2018 Thomas - Kyle Mock Draft

Afternoon everyone! Here is a fun little mock draft that Thomas and I are going to do together. Essentially Thomas gets all of the odd picks and I get all of the evens (spoiler alert the odds picks are easier). We didn't allow trades in THIS draft but you can see where we think trades might happen, especially early on, with our commentary below most picks. TS and KB just identify who is making the pick. Let us know if you have any feedback on this! Without further ado...

Pick 1. Cleveland Browns: QB Sam Darnold, USC (Thomas Stanhouse)

I’m going with the idea that they want their pick at their QB of the future instead of their pick of skill position. Darnold is raw but has all the intangibles teams look for, and the Browns are in the perfect situation to help him prosper (ideally, it is the Browns though). The addition of Tyrod makes this more likely in my eyes, as he’s a good serviceable bridge QB for their future star to ride in over.

Pick 2. New York Giants: QB Josh Allen, Wyoming (Kyle Bazin)

Uggghhhh I hate this. I really wanted Saquon to go at 1. Although I feel like CLE will go with Darnold there, it just makes this pick so much harder. NYG need to address the RB position but how often are you going to find a talent like this kid for cheap for 4+ years? My guess is that Eli plays a victory lap season in 2018, then retires. (If only he could beat the Pats one more time…) Allen will be the Cam Newton/Jamarcus Russell of this draft. Let’s see which one he turns out to be. Also, the reason I don’t go Rosen or Barkley here is tough. Rosen is ready now, but he has possible off-field issues and RBs can be found in round 5 if you pick well. Allen will have a year to learn under a 2-time Super Bowl Champ.

KB: Sorry about the long commentary.

TS: That’s OK. The Giants are the reactionary pick to whatever CLE’s plan is, so they need a bit of an explanation.

Pick 3. New York Jets (from IND): QB Josh Rosen, UCLA (TS)

Trading up early in the first round PRIOR to the draft usually results in a QB picked. This is all the more reason that the Browns would want to take their QB at 1, since he may not be there at 4. But back to the Jets, Teddy Bridgewater brings some value but isn’t a star by any means and McCown is so old I could date his daughter (I think…). Rosen might be the most NFL ready QB and the Browns may be eyeing him too. A lot of talent in these 3 QBs. I took awhile to try to justify picking another position, but I think QB makes too much sense.

TS: By the way, I forgot to say you’re welcome!

KB: Oh, trust me I will thank you in the commentary. I will say that if Darnold goes 1 this is how I see it happening.

Pick 4. Cleveland Browns (from HOU): RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State (KB)

RUN CLEVELAND!!! THE WHOLE CITY NEEDS TO RUN TO DALLAS TO PUT THIS PICK IN!! If Barkley falls to 4 after they get Darnold, the city will throw another parade. He is the best non-QB in the draft and everyone says he is better than Zeke or Fournette. That is saying something, but I’ll tell you the OL he will be running behind will make him look like the second coming of AP. Thank you Thomas, from Cleveland and myself, for letting him fall to here. As much as this pick makes soooo much sense… watch out for the Bills here. If one of the top QBs falls here, they may be looking to move up if he is “their guy”. Cleveland would be fine passing on Barkley and picking up a great player at 12 and maybe also 21.

Pick 5. Denver Broncos: G Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame (TS)

From what I understand, the Broncos plan to keep Paxton Lynch as their back up to Keenum, so I don’t think they want to draft a 3^rd QB, even if one of the top 3 fell here. The OL has struggled and Nelson would be welcomed with a red carpet as a day one starter. He can eliminate any defender in the box in the rung game. He’s strong, fluid, and nasty enough to open a hole in the middle and is athletic enough to pull and block on the outside and in open space. You don’t wanna be in his way. He’s a natural day one pass blocker as well and is disciplined in his role. I love this guy.

Pick 6. Indianapolis Colts (from NYJ): Edge Bradley Chubb (KB)

Can I just say what a move by GM Chris Ballard? Chubb is their guy. One could argue they should be looking at Barkley, but I think this was the only consensus pick in the top 10. He is ready for the next level and will compete close to a pro bowl level immediately. He isn’t quite the athletic freak that Clowney or Myles Garrett are, but this guy blew up tackles all year long. Only one guy I saw that handled him well was another 1^st rounder Mitch McKinley out of Notre Dame. Thomas I’m sure this pick makes you want to cower in a corner and cry, right?

TS: Last year we saw perhaps a more intimidating DE go #1 overall, but if Chubb falls short, I’m not sure where. He is a complete package and ready to go. Although, I will say that I saw this pick like a train… I was just tied to the tracks.

Pick 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama (TS)

BPA by a good margin that also fills a need. This is a top 4 draft talent that falls right in the lap of the Bucs. Honestly, if 3 QBs go early, the Bucs will be happy with any of the top 4 non-QBs. I think he plays safety, a position the Bucs have been mediocre at best at for way too long. Hargreaves is underrated from the slot, so primarily I think it’s optimal to keep him there. But if the Bucs feel the need, they can push him outside and Fitzpatrick can play slot. I know they like James (I do too) but Fitzpatrick is the better talent, versatile, and I think (and pray) the Bucs go with it.

TS: Speaking on trades, if one of the top 4 QBs is available, I’m not sure if you can convince the Bills or Dolphins to trade up to ensure the other doesn’t trade in front of them. This would be a spot that I think the Bucs may want to move back.

KB: I really don’t see Miami moving up into the top 10. They explored that early but quickly realized how much it would take. I think they would be happy with any of the LBs, Nelson, or Baker falling to them at 11.

Pick 8. Chicago Bears: LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech (KB)

I feel like I’m getting the early tough decisions here while you get the easy pick of Minkah. Bears could go in so many directions and the only person taken above that I feel like they’re banging the table for is Nelson. They could easily go WR-Ridley (even with the ARob signing because of Meredith likely gone) but I think it’s deep enough there that they go BPA and get the player with the best potential. Oh, and the guy won’t even be 20 years old until after the draft. He can rush the passer, go sideline-to-sideline. Plug and play with this guy.

KB: That pick was tough for me. I really don’t know if I’m happy with it.

TS: I thought you were going to go with Denzel Ward here, but I would’ve picked Edmunds too. I’m upset because Edmunds was the 49ers pick.

KB: I wasn’t thinking of Ward because of the Amukumara and Fuller extensions.

Pick 9. San Francisco 49ers: Derwin James DB, Florida State (TS)

The Bears could go a lot of different directions I agree with you, but why’d you have to pick Edmunds? Ughh… Most people are going with Ward here, and while he’d fit in AND START AS A NICKEL, (yes, the NFL is there), yet I agree with Bazin on his pick. The 49ers could pick any defender here and upgrade their eyesore of a defense. James is the guy I think. DBs were particularly hard to watch for SF, and James is not only arguably BPA, but adds a needed presence in the locker room. Great football spirit.

KB: Like this pick a lot. Especially because they’re likely losing Eric Reid and the signing of 

Sherman means they got their top CB.

TS: Roquan Smith was the other guy I was thinking about for the 49ers, I think James has a bit more value though.

Pick 10. Oakland Raiders: LB Roquan Smith, Georgia (KB)

Derwin James is a perfect pick, mainly because that means Smith is available to pick here. Roquan Smith fills the void left by Navarro Bowman, which is funny because he plays exactly like a younger Bowman. He is a tackling machine and can play sideline to sideline. While he is older than Edmunds, he has the pedigree that comes with dominating SEC offenses for a couple seasons.

KB: Again, I will add that this is another trade-up spot for the Bills. I think the Bills will either go top 5 (#2,4, or 5) to get their top choice at QB (unless it is Baker), or trade to just before Miami at 10 to snag Baker. I promise you they will be picking in the top 10. The Cardinals could also move up to 10, if Baker was available, just ahead of Miami. But since we don’t do trades in this mock draft… I have faith in you Thomas.

TS: I got you.

Pick 11. Miami Dolphins: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma (TS)

To comment on your pick quick, Smith is a guy that I think the Bears and 49ers will look at, and the Raiders get value with that pick. But I think that Vea would fill a bigger need for the Raiders, so look out for that. But for your Dolphins, say no more fam. You get your team’s QB if no trading happens. But more likely than not, you’re right. Bills want to trade up in front of MIA for this reason. Mayfield might’ve had the best college production coming out of this class, but height is an issue and doesn’t fit the exact mold teams are looking for in an NFL QB. It’s a mistake to sleep on him though. PFF has him #1 on their board for a reason. If the Bills trade ahead, the Dolphins may look for Vea for similar reasons as the Raiders, or maybe get a WR

.

KB: Losing Jarvis was tough, but I don’t know about a WR here now because of the Amendola and Wilson signings.

TS: I forgot you guys overpaid for Albert Wilson.

KB: I wouldn’t say we overpaid because of the structure of the contract. We can cut ties next year with both with nothing lost.

