Mock Draft 2.0
The combine has concluded, pro days are underway, and Marsh and I are back with another mock draft. In this edition we go 3 rounds, Marsh has #1 and the odd numbers, I have #2 and the evens. Let’s get to it.
Round 1
Cleveland Browns – Sam Darnold QB USC – Cleveland has to go Quarterback at the top of this draft, and with the Jets’ recent trade it would be foolish to wait to take a guy at 4. Darnold reminds me a lot of Carson Wentz and comes into a better situation where he can sit behind Tyrod and learn while watching someone with a similar, albeit much more limited, ability at the position.
New York Giants – Saquon Barkley RB Penn State – Barkley may be the best player in this draft, and while it may be time to start moving on from Eli, the Giants have too many needs to take a QB right now. Barkley is somebody who in a best case situation could get you 1,300 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards year after year. Take the best player, fill a need, and get better right away.
New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Josh Rosen QB UCLA – I learned one thing from this move… the Jets love a QB in this class. I do not know which one, but Rosen is my top guy and the Giants passing on him is a win for the other NY franchise. With McCown and Bridgewater under contract, Rosen should have a chance to compete for the job but has much less pressure to start day 1.
Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans) – Minkah Fitzpatrick DB Alabama – With the QB secured, Cleveland needs to take best available with their bevy of picks in the top couple rounds of the draft. Minkah is the exact defensive playmaker they thought they would get from Jabrill last year and can play CB or S at an all pro level.
Denver Broncos – Derwin James S FSU – Not the biggest position of need, but the highest ceiling left available and a chance to make the Broncos’ defense dynamic once again. James can play at all 3 levels and adds difference maker they need.
Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets) – Quinton Nelson OG Notre Dame – Indy has a lot of needs, but beefing up the offensive line may top the list. They’ll think strongly about Bradley Chubb here, but either way trading down a few spots and still choosing between Nelson and Chubb is a dream scenario for the Colts and truly a win-win when you consider the additional picks they added.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bradley Chubb EDGE NC St. – A dream scenario for TB, their biggest needs lines up with the top player available. Without a QB crazy top 5, Chubb could go as high as 2, but falls here and gives the Bucs a #1 outside rush man to pair with McCoy and Free Agent Vinny Curry to greatly improve the league’s last ranked pass rush.
Chicago Bears – Denzel Ward CB Ohio St – Chicago filled their need for offensive playmakers in free agency by picking up Allen Robinson and Trey Burton to help the progression of Trubisky so now we look to the defense. They’d love to have Nelson here but Chicago could really use some help in the secondary. Ward plays bigger than his frame and can run with anyone in the league.
San Francisco 49ers – Tremaine Edmunds LB VT – Edmunds is just a freak. Measuring 6’5, 253lbs at the combine, he can play all over the front 7 and would be a great compliment to Reuben Foster and a scary combination going forward.
Oakland Raiders – Roquan Smith LB Georgia – Simply put the Raiders need playmakers on defense and Roquan fits that definition to a tee. They could use more help in the secondary, but with Ward off the board Smith is the best option to sure up the defense. He’s a side line to sideline athlete who can also get to the backfield in a hurry. No doubt he can get you routine 100+ tackle seasons with his speed and instincts.
Miami Dolphins – Vita Vea DT Washington – Miami allowed over 110 rush ypg last season and get a centerpiece to there defense here. Vea is a special player with the ability to eat up double teams and still make plays in the run game while offering plus pass rush ability from the interior.
Buffalo Bills (from Cincinnati Bengals) – Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma – Buffalo has been linked to Josh Allen with his big frame and strong arm playing in the great white north, but this pick is honestly more for fun than anything, can you imagine the Bills mafia with Baker Mayfield at the helm? Add white headbands to the table jumping at tailgates next season.
Washington Redskins – Jaire Alexander Louisville CB – Without the health concerns Mo Hurst would be a good fit here, but Jaire Alexander is debatably the top CB in this draft and gives Washington a solid option to lock down one of those outside spots.
