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.
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.
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.
Chiefs 27 49ers 24
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!!!
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
I’m not entirely convinced that Chicago will move on from Fields, but as long as they hold the #1 pick, Williams will be the selection.
(Pick acquired from Carolina)
Washington would probably love to get their hands on Williams, but they’ll settle for the more prototypical QB in Maye.This is the first time I’ve mocked a QB to New England (in the first round), but I’m convinced that new HC Jerrod Mayo isn’t going to want to start his tenure with just the QBs currently on the roster.Arizona benefits from the run on QBs to land who I believe is the best player in the draft. An ideal scenario for the Cardinals.I love this fit for the Chargers. Bowers is one of the best players in the draft and worth a top five pick despite positional value.Giants could go multiple directions here, and I wouldn’t rule out a move for QB, but for now I have them taking the top tackle on the board.Tennessee continues to rebuild their offensive line. If Alt is the top tackle, then Fashanu is 1A.Atlanta needs a QB, but they’re out of range for one here. After years of focusing on offensive skill positions in the first round, they go with the top defensive player.Bears got their new franchise QB and here they add a perfect complement to DJ Moore.Jets need to improve their pass protection. I think Fuaga is going to start shooting up draft boards and could get into the mix of first tackle off the board.I think Minnesota will re-sign Kirk Cousins, and their skill positions are pretty set. Defense seems like the play and here they add the top corner.Denver is most likely moving on from Russell Wilson, but they’re really not in range to draft a replacement in the first round. Instead, they’ll take the top defensive lineman.In this scenario, I have Vegas making a deal for Justin Fields, leaving them free to address other needs here. New Orleans could go several directions with this pick, for now I have them going offensive line.Indy benefits from Nabers’ inexplicable fall out of the top ten.Latu has top ten talent, but a spotty injury history drives him down the board. Seattle gladly scoops him up.Jacksonville stays in state to beef up their pass rush.Cincinnati may lose Tee Higgins in free agency, they draft a replacement here.Rams opt to bolster their offensive line.I feel Pittsburgh is likely to go corner here, Wiggins is the top one on the board.After the injuries to their pass rushers, an edge is a distinct possibility, but I have Miami opting to upgrade their offensive line.Philadelphia needs to get younger in the secondary, but they also need to improve their linebacker play.Houston pairs Robinson with last year’s first rounder, Will Anderson.
(Pick acquired from Cleveland)
Dallas needs to improve their secondary, can never go wrong with a Georgia defensive player.Green Bay addresses their secondary with the top safety in the draft.Tampa could go many directions here, I have them going offensive line.Cardinals went offense on their first pick, they go defense here.
(Pick acquired from Houston)
I feel that Buffalo will go with either a defensive back or a wide receiver here. Corner holds the most value.Detroit addressing their secondary seems like the best move.Baltimore hit on a first round receiver last year, but they could still use more.Imagine how unstoppable Kansas City would be with more reliable pass catchers.San Fran has very few weaknesses, but interior offensive line might be one of them.
ROUND TWO
WAS acquired #40 from CHI
GB acquired #41 from NYJ
* CHI acquires #44 from LV (mock trade for Justin Fields)
NO acquired #45 from DEN
NYG acquired #47 from SEA
PHI acquired #50 from NO
SOME NOTES: Panthers use their first pick to get Bryce Young a receiver. Falcons get their QB in the second round. Bears use the second rounder they got for Justin Fields to select an edge rusher. Eagles draft a potential replacement for Jason Kelce. Browns use their first pick on a wide receiver. Chiefs land a potential successor for Travis Kelce.
ROUND THREE
ARZ acquired #71 from TEN
DET acquired #73 from MIN
ATL acquired #74 from JAX
SEA acquired #78 from NO
HOU acquired #86 from PHI
ARZ acquired #90 from HOU
GB acquired #91 from BUF
* Picks #96-100 are compensatory picks
WAS acquired #100 from SF
SOME NOTES: Giants take a possible replacement for Daniel Jones. Jets land a successor to Aaron Rodgers. Bears take a replacement for Eddie Jackson.
This weekend we find out who will meet in the Super Bowl, as the NFL season winds down. Seems like it just started, but it’s almost February.
Last weekend, I went 3-1 straight up but an even more impressive 4-0 versus the spread. Leaving me at 6-4 in the postseason, both straight up and versus the spread. Let’s see how I do this week:
Kansas City at Baltimore
I really, really want to pick Baltimore. I very much want to see the Ravens win and I want to see Lamar Jackson in the Super Bowl. Not only that, but I think Baltimore is the superior team, BUT this is Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. They’re the new Brady & the Patriots, bet against them at your own risk. Add in that the Chiefs have played their best football the last two weeks and I’m taking KC. Chiefs (+4) 23-20.
Detroit at San Francisco
I picked the Niners to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl at the beginning of the playoffs, I thought they’d have a cakewalk to Vegas, but it’s turned into a battle. Green Bay gave them all they could handle last week, and now they host a Lions team that seems to have a date with destiny. San Fran may or may not have Deebo Samuel for this one, but I’m still picking them to win. I will take the Lions (+7.5) and the points, though. 49ers 30-24.
We’re down to 4 teams left in the NFL postseason. A couple coaching vacancies have been filled and more seem close to being filled. I decided to do one mock draft with trades. My Chicago Bears are the key to the draft, holding two top ten picks, including #1 overall and a young QB they may decide to build around. In this mock, they do just that, trading out of number one and building around Justin Fields.
