N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 4.1

Posted by henpunk2 on April 2, 2024

We’re in the home stretch, less than a month until draft night. I thought I’d kick off April with my annual, one and only, full seven round mock.

I used Pro Football Network’s mock draft tool for this. I did trades in the first round only. Let’s go:

ROUND ONE

Synopsis:

Bears taking Williams is fait accompli.
Commanders WILL take a QB, there’s growing buzz about McCarthy, but I’m sticking with Daniels, for now.
Patriots will be tempted by the offers to move down and I’m 50/50 on whether they’ll actually take it.
Vikings will find a willing trade partner in Arizona. I think they’ll move up for a QB, no matter what, but they truly covet McCarthy.
Jets making a bold move to land MHJ is something I’m beginning to really believe in.
Giants filled a lot of holes already, but not receiver.
Titans take the first offensive tackle.
Falcons take the first defensive player.
Bears will sprint to the podium if Odunze is still on the board at nine.
Chargers trade down and land one of the better overall prospects in the class.
Cardinals take a haul from Minnesota to move back, then take the top corner in the class.
Dolphins make a bold move up for a blue chip offensive tackle.
Rams haven’t had a first round pick since 2016, they move up to take a pass rusher.
Saints will be ecstatic to land Fuaga.
Colts land one of my favorite players in the draft.
Buccaneers move up to land a premier edge rusher.
Packers move up for Fautanu, who they may kick inside to guard.
Bengals take the top defensive tackle.
Raiders move down, adding draft capital, then land a top offensive tackle.
Steelers opt for an offensive tackle over a wide receiver.
Broncos move down, adding some extra capital and draft a QB in a more justifiable position.
Eagles let the board come to them and land a top corner.
Cardinals take a receiver with their second first rounder.
Cowboys take the best center prospect in years.
Jaguars move down and take a defensive tackle.
Seahawks move down and land the best offensive guard in the class.
Cardinals go edge with their third first rounder.
Bills tab the speedy Worthy to replace Gabe Davis.
Lions add a versatile piece to their secondary.
Ravens add a big bodied receiver to pair with Zay Flowers.
49ers will almost surely go offensive line here.
Chiefs replace L’Jarius Sneed.

ROUND TWO

Synopsis:

Panthers use their first two picks trying to get Bryce Young some help.
Texans add a defensive tackle to pair with their two stud edge rushers.
Raiders land their future QB.
Rams draft a replacement for Aaron Donald.
Eagles continue revamping their secondary with the pick of Kinchens.
Browns go offensive tackle with their first pick.
Lions draft an edge rusher to pair with Aiden Hutchinson.
49ers find a corner in the second round.

ROUND THREE

Synopsis:

Panthers continue to build around Young.
Patriots get their new QB a receiver.
Giants draft a replacement for Xavier McKinney.
Bears land a center.
Raiders replace Josh Jacobs.
Seahawks draft a replacement for Bobby Wagner.
Cowboys need to improve their running game.
Buccaneers draft an eventual heir to Mike Evans.
Commanders get their new QB a couple of weapons.

ROUND FOUR

Synopsis:

Chargers draft a running back that Jim Harbaugh knows well.
Giants draft a QB to push, or eventually replace, Daniel Jones.
Falcons continue to revamp their defense.
Raiders add another offensive weapon.
Ravens seem to find a hidden gem every draft, King is my pick for this year’s.
Steelers may have found their next great center here in the fourth round.
Bears draft an edge prospect.
49ers draft the son of the legendary Jerry Rice.
Jets draft a QB to groom behind Rodgers.

ROUND FIVE

Synopsis:

Cardinals might have the steal of the draft in Zinter.
Panthers continue the offensive overhaul around Young.
Falcons draft a QB to learn from Cousins.
Chiefs will find ways to use the versatile McCaffrey.
Eagles keep addressing linebacker and secondary.

ROUND SIX

Synopsis:

Steelers take an edge rusher with some upside.
Saints grab a QB.
Colts take a TE that I really like.
Dolphins land another TE that I like.
Bills may have found a hidden gem at safety.
Eagles take a center.

ROUND SEVEN

Synopsis:

Cowboys go with a QB.
Panthers get a backup for Young.
Packers land a running back that I believe will vastly outperform his draft status.
Jets tab Solomon Byrd as Mr. Irrelevant.

