Zach and Jack kept a close eye on Free Agency Frenzy and are ready to bring you our mock draft 3.0! This continues to be one of the craziest offseason ever and we feel as though our mock draft will build off the wildness of this offseason.
- Jacksonville Jaguars- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Like we said in our last mock draft; whether they overpaid or not(they did), the Jags are making moves on offense for Lawrence’s sake. They are setting themselves up to take Hutchinson and not be questioned about whether they should’ve taken a tackle or not. A common theme you will find is that we are sure the Jaguars would love to trade out here, but we doubt they would get an offer that would be worth accepting.
- Detroit Lions- Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Jordan Davis is the best run defender in this class, and the Lions defensive line is weak. Davis steps in as a day one run stuffer to help against the NFC North running backs which include Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Dalvin Cook, and David Montgomery. Davis also tested like a freak at the combine; along with having great interviews and examples of character. This testing, along with a lightning quick first step also reveals massive upside as a pass rusher. He could be the safest player in this draft while at the same time having one of the highest upsides.
- Houston Texans- Ickey Ekwonu, OL, NCST
They finally did it. The Texans finally traded Deshaun Watson. It seems as though the Texans are committing to Davis Mills. Yes, the Texans have their pick of defensive talent here, but we think they start to build around Mills.
- New York Jets- Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Again, the Jets have their pick of defensive talent here, but we think they continue to show Zach Wilson the love. They go out and get the best pure tackle in this class to protect their young QB.
- New York Giants- Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
We still believe the Giants are the dark horse QB pick. Willis continues to trend upwards. Willis’s pro day revealed even more of his arm strength potential, but for us the highlights were his interviews after his workout. We think the Giants snag Willis before the Panthers get to him, and let him develop under Tyrod and Daboll while Jones plays this year. Reports suggest that New York wants to get an extra first next year for a QB, but even next year we do not know if any quarterbacks have the upside of Willis.
- Carolina Panthers- Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
Rhule is on the hottest seat in the NFL. This team is young and ready to win. The Panthers made no moves at the quarterback position in free agency or trade so it seems, at the moment, that they may go quarterback. Rhule takes the most pro ready QB in this year’s class, who he also has past ties to back in his Temple days.
- New York Giants(Originally Chicago Bears)- Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
It sounds like the Giants are going to dump Bradberry whether they get compensation or not. Gardner is our top CB this year, and will fit nicely into Martindale’s system.
- Philadelphia Eagles(Projected Trade With Atlanta Falcons)- Sam Howell, QB, UNC
To many people this is a ridiculous theory; however, with the rumors that the Eagles were in the Watson sweepstakes it makes you have to stop and think that they are at least thinking about a QB. It is also interesting that Howell was the first QB the Eagles met with. It is something that is forgotten, but should not be.
We think that the Eagles send Jalen Hurts and 1 of their 3 first rounders this year. The Eagles get pick 8, maybe Deion Jones (to compete with Edwards and White), and maybe a later round pick. After the Giants and Panthers take their QB, the Falcons are probably the next team who could go for a QB. We do not think they are ready though, so the Eagles slide up ahead of the Seahawks and take what we think is the best QB in this year’s class with a nice mix of readiness and potential. The Eagles bring in a new QB and upgrade at LB, while the Falcons bring in a young QB to compete with Mariota and stay in the first round in hopes of trying to fix this team. Howell can also run the same offense Hurts does, but as a much better thrower of the football with only slightly less running ability.
- Seattle Seahawks(Originally Denver)- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Wouldn’t it be such a Seattle move to trade away your franchise QB who desperately needed lineman help, just to take a lineman with the pick they got for Wilson. We think the Seahawks take the best tackle on the board to help protect Drew Lock or whoever their QB next season is.
- New York Jets (Originally Seattle)- Derek Stingley , CB, LSU
The Jets protect Wilson with their first pick, now it’s time to strengthen up the defense in a super powerful AFC. Stingley has some injury concerns, but when healthy Stingley may be the best prospect coming out this year. The Jets already added DJ Reed; Stingley is a nice addition to a room that already includes Bryce Hall.
- Washington Commanders- Drake London, WR, USC
This pick just makes way too much sense. Wentz has had his fair share of issues as a passer, but London is a huge target who could bail Wentz out on bad throws. Wentz also hasn’t had great weapons at any point in his entire career; London and McLaurin would be the best weapons he’s ever had. London was unable to participate in USC’s pro day, but will be holding a personal pro day in April. Until testing, we can only operate under the assumption he did not lose any athleticism and is a player similar to Mike Evans.
