from the end of the season when Warren McClendon Jr. had taken over at RT returns next season with only Jordan Whittingham stepping into Tutu Atwell’s spot as the third WR. This team simply doesn’t have a major hole so they take the one guy who can supercharge their offense. Lemon is from just down the road in Los Angeles at USC and he’s the perfect slot receiver to complement Puka Nacua and Devante Adams. He gives Sean McVey the chance to only use three TE sets when he wants to and not because he needs to. Lemon plays bigger than his size and still gives you excellent speed and route running in the slot. This offense was excellent before and they just got better.
14. Baltimore Ravens (back from Las Vegas): Kenyon Sadiq TE Oregon
This pick belonged to the Raiders for a few days but it’s back to Baltimore after the Maxx Crosby trade was rescinded. The Ravens’ needs have changed after signing Trey Hendrickson at edge and John Simpson at guard, addressing their two biggest needs. They still need a center after losing Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders crazy free agent offer but there are no centers here to take. Sadiq isn’t usually mocked to the Ravens, but they did just lose Isaiah Likely to the Giants and Charlie Kolar to the Chargers. They need depth and their new offensive coordinator is Declan Doyle. Doyle came up under Sean Payton, a coach who loves a good, versatile TE for his passing game. Just think of guys like Jimmy Graham, Taysom Hill, and even Payton trying to make Evan Engram happen in Denver last year. Doyle also then spent last year in Chicago under Ben Johnson using Colston Loveland as a weapon in the Bears’ offense. Johnson was the guy who made Sam LaPorta so incredible in Detroit. Doyle could see Sadiq as the guy who can give the offense some punch and playmaking.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (TRADE from TB): Olaivavega Ioane OG Penn St.
This would be a smart move for the Steelers as they need a LG after losing Isaac Seamalo in free agency. If Ioane falls this far the Steelers can use some of their 12 picks to move up and Tampa Bay could use a few more picks in this draft to address some needs. The Steelers filled their long-standing need for a WR with their trade for Michael Pittman Jr. from Indianapolis. Pittman is a fantastic addition and a great complement to DK Metcalf. Everyone is operating under the assumption Aaron Rodgers will be back at QB, whether that’s good or bad is a matter of perspective. Having a solid offensive line is an absolute necessity if Rodgers is the QB, Ioane helps that. They filled holes at CB (Jamel Dean), RB (Rico Dowdle), and safety (Jaquan Brisker) in free agency. Ioane gives them another young, talented offensive lineman and he feels like a Steeler. He’s a powerful run blocker and an excellent pass protector who fits the offense quite well.
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee
The Jets signed a number of defensive backs to reconfigure their secondary but that shouldn’t stop them from taking McCoy. CB Nashon Wright was only signed to a one-year deal and CB Brandon Stephens could be gone after the season if they want out of his deal. McCoy is a guy coming off a missed season due to his torn ACL, but he should be ready for next season. The good news is the Jets wouldn’t have to rush him onto the field but he’s well worth taking as he could eventually be a CB1. The Jets need talent; McCoy might be the best CB in this draft.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8): Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama
It feels strange to put Proctor ahead of Francis Mauigoa but Mauigoa isn’t a LT prospect and Proctor is the next best LT prospect after Freeling. Proctor would fit the Lions offensive scheme that is predicated on power running and he fills the huge hole created when they released Taylor Decker. Decker is 32 and coming off an injury plagued season so moving on is understandable, but it won’t be easy. Proctor is a mammoth individual at 6’7 352 lbs. and he has excellent athleticism even if he can be a bit heavy-footed going side to side. It is possible they will take Mauigoa and either play him at LG or move Penei Sewell to LT and play Mauigoa at RT. He does fit the profile of a power player on the offensive line like the Lions prefer. LT is the more important position than LG and taking Proctor just lets Sewell continue to dominate at RT instead of having to move more people around.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8): Dillon Thieneman S Oregon
The Vikings feel like they addressed their biggest issue with the signing of Kyler Murray to “compete” against JJ McCarthy at QB. This is even less of a competition than Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson was in Indianapolis last year. If they won’t say it, I will, Kyler Murray is the starting QB. I’m not a Kyler fan but he’s better than McCarthy. They didn’t have many holes on the roster to address and signed CB James Pierre, that’s a solid pickup. The one other major loss is Harrison Smith probably won’t be back a safety. They have Josh Mettelus and Theo Jackson, but Brian Flores likes to use three safeties. Thieneman put on a show at the combine with his incredible athleticism and he’s a great successor to Smith. He gives Flores all the versatility he needs in his safety group to keep the defense at its highest level.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9): Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona St.
