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With about a week to go before the Draft officially opens, let’s do one more mock.
Now that we are about a week away from round one, it’s time to make one last prediction for this year’s
NFL Draft. This mock will be a two rounder with trades. Let’s get this sucker started:
First Round
1.
Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans, by all accounts, have zeroed in on quarterback Cam Ward at this point in the draft process.
2.
Cleveland Browns - Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Browns have narrowed their selection down to the two blue chip defenders in the class. Late rumblings have them leaning toward Travis Hunter, and they’d likely have him play receiver for the most part.
3.
New York Giants - Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Giants definitely want a quarterback, but they can’t pass up Carter’s disruptive capabilities. The Giants could then flip Kayvon Thibodeaux if they wanted to pick up some extra draft capital.
4.
New England Patriots - Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
Mike Vrabel is a “win in the trenches” kind of guy, and Walker has the explosiveness and versatility to help the Patriots do just that on defense. The Pats like the top offensive tackles, but they have faith in the depth of the class at the top of the second round.
5.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Jaguars defense was atrocious last season against the run and the pass. Much ado is being made about Graham’s weight, but he was dominant all year in both phases. The Jags have some good edge rushers, so Graham fits in nicely in the interior.
6.
New Orleans Saints - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
**TRADE**
Our first major shakeup! The Saints are now in need of a quarterback with Derek Carr’s injury. You could make the argument they were already in need of a quarterback. Regardless, Shedeur gets to play indoors for the majority of his games and the Saints get a signal caller. In order to make this happen, they sent the Raiders picks 9, 71 (third round), and 184 (sixth round).
7.
New York Jets - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The New York Jets almost have a good offensive line. Their only weak link (assuming everyone stays healthy) is right tackle. Enter the best right tackle in the draft in Membou. It’s a little early for someone like Jaxson Dart, so they forego quarterback for now.
8.
San Francisco 49ers - Will Campbell, OT,
LSU **TRADE**
The 49ers need to get ahead of the Bears to get the next offensive lineman on their big board. They give up 11 and 43 for 8 and 74, a modest price for their pick of the heir apparent to Trent Williams.
9.
Las Vegas Raiders - Ashton Jeanty, HB, Boise State
**
The Raiders took a bit of a gamble on another team not jumping up and taking Jeanty. It paid off here, and they picked up extra picks on day two and day three while still landing their primary target.
10.
Chicago Bears - Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
The Bears have a ton of offensive talent around Caleb Williams, but he was under a lot of pressure his first season. Banks could stick at tackle or move inside.
11.
Carolina Panthers - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
**
With their top defensive targets gone at 8, the Panthers moved down just three spots in the first round and moved up 31 spots from the third round to the second. They use the 11th pick on a player that many people believe could easily go well within the top ten. Warren adds an extra element to the Panthers offense.
12.
Dallas Cowboys - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Cowboys need a receiver opposite Ceedee Lamb. While some scouts have Golden ranked higher than McMillan, the latter fits what the Cowboys need more: a one-on-one, contested catch, X receiver.
13.
Miami Dolphins - Josh Simmons, OT,
Ohio State
The Dolphins are trying to keep their window open with Tua under center. The best way to do that would be to protect him as much as possible. Simmons might have to move inside, but the Dolphins need a ton of line help.
14.
Indianapolis Colts - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Colts need some defensive help, and Campbell provides some stability in the middle of their defense. He also has the versatility to rush the passer at times, allowing the Colts to get creative with his deployment.
15.
Atlanta Falcons - James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
The Falcons missed the playoffs once again this season, in part thanks to the Carolina Reaper. As usual, the pass rush was a major weak spot for the Birds. Pearce was being talked about as a potential first overall pick before last season, so the potential is there to be a game breaker.
16.
Arizona Cardinals - Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Just like half the teams in the league, the Cardinals need pass rush help. Green was the most productive edge rusher in college football last season.
17.
Cincinnati Bengals - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Bengals had a horrendous defense, and their stars like Trey Hendrickson are not getting any younger. Starks can help shore up the back end in hopes that they can stop opposing offenses at least once or twice.
18.
Seattle Seahawks - Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The Seahawks have to improve their offensive line with Sam Darnold under center. Zabel has been a late riser, and reports have the Seahawks in love with his potential to play guard in the NFL.
19.
Los Angeles Chargers - Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
**TRADE**
The Chargers send pick 22 and 125 plus a fourth round pick next year to the Bucs in order to jump Sean Payton and the Broncos. The whole world knows Payton would love to add another tight end, but Michigan Man Jim Harbaugh swoops in to take the best one remaining.
20.
