DRAFT DAY IS FINALLY HERE! In the weirdest draft of my lifetime it is much harder to separate this years prospects. So many took the year off, and there is much less information on them compared to previous years, and on all of the players in general. Every draft is a projection, but it would take a prophet of GOD to get this one right. I initially thought that would help level the playing field for draftniks like myself compared to NFL scouts because we would all be relying more on the tape. However, a lot of the tape is over a year old. Projecting the tape of a guy who was 19 when the game was played , especially a 19 year old who hasn't played in a long time is very tricky. Then you have the guys who actually played this year. Some initially opted out, and then opted back in. Some were rusty when they finally showed up, and nobody got the regular amount of preparation they would have gotten in a normal season. Plus some teams had their whole season cancelled by the school, only played one game before the school cancelled their season , or had so many cancellations that they only played a 4 game season. Most of the guys who initially opted out before jumping back in, then opted out early if they weren't on a playoff team. Even the players who were in from day one played less games than they would have in a normal year. The Senior Bowl was an even bigger deal than usual because it was our best chance to get definite measurables, and for a few guys it was our only chance to see them because they didn't play this entire season. Their were some players who were eligible for the Senior Bowl ,after sitting out the season, and yet they still no showed. If I were a NFL teams shot caller, and those guys didn't convince me of some serious health problems they would be dropping down my board some at the very least. Then you take injuries that affect the future into account, and the medicals this year were much thinner for teams, and even less trickles out to us. The Senior Bowl was also the only ALL STAR game that didn't cancel. So a lot of lesser known players never got a chance to show what they could do against better competition, and there are a lot less known names out there to dig into. Toss in the off the field stuff too because there is less information there as well . So I am going to really have to hold the definitive trait this season to be the tape, and if it's close I will side with the guy who played this season. The ironic thing is that 4 of my top 10 opted out completely . There are also a whole bunch of players I have a 2nd or 3rd round grade on ,who opted out all or part of the season, or who played 4 or less games this season. So a weird draft is probably a understatement. Some teams may be s fed up with the lack of information that they will keep trying to trade back to add picks for the 2022 draft. While others are more confident of their evaluations and/or so cash strapped that they will role the dice and take as many players as they can this season. This is a offense leaning draft up high , and one where I expect 5 QB's to come off the board in the board in the top 10. It could also be the first draft without a defensive player in the top 10. Although I expect at least one defender to sneak in between picks 7 and 10. This is a mock draft. So it's what I think teams will do and not necessarily my rankings, although I am finishing them up after I post this mock, and those will be posted too. I have tried to show as many possibilities leading up to draft day in my mocks, but this is how I finally see it now that the big day is upon us. I have also added player comparisons for everyone I have graded in the top 64 , and for the Texans first pick which is at #67. So you can get a idea of what kind of player your team is getting. The higher the player is listed in my rankings the more likely I think it is that they will reach that comp. So if I have a player listed later in the rankings comped to a very successful player it's less likely that he reaches that comp than it is for a guy higher in the rankings, but who has a better comp. The comp is for on the field play only. Feel free to comment . Agreeing or disagreeing is welcome, but please do it respectfully and intelligently or I just won't post it.
# Is for a player for with reported character or maturity concerns .
** Is for a player with reported injury concerns .
JACKSONVILLE - TREVOR LAWRENCE - QB - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMP - CARSON PALMER - retired
The Jets blew it, and now the Jags ended up with one of the great QB prospects in history . Trevor is so good that it even brought Urban Meyer out of his 2nd retirement ,although the more I thought about it the less I like the hiring. Meyer seems more like an opportunist to me that is gravy training on a cherry gig, but who knows maybe he will become the 3rd coach to win both a NCAA championship and the Superbowl . The Jags are coming off a good 2020 draft and they led the league in cap space . They also already have plenty of young talent at the skill positions , except for TE. They have no key free agents they need to resign either , and when you add 5 of first 65 2021 draft picks this team could have a very quick turnaround .The biggest needs on offense ( after drafting Lawrence ) are left tackle and TE . The Jags obviously disagree with me about left tackle because they slapped the franchise tag on chronic underachiever Cam Robinson, although they could be just covering their asses, or maybe they want to kick him inside to guard .On defense they should just go best player available , except for edge rushers where they are already covered. So lets talk about the foregone conclusion of picking Trevor Lawrence . The best QB grade I have ever had for a college player is still Andrew Luck, but before that it belonged to Carson Palmer . Although I wasn't evaluating players at the time when Elway entered the draft , and I have heard many legendary personnel men say he was the best QB prospect they ever saw . Palmer was big ( 6"5" , and 235 pounds ) , had a strong arm , and was very mobile and athletic ( 4.62 40 time ) for such a big guy . Although he didn't run much , especially after he tore his ACL . I mention this for two reasons . One - because a lot of people are saying that Lawrence is the greatest QB prospect to ever come along , and Lawrence is number 2 for me behind Luck , but ahead of Palmer . The other is because Lawrence reminds me of a better version of Palmer . Palmer had an up and down college career until his Heisman trophy winning 2002 season , and Lawrence has been great from the start .The game has changed , and Lawrence is more likely to run a lot than Palmer ever did . Plus Palmer's frame was a lot more filled out with muscle , but that's who he reminds me of , although Luck and Palmer played in more Pro friendly offenses in college. Some may want to point out that Luck only had an average arm . Arm strength isn't as important to me because if it's good enough, and you can throw people open quickly you can still make all the throws . The two greatest QB's of ALL - TIME in my book are Brady and Montana, and they only had average arms . Peyton Mannings arm was even a little below average , but all three of them made quick reads and got the ball away fast , and that alleviates some of the arm strength question . Lawrence has the big arm to make all the throws in the NFL, Solid accuracy, was productive behind a subpar O-line ,and has a lot of big game experience & leadership traits . So Lawrence is my all time number two QB prospect behind Luck . Only a fool would pass on him, and the only way I would trade this pick is for Patrick Mahomes, and that would NEVER happen .So a slam dunk for the Jags . In Free Agency the jaguars have signed a lot of low cost FA's out of the gate, but haven't made a big splash so far . Of the 7 players they signed in the first week maybe 3 or 4 are potential starters , and the rest are depth .The potential significant incoming players are CB Shaquille Griffin, WR Marvin Jones, and Safety Rayshawn Jenkins .
2.NY JETS - ZACH WILSON - QB - BYU
NFL PLAYER COMP - BRETT FAVRE - retired
Darnold can't stay healthy , and he still turns the ball over too much , so I am glad that the Jets finally shipped him out of town like Gase . He might even turn it all around for a new team. He's still very young, and hasn't had much to work with in his time with New York . With Darnold gone they have even admitted they are taking a QB, and almost everyone agrees that it's Wilson. They don't have as much potential quality in their picks as the Jags do , but they do have 5 of the top 87 this year , and have been spending some of their cap space . Plus they have a ton of needs on defense, need to improve their interior O-Line , and add some more weapons on offense. Now I have to say after doing all his tape I surprisingly FREAKING LOVE ZACH WILSON ! Before the 2020 season I broke down one of his 2019 games ( against Utah because I liked their defense ) , and I wasn't real impressed . I usually only watch one if there isn't a lot of buzz on the guy , and then see if they deserve a deeper look .What I didn't know was that he had both shoulder and hand injuries at the time . That's entirely my fault because when I break down film on a player , as opposed to just watching it like the fan I also am, l do it without the sound to avoid being distracted or influenced by the commentary . They probably mentioned it on the broadcast and I never knew . This year my initial take when buzz started going around about him was his poor level of competition might be inflating the chatter . That's not his fault, and they actually had a tougher schedule lined up before Covid hit, but with so many teams cancelling their season they had to take what they could get . Wasn't a great schedule ,and they did lose the first game of his I broke down in 2020 at Coastal Carolina , who was #18 at the time . He definitely looked more mobile , had great pocket awareness , and showed a stronger arm . Still didn't see him as a first rounder , but then I watched San Diego ST and especially the UCF game . UCF had one of the best secondary's in all of college football this year , and he was special in that game . I then went after all of his tape, and found out about the 2019 injuries . I remembered that he had a good true freshman year as a starter for 7 games in 2018 . So I watched his first start against Hawaii , and his last 2 games of that year . Against Utah in 2018 I already saw significant progress happening , and flashes of brilliance .In the the Bowl Game against Western Michigan( who was a step down from Utah)Wilson was a perfect 18 for 18 with 4 TD'S and 317 yards passing despite some decent pass rush pressure in that game . That's when I really started to see the guy he became this year . In 2020 he had a Tony Romo like 6th sense in the pocket, a really strong arm coming at you from a bunch of weird angles, and a point guard like distribution of accurate NFL throws all over the field . It's very Favre-ish in both the good & bad ways . He can make throws few can with a flick of the wrist, but that big arm & gunslinger mentality can come with a lot of growing pains . As Great as Favre was there is a reason why he is still the ALL-TIME NFL leader in interceptions 10 years after he retired by a whopping 59 over the next guy . Wilson's reads are pretty quick too, he can throw guys open , does pretty well against pressure, and has no off the field concerns that I have heard about . His Negatives are, level of competition this year, lacks an ideal frame to add weight , the occasional arrogantly forced ball, still needing to learn when to just check it down sooner, and he's almost a ginger😂 . Only Luck, Lawrence and Burrow had higher QB grades for me in the last decade . He's now my clear cut #2 QB ,and now that I am finished with all my QB grades, he ended up the 5th highest graded player on my entire draft board . If I had the number 2 pick I would run to the podium when it was my turn . The Jets have spent big in free agency early , but the 2 key additions are WR Corey Davis & edge rusher Carl Lawson . Davis has had injury issues, but last year was his best season . If he can stay healthy and be more consistent on a weekly basis he could be a number one WR for this team . Lawson is a technician as a edge rusher , but he has trouble holding the edge in the run game . Other than that only 3 of them seem to be possible impact players . DT Sheldon Rankins is another talented guy who plays well when healthy, but he has had a lot of serious injuries in his career. Lamarcus Joyner might return to form for them at his natural safety spot, but he seemed lost in the slot for the Raiders last season . Special teams ace Justin Hardee is another . Everyone else just looks like potential depth to me, except for LB Jarrad Davis . Signing that former 1rst round bust for the Lions , who seems lost in coverage , baffled me . Maybe he will be a better fit in Saleh's defense, but I will believe it when I see it .
3.49ers - (texans,miami)- TREY LANCE - QB - N. DAKOTA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - STEVE MCNAIR - retired
Well, I did say Miami might trade down, but I didn't expect them to trade down with the niners and then trade back up with Philly . As for frisco , this was a shocker. Not that they traded up . I had them sitting at #12 and taking Mac Jones in my last mock, but that they traded up this far . I thought if they did trade it would be with Philly at #6, Detroit at #7, Denver at #9, or Dallas #10. Instead they leapfrogged Carolina ,who definitely wante a QB, and forced the Panthers to make a lesser trade for Darnold. . Genius if the QB pick works out. Plus they jump over teams that probably need a new QB long term , even if they don't take one this year . Like Atlanta ,Philly, Detroit, and Denver. Now on to who they take and why. Justin Fields would be my highest rated QB left here, but I think he might need a year sitting on the bench to learn this offense, but it would make sense to me if they wanted to keep Garoppolo , but my argument for taking Jones at #12 was to dump him. Jimmy G has missed 23 games in the last 3 years , he's just solid at his best, and he comes with a 25 million dollar salary . I know that the 49ers had some key free agents that they couldn't resign while paying Jimmy that kind of money, and only a fool would extend his injury prone inconsistent ass . For me I would literally prefer Lance or Jones over Garoppolo even if they had the same salary this year , because I believe they would be more consistent once they learned the offense. The niners weren't in cap trouble when free agency started, but they just had too many free agents to resign, and not enough room to fit them all . Dallas had the same dilemma last year and let Byron Jones leave, and it really hurt their defense . Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett , Ahkelllo Witherspoon ,K'waun Williams, Emmanuel Mosely ,Jaquiski Tartt, Dontae Jhonson , and Jamar Taylor were all free agents in the frisco secondary . Sadly that wasn't even their biggest free agent worry . That was Trent Williams , and lets not forget about key cogs named Kyle Jusczcyk & Kendrick Bourne .So far they were able to resign Trent Williams ,Jusczcyk , Mosely , Johnson, Tartt, Jhonson ,and Verrett . The only players of note lost were #3 WR Bourne ,Witherspoon, and disappointing former #3 overall pick Soloman Thomas. I don't count Sherman because he played just OK last year when healthy, is past his prime, and as was injured as well. They also upgraded at center with Alex Mack, although he is 35 , and they should draft a pivot in waiting this year . If they draft Lance or Jones and get rid of Garoppolo they can keep most of those other key guys . They could also draft any of the 3 and see if Jimmy will take a pay cut to stay this season. That's why even though frisco was in the same boat as Dallas when it came to the secondary in free agency I didn't have them taking a corner iif they stayed at #12. San Francisco has more cap space, and a easily replaceable QB. Dallas had none of those . I'm going with Lance because he fit's this offense, and his running ability would give it a new dimension it currently lacks, and that's RPO'S, which we saw some of last year when Nick Mullens took over. Fields could bring that RPO ability too , but I don't see him being ready to start week one this year, although he is FAR more accurate than Lance. Jones is more ready from a mental processing scenario because he reads defenses faster than any of the 5, and he also would take to this similar to Bama offense really quick. Jones has great accuracy too, but he lacks Trey or Justin's tools and upside. I also can't see Shanahan & Lynch trading an extra 2 first rounders and a 3rd to move up to get Mac Jones. So I am going with Trey Lance. Maybe Lance sits a season behind Jimmy G because his 2020 season was cancelled after only 1 game this year, and it wasn't a good showing as a passer . Plus he needs work on throwing guys open , and needs to sharpen his accuracy some too. His 2019 tape was excellent though . That year Lance threw 28 TD'S , WITH NO PICKS , rushed for 1100 yards, and another 14 TD's . His undefeated 2019 team also won a championship, and that is really hard to ignore . He has a cannon for an arm , but after only 15 total starts heading into the season it's harder to see Shanahan handing him the reins in week one. Plus the one in 2020 was the worst game he ever played for the bison's, and I have watched 11 of them. In this years lone game he only completed 50% of his passes in a run heavy play action offense with some very open receivers . Although he did rush for 143 yards & two TD's on only 15 carries , which he means had 4 total TD's that day , but he also threw his first pick .Also on the bright side his season was cancelled instead of just opting out ,and I have no reason to think he had any say in it . His mechanics are just OK, with a lower than ideal throwing motion & longer release that could lead to forced fumbles & tipped balls . I see him as having a high floor anyway . Trey has the Biggest arm in the draft and is built like a weak side linebacker . Really dangerous runner and is used to playing under center already. As a passer at N. Dakota ST. Lance runs a very basic paint by the numbers Pro style offense like Friscos ,with a lot of the same route combinations over and over. another thing the Bison offense has in common with the 49ers is that is a run first play action system. Trey executes that offense very safely, but I wish he would take more chances down the field , as he mostly throws deep on designed play action passes . His running ability gives him a high floor as a rookie if you tailor the offense to his strengths . However, unlike RG3, Wentz , Prescott, Newton , and Allen as rookies he doesn't just read half the field . That alone should give him a leg up on all 3 early if he goes to a good team . If he is a full season starter as a rookie he could be a fantasy football stud , especially if he went to the 49ers . We are talking a potential Lamar Jackson with a better build and more accuracy fantasy stats here . The niners just need health, a QB , another corner, and some interior O-Lineman . This scheme should translate well to Lance , and Shanahan's are good at putting a hard working QB into a good position to be productive quickly. Don't let last season confuse you . This team is a Superbowl contender who was just killed by injuries . Even with a rookie at QB they could be in the Superbowl again right away. Plus Lance will now have high level weapons in Kittle, Aiyuk, and Samuels to throw to as well.