The Panthers took a WR in round one last year, but Tyson would be too good to pass up here. The Panthers filled their biggest needs in free agency with LT Rasheed Walker, C Luke Fortner, LB Devin Lloyd, and edge rusher Jaelen Phillips. The rest of the roster seems solid, but Tyson would be a major upgrade over Xavier Leggette who stills leaves a lot to be desired. Pairing Tetairoa McMillan with Jordan Tyson on the outside with Jalen Coker in the slot would leave no excuses for Bryce Young. This would be one of the better young WR groups in the NFL if Tyson stays healthy. The only reason he falls this far in the draft is due to questions about his durability. Leggette’s presence would mean Tyson wouldn’t have to carry a heavy load early on and could ease into the job.
20. New England Patriots (TRADE from Dallas): Francis Mauigoa OL Miami
The Patriots have eleven picks in this draft and with all of their free agent shopping the last two years and their draft last season, they don’t have glaring needs. They signed Alijah Vera-Tucker to be their LG but he’s a coin flip at best to be healthy each game and there’s really no chance you should count on him for 17 games. RT Morgan Moses is 35 and could fall off the cliff at any moment and they don’t have anyone of note behind him. If Mauigoa starts to fall to this range of the draft the Patriots should trade up to get ahead of teams like the Chargers and the Bills who may be looking for interior help. He has the ability to play guard so he’s insurance against Vera-Tucker’s inevitable injury and he’s the heir apparent to Moses at RT. Last season, the Patriots lacked power at LG as Jared Wilson was overmatched physically, that wouldn’t be a problem if Mauigoa played there. The worst-case scenario would be in two years Mauigoa replaces Michael Onwenu at RG.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TRADE from Pittsburgh): Akheem Mesidor Edge Miami
The Buccaneers lost WR Mike Evans to free agency, and they simply can’t replace him. They still have Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Tez Johnson so they won’t even try to replace Evans here. They also lost CB Jamel Dean and DL Logan Hall in free agency, but they drafted Benjamin Morrison at CB last year and they picked up free agent A’Shawn Robinson to replace Hall. That will allow them to find the best player for their defense and this defense needs an edge rusher. Mesidor was fantastic at Miami last year and while Miami played him at DE, he’ll move to OLB here and it’s a solid move for him. Mesidor isn’t the longest edge player so moving off the line a bit should be a better fit. He will already be 25 in his rookie season so there’s not a lot of time to waste and the Bucs are looking for help right now. The Bucs pick up an extra pick from the Steelers to move down a few spots and still get a guy they need.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6): Denzel Boston WR Washington
It feels a little strange having the Chargers taking a WR in round one with Jim Harbaugh as the head coach, but he clearly recognized the offense wasn’t good enough last year. He hired Mike McDaniel to fix it and while McDaniel’s Miami offenses were predicated on speed, they did that to match personnel. Harbaugh wants to run the ball, McDaniel is excellent at that, but the passing game has to be better. WR Quentin Johnston has been the definition of inconsistent, and they have to make a decision on his future here soon. Ladd McConkey is the underneath, slot guy while Tre Harris started to get more playing time as the deep threat. Boston would be the perfect fit in this group. He’s a big, powerful receiver who is excellent in the intermediate area, a true red zone threat, and would allow Justin Herbert to attack all areas of the field. At 6’4 212 lbs., he’s a big-bodied WR who plays tough and can run after the catch, another thing McDaniel would be able to use on offense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6): Keldric Faulk DE Auburn
