Mock Draft 4.0 - Post FA + 2 ROUNDS! - 3/26/21
#MockDraftSZN is officially in full swing and for the next month (5 weeks). I'm sure you will get bombarded with them from everywhere. So don't worry you can rely on me to not do that.
With most of free agency wrapped up, I wanted to give you all another mock and also try my hand at a 2 rounder. This was very difficult as my player base is growing but not 32 at a time. I know every single player that was selected enough to have them here, but I wouldn't say I am an expert on them either. I tried to give a mini-scouting report on the guys that I wasn't as familiar with, just as a heads up. On the flip side, with free agency done I feel pretty good about a lot of the first round.
As a reminder, I didn't include previous team selections on this because I have trades in here which makes it a bit more cluttered and confusing. If you would like to see my previous mocks, they are linked below.
Finally, I am really excited about a mock with a fellow draft-lover next week. That will go live hopefully on Wednesday and will have more of a podcast feel than my normal articles.
Previous Mocks:
Version 1.0
Version 2.0
Version 3.0
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1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
Team Needs: QB, FS; Team Wants: iOL, TE, EDGE, RB, WR
2. NEW YORK JETS: QB Zach Wilson, BYU
Team Needs: RT, iOL, CBx2, Nickel CB, RB; Team Wants: QB, WR, OLB, EDGE
Back to what feels right. I tried out the Fields thing and it just isn't for me. My biggest concern is who is Sam Darnold going to be traded to now?
TRADE! 3. CAROLINA PANTHERS: QB Justin Fields, Ohio St
Trade Details: CAR trades the 8th pick, 39th overall and a 2022 1st round pick to MIA for the 3rd pick.
Team Needs: QB, LT, OG, Slot WR, OLB; Team Wants: CB, TE, DT, OG
I've screwed over the Panthers in the last few mocks, but there really isn't a chance that they strike out with one of these top 4 QBs. If they would have lost their Week 16 game against Washington, they would have been selecting in the top 4 and wouldn't have to trade up for their guy. I have Fields here, but I think there are some teams that prefer Lance to him.
4. ATLANTA FALCONS: OT Penei Sewell, Oregon
Team Needs: RB, SS, FS, LG, EDGEx2, C; Team Wants: CB, LB, FS
This is where the draft really begins in my opinion. The Falcons are a complete wildcard and while this pick would be surprising at first, they could put Penei at LG this year and then move on from Jake Matthews in the coming years. If the goal of the draft is to take great players, the Falcons are on the right track.
5. CINCINNATI BENGALS: WR Ja'Marr Chase, LSU
Team Needs: WR, EDGE, OGx2, C, LT or RT; Team Wants: ILB, TE
A mock where the Bengals don't take Sewell!! Finally! Cincy did some work this free agency but there is plenty more to do. The signing of Riley Rieff and slotting him at RT with Jonah Williams at LT makes the Sewell pick a little more suspect anyway. The Bengals don't have a true #1 WR as Boyd is a slot and I think Higgins is best used as a #2. Give Burrow his favorite target from LSU and go to work.
6. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
Team Needs: WRx2, CB, LB; Team Wants: Backup TE, C, G, QB
Whether you want to call Pitts a TE or a WR is up to you. But in Philly's offense, I think he will be on the field more often than he is not and lining up all over the place. Giving Jalen Hurts a matchup nightmare is the best way to successfully build around him.
TRADE! 7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from DET): QB Trey Lance, North Dakota St
Trade Details: NE trades the 15th pick, 46, 122 (4th rd), and a 2022 2nd round pick to DET for the 7th pick.
Team Needs: WR; Team Wants: QB
The Patriots team needs are basically down to nothing. They are going to have plenty of cap space again next season and have plenty of picks. It's time to push the chips towards the middle of the table. I don't think anyone expects them to be selecting at 15 again so if they want to get a young QB, this is the year.