Pick 12. Buffalo Bills (from CIN): QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville (KB)

Well I hate this. They’re not taking Lamar… but they’re also not picking from the 12^th spot… BUT they are taking a QB here and he is the BQBA. I loved what you said about MIA by the way. The only way they get Baker though is if the Giants take their pick at 1 and it isn’t a QB. Buffalo has the bridge QB in place with McCarron and is in full stockpile of picks to move into the top 5 or 10 to grab who I think will be Josh Allen. But since they’re taking a QB its Lamar in this mock. I’m not too sure about how he will translate to the pros. Count me a doubter in that regard but not in his raw ability. This guy is flat out fun to watch, but this isn’t college anymore.

TS: If the Bills don’t take Lamar, I think the Cardinals would.

Pick 13. Washington Redskins: WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama (TS)

You never know, and in this scenario, I think the Bills do still take a QB. Although, Lamar is unorthodox, much like Tyrod was, and they repeatedly showed their disdain for him. It’s tough. The Redskins pick is a gut feeling for me. They didn’t use Pryor properly and he’s gone. Doctson hasn’t emerged still. Ryan Grant? I don’t think they have a number 1. They need this guy. I’ll say Vea’s name yet again because he could go here too with other defenders going early, but he falls even further I think.

KB: I think Vita goes here for sure, if he isn’t picked earlier. It’s a guy feeling but even with Johnathan Allen returning for his redshirt sophomore year, they could still beef up that DL. It could also serve them well to go after Ward or Mike Hughes at CB. 😉

Pick 14. Green Bay Packers: CB Denzel Ward, Ohio St (KB)

That was foreshadowing if you didn’t get that… The Packers were more than happy for you to go WR. They may look for one to replace Nelson later in the draft, but more pressing is the lack of secondary. For some he is thought to be a top 10 pick and he still might be, but his height pushes him here to the needy Packers. They need A LOT of help here as they seem to always. This pick is BPA and best need. Perfect scenario!

Pick 15. Arizona Cardinals: OT Orlando Brown, Oklahoma (TS)

I like Ward, but not as a outside CB. I think he’ll excel against slot receivers, and that’s a good thing in today’s NFL, with many teams playing over half of their snaps with 3 WR. The Cardinals are very likely to go with a QB, but they have other important needs to address and I don’t think they can afford to trade up. If Lamar Jackson falls to here, I think they take him. If they could trade back they might, to try to go for Mason Rudolph, who’s underrated. If they stay here, OLine, particularly tackle, is a big need. Orlando Brown is the best tackle in this class, and it’s likely they pick him, regardless of QB draft situation. They have Bradford, who is solid enough to build a team around.

KB: I like the tackle pick here and Brown might be the pick, but I really think Mitch McKinley is the best tackle. I’ll tell you that I think the Bengals are happy you passed on them. If he fell to 22, they’d be over the moon. Also, I hate Bradford (especially that horrid deal) so I think they need a QB here if there is one as well.

TS: Yea he is good to. Brown had a bad combine, but I thought he was still considered the best prospect? From what I understand, his footwork, hips and hands are terrific. It’ll be interesting to see if his feet will be good enough to handle NFL game speed.

KB: Orlando has the talent to be the best and he certainly has the tape, but his athletic inability will be a question for GMs to answer. Tackles are becoming extremely athletic these days and if he is slow to set the edge and get out against these quick AND STRONG pass rushers then he will be toast.

Pick 16. Baltimore Ravens: OT Connor Williams, Texas (KB)

You made this pick harder than it needed to be Thomas. I had Ridley here all the way. With your pick of him (and the Crabtree signing), I’m not 100% sure what to do. Therefore, their next best needs are OLine and DLine with depth needed elsewhere. One of the BPA right now is Marcus Davenport who is an extremely raw edge rusher. But I’ll tell you if the Ravens pick him here, I wouldn’t be surprised if they got everything out of him. They’ve always been great with maximizing potential (besides Perriman *shot at Thomas*). Instead of the UTSA man, I’m going to go with the best RT in the class and who was thought to be the overall tackle last year. His stock actually went down this year as people started to realize he probably wouldn’t play LT at the next level. People are even saying he may go inside to OG. Regardless, he has played extremely well in his time as a Longhorn. This is a good, safe pick.

Pick 17. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Vita Vea, Washington (TS)

This pick is pretty easy. Vea is a dominant DT and could work in either a 3-4 or a 4-3, so he’ll go to any team that needs a DT that doesn’t have another guy they want. Two Round 1 offensive tackles and 2 Linebackers are gone. Vea could make this DLine arguably the scariest in the NFL, with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram on the edges. Chargers were 2^nd worst in the NFL against the run and have been relatively quiet in free agency. Also, the Ravens picking him makes plenty of sense last pick. At this point in the draft, there are plenty of skilled players that overlap where they can go. But this is probably the lowest Vea will go.

KB: I think this would be the perfect pick for the Chargers. He might be top 5 on their board to be honest.

TS: Even if Vea is gone, Da’ron Payne is another DT they’re looking into.

KB: To me, the next best DT available is Maurice Hurst from Michigan. His health is the question, but if he checks out, he will hear his name called on Day 1.

Pick 18. Seattle Seahawks: Edge Marcus Davenport, UTSA (KB)

Here we are. Could this kid get a more perfect situation? He will be the guy to replace Michael Bennett as one of the most feared past rushers in this division. He is extremely raw but, like BAL, the Seahawks have a great ability to maximize potential out of somebody (i.e. Sherman, Chancellor, Maxwell, etc.).

KB: Good luck on the Cowboys pick… they could go pretty much anyway.

TS: Yea… LB, OG, DL, WR… RIP

Pick 19. Dallas Cowboys: LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama (TS)

Davenport is a boom or bust pick. He could be a guy that embarrasses OTs with overwhelming athleticism, or crash and burn transitioning to the NFL. Some have him going top 10, but I think going later makes sense because he is what mock drafters call “raw”. As far as the Cowboys go, they addressed several needs in free agency, particularly WR and OL. They lost a starter at LB in free agency, and the rest of the LBs have questionable futures. Evans is shadowed by the two LBs ahead of him, but is also a complete package, with speed and three-down skills. But really, the Cowboys will either go with who they think is BPA, or trade back. I think they SHOULD go with Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan) as a BPA, but I think it’s more likely they go LB as a bigger need.

KB: Yea, I think Maurice was the pick here too. They picked Taco from Michigan last year and he will likely hype up the face that he is a beast.

Pick 20. Detroit Lions: Edge Harold Landry, Boston College (KB)

Detroit really needs some help on the edge. Badly. They retained Ansah (for one year on the tag), but he is only one guy. Landry, early in his career, was heavily feared in the ACC. I think that he will be the same at the next level. He is more a prototype guy than others and his production has also been strong. Lastly, he will be reunited with one of his former coaches who is on the Lions staff. Coincidence? I think not.

TS: Landry is a great pick. I like him more than Davenport TBH. I wanted him for the bucs in a trade back scenario before we signed Curry and JPP.

KB: I can’t believe the Bengals are going to get the guy they probably wanted at pick 12…

TS: I assume you mean an OL… but I don’t know who you mean… The pressure is on… This is tough for me. They just traded for Cordy Glenn at LT and the best available OL is McGlinchy who is an LT. They could use some help on the inside at Guard and a Center too…

Pick 21. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Mike McGlinchy, Notre Dame (TS)

Notre Dame possibly has the two best OL coming out of the draft. The top tackles of the class are much closer and comparable/contrastable in skill than Mike’s teammate Quenton Nelson. Even with the addition of Cordy Glenn in the trade that dropped them back to pick 21. They have so many needs on the OL, including right guard, center and right tackle. Between Glenn and McGlinchy, one of the two will probably move to the other side of the line. Another option is Isaiah Wynn. His flexibility to play multiple positions on the OL is very sexy to NFL coaches.

This Just In: “Cordy Glenn has a potential out after this year. He would be owed $19M over the 2019,2020 seasons, but if cut he would have nothing against the cap.” Source: Kyle Bazin via Spotrac. I feel better about my pick and I’m locking in McGlinchy.

KB: That is 100% their guy. He is exactly what they had in Andrew Whitworth and missed last season. Cordy will start on the left side and they’ll move the rook to the right (normally what happens) and depending on Cordy’s play will tell if he will be on the team and when Mike will move over to the left.

KB: I’m really not liking this pick at all… Bills got their QB in the trade up… they could use LB help but Evans is now gone… their OLine is pretty solid… weak at WR but the WR class sucks… UGHHH

Pick 22. Buffalo Bills: CB Joshua Jackson, Iowa (KB)

This is the pick the Bills got from the Mahomes trade last year. And as a forward, they will not be taking this pick. The Colts, Browns, or Giants will be trading with the Bills, so they can get their QB in the top 6. Put that in stone right now. This pick will be in the deal and if it isn’t I’ll be shocked. But since there are no trades in this mock… I’m picking the BPA at what could be considered a position they could use some more depth. Truly you can never have enough corners… especially ones that are 6 feet or taller. Jackson had a solid, but not spectacular year at Iowa. Many were expecting better things, but he has shown enough flashes of greatness to be a round 1 guy.

