Welcome to Just Another Mock Draft. Packers suck and I haven’t proofread it yet but I still hope you enjoy!
1. St. Louis Rams - QB Hunter Leo, Ole Miss
Matthew Stafford retired this offseason, leaving the team looking for new face of the rebuilding franchise. Leo’s arm strength edge likely puts him above his QB counterparts in this draft class. He’ll have weapons from day one with wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Tee Higgins occupying the starting roles, giving the young gun every chance to develop into the quarterback the Rams hope he becomes.
2. New York Giants - QB Jamal Castille, Miami
The GMen had dealt what ultimately became the #1 overall pick to the Rams in the deal that secured talented WR Puka Nacua. It was a steep price to pay, and then they forked over their 1st rounder next season to the Patriots so they had the chance to select their future QB now instead of enduring another season in limbo for the most important position. Castille is already an accurate passer, and with time to develop, should be a good QB in the GGL.
3. New Orleans Saints - QB Vonn Griggs, Texas
Yet another team has traded up. The Saints gave up significant draft capital to the Colts for this selection so I’d be inclined to believe they are eyeing a QB as well. Griggs is already 23 but has a big enough arm to carry him well into his regression years. New Saints GM Brad Barber might as well go through the growing pains now with a rookie QB and have him start from day 1.
4. Carolina Panthers - WR Gio Fallin, Mississippi State
Bryce Young could use another receiver, especially a big target like the 6’4” Fallin, who is only 21. Even if he’s lacking a bit in the speed department, he’ll have many years of training camp to work on it.
5. Minnesota Vikings - CB Jaleel McQueen, Georgia
McQueen is a huge corner at 6’3” with decent speed and time to improve on it at just 21 years old. The Vikings have a couple of pieces already at the position but none with quite the upside a giant at the position this former Bulldog has.
6. Arizona Cardinals - QB Tramon Baldridge, Boise State
The Cardinals can go in a couple of directions, and probably would have if there were standouts at either WR or HB, but they decided to lock up their future QB instead. Baldridge has plus arm strength and decent awareness to start with. I wouldn’t rule out the Cardinals moving out of this spot given what’s likely to be available here at their most urgent needs.
7. Indianapolis Colts - CB Ricky Hartman, Utah
Hartman might not possess the height of some in this class but his athleticism is second to none. The young corner might not match up well with some of the taller WRs but at least their won’t be many able to outrun him once fully developed.
8. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Oscar Lopez, Texas A&M
Bengals would probably have preferred a skill position player rather than someone in the trenches, but with the right skew, Lopez may very well be worth the investment at a current position of need. He’s well rounded to start and just 21 years old.
9. Detroit Lions - CB Mike Flinn, Michigan
Flinn is another big corner but looks to be even faster than McQueen, the 5th overall pick. He stands an inch shorter (6’2”) and a year older (21 vs 22) but the long speed appears superior. He will take a bit to develop his football IQ but it’ll be worth it if it all clicks.
10. Pittsburg Steelers - DE Junior Sami, UTEP
Sami could have 90+ speed and a equally high acceleration, and at 6’6” could be dangerous pass rusher in this debut season. Steelers currently have a couple of 30+ year old defensive ends starting, so it could make sense to forgo the QB position at this point of the draft.
11. Oakland Raiders - OT Derron Sparks, Wisconsin
Raiders seemed to be aiming at a competitive season but that’s not happening with Aidan O’Connell. Sparks could be the long term answer for them at tackle for whoever ends up being under center. GM Lindgren has expressed interest in moving up and probably for a QB.
12. Buffalo Bills - OT Malik Bloom Clemson
There’s a gaping hole at newly acquired Penix’s blindside, and Bloom looks like he has what it takes to live up to the task. If the private workout checks out, he will have a long career in the GGL.
13. Seattle Seahawks - QB Kofi Odenigbo, Rutgers
I remember GM Hewko made a semi-controversial pick with I believe it was the 11th overall in the SFL, and he still gives no fucks about our opinion. Odenigbo has solid awareness and a huge arm, which may entice the Rock to make this the 5th QB taken within the first 12 picks.
14. Chicago Bears - Alex Portilla, Texas
Chicago could use an upgrade at GM but they’ll have to settle for a tackle this time around. Portilla looks to have excellent pass blocking skills already which QB Caleb Williams and his pink nails will need in this division.
15. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Jaren Wylie, Oklahoma State
Philly doesn’t have many hole and it’s too early for a center, so they go BPA. Granted, his private workout would have to skew up to deserve this spot in the draft. He’s also just 20 years old. He can be ready by the time Slay’s career is done.
16. Denver Broncos - MLB Austin Applewhite, Ole Miss
With the wide receiver class looking relatively weak, the Broncos instead take care of the MLB position. Alex Singleton is on the wrong side of 30 and although Drew Sanders looks intriguing with that speed, Applewhite is already a better tackler and can end up just as athletic at only 21 years old.
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