NFL

I think that's its absolutely insane that the 2014 season was 9 years ago. It might just be me, but I feel like not just yesterday I was watching Phillip Rivers, Andrew luck, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, Joe flacco, and Matt Ryan. It's just mind boggling that some of the most iconic players(i.e. T.Y Hilton, or Eric ebron) will be lost to time. I'm not quite sure what will happen in the upcoming season, but I do know that we watched the best era of football to ever exist, and that's something we should remeber, along with the legends that were in this Golden Era.

Here’s my first mock for the year. This mock is based on what I would do, however I did try to keep it somewhat realistic. All of my trades in this mock are listed with base compensation. They can certainly be tweaked. I didn’t worry about exact compensation beyond what effects this draft too much.

Would love feedback on this one, I feel like more than most other years I can’t quite get a good read on this class. This seems like a strong draft class where a lot of teams have similar needs.

Chicago Bears (via CAR) - Caleb Williams - QB - USC

This one is fairly clear. Take the best QB to a QB needy team. I don’t buy into the “character concerns” for Caleb at all. He’s a damn good player.

2. Washington Commanders - Drake Maye - QB - North Carolina

As much as I like Jayden Daniels, Maye has remained my QB2. He’s got a stellar traits and has shown flashes of brilliance. He has to work on his consistency, but his upside is hard to pass on at 2.

3. New England Patriots - Marvin Harrison Jr. - WR - Ohio State

My number 1 player in this class and it isn’t particularly close. I don’t like to throw out the generational label, but Aston Marvin (I will die on the hill that this is a better nickname than Maserati Marv) is close to there. The only question with this pick is should the Pats really pass on QB? With how dogshit this roster is, I think you’re kind of committing career suicide on just about any QB you draft. That said, I understand the argument for taking Daniels here.

4. Arizona Cardinals - Malik Nabers - WR - LSU

Watching Nabers dust poor unsuspecting corners is football porn. The Cardinals need blue chip talent and that’s what Nabers is. It’s pretty simple: give Kyler Murray a new weapon while taking BPA.

TRADE: Minnesota receives: #5

LA receives: #11, #23

LA gets more assets to fill out the roster while the Vikings move up for…

5. Minnesota Vikings (via LAC) - Jayden Daniels - QB - LSU

I refuse to allow Minnesota to go into next year with Sam fucking Darnold starting at QB. Daniels has put together an impressive college resume, winning the Heisman last year. He’s a dynamic runner and deep ball thrower. I do have some concerns due to his running style + skinny frame. Unlike a lot of dual threat QBs like Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, he takes a shit ton of hits. You’d think he was built like Josh Allen and not shorter Kevin Durant the way he takes hits. Although him getting suplexed weekly worries me, it doesn’t worry me enough to not take him. And just think of what Kevin O’Connell can cook up with him in that offense? Man. Also, going from throwing to Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison sounds real fucking nice.

6. New York Giants - Rome Odunze - WR - Washington

The last of the big three of wide receivers comes off the board at 6. The Giants don’t have a lot of long term options at the receiver position, and those they do have are pretty much all slots. So, Odunze steps in as their #1 outside receivers out the gate. There’s a ton to love with Odunze as he’s a tall athlete with great hands. It was tempting to take a QB here but honestly I don’t think it’s a good fit with the QBs left. Sending McCarthy to such a bad situation feels like career suicide for such a developmental guy. And are you really taking Penix or Nix at 6. Personally I’d either take Odunze or move back.

7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt - OT - Notre Dame

I wonder if Titans fans are tired of getting Joe Alt in every single mock. I wish I could offer a fresh take here but I can’t. Alt is a stud. The Titans o-line is buns. Have a franchise left tackle. Congratulations. Have fun y’all.

8. Atlanta Falcons - Laiatu Latu - Edge - UCLA

The words “medically retired” on Latu’s draft profile stick out like a sore thumb. Despite this, assuming the medicals are clear, I am very comfortable taking him at 8. He’s had two healthy seasons since coming back to football and he’s just so good. So technically sound and refined. You can tell he’s been in the lab and has a strong work ethic. I think he can step in and be a stud right away. How many other edges can you say that of in this class? I considered a corner or a trade back here, but ultimately I think the most value comes from taking Latu.

