Jordan Katz’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Prediction Style

Posted on April 25, 2023 Updated on April 27, 2023

Well, after taking the year off to focus on other things, Mock Lyfe is back just in time for the NFL Draft! Since I did not watch my normal number of prospects this year, this mock is strictly a prediction-style mock; the goal is to get as many picks and trades correct as I can. I attempted to go three rounds, which will inevitably be a disaster in what is a lackluster draft, to say the least, but who wants to write case studies and unit plans, am I right?

Let’s cook.

ROUND ONE

1) Carolina Panthers (from Bears): Bryce Young, QB Alabama- Carolina put together a very nice offseason, adding multiple veteran weapons to an offense that lacked those this past season. The final piece is inserting a rookie quarterback with high upside. While you can argue that type of quarterback may not exist in this draft, Bryce Young’s intelligence wowed many people during the draft process. Despite his size, Young gets the ball out of his hands quickly and likely would excel in an up-tempo west coast offense at the next level. If that’s where the Panthers go offensively, he stands a good chance of being successful.

2) Houston Texans: Tyree Wilson, EDGE Texas Tech- It feels odd that everyone is saying they have no idea what Houston is going to do because almost everyone has mocked a defensive player to the Texans at two. One of these teams at the top is going to pass on these quarterbacks to enter the Caleb Williams sweepstakes next year. The Texans have three picks in the top 35, giving them a great chance to build out their roster and insert the quarterback last.

Should they go the defense route, Tyree Wilson’s upside as a pass rusher is going to be extremely attractive to new Head Coach DeMeco Ryans.

3) Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr., OT Ohio State– Arizona is going to desperately try to trade out of this pick, but their chances of doing so do not appear high at the moment. If Houston passes on a quarterback, keep an eye on the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings attempting to pass Indianapolis and Seattle to land their quarterback of the future.

If Arizona stays here, this will be the shocker of the first 10 picks. Paris Johnson is presumed to be the first offensive lineman off the board, but no one has him this high. Kyler Murray has once again requested an offensive lineman to be drafted, and the Cardinals used a top-30 visit on Johnson. This is my “bold call,” of the top 10.

4) Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB Kentucky- There is a lot of talk about the quarterbacks going lower than expected as a collective group. That might be true, but can you recall a year in recent memory when that actually happened? Many think Levis has elite upside, despite being an unpolished gunslinger. He has a big arm and some elite tools, but he turns the ball over a lot. The question is whether a team can polish his mechanics and teach him the proper times to take 50/50 chances.

5) Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Anthony Richardson, QB Florida- If Seattle is going to take a quarterback, which is extremely possible, it’s going to be Anthony Richardson. Richardson has elite upside, but he needs a year or two to sit and learn the nuances of the quarterback position. Fortunately, Seattle has that ideal situation because of the play of Geno Smith. Richardson truly has a chance to be elite if put in the right position. I think Seattle plays the long game with this pick if Richardson is available.

6) Detroit Lions (from Rams): Will Anderson Jr, EDGE Alabama– Detroit’s defense needs to improve in 2023 if they want to go back to the postseason. Fortunately for them, the best pass rusher in the draft has fallen into their lap. Imagine the Lions lining up Anderson’s ability off the edge next to Aidan Hutchinson. Sheeeeeeesh.

7) *TRADE* Tennesse Titans (from Raiders): CJ Stroud, QB Ohio State- Another rumor I’m choosing to buy is the fall of CJ Stroud. There have been a number of reports leaking about Stroud, the most popular of which was his subpar Wonderlic score. Now the leaks could definitely be a ploy to talk some teams out of pulling the trigger on Stroud early, and in reality, no one bites. However, sometimes these draft ploys work. In a year where the rankings for the top quarterbacks are all over the map, someone falling lower than expected is probable.

If that guy is Stroud, look for Tennessee to try and move up quickly. They still believe in their roster, and they need a quarterback of the future.

8) Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB Texas- It’s weird to see a non-playoff team make what many feel would be a luxury pick, but Atlanta desperately needs a premier running back for their offense to take a step forward. Robinson is arguably the best player in this draft, and worthy of bucking the running back trend. Plus, he’s the odds-on favorite for the Falcons selection, which means more than you would think this time of year.

9) Chicago Bears (from Panthers): Broderick Jones, OT Alabama- If the Bears fail to protect Justin Fields in 2023, they risk the chance of ruining him. This team desperately needs a left tackle, and the tackles at the top of this draft are NFL-ready. Many would rather see Broderick Jones on the right side in the NFL, but he has a terrific collegiate resume in pass protection. Chicago should, and I emphasize should, take the best offensive lineman and run at the ninth selection.

10) Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints): Jalen Carter, IDL Georgia- Carter’s off-the-field concerns are part of the reason many think he can slide down the draft board a bit. Should that slide happen, Philadelphia at 10 is his floor. This is a luxury pick for Howie Roseman, whose Eagles will be Super Bowl favorites in 2023. Pairing Carter, who many feel is the most talented player in the draft, with Jordan Davis and Fletcher Cox, would give the Eagles an elite interior defense.

11) *TRADE* Las Vegas Raiders (from Titans): Devon Witherspoon, CB Illinois- When quarterbacks go early, talented players slide down the draft board. That’s what happens here with Witherspoon. He’s viewed as the top cornerback in the draft class because of his competitive nature in coverage. The Raiders desperately need cornerback help, so this seems like an ideal match. The fact that the Raiders could trade down and still add their guy is an added bonus.

12) Houston Texans (from Browns): Peter Skoronski, OL Northwestern- Skoronski’s versatility will be extremely attractive to a lot of teams in the top 15. Daniel Jeremiah compared him to Alijah Vera-Tucker because he has the ability and intelligence to play guard or tackle, but his length is the one question mark. The Texans need help at both spots, making Skoronski an ideal fit if he is available.

13) Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Ngjiba, WR Ohio State- Many believe the reason the Packers were so adamant about moving from 15 to 13 was to ensure Jaxon Smith-Ngjiba. “JSN,” is the unequivocal best receiver in the draft, and he’s a perfect compliment to last year’s draft pick; Christian Watson. This gives Jordan Love two young playmakers to gain a rapport with.

14) *TRADE* Kansas City Chiefs (from Patriots): Zay Flowers, WR Boston College- If a year has ever screamed “Bill Belichick trades down,” it’s a draft as weak as this one. Conversely, these are the kind of drafts where playoff teams move up to secure a top-tier player that can help them win now. Flowers has a lot of buzz to be the number one receiver taken during the draft, and the Chiefs are a little thin at pass catcher. Keep an eye on them being aggressive in that department during the early stages of this draft.

15) *TRADE* Minnesota Vikings (from Jets): Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee- Mark my words; Hendon Hooker is going to find his way into the top 20. Even though he’s an older prospect, the quarterback talent in the league right now is just so thin. Someone will roll the dice on Hooker’s mobility and down-the-field ability. Minnesota is looking for the heir to Kirk Cousins’ throne, making them an ideal team to trade up for a quarterback during this draft.

16) Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB Penn State– Washington needs secondary help, and they are in a prime position to address that at 16. Personally, I feel that Porter Jr. will go higher than this on draft day. Despite lacking big turnover production in college, his ability in man coverage is top-tier. This is around where many have him, but for me, this is his floor on draft night.

17) Pittsburgh Steelers: Darnell Wright, OT Tennessee- Wright is an excellent run blocker and projects to be a quality right tackle at the next level. For the Steelers, Wright seems like “option A,” at 17. Pittsburgh’s O-Line is weak, they like to run the ball, and Wright is expected to go in this range.

18) Detroit Lions: Brian Branch, S Alabama– Detroit continues to revamp their defense with the addition of Brian Branch here. Branch is the clear-cut top safety in a weak draft at that position. He can do-it-all, and he can anchor a defense from day one. Branch could go much earlier than this because he’s the only elite safety in this draft. If he falls a bit, keep an eye on teams trying to trade up for the former Alabama star.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kelee Ringo, CB Georgia- Someone that many are prognosticating as a day two pick who likely sneaks into round one is Keele Ringo. Ringo has had a ton of meetings throughout the draft process, and there are a lot of teams in round one that need secondary help. One of those teams is Tampa Bay, which is why he lands here. 

20) Seattle Seahawks: Nolan Smith, EDGE Georgia- Speaking of big-time athletes with high upside, allow me to draw your attention to Nolan Smith. Smith has a ridiculous burst and the ability to wreck games off the edge. However, he’s a bit undersized, and his move set isn’t complete. Nevertheless, he dips and bends at an elite level, and he’s one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in the class.

Miami Dolphins: FORFEITED

21) Los Angeles Chargers: Adetomiwa Adebawore, IDL Northwestern- Adebawore feels like an under-the-radar lock for round one. Combine risers in weak draft classes tend to go higher than people think. Teams believe that if you give them an athlete, they can coach him up and make him a quality player. Adebawore doesn’t have a ton of sacks on his resume, but he’s solid everywhere and he tested off the charts athletically. The Chargers need help in their run defense, which makes Adebawore a good fit.

22) Baltimore Ravens: Christian Gonzalez, CB Oregon- This is probably the stunner of my first round so far. Gonzalez could easily wind up in the top 10; in fact, many have him there. So, why the slide? Part of projecting the draft is taking educated gambles. Odds are, Gonzalez’s elite speed and length, combined with his ball skills and quality tape, land him in the top 16. However, no one used a top 30 visit on him. It could be because teams saw all they needed to see at the combine, but it also could be because teams are more committed to other players. Either way, Baltimore scoops up a quality corner here at 22.

23) *TRADE* New York Jets (from Vikings): John Michael Schmitz, IOL Minnesota- The Jets have been infatuated with John Michael Schmitz for almost the entire draft process. If the top three O-Linemen are gone by the time the Jets pick at 15, they’ll open up the phones to those that want to ensure “their guy.” If they do move back, they will look to move into a range to acquire John Michael Schmitz, whom many feel is a day-one starter at the center position.

24) *TRADE* Indianapolis Colts (from Jaguars): Bryan Bresee, IDL Clemson- In a rare, inter-division early draft trade, the Colts come up for someone they appear to covet during the draft process. Bresee is stout against the run, and some feel he has good upside as a pass rusher. The Colts have met with him and used a top-30 visit on him, so they get aggressive to bolster their trenches.

25) New York Giants: Deonte Banks, CB Maryland- The Giants have a few glaring needs, one of which is a number two cornerback. Deonte Banks was a big riser during the draft process. At 6’2 and a 40 time of 4.35 seconds, teams are going to fall in love with his traits. He also has very good ball skills. If his technique can be cleaned up a bit, Banks has one of the higher ceilings in the draft.

26) Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE Notre Dame-I think Dallas is locked into tight end here at 26. Dalton Schultz is gone, and the top tight ends in this class can be game-changers. Michael Mayer is the best blocker of the bunch, and he has good hands to match. This feels like Mayer’s floor in this draft.

27) Buffalo Bills: Jordan Addison, WR USC- Keep an eye on the Bills being aggressive in this draft for a receiver. On top of Gabe Davis struggling last season, Stefon Diggs has gone semi-awol, and we all remember what happened when he did that in Minnesota. Addison is one of the best route runners in the draft, and he wins a lot from the slot. He would be a perfect compliment to Stefon Diggs in the Bills’ offense… or perhaps, a replacement?

28) Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel Forbes, CB Mississippi State- Forbes makes the sixth cornerback to go in the first round of this mock draft. That number feels astronomical, but the cornerback class has a lot of talent at the top. 14 interceptions in college is a big number, which is why Forbes will likely go in the first 40 picks despite his stature. The Bengals make their money in the back end by forcing turnovers, which should make Forbes an ideal fit.

29) New Orleans Saints (from 49ers): Myles Murphy, EDGE Clemson- Murphy’s slide is one to look out for on draft day. Once again, this is not because of Murphy the prospect. He’s 6’5 with big-time athleticism and he dominates off the edge. It has more to do with the potential slide of the edge class due to the cornerbacks and quarterbacks taking up a bulk of the first round. Murphy’s talent should land him in the top 15. However, he could be one of those “how is he still available,” guys in this draft.

30) Philadelphia Eagles: Will McDonald IV, EDGE Iowa State- Someone I wanted to go a lot higher in this mock than he did is Will McDonald. 11 teams used top 30 visits on him. One of those teams was the Eagles. For a team with an aging Brandon Graham starting at one edge, and an inconsistent Derek Barnett backing him up, adding a player like McDonald in the back end of round one feels obvious.

31) *TRADE* New England Patriots (from Chiefs Lukas Van Ness, EDGE Iowa- This could be the most Bill Belichick thing I have ever mocked in my entire career. Belichick slides down the draft board, acquires future assets, and selects an intelligent pass rusher who controls their gaps and can play in multiple systems. Go ahead, tell me I’m wrong…

TRADES IN ROUND ONE

1) The Tennessee Titans trade the #11, #72, and a 2024 2nd round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for the #7 and a 2024 4th round pick.
2) The Kansas City Chiefs trade the #31, #134, and a 2024 1st-round pick to the New England Patriots for the 14th overall selection.

3) The Minnesota Vikings trade the #23, #87, and a 2024 2nd-round pick to the New York Jets for the 15th overall selection.

4) The Indianapolis Colts trade the #35, #79, and #106 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #24 and #121.

ROUND TWO

32) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears): Julien Brents, CB Kansas State
33) Houston Texans: Drew Sanders, LB Arkansas
34) *TRADE* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Cardinals): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama
35) *TRADE* Jacksonville Jaguars (from Colts): Anton Harrison, OT Oklahoma
36) Los Angeles Rams: DJ Turner, CB Michigan
37) Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Calijah Kancey, IDL Pittsburgh
38) Las Vegas Raiders: Joe Tippmann, IOL Wisconsin
39) Carolina Panthers: Jonathan Mingo, WR Ole Miss
40) New Orleans Saints: Jalin Hyatt, WR Tennessee
41) Tennessee Titans: Steve Avila, IOL TCU
42) Green Bay Packers (from Jets via Browns): Dalton Kincaid, TE Utah
43) New York Jets: Matthew Bergeron, OL Syracuse
44) Atlanta Falcons: Trenton Simpson, LB Clemson
45) Green Bay Packers: BJ Ojulari, EDGE LSU
46) New England Patriots: Cody Mauch, OL North Dakota State
47) Washington Commanders: Darnell Washington, TE Georgia
48) Detroit Lions: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE Kansas State 
49) Pittsburgh Steelers: Mazi Smith, IDL Michigan
50) *TRADE* Arizona Cardinals (from Buccaneers): O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL Florida
51) Miami Dolphins: Sam LaPorta, TE Iowa
52) Seattle Seahawks: Trey Palmer, WR Nebraska
53) Chicago Bears (from Ravens): Derick Hall, DL Auburn
54) Los Angeles Chargers: Zach Charbonnet, RB UCLA
55) *TRADE* Denver Broncos (from Lions via Vikings): Keion White, EDGE Georgia Tech
56) Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Schoonmaker, TE Michigan
57) New York Giants: Quentin Johnson, WR TCU
58) Dallas Cowboys: Tuli Tuipilotu, EDGE USC
59) Buffalo Bills: Tyler Steen, OL Alabama
60) Cincinnati Bengals: Luke Musgrave, TE Oregon State
61) Chicago Bears (from 49ers): Keaanu Benton, IDL Wisconsin
62) Philadelphia Eagles: Kendre Miller, RB TCU
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Dawand Jones, OT Ohio State

TRADES IN ROUND TWO

1) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade the #50 and #82 to the Arizona Cardinals for the #34 and #180.

2) The Denver Broncos trade the #68, #108, and a 2024 4th-round pick to the Detroit Lions for the 55th overall selection

ROUND THREE

64) Chicago Bears: Tyrique Stevenson, CB Miami
65) Houston Texans: Marvin Mims Jr., WR Oklahoma
66) Arizona Cardinals: Luke Wypler, IOL Ohio State
67) Denver Broncos (from Colts): Cam Smith, CB South Carolina
68) *TRADE* Detroit Lions (from Broncos): Jack Campbell, LB Iowa
69) Los Angeles Rams: Ji’Ayir Brown, S Penn State
70) Las Vegas Raiders: Tucker Kraft, TE South Dakota State
71) New Orleans Saints: YaYa Diaby, EDGE Louisville
72) Tennessee Titans: Jordan Battle, S Alabama
73) Houston Texans (from Browns): DeMarvion Overshown, LB Texas
74) Cleveland Browns (from Jets): Zach Harrison, EDGE Ohio State
75) Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Scott, WR Cincinnati
76) New England Patriots (from Panthers): Jaquelin Roy, IDL LSU
77) Los Angeles Rams (from Patriots via Dolphins): Tyjae Spears, RB Tulane
78) Green Bay Packers: Chandler Zavala, IOL NC State
79) *TRADE* Jacksonville Jaguars (from Colts via Commanders): Blake Freeland, OT BYU
80) Pittsburgh Steelers: Henry To’oTo’o, LB Alabama
81) Detroit Lions: Jayden Reed, WR Michigan State
82) *TRADE* Arizona Cardinals (from Bucs): Sydney Brown, S Illinois
83) Seattle Seahawks: Nick Herbig, LB Wisconsin
84) Miami Dolphins: Zacch Pickens, IDL South Carolina
85) Los Angeles Chargers: Jartavius Martin, CB Illinois
86) Baltimore Ravens: Jaelyn Duncan, OT Maryland
87) *TRADE* New York Jets (from Vikings): Marte Mapu, LB/S Sacramento State
88) Jacksonville Jaguars: Garrett Williams, CB Syracuse
89) New York Giants: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE Notre Dame
90) Dallas Cowboys: Tank Bigsby, RB Auburn
91) Buffalo Bills: Darius Rush, CB South Carolina
92) Cincinnati Bengals: BJ Thompson, DL Stephen F Austin
93) Carolina Panthers (from 49ers): Byron Young, EDGE Tennessee
94) Philadelphia Eagles: Riley Moss, CB Iowa
95) Kansas City Chiefs: Cedric Tillman, WR Tennessee
96) Arizona Cardinals: Roschon Johnson, RB Texas
97) Washington Commanders: Eli Ricks, CB Alabama
98) Cleveland Browns: Clark Phillips III, CB Utah
99) San Francisco 49ers: Joey Fisher, OL Shepherd
100) Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs via Giants): Jaren Hall, QB BYU
101) San Francisco 49ers: Tre’Vius Hodge-Tomlinson, CB TCU
102) San Francisco 49ers: Nathaniel Dell, WR Houston

Jordan Katz’s 2021 Big Board 2.0: Final

Posted on April 28, 2021

This is a look at how I rank the top 50 players in this draft. The rankings may not be in line with my most recent mock drafts. However, unlike other years, I have appropriated modern day positional value on players into my rankings. In year’s past, this big board would be independent of positional value. For example, if a running back was eighth on my big board, I kept them eighth. I did not adjust for the fact that the running back position is being marginalized. That portion of my system has changed. These rankings now take positional value into account. I have also added in where my first round grades end, so you have a better understanding of how many true top prospects exist in this draft.

1) Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- One of the strongest prospects that has ever come out. Lawrence is elite in every aspect of his game. He has a cannon for an arm, he’s mobile, and his mechanics are terrific. His hips are fluid, his shoulders are on plane, and his release is lightning quick. Lawrence shows accuracy at all three levels, which is why many have pegged him as the quarterback prospect of the century.

2) Kyle Pitts, TE Florida- Pitts is a generational talent at the tight end position. His athleticism is off the charts. His quickness allows him to beat tight coverage at the line of scrimmage and at the top of the route. His size helps him win 50/50 balls. Pitts also uses his size in his route combinations. While Pitts is not an elite blocker, he competes at a high level. This is an elite prospect.

3) Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- Another elite prospect, and the last one on the board. Sewell is a well rounded left tackle with elite ability in the passing game. His footwork is world class, his lower body is ridiculously fluid, and he plays with tremendous balance. Sewell can counterpunch and re-anchor as well as anyone. Sewell is not a nasty finisher like the top tackles from last year. However, he’s better in the passing game than all of them. He is a starting left tackle from day one.

4) Zach Wilson, QB BYU- Wilson is a fascinating prospect because he looks like a Patrick Mahomes knock-off. Wilson can stretch the defense with a very catchable, and on target deep ball. He throws extremely well on the move because his lower body is extremely fluid in all of his throws. Wilson has really good accuracy at all three levels of the field, which is impressive because his anticipation still needs work. When a team teaches him how to see “NFL open,” windows, the sky’s the limit for the former BYU star.

5) Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina- Horn is the top corner on the board because of his ability in press coverage, as well as his ability to drive out of his T-Step. Horn is extremely physical at the line of scrimmage. He’s good at disrupting the timing of the receivers that he lines up against. Horn also understands how to use the sideline to his advantage in tight coverage. His ball skills are really good as well. Horn’s ability to mirror receivers is subpar at times because his hips become rigid when he attempts to mirror without being physical. However, because of his technique in press-man and press-bail, Horn is the number one cornerback on my board.

6) Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- All three wide receivers are extremely close. Much like the group from last year, any one of them could be the first guy selected. What has Waddle atop my big board is his ceiling. Waddle is lightning quick and a legitimate burner. He’s more than just a one trick pony though. Waddle has the short area quickness to beat tight coverage, he wins contested throws, and he’s elite with the ball in his hands. In the right system, Waddle is a future superstar.

7) Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- Chase is a playmaker down the field. He’s terrific at the catch point because of a really impressive catch radius and good athleticism. Even though Chase sat out the 2020 campaign, his body of work in 2019 shows what kind of player he can be at the next level. With an improved release, Chase will be a do-it-all receiver at the next level because of the complex route tree he ran while at LSU.

8) DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- Even though he’s number three, Smith is still a terrific prospect for the next level. He’s adept at selling fakes in his route, and separates at the top of the stem with quickness and intelligence. There are some concerns about his size, but Smith plays bigger than he’s listed. He’s tough at the catch point, and he’s willing to be physical throughout his route. Assuming he can successfully do these things at the next level, Smith should be a dynamic player in the NFL for years to come, despite his 175 pound frame.

9) Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama- Surtain is the most well rounded of the “big three,” at the cornerback position. Many love his fit in a cover one or cover three defense because of his ability to mirror and trail receivers. His footwork in off coverage, as well as tight man-to-man, is excellent as well. The only reason Horn is higher on the board is because Surtain is not as good in press coverage. Having said that, Surtain is still one of the best players in the draft. There is not a weak area in his game. Very high floor type of player.

10) Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame- Owusu-Koramoah and Micah Parsons are another case of “1A and 1B,” in this draft. The top players selected at wide receiver, cornerback and off-ball linebacker will be strictly a case of personal preference. 

The most attractive part of Owusu-Koramoah’s game is his ability in coverage. He’s such a fluid athlete for his size that he shows man coverage ability against all types of pass catchers. Owusu-Koramoah has excellent instincts in zone coverage as well. He’s not a true middle linebacker because he doesn’t stack and shed well against blockers. He also doesn’t shoot gaps well unless they’re uncontested because he struggles to get off of blocks. However, because the modern game is so pass heavy, defenses are looking for “chess pieces,” to move all over the field. Owusu-Koramoah is that kind of chess piece in coverage.

11) Micah Parsons, LB Penn State- Parsons might be the exact opposite of Owusu-Koramoah. His ability as a “chess piece,” has more to do with his ability to rush the passer and be physical. Parsons is an elite athlete with terrific sideline-to-sideline range. He’s an elite player against the run. Disengages from blockers extremely well, and he plays downhill with aggression and poise. Parsons is not super adept in coverage, but he’s a really solid pass rusher. That will be his impact in the passing game.

12) Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami- Jaelan Phillips is the player that was most surprising on tape. His counterpart, Gregory Rousseau, is billed as an elite athlete with terrific ability off the edge. Despite this, it was Phillips’ ability to run the arch that stood out. He can get low despite a 6’5 frame, and his ankle flexibility allows him to make sharp turns in a finite amount of time. Much like Kwity Paye, Phillips wins in a number of ways upfront. He’s able to cross-chop the first reach from the opposing linemen, which helps him gain an edge. He’s also able to stay balanced and his moveset is very polished. Phillips is going to be a really quality pro.

13) Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan- EDGE number one in this draft is also one of the biggest risers throughout the college football season. Paye impacts the game in more ways than one. He controls his gaps well, he sets the edge and kicks plays inside, and most importantly, he’s not just a “dip and bend,” edge rusher. Paye rips past interior linemen, he can long arm opposing tackles, and his ankle flexibility is outstanding. He can definitely dip and bend successfully at the next level, but his versatility to line up across the defensive front is what makes him the top edge guy.

14) Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC- I was late to the party in terms of finishing my evaluation on Vera-Tucker. Based on what I have seen, Vera-Tucker is what people are billing Rashawn Slater as. While I like both players, Vera-Tucker’s kick slide and ability to re-anchor are on another level. He has elite quickness and flexibility in his lower body. Both Vera-Tucker and Slater are being viewed as guards at the next level because of their length and build. Nevertheless, they both could be successful tackles, especially Vera-Tucker,

15) Rashawn Slater, IOL Northwestern- Slater is a very similar player to Vera-Tucker. He’s an elite athlete with fluid hips that sink very nicely as he kicks out of his stance. This allows him to cut off edge rushers and stay in balance against defenders trying to get into his chest. Vera-Tucker is higher on my board because Slater’s strikes are inconsistent at times. Both players “wall-off,” in the run game instead of showing the nastiness to finish players to the turn. Having said that, Slater and Vera-Tucker seal players extremely well and create an alley to run behind. Both players could be starters at guard or tackle and the next level, but Slater has All-Pro potential as a guard.

16) Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State- “Baby Gronk,” is one of the most fascinating players in the draft. Freiermuth is an incredible blocker, and a really good target in the middle of the field. He wins with size during his route combination, and uses his size at the catch point as well. While he’s not the athlete that Kyle Pitts is, Freiermuth is more well rounded. He’s a force in the running game because he can successfully block opposing edge rushers. He understands how to effectively chip in the passing game, and he gets his arms into the chest of the opponent. His blocking, combined with his size and his smarts for the game, make him a very intriguing prospect at the next level.

17) Kadarius Toney, WR Florida- We go from “Baby Gronk,” to “Baby Deebo Samuel,” on this big board. Toney’s technique in his routes and his ability with the ball in his hands have teams salivating at his potential in the NFL. He understands how to set up defenders in his route, and he’s terrific against tight coverage. His footwork, along with his willingness to be physical, make him one of best route runners in this draft. While he’s not a “go up and get it,” kind of receiver, he also doesn’t have to be. His short area quickness makes it extremely tough for opposing cornerbacks to mirror him. Toney’s ability with the ball in his hands only adds to his prospects as a future star in the NFL.

18) Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech- What has many salivating over Darrisaw is his athleticism in his hips. He’s such a fluid mover in the run game that many think he can be a franchise left tackle at the next level. Even though Darrisaw is a quality prospect, and a first round player, he comes with some flaws. Darrisaw’s feet are heavy in the vertical set. He struggles at times to prevent true athletes from successfully running the arch. Having said that, his grip strength is excellent. When he’s able to gain leverage, it is game over for his opponents. Darrisaw strikes in the target area consistently, and he packs a wallop on every punch. The right side could be his home at the next level, and he would make an excellent right tackle in a zone blocking scheme.

19) Najee Harris, RB Alabama- For some reason, there is an actual discussion over the top running back in this class. Najee Harris is built like a mac truck (6’2, 230 pounds) and he moves like a Ferrari. He’s electric in the open field, with the ability to run you over, or scoot by you with quickness. Harris is also the best player between the tackles in the draft class. His vision and patience is tops among this group. Harris is a workhorse at the next level. (He would be higher on my board if running backs were more of a commodity).

20) Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia- Ojulari has elite dip and bend ability off the edge. While Ojulari is not the biggest player, he’s physical enough to make it at the next level. Ojulari strikes with force, which helps him set up his ability to run the arch. His athleticism in his lower body is off the charts; Ojulari shows elite hip and ankle flexibility on tape. If he has a weakness, it’s his size. While he’s extremely athletic, he is undersized for the next level. He will have to put on some pounds, the same way Brian Burns did from a few years ago. As long as Ojulari does not lose a step from doing so, he should be a quality edge player.

21) Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- The buzz on Humphrey has cooled from the start of the year, but I think that’s unwarranted. Humphrey’s IQ is off the charts. He understands who to pick up, which fellow interior linemen needs help, and how to help the overall protection up front. Humphrey is a bully in the run game because he has immense power and understands how to gain leverage. His strikes often land and his grip strength is excellent. The ONE knock on him is his athleticism. His footwork is not always on point; he has a tendency to fall back onto his heels in pass protection. However, intelligence upfront wins every time in the NFL. Humphrey has the intelligence to be a star center in the NFL.

22) Landon Dickerson, IOL Alabama- Dickerson is a football guy through and through. If you didn’t know it from his play on the field, the dude dressed in the title game one month after tearing his ACL! On the field, he lives up to the reputation as well. Dickerson has experience across the offensive line, which shows the intelligence to understand multiple assignments and multiple schemes. He plays with tremendous power as well. Dickerson seals effortlessly in the running game, and he shows the nastiness required in the trenches by finishing players to the turf. If he had a better medical history, he would be even higher on my board.

END OF FIRST ROUND GRADES

23) Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech- Farley has a lot of medical concerns that will follow him throughout the draft process. However, when he’s on the field, he’s a terrific man-cover corner. Farley’s hips flip effortlessly, and his footwork when mirroring opposing receivers is terrific. He’s a terrific athlete with amazing top end speed. What’s most promising about Farley is that he’s new to the position. Therefore, even though he’s getting used to timing 50/50 balls, and even though he gets his eyes caught in the backfield at times, both of these things should improve overtime. Farley will be a natural in a cover one or cover three system at the next level. Of course, all of this is assuming he can consistently be on the field.

24) Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State- The North Dakota State factory continues to churn out NFL talent. Radunz has terrific size and build, along with fluid movement in his hips. What impresses the most about Radunz on tape is his ability to re-anchor. He handles the first punch extremely well, and he’s able to gain his balance with ease. He also has tremendous grip strength, which makes him a real asset in the running game. Radunz can improve in his vertical set against athletic edge rushers. He has a tendency to rush to put his hands on opposing rushers and not trust his footwork. Radunz could also use to fill out his frame, particularly in his lower body. Overall, Radunz should be a starting right tackle at the next level.

25) Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- Lance has some deficiencies on film, but his upside is why he’s viewed so highly. He has a lightning quick release, he’s smart with the football (just one turnover in 318 attempts at the collegiate level), and he’s only 20 years old! His mobility is off the charts and he has a bazooka for an arm. The key for him at the next level will be his mechanics. When he unlocks his hips into his throw, Lance is extremely accurate. When he’s stiff and rigid, the ball comes out high. If Lance could sit for a year and learn the finer points of quarterbacking at the next level, he could become a star.

26) Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- Much like Lance, Fields has some mechanical deficiencies when throwing the ball; especially when he is pressured. When he has a clean pocket, Fields has every ability you would want. He makes secondary and tertiary reads, he uses his lower body nicely, and he has accuracy at all three levels. His anticipation on throws is very strong as well.

What’s disappointing on tape is what happens when there is a collapsing pocket. Fields does not have an internal clock, and his mechanics go haywire under any duress. It causes him to be high and wide on a lot of throws. Fields is a quality prospect, and still worthy of a high first round selection because of the impotence put on the quarterback position. Nevertheless, expect some growing pains as he learns to handle pressure in the NFL.

27) Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- Even though he was the number three receiver on LSU’s championship team, Marshall produced when he got his chances. He’s a big body receiver with long strides and the ability to win down the field. Marshall also thrives on 50/50 throws because of his catch radius and vertical ability. He’s not the cleanest route runner, and his route tree is decent at best. However, Marshall’s strengths should allow him to be a strong end number two receiver at the next level.

28) Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- The decision to go back to school might cost Etienne in the long run. He didn’t improve enough in the passing game to make himself the clear cut top running back. His vision between the tackles is still questionable as well. Having said that, Etienne is the ultimate home run hitter. He’s picture perfect in a one cut, zone blocking scheme because of his quickness in and out of his cuts. He changes directions on a dime, and has the long strides in the open field to outrun just about anyone. Etienne can still be an All-Pro back, but his final season at Clemson confirmed that his success at the next level will be scheme dependent. 

29) Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa- Speaking of scheme dependent, Collins is a really intriguing LEO linebacker at the next level. He generates pressure off the edge, showing some quality dip and bend ability because of his lower body flexibility. Collins is a smart player as well. He shows good instincts in the running game, as well as the knowledge to read and react from zone. Even though he’s not a true “man cover linebacker,” Collins can be a really good strong side linebacker at the next level.

30) Greg Newsome II, CB Northwestern- I’m a little lower on Newsome than others, but that doesn’t mean I think he’s subpar. Newsome has big time length and athleticism. He shows a good understanding for how to force receivers to the boundary in man coverage, and he uses his length to trail receivers. There are some instances of over-aggressiveness in off coverage on tape, but I’ll take an aggressive corner any day of the week. I think Newsome is a quality starter at the next level.

31) Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State- Listen, Davis is not a perfect prospect. His footwork in pass sets is subpar because he gets caught on his heels. This is why interior linemen can long arm him, despite the power in Davis’ frame. Having said that, the quality portions of his game are upper echelon. He’s an absolute beast in the running game. Davis has tremendous power in his lower body, which allows him to drive opposing players after establishing leverage. He can pull and he also seals very well at the second level. Davis does seek out work in the passing game. He makes up for footwork deficiencies with a strong first punch, as well as a good counterpunch. If you play a power scheme, Wyatt Davis can start at right guard from day one. 

32) Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas- Cosmi needs to add some strength to his frame, but his kickslide is excellent. Cosmi rarely allows edge rushers to successfully run the arch, which should help him transition to the NFL nicely. His strikes sometimes miss the target, and he struggles to re-anchor after getting punched. As he becomes better at dealing with power, he will become a more successful player at the next level.

33) Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State- Oweh has really good athleticism off the edge. His move set is not spectacular, but he runs the arch to the quarterback extremely well. Oweh successfully gets into the chest of the tackle and has the ability to collapse the pocket. Oweh will need to develop a counterpunch, and learn the more technical aspects of playing on the edge. As he develops his game, he should become a good pro.

34) Jabril Cox, LB LSU- Cox is an elite cover linebacker at the next level. He has terrific athleticism, he reads and reacts from zone coverage extremely well, and he has man cover ability from the slot. If Cox was better at shooting the correct gaps in the run game, or shedding physical blockers, he would have received a first round grade from me. Think of Owusu-Koramoah, but a little less polished. Cox could wind up being the steal of the draft if his game matures.

35) Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota- Many think Bateman’s ability with the ball in his hands is what makes him an elite prospect. While he’s solid in that area, it’s his ability to win down the field that has me excited about his prospects at the next level. He excels at tracking the ball down the field, he wins 50/50 opportunities because of his catch radius, and his hands are excellent. Bateman is not the cleanest route runner, but he’s not bad in that area either. As he learns how to vary his release off the line, and sell fakes better throughout his route, he will blossom into a very good player.

36) Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan- The power that Mayfield plays with is off the charts. He’s able to keep his hands inside the opponent’s shoulder pads, and gain leverage at the point of attack. Mayfield is a bit stiff in his lower body, and it shows in the vertical set. His hips are often stiff in his kickslide, which hurts his ability to successfully prevent athletes from getting to the quarterback. Having said that, he’s young. As a redshirt sophomore, there’s a lot of maturing technically that he still needs to go through. Mayfield should start on the right side because of his prowess in the running game.

37) Tevin Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State- Power in the running game is also the main strength of Tevin Jenkins. He’s fantastic in the jump set because of his grip strength and his length for the position. While he’s not a nimble athlete, he also doesn’t have to be to succeed at the next level. In a power blocking scheme, Jenkins could start on the right side of the offensive line right away. He may never become an elite pass protector, but he’s passable because of his ability to punch and counterpunch. Overall, Jenkins should be a day two target of many teams.

38) Jevon Holland, FS Oregon- Holland is my top safety because of his versatility. He shows the range to play single high safety, along with the ability to defend half the field in cover two. Holland can also come up to the line of scrimmage and play the run. He even has the mirror skills and footwork to play some nickel corner. The reason Holland is not higher on my board is simple; he’s not elite in any area. Holland is an incredibly productive player, and he will be a productive pro. However, his “ceiling,” is not as high as other players in this draft.

39) Trevon Moehrig, FS TCU- Moehrig has tremendous instincts from the single high position. He calls a lot of coverages for the TCU defense, which shows his intelligence for the game. The key for true single high safeties with ball skills is their ability to tackle and play the run. Moehrig plays downhill with reckless abandon. It causes him to take some weird angles to the football, but he’s a willing tackler. That should help him translate into a solid player at the next level.

40) Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama- The interior defensive line group is less than stellar, but Barmore is one of the few “diamonds in the rough.” He’s got a big frame and impressive athleticism. When he plays with proper pad level, he’s able to collapse the pocket. His quickness can also be lethal along the interior. The key for Barmore is to become more consistent. He often plays high, which hurts his ability to disengage in the running game. He also is late off the ball. Barmore has all the tools to be successful, but he needs to be more consistent. 

41) Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina- The North Carolina duo will both appear on my top 50, with Williams as the headliner. His balance between the tackles is excellent, and he runs with reckless abandon. His physicality makes him very tough to tackle, but it’s not his only ability as a running back. His lateral quickness makes him difficult to stop. Williams has to improve as a pass catcher, but he can be a three down back because of his ability to block. Williams has ridiculous power in his lower body, which helps him pick up blitzers. Many feel that Williams could become the top running back in this class, and based on his tape, that’s a fair conclusion.

42) Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse- Melifonwu is as much of a freak athlete as his brother was. If there was a combine this year, he would’ve been the talk of the town. His length and athleticism make him a very interesting cover three corner at the next level. He shows good footwork in off coverage, and his length allows him to stay with receivers in man coverage. His footwork when attempting to mirror receivers fails him at times, and his hips are rigid in press coverage. Nevertheless, there are a lot of tools to work with here, which is why I’m so high on him. Given time to develop, Melifonwu has the length and knowledge in off coverage to round out his game and become a dynamic player in the NFL.

43) Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR USC- I fell for the trap on the route running, less than explosive USC receiver once before. I had a fourth round grade on JuJu Smith-Schuster because despite his technique in his route, JuJu wasn’t an explosive athlete. He had strong hands, but not an overly impressive catch radius. I just didn’t see his NFL production matching his collegiate tape. Fast forward to 2021, and the reincarnation of JuJu Smith-Schuster is coming out of the exact same school. While I don’t think St. Brown will have the ability to stretch the field consistently at the next level, he will be a dynamic player from the slot from day one because of his short area quickness.

44) Levi Onwuzurike, IDL Washington- Another popular day two target is going to be Levi Onwuzurike. His quickness along the interior combined with a bevy of pass rushing moves make him a highly viewed prospect. The reason he isn’t hire on my personal board is because he struggles to put the quarterback down. Showing the tools is definitely a key. Onwuzurike uses his hands nicely to win reps against opposing linemen. His swim move is lethal, and he has the power to collapse the pocket as well. Having said that, he doesn’t physically finish the play. It took Leonard Williams a long time to consistently get home and finish plays in the pros. Once he did, he had a pro bowl caliber season, and is about to get paid. It may take Onwuzurike some time to become a “sack artist,” because he doesn’t disengage consistently in the passing game. Production is why I view him as a day two prospect rather than a guy who could sneak into round one.

45) Amari Rodgers, WR Clemson- Rodgers was a big time player at the collegiate level. However, Rodgers is being undervalued by many because of a deficiency or two in his game. He’s a terrific route runner from the slot. Rodgers sells fakes well at the top of the stem, and he has excellent footwork throughout his routes. Rodgers isn’t going to be a 50/50 guy at the next level, but he can go up and get jump balls if he’s asked to do so. Rodgers is another player that will produce at a higher level in the NFL than he is currently being billed.

46) Josh Myers, IOL Ohio State- Myers is a challenging prospect to decipher because of the talent he played alongside. The intelligence that he shows in picking up blitzers and calling out protection is promising. He’s also adept at walling off interior linemen in the passing game. However, his assignments were simpler. Myers was rarely asked to lead in the running game, despite his athleticism, because Wyatt Davis was so outstanding. He also struggles at the second level, because he was rarely the guy that Ohio State ran behind. In a zone blocking scheme, Myers should be a good player because of his intelligence. 

47) Dylan Moses, LB Alabama- Not having Moses in a top 50 is criminal. Yes, his tape during the 2020 season was very up and down. However, Moses is a really smart player that shoots proper gaps in the run game and shows good instincts on the field. Moses possess the athleticism to play on every down at the next level as well. He has a tendency to “over-analyze,” instead of reading and reacting, which forces him to miss some plays. However, you can’t teach his feel for the game. Moses is going to have a quality career in the NFL.

48) Nico Collins, WR Michigan- Nico Collins balled out during senior bowl week. He showed terrific ability in 50/50 plays, he was dynamic in the red zone all week, and at 6’4, he could be a weapon down the field because of his long strides. Collins competes as a blocker as well. He’s not a dynamic route runner, but as a big body receiver, that isn’t required for his transition to the next level. Michigan failed to use Collins properly during his time there. His NFL production will surprise people.

49) Kenneth Gainwell, RB Memphis- Gainwell has the potential to be the steal of the draft. He’s really shifty in the open field, showing good quickness in and out of cuts. While Gainwell does not have a massive frame, he does run with a considerable amount of power, which is generated by him driving his legs and finishing runs. The “X-Factor,” part to Gainwell’s game is as a pass catcher. Memphis used him in the slot a lot because he has great hands and he uses his quick feet to separate early in the route combination. In the right system, Gainwell could make an “Alvin Kamara” type of transition into the NFL.

50) Michael Carter, RB North Carolina– Another stellar pass catching back in this draft class is Michael Carter. Carter is actually more advanced in the passing game right now than the actual running game. While he’s a really good ball carrier in the open field, Carter’s biggest asset is his ability to block and run routes out of the backfield. Carter’s immediate third down impact makes him a modern day chess piece out of the backfield. If his vision between the tackles improves, Carter could be one of the best running backs in the league down the line.

Jordan Katz’s “What I Would Do” NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Final

Posted on April 27, 2021

The final edition of my personal mock drafts is here! For those new to my style, this is what I would do if I was in charge of all 32 teams. All the trades are in the best interest of both teams, and all the selections are based on my personal evaluation of players, as well as team needs. For those looking for my final prediction style mock draft, that will come out closer to Thursday night.

ROUND ONE

1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- The presumed number one overall pick since his freshman year will fulfill his destiny on April 29th. The key for Jacksonville will be putting the talent around him to sustain success for years to come. Andrew Luck’s career could have been a lot different if the Colts put the structure around him to make him last. Lawrence is an all-world talent, but no one can be successful at the quarterback position by themselves. Lawrence is the guy, but now Jacksonville has to build a team around him to give him a chance.  

2) New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB BYU- Zach Wilson has been my QB2 throughout the draft process. His fluidity in his throwing motion from top to bottom allows him to be more accurate in the intermediate windows than the other quarterbacks not named Lawrence. On top of that, he has NFL mobility and a terrific deep ball. The Jets are locked into Wilson at two, and in my opinion, that’s the right call.

3) San Francisco 49ers (from Dolphins via Texans): Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- If the Niners are truly committed to Jimmy Garoppolo in 2021, then Trey Lance is the quarterback that makes the most sense for them. He has a ton of NFL tools, and he’s just 20 years old. Lance can be molded into any type of quarterback because of his elite arm talent and mobility. Lance could be a star if he sits for a year or two.

4) Atlanta Falcons: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina- Horn is my top cornerback in the draft because of his elite man-to-man skills. His ability in press coverage should help him make a seamless transition to the NFL. Horn has elite athleticism, good ball skills, and he thrived against top end competition. 

Atlanta needs playmakers on their defense. Horn would be my top choice if Atlanta could not trade out of this selection.

5) Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- Even though Jonah Williams will return to the Bengals starting lineup, they still need more help along their offensive line. Sewell is the top tackle on my board by a considerable amount. People can try to talk up Rashawn Slater’s athleticism, but Sewell’s body of work is just outstanding. Williams goes to left guard (where he will thrive), and Sewell starts at left tackle.

