Well, here we are again family! We are on the eve of the NFL’s most optimistic time of the year: Draft SZN. The league seems to get more and more nutso with each passing year, with GM’s swinging mega deals for young prodigies and being aggressive in ways many other head of organizations would be reprimanded for. We’ve also seen unprecedented player empowerment (especially through social media) and player mobility (marquee QB’s seem to be getting no-trade clauses like they’re on Oprah) which all adds to the chaos, of course.
Much like March Madness brackets, mock drafts are made to be broken. Can we make it more flexible? With that question in mind, I’ve made my most educated pick predictions, based on team need, prospect profiles, team history and divisional outlook, among other factors. I also listing other strong considerations (in parentheses, after my actual prediction). The more question marks, the more likely/tempting I think that alternative pick is. Consider this somewhat of a draft strategy roadmap for each team. As always, look out for the bolded hyperlinks to fun/dangerous rabbit holes below. LESGEDIT!!
Round 1
Carolina Panthers – Bryce Young, QB (Stroud, QB?) While Will Levis and Anthony Richardson are the type of QB’s the Seahawks drooled over (see flirtation with Allen and Mahomes while they still had Wilson) when Panthers GM, Scott Fitterer was in the PNW front office — I see them taking more of a sure thing after already having made a huge gamble in trading up from the number nine spot. They were enamored enough with somebody in particular to jump the Raiders and Colts (Reich’s petty side is pleased about that last one… the team that fired him). People are tripping over the fact that Young is so small, but he led the FBS in passing yards while under pressure as well as touchdowns while under pressure over the last two years. He’s Poised, intelligent, accurate and a dual threat. Size does matter to an extent… but so does the motion of the ocean.
Houston Texans – C.J. Stroud, QB (Trade down for Wilson, Edge? Anderson Jr., Edge??) Cerebral pocket passer with a strong arm. They are taking a QB, c’mon man… the rumors are just a smokescreen to coax AZ and maybe SEA to move up and offer a package to get the player they want. The Texans find a franchise Quarterback to go along with the defense that DeMeco Ryans will build, and the quietly solid Oline they’ve been building in silence as well. They have more resources than Indy to go up and get the man they wanted, but for so long they held the top overall selection. I could see them not wanting to move up, just out of principle. This young man should be a pretty shiny consolation prize who will help the future look bright in Houston. Stroud has great physical tools, even if he prefers to operate in the pocket. That disastrous S2 test result does give me pause, ngl, but not enough to throw out the tape and accomplishments of a player who had the FBS’ highest percentage of “perfectly placed passes” over the last two years (according to PFF).
Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson, Jr. Edge (Trade down for Witherspoon, CB? Trade down for Skoronski, OL?? Trade down for Wilson, Edge???) They released Markus Golden, Zach Allen is a free agent, and oh yeah… J.J. Watt retired. All this after they let Chandler Jones go last offseason. Take a Von-like player to make sure QB’s can’t get comfortable and in a groove against this defense. Gannon can bookend WAJ and Cam Thomas as base ends, pushing Myjai Sanders to a standup OLB (in the mold of Philly’s Haason Reddick) to transition the Cards to a 4-3 defense. Was Gannon(dorf) hired to build a bully? Hahahaha… No. Not after that SB performance… Sorry, I had to get one off on a division rival right quick 😏 He does have the ammo to follow the Philly blueprint with an elite Edge talent. They can wait and take one of the highly regarded CB’s at the top of the 2nd round and retool this defense with new stars surrounding Budda Baker (oop).
Indianapolis Colts – Will Levis, QB (Witherspoon, CB? Richardson, QB??) Colts fans have got to be done with (and probably a little scarred from) vet QB signings. This will finally salve the wound of Andrew Luck with another guy with a cannon arm and ideal size. They need something to get excited about again at the game’s most important position and have been giving young William plenty of attention. Indy didn’t trade up to #1 for Bryce Young because they are haunted by the gifted nice-guy type lollllll. Levis was highly regarded but regressed a bit this past year after losing WR Wandale Robinson, as well as his former OC to the NFL. Owner, Jim Irsay, will have a say in this pick, but believe it or not, Gardner Minshew gives them the option to sit Levis in an apprenticeship for a bit.