TRADE: Las Vegas receives: #9

Chicago receives: #13, #77 This is the trade I most want thoughts on in this mock. Curious what y’all think of the value going between the teams (not very good at trade values tbh). The Bears don’t need to move back, but looking at the board id feel comfortable doing it knowing I can still get a player I want. Plus they get a 3rd for their troubles. Meanwhile, the Raiders jump the Broncos for…

9. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI) - JJ McCarthy - QB - Michigan

McCarthy is kind of a polarizing figure in the draft. On one hand, he flashed potential in college. On the other, it was just that. Flashes. He wasn’t asked to do much at Michigan. But how much of that is on him. Is that because he can’t do it? Or because he didn’t need to do it? It’s not like Michigan struggled this year as they won the national title. We won’t be able to figure this out without talking to McCarthy and his coaches (and this may come as a shock to you when I reached out to them for a comment they responded “who tf is this”). The more I watch McCarthy the more I find things to like. He’s got a good arm, he’s a good processor, and an underrated runner (don’t call him sneaky athletic don’t call him sneaky athletic don’t call him sneaky athletic). This is a big swing for Vegas, but given their current QB situation and roster, I think it’s time. I doubt they’ll be bad enough to pick top 5 soon and Aiden O’Connell and Gardner Minshew are not the answer. He can sit for as long as needed here to get him up to game speed.

10. New York Jets - Taliese Fuaga

There’s two options in my mind for the Jets. One of them is very fun. One of them is very practical. As tempting as it is to throw caution to the wind and draft Brock Bowers, I’m going to be practical and draft Fuaga. The Jets sured up their O-Line this offseason by adding Morgan Moses and Tyron Smith, but are we really depending on them to stay healthy all year. And moreover, are we depending on them to be the long term answers? I don’t think so. Fuaga future insurance for the o-line that will protect Rodgers (and maybe he can even play guard in the meantime).

11. LA Chargers (via MIN) - Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton - IDL - Illinois

Well, here’s Johnny. Mr. Canon ball is the pick for the Chargers. He’s a game wrecker and the only reason Illinois was competitive at times this year. He gives the Chargers toughness on the d-line they have lacked for years. Jim Harbaugh will want to build the trenches and this is a strong start. Strongly considered a corner but decided Newton was a better player.

12. Denver Broncos - Michael Penix Jr. - QB - Washington

The Broncos got kinda fucked over by the Raiders moving up. After cutting bait with Mr. Quite Limited this offseason, the Broncos have basically locked themselves into to taking a QB unless they want a guaranteed year of misery (which does NOT sound like Sean Payton). I’ll admit, this is a bit high for Penis for me, but he’s the best QB remaining and he does have straights I like. He’s got a rocket attached to his left (!!!) shoulder and he’s pro ready. His injury history must be noted, but he’s the best option for the Broncos available.

13. CHI Bears (via LV) Dallas Turner - Edge - Alabama

The Bears move back and still get the guy they would’ve taken at 9. Don’t you love it when a plan comes together? Turner is your prototypical freak edge rusher who’s still putting the moves together a bit. That said, they are coming together. And if he fully develops we will be nasty. Turner + Montez Sweat will be great for Chicago.

14. New Orleans Saints - Olu Fashanu - OT - Penn State

The Saints really need a tackle. Ryan Ramczyk can’t stay healthy and Trevor Penning is Trevor Penning. With a QB like Derek Carr, you need to keep him protected or he will give you nothing. Olu has a high ceiling as a tackle, even if some of his game needs refining (run blocking particularly).

15. Indianapolis Colts - Brock Bowers - TE - Georgia

This kinda feels like Joe Alt to Tennessee. It’s in damn near every mock, and for good reason. Bowers is a stud and would be a top 10 pick easy if not for him being a tight end. Unfortunately teams will prioritize tackle, receiver, edge, and of course QB over tight end. For the colts, they need to help Anthony Richardson. If Anthony Richardson is a bust (and I don’t think he will be) then none of this means anything. Bowers will step in and immediately be an awesome playmaker for the Colts. He and Josh Downs and mix and match in the slot to get the most favorable matchup. They say a good tight end is a young QB’s best friend. Well, Anthony Richardson meet your new best friend.