4.ATLANTA - KYLE PITTS - TE - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMP - DARREN WALLER - TE - RAIDERS
If the Falcons stay at #4 I expect the pick to be Sewell or Pitts. Tradinf back would give them a chance to reload under the new regime, instead of completely rebuilding, but I am guessing they only move back for a huge haul. I just didn't see them taking another TE after trading for Hurst in 2020. Then I thought about the offense new head coach Aurthur Smith orchestrated with the Titans. A balanced power running/play action offense with a lot of 2 TE sets. Also, Pitts also isn't just a TE. He can play WR too . With Julio Jones being 32, missing 6 games in 2020, the Falcons having a good chance to move on from him after the 2022 season, and the the team probably needing to reset their cap after that campaign it all makes a lot of sense. Plus their were rumors about them trading Julio after the draft. I definitely no longer think they can trade Matt Ryan this year because it would kill their cap, and the cap went down after Covid , especially after they restructured his deal pushing more money into the future. I was thinking they were going to take a QB before the restructure , but not now. The Falcons have serious cap problems ,and it still wouldn't shock me if they traded down again to get more picks , and if since they probably aren't taking a QB that could be their best play . They are staying at #4 here and I'm giving them Pitts. The Falcons haven't had any big FA singings, although they did bring back their kicker Younghoe Koo after a Pro Bowl season in 2020 . New head coach Arthur Smith is a former college O-lineman , and he could push for Sewell as well. I'm going to bet this pick is used on defense if they trade back and Pitts & Slater both gone, because that was the main problem with their team last year . Pitts is just a weapon on offense, and he's only 20 years old right now so you can expect him to get even better . A mismatch as either a WR or TE . He's not a great blocker, but at least he tries to block, and has the frame to add more muscle once his man strength comes in . He's too fast for most LB's, and too big for most DB . Plus Pitts has a ginormous catch radius. You don't see many TE's explode out of their brakes and separate like him . You cant. double Jones, Ridley , and Pitts all at the same time either. So Pitts it is even if they keep Julio.
5.CINCINNATI - PENEI SEWELL - OT - OREGON
NFL PLAYER COMP - TRENT WILLIAMS - 49ers
The Bengal's had a good draft in 2020 , but injuries to their young O-Line ended Joe Burrows impressive rookie season . Combine that with too many guys getting playing time over established veterans for some reason, and you get a 4-11-1 record. However, it was still progress over their 2-14 2019 season . Future HOFer AJ GREEN was a free agent , and he had been relegated to #3 WR status last season anyway. Plus he signed with the Cards. Winning at the end of the season SHOULD have cost them Penei Sewell , but now he just falls in their lap. .I don't see another O-Lineman I would be comfortable taking in the top 5 , but if Sewell falls here they better take him. Burrow may want his buddy Chase, or even Pitts instead, but I believe that Mike Brown will take the tackle to save Joe from himself. They can probably get Pat Freiermuth in the second, and while he may not be the receiving weapon Pitts is , he is a better blocker. if they don't want to go TE in the 2nd they can probably take another LSU WR in Terrace Marshall JR. Sewell is a true dancing bear . There are very few people on planet earth of this size that move so well . He was kicking ass as a starting true freshman LT at Oregon right out of the gate, and that shows not just talent ,but work ethic & football IQ . Smart with good strength and hand placement. Sewell is not technically refined yet from a NFL perspective, but he can do things most NFL starting OT's can't, and that's saying a lot . He has all the upside in the world, although I would like to see more of a mean streak . If he is already this good at 20 years old imagine what he could be after a few years of NFL coaching. The Bengals had plenty cap space before free agency, but owner Mike Brown is not known for spending money . This might have been the time to spend some and go after a Joe Thuney. Then take some more of that cash and extend young stud safety Jessie Bates . I think with a healthy O-line , Burrow , their other draft picks, and whole lot of young talent with another year under their belt could get them to .500 this year on a last place schedule .The Bengals went another way. They let effective and steady edge rusher Carl Lawson go to the jets, and then overpaid for the more talented but less effective Trey Hendrickson . They did sign middling OT Reilly Reiff to play RT, but he has never been more than a solid at best OT, and is a better fit at guard. At least it's still a upgrade over what they had, but taking Sewell to play LT moves Jonah Williams to RT, and Reiif to OG. That's improving 3 positions up front with one pick! The Bengals also signed Chito Awuze to play corner, but let a better CB in William Jackson leave to Washington. Mike Hilton is either a slight upgrade over Mackenzie Alexander or just a wash. DT Larry Ogunjobi has been average at best , but he is still young so maybe he will progress in Cincinnati.
6.MIAMI-(eagles)- JAYLEN WADDLE - WR - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMP - a faster TYLER LOCKETT -SEAHAWKS
If they wanted to trade back they made a good one, although this trade back up to #6 is a little puzzling to me. I would have rather they waited for draft day when a team was on the clock , and I'll explain why. There is a small chance that Smith would have fallen to #12 after he confirmed that he only weighed 170 lbs. This team is on the rise coming off a 10-6 season ,that was with a last place schedule, and they still need some more good players before they can be considered true Superbowl contenders. They currently have the picks and cap space to make those moves right no. I still believe in Tua. Expecting a rookie to come in with those below average weapons and a patchwork O-Line was unrealistic. He needed at least one of the two to do a better job . Now if they give him improved blocking , and some weapons that can separate better then he should be expected to make some good progress. At least 3 and maybe all 4 among Ja'maar Chase, Devonta Smith, Jaylan Waddle, or Kyle Pitts will likely be available at #6 . They already have two 1rst, two 2nds, and a 3rd without trading down. I would take Chase or Pitts, but I think the Tua connection means it will be one of the 2 Bama guys. Waddle is a burner who explodes out of his breaks, runs away from defenders with the ball in his hands, and teams will have to game plan for his lightning speed whenever he's lined up . He makes plays all over the field, is a weapon as a receiver, runner, and even as a returner . A good route runner with a wider catch radius than I expected for his size. Waddle plays bigger than he is with his compact build as blocker and runner. He will pull safeties and open up the rest of the field for the offense . He had a broken ankle this year, but came back for the national championship game when other guys were sitting out that whole season. Even though he obviously wasn't 100% he still made a key catch in the game .HIs hands are just OK , and he's not he biggest guy , but I believe in him. The Dolphins have added 3 significant free agents early on . Will Fuller is one of the games great deep threats, although he has trouble staying healthy, and his hands are inconsistent . Having 2 elite deep threats like Fuller & Waddle on the field at the same time is a safeties worst nightmare. QB Jacoby Brissett is a high end backup, but he has enough starts under his belt to be valuable if Tua goes down . RB Malcolm Brown is as steady as they come . A 3 down back who holds onto the ball, but lacks long speed. Matt Skura might be a stop gap center, but I see him more as a solid backup interior guy .
7.DETROIT - JA'MARR CHASE - WR - LSU
NFL PLAYER COMP - DEANDRE HOPKINS - TEXANS
Matt Patricia was obviously a failure as a head coach. While trying to recreate the Patriots he didn't learn Belichick's most important lesson . That being to adjust your system to the personnel you have when you don't have the right guys to run your ideal system . I'm a huge Jeffrey Okudah fan, but even Stephen Gilmore didn't play at his peak level for a few years in the league . You don't take a rookie CB, no matter how highly rated & drafted he was, and then expect him to play single man coverage outside against Adam Theilen, Allen Robinson , and especially Davante Adams . Patricia wanted to play man , and didn't care if he had the personnel for it, plus Okudah was playing injured . Belichick will have a completely different game plan with different personnel and sub packages one week to the next , and Patricia wasn't wily enough to figure that out. Then he drove away Matthew Stafford, and left Dan Campbell with a big mess to fix . Wide receivers Kenny Golliday , Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola , and Mohammed Sanu were all free agents this off season. While I thought they would find a way to bring back Golliday (they didn't franchise tag him) , and he signed with the Giants .Jones signed with the Jags, and the others are big question marks . The Lions did sign veterans Breshad Perriman & Tyrell Williams, but neither is a Number one WR, and both come with injury & underachiever labels . Plus the Lions don't have a lot of cap space, although the 2 future first rounders they got to take on Goff's contract should help the rebuild . Since Campbell got a 6 year contract , and a serviceable veteran QB to start now ,he has time to build the roster . That means he can go best player available, and avoid forcing a QB pick now , and if one falls here they can potentially trade back and get even more picks to speed up the rebuild. So I will go with my highest rated player left. I had Devonta Smith slightly ahead of Chase after he sat out the whole season , although I definitely had Ja'marr way ahead of before opted out, and I would be happy with Kyle Pitts too . Then Smith refused to be weighed and measured at the Senior Bowl, which makes me think he's even smaller than his listed 6"1" and 175 lbs. Chase dominated SEC corners , and did the same in the playoffs as a red shirt sophomore . Justin Jefferson had a great a rookie year , and I had a first round grade on him , but I liked Chase a lot more before the opt out . Ja'maar is an Alpha . A Physically dominant WR with a my ball mentality ,and a wide catch radius . Smacks aside corners at the line of scrimmage ,and can get open at all levels despite still needing some polish as a route runner . Plays much bigger than he is, breaks tackles ,and the will of would be tacklers. Not a burner( I don't see the 4.34 from his SICK Pro Day on tape) , but he gets open enough ,gets behind DB's, separates when the balls in the air, has huge hops, and wins contested catches. Not only did he end up as my top WR, but he also finished as the 2nd highest graded player on my entire draft board. The only other Lions incoming free agent signing that looks to have a possible big role is Jaamal Williams . A former blocking TE like Campbell is sure to want a healthy running game , and Williams & Swift should both see plenty of touches in this new offense .
8.PANTHERS - MAC JONES - QB - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMP - MATT HASSELBECK - retired
Teddy Bridgewater has never been the same since his injury, and they traded him to the Broncos a few hours ago . He is still a solid QB, but lacks the upside and durability of a long term franchise QB these days . I don't see anyone trading for Deshaun Watson until his off the field questions are adjudicated so they should draft a QB. Matt Rhule is too good of a coach to be picking this high next season, and I thought he would trade up and takes the big athletic QB who fits his system this year . No.Dice Instead they traded a 2nd & 4th in 2022 and a 6th this year for Sam Darnold. I was high on Darnold when he was drafted, but I don't like this trade.. He hasn't shown he can stay healthy, is prone to turnovers, and actually looked he was going backwards last season. I thought they might trade up to #4 to be sure, but I'm now betting a QB who they coached at the Senior Bowl falls in their laps . I am sure they have more detailed inside info on these guys than I do, but what they really traded for was 2 years of Darnold to see if he can progress . This years salary, plus the expensive for QB's 5th year option, will cost them more than 3 years of any of the 1rst round QB's, and maybe 4 years if they draft one at #8. I wouldn't be surprised if they did take a QB here if one of the top 5 falls to them, and if it's one they like I think it would be a smart move too. They can trade Darnold again if they want too, or just have a open competition for the job. Anyway, Darnold is still really ( only 23)young , and he will have better weapons & coaching in Carolina than he ever had for the Jets. I think Jones would beat him out anyway . Right now Jones is a more mentally PRO ready QB than the 4 who will be drafted ahead of him this year, but he also the lowest tools, upside, and he needs a lot around him to win early . Although he surprised me by running a 4.8 forty at his Pro day he is just sneaky athletic in a draft with 4 other QB's that are good to great athletes. Plus Jones is also below prototype size , and although that isn't as important as it used to be, he would be wise to add another 10-15 pounds to his 6"3" frame to hold up to the pounding he will take in the NFL. Jones is very accurate ,makes lightning quick reads, has great feet & mechanics, great touch, the rare deep ball accuracy, and he knows how to mislead safeties. Plus you can find every typical NFL throw available on his tape from this season alone. Whoever the QB is they are going to need to get better blocking for him. The only Panthers free against signing of note to me is edge rusher Haasan Reddick. He had a breakout season last year after being moved back to the edge . He was a first round pick as a edge rusher coming out of Temple where he played for Matt Rhule , but the Cardinals made him an off the ball LB due to his lack of size . Signing him is the only reason I think they might have parted with a young talented edge player like Burns if they had traded up for a QB, but teams are willing to give up a lot for a QB. Maybe WR David Moore becomes a steady #3 WR, and AJ Bouye was a great slot corner a few years back before going down hill the last 2 years. I don't like the rest of the incoming FA's as anything more than possible depth, and it looks they overpaid for some of them.
9.DENVER - MICAH PARSONS - LB - PENN ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - BOBBY WAGNER - LB - SEAHAWKS
The Broncos were one of the teams trying to get in on Deshaun Watson , and as disappointing as Drew Lock was to us all last season I can see why . BUT unless they are getting Watson , and I don't think Warson is going anywhere until his off season questions are adjudicated. So unless they want to take a chance and hope that a QB they love just falls in their lap at #9 they might want to trade up and make sure that they get one. I don't know if they love Fields, but I do , and I just have trouble seeing a QB this talented fall in the draft. I previously thought Denver or Dallas would be the first team to pick a corner if they stayed in place, but the broncos have already signed Ronald Darby & Kyle Fuller. Fuller is a stud, and even though Darby has been up & down in his career he is very talented . The Broncs also brought back one of the best safeties in the league when they made Justin Simmons the highest paid player at his position. This trade up is obviously for a QB. I doubt they go for Mac Jones because Elway has always drafted big arm QB's, although it's ironic that the only success they have had with him in charge was with the weaker armed Peyton Manning at QB. Anyway, I'm now guessing that the Bridgewater trade takes them out of the first round QB race. I will go with Parsons simply because he fills a big need , and I think at least one defensive guy will come off the board in the top 10. Micah is another player who sat out the season , and in his case it really scares me from taking him in the top 10 because he so raw at off the ball LB . Also a part of me thinks he would be better off as an edge rusher, but the former high school RB and DE already switched positions to LB 2 years ago . He has elite size , speed , and power for a LB , but currently lacks the football IQ and instincts to be the QB of a defense . Parsons , Greg Rousseau, and Caleb Farley are the 3 top consensus guys heading into the season who were new to a position, but opted out anyway , and I think all of them hurt their stock because of it . After Parsons blew up his PRO DAY I expect he goes top 10 anyway. His upside is off the charts, but keep an ear to the ground for character & maturity concerns that could cause him to fall.
