Final Mock, Version 5.0
We're in the final week. Top 30's are over, Jordyn Tyson's workout has a major effect, and the rumors are out of control, with many reporters contradicting each other. You know, business as usual in the lead-up to the draft. I have a couple of trades shaking up the Top 10, and Round 2 is here as well.
Round 2
The Jets open up Round 2 by taking a possible long-term replacement for the departed Vera-Tucker at a guard spot.
34.
If Simpson doesn't go here, who knows how far he could fall. I know there's talk that Arizona could try to move back into the 1st Round for him, or if they trade down from #3 overall that they could take him with a second 1st rounder that it may acquire, but I simply struggle to find what other team truly has interest in him.
There's been some talk that the Titans could consider Styles at #4, since he could remind Saleh of Fred Warner. And while Allen doesn't have that type of athleticism, he's still a reliable, solid player who is lauded for his leadership. He seems like one of those guys who could have a solid 10+ year career.
A plug-and-play guard starter should be important for the Raiders early in the draft.
I am fully expecting the Giants to select an OL with one of their first 3 picks. They do it here with the athletic Rutledge, as I believe there's a huge drop-off at guard after Bisontis, Pregnon, and Rutledge.
A lack of arm length may drop Howell into the top half of Round 2, but he could prove to be a steal.
TRADE! (See #6 for original details.)
Getting this pick after the move up for Styles, here we see Dallas opt for pass rushing help with Parker.
Getting this pick after the move up for Styles, here we see Dallas opt for pass rushing help with Parker.
The Chiefs stay in-state for pass rush help to add to a barren edge room apart from George Karlaftis, and Young may also be an asset in run defense with his length and build.
Here's an explosive athlete at LB, so the RAS box is checked for Cincy. Since the start of free agency, the team will have added Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Lawrence, and now Hill Jr. here. That's a pretty good haul.
The odds are that edge, WR, and CB will be looked at early in this draft. We already took care of the WR need with Tate, so now it's Jacas who fills another need.
Woods still has a shot to go in Round 1, but he's been a polarizing study. This is an appropriate 2nd Round gamble for the rebuilding Dolphins.
With its 4th pick already, the Jets could add some LB depth in the form of Rodriguez, who excelled athletically during the draft process. I know that Reese is in the fold in this mock, but I'm expecting him to be mostly used as an edge player.
No team has spent more draft capital on DB's in recent years than the Ravens. Here they could spend a high pick on Cisse again, as Chidobe Awuzie was only signed to a 1-year deal, and Marlon Humphrey is getting long in the tooth.
46.
Despite his diminutive size, Ponds is an explosive athlete and big-time talent, and I don't expect him to fall out of the top 50 picks.
Banks would have been a 1st rounder if not for his foot issues. Chris Ballard loves to take chances on high-upside players who might be dealing with injuries come draft time.
The WR depth behind Drake London is sorely lacking, so making its first pick here, perhaps Bernard's solid all-around game will be appreciated.
DT depth is a serious issue for Brian Flores' defense.
While Isaiah Pacheco was signed to possibly offer a power complement to Jahmyr Gibbs in the so-called David Montgomery role, he only received a paltry guarantee. Price would seem to offer more juice and could bypass him on the depth chart in short order for that Montgomery role.
An upgrade at nickel must be found, so perhaps Scott fits the bill. For me, he's a similar player as Ponds is.
This is the first pick of the draft for Green Bay. Stukes really helped himself with a 4.33 40 time, the Packers need DB help, and this fits their RAS preference.
Let's go back to the well of Pittsburgh drafting a 2nd Round receiver. Branch's 4.33 wheels could mesh well with the bigger perimeter threats of Metcalf and Pittman Jr. He is also an asset as a punt returner.
I've bypassed a WR with the first 2 Eagles picks, even though I think there's a 95% chance that AJ Brown is getting dealt after June 1. That said, perhaps the team will end up signing a helpful veteran free agent such as Keenan Allen. Anyway, the Reed Blankenship departure in free agency has left a hole at safety, and Marcus Epps is in a contract year as it is. Kilgore may not be a Georgia defender, but here Howie Roseman finds an imposing SEC safety anyway.
The Chargers are likely to look at edge rush help early in the draft, and although Thomas tested below-average athletically, he's a completely reasonable pick at this stage due to his production and motor.
Finally making a pick, perhaps the loss of Devin Lloyd in free agency could be addressed with the athletic Golday.
WR depth could be an issue, since Luther Burden has been oft-injured in his young football life and as Rome Odunze battled through injury problems of his own last year. Brazzell would offer a speed element on the outside.
The LG need is addressed here with the Iowa man with one of the most glorious mullet and mustache combinations you will ever see.
Here's a potentially savvy player with NFL pedigree who may suffer a bit of a drop due to a slow 40 time. If that was due to a hamstring injury, this could be a major steal. If he was using it as an excuse because he's just slow, well, he may be more of a Day 3 talent. Only time will tell.
The Bears' biggest needs on defense appear to be DL help and safety help. Having already nabbed McNeil-Warren, now the DL issue is looked at here with Hunter, and it's notable that Grady Jarrett is in a contract year.
61.
TRADE! (See #7 for details.)
iOL is a need area for Washington, as center Nick Allegretti is in a contract year and not that effective anyway. Lew is recovering from an ACL injury but is probably the best center prospect this year.
iOL is a need area for Washington, as center Nick Allegretti is in a contract year and not that effective anyway. Lew is recovering from an ACL injury but is probably the best center prospect this year.
Stowers was in on a Top 30, and Sean Payton could see him as a future "joker", which has been talked about in relation to Denver since at least last year.
There's not much TE depth behind Hunter Henry, who is in a contract year, so perhaps Vrabel gets himself a fellow Buckeye here.
Lance Zierlein's comp for Washington is Chris Carson, and we know that Seattle needs a RB. There you go.