N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 3.3

Posted by henpunk2 on March 25, 2024

Pure Chaos!

That was my goal with this mock. I wanted to make it as chaotic as possible, whilst also staying realistic. I hope I accomplished that.

One month to go until Draft Night. I used Pro Football Network’s mock draft tool, as well as NFL Mock Draft Database’s mock draft tool to do this mock.

Let the chaos begin!

I could have gone with total chaos and made this pick anything other than this, but I also wanted realism. Williams to Chicago is pretty much etched in stone.

This pick isn’t completely etched in stone yet, but the engraver has at least carved QUARTERBACK. I think it’ll be Daniels.

In reality, as well as fantasy, the draft truly starts here. Will New England stay put & draft a QB, or will they take a haul from another QB needy team. Minnesota has the most to offer and I don’t think they’ll settle for QB4.

Here we go! I can actually see the Jets doing this. Going all in to maximize the time they have with Aaron Rodgers.

Back to the boring, sorry. Seriously, though, Alt is a massive talent, pun intended, and a perfect fit for what Harbaugh wants to do.

This might be a little bit of a surprise, but I think there’s some realism too. The Giants should, and probably are considering moving on from Daniel Jones.

I tried to find a way for Tennessee to trade out of this spot, in keeping with my chaos theme, but I didn’t find any viable options.

Turner to Atlanta is one of my more concrete projections. Unless someone makes a move in front of them, I’m fairly certain this will be the pick.

Odunze is one of four players that I think Chicago will take if he’s there at nine. The other three being Alt, Turner & Malik Nabers.

I have Arizona trading out of a chance to draft MHJ, so I don’t think they’ll target a WR here, even with Nabers available.

New England is a team in the beginning stages of a massive rebuild. They have needs everywhere, that’s why I think they may be open to trading out of number three.

This should throw the draft on its head. Denver has Jarrett Stidham as its QB1 and no draft capital to move up. They don’t have a second rounder, so barring a trade for someone like Daniel Jones, they have to pull the trigger on a pretty big reach for Nix.

I thought about having Las Vegas follow Denver’s lead and overdraft a QB here, but I think this is a new Raiders regime & honestly, Gardner Minshew is a decent QB to roll the dice with.

If Bowers falls into range, it would make perfect sense for Cincinnati to make this move.

This is one of the boring picks, but I like the fit with Mitchell and Indianapolis.

Miami lost a lot of talent in free agency, making a move up for a talented and versatile offensive lineman makes sense.

Dallas lost its starting left tackle and center in free agency, I think a move up to get the best center prospect in years makes sense.

With the top three offensive tackles off the board, I can see New Orleans adding some draft capital to move down.

Another boring pick, but Latu to the Rams makes a lot of sense. I could see them targeting a replacement for Aaron Donald here as well.

Pittsburgh could use another receiver for their new look QB room, but offensive line feels more like a Steelers move.

Seattle moves down and drafts a defensive lineman to make their defensive engine hum.

Philadelphia stands pat and lets a top notch corner prospect fall to them. Boring.

Detroit makes a bold move up to grab a pass rusher to partner with Aiden Hutchinson.

Jacksonville moves down and drafts a replacement for Calvin Ridley.

Another boring pick. DeJean to Green Bay has been a very consistent projection for me.

Back to back boring picks. Tampa Bay replaces Shaq Barrett.

After passing on receivers with their first pick, Arizona nabs one here.

Buffalo adding the speedy Worthy to replace Gabe Davis has been a consistent projection for me.

How’s this for chaos? Six QBs in the first round. I just don’t see New England leaving this draft without one and after adding major draft capital with their trade out of three, they can afford to reach on Penix and get that fifth year option.

Baltimore adding a big bodied receiver to complement Zay Flowers makes a ton of sense.

San Francisco adding talent to their offensive line is the prudent play.

After trading L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City could target a corner here.

TEAMS WITHOUT A FIRST ROUND PICK:

Carolina needs to improve the supporting cast around Bryce Young.

Houston can’t pass up a talent like Lassiter, who could pair with Derek Stingley to form a formidable corner duo.

Honestly, Payton Wilson just sounds like a Cleveland Brown.

