2023 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 FINAL / www.NationalFanatic.com
4/27/2023 by James Fedewa
Took a long bit, and several versions (2.0 to 3.0 were never published), but I finalized it… There seems to be a lot of smoke-screens and decoys within the NFL media and circles, but it is normal (as it has been lying season for a while).
CHEERS! And enjoy the Draft…
| 1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago) | Bryce Young QB Alabama | Young is the best college QB in this draft (best college QB), but his small frame & weight are a major concern. I can see him getting squashed in the NFL, but the Panthers are willing to roll the dice… (BLUE CHIP PROSPECT) |
| 2) Houston Texans | Will Anderson Jr. ED Alabama | Anderson is a beast and probably the safest pick in this draft. Houston passes on a QB for now, as their new Head Coach witnessed a QB selected very early a couple of years ago, who has not exactly panned out yet (Trey Lance). (BLUE CHIP PROSPECT) |
| 3) Arizona Cardinals | Tyree Wilson ED Texas Tech | The Cardinals passed on Nick Bosa when they drafted Kyler Murray five years ago, which I think was a BIG mistake. Murray is good, don’t get me wrong, but (IMO) Defense wins championships. Build the defense first, then worry about the QB. Tyree Wilson has tremendous upside, and all the tools to excel in the NFL. Wilson has the wingspan of a 7 foot man (86″) Freaky… |
| 4) Indianapolis Colts | Will Levis QB Kentucky | The Colts will take a QB here. CJ Stroud is the better prospect, who is available and should be the pick, but Stroud’s S2 intelligence testing leaks cause a slide (which is probably a false report anyway). |
| 5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) | Jalen Carter DI Georgia | Jalen Carter is the best player in this draft, and he really has not done anything wrong, as the media portrays. His pro day was a shit-show, but his game tape is incredible. Seattle is the perfect fit and culture for Carter. (BLUE CHIP PROSPECT) |
| 6) Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams) | C.J. Stroud QB Ohio State | Stroud takes a mini-slide here. Once projected as the #1 pick, but some S2 intelligence testing numbers leaked out (bogus or not) and a he could fall a bit. Stroud could develop into a fantastic NFL QB, but he could also be very mediocre. |
| 7) Las Vegas Raiders | Paris Johnson Jr. OT Ohio State | The Raiders should be focusing on defense here, but the top tier OT falls into their lap. Johnson could be the Raiders left tackle for the next decade. |
| 8) Atlanta Falcons | Bijan Robinson HB Texas | Last year, Atlanta picked the first receiver in the first round (WR). The year before that, same thing (tight end). So why not add to their skill group? They would be loaded with very young offensive weapons. (BLUE CHIP PROSPECT) – If current QB Desmond Ridder doesn’t turn out, then 2024 free agent QB’s will be fighting to sign with the Falcons (based on firepower alone) |
| 9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina) | Nolan Smith ED Georgia | The Bears could be targeting a tackle here, but they should be able to find some quality o-linemen later. Bonus about mobile QB’s, they don’t need first round O-linemen. Chicago selects an edge-rusher with crazy speed and amazing leadership ability. The Bears need to find a defensive identity first. |
| 10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans) | Peter Skoronski OT Northwestern | Philly can draft ANYONE at this spot, and they go BPA. Skoronski can play all 5 OL positions, which is nice. Skoronski will start off playing OG, but could kickover to RT in a year or two, when Lane Johnson retires. |
| 11) Tennessee Titans | Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State | The Titans need offensive playmakers, or just LOOK like they might pass the ball, instead of handing off to King Henry every down. The presence of two legit (and young) WR’s will open up running lanes too for Henry as well. I watched a lot more tape on JSN and now I’m a big fan. This guy is going to be a fantastic pro. Tennessee could go QB here too, but I think they stick with Malik Willis as their developmental QB, longer than one season. |
| 12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland) | Anthony Richardson QB Florida | I think Richardson is an amazing talent, but just because you are a great athlete, does not exactly mean you can play NFL QB. He will be a major development type of QB, and if the Texans get it right, he could be incredible. Highest Ceiling to all the QB’s in this draft. |
| 13) Green Bay Packers | Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia | Green Bay moved up two spots, with the Aaron Rodgers trade & swap with the Jets. Which made me think they wanted to get ahead of New England and the Jets because they knew a run on OT’s could happen right around here. Jones is nasty and I like him in both the running and passing game. I love this pick. |
| 14) New England Patriots | Darnell Wright OT, Tennessee | The Patriots could target some defensive stars with this pick, but getting an amazing pass protecting OL might be the best long-term solution for Mac Jones. A CB can wait, even if Gonzales and Witherspoon are still available. |
| 15) New York Jets | Anton Harrison OT Oklahoma | The current Jets O-Line has talent, but can Mekhi Becton stay healthy? Doubt it, but hopefully… Harrison is a great looking LT. Rodgers should be in safe hands. |
| 16) Washington Commanders | Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon | The Commanders could also draft an OT, but most of the tier-one OT’s are gone. Gonzalez is a fantastic pick here, as he could go as early as 6th overall. He’s too good to pass up. BPA |
| 17) Pittsburgh Steelers | Dawand Jones T Ohio State | BIG BIG BIG right tackle. He can pick up pass rusher with one hand and toss him aside like a piece to trash. The Steelers have lacked talent on the OT for a couple years now, so this is a major upgrade for QB Kenny, plus help out the run game too. |
| 18) Detroit Lions | Myles Murphy ED Clemson | They got their edge opposite of Hutch. I think Murphy is going to be a very good edge rusher in the NFL, but in most mock drafts, he is all over the place. I think he could go as high as #8 overall. |
| 19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois | Can’t believe he’s still available. Witherspoon can play any DB position, and would be nasty at it too. Can’t believe he slid, but Tampa might have the steal of the draft. |
| 20) Seattle Seahawks | Joey Porter Jr CB, Penn State | Seattle needs a DT and CB with their first two picks and Porter looks like a great piece for the Seahawks. He has the length of a Pete Carroll CB, and the bloodlines to succeed. |
| 21) Los Angeles Chargers | Lukas Van Ness ED Iowa | The Chargers are built very well as-is, so they are really looking for depth pieces. They have a history of multiple injuries on this team, and depth is critical for a quick run for the Super Bowl. LVN will flourish with Bosa and Mack teaching him the ropes, plus he has the versatility to line up anywhere on the DL. In a nickel package, imagine Joey Bosa, Mack, Joseph-Day and LVN lining on on the DL, attacking opposing QB’s. That’s just fierce! Many fans predict WR or TE with this pick, which I understand, but Telesco has drafted offense (in the first round) three of the last four seasons (and the last first round defender has already been cut). |
| 22) Baltimore Ravens | Deonte Banks CB Maryland | Banks falls right into their neighbors’ laps. He’s tall and fast, and the Ravens need some new CB talent. |
| 23) Minnesota Vikings | Quentin Johnston WR, TCU | Johnston is one of my favorite player in this draft. He’s being picked on because of some teachable technique deficiency, but I think he’s a fantastic WR1. Johnston and Jefferson paired up just sounds nasty. |
| 24) Jacksonville Jaguars | Brian Branch DB, Alabama | Easiest pick in the draft. The Jags have holes everywhere in their secondary and Branch can play in any vacant spot they have (Nickle, FS or CB). |
| 25) New York Giants | Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame | NYG fans are looing for a CB or WR here, but none are as good as the next three TE’s available. I had Kinkaid here, as he’s more of a receiving TE, but so is Waller. Mayer if the full package, who would compliment the OL, WR and Waller. |
| 26) Dallas Cowboys | Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah | Kincaid could be the next Travis Kelce, nuff said. |
| 27) Buffalo Bills | Darnell Washington TE Georgia | Buffalo really needs an OT here, but they could also take a WR here. Why not take the hybrid of both and take a 270 lbs. TE? Washington helps with the passing game, running game and receiving game. He’s massive! LOVE THIS PICK! |
| 28) Cincinnati Bengals | Bryan Bresee DI Clemson | 2nd easiest pick in all mock drafts, lol. He’s a leader, heart of gold and an immense talent. |