*** TRADE *** The PATRIOTS trade their 1rst (#15) and 2nd(#46) rounder in this draft and a 4th rounder next year to the COWBOYS for their 1rst rounder (#10) *** TRADE ***
10.NE PATRIOTS-(cowboys)- ** JUSTIN FIELDS - QB - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - DESHAUN WATSON - TEXANS
What a difference a year makes . The good ole Patriots discount is gone , but I figured it would be once Brady left, although I didn't think it would be this drastic . For years veteran players would take less to remain with the Patriots, or join them for a chance to get a ring , but with Brady gone so is the discount . Brady took less so vets would take less to stay or join the team. Now incoming vets aren't chasing a ring ,and have no need to take a discount on a Brady-less 7-9 team . Now the Pats are not only spending a lot of free agent money, but they are also overpaying in many cases, and I can't figure out why they let their best free agent Joe Thuney sign with the Chiefs? However, spending a lot of money in free agency is what happens when you haven't drafted well recently. Since Belichick won his 1rst ring with the Pats he had previously only had two big dollar free agents join the team. Adalius Thomas and Stephon Gilmore. Thomas started out well, but ultimately didn't like the Patriot way , or just got old after a couple of years of in New England . Gilmore earned his money, but now he is aging so I wouldn't be surprised if he is moved by Belichick .Do all these FA signings mean they are going to pull a un Patriot-like trade up for a QB? It's the Patriots so they could do anything . "IF" Mac Jones falls to #15 I believe they would take him , but you never know with Belichick, so why not make a short trade up for him? . They resigned Newton, but with only 5 million guaranteed for one year so they are obviously not committed to him long term .Plus they are more prone to trading back than any team in the league , but since their free agent MO has changed why not trade up too. This off season the Pats traded to bring back OT Trent Brown ,and traded away 2020 opt out OT Marcus Cannon. Then they signed veteran WR's Kendrick Bourne & Nelson Agholor. They also payed big bucks to TE's Jonnu Smith & Hunter Henry so I expect that the predominantly 2 TE offense will be back for them in 2021. I believe they wanted to run it last year but the 2 rookie TE's they drafted in the 2020 draft disappointed . The 2 TE offense also fits Newton who likes to throw them high and hard. The Pats then paid big bucks to Ravens edge rusher Matt Judon. DT Davon Godchaux also got in on the money train, and he is joined by CB/Safety hybrid Jalen Mills . They also brought back versatile LB Kyle Van Noy and resigned run blocking center David Andrews. I am not sure why they brought in center Ted Karras. Maybe to be a interior swingman, or possibly Andrews or Karras will play some guard . All in all it's a huge haul that should make them competitive this year no matter who the QB is, but they didn't have to pay a ton in this trade up for a QB. Fields has taken a lot of criticism because of the failure of other Buckeye QB's in the Pro's and I find it unwarranted after doing all of his tape for 2 years . Yes, I saw Indiana and Northwestern, but also saw the improvements he made when he lit up Clemson . I have broke down every one of his games in 2019 and 2020 . Needs to speed up his release , because Fields has the slowest reads & release time of the 5 first round QB's if his first read isn't open , but it also takes longer for deep routes to develop. He is also the most accurate QB in the draft when his mechanics are right . When they are not it can be a occasional problem. Anyone hating on him and comparing him to Haskins has it dead wrong , because Fields is NOT very similar to Dwayne Haskins. Despite the fact that Haskins had the strongest arm in his draft class he rarely threw ( or even looked ) down the field, . He was a check down Charlie , and besides Haskins reportedly failed because he liked the nightlife more than watching film & learning NFL football . Fields is the opposite in that he looks to throw down the field too much, and has to learn to check it down quicker instead of waiting for the deeper routes to get open. He is also a far superior athlete& runner ( 4.44 forty at his PRO DAY) to Haskins , and Fields is also built like a weak side linebacker . He will also need to learn a MUCH wider playbook , and cut back on his urge to run when his first or 2nd read isn't open, but I have seen him go through a full read progression when he had the time. His other big flaw is eye discipline, because he is too often staring down his first receiver . So once he learns to mislead safeties he will make a huge jump in effectiveness . Has the big arm to make all the NFL throws ,but it is still behind the bigger arms of Lance, Wilson, and Lawrence in order. Don't surmise that I don't like Fields because I moved Wilson ahead of him . I just believe Wilson translates to the Pro game quicker, is better long term, and has a higher upside as a passer . If I was Atlanta, Philly, Carolina, Denver, or Frisco I would take him. Most years Fields would be the consensus number one overall pick, and while this trade is overpaying on the trade chart, it's cheap considering it's a QB. However, it came out this week that Fields has epileptic seizures. Not sure how that affects his football career, but it could be a red flag for some teams. The Pats don't have a offense that is loaded at all the other skill positions like Ohio ST. , but it has improved in free agency. I am sot sure if they would take Jones over Fields if both were available, especially considering the Saban-Fields connection, but in this case jones is gone anyway. Personally I like Fields a lot more, an think getting Fields here is the steal of the draft.
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11.NY GIANTS - DEVONTA SMITH - WR - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMP- a slimmer CALVIN RIDLEY - FALCONS
The Giants were 21rst in the league in cap space heading into free agency, and that was before they payed Leonard Williams . They need more picks to keep building their roster , and I think they would gladly trade back if the right deal comes along, or if their isn't a player they love available at #11. Despite all that the Giants have been busy in free agency. They resigned Leonard Williams to a big deal, and then made a splash by bringing in a young potential #1 WR in Kenny Golliday. The G-Men also inked the fastest man in the NFL in John Ross to a bargain deal, and if he is healthy & motivated it could pay big dividends . Plus they signed young & talented , but injury prone corner, Adoree Jackson. Even though Jackson has missed 3, 5, and then 13 games in successive years in a row he is a plus starter "IF" he can stay healthy. Throw in solid veteran backups QB Mike Glennon, RB Devontae Booker, and TE Kyle Rudolph at solid prices and the excuses on offense are mostly gone . Word is that they also want to get younger along the O-Line, but I personally wouldn't have let Kevin Zeitler go. Smith is kind of like a skinnier Calvin Ridley, and he can play 2 WR spots well now. Devonta is a elite route runner who separates at will, sets up DB's with his intelligence, and has great hands . He lacks size , but he's almost always open early thanks to a lot of different releases, and is home run threat on the deep ball . Probably needs to add about 10 more pounds of muscle , because although he doesn't struggle very often to get off the line in college he will face better press corners in the NFL. Even though he is not a high level burner , he is ultra quick , and is slipperier than a greased eel. Smith even returned some kicks this year , and took one to the house . He was absolutely the best player in college football this season , and I was surprised & happy that he got the Heisman . One more worry is that he finally got weighed & measured and he was only 6 ft. 166 pounds. Smith could have gone behind his Alabama teammate Waddle before that happened , but It's a lot more likely now. Personally I would take this guy in the top 10 , and be happy about it. Smith has a high floor and football IQ . He's just a really good football football player , and " The Slim Reaper " is the coolest & most fitting nickname I can remember. Paiting Smith with Golliday, Shephard, Engram, and Slayton. would stress any defense, and give DC's and DB's nightmares. After this if Jones doesn't win the GM should be fired, and they should start looking for a new QB.
12.PHILLY-(49ers,dolphins)- RASHAWN SLATER - OL- NORTHWESTERN
NFL PLAYER COMP - JORDAN GROSS - retired
Even after resigning Jason Kelce and restructuring Darius Slay the Eagles still have cap troubles. So trading back so they can get more picks and cheaper players makes a a ton of sense unless they are taking a QB . I don't see them taking a QB here unless the owner is going to give Roseman a new 3 year window because right now Howie has to justify using a 2nd rounder on Hurts last season, but that's what I would do of I stayed at #6 . Barring that magnanimous gesture trading back was the best move here . I expect they take Kyle Pitts because they are trading Ertz ,and they like to run a lot of 2 TE sets . Either of the Bama WR's is worth this pick too if the fall to #12, but I think LB is a bigger need, and that they will take Parsons if the board falls this way. An offensive lineman would help a lot too , because they were slaughtered by injuries up front last season , and they have a lot of age on their O-Line. Slater is the #1 interior O-Lineman on my board , although no one did a better job against Chase Young one on one outside in 2019 , but I had read in 2 different places from people in the know that he had sub 33 inch arms. So I expected him to play center or guard in the NFL, but his Pro day numbers came in on March 9th and they claim he had 33 exactly. Not sure who to believe now, and all the rest of his testing numbers were top notch and back up his excellent tape. Not to mention the OT arm length threshold is 33 for some teams, and 34 for others. That doesn't mean that he couldn't hold up outside, and while I do think he would be a better fit on the interior, but most teams will probably try him at OT first. Plus he is till my #3 OT. His tape is better than Sewell's, but he lacks the same upside at OT long term. He has played both OT spots in college, and his technique has improved every year . He can stay smoothly engaged while on the move better than most NFL guys already , and is adept at riding players past the pocket .Slater has a mean streak , goes hunting ,and will find somebody to block even when he's uncovered. Needs to keep his hands up with more regularity, but he is a natural knee bender with a good punch . He tends to get too high when going to the 2nd level, but he doesn't stop until he blocks someone. Almost every time I saw him get beat was to the inside, so I believe the move to guard will make him a day one impactful starter . He is my number one interior O-Lineman after I discovered Landon Dickerson injury history , and I see Pro Bowls in his future inside . I think Slater will play left tackle for the Panthers, and since he is still my #3 OT I think it will work out anyway. Plus I don't see a offensive playmaker being their main need, and I will explain why, but at least they would get elite value taking him at #12. The reasons why I don't think its a big need is because I don't think that was the problem last year . 1 -The line was beat up, and the starters missed a ton of games too 2- The top 3 WR on the depth chart heading into the season (Jackson,Jeffery, and Reagor ) missed a combined 25 games , and all of them missed at least 3 apiece . 3 - Wentz lost his confidence, and Hurts isn't a polished passer . 4 - The defense couldn't stop anybody which put more pressure on the QB's . 5 - Ertz and Goedert missed 5 games each too . 6 - Covid caused the leagues rookie classes to get a slower start than imagined . 7- Apparently the relationship between Wentz and Doug Pederson got so bad that they weren't even talking for much of the season . Howey Roseman is on thin ice so he would be wise to get some more picks ,and show he hit on some very early . Reagor , Hurts , Wallace , Driscoll, and maybe even Tega Wanogho from the 2020 draft should all have increased roles this year as well .The only significant free agent addition for the Eagles so far is safety Anthony Harris, but he is an upgrade. Plus the trade back gives them that extra first rounder for ammo if Hurts doesn't show enough in 2021 to be considered the long term QB.
13.LA CHARGERS - ** CHRISTIAN DARRISAW - OT - VA. TECH
NFL PLAYER COMP - RONNIE STANLEY - RAVENS
The Chargers O-Line has been a wreck for years, and the fact that Herbert played so well last year behind it is pretty impressive , especially when you consider how often he threw down the field compared to what he did at Oregon. I figured they should spend most of their cap space ,and at least 2 of their top 3 picks up front . They have the cap room to bring in 2 veterans starters .Well, they did what I was hoping for right away in free agency. They signed ALL PRO center Corey Linsley away from the Packers, and he has been one of the best centers in the league for a long time . A high level veteran pivot man who can make all the calls up front ,and who can help lead a O-Line that should have a lot of new faces in 2021 . Then they brought in veteran Matt Feiler from Pittsburgh . He can play tackle or guard and has been solid starter inside & outside when ever given a chance . For the blindside, it's another story. Unless they Bolts plan to let XFL OT Storm Norton who played alright when he got a shot in 2020 ,or Trey Pipkins who went backwards last year when he got a chance to start, play left tackle the Chargers will need to draft one. Darrisaw excelled in a predominantly zone run scheme, and was a good pass blocker too .Teams in the top 20 like the 49ers & bears would be better fits , but the 49ers resigned Trent Williams , and I doubt Darrisaw makes it to pick 20 for Chicago. I can't tell if Darrisaw is just so smooth that he makes it looks easy, if he's lazy , has the occasional gas tank problem, or if he just underestimates his opponents . Probably some of each, but he needs to fire his hands quicker to protect his chest. He is also a natural knee bender with a strong anchor. The results are good overall, but I wish he was meaner and tried to finish more often. He was a good run blocker this year ,and usually those guys are killers so it's even more mystifying to me that he doesn't finish as many blocks as he could .The Bolts run more Inside zone and man/gap, but I would still take him here . Darrisaw is my number 2 OT, because I see Slater as a better fit inside personally . Christian probably doesn't have the massive arm length of Ronnie Stanley, but the tape is almost boring just like the Ravens Pro bowl tackle when he entered the draft . I'm sure Herbert would love to have a boring rush from his blindside . Darrisaw has a core muscle injury and didn't do a full workout at his Pro day. The Chargers also signed 34 year old pass catching TE Jared Cook to fill part of the hole Hunter Henry left behind .
14.MINNESOTA - ALIJAH VERA-VUCKER - G/T - USC
NFL PLAYER COMP - JOEL BITONIO - BROWNS
Despite a lot of veteran cuts last year the Vikings are still 25th in the league in cap space . So if there is a QB available here that a team below them likes they might be willing to trade down and get more picks. If Rashawn Slater was still here than he would be the pick , but with him gone I will just give them my next interior O-lineman. Left guard Dakota Dozier was really bad last year and Vera-Tucker could slid right in and be a immediate upgrade. I don't think taking Vera-Tucker here would be an overdraft, and at least he can play some left tackle if needed .Alijah Tucker is the # 3 guard and # 6 OT on my board. He played left tackle last year , and did pretty well until they played Oregon, but to be fair Kayvon Thibodeaux is my odds on favorite to go #1 overall next year . Anyway I think Tucker is a better fit at his normal left guard position , but if the Vikings need him outside he could hold up there. They cut former LT Reilly Reiff, but they may want to move Ezra Cleveland or Brian O'Neil to the blindside .Alijah is the best 2nd level blocker in the draft, and could spring Dalvin Cook for some big runs in this offense , and Cook already broke plenty with a bad O-Line. The Vikes also spent a lot of money on veteran NT Dalvin Tomlinson & Patrick Peterson, although it remains to be seen where Peterson will play . Will he follow the opposing teams number one WR around, play just one side, play some in the slot, or even play some safety ? No matter what he does having a veteran future HOFer like him to mentor Jeff Gladney & Cameron Dantzler can only help .
15.DALLAS-(patriots)- PATRICK SURTAIN - CB - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMP - CHRIS MCALISTER - retired
Dallas is still in cap trouble after over paying Dak, and I don't see it creating enough cap space to make a splash in free agency. They have a lot of needs , and their once vaunted O-Line is getting older and injury prone. First, Travis Frederick retired . Tyron Smith has been missing a few games every year with back & neck injuries, but he missed most of last year and had neck surgery, and your back & neck are often each a retirement injury . RT La'el Collins was the youngest of their good blockers and he missed the whole year with a hip injury. Even stalwart iron man Zack Martin missed games last season. Plus they restructured a lot of those older injured O-Lineman to create cap space, and that bill is going to come due eventually . Add the Dak injury and a bad beat up defense , and you see why I expect them to trade back. Maybe the line is healthy this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if they took one of the many dual tackle/guards available in the 1rst 2 rounds. However, they only had last years 2nd rounder Trevon Diggs( who played well for a rookie) and Anthony Brown signed as possible viable starters at corner entering free agency . So a corner is clearly their biggest need ,and I expect them to get one of the two I have left with a first round grade, unless something ridiculous like CeeDee Lamb (Kyle Pitts?) falling to them happens again . If Dallas hits in this draft & makes some cheap quality veteran additions in free agency , and is healthy this year their window of contention is still open . You know Jerry Jones is ALL-IN to win another one after what he payed Dak ,and he's too old to rebuild . This trade back gives them 4 day 2 picks . They could get a much needed Nose tackle, O-Lineman, safety, and maybe even another corner or LB with those picks. Dallas did bring back veteran number 3 corner Jourdan Lewis . While he can play inside decently well , and some outside if needed , he is also very grabby . Maybe they plan to move Anthony Brown back outside. He was a boundary corner in college at Purdue .Dallas has made a few possible small impact signings so far. Injury prone strong safety/LB Keanu Neal , FS Damontae Kazee , and it makes sense because both played for Dan Quinn in Atlanta , but I was surprised by Neal because Donovan Wilson made a lot of progress last season . 2 other veterans of some potential quality are OT Ty Nsekhe and versatile D-Lineman Brent Urban. With Neal's injury history Wilson may get plenty of playing time anyway . I'm going to give them the corner they need. Surtain is the son of a retired PRO BOWL corner , and looks to be living up to his dad's legacy . He is extremely polished as you would expect . He has good size for the position , is scheme diverse and can go up and contest the catch . Despite all that he lacks top end speed , fluidity, and quickness on tape . He ran a 4.42 at his Pro day, but I don't buy it. He has a extremely high floor ,and I expect him to be at least a solid starting corner, although he doesn't have the same mega upside as many other corners in this draft. He plays at a high level outside or in the slot . Has a very high football IQ, recognizes route combinations, and is a technical clinic as a corner . The rare true freshman starter at the biggest NFL producing college, and played for Saban , who is known for developing NFL DB's .Plays a ton of press and zone, but I think his best fit would be in a cover 3 heavy scheme like Frisco , Las Vegas, Dallas, or Seattle.
