Jake Oliver’s Final NFL Mock Draft 4.0
Trade predictions will not be included in this mock. Even though it’s highly likely that the Cardinals trade their pick, I’ll be concentrating on the requirements of each team and what I believe that team should do or who they will end up drafting in the end. The NFL draft this year is very different from the 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.
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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. The Young time is here and the Panthers are pinning their hopes on him.
1.02 | Texans: Will Anderson Jr., Edge Rusher, Alabama
New head coach Demeco Ryans knows how important having a franchise pass-rusher is to a team. He’s seen it for the last half-decade with Nick Bosa. Even when the 49ers had poor quarterback play, Bosa could still win them a game. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Texans might go after a Bosa-like player in Anderson Jr. Will is a true cornerstone defender that should rack up the Pro Bowls and All-Pros. He can do everything you want out of an edge rusher. The Texans would jumpstart their rebuild on defense while ensuring they still have a shot at Caleb or Drake at quarterback next year. Or, they could trade for a quarterback such as Trey Lance. Either way, the Texans snipe the Cardinals and get the best defensive player they’ve had since prime JJ Watt. Ryans gets his franchise defender too.
1.03 | Cardinals: Nolan Smith, Edge Rusher, Georgia
Now, I don’t think the Cardinals take Smith here, but rather they trade down and take him. Smith brings everything they need at edge rusher and more with his elite speed. The Cardinals finally get their franchise edge rusher that they’ve searched the last couple of years for. Plus, coincidentally, they get a guy that resembles the one that got away from the franchise in Haason Reddick. This would be a strong landing spot for Nolan Smith.
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. Levis really fits the Colts to a tee and can become the next Herbert under Shane Steichen’s tutelage.
1.05 | Seahawks via Broncos: Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida
AR is a physical specimen of ideal athleticism. He has some of the rarest traits in a quarterback, namely Lamar Jackson-like speed and athleticism. Yet, his passing work badly needs work. Ideally, he sits his entire rookie year working on that and his ability to run/command an offense before taking over as a starter. The Seahawks can afford him that opportunity by benching him behind well-paid starter Geno Smith. Plus, Richardson fits the rushing mold that Coach Pete Carroll loves. Just be wary, because the Seahawks love to trade down and this pick could be worth its weight in gold.
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. The Lions get a star cornerback that can lock down 1/2 of the field every Sunday.
1.07 | Raiders: Jalen Carter, Defensive Line, Georgia
Yes, there are rumors the Raiders are out on Carter, but this is the 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. If not Carter, look for the Raiders to go with Paris.
1.08 | Falcons: Tyree Wilson, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech
The Falcons get a steal here in Wilson who can become the star franchise edge rusher that the Falcons have been searching for over a decade for. Wilson has elite length, and athleticism, and possesses rare potential. He can easily become the best edge rusher in this draft class, or be a bust. It’s a risky pick, but the payoff could be huge. The Falcons can’t afford to dedicate this spot to either an edge rusher or cornerback. With Gonzo gone, they get the best player available. Atlanta seeks to make havoc with their defense in the NFC South this year.
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. The only focus the Bears need to have is protecting 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: CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State
Now, this pick isn’t where Stroud goes. I fully expect the Titans to move up for him, perhaps at three or nine. Regardless, this is the move for the Titans. They badly need a long-term answer at quarterback and Stroud gives them that. Plus, with Tannehill, Stroud won’t be pressed into full-time starting duties and can learn for the first half of the season. The Titans need to lean into this retool/rebuild as there’s zero chance they can compete with the Jaguars. Stroud gives the Titans a strong-armed accurate quarterback that has better rushing ability than expected. Stroud will be taken before the 11th, and it’s likely the Titans who take him.
1.12 | Texans via Browns: Peter Skoronski, Tackle, Northwestern
Peter is widely seen as a franchise offensive lineman that is capable of sticking at tackle. While previously thought to be forced to move inside, it’s incredibly likely that Skoronski can stick at tackle thanks to just how talented he is. He has perfect technique and should be taken before here, but with four quarterbacks in the first ten or so picks, there’s going to be some amazing value for NFL teams in the teens.
1.13 | Packers via Jets: Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
It’s clear that the Packers wanted to jump ahead of the Patriots, but for who? My gut says they want to stop the fall of Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Devon Witherspoon. However, going with their needs, I predict they take JSN. JSN gives Love a route technician and a superb talent to throw to. He’ll allow Jordan to make some rough throws and still catch them thanks to elite hands and great body control. Can’t wait for the memes to arrive of the Packers taking a wide receiver in the first round after ignoring Rodgers’ pleas for a decade. JSN will be a deadly threat in the NFC North.