| 29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver) | Will McDonald IV ED Iowa State | Bendy pass rushers are always in need. The Saints defense lost some key pass rushers over the last two years. Time to replenish. McDonald is a fantastic addition. |
| 30) Philadelphia Eagles | Calijah Kancey DI Pittsburgh | A bit of a slide for Kancey, just because he is more of a situational pass rusher. But a great fit in Philly. Imagine Kancey and Jordan Davis lining up next to each other (complete opposites, or perfect compliments). |
| 31) Kansas City Chiefs | Emmanuel Forbes CB Mississippi State | I could go WR here, but Forbes has such a nose for interceptions. He’s very slim, but who cares if you lead the SEC with pick-sixes. |
2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.1 / www.NationalFanatic.com
4/11/23 by James Fedewa
Took a while to get my initial mock draft posted, my bad / my lag. Reviewing film and casual research time has been very limiting this season. Plus, I have run about five different scenarios with the first overall-pick and nothing feels right. If Carolina drafts CJ Stroud #1 overall, which was my initial thought when the Panthers traded up, but I wondered if Stroud was really worth two first round draft picks? (…and I do not think so). So it must be Bryce Young, right? (No way, he is not worth two first round draft picks either; he is too small, and I have a feeling he could have several skeleton structural injuries, based on his 190 lbs frame. He is tiny and could fall IMO). Plus, I know that first round draft picks are FREAKS: Bigger / Faster / Stronger
So here is my 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.1
| 1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago) | Anthony Richardson QB Florida | Richardson is a physical freak of nature, playing the most important sports position in the world; may as well swing for the fences. Carolina will draft the QB with the best upside, but it’s going to take him at least a season to develop (and watch from the sidelines). |
| 2) Houston Texans | C.J. Stroud QB Ohio State | Stroud has so many quality tools, and he’s developing very well in school. He can process very well, and he could be the safest QB in this draft. He could turn into a quality QB, and when I say quality, I mean a middle of the road, lest say #12 best QB’s (max). |
| 3) Arizona Cardinals | Will Anderson ED Alabama | The Cardinals passed on Nick Bosa when they drafted Kyler Murray, which was a massive mistake. Murray is very good, don’t get me wrong, but (IMO) Defense wins championships. Build your defense first, then worry about the QB. |
| 4) Indianapolis Colts | Bryce Young QB Alabama | Young is the best QB in this draft (best college QB). His small frame & size is a major concern, and I can see him getting squashed in the NFL. Colts need a QB so badly, size is not exactly their top concern. |
| 5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) | Will Levis QB Kentucky | I wish Seattle would draft Jalen Carter here, but they have not had this quality of a draft pick in forever (so picking a QB is the savvy move). Seattle does not even have a 300 lbs. defensive lineman on their team, so Carter should be the perfect fit. However, if the city of Seattle can get behind (and chant GENO! GENO! Smith that is), then Will Levis is going to be a mega-star in the PNW. Levis will be twice as good a Geno. |
| 6) Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams) | Jalen Carter DI Georgia | Carter is a disrupter and a beast, period. Probably the best player in this draft. He will develop into a superstar D-Lineman, and be in multiple Pro Bowls. Pair him up with Hutchison, WOW! Detroit has instant credibility on their D. |
| 7) Las Vegas Raiders | Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois | Not exactly the biggest of DB’s but Witherspoon is fierce. He’s a firecracker. The Raiders need secondary help more than any team in the NFL. |
| 8) Atlanta Falcons | Tyree Wilson ED Texas Tech | Atlanta could go several directions here, including CB (and even RB Bijan Robinson), but Tyree Wilson could be a superstar and pass rushers are a premier position. |
| 9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina) | Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon | Chicago will draft the best defensive player in this spot. Seems like they have traded away most of their defensive talent last season. They need to rebuild that Defence. |
| 10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans) | Myles Murphy ED Clemson | Philly can draft ANYONE at this spot, just as long as they are highly rated. Safety, RB, OG, you name it, they’d be OK. I chose Murphy for them, as you could never have too many pass rushers. |
| 11) Tennessee Titans | Paris Johnson Jr. T Ohio State | Titans need a new LT, welcome Paris. WR or TE is also a NEED, but not at #11. Smith-Njigba would be a good pick here too, but this is a run first team. Maybe a TE with their next pick, then another WR later. |
| 12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland) | Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State | I’m not super high on JSN,but since Houston already drafted Stroud, lets try it out and keep old teammates new teammates. JSN could be the next (young) Antonio Brown. |
| 13) New York Jets | Peter Skoronski T Northwestern | If the Jets add Aaron Rodgers, they better get some upgrade O-Linemen. How many 1st round linemen could they start? If they all can stay healthy, they’ll have tremendous talent on that O-Line. |
| 14) New England Patriots | Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee | Wright stock is climbing, plus he can play multiple positions, which is nice. |
| 15) Green Bay Packers | Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State | Porter’s skills and strengths are a perfect fit in Green Bay. |
| 16) Washington Commanders | Anton Harrison T Oklahoma | Washington needs upgrades on offense, Harrison is a fantastic LT @ #16 |
| 17) Pittsburgh Steelers | Quentin Johnston WR TCU | Pittsburg rarely drafts WR’s in the first round, but their QB needs weapons. |
| 18) Detroit Lions | Brian Branch S Alabama | The Lions could go CB here, but Branch is better than any CB available and can play every DB position. |
| 19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Broderick Jones, T, Georgia | I really want Bijan Robinson to be drafted here, but if they want their QB’s to succeed, they need to protect them. Their current RT, can slide over an play LT, and Jones starts at RT (which would be an upgrade from last season). |
| 20) Seattle Seahawks | Lukas Van Ness ED Iowa | Van Ness feels like a Pete Carol type of guy. He’s big enough to play multiple positions on their DL front, |
| 21) Los Angeles Chargers | Bijan Robinson HB Texas | Will Bijan Robinson side this far? I seriously doubt it, but their GM isn’t scared to draft good players vs. best value. The least valued players drafted are RB, OG, Safety and ILB (which Tom Telesco has drafted all in previous 1st round draft picks) |
| 22) Baltimore Ravens | Calijah Kancey DI Pittsburgh | Ravens really should draft a CB here, like Banks, but a good pass rush can help any secondary. Kancey might have a limited role on any DL, but he could either excel as a 3-tech, but could play anywhere along the D-line. |
| 23) Minnesota Vikings | Deonte Banks CB Maryland | Banks speed is fantastic. The Vikings could use his talents and start immediately. |
| 24) Jacksonville Jaguars | Nolan Smith ED Georgia | Smith is a quality leader and freak of an athlete, but he’s a bit undersized (causing him to slide a bit in this draft). |
| 25) New York Giants | Jordan Addison WR USC | Danny Dimes needs weapons. Addison is the best available WR available, but they could also go TE. |
| 26) Dallas Cowboys | Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame | Mayer looks like a Dallas type of TE. |
| 27) Buffalo Bills | Dawand Jones T Ohio State | Bills need improvement on their OL, especially at RT. |
| 28) Cincinnati Bengals | Dalton Kincaid TE Utah | Wow. Joey-B gets some more weapons… |
| 29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver) | Bryan Bresee, DI, Clemson | Adding some youth on their DL is possibly mandatory |
| 30) Philadelphia Eagles | O’Cyrus Torrence G Florida | Adding some depth at the Philly O-Line feels like a Howie move. |
| 31) Kansas City Chiefs | Will McDonald IV ED Iowa State | McDonald is a quality pass rusher, and I think he could actually get drafted quite a bit earlier (maybe as early as #21) |
2022 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 -NationalFanatic.com @jamfed
4/27/22 by James Fedewa
The 2022 NFL Draft is nearly here, the best time of the year for us Drafnik’s. Here is my 4th and final NFL Mock Draft of the season. I have been doing NFL mock drafts, competitively, since 2004, and I have bene a Draftnik for over 30 years, so this is my most favorite time of the year. D R A F T S E A S O N !
