Jake Oliver’s NFL Mock Draft 3.0
Trade predictions will not be included in this mock. Even though it’s highly likely that the Bears trade their pick, I’ll be concentrating on the requirements of each team and what I believe that team should do. The NFL draft this year is very different from the one previous year. Instead, the EDGE, OL, CB, and RB positions in this draft are overflowing with talent. At least five offensive linemen and five defensive edge players should be selected in the first round, in my opinion. This is the year to go seek that help if your squad needs it in the trenches. After all, NFL games are frequently decided in the trenches. Just ask Burrow what the outcome of the Super Bowl would have been if his offensive linemen had been able to stop Aaron Donald for more than two seconds. There are three or four probable first-round quarterbacks and two running backs, which is the one significant difference. Comparatively speaking, only one quarterback and no running backs were selected in the first round last year. I really feel that having a strong offensive and defensive line is essential if you want to win the Super Bowl or have a great team. Of course, after the NFL combine and NFL free agency, a lot can change in terms of player values and team needs. Remember that the Miami Dolphins lost their first-round pick because of their improper interaction with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. The result is that this year’s first-round draft has only 31 picks.
Teams without a First-Round pick: 49ers, Dolphins, Broncos, Rams, and Browns.
1.01 | Panthers via Bears: Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama
The Panthers traded up for a reason. They want to take the best quarterback available in the draft. That’s why they take Bryce Young. He’s seen as the most talented and pro-ready quarterback in the draft. Ignore his size, while he is a bit small, he proved that he can handle being that size after performing excellently in the SEC. Young’s got a great arm, is plenty mobile, and is very accurate. The Panthers finally get a franchise quarterback. It just took them half a decade or more to do it.
1.02 | Texans: CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State
The Texans really want Young, but will gladly take Stroud. CJ is the “safest” quarterback in this draft, if there is such a thing. CJ Stroud has got great size, an effortless throwing motion, and a huge arm. He’s accurate and able to make all the throws. CJ isn’t the flashiest quarterback but has the ability to move around the pocket or escape for some rushing yardage. He would be able to handle Coach Ryans’ offense and can start right away with no worries. Stroud will finally give the Texans the franchise quarterback they’ve been searching for since the Watson fiasco.
1.03 | Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama, Edge
I’d have to dig into the history books to see the last time a university had back-to-back picks in the top-three picks of the NFL Draft, but it’s extremely possible it could happen with the Cardinals taking Anderson. In my rankings, he’s the best player in this draft. He will be a generational pass-rusher for the Cardinals who are in need of one desperately. He’ll fit right in with new head coach Jonathan Gannon’s defensive system, similar to how Gannon used the elite pass rushers the Eagles had. This pick is the absolute pick I have the most confidence in of being made with the Cardinals’ number one need being an edge rusher and no desire of trading their pick.
1.04 | Colts: Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky
Levis had a phenomenal combine that had many people whispering about his talent, arm, confidence, and maturity. Yes, his food habits are scary, but Will has all the requisite traits to become a franchise quarterback. The Colts have tried and failed to succeed with bringing in veteran QB’s the last few years, but they finally get their first-round quarterback. Levis will bring an impressive arm and surprising mobility to an up-swing team that has the makings of being a potential playoff team next year.
1.05 | Seahawks via Broncos: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson is a developmental edge rusher that possesses elite size, length, and potential. In fact, his potential is the best among all edge-rushers. The Seahawks desperately need a quality edge rusher. With their coaches, they could get an All-Pro caliber pass rusher here in Wilson. Seattle saw what happens with an elite pass rush in the playoffs last year. Now, they set out to get back a new “Legion of Boom” after having a mediocre defense the last two years.
1.06 | Lions via Rams: Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon
The Lions could take a quarterback here, but it seems like they are sold on Goff. Plus, it sounds like they want to win now which means they take the best cornerback in the draft. Gonzalez will provide them with an elite coverage ability and lock-down one side of the field. The Lions were routinely beaten in the passing game last year. Christian will help fix that and improve this defense so that Goff doesn’t have to score thirty points every week. Detroit’s turning the corner into contending for the NFC North title or a playoff spot. Gonzalez helps them accomplish that the most.