Green Bay Packers – Josh Jackson CB Iowa – I don’t think any team in the league has a need like the Packers need players in the secondary. Jackson is a flexible corner who could play the boundary, play the slot, or even safety in any given package.
Arizona Cardinals – Josh Allen QB Wyoming – When it’s all said and done, Allen could be the #1 overall pick despite touch and placement concerns. The QB position in Arizona is quite thin but if Allen is not forced into starting right away he could have good success in the league.
Baltimore Ravens – Courtland Sutton WR SMU – Sutton is exactly what the Ravens need in this offense, a big body wide out who Flacco can look to on 3rd down or red zone situations, and a guy who showed off more athleticism than most people gave him credit for at the combine. Ridley may be the most NFL ready guy, but Sutton is the 1st WR off the board.
Los Angeles Chargers – Rashaan Evans LB Alabama – The edge tandem in Los Angeles is stellar but their defense still allowed nearly 5 yards/carry last season. Gus Bradley values athletic linebackers and Evans has the toughness and block shedding ability to play inside as well as the fluidity to cover backs and TEs as well as slot guys.
Seattle Seahawks – Da’Ron Payne DL Alabama – Seattle got a lot worse this off season, and I don’t think I’m alone in wondering what exactly their plan for the future is. Nonetheless, Payne fits seamlessly into their defensive scheme as a guy who can play all over the defensive line depending on the package. An inside guy who can rush the passer is what every team craves and Seattle gets one in Da’Ron Payne.
Dallas Cowboys – Calvin Ridley WR Alabama – Dez Bryant is on the downside of his career, and while I don’t believe Ridley is a true #1 option, he could be a high end 2 for a long time. Ridley would be an immediate improvement over Williams on the outside and Beasley on the inside and could reinvigorate Bryant’s career.
Detroit Lions – Harold Landry Edge Boston College – While Bob Quinn has addressed the linebacking core early in free agency, Harold Landry is exactly what this team needs, an edge rusher who can get after the quarterback at a high level standing up or with his hand in the dirt. Patricia has trademarked the “multiple defense” look and needs an elite pass rusher opposite Ziggy Ansah.
Cincinnati Bengals (from Buffalo Bills) – Mike McGlinchey OT Notre Dame – Cordy Glenn has shown his ability at LT and it is average at best. He could be a really good LG or RT but getting OT1 at this point and someone who projects as a solid LT is great value here and fits a massive need.
Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs) – Christian Kirk WR Texas A&M – After choosing their QB earlier in the draft, Buffalo looks to give him some help with the next pick. Buffalo doesn’t have many proven guys at the position and Kirk is an explosive athlete who can line up in the slot or outside, he can return kicks, and make big plays whenever you need him.
Los Angeles Rams – Marcus Davenport EDGE UTSA – The Rams have done a great job this offseason revamping its secondary but have lost 2 of their top front 7 players. With Donald on the inside and Suh in for a visit recently, Davenport would be afforded many 1on1 opportunities on the outside while he has time to develop in Wade Phillips’ system.
Carolina Panthers – Will Hernandez OG UTEP – The Panthers lost Andrew Norwell in free agency and will look to fill the hole he left behind quickly. In a high-powered rushing offense, Carolina could really use a big mauler like Hernandez inside to open up holes. He is also a better athlete than you’d expect for someone his size which should help him pull around to give McCaffrey big plays outside the tackles.
Tennessee Titans – Maurice Hurst DL Michigan – Mo Hurst is an explosive player from the inside and if not for the heart concerns would be long gone by now. The risk is well worth the potential reward and would help a team which struggled putting pressure on the QB.
Atlanta Falcons – Taven Bryan DT Florida – The Falcons don’t really have too many needs, but after losing Dontari Poe they could definitely use some help inside on the defensive line. Taven Bryan has an explosive first step, and can get in the backfield in a hurry to both stop the run and get after the quarterback. His presence on the inside should also help Tak McKinley make plays around the edge.
