N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.2

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.

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