MOCK NFL DRAFTS
| Pick | Team | Pos | Player | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 |
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QB |
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| Lawrence is everybody's All-American and for good reason. The only thing more impressive than his measurables (6-6, 220 lbs) and long hair worthy of a Head & Shoulders commercial cameo, with Troy Polamalu, are his career numbers at Clemson. In three seasons, Lawrence won 34 of 36 games played, passed for over 10,000 yards and threw 90 touchdown passes. Oh, yeah, he also competed in two consecutive National Championship games, winning one title along the way. Lawrence epitomizes what teams search for when looking for a franchise quarterback. No way Jacksonville passes on its golden ticket to NFL relevance. | ||||
#2 |
|
OT |
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| It's possible the Jets trade for a disgruntled Deshaun Watson and select much later than their current number two pick in the 2021 draft. It's also possible New York keeps its pick and chooses Penei Sewell to protect incumbent quarterback, Sam Darnold. Should they retain their picks, the Jets are in position to take one of the most game impacting, non-skilled position players since the Colts drafted All-Pro guard, Quenton Nelson. Sewell can do whatever a team needs its offensive tackle to do and then some. In case people forgot, in 2019, Sewell didn't allow a sack in 926 pass attempts. | ||||
#3 |
|
WR |
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| Unless Ja'Marr Chase gained too much weight and lost some explosiveness, he still makes sense as a draft option for the Dolphins. Choosing between Chase or DeVonta Smith amounts to preference. Both receivers have been awarded a Biletnikoff Award (nation's best collegiate receiver), and caught at least 20 touchdown passes in a single season. Chase, however, is more thickly built and shown to be a bit more explosive with a career 19.6 yards per reception average. Whereas Smith's career average is 16.9, in addition he has more wear and tear on his slight frame and is not noted for blocking downfield, like Chase. | ||||
#4 |
|
DE |
||
| There are doubts about Rousseau's true impact for a team because he only had one great year at Miami. However, when you assess the damage he inflicted on offenses in 2019 ( two forced fumbles / 15.5 sacks / 19.5 tackles for loss ), it's hard to ignore his effect on games. Plus, considering his physical attributes, youth and vast potential, not drafting him seems more of a mistake than taking him fourth overall. Rousseau possesses stratospheric potential and Atlanta may have to invest in a "high risk" / "high reward" concept in order to transform its moribund defense. | ||||
#5 |
|
LB |
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| Unless Penei Sewell falls to them in the fifth spot, Cincy will most likely draft Parsons and fill another void area for the Bengals. Parsons can do it all from the linebacking position. Whether it's blitzing, dropping into coverage, forcing turnovers or making game changing tackles, he's a difference maker with exceptional leadership skills. Parsons opted out of the 2020 season, but definitely tabulated memorable statistics in 2019. As a true sophomore, Parsons was third in the Big Ten conference with 109 total tackles, while registering 14 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. | ||||
#6 |
|
CB |
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| There is no NFL scouting combine this year, so, decision makers are going to have to depend on 2019's game footage for players that opted out of the 2020 campaign. Farley is an aggressive competitor who isn't fearful of defending receivers closely. He's sudden in press coverage and fluid enough to shadow receivers downfield. His size (6-2, 207 lbs) and awareness have led to six career interceptions and 19 passes defended. The Eagles need his hawkish abilities in their secondary, especially considering the receivers the NFC conference fields. | ||||
#7 |
|
QB |
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| Detroit made it official that long-time franchise, quarterback, Matt Stafford is on the auction block and available for the best trade proposals. Stafford was the first overall pick in the 2009 draft and has amassed over 45,000 passing yards and 282 touchdown throws in his 12 year career. Unfortunately, those are hollow numbers when paired with a 44.8 winning percentage (74-90-1) during the regular season, and zero victories in the postseason (0 - 3). So, if the Lions are starting over with a new general manager and head coach, they may as well add a new, friendlier, cost-controlled option at franchise quarterbacking. Enter the younger, more athletic version of Stafford in the form of Zach Wilson. Detroit only hopes he'll be better at winning than his predecessor. | ||||
#8 |
|
QB |
||
| Injuries within the Panther's defensive line will heal and most likely improve the team's efficiency. Kawann Short's return to health paired with the maturation of defensive tackle, Derrick Brown will generate a better interior pass rush and a more stout run defense. Carolina still requires help defensively to ascend within the NFC South's competitive division, however, when a franchise talent like Justin Fields possibly falls into your laps...you take him. Bridgewater is a good quarterback, but he's plateaued, whereas Fields' abilities are seemingly, boundless and abundant. If Carolina navigates this pick deftly enough, they can compete today while planning to dominate in the near future. | ||||
