Seven round mocks for eight more teams. Let’s go:

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

What I liked: Travis Kelce isn’t getting any younger, Ben Sinnott has some upside and can help lighten the load on the future HOFer.

What I didn’t like: I used the Chiefs first rounder on WR Adonai Mitchell but then didn’t address the position again.

Synopsis: Kansas City has won back to back championships for two reasons, Patrick Mahomes and great draft classes. They’ll land some gems in this draft too.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

What I liked: Raiders were able to get their new franchise QB, Jayden Daniels, without selling the farm.

What I didn’t like: In a great class of receivers, Vegas didn’t land one.

Synopsis: It’s a decent class for the Raiders, but probably doesn’t narrow the gap with Kansas City at all.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

What I liked: This is a good class for Minnesota, should go a long way in fixing their defense and filling other holes.

What I didn’t like: Depending on what happens with Kirk Cousins, the Vikings might want a better replacement than Sam Hartman.

Synopsis: Minnesota’s draft will be dictated by what happens with Cousins. If he walks, QB becomes the top priority.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

What I liked: T’Vondre Sweat is the best run stuffer in the draft and a good value at #45.

What I didn’t like: Would have liked to add a pass rusher for the Saints.

Synopsis: New Orleans has been in salary cap hell for years. They keep kicking the can down the road, but it’s time they start getting younger and cheaper. This draft is a start.

NEW YORK GIANTS

What I liked: I don’t see the Giants making a major splash at QB, but I do think they’ll do something. Michael Penix Jr is the type of move I expect.

What I didn’t like: I didn’t address the offensive line until Christian Jones at pick #184.

Synopsis: This is a strong class for the Giants, if Penix becomes the franchise QB this is an absolute home run of a draft.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

What I liked: Linebacker was a weak spot for the Eagles D, Payton Wilson & Tommy Eichenberg could both play significant roles.

What I didn’t like: Didn’t draft a center, but maybe they already have Jason Kelce’s replacement on the roster.

Synopsis: Philly’s collapse down the stretch was epic and inexplicable. This draft does well to address the secondary and linebacker corps, two of the biggest problem areas on defense.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

What I liked: The Dolphins need to bolster their offensive line, I used their first two picks to do that.

What I didn’t like: Miami lost their top two pass rushers to devastating injuries last season, how or when they return is a big question mark for 2024, yet I did nothing to address that in this draft.

Synopsis: At times, the Dolphins seemed like a legitimate contender in 2023, but injuries caught up with them. Building depth is key, but they simply lack the picks to do much.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

What I liked: This is a strong draft for the Chargers, Brock Bowers is an especially good fit.

What I didn’t like: Khalil Mack showed no signs of age in 2023, but Joey Bosa can’t seem to stay healthy. Another edge rusher would have been nice.

Synopsis: As stated before, this is a strong first draft for Jim Harbaugh. The addition of Bowers, Blake Corum and even Brenden Rice could make this offense unstoppable.

We’re in the midst of one of the quieter parts of the NFL year. Some roster moves are being made, mostly just the release of higher priced veterans. Most of the action is behind the scenes and won’t bear fruit for another month, at least.

The scouting combine is coming up in about a week, then the new league year, and free agency frenzy, two weeks after that.

Until then, we busy ourselves with totally speculative mock drafts. Last week, I did seven round mocks for eight individual teams. I’ll do another eight teams this week.

Once again, I’m using Pro Football Network’s mock draft tool, I feel it offers the most realistic trade scenarios. Also, since I do each team individually, there will be overlap of players. I would also like to reiterate that these mocks are what I would do if I was the GM, not necessarily what I think will happen.

With no further ado:

DENVER BRONCOS

What I liked: Luke McCaffrey is a bit of a project, but the media will love the story of him being drafted by the team his dad starred for.

What I didn’t like: JJ McCarthy should definitely be a first round target for the Broncos, I am just not entirely sure they can land him without moving up.

Synopsis: This is a ho-hum draft class for Denver on the surface. It all depends on how McCarthy pans out. If they’ve got their QB, great, if not this will be a very weak class.

HOUSTON TEXANS

What I liked: The first two picks are home runs. Jer’Zhan Newton at #23 is realistic and a no brainer pick for the Texans. Bralen Trice could be a perfect complement to last year’s first rounder, Will Anderson.

What I didn’t like: Houston should definitely address the offensive line before I did with Dylan McMahon at #235.

Synopsis: The Texans were one of the surprise teams of 2023 and are definitely on the right path. This is a good draft for them, but they should address offensive line earlier.

DALLAS COWBOYS

What I liked: The Cowboys running game was a bit of a disappointment last year, Braelon Allen should help kickstart it.

What I didn’t like: I love Ja’Tavion Sanders, and Dallas will too, but I think they should add another weapon to the passing game.