Seattle Seahawks – Jalen Carter, DT (Witherspoon, CB? Richardson, QB??) The squad. Seattle could easily use this pick as bait to trade down (drop down to number 10 and get your Eagle on?) and acquire more draft assets. I HOPE they stick and pick a blue-chip talent. Everybody wants to give us an edge rusher, but we were tied for 7th in the league in sacks. On the flip side, we were gashed up the middle of our defense. The best player in this year’s draft just so happens to be a pocket crushing Defensive Tackle… According to Cynthia Frelund, Carter’s run-stopping metrics rate “in the top 15% in the past 8 seasons”: Are the stars aligned?? Pete Carroll excels at bringing the most out of “troubled” players. Marshawn Lynch, Percy Harvin, Frank Clark, Brandon Marshall, etc. The double-sided beauty of Geno’s breakout (led the league in completion percentage and among the leaders in passer rating and TDs) allows for the selection of an elite defender who can impact an opponent’s offensive gameplan in all phases. You ultimately take a player who is rated by some as the best prospect available in this year’s draft. Bar none. Him teaming up with Jarran Reed, Dre’Mont Jones and (hopefully a re-signed) Al Woods sounds like dinner for the D-line.
Detroit Lions – Devon Witherspoon, CB (Richardson, QB? Wilson, Edge??) Their offense was rollin’ at the end of the year, now they just need to stop people from throwing all over them right back. Get pressure off of Hutch’s shoulders by locking down the airways. They’ve already built something impressive with the signings of Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and CJGJ. Witherspoon can be the final piece as a fierce and physical corner with instincts who can play the run and allowed zero TD’s last year in coverage. He can play outside and allow Sutton and Ceedy Deuce to move all over the defensive formation, and they can all get on the field in big nickel (3 safeties) or dime looks (6 DB’s, 1 LB), which may become more and more common in the NFL. Let DC, Aaron Glenn soar. The temptation will absolutely be there with the QB out of Florida, Anthony Richardson, if he is still here. A-Rich is the most Dan Campbell Lion of all the quarterbacks in this year’s class.
Las Vegas – Anthony Richardson, QB (Johnson Jr., OT? Gonzalez, CB??) After all the scrutiny on the offensive line, Vegas was top 10 in PFF O-line grade… They could take a corner here, as J. Mickey D doesn’t have Belichick around to summon star DB’s out of the 5th round. What we are not going to forget is that Josh McDaniels is the one who drafted Tebow in the 1st round!! He may want to prove he was just a little bit ahead of the curve… just a little too early on the mobile QB trend that has taken the league by storm. To hedge your bets, you also sign James Garroppolo to afford a red shirt year to A-Rich, and you sign Brian Hoyer to camouflage your interest in A-Rich. Not only does he have impressive physical attributes, but he seems to be a very natural leader. He struggled against pressure but allowing him to sit with the promise of the continued construction of a strong offensive line could be an ideal situation.
Atlanta Falcons – Tyree Wilson, Edge (Smith-Njigba, WR? Gonzalez, CB??) The Falcons had the worst sack rate in the league, and the second least number of pressures… seems like they always have. They can take an elite Edge building block in Wilson, who can act as maybe the one true “elephant” defensive end on their roster. They may not need one if they move more to a 3-4, but they keep stating their desires to stay hybrid with what they are building. Signing David Onyemata, Eddie Goldman, Calais Campbell and Jessie Bates, and even trading for Jeff Okudah, all lets me know that Atlanta wants to build that defense with depth NOW. Add a guy who can be a major upgrade in leveling pressure against the offensive systems they face. He provides versatility for Ryan Nielson’s DC debut, something he had in New Orleans. The acquisitions of Jonnu Smith, Scotty Miller and Mack Hollins gives Ridder options without necessarily bringing in volume guys. This compliment to the two power forwards they have in London and Pitts, and this offense has potential to bloom with the emergence of Tyler Allgier and a top-5 offensive line.
