I am by no means an NFL draft expert, but I do dabble in mocks from time to time. I made this one a few days ago (pre combine) and had some fun with it, so I decided to post it. Be sure and let me know what you think!
1. Bears: Caleb Williams (QB)
Easy pick. Take the BPA and reset your teams QB clock.
2. Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB)
Take your teams potential QB of the future. He would be a great fit in Kingbury’s offense.
3. Patriots: Drake Maye (QB)
It’s time to hit the reset button at QB. With a new HC, there’s no better time than now.
4. Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)
Kyler Murray is their QB for the foreseeable future. They looked to get him protection last year, so it only makes sense to snag a generational WR prospect for him this year.
💥 MOCK TRADE 💥
Chargers receive 9 and a 2025 RD1 in exchange for 5 and 69
Harbaugh likes to build threw the trenches. Why “reach” on an OT here when there would be a number of teams interested in trading up for a top WR.
5. Bears (via LAC): Malik Nabers (WR)
Caleb Williams should be a happy man. With this pick he’d have no shortage of weapons around him to start his rookie year. That’s a luxury most rookie QBs don’t have.
6. Giants: Rome Odunze (WR)
The Giants need a true WR1 so bad that I think this has to be the pick. It’s not the best value wise, but it does fill a huge need.
7. Titans: Joe Alt (OT)
Another no brainer pick. Levis showed lots of promise as a rookie. Looking to build around him is for sure the move and it starts with protecting him.
8. Falcons: Dallas Turner (ED)
This is a great value pick for Atlanta. Getting ED1 at the 8th pick rarely happens. There’s no need to reach on a QB with the top 3 already off of the board.
9. Chargers (via CHI): Olu Fashanu (OT)
Harbaugh gets his wish of taking a top OT and he gets a future first in the process. They still have some holes to fill, but protecting Herbert is a great first step.
10. Jets: Brock Bowers (TE)
Missing out on the top two OTs stinks, but Bowers is a heck of a consolation prize. Getting Rodgers an elite pass catching prospect is never a bad idea.
11. Vikings: Terrion Arnold (CB)
Minny is now in a division filled with good young WRs. If they can’t get a top tier CB soon then they could be in trouble, so Arnold is the easy pick. He’s a little raw but has all of the makings of a top CB.
12. Broncos: Quinyon Mitchell (CB)
Denver needs a little bit of everything. I think Mitchell is a good value here, so that’s the pick. Him and PS2 could be a scary secondary duo for a while in the mile high city.
13. Raiders: Byron Murphy (DL)
This is a pick that has been mocked a lot lately, and honestly I really like it. This pick seems to fit the way Pierce wants to play, so I’m all here for it.
14. Saints: Taliese Fuaga (OT)
The saints biggest issue is cap space, and unfortunately that can’t be fixed during the draft. Drafting a top OT to protect whoever their QB of the future ends up being is a sound process though.
15. Colts: Nate Wiggins (CB)
The run on CBs continues. I know Indy has been mocked to take a WR a ton, but I actually quite like their WR room. Focusing on defense is what I believe they should do.
💥 MOCK TRADE 💥
Seattle receives 21 and 55 in exchange for 16 and 119
Why choose from a handful of players that you like when there are lots of teams who should be interested in moving up. Getting a 2nd is extremely valuable.
16. Dolphins (via SEA): JC Latham (OT)
Protecting Tua should be the Miami’s #1 priority. Losing their 2nd round pick stinks, but to me getting Latham is more than with it.
17. Jaguars: Jared Verse (ED)
Getting ED2 at 17 is great value. OT could also be in play, but I like the value of going defense more.
18. Bengals: Amarius Mims (OT)
After tagging Higgins, the Bengals can now use this pick to focus on protecting Burrow. This pick could go along way toward Cincy being back in title contention.
19. Rams: Cooper DeJean (CB)
The Rams could use a little bit of everything. Going with a talented DB who also can make an impact in the return game seems like a no brainer to me.
20. Steelers: Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB)
Pittsburgh has a great defense, but many of their key pieces are starting to get up there in age. Having Porter Jr and McKinstry waiting in the wings at CB could go a long way.
