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one improvement that could help this page - put dates next to each update

Absolutely terrible draft for the Dolphins, ignoring top tier OL and DBs for hype guys...grabbing two Safeties, a CB and a QB, ignoring DT completely. This draft would get Grier fired for sure.

Great mock, per usual.

Travis Hunter/NE seems a very awkward fit to me. If Hunter isn't drafted primarily to play boundary CB, his value takes a ding, IMO. 1.04 could be a trade down spot in your scenario. The Saints need a boundary corner and more juice at WR...maybe they swap with NE? 1.09 seems a proper value range for potential NE targets like Will Campbell, Mason Graham, Tet McMillan or even Ashton Jeanty.

I think Charlie's IND/Booker report might be one of his whiffs. Draft trends are broken annually, but Chris Ballard/RAS is definitely a thing. I love Booker, but undeniably bad body/bad athlete. Lot of prominent mocks have Booker sliding to the 2nd RD recently.

For what it's worth, I think the Colts will do everything in their power to come out of the 1st RD with Warren or Loveland. Ballard was reportedly trying like mad to move up for Bowers last year. IND has ignored the TE position for too long. (This assumes IND doesn't trade for Dallas Goedert - possible, given the Steichen connection.)

@The Champ 

Egbuka would be a great fit for the Steelers. I really like your idea of adding Keenan Allen, too. If/when they sign Rodgers, they may prefer Allen's experience for what could be a one-season Rodgers window. Or maybe they trade Pickens for a mid/late 2nd-rounder and get both Egbuka and Allen. PIT still has a good amount of cap space and maneuverability. We'll see.

I think PIT will draft a 3-4 NT in the first two rounds. That run defense is just not up to Steelers standards and is helpless vs. BAL's Lindebaum/Faalele/Ricard/Henry battering ram. Keeanu Benton needs to move off the nose to his natural 3-4 DE spot. I have to think PIT is kicking the tires on Kenneth Grant and Tyleik Williams.

Any of the 1st RD O-linemen make sense for the Cardinals. Paris Johnson is the only guaranteed starter on that line, IMO. Relying on Jonah Williams is especially bad business.

Yeah, coaching connect-the-dots stuff like with Justin Frye rarely pans out when predicting the draft. I gave up on that angle a looong time ago. The best example I can remember is the 2011 draft and Nick Fairley. The Titans had just hired Auburn's Tracy Rocker as their D-line coach, and everybody immediately matched TEN/Fairley because of it. I mean, you couldn't find a mock on this site that didn't have TEN selecting Fairley. When I consistently submitted mocks that had the Titans going with non-Fairley prospects (I thought Fairley was overrated), the comment section went torches and pitchforks on me. It was insane. That was also the draft where I consistently had DAL selecting Tyron Smith and had daily comment section battles with the "Jerry Jones has never selected an O-lineman in the first round!!" herd. I think I gathered about 300 thumbs downs alone during the '11 pre-draft cycle lol.

I think Josh Simmons may linger on the board longer than most think. 

No Zach Frazier?

@Mr. Bitter 

Because Deion will announce pre-draft that his boy will NEVER play in Cleveland

Mike green round 3?! I thought he was going rohnd 1?!

@Mr. Bitter Thor Nystrom made a couple of interesting connections on his latest mock.  He mocked Egbuka to the Steelers at 21, noting that he's a perfect zone-beater and that he'd be a great fit with what DK and Pickens do.  If Rodgers is the QB, it's actually good logic, and since the Steelers don't have a 2nd rounder, perhaps they actually use their 1st on a WR.  

The other one that raised my eyebrow was him mocking Simmons to the Cardinals at 16.  I've toyed with that idea myself, knowing that Ossenfort's first pick as GM was current LT Paris Johnson, out of Ohio St.  Of course, Simmons is also a Buckeye.  But what I wasn't aware of is that Simmons' former OL coach at Ohio St. was Justin Frye...who is now the OL coach of the Cardinals.  Now, these things don't always end up working out -- I recall that the Chargers had Jordan Addison's old WR coach on staff and yet they (inexplicably) opted for Quentin Johnson over Addison -- but it's still interesting to me, for sure.  

@jrkloster 

For this mock draft there were no trades so I had trouble finding a landing spot for Sanders. If there had been trades I absolutely would have had the Browns trading back up into the 1st for him.

That being said, I am incredibly low on Sanders as a prospect and would not personally spend a 1st on him.

Wow, Sanders in the 2nd!  While I don't personally disagree, I find it hard to believe he will last that long.

@The Champ 

I'm stuck on the idea of Jahdae Barron or Emeka Egbuka for the Rams.

@Mr. Bitter Perfect!  Now my Rams can get him at #101!  (I have been mocking him in the high-2nd, so I guess I have to change that now.)

Jahdae Barron and Matthew Golden in the 2nd RD is very unlikely. Arguably the top prospects at their respective (premium) positions.

Mike Green and Donovan Ezeiruaku in the 3rd RD?

Are you guys hearing something about Mike Green that we haven't heard? That flag must be blood red, because his traits/production/metrics profile is 1st RD all day.

Ezeiruaku's only "size limitation" is that he's barely sub-6'3". Great athlete with a solid base and the arm length/wingspan of a 6'5" guy. Deep bag of pass-rush tricks. Super bendy and ultra productive. Intelligent with pristine character. (Team unanimously voted him team captain.) Premium position. Top of the 2nd RD is his floor.

Emery Jones Jr. in the 1st RD is a Mr. Fantastic reach. Sushi raw. RT only. I don't get it.

Every draft there is a big bust --  This year it will be Shadeur Sanders.     Here are the downsides...

-Can't run

-Holds ball to long

-Can't make NFL tight window throws

-Loses composure and throws picks

-Can't make deep sideline throws

-Takes too many sacks

-As overhyped a draft candidate as there has been in quit some time

I'll keep asking this question until I get a reasonable answer: If Shedeur Sanders makes sense for the Giants at 1.03, then why doesn't he make sense for the Browns at 1.02?

@Mr. Football  7-10 if things go well.  

Why are you so obsessed with tanking? seems like half of your rationale is like, "this team screwed up by winning so here's their pick." Who cares at this point how they got to that pick?

4.57 forty for Azareye'h Thomas at FSU's Pro Day, per Tony Pauline. Ouch.

@joshmango99 

Agree 100% on NE/Jeanty.

Golden would be a great value at 1.28. I'm guessing he's off the board by then, but I see your logic.

EDGE is still a need position for DET, IMO. Davenport is completely unreliable and Paschal is a run-stopper with no pass-rush juice. The severity of Hutchinson's injury must also be taken into account. 1.28 could be a sweet spot for EDGE value with Mike Green and James Pearce possibilities to slide due to character concerns. Ezeiruaku could be there, too.

@The Champ 

I have the Rams moving up for Barron, too. He's exactly the kinda dog they look for. Great minds lol.

@The Champ 

Thought the same thing about ARI/Golden. Don't mind Golden in that range, but a 1st RD investment on a distant 3rd receiving option seems a luxury ARI can't afford.