Chicago Bears – Peter Skoronski, OT (PJJ, OT as better fit? Murphy, Edge??) This O-line still needs work, as Da Bears allowed the highest pressure rate (37.8%) on their QB’s drop backs last year; so, they decide to take the draft’s most pro-ready Tackle. Skoronski put up one of the most dominant pass-blocking seasons in recent memory, according to PFF. After adding an underrated D.J. Moore as WR1 to aid in the development of Justin Fields, you can make sure he’s protected with Skoronski paired with the signing of Nate Davis. Fields very nearly put up the most prolific rushing season in the history of the QB position. Not bad for an unproven young starter. The defense was bottom-5 in yards allowed and dead last in points allowed after trading Roquon Smith and Robert Quinn midseason. You’ve got Sanborn, Johnson, Gordon and Brisker as a good young core. This completes an offseason overhaul of Fields’ supporting cast, now use the ammo you got on the trade down to load up on defensive talent in the next couple of drafts.
Philadelphia Eagles – Myles Murphy, Edge (Bresee, DT? Nolan Smith, OLB??) They took a replacement for Fletcher Cox last year in Jordan Davis and could be tempted to repeat that formula with another popular prospect. Many are pointing out how similar combine star, Nolan Smith is to Haason Reddick, but I’m talking about how Myles Murphy could fill the Brandon Graham mold with inside/outside versatility on the D-Line and elite run-stopping ability. That’s why he’s perfect for Philly here: they love to bring pressure in waves, and BG + Barnett are free agents next year. Keep the good times rolling on defense, ESPECIALLY after they let Ndamukong Suh, Linval Joseph and Javon Hargrave walk. Philadelphia keeps getting younger on the defensive line. The arrival of new DC, Sean Desai may signal a heavier reliance on the 3-4 defensive formations. Sticking and picking here could allow the Eagles to take on someone who is a little more of a project at corner later with their second 1st-round pick (Kelee Ringo to Sean Desai’s school of DB’s anyone??).
Tennessee Titans – Paris Johnson Jr., OT (Addison, WR? Broderick Jones, OT??) The Titans cut Taylor Lewan and Ben Jones, saw Nate Davis walk and their O-line was graded by PFF as the worst in the league in the 2022 season WITH them!! Now that Trevor Lawrence is picking up steam in Duval, and the Colts and Texans are most likely acquiring young, hallowed QB’s via the draft, you want to be able to rush the passer. Arden Key helps. Since there is pass rush depth in this year’s draft, you could make an argument that they bypass the defense a bit moving forward to restock the O and build something that a QB will want to get traded to or sign to the year after. This is an unprecedented era of player empowerment after all folks! More teams (Jets, Broncos, Browns) are taking the Bucs approach of building up a roster that may attract a big name QB acquisition. PJJ is a strong run blocker who would provide size and athleticism to your front-line protection here in the first round. Paris (must be Italian) also didn’t allow even one sack last year. That’s something Tennessee could hang their collective hats on.- Houston Texans – Lukas Van Ness, Edge (Bresee, DT? Smith-Njigba, WR??) Here’s an impact inside/outside defender who will give the DeMeco-led defense some bite to go along with all their coverage specialists in the backend. Remember the Niners defense’s dominant blueprint that will most likely be loosely followed in H-Town. Also keep in mind that Houston fielded the 2nd worst run defense in league last year, this guy is a big edge. Apply pressure and let Stingley cover and Pitre dish damage over the middle. The Texans signed Noah Brown, Dalton Schultz and Bobby Trees in Free Agency so they can go best player available with this pick. They are hoping Metchie III can contribute in a major way this year. With the QB earlier and a defensive stud here, this turnaround could be the most iconic Houston moment since this video dropped. Oh yeah… there is the Astros too… 😮💨 (that’s an emoji from a Mariners fan).
