Post-Free Agency "I'm the Captain Now" 3 Round Mock Draft

Okay fine, free agency isn’t completely finished. At the time of typing there are a few high level players still available, namely Jadeveon Clowney and Jameis Winston, however I’m stuck in my apartment with nothing else to do.

I’m riding solo on this one, so for all the bad picks I have no-one to blame but myself. For clarification this is entirely a “what I would do” mock draft with no trades, and is in no way predictive. I’m the captain now, I’m the GM, I’m in control, this is my ship and these are my picks.

1ST ROUND

#1 Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, QB LSU

Duh.

#2 Washington Redskins- Chase Young, EDGE Ohio State

Speculation about Tua, but with no trades Washington takes one of the best pass rushers to come through the draft in years.

#3 Detroit Lions- Isaiah Simmons, Super Hero Clemson

Conventional wisdom says take Jeff Okudah, but I really think Isaiah Simmons is a special, special player. The term “once in a generation” gets thrown around a lot in draft season, but we have truly seen nothing like this guy.

#4 New York Giants- Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia

The cornerstones of the Giants right now are both in the backfield, and Andrew Thomas helps both of them. The best OT in a loaded draft class, the Giants shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.

#5 Miami Dolphins- Tua Tavovailoa, QB Alabama

It wasn’t long ago that Tua was considered a lock for the #1 pick in the draft, after a handful of health problems Miami gets him at 5.

#6 Los Angeles Chargers- Jedrick Wills, OT Alabama

The Chargers traded away Russell Okung for OG Trai Turner in what can only be described as a steal. Now they continue re-working this OL with Jedrick Wills.

#7 Carolina Panthers- Jeffrey Okudah, CB Ohio State

If Jeffrey Okudah falls to 7 Carolina should run to the podium. Arguably the best CB prospect since Jalen Ramsey, gigantic need following the departure of James Bradberry, slam dunk.

#8 Arizona Cardinals- Tristan Wirfs, OT Iowa

After getting DeAndre Hopkins for a pack of gum and a Klondike bar, Arizona sures up the OL and continues to build an offense around Kyler Murray under the Kliff Kingsbury system.

#9 Jacksonville Jaguars- CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma

Jacksonville has quickly become one of the worst rosters in the NFL, and they could go a million directions in this draft. If I’m in charge I just take good football players, CeeDee Lamb is the best WR in this draft and gives them a formidable boundary duo with DJ Chark.

#10 Cleveland Browns- Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville

No-brainer pick. The last of the top 4 OTs, Mekhi Becton makes a huge impact right away on the Browns OL.

#11 New York Jets- K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE LSU

Well, they missed out on the upper tier of the OL class, but K’Lavon Chaisson is a hell of a consolation prize. Serious juice coming off the edge combined with impressive coverage ability, Chaisson gives the Jets the edge presence they haven’t had in awhile.

#12 Las Vegas Raiders- Derrick Brown, IDL Auburn

Watch and enjoy.

#13 San Francisco 49ers- Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama

With their shiny new first round pick courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts, the 49ers take advantage of a great WR class who will slide into Emmanuel Sanders’ role seamlessly.

#14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Jones, OT Houston

Well they got Tom Brady, but that won’t do much for them without some protection, it’s a bit of a reach at #14, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

#15 Denver Broncos- Henry Rugs III, WR Alabama

Courtland Sutton, Henry Ruggs, Noah Fant. If that’s not enough for Drew Lock I’m not sure what is.

#16 Atlanta Falcons- CJ Henderson, CB Florida

The Falcons needed a corner back before Desmond Trufant, now they should be borderline desperate. Lucky for them the value lines up with CJ Henderson at 16.

#17 Dallas Cowboys- AJ Epenesa, EDGE Iowa

Dallas has put together a really nice free agency period, patching up a few holes with good veteran football players. However, they still need some juice getting after the quarterback. Epenesa is a powerful, productive, versatile player that Jerry Jones should love.

#18 Miami Dolphins- Justin Jefferson, WR LSU

Miami is another team who has pieced together an interesting roster in free agency. While WR probably isn’t the biggest need left, Justin Jefferson is a great football player, Miami needs more of those.