I'd add ILB to that ARI needs list. Obviously not a premium position, but Gannon's PHI-inspired scheme really needs a Zack Baun-type playmaker to click. ARI currently has journeymen Mack Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither at ILB and don't seem to be making much of an effort to re-sign Kyzir White. Jihaad Campbell or Jalon Walker would make a lot of sense for ARI.

@The Champ 

Paul had his growing pains, but he was a very raw prospect and forced into the lineup too early, so that was to be expected. Just not sure if MIA pulls the plug on a 2nd-round investment that quickly, especially considering he doesn't guard Tua's blind side.

I just get the sense that the Dolphins don't prioritize interior O-line that much. Similar system to SF (who also bargain hunt at interior O-line) where the ball is out of the QB's hand in a flash. Philosophies/trends change though, so you could easily be right. The Dolphins badly need to get more physical on offense.

@The Champ 

Yeah, Pickens was an obvious trade candidate even before the Metcalf acquisition made him redundant. No way the Steelers are going to give Pickens WR1 money next year.

A Day 2 pick for Pickens sounds right - a 2nd-rounder even. He just turned 24. Unfortunately, I could see my Jets in on that. The Cowboys, Patriots, Cardinals and Panthers could also be interested.

Keenan Allen would be a good fit in PIT. Too bad Rodgers will demand Allen Lazard.

Speaking of trades - we haven't seen any draft picks traded yet. There's usually trade action by now. It's eerily quiet.

Thought: If Ward and Sanders go 1.01 and 1.02, I wonder if the Giants could draft Abdul Carter at 1.03 then put Thibodeaux on the trade block. There's a lot of buzz that the Giants are hesitant to make a long-term commitment to him.

Love the Thomas fit with the Rams after a trade down.  I've toyed with this idea myself, but in my mock I have them moving up instead for Barron (at 15 with Atlanta).  But yeah, moving down for yet another Florida St. defender is absolutely something that is logical for them.  

I do think you have Zabel and Hairston much too low.  I think Zabel is a 1st Round lock.  Just a plug-and-play guard starter after a dominant Senior Bowl week, and with so many teams needing iOL help after Seattle at 18 (if he gets by them), I just can't see him lasting into the 2nd.  As for Hairston, maybe he could fall out of the 1st because he doesn't have ideal size for an outside corner, but with that 40 time, I just don't see him lasting almost until pick #50.  We'll see!  

I really appreciate this mock, and not just because we do have several matches through 2 rounds, ha.  I don't agree with you on Arizona taking a WR (Golden) at #16, though.  McBride and Harrison are going to be high-volume targets, and they need to get Harrison going more in 2025 than they did in his rookie year.  They have major issues on the OL (iOL in particular, and RT Jonah Williams is aging, injury-prone, and has void years left after this one), not to mention at CB (apart from Garrett Williams).  Barron is neck-and-neck with Johnson to go as the first CB (obviously not including Hunter), and he was available in your mock.  Personally, I'd see Barron, a preferred OL, or even Jihaad Campbell as much more likely in this spot.  

Also agree with Mr. Bitter about the 49ers.  They take LB later, and tend to value length in their DL players.  Think Shemar Stewart, Mykel Williams, or Kenneth Grant, I think, if they go with DL at 11.  Campbell or Membou (if they fall) would be great picks there as well, or maybe even Banks, though my gut is that John Lynch would go with Stewart or Williams over Banks.  

@Mr. Bitter Appreciate the feedback. I think the LV/NE trade is very likely - whether the Pats want OT or a skill position player, they'll still get the guy they want at #6, and LV would benefit more from Hunter than Jeanty in terms of elevating the team in multiple ways.

I do see the Jalon Walker argument - Mykel Williams was the other option I considered for SF. 

@Mr. Bitter If Tomlin really wants Rodgers and if he does end up the guy, I absolutely agree that they would have to acquire a route-runner to add to the mix, as a top duo of DK and Pickens doesn't make much sense.  For what it's worth, Gerry Dulac answered "2025" when asked a question in his mailbag from a fan who wanted to know if and when the club would trade Pickens.  Keenan Allen is out there; I wonder if that could be a match for the Steelers, while jettisoning Pickens for whatever they can get (perhaps a Day 2 pick).  Diggs is available as well, but coming off his injury, perhaps Allen makes more sense as a match for Rodgers.  

I can't see how he gets out of the 1st Round, especially since recent medical reports are positive.  (As you even note, he's supposed to be ready for training camp and may even be able to work out for teams, at least in some capacity, before the draft.)  I especially believe this because he's a blue-chip, pure LT prospect in a draft in which most of the top OL guys are tweeners and may have to kick inside to guard.  Starting with #16, teams that could conceivably be looking at OL help are the Cardinals, Seahawks at 18, Texans at 25, Rams at 26, Ravens at 27, Lions at 28, Commanders at 29, Chiefs at 31, and the Eagles at 32.  I can't see how he gets past all of those teams.  

@Mr. Bitter A couple of thoughts about the Miami OL situation.  First, even if they are high on Paul, he was dreadful last season.  Secondly, even if they see him filling the shoes of Armstead at LT, there's still a LG opening, and although Liam Eichenberg is on the roster, he's awful.  Miami's running game didn't work last season because of the poor OL play.  Now, I'm not saying they will go OL at 13, but if they happen to love, say, Banks, I could see that as a possibility.  

@fperri1097 I'm not saying that you are wrong to have him as such with your own personal evaluation, but when a guy has proven production from a major SEC school and then runs a 4.29, he's not getting out of the 1st Round.  Just not going to happen.  I think it's a joke that Jalen Milroe might go in the 2nd Round, but it's looking possible so I had to adjust my mock.  

@Mr. Bitter

For the Lions, I think they have a complete enough roster to afford a luxury pick. Outside of Amon-Ra and Jameson I do not see a true difference maker at receiver. With Jameson's issues staying on the field, and a looming contract decision, I think it is best for them to have a high quality contingency option in place.

For the Patriots, it simply comes down to putting the best pieces around Maye. The positional value is not there, but the value Jeanty would bring in developing a strong run game for Maye would be completely worth it.

Golden to DET is interesting. Jamo trade?

About time we see a mock that has the marbles to match NE/Jeanty.

@The Champ

I don't care what the media is saying - I'll believe Rodgers-to-PIT when I see it. It just doesn't make sense. The "screw the middle of the field" offensive personnel PIT has right now is designed for Russell Wilson, not Rodgers. Hell, Mason Rudolph and Jalen Milroe at 3.83 makes more schematic sense than Rodgers.

 

@laughwithdan 

Jets fan here and I 100% agree - and it's not just because I like Warren. We gotta score points. Whether it's TE or WR, we desperately need another high-level receiving target other than Garrett. A snot-bubble run-blocking RT like Aireontae Ersery should be there at 2.42.

@The Champ Ive personally got him as WR 4/5 (depending if you include Hunter). His speed has his potential through the roof though.

@Mr. Bitter Thanks for the insights! That Patrick Paul tip is definitely something I'll have to look into.

Love this mock and love the trades. I'm currently working on my mock and have the same exact NE/LV trade. It just makes so much sense; sure, LV has the worst RB room in the NFL and Jeanty would be a great fit, but they also desperately need a CB1 and a big-play receiver to complement Bowers and Meyers. Hunter could provide both. I love Jeanty, but he loses that "value" debate every time.

