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Really like this exercise.  I especially like it because I couldn't possibly agree with you more that the Colts should take Shedeur Sanders if he's there at 14.  Forget everything else.  You have a horrific QB situation and Daniel Jones should be a backup.  And AR can't throw the ball functionally.  Sanders completes passes.  You have to do that to have any shot of advancing in the playoffs.  AR is the type that can get you a #7 seed because he may not turn the ball over, but you aren't going anywhere against good teams with good defenses if you can't complete passes to keep your offense on schedule. 

But on the site here, the only QB's that Indy appears to have spent Top 30's on were Ewers and Shough.  As I note on my mock about the Saints being highly unlikely to pick Sanders, teams just don't draft 1st Round QB's that they don't meet with.  I'm stunned, frankly, that Ballard is staking his job on AR and Jones.  And it's why he's going to get fired.  And that means a new GM will likely want a new head coach, unless Irsay poaches someone from the Philly front office.  

Really like this exercise.  I especially like it because I couldn't possibly agree with you more that the Colts should take Shedeur Sanders if he's there at 14.  Forget everything else.  You have a horrific QB situation and Daniel Jones should be a backup.  And AR can't throw the ball functionally.  Sanders completes passes.  You have to do that to have any shot of advancing in the playoffs.  AR is the type that can get you a #7 seed because he may not turn the ball over, but you aren't going anywhere against good teams with good defenses if you can't complete passes to keep your offense on schedule. 

But on the site here, the only QB's that Indy appears to have spent Top 30's on were Ewers and Shough.  As I note on my mock about the Saints being highly unlikely to pick Sanders, teams just don't draft 1st Round QB's that they don't meet with.  I'm stunned, frankly, that Ballard is staking his job on AR and Jones.  And it's why he's going to get fired.  And that means a new GM will likely want a new head coach, unless Irsay poaches someone from the Philly front office.  

Really like this exercise.  I especially like it because I couldn't possibly agree with you more that the Colts should take Shedeur Sanders if he's there at 14.  Forget everything else.  You have a horrific QB situation and Daniel Jones should be a backup.  And AR can't throw the ball functionally.  Sanders completes passes.  You have to do that to have any shot of advancing in the playoffs.  AR is the type that can get you a #7 seed because he may not turn the ball over, but you aren't going anywhere against good teams with good defenses if you can't complete passes to keep your offense on schedule. 

But on the site here, the only QB's that Indy appears to have spent Top 30's on were Ewers and Shough.  As I note on my mock about the Saints being highly unlikely to pick Sanders, teams just don't draft 1st Round QB's that they don't meet with.  I'm stunned, frankly, that Ballard is staking his job on AR and Jones.  And it's why he's going to get fired.  And that means a new GM will likely want a new head coach, unless Irsay poaches someone from the Philly front office.  

Really like this exercise.  I especially like it because I couldn't possibly agree with you more that the Colts should take Shedeur Sanders if he's there at 14.  Forget everything else.  You have a horrific QB situation and Daniel Jones should be a backup.  And AR can't throw the ball functionally.  Sanders completes passes.  You have to do that to have any shot of advancing in the playoffs.  AR is the type that can get you a #7 seed because he may not turn the ball over, but you aren't going anywhere against good teams with good defenses if you can't complete passes to keep your offense on schedule. 

But on the site here, the only QB's that Indy appears to have spent Top 30's on were Ewers and Shough.  As I note on my mock about the Saints being highly unlikely to pick Sanders, teams just don't draft 1st Round QB's that they don't meet with.  I'm stunned, frankly, that Ballard is staking his job on AR and Jones.  And it's why he's going to get fired.  And that means a new GM will likely want a new head coach, unless Irsay poaches someone from the Philly front office.  

Really like this exercise.  I especially like it because I couldn't possibly agree with you more that the Colts should take Shedeur Sanders if he's there at 14.  Forget everything else.  You have a horrific QB situation and Daniel Jones should be a backup.  And AR can't throw the ball functionally.  Sanders completes passes.  You have to do that to have any shot of advancing in the playoffs.  AR is the type that can get you a #7 seed because he may not turn the ball over, but you aren't going anywhere against good teams with good defenses if you can't complete passes to keep your offense on schedule. 