21. Seahawks (via MIA): Jer’Zhan Newton (DL)
Macdonald has a good reputation for developing DTs, so Seattle grabbing a high upside one for him to develop only makes sense. Grabbing an extra 2nd to take someone you might have took at 16 makes this even sweeter.
22. Eagles: Jackson Powers-Johnson (C)
Losing Kelce is a huge loss, but JPJ would really soften that blow. As seamless of a transition as Philly could hope for.
23. Texans: Laiatu Latu (ED)
If he can stay healthy, then this is a huge steal for Houston. If it weren’t for injury concerns Latu could have been ED1. Having him opposite of Anderson could be a scary sight for years to come.
24. Cowboys: Troy Fautanu (OL)
The rich get richer. Dallas has always had a good OL, and they had to it here by adding a versatile piece on a rookie deal. Fautanu can play both inside and out.
💥 MOCK TRADE 💥
Packers receive 42 and a 2025 RD2 in exchange for 25 and 91
There isn’t a ton on the board that I like for Green Bay, so trading back makes sense to me. Minny could struggle next year, so picking up that second next year could be super nice.
25. Vikings (via GB): JJ McCarthy (QB)
Cousins has been really good for Minny, but it’s time to hit the reset button at QB. McCarthy isn’t a world beater, but I think he could play well with good pieces around him. Minny would be a great landing spot for him.
26. Buccaneers: Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)
Mike Evans future in Tampa is up in the air. If he leaves in FA they could be in serious need of some help at WR. Even if he comes back, Thomas would be a great understudy.
27. Cardinals: Tyler Guyton (OT)
After grabbing Kyler Murray a premier pass catcher in MHJ, the Cardinals now add him some more protection. Guyton is still a little raw, but at 6’7 327 sign me up.
28. Bills: Troy Franklin (WR)
With Gabe Davis being an FA, this might be the best time for Buffalo to pivot to a different WR2. Franklin would be great next to Diggs, and could take over as Josh Allen’s WR once his contract expires.
29. Lions: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB)
OL has been a popular pick for Detroit, but I’d much rather see them get a boost to their secondary. Rakestraw could be a big boost to their secondary.
30. Ravens: Keon Coleman (WR)
Zay Flowers was great as a rookie, but other than him Baltimore’s WR room left a lot to be desired. Coleman is still super raw, but him and Flowers could be a nasty combo at WR for years to come.
31. 49ers: Graham Barton (OL)
The Niners are a really good team, but their OL could still really use some work. Barton played OT for his entire college career, but many believe he could slide inside at the next level.
32. Chiefs: Ladd McConkey (WR)
Getting Mahomes a great route runner seems like a flawless plan to me. McConkey and Rice would be a fantastic WR duo for years to come in KC.
33. Panthers: Bralen Trice (ED)
I know it’s not a WR, but the value here is too good. Looking WR in FA is something that I think might suit the Panthers better.
34. Patriots: Xavier Worthy (WR)
New England drafts their QB of the future, and now they get a weapon to pair with him. It’s only two picks, but the Pats are heading in the right direction.
35. Cardinals: Chop Robinson (ED)
The Cardinals have focused heavily on offense so far, so getting Chop Robinson here is a nice pick up. Not sure Arizona could ask for much better of a draft.
36. Commanders: Jordan Morgan (OT)
After taking their QB of the future at #2, now they need to protect him. Morgan may not be a top OT prospect, but I believe he’s more than good enough to get the job done.
37. Chargers: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE)
After going OL for Harbaugh, it only makes sense to get Roman a dynamic TE to deploy in this new and improved Chargers offense. Sure there are other holes, but this is a step in the right direction.
38. Titans: Adonai Mitchell (WR)
After getting Levis some protection in RD1, now Tennessee gets him a weapon in the pass game. It’s not a flashy pick, but I do think it’s one that moves the needle. The Titans are heading in the right direction.
39. Giants: Kingsley Suamataia (OT)
The Giants filled their biggest need in RD1, so now it’s time to fix up their OL. Evan Neal hasn’t been great at OT, so maybe they should move him inside and draft Suamataia to take his place on the edge.
40. Commanders: Darius Robinson (ED)
Great value pick here. Washington has went heavy on offense to start the draft, so it’s nice to get a productive college player at a position of need here.
41. Packers: Tyler Nubin (S)
Getting S1 at 41 is a fantastic value. Sure OT is a big need, but there just isn’t anyone here that I like enough to take.