TS: Isn’t there another LB that could go in the 1^st round? 😉 Sutton could go in the 1^st but I agree that he shouldn’t. Wynn is still there, but ultimately, you’re right that this pick doesn’t matter. And I’m glad you used it on a corner because I don’t like the corners in this year’s draft, but Jackson is my favorite of them.

Pick 23. New England Patriots (from LAR): LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State (TS)

The Patriots already won this Cooks trade in my opinion, but I won’t go into that. The Patriots can go sooo many directions here. If Landry/Davenport/any LBs or OTs that are taken above fall here, they could be taken… I really like Leighton as a solid, 3-down starter that is good in coverage, is a consistent tackler, and decent in pass rush. However, he’s not an impact player that’s going to control the game. Yet, he could quietly lead the team in tackles and lead team LBs in passes defensed. There is a good chance he wont last until the 31^st pick for NE. They would go OT here, but I noticed there is a very good chance all the remaining tackles will be on the board at their next pick. I don’t think they take a chance on risky Arden Key, but DE, LB, DB, TE are all possible… They could also go QB IF they love Rudolph. They could also use both of their first-round picks to trade up for a QB (I don’t think that’s necessary for this team) or for Chubb (Belichick talked with Chubb at his pro day before the trade, acknowledging there was no chance with pick 31 but really likes his game).

KB: Vander Esch is a Steeler to me through and through. But I love that Chubb tidbit, I remember that. Wouldn’t it be so Belichick to say something like that then trade up for the guy, although I think the top 6 is reserved for the top 4 QBs, Chubb, and Barkley.

Pick 24. Carolina Panthers: CB Mike Hughes, Central Florida (KB)

Carolina’s biggest needs lie in the secondary and the wide receivers. They just signed Ross Cockrell, but they have been missing a big-time corner since Norman moved on. Mike Hughes could be that although he is only 5’10”. He transferred from UNC to UCF last year and his game dramatically improved. His stock has risen significantly since the offseason has started. If they don’t go with Hughes they could go Oliver from Colorado or Sutton at WR from SMU. Carolina is a weird time that seems to have a decent amount of needs but consistently play above their talent level. UPDATE: The Panthers failed to sign another starting corner in Free Agency, so they are looking to upgrade at the position likely early in the draft.

KB: I really don’t feel great about my pick, but I don’t know who I would change it to. I really think Sutton is a 2^nd rounder. They could go guard, but you know where I stand with them.

TS: I was thinking Sutton or best WR available and I don’t really like your pick either. Maybe they go DLine or Guard.

KB: They lost Charles Johnson and Star Loutelilea (????). Maybe I should’ve gone there with DT, but it doesn’t seem like they weren’t ready for that departure. I saw that a lot of people had Hughes going in the teens, so I tried to pair the need and BPA together.

Pick 25. Tennessee Titans: Edge Arden Key, LSU (TS)

Key is probably a high first round talent, but his off-field issues make most teams why away from taking him in the 1^st. Most have him going early 2^nd, which would eliminate the 1^st round bust potential. But at this point in the draft, the Titans’ other option is Hubbard, who is athletic but had consistency and long-term production issues that will probably push him to the 2^nd round. Key had both impressive athleticism and production. They don’t have major needs elsewhere, unless they release some WRs that can’t stay healthy. Sutton would be great in this offense, but I don’t think they need him

KB: I 100% think this is the right pick. Edge is one of their only weak spots. We keep bringing up Sutton though haha.

TS: I know I can’t believe he is still on the board.

KB: Corey Davis was hurting/learning all last year. He blew up in the Wild Card game that no one watched against the Chiefs. Between him, Rishard Matthews, Delanie Walker, Dion Lewis and the other small contributors they will be fine. They are a run first team anyway and they have a guy that you may have heard of… his name is Derrick Henry and he runs like a freight train. They still could use a backup QB, depth on the OL and at LB, but Edge is their biggest concern.

Pick 26. Atlanta Falcons: DT Maurice Hurst, Michigan (KB)

This man waited way too long to hear his name called but what a team for him to play for. The Falcons have very few needs and just need depth in places. DLine is their greatest empty piece because of the big man Poe leaving. They could also use some more depth on the Edge with Adrian Clayborn leaving for NE. This kid would’ve been a top 15 pick if not for his untimely questionable heart condition news. I’ve heard that he has been checked out and is good to go. Everyone will do their due diligence on him and their respective trainers will decide if he is good. PFF has him as the best defensive player in this draft and its not close. This is a steal for the Falcons and a perfect fit for Hurst. Even if they were questionable about Hurst’s condition they also got Payne and Bryan to fall to them that would both fit the bill. What an awesome, yet tough, choice for them to make.

TS: I think the Falcons are going DT all the way, and there is so many options that I think that at least one which they want will be there for them.

Pick 27. New Orleans Saints: TE Mark Andrews, Oklahoma (TS)

The Saints could go defense, or best WR available, but the defenders they’ve been looking for are all take I believe, and I also think they don’t want to address WR this early. An impact TE in the passing game is still a need for the Saints, and Benjamin Watson is not the answer. Mark Andrews could be the most dangerous receiving tight end in this draft. He can work every level of the field, does well from the slot, and has quickness and size that will create sweet mismatches that Sean Payton misses from Graham a few years back. He isn’t the most complete tight end, as he needs to improve his consistency in run blocking, but the Saints are looking for something more of a receiver from the position. I also want to say their selection of tight end is really sweet for the Saints too. If they don’t pick Andrews, there’s Goedert, Hurst, and Gesicki, and they will get their pickings of what they really want.

KB: I’m shocked… he is the 3^rd best TE in my opinion. Hurst is the most complete blocking and pass catching (not best in both categories, but good in both) but he is already 25 after a small stint in Minor League Baseball. Goedert comes from South Dakota St but man did that guy impress at his pro day. It’s a shame he got an injury at the Senior Bowl because he would’ve lit it up. If the Saints go TE, I think they go Goedert because they do have guys like Watson that can live in the trenches. I agree they do miss Jimmy’s ability to be a constant mismatch. This is definitely the draft to find their true replacement for him after all these years. And we know there is interest in a TE after they missed out on Jimmy the 2^nd time around.

TS: On most boards and rankings, I see Andrews as the #2 with Hurst and Goedert switching depending on where you see it. Hayden needs to improve run blocking consistency but has the surest hands of the draft (was a pitcher ironically) and is coachable. Goedert might be closer to a true tight end than Andrews, but I think Andrews is the threat/weapon the Saints want. Most mocks I’m seeing are splitting between Goedert and Andrews if they go TE.

KB: I agree here. I don’t think they will go Hurst. I’m also kind of shocked you didn’t go Sutton with how much we have been talking about him. The Saints desperately need someone opposite Michael Thomas and Snead is not that.

TS: Truthfully, I think that this should be Sutton, but I didn’t see anyone that had them going WR in the 1^st. Although, Sutton may not have fallen as far as he is in our mock.

Pick 28. Pittsburgh Steelers: S Justin Reid, Stanford (KB)

Still pretty upset you took Vander Esch… Steelers are generally pretty easy to figure out who they’re targeting, and he literally bleeds black and gold already. Since both him and Raashan are gone… (you picked both… RIP Steelers) they are in desperate need of inside linebacker help and that was before the horrific Shazier injury. Since any round 1 backers are taken… they will go with the best available safety. No Ronnie Harrison is not the pick here. The Steelers have a propensity to draft a certain type of player especially on defense. Super athletic, smart and intelligent, strong head on his shoulders and is a leader. The last 3 first round picks have been about this mold and Reid is a smart guy (I mean he went to Stanford for crying out loud) on and off the field. Even though they signed Morgan Burnett from the Packers, they cut 3 safeties this offseason and so this is still a strong need, Burnett is also getting older and they really haven’t had a strong presence in the secondary since Polamalu has retired.

Pick 29. Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota St (TS)

Yes, they just signed ASJ, but they also let Marcedes Lewis go, and could use offensive weapons, especially a second, or first (ASJ would be second) TE. He can also protect Bortles better than ASJ. The real deal comes in the passing game, as Goedert will add a big target that they’ve been searching for in a TE for a while. They want to help Bortles as much as they can (for whatever reason, they won’t move on), so they’ll either go TE, WR, or OLine. It’s kind of a toss up between these positions the way I see it. It’s a question of who they like best.

KB: I like this pick. TE is definitely on the radar and while I think they would take Hayden Hurst (everyone says he is the better blocker and has sure hands), it is possible.

Pick 30. Minnesota Vikings: OG Will Hernandez, UTEP (KB)

And the second weird Texas school to have a first round pick in this draft! Isn’t it weird that UT never has any top picks anymore but UTSA and UTEP each have 1^st rounders? Minnesota needs a whole lot of OL pieces. Guard, center (Joe Berger just retired) and a tackle… so they need help. And if they want to keep their FULLY GUARANTEED quarterback upright and have some holes for their flashy RB to dash through, then they need to address it in the draft. Hernandez is a straight mauler. Thomas would probably have their pick as Isaiah Wynn, but I prefer Hernandez because his coach was the former OL coach for the Steelers years ago. He knows how to play a pro game already and will be a plug and play kid right away.