1.07 | Raiders: Jalen Carter, Defensive Line, Georgia
Yes, there are rumors the Raiders are out on Carter, but this is prime smoke season. Plus, Carter possesses the high-risk, extremely high-reward potential that the Raiders seemingly go for every year. He’s got elite potential in the interior of the defensive line with strong pass-rushing ability. If his off-field issues can stay away, then Carter has All-Pro potential. Those are big ifs, but the Raiders badly need an impact interior defender. There isn’t a better one than Carter here.
1.08 | Falcons: Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida
1.09 | Bears: Paris Johnson Jr., Tackle, Ohio St.
The Bears signaled they are targeting a tackle in this draft and there’s not one better than Paris. Now that the Bears have addressed many many needs on their team, including at wide receiver, and traded down from the #1 pick, they can focus on the woeful offensive line. If the Bears want Justin Fields to develop or become a good starting quarterback, they’ll have to protect him. Paris can come in and start at left tackle on the first day and never look back. He’s a proven performer that can handle nasty edge rushers as proven against Georgia. The Bears finally find their franchise left tackle to protect Justin Fields.
1.10 | Eagles via Saints: Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas
Yes, the Eagles haven’t drafted a running back in the first round in forever. Yet, this feels like a match made in heaven. The Eagles hosted Bijan on a visit, plus they’ve yet to make a truly impactful addition to their running back room following Miles Sanders’ departure. Combine that with the fact that Bijan would fit this team’s rushing style and offense perfectly, and this feels like one of the easiest calls to make in the mock draft. Robinson’s a generational back and would make the Eagles’ offense far more deadlier than last year.
1.11 | Titans: Peter Skoronski, Tackle, Northwestern
The Titans let go of Taylor Lewan and now get his replacement in Skoronski. Ignore his “smaller” arms because Peter has all the skills and techniques to stay outside as a tackle. The Titans badly need to upgrade their offensive line as it’s fallen apart over the last two years. Peter would improve their pass and run blocking from day one and give whoever the quarterback is time to make plays. Coach Vrabel likes a tough-minded, never-give-up mentality, and Peter fits that to a tee.
1.12 | Texans via Browns: Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Texans got their quarterback, and now they get their wide receiver. JSN is an elite route runner that rivals the NFL’s elite already. The Texans badly need help out wide and Jaxson would give CJ Stroud someone that he can trust and throw to often. Plus, it helps that they just played together for multiple years. Even though JSN missed his final year of college due to injury, there are no worries about his NFL future. The sky is the limit. The Texans get the WR1 in the draft and give fantasy players an elite combo to watch/target in drafts for years to come.
1.13 | Jets: Anton Harrison, Tackle, Oklahoma
The Jets need someone to protect old man Aaron Rodgers. Harrison’s the perfect guy for the job with plenty of starting experience. Harrison is a strong-nosed technique-sound tackle that will solidify either side of the offensive line. Anton would fit in well with their rush-heavy scheme. He’s a day-one starter that won’t back down from the toughest defenders.
1.14 | Patriots: Broderick Jones, Tackle, Georgia
The Patriots need a new tackle, especially since Trent Brown isn’t getting any younger. Broderick has a ton of potential to become a franchise tackle. He played against elite competition at Georgia and held his own. He’s used to rush-heavy offenses and understands how to use his size and length to stop pass rushers. Overall, the Patriots could go for a wide receiver or edge rusher here, but they need to open up rushing lanes and protect Mac Jones. Jones will help both of those issues from day one.
1.15 | Packers: Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama
The Packers have numerous needs now that the Aaron Rodgers era is over. They could go tight end here, but it’s likely they continue the tradition of not getting weapons for their quarterback in the first round. However, the team does get a great talent for their secondary that now needs to cover some elite skill players in the NFC North. Branch is a hybrid safety/cornerback that can play at either spot. The Packers love and need versatility. Branch will come in and add some great speed, ball-hawking, and coverage ability to their defense. My comparison for him is Minkah Fitzpatrick. If Green Bay can get even similar play to Minkah then they added an elite talent.