16.ARIZONA - JAYCEE HORN - CB - S. CAROLINA
NFL PLAYER COMP - AQIB TALIB - retired
The cards lost future HOFer Patrick Peterson to the Vikings in free agency, and that makes corner their clear cut top priority right now. However, they are also missing their 3rd & 4th round picks, but those were both good trades. So they should be very keen to trade down if they don't have a player left on the board that they love at #16. Horn Opted out before the season was over, but played well in 7 games. Horn is also blatantly the grabbiest corner I have ever seen who is still likely to go in the 1rst round . Alpha who competes on every play . Great fluidity & feet for a big corner . Actually follows the opposing teams WR around the field at times . Technique is just OK, and you will see him pedal high or open his hips too soon more than I expected from a 2nd generation player . Very physical pressing at the line, but too physical after 5 yards, especially when the receiver makes his break on the ball . He's a willing tackler, but technique is wild and sloppy . They also brought in past their prime future HOFers JJ Watt and AJ Green . If both are healthy they are still good players, especially Watt . Don't forget that they also brought in one of the best kickers in the league in Matt Prater . He may be 36 , but he's a kicker , and they can play forever. Prater still has a big leg .Last season wasn't his best , but he is the NFL's ALL TIME leader in 50+ yard field goals , and was 6 of 10 from there last season. The cards also picked up 3 time Pro bowl center Rodney Hudson for a 3rd rounder. All these veteran moves lead me to believe that the front office thinks they can make a run this season, and since they are in the toughest division in the NFL just making the playoffs makes you a contender. So if they make the playoffs with their key players healthy I will chuck a bet on them to win the Lombardi.
17.LAS VEGAS -JEREMIAH OWUSA KORAMOA - S/LB- N. DAME
NFL PLAYER COMP - DERWIN JAMES - CHARGERS
The Raiders defense was terrible last year . They have been restructuring , cutting and trading guys to get under the cap. Some of those trades were once big time O-Line starters so they could go that way with the pick. A lot of the defensive problems were due to a lack of a pass rush, and lack of coverage talent, but their big free agent signing of LB Cory Littleton didn't work out either. They have a smart tough guy in Kwiatkowski , but they need speed and reliability . However the Raiders have been getting rid of O-LIneman left & right since a week before free agency started. In 2019 they had one of the better lines in the league, but age and big salaries are apparently causing them to go in a different direction . I don't know if this means they are rebuilding, but when you jettison 3 fifths of your O-Line it's not likely to look pretty for Derek Carr & Josh Jacobs . They also need help at safety after former 1rst rounder John Abram was terrible last year , and slot corner/safety Lamarcus Joiner was let go. I'm going with a guy who gives them help at safety, LB, and in the slot. Jeremiah is lightning fast , makes plays sideline to sideline against the run & pass, and can cover the slot like a 2nd round DB . I think he is a better fit at safety as he is not a guy who will take on, stack & shed blocks . Although he will run right by blockers ,or through a shoulder of a blocker & can be a blitzing weapon too. This is the kind of rare guy that can maybe guard a high end TE like Kelce , and make plays all over the field. Only weaknesses I see for him is if he goes to a unimaginative DC, or that he sometimes comes in too hot and overrun plays. The Raiders free agent moves don't make a lot of sense to me ,other than edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue and WR John Brown, but maybe they are just cleaning house to start a cultrure change. They needed pass rush so Yannick makes sense , and the speedy Brown is a even swap for Nelson Agholor. Center Nick Martin is a down grade compared to Hudson, but he is at least a solid pass blocker. RB Kenyan Drake seems expensive for a backup when you have a bell cow back like Jacobs. Solomon Thomas has been a bust on the edge, but even if you play him at the 3 technique I don't see him as being better than Hurst, but they must disagree because they cut Hurst. .
18.MIAMI- KWITY PAYE - DE/OLB - MICHIGAN
NFL PLAYER COMP - BRADLEY CHUBB - BRONCOS
Now the Dolphins can add to their defense, although I would prefer for them to go O-Line. Paye is a twitchy freakish athlete with good size . He is mostly a bull rusher right now, and he needs to expand his pass rush repertoire, but I think after his Pro day he will be the first edge rusher off the board . It's a projection because he is a better athlete than football player right now , but all the edge guys this year have questions . At least I saw progress this season .He is a strong guy who plays the run like a man, and his great motor makes me want to bet on him long term. He is the kind of player that D-Line coaches salivate about in a draft meeting, because they are sure they can coach him up into a elite player.
19.WASHINGTON - RASHOD BATEMAN - WR - MINNESOTA
NFL PLAYER COMP - ALLEN ROBINSON - BEARS
Obviously the Redskins need a QB , and I believe if ANY of the top 5 fell here they would take a shot, but I can't see them trading up for one this year, or at least not very far . They did sign Ryan Fitzpatrick to hold it down in the short term .Even with Fitzmagic at QB they need another receiver to pull double coverages off Mclaurin. In fact it's kind of amazing how well Mclaurin has played considering the poor QB play of a variety of signal callers throwing to him , and the lack of other viable targets around him . The Redskins did sign Curtis Samuel , but he is more of a slot & gadget guy .Bateman is a different kind of reciever than Mclaurin , as he gets open without the top end speed that Terry has . Rashod has great releases off the ball, can get open early , and is a smart route runner . Good size , physical in every way, and can break tackles after the catch . His tape was better in 2019 when he played more outside This year he played more slot for some reason, and while he still looked good the film wasn't quite as impressive. Maybe it was the loss of Tyler Johnson to the draft , or the Covid shortened and unorthodox practice time, but he also opted out before the season was over . The only issue with him is drops . He may not a burner , but he can get open on his own ,and be a starting X or Power slot . Adding him to Mclaurin , the blossoming Logan Thomas ,and Samuel gives Fitz a decent shot at success . Their other big free agent signing is corner William Jackson , and I think he is a bargain .
*** TRADE *** The RAVENS trade their 1rst (#27) , the 3rd they got from the chiefs (#94) , their 4th (#131) and their 5th (#171) to the BEARS for their 1rst rounder (#20) *** TRADE ***
20.RAVENS-(bears) - TEVEN JENKINS - T/G - OKLAHOMA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - ZACK MARTIN - COWBOYS
The Ravens lost edge rushers Matt Judon to the Patriots and Yannick Ngakoue to the Raiders . They also brought in Kevin Zeitler as an upgrade at guard , and made a run at Kenny Golliday before he signed with the giants . I don't know why a smart team like this would pay for a injury prone guy like Watkins, but maybe they know a way to keep him healthy. They also traded Right Tackle Orlando Brown ,their 2nd this year(#58) ,and their 2002 6th rounder to the Chiefs. Why? Probably because he wants to be a Left Tackle like his dad, and they can't pay 2 OT's left tackle money under the salary cap while resigning Lamar Jackson. They got back the Chiefs first (#31) ,3rd(#94) , 4th(136) this year and the Chiefs 2022 5th. Now they are trading a lot of that capitol away to get their new right tackle. Jenkins has my favorite tape to watch among this years crop of O-Lineman. I am not saying he had the best tape, but it was the most fun to watch. He's a nasty powerful finisher. Played OT in college and he might be able to hold up there , but I liked him more inside because I thought he might have limited arm length , and that it would be less likely to hold him back at guard . He measured in with 33 and a half inch arms at his Pro Day so I guess it's just a leaning too far forward issue, and that can be fixed if he takes to NFL coaching. Has great balance for a guy who is leaning forward so often. . Good on the move pulling and at the 2nd level .He's a mature player who's brawler mentality could inspire other O-Lineman to up their game . Violent hands and a natural knee bender . Didn't face the best competition, but his tape kicks ass . Mostly a right tackle , but he has a few starts at LT and guard in his past, but he would be a RT for the Ravens. He fits this power running scheme smashmouth style to a tee. They are reportedly interested in signing former Steeler Alejandro Villanueva, but that's only a short term fix, and Jenkins can play guard this year if they do sign him.
21.INDIANAPOLIS - ALEX LEATHERWOOD - T/G- ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMP - VERNON CAREY - retired
Since the Colts already went and got Wentz as a QB, and Frank Reich helped him almost win a MVP, I doubt they take a QB High . Left tackle and edge rusher would seem to be the most obvious needs, but if they have their choice of their top edge rusher versus a their 4th or 5th OT I think they go for the DE, but I think that was Paye, and he's gone now . They have do have the cap space to sign a top FA at either spot . Personally I would rather spend money on Trent Williams, Alejandro Villanueva, or Eric Fisher than any of the edge FA's. The Colts haven't brought in anyone new so far, but they have resigned CB Xavier Rhodes & backup RB Marlon Mack. They have cap space so I don't know why they aren't upgrading more yet. Justin Houston and Denico Autry played the most snaps at DE for the Colts last year, and both are free agents . In the end I am giving them a OT, because otherwise they might have to move Quentin Nelson to the blindside, and why move the best guard in the league if you don't have to. The only other option currently on the roster is Sam Tevi , and he didn't play well in 14 starts for the Chargers last year. Leatherwood has the length & feet to be an NFL left tackle, but he has inconsistent pass sets sometimes, and just gives up too much pressure outside . Oversetting , feet too wide , bad hand placement , and a soft punch are the most common culprits . Plus every once in a while it looks like he gives up if beat off the snap, and he needs a more consistent mean streak. Very frustrating guy , and he is just an OK athlete that might be a better fit inside . Sometimes he looks perfect with a great lockout and you think franchise left tackle too .He has experience at both left tackle and right guard in the SEC so he's been playing against a lot of NFL guys. He is a people mover in the run game, with serious strength , but he also falls of blocks too much . I moved him back some after the Senior Bowl, but beggars can't be choosers, and he's the next O-Lineman on my list. Worst case scenario I see him as a good starting guard, and if I think of him as just a guard he is in my top 32, but if he gets his act together he's a left tackle . So the high floor as a guard, and the high upside of being a starting OT , make him likely to come off the board in the first round of a weird draft.
22.TENNESSEE - CHRISTIAN BARMORE - DT - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMP - GERALD MCCOY - FA
The Titans need a Right tackle, another DT to team with Simmons , a WR , DB's, and a also a TE after losing Jonnu Smith . They cut 3 starters in their secondary ,and only brought in one in 32 year old Janoris Jenkins . Since they spent big on edge rusher Bud Dupree from Pittsburgh that probably rules out the edge. The Titans also lost WR Corey Davis to the Jets , and cut WR Adam Humphries, but signed Josh Reynolds away from the Rams. I also doubt they reach for a RT 2 years in a row. So I will go with the top DT in the draft. Barmore is a big, strong, athletic, flexible interior D-lineman who can play all of the inside spots in a odd or even front except for 2 gapping NT . Unlike many recent Alabama DT's & 5 techs he doesn't 2 gap at a high level inside ,or take or hold his ground well against double teams, although he could play some shaded nose. Barmore can shed blockers quickly one on one in both the run & pass games . Surprised by how few starts a guy this talented has, and that does give me pause .He gets off the ball well and changes the line of scrimmage quickly when he makes initial contact . Dominated the playoff game and National Championship Game this year, but it also worries me that he didn't do that every week . Is he the type guy who only shows up and plays his hardest when he's about to get paid ?The only interior D-Lineman I have a first round grade on, and should be the first one off the board, maybe in the top 20 picks. Plus he comes from a base 3-4 which is what the Titans run, and teaming Barmore with Jeffery Simmons could give them a huge edge inside .
23.NYJ-(seattle)-**-GREG NEWSOME THE 2ND- CB-NORTHWESTERN
NFL PLAYER COMP - DARIUS SLAY - EAGLES
The Jets need a lot, and I would take Etienne, but I no longer think they will. They desperately need corners too, as in plural. I don't believe they would take Farley here because of his risk with a serous and potentially long term back injury, but they are one of 2 teams ( along with the Ravens )that are more likely to take that chance in the first. So i will play it safe. I don't have a first on Newsome, but there highest graded player is probably a RB at #24, and they have shown a penchant for drafting them after the 1rst since 2008. Newsome is my next highest rated corner , is scheme diverse, and the 33rd player on my board. Plus corners are routinely over drafted in the bottom of the 1rst. Newsome has the height, length, feet, fluidity, and competitive edge you want in a corner. He ran a fast 40 at his Pro Day, but I don't see 4.3 speed on tape, but he is fast enough, especially since the Steelers are primarily a zone team. He's smart with good instincts and a willing tackler, which is required in the Burgh, and he also has a knack for getting his hands on the ball. His 2019 tape is 4th round , and a lot of that is based on his tools, but he was playing with a bad wheel. He didn't face future NFL much competition this year , but the 2020 tape is first round after a big healthy jump in play . Has missed at 3 games every season that he played in college. That and a penchant for PI penalties are my only worries for him right now. If he stays healthy ,and gets more experience I think his best football is ahead of him.
24.PITTSBURGH -TRAVIS ETIENNE - RB - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMP - JAAMAL CHARLES - retired
Both of the Steelers starting OT's were be free agents this off season, but they brought back Zach Banner. They also have history of getting O-lineman later in the draft and developing them well . They don't have a lot of cap space to bring in much either .Edge rushers in the first round are more the Steelers style than over drafting a O-lineman , and I doubt they have the cap space to bring back Bud Dupree this off season . However, I think they will give a Highsmith shot there. Also , the Steelers have over drafted very recently at positions of need and OT'S have a low bust rate because they can usually kick inside if they fail on the edge. I just don't have one left who fits the Steelers hard nosed play style( sorry Cosmi) unless they want to make a huge reach for need, and after doing that with Burns & Edmunds I doubt it happens again. I also don't see reach for a center either. The Steelers were once known as a running team, and over time they have lost that identity. With James Conner getting regularly injured they let him go to Arizona. None of the trio of Benny Snell , Anthony Mcfarland, and Jaylen Samuels have done much with their chances to shine either. Most teams don't like taking a RB in the 1rst round anymore, and while I wouldn't take one in the top 10 ever again, I do like taking one in the late first. Most teams picking at #24 are unlikely to have a guy left with a first round grade, unless it's a RB. Plus in this wack draft I would like some certainty, and a stud RB on his first contract it usually pretty certain. Ettienne is a game breaker. He would take pressure off the young QB, is definitely worth a first rounder, is a threat to take it to house on every play, and is someone you have to game plan against . First, I can't believe he went back to school this year, but he improved, and didn't opt out like so many others .Etienne is a one cut straight ahead back that hits the hole with speed , strong leg drive, runs low, and has great contact balance. He's running so fast that he breaks tackles, and he also really improved as a weapon in the receiving game this season . Etienne has a nice spin move ,and is so explosive that he runs to daylight when defenders think they have an angle on him . Ran a 4.4 at his pro Day, but he looks faster in pads with an elite burst. Doesn't make big cuts, but generally subtly changes direction at full speed to create failed arm tackles , and did it behind a poor O-Line this season. He also has a LOT less carries than any 3 year starting 1rst round RB I can remember, and has been very durable . Could use some more patience as a runner and blocker, and more consistency in pass pro but he's willing to stick his face in the mix .