N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 3.2

Posted by henpunk2 on March 17, 2024

The first week of free agency frenzy did not disappoint. There was some major moves, some big surprises and, finally, some clarity about what will happen at the top of the draft.

Barring any trades involving first round picks, this should be my last mock draft of wave three. I’ll do wave four in April, including a full seven round mock.

I used Pro Football Network’s mock draft tool to do this mock:

*TRADE*

Minnesota acquires the 3rd pick from New England in exchange for a package including the 11th and 23rd overall selections.

The **Minnesota Vikings** lost Kirk Cousins in free agency and added Sam Darnold. By deftly acquiring Houston’s first rounder, they’ve given themselves the ammo to move up for a QB.

The **Arizona Cardinals** gladly watch QBs go 1-2-3, knowing they can draft a generational WR twenty years after drafting another in Larry Fitzgerald.

The **Los Angeles Chargers** lost Keenan Allen, Mike Williams & Gerald Everett this week. There’s a severe shortage of pass catchers in LA for Justin Herbert.

The **New York Giants** filled a lot of holes this week, except at wide receiver.

*TRADE*

Denver acquires the 7th overall pick from Tennessee in exchange for a package including the 12th overall selection.

The **Denver Broncos** released Russell Wilson and did nothing to replace him. With their division rival, Las Vegas, lurking, they have to pull the trigger on a move up the board.

The **Atlanta Falcons** landed the big prize of free agency, QB Kirk Cousins, and they also acquired WRs Darnell Mooney & Rondale Moore. The offense is set, time to address their defense.

*TRADE*

Cincinnati acquires the 9th overall pick from Chicago in exchange for a package including the 18th overall selection.

The **Cincinnati Bengals** seize the opportunity to move up and grab the top OT in the draft to fill the void left by Jonah Williams.

The **New York Jets** added tackles Tyron Smith & Morgan Moses this week, but that shouldn’t preclude them from adding Fuaga, who they can kick inside to guard to strengthen the protection for Aaron Rodgers even more.

The **New England Patriots** have many needs, so they’ll take the extra first rounder to move out of the three spot, even if it means missing out on a QB.

The **Tennessee Titans** gladly take some extra draft capital to move down five spots where they still land a franchise OT.

*TRADE*

Philadelphia acquires the 13th overall pick from Las Vegas in exchange for a package including the 22nd overall selection.

The **Philadelphia Eagles** have draft capital to burn and a need to get younger and more physical in their secondary.

The **New Orleans Saints** have needs on both their offensive & defensive lines, offense holds more value here.

The **Indianapolis Colts** stop the slide of the best TE prospect since Kyle Pitts.

The **Seattle Seahawks** add another productive piece to their defensive line after re-signing Leonard Williams.

*TRADE*

Jacksonville trades the 17th overall selection to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a package including the 19th overall pick.

The **Los Angeles Rams** jump ahead of Chicago to keep a premium edge rusher in LA.

The **Chicago Bears** only have four picks in this draft, so they’ll easily slide down from ninth to add more and still land an edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat.

The **Jacksonville Jaguars** move down a couple spots, adding draft capital and still landing the CB they likely would have taken at #17.

The **Pittsburgh Steelers** have a long tradition of great centers, they add another for Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields.

The **Miami Dolphins** draft a replacement for Robert Hunt.

The **Las Vegas Raiders** move down the board, adding draft capital, and select the best OT still on the board.

The **New England Patriots** added this pick in an earlier trade. They use it on offense after spending their first pick on defense.

The **Dallas Cowboys** find a replacement for Tyron Smith.

The **Green Bay Packers** add a versatile defensive back to their secondary.

The **Tampa Bay Buccaneers** draft a replacement for Shaq Barrett.

The **Arizona Cardinals** go defense after using their first pick on offense.

The **Buffalo Bills** replace Gabe Davis with the fastest receiver in the class.

The **Detroit Lions** have few weaknesses, secondary is one, even after acquiring Carlton Davis.

The **Baltimore Ravens** add a big bodied receiver to pair with the smaller & shiftier Zay Flowers.

The **San Francisco 49ers** need to upgrade their offensive line, especially the interior.

*TRADE*

New England acquires the 32nd overall pick from Kansas City in exchange for a package including the 34th overall selection.