Watch for my scoring with the pro’s @ https://www.thehuddlereport.com/live.scoring.shtml
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School | Notes |
| 1 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu | OT | NC State | I started to believe Jacksonville was going to draft Hutchinson here, but I think Ekwonu is now the pick. Last season, LT Cam Robinson was on the hot seat, and he did OK (good enough enough for a brand new massive contract, but Jacksonville can’t get free agents without overpaying). “Ickey” is twice the tackle Robinson is and he can play anywhere on the JAX O-Line. I had Even Neal with this pick last week, because he is a freak, and a better #1 overall pick, but some late negative-medical grades have come out (about his hip & knee), so the tiebreaker goes to Ickey. Protecting Lawrence is the best pick. |
| 2 | Detroit Lions | Aidan Hutchinson | EDGE | Michigan | Hutchinson is a quality pick for Detroit and could be the safest selection in 2022. Great motor, very athletic, very good length (6’ 7”), quality human and great leader, but he still has to work on his technique and add some new pass rush moves. He could play several positions too along the defensive line, so position flexibility is his biggest asset. What took him out of the #1 overall pick was his arm length (32” very short for his size). |
| 3 | Houston Texans | Kayvon Thibodeaux | EDGE | Oregon | Thibodeaux is probably my favorite player in this draft, but his ‘Hollywood’ attitude (or cockiness) could rub some people the wrong way. Houston can use some swagger though and HC Lovie Smith needs upgrades all over the team. Thibodeaux has that Deion Sanders type of flair (if that’s what you want to call it) but he has DROY written all over him. Expect double digit sacks per year for a long-long time. |
| 4 | New York Jets | Travon Walker | EDGE | Georgia | Walker tested extremely well at the NFL Combine but is a bit “average” in stats for games played. Sure, he won a national championship, and he is a tremendous pass rusher / run stuffer, but he was not even the third best D-Lineman on this college team. With quality coaching, he could be a better pro than in college. He was my sleeper pick about 2 months ago (at around #20) but his testing, speed and length will vault him into the top three. |
| 5 | New York Giants | Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner | CB | Cincinnati | The Giants could be targeting Evan Neal with this pick, but rumor has it, they really like Charles Cross better. If Neal & Cross are still available at 5, then the G-Men can get one of them with their next pick. “Sauce” is a top tier talent, very long, fast and clean, so the Giants draft their CB1. Sauce has the upside of being elite-elite. |
| 6 | Carolina Panthers | Evan Neal | OT | Alabama | Panthers pass on a QB here and fulfill a major need at left tackle. Evan Neal is too good to pass up (vs. rolling the dice with a rookie QB). The Panthers O-line lacks talent and they need a left tackle more than any position. Neal is HUGE, and very nimble for a guy that big, and I would draft him #1 overall. Thibodeaux and Neal are my two favorite players in this draft. |
| 7 | New York Giants | Charles Cross | OT | Miss St | I 100% believe that a QB should be taken here, but new HC Brian Daboll might give Danial Jones one more season at QB. Cross is a premier pass-blocker and can play opposite of current LT, Andrew Thomas. Crazy how NYG decline Danny Dimes 5th year option, so Willis could be the pick here. |
| 8 | Atlanta Falcons | Malik Willis | QB | Liberty | Atlanta can take any position with this pick, including QB Pickett, Safety, WR or Edge, but they let Matty-Ice go, and they need a future QB. The Falcons did sign Marcus Mariota, who looked very impressive with spot starts over the last two years with the Raiders. Willis (who is also from the Atlanta area) is the real deal and can become a superstar type of QB that can carry an entire team, but probably after a season from learning behind Mariota. Willis is a fantastic prospect, and even better person. |
| 9 | Seattle Seahawks (via Denver) | Derek Stingley | CB | LSU | Expect Seattle to trade-down, which seems normal for them, but they rarely get top 10 pick. I think they could go OT or Edge, but Stingley is better than the current available OT’s and Edge’s. Jermaine Johnson “could” be the guy here, but Stingley is a better prospect than JJ (Edge4). |
| 10 | New York Jets (via Seattle) | Garrett Wilson | WR | Ohio St | Wilson is the first WR drafted in ’22. London could also be the pick here too, but I think the Jets are looking for more speed than size, and the best way to get a speedy WR to the Jets is only through the draft. Jamison Williams could be an option here too, but his ACL pushes him down the board. |
| 11 | Washington Commanders | Kyle Hamilton | S | Notre Dame | The Commanders get a premier safety at 11, which is fantastic for their already very good defense. I could also see Drake London selected here too, to help support Wentz, but Hamilton is one of the best players in this draft and big WR’s can be selected later in this draft. |
| 12 | Minnesota Vikings | Jermaine Johnson | EDGE | FSU | The Vikings add one of the big four Edge players available in this draft. Johnson’s stock has been rising and rising. Two months ago, I had him in the 20’s… |
| 13 | Houston Texans | Drake London | WR | USC | The Texans need playmakers and London is that. He is a first down machine, a redzone threat and will compliment Brandon Cooks very well. Adding weapons for Davis “Long-Neck” Mills will be critical for his development. |
| 14 | Baltimore Ravens | Jordan Davis | DT | Georgia | Jordon Davis just belongs in the AFC North right? Davis can control anything around him, and can shut down the run along any side he lines up on. I think he could be better than a NT, but a premier 5-Tech DE. Perfect replacement for Calais Campbell. |
| 15 | Philadelphia Eagles | Trent McDuffie | CB | Washington | McDuffie is a bit on the shorter side, but not as much as you think. He’s thick and a quality outside CB. He reminds me of Desmond King and Kareem Jackson mixed together. U Dub = DBU |
| 16 | New Orleans Saints | Chris Olave | WR | Ohio St | The Saints traded a three picks for this selection, so you’d think it’s for a QB, but it’s a decoy. The Saints jumped in front of LAC to make sure they get a good compliment to Michael Thomas (if you still remember who that ghost is). |