The Eagles are an expensive team with some tough decisions coming up and they made one decision this off season that could have ripple effects. They signed DT Jordan Davis to an extension, and it may mean they look to move on from Jalen Carter. A year ago, that would have seemed crazy, but Carter had a down year, and Davis stepped up big time. GM Howie Roseman loves to pick trench players, offensive or defensive side doesn’t really matter to him. Getting Faulk, a guy who doesn’t turn 21 until September, feels like Howie making a move to cover for himself a year early. If the team looks to trade Carter instead of paying him and Davis, Faulk can be the DE on one side of Davis. Faulk isn’t a twitchy edge player like a lot of the pass rushers in this draft. He’s 6’6 274 lbs. and is a power end who stuffs the run. He’s never going to be a high sack guy and that’s fine, that’s not what the Eagles would ask him to do.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): Omar Cooper Jr. WR Indiana
The Browns have overhauled their offensive line, their defense really doesn’t need any help unless it’s young depth, and they desperately need a QB but that’s a problem for 2027. They could look at Ty Simpson, but they are set up to draft a QB next year so getting some more help for that guy now would be nice. They will still have Jerry Jeudy on the books for a couple of years, and they seem to like Isaiah Bond. Neither of those guys should stop them from getting a playmaker like Cooper. Cooper isn’t the biggest or fastest WR but he’s an excellent route runner and would be a QBs best friend.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo
Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens, and CJ Gardner-Johnson were all free agents, and I thought the Bears would re-sign one or two of them, they didn’t. They did sign Coby Bryant from Seattle but as of now their other starting safety is…Cam Lewis? I guess. That’s not ideal. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is an excellent prospect out of a small school that seems to be making solid defensive backs lately. McNeil-Warren has the size and skill set to be starter and having a veteran like Coby Bryant and the rest of that secondary around him would be very helpful for a rookie.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5): Kayden McDonald NT Ohio St.
The Bills filled their biggest need with their trade for DJ Moore and while I could argue they should pick up another WR, I’m guessing they will try to get something out of Josh Palmer this year. The defense is taking on more of a 3-4 alignment with new head coach Joe Brady hiring Jim Leonhard to run it. That means they need a true NT and 6’8 Deone Walker is not the guy you want to try to play at NT. McDonald is 6’3 330 lbs. run-stuffing beast who is built exactly how you want a NT to be built and plays the game like an immovable object. Put Walker and Ed Oliver on either side of McDonald and you have yourself the start of a solid three-man front for your defense.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5): KC Concepcion WR Texas A&M
The 49ers have added two free agent WRs and traded for one DT. They signed the biggest WR they could, bringing Mike Evans to be their top outside threat. Evans isn’t young anymore but he’s still 6’5 and a ball winner when it counts. They also signed Christian Kirk as a stopgap at slot receiver; he’s not a long-term plan. They traded a third-round pick for DT Osa Odighizuwa, an excellent DT who improves the middle of the defense. The offense still needs playmakers with Ricky Pearsall the only WR of note, besides Evans, and George Kittle likely to miss at least most of the season after his Achilles tear in the playoffs. Enter KC Concepcion, the slot receiver from the Aggies. He’s a shorter player at 5’11 but he’s nearly 200 lbs. so he can play over the middle with his size. He’s quick and deadly with his change of direction and will give Kyle Shanahan a solid piece in the passing game. Kirk’s presence means Concepcion won’t be rushed but the kid can make plays.