From NE's side, they have Christian Gonzalez, signed Carlton Davis to a nice bag and even have big-play-CB-that-moonlights-as-a-WR Marcus Jones, so I'm not sure where Hunter fits for the Pats unless they value him at 1.04 purely as a WR. Doubtful.

A potential monkey wrench in the NE/LV trade scenario is NE signing Tyron Smith. The Pats still have mucho cap space and haven't been shy about handing out bags to older/injury-prone vets (Davis, Harold Landry, Morgan Moses) to spackle need positions during free agency.

Love the WAS/Ezeiruaka pick. Dan Quinn still doesn't have his all-important LEO, and 1.29 is right about where one of this draft's custom-built LEOs (Ezeiruaka/Mike Green/James Pearce) should still be available. WAS should be able to stick 'n' pick and get excellent value.

Gotta push back on SF/Walker. I don't see how this isn't a trench-heavy draft for the 49ers. The D-line is just Bosa and tumbleweeds, while the O-line needs a LG now and likely two OTs by 2026. SF is excellent at finding LB value on Day 2/3, and their last 1st RD LB (R. Foster) burnt them to a crisp. In your scenario, I think it would be Mykel Williams or Kelvin Banks for SF. Banks in particular would fit SF's MO of drafting with an eye a year or two into the future (Pearsall in preparation for Deebo's exit, etc.). The 'Niners could plop Banks in at LG this season then kick him out to LT as soon as Trent Williams goes completely off the cliff. That's serious value at 1.11.

Nitpick: Not sure about PIT/O. Hampton. They re-signed Warren and picked up Gainwell, so a 1st-rounder on a bruising complement in a RBBC seems rich. I gotta think they learned their lesson with Najee Harris. In your scenario, I have to think PIT would be all over Kenneth Grant. The way their run-defense was pummeled last season can't be sitting well in PIT. They want to move Keeanu Benton off the nose, so Grant's presence would essentially upgrade two positions.

(BTW, I still think Russ could re-sign with PIT. Heavy-package, 2-TE sets with a couple of moon ball-magnet WRs on the boundaries...the offensive seems designed for Russ, not Rodgers. Rodgers can't move at all anymore and was hesitant to push the ball downfield last season.)

Last thing: I think CLE could easily Shedeur Sanders. I'm not a huge fan of Sanders as a top-5 value, but I'm not sure why I'm seeing so many mocks that have Carter or Hunter going to CLE, then turning right around and giving Sanders to the Giants as a "no-brainer". If Sanders is a no-brainer for the Giants, why wouldn't he be a no-brainer for the Browns? CLE's QB depth chart is just Kenny Pickett, and their cap situation probably makes a rookie the only affordable QB option.

As a jets fan Honestly I’d go for a right tackle in the second or third along with safety and go with Warren if he’s really this good. I’m not a pro scout so I wouldn’t know but from a fans stand point I wouldn’t be upset to see Warren going to the Jets at 7. I also think Warren would benefit from Fields as QB as well as Fields benefiting from Warren. Fields mobility and warrens ability to improvise on plays can really help with Fields taking too many sacks and can turn into pretty awesome completions. Kinda of like when Brady would hit Gronk out of nowhere when the play breaks down. I think it’s a great move. Yes there are other quality TE’s in the draft but I don’t know if it’s that close. As far as Bowers he’s a great te but I think Warren has the potential to be a COMPETE tightend with his blocking and his ability to succeed in gadget plays. I’d also love to see the Jets draft RJ Mickens too later in the draft and maybe they can get Ozzy Trapilo for  RT.

1. Walt I  think the Giants will be moving up to number one to draft Sanders.  He's already have Giants sneakers. 

As far as your free agent grade for the Cowboys I disagree. Those former number one draft picks will blossom with  the outstanding coaching staff that surround Shotty- Shotty will have the Cowboys in the playoffs- take it to the bank!  Arch Manning will be at Texas for the next 3 years like his Uncle Eli did for Ole Miss. Arch will be coming out for the 2028 NFL Draft. 

Let the record show that I predicted that the Giants would sign Jameis Winston almost 40 days ago!  (Though at that time, I also had them trading up to #1 to take Ward.)  Nonetheless, I like this for Nabers a lot, because if Winston ends up starting for them, he will pepper him with catchable targets, and not just crappy low aDOT ones.  This also seems to suggest that Russell Wilson (nor Rodgers) are heading to the Big Apple.  If Rodgers does sign with the Steelers, you have to wonder what is left for Wilson, especially if the Titans opt to take Ward #1 overall.  I suppose that if he's really willing to play for as little as $5MM for one year, maybe the Browns would still sign him and let him battle with Sanders if they take him.  

@mekeja7874 Yeah, I have him going in the 2nd Round to Seattle with one of their two picks there.  His workout numbers were too good for him to not go in the first 2 rounds imo.

I like Campbell's jumps to a team's picks.  I only care about the 9ers.  Walt??

Any mocks that don't have the 9ers picking OL in the 1st and later rounds should be wrong.  The 9ers need 1) OL studs; 2) DT; 3? CB.

@Mr. Bitter Good post

You got the Niners draft pegged this time.  Only change would be if Savaiinaea lasted til their 3rd pick they should be shoving old women out of the way to get to the podium to put him next to Trent.  He is a monster when pulling (his 40 was just a tick slower than Membou) he's long and he plays smart with a good understanding of the game.

@Mr. Bitter Jeanty to the Broncos is +1400, tied for the 4th-best odds with the Saints.  (Dallas is third at +500.)

Even further movement towards Ward just one day later; he's now -900 to go #1 and the Titans are now -310 to make the pick.

McMillan has also improved to -390 to go as WR1 (not counting Hunter).  

I'm not sure about IND/Booker. Ballard is a RAS-centric drafter, and the Colts let Kelly and Fries walk with the plan to slide Bortolini and Goncalves in at C and RG. I think if the Colts address RG in the 1st RD, it's more likely to be a prospect with the versatility to kick out to RT as a hedge against whatever is going on with Braden Smith. Josh Simmons might make more sense.

For what it's worth, both Daniel Jeremiah and Mel Kiper have Booker falling out of the 1st RD of their latest mocks. Say what you will about them, but they're in-the-loop guys. Their March/April mocks are generally indicative of prospects' ultimate draft range.

@The Champ 

Ojulari and Uche were great post-1st wave free agency value signings. Both young with encouraging pass-rush metrics. Roseman is a beast. He makes it look easy. As a Jets fan, it's painful to watch.

Still, it can be argued that Ojulari/Uche/Hunt are best suited for rotational roles, and Bryce Huff is on the trade block, so I wouldn't be shocked if Roseman went EDGE - especially if Mike Green, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Pearce or (somehow) Mykel Williams are hanging out in their range. Value.

I also don't think the idea of Roseman going O-line is outlandish at all. Roseman regularly and aggressively fortifies O-line at the first sign of foundational cracks, and Lane Johnson is almost 35. Why wouldn't he consider someone like Josh Simmons or Josh Conerly to play RG then kick out to RT when Johnson hangs 'em up?