25.JACKSONVILLE rams)- ERIC STOKES - CB - GEORGIA
NFL PLAYER COMP - RONALD DARBY - BRONCOS
The Jags need plenty of help on defense, and with a new regime building a young roster they might want to just go best player available. However, corners are always at a premium , and Stokes is one of the most athletic ones in a draft full of high level athletic corners. Stokes has solid length, great fluidity & twitch, and blazing speed. Stokes can mirror and burst on the ball with anyone in this draft, but he needs to get stronger in press and especially as a tackler in the run game. Also, a little too grabby when the receiver makes his break. His route recognition and diagnosing skills are still raw too, but the upside is very high. Adding him to last years first rounder CJ Henderson can give them young bookend outside corners for years to come.
26.CLEVELAND - JAYSON OWEH - DE - PENN ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - MONTEZ SWEAT - REDSKINS
The Browns finally broke through this season . All those draft picks have made them a contender who won a playoff game , and it was even sweeter beating the division rival Steelers .. Now it's time to see if they can get to the Superbowl . They have some cap space, but might be saving it for a new deal for Baker . I expect this to be a DT, DE,WR, or CB. Since I don't have another CB or WR with a first round grade I am leaving them out for now. The DE's left all make me wary , but a a guy who is built like Myles Garrett could probably learn a lot playing with him . Oweh has every physical tool & trait you could ask for. The only thing he is lacking is sacks., but he did get a lot of pressure this year. An analytically driven team like the Browns will see his Pro Day numbers and start salivating. At 6"5" , 257 lbs. Oweh blazed a 4.39 forty, and even if you add .5 to it because it's a Pro day it's a sick time. Plus you see a great burst in tape when rushing the passer, and it generally comes out low from a 4 point stance. Wish he played as low against the run , but at least he knows how to use his length. The problem is he is just raw. The former basketball player is still new to the game, and it shows up primarily in his lack of awareness and ability to finish. Too often he gets caught up in the battle with blockers , and loses track of the ball carrier and/or ball itself. He also checked in with long 34 and a quarter inch arms, and a great 39 inch vert. Add the ability to bend the arc outside ,and you have a elite athlete with a ridiculous upside, but plenty of boom or bust. If B-Ball is his first love how hard will he try to fulfill that upside once he gets paid, and things aren't going as well against NFL blockers? I wouldn't take someone with these questions in the 1rst, but in this weird draft a talent like this could actually go much higher. Maybe playing with Myles Garrett will rub off on him. Signing Clowney doesn't negate this pick. It's only a one year deal And Clowney is injury prone and missed half of 2020. Others move the browns have made in free agency have upgraded 2 positions in the secondary with former Rams. They brought in corner Troy Hill and he can team with Denzell Ward if he is healthy. At safety they signed John Johnson the 3rd who can team with Grant Delpit if he is healthy . The Browns also released Sheldon Richardson so if Christian Barmore falls here he should be in the mix as well.
27.CHICAGO-(ravens)- SAMUEL COSMI - OT - TEXAS
NFL PLAYER COMP - BRIAN O'NEIL - VIKINGS
Right now the Bears just squeezed under the cap . So I didn't see how Chicago could get a better QB after throwing the franchise tag on Allen Robinson without gutting their currently competitive roster . They did upgrade at QB with Andy Dalton, but they also cut a good corner in Kyle Fuller, but they did bring in veteran CB Desmond Trufant . The Bears also declined the option on RT Bobby Massie, and allowed key DT Akiem Hicks to seek a trade. So they needed to resign Robinson before free agency began , but they didn't, and trading back to get more picks might be a good idea as well. They have been short on picks for years thanks to trades for Khalil Mack and Mitch Trubisky , and they were even missing a 4th this year. So now is the time to move back and help rebuild their cash strapped roster. In this case the move back 7 spots and pick up a 3rd, two 4th's , and a 5th. Other than QB , offensive tackle is their number one need, but so many of the top OT's in this draft might be a better fit at guard . Cosmi isn't one of them in my book, and he is my next highest rated OT. Cosmi is a 3 year starter for the longhorns. He was a RT in 2018 , has held down the blindside the last 2 years , and was a team captain in 2020. He has gotten bigger & stronger each year in college, but he still needs to pack more muscle on his 6"6" frame to hold up in the NFL, although he is all lean muscle like a big TE at present. Pass blocking is his forte right now. Cosmi has the feet & agility to hold up outside, and the smarts to pickup stunts & blitzes. He has a nice early punch, but his hands will get knocked down a lot more in the NFL. His pass sets aren't Pro ready, but if he takes to NFL coaching he should hold up outside quickly. Great Pro Day that confirms the big TE athleticism seen on tape, but 33 inch arm length is barely serviceable for many teams. He will be fine in a zone heavy run blocking scheme with a lot of double teams like the one the Bears run, but he's not a guy that blows defenders off the ball like some others in this draft.
28.NEW ORLEANS- TREVON MOEHRIG - S - TCU
NFL PLAYER COMP - HARRISON SMITH - VIKINGS
Starting FS Marcus Williams was somehow given the franchise tag after a Herculean effort to get under the salary cap , but Malcolm Jenkins seems to be more about politics than playing good football these days .So the cash strapped Saints need an upgrade at one of the safety spots . Moehrig isn't just the best safety in this draft, but also someone with a first round grade who has fallen all the way to pick # 28 in this mock . In a draft with very few sure things he is a steal here .He's a complete player that could play in any scheme with the size to even play some LB. He's a big hitter, but can cover the slot receiver . Is a force against both the run and pass , and plays well high or low, but I like him better closer to the line of scrimmage . He's a ballhawk too . The only negative is short arms for his size. The Saints are trying to reload instead of rebuilding after Dree Bree's retirement. They let go of a lot of good players to get under the cap, but the only big free agent signing they have had so far is bringing back Jameis Winston to compete with Hill at QB.
29.GREEN BAY - ZAVEN COLLINS - LB/EDGE - TULSA
NFL PLAYER COMP - DONT'A HIGHTOWER - PATRIOTS
The pack struggled to get under the cap and they could be a team that is willing to trade out of the 1rst round, even though it would cost them that 5th year of control . They lost one of the best centers in the league in Corey Linsley, which should piss off Rodgers, but at least they already have 2019 2nd rounder Elgton Jenkins on the roster ready to slip into the pivot .I see a Offensive lineman, defensive lineman, WR ,CB, or LB here . Since a reader pointed out to me that they don't like to take WR's in the first I will avoid that. The last one was Javon Walker in 2002 , so I ruled that out. So I am going with LB . For some reason they let Blake Martinez leave after one injury riddled season, and then over payed for a far more injury prone Christian Kirksey . Well they cut him after that disaster, and they now need a new LB. I think Nick Bolton would fit that role better , but the new Pack regime has been drafting upside a lot in the early rounds since they took over, and Bolton is better football player than athlete. Personally I think Collins would be best as a 3-4 OLB rushing the passer more regularly , but you also seeing him playing great as an off the ball LB . Collins can cover, fill against the run, and blitz as a LB . His tape was a happy surprise . He can do it all, but his level of competition wasn't ideal at Tulsa . He's got big throwback LB size, but the movement skills that you need in today's sub package game . His only weakness is his technique as a tackler, and that's part of the reason I would rather set him loose to rush the passer . He reminds me of a current Patriot standout who does all the same things, although I may be higher on him than most . In free agency the Packers key moves were bringing back RB Aaron Jones & CB Kevin King, but they also lost ALL PRO center Corey Linsley.
30.BUFFALO - CARLOS BASHAM JR. - DE/DT - WAKE FOREST
NFL PLAYER COMP - CAMERON JORDAN - SAINTS
I expect the Bills to go O-line, Edge rusher, or corner here. Since they have a lot of free agent O-Lineman I really wanted to go there, but they have already resigned 3 of them. So I am going for an edge Basham is a big physical defensive end with a mighty bull rush , but also a decent spin move, although the bull rush should be his primary move going forward. If he takes to coaching he could easily be the most reliable of this 2021 bunch of edge prospects, but I doubt he is the first edge guy taken because the league is going more towards smaller quicker edge players . He looks more like a 5 technique, and he can play some there too, but I like him as a 4-3 end, who can kick inside to the 3 tech in in some passing situations. He is far quicker off the snap than most guys his size, and he has a very high floor, which is rare in the 2021 draft. I have him graded just outside the first round, but in this uncertain draft he might be a bargain here.
31.RAVENS-(chiefs)- AZEEZ OJULARI - OLB/DE - GEORGIA
NFL PLAYER COMP - SHAQ BARRETT - BUCCANEERS
Their big free agent loss was Matt Judon to the Patriots so I am going to give them Ojulari. I have a first round grade on Azeez ,and he fits their base 3-4 scheme. When I got done watching Azeez on March 1rst I was impressed . He has played well in the SEC against a lot of future NFL OT's the last 2 seasons, but he does most of it with only one move . He fires off the ball and beats blockers with speed and good hand use . I don't see him as a every down 4-3 end unless he gets bigger & stronger, and he already played in a rotation at Georgia. Don't know if he has the frame to put on much more without losing that ability to bend the arc outside. He needs some speed to power to take his game up a notch, but the power needs to be added in the weight room , because he doesn't have much now ,and his frame isn't that big.
32.TAMPA BAY - ** JAELAN PHILLIPS - DE/OLB - MIAMI
NFL PLAYER COMP - SIMEON RICE - retired
Congrats to the BUCS and all their fans .Every time people doubt Brady he rears back and wins . I admit that I didn't think he was a fit in a offense that goes down the field so much, but by the final 3rd of the season you could see some definite progress . Then they of course won the Superbowl, and the word is that they are bringing almost all of the band back together. A edge rusher or RB make the most sense here, but they brought back Fournnette and signed Bernard so I don't see them going RB in the first 3 rounds. So a edge with a ton of talent, but enough questions to make him fall to pick #32 it is. Philips is a technically proficient well rounded edge rusher , and the only one of the possible top 100 edge guys who wins in a lot if different ways. Good frame , great tool box, and can also kick inside on passing downs, but I wish he was a little more physical. Awesome Pro Day too. At 6"6" , 260 with long arms he ran a 4.56 forty, a 4.21 short shuttle, and a 10 and a half foot broad jump. He can bend the arc outside as well. If he didn't have a history of concussions and had more games and tape to watch he could have been a top 10 pick. However , since Chris Borland ( 3rd round pick of the 49ers in 2014 ) retired after a good rookie year thanks to concussions I am very cautious about players with the same medical history . He was once the top recruit in the nation and reportedly retired from UCLA because of his injuries. Then he got back in the game at Miami , but there just isn't enough of a track record to overcome his potential medical difficulties for me , and he needs work setting the edge in the run game. Plus he is one of the guys who may prefer music over football. So I would be more comfortable taking that risk in the back third of the 2nd round , but there may be some teams who won't take a shot on him unless he falls to day 3. The bucs have such a great roster already that they can take a shot here.
33.JACKSONVILLE - ** WYATT DAVIS - G - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - CHRIS SNEE - retired
This when Urban Meyer starts to show his buckeye love. If you watched Wyatt's 2019 tape you would have seen a better football player. Davis flirted with opting out and when he did hit the field in 2020 he looked rusty . In a Covid season where people didn't get their normal preparation I guess this is to be expected, but I was initially disappointed in this years tape after the stellar season I saw on film in 2019 . I actually thought he was going to be a top 20 pick coming into the year , but I doubt he even gets in the first round now when you throw the potential knee injury on top it all . Athletic & strong and plays with his feet under him . A lot of missed stunts and blitzes this year , but I'm hoping it's an anomaly due to the lack of normal on field prep . Slipped off too many blocks in the run game this season too. Despite all of that Davis is strong and athletic with the ability to dig a man out of the hole. Plays low and with a mean maulers streak to bury defenders. Good strong anchor & punch with nice hand placement. He's OK at the second level , but too often a little out of position coming off combos . Often comes in a little too hot and doesn't get the Linebacker clean , or just whiffs outright at the 2nd level. I love the guy despite the dip in performance in 2020, and Ohio states O-Line noticeably suffered his loss after he got hurt and couldn't battle Christian Barmore anymore in the National Championship game. . He's a king of the hill mano a mano winner as a run or pass blocker.
34.NY JETS - NAJEE HARRIS - RB - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMP - ARIAN FOSTER - retired
After the disappointment of the shell of Leveon Bell masquerading for Jets fans they deserve a real high end RB . Najee would also help out Wilson, as a runner, blocker, receiver, decoy, and seller of play action. I just love Najee's game, and think he could be the missing piece to jump starting the offense in Miami. Harris has great vison, some wiggle, breaks tackles, and is a stud in the passing game . Tua loves throwing to his backs, and his ability to pass protect is needed . Najee has great hands with the agility to adjust to the ball in the air like a WR, and he's a man in pass pro. Not a home run hitter, but he will move the chains in a variety of ways . I can see him as a 300 touch guy with ease . He will also need to run lower in the NFL, but that's a problem many taller backs suffer from.
35.ATLANTA - ** IFEATU MELIFONWU - CB - SYRACUSE
NFL PLAYER COMP - NNAMDI ASOMUGHA - retired
You don't see many 6"3" 212 pound corners who can move , but Melifonwu can . Has good speed and is very physical in run support. This big corner looks like a safety ,and he hits like one too, but he does need to improve his technique as a tackler . He is the very opposite of his former 2nd round brother who has failed in the league because he lacks physicality. Plays better in press man than off man, but is still solid on the latter. Has the size to cover some TE's ,and when his speed dips farther I expect he will transition to safety. Right now he can mirror pretty well when he is up and can get his hands on the receiver. However, his diagnostic skills, route recognition, change of direction abilities, and too high backpedal still need work when he plays off. He has good ball skills , but needs to keep more an eye out for the ball. Too often plays the man and gets there too early bringing a possible penalty, or ends up as a tackler insteading of getting a pick or pass defensed. He has had some injuries in college, and his instincts aren't very well tuned, and those are the main reasons I doubt he sneaks into the first.
36.MIAMI-(texans)- JAVONTE WILLIAMS - RB - N. CAROLINA
NFL PLAYER COMP - NICK CHUBB - BROWNS
The Fins got some solid play out of a bunch of backup level RB's last season, but Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed, and Patrick Laird aren't scaring anyone. Adding a solid all around guy like Malcolm Brown just looks like another high quality backup to me. What they need is a high quality starter, and one that DC's have to game plan and account for to make this offense hum. Plus , a defensive minded coach like Flores wants to run the ball. Williams would also take some pressure off Tua.