28. Houston Texans (12-5): Peter Woods DT Clemson
The Texans’ roster is in very good shape; the one area they could use some help is at DT. Unfortunately for them, the DT position isn’t exactly great. Caleb Banks was looking like a solid choice until he broke his foot at the combine, adding that to his foot injury during the season and his stock is way down. Woods was the top DT prospect coming into the season, but he had tough year at Clemson. He’s still a talented player but teams have to ask themselves if his play was on him or if it was a Clemson thing, other Clemson guys weren’t great either. Woods is the type of penetrating DT the Texans like, they have Sheldon Rankins, who does it well. Rankins is aging so getting a guy who can spell him now and eventually replace him would be a smart move.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LA Rams): Caleb Lomu OT Utah
The Chiefs would likely jump at the chance to take Jermod McCoy or Mansoor Delane but they will be long gone. They won’t spend a first-round pick on just any CB, they have found starters in mid and late rounds before. I think they will settle for a mid-round CB and take Lomu. Lomu is excellent value at this point in the draft. He’s perfect for them now because he’s a young player and they don’t have to start him right away because they have Jaylon Moore to play at RT. Moore only has one more year on his deal so Lomu can sit for the year, if necessary, but he also gives them a potential LT alternative if Josh Simmons has any other personal issues he has to deal with. The hope would be in two years they have Simmons at LT and Lomu at RT and have a great pair of young OTs for the next decade.
30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver): Cashius Howell Edge Texas A&M
The Dolphins can go in just about any direction here, but Howell would give them a dynamic edge player to line up opposite Chop Robinson. They signed Josh Uche and David Ojabo but neither of those guys are going to stop them from bringing in some real talent. Howell is undersized and isn’t great against the run but that’s what the veterans are for, to give him some time to adjust to the NFL. The Dolphins are nearly a clean slate so it’s hard to predict where they will go in the draft but taking a talented pass rusher who can get to the QB seems like a good idea.
31. Dallas Cowboys (TRADE from NE): Aveion Terrell CB Clemson
The Cowboys signed Cobie Durant from the Rams and he’s a solid player, but he shouldn’t stop them from drafting a guy with the upside of Terrell. DaRon Bland has been a good starter for them when healthy but that’s not a given anymore. Bland can play the slot while Durant and Terrell play the outside, or Terrell could give them snaps in the slot. Either way, with the makeup of this defense and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker being around, expect the team to address their need at CB.
32. Las Vegas Raiders (TRADE from Seattle): Blake Miller OT Clemson
The Seahawks have four picks in this draft, so they are motivated to move off this pick to save some money after re-signing Jaxon Smith-Njigba and with Devon Witherspoon next in line for a raise. The Raiders move up to get themselves a new RT who would fit nicely into their revamped offensive line. Miller is a big man with good mobility and great toughness. If they are investing in QB Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of this round, it’s a wise move to get him a new OT with the last pick of the round.
Round 2
33. New York Jets: Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech
The Jets just signed Demario Davis but he’s 37 years old and their other ILB is Jamien Sherwood who I’m not sure they even like anymore. Rodriguez isn’t the most physically intimidating LB but he’s just plain good. They need more good players.
34. Arizona: Max Iheanachor OT Arizona St.
The Cardinals signed Elijah Wilkinson as a stopgap RT, he started as an injury replacement all last season for the Falcons. They can do better. Iheanachor is still raw and Wilkinson could give him some time to adjust but he’s a much better talent for the long-term.
35. Tennessee: Chase Bisontis OG Texas A&M
The Titans have addressed many of their needs in free agency, especially on the defense. One area of concern is still the interior of the offensive line. It doesn’t look like Kevin Zeitler will be back at RG so Bisontis would be an immediate starter. He’s a talented interior player and a better option than free agent signee Cordell Volson.