#19 Las Vegas Raiders- Tee Higgins, WR Clemson

For some reason Tee Higgins is being slept on as the draft process goes on. I, however, refuse to ignore what’s right in-front of my face, and if it blows up on me so be it.

#20 Jacksonville Jaguars- Justin Herbert, QB Oregon

In a more realistic world Justin Herbert probably isn’t falling to 20, but if he does Jacksonville should jump at the chance. While it’s impossible not to love Gardner Minshew, I’m not exactly sold on him as the future of the franchise, Justin Herbert? Might be.

#21 Philadelphia Eagles- Jalen Reagor, WR TCU

The Eagles landed Darius Slay, and while that doesn’t take CB off the board, WR should be the pick here. Reagor is ultra competitive, ultra talented and should fill out the Eagles WR room nicely.

#22 Minnesota Vikings- Kristian Fulton, CB LSU

Stefon Diggs is gone, but I don’t think the WR value lines up at 22, however Kristian Fulton does.

#23 New England Patriots- Jordan Love, QB Utah State

While I don’t think Herbert being available at 20 is realistic.. Jordan Love being here at 23 is, and I don’t think Bill is really prepared to go to battle with Jarrett Stidham.

#24 New Orleans Saints- Kenneth Murray, LB Oklahoma

1st round talent, LB1, position of need, book it.

#25 Minnesota Vikings- Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE Penn State

I can’t imagine a better fit opposite Danielle Hunter. Gross-Matos brings a surprising 1st step to a super powerful frame.

#26 Miami Dolphins- Javon Kinlaw, IDL South Carolina

I’ll repeat, Miami needs good football players. If Javon Kinlaw somehow falls to 26 they shouldn’t blink.

#27 Seattle Seahawks- Lucas Niang OT TCU

Seattle goes back to the TCU well after taking LJ Collier last year, but this time with a good player.

#28 Baltimore Ravens- Patrick Queen, LB LSU

The biggest remaining need for Baltimore lines up with a hell of a football player, who just needs some help with tackling technique.

#29 Tennessee Titans- Neville Gallimore, IDL Oklahoma

After giving up Jurrell Casey for a 7th round pick (?), the Titans opened up a gaping hole on the interior of the DL. Neville Gallimore is a 1st round player and I will not hear otherwise.

#30 Green Bay Packers- Laviska Shenault Jr, WR Colorado

I’m a bit lower on Shenault than most, but the Packers really need a player who can make something happen after the catch, and Shenault does that better than anybody in this class.

#31 San Francisco 49ers- Jeff Gladney, CB TCU

I fully expect the 49ers to trade one of these 1st round picks, but if they don’t and walk away with Jerry Jeudy and Jeff Gladney instead, I wouldn’t be that upset.

#32 Kansas City Chiefs- Trevon Diggs, CB Alabama

Without much money to spend, the Chiefs have to address their needs via the draft. Trevon Diggs is already a great player even though he only has a couple years of CB experience under his belt.

2ND ROUND

#33 Cincinnati Bengals- Zack Baun, LB/EDGE Wisconsin

There’s a need at LB, there’s a need at edge, Cinci tries their best to fill both of them with Zack Baun.

#34 Indianapolis Colts- Denzel Mims, WR Baylor

After moving their 1st round pick for DeForest Buckner, the Colts take Mims with their 1st pick in the draft. Mims is more than a workout warrior, and he can work the intermediate/deep routes for a revamped Indy offense.

#35 Detroit Lions- Noah Igbinoghene, CB Auburn

Detroit passed on Okudah in round 1, so they grab Igbinoghene in round 2 who joins Amani Oruwariye to complete the most difficult to pronounce CB room in the NFL.

#36 New York Giants- Grant Delpit, S LSU

Grant Delpit circa 2018 was a top 10 draft pick. Today he’s a late 1st/early 2nd player who would fill the coverage side of a safety duo with Jabrill Peppers.

#37 Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Harrison, LB Ohio State

A 37 year old Thomas Davis led the way at LB snaps last year by a country mile.