Williams is a strong RB with violence in his game , and he leaves the bodies of would be tacklers in his wake. Great stiff arm and good feet too. He has great contact balance and a good short area burst & quickness . As a runner the only thing he lacks is long speed and just OK vision, but only the latter is correctable. . He's a weapon on screens , and runs regular RB routes well, but he doesn't have natural hands . His choices in pass protection negate his natural aggression to stick his face into the scrum, butt that is also correctible with coaching as long as you are as willing as he is. Javonte also doesn't have a lot of miles on his tires due to a timeshare the last 2 seasons, but with his angry running style he is probably only a one contract RB anyway. He's a finisher who can run out the clock when the fins have a lead.
37.PHILLY - # KELVIN JOSEPH - CB - KENTUCKY
NFL PLAYER COMP - a bigger CORTLAND FINNEGAN
Joseph is a good sized corner with excellent ball skills and straight line speed. He was a backup as a true freshman at LSU and transferred after getting suspended for their bowl game , so he wasn't on the National championship team. Has a nasty streak and it shows up in the way he harrasses receivers with his physicality and jawing throughout the game. Plus he has gotten a lot of flags and some will call him a dirty player. Throw in that he is fooled too often on tape by trying to jump routes, and you come away with high ceiling/floor boom or bust type. After sitting out the 2019 season because of the transfer he finally got his chance to start this season. So Joseph only has 9 starts on his college resume ,and they were all this year. Did give Devonta Smith some trouble in their matchup this season, but they mostly avoided him after he made his presence known. He's raw all over , but his ALPHA attitude , press man skills, guts against the run, and ball skills will probably get him drafted in the 2nd. I would prefer the 3rd because of his lack of game experience, tendency to get fooled, raw technique, and because his inability to control his temper can cost you games. Joseph is wildly undisciplined and inconsistent. Don't know how coachable this corner is considering the number of times he freelances or gets out of position when he's watching the QB instead of his man . The athletic ability and movement skills are there to be a good NFL corner , but he needs to be coached up and learn to play his designed role in the scheme.
38.CINCINATTI - PAT FREIERMUTH - TE - PENN ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - HEATH MILLER - retired
TE has long been a problem area for the Bengals ever since Tyler Eifert's injuries started mounting in 2014 . He was never the same after the first one, and the Bengals finally moved on from him after a healthy , but lackluster 2019. Another weapon to appease and help Joe burrow here , and while it could be Terrace Marshall I'm betting that Joe won't fight for him as hard as he would for Chase in the first because Terrace is lazy. Baby Gronk is a flattering moniker, and I like this guy a lot , but he's not athletic enough to pull off the a lot of Gronkish things for me. He is a big, strong athletic old school inline Y TE that also lines up outside some. A team captain 2 years running who got hurt after only 4 games in 2020, but the tape in both 2019 & 2020 is good. He's just good all around, but not great anywhere. Size , speed, run blocking, catch radius, hands, body control , route running, feet, agility, and tackle breaking. All good, but not great like Gronk. Also gets by as a blocker on his size , strength , and will. Still needs technical refinement in a few areas , especially as a blocker, but I see him as a long term starter that I would take in the 2nd round.
39.CAROLINA - ELIJAH MOORE - WR - MISSOURI
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANTONIO BROWN - TAMPA BAY
I love this guy. Moore is my #5 overall WR , and in the end he ended having a first round grade on my board. He is a speedy slot guy who plays tough and bigger than he is . I think he could play some outside because he is strong for his size and can win contested catches . Moore is a good route runner , albeit with a limited route tree, and he can find the holes in a zone. He has great feet, hands, change of direction skills, and can sink & explode out of his breaks. He was the main weapon in the Ole Miss passing offense, and led the FBS in catches & yards per game this year. He is a tough little dude as a runner and at the catch point, but I he wish he showed that same drive & toughness as a blocker. He has the top speed & quickness to be used more down the field and in the running game, but it wasn't done much. Has some return experience too, but surprisingly didn't do much in that area. Would love to see what Moore could do if a team could get him the ball more in space.
40.DENVER- ALIM MCNEIL - DT - NC ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - DARON PAYNE - REDSKINS
Some guys you like more and more the deeper you get Into their tape .Mcneil is one of those guys for me , and it really hit me when I stopped getting frustrated at his measly tool box as a pass rusher . Once I accepted him as a Nose Tackle I came to appreciate that he is the rare 3 down NT even if he just collapses the pocket with regularity .Very athletic & explosive off the ball for such a huge guy, with the 1rst step of a 3 technique . He can take on some double teams , and that's with him still playing too high too often . I have a slightly lower grade on him than Daron Payne who went #13 overall, but Payne was more polished as a rusher . Although unlike Payne he doesn't have any games where he got RAGdolled by Frank RAGnow. Was a LB and RB in high school and just kept getting bigger . Can play every interior DL position in a odd or even front . Played at 340 lbs. mostly as a NT last season but he weighrd in the 317 at his Pro Day. Needs more than a bull rush to become a PRO BOWL type guy, but that's the only pass rush move he does that works for him right now . Some of the other attempted moves actually made me laugh out loud, but he has the athletic agility & flexibility to do a lot more with NFL coaching. He will shove the guy attempting to block him right in the QB's lap , but once he learns to consistently stay lower coming forward he could become a force as a pass rusher. I have a high 2nd round grade on him , but he is in my top 32 so I can see him going in the late first, especially in a draft with so ittle DT talent.
41.DETROIT - GREGORY ROUSSEAU - DT/DE - MIAMI
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVID IRVING - RAIDERS
Rousseau is like Micah Parsons and Caleb Farley. A physically gifted player who opted out anyway ,despite being as raw as a plate of sushi. He is also built like Julius Peppers who was a former college power forward before sticking with football, but doesn't look to be the same type athlete . Unless he can show me some tape from an alternate universe where he played well outside against good competition I have trouble projecting him there . He has the frame to carry a lot more weight and play primarily inside against slow footed interior players. Since that's the only place I have seen him consistently win that's where I am going to project and comp him . This guy has an elite frame and enough upside to possibly entice someone to take him in the 1rst round . He was a WR and safety in high school who outgrew the positions, and he has only year of tape as a D-Lineman in 2019 as a redshirt freshman . Then he opted out . I would have him get up to 280 or 290 and make him a 3 technique, but I think teams will want him on the edge, and kick him inside in passing situations . He has long arms and some bend so it very well could work, but he could have been a top 10 pick if he hadn't opted out and played well off the edge this year. His Pro Day was solid, but not the special workout he was hoping for, and it was made worse by his teammate Phillips killing it. So I believe he is more likely to go in the 2nd now, but there is a lot of talent to work with here.
42.NY GIANTS - JOE TRYON - DE/OLB - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARCUS DAVENPORT - SAINTS
When Ifeadi Odenigbo is your top edge rusher you need some help outside. Tryon is a toolsy violent bull rusher with a quick burst of the ball who needs to develop a pass rush plan,or even just a counter move to start with . Also needs to play lower because he ruins his own rush sometimes by getting high and allowing the blocker to sink and anchor on him. Motor is always on when he's bull rushing , stunting or twisting, and even if you block him it's a fight then. However with any other move he seems slower and hesitant like he's trying to remember what he is supposed to do. Another really raw talented guy that SHOULDN'T have opted out because he needs the reps to turn that talent into better production. Any D-Line coach worth his salt would love for a chance at teaching and molding this talented guy . Long arms are sometimes mitigated by the fact that he doesn't know how to regularly use them, or especially his hands well. Looks stiff on his rush sometimes so it's odd that he seems OK dropping into coverage, and even lined up off the ball at times. Lacks awareness in the run game missing traps and not recognizing play action and counters. He never gives up, but he is just raw and his football IQ and overall skill set need to be developed over time.Tryon only has 14 starts and his toolbox is full, but he needs coaching and more reps to learn how to use them. I would bet on him in the 2nd round.
43.49ers - ** CALEB FARLEY - CB - VA TECH
NFL PLAYER COMP - JIMMY SMITH - RAVENS
Farley is the most talented corner in this draft , and even though he sat out the season I previously thought he would go ahead of more polished 2nd generation players like Surtain , Horn , and Samuels . However ,now he has had back surgery, and that could drop him way down draft boards. . After talking to my brother ( He's a doctor) I am just moving Farley down to the mid 2nd. His tools , traits , and upside are huge . Very few CB's this big that move so well . Farley was probably always the best athlete on his team growing up , because guys like that tend to become QB's in a lot of high schools even if they aren't the best passer . You tend to want the ball in the hands of your best athlete as much as possible at that level. Farley was primarily a running QB as a high school senior with 2,574 yards rushing , and 37 rushing TD's. He is raw as a corner , and his initial transition in college was to WR . His 2019 tape at corner was great, but that's all we have to go on to decide if he is a top 10 pick in this draft . He's almost always in off coverage, and while he definitely has the size & strength to press you rarely saw it on tape . Caleb has a great burst to the ball , and good makeup speed as well . I expect that his upside will make him someone take a chance on him in the late 1rst to mid 2nd round.
44.DALLAS - RICHIE GRANT - S - UCF
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANTOINE BETHEA - retired
5TH Year senior who is already 23 , but he plays a mature smart game to fit his birth date. High football IQ , and you can see him moving in the right direction earlier than your average safety in zone with very few false steps on tape. Can play high or low, and single high. Grant's diagnostic skills make him play faster than other guys even though he does run a 4.54 forty. Good in coverage, but great against the run this year. Solid physical traits except for the long arms for his height, and while he is a little below average size, Grant is a better football player than a lot of guys who will look better at a Pro Day. Covers a lot of ground, and has a excellent burst to the ball. Grant's a major ballhawk who will contest passes, pick it off, and force fumbles. Not as good in man, and that's why I think he would be better if primarily in the box ,because he doesn't have the fluidity or great quicks to stick with a shifty faster guy farther down the field very often. Grant cover TE'S in the box OK as well, but the longer he has too hang the more likely he will get boxed out. He doesn't have a great ceiling, and in fact he may be close to it now, but Richie has a high floor. I see him as a long term starter ,who can play special teams early in his career until the job is definitely his. 2nd rounder.
45.JAX-(vikings) - JEVON HOLLAND - S/CB - OREGON
NFL PLAYER COMP - JUSTIN SIMMONS - BRONCOS
The jags need playmakers on defense, and this guy fits the bill. Holland is a ball hawk with a high football IQ. I don't see the explosive speed he showed at his Pro day on tape, but his ability to read the play early makes up for his lack of burst. He spent a lot of time covering the slot in 2019, but will struggle with the smaller quicker guys the longer the play lasts. I would prefer him as a primary deep safety , although he will man up in run support if you play him in the box , but he does have a tendency to come in hot going for the big hit and miss a tackle. He gambles some jumping routes , and you see the good and bad there, but his punt return skills show up if he picks it so he can take it to the house. Holland was my #1 safety coming into the season, but he opted out, and I think that he missed an opportunity to show he improved in his weaker areas . That will probably keep him out of the first round, but he has a lot of playmaking traits that should make him a early starter, and I expect him to go in the top 50 picks.
46.DALLAS - (patriots)- JAMIN DAVIS - LB - KENTUCKY
NFL PLAYER COMP - DERRICK JHONSON - retired
Dallas has 2 highly drafted LB's that have shown to be good players in the past, but both were bad last year. Vander Esch keeps getting hurt, and a guy with a recurring neck injury probably isn't going to have his 5th year option picked up. Smith has a big contract, and I thought they might cut him and move on, but maybe the move back to a cover 3 defense will help both. How does a guy like Davis not become a starter until his junior season at Kentucky? I have no idea, but his 2020 tape is first round . A tall LB with long arms to mess with passing lanes and keep blockers off him should have more than one start before this season . Kentucky is in the SEC, but they are not a football power. He still needs work using those arms to stack & shed, but he has the coverage part down pretty well, and he fills like a man against the run once he sees it. Sees the field well and has a good Football IQ in the passing game. Once his run game diagnostic skills match his passing game ones he could become a elite defender, but in today's game the hard part is finding LB's who can cover. At the very least he is a Nickle LB to start who can play well on special teams, but long term he is the rare 3 down LB who's height & length will allow him to cover TE'S . Good blitzer too, and while he's not as fast as his 4.47 forty would indicate , he does have good play speed. Frame is easily big enough to add another 10 pounds of muscle without losing his quickness.
47.LA CHARGERS - LEVI ONWUZURIKE - DT - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMP - LA'ROI GLOVER - retired
The Chargers have gotten very little pass rush up the middle for years , and Levi could help. Plus new coach Brandon Steley's defense is a lot of 2 deepzone & split safety looks that depends on pressure primarily from the front 4 or 5 . Levi is a twitchy explosive DT with violent hands who has lined up at nose tackle too much for some reason , and while he did pretty well there for the most part , I think his future is as a 3 technique in the NFL. He is strong enough to hold up there against the run one on one vs most interior O-Lineman, but he did get driven into the dirt by Quinn Meinerz at the Senior Bowl. The 2020 opt out did well for the most early on in mobile, but a injury probably wrecked any chance of him working his way into the first round. He is still raw from a finding the ball & pass rush plan perspective , and also needs to play lower with more consistency ,but he senses traps and can blow up a play in the backfield. That quick first step can go a long way towards getting him early playing time, but he is another guy with limited starts (16) and tape that really could have helped himself by playing this season.
48.LAS VEGAS - DILLON RADUNZ - T/G - N. DAKOTA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - ERIC FISHER - CHEIFS
Radunz was a 2 year ( It would have been 3 if not for the seasons cancellation after one game)starter for FCS champion N. Dakota ST. , and a ALL-American in 2019. Dillon played in a primary man/gap scheme in college, and his tape is good, but not dominant the way I expected it to be against a lower level of competition . I'm not sure if Radunz also has the athleticism to play in a outside zone heavy scheme. Has a mean streak , but lacks the strength to enforce it against NFL players right now, and is a leaner in the run game that gets shucked and falls off the blocks too often. Needs to get stronger no matter where he plays , and bigger too, if he's going to play inside . Good puller , but iffy going to the 2nd level. Excellent practice week at the Senior Bowl, and his tape there showed a significant increase in strength & athleticism. So at least he put the time off to good use. I think he's a starter , but could be a high level one after some more time with NFL coaching & strength & conditioning. I'm not sure if his long term future is inside or out , but that 34 inch arm length , good hand placement & punch, and smooth feet means he will definitely get a shot outside at tackle. Had a ACL tear in 2017 , but hasn't missed a game due to injury since. I think once he get buffed & coached up he can hold up outside. 2nd round.
49.ARIZONA - # KADARIUS TONEY - WR - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMP - REGGIE BUSH - retired
The cards have been looking for a high end #2 WR for awhile. Kirk and Isabella haven't been that guy , and Fitz is a just a slow but crafty power slot these days, but he might retire and head to the Hall Of Fame this off season anyway. The signing of another past his prime future HOFer in AJ Green may work out if he can stay healthy, but I wouldn't bet on it . Toney's tape is really fun to watch. It's almost like a video game the way he moves and makes people miss with the ball in his hands . However, Toney was a high school QB, and he is not a complete WR right now, with too many drops . Has a limited route running ability & route tree right now , and Florida had to scheme to get the ball in his hands. Part RB, part WR, all gadget guy with some wildcat.& return ability thrown in . Great speed , sick wiggle , and change of direction to create seperation. May take him some time to become a full time starting WR anywhere but in the slot . Although if you find a way to get the ball in his hands, and I just listed a bunch of them, he should make plays right out of the gate. Injury history, a suspension in his past, multiple run ins with the police ,and his desire for a music career take him out of the first round for me. I do want him in the 2nd though , and I would just get him the ball and enjoy the show. This guy can embarrass would be tacklers, and don't think that they don't know it, or that it won't get in their heads.