8. MIAMI DOLPHINS (from HOU): WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
Trade Details: CAR trades the 8th pick, 39 overall and a 2022 1st round pick to MIA for the 3rd pick.
Team Needs: RB, WR, OLB, EDGE; Team Wants: TE, OG, S, C
Picking up another 1st round pick for 2022 is the one thing that would make me ecstatic about this draft. Having the ability to select multiple top players every year will keep the talent of the team young and a 1st round pick is more likely to hit than any other round. As far as Waddle goes, I was happily surprised the team signed Will Fuller and it is a good recognition of the type of player the Dolphins did not have in the WR room. Waddle is of a similar mold to Fuller and is just as much of an issue to try to cover. Give Tua more of those guys, please.
9. DENVER BRONCOS: LB Micah Parsons, Penn St
Team Needs: QB, ILB; Team Wants: ILB, RT, CB
Denver's free agency plans were to attack the cornerback position by signing Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller but honestly could draft another here. Instead, I have them getting my best defensive player in the draft. The Broncos defensive leader is probably in the last year of his deal (Von Miller) and Parsons can take over that role when he leaves.
10. DALLAS COWBOYS: CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
Team Needs: CB, FS; Team Wants: TE, Backup QB, EDGE, SS, OT
The Cowboys have had an issue in the secondary for what feels like 10 years now. They had Byron Jones but switched him between safety and corner until they eventually decided to let him leave in FA. They lost another corner in FA this year and need to settle it once and for all. Surtain + Diggs is the exact Alabama CB tandem from 2019. I think Cowboy fans will sign up for that.
11. NEW YORK GIANTS: OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
Team Needs: EDGE, LB; Team Wants: LG, RT, Backup RB, Backup QB
What if the Giants decide to take another OL in the 1st round? I don't think it is so farfetched. Nate Solder will be working at RT this season and he is in the final year of his deal. Slater is versatile enough to play on the inside this season, and then Andrew Thomas and he can figure out who is best for the two tackle spots. I think this is an underrated possibility that many aren't considering.
12. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
Team Needs: G, CBx2; Team Wants: Starting QB, RB, DT
John Lynch takes a South Carolina product 2 years in a row and Horn is the best fit of the top 3 corners for this zone defense. Farley is the #1 or #2 corner on every single knowledgeable person's big boards. However, he is having another surgery this offseason, he didn't play in 2020, and his injury history prior to 2020 is concerning. Horn meanwhile had a great Pro Day and will no doubt get a good review from Javon Kinlaw, who he played with from 2018-19.
13. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: OT Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
Team Needs: LT, RG, EDGE; Team Wants: OLB, CB, WR, Special Teams Overhaul
I can't stop taking AVT for the Chargers. I hate that I am being so chalk with the pick but the Chargers have more than one opening on the OL still and AVT can play multiple spots. This pick could be Darrisaw because he may be a more natural LT, but the versatility makes the difference for me.
14. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
Team Needs: EDGE, FS, LT; Team Wants: RT, iOL
Moving on from LT Riley Rieff wasn't too surprising but it does open up another hole on this offensive line. I think the Vikings are probably forced into the best available OL now, which isn't too bad considering the DL class is fairly weak. If Darrisaw, AVT, or Slater is there, they will be happy, but I wouldn't rule out a trade up to secure "their guy".
15. DETROIT LIONS (from NE): WR Devonta Smith, Alabama
Trade Details: NE trades the 15th pick, 46, 122 (4th rd), and a 2022 2nd round pick to DET for the 7th pick.
Team Needs: WRx2, RT, DT, OLB; Team Wants: CB, FS, SS, ILB, RG
The Lions are stacking future draft picks and now have 3 selections in the 1st round in 2022. This is going to be a down year for the team and they need to get young leaders from their selections this year. If there is anyone that is afraid of hard work (Minkah Fitzpatrick type players), then they won't make it in Detroit. Devonta has shown to me that he is going to work hard and prove the doubters wrong about everything from his weight to the success of his football team.