The **New England Patriots** move back into the first round to pick for the third time and get that all important fifth year option on a rookie QB.

TEAMS WITHOUT A FIRST ROUND PICK:

The **Carolina Panthers** added WR Diontae Johnson but they still need to give Bryce Young more help.

The **Kansas City Chiefs** added Marquise Brown but that shouldn’t preclude them from drafting another WR after trading out of the first round.

The **Houston Texans** have a fearsome edge rushing tandem in Will Anderson & Danielle Hunter, now they add the best run stuffer in the draft.

The **Cleveland Browns** give Deshaun Watson another target to go with Amari Cooper & David Njoku.

N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 3.1

Posted by henpunk2 on March 5, 2024

On the eve of free agency frenzy, I’m putting out a 3 round mock. To do this I made a couple assumptions, vis-a-vis the QB situation for some teams. Here’s how I see it shaking out, for now:

1. Minnesota will re-sign Kirk Cousins

2. Tampa Bay will re-sign Baker Mayfield

3. Denver has announced that they will release Russell Wilson, who will ultimately sign with Atlanta

4. Pittsburgh will trade for Justin Fields

With these moves, I look at the following teams as QB needy:

New England

Denver

Las Vegas

Washington

Chicago

There are other teams that could look to draft a future successor, but these are the ones that I don’t think make it past day two of the draft without adding a QB.

With that being said, let’s start the mock draft. I didn’t do any hypothetical trades, except having Pittsburgh swap their second rounder for Justin Fields.

I used Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator for this:

ROUND ONE

**1. CHICAGO BEARS-** *Caleb Williams, QB, USC:* Bears seem destined to reset the QB clock with the most highly touted prospect in years.

**2. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS-** *Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU:* Commanders opt for the Heisman Trophy winner as the new face of the franchise.

**3. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS-** *Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina:* Patriots are moving on from Mac Jones.

**4. ARIZONA CARDINALS-** *Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State:* Perfect scenario for the Cardinals as the best overall player in the draft falls to them.

**5. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS-** *Rome Odunze, WR, Washington:* Chargers get younger at receiver with a player that shines at the combine.

**6. NEW YORK GIANTS-** *Malik Nabers, WR, LSU:* Giants nab the latest in a long line of great LSU receivers.

**7. TENNESSEE TITANS-** *Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame:* Titans make the massive Alt the first tackle off the board.

**8. ATLANTA FALCONS-** *Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo:* Mitchell has been shooting up draft boards and the Falcons make him the first corner taken.

**9. CHICAGO BEARS-** *Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama:* Bears miss out on the big three receivers, so they take the top edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat.

**10. NEW YORK JETS-** *Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State:* Jets need to shore up their pass protection and Fuaga has impressed at the Senior Bowl and the combine.

**11. MINNESOTA VIKINGS-** *Jer’Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois*: If Cousins is back in the fold, the Vikings can focus on their defense.

**12. DENVER BRONCOS-** *JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan:* With the Broncos moving on from the disastrous Russell Wilson era, a new franchise QB is a must.

**13. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS-** *Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State:* Raiders take advantage of Fashanu slipping down the board a bit.

**14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS-** *JC Latham, OT, Alabama:* Saints and Latham have been one of my more consistent mock pairings.

**15. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS-** *Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia:* Colts stop Bowers’ slide, a top ten talent but positional value pushes him down the board.

**16. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS-** *Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon State:* Seattle makes Powers-Johnson the highest drafted center since 1993.

**17. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS-** *Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama:* Jaguars need help at all three levels of their defense, Arnold has lock down corner capabilities.

**18. CINCINNATI BENGALS-** *Byron Murphy II, IDL, Texas:* Bengals add the super athletic, if a bit undersized, Murphy to their defensive line.

**19. LOS ANGELES RAMS-** *Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA:* Rams stay in LA to add to their pass rush.

**20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS-** *Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson:* Wiggins to the Steelers has been a very consistent mock for me.

**21. MIAMI DOLPHINS-** *Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State:* Dolphins probably won’t have either of their top two pass rushers when the season starts, Verse will help fill that void.

**22. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES-** *Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa:* DeJean projects as either a corner or safety, the Eagles need both.