Green Bay Packers – Michael Mayer, TE (Skoronski, OT? If he falls due to arm length…? grandson of a Packer HOF’er. Not happening, there is a run at that position early. Keion White, Edge??) No, don’t wipe your damn eyes, you read that name right, this man is a terror. He’ll go on a killing spree in his time in Wiscansin. The victims, slow-footed linebackers and skinny-ass safeties! Moving up two spots in the Rodgers trade eliminates two teams who could possibly let division rival Detroit jump Green Bay for its preferred Tight End… I can’t knock the hustle and gamesmanship. Now get Jordan Love comfortable with a formidable pass catcher who can act as a security blanket in the flats and seams after Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis walked. Mayer can also pitch in adequate blocking in the ground game. They may rely on the ground and pound this year, after the exodus of Cobb, Lazard, Mr. Discount double check and the aforementioned TE’s. Love did, however, have the highest passer rating (112.2) of any QB with at least 20 attempts. Did you know the Packers had a top-3 rated O-line last year? They could go pass rusher if Rashan Gary isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season.
New England Patriots – Christian González, CB (Branch, S/Slot? Bresee, DT??) Glad to see that once BoB got hired back as OC he convinced the other Bill to stop going cheap at WR! You can do that when you have Brady. They got a quasi-WR1 in Juju who slides the rest of the NE receivers into more fitting roles, and Gesicki also adds to the receiving corps. These additions could have the required magic to either save us from, or enhance the quick game… which, if you haven’t heard: it 🤬 sucks. Allow the return of the Mac for one more season with improved weaponry to see if he can be a difference maker, or even a legitimate game manager to compliment this opportunistic Defense (most defensive TDs by a team in the last 5 years). Branch if they are worried about Devin McCourty’s retirement? Jalen Mills can fill that role. Ultimately, they select a tall, fluid, long corner who could be next in an underrated and impressive line of corners in New England. This would allow you to move Jonathon Jones to FS or slot, keep Jack Jones outside (if he doesn’t get demoted after arguing with the emperor), and Marcus Jones in nickel and dime formations. This rookie will help us all to keep up with the Joneses…
New York Jets – Broderick Jones, OT (Simpson, MLB? Bresee, DT??) We know that Saleh comes from a coaching background of investing in the trenches. If you can keep this pick and still get your QB, protect him. With all the uncertainty at Offensive Tackle with Duane Brown (38 y/o), Mekhi Becton (48 total career snaps due to injury) and Max Mitchell (blood clots ended his rookie year), get someone who can act as insurance for us all: from having to see the Aaron Rodgers side eye 😒 and condescending interviews all year about his teammates. Speaking of insurance: Hardman is an interesting choice as a WR3, and like the young OT mocked here, he’s also from Georgia, so you could call this scenario State Farm 🥁 Broderick Jones is an athletic OT who can learn behind Brown until he is ready, while ideally Becton comes back to start on the right side and give A-A-Ron no excuses as a substitute for padawan Zach Wilson. To get Mr. Rodgers in their neighborhood, I predicted they would sign Lazard to help in that regard. I’m a poet and didn’t even know it. Jets may have success asking Rodgers to do less, but this defense will keep Aaron from carin’. Ok, maybe I’ve gone too far… just be glad ya’ll didn’t sign Derek Carr…
Washington Commanders – Joey Porter Jr., CB (Smith, Edge? Mayer, TE??) Big, physical corner with wingspan. Fits the team identity and can help move Benjamin St-Juste or Kendall Fuller to nickel, creating a lot of secondary depth. Some of the coaching staff could have been contemporaries with his dad! They can act almost as uncles, demanding much from the younger Porter. They are going to see what they’ve got at QB in Sam Howell, signed a strong vet (Jacoby Brissett had a surprisingly high PFF mark for the 2022 NFL Season, filling in for Deshaun Watson) and reignite that elite defense with the return of Chase Young… Washington could be pulling the ol’ Houston Shuffle and angling for a top pick to draft a QB, with Howell playing the part of Davis Mills; trying to convince a rebuilding team that he has some upside for the future. They do all this to position themselves for Caleb Williams, the Heisman trophy winning USC QB who is also one of DC’s native sons. Guess what? I hope they freaking succeed ya’ll! If only because I want their damn uncle and aunty anthem to go viral. Left hand up // Who are we? // The Commanders!! Now you have it stuck in your head too 😈