But on the site here, the only QB's that Indy appears to have spent Top 30's on were Ewers and Shough.  As I note on my mock about the Saints being highly unlikely to pick Sanders, teams just don't draft 1st Round QB's that they don't meet with.  I'm stunned, frankly, that Ballard is staking his job on AR and Jones.  And it's why he's going to get fired.  And that means a new GM will likely want a new head coach, unless Irsay poaches someone from the Philly front office.  

@Mr. Bitter Yeah,I never really saw Jeanty dropping to, say, 10.  Just too elite of a prospect in a draft without any blue-chippers apart from Hunter and Carter.  You were pounding the table for Jeanty to go as high as 4th overall, and while I don't see that (they just really seem committed to fixing their God-awful OL), I wouldn't be shocked in the least if he goes 5th overall.  Perhaps the Jags just take him for themselves, if they think there's very little difference between Graham and the DT's that could be there in the early 2nd.  Or, perhaps more likely, the Jags are willing to move down and a team comes up to take Jeanty, sniping him away from the Raiders.  The Bears obviously come to mind, given that they have two early 2nd Round picks. The other could be Denver, though they'd have to give up a lot more than Chicago would. 

As for Milroe, sure, I can't say it would surprise me if Pittsburgh took him at 21.  It seems like he's not going to drop below either the Browns or Giants in the early 2nd, so who knows.  But he's nowhere near pro ready, like, NOWHERE NEAR.  So that would mean you run the risk of Mason Rudolph starting for you all year if Rodgers doesn't come.  For that reason, I do think they would be more likely to draft Sanders or Dart, if available.  (And I think at least one of them will be.)

@Mr. Bitter Yeah, I thought his mock was strange for sure.  I saw him on an Establish The Run podcast yesterday with Adam Levitan and Anthony Amico, and he kept saying that there's no difference between pick 5 and 40 this year.  Look, while this year it seems like there are fewer true 1st Round grades on players, it's not THAT bad.  Like, Mason Graham is not going at pick #40 lol.  

I did like much of Amico's thought process.  And after some further intel from the likes of he, Scott Smith, and Jeremiah, I'm going to make further changes to the mock today.  Golden back at #12 over McMillan, for one.  Dart back into the 1st Round, for another.  Might move Barron up as well; just think he's too "safe" in a draft with fewer sure things.  

@Mr. Bitter Just keep in mind that Dart has met with Pittsburgh on a top 30 and that Milroe hasn't.  At least, not yet.  Much more often than not, the Steelers have top 30's with their eventual 1st Round pick.  So I'll be watching there to see if that changes.  I don't see Dart's arm strength being a problem, personally, and it's certainly no worse than Pickett's arm, right?  (I have other concerns with Dart, of course, but that's another story.)

Totally agree that Sanders' best landing spot would be the Rams.  I think he is actually good and behind a good OL and great coach with good weapons around him, yeah, I think he would be very interesting there in 2026.  They'd have to trade up for him, as I find it hard to believe that he would get past the Steelers at 21.  I could see the Panthers at 8 being a trade-up spot for Sanders, to jump the Saints at 9.  And here's a darkhorse candidate to take a QB:  Seattle.  Darnold's contract is effectively a 1-year deal if they want it to be, and John Schneider made public comments that pushed back on the notion that this year's QB class is underwhelming.  After watching Atlanta take Penix last year after giving a QB a $100MM guarantee in free agency, I can't say that Seattle taking a QB would surprise me in the least.  