6) Miami Dolphins (from Eagles): Kyle Pitts, TE Florida- Miami has a nice receiving core at the moment. They added Will Fuller on a one year deal to pair with Devante Parker, and Mike Gesicki has emerged as a quality pass catching tight end. 

Having said that, none of those players are at the caliber of Kyle Pitts. Pitts is a generational talent at the tight end position. He wins contested throws, his footwork allows him to beat all types of coverages, and he’s an elite athlete. Miami takes Pitts and moves Gesicki before he walks in free agency after this year.

7) Detroit Lions: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- Detroit lost Kenny Golladay to free agency this offseason, which means this pick is pretty simple. Whomever the best pass catcher on the board gets inserted here. 

The reason I chose Chase over a guy with a higher ceiling like Jaylen Waddle is because Chase’s floor is significantly higher. The Lions need productivity on the outside, and Chase is the best player on day one of the big three wide receivers.

8) *TRADE* New England Patriots (from Panthers): Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- Carolina gave up some future assets to acquire Sam Darnold earlier this offseason. That could tempt them to trade down and recoup those assets that were lost.

New England needs a quarterback of the future because they only signed Cam Newton for one season. Plus, Justin Fields would learn a lot by sitting behind a player that his skill set is very reminiscent of. 

This trade is a perfect match.  

9) *TRADE* Miami Dolphins (via Broncos): Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL USC– Many people have speculated that Miami is looking to move out of six to ensure three first round selections. They can use the assets they have acquired to get three players on fifth year options. 

One scenario that is not being discussed is Miami using their assets to pick twice in the top 10. General Manager Chris Grier is known for being aggressive. He has already acquired a ton of assets for the next few years. Therefore, he can use what he has already, move back into the top 10, and take an elite offensive linemen like Vera-Tucker to help complete this offense. 

Editor’s Note: For those wondering why this is not Rashawn Slater, Slater and Vera-Tucker are really close on my board. I have Vera-Tucker slightly higher because of his elite footwork in pass sets.

10) Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama- The Cowboys desperately need a top flight cornerback early in this draft. They let Byron Jones walk in free agency, but really struggled in his absence. Surtain may not be my top cornerback in this draft, but he has the highest floor. Surtain is successful in multiple coverages because of his length and footwork. He will fit in very nicely in Dallas.

11) New York Giants: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami- Edge rusher number one on my board is Jaelan Phillips. He’s the most dynamic and well rounded pass rusher of the group. Phillips can dip and bend off the edge, he can long arm opposing tackles, and his move-set is the most complete of all the edge rushers. The Giants need a pass rusher to compliment Leonard Williams if their defense wants to be elite in 2021. Phillips can be that guy,

12) Philadelphia Eagles (from Dolphins via 49ers): Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- If Jalen Hurts is going to be the Eagles quarterback moving forward, he needs a dynamic playmaker to help him be successful. Someone that can stretch the defense, but who can also win in short yardage situations. Jaylen Waddle is that kind of player.

13) Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, IOL Northwestern- Many are mocking a cornerback to the Chargers, but I don’t see how they pass on the top end offensive line talent in this draft. Justin Herbert is the franchise. In order for him to be successful, you must protect him. This does not seem like a hard problem to solve.

14) Minnesota Vikings: Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech- Darrisaw possesses elite power for the tackle position. He’s a menace in the run game, and his grip strength allows him to win reps against all kinds of edge rushers. For a team that wants to run the ball as much as Minnesota does, Darrisaw is an easy fit.

15) *TRADE* Carolina Panthers (via Patriots): Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State- Radunz is one of my favorite tackle prospects in this draft. His hips are extremely fluid, which allows him to re-anchor easily. He can take a punch, counter, and wall off opposing edge rushers. There are some aspects that need fine tuning, but he can start at left tackle from day one. Carolina grabs a day one starter after recouping some assets they lost in the Sam Darnold deal.

16) Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech- I do not have the luxury of the medical reports that teams receive on players. All I have to go on is what I see being reported. Farley seems to have passed every test, and this back issue does not seem like a concern to those in his camp. Therefore, I’m choosing to assume health, and slotting his excellent man cover skills to a team that desperately needs them in Arizona.

17) Las Vegas Raiders: Micah Parsons, OLB/ILB Penn State- Parsons falls once again down my mock draft board because of the value placed on other premium positions. However, Parsons is still an elite player because of his athleticism and ability to get to the passer. Vegas needs a three down linebacker in the middle of their defense, but they also need to get to the passer better in 2021. Parsons fills both needs.

18) *TRADE* Denver Broncos (from Dolphins): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame- “JOK,” is one of my favorite players in this draft. He’s a big time athlete with elite cover skills. As a former safety, he reads and reacts extremely well in zone coverage. In the NFL, he will be able to man up against tight ends and running backs. He can even go one-on-one against slot corners. Owusu-Koramoah is a modern day chess piece on the defensive end.

19) Washington Football Team: Zaven Collins, OLB/ILB Tulsa- Another elite chess piece in this draft class is Zaven Collins. Collins is an off-ball linebacker at 6’4 and 260 pounds. Yes, you read that right; a 260 pound off-ball linebacker. Collins has big time athleticism, which allows him to drop in coverage, as well as generate pressure by shooting the proper gaps. He can even come off the edge on occasion. Collins is a perfect fit at the second level of Washington’s defense.

20) Chicago Bears: Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas– Cosmi is a big time athlete that prevents edge rushers from successfully running the arch with a terrific kickslide. He’s not the best in the running game, but that’s largely because he needs to put some weight onto his frame. I like Cosmi’s technique in pass protection, which makes him an ideal left tackle for any team in this draft.

21) Indianapolis Colts: Greg Newsome II, CB Northwestern- Truth be told, I would love this pick to be Ifeatu Melifonwu. The Bears could really use a long corner on the boundary that hawks the ball.

However, Newsome fits their defensive strategy better. His length aids him in tight coverage, and he can man cover from the boundary as well as the slot. That’s the kind of guy the Colts are looking for here.

22) Tennessee Titans: DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- I don’t really know how this happened, because I have no reservations about DeVonta Smith. Even though some question his size, he plays with physicality in his route combinations. He wins 50/50 balls too. Tennessee steals the former Heisman Trophy winner.

23) New York Jets (via Seahawks): Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- A few months ago, the Jets might have been able to select Humphrey at the top of round two. Now, the buzz surrounding Humphrey has risen to where I felt it should have been all along. 

Humphrey is a nasty player up front. His grip strength is excellent, and he shows intelligence as a pass blocker. The Jets can play him at guard or center, depending on what they want to do with Connor McGovern.

24) Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, RB Alabama- This is the layup of the first round. Pittsburgh was not the same team down the stretch of 2020 because they stopped running the ball effectively. If they land a premiere running back like Najee Harris, they can make a deep run in 2021.

25) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State- Rookie quarterbacks need tight ends to succeed in the NFL. They need them in the middle of the field, and they need them in the red zone. Freiermuth has been undervalued by the media all year long. He’s a terrific blocker, he separates with size in his routes, and he wins in the red zone. This is the kind of player that will help Trevor Lawrence be successful in the NFL.

26) *TRADE* Atlanta Falcons (from Browns): Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan- I know Atlanta is looking to trade backwards from four. If they are unsuccessful, they’ll likely try to move back from their second round selection to gain some assets.

However, if they are truly in a “win now,” position, this defense has to improve immediately. One way to do that, is to grab two day one starters on day one of the draft. Atlanta trades up to land Kwity Paye, who wins from all over the defensive line.

27) Baltimore Ravens: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia- While we’re on the topic of “win now,” moves, the Ravens are going to need an edge rusher to keep their defense at an elite level. I know they’ve been linked to pass catchers, but this team is built on running the ball and playing defense. Replacing Matthew Judon with an elite dip and bend pass rusher off the edge like Ojulari is the move that makes more sense in round one.

28) New Orleans Saints: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- The Saints losing Drew Brees means their receiving core needs an upgrade. While Kadarius Toney is higher on my personal board, Terrace Marshall is a better fit for New Orleans. Michael Thomas is an elite player in the 0-15 yardage window. They need a deep threat with size to also contribute in the red zone. That’s what Marshall does.

29) Green Bay Packers: Kadarius Toney, WR Florida- Unlike New Orleans, Green Bay needs the exact opposite kind of receiver. Davante Adams can do it all, including stretching the defense down the field. Toney’s ability to win with elite footwork, along with his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands, make him an excellent compliment to Adams.

30) *TRADE* New York Giants (from Bills): Landon Dickerson, IOL Alabama- It’s not a typical Giants move to trade up, but the Giants are closer than people realize. If they can add a few pieces to the interior of their offensive line, they might surprise people in a wide open NFC East.

Landon Dickerson has the versatility and intelligence to play any position the Giants need him to along the offensive line. He would bolster their interior line play from day one, particularly in the running game.

31) Baltimore Ravens: Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota- If the Ravens are all in on weapons this year, then Rashod Bateman is a dream target in round one. He makes plays with the ball in his hands, he wins 50/50 balls, and he can stretch the field. If Lamar Jackson is to succeed as a passer in this league, Bateman is his ideal target along the boundary.

32) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan- There have been discussions about Mayfield moving inside at the next level, which makes me love this pick even more. The Bucs have to bolster their offensive line in order to continue the success they had in 2020. If Mayfield’s footwork is too weak in the vertical set, his power and grip strength will allow him to make a quick transition to guard at the next level.

TRADES IN ROUND ONE

1) The New England Patriots trade the #15, #46, a 2022 2nd round pick and a 2022 4th round pick to the Carolina Panthers for the #8 overall selection.

2) The Miami Dolphins trade the 18th and 36th overall selections to the Denver Broncos for the 9th and 114th overall selections.

3) The Atlanta Falcons trade the #35, #68 and #108 to the Cleveland Browns for the 26th and 89th overall selections.

4) The New York Giants trade the 42nd and 78th overall selections to the Buffalo Bills for the 30th overall selection.

ROUND TWO

33) Jacksonville Jaguars: Tevin Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State- An absolute steal that will not happen in real life. Jenkins goes to right tackle, and last year’s first round pick Jawaan Taylor moves to the left side.

34) New York Jets: Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State- If Robert Saleh got his hands on a raw, athletic edge rusher like Oweh, the sky would literally be the limit for Oweh’s potential at the next level.

35) *TRADE* Cleveland Browns (from Falcons): Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama- Following the trade down, Cleveland selects the player they would have picked at 26. Barmore is one of two IDL’s for me with a second round grade or better.

36) *TRADE* Denver Broncos (from Dolphins via Texans): Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse- Melifonwu’s length and ball instincts make him a very intriguing day two option for any team with a need at cornerback.

37) Philadelphia Eagles: Trevon Moehrig, FS TCU- First safety off the board here. Moehrig has the best instincts from the single high position in this draft class, which is why he is likely going to be the top safety off of the board.

38) Cincinnati Bengals: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR USC- St. Brown is one of the more underrated route runners in this draft class. He should compliment Tee Higgins very nicely in the future.

39) Carolina Panthers: Asante Samuel Jr., CB Florida State- Samuel Jr., will likely find himself in the round one conversation in real life because of his instincts in off coverage. I like him as a round two guy because he struggles with physical receivers at times.

40) Denver Broncos: Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas- Even though Ossai is a bit undersized, he’s a really productive pass rusher that runs the arch well. I like his fit in a 3-4 defense.