Pittsburgh Steelers – Deonte “Tae” Banks, CB (Smith, OLB? Wright, OT??) Cam Sutton is gone, time to reload. Banks can help Pittsburgh get back to its identity, helping this be a more physical and imposing defense. He is a corner with physicality, speed and ball production who loves press coverage and can learn from another man who used speed to excel, in Project Pat P. He don’t wanna be saved, because he could go even higher, as Banks was the top scoring corner at the combine in athleticism score. The Steelers also have the 32nd pick (top of the 2nd since the Dolphins cheated) and have the chance to add two impact defenders to their defense! Or pick up somebody like Dawand Jones or possibly even Darnell Wright… since the top 3 offensive tackles are gone here. I thought about Jordan Addison here… but that would be a luxury pick with all the young weapons they already have on offense.- Detroit Lions – Dalton Kincaid, TE (Simpson, MLB? Kancey, DT??) A top TE who will add to a young core could be a priority for Dan Campbell, especially after the 6-game suspension of WR, Jameson Williams. Kincaid is more of a receiver and Washington is the massive in-line blocker. Maybe they move down and take a better blocker, if that’s what they wanted in the now-departed T.J. Hockenson? You’d hope Romeo Okwara returns to form after a year removed from his ACL injury and freshly minted sophomores: Paschal, Hutchinson and Houston continue to develop. Picking one of the top 5 Defensive Tackles in this draft could lead to one helluva D-line rotation — which they could use since they got that butt torn apart on the ground by the Carolina Panthers in week 16. While Rodrigo is a great story, and Noah Sewell would be a great story, they need to acquire a force in the middle. Trenton Simpson could be a Parsons lite. He is tough, fast, and good against both the run and pass.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Darnell Wright, RT (Bijan Robinson, HB? Nolan Smith, Edge??) if this is Bowles’ last stand, he’ll want to go out with a return to pressure D, so an edge threat (like the versatile White or speedy Nolan Smith) is also possible here, especially after Shaq Barrett tore his Achilles in week 8. After hiring Dave Canalés from his post as Seattle’s QB’s Coach, you hope that Baker can take a Geno-step. They may even go after Hendon Hooker later (taking him here would be a small shock). Either way, they will need protection to evaluate the quarterback position. Tristan Wirfs will most likely move to LT, so getting a natural RT is a natural move and a big win here. Wright is YUGE and would also be tasked with helping to improve the league’s worst run game from last year. Now what if they address it more directly?? We are on BIJAN ROBINSON alert ladies and gents!! That would bring Baker’s Bucs closer to the biology of the now slight throwback Browns (’18 ok, we ain’t that old!!).- Seattle Seahawks – Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR (Schmitz, C? Hooker, QB??). I finally changed this from having them draft a Center. We’ve needed an elite center since they up and traded Max Unger for Jimmy Graham. This regime doesn’t seem to value that position as much as others though, in all honesty. There is great WR value here, with none being taken so far. Seattle had hope for Dee Eskridge, and has hope for Dareke Young, but the highest levels of competition in this league don’t have time for hope. JSN is a slot weapon with elite change of direction ability who can create after the catch… as good as DK and Tyler are those are a few elements to their offense that Seattle needs badly. To Tyler we must give his flowers mannnn. He is in range to capture the #2 all-time marks for every major receiving statistic in Seahawks history. Little Tyler Lockett!! Think of Sidney Rice, Darrell Jackson, Bobby Engram, Joey Galloway, Doug Baldwin… To be only behind the Seattle GOAT: Steve Largent is quite the accomplishment for The Rocket himself. With all of the due gratitude and respect that he has earned as a Seattle legend… he will be 31 this season. It’s possible that Smith-Njigba was the best of the group between himself, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr. He didn’t play most of last year, but this is a kid that had 15 catches for 347 yards and 3 TD’s in the Rose Bowl 2 years ago!!
