FINAL MOCK DRAFT
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Category Archives: DRAFT
Mock Draft 4.0 (Ginger King)
We still got time to squeeze in one more mock before our FINAL FINAL mock draft. This one’s a bit spicy.
Top 4 are a lock (barring an offer you can’t refuse). Lot of chatter about some teams (New Orleans, Chicago, Dallas) looking to jump ahead of the Raiders to get Jeanty. They may have to jump even higher, as Jacksonville has entered the Ashton Jeanty sweepstakes. Also, the Shedeur Slide continues…
Walter Nolan is one of the fastest rising players in the draft. Look for him to go early. If so, that’s going to push other linemen up the board (like Derrick Harmon). Omarion Hampton is also another riser. I think his floor is Denver. The Shedeur Slide continues…
The Shedeur Slide ends, as Pittsburgh drafts its next qb of the future. What’s this? A third running back in the first round? I thought running backs didn’t matter? Don’t be surprised if you hear TreVeyon’s name called on Thursday. Also, the run on linemen is going to result in some great value at the end of the first. Kansas City would be over the moon if Colson Loveland fell to them at 31.
We’ll be checking the airwaves all day today, in preparation for our final mock.
Mock Draft 3.0 (Ginger King)
We are less than one week away from the Show! We are in full blown smokescreen season, as teams finalize their interviews and workouts with players, and PR teams are in overdrive feeding (mostly inaccurate) information into the world (read: Twitter) to be gobbled up by willing suckers (me) who will overanalyze every piece of information in an attempt to find out the truth. If you look hard enough, you too will understand that the earth is flat, the moon landing is fake, and Stevie Wonder can see (that one is true). Anyway, let’s take a look at the board:
I feel pretty good about the top half of this mock, especially if Cleveland takes Hunter. The Giants, Pats, and Jags will walk up together and make their picks. I also like Jeanty to the Raiders. The Shedeur Slide continues to top the charts. With the recent news that Shedeur and co. will not be attending the Draft, I think they know the Shedeur Slide is real, and the last thing Deion wants is his son to be Geno Smithed at the Draft.
Big changes here. The Niners are a hard team to pin down. They really could go a number of directions. The wise choice is to pair Bosa up with a stud Edge, and Shemar Stewart fits that role. For the first time, Tetairoa McMillan is not the first receiver taken, as the Cowboys value speed over size, and stay in-state and draft Matthew Golden, who had the fastest 40 time at the Combine for receivers with a blazing 4.29. If Will Johnson didn’t have injury issues, he’d be a no-brainer Top 10 pick. Great size (sometimes it matters) and instincts. Problem is he missed the second half of the season last year to a foot injury. He’s worth the risk to anyone picking in the middle to back half of the first round.
I do think Jaxson Dart sneaks into the first round. If he gets by Pittsburgh, some teams may try trading back into the First Round. If not, a great landing place is in Los Angeles, where he can sit behind and learn from Matthew Stafford, and not be forced into playing right away. Elsewhere, Maxwell Hairston is flying up draft boards. He ran the fastest 40 at the Combine (4.28), and what he lacks in height he more than makes up with speed and wing span. 6 ints (3 pick 6s) in his last 20 games. Buffalo needs secondary help to keep up with the improving corps of receivers in the AFC East, including Garrett Wilson, Tyreek Hill, and western New York’s favorite Stefon Diggs.
Don’t worry, we’re not done mocking yet. There’s still plenty more internet to search. We’ll be updating our mocks accordingly, as well as connecting the dots between the Illuminati and the Kennedys.
Mock Draft 2.0 (Ginger King)
Alright we’re back with an updated mock. Lot of changes to discuss. Let’s go!
Cam Ward is locked in at 1, so we’ll stop talking about that. However, after that it’s anyone’s guess. A lot of chatter has Cleveland enamored with Travis Hunter, but I think the prospect of Myles Garrett and Abdul Carter is too much to pass up. The Giants will be fun with Travis Hunter on their team. Hey, if you’re going lose a bunch of games, you may as well have fun doing it. One thing we believe in: the new dance move that will be taking over the country by storm. It’s called the Shedeur Slide.