16. ARIZONA CARDINALS: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
Team Needs: RB, TE; Team Wants: CB, NCB, SS, ILB
The question marks surrounding Farley are noted with the SF pick, but I don't think it will prevent the CB-needy Cardinals from taking him. The Cardinals lost 2 of their 3 starting CBs this offseason. If Farley is able to answer the health questions in 2021, he may just prove all the draft day doubters wrong. Signing Malcolm Butler doesn't prevent me from this selection as I am not a big fan of him or Alford as a starter.
17. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: OT Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
Team Needs: CBx2, FS, RT; Team Wants: QB, WR, LB, RG
Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock are getting rid of almost every player from the previous regime it seems like. With the OL being completely remade, they have replaced every position but RT. I assume that is because they are in a really nice position at 17 to select their RT of choice between Mayfield, Jenkins and other available tackles. Mayfield went to Michigan which is the tiebreaker as Mayock only seems to select players from winning-pedigree schools with their top picks. I know Michigan doesn't win a ton... but they do more than Oklahoma St.
18. MIAMI DOLPHINS: RB Najee Harris, Alabama
Team Needs: RB, WR, OLB, EDGE; Team Wants: TE, OG, S, C
Alright, I'm on board. Najee is the sensible pick. After only signing Malcolm Brown in FA, the Dolphins need a starting RB from the draft. Instead of waiting until the 2nd round and hoping the guy you want is there, the Dolphins take him now. Najee is the perfect back for the type of system they want to run. With an OL that can only go up from here, I expect he will thrive with Tua and Co.
19. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM: WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
Team Needs: LB, LT, WR; Team Wants: EDGE, FS
You know what type of WR succeeds the most with Ryan Fitzpatrick? Go up and get it guys. You know what Bateman is pretty dang good at? Going up and getting it. Even without Fitzpatrick as the starter, I really like Bateman in this offense as he will be a really nice balance between Scary Terry and Curtis Samuel.
20. CHICAGO BEARS: QB Mac Jones, Alabama
Team Needs: WR, CB, RT, SS; Team Wants: EDGE, QB, RG
Mac Jones' landing spot is in major flux with free agency out of the way. There are only a handful of teams that I could see selecting him: New Orleans, New England, Carolina, and Chicago. In this mock, that means it is down to New Orleans and Chicago. If the Saints really like him, they may attempt to jump Chicago, as they tried to do for some QBs in the past. Mac going to Chicago isn't a move for this season, but in 2022 the QB room will be emptied with Dalton and Foles going elsewhere.
21. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Team Needs: CBx2, EDGE, LT; Team Wants: TE, WR
Justin Houston hasn't re-signed with the team and the pass rush could use a boost. Rousseau is my top EDGE rusher because he has all of the physical gifts and has shown production. We just don't know how consistent he will be against NFL competition because of his limited action in college. He is the one that I would take first if I was a GM.
22. TENNESSEE TITANS: EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Miami
Team Needs: EDGE, NT, NCB, TE, WR, RG; Team Wants: RT, SS
The Titans worked on the DL signing Autrey (DT) and Dupree (EDGE) in free agency but it isn't enough. They need more playmakers at this spot and Phillips has all the tools to be successful in a versatile defense like Tennessee. I would be rather surprised if this first pick wasn't used on a defensive player.
23. NEW YORK JETS (from SEA): CB Greg Newsome II, Northwestern
Team Needs: RT, iOL, CBx2, Nickel CB, RB; Team Wants: QB, WR, OLB, EDGE
The top 3 CB list has been tight from the beginning of the year until now. But Greg Newsome is making a late run at one of those spots. Fortunately for the Jets, he worked in a defense that used a lot of off-man coverage which could ease the transition into a zone defense, that the Jets are likely going to be running under Saleh. I like this fit a lot and it hits a major need.
24. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma St
Team Needs: RB, C, RT, NCB, CB, LT, EDGE, ILB; Team Wants: QB
Tevin Jenkins is the prototypical Steelers OL with his bruising style of play. But the Steelers have plenty of other holes to fill as well. I think they will sign some guys between now and the draft, but trading down to acquire more picks may be in their best interest. If not, the priority needs to be an offensive lineman to protect Ben in his final season.
25. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (from LAR): FS Trevon Moehrig, TCU
Team Needs: QB, FS; Team Wants: iOL, TE, EDGE, RB, WR
This player-team fit is getting really common amongst draftniks but I'm happy I was early to the party. Moehrig is the best ball-hawking safety in the class. The defense is really close to competing at a high level with 2 young pass rushers and a young secondary.
26. CLEVELAND BROWNS: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Team Needs: EDGEx2, DT, OLB, ILB; Team Wants: WR
The Browns offense is set. They need to address defense and the versatile LB JOK should help out wherever they want to play him. The Browns GM said he wanted to play more secondary players this past year but injuries prevented that. JOK can be a LB in base defense and turn into a safety or nickel corner when you go to nickel or dime. I really like this fit for a team that needs another playmaker on defense.
27. BALTIMORE RAVENS: EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Team Needs: RT, C, WR, EDGE; Team Wants: FS, LB
Ojulari won't be for everyone but I know the Ravens can fix up just about any EDGE player they get. Ojulari has some really nice tools and showed some strength at his pro day on the bench. The worry is he may not have enough pass-rushing moves to see him get prolonged success over a full season. In 4-5 years we may be looking at another free agent pass rusher that the Ravens just can't afford because he is too good.
28. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: WR Terrace Marshall Jr, LSU
Team Needs: ILB, EDGE, WR, depth everywhere; Team Wants: CB, TE
The Saints haven't lost many players that I would say were integral to their 2020 success outside of Drew Brees. However, their depth has been shattered with all of their cap casualties. Getting another body at WR will be really important for Jameis or Taysom to be successful. Double covering Thomas and stacking the box will be able to shut down the offense. Marshall was the forgotten man from LSU but he will be a great #2 option that can play opposite Thomas.
TRADE! 29. MIAMI DOLPHINS (from GB): EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan
Trade Details: MIA trades the 36th pick and 123 (4th rd) to GB for the 29th pick.
Team Needs: RB, WR, OLB, EDGE; Team Wants: TE, OG, S, C
The Dolphins got an extra 2nd round pick from the earlier trade down so they use some ammunition to move back up into the 1st and snag the falling Paye. Kwity is a physical freak with very little actual production which leads to his fall. The funny thing is he could be selected as high as 11 but his tape is something more of a Day 2 pick.
30. BUFFALO BILLS: CB Elijah Molden, Washington
Team Needs: NCB; Team Wants: DT, LG, EDGE
A new name and one that some would say is a reach. However, NFL teams recognize the importance of having a top tier nickel cornerback. The NFL is phasing out of traditional 3-4 and 4-3 alignments to play more nickel (5 DBs) coverages as offenses have shifted to 11 (1RB/1TE/3WR) and 10 (1RB/0TE/4WR) personnel. The Bills have a rockstar safety tandem and one of the best young corners in the game Tredavious White. However, the #2 and NCB positions have been a rotating door that hasn't been too successful. Molden is going to be the most coveted nickel corner in this class and he will be high on their board.
31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: OT Liam Eichenburg, Notre Dame
Team Needs: LT, C, EDGE, LB; Team Wants: WR
I am keeping my eye on Kansas City for a big trade up in the draft to select one of these OTs. The splash signing of Joe Thuney solidifies the vacant guard spot and between Lucas Niang and Mike Remmers the RT spot should be good. But filling the LT and C spot needs to be addressed. Centers can be had later but Eichenberg is one of only a few starting left tackle prospects left at this point.
32. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: RB Javonte Williams, North Carolina
Team Needs: Backup QB, KR; Team Wants: FS, C, RB, CB, P
The Bucs continue to resign their own and restructure the long-term contracted players. However, spending money to bring back Fournette seems a bit ludicrous when you can just select one of the top backs in the draft. Because the team has so few needs picking a RB in the first round is a strong decision. Javonte is one of my favorite players in this class because he will never get tackled by the first guy.