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 with both of those issues from day one. Don’t be shocked if they go
1.15 | Jets via Packers: Darnell Wright, Tackle, Tennessee
With the Aaron Rodgers trade official, the Jets must find a way to protect their new franchise quarterback. Thus, the Jets land yet another guy at tackle that could bust. However, they have to find a franchise tackle that can protect. Wright gives them another strong shot at doing so which allows them to protect Arod and get quality rushing lanes open for Breece Hall to burst through.
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 wideouts in the NFL. Washinton can’t afford to continue being burned by the elite NFC East wideouts.
1.17 | Steelers: Anton Harrison, Tackle, Oklahoma
The Steelers know that they must protect Kenny Pickett. While cornerback is arguably a bigger need, the Steelers can afford to get a cornerback in the second round. Here, they go with the guy who has played tackle as a starter in college for a long time. He’ll give Najee Harris plenty of rushing lanes. Plus, he’ll prevent Pickett from being rushed which will aid in his development way more than a cornerback. The Steelers must continue to help out Pickett. They can’t afford to not protect their long-term investment.
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. Don’t be shocked if Tampa Bay trades up.
1.20 | Seahawks: Myles Murphy, Edge Rusher, Clemson
Murphy is a talented edge rusher that has been hiding behind the bigger names in this draft class. However, Myles can do it all on defense. He’d give the Seahawks that force on the edge that they’ve been seeking for years. Myles may need to improve his technique more and the Seahawks could trade down, but Myles fits their needs perfectly. The Hawks get their potential future franchise quarterback and now their franchise edge rusher all in the first round. Talk about a great draft.
1.21 | Chargers: Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn St.
The Chargers need help at cornerback aside from Asante Samuel. They need help at wide receiver and edge too, but they can’t pass up the tall and lanky stud cornerback here. Los Angeles knows that they have to defend the pass better, especially after being ripped to shreds by Lawrence in the playoffs last year. They take the high-upside NFL Prodigy and watch him and another NFL prodigy combine to create one of the best 1-2 cornerback duos in the NFL. This pick helps their edge rushers as well by giving them more time to get to the quarterback. It’s a clear win-now selection for the win-now Chargers.
1.22 | Ravens: Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU
The Ravens miss out on a cornerback but still snag a wide receiver. Even with OBJ, Baltimore has to add to this receiving room. Rashod Bateman has dealt with multiple injuries and hasn’t stood out when he’s healthy. OBJ is coming off his second torn ACL. The Ravens don’t even know who their quarterback is, but they know they need people for that quarterback to throw to. QJ has elite speed, and size, and can play far better than TCU let him play. They limited his routes and Max Duggan failed many of his throws, but Johnston can be an alpha wide receiver in the NFL. His big body allows for a huge catch radius. He could be what the doctor ordered for this Ravens offense, though don’t be shocked if they trade up for a quarterback.
1.23 | Vikings: Lukas Van Ness, Edge Rusher, Iowa
The Vikings need help on defense, at cornerback and edge rusher. This time, they take a versatile edge rusher that could help them in a multitude of ways. Regardless of whether Zadarius Smith is on the team or not, Van Ness can start day one. He’s able to play on the interior or outside which adds to his appeal. Lukas is a dominant pass-rusher that is relentless and learned under one of the best coaches in the nation. He would bring youth, speed, and some nastiness to a Vikings defense that’s being retooled under Brian Flores. Plus, Lukas can defend the run, something the Vikings failed at last year. Don’t be shocked if the Vikings take a versatile athlete that can help them at multiple spots in the first round, or if they trade up for a cornerback.
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. The Cowboys seem determined to get Mayer.
1.27 | Bills: Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College
The Bills must get another wide receiver if they hope to do anything in the playoffs. They’re wasting Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs’ prime years. Gabe Davis is not a WR2. Flowers certainly could be. He plays similarly to Diggs and would be a strong route runner that Allen could throw to. The Bills know that Diggs can’t do it all. Expect them to take a wide receiver in the first round since Buffalo can’t afford to wait any longer. Zay’s a strong player with good speed, feet, and hands. He would be a welcomed addition that would allow Davis to continue his deep routes to this offense.