The Niners will look to go with firepower after losing Deebo. Pairing up Tyler Warren with George Kittle would be like the Pats with Gronk and Aaron Hernandez, minus the killing. Will Johnson at 13 is an absolute steal. Maybe not the Dolphins most pressing need, but too hard to pass up if he’s available.
The Jaxson Dart watch will start at 21. If Pittsburgh doesn’t draft him, it will take a team to trade back into the first round for him to get drafted. Luther Burden may be the most pro-ready receiver in the draft. Great speed and quickness. Can line up in the slot, on jet sweeps, or out wide. He would fit perfectly with the Rams. Speaking of fitting perfectly, Kenneth Grant to Buffalo goes together like wings and blue cheese (side note: if you order wings and they ask if you want blue cheese or ranch, do not order the wings and leave immediately. They know not what they do.). Anyway, Grant would be the run stuffing, line clogging presence Buffalo needs on the defensive line.
We’ll continue to monitor the airwaves. Check back later this week for an updated mock and a look at teams most likely to trade (up or down) in the first round.
Mock Draft 1.0 (Ginger King)
Welcome home, friends. It’s been a while. Many of you have been asking where we’ve been, and why haven’t we been posting mock drafts. The real ones know the answer:
Mock Drafts are like a fine wine. If you like box wine from the cupboard, then I’m not surprised you’ve been pouring over mock drafts for the past month. I’m also not surprised you wear socks with sandals and think cruises are a real way to travel. You’re probably an adult Disney person, too.
No, no, no, here at the Big Red Sports Machine, our mock drafts are for the more sophisticated palate. Like a Russian River pinot noir, our mock drafts have been specially curated, aged to perfection, and given time to ripen. The mouth feel is incredible. Anyway, let’s open a bottle of the good stuff and dig in. Again, we’ve used the NFL Mock Draft Database as our mock draft simulator. Give it a spin.
Remember EVERYONE picking Carter to the Titans? Guess what happened? Free agency. The Titans did nothing to improve their quarterback situation, and have Capt. Mayonnaise as their current QB1. Cleveland’s QB room consists of Kenny Pickett and a massage table. They have to go quarterback, even if it means letting Deion call the plays (buckle up, Browns fans). If Abdul Carter is sitting there at 3, the ghost of Micha Parsons will be too much to ignore for the Giants. Also, here this: Ashton Jeanty is a Top 10 pick. Apparently, running backs matter again. His floor is the Saints at 9.
Tetairoa McMillan is the best receiver in the Draft (check out the tape). Pairing him up with CeeDee Lamb in Dallas would create a solid 1-2 punch. Another name to look out for is Tyler Warren, this year’s Brock Bowers. Edge rushers will also be a popular pick in the first half of the draft. I think as many as 7 could go in the first round.
A lot of buzz is around Jaxson Dart. Many say he will find his way into the first round. I’m not entirely sold, but if you’re going to reach for someone at the end of the first round, it may as well be a quarterback so you can have the 5th year option. Pittsburgh is an absolute mess at qb. They are about to hitch themselves to the Ayahuasca Train. That’s not exactly a good long term solution. The end of the first round features “the Haves”: teams that are good and not desperate at any one position, and can use the draft to plug holes from players lost in free agency. The Texans should come out of the first round with an offensive lineman. This will help soften the blow from losing Laremy Tunsil. Also, if Buffalo has a weakness (besides Labatts Blue Light and Fireball), it’s on the defensive line. They need to give Ed Oliver a true running mate. Kenneth Grant would be a great fit (if he makes it that far). If not, Derrick Harmon is a good fall back option. Tough and athletic, and will help to shore up the interior line.
Now that we’ve uncorked the first mock and put it in the decanter, we’ll be updating every week or so until the big day. So check back to get the latest.
Mock Draft 2.0 (Ginger King)
We’re back with an updated mock. Lots of changes to discuss. Let’s dig in.
