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It's draft season baby! The time of the year when everyone wants to turn into Mel Kiper Jr. and act like they know what the hell will happen on draft night. This is not the real Mock Draft. We will be having a Draft Special releasing on The Pod here in the coming week, tune in and listen to AJ and I go full on McShay and Kiper as we predict what will go down. This mock draft is what should happen... I pick for each team with what I think is best. Run away you Trevor Lawrence lovas.
Let me start off by saying that this hype train for Trevor Lawrence is absolutely hilarious. Lawrence is being raved to be as good of a prospect as Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck were coming out of college. Lawrence had Matt Barkley rave going into Clemson and did nothing special in big games or against elite competition. That’s a fact, look at the tape. Jacksonville falling into the hype is just another perfect way for them to keep being the Expos of football. Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence... the Jags will be in London by 2025. Trevor Lawrence WILL be a bust. If the Jags think they need to draft a QB then they should pick who I think will be the top arm from this draft- BYU’s Zach Wilson.
I see him having the best career of the ’21 Class of QBs and see extreme similarities between he and last year’s top pick, Joe Burrow. Wilson had a rough sophomore season mostly because he dealt with a Labrum injury, but it’s how he improved the following year that skyrocketed his draft stock. Wilson’s ability to move around and deliver high clip throws outside the pocket & off-platform raises his NFL potential. I would take Wilson over Lawrence any day of the week and twice on Sunday. I said Herbert over Tua... so far I seem right. Now I am saying Wilson over Lawrence.
We have our usual mess in the Jets room thanks to good ole Woody Johnson. Now that Adam Gase is gone and out of the picture, you can properly move forward, and I believe they have to move forward with Sam Darnold... at least for one season. Give him a chance with a proper staff & play call/formation. You have to get him talent, that should be the first & main objective (thank Woody for not having Le’Veon). With Jacksonville going with a QB number one the Jets are left with an obvious choice in drafting what I believe to be the best all-around talent in the draft and a GEM for Darnold- TE Kyle Pitts out of Florida.
The dude is a absolute monster and is arguably the best TE prospect ever. He is a immediate weapon the moment he steps onto a NFL field. Dominant hands, freakish size and game halting velocity. Pitts showed he can line up outside as he has tape against the best corners in the draft including Surtain II. Pitts can take over any drive, the Jets need that. So does Darnold. Kyle Pitts is a rare talent. I would do the right thing New York.
Miami has some cards to play. Media wants you to believe they are in the Watson or Russ sweepstakes... I don’t think so. I know the league has changed but Tua isn’t Josh Rosen or Christian Ponder. You already have a year of teaching towards Tua, the longest year of a rebuild from a learning standpoint. 2nd year is when it starts to come together. I think it's crazy to give out a huge haul including Tua, a guy you just drafted to be your 'chise QB. We can't be f'n stupid like the wanker Howie Roseman and just give away players off one season (especially when they are a ROOKIE). Hang up the phone and get Tua help. Pitts might be on the board because I don't work for NY, but I think you have to go receiver here. Tua needs some weapons. I am high on DeVante Parker, getting him a second receiver to release pressure will do nothing but make him better. The Heisman winner is still a tough call for me as a top 3 pick. No it's not because of his lack of size or muscle... he lowkey looks like a baby Randy Moss so not the case. These kind of college superstars are just tough to roll on, especially with a top 3 pick. I don't believe Smith can be a #1 receiver with a weak #2. I believe he needs to play inside and be paired with another stud receiver. Smith needs to be able to work the field, he won't succeed being a double covered #1. With Alabama he had so many weapons around him including Waddle that made him open all the time for him to put the numbers up that he did. This is the NFL, those opportunities are slimmed greatly. Miami is perfect, reunites him with Tua, gives Tua a star weapon that he is already familiar with. You watch his championship performance (FIRST HALF) and think of his relationship with Tua... kind of a no brainer, lets hope he carries the stardom over.
I understand Atlanta wants to draft the guy to replace Matt Ryan, and I'm glad they understand the time to do that is running low. I just don't think they should gamble on Justin Fields or Trevor Lawrence. Trey Lance would be appealing, but I think you hold off. The Falcons have holes on defense, especially at LB. I believe Micah Parsons is the best defensive talent in this year's draft and pairing him with Deion Jones gives Atlanta a top linebacker room to go with their strong D-Line led by Grady Jarrett. Falcons would have a damn good defense and doesn't risk the chance at getting a bust QB and going into more of a rebuild. There are still some QBs to get like Cam Newton or they could get lucky and draft a falling Mac Jones on day two, but don't gamble on Fields. It may be a tough pill to swallow, but we know they love that type in the ATL.