1.28 | Bengals: Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama
Branch is an ideal player for the Bengals. They need help at safety and at cornerback. Branch can play either. He’s a versatile threat that can be used all over the field. After losing numerous secondary pieces, the Bengals find a new franchise player to put there. He’s got great speed, and tackling ability, and understands how to attack wide receivers and tight ends. He’s used to playing elite competition coming from Alabama. This would be a celebrated pick all over Cincy.
1.29 | Saints via Denver via Miami via San Francisco: Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
The Saints saw their defensive line dissipate during the off-season as many signed with new teams. They will need to get younger and stronger up front in order to do anything in the NFC South. They snag Mazi, a ferocious and lanky defensive tackle that plays strong and fast. He isn’t afraid of any challenge and continually pushes the pocket. Smith fits the kind of defender that the Saints like at DT, a fast, mobile, and long-armed player vs the short-arm guys like Kancey or Bresee. Plus, Mazi would fit right in with the angry defensive mentality that the Saints love.
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: Josh Downs, Wide Receiver, UNC
If the Chiefs can’t trade up, then they’ll take the next best option which is Josh Downs. He’s plenty good enough to do excellent on the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. He can do everything you want out of a wide receiver, despite his smaller stature. Downs works excellently out of the slot and knows how to run routes at all levels. He’s got sturdy hands and would definitely make Mahomes happy. Don’t be shocked if they trade up for a wide receiver.
2nd Round
Trade predictions will not be included in this mock. Even though it’s highly likely that the Cardinals trade their pick, I’ll be concentrating on the requirements of each team and what I believe that team should do or who they will end up drafting in the end. The NFL draft this year is very different from the 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. However, Rounds two and three are pumped full of picks and nearly every team will be making a selection. Certainly, some of these picks will be traded, but that doesn’t mean that the player they take will change.
Teams without a First-Round pick: 49ers, Dolphins, Broncos, Rams, and Browns.
Round Two Mock Draft
2.32 | Steelers via Bears: Emannuel Forbes, Cornerback, Miss St.
The Steelers snag a draft steal as Forbes slips out of the first round and to the Steelers. They desperately need a boundary cornerback and Patrick Peterson is not the long-term answer. Here they get Forbes, a tall and agile cornerback with the stride of a gazelle who is able to keep up with any wide receiver in the league. He’s got good hands and eyes and understands how to defend against route running. The bad? He’s extremely skinny and can be bodied by big receivers. However, his never-quit attitude fits the Steelers perfectly and gives them a quality young defensive back.
2.33 | Texans: Jack Campbell, Linebacker, Iowa
2.34 | Cardinals: John Michael Schmitz, Center, Minnesota
The Cardinals badly need a center after seeing what happens last year when you don’t have a starting center. Here, they get the best guy in the draft and provide protection long-term for Kyler Murray. The team is rebuilding and needs to build its trenches up. They establish that here by starting at the center. It’s not a flashy pick, but it’s a massive upgrade and truly helps their team get better both now and long term.
2.35 | Colts: Dawand Jones, Tackle, Ohio State
2.36 | Rams: Will McDonald IV, Edge Rusher, Iowa State
2.37 | Seahawks via Broncos: O’Cyrus Torrence, Guard, Florida
2.38 | Raiders: Cam Smith, Cornerback, South Carolina
2.39 | Panthers: Jalin Hyatt, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Bryce Young needs a running mate and gets one here in Hyatt. The speedy receiver is lethal at deep routes and pairs well with Young’s deep arm. Plus, this allows Thielen and Chark to work the middle route tree and let the Panthers avoid giving Hyatt too many routes to learn. This is a high-ceiling, low-floor pick but the Panthers certainly seem like the ones who would take this kind of risk.
2.40 | Saints: Steve Avila, Guard, TCU
2.41 | Titans: Cody Mauch, Tackle, North Dakota State
2.42 | Packers via Jets via Browns: Luke Musgrave, Tight End, Oregon State
2.43 | Jets: Drew Sanders, Linebacker, Arkansas
2.44 | Falcons: Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Alabama
2.45 | Packers: Keion White, Edge Rusher, Georgia Tech
2.46 | Patriots: Tyrique Stevenson, Cornerback, Miami
2.47 | Commanders: Luke Wypler, Center, Ohio State
2.48 | Lions: Bryan Bresee, Defensive Line, Clemson
2.49 | Steelers: Trenton Simpson, Linebacker, Clemson
2.50 | Buccaneers: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee
2.51| Dolphins: Sam LaPorta, Tight End, Iowa
The Dolphins are basically the 49ers offense 2.0. That means they need a good tight end, one that is adept at not just blocking, but also receiving. LaPorta could be their Kittle. He hails from the same school, Tight End U, and does everything well. He’s a nasty route runner, not afraid to put his body in harm’s way for a block, and has insane speed/burst for a tight end. He’s proven to be a better blocker already than Gesicki and can improve. He’s got Pro Bowl caliber written all over him in the Dolphins offense.