If Colston Loveland slips into the 20s I could see Roseman moving up for him in a heartbeat. Loveland can do Dallas Goedert-type stuff.

Walter Nolen in the Milton Williams role makes a lot of sense, too. 

@The Champ 

Jihaad Campbell could definitely pop off before Jalon Walker.

Tet McMillan's Pro Day 4.48 forty may have sealed the deal. Your CAR/McMillan match makes a lot of sense, and he might go even higher.

Loveland's AC joint shoulder injury is an issue. His surgeon sent a "it'll be fine" letter to all 32 teams, but Loveland won't be able to workout pre-draft. Athletic testing is crucial for TE prospects. Without that data, some teams may bump him down their boards. Loveland could slide a bit.

I'm seeing Kelvin Banks Jr. at +600 to come off the board as OL1, and I'm intrigued. Banks has become a somewhat forgotten man amongst the OL crop and I'm not really sure why. He's arguably the cleanest LT projection in the group.

What are the odds on DEN/Jeanty? Payton and company moving up for Jeanty isn't unrealistic.

Membou is the betting favorite to go as the first OL.  You have to move him up.  

Some betting odds that could be relevant for us mockers:

--Ward is now an overwhelming -750 to go #1 overall, and the Titans are -275 to pick #1; this is up significantly from being close to a coin flip last week

--Membou and Campbell are neck-and-neck to go off the board as the OL1; Membou is -135 and Campbell is Even money

--Warren is the big -750 favorite as TE1, with Loveland +350

--McMillan is a strong -330 favorite as WR1, with Golden at +250 (not counting Hunter)

--The Bears are +130 to draft Jeanty, with the Raiders just behind at +150

--Mason Graham is a big -600 favorite to go as the first DL (not including Carter), with Stewart +750 and Williams +1000

--Will Johnson and Barron are battling as DB1 of the draft (not counting Hunter); Johnson is -110 and Barron is +140

--Jalon Walker is -330 to go as the LB1, with Jihaad Campbell +210; I guess it's possible that Campbell could pay off if he goes at his earliest possible point, likely #8 to the Panthers

Seahawks own pick 92 as a result of the Geno Smith trade.

@edgk44 They did just get Ojulari, which was a nice move.  Still, you can never be shocked if Roseman goes with a preferred edge rusher at 32.  Also can't rule out a guard if someone like Booker slipped.  Was wondering about a trade up for Emmanwori or Starks, but I'm curious what they may think of Sydney Brown and Blankenship as a tandem after the CGJ loss.  

Pats are missing their 2nd 3rd round pick(Falcons Judon trade)

Golden and his 4.29 wheels are not leaving the 1st Round.  

With you on Saints/Will Johnson. Feels like Johnson's floor.

Not sure about Dolphins/Banks. Not arguing the value, but Miami seems to be high on '24 2nd RD LT Patrick Paul.

Arizona signed NT Dalvin Tomlinson to 2 yrs/$29M, with $16M guaranteed. Could make Kenneth Grant less likely.

I think the Raiders/Jeanty hype is legit. Carroll wants a smashmouth team and Jeanty is arguably the best prospect in the draft. It makes sense.

RAVENS  

Yall don't keep up yall don't even have the correct prospects The Ravens met with yall suck

There is a 0% chance the Eagles draft at WR at Pick 64. They have 50 million dollars invested in their two WR and also have Dotson in the slot. Eagles fans may have been unhappy with Dotson's production in the regular season, but the Birds front office knows that is because of a lack of opportunity. On the All-22's, the guy gets open plenty. He had a nice post season. There is no upgrade for their WR room at pick 64. They have a 6'5" receiver they like in Johnny Wilson. Hard to take a Mock seriously when a team loses it's starting DE and DT, signs no one of note in free agency and you don't have them picking a DE or DT with either of their first two picks in a draft everyone acknowledges is strong and deep at both positions. If you mocked a TE and a DL, at least then you would have credibility. An OT and a WR? No.

Lane Johnson has stated this offseason that he sees himself playing three more years. Highly doubt the Eagles are looking at Tackles with pick 32. A swing tackle in round 3? Sure.

@The Champ 

I think three RBs go in the 1st round. (Jeanty/Hampton/Henderson) DAL's signings of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders has me wondering if they think that not only will Jeanty be off the board by 1.12, but Hampton too. Hampton is a stud that's kinda being lost in the shuffle right now. I wouldn't be shocked if CHI takes him at 1.10.

DEN has made no effort to upgrade their RB room so far, which makes me wonder if Payton and company might have their eyes on Henderson at 1.20, just as they were very obviously targeting system-fit/"overdraft" Bo Nix last year. Henderson's skill set is about as close to Alvin Kamara's as you'll find.

I think Jeanty will be very appealing to JAX because it's all about making sure Trevor Lawrence maximizes his potential for them. That's their primary focus right now and largely why Coen was hired. A Tomlinson-type workhorse RB would be more valuable in that capacity than a trade down for a DT or CB2 or something and a RD 2 "maybe" like Judkins or Kaleb Johnson, IMO.

@Mr. Bitter I wouldn't rule out Jeanty to the Jags, sure.  However, it's quite possible that the new GM may want to get extra assets and may think that a RB is simply not the right pick for them, no matter how good he is.  I certainly agree that Etienne isn't someone you plant your flag for, nor Bigsby.  But they may feel like moving down for, say, one of the Bears' high-2nd Round picks (possibly while giving up one of their own picks much later) is smart business.  Something like #5 and #107 for #10 and #41 is close on the trade value chart.  Perhaps they could add their top-rated defensive player at 10, and because this draft is so rich with RB talent, they could grab a RB upgrade on Day 2 where they'd have picks #36, 41, 70, and 88.  Just a thought.  

If CHI wants to trade up for Jeanty, I'm thinking 1.04 is the spot. I don't see why the Jags wouldn't take Jeanty at 1.05 for themselves. Etienne is on the trade block and the new regime has no loyalty to Tank Bigsby. The Patriots could have interest in Jeanty too, but Rhamondre Stevenson's new contract makes it difficult to move on from him. The Pats could trade down to 1.10 - which would be a more palatable range for Loveland, Warren, Tet or one of the OTs - while picking up 2.39 or 2.41 from CHI.

@The Champ 

I've thought about Loveland or Warren to CHI, but Kmet is still young (just turned 26 a week ago) and could improve in Ben Johnson's TE-friendly system. The Bears also signed Durham Smythe for his blocking and familiarity with Johnson's system from their days together at MIA. Unless CHI plans on trading Kmet, a TE at 1.10 seems unlikely. Not impossible, though.

I think a versatile stud LB (Jalon Walker, Jihaad Campbell) is a darkhorse option for CHI at 1.10. Edmunds and Edwards were Eberflus scheme-specific signings and both could easily be gone by 2026. Walker and Campbell both have the skill set to thrive in the Zack Baun role in Dennis Allen's scheme.

@Mr. Bitter Yeah, Jeanty would not get by the Bears at 10.  (If they were to move up for him, it would have to be to 4 or 5, and I could see either the Pats or the Jags moving down.)  I have the Bears actually going with Warren, as I think they've shored up the OL need and maybe Warren's blocking would be something that Johnson really appreciates, in addition to the receiving.  Cole Kmet wasn't good last season (PFF grade barely above 60) and would only leave behind a cheap dead cap hit next year, so they could absolutely consider Warren imo.  