**23. HOUSTON TEXANS-** *Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State:* Pairing Robinson with last year’s first rounder, Will Anderson, will give any QB facing the Texans nightmares.

**24. DALLAS COWBOYS-** *Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma:* Cowboys find a successor to Tyron Smith.

**25. GREEN BAY PACKERS-** *Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia:* Packers need an infusion of youth on their offensive line.

**26. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS-** *Graham Barton, IOL, Duke:* Buccaneers opt to upgrade their offensive line.

**27. ARIZONA CARDINALS-** *Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama:* Cardinals go to the defensive side of the ball with their second first rounder.

**28. BUFFALO BILLS-** *Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU:* Bills find a running mate for Stefon Diggs.

**29. DETROIT LIONS-** *Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia:* Pass coverage is one of the few weak spots on this Lions roster.

**30. BALTIMORE RAVENS-** *Leonard Taylor, IDL, Miami-Fl:* Ravens add their defensive front.

**31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS-** *Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington:* Niners need upgrades all along their offensive line.

**32. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS-** *Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas:* The Chiefs biggest need is obviously wide receiver.

SECOND ROUND

**33. CAROLINA PANTHERS-** *Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State:* Panthers use their first pick to get Bryce Young some help.

34. PATRIOTS– Ladd McKonkey, WR, Georgia

35. CARDINALS– Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

36. COMMANDERS– Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

37. CHARGERS– Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

38. TITANS- Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

39. GIANTS– Christian Haynes, IOL, UConn

40. COMMANDERS– TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State

41. PACKERS- Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

42. VIKINGS– Trey Benson, RB, Florida State

43. FALCONS- Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

44. RAIDERS- Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington

Raiders nab their QB.

45. SAINTS- T’Vondre Sweat, IDL, Texas

46. COLTS- Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

47. GIANTS- Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Giants draft competition for Daniel Jones.

48. JAGUARS– Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia

49. BENGALS– Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

50. EAGLES- Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB, Missouri

51. BEARS- Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

Pick acquired from Pittsburgh for Justin Fields.

52. RAMS- Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

53. EAGLES– Payton Wilson, LB, NC State

**54. CLEVELAND BROWNS-** *Ruke Orhorhoro, IDL, Clemson:* Browns use their first pick on their defensive line.

55. DOLPHINS– Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

56. COWBOYS– Jonathan Brooks, RB, Texas

57. BUCCANEERS– Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State

58. PACKERS- Cooper Beebe, IOL, Kansas State

59. TEXANS- Michael Hall Jr, IDL, Ohio State

60. BILLS- Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami-Fl

61. LIONS- Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

62. RAVENS- Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky

63. 49ERS- Beau Brade, S, Maryland

64. CHIEFS- Kris Jenkins, IDL, Michigan

ROUND THREE

65. PANTHERS- Brandon Dorlus, EDGE, Oregon

66. CARDINALS– McKinnley Jackson, IDL, Texas A&M

67. COMMANDERS– Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

68. PATRIOTS– Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest

69. CHARGERS– Sedrick Van Pran, IOL, Georgia

70. GIANTS- Jeremiah Trotter Jr, LB, Clemson

71. CARDINALS– Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina

72. JETS- Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

73. LIONS- Calen Bullock, S, USC

74. FALCONS– Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington

75. BEARS- Cole Bishop, S, Utah

76. SEAHAWKS- Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

77. RAIDERS– DJ James, CB, Auburn

78. SEAHAWKS– Ty’Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri

79. FALCONS- Braden Fiske, IDL, Florida State

80. BENGALS– Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

81. BRONCOS– Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

82. COLTS- Javon Bullard, S, Georgia

83. RAMS- Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

84. STEELERS- Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale

85. BROWNS- Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

86. TEXANS– Kalen King, CB, Penn State

87. COWBOYS– James Williams, S, Miami-Fl

88. PACKERS- Josh Newton, CB, TCU

89. BUCCANEERS– Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State

90. CARDINALS– Dominick Puni, IOL, Kansas

91. PACKERS- Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon

92. LIONS- Mekhi Wingo, IDL, LSU

93. RAVENS– Austin Booker, EDGE, Kansas

94. 49ERS- Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

95. CHIEFS- Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame

96. JAGUARS– Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State

97. EAGLES- Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville

98. 49ERS- Maason Smith, IDL, LSU

99. RAMS- Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

A QB to groom behind Stafford.