50.MIAMI -QUINN MEINERZ -G/C - WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER
NFL PLAYER COMP - JAKE GROVE - retired
Meinerz was a 2 year starter at LG for a extremely small school that I never heard of until the Senior Bowl. He didn't opt out, but his season was cancelled. Meinerz showed some center versality after a great Senior Bowl week . Straight up wrecked a few of the bigger named prospects in the one on ones during the week with a maulers mean streak. Driving them into the dirt, and making a name for himself. Former wrestler who fires off the ball low with good knee bend and leverage. His body looked in much better shape in Mobile than it did in college, and his tape was better too, so maybe his lumber jack training will become a thing. His small school tape was good, but not the dominance I expected after what I saw at the Senior Bowl. While he missed most of the game with a broken hand he practiced with it some, and was reportedly lobbying to play more. So I am guessing that the muscles he added in this missed season had a huge positive affect on his performance in a very big way, because he now looks like one of the rare interior O-Lineman who can dig a 3-4 NT out of the hole. He should get even stronger and get much better coaching in the NFL. I expect him to come off the board in the late 2nd or early 3rd. Can long snap too. I don't see him getting past the pick 64, even though some teams are adverse to small school players.
51.WASHINGTON - LIAM EICHENBERG - OT - N. DAME
NFL PLAYER COMP - MIKE MCGLINCHEY - 49ers
Eichenberg is a 3 year starter for N. Dame at LT, and he got better every year . The former TE isn't as athletic as you would expect for a former skill player. Like Mcglincey before him Liam is better as a run blocker instead of in pass protection , which is not what you generally see at OT. Tall, but short arms for his height. Fires his hands with a good punch, but you see his hands getting knocked away too much which is sign of a shorter armed guy. and this was confirmed when his arms measured less than 33 inches. He plays strong in the run game whether its zone or man/gap, and has a good mean steak. Good on combos, pulling, and makes it to the 2nd level eventually , but not a good athlete for the position. A lot of penalties because of his physical limitations, but He has a nice consistent pass set. Not sure he will make it outside now in a pass heavy scheme, but at the very least I think he would be a good left guard. I have a 2nd round grade on him, but he has a high floor if you put him at RT in a run heavy scheme because he still finds a way to get the job done more than most on tape.
52.CHICAGO - KYLE TRASK - QB - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMP - CHAD PENNINGTON - retired
I don't like Trask as much as some, and see him as high end backup stopgap starter type, but I also think there are a lot of QB desperate teams. Trask doesn't have a big arm, but he has good accuracy, touch & timing. He can make most of the throws when hs feet are and set & unhurried. He's smart enough to spot a lot of tricks pre-snap, but mechanics aren't consistent. Has a big old school pocket QB body, and he can't scramble much when needed. He's a 2 year starter in the SEC, and he lit up Alabama this year ,although he had a NFL ready receiving core, and a scheme designed ot create wide open recivers quickly. I expect the Bears to draft a QB in the 2nd or 3rd rounds, and it won't be a guy with a few starts like Trubiski, so that leaves out Davis Mills. Kellen Mond would be my choice here, but it's the bears so I think they take the basic pocket passer.
53.TENNESEE - ELIJAH MOLDEN - CB/S - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMP - DESMOND KING - TEXANS
Every year there are a handful of players that I love in the top 50 regardless of their testing or tools. Molden is one of those guys. He's not the tallest(5"9" ) the fastest ( 4.6 forty) , and he doesn't have long arms ( 29 and a half) , but dude can ball ! He's a slot corner/ safety with a high football IQ, elite toughness, great ball skills, and he is bout it like a laser as soon as he sees it. Great tackler & hitter with great instincts ,and the kind of playing style that screams special teams ace. He's instinctive and plays football like he just loves the game. I am a big MMA guy, and some announcer ( I don't remember who) once said something way back that has stuck with me when discussing the great light heavyweights of that era . He said " Some guys are like Tito Ortiz . They love what MMA does for them , but if they could find a easier way to get fortune & fame they would do it . Others are like Chuck Liddell. Wanderlei Silva, and Dan Henderson. They are just pure fighters, and even if they couldn't get rich doing it they would be in some backstreet warehouse beating the crap out of each other because that's just what they are" . Tito ended up in the WWE , and Chuck, Wandy, and Hendo fought professionally way past their prime because they didn't know how to quit. IT'S JUST WHAT THEY ARE. Well some people play football for fortune & fame, and if they could find a easier way to get it they would. You know the type of guys I'm talking about. I have a feeling that if Elijah Molden couldn't make money doing it he would still be playing in some Semi Pro league just for a chance to hit someone because being a pure Football player is just what HE IS.
54.INDIANAPOLIS - PAYTON TURNER - DE - HOUSTON
NFL PLAYER COMP - CARLOS DUNLAP -SEAHAWKS
Turner was a team captain 2020, and even though he missed 3 games with Covid he still had a breakout season leading his team in sacks and Tackles For Loss. These days in the NFL a lot of edge rushers are undersized guys who struggle to hold the edge against run, or are just straight up sub package situational rushers. Turner definitely shouldn't be one one of those guys , but he plays too high, and therefore struggles against the run sometimes. Yes, he is pretty tall, but if 6"8 guys like Calais Campbell can bend their knees and play with leverage anyone can. He has a great frame( 6"5" and 270 lbs. ) with long arms & violent hands, and he is even flexible enough to bend the arc outside some. The first game of his I watched ( against BYU's Brady Christensen ) made me think he was just a toolsy projectable late 3rd/early 4th rounder with a high upside. Turner even has a solid amount of pass rush moves, and counters, but lacks a coordinated plan on how to use all his tools. However he won the weigh in Mobile, and made me think I should find as much of his tape as I could. His play at the Senior Bowl really impressed me in some areas like how well he used his length & hands, but he still struggled to stay low in the 2 days he practiced, and overall he was just solid. There is no doubt he can kick inside on passing downs to outquick slow footed interior O-Lineman, but he beat up on a lot of lesser OT'S this season, and was just OK against BYU where he was playing against a future NFL guy. Turner made steady progress for 3 years, and he has as much upside as anyone in a draft with a rare amount of high upside edge rushers, but his rawness & lower level of competition will probably keep him out the top 50 picks. All he has to do is bend his knees & stay low and his game will take a massive jump. I will bet on him taking to NFL coaching because he has a great motor on tape. So 2nd round.
55.PITTSBURGH - ** LANDON DICKERSON - C/G - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMP - MATT BIRK - retired
In this draft Dickerson would be a lock for the first round, and probably the top 15 , if his injury history didn't look like a damage report at a Army M.A.S.H unit . 3 ACL tears ( at lest one on each knee) including a current one, and other lower body injuries in college . He was a true freshman starter at RG for FLA. ST. before tearing his ACL in the 7th game . Started 4 games as a sophomore before another season ending injury. Then started 2 games in 2019 before a ankle injury ended his season and took a medical redshirt . Transferred to Alabama and started every game in 2019 ( 4 at RG and 9 at center ) . In 2020 he started 11 games before tearing another ACL in the SEC championship game The tape is great. He can play center or guard ,and is scheme diverse, but reach blocks against quicker interior guys in a zone scheme are a stretch . I would take the risk in the late 2nd in this draft because if he plays 75% of the games on his first contract he worth it . He was my 2nd favorite O-Lineman to watch this draft season . Big, smart, strong, and nasty. Yep, he's that good .
56.SEATTLE- TYSON CAMPBELL - CB - GEORGIA
NFL PLAYER COMP - BYRON JONES - DOLPHINS
The Seahawks are a unique franchise. They typically miss on their 1rst round pick, but draft and coach up guys on day 3 well. Trading away their first round picks for established talent like Jamal Adams can net you a great player, but then you have to always pay big contracts to the vets , instead of cheaper rookie wage scale deals. All their trades to acquire veteran talent also means that they only have 3 ( a 2nd, 4th, and 7th)picks in this entire draft. The biggest news for the Hawks this off season was Russell Wilson saying he would want to be traded to a few select teams if the Hawks don't improve his blocking. Normally I don't like stuff like this being put out there in the media, but Wilson has a huge point. There are only 4 ELITE ( Wilson, Mahomes, Rodgers, and of course Tom " THE GOAT" Brady) QB's currently in the NFL in my book, and they have one. During his time in the league no one has taken more hits than Wilson, and it's mostly the O-Lines fault. The Seahawks have spent plenty of draft picks along the front, but they keep missing, although 2020 second rounder Damien Lewis is a heck of a run blocker. They did sign Brandon Shell to be their new RT in 2020 , and while he is an upgrade he has also just been a average guy so far, but at least he is coming off his best season. If he was even a above average lineman the cap space rich Jets would have resigned him. Then this year they brought in veteran guard Gabe Jackson, and while he also an upgrade he has been slipping some the last 2 years in a row. The only really good O-Lineman they currently have is LT Duane Brown, and of course they traded a 2nd and 3rd for him a few years back. So at least they are taking his threat seriously, but I don't know why they even resigned Ethan Pocic and Cedrick Ogbuehi. On defense their two big moves were to bring back Carlos Dunlap, and bringing in CB Ahkello Witherspoon. They still need another corner though, and a defensive coach like Pete Carrol's fondest wish is probably to recreate the Legion Of Boom . Canpbell is a tall, lean, fast, physical outside press man corner who has all the tools, but gives up too many catches due to his inability to find and make plays on the ball. He can flip his hips, but there is a little bit of stiffness and lag in the time it takes for him to get back in phase, but he has some makeup speed once his transition is finally over. Tyson is at his best when he gets his hands on his guy at the line, so press man & cover 3 are a fit, but might take a while to learn to play off better. His profile fits the Seahawks, and they can get him to find the ball better he would be a steal here.
57.LA RAMS - JALEN MAYFIELD - G/T - MICHIGAN
NFL PLAYER COMP - MICHAEL OHER - retired
The Rams big move this offseason was upgrading at QB. Going from Goff to Stafford is a big deal , but they had to give the Lions two 1rst rounders as payment , while only getting a 3rd back. Part of the price was for taking on Goff's guaranteed contract, but I still say it was worth it. Goff had hit a wall, and both QB's needed a change. They also resigned Leonard Floyd , and picked up injury prone speedster Desean Jackson. Then LA tendered Darious Williams at a 1rst round level , which I think is smart because reams might have given up a second for the young corner. The sad part was letting long time DT Michael Brockers go for a 7th rounder in a salary dump, but he was showing signs of slowing down last season, and he will be 31 before the year is out. The rams have a lot of needs and no 1rst rounder yet again, which is a problem with a tight cap. They have two 3rds so if they can hit on all 3 of their top 100 picks it might go a long way to keeping them in the playoffs in what's looking to be the toughest division in football again. The need help on both lines, LB, CB, off the EDGE, and maybe another WR & corner too. That's a lot foe a team that just won a playoff game. I'm going O-LINE because I see that as their biggest need, and Andre Whitworth isn't getting any younger. Mayfield isn't 21 yet, and has only started 15 games , but their is a lot of talent here to bet on . This young man is quick , explosive, and powerful .Has a mean streak and will go hunting if he's uncovered , can light people up down the field.. Lacks technical skill in most areas of his game. Plays too high too often , hand placement is bad, base too narrow, and feet & punch timing are inconsistent . Might be better inside early while he gets coached up, and would be utilized best in a offense that puts him on the move a lot like the Rams ,but I think he might be able to play outside in a few years once his technique is ironed out . His highlight reel is as good as any other O-Lineman in this draft, and I wonder what he could be after a year or 2 in a NFL weight room. Plus he can move defenders off the ball once he latches on. Your betting on Mayfeild's traits over his tape, and after finishing all of his film , I would make that bet in the late 2nd/ early 3rd round
58.KC-(ravens) - ** TERRACE MARSHALL - WR - LSU
NFL PLAYER COMP - DJ CHARK - JAGUARS
Obviously most people are going to think Offensive tackle here after watching a harried Mahomes hobble around in the big game . I agree that its a decent idea , but I will also make the argument why it's not necessary in the first round . The Chiefs were missing their 3 best blockers in the Superbowl , and all 3 could be back next season . Both starting Pro Bowl OT's got knocked out for the year before the playoffs, and both could be healthy for 2021, although their best blocker Schwartz is a question because it's a back injury. Left tackle Eric Fisher has a better chance of getting healthy and resigning with them. Starting guard Laurent Duvernay Tardiff opted out before the season, and spent the year ( ( former pre-med and future doctor ) nobly helping out in hospitals as a orderly . 2020 3rd round Pick OT Lucas Niang also opted out before the season . KC also had the almost worst case scenario starting at tackle in the Superbowl . Guard Andrew Wylie who had missed the Chiefs other post season games actually started out of position at RT . Last but definitely not least we come to Superbowl blindside starter Mike Remmers . Even people who aren't regular fans, and only watch the Superbowl might have recognized the name . The reason is that Remmers was the primary victim of one of the greatest defensive performances in post season history in Superbowl 50 by Von Miller in 2016 . Remmers was then the starting right tackle for the Panthers and proceeded to look like a turnstile as Miller kept working him all day long . One more tidbit is that Offensive tackle is very deep in this draft , and as many as 10-13 of them could come off the board before day two is over. Half them might be better at Guard or can at least play their well if the Chiefs regular starters had returned to form in 2021. I was also considering going with an edge rusher, because none of the KC edge guys did much last year , and that includes the highly paid Frank Clark. KC did sign the top FA guard in Pro Bowler Joe Thuney , center Austin Blythe from the rams, and brought former Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long out of retirement. . However, after all that consideration they cut both injured OT's so I was still going to give them a OT in the first round, While those are nice gets inside I thought a potential OT is more needed. They made a run at Trent Williams, but he went back to Frisco on a record setting contract. Instead they pivoted and traded for Ravens RT Orlando Brown. They sent the Ravens their first (#31) ,3rd(#94) , 4th(136) this year and also added their 2022 5th. They got back the Ravens 2nd this year(#58) ,and their 2002 6th rounder as well. Brown wants to be a Left Tackle like his dad, and they can give him some of that money they had earmarked for Trent Williams. So that still lives a potential hole to fill at right tackle, but I will get to that with their next pick. Marshall is the most talented receiver that I don't like in the first round, but it's more because I see him as having selfish & Diva like tendencies . He has a great frame & speed . Has good hands and can play all 3 receiver spots , Then why don't I like him . I have played and coached football for a long time , and when I think of players I don't like it's always the ones who are very talented that are me guys . A long time ago in high school we lost a road game in the playoffs . In that game I hade 2 sacks and another 3 TFLs's on defense, and 7 pancakes & 4 decleats on offense, yet I was sad & pissed off because we lost . We had a receiver who had almost 200 yards receiving and 2 TD's in the game, and he was in such a great mood on the long bus ride home . I finally shoved him back into his seat and I'm paraphrasing here told him " to shut the F up . We lost you shouldn't be celebrating you selfish A-Hole. " He shut up , but looked confused and I heard from other guys over the next few weeks that he was complaining about me, but of course never to my face . He got a scholarship and ended up getting kicked off his division one team as freshman for off the field stuff . He didn't really love football just what it did for him, and everything was about him. We once won a game mostly running the ball ,and both myself and the QB had to tell him to shut up in the huddle for complaining about not getting the ball. He also complained to his position coach and the OC in meetings .We won by 39 points ! Be happy you selfish twit ! This guy reminds me of Marshall. Why ? because both of them didn't do the little things that helped the team when they weren't getting the ball. Both were poor blockers and had a tendency to not run out their full route when they weren't getting the ball. Plus Marshall opted out right before the Alabama game. That's a punk move in my book . There have been and still are plenty of players , and specifically WR's in the NFL that have this selfish mindset . Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Antonio Brown come to mind . 3 of the greatest receivers to ever play the game , and I think it's telling that none of them ever won a championship until this season. Brown had to sit out about a season and a half, mind his P's & Q's and take a role as a 3rd WR to win that ring too. Lets hope Marshall wises up before he has to suffer the things they did, but I don't want to use a 1rst round pick on a guy who has shown those tendencies no matter how good his positives are on tape . He will also have to man up as a blocker in the NFL, but at least the Chiefs don't run the ball much. There is a rumor this week that at the medical check up Marshall has a risky knee as well, but he would give the Chiefs WR core some size .