1.16 | Commanders: Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois
The slide for Devon ends here and he lands in a perfect spot with the Commanders. Washington is desperate for a tough cornerback that won’t back down from tough wide receivers and isn’t afraid to tackle. That’s who Witherspoon is. Witherspoon is a nasty and tough cornerback that would fit the Ron Rivera culture. and strong-minded mentality. Witherspoon would come in and immediately start day one while learning under one of the best defensive coaches in the NFL. Devon has a strong coverage ability, good speed, and great tackling skills to be able to cover all the talented wide outs in the NFL. Washinton can’t afford to continue being burned by the elite NFC East wideouts.
1.17 | Steelers: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
The Steelers need help on the defensive line and at the edge rusher position. Alex Highsmith isn’t a long-term answer and TJ Watt can’t do it all on his own. Also, Cam Heyward is only getting older and closer to retirement each year. Good thing they acquire a versatile player in Van Ness who has elite length and size along with good-enough speed to provide impact pass-rushing. Plus, he’s versatile enough in that he can play outside or inside along the line. If Heyward retires in a year, Van Ness can easily move inside to help build out the Steelers’ defense.
1.18 | Lions: Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah
The Lions are a very tough team to mock for at this pick. That’s because they are in the enviable position of being able to just go for the best player on the board. They could use an interior defender, a tight end, a running back, or many other positions. However, it’s unlikely they pass up the opportunity to add a tight end that could become the next Travis Kelce. After trading TJ Hockenson, the Lions potentially get a long-term upgrade here in Kincaid who is ready to play right away. Giving Goff more weapons isn’t a bad thing at all, especially after how much the team has spent on their defense. Kincaid will be an elite weapon and bring some of the best route running as a tight end in the league. Plus, Kincaid is no slouch when it comes to blocking or isn’t afraid to bite some knees.
1.19 | Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, Defensive Line, Pittsburgh
The Buccaneers need help along their defensive line big-time and get one of the best guys in the draft here. Kancey has a similar size and ability to Aaron Donald, though it remains to be seen if he can come close to that ceiling. However, Kancey could form a dangerous duo with Vita Vea to create havoc on opposing offenses. Davis is a pocket pusher that mops up offensive linemen. Kancey is a smaller interior defensive lineman with insane speed and power. He beat Aaron Donald’s 40-Yard Dash time highlighting how explosive he can be. The Buccaneers would begin recreating a young and strong defensive line which help them get back to the playoffs again.
1.20 | Seahawks: Bryan Bresee, Defensive Line, Clemson
The Seahawks have added a ton of defensive pieces this off-season, including an earlier first-round pick of Wilson. Yet, they still need to add and fix their interior defensive line. That’s where Bresee comes in. Obviously, the Seahawks would’ve preferred to get Kancey, but Bryan’s a great piece still. Bresee is a good run defender and pocket pusher. He’ll give Wilson and company time from the interior to get to the quarterback.
1.21 | Chargers: Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU
The Chargers need help at multiple spots, and could definitely use a tight end to be able to successfully implement new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s offense. However, the allure of acquiring an athletic giant with great speed at the wide receiver spot is too much to pass up. Quentin would give Justin Herbert another strong downfield target that can get good separation. QJ has the highest upside of any wide receiver in the draft. Plus, he has good enough hands to make the majority of catches and with his insanely elite athleticism, is a threat to score anytime the ball is in his arms.
1.22 | Ravens: Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State
The Ravens need help badly at wide receiver and cornerback, but it seems like they will be pursuing a cornerback in the first round. There’s not much better in the draft than Porter Jr., who combines elite length, size, and athleticism with strong coverage skills. He definitely has the ability to cover any of the elite AFC North wide receivers. The Ravens would finally have a long-term and young starting cornerback opposite star Marlon Humphrey.
1.23 | Vikings: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
The Vikings can’t trust Zadarius Smith or Danielle Hunter to stay healthy or produce like they used to. Plus, there’s no guarantee that Smith will be on the roster come Week One. So, the Vikings do well to replace him with an athletic edge-rushing talent with insane speed and burst. The Vikings saw what happened late in the season when they couldn’t pressure the quarterback. Plus, they saw how the Giants affected the Vikings’ offense with their intense pass rush. That’s why Minnesota won’t pass up the chance to add a new edge1 and give them a long-term answer to a spot they’ve struggled to perform in.