Big changes in the Top 10. With Nabers off the board, the Giants switch gears and grab J.J. McCarthy. There are some Giants fans (cough, me) who feel Daniel Jones should get another shot, that his 2023 campaign should be thrown out the window (6 games, 30 sacks), and that his 2022 season (leading the Giants to their first playoff win in a decade) is more reflective of who he is and who he can be. However, even yours truly can’t ignore the (every increasing) injury history, and Joe Schoen and co. may want to go full rebuild and draft their quarterback for the future (note: you never go full rebuild). Elsewhere, the Bears load up on offense and grab stud receiver Rome Odunze to pair with Caleb Williams.
I think Brock Bowers floor is to the Saints at 14. Also, you can bet a mortgage payment the Bengals, Rams, and Steelers go OT, DL, WR, each filling major positions of need. J.C. Latham would be a steal at 18.
Speaking of betting, you can bet a kidney the Bills will go receiver. The real question is: will they move up to get one? If they stay put at 28, Worthy seems like a worthy pick (sorry, I couldn’t resist). Ladd McConkey seems to fit the Chiefs mold for a gadget receiver.
Check back later this week as we focus on the teams most likely to trade up in Round 1.
Mock Draft 1.0 (Ginger King)
It’s go time. We are locked in and ready to dissect the draft. Loyal fans of Big Red Sports Machine know that our number 1 pet peeve (besides clapping when the plane lands – did you think it was going to crash?) is pre-free agency mock drafts. You get more reliable information from a glue-sniffing teenager. Seriously, we’ve been saying this for years, like, before Covid.
Now that we got the PSA out of the way, let’s dig in to our first mock. We’ll be updating this frequently (ok, maybe weekly) so check back in for the latest updates. As always, thanks to the boys at NFL Mock Draft Data Base. Now on to the Mock.
As always, we won’t predict any trades in our mocks, but there should be plenty, especially in the first half of Round 1. Arizona and LA are prime targets to move back, as rumors are flying that this is a race to the first 4 qbs. However, I do not believe the Giants are one of those teams (you heard it hear first). Malik Nabers would give New York a true WR1, something they haven’t had since OBJ, which seems like a million years ago
I think Chicago goes Offense/Offense with it’s two top picks. The Bears have made some savvy free agent additions on offense, bringing in D’Andre Swift and the ageless Keenan Allen, but the best thing they can do is surround Caleb Williams with as many weapons as possible. Elsewhere, Minnesota would sprint to the podium if JJ was there at 11. If they really want him, it’s likely going to cost them their two first round picks (and more).
The middle third of Round 1 should see a run on OL and CB. Both position groups are stacked, and with the exception of Alt, there is no clear cut number one. The Jags fill the void from Calvin Ridley’s departure with Brian Thomas, Jr. Thomas got a bit overlooked in LSU, with most of the attention on Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers, but he won’t be overlooked for long in the NFL.
This might be the deepest WR class in recent history. The result of that means there are some good players that are going to slide down the board. Bills fans rejoice (read: get drunk and set shit on fire) and draft Adonai Mitchell, who (easily) replaces Gabe Davis and gives them another weapon for Josh Allen to use so they can lose to Kansas City in the playoffs for the 14th time in a row. Speaking of your Super Bowl Champs, their WR core is a collection of misfit toys (I’m looking at you, Kadarius). Keon Coleman would provide some much needed stability to that group.
Mock Draft 1.0 (Ginger King)
Alright friends. It’s finally time. The adults are ready to sit at the Draft table. If you recall, our number one pet peeve (besides people clapping when the plane lands – FFS just stop – were you expecting the plane to crash??) is pre-free agency mock drafts. We’ve been saying it for YEARS.
Plain and simple: free agency shapes the draft. You think the Raiders are looking for a qb now that they got Jimmy Dreamboat? (sidenote: we’re still waiting for our free sex for life offer). Teams will first plug holes with existing talent, and then turn to the draft. Anyway, we’ll step off our soapbox and get right to the good stuff.