59.CLEVELAND - CREED HUMPHREY - C/G - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMP - ERIC WOOD - retired
JC Tretter is past his prime at 30, and it would be smart to draft a guy that can back him up , be the heir apparent, and also play guard if needed. Creed is big & strong, but not as big and strong as I thought he would become, especially in the run game. Plus, he has short arms for his height, and that lack of length shows up on tape. When he burst on the scene as a redshirt freshman I thought he was going to a star, and enter the draft as soon as possible, but things haven't progressed much for him since then. In 2019 his tape was solid except for the 2 Baylor games , because 2020 6th rounder Bravvion Roy mollywopped him in both games. The only progress I have seen in the last 2 years is in his hand placement & strength, and in his ability to make the line calls up front. So while I see him as a solid starter in the NFL I also have a 3rd round grade on him, and think he will go a round higher than his tape warrants.
60.NEW ORLEANS - RONDALE MOORE - WR - PURDUE
NFL PLAYER COMP - a mini PERCY HARVIN - retired
I've either read or heard in multiple places this year that WR is the deepest position group, but I disagree. I think it's the O-Line or corner this year. Last years WR class was a ALL Time great in my book, but this years is just good to me. The reason is that this year has a lot less complete WR's. A lot of the top guys are small slot only , gadget/return guys , or some combination thereof. Moore is one of those . He's really small ( 5"7" , 181) , but also really explosive ( 4.31 forty) and a Michael Jordanish 42 and a half inch vertical. That size means he has a small catch radius , and therefore needs a very accurate QB. He's very much like a smaller Kadarius Toney with video game movement skills, elusiveness, and can pile up the yards after the catch. Like Toney his handsare also iffy at times. Even though he is very strong for his size , and plays bigger than he is, when your this small you can only go so far up. He also has some return ability , but I expected more there than what I saw on tape considering his elite stop & start quickness, burst , and long speed. His true freshman year tape wa so good I expetced him to end up in the first round, but he has had 2 serious hamstring injuries in back to back years. Combining his small frame with the injury prone tags takes him out of my top 50. Rondale only has 7 starts in the last 2 years because of those injuries. Still you can hand him that ball, throw it to him in the slot, use him in the return game and manufacture touches for him in many ways if you have a versatile offensive mind at the helm. The two best at doing that are Andy Reid and the Saints own Sean Payton.
61.BUFFALO - ASANTE SAMUEL JR. - CB - FLORIDA. ST.
NFL PLAYER COMP - TRE'DAVIOUS WHITE - BILLS
Another 2nd generation corner , and this ones play style is a lot like his dads too, except he try's harder in run support, and is good tackler. Samuel was mostly a slot guy who got big brothered and taken out in the red zone in 2019 . Made the transition to a full time guy this year , playing inside & out, and really improved . Named a team captain in 2020 ,and led the team in picks and passes defensed despite only playing 8 games before opting out, but also dropped some easy picks on tape. He gets his hands on the ball a lot, and will contest catches despite his lack of size( 5"10", 180 lbs. ) . Asante has elite movement skills , fluid hips & transitions, and great feet to mirror his man. While I think he would be best in a zone scheme like his dad he can press too. His lack of his size does show up, and he still gets boxed out & big brothered some, and he also has trouble beating blocks. Cover 2 teams like Buffalo would be a good fit. Plus he reminds of the Bills current star corner. He's got a good football IQ , but he isn't as adept at jumping routes as his father was yet. I like that he improved 3 years in a row, and he as a high floor. 2ND round grade for the right scheme, but he won't be very high for Cover 3 teams.
62.GREEN BAY - JACKSON CARMAN - G/T - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMP - BRANDON BROOKS - EAGLES
Carman was trevor Lawrence's blindside protector for the last 2 years. He's is a heavy handed Brawler who might need to kick inside to guard. May not have long arms, but his shoulders are so broad that he has a decent wingspan, and he knows how to use his hands. So he's just hard to get around to the outside. Very inconsistent, but his best games make me think he's a starting OT, but if he moved to guard he wouldn't give up so much inside pressure, and I think he could be a above average starter for a long time there. Moves really well for 335 pounder on tape, but showed up in much better shape for his Pro Day at 317 pounds, and that could improve his balance issues some. Plays low , and is a natural knee bender as a run blocker, but sometimes gets too high in pass pro. Combine that with his awareness for stunts & twists, and skill at combo blocks, and it makes me think some teams might want to try him out at center. He's a people mover who excels in the run game, and he keeps driving his feet to finish. All of that says a move inside is likely, but if I just see him a guard, who can kick outside in a pinch he's worth a late 2nd/ early 3rd round grade.
63.KANSAS CITY - JABRIL COX - LB/S - LSU
NFL PLAYER COMP - KEVIN BURNETT - retiredCox is a tall LB with good length that excels in space in man or zone coverage. Cox was a high school QB who made the move to overhang LB at N. Dakota st. After 4 years there he transferred to LSU this season, and the fact that he was named a team captain speaks loudly about his leadership skills. He is smooth and fluid in coverage , and I actually think he could play some safety. Not a big hitter in the run game, and seems a bit hesitant to fill and stack & shed blocks. The NFL has been transitioning to this type of smaller faster LB, and multiple teams now use a overhang/rover type in their defense. I don't like him as much as some, but he is at least a nickel LB as a rookie. I like him in the 3rd , but think he goes in the 2nd round. He missed LSU's Pro day with a hamstring injury, but is expecting to workout right before the draft. His grade could fluctuate some based on that.
64.TAMPA BAY - ** SPENCER BROWN - OT - N. IOWA
NFL PLAYER COMP - NATE SOLDER - GIANTS
Brown is a athletic legit 6"8" small school right tackle prospect that disappointingly opted out this year. That height often works against him even though he is a natural knee bender because he's still so high that defenders get under his pads. In a tackle class with a lot of guys who will probably be better off with a move inside, Brown has the length, feet, flexibility, hands & punch, mirror ability, and athleticism to hold up outside. The former basketball player has put on a lot of muscle in collage, but his huge frame can easily hold another 30+ pounds of muscle, and he needs it after a disappointing Senior Bowl performance where he looked rusty & overmatched . I was really looking forward to him there, and thought he might work himself into the first round, but instead I had to move him back to the 3rd. I still think he goes in the top 75 picks though. He's got some nasty to him in the run game, and he pushed around a lot of small school guys on tape. Tampa needs a swing tackle, and my guess is that they move on from Donovan Smith's bloated contract after 2021, an kick Tristan Wirfs over to the left side. After a year of NFL coaching and strength and conditioning he could slide right into right tackle. The medicals will be big for him because he as work one on both knees in the past.
65.JAGUARS - ** WALKER LITTLE - OT - STANFORD
66.JETS - RONNIE PERKINS - DE/OLB - OKLAHOMA
67.HOUSTON - DYAMI BROWN - WR - N. CAROLINA
NFL PLAYER COMP - BRANDON LLOYD - retired
The freak show that has been Houston is still dealing with the fallout of Bill O'briens bad decisions. I didn't like Deshaun Watson demanding a trade right after getting a new contract, especially when he has never won a Superbowl, and he also holds onto the ball way too long. This isn't Russell Wilson who has skins on the wall. It's a spoiled kid wanting out when he didn't get his way. How dare this kid think he should have input on hiring the GM ! . He hasn't even done enough in the NFL to have a say in hiring the OC in my book. Anyway, I bet they wish they had traded him now, and they probably can't trade him now until his off the field questions have been adjudicated. Even if he's found innocent I now doubt they get anywhere near the huge price they would have gotten before. With the exception of Phillip Lindsay all Houston has done is sign depth guys in my opinion, but since they don't have a pick until the 3rd round ( thanks again Billy) some of those depths guy will end up starting anyway. The Texans are my odds on favorite to have the first pick in 2022 so they should be thinking long term now . The Texans only have 3 plus players on their offense right now( Watson, Laremy Tunsil, and Brandin Cooks ) . Tunsil should be a part of their long term future, and Watson will either be there long term, suspended, in jail, or bring a pick haul in a trade. Cooks on the other hand is a luxury for a rebuilding team, and they could probably get a 3rd rounder for him while dumping his big 2022 salary after this season . Brown is a deep threat with good releases off the ball against press , especially for his size , and a penchant for nailing double moves. It's a shame most his routes were so deep , because on those few occasions he ran underneath routes he looked intriguing to me . He can go up make a great contested catch, and then drop a easy one. Dyami has good long speed, but is lacking in short area burst right now, and also needs to get stronger in the weight room. He will need a class in running a NFL route tree, but I think that's the only reason he falls this late in the draft.
68.ATLANTA - **# DAVIS MILLS - QB - STANFORD
69.CINCY - MILTON WILLIAMS - DT - LA. TECH
70.PHILLY - ** RASHAD WEAVER - DE - PITTSBURGH
71.DENVER - AARON GIBSON - CB/S - UCF
72.DETROIT - NICK BOLTON - LB - MISSOURI
NFL PLAYER COMP - SEAN LEE - COWBOYS
73.CAROLINA - ROBERT ROCHELL - CB - C. ARKANSAS
74.WASH(49ers) - KELLEN MOND - QB - TEXAS A&M
75.DALLAS - D'ANTE SMITH - OT - E. CAROLINA
76.NYG - KENDRICK GREEN- C/G - ILLINOIS
77.CHARGERS - TOMMY TREMBLE - TE/FB - N. DAME
78.MINNESOTA - JOSEPH ASSAI - OL/EDGE - TEXAS
79.LAS VEGAS(arizona) - BENJAMIN ST-JUSTE - CB - MINNESOTA
80.LAS VEGAS - MARLON TUIPULOTU - DT - USC
81.MIAMI - BARON BROWNING - LB/EDGE - OHIO ST.
82.WASHINGTON - AARON BANKS - OG - N.DAME
83.CHICAGO - D'WAYNE ESKRIDGE - WR - W. MICHIGAN
84.PHILLY-(colts) - BREVIN JORDAN - TE - MIAMI
85.TENNESEE - NICO COLLINS - WR - MICHIGAN
86.JETS -(seahawks)- AMARI RODGERS - WR - CLEMSON
87.PITT - BRADY CHRISTENSEN - G/T - BYU
88.RAMS- AMBRY THOMAS - CB - MICHIGAN
89.CLEVELAND- PETE WERNER - LB - OHIO ST.
90.MINN-(ravens)- JAMAR JOHNSON - S - INDIANA
91.CLEV-(saints)- JOSH PALMER - WR - TENNESEE
92.GREEN BAY- AMON-RA ST. BROWN - WR - USC
93.BUFFALO - HUNTER LONG - TE - BOSTON COLLEGE
94.BEARS-(ravens,KC) - ZECH MCPHAERSON - CB - TEXAS TECH
95.TAMPA BAY - JAY TUFELE - DT - USC
96.PATRIOTS - ** TREY SMITH - G/T - TENNESEE
97.CHARGERS - DEONTE BROWN - OG - ALABAMA
98.SAINTS - DAVIYON NIXON - DT - IOWA
99.DALLAS - ** DAYO ODEYINGBO - DE/DT - VANDERBILT
100.TENNESEE - JAMES HUDSON THE 3RD - G/T - CINCINATTI
101.DETROIT-(rams)- HAMSAH NASIRILDEEN - S/LB - FLORIDA ST.
102.49ers - JOSH MYERS - C - OHIO ST.
103.RAMS - MARCO WILSON - CB/S - FLORIDA
104.RAVENS - SIMI FEHOKO - WR - STANFORD
105.SAINTS - PAULSON ADEBO - CB - STANFORD
4TH ROUND
106.JAGUARS - ** TYLAN WALLACE - WR - OKLAHOMA ST.
107.JETS - BEN CLEVELAND - G - GEORGIA
108.ATLANTA -MICHAEL CARTER - RB - N. CAROLINA
109.HOUSTON - QUINCY ROCHE -DE/OLB - MIAMI
110.BROWNS-(eagles)- TOMMY TOGIAI - DT - OHIO ST.
111.BENGALS - ROBERT HAINEY - OL - N. DAME
112.DETROIT - TUTU ATWELL - WR - LOUIVILLE
113.CAROLINA - JAYLON MOORE - OT - W. MICHIGAN
114.DENVER -PATRICK JONES - DE - PITTSBURGH
115.DALLAS - TYLER SHELVIN - DT - LSU
116.GIANTS - ** ANDRE CISCO - S - SYRACUSE
117.49ers - CHAUNCEY GOLSTON - DE - IOWA
118.CHARGERS - JORDAN SMITH - OLB/DE - UAB
119.VIKINGS - ** CAMERON MCGRONE - LB - MICHIGAN
120.PATRIOTS - - ** CHARLES SNOWDEN - LB/EDGE
121.RAIDERS - ROYCE NEWNAN - G - OLE MISS
122.PATRIOTS-(AZ,texnas)- KENNY GAINWELL - RB- MEMPHIS
123.PHILLY-(dolphins)- DREW DALMAN - C - STANFORD
124.WASHINGTON - CHAZZ SURRATT - LB - N. CAROLINA
125.VIKINGS-(bears)- CADE JOHNSON - WR - S. DAKOTA ST.
126.TITANS- KEITH TAYLOR - CB - WASHINGTON
127.INDY- SHAKUR BROWN - CB/S - MICHIGAN ST.
128.PITT -TREY SERMON - RB - OHIO ST.
129.SEATTLE - ELERSON SMITH - DE/OLB - N. IOWA
130.JAGUARS-(rams)- OSA ODIGHIZUWA - DT - UCLA
131.BEARS-(balt, kc)- DAELIN HAYES - DE - N. DAME
132.BROWNS - MARVIN WILSON - DT - FLORIDA ST.
133.SAINTS - DIVINE DEABLO - LB/S - VA. TECH
134.VIKINGS-(bills)- BRENDAN JAiMES - G/T - NEBRASKA
135.GREEN BAY - DJ DANIEL - CB - GEORGIA
136.RAVENS-(KC) - - ** TALANOA HUFANGA - S - USC
137.TAMPA BAY - ** TAMORRIAN TERRY - WR - FLA. ST.
138.DALLAS - - ** DYLAN MOSES - LB - ALABAMA
139.PATRIOTS - THOMAS GRAHAM JR. - CB - OREGON
140.PITT - TOMMY DOYLE - OT - MIAMI (of OHIO)
141.RAMS- SHAUN WADE - S/CB - OHIO ST.
142.GREEN BAY - MICHAEL MANET - C - PENN ST.
143.VIKINGS - MONTY RICE - LB - GEORGIA
144.KC - CAM SAMPLE - DE/DT - TULANE
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