100. BILLS- DeWayne Carter, IDL, Duke

101. COMMANDERS– Jonah Ellis, EDGE, Utah

N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.4

Posted by henpunk2 on March 4, 2024

Eight more seven round mock drafts for individual teams. This will complete all thirty two teams.

Once again, I’ve used Pro Football Network’s mock draft tool. Phase 3 of mock draft season will begin the week of March 11, and the start of free agency frenzy.

Here we go:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

What I liked: Patriots need a new QB, but Marvin Harrison Jr is the best player in the draft, slam dunk pick.

What I didn’t like: Jaheim Bell is a very good player, but TE is not a pressing need in New England.

Synopsis: The end of the Belichick era was not entirely about the inability to replace Tom Brady, but also a track record of poor drafts. The new era is starting off right with MHJ.

NEW YORK JETS

What I liked: Jets really need to address their pass protection and Taliese Fuaga is one of my favorite tackles in the draft.

What I didn’t like: Total nitpicking, but the Jets might want to grab a new understudy for Aaron Rodgers.

Synopsis: This is a pretty strong draft for the Jets. If Rodgers returns to form, this should be a playoff team.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

What I liked: Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s son, Brenden Rice, being drafted by the Niners is just a wonderful story.

What I didn’t like: I’ve tried nitpicking to find something I don’t like about this draft for San Francisco, but I honestly can’t find one.

Synopsis: The Niners biggest hurdle for 2024 is overcoming the curse of being the loser of the Super Bowl. This draft could help, addressing their two biggest weaknesses, the offensive line and secondary.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

What I liked: Targeting an edge rusher in the first round makes total sense for Seattle, and Dallas Turner falling to #16 is a dream scenario.

What I didn’t like: I’m not sure taking another corner as early as I have them taking DJ James is necessary.

Synopsis: The Seahawks might want to consider taking a QB to replace Geno Smith, they could have a chance at #16.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

What I liked: Adding Troy Franklin in the second round is great value and a terrific asset for their new franchise QB.

What I didn’t like: Nothing against Drake Maye, but I think Washington should swing for the fences if they’re moving on from Sam Howell and try to land Caleb Williams.

Synopsis: The Commanders draft will be judged on whether or not they landed their franchise QB.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

What I liked: Jer’Zhan Newton is tremendous value at #26.

What I didn’t like: Tampa Bay should probably target an edge rusher before Jordan Strachan at #244.

Synopsis: The Buccaneers have an aging roster and a need to get younger at just about every position.

TENNESSEE TITANS

What I liked: For my money, Olumuyiwa Fashanu is the best offensive tackle in the draft.

What I didn’t like: The Titans may want to address the secondary before Dwight McGlothern at #225.

Synopsis: Tennessee is in the early stages of a rebuild, they have needs everywhere.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

What I liked: Ennis Rakestraw Jr is a great value for the Steelers in the second round.

What I didn’t like: Barring a trade or major free agency signing, Pittsburgh should target a QB before Joe Milton at #197.

Synopsis: I think the Steelers will make a move to upgrade the QB position with a high end veteran, leaving them free to fill in other holes in the draft.

N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.3

Posted by henpunk2 on February 23, 2024

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.

N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.2

Posted by henpunk2 on February 19, 2024

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.

N&D NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.1

Posted by henpunk2 on February 12, 2024

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.

SUPER BOWL LVIII Prognostication

Posted by henpunk2 on February 10, 2024

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.

Congratulations, Devin Hester, you are HALL OF FAME RIDICULOUS!!!

N&D 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.4

Posted by henpunk2 on January 29, 2024

The Super Bowl matchup is set. For the record, I was 2-0 straight up and versus the spread on Championship Sunday, making me 8-4 both straight up and against the points in the postseason. I’ll have my Super Bowl pick next week. (Spoiler alert- my mantra has been ‘bet against Mahomes at your own peril’).

This will be my last mock draft until after the Super Bowl. This mock draft includes one trade, with the Chicago Bears sending Justin Fields to the Las Vegas Raiders for a second rounder this year and a conditional second rounder next year.

I used Pro Football Network’s mock draft tool and did a three rounder. Let’s hit it:

ROUND ONE