—MIAMI DOLPHINS VOIDED PICK—
(They Cheated)
Los Angeles Chargers – Bryan Bresee, DT (Bijan Robinson, HB? Jordan Addison, WR?? Or another speed threat to help shift Herbert from Brees to Mahomes??) Originally, I had them taking one of the top offensive tackles. Pipkins was solid, but you could upgrade. Everybody talks about Herbert like he’s an elite level QB… I haven’t seen it yet 🙊 He has the tools but go let him prove it in a clean cockpit where he can attack downfield maybe. The breakout season from Jamaree Salyer might change the equation!! They also need a monster interior defender to take heat off of a hopefully healthy Bosa and Mack. Them getting gashed on the ground is a running theme that played out again in their epic wild card nightmare… this defense BEEN supposed to be elite, so let’s get nastier and more physical up front. Did they learn from their playoff collapse that they need to know how to run the damn ball to close out a game?? SHEESH. That could lead to Bijan going here, especially with the impending possible exit, stage left of Mr. Ekeler. The ability to spite the Cowboys (new OC, Kellen Moore’s very recent ex) might not be so bad either. Eric Edholm has drawn a likeness between Robinson and Chargers god-among-men, LaDainian Tomlinson.
Baltimore Ravens – Cam Smith, CB (White, DL? Quentin Johnston, WR??) A versatile man-coverage guy could slide to most important need after the release of Marcus Peters at CB and the signings of Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. at WR. This defense lost a bit of swagger over the last few years. If they hadn’t used significant capital on Wide Receiver, Lamar Jackson could be gone gone. OBJ came to save the day. In all likelihood, if this were to have gotten ugl(ier)y, ‘22 Pro Bowl QB, Snoop Huntley could’ve gotten the chance to benefit from what Lamar did not: a big, dynamic downfield threat who can command coverages in Quintin Johnston. He would be a good compliment to the smaller OBJ and Rashod Bateman.
Minnesota Vikings – Jordan Addison, WR (Kancey, DT?? Emmanuel Forbes, CB???) They let a limited offense, in the Giants, score 31 points and knock them out of the playoffs. Who in the entire HELL (it’s an adult blog) let Isaiah Hodgins go off for over 100 and a TD?? The Byron Murphy, Jr. addition makes for a promising defensive unit, as he adds flexibility to play outside or in the slot. There is also a highly graded DL as a framework from which to work from for new Vikings defensive boss, Brian Flores. Maybe you get another DT later if you don’t resign Dalvin Tomlinson. Addison is a route runner who can draw some attention away from JJ and Hock. Tae Banks did have the highest rate of press coverage among any of this year’s prospects. Flores loves to blitz and put his caravan of corners in man coverage! Those could also be the reasons he goes to the Steelers above, Flores’ most recent employer. Hooker a slight possibility? The player… grow up!
Jacksonville Jaguars – O’Cyrus Torrence, OG (Kancey, DT? Emmanuel Forbes, CB?? So they can focus more safety helps to the middle of the field?? Or maybe he can be a big slot). Some would argue that the Jags still need another threat over the middle for easy completions. Los Angeles suffocated them with aggressive zone defense early in the wild card round. Get a natural mauler, who can help you be more physical and force defenses to devote more resources to stopping your run game. Giving T-Law more peace of mind with his protection wouldn’t hurt either. Evan Engram being tagged stops this from being one of the top tier TE’s. They have their certified matchup nightmare… especially with Calvin Ridley coming into the fold next year. They also had the worst defense against TE’s in the league, so a FS/slot would work. You could probably find a few of those in the 2nd Round. They let Kelce single-handedly eliminate them in the postseason. I don’t think I’ll be seeing many J-Ville fans at Kelce Jam (yes, that is real and I’m literally going and geeked about it).