- Minnesota Vikings- Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Vikings offense is set for the most part, and have been known for their defense in recent memory. They lost Xavier Woods, and Hamilton steps in as a day one starter and is probably the steal of the draft. Hamilton also gets to learn from one of the best in the game in Harrison Smith.
- Houston Texans(Originally Cleveland Browns)- George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Texans pass on defense at 3, and are one pick shy of walking away with Hamilton. We have them taking our second best EDGE in the class in Karlaftis. Karlaftis has a decent amount of pass rushing moves, a very quick first step, and a good blend of power and speed. His stats do not pop, but he was always double and triple teamed constantly. When matched up one on one, he rarely lost. He may not have the physical freak traits of some of the others, but he is more ready and can play all along the line and is more than capable of being a double digit sack EDGE.
- Baltimore Ravens- Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Ravens took an athletic, high upside player in Oweh last year. We think they take another one in Walker, who based on the consensus thoughts about Walker would be a steal here. Yes, they have Tyus Bowser, but considering they were going after Smith, it makes you think they may be in the market for another. Walker also brings insane versatility along the front that the Ravens love.
- Philadelphia Eagles(Originally Miami Dolphins)- Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Based on our first few mocks, you’d think this pick would be Linderbaum; however, we forgot that Landon Dickerson was drafted to be the Kelce replacement. The Eagles have a hole at guard and should probably start looking for Lane Johnson’s replacement. Kenyon Green is that guy. Green is a top 10 talent on the line and has experience playing guard and tackle. He could play at guard until Johnson retires and then take over at RT.
- Atlanta Falcons(Projected Trade w/ Philadelphia Eagles)- Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Atlanta lost both Ridley and Gage this offseason. We thought they should take a receiver even when they had Ridley and Gage, but now that they have nothing there is no option except for WR. We have the Falcons taking our WR1 this year. The best route runner in the class with nice speed, Olave is ready to produce at a pro level. He can win in many ways, and can become a great duo along with Kyle Pitts as Atlanta finally starts to commit to a rebuild.
- Los Angeles Chargers- Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Chargers could address the hole at tackle left by the release of Bulaga, but we think that they add speed to their WR room. The AFC in general, but the AFC West in particular is an arms race. We think that they give Herbert another weapon to go try and win shootouts they may get into. Wilson is not our top WR, and is even lower than a couple taken later according to our boards. However, Wilson adds value to the Chargers that they are lacking. His speed, RAC ability, ball carrier moves, and more all would be an added element to the Chargers passing game. He could also work with Keenan Allen on his projected drop issues that we see.
- New Orleans Saints- Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Saints need receiver help and have for years. The defense is elite, and they committed to Winston; now it’s time for the Saints to go get Winston more weapons to throw to. Williams may not be ready week 1, but will add speed to the receiver room when he’s ready as well as great route running. It would immediately give the Saints two high level route runners who do different things.
- Green Bay(Projected Trade With Philadelphia Eagles)- Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
After a 3 team run on receiver, Green Bay panics. Especially with Philly being a WR needy team, Green Bay does what it takes to move up, and take Burks who is the best player available. He adds strength, long speed, and some size to the Green Bay receiver room. He also has the potential to be used creatively as he ran a lot of bubble screens and routes out of the backfield at Arkansas.
We think the trade includes picks for Philly including 28 and potentially a first next year like Philly wants, and GB gets 19, a mid round pick possibly, and Dillard and/or Reagor.
- Pittsburgh Steelers- Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
Stephon Tuitt still has not committed to coming back, and the Steelers had the worst run defense in the league last year. The Steelers don’t even get a shot at Jordan Davis, but they get his running mate Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt is a force in the run game and as a pass rusher with solid upside. He helps to sure up the run defense and return to the Steeler way.
- New England Patriots- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
If anyone is going to take a chance on a “troubled” player and get the most out of them it’s Belichick. Thibodeaux clearly has the potential to be a great player in the league, but has a lot to work on, and it goes way beyond just his skills on the field. Questionable interviews, effort concerns, lack of development on tape, and the whole combine fiasco leave Thib with a ton of question marks. In our eyes, he is one of the most overrated prospects in this draft, with massive fall potential. Belichick takes a flier on him in hopes that he can develop him on and off the field.