Denver Broncos - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
With the top tight ends off the board, the Broncos instead take the falling Michigan corner. Johnson has the prototypical size to play outside opposite Pat Surtain II.
21.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Jaxson Dart, QB,
Ole Miss
The Steelers are being jerked around by Aaron Rodgers, but regardless of his decision they need to invest in the future at the quarterback position. Dart is mobile enough and has a strong enough arm to make plays in Pittsburgh.
22.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Donavan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
**
The Bucs managed to pick up some extra draft capital and still land an extremely productive edge rusher. While he doesn’t have the elite measurables, he is a proven disruptor.
23.
Green Bay Packers - Luther Burden III, WR, Mizzou
Christian Watson needs help, so the Packers add a nice security blanket YAC monster for Jordan Love and company.
24.
Minnesota Vikings - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Vikes have a lot of secondary players entering free agency, and the versatility of Barron fits perfectly into a Brian Flores defense.
25.
Houston Texans - Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon
The Texans desperately need offensive line, especially after trading away Laremy Tunsil. Conerly is an athletic and high IQ player who will continue to improve over time.
26.
Los Angeles Rams - Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
The Rams don’t have many interior linebackers on the roster, so they take most scouts’ LB2. Schwesinger is a prime candidate to sneak into the back end of round one.
27.
Baltimore Ravens - Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The Ravens need some help on the interior of the offensive line. Booker is considered one of the top guards in the class.
28.
Detroit Lions - Shemar Stewart, EDGE,
Texas A&M
Based on his combine performance, Stewart could go much higher than this. The Lions already have an established dominant pass rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, so Stewart would not be relied on to be the closer. Having him take on mostly one-on-one blocks would be beneficial.
29.
Kansas City Chiefs - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
**TRADE**
The Chiefs desperately need explosiveness on offense. Their struggles in the
Super Bowl (and throughout the playoffs despite winning most of their games) made this obvious. Their concern for Buffalo taking Golden prompts them to send picks 31 and 133 to Washington. Golden is a receiver in the mold of a Chris Olave or TY Hilton, which would be a huge boost to Mahomes and company.
30.
Buffalo Bills - Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
This feels like a bit of a reach, the Bills have relied on older edge rusher additions for too long. They tried Von Miller and have now signed Joey Bosa. Here, they’re able to invest in the future of the position with Swinson, who has a ton of athletic upside.
31.
Washington Commanders - Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
**
The Commanders need some help on defense, including at edge. Dan Quinn will definitely love Mykel’s run defense and effort while hoping he can grow into an elite pass rusher as well.
32.
Philadelphia Eagles - Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Eagles lost a couple key contributors on the defensive line, so they decide to restock the shelves there. Harmon is good against the run and the pass and should fit in nicely in Philly’s rotation.
Second Round
33. Cleveland Browns - Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
The Browns took the unicorn in the first round and a high upside QB project first thing on Day 2. Jalen Milroe’s hands grew by about half an inch between the
Senior Bowl and the combine, so the Browns take the chance on the immensely talented signal caller. Worst case, he adds a dynamic running element to the offense, allowing the Browns to run the ball and play great defense.
34. New York Giants - Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
The Giants decided to forego drafting a quarterback, rolling with Russell Wilson. Keeping pressure out of Wilson’s face will help him find Malik Nabers more easily.
35. Tennessee Titans - Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
The Titans have their quarterback and now add a target for him. Harris is a touchdown machine who could develop into a true x receiver.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars - Shevon Revel, CB, ECU
The Jags already addressed the interior of their defensive line. Here, they continue to improve their defense by taking Revel. Revel is coming off an injury, but was a dynamic corner when healthy.
37. Las Vegas Raiders - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The offensive rebuild continues in Vegas, adding Egbuka to Geno Smith’s arsenal of weapons.
38. Carolina Panthers - Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
**TRADE**
The Panthers use that 43rd pick they added in the first round trade with the 49ers along with picks 146 and 163 (both in the fifth round) to move up and grab the second best safety in the draft. Emmanwori has the athletic profile to succeed in the NFL, but he will have to improve in pass coverage.
39. Chicago Bears - Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC
The Bears added to their offensive line in round one, and now they decide to add to the running game to further help Caleb Williams develop.
40. New Orleans Saints - Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona
After taking Shedeur Sanders in the first, the Saints decide to invest in protecting him. He has size, athleticism, and versatility. While he’ll likely be best at guard, he could swing out to tackle in a pinch.
41. Chicago Bears - Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
After building up the offense a bit, the Bears turn to the defense. Nolen could be a first round pick, so the Bears would be ecstatic to get him this low.
