N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.1

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.

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