Mock Draft
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Karthik Anem
Free Agency gives teams a good idea of what their wants and needs will be during the drafting process. Teams evaluate their strengths and weaknesses to assess what they will want to fix this off-season. Once they have a good idea of what they will need, they scout hundreds of college football players to receive their ideal fit. Sure, they may sign established players during free agency, but the draft gives them fresh blood with all of the potential in the world. This mock draft will definitely be wrong as it is almost impossible to predict what teams will do, but offers a few predictions.
Chicago Bears #1: QB, Caleb Williams
This pick will be clear as day especially after the Justin Fields trade and perhaps one of the very few almost guaranteed picks of the draft. A phenomenal improviser, Caleb Williams is a borderline generational talent that the Bears will want to pick.
Washington Commanders #2: QB, Drake Maye
Drake Maye is the best pocket passer in the draft and the Commanders traded away Sam Howell to the Seahawks. Jayden Daniels could also be the pick here but it will likely be Drake Maye.
New England Patriots #3: QB, Jayden Daniels
The Patriots will most likely get the next best QB in the draft after trading away Mac Jones to the Jaguars. Jayden Daniels, a Heisman winning QB, provides elite dual threat abilities that will provide a high floor for the rebuilding Patriots.
Minnesota Vikings (via Arizona Cardinals) #4: QB, J.J. McCarthy
I project the Vikings trading up to prevent the Giants from taking a QB. The Cardinals will likely want at least two, maybe three, firsts to move out of the top 10. J. J. McCarthy is the next best QB on the board and the Vikings will look to develop their future QB.
Los Angeles Chargers #5: WR, Marvin Harrison Jr.
With how the draft board looks, the Chargers hit the jackpot as they get to pick the first non-quarterback. Marvin Harrison JR., son of hall of famer Marvin Harrison, is a phenomenal receiver prospect with all of the tools needed to become a top 5 receiver in the league. His ability to adjust to the ball is second to none and he possesses the route running as well as the athleticism to be the safest receiver in the draft. The Chargers have many holes, especially at receiver after they let go of their top two options. Marvin Harrison JR. will fit perfectly as Justin Herbert’s best target.
New York Giants #6: WR, Malik Nabers
The Giants have many holes on offense, especially due to their lack of weapons. Malik Nabers is an explosive freak who possesses phenomenal agility and speed. This should be a no-brainer seeing as the top four quarterbacks have already fallen off the board.
Tennessee Titans #7: OT, Joe Alt
The Titans have a huge hole at tackle and this is likely another no brainer, as I suspect they will pick Joe Alt. Joe Alt is the best tackle prospect in the draft, having gargantuan size at 6’8, 320 pounds. He will plug into the Titan’s offensive line and be an instant contributor.
Atlanta Falcons #8: Edge, Dallas Turner
The Falcons fixed almost all of their problems on the offensive side of the ball and will look to bolster up their defense. Dallas Turner is likely the best defensive player in the draft and will fix a position of need for the Falcons. Dallas Turner fits the scheme as a 3-4 outside linebacker and with his elite athleticism and great pass rush plan, he will look to be a premier edge for the Falcons.
Denver Broncos (via Chicago Bears) #9: Edge, Jared Verse
The Broncos decide to trade up with Chicago to ensure they get the guy they want in Jared Versh. Jared Versh is a great defensive end who brings insane power to any defense. His run defense is also very great and he will create an instant impact on a team with a lot of holes. The Broncos need a premier pass rusher and can build around Jared Versh.
New York Jets #10: TE, Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers would complete the Jets offense as a phenomenal tight end option. This pick likely would have been Rome Odunze had Mike Williams not signed with the Jets this offseason. However, now that he has, Brock Bowers makes this offense more dynamic. Brock Bowers provides elite receiving ability as well as solid blocking, giving him a potential George Kittle type role in the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals (via Minnesota Vikings) #11: WR, Rome Odunze
The Cardinals get the perfect player to fall to them in Rome Odunze. Rome Odunze provides perhaps the best jump ball skills in the draft. He possesses great size and great route running to be a great deep threat in an offense that has lost a lot of firepower. Rome Odunze provides Kyler Murray with a bonafide receiver one.
Chicago Bears (via Denver Broncos) #12: DL, Byron Murphy Jr.
This trade back is perfect for Chicago who lack mid round picks and can move only a couple spots back while recuperating draft capital to fill out their roster. Byron Murphy provides great talent to solidify the Bears d-line. Murphy has amazing leverage despite being on the shorter side, and his elite athleticism is seen in his run defense and pass rush ability.
Las Vegas Raiders #13: T, Taliese Fuaga
The Raiders lost starting tackle Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency. Taliese Fuaga is a perfect replacement and will be a good starter for years to come with guard flexibility. His elite run blocking will really help whatever side he is on. His pass blocking could use some work but there is definitely potential.
New Orlean Saints #14: T, Olumuyiwa “Olu” Fashanu
The Saints get a great tackle in Olu Fashanu, a position of need. Fashnew provides great pass protection for Derrick Carr or whoever will be the next QB in New Orleans. His run blocking could use some work, but there is a great prospect in Fashnew.
Indianapolis Colts #15: CB, Quinyon Mitchell
The Colts are known for taking players with freak athleticism. Quinyon Mitchell fits this mold with his elite mix of size, speed, and length. There were question marks in his ability to cover because of the competition he was facing. However, the Senior Bowl fixed any concerns anyone had with his ability to hang with the best talents. He will fix a need at DB for the Colts and will provide elite man coverage.