36. Seattle: Colton Hood CB Tennessee
When you’re the Super Bowl champs you don’t generally have glaring needs so it’s smart to look at where you lost someone in free agency. They let Riq Woolen leave in free agency and while they re-signed Josh Jobe, it leaves them a little thin at CB. They also lost Coby Bryant at safety so if they wanted to use Devon Witherspoon at nickel so Nick Emmanwori can play safety, Hood would give them an outside CB who can step into Witherspoon’s spot.
37. New York Giants: Caleb Banks DT Florida
The Giants were awful at stopping the run last year even with some real investments in their front seven. They weren’t great on the interior of the defensive line and their LBs were bad. They cut Bobby Okereke and replaced him with Trumaine Edmunds and here they draft Banks. Banks has a foot issue to worry about but taking him at 37 is a steal. If he’s healthy all season, he changes the defensive line immensely.
38. Houston: TJ Parker DE Clemson
While the Texans already took a defensive lineman in round one with Peter Woods, they doubled up by taking a DE here, Woods’ Clemson teammate Parker. Parker was a top prospect who fell a little in this draft because he had a less than stellar year at Clemson. He’s still a talented edge rusher. The Texans have Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but Hunter will be 32 this season, he’s getting really expensive, and they are going to have to spend a ton to keep Anderson pretty soon. Getting a younger, cheaper alternative at DE is smart play, especially when they are getting Parker at a discount.
39. Cleveland: Gennings Dunker OL Iowa
The Browns grabbed Monroe Freeling to play LT and that would give them five new starters but only if Teven Jenkins is the RG, they can do better. Dunker is a beast who played RT in college but should be a road grader at guard in the NFL.
40. Kansas City: Chris Johnson CB San Diego St.
Johnson looks like an average athlete on the field, but he proved at the combine that’s not actually true, he’s a very good athlete. He’s 6’0 193 lbs. and he can play man or zone coverage equally well. His versatility will be the thing Steve Spagnuolo loves about him, and he’ll be starting fairly early because I just think he’s better than Kristian Fulton.
41. Cincinnati: Christen Miller DT Georgia
Jonathan Allen and BJ Hill are slated to be the Bengals starting DTs, they are both 31. TJ Slaton was supposed to be their big free agent signing last year that they brought in to stop the run, it didn’t work. Miller is an underappreciated player from Georgia who should blossom in the NFL. He does all the dirty work but there is untapped potential in his game.
42. New Orleans: Lee Hunter DT Texas Tech
Even with the departure of LB Demario Davis and the expected departure of Cam Jordan, this front seven still has too many guys on the wrong side of 30. One of those is NT Davon Godchaux who will be 32 this season and they are going to need a new nose tackle soon. It’s the perfect fit for Hunter who doesn’t fit in all alignments on defense but is perfect to fill that spot in New Orleans.
43. Miami: Emmanuel Pregnon OG Oregon
Miami took two defensive playmakers in the round one, now it’s time to address the offense. They signed OG Jamaree Salyer in free agency and they have LG Jonah Savaiinaea who they drafted in the second-round last year. I’m not convinced either is a great fit in Bobby Slowik’s offense. Salyer has never been great inside at guard even though he’s built like one and Savaiinaea struggled last season. Pregnon fits any scheme and he’s better than either of these guys. Keeping Malik Willis upright would really help this offense.
44. New York Jets: Germie Bernard WR Alabama
The Jets addressed all three levels of their defense with their first three picks, time for some offense. Bernard isn’t flashy but this team has Garrett Wilson and AD Mitchell for flash, they need substance. Geno Smith will appreciate Bernard being exactly where he’s supposed to be, exactly when he’s supposed to be there.
45. Baltimore: Sam Hecht C Kansas St.
The Ravens can’t go too far into this draft without finding Tyler Linderbaum’s replacement at center. There aren’t really any centers with good size for their scheme, so they go with Hecht who has the technique to play any style of offense. I was tempted to go with Logan Jones just to replace one Iowa center with another, but he’s much more of a zone-only center and that’s not what the Ravens will likely run.