TS: You’re right that I would’ve like Wynn but only for his flexibility, which the Vikings could also use. Wynn could play tackle and may even start there with his experience. Hernandez is my second choice though, maybe the best guard after Nelson, and I love the pick still.

KB: James Daniels will also get a lot of consideration here. The center from Iowa is the undisputed best center this year.

Pick 31. New England Patriots: OT Colton Miller, UCLA (TS)

The Patriots know what it takes to win games, and they know they need to protect their QB. Miller is a true right tackle. He’s similar in size, speed, and play to Demar Dotson of the Bucs. At 6’9”, the speed the he adds on top of his length makes him a freak. Left Des will have a hard time going around or through. The Patriots will make the most out of him. Same as I said in pick 23 applies here, they could go a lot of ways.

KB: Colton instead of O’Neill? Colton has been a steady riser since his Combine. This would be perfect for the Pats too because not only did they lose their LT Solder, but also their RT Fleming so they need a lot of bodies.

TS: I actually wrote this pick for the 23^rd spot but decided he would be here at 31. I have Colton higher on my board, but O’Neill and he are in similar tiers.

KB: A few teams like the Jags/Vikes could snatch him up before but I agree he likely will be here. You know the last time the Pats selected a 1^st round OT from a current Pac12 team? Nate Solder… Coincidence?

TS: I read a lot of interesting facts about the Pats. The only top 10 pick they’ve had since 2001 was in 2008, Jerrod Mayo. Belichick has traded 60 times in the draft over 18 years. That’s more than 3 per year…

KB: I’ll say it now and I’ll say it again later. I hate the Patriots.

Pick 32: Philadelphia Eagles: CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado (KB)

Super Bowl Champion Eagles. Many thought we would never say that. Most Super Bowl winning teams get picked apart by other teams from players to coaches to ball boys… everyone leaves and gets paid (unless you’re from Boston). But these Eagles not only barely lost anyone… they actually got better. They added Michael Bennett (for now), Ngata, resigned Bradham, traded away a bad Torrey Smith and replaced him with Cap space and Mike Wallace. They lost Celek and Burton but besides that they only lost one coach Mike Reich. Oh, and they’re going to get this guy named Wentz back this year. BUT they do have one GAPING HOLE in their lineup… THE PUNTER! Sadly, I’m not even crazy enough to have them take one here or at all even though if anyone would it would be me… or the Bucs. Instead I go boring BPA since no one is needed. This pick could go anywhere… Guice, Michel, best corner (Alexander/Oliver), O’Neill at OT, it’s hard to pick but because corners are always good to have a stockpile and Oliver was one of the best in the country last year, this is the pick.

KB: This could easily be RB, but they have some young kids back there like Barner, Smallwood, Pumphrey, and oh just a guy that got like 150+ yards in the Super Bowl in Clement. And they’re going to get Ajayi the ball plenty. Even with Blount gone, I feel like this isn’t as big of a need as everyone thinks it is. But regardless the rich will get richer in this draft.

Thus, concluding our TS and KB Mock Draft… 1.0 😉

Let us know which picks we are way off on so we can disrespectfully disagree with you until you shutup about your opinion! Thanks guys <3

My 2017 1st Round Mock Draft 2.0

NFL Draft 1^st Round Mock Draft 2.0

I ended up looking at my draft late last night and I just questioned half of my picks. I thought I would make some changes but I'm about to shake things up a lot. Which is why I'm making a 2.0, this will go live a day or so before the draft so I cannot make many edits after that, but I will be working on it continuously until then.

Pick 1: Cleveland Browns – Myles Garrett, DE Texas A&M

Hey, this pick stayed the same! Woohoo! This is a slam dunk and I would be absolutely shocked if he is not a superstar for the Browns. If they will be great it is going to be on the offensive and defensive lines. And for anyone that doesn’t know the Cowboys are able to be great on offense because of their line… and anyone knows that defenses are only as good as their lines are. So the Browns are actually building the right way. It has taken them awhile, but Hue Jackson has started to turn things around slowly but surely. The only issue they need to stop doing is paying huge $$$ for free agents. It doesn’t work. Build through the draft.

Pick 2: San Francisco 49ers – Jamal Adams, S LSU

Lol can't even get the top two picks the same. I completely forgot about this guy for some reason which is nuts since a lot of people have him as the #2 as do I. This guy is crazy talented and deserves the top 3 pick but this pick is truly a toss up. Could be Trubisky, could be Soloman, could be Lattimore. This pick really is going to completely change the top 10 and therefore the rest of the 1st round.

Pick 3: Chicago Bears – Solomon Thomas, DL Stanford

I really want to be wrong here and have J Allen here... but if the 49ers go Adams, Thomas is the better prospect even though I think Allen will be the better pro. This pick also will completely change the draft. Thomas is a beast and should be a great pro and help Leonard Floyd on that defense.

Pick 4: Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard Fournette, RB LSU

Jacksonville needs help on offense… Jaguars FINALLY(!!!!) and I do mean finally makes the right decision in an insanely important year for them. Fournette should completely change the offense. Chris Ivory is out of there and TJ Yeldon will be a perfect compliment. Fournette is a special talent. They just need a line and they are a really talented team. Then they need to replace Bortles but that’s a whole nother conversation.

Pick 5: Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee Titans) – Mitchell Trubisky, QB North Carolina

The Browns are going to have to trade up into the top 8 (probably need to get above the Jets) to get Trubisky. They definetly have the fire power to do so. They trade the 12^th and 33^rd picks to move up 7 spots and get their guys. They probably should keep on with Kessler so they won’t go QB and if they do then this pick will be Trubisky. Ding Ding Ding. Trubisky is worse than Watson in my eyes. Yes, he has more potential, but I hate how we are drafting only QBs based on pure potential without almost any results. One full season where it wasn’t even an Andrew Luck type Stanford season… and he goes in the top 10... To me, none of these QBs should be drafted in the 1^st.

Pick 6: New York Jets – Marshon Lattimore, CB Ohio St

The replacement for Revis is picked here. The Jets have historically gone defense at the top of drafts and they will love the tape they see on this kid. The only problem is he really has had only one year as a starter, but he shined while there. Could this pick be a Dee Milliner or a Darrelle Revis?

Pick 7: Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Hooker, S Ohio St

This pick is a safety. I’m so confident that it is a safety that I literally can’t even look at another player for the Chargers. Originally, I slated Adams here but he went at 4, therefore, the next best safety will be taken here. If Hooker and Adams are gone, I am sure the Chargers are going to forgo their pick. Here is to fixing the gap that Eric Weddle made when he left for Baltimore.

Pick 8: Carolina Panthers – Christian McCaffery, RB Stanford

Here is a very unique kid. A lot of people think of him as this small kid who will just be a Darren Sproles at the next level. People don't know that not only does he have that amazing quickness and speed but he is a bowling ball and goal-line back too. Panthers biggest position of need is cornerback, but McCaffery is absolutely shooting up big boards and for good reason. They pick him here because none of the corners stand out enough for this pick.

Pick 9: Cincinnati Bengals – Johnathan Allen, DL Alabama

Allen is a steal at 9. Could just be the very best player in this class in my opinion. He is an asbolute bull on interior lineman and can stop the RB or get to the QB. He is a pro bowler within the first 3 years of his career and gets to go to a great defense. He will give some more tenacity to this already ferocious defense.

Pick 10: Buffalo Bills – Deshaun Watson, QB Clemson

The Bills were hoping that Mike Williams would fall but unfortunately… oh wait he finally fell past the Titans. But the Bills are dumb and go with the guy that was throwing him the ball. Because of the Cleveland trade up to get Trubisky, the Bills feel like this needs to be the pick and they pass on Williams.

Pick 11: New Orleans Saints – Haason Reddick, DE/LB Temple

The highest riser of all the draft prospects this year. He is a multi-purpose player. He is likely going to be a DE but also could be used as a 3-4 linebacker. He is a freak athlete and will be interesting to watch this year.

Pick 12: Tennessee Titans (from Cleveland Browns) – Mike Williams, WR Clemson

Titans are more than happy to move back. They pick up that 1^st pick in the 2^nd round which is gonna be a player with 1^st round talent. They’re also able to get the guy they wanted all along in Mike Williams who falls out of the top 10 because of the trade. He has the potential to be a special player in this league. The need to get Mariota a toy is too tasty to pass up for them.

Pick 13: Arizona Cardinals – Corey Davis, WR Western Michigan

Wow is this guy going to shine in this system. They have found a replacement for Floyd and for Larry when he leaves. He will be a stud for a long time and take even more people out of the box for DJ and the run game.

Pick 14: Philadelphia Eagles – Adore’e Jackson, CB USC

Draft day nonsense is making his name go higher and higher because he has a lot of talent when he gets his hands on the ball. Not only will he be a CB but also could fill in as a KR if needed. Although Sproles will probably not give up his role easily. He is a fresh player with a ton of speed.