@Mr. Bitter I actually think that Sanders fits Callahan's scheme better than Ward does, too, but I think this is a Borgonzi pick.  He probably has visions of a bigger Jayden Daniels in his head and doesn't care who the coach is and just wasn't willing to fire him after the one year.  I'm guessing he'll be willing to fire him after this next season if it doesn't go well and if he doesn't show that he can adapt to whatever Ward does best.  Perhaps similar to what the Patriots did with Maye and then firing an in-over-his-head Jerod Mayo.  Maybe they figure, just get the franchise QB and don't worry about who the coach is, as he can pick his guy next year. 

Ward is -3000 to go #1 overall, and the Titans canceled their private workout with Sanders.  He's going #1 to the Titans.  New regimes very often mean new QB's, especially if it's with the #1 overall pick and when the incumbent is Will Levis lol.  As to what has changed, Carter has some injury concerns, and he's not a QB.  Hunter is amazing as a two-way player, but in the conservative NFL, these teams are not going to play him heavy snaps on both sides.  Ward is a QB, and if you don't have one of those, you don't have anything.  Sure, he might bust, but he's a QB.  It's just the way this tends to go.  

Fair point on Starks.  

I don't see Burden in the class of the other 3 WR's you mentioned, as a rather large percentage of his catches came behind the LOS and he might be a gadget player, think Malachi Corley, Parris Campbell, etc.  A lot of those types don't end up hitting in the NFL.  I'm sure he'll get drafted in the top 50 picks and maybe even in the 1st, but I have him lower than consensus.  

Ward is -3000 to go #1 overall, and the Titans canceled their private workout with Sanders.  He's going #1 to the Titans.  New regimes very often mean new QB's, especially if it's with the #1 overall pick and when the incumbent is Will Levis lol.  As to what has changed, Carter has some injury concerns, and he's not a QB.  Hunter is amazing as a two-way player, but in the conservative NFL, these teams are not going to play him heavy snaps on both sides.  Ward is a QB, and if you don't have one of those, you don't have anything.  Sure, he might bust, but he's a QB.  It's just the way this tends to go.  

Fair point on Starks.  

I don't see Burden in the class of the other 3 WR's you mentioned, as a rather large percentage of his catches came behind the LOS and he might be a gadget player, think Malachi Corley, Parris Campbell, etc.  A lot of those types don't end up hitting in the NFL.  I'm sure he'll get drafted in the top 50 picks and maybe even in the 1st, but I have him lower than consensus.  

@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.  

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.  

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

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

@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'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.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

@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.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

My stab at the QB carousel:

--Sam Darnold to the Steelers.  I agree with Mr. Bitter that the team has floundered in the QB mediocrity (or worse) since late career Big Ben.  I think Darnold could have been a one-year KOC miracle, one that flamed out in the final 2 games, but Pittsburgh has to take an upside swing on a QB.   

--Kirk Cousins to the Browns.  The Stefanski connection at play here.  And this doesn't necessarily preclude the Browns from picking a QB.

--Russell Wilson to the Titans as a bridge QB, though this still wouldn't necessarily preclude them from taking a QB at the top of the draft. 

--Justin Fields to the Colts.  Ballard could be feeling the heat, Richardson is awful, and Fields will seem as accurate as prime Steve Young to Colts fans after watching Richardson.

--The Giants come away with Ward in the draft.  The Daboll/Schoen regime has still not drafted a potential franchise QB.  This draft could give them an opportunity to do so.  As a veteran signee to possibly start in Week 1, the G-Men sign Jameis Winston, who at least could get the ball down the field to Malik Nabers.  

--The Vikings go with JJ McCarthy as the starter.  I believe they really like him and want to see what he can do.  They certainly could sign a veteran backup as insurance (Daniel Jones?), but someone with the name and baggage of Aaron Rodgers, yeah, no.

--Speaking of Rodgers, I believe that no one will want him for a starting gig and, thus, I think that he retires.  

--The Raiders draft Sanders.  While Chip Kelly's presence makes me think that someone like Fields could be a good fit, I think that Tom Brady's influence will take precedence here.  My guess is that Brady values accuracy above all else, and Sanders, if he hits, seems like he'd be adept at being a quick processor and decisive, accurate passer.  

