It’s risky business trying to predict what every NFL team will do. But here’s my shot at predicting the unpredictable.
Let’s face it. At least half of a team’s fan base will boo their organization’s first draft pick. Most of the naysayers either have limited knowledge or unrequited expectations (their team didn’t take a preferred player or draft for ‘that’ position).
And you almost never hear roars of excitement when an offensive lineman gets selected. But look at what happened last year? The Colts drafted OL Quentin Nelson 6th. Look how well that turned out!
We’re always surprised during the first round of the draft. Sometimes the player we thought was going #1 doesn’t go #1. And a quarterback either gets drafted earlier than expected or later than initially thought. Trades occur regularly–often rapidly–as the draft clock ticks down. And there are occasions when players with tremendous potential, but rough backgrounds, make for risky picks.
It all adds up to this: the NFL draft never goes as expected.
My “Mock Draft” is based on the notion that there won’t be any trades in the first round. But, as we know, there will be plenty of trades come April 25th. So let’s call it a “Mock Fantasy Draft.” Yes, I’ll list which teams should seek a trade, but the premise here is that the player I pick is based more on the team’s need at a particular position.
For starters, I disagree with the consensus that Kyler Murray will be chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the first pick. That conclusion is based on a previous article I wrote on these pages.
With that …
Cardinals: Nick Bosa (DL) I’d make the best trade possible and collect assets.
49ers: Josh Allen (DE/LB) The Niners need better pass rushers.
Jets: Montez Sweat (DE) This is the type of monster the Jets love.
Oakland Raiders: Rashan Gary (DE) They have the 24th & 27th pick to use as trade bait.
Bucs: Quinnen Williams Keep building that defensive foundation, Tamps!
Giants: Dwayne Haskins (QB) With holes everywhere, they should trade back.
Jaguars: Jawaan Taylor (OL) They need the best player available.
Lions: T.J. Hockenson (TE) Maybe this is a stretch, but Detroit needs offense.
Bills: D.K. Metcalf (WR) This team needs offensive help … badly!
Broncos: Greedy Williams (DB) The best DB is the player this team should take.
Bengals: Kyler Murray (QB) They finally parted with HC Marvin Lewis, so why not Dalton, too?
Packers: Devin White (LB) Hello! It’s time to replace Clay Matthews.
Dolphins: Ed Oliver (DT) Miami needs to beef up the line in a season of tanking or trade for more picks.
Falcons: Andre Dillard (OL) How about protecting your franchise quarterback?
Redskins: Drew Lock (QB) Despite signing Case Keenum, the Skins need a future QB.
Panthers: Marquis Brown (WR) Cam Newton is running out of options at WR.
Giants: Christian Wilkins (DT) There are so many holes on this team, so get the best player available.
Vikings: Jonah Williams (OL) This offensive line is hurting right now.
Titans: Noah Fant (TE) They need to score more, so the offense is key in this draft.
Steelers: Brian Burns (DE) Burns could be the steal of the draft.
Seahawks: Jeffery Simmons (DE) ‘The Legion of Boom’ needs a new identity.
Ravens: Cody Ford (OT) Lamar Jackson needs more ‘big boys’ to block for him.
Texans: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (S) The secondary has been a problem recently.
Raiders: Byron Murphy (CB) Gruden loves offense, but defense wins championships.
Eagles: Hakeem Butler (WR) Can you name the Eagles’ starting wide receivers?
Colts: Clelin Ferrell (DE) Indy should think defense … and defense alone.
Raiders: Josh Jacobs (RB) A young, stud RB can balance this offense.
Chargers: Dalton Risner (OT) Rivers is begging for more help up front.
Chiefs: Devin Bush Jr. (LB) An aging and departing LB crew calls for new blood.
Packers: Garrett Bradbury (OL) Rodgers needs better protection when he’s in the pocket.
Rams: Amani Oruwariye (DL) DB is a wild card in LA. ‘Old and Hurt’ won’t work.
Patriots: Jaylon Ferguson: (LB/DE) This guy brings the versatility Belichick loves.
Now, here’s what I think will likely happen in the NFL Draft.
Cardinals: Kyler Murray (QB) *Trade Alert (back)
49ers: Nick Bosa (DE)
Jets: Josh Allen: (LB)
Raiders: Quinnen Williams (DL)
Bucs: Rashan Gary (DL)
Giants: Jonah Williams (OL) *Trade Alert (back)
Jaguars: D.K. Metcalf (WR)
Lions: Marquis Brown (WR)
Bills: T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Broncos: Jonah Williams (OL)
Bengals: Drew Lock (QB) *Trade Alert (up)
Packers: Devin White (LB)
Dolphins: Dwayne Haskins (QB) *Trade Alert (back)
Falcons: Jawaan Taylor (OL)
Redskins: Daniel Jones (QB) *Trade Alert (up)
Panthers: Irv Smith Jr. (TE)
Giants: Andre Dillard (OL)
Vikings: Christian Wilkins (DT)
Titans: Clelin Ferrell (DE)
Steelers: Ed Oliver (DL)
Seahawks: Hakeem Butler (WR)
Ravens: Greg Little (OT) *Trade Alert (up)
Texans: Rock Ya-Sin (CB)
Raiders: Byron Murphy (CB) *Trade Alert (up)
Eagles: Brian Burns (DE) *Trade Alert (up)
Colts: A.J. Brown (WR)
Raiders: Josh Jacobs (RB)
Chargers: Cody Ford (OL)
Chiefs: Jerry Tillery (DT)
Packers: Kelvin Harmon (WR)
Rams: Zach Allen (DL) *Trade Alert (back)
Patriots: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (S) *Trade Alert (up)