- Green Bay Packers(Originally Las Vegas Raiders)- George Pickens, WR, Georgia
We love the Pickens to Green Bay fit. We think the Packers are going to move toward a heavier rushing offense with Jones and Dillon. Pickens is a great blocker who will step in and make a day one impact as a blocker and receiver. Pickens and Burks should be a solid rookie duo for Rodgers who just lost his favorite WR, who also happens to be arguably the best in the league. The Packers were never going to replace Adams one for one, so instead they try to do it with two first rounders. These two, combined with Lazard, would give Green Bay one of the biggest receiver rooms in football.
- Arizona Cardinals- Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The Cardinals are kind of weak on the front line. The big names being JJ Watt(injury history), Markus Golden, Devon Kennard, and Dennis Gardeck. Jermaine Johnson steps in on day one and will improve the front seven with great versatility and elite run defense with room for pass rushing growth. We wanted to mock a wide receiver, however we felt the value of Johnson is far greater than the next receiver available.
- Dallas Cowboys- Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
Dallas has a couple different directions they could go with this pick, but we think they go CB. We think Trevon Diggs is highly overrated and Anthony Brown is burnt toast. We think they will take our CB3 this year in McCreary.
- Buffalo Bills- Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Buffalo’s secondary looked like swiss cheese versus the Chiefs in the playoffs, and lost Levi Wallace. Bills are in dire need of a CB3 behind White and Johnson, McDuffie steps in and can fill the CB3 role and CB2 in case of injury.
- Tennessee Titans- Travis Jones, DL, UConn
The Titans need to improve their defensive line and get Simmons some help. Travis Jones will come in day one and take over a starting role. We aren’t sure what his upside is as a pass rusher, but he should be a big impact in the run game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
Linderbaum may be the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft. He looks solid on tape, but teams are concerned about his size. We think that’s why Linderbaum may fall this year, but would be a steal of a pick for Tampa. Yes, Tampa just re-signed Jensen, but one of them should be able to kick to guard to fill the hole left by Marpet’s retirement.
- Philadelphia Eagles (Projected Trade With Green Bay Packers)- Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Dax may be one of Jack’s favorite prospects in this year’s draft. He’s a super versatile player in the secondary. Dax can play deep or in the box and should be a defensive weapon for the Eagles who are a corner and safety short right now. Dax could fill both those roles as I would hope he continues his back end versatility heading into the league.
- Kansas City Chiefs(From Miami Dolphins, Originally San Francisco 49ers)- Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
This is another pick that not many people will agree with. Some would ask why take Lloyd when you have Gay and Bolton? Well personally, Jack is not a fan of Lloyd as an off ball linebacker. I believe that there is potential there, but I feel like Lloyd could be better suited as a 3-4 OLB/4-3 end who can play a versatility role kind of like Micah Parsons. Lloyd is also one of the best, if not the best coverage LB in this year’s class. Spangnuolo will love his versatility and playmaking ability, if he can show consistent effort in the pros.
- Seattle Seahawks(Projected Trade With Kansas City Chiefs)- Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
If the Lions are serious about drafting a QB, they are probably going to do it at 32. Seattle passed on a QB to get offensive line help at 9. We think they trade back into the fist ahead of the Lions to try to grab our best remaining QB on the board, Ridder. We believe that Ridder and Lock have a similar play style, so they could both run the same playbook. If the Seahawks aren’t sold on Lock, they bring in competition for the room. The team isn’t ready to win now, but they could at least find their QB for the future.
We believe that this trade package will include pick 30 and probably something else in exchange for Tyler Lockett and something else. Lockett plays a similar deep threat type role as Hill just with less speed. Lockett also has solid hands and brings a veteran presence to that room.
- Cincinnati Bengals- Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Bengals finally came to their senses and realized that the offensive line was a problem, and addressed it by signing Karras, Cappa, and Collins. We believe they still add a few more pieces to the room, but they need to address the secondary because seeing Eli Apple listed as a starter is scary and not in a good way. I think Booth has some developing to do, but probably has the most athletic upside of the corners this year.
- Detroit Lions(Originally Los Angeles Rams)- Christian Watson, WR, NDSU
We do not think that Corral is a first round quarterback. With Seattle coming up to snatch Ridder, we think the Lions continue to just build the best team they can that way they can just drop a QB in later when the team is ready to win. In the meantime, Goff isn’t a bad option. He really seemed to put it together down the stretch last season. Watson is similar to Chase Claypool coming out. His upside from a size and speed standpoint is very high, and with Chark and St. Brown already there, there will be no rush on how fast he has to be ready at NFL speeds.