Synopsis: Dallas is a very good, but not great team. This draft probably doesn’t change that. The offensive line is showing cracks and probably needs addressed before the seventh round.

DETROIT LIONS

What I liked: I have the Lions heavily investing in their biggest weakness, the secondary. James Williams is a hybrid safety/linebacker that I’m particularly high on.

What I didn’t like: I would have liked to add another pass catcher, but if Jameson Williams steps up, it might be irrelevant.

Synopsis: Detroit is on the short list of NFC Super Bowl contenders for 2024. I went heavy on defense for them, while also grabbing their future at QB, a great value at the end of the first round.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

What I liked: Braelon Allen will slot in nicely behind Aaron Jones and should be ready to shoulder the load once he moves on.

What I didn’t like: I’m a Bears fan so I dislike everything that benefits the Packers. This is a very good draft for them. I especially dislike the Jer’Zhan Newton pick.

Synopsis: Packers are loaded with plenty of young skill position players with upside, they seemed to have moved on seamlessly from another HOF QB. Ugh! They could use reinforcements on the offensive line, and I found some high upside guys in the fourth and fifth round for them. I hate Green Bay.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

What I liked: The Rams landed possibly three eventual high end starters on the offensive line in JC Latham, Zach Frazier & Javion Cohen.

What I didn’t like: I didn’t address LA’s pass rush until their last pick with Jalyx Hunt.

Synopsis: The Rams haven’t had a first round pick since 2016, so it’s hard to tell how they’ll approach it. I played it safe and went with the top offensive lineman. Rams are a good but aging team in need of an infusion of youth.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

What I liked: Jeremiah Trotter Jr in the third round is great value and will fill the void left by Shaq Leonard.

What I didn’t like: I wasn’t able to address the secondary at all.

Synopsis: This is a pretty strong draft for the Colts, the first five picks should all play significant roles in the near future.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

What I liked: Jer’Zhan Newton is an obvious choice, but I really think the other Newton, Josh Newton, could be a tremendous value for the Jaguars.

What I didn’t like: I like Jalen McMillan but Jacksonville might need a more high end receiver.

Synopsis: The Jaguars disappointed in 2023 by collapsing down the stretch, but they have a decent foundation and this draft should help that.

That’s a wrap on another NFL season. Once again, the Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl champions. Please, stop with the beginning of a dynasty narrative, this IS a dynasty. AFC champions four of the last 5 seasons, Super Bowl champions 3 out of 5, including back to back. The beginnings of this dynasty was years ago.

A quick recap of my prognostications. After starting out 3-3 straight up and 2-4 versus the spread in the Wildcard round, I caught fire, going 6-1 straight up and an astounding 7-0 versus the spread to make my postseason record 9-4 straight up and versus the spread. Hopefully, my hot streak continues through the draft.

Now that the draft order is set, it’s time to enter the next phase of mock draft season. Over the next several weeks, I’ll do seven round mocks for all 32 teams. These drafts are my “If I was the GM” mocks. I don’t necessarily think this is what will happen, but what I would do if I’m making the decision.

I use Pro Football Network’s mock draft tool, because it offers the most realistic trade scenarios. I did each team individually, so there will be overlapping of players. Without further ado, let’s kick this pig:

BALTIMORE RAVENS

What I Liked: Johnny Wilson is a VERY big bodied receiver who could be a perfect complement to the smaller and shiftier Zay Flowers.

What I Didn’t Like: There is no way Jer’Zhan Newton lasts until the 32nd pick, but it would be a typical Baltimore pick. Not a pressing need, but clearly the best player on the board and a tremendous value.

Synopsis: The Ravens were the best team in the NFL right up until running into that post season juggernaut of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. They don’t have any glaring needs, but I added several players that could have an impact during their rookie season.

BUFFALO BILLS

What I liked: The first four picks could have an immediate impact in their rookie seasons Leonard Taylor is an especially good value since I have him as a fringe first rounder.

What I didn’t like: If I’m the Buffalo GM, I’d want to add a receiver well before pick #161, where I took Luke McCaffrey, who is definitely a project.

Synopsis: Like Baltimore, the Bills season ended at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has proven to be Buffalo’s nemesis. I’m not sure there is any draft haul that can get them past that.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

What I liked: This is a strong draft for Arizona, addressing a lot of their needs without any egregious reaches. Jeremiah Trotter Jr in the third round is tremendous value.

What I didn’t like: This is nitpicking but… They missed out on MHJ, but I opted to trade back and add more capital and landed a pretty good consolation prize in Rome Odunze.

Synopsis: As stated before this is a strong draft class for the Cardinals. It won’t make them contenders in the upcoming season, but it does set a pretty good foundation.