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#9 |
|
CB |
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| Surtain has ideal size (6'2", 202 lbs) to compete and potentially dominate wideouts. Although he doesn't have blistering speed like some lockdown corners, Surtain's football IQ is without peer and his game preparation is already at a NFL level. The son of a longtime former NFL defensive back, Surtain is a mixture of youth, athleticism, maturity and confidence that elevates his level of play years beyond the majority of players entering the draft. He is the most pro ready defensive back available in this draft and will start from day one. Denver could use a steadying presence in the secondary and Surtain would be a solid option. | ||||
#10 |
|
DT |
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| It’s imperative Dallas shore up its rush defense, especially since they allowed 158.8 rushing yards per game (31st) and 29.6 points a contest. During Alabama's national championship playoff run, Barmore became an elemental force of disruption creating chaos in opposing teams' backfields. Taking Barmore at 10th overall may seem a stretch to some, but considering how quickly he's progressed against top competition, choosing the redshirt sophomore may be more foresight than regret for the Cowboys. A powerful upper body and thick lower frame make him extremely difficult to maneuver around, and his ability to dominate one on one battles forces teams to account for his disruptive antics. | ||||
#11 |
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OT |
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| Slater is quite possibly the best combination of athleticism and technique for offensive linemen in this year's draft. Sewell is raw unbridled talent with skill, but Slater is that centered calm in the eye of a hurricane, amid swirling, defensive pressure that threatens quarterbacks. Slater opted out of this past college season and could do so because he's that good. His "drop the mic moment" is his highlight footage against 2020's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chase Young. Choosing him would increase protection for New York's embattled quarterback, Daniel Jones and clear the way for super-back, Saquon Barkley. | ||||
#12 |
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CB |
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| Baring a trade to move on from quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo and select his replacement from this draft's prospects, the 49ers have a serious need for corner back. With Farley and Surtain possibly already chosen, San Fran would do well to consider Horn. The Gamecock from South Carolina is just as big as his aforementioned peers and competes on a similar level. Horn's style of play is reminiscent of current 49er, Richard Sherman and just as effective. More importantly, he's younger and much more affordable for a cash strapped team. | ||||
#13 |
|
TE |
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| The Chargers are an historically frugal organization and with two talented, yet expensive unrestricted free agents on the payroll (DE/Melvin Ingram and TE/Hunter Henry), there's a strong likelihood of one or both playing for different teams next season. The replacement for Ingram may already be on the team in the athletic form of Uchenna Nwosu. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Nwosu actually grades out slightly better than Ingram for a fraction of the cost. Whereas drafting Pitts provides a fiscal, and potentially productive solution to losing Henry. | ||||
#14 |
|
DE |
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| Clearly, I like Paye as an answer for the Vikings' question mark at edge rusher, seeing as how I've paired him with Minnesota for several weeks to date. Minnesota is a vastly more effective and stifling defense when they've retained the services of a quality pass rusher. Paye is a power player who sets the edge well against the run, and has enough burst and wiggle to flex around blockers and explode into the backfield. The Vikings hope the league's infatuation with drafting quarterbacks high will push the talented Paye their way. | ||||
#15 |
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LB |
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| Whether or not New England keeps this draft pick is anybody's guess. Recently, quarterback Matt Stafford of the Lions became available via any significant trade offers; and Rams' general manager, Les Snead gave the worst endorsement of a player (in this case, quarterback Jared Goff) in recorded history. So, if head coach, Bill Belichick believes this current roster of Patriots has a run, or two left in them to challenge for a Super Bowl, trading for an established signal caller might be the direction New England takes. If not, then drafting the multifaceted Zaven Collins would provide Belichick with a future defensive star. | ||||
#16 |
|
DT |
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| The Cardinals were pretty much middle of the road on offense and defense this past season, hence their even win and loss record (8-8). On offense they showcase two dynamic players that arguably are the most electric and productive duo in the NFL, in wideout DeAndre Hopkins and quarterback Kyler Murray. Defensively, aging star edge rusher, Chandler Jones is coming off a season ending injury and franchise great, Patrick Peterson may not be re-signed. Arizona is entering a pivotal juncture going forward and selecting a bedrock player may be key to cementing increased and sustained success. Tufele is a versatile, athletic talent, whose chameleon-like adaptability can function in any defensive scheme. | ||||