2.52 | Seahawks: Adetomiwa Adebawore, Defensive Tackle, Northwestern
2.53 | Bears via Ravens: BJ Ojulari, Edge Rusher, LSU
2.54 | Chargers: Jonathan Mingo, Wide Receiver Ole Miss
The Chargers have to get a wide receiver. They know that Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are gone in a year. Their cap numbers are not feasible to keep. They also need a new WR3. Mingo can be that and so much more. He’s got elite size at 6’2 and 220 pounds. He’s a bigger AJ Brown but plays exactly the same. He’s fast, intense, excellent at contested catches, and has a terrific burst. He wasn’t used right at Ole Miss, but looks to be the latest Ole Miss wide receiver to break out in the NFL and become a dangerous weapon. Pairing him with Herbert seems like a cheat code.
2.55 | Lions via Vikings: Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge Rusher, USC
The Lions snag a new partner for Aidan Hutchinson. Tuli is a versatile pass-rusher capable of rushing from the edge or in the interior. He’s a dangerous man when it comes to sifting through the offensive line and planting the quarterback down. He’s tough, mean, and has a never-quit attitude. Combine that with a playing style that resembles Dan Quinn, and he’s the ideal Lions’ player. This would be a match made in heaven and give Hutch even more free lanes to rush the passer.
2.56 | Jaguars: Matthew Bergeron, Tackle, Syracuse
2.57 | Giants: Joe Tippmann, Center, Wisconsin
2.58 | Cowboys: Zach Charbonnet, Running Back, UCLA
2.59 | Bills: Daiyan Henley, Linebacker, Washington State
2.60 | Bengals: Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia
The Bengals snag a tough blocking tight end who has elite red zone skills to help Joe Burrow out in multiple ways. Burrow can get a better-blocked pocket which helps the Bengals offense overall. Then, he can get a ginormous target in the red zone who can make tough catches and become a reliable separator for Burrow. Darnell could become a true cheat code if he can develop properly. The Bengals can afford him that time with their elite wideouts.
2.61 | Bears via 49ers: Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame
2.62 | Eagles: Julius Brents, Cornerback, Kansas State
The Eagles got to get younger at cornerback and could use another guy regardless as they seek to keep their dominant secondary into next season. Brents presents himself with excellent speed, height, and burst. He’s similar in attributes to Tariq Woolen. If the Eagles can snag that kind of player at this spot, they have to. That’s how you win Super Bowls, having elite depth and tons of talent at every position, especially when you’re facing one of the AFC’s vaunted quarterbacks.
2.63 | Chiefs: Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn
Be sure to check out Round One and Round Three! Happy Mock Drafting, can’t wait for Round One to start on Thursday! May the Force be with you all this NFL Draft season…
3rd Round
3.64 | Bears: Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia
3.65 | Texans: Nathaniel Dell, Wide Receiver, Houston
3.66 | Cardinals: Cedric Tillman, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
There’s a definite and sad possibility the Cardinals trade DeAndre Hopkins. That leaves a gaping hole at wide receiver where they badly need a large big bodied wideout that can work all three levels. Tillman provides that. He’s not the flashiest wide receiver but will serve as a suitable target for Kyler Murray. Plus, he’s a good complement to Hollywood Brown.
3.67 | Broncos via Colts: Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee
3.68 | Broncos: Chanler Zavala, Guard, NC State
3.69 | Rams: DJ Turner, Cornerback, Michigan
3.70 | Raiders: Kobie Turner, Defensive Tackle, Wake Forest
3.71 | Saints: Rashee Rice, Wide Receiver, SMU
3.72 | Titans: Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
Mims is a talented wide receiver that has gone unrecognized for his skill for far too long. He’s a strong wideout that is capable of working all three levels with good hands and route running. He isn’t flashy or overly fast, but does everything good. This is the kind of reliable wide receiver the Titans need to help Tannehill push the offense forward and take some of the load off of struggling wideout Treylon Burks.