@dcalvertconsulting You could be right, but allow me to play devil's advocate for a moment.  Let's say that you're right, and that it's Arizona's intention to not move off MHJ unless they are absolutely blown away by an offer.  Wouldn't it then make sense to leak that you LOVE him and project that it would take a gigantic haul for you to move off that player?  Instead, they have very clearly sent signals that the pick is open for business.  To me, that could mean a couple of things.  One, that they actually do love all 3 WR's, as Jurecki has flat-out stated.  And two, that maybe, just maybe, they already have a wink-wink agreement with a team (almost certainly either MIN or NYG) and they are projecting that the pick is open because they are willing to see if any other team will present them with an even better offer when they are on the clock.  

It's true that Harrison is still the huge betting favorite to be the first WR chosen, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Arizona will pick him.  For example, if they trade out of 4 and a QB goes in that spot, for all we know, the Chargers could absolutely pick Harrison at 5.  

Arizona is nowhere near being 1 player away.  As great as MHJ is, consider the roster building possibilities over the next 2 years if you could get Minnesota to cough up 11, 23, and a 2025 1st.  Arizona would then have three 1st's this year (in what's considered to be a loaded class), a high-2nd at 35 overall, and three 3rd's, two of which are high atop that round.  And then two 1st's next year.  You can totally re-shape the roster over the next 2 seasons.  And they'd have such a war chest of assets that it could be entirely possible to move back up from 11 to secure one of the top 3 WR's.  If I'm Ossenfort, this would be my preferred route.  

This stuff is so exciting to consider.  We'll see how it all plays out.  Just over 14 hours to go!  

Just found this in the betting market regarding the Rams' first pick.  DL/Edge was the heavy favorite to be their first pick just 2 days ago, at something like -250 odds.  Then you had Schrager's comments.  Well, OL is now the -130 favorite, with DL/Edge coming in second at Even. WR is the +800 third choice, and QB is +2000 (the 6th choice).  TE comes in at +2500, if anyone thinks that Bowers could slip that far.  With Alaric Jackson on a 1-year deal (for less than $5MM) and with Joe Noteboom clearly showing he wasn't the answer as Andrew Whitworth's successor, I could absolutely see it if Snead and McVay think that this is the time to go after a potential franchise LT.  In most years, I think that any of the top 6 OL would be top-10 overall picks.  This class is just so deep, and I think that perhaps the Rams want to take advantage of it.  

One more thing:  I said yesterday that the juice to the Under on Bowers' O/U of 12.5 was -145; now it's -165.  

Just found this in the betting market regarding the Rams' first pick.  DL/Edge was the heavy favorite to be their first pick just 2 days ago, at something like -250 odds.  Then you had Schrager's comments.  Well, OL is now the -130 favorite, with DL/Edge coming in second at Even. WR is the +800 third choice, and QB is +2000 (the 6th choice).  TE comes in at +2500, if anyone thinks that Bowers could slip that far.  With Alaric Jackson on a 1-year deal (for less than $5MM) and with Joe Noteboom clearly showing he wasn't the answer as Andrew Whitworth's successor, I could absolutely see it if Snead and McVay think that this is the time to go after a potential franchise LT.  In most years, I think that any of the top 6 OL would be top-10 overall picks.  This class is just so deep, and I think that perhaps the Rams want to take advantage of it.  

One more thing:  I said yesterday that the juice to the Under on Bowers' O/U of 12.5 was -145; now it's -165.  

Just found this in the betting market regarding the Rams' first pick.  DL/Edge was the heavy favorite to be their first pick just 2 days ago, at something like -250 odds.  Then you had Schrager's comments.  Well, OL is now the -130 favorite, with DL/Edge coming in second at Even. WR is the +800 third choice, and QB is +2000 (the 6th choice).  TE comes in at +2500, if anyone thinks that Bowers could slip that far.  With Alaric Jackson on a 1-year deal (for less than $5MM) and with Joe Noteboom clearly showing he wasn't the answer as Andrew Whitworth's successor, I could absolutely see it if Snead and McVay think that this is the time to go after a potential franchise LT.  In most years, I think that any of the top 6 OL would be top-10 overall picks.  This class is just so deep, and I think that perhaps the Rams want to take advantage of it.  