The Bengals number one objective is to find security and more weapons for Joe Burrow. Burrow was excellent last year but lost his season to injury. Offensive line is a must to hit in the draft. Sitting at number five gives the Bengals a incredible opportunity to land a big weapon for their QB. Who better than perhaps the most complete receiver in the draft and a man who put up 1,700+ yards & 20 toudys with Burrow in a National Championship winning college season? Drafting Chase would be a gem for the Bengals, it would give their QB a stud, it will replace AJ Green & help Boyd continue to get better. Adding Chase and some offensive line help with the other picks, the Bengals could have a elite offense in the near future. If you don't go Chase then you have to go Penei Sewell. Draft needs to be around Burrow just like Miami with Tua.
Ah geez, who the hell knows what that bozo will do with this pick. I predict Trey Lance but who knows, it's quite comical. You got rid of Wentz, dug yourself in a huge hole with numerous positions needing fills. Getting a QB would be idiotic. Jalen Hurts is now the QB, time to finally get him proper help. As of know all you really have is Goedert & Boobie Sanders. Jalen Reagor has a lot to prove and learn, they may have the worst wide receiving room in the league but you have Chase and Smith likely off the board, you have to get a lineman. If one of those two are on the board (especially Chase) then you must pull the trigger. If Micah Parsons is on the board I'd also pick him. The Eagles have many holes to fill and are in a good place to fill one depending on what happens with the first 5 picks. A few choices but it shouldn't be a QB or Jaylen Waddle. The highlighted names on the big board for Philly should be Parsons, Sewell & Chase/Smith.
Like Philadelphia, this pick for the Lions comes down to who falls to them. Getting Jared Goff as part of the Stafford exchange allows the Lions to not have to rush into a bust and doesn't force them to draft a QB in the first round this season. I wouldn't unless Zach Wilson falls to them. They also will need a WR badly with Marvin Jones and likely Kenny Gollady jumping ship. Ja'Marr Chase drops then Detroit should absolutely pull the trigger. If those two are gone then they have to fill a hole on defense. You drafted Okudah last season, so I would try to get one of these stud LBs. Parsons or JOK from Notre Dame. I think Owusu-Koramoah is going to be sneaky good. He can blitz with velocity and tenacity, he can cover at linebacker and play the slot. Big time player that would be needed help in the front part of that defense.
The Panthers have made it known that they are looking for a QB. They seem interested on Justin Fields if he drops and of course have been waiting on the Watson sweepstakes. But with what is on the board and the holes you have, is drafting Justin Fields a good idea? Is he really giving them more help right away than Bridgewater or even Phillip Walker would? I don't think so, I see it as a silly gamble. The front for Carolina's defense is strong and has a bright future but the secondary lacks tremendously. They are solid on offensive skill positions so I would go defense or o-line, Surtain II is better than Caleb Farley. He would be a excellent pick for the Panthers and saves them from wasting this pick. I see big things from Surtain II... it's a family thing.
Denver has gone offense heavy with their day one picks in the last two seasons and now must go defense heavy in this draft. They could go corner or linebacker. Denver is soon set to part ways with Von Miller which would weaken the LB room and the pass-rush greatly. They will be losing their most reliable force for applying pressure and laying the boom. Those are two things that Paye did with ease at Michigan. I think he is the route to go. Tenacious competitor with game-breaking power, if it's not corner then it should be Kwity Paye.
I am not very high on Farley. I have him ranked as my third corner. Farley does fit Dallas well. They need secondary help bad. He has rare length and size for a corner but lacks true fundamentals and technique. He does well when using his length while defending tight ends, a key trait that will be a one upper. Dallas needs to go secondary with this pick.
Giants could go a few ways here. They could look in to boosting the secondary, Julian Love isn't top tier starting corner. They could go offensive line or they could pull a surprise risk and draft Rousseau from Miami (FL.) They would need to move Dexter Lawrence to the NT, which is fine for his size. Rosseau would bring extended pressure off the edge for the Giants. He has all the makings to be a future Giants favorite.