You also convinced me on Booker being a better fit for the Ravens than Zabel would be.  He gets downhill with power, and that's what they want to do in the run game.  

@The Champ 

Tet makes a lot of sense for CAR at 1.08. I question Tet's ceiling; I think the Mike Evans comps are generous...more of a Michael Thomas, maybe Marques Colston-type, IMO. But that's still really good and this draft doesn't have a lot of blue chippers, so Tet could easily be not too far behind the blue chip Carter/Hunter/Jeanty clump on certain team's draft boards.

I have a hunch Loveland will come off the board before Warren. I'm not sure if Warren has the athleticism to do the things he did at Penn State at the pro level. Definite 1st-rounder, but I think he could linger to the late teens/20s.

Hampton would be a nice fit in DEN. Henderson, too. With the way the Broncos are ticking off "need" boxes, I would love to see them move up for Jeanty if he's somehow still on the board in the teens. (But he won't be. All those mocks that force Jeanty to DAL at 1.12 crack me up. I'd bet a pinkie that he won't be there.) Jeanty would be absolute hell on wheels in the DEN scheme.

I've toyed with the idea of CHI moving up a few spots to secure Jeanty. He's what that offense needs.

@Mr. Bitter I almost put Zabel at 18 to Seattle and think that could happen if they don't go WR.  And hey, they did sign MVS today, though that shouldn't preclude them from picking a WR they love if one is available.  

Booker could be a fit if he makes it to the Ravens, sure. 

Totally agree with the logic of trading Pickens, as I have no doubt that they don't want to commit to him long-term.  As far as Tyreek, I could see that too, but that regime might be on the hot seat, so if they think that trading him hurts their team, I don't know, that might be a tough sell.  

I'm going to update my mock and put Tet at #8 to Carolina.  I'm getting the vibe that he's the clear WR1 (not counting Hunter), and the Panthers don't have a game-breaker for Bryce Young.  McMillan may not have 4.3 wheels or anything, but make no mistake, he's a playmaker and he's been a star since he stepped onto a college field.  

I don't think Egbuka would make it to 26, just because of the chatter that he will run in the 4.3's at his Pro Day.  If that happens, combined with his production and pedigree (Ohio St. is churning out pro WR's like a mother), heck, I could see him going top 20.  As I write in this mock, maybe this is the year that Gutekunst goes against form and finally picks a WR in the 1st, like Roseman did with a CB last year.  It's such a clear and obvious need for them.  

I'm also going to need to change Loveland going 20th to the Broncos now.  The signing of Evan Engram in free agency suggests to me that the Broncos don't think that he will be available there.  I will have Hampton going with that pick now, which will have to bump someone from this latest mock.  

I can't see Tyler Booker getting past the Ravens. Not arguing Zabel's value in that range, but he seems better suited for a zone scheme (SEA?) than BAL's power/gap. Booker is custom-built for the BAL scheme. Plop him in at LG and watch him be a perennial Pro Bowler.

Really hoping we get more clarity on Mike Green's history at UVa. Top-10 candidate if the character concerns are eased.

Still don't like Tet in the top-15. Have a feeling we see Golden/Tet/Egbuka pop off in the 16 to 26 range. All nice prospects, but all three seem more deluxe WR2s than WR1s, IMO.

I think we'll see more WR trade action that could open/fill spots on teams' WR depth charts. George Pickens feels redundant now that PIT has signed and payed Metcalf. I can't see PIT giving a bag to Pickens when - like Metcalf - he's more a lid-lifting, deluxe WR2 than true WR1. Should PIT trade Pickens, Golden becomes an option as an economical, high-quality complement to Metcalf.

I'm pretty sure Tyreek Hill will be traded, too. Having both Hill and Waddle under contract isn't financially sustainable for MIA, and they desperately need to reinvent their offensive identity. (Charmin soft.) The NW-I signing could be a precursor to a Hill trade. I could see the Raiders trading for Tyreek. They still have a lot of cap space and need that speed element at WR.

I could see SEA target Tet. His skill set would perfectly complement JS-N. Assuming SEA signs a FA like Scherff/Zeitler/Becton, I think they'll try to come out of Day One with Tet, Warren or Loveland.

Egbuka screams "Rams" to me. He totally jives with their Draft Day MO - slightly older/productive/mature/team leader ready to hit the ground running in the NFL. Just not sure if Egbuka makes it to 1.26.

I know you hate the Vikings, but we can't get any visit info?  Not listed...

@The Champ 

Interesting. Not sure if Russ is anything more than a bridge at this point.

Jets just signed Brandon Freakin' Stephens for 3/$36M. Ugh.

@Mr. Bitter From Connor Hughes:

"Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback the Giants want. They're waiting to find out if he wants them. Most league sources I touch base with believe Rodgers is headed to Steelers, which would lead the Giants to Russell Wilson. The problem: The Titans, and others, are interested in Wilson, too."

@The Champ 

Feels like Rodgers is being used as negotiation leverage throughout this process.

Still absolutely no action from TEN or CLE. Looks like you may be right about QBs going 1/2.

Fields to the Jets (especially at that amount) was exactly what I didn't want to see happen. It never ends.

@Mr. Bitter Darnold to Seattle and Fields to the Jets.  Just seemed that was the way that the wind was blowing.  Seems like the Steelers are going to end up with Wilson again or...Aaron Rodgers.  Also seems like Rodgers may have options between the Steelers and the Giants.  

This is meant for @The Champ

Yeah, the PIT/D.K. signing immediately had me thinking Russ could be back in PIT. Metcalf/Pickens on the boundary...that's moon ball city. PIT could trade Pickens, but still.

Could also see the Jets signing Fields. Maybe draft Membou at 1.07, plop him in at RT and lean into a poor man's Ravens attack featuring Fields/Breece Hall/Braelon Allen. Probably be good enough for about 6 wins - enough to keep us out of range for a true franchise QB in next year's draft. Very Jets.

Agree on SEA. They're recalibrating, not tanking. I think the Geno/D.K. moves were forward-thinking, assuming Darnold is on the way. If there was no plan, I don't think Jarran Reed and Ernest Jones IV would have re-signed as quickly as they did. I'm wondering if SEA will target Warren, Loveland or McMillan in the 1st RD now. (Assuming they address the O-line in FA.)

I really think everyone is overthinking it with TEN and the Titans will just draft Ward. They flat-out don't have a QB and we've heard ZERO about them being in on any of the FA/trade QB options beyond pure speculation. And if Sanders is a better fit in Callahan's attack than Ward, then Sanders is a good fit in Stefanski's attack, so I doubt TEN would screw around with a trade and potentially miss out on both QBs at 1.03.

We just fundamentally disagree on Sanders' draft value. Been deep-diving into his film...he's just not a top-5 value. His completion % is propped up by mucho bubble screens. His deep pass % is just 18%, and Ward has a better adjusted overall completion %.