16. Seattle Seahawks - Troy Fautanu - OT - Washington The Seahawks have a lot of questions on the o-line and they certainly don’t have much in the way of guards. Fautanu can slide inside and start right away for them or play tackle if they decide Abraham Lucas isn’t for them anymore. Keep the local kid home and get yourself a starting o-lineman. Seems like a good deal to me.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinyon Mitchell - CB - Toledo

The Jags have been trying to move up this entire mock but they don’t need to because the guy they wanted falls to them anyway. CB1 off the board at 17. I like Mitchell more than this draft slot, but other teams need other positions more. Mitchell is a shutdown guy who did nothing but ball out in the MAC. At the senior bowl he showed he could do it against guys from bigger schools as well. The Jags are desperate for a corner and get a damn good one here.

TRADE: Cincinnati receives: #29, #73

Detroit receives: #18 Getting a little weird here. The Lions are in a contention window and are at the perfect time to get aggressive for the dudes they want. They need an edge and they jump teams like the Rams, Bucs, and Cardinals who could take one. Meanwhile, the Bengals get a nice little haul with no one on the board screaming at me to take them.

18. Detroit Lions - Jared Verse - Edge - Florida State

Aidan Hutchinson and Jared Verse on the same d-line. I’m hot and bothered. I like Verse more than this draft spot (I’m saying that a lot this draft but it’s true, I’m high on so many dudes in this class). Verse feels like a Lion. He’s tough and physical. He’s got a great power move. He gives the Lions pass rush a boost that they need as they attempt to contend.

19. LA Rams - Byron Murphy II - IDL - Texas

You heard it here first folks Byron Murphy is the next Aaron Donald. Okay so obviously that’s not true, but he’s going to have to be the replacement in the Aaron Donald sized hole in the Rams d-line. He will partner up with standout rookie Kobie Turner to hopefully bolster the Rams pass rush. Considered a corner here, but ultimately decided replacing one of the greatest football players to ever live was more important.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Brian Thomas Jr. - WR - LSU

After moving Diontae Johnson, a new wide receiver is in order. Thomas Jr. is a blazing fast deep threat with great separation skills. I think at times he was a bit overshadowed by Nabers this season but make no mistake he was fantastic. He’ll be great for the Steelers (as a ravens fan I’d be sick).

21. Miami Dolphins - JC Latham - OT - Alabama

I feel like Miami has needed o-line for centuries now. Their o-line in recent months has been depleted by departures and continued concerns over Terron Armstead’s health. Latham serves as a future investment in keeping Tua alive.

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Cooper DeJean - CB - Iowa

When fit meets BPA it’s a beautiful thing. DeJean has been a standout at Iowa for a while now. The reigning Big Ten Defensive back of the year slots in nicely in Philly as Darius Slay and James Bradberry are aging quickly by the day (yes that’s how age works you fucking moron why did you type that). He has great ball skills and is a strong athlete. DeJean also provides some flexibility as he can slide over to safety if need be.

23. LA Chargers - Terrion Arnold - CB - Alabama

Arnold is a twitched up man corner who was dominant this past year. He’s hyper aggressive and competitive on the field and might have the highest ceiling of any corner in this class. Definitely has a case to be CB1 and I considered him as high as 8 to Atlanta. The Chargers grabbed Jer’Zhan Newton earlier and get a stud corner now. The defense will be looking a lot better for Jim Harbaugh next year. And with how deep this receiver class is they can jump on a guys like Xavier Legette, Keon Coleman, Troy Franklin, or Roman Wilson down the board.

24. Dallas Cowboys - Amarius Mims - OT - Georgia

Mims has like 8 career starts under his belt. That’s way less than you’ll normally see from a first round pick, but those starts he had were incredible. He has great tools and the Cowboys have a history of developing dudes on the o-line. With Tyron Smith leaving, this seems to be an easy pick.