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33. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota St
Team Needs: QB, FS; Team Wants: iOL, TE, EDGE, RB, WR
34. NEW YORK JETS: RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
Team Needs: RT, iOL, CB, Nickel CB, RB; Team Wants: QB, WR, OLB, EDGE
I have been on the Jets passing on a RB at the top of this draft. But Etienne fits so perfectly with the SF style offense they are going to run and he is here on a platter. I can't pass him up for you Gang Green. You're welcome.
35. ATLANTA FALCONS: LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Team Needs: SS, FS, EDGE, C; Team Wants: CB, LB, LG
The defensive unit for the Falcons is a mess and if they weren't drafting in the top 5, I would have wanted to address that side with their 1st round pick as well. Unfortunately, the defensive talent in this draft doesn't have many elite prospects. Zaven is a versatile LB that I'm not sure totally fits in this defense. However, Dean Pees has had great units in the past and I hope he can get the most out of a player that can do it all. He may not rush the passer as much as an OLB, but his coverage abilities will help ease the burden off fellow LB Deion Jones.
36. GREEN BAY PACKERS (from MIA via HOU): C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
Trade Details: MIA trades the 36th pick and 123 (4th rd) to GB for the 29th pick.
Team Needs: WR, C, ILB, NCB; Team Wants: RT, ILB or DT, CB
The Packers traded up 6 spots last year with the Dolphins to select Jordan Love and only gave up a 4th round pick. This is about the same "price" in terms of draft pick value and it gets the Packers in a position that they aren't reaching on what is arguably their biggest need. Humphrey will step in Day 1 to be Aaron Rodgers new (hand to) butt buddy.
37. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: LB Baron Browning, Ohio St
Team Needs: WR, CB, LB; Team Wants: Backup TE, C, G, QB
The Eagles have had LBs move on the past few years and currently it is a barren landscape at the position. Getting an ultra-athletic LB that fits the modern-day prototype of a 3-down guy is a must. He won't be a liability in pass coverage against TEs and RBs. They had been using safeties on those players in the past which left them vulnerable in 1v1 matchups with their CBs on WRs. Hopefully, this fixes all those over-corrections.
38. CINCINNATI BENGALS: OG Wyatt Davis, Ohio St
Team Needs: WR, EDGE, OGx2, C; Team Wants: ILB, TE
I mentioned the OL work the Bengals did with the first pick but they are nowhere near done. The interior is a mess so they need to focus in on one of the top guards available. Davis may not be drafted this high due to an injury in the National Championship, but he would have if not for it. He had a dominant season in 2020.
39. MIAMI DOLPHINS (from CAR): C Landon Dickerson, Alabama
Trade Details: CAR trades the 8th pick, 39 overall and a 2022 1st round pick to MIA for the 3rd pick.
Team Needs: RB, WR, OLB, EDGE; Team Wants: TE, OG, S, C
The Dolphins picked up a center in free agency, but I think it is clear from last year's aggression in the draft that they want to be young in the trenches. Dickerson can get a full year to recover from his injury or he can go work if any of the guards miss any time. Dickerson is one of the bigger centers in this draft and Miami has one of the beefiest OLs in the NFL. Seems like a match made in heaven.
40. DENVER BRONCOS: CB Eric Stokes, Georgia
Team Needs: QB, ILB; Team Wants: RT, CB
Denver's 2020 plan was to address offense. Denver's 2021 plan has so far been to repair the defense. They started with resigning FS Simmons, activating the option for EDGE Von Miller and resigning DT Shelby Harris. Then in FA, they got 2 corners in Darby and Fuller. Getting both of them doesn't completely rule them out from addressing the position in my opinion. Fuller is only here on a 1-year deal and I think he will try to cash out next season. Stokes is blazing fast and that seems to be something that this team looks at (at least on offense). Besides, someone on this team needs to try to be able to cover Tyreek.