New Orleans Saints – Leighton Vander Esch LB Boise St. – The Saints did a great job addressing their secondary in the draft last year and continued with the signing of Patrick Robinson. Adding Vander Esch gives the Saints an impact linebacker with versatility to cover, rush the passer and stuff the run.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Malik Jefferson LB Texas – I know Steelers fans want Vander Esch here but I actually think Jefferson is the better fit. Nobody can cover from the LB position like Ryan Shazier, but he’s about as close to filling that role as you can get in this draft. He’s an extremely versatile backer who can run sideline to sideline and make plays all over the field, a perfect fit in the Steel City.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Mike Gilsecki TE Penn St. – The Jags’ proficiency at the top of the draft recently and their work in free agency puts them in a great position here. Gilsecki ran an impressive 4.54 40 and put up vertical and broad jump numbers that are impressive even by WR standards. This offense is in need of playmakers and Gilsecki can line up all over the formation.
Minnesota Vikings – Isaiah Wynn OL Georgia – Minnesota is stacked, but could still use some help on the interior offensive line. Wynn was a very effective tackle at the college level but his size says NFL guard. Either way he’s a versatile lineman who can get after it in the running game, and stand up to keep their new franchise QB upright in the passing game.
New England Patriots – Connor Williams OL Texas – New England lost their top offensive lineman to the Giants and draft his potential replacement here. Williams has good size (6’5/300) for LT and while his arm length may project more at Guard, the Patriots get the top offensive lineman available at this spot.
Philadelphia Eagles – Ronnie Harrison SS Alabama – Ronnie Harrison seems like a great early replacement for Malcolm Jenkins. He’s a vicious hitter in the middle of the field, and athletic enough to get on the field as a rookie before eventually filling the full-time strong safety role on the Phili defense.
Round 2
Cleveland Browns – Isaiah Oliver CB Colorado – With McCourty gone, Oliver would step in and be the most talented outside CB on the roster right away. With prototypical length and good athleticism Oliver has the makings of a shutdown corner for years to come.
New York Giants – Orlando Brown OT Oklahoma – Anyone who sees Orlando Brown mocked to them after his combine performance isn’t going to be happy, I get that. But he improved in every measure within a couple weeks to his pro day, and given his size any OL coach would love a shot at making him into an NFL tackle. New York needs help so badly on the O-Line they’ll take a chance on anybody at this point.
Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans) – Kolten Miller OT UCLA – The Joe Thomas era is over and with no tackles graded high enough to be top 10 picks the Browns search for his replacement in round 2. Miller’s size (6’9/309) and athleticism are perfect for the left side and with some coaching in his technique he can become an upper level tackle.
Indianapolis Colts – Sony Michel RB Georgia – If you told me the Colts ended up with Quinton Nelson and Sony Michel with their first two picks in the draft I’d say that fans in Indy couldn’t but upset. Michel proved his worth the last two seasons and this gives them a formidable running game, in addition to adding a desperately needed playmaker to Luck’s offense.
Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets) – Uchenna Nwosu EDGE USC – This trade was perfect for the Colts and they draft another huge need here. Nwosu is a beast coming off the edge and has athleticism to reach double digit sacks on a regular basis.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Hughes CB UCF – Tampa desperately needs help in the backend after letting go of Brent Grimes, Mike Hughes is a great athlete who has a knack for making plays in the passing game. In a position that’s tough to play early in an NFL career, Hughes might be thrust into that role.
Chicago Bears – Sam Hubbard EDGE OSU – The Bears lost Pernell McPhee this offseason and Hubbard has a comparable build and good athleticism to rush the edge and create pressure on the pocket.
Denver Broncos – Braden Smith OG Auburn – Braden Smith is an athletic mauler on the interior line, a need that must be addressed by Denver early in this draft. This gives them a shot at a reliable running game after a sort of break out year for CJ Anderson last season.
Oakland Raiders – Carlton Davis CB Auburn – This defense needs help all over the place and Carlton Davis would instantly compete for a starting position on the outside. Big and physical at the line of scrimmage, Davis would add a 3rd level playmaker to go with Mack and rd1 pick Roquan Smith.