| 17 | Los Angeles Chargers | Trevor Penning | OT | UNI | I have mocked Jordon Davis, McDuffie, Zion Johnson and Karlaftis as this spot, as the Chargers can really choose BPA with no major pressing “needs” on their roster. But really the Chargers only available starting position is RT and Penning can possibly fill it. Trevor is still a work in progress, and it might take a bit for him to earn a starting spot, but he has all the tools and nastiness to be a real asset for the Chargers. If Penning can learn to make safe and smart decisions (as a protector to Justin Herbert), he can be an amazing NFL Pro. And if the Chargers can actually run the ball to the right side, then they could be a little less predictable in the running game. One player can improve the run game and pass protection. HOWEVER, I also believe Penning could be drafted earlier than here, which could cause better prospects to fall to the Bolts. |
| 18 | Philadelphia Eagles | George Karlaftis | EDGE | Purdue | Karlaftis looks like a Philly dude and his play resembles an Eagle D-End. He has the best bull rush in the draft and can play inside on passing downs too. – I do not believe a 1st round WR is necessary for Philly either. 1st round rookies are developmental, not necessarily starters. Plus, does Jalen Hurts (a rushing QB) require three 1st round WR? Nope… Hurts generally rolls right as soon as he see’s pressure and adlibs to backyard football, which his fine, but if that’s his game, then focus on defense then. |
| 19 | New Orleans Saints | Kenny Pickett | QB | Pitt | Saints get their future QB and (IMHO) will be a future pro bowl QB. Yes, he has small hands, but he’s playing in the NFC South, which is not a problem. He can sling it and 42 TD passes last season is superb. |
| 20 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Zion Johnson | iOL | BC | If the Steelers can get QB’s Willis or Pickett here, they would, but Mr. Biscuit is still young and could flourish in a new setting, on his new team. Zion is the best OG in this draft and has the brains/brawn to the Steelers look for. |
| 21 | New England Patriots | Devin Lloyd | LB | Utah | Lloyd is a converted wide receiver, turned middle linebacker, which it impressive. He is fast, tall and looks like the new-modern MLB. He can cover, stuff the run and blitz as good as anyone in the NFL and one of the best players in this draft, but like Safety, LB’s and RB’s tend to slide in NFL Drafts. |
| 22 | Green Bay Packers | Kenyon Green | iOL | Texas A&M | Funny how everyone talks about Green’s versatility, but he is really better and nastier than just a “jack of all trades.” He will help protect their super franchise QB, as well as open up holes the running game. |
| 23 | Arizona Cardinals | Andrew Booth | CB | Clemson | The Cardinals can go OG, Center, OLB or WR with this pick, but Booth is the best CB. I had Linderbaum here for a week, as they could release Rodney Hudson and save $10MM in cap space. |
| 24 | Dallas Cowboys | Tyler Linderbaum | iOL | Iowa | Linderbaum is a bit undersized, but he fast quick and understands leverage well. He’s a wrestler at heart, but he is also another good O-lineman from Iowa (the OL factory). |
| 25 | Buffalo Bills | Kaiir Elam | CB | Florida | The Bills could go OL, DT or WR with this spot, but Elam would be a fantastic fit to this fierce Buffalo secondary. |
| 26 | Tennessee Titans | Jameson Williams | WR | Alabama | I keep thinking of AJ Brown holding out for a mega contract, which might not ever be available for a team built around their running back. Tennessee is not afraid of drafting injured draftee’s either, as they selected injured Jeffery Simmons a few years ago too. Williams is a speed burner and can score any time he touches the ball, but his recent ACL tear has him sliding, He is also a body catcher, not a hands catcher, which can cause drop problems. |
| 27 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Devonta Wyatt | DT | Georgia | Mr. Suh can ride off into the sunset and Wyatt can be his upgrade. Wyatt is a really good 3-tech DT, and slides a bit with some off-field concerns. |
| 28 | Green Bay Packers | Treylon Burks | WR | Arkansas | Packers find their Devonte Adams replacement, but Burks is really more a work in progress. He is big and fast but will need time to learn how to run routes better. Rogers would love helping this kid turn into a Deebo Samuel clone and a WR1 in Green Bay. |
| 29 | Kansas City Chiefs | Jahan Dotson | WR | Penn St | Dotson is a very well-rounded route runner, with very good speed. He’s not exactly a big guy, but he can stretch the field. He’s no Tyrek Hill, but who is? |
| 30 | Kansas City Chiefs | Kyler Gordon | CB | Washington | KC could use a good Edge player here, but CB is probably the safest bet. The AFC West is loaded with quality WR’s and every team can use more quality CB’s. |
| 31 | Cincinnati Bengals | Bernhard Raimann | OT | Central Michigan | Raimann is still learning the position (and the game) and is a bit raw, for a 24-year-old, but his upside is still very good. He might not start immediately, but there’s nothing wrong with having too many talented O-lineman. |
| 32 | Detroit Lions | George Pickens | WR | Georgia | Many draftnik’s have the Lions picking a QB here, or even trading to a team that need a QB (5th year player option). If the Lions do not trade, Pickens’ can develop into a much-needed WR1 for Detroit. |
| 39 | Chicago Bears | DeMarvin Leal | DT | Texas A&M | The Bears defensive line is very thin, so Edge or DT seems the savy selection. |
| 42 | Indianapolis Colts | Tyler Smith | OT | Tulsa | Best available OT is required to protect good ole’ Matty Ice. |
| 61 | San Francisco 49ers (via MIA) | Tariq Woolen | CB | Texas-San Antonio | BPA DB |
| 102 | Miami Dolphins | Haskell Garrett | DT | Ohio State | BPA DL |
2022 NFL Mock Draft @jamfed 3.0
4/12/2022 by James Fedewa
I know, I know… It has been NFL draft season since January, and I am finally posting my first mock draft of the season. Its not exactly my first mock though, more like 5th or 6th, but I will call this one my third version (or 3.0). I typically have a mock draft, every two to three weeks from January through April, but not this time. This time, I was subdued by youth basketball. I have a daughter and son playing for our local high school feeder team “select squad,” and I began volunteering on the board of directors. It’ fun, but draft season is still my favorite time of season.