One more thing:  I said yesterday that the juice to the Under on Bowers' O/U of 12.5 was -145; now it's -165.  

Just found this in the betting market regarding the Rams' first pick.  DL/Edge was the heavy favorite to be their first pick just 2 days ago, at something like -250 odds.  Then you had Schrager's comments.  Well, OL is now the -130 favorite, with DL/Edge coming in second at Even. WR is the +800 third choice, and QB is +2000 (the 6th choice).  TE comes in at +2500, if anyone thinks that Bowers could slip that far.  With Alaric Jackson on a 1-year deal (for less than $5MM) and with Joe Noteboom clearly showing he wasn't the answer as Andrew Whitworth's successor, I could absolutely see it if Snead and McVay think that this is the time to go after a potential franchise LT.  In most years, I think that any of the top 6 OL would be top-10 overall picks.  This class is just so deep, and I think that perhaps the Rams want to take advantage of it.  

One more thing:  I said yesterday that the juice to the Under on Bowers' O/U of 12.5 was -145; now it's -165.  

Just found this in the betting market regarding the Rams' first pick.  DL/Edge was the heavy favorite to be their first pick just 2 days ago, at something like -250 odds.  Then you had Schrager's comments.  Well, OL is now the -130 favorite, with DL/Edge coming in second at Even. WR is the +800 third choice, and QB is +2000 (the 6th choice).  TE comes in at +2500, if anyone thinks that Bowers could slip that far.  With Alaric Jackson on a 1-year deal (for less than $5MM) and with Joe Noteboom clearly showing he wasn't the answer as Andrew Whitworth's successor, I could absolutely see it if Snead and McVay think that this is the time to go after a potential franchise LT.  In most years, I think that any of the top 6 OL would be top-10 overall picks.  This class is just so deep, and I think that perhaps the Rams want to take advantage of it.  

One more thing:  I said yesterday that the juice to the Under on Bowers' O/U of 12.5 was -145; now it's -165.  

A couple of interesting player prop Over/Unders...

Dallas Turner is at 9.5, with more juice (-135) to the Over.  My mock as of now has Atlanta trading down to 11 and passing on Turner, but this would also mean that the sharps think that there's a decent chance that the Bears would pass on him, too.  (If Odunze is not there at 9, perhaps Chicago trades down, or maybe there's really something to the official 30 visits they've had with some of the top OL; maybe they'd seek a LT upgrade.) I don't see the Jets going with defense at 10, so I guess this is accounting for the possibility of each of ATL/CHI/NYJ trading back?  

I think Bowers' O/U of 12.5 is appropriate, with juice to the Under at -145.  I do think that the Jets at 10 is the earliest possible spot he can go in, so it makes sense that his # would be a little bit over that.  Denver would certainly be a possibility if they don't trade down, I still think Indy at 15 makes a lot of sense even without the athletic testing (if they don't go CB, they really want another offensive piece for Richardson), and although Duke Tobin is also an RAS guy, Cincy has lacked a big-time TE for so long that I see that as making sense.  Perhaps his floor is 19 to the Rams, especially with Schrager's eye-opener that McVay is almost guaranteed to get an offensive player with the pick.  I could see McVay using him similarly to how the 49ers use Deebo.  

A couple of interesting player prop Over/Unders...

Dallas Turner is at 9.5, with more juice (-135) to the Over.  My mock as of now has Atlanta trading down to 11 and passing on Turner, but this would also mean that the sharps think that there's a decent chance that the Bears would pass on him, too.  (If Odunze is not there at 9, perhaps Chicago trades down, or maybe there's really something to the official 30 visits they've had with some of the top OL; maybe they'd seek a LT upgrade.) I don't see the Jets going with defense at 10, so I guess this is accounting for the possibility of each of ATL/CHI/NYJ trading back?  