#38 Carolina Panthers- Cesar Ruiz, IOL Michigan

Trai Turner out, Cesar Ruiz in.

#39 Miami Dolphins- Xavier McKinney, S Alabama

Minkah Fitzpatrick wasn’t given the right opportunities in Miami. Brian Flores is the right coach to utilize Xavier McKinney’s versatility.

#40 Houston Texans- Jonah Jackson, IOL Ohio State

With the 1st of 2 2nd round picks, Houston take an ass-kicker on the interior.

#41 Cleveland Browns- Raekwon Davis, IDL Alabama

Once a 1st round lock, Raekwon has continued to put out good tape, and still fallen to the 2nd round due to a super talented draft class. Cleveland gets a steal at the top of the 2nd.

#42 Jacksonville Jaguars- AJ Terrell, CB Clemson

Jalen Ramsey, gone. AJ Bouye, gone. AJ Terrell? In I guess.

#43 Chicago Bears- Ezra Cleveland, OT Boise State

The 1st pick of the draft for Chicago, Ezra Cleveland has limitless potential. Unfortunately he might be thrown to the wolves, something I’m not sure if he’s ready for, but we shall see.

#44 Indianapolis Colts- Julian Okwara, EDGE Notre Dame

I really like what Okwara brings to the table off the edge in the NFL, and with Buckner commanding attention inside I think he would have a chance to thrive right away.

#45 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- JK Dobbins, RB Ohio State

When you go all in on a 42 year old QB, you do everything you can to stockpile the rest of the offense with talent. RB1 goes to Tampa.

#46 Denver Broncos- Austin Jackson, OT USC

Garett Bolles is.. a football player.

#47 Atlanta Falcons- Terrell Lewis, EDGE Alabama

Super athletic, check. Edge rusher, check. Atlanta Falcons check list complete.

#48 New York Jets- Prince Tega Wanogho, OT Auburn

After missing out on the upper tier of the OT class, The Jets take a stab at an uber athletic mammoth with the footwork of a ballerina.

#49 Pittsburgh Steelers Jalen Hurts, QB Oklahoma

1st pick of the draft for the Steelers, and there are a ton of options on the table. That said, we know that Mason Rudolph ain’t it, we also know Duck Hodges ain’t it. Maybe, just maybe Jalen Hurts is.

#50 Chicago Bears- Robert Hunt, OL Louisiana-Lafayette

Chicago desperately needs OL help, Robert Hunt has played LT, LG, and RT at a high level.

#51 Dallas Cowboys- Jaylon Johnson, CB Utah

After watching Byron Jones take his talents to South Beach, Dallas needs somebody to take his spot on the outside. Johnson’s physicality will translate right away.

#52 Los Angeles Rams- Jonathan Greenard, EDGE Florida

The Rams get a steal with their 1st pick in the draft. Greenard is a savvy pass-rusher who will slide into Dante Fowler’s now vacant spot.

#53 Philadelphia Eagles- Antoine Winfield Jr, S Minnesota

Malcolm Jenkins is out, and he leaves a gaping hole in the secondary. I don’t want to put Winfield into those shoes, but he brings an attitude and ball-seeking ability that will look familiar.

#54 Buffalo Bills- Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin

With the 1st two picks in the draft, the Bills wind up with Stefon Diggs and Jonathan Taylor, call me a fan.

#55 Baltimore Ravens- Josh Uche, EDGE Michigan

Patrick Queen and Josh Uche bring youth and juice to the front 7.

#56 Miami Dolphins- D’Andre Swift, RB Georgia

Good football players, good football players, good football players.

#57 Houston Texans- KJ Hamler, WR Penn State

Nuk is out, Randall Cobb and KJ Hamler are in. If the Texans refuse to protect Deshaun Watson, they might as well give him some YAC weapons.

#58 Minnesota Vikings- Bryce Hall, CB Virginia

Former 1st round lock who was crushed by an injury, Bryce Hall is a perfect scheme fit for the Vikings.

#59 Seattle Seahawks- Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR Michigan

An explosive athlete who may not be at a position of need, but I can’t resist pulling the trigger here to join Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf.

