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.