Sanders' arm strength is marginal. His deep balls are ducks that the receivers have to gear down for. Sanders also absolutely freezes at the first sign of disguised coverage or when forced to move off his first read. Then the sacks pile up. The BYU and Nebraska film is terrifying, and it's not like those are SEC defenses or something.

Also think the character concerns are legit. Josh Rosen vibes, but even more petulant and comes with the reality show circus that I can't see conservative NFL organizations like the Giants being too keen on.

We'll have more clarity in a few hours here. Now watch Darnold sign with the Giants lol. Enjoy the feeding frenzy!

@Mr. Bitter I have the Giants trading up to 1 for Ward, and Sanders going at 2 to the Browns.  I don't think that Dart lasts to 33 and I don't think that the Browns could possibly know for sure that they could trade up for him.  And since this year's QB's are straight trash after the QB3, yeah, I just think the Browns are boxed into having to pick a QB at #2 overall.  I agree with Schefter fully here.  They paid Garrett so they clearly (foolishly?) think they can contend with decent QB play, and that means that they have to procure a QB cheaply because they obviously can't pay market value for one such as Darnold.  So it has to be a QB at 2.  

I agree that Cousins waits until after the draft, because he doesn't want to go to a team that might start a rookie over him in short order.  Since I have the Titans passing on a QB, perhaps that's where he ends up.  It's also possible that he has no choice but to go to a team where it could be a competition with a rookie; his stock could be low enough.

I think the Steelers are more likely to retain Wilson over Fields.  Why go and trade for Metcalf (and then pay him) if your QB is going to be Fields, who they did everything in their power to hide from throwing the ball last year?  Wilson has familiarity with DK and while I have them drafting Dart at #21, it just feels to me like he would be their preferred veteran QB.  

As for Fields, I think he may end up with the Jets.  (Sorry!)

Darnold does seem ticketed for Seattle, as it makes sense that the Seahawks would only do the Geno deal if they had something lined up.  I don't buy for a second that they are tanking, even though they dealt Smith and DK away.  They could rightfully see Darnold as an upgrade, and he's certainly much younger.  As for DK, JSN has clearly become the guy, so paying DK when he's now your WR2 made no sense whatsoever (talking to you, Joe Burrow.)  I have them drafting Golden at #18 to replace DK, btw, but now that they have 3 picks in the top 52, they could opt to take a WR in Round 2 instead of at #18.  

Oh, and just to put a bow on this, since I think the Browns are boxed into taking a QB at 2, I don't think the Titans would worry that Carter wouldn't be on the board at 3, should they make a deal with the Giants for the #1 pick.  I do agree with you that they should pick Ward if they are sold on him.  However, they may not be.  It does seem like a QB of Sanders' skill set would work better in Callahan's system; however, they could rightfully think that Sanders is simply not good enough to go as the #1 pick.  So, why not pick up draft capital from a desperate Giants regime, take Carter at 3, and dip your toes into the QB carousel next year?  Maybe Callahan gets fired after a terrible year if that happens, but it's not like new GM Mike Borgonzi will be worried about getting fired so quickly.  (Even Ran Carthon got 2 years lol.)

Pre-FA Top 15

1. TEN - Cam Ward QB Miami

I'm not buying the TEN/NYG trade talk. It makes no sense for TEN. The Titans don't have a QB and won't find a better option than Ward through trade or free agency, so why wouldn't they just draft him for themselves?

Also: TEN has recently spent a lot of resources on the CB position. With Harold Landry freshly cut and Arden Key another cap casualty waiting to happen, EDGE is a screaming need for TEN, meaning they could prefer Carter over Hunter at 1.03. Basically, Ward and Carter are the prospects that make the most sense for TEN, and dropping down to 1.03 could easily mean missing out on both.

2. CLE - Abdul Carter EDGE Penn State

BPA that would perfectly complement Myles Garrett. I'll be keeping my eye on Carter's medicals.

3. NYG - Travis Hunter CB/WR Colorado

The Giants aren't just bad - they're boring. They need a CB1 AND an injection of star power/big-play excitement. (The Giants had a pathetic 5 total INTs in 2024.) This feels like Hunter's floor.

4. NE - Will Campbell OT LSU

The Pats have ample cap space to address their league-worst OT depth chart, but free agency options like Cam Robinson, Dan Moore Jr. and the ghost of Tyron Smith are very uninspiring.

I know, I know...Will Campbell's alligator arms/zero percentile wingspan would seemingly eliminate him from the discussion at 1.04 for NE. I just have a hunch the Pats may still like him.

We already knew Campbell's length was an issue going into the Combine. (Just like we already knew that Nick Emmanwori was an athletic freak before the Combine.) Campbell's slide (and Emmanwori's rise into the 7-13 range) in post-Combine mock drafts feels like we might be falling into the trap of counting twice. NFL evaluators will go back to the film. 

Campbell's length is no doubt concerning, but his advanced technique mostly keeps EDGEs out of his chest, and when he does give ground, he has the (Combine-verified) elite-level athleticism to easily recover. 

Let's have some perspective: There's something to be said for being a consensus All-American 3-year SEC starter at LT - regularly facing lengthy, NFL EDGE prospects - and only giving up 2 sacks and 5 QB hits. Campbell has a literal whisker less length than Jake Matthews, who has carved out a rock-solid decade-long NFL career on the blindside. I think the film might convince Vrabel and company that Campbell could do the same.

5. JAX - Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State

It's rare that a team drafting in the top-5 has promising youngsters at every premium position (QB/WR1/OT/EDGE/CB1). The Jags are in position to go pure BPA here. That's Jeanty, who is pound-for-pound the best and cleanest prospect in this draft. 

Priority One for the new JAX braintrust is to ensure a proper return on the Trevor Lawrence investment. I highly doubt that the presence of Travis Etienne - a trade candidate that was already being phased out late last season - and Tank Bigsby - a 3rd-round grinder drafted by a failed regime - will dissuade them from selecting a Faulk/Tomlinson/Barkley-level upgrade that would instantly give the offense identity and serve as Lawrence's best friend.

6. LV - Jahdae Barron CB Texas

The current Raiders DB depth chart is nothing but tumbleweeds. Free agency could obviously change that, but for now, Barron - a versatile, absolute DOG that I think could make a Devon Witherspoon-type rise up draft boards - makes sense here.

7. NYJ - Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado

There's chatter that the Jets could be zeroing in on Justin Fields, which conflicts with earlier reports that they were good with going into next season with Tyrod Taylor as a bridge to a rookie QB. I'm guessing - with Geno Smith now in Vegas and Sam Darnold looking like he's on his way to Seattle - that PIT will bring back Fields. (They almost have to.) Should that domino fall, the Taylor/rookie QB scenario becomes highly likely for the Jets.

I don't buy the Sanders hype for a scroll of reasons and think the growing buzz of a slide into the late-1st/early-2nd has legs, but it only takes one (bad) organization to squint hard enough to see Sanders as a potential franchise QB. I have a sinking feeling it'll be my Jets.

New Jets OC Tanner Engstrand comes over from DET, where a juggernaut offense was built around "point guard" QB Jared Goff, so Sanders' skill set would be a good fit in theory.