Seattle Seahawks #16: T, Troy Fautanu
A phenomenal athlete, Tory Fautanu looks to be a long term starter at either guard or center in the NFL. He provides great power while blocking, but he can be over aggressive at times. The Seahawks will have gotten a great future starter in the interior for years to come.
Jacksonville Jaguars #17: C, Jackson Powers-Johnson
The Jaguars had the potential to have a phenomenal run game. Unfortunately they had a very poor offensive line in the interior. Luckily for them, the best center in the draft falls to them. Jackson Powers Johnson has great speed and also guard flexibility. He will fit in perfectly for this struggling group.
Kansas City Chiefs (via Cincinnati Bengals) #18: WR, Brian Thomas Jr.
The Kansas City Chiefs trade up with the Cincinnati Bengals for the receiver they are looking for in Brian Thomas Jr. He provides prototypical size and elite speed to be a certified deep threat. His explosive combine and freak athleticism will make up for his lack of production, and he will look to be Patrick Mahomes’s deep threat target for years to come.
Los Angeles Rams #19: DL, Jer'Zhan Newton
The Rams lost perhaps a top three defensive player of all time in Aaron Donald. Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton will definitely not fill Donald’s shoes right away, or ever, but he has many similarities to his game as Donald. Newton has limited size and length, like Donald, but he consistently wins pass rush matchups and will provide interior pass rush for the Rams.
Pittsburgh Steelers #20: CB, Nate Wiggins
The Steelers get Nate Wiggins, who has the ability to put any receiver on an island. He provides elite zone and man play that was evident on the Clemson defense. There is some concern in his lack of tackling ability, however.
Green Bay Packers (via Miami Dolphins) #21: CB, Cooper DeJean
With some of the corners starting to come off of the board, the Packers will look to trade up with the Dolphins for Cooper DeJean. DeJean is very athletic and versatile, something that is valued heavily in Green Bay. DeJean can stick at safety, corner, or the nickel and he will provide excellent play no matter where he is.
Philadelphia Eagles #22: T, JC Latham
The Eagles are known to take players in the trenches on both sides of the ball. JC Latham will be perfect for them as a future Lane Johnson replacement. Latham is a physical freak who moves like he is 40 pounds lighter despite being 6’6, 335 pounds. He will be going to perhaps the best teams when it comes to developing O-Linemen.
Arizona Cardinals (via Minnesota Vikings)#23: CB, Terrion Arnold
The Cardinals got this pick after they traded down from four with the Vikings. I have them picking Terrion Arnold. Arnold provides great coverage ability despite not testing well at his combine. He also can tackle well, and will be a great outside corner for the Cardinals.
Dallas Cowboys #24: T, Amarius Mims
The Cowboys get Armarius Mims, an enormous tackle who will need development. Mims stands at 6’7 and 340 pounds, yet still moves with fluidity. The Cowboys can have him sit and learn behind starters like Tyron Smith and let him develop.
Miami Dolphins (via Green Bay Packers) #25: T, Graham Barton
The Dolphins picked Graham Barton after trading back with the Packers and picking up some mid round picks. Barton will look to move to center and provide a solid starter for the Dolphins right away with his elite run blocking.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers #26: Edge, Laiatu Latu
Laiatu Latu would have been a top 10-15 pick had he not been forced to medically retire in 2021. He had an elite motor and relentless counter moves. His versatility and skills will make him an elite talent assuming he is past his near career-ending neck injury.
Arizona Cardinals (via Houston) #27: OT, Tyler Guyton
The Cardinals use their third first round pick and take Tyler Guyton. Like Amarium Mims, Guyton is an inexperienced athletic freak who can sit or play on the inside to build up the skills needed to be a bonafide starting tackle.
Buffalo Bills #28: WR, Adonai Mitchell
The Bills lost a lot of talent this offseason, especially at receiver. Adonai Mitchell will give Josh Allen someone to throw to with his fluid ability despite being 6’4. Adonai Mitchell will be an amazing redzone option, which was seen in his play.
Las Vegas Raiders (via Detroit Lions) #29: QB, Bo Nix
The Raiders will look to trade up for a QB in Bo Nix. Nix should probably not go at 29, but with the lack of quarterbacks available and the fifth year option that comes with a first round pick, the Raiders may see it best to trade up for him. Nix is a very old prospect (25 by the end of his rookie season), but that comes with a boatload of experience. He has the accuracy and athleticism to possibly be a star quarterback in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens #30: Edge, Chop Robinson
The Ravens get a twitched up edge rusher in Chop Robinson. Robinson will likely be a pass rush specialist with the potential to play all three downs as he develops. He will have a good role in a stacked defense.
San Francisco 49ers #31: CB, Kool-Aid McKinstry
The 49ers Kool-Aid McKinstry, a play with a lot of hype going into the college football season, which has died down since. Still, McKinstry provides great size and excellent IQ at the cornerback position. He lacks some twitch, which may hurt him in the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals (via Kansas City Chiefs) #32: C, Zach Fraizer
The Bengals trade down to acquire more picks and patch up their roster with depth. They also get a good center in Zach Fraiser, filling up a hole in the interior. He will provide good interior protection for Joe Burrow.