I think Bowers' O/U of 12.5 is appropriate, with juice to the Under at -145.  I do think that the Jets at 10 is the earliest possible spot he can go in, so it makes sense that his # would be a little bit over that.  Denver would certainly be a possibility if they don't trade down, I still think Indy at 15 makes a lot of sense even without the athletic testing (if they don't go CB, they really want another offensive piece for Richardson), and although Duke Tobin is also an RAS guy, Cincy has lacked a big-time TE for so long that I see that as making sense.  Perhaps his floor is 19 to the Rams, especially with Schrager's eye-opener that McVay is almost guaranteed to get an offensive player with the pick.  I could see McVay using him similarly to how the 49ers use Deebo.  

A couple of interesting player prop Over/Unders...

Dallas Turner is at 9.5, with more juice (-135) to the Over.  My mock as of now has Atlanta trading down to 11 and passing on Turner, but this would also mean that the sharps think that there's a decent chance that the Bears would pass on him, too.  (If Odunze is not there at 9, perhaps Chicago trades down, or maybe there's really something to the official 30 visits they've had with some of the top OL; maybe they'd seek a LT upgrade.) I don't see the Jets going with defense at 10, so I guess this is accounting for the possibility of each of ATL/CHI/NYJ trading back?  

I think Bowers' O/U of 12.5 is appropriate, with juice to the Under at -145.  I do think that the Jets at 10 is the earliest possible spot he can go in, so it makes sense that his # would be a little bit over that.  Denver would certainly be a possibility if they don't trade down, I still think Indy at 15 makes a lot of sense even without the athletic testing (if they don't go CB, they really want another offensive piece for Richardson), and although Duke Tobin is also an RAS guy, Cincy has lacked a big-time TE for so long that I see that as making sense.  Perhaps his floor is 19 to the Rams, especially with Schrager's eye-opener that McVay is almost guaranteed to get an offensive player with the pick.  I could see McVay using him similarly to how the 49ers use Deebo.  

I still believe that JJ is going 4th overall, and that Arizona will trade back.  I got in a Twitter conversation with Mike Jurecki yesterday, and he said that Arizona would absolutely be interested in a trade back with the Vikings, especially if they can get future draft capital in addition to 11 and 23 this year.  And honestly, it makes sense, especially if they can get Minnesota's 1st or 2nd rounder next year.  They would have 11, 23, and 27 in the 1st this year in an extremely talented draft class, a pick at 35 that's very high in the 2nd, and 3 picks in the 3rd, two of which are early picks in that round.  And while there's no guarantee that they could trade back up to, say, the top 9 to get one of the top 3 WR's, they certainly would have ample draft assets to do so.  And even if they don't get one of the top 3 guys, they can plug the obvious holes they have on the roster with all these picks, and there will be good WR's in their range at 23, 27, and 35.  

I also can't shake the feeling that it would have made sense for Minnesota to get a promise from a team in the top 4 (which means Arizona, because the top 3 teams are sticking and picking), because the simple fact is that, if they are counting on making the deal at 5 with the Chargers, there's a relatively simple trade that could take place where the Giants jump to 4 to take McCarthy (or Maye if McCarthy is the shock pick at #2), which allows Arizona to still get one of the top 3 WR's.  I think Minnesota knew all this beforehand, and I think it's highly likely that Arizona is OK with trading down and getting the haul that they would undoubtedly get.  

One final thing that Jurecki said:  the Chargers would "rush to the podium" for MHJ is he's there at 5.  Not Alt, and not a trade down.  I know some don't think Harbaugh will want a premium WR, and they point to his lack of procuring a 5-star WR recruit in college, but I'd push back on that a little bit.  First off, we know that he did try to recruit MHJ to Michigan.  Second, he saw firsthand how great he was on the field against his Michigan team that was scheming to try and stop him.  And lastly, the need is just so dire.  There will still be good OL options at #37, and while that's also true for the WR's, the Chargers may believe (with good reason) that MHJ is literally the best player in the draft, and that the gap between MHJ and the WR's at 37 compared to Alt and the OL's available at 37 is greater.  