8. CAR - Mike Green EDGE Marshall

Carolina generated a league-worst 25.5% pressure rate last season. D.J. Wonnum is in the last year of his deal and Jadeveon Clowney is a potential cap casualty.

I get young Khalil Mack vibes from Mike Green. Easy EDGE2 for me and a top-10 value, but I will adjust accordingly depending on what I hear about Green's alleged character concerns.

9. NO - Will Johnson CB Michigan

I was dumb enough to think that the Saints might finally commit to a proper rebuild this offseason, but the restructuring of Derek Carr's contract and Mickey Loomis' comments about being active in free agency likely means another year of fiscal can-kicking, a mediocre record and bringing back Taysom Hill on a reworked contract so that he can continue tormenting me in DFS contests. NFL purgatory.

Whether it's jumping on a prospect perceived to be "falling" (Kool-Aid McKinstry, Bryan Bresee...even going back to Andrus Peat) or overdrafting an "upside" prospect (Trevor Penning, Payton Turner, Cesar Ruiz, Marcus Davenport), Loomis seems forever on the lookout for the potential steal. Getting Will Johnson with any pick after 1.06 could easily be a steal, IMO.

The Saints would probably like to re-sign both Chase Young and Paulson Adebo, but will likely only be able to afford one. I'm guessing that Adebo walks, so there could be a need at boundary corner come Draft Day. No workouts has Johnson stumbling toward the finish line of the predraft process, but the tape shows a plug-n-play CB with Pro Bowl upside when healthy.

10. CHI - Jalon Walker LB Georgia

I anticipate Ryan Poles will continue aggressively checking off "immediate need" boxes during free agency. Expect the Bears to be in on Cs Drew Dalman and Ryan Kelly, and Trey Hendrickson or Chase Young to fill the EDGE void opposite Montez Sweat. (Jadeveon Clowney at the very least.) Poles clearly wants to be in position to let the draft come to him on Day One.

I think that Jalon Walker could go as high as 1.06 and doesn't get out of the top-16, but his size/skill set makes finding the best schematic match tricky. The Nolan Smith comps are a little off, IMO. Walker is cut more from the Zack Baun mold; a do-everything off-ball LB. It just so happens that new CHI DC Dennis Allen's Fangio-related scheme features a "Zack Baun" LB role, making Walker a seamless fit.

I know that a glance at the CHI depth chart would make you think that the Bears are set at LB with Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, but I don't think Edmunds' price/performance jive, and Edwards (the better player) is nearly 30 and in the final year of his deal. Walker better fits the new scheme and would proactively address what could easily be a need in 2026.

11. SF - Armand Membou OT/G Missouri

12. DAL - Shemar Stewart DE Texas A&M

13. MIA - Kenneth Grant DT Michigan

14. IND - Colston Loveland TE Michigan

15. (TRADE) DEN - Tyler Warren TE Penn State

I don't think the Seahawks will trade D.K. Metcalf, but if they do, I'm all over that if I'm the Jaguars. JAX should trade pick 2.36 to SEA for Metcalf, then draft Ashton Jeanty at 1.05. Along with Brian Thomas Jr., that's instant explosive offense.

Remaining QB carousel predictions:

Sam Darnold - SEA, Justin Fields - PIT, Russell Wilson - NYG

TEN drafts Cam Ward for themselves.

My Jets go into the draft with bridge/mentor Tyrod Taylor at the top of the QB depth chart. Because they're the Jets, they draft Sanders at 1.07. If they pass on Sanders at 1.07, then...

After taking Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter at 1.02, CLE trades up into the mid/late-1st for a sliding Shedeur Sanders (if the Jets don't take him at 1.07). If the Jets do select Sanders, then the Browns take Jaxson Dart at 2.33 or Quinn Ewers in the 3rd round. The team that doesn't draft Sanders acquires Kirk Cousins post-draft. bada-bing, bada-boom.

I'm sorry, but I'd be shocked if Sanders slips that far.  Ask yourselves who is helped by a leak of Sanders having alleged attitude issues.  You heard it about CJ Stroud, you hear this every year with certain players.  Again, ask yourself, who does it benefit?  

Someone wants him to drop.  

This mock is incredible. You're refreshingly ahead of the curve on the Jahdae Barron rise, Shedeur Sanders slide, Mason Graham semi-slide and Tet McMillan's proper draft range.

Just two nitpicks:

BAL/Malaki Starks. Absolutely no argument with the value of Starks in that range, but with two do-everything safeties already in the fold (they love and will keep Ar'Darius Washington) it seems like Starks might be redundant.

GB/Will Johnson. Again - no argument with the value of Johnson at that spot, and CB is a serious need for GB. I just wonder if Brian Gutekunst's RAS-obsession would sour him on Johnson, assuming relatively poor testing would be what has Johnson available in the 20s in the first place.

@The Champ 

I just don't think Sanders goes that high with what the film shows and what I've been reading lately. We just disagree on that. But I will admit - if any team is going to take Sanders over Hunter/Carter, it's the Browns.

Just so many red flags with Sanders. I'll admit that he has a consistency and toughness to his game, but beyond that there's not a lot to like. Even his pretty accuracy % is misleading, as he led the nation in passes at or behind the LOS. Watching deep dives into his game, I haven't seen much more than short layups to targets schemed wide open by Shurmur. When Sanders does push it downfield, it's almost always to Hunter, who contorts his body and makes lemonade out of lemons because he's a badass like that. Also: Sander's self-created pressure rate/sacks caused numbers are astronomical. That's rarely something that improves at the next level. His mind writes checks that his marginal athleticism can't cash.

I think the character concerns are well beyond alleged. Just in the last season, he's pushed a referee, tried to poke a Colorado State defender in the eye, and ruthlessly threw his O-line under the bus in a post-game presser. Nearly every NFL draft insider has reported that his team interviews have been shit shows. "Entitled" and "disinterested" are the words being thrown around most often. Deion even called in on interviews, which is...weird. Teams might be willing to ignore all the noise if Sanders had elite traits, but he doesn't. 

It's just baffling to me that the media (especially ESPN) keeps pushing the narrative that Sanders is a top prospect in this draft. I'm beginning to wonder if it's a long-game setup to an "unexpected" draft day slide for Sanders. Dramatic TV. I'm not even kidding.

As a Chargers fan, I can only assume that you hate the Bolts. I would hate this draft until the 3rd round. Benjamin Morrison was not very productive and from what I've seen is expected to go in the middle of the 3rd round. They lost in the playoffs because they couldn't run or pass block, and they couldn't stop the run. While we need a CB, why him when there were so many other good players? A DT, edge, TE or WR would have been better options. 

Titans got Seattle's 4th rounder for Jones

@Mr. Bitter I still think that Sanders will go 2nd overall if Ward goes first to any team other than the Browns.  The Browns just can't know for sure that they can get a QB either at 33 or by trading back up.  Heck, the QB3 of this draft (likely Dart) could conceivably go as high as #18 to Seattle or #21 to Pittsburgh.  (I doubt we'll see that player go much earlier to a team like the Jets or Saints in the top 10, but stranger things have happened!)  And there is a massive drop-off after Dart this year.  Massive.  Jalen Milroe is AWFUL, sorry.  Will Howard and Riley Leonard are clipboard holders at the next level.  Ewers has no arm strength.  The only guy with potential to me is Shough, and he's going to be 26 by the start of the season, so I don't see the analytically-driven front office of the Browns picking him 33rd, nor should they.  