1.24 | Jaguars: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland
Banks is the best player here for what the Jaguars need. He’s a talented cornerback with excellent coverage ability and good size. The Jaguars got sliced up in their secondary by Patrick Mahomes last year in the playoffs. Deonte will give them a long-term and cheap option at a pivotal position and someone that has a ton of upside. The Jaguars can’t afford to not address their secondary. Thus, they take the best cornerback on the board here and help their cap situation long-term.
1.25 | Giants: Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC
The Giants get a steal here as they snag one of the best wide receivers in the draft who can grow with Daniel Jones. Addison is a former Biletnikoff winner with strong hands, excellent speed, and good route-running. The Giants desperately need a wide receiver that can help Danny Dimes raise his play after the failed Kenny Golladay experiment. Despite Jordan’s smaller stature (5’11 and 173 LBs), he’s a proven competitor with toughness and an ability to shred defenses. The Giants get a Tyler Lockett-like player without having to move up.
1.26 | Cowboys: Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame
The Cowboys know how crucial Dalton Schultz was to their offense, but he’s now with the Texans. With that, there’s now a gaping hole in their offense with a ton of targets available. This is where Mayer comes into play. He’s ready to start day one and is an excellent blocker and receiver. He’s very similar to Schultz in that he doesn’t gain a ton of yards after the catch, but makes all the plays and knows how to get open. The Cowboys could go wide receiver, but when there’s an elite tight end available and he’s the best player available, the Cowboys can’t afford to pass him up. Mayer would become an instant fantasy darling if he got drafted by the Cowboys.
1.27 | Bills: O’Cyrus Torrence, Guard, Florida
The Bills can’t afford to allow Josh Allen to keep getting hit or to not have blocking lanes open. They signed one guard in Connor McGovern but still need more. That’s where O’Cyrus can step in on day one and start. He’s a technique-sound guard with good size and length and a proven track record in the SEC. Torrence will help the Bills avoid the early playoff exit and ensure that Josh Allen isn’t getting hit too often. After all, if Allen goes down, the whole season ends. They could go wide receiver here, but that’s a deeper group than the interior offensive linemen.
1.28 | Bengals: Luke Musgrave, Tight End, Oregon State
Luke Musgrave is very similar to Dallas Goedert, and if the Bengals can get that kind of weapon with Joe Burrow, their offense just becomes that much more dangerous. They need a tight end that can block and make impact plays in the receiving game. That’s what Luke does. He might take a season to fully develop, but Musgrave is already a talented receiver. He has nimble feet and great route-running ability to go with strong hands. Luke will need to bulk up a bit in the NFL, but he should be able to make an impact in the passing game right away. The Bengals can’t afford to pass up this kind of talent here, especially with the fifth-year option available. Other spots they could go to are at safety or cornerback.
1.29 | Saints via Denver via Miami via San Francisco: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The Saints need help at edge rusher after losing multiple key defenders to free agency, including Marcus Davenport. Plus, Cam Jordan is only getting older. They snag a steal in the last first-round by drafting an elite pass-rusher in Myles Murphy. Murphy has elite size and length to give the Saints the next true franchise edge rusher. Myles is an impact player with multiple tools and traits that allow him to get through the offensive line and into the backfield.
1.30 | Eagles: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State
The Eagles need help at their edge and defensive line after losing multiple players there or with guys getting older. Felix will add some youth, speed, and energy to this edge-rushing room that the Eagles have. he has a high-energy and unrelenting approach that makes him dangerous. Couple that with great size and length and he could easily become an impact starter. After how the Eagles helped Reddick break out, even more, this past season, the Eagles could see another talented young edge rusher help the Eagles’ defense repeat their success from last year.
1.31 | Chiefs: Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College
The Chiefs need help at wide receiver with Juju leaving along with Mecole Hardman. Skyy Moore has potential but failed to do much in his rookie year. While they traded for Kadarius Toney, it’s a mystery as to whether he’ll be able to stay healthy for the whole season. Regardless, the team needs help in the pass-catching room for Patrick Mahomes. Zay would come in and fit perfectly inside Andy Reid’s offense. Flowers has elite speed, great route running, and plays with intense energy. He’s an excellent slot receiver that isn’t afraid to go for the ball and will rack up the yards after the catch.
Watch for my 4.0 mock draft!
As always, May the Force be with You, and Happy Mock Drafting!