ATLANTA FALCONS

What I liked: JJ McCarthy is an upgrade at QB without mortgaging the future in Atlanta.

What I didn’t like: The pick itself is a no brainer, but there’s no way Byron Murphy II falls to the third round.

Synopsis: The Falcons may opt for a veteran free agent at QB or make a splash trade for one (Justin Fields?), but landing a possible franchise QB in the second round is a good second option.

CHICAGO BEARS

What I liked: If I’m the Bears GM, I’m sticking with Justin Fields and trading the #1 pick for an historic haul. New England gave it to me here and I landed my favorite player in the draft, Marvin Harrison Jr and with the added second round pick landed the best center, Jackson Powers-Johnson.

What I didn’t like: Need and value didn’t align just right for the second second rounder I acquired. Ja’Tavion Sanders is a fine player and will do well in Chicago, but I’d have rather had a safety or another wide receiver or edge rusher here.

Synopsis: Ultimately, I think the Bears will move on from Fields and draft Caleb Williams first overall, but this is “what I would do”. With the added draft capital of a trade back, Bears can plug most of their holes and build depth.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

What I liked: I used Carolina’s first five picks to improve the supporting cast around Bryce Young. Ben Sinnott should provide a security blanket and safety outlet for the young QB.

What I didn’t like: The Panthers pretty much emptied the cupboard to land Young last year, and proceeded to put him in as bad a situation as they possibly could. Jalen McMillan is a fine receiver but he’s not a #1 like DJ Moore, the one they gave up last year.

Synopsis: The Panthers will have to dip heavily into free agency to help improve the situation around Young. They’re paying the price for an overzealous move to land a franchise QB.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

What I liked: T’Vondre Sweat is the best run stuffer in the draft, landing him near the end of the second round is tremendous value.

What I didn’t like: Seeing the state of Cleveland’s offensive tackles at season’s end, I would have preferred landing one before Matt Goncalves at #154.

Synopsis: Like Carolina, the Browns lack a first round pick because they mortgaged their future on what may or may not be a franchise QB. Luckily, for Cleveland, they have a much more solid foundation and are better able to deal without a high draft pick.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

What I liked: Kool-Aid McKinstry is good value at #18 overall and should be a day one contributor.

What I didn’t like: The Bengals may lose two of their top 3 receivers in free agency and I didn’t address that until the third round with Devontez Walker.

Synopsis: Cincinnati likely would have been a playoff team had Joe Burrow not gotten injured. If they retain at least one of those two free agent receivers, this is a contending team. Not many holes, just little upgrades and depth needed.

Let me start by saying that I will be rooting hard for the San Francisco 49ers. Why? It’s not because I hate Kansas City, far from it. It’s because the Niners have become my second team, and really they should be all Chicago Bears fans second team.

Why? Because San Francisco has vanquished our enemies for us. They’ve bounced the hated Green Bay Packers from the postseason 3 times since 2020. This season, they even added the Detroit Lions to their list of Bears rivals they’ve eliminated.

No true Bears fan will ever forget Bears legend, Robbie Gould, hitting a game winning field goal against Green Bay and celebrating with Jimmy G by emphatically saying ‘F#%* the Packers’.

Then there’s George Kittle, born and raised a Chicago Bears fan and not afraid to let it be known. Yes, the Niners are my second team.

But,

There is a part of me that wants to see the Kansas City Chiefs win. I want the Chiefs to win and Travis Kelce to get MVP. I want Taylor Swift on the field celebrating with him, post game.

I want MAGA conspiracy theorist heads to explode. Especially, when Tay-Tay and her Super Bowl MVP boyfriend go on to publicly endorse President Biden a few weeks later, and then appear, together, in a Pfizer commercial promoting the Covid-19 vaccine boosters. I want the chaos!

But, this has nothing to do with what I want, but what I think will happen. I’ve said it many times, bet against Patrick Mahomes at your own peril.

He hasn’t taken the GOAT mantle from Tom Brady, yet, but he’s well on his way. Post-season Mahomes just finds ways to win, regardless of his supporting cast.

In the last 5 years, only Tom Brady and an upstart Joe Burrow have been able to vanquish the Chiefs in the post season, and it took Burrow and the Bengals overtime to do it.

I’m not betting against that. I have to go with Chiefs (+1.5) 27-24.

Your MVP won’t be Kelce, and surprisingly won’t be Mahomes either. My pick for MVP is inspired by the NFL Network’s Peter Schrager (if you know, you know). I’ll go with Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie, who will have a fourth quarter pick six that will all but seal the Lombardi Trophy for Andy Reid and the Kansas Chiefs.

I have to finish this by celebrating the long overdue Hall of Fame induction of a true GOAT. The greatest to ever do it, and the man that gave me more thrills as a Bears fan than anyone else in years, if not decades.