My thoughts, anyway.  Just 8 days left!  

@Warrior Verse seems like a longshot to go in the top 10, though you can get that at +275.  Interestingly, Latu has slightly better odds to go top 10 at +250.  But yeah, in getting back to Odunze, I just can't see Chicago passing on him if he's there at 9.  Keenan Allen could just be a 1-year thing and I think they'd load up on talent for Williams.  -1800 is a really, really strong indicator that he's seen as a total blue-chip talent.  I don't think Verse is seen quite in that way.  I think that Latu might be, but the medical stuff makes him obviously risky.  Still, based on the odds that are out there on Latu (he has the second-best odds of being the first defensive player chosen, quite a bit ahead of Verse), I may have to re-think my mock that has Latu going 19th to the Rams.  I was just having a hard time slotting him somewhere ahead of that, though.  IMO, I don't see a lot of teams between 11-18 looking at edge rushers.  Perhaps Denver and Seattle, but I feel like Denver is going to trade down and look at Nix.  Seattle is a bit of a wild card since this is Schneider's first year having final say over the roster, but DL/Edge is the second choice for their pick among oddsmakers (behind OL).  

Getting back to Odunze though, I believe we will see 4 QB, 3 WR, Alt, Turner, and Bowers go top 10.  I feel much more confident that Bowers could slip out of the top 10 as opposed to Odunze, though; Bowers has Even odds of being a top 10 choice.  The only team that I think could take Bowers in the top 10 is the team at 10, the Jets, and although he's surely a great talent, he didn't really test at all, and I don't view that the same way that I view MHJ not testing.  TE isn't considered a premium position, and I could see the Jets going elsewhere, or trading down.  I do think Indy could end a possible Bowers slide at 15, but Ballard is a pretty strict RAS guy, so without testing...I don't know.  If there is a "name" player most likely to drop on draft day, I'm going with Bowers. 

You have a lot of the same player-team matches that I have in my latest mock, so you're clearly a very intelligent person!  =)

The more I look at how I think the draft will unfold, especially if both Penix and Nix end up in the 1st Round, you're going to see absolute blue-chip talent with clear 1st Round grades slipping not only into the 20's, but possibly beyond 30 as well.  Like, I have Johnny Newton out of the 1st Round now and I absolutely love him.  There are going to be major steals early in the 2nd Round.  

@Mr. Bitter I would be pretty shocked if New England turned to Fields; I think signing Brissett is a clear indication that they want to pick a rookie QB at 3 and have him be the bridge guy.  If the move was trading for Fields, I don't think you sign a veteran backup like Brissett, and you don't make them compete.  You'd be getting Fields to see what he can do.  To me, they would have just kept Zappe in the backup role.  I do agree with you that the Pats continue to make curious moves, but it just doesn't line up logically to me.  I truly have no idea where Fields may end up.  If the Giants bite the bullet on Jones and cut him, maybe, as Drew Lock probably wouldn't be much of an impediment (he only got $5MM).  Even still, I find that as a longshot.  Denver to me is a longshot because it's such an awful scheme fit with Sean Payton, worse than Russell Wilson was, actually.  I really think he may end up on some team as a backup.  I also think that it would be a mistake by Chicago to bring him into training camp or even OTA's, because any energy NOT spent going to developing Caleb Williams will be to Chicago's detriment. 

Speaking of the Bears, I absolutely could see them trading up for one of Nabers/Odunze, particularly if either of them are still there at #7.  As long as the Titans don't want either of those guys for themselves and are eyeing, say, Joe Alt, the Titans could reasonably move to 9 and still get Alt because it's unlikely that Atlanta, at 8, would take him.  (Of course, there's always the chance that a team could trade up to 8 for Alt, and that Atlanta could trade down.)  On the other hand, the Bears only have 5 picks in this draft, and they clearly won't be getting a premium pick or picks for Fields.  As such, I could also see them trading DOWN from 9.