So here we go:
(Please feel free to reply and comment. We love to chat and debate team needs vs. best player avaiable)
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School | Notes |
| 1 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Aidan Hutchinson | EDGE | Michigan | Hutchinson is a quality number one overall pick and could be the safest selection in 2022. Great motor, very athletic, very good length, quality human and great leader, but he still has to work on his technique and add some new pass rush moves. He could play several positions too along the defensive line, so position flexibility is his biggest asset. |
| 2 | Detroit Lions | Kayvon Thibodeaux | EDGE | Oregon | Thibodeaux is probably my favorite player in this draft, but his attitude (and cockiness) could rub some people the wrong way. Detroit could use some swag and HC Dan Campbell would love this playmaking ability on his defense. Thibodeaux might not exactly be a blue-collar guy (like Campbell himself), but he has that Deion Sanders type of flair. He has DROY written all over him. Expect double digest sacks per year for a long long time. |
| 3 | Houston Texans | Travon Walker | EDGE | Georgia | Walker tested extremely well, but is sort of average in games. Sure, he won a national championship, and he is a tremendous pass rusher / run stuffer, but he was not even the third best D-Lineman on this team. With quality coaching, he could be a better pro than college. He was my sleeper pick about 2 months ago (at around #20) but his testing will vault him into the top three. |
| 4 | New York Jets | Ahmad Gardner | CB | Cincinnati | The Jets were targeting an edge player here, and Jermaine Johnson could be their pick, but Sauce is a better prospect than Johnson. The Jets OT’s are currently very good, so drafting another OT here could be overkill, yet 100% OK. I would take one of the OT’s with this spot, but I think the Jets are content with Fant and Becton. |
| 5 | New York Giants | Malik Willis | QB | Liberty | BOOM! There’s the first shocker of the draft: Willis in Big Blue. The Giants need a change and Danial Jones has yet to produce a quality season yet. Willis can learn, playing behind Jones for 2022. We can all hope that HC Brian Daboll can turn Danny Dimes into a star, but Jones is a product of the “Old Regime” staff and could be replaced. |
| 6 | Carolina Panthers | Ikem Ekwonu | OT | NC State | Carolina is going to stick with Sam Darnold for one more season, only because “Icky” Ekwonu is too good to pass up (vs. rolling the dice with Kenny Pickett). The Panthers O-line is nearly vacant, and they need a left tackle more than any team in the league. Plus, Darnold is better than Kenny. |
| 7 | New York Giants | Evan Neal | OT | Alabama | The Giants could have drafted Neal with their #5 overall pick. In fact, Neal could have gone #1 overall, he’s that impressive. He’s a massively huge man, with very impressive footwork. He can develop into an all-pro right tackle. |
| 8 | Atlanta Falcons | Garrett Wilson | WR | Ohio St | Atlanta can take anyone with this pick, including Kenny Pickett. Even if they did decide to draft a QB, they don’t have enough weapons to throw to. I think they will target Wilson, as Wilson’s speed can really stretch the field and open things up for their Tight End underneath. Plus, Mariota looked very impressive with his spot starts over the last two years; He could rush more than he passes, yet any of their QB’s would need some serious weapons. |
| 9 | Seattle Seahawks (via Denver) | Charles Cross | OT | Miss St | If Cross falls to the Seahawks, this will be a no-brainer pick. They currently do not have any quality OT’s on the roster, but they could still bring back aging Duane Brown. Cross is more of a pass protecting LT, but he would be welcomed for some much need O-line talent. *If Cross is gone, a quality Edge Rusher is the next option, or even Trevor Penning at LT. I can honestly see Penning being the pick here too, as the Seahawks are really a run first team and Penning is a nasty run blocker. |
| 10 | New York Jets | Jermaine Johnson | EDGE | FSU | The Jets continue to bolster their defense and Johnson could be a star in the making. He looks good in a 4-point stance coming off the edge, but he can do it all as a standup LB or a 3 point. Robert Saleh can have fun with the pass rusher. |
| 11 | Washington Commanders | Drake London | WR | USC | The Commanders could target a DB here, but if Carson Wentz is expected to succeed, they better get him some better weapons. London is a big #1 type of WR something Wentz has NEVER had in a receiver. |
| 12 | Minnesota Vikings | Derek Stingley | CB | LSU | Stingley is better than what he has been rated on most draft boards. With fantastic freshman year, followed by two meh years, he might be difficult to rank. I rank him very highly, even top ten, but not everyone will… |
| 13 | Houston Texans | Kyle Hamilton | S | Notre Dame | Finally, Hamilton slide stops. He’s Lovie Smiths new Brian Urlacher. With a new pash rusher and quality safety, the Texans could be a very impressive team this season. They still need more talent, but IMO they’ll win more games than lose in 2022. |
| 14 | Baltimore Ravens | Jordan Davis | DT | Georgia | Davis is massive, big, fast and very very smart. He’ll be a younger, bigger and faster Calais Campbell (5T) vs. a standard NT. His weight can put him over center, but his speed can move him outside to 3T and 5T. |
| 15 | Philadelphia Eagles | Trent McDuffie | CB | Washington | McDuffie is one of the better DB’s in this draft, but he is not very big and has shorter arms. Still, he’s a playmaker and would fit in perfectly in Philly’s scheme. However, I’d draft Kenny Pickett here, as I do not feel that Jalan Hurts is their long term QB. Hurts is an average QB, and I would not build a franchise around an average QB. Pickett could be special, but McDuffie will be special… |
| 16 | New Orleans Saints | Kenny Pickett | QB | Pitt | When the Saints traded up to get this pick from Philly, it had to be for a splash player. Sure, it could be a LT, like Penning, but would you be willing to trade a 1st, 2nd & 3rd for Penning? They could package the #16 and #19 to move up more, but if they can’t, it’s got to be a QB, right? |
| 17 | Los Angeles Chargers | Trevor Penning | OT | UNI | As much as I want this pick to be defense (like an edge 3 in Karlaftis or another DB like Booth), but I think they’ll find a way to improve their RT in this draft. Penning would be a massive upgrade over Storm Norton or Trey Pipkins. Most of the Chargers rushing success last season was from the left side of the o-line, which was very good, yet very predictable. Penning on the right side would be epic, instantly improving the run game. |
| 18 | Philadelphia Eagles | George Karlaftis | EDGE | Purdue | Is it me or does Karlafits look like a Philly guy? Adding more youth to the Eagles defense is the savviest option here. I don’t think they’ll focus too much on offensive weapons with their first-round picks, as I’m not sure if Jalan Hurts would know how to utilize them. |
| 19 | New Orleans Saints | Bernhard Raimann | OT | Central Michigan | The Saints are in win now mode, so I’m not 100% sure they’ll take a QB with their first 1st round pick; But if they did, their second 1st round pick better be protecting their QB. Armstead has left and they may have to shuffle their O-line around this season. |
| 20 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Matt Corral | QB | Ole Miss | The Steelers should be targeting o-line with their first-round pick, but that’s what I said last year. They’ll draft what they want, which is always unpredictable (yet they are very good at it). Corral can sit behind Mr. Biscuit for a season, and hopefully not generate too much of a QB contributors this year. |
| 21 | New England Patriots | Andrew Booth | CB | Clemson | JC Jackson is gone, yet I’m not sure why they let him go. Booth fills a hole and is potentially a quality shut down CB. Linderbaum could be a target here too, but at least we know they will NOT draft a WR (lol). |