42. Packers: Kamari Lassiter (CB)
Green Bay continues to build up the defensive side of the ball. Maybe OT is a hole they can fill in FA or via trade.
💥 MOCK TRADE 💥
Falcons receive Justin Fields in exchange for 43
Atlanta’s biggest hole is at QB. Fields could be a dynamic solution to that issue with all of the weapons he’d have at his disposal.
43. Bears: Zach Frazier (C)
Chicago continues to go heavily toward the offense in the draft. They already have a QB and a top WR, so it’s only right that they get some protection in the middle.
44. Raiders: Patrick Paul (OT)
Las Vegas counties to build through the trenches. Sure QB could have been the pick here, but I’d like to see them role with O’Connell for at least one more year.
45. Saints: T’Vondre Sweat (DT)
After going OT in the first the Saints address the DL here in the 2nd. They still have lots of other issues, but this is a good start.
46. Colts: Chris Braswell (ED)
Indy doubles up on defense by taking Braswell here. Him and Wiggins are too super nice pieces to add to an already good Colts young core.
47. Giants: Bo Nix (QB)
Can Daniel Jones bounce back next year? Drafting Nix here for sure gives him all the motivation to step his play up. If he doesn’t then the Giants have a young QB to try out for a while before next years draft.
48. Jaguars: TJ Tampa (CB)
The Jags double up on defense as many teams have done. Tampa has been a name on the rise as of late.
49. Bengals: Kris Jenkins (DL)
After going OT RD1 the Bengals now look to address the defensive line. Good value here at the end of the second.
50. Eagles: Edgerrin Cooper (LB)
Getting LB1 in the late second is a great value. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Cooper is not a Georgia Bulldog.
51. Steelers: Michael Penix Jr (QB)
The Steelers have a big decision to make this off-season at QB. I wouldn’t hate them giving Penix a shot.
52. Rams: Payton Wilson (LB)
The Rams double up on defense with their first two picks. This should be a move in the right direction for them.
53. Eagles: Javon Bullard (S)
You couldn’t have the NFL draft without Philly taking a Georgia defensive player. Bullard should fill a big need for them at S.
54. Browns: Ja’Lynn Polk (WR)
Unfortunately, this pick does not help the Browns get off of Watson’s contract. Adding a weapon to an offense that could use some more firepower is always a welcome addition though.
55. Seahawks: Cooper Beeebe (IOL)
Seattle could really use some help on the interior of their OL. Having a good offensive line in place for whenever they finally make a change at QB will be a luxury.
56. Cowboys: Braelon Allen (RB)
Allen is super young and is an athletic freak. He has the build to be a true workhorse back. Maybe you still bring Pollard back, but if you don’t then this for sure softens the blow.
57. Buccaneers: Adisa Isaac (ED)
This is a name I’ve seen being mentioned a ton lately. Would be a nice pickup for an aging Bucs defense.
58. Packers: Leonard Taylor (DL)
The Packers continue their run of defensive players. They should be set on that side of the ball for a while now.
59. Texans: Roman Wilson (WR)
A WR who has risen up boards this off-season. Not a super flashy name, but someone who could be a nice piece in the right situation. Hopefully that’s in Houston.
60. Bills: Jaden Hicks (S)
Some depth at safety in Buffalo would be nice. It seems like behind their top guy(s) it has been a revolving door.
61. Lions: Braden Fiske (DL)
Doubling up on defense has been a common theme in this mock. Why not do it again? They do say it’s what wins championships.
62. Ravens: Khyree Jackson (CB)
WR in RD1 and a CB here in RD2. Not much else to say… two of the ravens big needs have been filled.
63. 49ers: Kalen King (CB)
The rich keep getting richer. One of the best defenses in the league gets a guy who was at one time a protected first rounder.
💥 MOCK TRADE 💥
Chiefs receive 91 and a 2025 RD3 in exchange for 64 and 133
There’s nothing that I really like here for KC. Minny could use some RB help, so it makes sense for them to move up and snag one before they’re all gone.
64. Vikings (via KC): Jonathon Brooks (RB)
If it weren’t for injury concerns, he’d be the RB1. This could easily be looked at as a steal a few years down the line.