41) Detroit Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, IDL Washington- Onwuzurike has elite quickness off the ball, and it helps him rush the passer effectively. He would bolster the interior of Detroit’s defense right away.

42) *TRADE* Buffalo Bills (from Giants): Carlos “Boogie” Basham, EDGE Wake Forest- Following their trade down from round one, Buffalo addresses a sneaky need. Buffalo’s edge rushers are aging, and they need an infusion of youth into that group. Boogie Basham has versatility up front, and the ability to win reps with elite power.

43) San Francisco 49ers: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- Kyle Shanahan is one of the best in the business at maximizing value from a “running back by committee.” Imagine what he could do with a real star like Etienne.

44) Dallas Cowboys: Spencer Brown, OT Northern Iowa- The injuries to the Cowboys’ offensive line in recent years make this a position of need in this draft. Brown can sit behind Tyron Smith, improve his lateral mobility, and start when Smith’s contract runs up.

45) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Vikings): Jevon Holland, DB Oregon- Holland’s versatility to play in multiple zone looks and cover from the nickel cornerback position make him a really intriguing day two selection.

46) *TRADE* Carolina Panthers (from Patriots): Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State- Davis is more athletic than he’s given credit for, and he plays with immense power. He’s a day one starter for any team with a quality running back.

47) Los Angeles Chargers: Eric Stokes, CB Georgia– The Chargers will address the cornerback position early in this draft. Stokes has really good ball skills, and he’s aggressive in his technique. He needs to become less “grabby,” in man coverage, but he’s a really strong day two option.

48) Las Vegas Raiders: Josh Myers, IOL Ohio State- Vegas is going to hunt offensive linemen during the first two days. Myers is a starting center from day one because of his intelligence along the interior.

49) Arizona Cardinals: Brady Christensen, OL BYU- Christensen is an elite athlete with the ability to play guard or tackle in a high tempo offense that plays in space. Sounds like a good fit for Kliff Kingsbury, right?

50) Miami Dolphins: Richie Grant, FS UCF- There aren’t many safeties I have with a day two grade or better, but Grant is one of them. His ball skills combined with his ability to read and react from the single high spot should help him start for Miami right away.

51) Washington Football Team: Kyle Trask, QB Florida- To me, Trask is the QB that should be a day two selection. He may not have the biggest arm, but he’s sneaky athletic for his size, and he gets the ball out quickly. He also shows good intelligence on 50/50 throws.

52) Chicago Bears: Amari Rodgers, WR Clemson- If the Bears are all in on Andy Dalton and making one more run, then they need a playmaker alongside Allen Robinson. Rodgers is a dynamic receiver from the slot that should help them on third downs.

53) Tennessee Titans: Aaron Robinson, CB UCF- Nickel corner in the top 55 picks may seem odd, but not many are as good at their craft as Aaron Robinson. He’s an immediate starter for a win now team.

54) Indianapolis Colts: Kelvin Joseph, CB Kentucky- “Bossman Fat,” is a steal for the Colts here. His length and athleticism make him a very intriguing day two corner.

55) Pittsburgh Steelers: Quinn Meinerz, IOL Wisconsin-Whitewater- The pride and joy of “NFL Draft twitter,” this year has been Quinn Meinerz. Ever since he flashed at the senior bowl, many have felt he is a day two lock. Meinerz can start at center or guard for any team that has a power blocking scheme. 

56) *TRADE* Las Vegas Raiders (from Seahawks): Liam Eichenberg, OL Notre Dame- Las Vegas has the picks to get aggressive in this draft. Therefore, they move up to land a versatile offensive linemen in Liam Eichenberg.

57) Los Angeles Rams: Jabril Cox, LB LSU- “BPA,” on defense will be the Rams’ strategy early in this draft. Cox is a three down linebacker with excellent cover skills.

58) Kansas City Chiefs (from Ravens): Nico Collins, WR Michigan- Don’t sleep on Nico Collins. The 6’4 receiver has big time ability down the field and can win 50/50 balls with his size. Collins slides into the vacated “Sammy Watkins role,” in the Chiefs’ offense.

59) Cleveland Browns: Tylan Wallace, WR Oklahoma State- The Browns receiving core is a bit of a mystery after this year. Will Odell Beckham still be a member of the team? How much can Hollywood Higgins contribute on a year-to-year basis? Expect them to draft a playmaker at some point this weekend.

60) New Orleans Saints: Paulson Adebo, CB Stanford- Adebo has some deficiencies, but he’s still learning the position. He shows excellent instincts in off coverage and good ball skills. I would take him in round two and trust my staff to coach him up.

61) Buffalo Bills: Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina- What a steal this would be. Williams is a powerful runner that excels between the tackles. He can be the workhorse back that Buffalo is desperately missing.

62) Green Bay Packers: Pete Werner, LB Ohio State- Werner may be a top 40 selection in real life, but I think there are a few linebackers with better cover skills that should go higher. Nevertheless, this is a definitive starter at the next level for years to come.

63) Kansas City Chiefs: Dylan Moses, LB Alabama- I’m not sure why everyone is so low on Dylan Moses. Sure, his tape in 2020 was really subpar. However, the weird schedule had a lot to do with his slow start. He’s incredibly intelligent, he’s a good athlete, and he understands how the offense tries to manipulate the defense. Moses should be a round two selection.

64) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami- If Rousseau can round out his pass rushing move-set, this could be the steal of the draft. 

TRADES IN ROUND TWO

1) The Las Vegas Raiders trade the #79 and #80 to the Seattle Seahawks for the 56th overall selection.

ROUND THREE
65) Jacksonville Jaguars: Patrick Jones II, EDGE Pittsburgh
66) New York Jets: Israel Mukuamu, CB South Carolina
67) *TRADE* New Orleans Saints (from Texans): Daviyon Nixon, IDL Iowa
68) *TRADE* Cleveland Browns (from Falcons): Jamin Davis, LB Kentucky
69) Cincinnati Bengals: Brevin Jordan, TE Miami
70) Philadelphia Eagles: Elijah Molden, CB Washington
71) Denver Broncos: Michael Carter, RB North Carolina
72) Detroit Lions: Hamsah Nasirildeen, FS/SS Florida State
73) Carolina Panthers: Baron Browning, LB Ohio State
74) Washington Football Team (from 49ers): Cameron McGrone, LB Michigan
75) Dallas Cowboys: Jay Tufele, IDL USC
76) *TRADE* Buffalo Bills (from Giants): Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE Vanderbilt
77) Los Angeles Chargers: James Hudson, OL Cincinnati
78) Minnesota Vikings: Janarius Robinson, EDGE Florida State
79) *TRADE* Seattle Seahawks (from Raiders via Cardinals): Jackson Carmen, IOL Clemson
80) *TRADE* Seattle Seahawks (from Raiders): Payton Turner, EDGE Houston
81) Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Gainwell, RB Memphis
82) Washington Football Team: Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama
83) Chicago Bears: Davis Mills, QB Stanford
84) Philadelphia Eagles (from Colts): Nick Bolton, LB Missouri
85) Tennessee Titans: Tommy Togiai, IDL Ohio State
86) New York Jets (from Seahawks): Trey Sermon, RB Oklahoma
87) Pittsburgh Steelers: Benjamin St-Juste, CB Minnesota
88) Los Angeles Rams: Quincy Roche, EDGE Florida
89) *TRADE* Atlanta Falcons (from Browns): Rondale Moore, WR Purdue
90) Minnesota Vikings (from Ravens): Aaron Banks, IOL Notre Dame
91) Cleveland Browns (from Saints): Trill Williams, CB Syracuse
92) Green Bay Packers: Ar’Darius Washington, CB/FS TCU
93) Buffalo Bills: D’Wayne Eskridge, WR Western Michigan
94) Kansas City Chiefs: Kendrick Green, IOL Illinois
95) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kylin Hill, RB Mississippi State
96) New England Patriots: Cornell Powell, WR Clemson
97) Los Angeles Chargers: Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss
98) *TRADE* Houston Texans (from Saints): Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE Oregon State
99) Dallas Cowboys: Tommy Tremble, TE Notre Dame
100) Tennessee Titans: Hunter Long, TE Boston College
101) Detroit Lions (from Rams): Chazz Surratt, LB North Carolina
102) San Francisco 49ers: Andre Cisco, FS Syracuse
103) Los Angeles Rams: Stone Forsythe, OT Florida
104) Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE Oklahoma
105) *TRADE* Houston Texans (from Saints): Tyson Campbell, CB Georgia

Jordan Katz’s Prediction Style NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Post Free Agency

Posted on March 27, 2021 Updated on April 22, 2021

After a hiatus due to NFL Free Agency, Mock Draft SZN is back in full swing! There has been plenty of movement among big boards in the media, as well as plenty of changes to team needs based on free agent acquisitions. That means it is time for a brand new installment of my prediction style mock draft!

For those reading for the first time, the goal of this mock draft is to correctly pick each and every selection, trades included. When reading a mock draft, a lot of times the reader is unclear on whether the writer is going based on their evaluations, or based on what he or she thinks will happen. This is why I have two different styles of mock drafts; a personal one and a prediction one.

In this mock, none of my feelings towards players, or team needs, are taken into account. This is strictly what I think each team will do during the first two rounds, assuming the draft is tomorrow. That means every trade is a prediction based on what I have heard. Every player that rises or falls is a prediction based on what I have read. 

One final piece of housekeeping before getting started. There is no Deshaun Watson trade in this mock draft. While it still could happen, I refuse to put Watson into the fold until the legal matter is resolved.

With that being said, let’s mock.

ROUND ONE

1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- Eat, sleep, Lawrence, repeat.

2) New York Jets:  Zach Wilson, QB BYU- Based on the action that went down on Friday, the Jets seem to be locked in on Zach Wilson at two. The 49ers called every team in the top five to move up, except for the Jaguars and Jets. This would indicate that the Niners already knew who the Jets were taking. On top of that, the Eagles called the Dolphins about moving up to three, but would only do it if Zach Wilson was on the board.

Long story short, Zach Wilson is the pick at two. The draft starts at three.

3) San Francisco 49ers (from Dolphins via Texans): Mac Jones, QB Alabama- The Niners made the move up to three, which many will connect to their desire for Justin Fields. However, they made this move before Justin Fields had his pro day. This would indicate that his pro day will not factor into their decision.

Based on that, the Niners pick will likely be one of Trey Lance or Mac Jones. If John Lynch is being truthful about Jimmy Garoppolo, and Garoppolo is truly part of their 2021 plans, the pick will be Lance. Lance is just 20 years old, he has a bazooka for an arm, and with just one season of college play under his belt, he could benefit from sitting a year.

If Lynch is blowing smoke and Garoppolo is up for grabs, the pick will be Mac Jones. Jones is deemed more ready to play in NFL circles (for some reason). Plus, his ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly will be attractive to a Kyle Shanahan system.

This pick is a true 50-50 right now. For now, the pick is Jones because of some dots that a fellow draft connoisseur connected for me. However, this pick could easily change in the coming weeks.

4) Atlanta Falcons: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama- With the back injury to Caleb Farley, Surtain is now the top cornerback on the board in 2021. Even though many like the depth in this group, Surtain is significantly above the other prospects. This could help Surtain go a little higher than most people think. 