| 22 | Green Bay Packers | Treylon Burks | WR | Arkansas | Adams was traded, MVS left in free agency, so the Packers WR’s are extremely thin. Burks is a bigger WR, reminds me of Debo Samuel. The Packers do not exactly draft for need, but Rogers needs some weapons. |
| 23 | Arizona Cardinals | Tyler Linderbaum | iOL | Iowa | Current center, Rodney Hudson, is a decent center, but is making quite a bit of money for “decent.” Cut him and the Cards will save $10 million+ and have an upgrade at the center position. Linderbaum is an athletic freak, but that’s it. He’s short, lightweight and has short arms/hands, but you couldn’t find a more athletic center in the draft. Either way, he’ll be a pro-bowler, or better than Hudson (for much cheaper too). |
| 24 | Dallas Cowboys | Chris Olave | WR | Ohio St | Dallas will draft whoever, whenever (which can be good and bad). Did they need CeeDee Lamb? No, but he’s amazing. So, they will try to draft their top-rated guys, regardless of position of need. However, Olave can take over Amair Cooper’s vacant spot. |
| 25 | Buffalo Bills | Kenyon Green | OL | Texas A&M | The Bills biggest weakness is their run game, and Singletary & Moss is not their problem either; it’s their guards. They really need a road grade OG, which Green can be that improvement. |
| 26 | Tennessee Titans | Devin Lloyd | LB | Utah | Lloyd falling to #26 is 100% fine with Tennessee. Lloyd is big, fast and versatile (run & chase, pass-rush & coverage). |
| 27 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Devonte Wyatt | DT | Georgia | Wyatt is one of the older players in this draft (24) but can be a great interior disruptor 3-tech. He could replace Suh, and that DL could use some new youth. |
| 28 | Green Bay Packers | Zion Johnson | OL | BC | Johnson looks like a Packer type of player. He can play any OL position, and that versatility is key for the Packers (and what they like to draft in early rounds) |
| 29 | Kansas City Chiefs | Daxton Hill | S | Michigan | Hill can play safety or CB, which is fantastic for any squad. The Chiefs could use some safety help, so lets call him a younger, faster & bigger version of the honey badger. |
| 30 | Kansas City Chiefs | Jameson Williams | WR | Alabama | Wil Tyreek Hill’s departure Williams speed could help ease the pain. Chiefs are still the favorite in the AFC West, but not by much, especially after losing Hill. This 2022 season could be a pause season for KC, and these 1st round picks are huge. Williams is rehabbing his ACL but should be ready early in the season. |
| 31 | Cincinnati Bengals | Kaiir Elam | CB | Florida | The Bengals rented a bunch of DB’s last season, and they made it to the Super Bowl. Investing in some youth in their secondary will be a major improvement. Elam has great size/speed and will be very good for Cincy DB group. |
| 32 | Detroit Lions | George Pickens | WR | Georgia | The Lions have several needs, including WR. Pickens is a big 50/50 ball receiver that is vital in the redzone. He will be a valuable addition to the receiver/TE squad. |
| 39 | Chicago Bears | Tyler Smith | OT | Tulsa | **Bears traded their 2022 first round pick last year, to draft Justin Fields. With their first pick in 2022, the draft a OT to help protect him at right tackle. |
| 42 | Indianapolis Colts | Jahan Dotson | WR | Penn St | **Dotson has been climbing up draft boards and could be a 1st round pick, but I have him sliding to Indy. Matty Ice didn’t cost them too much but who do they expect him to throw to? The Colts WR’s and TE’s might be the worst bunch in the league. Pittman Jr. is pretty good (88 receptions), but that’s the only guy. Campbell and Alli-Cox are still unproven. |
| 61 | San Francisco 49ers (via MIA) | Kyler Gordon | CB | Washington | **The 49ers add some needed DB depth with Gordon. He’s a big, press/man CB and can play special teams very well. |
| 102 | Miami Dolphins | Haskell Garrett | DT | Ohio State | The Dolphins add more beef on the Defensive line with their first pick in 2022. This is a depth pick who could develop into a decent 3-tech DT. |
An 11 year old Seahawks Boy
3/31/2021 by James Fedewa
I picked up my 11 year old son today from school (who is a Seattle Seahawks fan) and while driving home, we heard the news on the radio that Bobby Wagner signed with the Los Angeles Rams. I did not hear a reply from him, or even a sound for a bit, so I assumed he did not care, but soon later, I heard whimpering…
I glanced to the backseat and my son had his head down between his knees, and he was sobbing. As an 11 year old Seahawks fan, he has been devastated over the recent Seattle Seahawks changes. I tried to explain to him that the NFL is a business (and a young mans game) and sometimes older players (like Bobby Wagner) need to leave their old teams in order to make more money elsewhere. These changes also opens new doors for newer and younger players, which he can also grow to love.
My son has only known winning, which is fantastic, but I am not a Seahawks fan (and I am very familiar with losing). I told my son not to worry, because the Seahawks are invested in other premier players on the team (like Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Tyler Locket, DK Metcalf) they will continue to try to win and get better.
My son is young and he is just learning about “the up’s and down’s” of being an NFL football fan, where some seasons are terrible, and some years are fantastic, but the last decade with Russell Wilson has been stellar, especially since all you know is winning.
I continue to assure my son that the Seahawks are a great organization and I am sure they will be just fine and “land on their feet” more sooner than later. In fact, I wish I was a Seahawks fan over the last decade too (but I am not, as I have plenty of my own fandom pain).
My son wants “jump ship,” change teams and be a new fan of my good-ole’ favorite team. I told him that we would love to have him, but I highly would not recommend it (as I have been Chargers fan for nearly 30 years and know too much about pain, losing and relocation). Although I would love him, buy him new Chargers gear and cheer for Justin Herbert together. However, I think he would only “like” the Chargers, when he actually “loves” the Seahawks. There is a big difference between “like and love” in fandom and I recommend sticking with what you love. Becoming a fan of another team does not share the passion, especially being born into your local NFL team. Fandom is that passion of that ones team.
I work in Sales, so I talk to a lot of people who would like to be a fan of A, B or C teams, but they just do not care enough about the team (or even the sport). But that is where it actually is… Having a favorite TEAM is not exactly about being a fan of the team; its about connecting to the players on that team (like Bobby Wagner, Justin Herbert or Russell Wilson). Once you figure out who you like, is your beginning, and watching my son weep about Bobby Wagner makes me really empathetic towards him, but it also makes me a little proud too. My son has build that fandom to his guys, his players, on his squad, which honestly is his passion and I love it. Yes, Bobby Wags signs with a rival like the Rams, which sucks. But wow, this drama cannot be written any better (better than any TV series, book or show).
*Well, minus the Earl Thomas 1-finger salute to his former Seattle fans, lol.
**Bye Bye Legion of Boom!
Improving the 2022 LA Chargers Secondary
3/8/2022 by James Fedewa
The Chargers defensive secondary could use some new talent on the 2022 roster. Whether it be through free agency, the NFL draft or player trades, the Chargers could be adding several new faces on defense. Currently, the defensive backs on the roster are SS Derwin James, CB Michael Davis, CB Assante Samuel Jr., FS Nasir Adderley, S Alohi Gilman and S Mark Webb; a very solid group of NFL players. James is the standout of this group and can play both safeties and the nickel position. Davis is a solid CB2, and so is the young Samuel Jr., who could develop into a CB1. Adderley has shown some very good tape last season, and is expected to only get better. I expect Adderley and Samuel’s roles being expanded this season, which can possibly move them both in and out of the nickel corner corner position, providing more defensive secondary flexibility.