Pick 15: Indianapolis Colts – Reuben Foster, LB Alabama

Well, the diluted sample hurts Foster. The Colts and other teams believe that he is telling the truth, but some just don't like the fact that he will already be in the drug program to start his career. His tumble could last much longer than this. He might fall to 22 at Miami or even to the 2nd round. For the Colts, they finally get a defensive nucleus. A guy that might be a top 5 pick in other years is available at 15.

Pick 16: Baltimore Ravens – Derek Barnett, DE Tennessee

I hate to see him falling in the draft but every analyst is hearing that he is much lower than they originally thought. Ravens always go defense and always get studs. Barnett could just be a top 5 player in this draft, but is not prototype size.

Pick 17: Houston Texans (from Washington Redskins) – Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech

The Texans were just hoping and hoping no one would notice that Mahomes just quietly went down the board. Texans trade up to get him because they want to make sure they get their guy. They give up their 25^th pick and their 2^nd rounder to move up 8 spots and also pick up a 4^th round pick from Washington. He gets snagged by an obviously QB needy team. Again I don’t like any of the QBs, but it is what it is. He has a strong arm but has never taken anything under snap before so I feel like he will struggle in some packages because of their strong use of the running game.

Pick 18: New York Giants (from Tennessee Titans) – OJ Howard, TE Alabama 

Why the hell not? Howard is the best guy on the board and he would fill an immediate need for the Giants. He is the best TE in the class and they haven’t had a good one since Martellus Bennett. This is a huge trade that sends ripples down the end of the 1^st round.

Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State

I have said this for months. Cook to the Bucs makes so much more sense with the recent fallout of Doug Martin being suspended and having a drug issue. His play is wishy-washy enough to cut him and his huge contract. Winston is going to be pushing really hard for his ex-teammate to become his current teammate. Winston won the National Championship with Dalvin behind him and he will hope (and fail) to win the Super Bowl with him.

Pick 20: Denver Broncos – Ryan Ramcyzk, OT Wisconsin

OJ Howard is gone because the Giants move up for the guy who falls and their next best place to upgrade is on their OL. They go here instead of Lamp because they can get a guard later in the draft.

Pick 21: Detroit Lions – Taco Charlton, DE Michigan

People will only have him as a round 1 grade because of his upside, but when he tries he is incredible. People just question his ability to try consistently. He will likely fall to the 2^nd and this is the highest he will probably be taken. He is a very good scheme fit here and also Detroit has seen a lot of him playing locally.

Pick 22: Miami Dolphins – Charles Harris, DE Missouri

I don’t know. I really don’t this pick could be a million different people. They are said to LOVE LAMP. I have him going before here. They also would take a strong look at Foster if he is here which is possible and maybe even Peppers. Derek Barnett is another person they love who may not be there. I don’t expect Harris to be taken at this point though. The only team that is likely to grab him before would be the Lions. Harris has a Cameron Wake type first step and that is why they like him a lot.

Pick 23: Tennessee Titans (from New York Giants) – Marlon Humphrey, CB Alabama

Titans move back twice in the first round and get two guys that they would’ve loved to get at their 5^th and 12^th picks but they also recoop more picks. The Titans are having a great offseason. Humphrey is a prototype corner and is exactly the type of guy you are looking for with his intangibles. Hopefully his play at Bama translates to the NFL.

Pick 24: Oakland Raiders – Takkarist McKinley, UCLA

Sure why not. This fills a need left by Malcolm Smith who was released this offseason at LB. They also probably got a very good look at him this year since he is playing in their state. This pick is similar to Miami. They could go a lot of places depending on how the draft falls, but if Takk is here I don’t think they will pass.

Pick 25: Washington Redskins (from Houston Texans) – Jabril Peppers, S/LB Michigan

Because of the trade back it really opens up the options for Washington. It also allows them to go with the guy they originally wanted with an extra 2^nd round pick. Peppers is such an intriguing prospect and it will be very interesting to see who picks him. If he makes it out of the 1^st round, I’ll be shocked. Someone will trade up to the end of the 1^st to get him if no one takes him. He is just such a freakish athlete and dual threat. He is a KR/S/LB/RB/WR. I am really intrigued by him.

Pick 26: Seattle Seahawks - Forrest Lamp, OG Western Kentucky

Seahawks would love to go OL but they all sorta suck besides Lamp. So they get Lamp lol. He falls to the back of the 1st because of trade ups for players at impact positions. The best OL in this draft falls below Ramcyzk because the Broncos would prefer the best tackle on the board.

Pick 27: Kansas City Chiefs - Jarrad Davis, LB Florida

LB is a position of need just because they are all getting so old. Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson are in their 30s and Davis will bring a lot of youth to the squad. He is more of an ILB but he isn’t the prototype build. It will be interesting to see where he plays in this defense but he is a player for sure.

Pick 28: Dallas Cowboys – David Njoku, TE Miami

Why the hell not?! The Cowboys are looking pretty good at most positions and with it being an insanely deep draft at CB and DE they can afford to pick the best guy available and completely change the Cowboys offense. This position also ends up sorta being a need for them. Witten isn’t getting any younger and he still blocks very well (so does Escobar) but he has gotten a lot slower, so a target like Njoku could really spread open the offense with his versatility (especially in the red zone).

Pick 29: Green Bay – Tre’Davious White, CB LSU

Everyone has always mocked him to about this area even though I think he is probably going to outplay his draft stock. He is coming from DBUniversity and the Packers DESPARATELY need help here. Everyone and their brother got hurt at this position for them last year and this guy should be able to come in and start on the edge week 1.

Pick 30: Pittsburgh Steelers – TJ Watt, LB Wisconsin

In January, I had the underrated and uber talented Haason Reddick going here. But because he completely shot up the draft because of his offseason program performances… Watt will fit nicely here. He isn’t as athletic as Reddick or as freakish as his brother which will be disappointing for Steelers fans but you can’t sleep on him either. He will get after the pass rusher and also can play the LB position. They will have to kick someone in to cover for the departed Lawrence Timmons but the versatility of Watt will be too juicy to pass up.

Pick 31: Atlanta Falcons: Jordan Willis, DE Kansas St

Willis is going to be something special. The Falcons have had a couple of really good years drafting since Quinn started with the team. He was the Big 12 player of the year last year and that is incredible as a defensive player in what is an offensive conference. He might go earlier than this (maybe Miami/Detroit) but this is also a very good spot for him.

Pick 32: Arizona Cardinals (from New Orleans Saints): Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame

Who the hell knows what this pick is going to be… could be almost any position on defense but I think QB makes the most sense at this pick because it means you can put the 5th year option on him and have him for awhile. The Saints trade this pick to the Cardinals so they can get their future behind Palmer (or this year because he is always hurt). If Trubisky and Watson are both gone it will be Mahomes or Kizer.

So that is my final mock draft. Last year I only did one… this year I realized how anyone could rise/fall in dramatic fashion (Tunsil) or undramatic fashion (Myles Jack). I really hate how QB centric the draft is in the 1st round, but it is what it is. Hopefully it ends up with only 2 in the 1^st. It helps teams that don't need QB the most. 3 RBs, 3 WRs are taken. Defensive end is the most active position (Garrett, Thomas, Allen, Reddick, Harris, Carlton and Barnett). All in all, I just want to get more than 4 right this year! Woohoo, go me! And Go Miami!

Again I referenced this chart for trades: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/draft/draft-trade-chart/

And noted this for team visits for some teams (teams don't NEED to visit or workout someone to draft him): http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByTeam

My NFL Draft 1st Round Mock Draft 1.0

NFL Draft 1^st Round Mock Draft 1.0

Here it is… 

FOOTBALL! It is officially the 2017 season as the start of free agency started over a month ago now and things always heat up again at the draft where many teams use to find the future franchise players or complete monster trades or just do whatever the Browns do. This year they have 2 picks in the first round and truly cannot mess up the 1^st pick but the 12^th presents some interesting possibilities. I also think something interesting is going to happen at the end of the 1^st round… stay tuned. Anyway… sit back… relax… and pick apart my opinions. Enjoy!

Pick 1: Cleveland Browns – Myles Garrett, DE Texas A&M

This is a slam dunk and I would be absolutely shocked if he is not a superstar for the Browns. If they will be great it is going to be on the offensive and defensive lines. And for anyone that doesn’t know the Cowboys are able to be great on offense because of their line… and anyone knows that defenses are only as good as their lines are. So the Browns are actually building the right way. It has taken them awhile, but Hue Jackson has started to turn things around slowly but surely. The only issue they need to stop doing is paying huge $$$ for free agents. It doesn’t work. Build through the draft.