#60 Baltimore Ravens- Netane Muti, IOL Fresno State

There is nobody in the draft, Tua included, who has a bigger medical red flag than Netane Muti. That said, he would be the top IOL off the board without them, and would be an awesome fit in the Ravens run-heavy offense.

#61 Tennessee Titans- Isaiah Wilson, OT Georgia

Lose an ass-kicker at RT, bring in an ass-kicker at RT.

#62 Green Bay Packers- Justin Madubuike, IDL Texas A&M

Maybe they will move him to EDGE like Rashan Gary.

#63 Kansas City Chiefs- Lloyd Cushenberry III, IOL LSU

Cushenberry offers a bit of position versatility, but he is best at C, where the Chiefs could use some help now and in the future.

#64 Seattle Seahawks- Ashtyn Davis, S Cal

Ashtyn Davis is an impressive athlete who is actually a hell of a player for his lack of football experience.

3RD ROUND

#65 Cincinnati Bengals- Brandon Aiyuk, WR Arizona State

If Brandon Aiyuk goes in the 1st round I wouldn’t be surprised, if he falls to the back end of the 3rd round I wouldn’t be surprised. Aiyuk is dynamic with the ball in his hands, but also has some great feet as a route runner.

#66 Washington Redskins- Tyler Biadasz, IOL Wisconsin

Tyler Biadasz can start at any of the 3 interior positions as soon as he walks in the door.

#67 Detroit Lions- Marlon Davidson, DL EDGE

Positional versatility, attitude in the run game, powerful at the point of attack, all super important on the front of a Patricia defense.

#68 New York Jets- Michael Pittman Jr, WR USC

In a normal year Michael Pittman goes much earlier than 68, but in this class the Jets get a day 1 starter in round 3.

#69 Carolina Panthers- Ross Blacklock, IDL TCU

After stealing Okudah in rd 1 the Panthers get trench help on both sides of the ball on day 2.

#70 Miami Dolphins- Darrell Taylor, EDGE Tennessee

The consistency is missing, but the flashes are special for Darrell Taylor, with a bevy of draft picks Miami can afford to take a shot on potential.

#71 Los Angeles Chargers- Jake Fromm, QB Georgia

I like Tyrod Taylor, I always have, and I think he can lead this Chargers team to the playoffs in 2020, but I think it’s pretty clear he’s not the future of the franchise. Fromm has been a bit over analyzed and while I don’t think he’s a bonafide starter, he’s got a higher ceiling than people think.

#72 Arizona Cardinals- Willie Gay Jr, LB Mississippi State

With their 2nd pick in the draft following the Hopkins trade, the Cardinals need to start addressing the defensive side of the ball, they do so with an aggressive LB with top end closing speed.

#73 Jacksonville Jaguars- Kyle Dugger, S Lenoir-Rhyne

All offense on day 1, all defense on day 2. Dugger paired with Ronnie Harrison is intriguing versatility on the back end.

#74 Cleveland Browns- Jeremy Chinn, S Southern Illinois

Jeremy Chinn brings the same play style that they lost with Jabrill Peppers out the door, but this time with a DC that will use him properly.

#75 Indianapolis Colts- Cole Kmet, TE Notre Dame

The Colts utilize 2 TE sets better than anyone, and Cole Kmet brings a lot to the table as a receiver and blocker.

#76 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Rashard Lawrence, IDL LSU

I’m a bigger Rashard Lawrence than most, I think he would be a great fit on the Tampa front bringing his versatility and leverage.

#77 Denver Broncos- Damon Arnette, CB Ohio State

Chris Harris is gone, but Damon Arnette brings a similar skill-set to Denver.

#78 Atlanta Falcons- Akeem Davis-Gaither LB Appalachian State

I love this guy on day 2, I think the Falcons will too.

#79 New York Jets- Cam Dantzler, CB Mississippi State

The Jets have a ton of needs, but corner is one of them. Dantzler had a rough combine, but he’s worth a shot in the 3rd round.

#80 Las Vegas Raiders- Troy Pride Jr, CB Notre Dame

This isn’t a predictive mock, but I think that Gruden and Mayock will love this kid.