Here we go:
1. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (from Chicago via Carolina)- Caleb Williams, QB, USC: Bears decide to build around Fields and shop the first overall pick, Commanders are motivated to overpay a bit to move up one spot and grab their new face of the franchise.
2. ATLANTA FALCONS (from Chicago via Washington)- Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina: Bears do it again, taking advantage of a QB needy team, this time the Falcons. Atlanta doesn’t have a coach yet, but no matter who lands there, QB is a must.
3. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State: Patriots miss out on the top two QBs, but ‘settle’ for the best player in the draft.
4. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Malik Nabers, WR, LSU: I think Arizona is a prime candidate to trade back, but here they stick and take WR who isn’t as far back of MHJ as some may think.
5. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia: Tight ends in the top five is a very rare occurrence, but TEs of Bowers capabilities are just as rare. Chargers are also a perfect fit.
6. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (from NY Giants)- Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU: I don’t think the Raiders will roll into 2024 with Aidan O’Connell as QB1. They may shop for a veteran, but here I have them making the move for the Heisman Trophy winner.
7. TENNESSEE TITANS- Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame: Titans continue to rebuild their offensive line by adding the top tackle in the draft.
8. CHICAGO BEARS (from Atlanta)- Rome Odunze, WR, Washington: Bears stick with Fields and recoup a windfall to move down twice to number eight, where they add a perfect complement to DJ Moore.
9. NEW YORK GIANTS (from Chicago)- Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State: After trading out of number 6, the Giants move back up to snag Fashanu ahead of the Jets.
10. NEW YORK JETS- JC Latham, OT, Alabama: Jets almost surely have to go offensive line here, Latham is the best on the board here.
11. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama: Vikings could potentially lose Danielle Hunter in free agency, they draft a replacement here.
12. DENVER BRONCOS- Jer’Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois: Broncos are in QB limbo, Russ is almost surely gone & they’ve been boxed out on the top prospects in the draft. They pivot and address their defensive line instead of.
13. CHICAGO BEARS (from NY Giants via Las Vegas)- Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State: Ryan Poles puts on a master class, moving down again, adding more capital & then drafting a perfect book end pass rusher from Montez Sweat.
14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA: Latu’s injury history is the only reason he’s not the top edge rusher off the board, the Saints gladly scoop him up here.
15. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama: Colts take the top corner in the draft.
16. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from Seattle)- Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson: Eagles need to address their secondary and they make a move up the board to get their guy.
17. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa: Jaguars beef up their secondary.
18. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State: Bengals may lose Tee Higgins in free agency, here’s a replacement.
19. LOS ANGELES RAMS- Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia: Rams continue to rebuild their offensive line.
21. MIAMI DOLPHINS- Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State: Offensive or defensive line feels like the play for the Dolphins, they go tackle here.
22. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from Philadelphia)- Demeioun Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: Seahawks trade down and add a premium pass rusher.
23. HOUSTON TEXANS(from Cleveland)- Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington: Texans take a pass rusher to line up opposite Will Anderson.
24. DALLAS COWBOYS- Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia: Cowboys need to bolster their secondary.
25. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington: Packers take a possible successor to David Bakhtiari.
26. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (from Tampa Bay)- Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU: Is there a playoff team with a more glaring need than KC and WR? Here, the Chiefs move up to grab their guy.
27. ARIZONA CARDINALS (from Houston)- Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo: Cardinals use their second first rounder to address their secondary.
28. BUFFALO BILLS- Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon: Bills add another weapon for Josh Allen.
29. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (from Kansas City)- Kalen King, CB, Penn State: Buccaneers move back and take the next great defensive back from Penn State.
30. DETROIT LIONS- Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami-FL: Lions add more talent to their secondary.
31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Graham Barton, IOL, Duke: Niners address one of their few weaknesses by taking the top interior lineman in the draft.
32. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas: Ravens add another receiver to their arsenal.
Eight teams left. Super Wildcard Weekend was definitely wild & surprising. I went 3-3 straight up, 2-4 versus the spread. Here’s hoping I do better this week.
Houston at Baltimore
The Texans destroyed Cleveland last week and no QB is playing better than rookie CJ Stroud. The Ravens laid an egg the last time they earned the AFC top seed, but this is a different Ravens team and a different Lamar Jackson. They’re laying a lot of points, but I’m taking them. Ravens (-9.5) 31-13
Green Bay at San Francisco
The Packers looked like Aaron Rodgers era Packers teams versus the Cowboys. I really thought the Niners would have a cakewalk to the NFC title, their path got a lot tougher. I’m still picking San Fran, but I’ll take the Packers and the points. (GB +9.5) 49ers 30-27.
Tampa Bay at Detroit
The Bucs looked good against Philly, but let’s face it, the Eagles checked out weeks ago. The Lions, meanwhile, are starting to sense destiny. Detroit will be rocking on Sunday, give me the Lions (-6.5) 30-10
Kansas City at Buffalo
The Chiefs have had Buffalo’s number in the playoffs and they looked as good as they have all year last week. However, Patrick Mahomes has never had to go on the road in the postseason before. Plus, last week I picked Buffalo to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, so I have to stick with that. I hate going all chalk, so I’ll hedge those bets by taking KC & the points. (KC +3) Bills 24-23.
Nickels and Dimes 