46. Tampa Bay: Jake Golday LB Cincinnati
Tampa signed Alex Anzalone from the Lions, he’s a solid LB but they need more help. Golday is a supreme athlete who isn’t your typical LB prospect, he’s hard to slot into just one role. He would give Todd Bowles some flexibility at LB and he would likely replace SirVocea Dennis in a lot of alignments.
47. Indianapolis: Anthony Hill Jr. LB Texas
The Colts are basically staring over at LB after trading Zaire Franklin. The guys on the roster have no experience to speak of. If you’re going to start over at LB, Anthony Hill Jr. is a good place to start. He’s an excellent three-down LB and he can run your defense from day one. He’s fast, athletic, he can cover, and he can tackle, what more could you ask for?
48. Atlanta: Zion Young Edge Missouri
The Falcons traded this year’s first rounder last year to draft James Pearce Jr. and now James Pearce Jr. has been charged with four felonies (Google it, it’s a truly horrible episode I would not like to discuss here). Not only is his NFL future uncertain at best, so is his future freedom. They signed Azeez Ojulari and Samson Ebukam, but those guys are coming off injuries. Young gives them a solid power edge player to line up opposite Jalon Walker.
49. Minnesota: Malachi Lawrence Edge UCF
Lawrence is a late rising prospect who really opened some eyes at the combine. This may end up being too low for his eventual spot. The Vikings are exploring trading Jonathan Greenard for some salary cap relief, and they will need another pass rusher if they do that. Even if they keep Greenard, his contract is getting expensive and his counterpart, Andrew Van Ginkle is 31. They should be looking for a long-term partner for Dallas Turner on the edge.
50. Detroit: Gabe Jacas Edge Illinois
With the addition of LT Kadyn Proctor in this mock draft and C Cade Mays in free agency, the offensive line issues should be addressed. On defense, they still don’t have an edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and they need to replace Alex Anzalone at LB. Jacas is great value and far better than any LB left on the board. Jacas is almost always described as a rugged DE, I can’t think of a description Dan Campbell would love more.
51. Carolina: Ty Simpson QB Alabama
I’ve been struggling with where to put Simpson, he’s not a guy teams are going to draft to start right away. However, he has starting potential. The Panthers traded Andy Dalton to Philly, and they signed Kenny Pickett to be the backup. Bryce Young has been good enough to not be outright discarded but what if Dan Morgan and Dave Canales aren’t sold. This would be like the Eagles drafting Jalen Hurts when they had Carson Wentz as their starter. Wentz failed and the Eagles didn’t miss a beat. If Young struggles again, Simpson could be their answer. This would be one of the more intriguing places Simpson could get drafted. He wouldn’t take Young’s job immediately, but he would ratchet up the pressure on Young to be better.
52. Green Bay: Brandon Cisse CB South Carolina
The Packers are counting on Micah Parsons to be healthy and Lukas Van Ness to finally be relevant at edge rusher. If they aren’t, the secondary is not equipped to handle the pressure. Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Benjamin St. Juste are not good enough at CB. The Packers have a size threshold for their CBs, so D’Angelo Ponds is off the table for them. Cisse had round one buzz early, but other guys passed him. He still has starter potential and that makes him a solid choice for the Packers.
53. Pittsburgh: Zachariah Branch WR Georgia
The Steelers roster is actually in solid shape overall, if you consider Aaron Rodgers a solid choice at QB, it seems dubious to me. One area of need is still at WR, even with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. The next best WR after DK Metcalf and Pittman is either Roman Wilson and his 12 catches from last year or Ben Skowronek. Branch needs to work on his route running but he can be a slot merchant right away. If Aaron Rodgers is the QB, he will hate the way Branch runs routes, but he will love the fact that he’s open almost immediately so Rodgers can dump the ball off to him.