3.73 | Texans via Browns: Siaka Ika, Defensive Tackle, Baylor
3.74 | Browns via Jets: Keeanu Benton, Defensive Tackle, Wisconsin
3.75 | Falcons: Garrett Williams, Cornerback, Syracuse
3.76 | Patriots via Panthers: Michael Wilson, Wide Receiver, Stanford
3.77 | Rams via Patriots: Tank Bigsby, Running Back, Auburn
The Rams know they can’t rely on Cam Akers. Plus, he’s nearly a free agent. Here, they get a talented three-down running back that can block, receive, and be athletic out of the backfield. He’ll take some of the load off of Matthew Stafford’s shoulder and give the Rams offense another dynamic weapon. He’d be a field day for Sean McVay to scheme up new plays for. The Rams need starters everywhere, including at running back. The team is going to need to score more to bail out it’s defense.
3.78 | Packers: Antonio Johnson, Safety, Texas A&M
3.79 | Colts via Commanders: Darius Rush, Cornerback, South Carolina
3.80 | Steelers: Henry To’oTo’o, Linebacker, Alabama
3.81 | Lions: Tyler Scott, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati
3.82 | Buccaneers: Jordan Battle, Safety, Alabama
3.83 | Seahawks: Clark Phillips III, Cornerback, Utah
3.84 | Dolphins: Devon Achane, Running Back, Texas A&M
3.85 | Chargers: Tucker Kraft, Tight End, South Dakota State
The Chargers hired Kellen Moore to be their new O.C. Moore’s system requires a strong tight end that is capable of receiving and blocking. Kraft is that guy. He’s almost a Dallas Goedert clone, which is funny because they went to the same school. However, Kraft will become a reliable and cheap weapon for Herbert to work with long-term. He’s an all-around good tight end.
3.86 | Ravens: Trevius Hodges-Tomlinson, Cornerback, TCU
3.87 | Vikings: Jartavius Martin, Cornerback, Illinois
3.88 | Jaguars: Luke Schoonmaker, Tight End, Michigan
3.89 | Giants: A.T. Perry, Wide Receiver, Wake Forest
If the Giants are serious about improving this offense and helping Daniel Jones prove that he is worth that big-money extension, then they better keep getting him help. Addison helps a ton in the route running and medium depth throws. Perry is an excellent deep threat with the perfect height and length to provide a large target for Jones to throw to. He could be exactly what Kenny Golladay should’ve been and far cheaper. The GIants just put the NFC East on notice with this move.
3.90 | Cowboys: Zacch Pickens, Defensive Tackle, South Carolina
3.91 | Bills: Sydney Brown, Safety, Syracuse
3.92 | Bengals: Roschon Johnson, Running Back, Texas
The Bengals aren’t long for Joe Mixon. He didn’t provide nearly enough last year and is not worth his contract. Combine that with the off-field issues, and Cincinnati has to draft his replacement. Roschon is a tough-nosed rusher that has great patience, vision, and agility. Plus, he’s got more than good enough receiving skills to become a full-time starter. The Bengals could move on from Mixon either now or after this season and have a ready-made starter to go. A cheap one too to aid in the Bengals tough salary cap future.
3.93 | Panthers via 49ers: Nick Herbig, Linebacker, Wisconsin
3.94 | Eagles: Tyler Steen, Tackle, Alabama
Lane Johnson isn’t getting any younger and coming off another big injury, the Eagles must plan for the future. That begins here as they take Steen. He’s an experienced right tackle used to tough competition after playing in the SEC. He’s not flashy or fast, but he is a sturdy right tackle that will not give up any ground. He’s a grinder, exactly the type of player the Eagles love.
3.95 | Chiefs: Blake Freeland, Tackle, BYU
Third-Round Compensatory Picks:
3.96 | Cardinals: Kendre Miller, Running Back, TCU
3.97 | Commanders: Zack Kuntz, Tight End, Old Dominion
3.98 | Browns: YaYa Diaby, Edge, Louisville
3.99 | 49ers: Carter Warren, Tackle, Pittsburgh
3.100 | Raiders: Anthony Bradford, Guard, LSU
3.101 | 49ers: Ji’Ayir Brown, Safety, Penn State
3.102 | 49ers: Brenton Strange, Tight End, Penn State