Miami Dolphins – Lamar Jackson QB Louisville – The Dolphins didn’t go after a QB in round 1, but they’ll be happy to scoop up Lamar Jackson in the 2nd. This puts him in a situation where he can grow behind a guy with similar traits in Tannehill and take a couple years to grow into an NFL body and learn an NFL offense.
New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers) – Obagonna Okronkwu EDGE Oklahoma – The Patriots need help on the edge and Okronkwu offers the versatility they covet. He has one of the most developed set of pass rush moves in this class and would be an immediate upgrade for that defense.
Washington Redskins – Equanimeous St. Brown WR Notre Dame – Pryor didn’t work in Washington, but there is still hope for Josh Doctson. With Jamison Crower filling the slot role they could use another boundary receiver and EQ fits that mold with a 6’5 frame and speed to spare.
Green Bay Packers – DJ Chark WR LSU – The speedster Chark would be great opposite Adams and could create room for newly acquired Jimmy Graham. Edge rusher could be a thought here, but Chark’s big play ability to much to pass on at this spot.
Cincinnati Bengals – Darius Leonard LB South Carolina St – Leonard is a great draft pick for today’s NFL. He is an athletic guy who showed the ability to cover at a high level in the Senior Bowl process. Putting him next to Berfict gives them two guys with different strengths in the middle of their defense.
Arizona Cardinals – Justin Reid S Stanford – If the Cardinals do one thing well, it is identifying playmaking secondary players. Justin Reid has the range to play up top and the toughness to play in the box and is exactly what they need with the Honey Badger moving on this offseason.
Los Angeles Chargers – Tim Settle DT Virginia Tech – The Chargers have their outside pass rush handled and could use some help at the nose after making the switch to a 3-4. This helps them stuff the run and free up matchups to Bosa and Ingram.
Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets through Seattle Seahawks) – Brian O’Neil OT Pittsburgh – The Colts offensive line is much better than at the start of this mock. Brian O’Neill is an athlete with long arms and when he locks on to you, you’re not going anywhere.
Dallas Cowboys – Duke Ejiofor Edge Wake Forest – Dallas has needed help getting after the QB for awhile, even with the emergence of Demarcus Lawrence. Ejiofor is an extremely advanced pass rusher with a ton of moves to beat one on one matchups, and will be a great compliment to Lawrence on the other side.
Detroit Lions – Dallas Goedert TE South Dakota St. – As a Lions fan, I didn’t want to do it. Alas, he was my top player available and fits a major need for this team. Goedert could be special. I’m convinced he has the best hands in the draft and would be a serious red zone threat.
Baltimore Ravens – James Daniels OG/C Iowa – Baltimore needs some help at center and Daniels is an athletic, versatile interior lineman who has shown a ton of promise opening holes in the run game in addition to being an above average pass blocker.
Buffalo Bills – Billy Price OG/C Ohio St. – Billy Price is quick and has a good anchor in the pass game and offers versatility. If not for a pectoral tear at the combine, he would probably be gone by now.
Kansas City Chiefs – Donte Jackson CB LSU – After letting go of Marcus Peters, KC needs somebody to fill the need outside. Fuller is a great slot corner, but I think that’s where he fits best, Jackson can clearly run with anybody and should develop into a great option as a boundary corner.
Carolina Panthers – Harrison Phillips DT Stanford – Phillips has a good blend of finesse and strength he employs to rush the passer. Reminds me a little of Kawann Short and with Dontari Poe being brought into the fold the Panthers will remain stout up the middle for years.
Buffalo Bills (from Los Angeles Rams) – Derrick Nnadi DT Florida St. – Nnadi flashed signs of being a beast on the inside, he needs to be a bit more consistent but he seems like a great scheme fit in Buffalo who could use some help inside after letting Dareus go last year.
Tennessee Titans – Frank Raginow G/C Arkansas – Raginow is a very smart player in the pass game, but could get after it a bit more in the run game. Another athletic guy who has positional versatility on the interior offensive line.
Atlanta Falcons – Anthony Miller WR Memphis – Miller is an explosive athlete with really quick feet that helped him get separation throughout his college career. He should use those feet to make plays in a slot role that is now open after getting rid of Taylor Gabriel this off season.