54. Philadelphia: Chris Bell WR Louisville
The AJ Brown divorce from Philadelphia is coming at some point. It may not happen this off season, but it is inevitable. Bell is a big, physical WR who uses his strength to bully opponents and he’s excellent after the catch. The only reason he’s still here is because he’s coming off a knee injury. If the Eagles keep Brown into the season, Bell may be healthy enough by the trade deadline to allow them to move Brown then.
55. Los Angeles Chargers: R Mason Thomas Edge Oklahoma
The Chargers re-signed Khalil Mack at age 35 and they still have Tuli Tuipulotu on the edge, that’s the same two they started last season with. Last year they traded for Odafe Oweh because they needed more pass rush, now Oweh is in Washington. They need some speed off the edge and that is Thomas’ specialty. He’s not a big guy but they have Mack to play on run downs. Thomas is the designated speed rusher to start the year, and he gives them some juice off the edge.
56. Jacksonville: Josiah Trotter LB Missouri
The Jaguars suffered a major loss when LB Devin Lloyd signed with Carolina. Trotter isn’t the all-around LB Lloyd is but he’s a solid MLB prospect who can fill a need as a run-stuffer early in his career as he rounds out his game overall.
57. Chicago: Dani Dennis-Sutton DE Penn St.
The Bears need some help opposite DE Montez Sweat and while Dennis-Sutton wasn’t the most productive player at Penn St. he was a solid player. He showed excellent athleticism at the combine although he doesn’t show it on the field. He is the size profile Dennis Allen prefers so he’s the pick here.
58. San Francisco: Eli Stowers TE Vanderbilt
Stowers is an elite athlete who is a pass catching TE only. If you need a blocking TE, this isn’t your guy. George Kittle will be rehabbing a torn Achilles most of the season and this offense needs a TE who can be a part of the passing game. Jake Tonges is a nice player, but Stowers would be a weapon.
59. Houston: Max Klare TE Ohio St.
The Texans have Dalton Schultz and that’s nice, but he’s ageing and they need some depth. Klare is a solid all-around TE who can be a security blanket for CJ Stroud and give you some real production.
60. Chicago: Keylan Rutledge OG Vanderbilt
Chicago had to make a trade for C Garrett Bradbury when Drew Dalman suddenly retired because while they are good on the interior of the offensive line, they are not deep. Joe Thuney is 34 and Jonah Jackson is 29 and hasn’t always been the healthiest. Rutledge is a stud run blocking guard and would give them some depth inside and someone to eventually replace one of the guards.
61. Los Angeles Rams: Connor Lew C Auburn
This would be the perfect situation for Connor Lew. The Rams have Coleman Shelton at center and he’s a trusted veteran. However, he’s 31 and he’s not some superstar, he’s just a solid player. Lew is coming off a torn ACL and probably won’t be ready to start the year. He is talented enough to take the job from Shelton when he’s healthy, but he wouldn’t be needed this year necessarily.
62. Denver: Dominique Orange DT Iowa St.
The Brocos defense is excellent and while Orange wouldn’t be a one-for-one replacement for John Franklin-Myers, he would allow them to move some guys around. They don’t have a traditional NT on the team and Orange would give them one. That would allow Malcolm Roach and DJ Jones to be used in a rotation along the line.
63. New England: Derrick Moore Edge Michigan
The Patriots signed Dre’Mont Jones, a very solid veteran edge player who gives them more in the run game than K’Lavon Chaisson did last season. They still need more help on the edge as Harold Landry is aging and coming off an injury, and the rest of the depth chart is unproven. Moore would be the perfect player to eventually replace Landry.
64. Seattle: Jadarian Price RB Notre Dame
The Seahawks may try to move down from this spot too just to pick up another pick but if they keep it, it’s hard to see them not taking a RB. Maybe it’s Mike Washington Jr. from Arkansas and not Price because of Washington’s speed but I like Price. I think he’s just scratching the surface of his talent and Seattle lost Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet is coming off a torn ACL in January. They need someone to carry the load early in the season.
The Hott Read 