@The Champ

1.04 and 1.05 are tough spots. I'd be very surprised if 1-2-3 wasn't some combination of Ward/Carter/Hunter. Carter, Hunter and Jeanty are the only legit blue chips in this draft IMO and I think most team boards will reflect that. Beyond Ward and those three, boards will vary wildly. Trading out of 1.04 and 1.05 will be extremely difficult for NE and JAX.

I'm not sure about Mason Graham in the top-10. The film and metrics obviously speak for themselves, but the sub-300 weigh-in and alligator arms are a concern. Add to that the quality DT depth that will be available on Day 2 and I wonder if Graham slides. I think he'd be great in the middle of the JAX D-line to complement Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, but with Arik Armstead moving back to his natural DT spot and guys like Tyliek Williams, Walter Nolan, Alfred Collins, Derrick Harmon, etc. potentially there for JAX at 2.36, is Graham the best value for JAX at 1.04?

Priority One for both NE and JAX will be affording their young QBs every opportunity for success. While "when in doubt, draft O-line" is usually a solid philosophy when building around a QB, I don't like the value of Membou (LT only in theory) or Campbell (arm length would make him a historic LT outlier) over the value the impact of a potential LaDainian Tomlinson/Saquan Barkley-type like Jeanty could provide. Tackle-breaking ability is the most stable metric for predicting NFL success for a RB prospect, and Jeanty's yards after contact is just insane. He would be a QB's best friend and immediately establish an offensive identity.

 

@The Champ 

Absolutely. Golden's playoff domination, fluid route-running and easy separation had him in the WR1 conversation even before he ran a 4.29 at the Combine. I don't see how he gets past WR-needy teams in the 20s like PIT, GB and HOU at this point. At worst.

Loveland is only 20 with All-Pro upside. First round lock. Could be ahead of Warren on some boards and I wouldn't be shocked if he went in the 7 to 10 range.

I like some of the changes to the mock, but Loveland and Golden are surefire 1st rounders.  

@Mr. Bitter Regarding Jeanty, I guess you can't rule it out if Mike Vrabel has heavy influence and wants his new Derrick Henry, so to speak.  But if I were them, I'd probably just pick Mason Graham if I couldn't trade down, or Membou if I were convinced he was a true stud tackle.  I wouldn't pick Campbell at #4 because of the short arm length.  As for whether or not he could go to the Jaguars at #5, I suppose we have to ask ourselves what new GM James Gladstone is likely to do or think.  Of course, we have no history to go on, but we do know that he comes from the Rams front office.  And while the Rams haven't had a lot of 1st Round picks recently, they have clearly prioritized the OL and DL from a team-building perspective.  Therefore, my guess is that the Jags go in that direction with their pick, but who knows.  It is true that Walker Little and Anton Harrison are quality young bookend tackles, so drafting a guard at #6 (to replace Brandon Scherff) doesn't really have value.  And if Graham is gone, the next-best DT probably doesn't either.  It would be a tough position to be in, for sure.  

@The Champ 

No doubt the Browns will want a young QB - I'm just not convinced it will be at 1.02 if Ward is off the board. I'm beginning to think - with the way things are trending with Sanders - that the Browns may be able to draft Carter or Hunter at 1.02 then trade into the late 1st for Sanders. I guess I just see the Sanders/top-5 assumption as more media-driven than scouting-based and think he will be a late 1st/early 2nd pick. I could be wrong, but there's buzz (McShay, Berry, etc.) that he won't go as high as most think.

Quick question: Assuming Ashton Jeanty (Feldman Freak) puts on a show at his Pro Day, do you think there's any chance he could go to the Pats or Jags at 4 or 5? I'm really struggling with NE at 1.04 (assuming Carter and Hunter are gone), and wonder if the Pats might simply see Jeanty as the last remaining blue chip and just take him - position value be damned.

@AKNorseman14 

Was just speculation, not firm predictions. Hence "It's most likely that the Stafford stuff is negotiation tactics and he just resigns with the Rams. But it's fun to speculate just in case it's not."

Me and other commenters know most of our speculation will be off base. We're Just bouncing ideas off each other to get different perspectives and hone our mock drafts. That's what we do. You should try it. It's more interesting and productive than waiting until a transaction has already happened so you can safely tail-end a two week-old thread with clever beef like "this didn't age that well".

@Mr. Bitter Just to play devil's advocate:

Perhaps McMillan is comfortable with not running because he knows he's going relatively high, so there's no reason to risk anything.  As for Sanders, sure, I could see him slipping.  That's always possible.  However, if Ward does go #1 to the Titans, it's hard for me to imagine Sanders not going #2 to the Browns.  As Adam Schefter has pretty much guaranteed, they seem like they have to take a QB.  And I'm just guessing that Andrew Berry is not going to be turned off by Sanders' alleged attitude problems.  

@Cwillyrun1 

The point of going with McCarthy is the price vs upside. We do NOT, at this moment, have a 'contending' team. We have 22 something FAs and holes in the roster before those FAs were to hit the market. Thus, we need a solid QB on a rookie deal in order to fill the talent gaps and FA holes, which our cap space should allow without having to pay a QB like Rodgers, or Darnold 40 something mil. ??‍??

@Cwillyrun1 There is ZERO chance Rodgers ends-up on The Vikings(periodt). All the other takes I could see. It would be nice to tag and trade Darnold for more draft capital. Also, I thought I heard Cousins and ATL agreed for him to come back there as a back-up already.

@Mr. Bitter 

this didn't age that well.

No way in hell are The Vikings taking a Safety from Ga in the first round ever again ????. Bigger needs elsewhere like INT D Line and CB anyway.

@The Champ 

I wouldn't be shocked if McMillan went late 1st/early 2nd. I have him as WR4 behind Golden, Burden and Egbuka. Not running a 40 at the Combine did him no favors as far as easing concerns about his speed/separation, and there's talk from his camp that he won't run a 40 at his Pro Day, either.

Shedeur Sanders is another guy that could slide. There's a ton of talk that a lot of teams are very annoyed with the way Sanders has handled the pre-draft process. Sanders seems to be approaching it as if a top-2 spot is guaranteed, when the reality is that he has no outstanding traits and might be behind Dart on some draft boards.

@Mr. Bitter If they love him, then they should take him, yes.  Ward is the favorite to go 1st, so if they stick and pick, it very well could be him.  

I'm struggling with McMillan.  In theory, you could make an argument for him at 6 (Raiders), 7 (Jets), 8 (Panthers), 9 (Saints), 11 (49ers), 12 (Cowboys), and even 13 (Dolphins).  But I think those teams have more pressing needs, and if he doesn't go top-13, then I think there could be a bit of a fall.  I could also see some teams preferring Golden or Egbuka as the WR1.  

Unless the Titans sign Darnold, I don't see why they wouldn't just draft Cam Ward. You make a good point about their need for more draft picks, but they're just about as QB-desperate as any team.

@Delco78 5th is for Hopkins not 6th lol