Pick 2: San Francisco 49ers – Solomon Thomas, DL Stanford

This pick is congruent with the 49ers drafting kids from the Pac-12 early but this guy is a goodie, while some of the others haven’t exactly translated. This guy is big enough to play DT and quick enough to spread out wide and play end. He is a great talent that John Lynch will get credit for locating and picking up with his 1^st ever draft pick. A lot of people think this pick could be in play for Garroppolo, but I don’t see him being traded or the 49ers thinking he is worth the #2 overall pick. The Browns at 12 maybe would fit straight up for him but I still don’t think Bill will get to that table.

Pick 3: Chicago Bears – Jonathan Allen, DL Alabama

For some reason a lot of mock drafts have him falling to the end of the top 10 or even some out of the top 10 altogether. I don’t buy it. This guy reminds me of Ndamukong Suh. I know that is a huge step but his game just looks familiar and that’s who I see when I see him. He is an interior guy for sure can bully those guards and centers and is quick enough to get to the QB once he has beaten them.

Pick 4: Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard Fournette, RB LSU

#TankForFournette. I tried to get this hashtag started in one of my fantasy league and it didn’t really work because he was still a sophomore. But that is how special this kid is. When he was a freshman he was running ALL OVER SEC defenses. Not the Big 12… not the Pac 12… not the ACC. The best defenses in college football were letting this kid run for 200 on him every other game. He is going to special. Chris Ivory can say bye bye and TJ Yeldon will perfectly compliment this workhorse back so he doesn’t burn out. I just hope this line can block enough for him to get some holes and do the same thing he did to those SEC defenses to the AFCS.

Pick 5: Tennessee Titans – Mike Williams, WR Clemson

I originally didn’t want Williams here. Rueben Foster is also a strong potential pick here. But I think the Titans decide to help out their franchise QB Mariota out and get him someone who could just be the next Megatron. He has the speed, the ups, the sideline-play ability, and the hands to potentially be a HOFer. I don’t see it in this system but he is a stud and will be a good, not great player if he lands in TEN.

Pick 6: New York Jets – Marshon Lattimore, CB Ohio St

The replacement for Revis is picked here. The Jets have historically gone defense at the top of drafts and they will love the tape they see on this kid. The only problem is he really has had only one year as a starter, but he shined while there. Could this pick be a Dee Milliner or a Darrelle Revis?

Pick 7: Los Angeles Chargers – Jamal Adams, S LSU

The debate between Hooker and Adams is really close but I think Hooker is judged more highly because of a number of interceptions that he got and touchdowns he created off of them. Some of those picks fell into him (which happens to the great ones because they are where they need to be but…) so I prefer Adams here. Regardless this pick will be one of those two safeties if either is available. They finally find their center fielder since Eric Weddle left for Baltimore.

Pick 8: Carolina Panthers – Derek Barnett, DE Tennessee

I really don’t know what the Panthers will do here though. There are a lot of options. Trade out is one of them. DT is possible if Allen is still here. A lot of people have Fournette here and I think that they would take him if he fell… but if he falls past the Jags I think someone will fly into 6 or 7 to take him ahead of CAR. Barnett will help a pass rush that just lost Short to the Patriots in a trade. It’s not like their pass rush is weak but this pick will allow a 3 headed monster between Peppers, Barnett and Charles Johnson to wreak havoc on QBs. If the Panthers don’t take a corner early I’d be shocked. I think they learned their lesson last year of just taking 4 6^th round corners and hoping they find a Sherman amongst them. But I don’t see it this pick with Barnett too good to pass up.

Pick 9: Cincinnati Bengals – Rueben Foster, LB Alabama

This just makes so much sense to me. The best LB in this class by a wide margin will be in the starting lineup by week 1 and will be a huge force for those hard-hitting AFCN rivalries. This pick is definitely to add some more toughness to that defense but hopefully without getting personal fouls against the team every other play against the Steelers.

Pick 10: Buffalo Bills – Corey Davis, WR Western Michigan

The Bills were hoping that Mike Williams would fall but unfortunately, they will just have to settle for this Dez Bryant look alike… darn. He will be a huge addition to taking some pressure off of the running game and Sammy Watkins so that offense can really open up. He has hands and he is a great route runner. He will eventually replace Watkins once Watkins is hurt so often that he is cut and he will be a force in the AFCE for a while to come.

Pick 11: New Orleans Saints – Malik Hooker, S Ohio St

This is one of the 4 teams that I got correct last year (I knew Wentz was better than Goff so I put Wentz to LAR. Leonard Floyd to the Bears, Ryan Kelly to the Colts, Laquon Treadwell to the Vikings). Saints are going to be looking at defense with this pick… or at least should be. Their secondary is especially not great besides Breaux. Hooker will fill a huge void since Jarius Byrd was just cut. I think this is the absolute latest Hooker will fall. The great rookie campaign of Landon Collins is pushing these safeties up much higher than they probably should be. I don’t think either of these guys is an Eric Berry (who absolutely was deserved of the top 5 pick from the Chiefs).

Pick 12: Cleveland Browns – Gareon Conley, CB Ohio St

They probably should keep on with Kessler so they won’t go QB and if they do then this pick will be Trubisky. This is an obvious trade up situation for someone who really wants John Ross or OJ Howard. When thinking about who to slot to CLE I thought about someone who will be taken out of place, too early, and will end up just not working out. But then I thought about how well Hue Jackson has done since at the helm. Conley is a boring pick because everyone pays attention to Lattimore but Conley had a surprisingly quiet season that was fantastic. Boring picks are sometimes the best picks.

Pick 13: Arizona Cardinals – Takkarist McKinley, OLB UCLA

The new generation of the Cardinals defense is born with this west coast kid. The Cardinals are known for weird defensive packages and putting a safety at LB. This kid will be able to rush the passer, cover a TE, and also play general on the field. I like him here a lot and it also works out because the Cardinals have been paying attention to those Pac-12 kids all year.

Pick 14: Philadelphia Eagles – Tre’Davious White – CB, LSU

Eagles get an underrated corner. For some reason, this guy went from the possible top corner to the 3^rd or even further in some mocks. The Eagles had a problem on the back end this year and this should be a good first step to fixing these problems. White had a tremendous career here at DBU. Tyrann and PP are pumped up for this guy.

Pick 15: Indianapolis Colts – Forrest Lamp – OG, Western Kentucky

My Hilltoppers are finally getting a first round pick. The highest a player has ever been chosen from Western Kentucky was the 3^rd round of the 2002 draft, Joseph Jefferson a DB to the Colts.  The Colts are the one to take one again, this time though they will be exclaiming that THEY LOVE LAMP. There will be so so many memes on draft night. The offensive line is an obvious need for the Colts because their franchise rests on the back of Mr. Luck. He has never had good protection but the Colts will take the Cowboys approach and just draft OL after OL in the first round to get an elite line. Last year was C Ryan Kelly from Bama.

Pick 16: Baltimore Ravens – Hassan Reddick – DE, Temple

Ravens generally address defense early in drafts. I don’t think they go Ross here or Howard because they have enough TEs and a speedy Wallace already. I could see Lamp here as well but the chance to get the guy with the most buzz coming into the draft, or at least the guy that has jumped the highest on the board. He should be a very efficient pass rusher in this historically great system.

Pick 17: Washington Redskins – Jabril Peppers, S/LB Michigan

I truly have no idea what this pick is going to be. Defense makes sense because their offense is for the most part set. As much as this team did lose a lot of pieces, they also got a decent couple of WRs back. They have a few decent RBs. So they could go get a Cook here but I don’t love that either. OL isn’t good enough to warrant a pick there outside of Lamp. Peppers is such an intriguing prospect and it will be very interesting to see who picks him. If he makes it out of the 1^st round, I’ll be shocked. Someone will trade up to the end of the 1^st to get him if no one takes him. He is just such a freakish athlete and dual threat. He is a KR/S/LB/RB/WR. I am really intrigued by him.

Pick 18: Houston Texans (from Tennessee Titans) – Mitchell Trubisky – QB, North Carolina

I had Mike Williams to the Titans at 5 so that “solves” their WR problem (I really don’t think they had one). This really just makes so much sense to trade out here if you are the Titans. You are obviously ok with it if you get compensation as you traded out last year of a top pick. The Texans are desperate for a QB and they are going to be taking a top QB this year with their 1^st rounder. I just think they’re shocked that they all lasted this long. They are huge fans of Trubisky because I said so. I just have a feeling Watson won’t be the top QB taken because it seems like franchises are willing to take risks with QBs that haven’t proven everything in hopes of them becoming the next Cam or whoever else. It costs the Texans their first and their third for Trubisky.

Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dalvin Cook – RB, Florida State

I have said this for months. Cook to the Bucs makes so much more sense with the recent fallout of Doug Martin being suspended and having a drug issue. His play is wishy-washy enough to cut him and his huge contract. Winston is going to be pushing really hard for his ex-teammate to become his current teammate. Winston won the National Championship with Dalvin behind him and he will hope (and fail) to win the Super Bowl with him.