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#17 |
|
DE |
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| Las Vegas' lack of pass rushing pressure is a big reason why teams averaged 29.9 points per game against them. During his four year career at Wake Forest, Basham amassed 35.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. The Raiders generated just 21 sacks this past season, getting to the quarterback only 3.49 percent of the time, ranking 30th in the NFL percentage wise. The Raiders must improve their listless pass rush, because the young guns in the AFC West (Mahomes, Herbert, Lock) combined for 85 touchdown passes (averaged 28.3 TDs). The league average for passing scores is 27.2, so Las Vegas has its worked cut out for them. | ||||
#18 |
|
LB |
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| Owusu-Koramoah is the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the Butkus Award winner (nation's best linebacker). Miami's head coach, Brian Flores would thoroughly enjoy scheming various ways to unleash the talented linebacker from Notre Dame. Unquestioned speed and explosion allows Owusu-Koramoah to prowl along the gridiron landscape and make game changing plays. Utilized in the "rover" position while in college, this coiled athlete strikes with Cobra-like quickness after diagnosing plays with his equally sharp mind. A day one impact player wherever he lines up in 2021. | ||||
#19 |
|
QB |
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| Drafting an immensely, talented athlete like Lance, would be a proactive move for Washington, especially considering incumbent starting quarterback, Alex Smith's age and injury history. Although Lance competed in less than 20 college games and essentially sat out the 2020 season, his impressive 2019 campaign where he won the FCS National Championship (16-0) is impossible to ignore. Still, there are nuances to the position he lacks and sitting out a year didn't present opportunities to sharpen them against competition. Lance flashes franchise potential, he just needs a team that believes in him and trusts he'll develop sooner than later. | ||||
#20 |
|
OT |
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| Bears are in a win now mode and drafting a quarterback to lead this team of veterans and desperate decision makers (head coach - Matt Nagy / general manager - Ryan Pace) is counter-productive. Instead, selecting an offensive lineman to protect whatever seasoned signal caller they acquire would make way more sense. The Detroit Lions just made their all-time leading passer, Matt Stafford available via trade, and the Rams' general manager, Les Snead is lukewarm on Jared Goff. Trading for one of those productive quarterbacks and drafting someone like Mayfield to actually protect them, would dramatically improve Chicago's stale offense. Just imagine Chicago's defense paired with a quality offense. | ||||
#21 |
|
QB |
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| Indianapolis' situation is like Chicago's but better, because the offensive line and skill players, with the exception of a starting quarterback, are already in place. The Colts may trade for a veteran signal caller to keep them playoff relevant and vie for Super Bowls. However, if no trade happens, they may consider taking an intuitive quarterbacking talent who can command an offense and work systematically within its construct. National champion, Mac Jones proved he can compete and win if surrounded by exceptionally skilled players. Jones sports average arm strength, but his proven accuracy (74.3 for his career) being utilized in eight home games (Colts play in a dome), and competing in a warm weather division is something to contemplate. | ||||
#22 |
|
OLB |
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| Ossai is extremely flexible along his hips, enabling him to move fluidly when dropping into shallow coverage, or turn to shadow receivers down field. He's an explosive talent who creates mismatches with just his presence on the field. Ossai is an ascending talent who gets better and more confident with each game played and nuanced experience. He is rarely fooled twice by the same play even if its disguised within a different formation. The Titans' defense must improve on third down conversions and Ossai's versatility may camouflage how Tennessee will attack and dismantle offenses. 23 | ||||
#23 |
|
WR |
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| Waddle is pure speed and mesmerizingly electric on the field. In the blink of an eye, whether it's on a kick return, jet sweep, screen pass or deep throw, Waddle has the ability to score instantly. Defenses will have to seriously regard how they plan to defend against his game breaking talents. Whoever quarterbacks the Jets next season, if Waddle is chosen by New York, that player will make sure a personal limo driver escorts Waddle to every practice and home game. Yes, he's that good and that important to any franchise that selects him. | ||||
#24 |
|
C |
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| Long-time center Maurkice Pouncey intimated to teammates that he'll likely retire. Replacing the hub of an offense is way more important and integral to a team's success than what is generally discussed. It's not a sexy position but centers are vital to how effectively teams execute on the field offensively. Pittsburgh selected Pouncey (arguably a future a Hall of Famer) 18th overall in the 2010 draft, so choosing Humphrey six picks later isn't a stretch. Although not as athletic as Pouncey, Humphrey is a skilled communicator and blocking technician who plays with a similar attitude. | ||||