Atlanta lacks NFL starters in their secondary. Therefore, even though it is a slight reach, Surtain goes top five because of his ability in tight man coverage, as well as his footwork when mirroring receivers.

5) Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- Despite the fact that Sewell’s buzz has cooled significantly, he’s still the top offensive linemen on the board. He’s also still worthy of a top five selection. Cincinnati can easily slide Jonah Williams to guard, and begin to build an actual offensive line to protect the franchise; Joe Burrow.

6) Miami Dolphins (from Eagles): Kyle Pitts, TE Florida– Even though Mike Gesicki flashed last season, there is a big difference between him and Pitts. Pitts is an elite athlete with incredible footwork throughout his route combinations. He high points the ball well, and he wins from all over the field. Pitts is the chess piece that the Dolphins offense is missing.

7) Detroit Lions: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- Detroit has nothing at the receiver position at the moment, and they are in a perfect position to take one of the top guys on the board. Not a lot of analysis needed here.

8) Carolina Panthers: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- As mentioned before, a Deshaun Watson trade will not be featured in this mock draft until his lawsuits play out. Therefore, Carolina selects a quarterback at eight to start right away.

Lance does a lot of things that will work in Joe Brady’s offense. He creates with his legs, he’s accurate when his technique is sound in his lower body, and he might have the biggest arm in the entire class. Joe Brady should be able to mold him into a future star.

9) *TRADE* Tennessee Titans (from Broncos): DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- The Titans were gutted in their receiving core this free agency. They lost Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith to big pay days. Seeing as how Tennessee is still in win now mode, they may look to fly up the draft board for one of the top pass catchers. 

With Smith a threat to go in this range, Tennessee gives Denver a haul to land a playmaker that compliments AJ Brown extremely well.

10) Dallas Cowboys: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina- Horn had an excellent pro day where he displayed all kinds of athleticism to compliment his elite ability in press coverage. With the most recent injury to Caleb Farley, Horn is likely to be the second cornerback off the board. 

Dallas desperately needs secondary help, making Horn a likely selection at 10 if Surtain is off the board.

11) New York Giants: Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State- Oweh put on a ridiculous showing at Penn State’s pro day. He tested off the charts athletically, with an astounding 11’2’’ broad jump. He also posted ridiculous numbers in the 40 yard dash, three cone shuttle and short shuttle. In a year where the top edge player is unclear, it is a performance like this that might separate Oweh from the pack. 

Teams always believe they can coach up elite athleticism into a true talent, and a lot of times, they are right. Ziggy Ansah, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Danielle Hunter are just a few examples of raw edge players with freakish athleticism to turn into quality NFL pass rushers. Oweh could be next on that list.

12) Philadelphia Eagles (from Dolphins via 49ers): Micah Parsons, OLB/ILB Penn State- Parsons is going to be a top 15 pick if he handles the interview process well. On the field, he’s an elite athlete with the ability to shoot gaps in the run game and generate pressure off the edge in the passing game. He’s an excellent fit on the strong side of any defense, which just so happens to be a position of need for the Eagles.

13) Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, OL Northwestern- The Chargers added Corey Linsley this offseason, but they still need help along their offensive line. Slater has the smarts and athleticism to swiftly transition to guard at the next level. His prospects as a tackle are probably gone because of his measurements at his pro day. However, that does not mean he cannot make a “Zack Martin like,” transition to guard at the next level. Slater is an impact player from day one in Los Angeles.

14) Minnesota Vikings: Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech- Minnesota’s offensive line is a mess. They need starters all across the line. Darrisaw is incredibly strong, he’s physical at the point of attack, and his ability to gain leverage in the jump set will allow him to transition to right tackle at the next level. This is an excellent fit.

15) New England Patriots: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- These are the two scenarios for the Patriots next month. The first scenario is exactly what played out in this mock; a quarterback slides down to 15, and the Patriots reap the rewards (depending on your point of view). 

A different scenario is the Patriots trading out of this pick. Bill Belichick spent a lot in free agency, which frees him up to trade out of 15 and acquire more assets in an attempt to build out this roster. 

To me, these are the only two scenarios for New England next month. I do not see them moving up for a quarterback, and I do not see them staying at 15 if the quarterbacks are off the board.

16) *TRADE* Green Bay Packers (from Cardinals): Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- At some point, Green Bay has to follow through on getting assets for Aaron Rodgers, right? With Waddle falling a bit because of the depth at receiver, Green Bay moves up to land a true number two receiver opposite Davante Adams.

17) Las Vegas Raiders: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC- Vegas has to overhaul their offensive line in this draft, and it starts with their pick at 17. They are in an excellent spot to take one of Slater or Vera-Tucker, and stick them at guard from day one. With Slater off the board, Vera-Tucker is the easy selection.

18) Miami Dolphins: Trevon Moehrig, FS TCU- Bobby McCain has played solid, but he’s likely a cap cut in the coming year or so. Moehrig can play single high and cover two looks from day one. He also flies to the ball carrier and is a very willing tackler.

19) Washington Football Team: Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas- Cosmi’s athleticism will land him higher on draft day than many experts are currently predicting. Washington has an offensive line that has improved over the years, but they are still searching for Trent Williams’ replacement. Cosmi’s ability to prevent edge rushers from successfully running the arch will have an impact right away in Washington.

20) Chicago Bears: Greg Newsome II, CB TCU- The Bears secondary is in shambles after the departure of Kyle Fuller. Cornerback has to be a priority early in this draft.

Many will have this as Caleb Farley, but I think his back injury, on top of an injury history at Virginia Tech, will force him to fall. Therefore, the Bears select Newsome, who has the length and athleticism to play in multiple coverages at the next level.

21) *TRADE* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Colts): Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami- Much like the Giants pick of Jayson Oweh, Rousseau’s athleticism will have teams gushing over him. The Bucs do not need him to make a three down impact right away, which means they can bet on coaching him up and turning him into a star. With Tampa Bay needing very little, they get aggressive for an impact player down the road.

22) *TRADE* Denver Broncos (from Titans): Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan- While I would stay at nine if I ran the show in Denver, the Broncos are surrounded by trade buzz. They seem committed to trying to gain extra assets in this draft. As for why that is, you’ll find out at their second round selection. 

Mayfield is a little raw, but he has the length, athleticism, and power to succeed as a right tackle in the NFL.

23) New York Jets (via Seahawks): Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- The NFL seems to be catching up to my evaluation of Humphrey. He can play guard or center, he’s intelligent, and he gains leverage easily because of terrific grip strength. I doubt he makes it out of round one next month.

24) Pittsburgh Steelers: Landon Dickerson, IOL Alabama- Another guy who likely lands in round one is Landon Dickerson. Despite the ACL injury late in the college football season, Dickerson’s versatility and intelligence have him highly coveted by teams in this draft. He played all five spots along the offensive line during his time at Alabama. That versatility is extra important to Pittsburgh, a team that needs multiple starters along the offensive front.

25) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan- Paye’s ability to generate pressure from a three technique and a five technique make him a perfect fit for a team revamping their defense. Josh Allen is a beast, but they need an edge rusher to compliment him. K’Lavon Chaisson really struggled adjusting to the NFL, so it would not be a shock to see the Jaguars take a pass rusher again in round one.

26) Cleveland Browns: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia- Despite the addition of Takk McKinnley, the Browns still need a compliment to Myles Garrett. Ojulari’s dip and bend ability would help free up Garrett. It would also create a lethal pass rush in Cleveland.

27) Baltimore Ravens: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame- The Ravens specialize in scooping up talented players that the league passes on. We have another example of that here with Owusu-Koramoah. 

Owusu-Koramoah can step in and be the Ravens weakside linebacker from day one. He excels in coverage, he’s a sound tackler, and he’s a leader. Owusu-Koramoah is a perfect fit in the Ravens’ defense.

28) New Orleans Saints Kadarius Toney, WR Florida– As I have stated on a number of occasions during this “MockDraftSZN,” the Saints can no longer survive on a receiving core of Michael Thomas and nothing. Toney’s ability to win at the line of scrimmage, as well as at the top of the stem, make him an excellent fit in the Sean Payton offense. 

29) *TRADE* Arizona Cardinals (from Packers): Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama- If Barmore is going in the back end of round one, this is how it happens. Some team (in this case Arizona) trades backward, acquires assets, and selects him because it’s one of their premiere positions of need. I’m not sure anyone on the interior of the defensive line should go in round one this year, but it doesn’t matter what I think.

30) Buffalo Bills: Eric Stokes, CB Georgia- This was going to be Ifeatu Melifonwu, but I think Stokes is more of a scheme fit for Sean McDermott. He does not look at the long and lengthy corners as much as I thought he did. Stokes has elite athleticism, which seems to be what McDermott values more. If he can coach up Stokes to use his hands less in man coverage, Stokes could be a legitimate number two cornerback at the next level.

31) Kansas City Chiefs: Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State- Unless you chose to not watch the Super Bowl, you are well aware of what the Chiefs’ top need is in this draft. Radunz is able to re-anchor well, and his hips are extremely fluid. Radunz is an easy starter at either tackle spot in the NFL.

32) *TRADE* Indianapolis Colts (from Buccaneers): Tevin Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State- The ridiculous offensive line run in round one ends with Jenkins to the Colts. General Manager Chris Ballard will look to recoup some of the assets he lost in the Carson Wentz deal by moving backwards in round one. The goal is to still land a left tackle after having done so. Tevin Jenkins is better served on the right side in the NFL because of his power, but he does have experience at a number of spots on the offensive line, which shows NFL level intelligence. 

TRADES IN ROUND ONE

1) The Tennessee Titans trade the #22, #53, #126 and a 2022 2nd round pick to the Denver Broncos for the #9th overall selection and a 2022 4th round pick.

2) The Green Bay Packers trade the #29, #62, #135 and a 2022 4th round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the #16 and a 2022 5th round pick.

3) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade the #32 and #64 to the Indianapolis Colts for the #21 and #127.

ROUND TWO 

33) Jacksonville Jaguars: Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State- Rookie quarterbacks need tight ends to be successful, and Jacksonville currently has none.

34) New York Jets: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse- This will draw some ire with Najee Harris on the board, but Melifonwu is a bigger need. He also fits the system for Robert Saleh’s defense.

35) Atlanta Falcons: Najee Harris, RB Alabama- The Jets passing on Harris is Atlanta’s gain. If the Falcons are committed to being successful in 2021, they will have to get more production out of the running back position.

36) Miami Dolphins (via Texans): Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina- Speaking of getting more production out of the running back position, Miami is going to need a true feature back to take pressure off of Tua Tagovailoa next year. Williams has had a meteoric rise during the draft process because of how physical he is as a runner.

37) Philadelphia Eagles: Jevon Holland, FS Oregon- The safety position is extremely weak this year, which means Philly will have to select one slightly higher than they want to in order to ensure a starter. Holland’s ability as a single high safety, combined with his skills in the slot, should make him a quality starter in the NFL.

38) Cincinnati Bengals: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami- Phillps has no reason falling into round two, but his medical history could land him there. If that happens, some team is going to steal the true top edge rusher in this draft.

39) Carolina Panthers: Levi Onwuzurike, IDL Washington- A perfect fit alongside a space eater like Derrick Brown. Onwuzurike generates a ton of pressure from his three tech position because of a lethal first step.