Shanahan looks to be ready to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance maybe a perfect suitor for him. I wouldn't start Lance right away but a year to watch with Shanahan's offensive brain it could be the perfect match. If Shanahan wants a QB in this draft I think Lance would be his best option. I don't trust Fields and neither should he. Lance has more potential.
You got your guy in Herbert, now go out and get him some security and weapons. That has to be the only thing on the Charger's mind at 13. Rashawn Slater is my second ranked offensive lineman. Slater would be a tremendous addition to help keep Herbert protected.
Minnesota has done a pretty awful job at drafting corners, especially in the first round. They find themselves still trying to fill that void & I think they need to try again. Asante Samuel Jr. is hands down the best man to man corner and should be a outstanding fit for the Vikings. I am not sold on Jeff Gladney and think they shouldn't hesitate on Samuel Jr. he is a hidden gem and could be a Pro Bowl corner.
As down on Lawrence that I am, I do believe his only chance at not being a complete bust would be with Belichick in New England or with Payton in New Orleans. I'm sure Bill would probably want to do anything to get his hands on a Kyle Pitts but he will be far too gone. Lawrence in New England would be a interesting pairing & I think Lawrence would actually thrive there unlike in Jacksonville.
The Cardinals are likely going to have to replace Hasson Reddick and add a edge but they also need to assure more security for Kyler Murray. With some solid offensive lineman still available I think they need to get a Tackle or Center- either Cosmi from Texas or Dickerson/Humphrey to start at Center.
Raiders need to bolster the secondary or get a Linebacker for the defense. I don't see Abram living up to his potential so getting a safety is probably the smartest route to go. They could also get a WR with size to make Riggs and Agholor more dangerous and consistent, Bateman or Terrace Marshall would be good suitors. I'm high on Moehrig from TCU though. I think he is a safe bet and should be making plays quickly on into his NFL career.
Miami is back on the board after getting a big time weapon for Tua, but why stop there? Keep it in over drive. Myles Gaskin is still a solid guy to have but getting a second guy in the back field who can flip a 10 yard play into 80 is huge. Najee Harris is rated the #1 tailback and also has ties with Tua (and Smith) but I believe Etienne to be more of a fit here. They need a runner who can make plays as a receiver and also be a play blocker... Etienne could shine in Miami. They would be doing Tua many, many favors.
Eventually Washington is going to have to find a Quarterback but for now I'd give Taylor Heinicke a shot and load up around him. Terry McLaurin is a star but won't do anything but decline unless they get him another big target to share the real estate with. Rashod Bateman is my gem of the draft. I think he could have the best overall career of any receiver in this draft. His size is perfect for Washington to put aside to Scary Terry. That would be a dangerous tandem and would help Heinicke hold onto his job.
The Bears might have the worst offense on paper. They lack playmakers badly. I'm not high on Waddle, I see him dropping respectfully. His route running isn't great but he is electric and would help Chicago greatly. They have to keep Allen Robinson in order for him to be a real playmaker but they need something. Waddle or Rondale Moore... get some weapons out there.
Colts are looking damn good right now. The offensive line is one of the best on paper, they have a great running back room and young receivers with a chance to breakout now with the new QB. I'd keep racking up that defense. Rousseau or Ojulari would be perfect fits. They need a explosive rusher off the edge to create havoc.
Tennessee should be looking at a rusher off the edge, DT or a third receiver to accommodate Brown and Davis. Getting one of the corners here would be silly, they need to properly use Desmond King and Fulton can take over the CB3. Rondale Moore would be a awesome fit here but settling for a brute up front is a good direction as well. Barmore is a solid pick & helps create more space for Clowney to expose.
Jets keep on adding to that Darnold fund. Getting a lineman is pivotal to protecting Darnold and Vera-Tucker is probably the most athletic of any lineman in this draft. Tucker can play in any scheme due to his athleticism and will be a immediate starter. He strives in the pass game with a elite kick slide. Jets need a guy more comfortable in the pass game, they don't have the receivers to make quick space, Darnold needs time to work in the pocket. Take the pick and get the wheels in motion if Vera-Tucker drops.