41. DETROIT LIONS: LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Team Needs: WR, RT, DT, OLB; Team Wants: CB, FS, SS, ILB, RG
In 2017, the Lions selected LB Davis in the 1st round. His contract just expired with the Lions. But if at first you don't succeed... do the same thing again without fear of repercussions. The GM and HC are no longer in place from that 2017 team, obviously. And I quite like Jamin Davis as a player. I think he is one of those non-sexy selections that the only people that like the pick are the ones who actually have truly watched his tape. I haven't seen much, but I have seen him play with instincts and shoot gaps in the running game. His speed and range should allow him to be played on all 3 downs as a WILL.
42. NEW YORK GIANTS: EDGE Jayson Oweh, Penn St
Team Needs: RT, EDGE, LB; Team Wants: LG, Backup RB, Backup QB
Dave Gettleman just can't help himself with getting big guys in the draft. Especially ones that are athletic marvels. Oweh put on an absolute show at the Penn St Pro Day and there is no doubt that the Giants noticed. The issue? He had ZERO sacks this past season. His athleticism will probably see him shoot up draft boards, but in a draft season that is going to rely almost entirely on tape, consider me not a fan.
43. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: DT Christian Barmore, Alabama
Team Needs: G, CB; Team Wants: Starting QB, RB, DT
Over the past 2 seasons, the 49ers have let Buckener and Thomas walk out the door from their DL. Once a staple of their defense, they could really use some depth. Last year they selected DT Kinlaw in the 1st round and now they add the super raw Barmore to the group. Christian has all the athleticism to make a big impact as a 3 technique at the next level. But he didn't put it all together in his first full season as a starter. Still, there is a lot to like here.
44. DALLAS COWBOYS: EDGE Joe Tryon, Washington
Team Needs: CB, FS; Team Wants: TE, Backup QB, EDGE, SS, OT
Dallas has heavily relied on having a 2nd pass rusher alongside Demarcus Lawrence the last few years with Aldon Smith and Robert Quinn. Both of them had good production. Tryon isn't as athletic and bendy as those two, but he will be a good fit in this 4-3 system under Quinn. He wins more with power than speed but also has a knack for affecting the run game, something Quinn wasn't as good at.
45. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (from MIN): EDGE Joseph Ossai, Texas
Team Needs: QB, FS; Team Wants: iOL, TE, EDGE, RB, WR
46. DETROIT LIONS (from NE): DT Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
Trade Details: NE trades the 15th pick, 46, 122 (4th rd), and a 2022 2nd round pick to DET for the 7th pick.
Team Needs: WR, RT, DT, OLB; Team Wants: CB, FS, SS, ILB, RG
The Lions have largely played the best player available game so far and I think they continue that trend here with the extra pick they got in the Patriots Fields trade. Levi isn't the tallest guy, but he plays above his stature. He will play best as a 3-tech instead of the nose position which was just vacated by the release of DT Shelton, even though Washington used him on the nose often. Levi has the strength to get push on the pocket if he works above the guard instead of being asked to take on double teams.
47. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: WR Kadarius Toney, Florida
Team Needs: LT, RG, EDGE; Team Wants: OLB, CB, WR, Special Teams Overhaul
The Chargers would probably cry if this happened. Toney isn't Tyreek Hill. No one is. But he does have the speed and open space vision to start his career like Hill did. As a kick returner and big-play specialist. I absolutely love the idea of Toney deep downfield and Herbert just chucking it up to him.
48. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
Team Needs: CBx2, FS, RT; Team Wants: QB, WR, LB
Moore is going to be one of the most polarizing prospects in this class. Once believed to be a top 5 WR in this class, question marks about his injury history have completely tanked his draft stock in the eyes of some. However, when healthy, he is a weapon with the ball in his hands. Screens, running it out of the backfield, anything to get him the ball. The Raiders invested in a gadget player last offseason with the hopes he could play RB as well as WR (Lynn Bowden). He was eventually traded before ever playing a game because he wasn't a RB. Moore can be that gadget player for them if his medicals clear.