40) Denver Broncos: Jabril Cox, LB LSU- Cox can be a three down linebacker at the next level because he has solid instincts in zone coverage along with tremendous athleticism. He’d be a nice fit in the middle of Denver’s defense.  

41) Detroit Lions: Liam Eichenberg, OT Notre Dame- Determining what Detroit is going to do after round one is like throwing darts at a dartboard with a blindfold on. However, an educated guess would be offensive line help.

42) New York Giants: Baron Browning, LB Ohio State- Browning is a late riser during this draft process. His game is very reminiscent of Micah Parsons. Having said that, consistency has been his issue, which is why he should be a day two pick.

43) San Francisco 49ers: Brady Christensen, IOL BYU- Christensen had an exquisite pro day, showing off elite athleticism for his size. He should make the transition to guard very easily.

44) Dallas Cowboys: Zaven Collins, EDGE/OLB Tulsa- Collins can get home off the edge in a number of ways, but he also shoots gaps in the run game very well. The Cowboys scoop up a player that can easily go in the backend of round one.

45) *TRADE* Kansas City Chiefs (from Jaguars via Vikings): Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota– Don’t sleep on the Chiefs getting aggressive for a pass catcher in this draft. Mecole Hardman has not developed like they thought he would, and the Chiefs need someone to take pressure off of Tyreek Hill on the outside.

46) New England Patriots: Aaron Robinson, CB UCF- I have forever given up on trying to figure out what Bill Belichick will do during the second day of the NFL Draft. One sneaky need for the Patriots is the nickel corner. Robinson is the best one of those available.

47) Los Angeles Chargers: Jamin Davis, LB Kentucky- For some reason Davis has some round one buzz, so he goes to the Chargers to be a three down linebacker from day one.

48) Las Vegas Raiders: Alex Leatherwood, OT Alabama- Back to back offensive lineman for the Raiders because, well, you know…

49) Arizona Cardinals: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- If the Cardinals are going to take a running back, it has to be the perfect storm because Kliff Kingsbury believes in the “running back by committee,” mantra. That perfect storm is Etienne falling to them in round two.

50) Miami Dolphins: Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State- Even though Ereck Flowers flashed at guard last year, he’s still a weak link. Davis is a “plug and play,” guard from day one because of his grip strength and power.

51) Washington Football Team: Pete Werner, LB Ohio State- The run of off ball linebackers continues with Werner to Washington. Jon Bostic is a weak link in an otherwise extremely talented defense. Werner replaces him immediately.

52) Chicago Bears: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- Even after Allen Robinson signed the franchise tag, the Bears still need help in their receiving core. Marshall can take the top off of the defense and will serve as an excellent compliment to Robinson.

53) *TRADE* New York Jets (from Broncos via Titans): Rondale Moore, WR Purdue- Jets fans, the Sam Darnold trade has arrived! Denver is one of the teams now being linked to Darnold. If the Broncos do trade down and gain extra assets, they can use some of those assets to acquire Darnold.

Jamison Crowder really isn’t a great fit in Mike Lafluer’s offense. Rondale Moore has elite athleticism and makes plays with the ball in his hands. He’s a better fit in the slot during the short term, as well as the long term.

54) Indianapolis Colts: Richie Grant, FS UCF- Grant is one of the few true single high safeties in this draft. Having lost Malik Hooker, the Colts need to find his replacement in this draft.

55) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jay Tufele, IDL USC- It’s a bit high for a true nose tackle, but Tufele is an excellent space eater. He’s the one technique defensive tackle that the Steelers defense needs.

56) Seattle Seahawks: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech- Farley is going to fall further than the experts think because of this back injury. We saw injuries force Bryce Hall to fall last year. Even though he’s skilled, his medical history has too many red flags.

However, if there is a team to take a chance on him in round two (and I’m not sure there will be), it’s the Seattle Seahawks. Farley fits their scheme, and the Seahawks have never been shy from taking players with question marks.

57) Los Angeles Rams: Asante Samuel Jr., CB Florida State- The Rams defense is a shell of what it was a year ago. I would be shocked if their first selection in this draft is not on that side of the ball.

58) Baltimore Ravens: Josh Myers, IOL Ohio State- Myers had a lot of success during his final year at Ohio State. He showed the ability to pull in the running game, and the intelligence to spot blitzers in pass protection. It’s debatable whether Baltimore has a starting center on the roster, which might make Myers a possibility in round two.

59) Cleveland Browns: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR USC- Cleveland has suffered a lot of injuries to their receiving core in recent memory. St. Brown’s versatility to win from the boundary and the slot as a route runner make him an excellent fit for Cleveland.

60) New Orleans Saints: Trill Williams, CB Syracuse- New Orleans doubles up on skill positions; this time on the defensive end. Williams has excellent length and good ability in off coverage. 

61) Buffalo Bills: Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas- Ossai had an excellent pro day, which should secure his place as a day two selection. The Bills need some situational pass rushers to get to the next level, which is why Ossai is an excellent fit.

62) *TRADE* Arizona Cardinals (from Packers): Paulson Adebo, CB Stanford- Adebo is still learning the cornerback position. However, his natural hands and ability in off coverage have many thinking he can be a quality number two cornerback down the line.

63) *TRADE* Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chiefs): Hamsah Nasirildeen, FS/SS Florida State- This is a bit of a reach, but Nasirildeen fills a real need in the back end of the Jaguars’ defense. Plus, safeties left the board a little quickly in this mock because the position isn’t very deep.

64) *TRADE* Indianapolis Colts (from Buccaneers): TuTu Atwell, WR Louisville- Atwell’s ability as a burner will allow him to be selected higher than he should. Even though the Colts brought back T.Y. Hilton, it was only for a year. Atwell can play the slot in year one, and expand into Hilton’s role moving forward.

TRADES IN ROUND TWO

1) The Kansas City Chiefs trade the #63, #136 and a 2022 2nd round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #45 and #249.

2) The New York Jets trade Sam Darnold and a 2022 4th round pick to the Denver Broncos for the #53 overall selection.

ROUND THREE

65) Jacksonville Jaguars: Spencer Brown, OT Northern Iowa
66) New York Jets: Joe Tryon, EDGE Washington
67) Houston Texans: Dyami Brown, WR North Carolina
68) Atlanta Falcons: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE Oklahoma
69) Cincinnati Bengals: Brevin Jordan, TE Miami
70) Philadelphia Eagles: Nico Collins, WR Michigan
71) Denver Broncos: Daviyon Nixon, IDL Iowa
72) Detroit Lions: Israel Mukuamu, CB South Carolina
73) Carolina Panthers: Elijah Molden, CB Washington
74) Washington Football Team (from 49ers): Quinn Meinerz, IOL Wisconsin-Whitewater
75) Dallas Cowboys: James Hudson, OL Cincinnati
76) New York Giants: Quincy Roche, EDGE Miami
77) Los Angeles Chargers: Kelvin Joseph, CB Kentucky
78) Minnesota Vikings: Trey Smith, IOL Tennessee
79) Las Vegas Raiders (from Cardinals): Nick Bolton, LB Missouri
80) Las Vegas Raiders: Andre Cisco, FS Syracuse
81) Miami Dolphins: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE Oregon State
82) Washington Football Team: Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss
83) Chicago Bears: Jackson Carman, OT Clemson
84) Philadelphia Eagles (from Colts): D’Wayne Eskridge, WR Western Michigan
85) Tennessee Titans: Tyler Shelvin, NT LSU
86) New York Jets (from Seahawks): Michael Carter, RB North Carolina
87) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Gainwell, RB Memphis
88) Los Angeles Rams: Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE Vanderbilt
89) Cleveland Browns: Dylan Moses, LB Alabama
90) Minnesota Vikings (from Ravens): Talanoa Hufanga, FS/SS USC
91) Cleveland Browns (from Saints): Tommy Togiai, IDL Ohio State
92) Green Bay Packers: Ben Cleveland, IOL Georgia
93) Buffalo Bills: Tylan Wallace, WR Oklahoma State
94) Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron McGrone, LB Michigan
95) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Milton Williams, IDL Louisiana Tech
96) New England Patriots: Chazz Surratt, LB North Carolina
97) Los Angeles Chargers: Amari Rodgers, WR Clemson
98) New Orleans Saints: Patrick Jones II, EDGE Pittsburgh
99) Dallas Cowboys: Tommy Tremble, TE Notre Dame
100) Tennessee Titans: Ar’Darius Washington, CB/FS TCU
101) Detroit Lions (from Rams): Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE Wake Forest
102) San Francisco 49ers: Benjamin St-Juste, CB Minnesota
103) Los Angeles Rams: Robert Hainsey, OL Notre Dame
104) Baltimore Ravens: Payton Turner, EDGE Houston
105) New Orleans Saints: Marvin Wilson, IDL Florida State

Jordan Katz 2019 Top 5 By Position

Posted on December 14, 2018 Updated on January 29, 2019

This is my own personal list for my top five players by position. These rankings may not reflect the order that I have them in my recent mock draft. My mock draft is based on team needs as well as scheme fits.

Quarterbacks:

1) Kyler Murray, Oklahoma

2) Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

3) Daniel Jones, Duke

4) Drew Lock, Missouri

5) Brett Rypien, Boise State

Running Backs:

1) Josh Jacobs, Alabama

2) Damien Harris, Alabama

3) David Montgomery, Iowa State

4) Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma

5) Bennie Snell Jr., Kentucky

Wide Receivers:

1) DK Metcalf, Ole Miss

2) Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Oklahoma

3) Kelvin Harmon, NC State

4) AJ Brown, Ole Miss

5) N’Keal Harry, Arizona State

Tight Ends:

1) Noah Fant, Iowa

2) T.J. Hockenson, Iowa

3) Irv Smith Jr., Alabama

4) Dawson Knox, Ole Miss

5) Kaden Smith, Stanford

Offensive Tackles:

1) Jonah Williams, Alabama

2) Cody Ford, Oklahoma

3) Jawaan Taylor, Florida

4) David Edwards, Wisconsin

5) Yodney Cajuste, West Virginia

Interior Line:

1) Chris Lindstrom, Boston College

2) Dalton Risner, Kansas State

3) Michael Dieter, Wisconsin

4) Garrett Bradburry, NC State

5) Elghton Jenkins, Mississippi State

EDGE Rushers:

1) Nick Bosa, Ohio State

2) Brian Burns, Florida State

3) Clelin Ferrell, Clemson

4) Josh Allen, Kentucky

5) Anthony Nelson, Iowa

Interior Defensive Lineman:

1) Ed Oliver, Houston

2) Quinnen Williams, Alabama

3) Rashan Gary, Michigan

4) Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State

5) Christian Wilkins, Clemson

Non-Edge Linebackers:

1) Devin White, LSU

2) Mack Wilson, Alabama

3) Devin Bush, Michigan

4) Vosean Joseph, Florida

5) Khalil Hodge, Buffalo

Cornerbacks:

1) Byron Murphy, Washington

2) Rock Ya-Sin, CB Temple

3) Greedy Williams, LSU

4) Amani Oruwariye, Penn State

5)  DeAndre Baker, Georgia

Safeties:

1) Deionte Thompson, Alabama

2) Nasir Adderley, Delaware

3) Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State

4) Khaleke Hudson, Michigan

5) Taylor Rapp, Washington