Signing free agent cornerbacks J.C. Jackson, Stephon Gilmore or Carlton Davis would be great, but those names would command high dollars ($13 to $18 million per year / plus some of those players could be franchise tagged as well). The balance of the free agent cornerbacks are not exactly CB1’s either. I will be looking for a “Casey Hayward” type of free agent signing. Not Hayward the actual player, but a free agent from another squad that overperformed, just like Casey Haywards first season with the Chargers (one of the best free agent signings of all time).
My personal target would be the Seahawks nickel-corner DJ Reed, but I live up in Seattle and I do NOT think the Seahawks will l let Reed go. Talk radio up here loves DJ Reed (and Q. Diggs) & they are expected to re-sign them both. When Seattle’s nickel Justin Coleman left 3 years ago, the Seahawks struggled at that position for a couple of years, and Reed finally took that role over in 2021, so I doubt the Seahawks let him go. CB Bryce Callahan might be more realistic addition to the Chargers , as he does have a relationship with Head Coach Brandon Staley, if they are targeting Nickel free agents. Chiefs Charvarius Ward could also be a quality target at a reasonable rate (probably similar to the Michael Davis contract). Plus it’s always nice to rob a division foe.
But, I expect a free agent safety to be signed before a high priced cornerback . Safety free agents Jayron Kearse (DAL), Kareem Jackson (DEN), Deon Bush (CHI) or Anthony Harris (MIN) would cost less, and could have a bigger impact on the overall defense. Plus, a good safety would demand half the contract of an average CB free agents this season.
NFL Draft seems like the best place to find a new cornerback or nickel for the Chargers secondary. Not necessarily in the first round but certainly early, within the first three rounds. The Chargers own 11 draft picks, which gives them a lot of flexibility with trades, so they could move up or down to target corners like: Kyler Gordon, Andrew Booth, Kaiir Elam or Marcus Jones.
I do not expect GM Tom Telesco to draft 11 players with his 11 draft picks. The Chargers will probably be very busy with draft day trades, probably moving up. I expect multiple 2nd and 3rd round picks within this draft, unless Telesco uses some of his draft capitol to trade for some veteran player additions.
What I like to see in the first two picks of the 2022 Chargers Draft:
1st Round: Travon Walker EDGE Georgia (sure a Jordan Davis would be nice, but he will probably only be a 2 down player)
2nd Round: Kaiir Elam , CB Florida or Marcus Jones, CB Houston
Madden ’22 Toolbags
1/17/22 by James Fedewa
My 10 year old son purchased Madden 22 on his own, back in November 2021. He played it all the time on his Xbox One (and he’s a diehard Madden fan). He has bought every Madden game five years in a row. For Christmas, we gifted him an Xbox Series S, but guess what, he cannot use any of his Xbox One Madden games on the Xbox Series S.
So I contact EA Sports and they give me a step by step procedure how to make it work. (I try and try and try – but can’t get it to go). I go back to EA Sports (again, and again – three times now) and now they tell me that it will not work, and we have to buy Madden 22 again.
Now, I’m not a fan of anything of EA Sports. $50 per game, for five years straight = $250. Now we have to buy it again = $300 in five years? COME ON EA!!!!
Tell me you are a good guy and fix this problem. Micro-Transactions are one thing, but buying the same game twice (for an Xbox One and Xbox Series S) is HORSE SHIT!
My 10 year old boy make YouTube videos of Madden games, he upgrades his system, but now you want to charge him twice for the same game. https://youtu.be/dR82gTixNew
I want EA Sports to do the right thing and be good to their fans and customers. If you don’t, then why be a fan?
The Jordan Love Investment
We are all looking at the Green Bay Packers / Jordan Love draft pick all wrong. Love signed a 4 year, $12 million contract, which averages at $3 million per season (a lot less than some quality backup QB’s are worth).
Marcus Mariota was paid $8 million last season as a backup QB. Taysom Hill is making $8 million per, Case Keenum is making $6 million per, A.J. McCarron was making $3 million per, etc.
Your team is only as good as the “backup quarterback” and investing a late first round pick is a great investment (or money saver) to free up “money-spent” on a good backup QB, that may never see the field.
Love’s 4 year, $12 million contract is cheap, and a great investment to own the rights to. Love could be the next great NFL QB (in 2, 3 or 4 years into his first contract, and the Packers have a 5th year option).
Plus, Jordan Love is still tradeable for 4 more years. Love still has four more years as cheap backup QB, with tremendous upside, that can still be traded anytime (which can give the Packers back their Return of Investment later down the road).
*Please, leave a comment and lets discuss…
2021 NFL Mock Draft by James Fedewa @jamfed
4/29/2021 by James Fedewa
What a weird NFL draft season. 2021 had no NFL Combine, with quality players opting out of the 2020 season (tainting scout evaluations), include some 2019 player injuries; some prospects have not seen the field in well over a year.
…so this NFL draft is just “not-normal” (but we still love to love it and we are all very excited to have the NFL Draft here).
**Let me share with you one major bonus (for me personally). I have a 10 year old son (Seahawks and Buckeye fan) and this draft season, he really got into this years player-prospects. So we studied film together, guessed ideal team-fits for prospects, discussed team needs, quizzed each other on players names/positions, which schools they attended and we mocked drafted every night (like a bed time story, lol). It is so great!!! I also have a 12 year old daughter, and we have draft-day photos together when she was a newborn, but she is still not the NFL Draft. She was an NFL Draft fan a few years ago, as she still loves Josh Allen (and her first fan-crush Marcus Mariota – classic).