Pick 20: Denver Broncos – OJ Howard – TE, Alabama

A lot of people may be surprised at how late this stud player is going BUT tight ends are almost never taken high in drafts simply because why get a tight end who will maybe get 15% of your team's receptions when you can get a pass rusher that will play 75% of plays. Alright, that isn’t the best comparison but I hope you get my point. Tight ends (while important in fantasy) are not valued incredibly high by most teams (WAS, NE, SEA, NO, etc. don’t count). He will be a great player but some think Njoku will be better because of limited production at Bama.

Pick 21: Detroit Lions – Taco Charlton – DE, Michigan

Here is the pick that makes me scream as a Dolphins fan… 1 pick before they go and they would love Charlton… Seems like the Lions will as well. They play a 4-3 and will get a strong kid who has a good height and weight for the position. He is a question mark to some but he fits here. He could definitely be a playmaker and a pro bowl in a year or two.

Pick 22: Miami Dolphins – Jarrad Davis – LB, Florida

Just upsetting… as a Dolphins fan why would I slate my team to be disappointed by previous picks? Well because it always happens so there ya go. Davis won’t be a bad pick here. He is a little smaller than the prototype but he has great awareness and awareness. The hope is that he can overplay his smaller frame to tackle bigger RBs and take on lineman on the blitz occasionally. Davis will no doubt compete with Misi for the last LB starting spot. This is also a good trade out spot. Anyone who really wants John Ross or Watson could slip in here.

Pick 23: New York Giants – Ryan Ramczyk – OT, Wisconsin

Solid blocker and pick here. Nothing too special about these offensive linemen this year but they go need here instead of BPA. I don’t have much to say…

Pick 24: Oakland Raiders – Christian McCaffery, RB Stanford

Here is a very unique kid. A lot of people think of him as this small kid who will just be a Darren Sproles at the next level. People don't know that not only does he have that amazing quickness and speed but he is a bowling ball and goal-line back too. The Raiders didn't really address RB after they lost Latavius but they do have a few good RBs still. McCaffery will join a very talented RBBC and might just take over goal-line duties.

Pick 25: Tennessee Titans (from Houston Texans) – Marlon Humphrey – CB, Alabama

Speaking of Bama players… Humphrey is a big time guy. 6 feet tall and is quick. He is going to be a solid, not fantastic pick for anyone who gets him but the CB corps of the Titans is one of the few positions in which they could actually improve. This is a very young, but uber talented team and they get better with an impressive haul of Mike Williams and Humphrey.

Pick 26: Cleveland Browns (from Seattle Seahawks) – Deshaun Watson – QB, Clemson

If I get this trade right I’d be shocked because it’ll cost the Browns. The Seahawks move back to the 1^st pick in the 2^nd round and also pick up 2 4^th round picks. A huge haul for moving just a few picks back for Seattle. And yes this does mean 3!!! First rounder’s going home to Cleveland. I’m sorry to them but it is Draft Day (the movie) all over again. This pick makes too much sense for the Browns though. There is no reason Watson should still be there in their eyes and they see the Chiefs sitting right there just waiting for him to fall to them. They will need to swoop in ahead of the Chiefs here to get him.

Pick 27: Kansas City Chiefs - Zach Cunningham, LB Vanderbilt

This is probably one of the highest places he will go (Oakland and the Giants could take him). Some people have him falling to the mid-2nd round. I just think he is so talented. He was the leading tackler in the SEC full of defensive studs. I just don't think that was a fluke. The Chiefs defense is getting a lot older with Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali well into their 30s. Cunningham will be the youth to keep this defense on top for awhile.

Pick 28: Dallas Cowboys – John Ross – WR, Washington

Why the hell not?! The Cowboys are looking pretty good at most positions and with it being an insanely deep draft at CB and DE they can afford to pick the best guy available and completely change the Cowboys offense. They are obviously going to be a run first team but Ross will stretch the field so they will be able to run more effectively. Ross falling this far will be a shock but there are so many better players in my eyes.

Pick 29: Green Bay – Chidobe Awuzie, CB Colorado

"Oh, thank goodness," says Packers fans after watching the end of the season last year. The Pack were fielding grocery store clerks and just about anyone that could run fast at the DB position last year. The only one that stayed healthy back there was a guy with Ha-Ha and Dix in his name... Regardless of my bad joke, this is a serious need. I can also see this pick being McCaffery if he is hanging around because of the departed Lacy, but the RB class is so deep they can get talent later at that position. Any DB available that falls will be scooped up immediately, although this may be considered a reach by many the Packers have always figured out ways to find diamonds in the rough... I think they just did it again.

Pick 30: Pittsburgh Steelers – TJ Watt – LB, Wisconsin

In January, I had the underrated and uber talented Haason Reddick going here. But because he completely shot up the draft because of his offseason program performances… Watt will fit nicely here. He isn’t as athletic as Reddick or as freakish as his brother which will be disappointing for Steelers fans but you can’t sleep on him either. He will get after the pass rusher and also can play the LB position. They will have to kick someone in to cover for the departed Lawrence Timmons but the versatility of Watt will be too juicy to pass up.

Pick 31: Atlanta Falcons: David Njoku – TE, Miami

He will not be here at 31 I can promise you this. Again same thing with Ross I just feel like there are better picks out there for the above teams. Njoku is classified by some as better than Howard. I wouldn’t go that far but he is going to be good. Very good pass catcher and runs routes well. This is a fit and a BPA choice which makes for a very very happy front office and fan base.

Pick 32: New Orleans Saints: Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech

Who the hell knows what this pick is going to be… could be almost any position on defense (besides defense because Hooker was picked at 11). Could be a corner like Awuzie. Could be a LB but a lot of them have just been picked recently. Could be a DE but I think the DB class is stronger at this point of the draft. Saints defense is not really good at all. They have a good young DT and DE in Cameron Jordan and they have another good safety and decent corner in Breaux. But outside of that, it is a crap shoot. YET, the Saints go for the future and take Mahomes to learn and be groomed under a HOFer. Drew Brees told the media this year that they think the Saints should address his backup soon and look to the future for when he retires. Is this saying he is going to be retiring soon? Probably not, but a QB at this pick is smart because it means you can put the 5th year option on him and have him for awhile. This is going to be a QB if Mahomes and Kizer are both available... whether the Saints take the pick or not is a different story...

So that is my mock draft. Last year I only did one… this year I may change a few things around, but I don’t think I will do another entire draft. It takes a good amount of time. In recap, the Browns are big winners getting their QB of the future, the best player in the draft, and a solid corner. Quarterbacks, Ross and Njoku all fell down in the draft because of the crazy talent on the defensive side of the field. Titans and Seahawks trade back and collect some more picks. 3 RBs, 3 WRs are taken. Defensive end is the most active position (Garrett, Thomas, Allen, Charlton, Reddick, and Barnett). All in all, I just want to get more than 4 right this year! Woohoo, go me! And Go Miami!

Again I referenced this chart for trades: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/draft/draft-trade-chart/
And noted this for team visits for some teams (teams don't NEED to visit or workout someone to draft him): http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByTeam

This is an Article about Football in March

So basically the point of this blog… I’m in love with football. I know basically everything that someone not on the inside of the organization or the media knows about the Miami Dolphins specifically. Which most definitely does not give me the authority to write an article, but alas here we are. This article will go over each team’s most likely FA addition based on need, coaching, and my idiocy. So without any further rambling let’s get into this…

Oh and if I get any one of these correct anyone who has clicked on this article owes me $5 for each correct pick. I’m pulling IPs so hope I suck at this.

We will go in alphabetical order by city…

Buffalo Bills:

JK we are going in whatever order I feel like… suck it reader whom I love for actually taking the time out of your day to read this.

The Bills are fresh off of Rex Ryan and I assume trying to reverse most things he did. That must be the thinking with the Tyrod Taylor release rumors. Listen, Tyrod isn’t a top 10 QB… BUT he is very formidable for a starter and a difference-maker. He can throw the deep ball very well, escapes well and makes good throws in the pocket as well. So many teams would scoop him up. I don’t expect the Bills to keep Stephon Gilmore their 1^st round CB. He could be tagged but isn’t worth that dollar figure. There are plenty of good CBs in the draft too that could be #1s. I do expect to them to get a backup corner but he is not the one I will be highlighting here. The Bills are good on offense at OL and RB, but their receivers are iffy. With Watkins always hurt and can leave next summer, I expect them to try to make a splash at receiver somehow.

Team Needs: WR, CB, DL

FA they are likely to sign: WR Kenny Britt

Miami Dolphins:

Alright, I know a lot about us. We are going to be looking hard at the defense. LBs and DL specifically. We have been linked to DT Brandon Williams from the Ravens but he would be a 2^nd/3^rd behind Suh. Rumors also are that the Dolphins are going to make a trade for a big time corner. Therefore, my guess won’t be a corner for FA purposes. I assume a pass rusher will be drafted early in the draft because of the great commodity this year. Therefore, I expect a decent LB, DE, and OG to be picked up in FA. We will likely lose Stills as well so that is in play. We won’t be able to afford someone like Donta Hightower which would’ve been nice because stealing from the Pats is a double win. But I see no reason we can’t steal from the Bills.