New York Giants – John Michael Schmitz, C (Branch, S/Slot? Cam Smith, CB??) Listen, I would love to draft a corner if I’m them, ever since they lost their top cover man, James Bradford to the hated rival Eagles… but whenever mocks would go out, analysts would always shout: John Michael “Jingleheimmer” Schmitz!!!!!! DADADADADADADADAAA!!! Ahem, excuse me. They did convince me though. New York also had the 3rd worst Oline by PFF grade… that’s before losing a Center in Feliciano who put up the 4th highest Pass Block Win Rate last year. You can probably get away with replacement-level receivers (Jones had 300 yards, 2 TDs and >114 QB Rating in the playoff upset of the Vikings) and invest in a leader of a young and talented line. Again, a cornerback addition could make sense, since Wink (the DC) loves to blitz every chance he gets!! Do you want a 2nd tier CB or a big and athletic man who is arguably the best Center in the draft? I considered a Linebacker for them before, since the Eagles ran it down their throats in the divisional round. Okereke will help. Ultimately, the G-Men got down big early (Eagles scored on 4 of their first 5 drives), and that took them outta their game… this could help avail the fortification of offensive efficiency and protect your heavy investments in DJ and Saquads.
Dallas Cowboys – Bijan Robinson, HB (Ika, DT? Drew Sanders (Arkansas), LB?? Washington, TE???) Dallas would love to draft Bijan and form an explosive backfield pairing of he and Tony Pollard. That sounds crucial, in order to carry more of the load with Dak not looking like the transcendent player some thought he could be (average QB Rating this season). You know who could be transcendent? Bijan and his dijon. A back who was name-dropped as the toughest and most impressive opponent by both of the ‘elite’ edge prospects (Anderson, Jr. & Wilson) in this year’s draft. The ‘boys are moving to a West Coast Offense under Mike McCarthy next year. This would be a commitment to a power run game. They could also take a player from Jerry’s alma mater who could mimic some of what Parsons can do, allowing him even more flexibility to move around. There would also be gamesmanship involved, as the archrival Eagles could fill a need at LB with that player, in Drew Sanders four picks later. Jerry does NOT want to see an Arkansas stud stopping his run game every year for a division nemesis. Won’t matter with a weapon like Bijan who can dominate on the ground and through the air.
Buffalo Bills – Zay Flowers, WR (Ika, DT? Simpson, MLB??) What do you do after a truly disappointing finish to a season that began with such high levels of optimism? Time to bring in new excitement and swagger. The Bills have been bottom-2 in YAC/Rec. both of the last two years… 🗑️ get this aggressive player who can work from the slot and bring his excellent quickness to the offense to alleviate Diggs’ workload a bit. The O-line looked rough against the Dolphins in the Wild Card Round… The offense couldn’t sustain drives against the Bengals a week later. Josh Allen needs some menacing weapons besides Diggs. Give Allen some layups (I think this is why they resigned old man Beasley midseason?) so he doesn’t always have to go deep for a big play. His recovery from a UCL injury, along with increasing emphasis on a strong ground game (sponsored by the law firm of Cook, Harris and Hines) should help the offense stabilize, but you need to take it higher to keep up with Cinci and KC. I originally had them selecting an OG here, but Torrence has moved up, and one of the multiversal McGoverns signed. If they somehow got Bijan Robinson, they’d be the evolved form of the Giants! Think about it…
Cincinnati Bengals – Jahmyr Gibbs, HB (Kancey, DT? Musgrave, TE??) The Bengals expect shootouts later in the year, but they already “allowed the lowest completion percentage (58.1) and passer rating (79.9) in the NFL in 2022, including playoffs”, per NFL Research… Cam Taylor-Britt burst onto the scene last year and balled out in the playoffs. He was one of the reasons Stefon was so mad. Adding one of the elite TE prospects here could be a scintillating upgrade on Hurst, and a possible answer to the conundrums that present themselves as you are faced with extending Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Boyd. You cannot become one-dimensional, however. Joe Mixon is mixed up in a whole lot of legal issues at the moment, so adding a back who can also star in the passing game is tantamount here. By the way, that was an all-time rivalry move to swipe Orlando Brown from KC. You could argue the Bengals are four deep on viable OT’s now, but the pure pettiness was worth it; especially after Burrow’s operation was held in check because of injuries to his Oline in the AFC Championship Game against the eventual NFL Champion Chiefs.