49. ARIZONA CARDINALS: TE Pat Freirmuth, Penn St
Team Needs: RB, TE; Team Wants: CB, NCB, SS, ILB
The Cardinals will not make this selection. I am 100% sure of it. But this offense doesn't need more WRs. It needs a mismatch at TE. Pat was the #1 TE in this class in August. And then Kyle Pitts happened. But Pat can block, as well as catch, at a high level. They don't even need to use him right away as a receiving option because I know Kliff hates his TEs. But Pat is exactly the missing piece for this offense that could use better blocking and a mismatch offensively.
50. MIAMI DOLPHINS: S Jevon Holland, Oregon
Team Needs: RB, WR, OLB, EDGE; Team Wants: TE, OG, S, C
I admit it... this mock is pretty much picture perfect for the Dolphins. Part of it is that I know my team the best and I know the prospects that fit with them. I'm not trying to be biased. Holland is just icing on this perfect cookie cake. A safety that is versatile enough to play in multiple alignments is right up Flores' alley. Last season they drafted S Brandon Jones but he fits better as a LB/NCB/SS. Holland is going to be the traditional deep safety in this defense.
51. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM: OT Sam Cosmi, Texas
Team Needs: LB, LT, WR; Team Wants: EDGE, FS
Cosmi is definitely the last starting left tackle in this class and he won't last this far. But I could see him slipping to the 2nd round. I don't have any trades in the 2nd round so he ends up falling here. Cosmi is athletic and thinner than you would hope for, but at 6'7 he may have some weight to add at the next level. You just hope it doesn't affect his athleticism.
52. CHICAGO BEARS: OT James Hudson, Cincinnati
Team Needs: WR, CB, RT, SS; Team Wants: EDGE, QB, RG
Hudson has some fans within the draft community but he is extremely raw. He has only played one season of OT in his life. But he is very "toolsy". He has length, power, athleticism and a mean streak that is normally seen in the top prospects. But because of his limited sample size, he will need at least one season of just learning how to be a lineman.
53. TENNESSEE TITANS: WR Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
Team Needs: EDGE, NT, NCB, TE, WR, RG; Team Wants: RT, SS
He isn't my favorite WR in this draft class. But I think he is #3 behind Waddle and Devonta. Elijah, not related to Rondale, has elite quickness and toughness for a smaller player. Elijah will probably feature in the slot at the next level, to begin with. His quick feet and elusiveness after the catch will get him on the field immediately and producing for his offense. We all know how much Tannehill loved Jarvis in Miami. Moore has the quickness "Juice" had but better straight-line speed.
54. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: WR Amon-Ra St Brown, USC
Team Needs: CBx2, EDGE, LT; Team Wants: TE, WR
One of the best names in the draft, with relation to Equanimous St Brown of the Packers, Amon-Ra reminds me of Juju coming out of USC. Both play very physically and excelled in the slot. Similar to Juju, I think Amon-Ra can also play outside as a #2 where he can shine as a contested catcher. The TY resigning doesn't ruin this pick as he can start in the slot and eventually work to the outside.
55. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: LB Nick Bolton, Missouri
Team Needs: RB, C, RT, NCB, CB, LT, EDGE, ILB; Team Wants: QB
The Steelers get a steal with Bolton falling this far. There are very few teams that could use a thumping MIKE LB but the Steelers are one. Bolton is extremely quick and instinctive and is a force in the running game. Unfortunately, he has struggled some when asked to man up in coverage but I think the Steelers will prevent that from happening. If Bolton can be a zone dropper, he will be much more effective in diagnosing what the QB is going to do.
56. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: CB Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky
Team Needs: G, C, CBx2, DT; Team Wants: RT, TE, EDGE
The Seahawks brand of cornerback hasn't changed for a very long time and with Shaq Griffen gone, it is time to reinvest in the position. Long and lanky with dreads has been their prototype but unfortunately, Kelvin doesn't have dreads. Maybe he wears a wig during the game in Seattle. Kelvin has been exposed to zone coverage while at Kentucky, which Seattle still employs.
57. LOS ANGELES RAMS: CB Aaron Robinson, UCF
Team Needs: CB, NCB, iOL, ILB Team Wants: LT, TE
LA lost Troy Hill as their Nickel/#2 corner in free agency, which will be a large loss if they don't replace him. Unfortunately for them, they have no 1st round pick or cap room. Robinson is one of the better nickel corners from college last season and is an aggressive run defender. For a nickel, he doesn't stick to defenders as much as you might hope but he does have the quick feet that are necessary for the position.
58. BALTIMORE RAVENS: OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
Team Needs: RT, C, WR, EDGE; Team Wants: FS, LB
The Ravens are no doubt moving on from Orlando Brown Jr at RT and I assume they will get at least a Day 2 pick for him. Spencer Brown showed up at the Senior Bowl and had a pretty good performance considering he is coming from an FCS school. Similar to Brown, he is of monstrous size but isn't as heavy as Orlando. He is a decent athlete and is nasty finishing his blocks.
59. CLEVELAND BROWNS: EDGE Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
Team Needs: EDGEx2, DT, OLB, ILB; Team Wants: WR
Perkins is a lot like the other edge rushers in this class. A bit undersized without a ton of bend. He has had success in college because of his wide variety of pass rush moves. He did some of his best work in 2020 on 1st round pick Teven Jenkins. If Cleveland isn't able to address this position in the 1st round, Perkins is a great fit for the 4-3 system they employ.
60. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: CB Asante Samuel Jr, Florida St
Team Needs: ILB, EDGE, WR, depth everywhere; Team Wants: CB, TE
Losing Janoris Jenkins isn't a big deal for the Saints. But not replacing him would be. Selecting Asante Samuel Jr allows them the flexibility to put him at slot or as their #2 across Lattimore. Samuel was much more comfortable in man coverage at FSU, which makes this fit even better. His dad had an outstanding career because of his instincts, which is something he passed down to his son.
61. BUFFALO BILLS: DT Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
Team Needs: NCB; Team Wants: DT, LG, EDGE
The Bills DL isn't up to the same level of excellence that the secondary and LB unit are. Not to say this is a bad unit, but Nixon could certainly make it better. Pairing Ed Oliver up with Nixon as 3-techs will be disastrous for an OL. Nixon has a great first step off the ball and very active hands but has only really made an impact in one season at Iowa.
62. GREEN BAY PACKERS: WR Dyami Brown, North Carolina
Team Needs: TE, WR, C, ILB, CB; Team Wants: RT, NCB, ILB or DT
The Packers need more speed and consistency from their WRs not named Davante Adams. MVS has speed but he goes silent in too many games. Dyami has dynamic, game-altering speed. His bread and butter are deep routes and because of his speed, he is able to break off routes early and be left alone. I love his potential with Rodgers or Love's arm.
63. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: LB Jabril Cox, LSU
Team Needs: LT, C, EDGE, LB; Team Wants: WR
Jabril Cox's name is going to be accompanied by LSU, but he is a transfer from North Dakota St. 3 players in the first 2 rounds from that school ain't shabby. Cox is fantastic in coverage, which suits this Kansas City defense perfectly. Teams need to throw against them. Unfortunately, he isn't great against the run.
64. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: FS Richie Grant, UCF
Team Needs: Backup QB, KR; Team Wants: FS, C, RB, CB, P
The Bucs lucked out last year that Antoine Winfield Jr was available with their 2nd round draft choice. This year they get him a deep safety partner because why the hell not. The Bucs have very few places in which they need an upgrade. Richie was used in the box, as a nickel, and as a deep safety if they want to get tricky with where Antoine and he line up.
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