Pittsburgh could use some skill players badly, sitting at 24 makes them have to wait to see who is available. Maurkice Pouncey retiring leaves a void at Center that they must fill. Creed Humphrey is my best rated Center, fill the void or get a position player. I'd replace Pouncey and look for gems/quality position players later in the draft. They could also take Mac Jones here, he is a solid QB fit for them but I'd try to gamble that he will be there on day 2.
Drafting a QB number 1 makes you have to follow it up by building around him. Getting as much protection as you can. Darrisaw could be a good fit, he is much better in the run game and should fit well in the Jaguar's scheme, They are going to want to roll with James Robinson on the ground primarily (unless he is a fluke) and adding a heavy run Tackle is a good step.
Browns main focus on Day 1-2 is to bolster the defense and bring in some talent to compete for the LB and CB spots. The LB room is pretty poor, probably their top weakness as they got exposed in the middle of the field in the Playoff loss to the Chiefs. Dylan Moses or Nick Bolton are great choices here. I wouldn't draft a corner here unless Samuel Jr. drops. Greedy Williams should be allowed one season to bounce back, you can add CB comp' later in the draft. Bolton or Moses. Bolton can line up in the middle or even work some zone on the outside. Brings tenacity and power with a strong football IQ. Browns need a swarming leader, this could be a good fit.
The Ravens have a few things to think about here. Orlando Brown is requesting a trade due to scheme fit and that hurts the Ravens in a huge way. Forces them to now have to probably fill that void. Ravens also need more position players badly, which I believe needs to be the first motive. Marquise Brown will do absolutely nothing consistently until you find more weapons so he can create more space. They need a big body #1 to allow Brown to work inside. Ravens need to be all in on Kenny Golladay or Allen Robinson but they should draft as well. Terrace Marshall could be a stellar choice for Baltimore. Fits the scheme, has size and good breaking speed. Gotta get weapons' not 30 year old receivers that took a year off.
Saints have a need at TE and need depth at receiver but they should take care of that on Days 2-3 depending on what receivers are left on the board at 28. Mac Jones isn't a bad fit for them as they search for a Brees replacement but I wouldn't move up for him. Jameis has a good roster to work with for the time being. I like going safety here and Jevon Holland would be a great fit. Holland can play slot along with Safety which is what the Saints love. P.J. Williams and Malcom Jenkins are still there and could help Holland become a superstar. Learning under Jenkins for a year would make him and could give the Saints a major steal.
Get Aaron Rodgers a WR in round 1 so he can stfu. But in all seriousness, a wideout is a must here if they have a good name on the board. I think Rondale Moore would be a steal for the Titans at 23 but if he drops to Green Bay I would pull the trigger. Moore could thrive working the inside of the field with Adams being #1. If you don't go WR then Nick Bolton or Dylan Moses would be a good fit to help strengthen the middle of that defense. LB or WR... pretty simple.
Bills are close, they just need a few more pieces to the puzzle. They are lacking on the edge and need a game-changer to enforce pressure in the backfield. They also need to find depth at the skill positions. I would love to see them draft Najee Harris, gives them more ways to hurt you on offense and allows them to be more creative with Diggs being watched on tape all off-season. I'd stay safe and select a Edge Rusher. Phillips is a solid option here, he has some doubts but he could be a reliable disrupter in the NFL.
Kansas City is made on offense besides getting a lineman to eventually replace Mitchell Schwartz they should focus all in on linebacker or an edge rusher. I think if either Moses or Bolton dropped they need to pull the trigger. They have to bolster that linebacking room and Moses would be a steal for them.
Similar to KC, the Bucs are basically made on offense for another season but adding lineman help is always good. The defense needs to be altered a bit. At 32 you have to look at a defensive lineman or secondary. Carlton Davis got smoked by the league's best last season, I'd look to replace him at corner. If a guy like Asante Samuel Jr. is sitting there then the plans might change. Safe bet would be building that front 4 more. Suh doesn't have to long, you could bring in a guy like Odighizuwa to learn under Suh and allow Suh to not be on the field as much. Bucs have hands down the best linebackers and edge rush but it wouldn't hurt to add youth and speed in the front as Vea and Suh begin to feel the wear 'n tear.
Unfortunately I won't be in a draft room on April 29th, I'll be watching on a big screen laughing my a** off as I watch these bozos draft for their teams. To the Trevor Lawrence fan club... good luck.
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