New Orleans Saints – Calijah Kancey, DT (Simpson, MLB? Darnell Washington, TE??) This was traded by Denver for HC Sean Payton. The losses of Shy Tuttle, David Onyemata and Marcus Devenport could cause the team to take a long, hard look at Kancey. The size issues that face Kancey could be mitigated in a 4-3, and they need a pass rushing presence alongside oversized run stuffers, Khalen Saunders and Nate Shepherd. I almost went with Washington, a huge, monster of a TE to form a cadre around Carr. The REAL selling point with him is that he specializes in enhancing the run game. This guy is getting talked about like he has the blocking potential of an extra offensive tackle! (he did have an elite short shuttle time, displaying quick change of direction skills). Btw, just a nugget for Denver fans: Taysom Hill went 7-2 at QB for the Saints… so there’s some hope of a functional offense in CO. Payton is the man who crafted a potent and often prolific offense down in the bayou even when short QB, Drew Brees’ arm strength was visibly waning. Russell has a chance to stabilize and be productive.- Philadelphia Eagles – Drew Sanders, LB (Ringo, CB? Branch, S/Slot??) I know, I KNOW, I teased it up above… but I don’t have the Eagles picking Ringo here… I backtracked in order to let Howie get petty on divisional rival, Jerry Jones with a star from his beloved Arkansas. There’s a lot of pettiness in this article, I’m just now starting to realize. Ya’ll going to need it to beat Petty Mahomes!! Add insurance (swear I’m not sponsored) here in case Nakobe Dean and Nicholas Morrow aren’t ready to take the next steps in the middle of this defense. Drew Sanders could help comprise a new, fast as lightning LB corps with Dean, while also having the ability to slide to the outside with his pass rushing prowess, and spell Haason Reddick. Ringo here (or one of the flock of late 1st and 2nd round CB’s we’ve all seen in all these mock drafts??) Seems like there’s depth there… again, this could be why you brought in Sean Desai. His presence could also mean the utilization of 3-safety looks (could possibly also mitigate the use of extra LB’s), so Brian Branch is absolutely in play if he has dropped due to positional value.
Kansas City Chiefs – Anton Harrison, OT (Hyatt, WR? Anudike-Uzomah, Edge??). I originally had them selecting an Edge player here to replace Frank Clark (he of 3rd most postseason sacks of all-time 😱) and rotate in with Mike Danna and George Karlaftis. This changes after signing a vet pass rusher in Charles Omenihu and seeing Orlando Brown defect to the bitter rival Bengals. The champs need someone who can play on the left and let Jawaan Taylor move to his natural position on the right. I will be in Kansas City for the draft to see for myself who the world champion duo of GM, Brett Veach and free-doodling Head Coach, Andy Reid select!
Teams Without 1st-Round Picks
Could Browns trade up for a DT/DL like Mazi Smith?
Could Broncos trade up for a QB like Hooker? Or a CB?? Or a DT???
Could Rams trade up for an OT? Or Edge like Nolan Smith??? They have SO many holes now, so probably not. They may seek to trade DOWN
Could Dolphins trade up for an OL like Dawand Jones? Or a TE like Darnell Washington??
Could Niners trade up for an OT like Darnell Wright?