42. New York Jets - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Jets shored up the offensive line in round one, so they turn their attention to the defense here. Aaron Glenn knows how important the trenches are, so they take the monster from Michigan to plug into the middle of the defense.
43. New England Patriots - Wyatt Milum, OG, West Virgina
**
The Pats picked up a couple fifth rounders from the Panthers and still landed a good player at a position of need. Milum has a very high floor and is plug and play at guard. He could even play tackle if needed.
44. Dallas Cowboys - TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The first of the two Ohio State halfbacks comes off the board here to the Cowboys. Dallas desperately need backs, and they missed out on Ashton Jeanty. Henderson is a three down back that can take the primary role in Dallas.
45. Indianapolis Colts - Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
The Colts need some help at tight end, and Taylor can slide right into the starting lineup. He’s not the best blocker, but his receiving prowess could be truly unlocked in Indy.
46. Atlanta Falcons - Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Falcons got an uber athletic edge in the first round and pick up an athletic defensive tackle here in the second.
47. Los Angeles Chargers - Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
**TRADE**
The uber aggressive Chargers jump up to 47 to take the best remaining edge rusher in their eyes. Losing Joey Bosa hurts despite him being old and often injured. Scourton could help alleviate some of that loss. They give up picks 55, 124 (fourth round), and 201 (sixth round) to move up eight spots.
48. Miami Dolphins - Xavier Watts, S,
Notre Dame
The Dolphins wanted to take Scourton, but got jumped by the Chargers. Instead, they take Watts, an elite processor on the back end of the defense.
49. Cincinnati Bengals - Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
The Bengals continue their defensive makeover by helping out their abysmal pass rush. Jackson is a high motor player with impressive physicals.
50. Seattle Seahawks - Jayden Higgins, WR,
Iowa State
The Seahawks traded away DK Metcalf, so they take another big-bodied speedster in Higgins. Higgins does not have the agility to create a ton of separation, but that was a concern for Metcalf coming out of college as well.
51. Green Bay Packers - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
**TRADE**
The Packers know the Seahawks will take one of the top corners remaining with the next pick, so they send 54 and 159 (fifth round) to the Broncos to take Amos here.
52. Seattle Seahawks - Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Seahawks knew they’d get one of the top two corners left, and they are perfectly fine taking Morrison out of Notre Dame.
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
The Bucs continue their defensive overhaul, getting Antoine Winfield Jr a running mate in the safety room.
54. Denver Broncos - Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
**
The Broncos add to their offense, giving Bo Nix a reliable runner. While Johnson isn’t a homerun hitter, he fits into Sean Payton’s offense.
55. Arizona Cardinals - Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
**
The Cardinals have their WR1 and a good receiving TE. Now they add to Kylar Murray’s weaponry with a deep threat on the outside.
56. Buffalo Bills - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Bills add some speed in their secondary here with Hairston. They need to keep up with the speedy receivers the Chiefs have added the last couple of years.
57. Carolina Panthers - Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
The Panthers desperately need some edge help, and Oladejo is an intriguing prospect. He’s still very raw because he switched from linebacker to edge last season. He will continue to grow as an edge rusher while still providing some drop ability in coverage, which is helpful in a 3-4.
58. Houston Texans - TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina
The Texans keep building the trenches on both sides of the ball, taking Sanders to help with the interior presence.
59. Baltimore Ravens - Azareye’h Thomas, CB,
Florida State
The Ravens actually struggled on defense at times last season, so they’ll look to bolster that unit. Thomas is a promising young player with only one year of starting experience, so the Ravens should be able to mold him into a quality player.
60. Detroit Lions - Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Amon-Ra St. Brown is incredible, but the Lions need more consistency on the outside. Noel brings a blend of athleticism and reliable hands despite not being the ideal size.
61. Washington Commanders - Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
The Commanders’ defense is what really let them down in the playoffs, so they need to add talent on that side of the ball.
62. Buffalo Bills - Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
The Bills are beefing up their defensive line to help out their defense. Alexander is a three down defensive tackle who can help in a bunch of different ways.
63. Kansas City Chiefs - Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Chiefs’ offensive line is what held them back in the Super Bowl. Joe Thuney was traded to the Bears, and he was a guard playing left tackle for them. Ersery could come in and immediately compete for the left tackle spot.
64. Philadelphia Eagles - Kevin Winston Jr, S, Penn State
Again, so many defensive free agents this offseason for the Eagles. I have them going with a safety to replace CJ Gardner-Johnson.
Summary
The Panthers traded down from 8th overall to 11th overall and moved from the third round back into the second. With three picks in the top 60, they netted Tyler Warren, Nick Emmanwori, and Oluwafemi Oladejo. What do you think, Panthers fans? Sound off in the comments!
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