Mock Draft 1.0

 

It's merely the first week of March, but the combine just ended and I have that NFL draft fever. A fever so high I'm doing something I've never done before. A March Mock Draft.

1. *Trade* Colts - Bryce Young 

I think it's pretty clear the Bears will be trading this pick. They need to acquire more Draft capital especially after losing the 32nd pick in the Claypool trade. I don't foresee the Texans giving up significant picks to move up one spot. I do however see the Colts wanting to jump Houston in effort to kill 2 birds with one stone. Block the Texans from "getting their guy" and landing a new Franchise QB in the process. Young is a special talent. The concerns of his size were quelled a bit by his 204 lb combine weigh in. He remains the leader in the club house for the top pick despite Stroud and AR15 on the rise.

2. Texans - CJ Stroud

I know a lot of Texans fans want Bryce Young, but rest easy. If that dream doesn't come to fruition the franchise can be proud to have CJ Stroud. The man is silky-smooth. He throws the ball effortlessly and with pristine accuracy. He consistently hits his WRs in stride and throws away from defenders to give his guys every opportunity to make plays after the catch. His effectiveness as a runner is a major question and amplified further to me by his unwillingness to run the 40. He's still the most polished passer in this class and a slam dunk top 5 pick as a franchise altering talent.

3. Cardinals - Will Anderson

After losing Chandler Jones and JJ Watt in back to back off-seasons this is the perfect opportunity for the Cardinals to reload the edge. Anderson is seen by most as the top edge prospect in the draft. I am in the minority disagreeing with that assessment but right now he's the most likely candidate for the 3rd overall selection. 

4. Bears - The Bears might find themselves in a unique spot if they do in fact trade down with the Colts. There could be a handful of teams trying to move up to 4 to select Anthony Richardson. It's also possible Jalen Carters situation isn't resolved and perhaps the Bears have moved him down a few spots on their board. For now I will slot Jalen Carter here to the Bears at 4 overall.

5. *TRADE* Panthers - Anthony Richardson

Fresh off one of the greatest combine performances of all time AR15 looks primed to crack the top 5. With the QB desperate Raiders and Falcons sitting at 7 and 8 along with a dark horse for a QB in the Lions the Panthers know they will need to make a move in order to get their guy. I believe Richardson is going to be the target of most QB needy teams. His throwing portion of the combine was uneven, but partially due to Stroud throwing after him in every drill. His elite athleticism should trump those concerns. 

6. Lions - Devon Witherspoon 

After Christian Gonzalez just crushed the combine it's possible he gets the nod for first corner off the board. Witherspoon is still my number 1 corner. The passer rating on targets his way was just 25.3.... 25.3 on 62 targets. His plays in the run game and tenacity attacking just scream a Dan Campbell guy.

7. Raiders - Will Levis

With Anthony Richardson off the board Will Levis is the last remaining QB that projects as a top 10 pick. His throwing performance at the combine was uneven at best, but the Raiders don't have much of a choice. McDaniels has to swing. Even if they land Jimmy Garoppolo they still likely look to draft a QB with their first pick.

8. Falcons - Tyree Wilson

The Falcons need a lot. It's possible they look to trade down if 4 QBs are already off the board. I'm going to assume they keep the pick for now and slot Wilson in to give them much needed pass rush juice.

9. Seahawks - Christian Gonzalez

The hawks struck gold in the draft last season with Tariq Woolen in round 5. Could they look to bring back the Legion of Boom secondary? Why not ? Christian Gonzalez is 6'1" 197 and ran a 4.38 forty with a 41.5 vertical.He projects as a shutdown corner and that is a highly sought after commodity.

10. Eagles - Bijan Robinson

The Eagles have such a luxury here. They don't really have any holes. They won the NFC with ease and now they have 2 first round picks including this 10th overall selection. It does feel a bit rich for Bijan here especially with how deep this RB class is, but if the Eagles don't think he will be around at 30 they might just take the plunge and upgrade an already lethal rushing attack. 

11. Titans - Peter Skoronski 

The Titans are in trouble. Rebuild ? Reload ? Mike Vrabel is one of the best coaches in the league and I'm sure wants to figure out a way to reload, but I don't see a path for that. Their best player is fighting father time and their QB1 is pretty lame. They just released Taylor Lewan so no matter what they decide they are going to need to upgrade their OL. Skoronski strikes me as a Vrabel guy.

12. Texans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Does Demeco Ryans go defense here? Probably, but wouldn't it be more fun to pair Stroud with his guy ? JSN is an elite route runner. Just ask Steve Smith Sr! He claims Njigba has a PHD in route running. He seperates with ease and despite the concerns about his speed he is dangerous after the catch. He posted some of the best agility numbers at the combine over the last 15 years and is sure to have his stock climb as we approach the Draft.