25. Green Bay Packers - Nate Wiggins - CB - Clemson

The Packers are tough because their biggest needs are not high value positions/aren’t super deep this year. I considered Tyler Nubin and Payton Wilson, but first round is a little too much for me. Ultimately I went with the best corner available in my mind. Wiggins just moves different. He’s undersized and skinny, no doubt, and after Emmanuel Forbes got bitched this year that could give teams pause. But in the end I think Wiggins is a good enough prospect to be able to look past those issues. Good value for the Packers.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kool-Aid McKinstry - CB - Alabama

The second Bama CB off the board. Along with having the coolest name in the class, Kool-Aid is just a fucking dawg. He’s a well refined and well coached football player. He’s lost hype this year but that’s mostly due to Arnold blowing up and him having less production (a symptom of QBs not looking his way). He can get a little grabby and he isn’t the best athlete, which hurts him, but he’s definitely good enough for the league. As I go back and look at my CB rankings and finalize them, I think Kool-Aid might make his way up my board. Until then, he slots in well in Tampa and ends the run of CBs. 27. Arizona Cardinals - Chop Robinson - Edge - Penn State

After taking Malik Nabers at 4, the Cardinals now get an edge for Jonathan Gannon. Chop is a freak athlete who goes out there in the old school drip. No tape, no gloves, none of that. He plays with great leverage and I swear he’s almost at ground level sometimes. He’s a bit raw, but the Cardinals can try to mold him into a star. If he hits, oh boy is he gonna hit.

28. Buffalo Bills - AD Mitchell - WR - Texas

The Bills are tripping over themselves to get AD Mitchell here. They need a new toy for Josh Allen to play with badly. Mitchell is a reliable dude with sure hands. He’s great with the ball in the air. He’s athletically gifted with great hips and the ability to adjust in the air. I think this is a seamless fit.

29. Cincinnati Bengals (via DET) - Tyler Guyton - OT - Oklahoma

Guyton is an athletic tackle with great traits. He needs some development, so he’ll be good for Cincy as he can sit behind Orlando Brown Jr. and Trent Brown to learn. I was impressed with his hands while watching him. Overall I think his technique is good. He’ll need to learn to play lower, but I think that’s correctable.

30. Baltimore Ravens - Jordan Morgan - OT - Arizona

The Ravens need a tackle after dealing with Ronnie Stanley’s injuries and Morgan Moses was traded this offseason. Morgan is a guy who’s really solid and should be able to slot in right away. After bouncing back from a torn ACL, he displayed a strong performance as a run blocker and pass blocker. His ability to do both will be valuable for a run heavy team like Baltimore.

31. San Francisco 49ers - Jackson Powers-Johnson - IOL - Oregon

Powers-Johnson helps sure up the o-line in San Francisco and fills one of the few holes on this incredible roster. Powers-Johnson can play either guard spot or center. His flexibility adds immense value.

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Ladd McConkey - WR - Georgia

You could insert about any receiver here and I’d be down with it. Worthy, Coleman, Franklin, Corley, Leggette, I don’t really care. We all saw this season. Patrick Mahomes was balling out but his receivers decided to do communal butter baths before the season. In the end it didn’t matter because the Chiefs have devil magic, but McConkey comes in to sure up the receiver room. He’s a great separator with consistent hands. He’s a well developed, quick route runner. He’s polished and productive and will be a stud in KC.

Okay, that’s all I got. I spent way longer on this than I thought I would. Hope y’all enjoy it and I’d love feedback. Hopefully I’ll do another one of these before the draft (and hopefully it’ll be more concise than this lol).

Title. Basically, what position do you hold that differs from the hive mind at this moment and why do you feel that conviction?

I’ll start: based on talent, I’m avoiding Troy Franklin at ADP. The drop issues have me concerned more than anything and his lack of ability to fight through contact scares me too. I’m worried I’m getting another Jalin Hyatt with him and would prefer other WRs at cost.

1. QB Caleb Williams

2. WR Marvin Harrison Jr

3. WR Rome Odunze

4. WR Malik Nabers

5. QB Drake Maye

6. QB Jayden Daniels

7. TE Brock Bowers

8. WR Brian Thomas Jr.

9. QB JJ McCarthy

10. WR Adonai Mitchell

11. QB Bo Nix

12. QB Michael Penix Jr

13. WR Ladd McConkey

14. WR Xavier Worthy

15. WR Ricky Pearsall

16. WR Troy Franklin

17. WR Keon Coleman

18. WR Malachi Corley

19. WR Roman Wilson