San Francisco 49ers (from New Orleans Saints) – Chukwuma Okorafor OT Western Michigan University – Okorafor is a mauler on the outside and used his long arms to dominate MAC competition. Staley is aging and while the WMU prospect may not be a LT at the next level, he would provide great depth and could play multiple positions.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Ronald Jones II USC – This gives a lightening to the thunder. Leveon Bell is one of the best running backs in the league, but Pittsburgh would be smart to start giving him some relief by adding another playmaker in the backfield to extend his phenomenal career.
Jacksonville Jaguars – DJ Moore WR Maryland – I do not believe in Donte Moncrief. Even if he is a success, the Jags could use another playmaker on the outside who uses his quickness well to set up defensive backs. Now with Gilsicki, Moore and Fournette, Jacksonville has an interesting young offense.
Minnesota Vikings – MJ Stewart CB UNC – Trey Waynes hasn’t been a liability, but Minnesota would be smart to draft some competition at the position. MJ Stewart is someone in a similar mold, a physical corner who loves playing at the line of scrimmage by pressing receivers and making plays in the run game.
New England Patriots – Mason Rudolph QB Oklahoma St. – Mason Rudolph throws a beautiful deep ball and can put some zip on it over the middle. Belichick needs another backup to develop and at some point in the next 10 years, the Pats will need to replace Tom Brady.
Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles) – James Washington WR Oklahoma St. – After addressing a lot of needs early in the draft, Cleveland could still use some playmakers for their new QB. James Washington is great at breaking the press and making plays downfield, and adds to an already very good, young receiving core in The Land.
Round 3
Buffalo Bills (from Cleveland Browns) – Arden Key EDGE LSU
New York Giants – Jerome Baker OLB Ohio St
Indianapolis Colts – Dante Pettis WR Washington
Houston Texans – Nick Chubb RB Georgia
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Rashad Penny RB SDST
San Francisco 49ers (from Chicago Bears) – Michael Gallup WR Colorado St
Denver Broncos – Mark Andrews TE OU
New York Jets – Auden Tate WR Florida St
Miami Dolphins – Tyrell Crosby OT Oregon
San Francisco 49ers – Holton Hill CB Texas
Oakland Raiders – Deadrin Senat DT USF
Green Bay Packers – Lorenzo Carter OLB Georgia
Cincinnati Bengals – BJ Hill DT NCST.
Kansas City Chiefs (from Washington Redskins) – Taylor Hearn OG Clemson
Arizona Cardinals – Martinas Rankin OT Miss St.
Houston Texans (from Seattle Seahawks) – Jamarco Jones OT Ohio St
Dallas Cowboys – Hayden Hurst TE South Carolina
Detroit Lions – Kerryon Johnson RB Auburn
Baltimore Ravens – Nathan Shepherd DT Ft. Hays State
Los Angeles Chargers – Armani Watts S Texas A&M
Carolina Panthers (from Buffalo Bills) – Shaqueem Griffin LB UCF
Kansas City Chiefs – Josey Jewell LB Iowa
Los Angeles Rams – Shaun Dion Hamilton LB Bama
Carolina Panthers – Quenton Meeks CB Stanford
Tennessee Titans – Josh Sweat EDGE FSU
Atlanta Falcons – Jaylen Samuels H-Back NC St
New Orleans Saints – Deon Cain WR Clemson
Pittsburgh Steelers – DeShon Elliot FS Texas
Jacksonville Jaguars – Deshawn Hand DL Bama
Minnesota Vikings – Cedrick Wilson WR Boise St
New England Patriots – Genard Avery LB Memphis
Buffalo Bills (from Philadelphia Eagles) – Micah Kiser ILB Virginia
Arizona Cardinals (Compensatory) – Simmie Cobbs Jr. WR Indiana
Houston Texans (Compensatory) – RJ McIntosh DT Miami
Denver Broncos (Compensatory) – Duke Dawson CB Florida
Cincinnati Bengals (Compensatory) – Luke Falk QB Wash St.