Four, yes four, qbs will go in the Top 10. Seattle could be in the market for a qb, but adding Christian Gonzalez to that secondary will go a long way to re-establishing the legion of boom. Chicago really lucks out…trading down 8 spots and still getting the guy the would’ve taken #1 overall. Ryan Poles and co. are looking smart. They got an assist from poor driving skills, but they are approaching this draft the right way.
If Paris Johnson falls out of the Top 11, he should not last past the Titans, who need to rebuild that line. Speaking of rebuilding the line, the Jets will take their turn (again) at another first round lineman. After trading away T.J. Hockenson last year, the Lions reload with Michael Mayer, the Draft’s best tight end (and Gronk clone).
The bottom third of the first round is where we’re going to see a run on receivers. There is no clear cut #1 in this year’s draft. That, and the qb run, will push the receivers down some. The Giants would do cartwheels if (and it’s a big if) Quentin Johnston is there at 25. What the Giants need is big-bodied receiver, especially after Kenny Golladay decided he didn’t like to catch anymore. But wait, didn’t the Giants sign a bunch of free agent receivers? Yes, but don’t be fooled…the Giants only have 2 receivers (Wan-Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton) that are signed for more than 2 years. Everyone else is a one year rental.
O’Cyrus Torrence may be our favorite player in the Draft. Seriously, go watch some game tape. He’s an absolute mauler. Loves to initiate contact. Physical and nasty…just like Bills Mafia. He’ll fit right in.
Bijan Robinson may be the toughest one to predict. He could go as high as 8. I don’t think Philly would pass at him at 30, especially after losing Miles Sanders.
FINAL MOCK DRAFT (Ginger King)
No time for discussion. Dig in!
Mock Draft 3.0 (Ginger King)
Happy Draft Eve! We’re almost there friends! One day away from injecting pure optimism into your fanbase, unless you’re a Browns fan. I probably have another mock (or two) in me before the show begins, so let’s get right to it.
There’s a huge movement for Travon Walker going #1 to the Jags. He’s now the betting favorite to go first overall, which is wild to think of, as this has been a two man race for sometime. I think that speaks more to the fact that there is no clear cut Alpha dog, but rather a solid group of really good players that are close in range and ability. I can easily make a case for 5 people to be the first pick, which I don’t think I’ve ever been able to say before. I can’t see Malik Willis making it past Carolina…and no, I’m not buying the Baker Mayfield rumors. No team is going to trade a meaningful draft pick for him, they’ll just wait until Cleveland releases him.
One thing I am buying: the Kayvon slide. Once thought of as the top pick in the draft, teams are reportedly turned off by his personality and are questioning his commitment to the game. With a fanbase made up of mostly people from Long Island, the Jets care very little about personality. Another thing I’m buying: the Jermaine Johnson rise. Don’t be surprised if he gets drafted ahead of Kayvon.
The first half of the draft will be dominated by the line, both offensive and defensive. The second half will see a run on complimentary pieces; namely corners and receivers. There are two things I know for sure: 1. Never eat at restaurant that serves ranch with chicken wings. 2. The Green Bay Packers will select a receiver. Jameson Williams is one of the hardest people to place in the draft, based on his recent injury (same for Ojabo, too). If some team’s medical staff gives him the all clear, he could go as high as 8.
Here me out, Buffalo. I know you want a receiver or corner, but at this point Burks, Williams, Booth, and McDuffie are gone, and you don’t want to reach. Instead, what you do is re-watch the National Championship game and look for the baddest man on the field. That would be Nakobe Dean. He’s instantly Von Miller’s understudy, and the 1-2-3 punch of Von Miller, Tremaine Edmunds, and Nakobe Dean is scary. It makes all the sense in the world for Detroit to go qb at 32 (as opposed to two picks later at 34 in the second round), as they can lock in the team-controlled 5th year option.
Stay tuned tomorrow folks for my final mock, plus our Draft Day Drinking Game. Cheers!