HERE WE GO (two quick rounds – No Trades):
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School | Notes |
| 1 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Trevor Lawrence | QB | Clemson | Yeah, yeah… You know the drill: “Mr. Number-ONE-derful” 40 starts as a the #1 QB in college football, he’s owned this spot for 3 years. |
| 2 | New York Jets | Zach Wilson | QB | BYU | The Boy Wonder. No really, he looks like a young boy, or am I just getting old? Put a mask on this kid and he looks like a Blond Robin. Mix Aaron Rodgers with Patrick Mahomes, you’ll get this guy. 28 career starts is solid. |
| 3 | San Francisco 49ers (via MIA) | Justin Fields | QB | Ohio State | Fields is just too good (and way better than Mac Jones IMO). Sure, all the experts are assuming Mac Jones is the pick, but why trade up so much for a guy you could’ve taken at their original #12? Smoke Screen, right? 22 career starts, started with Georgia, transferred to Ohio State (wow). |
| 4 | Atlanta Falcons | Kyle Pitts | TE | Florida | This years unicorn… a Big – Fast – TD Machine – One of my favorite players in this draft. I would not call him tight end, but more of a pass catcher. 235 lbs. is a little light for an NFL tight end, but he’s a hybrid. |
| 5 | Cincinnati Bengals | Ja’Marr Chase | WR | LSU | Already developed a chemistry with Joe Burrows, find a right tackle in the second round |
| 6 | Miami Dolphins (via HOU, via PHI) | Penei Sewell | OT | Oregon | This guy is a wrecking machine (and makes it look so easy). He’s a turbo-charged bulldozer |
| 7 | Detroit Lions | Jaylen Waddle | WRS | Alabama | The Lions need a WR1, so they will gamble on Waddle’s smaller stature. Sure, Slater sounds good, but wow, look at their current receivers |
| 8 | Carolina Panthers | Rashawn Slater | OT | Northwestern | They did not have a left tackle on the team, hole filled. Great pick. |
| 9 | Denver Broncos | Trey Lance | QB | North Dakota State | Teddy Bridgewater is not the answer, but neither is Drew Lock. Draft Lance now, sit him for a year and keep Lock as QB2 and Lance at QB3. Lance could go #3 or #4, but 17 career starts is not a lot of experience. |
| 10 | Dallas Cowboys | Patrick Surtain II | CB | Alabama | Dallas needs secondary help, and/or best defensive player here (they get both). For months every draftnic has Dallas taking Surtain here. |
| 11 | New York Giants | Kwity Paye | EDGE | Michigan | Outside Pass Rusher is the obvious weakness. Paye looks like a faster Melvin Ingram. |
| 12 | Philadelphia Eagles (via SF, via MIA) | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama | Back-to-back first round receivers (2020 & 2021)? YES! (The Slim Reaper is a thin 170#, but won the Heisman Trophy, which not many WR’s win) |
| 13 | Los Angeles Chargers | Jaycee Horn | CB | South Carolina | The Jack-Boys are back, ASAP! Press-Man, off coverage or zone, he can cover. His Dad is Joe Horn, ex-WR with the Saints. |
| 14 | Minnesota Vikings | Christian Darrisaw | OT | Virginia Tech | A quality left tackle, and will get even better (pending his core muscle injury). Could probably go as early as #7. |
| 15 | New England Patriots | Mac Jones | QB | Alabama | Finally, we don’t have to watch Cam anymore! I’m sorry, I do like Cam, but not last year. Jones has 24 career starts, which is not a bad resume. |
| 16 | Arizona Cardinals | Jaelan Phillips | EDGE | Miami (FL) | The improved pass rush will make the secondary look better. Phillips has had some concussion issues, retired early from UCLA, came back with Miami. Could be the best pass rusher in this draft. |
| 17 | Las Vegas Raiders | Micah Parsons | ILB | Penn State | Tackles and Sacks / Tackles and Sack (could be the best defensive player in the draft and has only played ILB for 2 years, converted DE). Off-field issues, including harsh Hazing and poor decision pranks. |
| 18 | Miami Dolphins | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | OLB | Notre Dame | The Swiss-Army Linebacker (hits hard, tackle machine, can cover in the nickel – more SS than LB |
| 19 | Washington Football Team | Alijah Vera-Tucker | OG | USC | An improved O-Line will help ANY QB. Could WFT trade this pick for Deshaun Watson? |
| 20 | Chicago Bears | Greg Newsome II | CB | Northwestern | Fuller gone, Newsome in – lose a CB, gain a CB (and he stay’s in state) |
| 21 | Indianapolis Colts | Teven Jenkins | OT | Oklahoma State | The nastiest run blocking (left) tackle in the draft. The Colts just turned into a premiere rushing team. I really like this guy and can go early as #13. |
| 22 | Tennessee Titans | Christian Barmore | DL3T | Alabama | Need an upgraded D-line, as the Titans are quite thin in the defensive trenches. I’m not sure why he falls this far, he’s a monster. |
| 23 | New York Jets (via SEA) | Caleb Farley | CB | Virginia Tech | It’s an injury gamble, but with amazing upside. He could go as early as #13, or as far as #32 (but he’s a 1st round talent – with a harsh back problem) |
| 24 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Samuel Cosmi | OT | Texas | Big Ben’s new left tackle, but they could go Edge here. RB’s can be found later… |
| 25 | Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR) | Trevon Moehrig | S | TCU | Moehrig can play SS, FS, CB and NB. Call him a Swiss Army DB, but really a Free Saftey. |
| 26 | Cleveland Browns | Zaven Collins | OLB | Tulsa | Collins needs to stick with ONE position (MLB only), I’ve heard he wants to play edge, but can play everywhere. |
| 27 | Baltimore Ravens | Azeez Ojulari | EDGE | Georgia | Feels like an old school Ozzy pick. I think he slides a bit, only because he is only 6′ 2″, but he’s nails. |
| 28 | New Orleans Saints | Asante Samuel Jr. | CB | Florida State | Jackrabbit’s replacement |
| 29 | Green Bay Packers | Rashod Bateman | WR | Minnesota | Could develop into a WR1, just in case Davante Adams leaves next year… Great route runner, fast, but at his combine weigh in, he was 2″ shorter (6′) and a little lighter than expected (190#) |
| 30 | Buffalo Bills | Jayson Oweh | EDGE | Penn State | A project, but a freak of a project |
| 31 | Baltimore Ravens (via KC) | Terrace Marshall | WR | LSU | Can he stay healthy? Lets hope… |
| 32 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Gregory Rousseau | EDGE | Miami (FL) | Bruce can mold this guy into a big good edge |
| Round 2 | |||||
| 33 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama | |
| 34 | New York Jets | Najee Harris | RB | Alabama | |
| 35 | Atlanta Falcons | Eric Stokes | CB | Georgia | |
| 36 | Miami Dolphins (via HOU) | Kadarius Toney | WR | Florida | |
| 37 | Philadelphia Eagles | Tyson Campbell | CB | Georgia | |
| 38 | Cincinnati Bengals | Jalen Mayfield | OT | Michigan | |
| 39 | Carolina Panthers | Kelvin Joseph | CB | Kentucky | |
| 40 | Denver Broncos | Joseph Ossai | EDGE | Texas | |
| 41 | Detroit Lions | Joe Tryon | EDGE | Washington | |
| 42 | New York Giants | Jamin Davis | ILB | Kentucky | |
| 43 | San Francisco 49ers | Jevon Holland | S | Oregon | |
| 44 | Dallas Cowboys | Levi Onwuzurike | DT | Washington | |
| 45 | Jacksonville Jaguars (via MIN) | Pat Freiermuth | TE | Penn State | |
| 46 | New England Patriots | Rondale Moore | WRS | Purdue | |
| 47 | Los Angeles Chargers | Liam Eichenberg | OT | Notre Dame | |
| 48 | Las Vegas Raiders | Daviyon Nixon | DT | Iowa | |
| 49 | Arizona Cardinals | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson | |
| 50 | Miami Dolphins | Javonte Williams | RB | North Carolina | |
| 51 | Washington Football Team | Nick Bolton | ILB | Missouri | |
| 52 | Chicago Bears | Elija Moore | WR | Ole Miss | |
| 53 | Tennessee Titans | Aaron Robinson | CB | UCF | |
| 54 | Indianapolis Colts | Quincy Roche | EDGE | Miami (FL) | |
| 55 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Elijah Molden | CB | Washington | |
| 56 | Seattle Seahawks | Quinn Meinerz | OG | Wis. Whitewater | |
| 57 | Los Angeles Rams | Landon Dickerson | OC | Alabama | |
| 58 | Baltimore Ravens | Dillon Radunz | OT | North Dakota State | |
| 59 | Cleveland Browns | Creed Humphrey | OC | Oklahoma | |
| 60 | New Orleans Saints | Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR | USC | |
| 61 | Buffalo Bills | Brevin Jordan | TE | Miami (FL) | |
| 62 | Green Bay Packers | Ifeatu Melifonwu | CB | Syracuse | |
| 63 | Kansas City Chiefs | Richie Grant | S | UCF | |
| 64 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Andre Cisco | S | Syracuse |
National Fanatic 