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#25 |
|
S |
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| Jacksonville may be the first team to select a safety in the first round, and Moehrig would be worth that day one selection. Moehrig is an astute playmaker who's averaged approximately 54 tackles and 10 passes defended over the past two seasons. During his time at TCU, his seven career interceptions are only four less than all of the safeties on Jacksonville, the past three seasons combined (11 total interceptions). The Jaguars need a difference maker and leader in the secondary, and Moehrig may be that alpha. | ||||
#26 |
|
OLB |
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| Ojulari is a twitchy, athletic player who's reactive quickness stresses the perimeter protection along the offensive line, and puts blockers on their heels. He threatens more with his speed than power, but Ojulari can transition his kinetic bursts into enough force to move blockers or level ball carriers. The Browns could use another edge rusher and playmaker along its front seven. Considering unrestricted free agent, defensive end, Olivier Vernon's asking price, plus the fact Cleveland will soon have to decide on quarterback, Baker Mayfield's contract; drafting a talented and affordable player like Ojulari would be fiscally prudent. | ||||
#27 |
|
DE |
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| Saying Oweh is athletic is like stating Superman is "super," it’s obvious and somewhat repetitive. Nevertheless, that's exactly what Oweh is, an athletic marvel who's, too physically gifted to ignore. Currently, his football acumen isn't equal to his physical gifts and that's the intoxicating part, because once his technique and football IQ matches his athleticism, he'll dominate at a pro bowl level. The Ravens are talented enough on defense to wait for Oweh to mature, so drafting him now is an investment for the near future. | ||||
#28 |
|
WR |
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| Amazingly (and not in a good way), every Saints receiver excluding Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, caught a combined 82 passes. Shockingly (again, not in a positive light), those receptions by five other wideouts were one less than team reception's leader, running back Alvin Kamara. The reality facing New Orleans is that Hall of Famer to be, Drew Brees will no longer quarterback the team, Sanders is 33 years old and Thomas is coming off an injury riddled season. Head coach Sean Payton requires pass catchers for his offense to regain its potency, and Marshall's playmaking ability interwoven with his long speed, agility and sure hands could be the elixir. | ||||
#29 |
|
DT |
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| Twyman is another player whose opted out season will place greater significance on his 2019 campaign when it comes to evaluating him. Potentially, having sat out a season could be a mixed bag, but Twyman may have shown enough to still be chosen in the first round. He will have to display at his school's Pro Day (where schools host performance drills for its athletes) the same burst and agility that made him a terror in 2019. Green Bay recorded 41 sacks this season, but only seven of them were generated by designated defensive linemen. Drafting Twyman could shore up an area that was exposed in last weekend's NFC Championship game. | ||||
#30 |
|
DT |
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| Nixon is rising up draft boards because in just 21 games played, he's amassed 19 tackles for loss, sacked the passer eight and half times, and returned an interception 71 yards for a score. Nixon is the 2020, Big Ten Player of the Year, and is a dominating instinctive athlete. Buffalo allowed teams to run at their discretion ( 4.6 yards per carry) and surrendered 21 rushing scores ( 6th in the NFL). The Bills must improve in this area if they want to take the next step toward being a Super Bowl participant. Nixon is more talented than experienced at this time, but once he matures both physically and mentally, he may become unblockable. | ||||
#31 |
|
RB |
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| Tampa Bay is playing in the Super Bowl, but afterwards, they'll have to make decisions on the 26 unrestricted free agents currently rostered on the team. There's a strong possibility the Bucs' four free agent running backs won't be re-signed, especially if one talented back could account for similar, if not better production. Well Buccaneer fans look no further rhan National Champion running back, Najee Harris. Harris is as big as Leonard Fournette, but more explosive and a much better receiver out of the backfield. Plus, for a fiscally compromised organization mired in a pandemic, affordability may be the best commodity any young prospect possesses. | ||||
#32 |
|
OT |
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| Injury to starting left tackle Eric Fisher (torn Achilles tendon) and subsequent aging along the offensive line, strongly suggests addressing the protection surrounding the team's franchise player, Patrick Mahomes. Leatherwood, although skilled and accomplished, may not be the most talented offensive lineman in the draft, however, he is undoubtedly the most pro ready. His toolbox and experience level expand his versatility to play either tackle position or guard spot. The Chiefs are back to back Super Bowl participants and choosing late in the draft affords them enough perspective to be selective. | ||||