#81 Las Vegas Raiders- Matt Hennessy, IOL Temple

Tough, fluid mover can slide into the lineup right away if need be.

#82 Dallas Cowboys- Van Jefferson, WR Florida

Van Jefferson’s route running would be an awesome match with Cooper and Gallup.

#83 Denver Broncos- Curtis Weaver, EDGE Boise State

Not a big Curtis Weaver guy, but if we can play him behind Von and Chubb I think he could be impactful.

#84 Los Angeles Rams- Jordyn Brooks, LB Texas Tech

The Rams need to patch together their defense, and their whole team for that matter through their draft capital they have left. Jordyn Brooks has the athleticism to play right away.

#85 Detroit Lions- Bradlee Anae, EDGE Utah

Highest floor in the draft outside of Chase Young at his position, we can pencil him in for 5-8 sacks every year, and that’s just fine.

#86 Buffalo Bills- Darnay Holmes, CB UCLA

Josh Norman ain’t it, and they need some help opposite Tre White.

#87 New England Patriots- Kenny Willekes, EDGE Michigan State

Bill Belichick is going to fall in love with this kid for good reason. Savvy pass-rusher with a relentless motor.

#88 New Orleans Saints- Michael Ojemudia, CB Iowa

Eli Apple is in Vegas, they need to find a young option for the future in NO opposite Lattimore.

#89 Minnesota Vikings- Matthew Peart, OT UConn

Keep trying to find offensive line solutions. Riley Reiff is.. serviceable?

#90 Houston Texans- Khalid Kareem, EDGE Notre Dame

He’s not a great pass-rusher, but he can stop the run with the best of them.

#91 Las Vegas Raiders- Terrell Burgess, S Utah

Just keep taking good football players, Oakland needs youth, and Burgess brings the physicality their staff is looking for.

#92 Baltimore Ravens- Cam Akers, RB Florida State

Mark Ingram is the man, but I’m not exactly sure what they have behind him. Cam Akers is a stud who can not only take the lead once Ingram is out the door, but take ~50% of the snaps right away.

#93 Tennessee Titans- Jabari Zuniga, EDGE Florida

Flexible, athletic pass rusher who should pair well with newly acquired Vic Beasley and Harold Landry.

#94 Green Bay Packers- Brycen Hopkins, TE Purdue

In a vacuum Hopkins is my TE1, and he’s a perfect pass catching threat for Green Bay.

#95 Denver Broncos- Troy Dye, LB Oregon

With 3 picks in round 3 Denver grabs defensive players with all of them trying to give Fangio some ammo.

#96 Kansas City Chiefs- Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB LSU

This just isn’t fair.

#97 Cleveland Browns- Logan Stenburg, IOL Kentucky

Big strong mauler inside who can help Chubb and Hunt establish a strong running game for Baker.

#98 New England Patriots- Joe Bachie, LB Michigan State

Patriots doubling up on experienced, talented football players from East Lansing, I love it.

#99 New York Giants- Bryan Edwards, WR South Carolina

The Giants have to keep giving Daniel Jones help if he’s going to be the QB they drafted him to be. Edwards is super physical after the catch and should give Jones some easy yards.

#100 New England Patriots- KJ Hill, WR Ohio State

A lack of weapons pushed Tom Brady out the door, Hill is an awesome route runner who can step into the slot right away.

#101 Seattle Seahawks- Alex Highsmith, EDGE Charlotte

With or without Clowney, Seattle needs some help off the edge.

#102 Pittsburgh Steelers- Davon Hamilton, IDL Ohio State

He may not be the next Casey Hayward, but I like what he brings to the table.

#103 Philadelphia Eagles- Amik Robertson, CB Louisiana Tech

Darius Slay may be in town, but that doesn’t solve their need by any stretch of the imagination.

#104 Los Angeles Rams- Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU

Good mover, should be able to slide in when Whitworth retires 15 years from now.

#105 Minnesota Vikings- K’Von Wallace, S Clemson

Versatile sub-package weapon who Minnesota would love.

#106 Baltimore Ravens- Tyler Johnson, WR Minnesota

They have plenty of speed, which is good because Tyler Johnson has none. Luckily he has everything else.