Team Needs: DL, LB, OG

Free Agent they are likely to sign: LB Zach Brown

New England Patriots:

I hate this team. I’m going to be able to find so many holes in this team (especially because they can’t afford their own players), and they can also be Super Bowl contenders every year. It just pisses me off. Linebacker is one of their biggest needs. They could also possibly use a pass rusher. Corner could be an issue if Butler walks. Their WR position is just ok but could be better (too many slots). TE is a problem because Gronk can’t stay healthy and Martellus is walking. Backup QB is also something to address, although they will probably get someone in the draft. Honestly, though the Patriots don’t make splashes and they always build through the draft so this guess will be awful.

Team Needs: TE, LB, QB

Free Agent they are likely to sign: DE Charles Johnson

New York Jets:

My how the mighty Jets have fallen. There is a lot of question marks for this team and could go a lot of ways. They need a QB, some OL, DBs, and LBs. So… most of their team is in need of help. Bowles is a defensive minded coach and somehow still has a job. I expect a splash at DB. OL is too ugly for them to go big on. There really isn’t any good QBs ever in FA (Garroppolo could be available by trade but wouldn’t go to the Jets where he could hurt the Pats). Linebacker is a possibility. Donta Hightower is a huge name that will be a free agent but he is likely going to have a lot of suitors and let’s face it. If you could choose to go have the same amount of money in FL or NY where would you go?

Team Needs: Most everything

Free Agent they are likely to sign: CB AJ Bouye

If you haven’t figured it out yet… We are organizing this by division then alphabetically… Jeeez wake up…

AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens:

The Ravens have a multitude of free agents this year and thus needs. They are one of the few teams that use a FB and I don’t expect the Ravens to sign him for what he truly is worth simply because the money could be used elsewhere. They also have an interesting situation at RB. I believe they like their rook Kenneth Dixon but that clearly could be an upgraded position. They also just had their safety arrested and released from the team. Their WR corps is also very meh so an upgrade for a deep threat (Flacco can bomb it) makes sense. They always love upgrading their defense as well so I wouldn’t be shocked at a splash there.

Team Needs: WR, DB, RB

Free Agent they are likely to sign: S John Cyprien

Cincinnati Bengals:

They have been wishing and wishing that one of their WRs opposite AJ Green could take some eyes off of him, but they only seem to produce when they leave. They also are going to have GLARING holes at their OL with their two best OL leaving to FA. They may be able to sign one of them back (Zeitler/Whitworth) but not both. Also creating a pass rush is a necessity in the NFL and Dunlap can’t do it all by himself while also being a DT. It just doesn’t work like that.

Team Needs: OL, WR, DL

Free Agent they are likely to sign: OT Ricky Wagner

Cleveland Browns:

God bless the Cleveland Browns. This would be my longest entry if I actually listed everything, probably a full page long. So I’m just going to list everything with 3 words after each position explaining. Let’s see how this goes:

Team Needs: QB (26 since 99), WR (bye Terrell Pryor), OL (JOE THOMAS HOF!!!! *looks at rest of OL* *RIP*), DL (cause why not), LB (*browns ownership* what’s this position?), DB (better than QBs)

Free Agent they are likely to sign: Factory of Sadness Guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRBDMMVctu8

In Memorium

All Future Cleveland Browns. May you suck so you get cut and go to another team. RIP

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers just paid their RB (Bell) and WR (Brown) a lot of money. With this offensive firepower plus Bryant coming back into the fold. The team should be very strong on offense once again. Their defense seems to only show up in games that it matters the most so the playoffs and December. They’ll need to address that in March this year. They have good pass rushers but should re-sign James Harrison. They need to look to their secondary to get to that next level D that we are used to from this team. Safeties and corners would both be useful here. If I had to find another position of need it is backup QB. Ben gets hurt every year and the team just collapses. Get someone who won't crush the team and you’d compete with the Pats every year for the #1 seed.

Team Needs: CB, S, QB

Free Agent they are likely to sign: S Tony Jefferson

AFC South:

Houston Texans:

The Texans last year should’ve been playing the Pats in the AFC Champ game. Because that’s how good their team as a whole was. The defense was #2 in the NFL and offense had great playmakers. But god damn freaking Brock Osweiler happened… I cannot still believe he is able to even play in the NFL let alone make that kind of money. He is worse than me and I would only punt it. So if that isn’t a god damn help wanted sign for the team I don’t know what is. They have a great OL, RB, and WR. TE seemed to work by just spreading the ball around but I can't imagine Cj Fedorwicz is a permanent solution. AJ Bouye will leave a hole at CB upon his FA exit so that is also a place to address. DE is finally formidable as Clowney is healthy. BRING BACK HOYER!!!

Team Needs: QB!!!!!!!!!!, TE, CB

Free Agent they are likely to sign: QB Brian Hoyer

Indianapolis Colts:

The Colts have mightily struggled up front on the OL and more or less everywhere on defense. They drafted an OL last year but that didn’t help Luck too much as he was still consistently hit. Once he has time to throw, he will be the next Peyton just more mobile. CB is one decently bright spot for this defensive unit. Vontae Davis is old but still playing well when healthy. With Robert Mathis retired, a pass rusher is also necessary.

Team Needs: OL, DL, LB

Free Agent they are likely to sign: DE/LB Nick Perry

Jacksonville Jaguars:

This team seems to be in the right place. They have a good group of backs, receivers, and a good talented young defense. Where are the issues? Well, they don’t have an OL or a DL. They lose all their battles in the trenches. They also do have good players, but when they do any good they bolt in FA which is happening again this year with John Cyprien their star safety. That is a position of need as well as the aforementioned lines. I would start with protecting Borltes. Clearly, Bortles is not the answer, but he is the problem. Wait that doesn’t sound right… once his rookie deal is up there is no doubt he is out of town, and a new gunslinger will be on his way in. But until then an OL to help get a running game going should take the pressure of Bortles to see if he has ANYTHING to offer. Also, something to note, with Julius Thomas out, they could make a big splash at TE with Martellus Bennett.

Team Needs: OL, DL, S

Free Agent they are likely to sign: OT Andrew Whitworth

Tennessee Titans:

The Titans have the best OL in football next to the Cowboys. They have a great pair of RBs and a good, young QB. Not to mention a pro-bowl TE. Their offense is honestly one of the strongest in the NFL. Their WR corps is young, hungry, and underrated. They may get another guy here but in the draft probably. Their defense is where they must address. They probably could use a playmaker guy at every core position (DL, LB, DB), and they have a ton of cap. Expect a bunch of Titans linked to “blah blah blah the top blah of this year’s class”. Donta Hightower, Bouye are names to keep an eye on.

Team Needs: DL, LB, DB

Free Agent they are likely to sign: LB Dont’a Hightower

AFC West:

Denver Broncos:

The Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL, even though they were massively overhauled last offseason. They have one of the best duos of WRs in the NFL. They have a great RB. How did this team not even make the playoffs you might think? Well, they don’t have a great QB but even more importantly their OL is a disaster. Once Anderson went down, they couldn’t run for anything. They need to address the guard and tackle positions early and often.

Team Needs: OG, OT, QB

Free Agent they are likely to sign: OG T.J. Lang

Kansas City Chiefs:

The Chiefs already made their big splash in free agency. Signing Eric Berry to a long-term deal was the best thing they could’ve done this year. Now, what else do they need? They have a solid back and TE. They might be able to use another QB or a big tall WR that has great hands. DT is also going to be a position of need with Poe out of town. Also, Derrick Houston and Tamba Hali are getting up there in age so some rushers wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Team Needs: WR, DT, QB

Free Agent they are likely to sign: QB Mike Glennon

Los Angeles Chargers:

The Chargers have the worst OL problems in the NFL. Oddly enough, those problems aren’t talent. It’s that they're always hurt. And last year that spread to everyone on the offense except Phillip Rivers. They could probably use another OL for depth purposes but they really should address getting an elite talent at Safety especially with the depth of the FA class at that position.

Team Needs: OG, OT, S

Free Agent they are likely to sign: S D.J. Swearinger

Oakland Raiders:

The Raiders are very close to being great and making it to the Super Bowl. They just gotta go through Tom Brady. Their offense (when healthy) is good enough to do that. They just released Latavius Murray who was truly overrated, so that leaves a small void there because they still have good backup talent there. They aren’t looking for a workhorse. Just someone who is able to take most all 1^st and 2^nd down duties. Their defense is filled with studs. They could maybe use another LB to play with Malcolm Smith.

Team Needs: RB, LB, OG

Free Agent likely to sign: RB Jacquizz Rodgers

Well, that’s all I’m going to write for now. I hope that you all enjoyed. If you want me to do the NFC or a particular team in the NFC please leave a comment or tweet at me. Thanks.

Sources I referred to:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-2017-free-agency-tracker/

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/nfl-free-agency-2017-team-news-rumors-top-nfl-free-agent-best-fits-targets-alshon-jeffery-desean-jackson/1s1qwx6urfa7h16l54obclzzwn

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-lets-connect-the-dots-for-26-teams-in-nfl-free-agency/