Figured we’d start a thread to share and debate mock drafts we find around the web, even though we all know the mocks we produce ourselves here in the Draft Forum are far superior!
Last edited by Couch-Potato; 02-02-2025 at 09:44 AM..
With that level or risk, him getting back to 'what he was before' has to mean a top 5 talent, IMO. That's where the risk is worth the reward.
Simmons is, IMO, a guy who wouldn't have clearly set himself apart from the Campbell or Membou in an OT draft that is pretty dang weak at the top. Even healthy, I'm not sure he's the top OT in the class.
"What he was" has to be INCREDIBLY valuable in order for me to be willing to look past the injury and be willing to take the risk. I just don't think he was THAT good. Top 15 -- sure.
But top 5? Nah. The best OT in the class? Probably not. And when you're a good but not elite prospect to begin with, you just don't have that far you can drop off to begin with. If he was an elite prospect at comes back at 90% of what he was, that's probably still an NFL starter. If he was a good prospect and comes back at 90%, it almost certainly isn't.
Then you have some questions as to Ohio State offensive linemen -- notably the fact that Paris Johnson, who was definitely a better pure prospect than Simmons, hasn't been what anyone hoped. Taylor Decker was quite some time ago and really that's the only successful OL to have come from Ohio State of late, is it not? Am I missing anyone?
There are just too many flags there. Maybe the board gets massacred and I'd take him anyway, but it seems really really unlikely.
I get that Jaylon Moore was on a prove it deal, but the Chiefs were lightning fast on that guy. The deal was announced like 10 seconds after the tampering period opened.
I think they know how hard they have it picking so late. They know if Simmons is there at 31 it’s bc a shit ton of highly paid Dr’s on other teams staffs think his injury isn’t worth it so early. Packers and Ravens are successful franchises that just had him in on a visit, likely to have him meet with their own staff to check out his leg up close.
Conerly is the only LT I could see them picking in rd 1 assuming they do at all.
__________________ Mike Greenberg@Espngreeny
I can’t fathom what it must be like to be a fan of the #Chiefs.
Nick Wright 2.0 has us going Derrick Harmon....Nolen was grabbed earlier by the Ravens
Would love either to fall to 31...I think both are going to be extremely productive DL's in the league...and quickly. I just don't know if that will actually happen.
The Titans' offseason actions -- including adding to the offensive line -- indicate how they are approaching this pick. They still need a QB1 of the future, with Will Levis atop the depth chart. Ward is my top-ranked signal-caller in the class, and he'd be a great fit in Tennessee. Ward has a dynamic skill set, displays a rocket arm and is the class's most innovative passer when under duress.
Cleveland lacks playmakers, and it would get one on both sides of the ball in Hunter. I'd play him primarily on offense, where his speed, ball skills and instincts helped him to 1,258 yards last season. But the Browns could also sprinkle him in at corner, especially in high-stakes parts of the game. Hunter has been my No. 1 prospect through the whole draft cycle and has the chance to be special in the pros.
3. New York Giants
Yates' pick: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The second-rated player on my board is just too good for the Giants to bypass, even with the QB concerns. They can wait until Day 2 to address that, especially if they aren't sold on Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. The Giants already have a quality edge rush group, but it'd become that much nastier with the addition of Carter, who had 12 sacks in 2024.
4. New England Patriots
Kiper's pick: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
With Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter both gone, this pick becomes all about the offensive line. I know a lot has been made of Campbell's sub-33-inch arm length, but he has the footwork and pop to stick at left tackle and keep Pats quarterback Drake Maye clean.
The Jaguars have holes at every level of their defense after allowing 5.9 yards per play last season (31st in the NFL), and Graham is the best available player. He impacts the game in a meaningful way as both a pass rusher and run defender with elite play strength and explosion off the snap.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Kiper's pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Let's get new Raiders coach Pete Carroll his running back. Las Vegas averaged 3.6 yards per carry last season, lowest in the league. Jeanty has the elusiveness and vision to rip off big runs and completely change the Raiders' ground attack.
7. New York Jets
Yates' pick: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Jets must provide new quarterback Justin Fields with adequate time to throw -- he has proved effective in the past when he has a clean pocket. Membou's tenacity and pass protection acumen make him a hand-in-glove fit in New York. He has started 30 games over his career, and he allowed just one sack last season.
Carolina had big-time defensive issues last season. Walker can roam the second level with his sideline-to-sideline speed or fly off the edge to get home on the quarterback. The Panthers have to get some difference-makers on that side of the ball.
9. New Orleans Saints
Yates' pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
There's uncertainty around Derek Carr's 2025 season amid his shoulder injury, so the Saints must at least consider taking a quarterback at No. 9. Sanders displays really good accuracy, poise and toughness -- traits that should appeal to new coach Kellen Moore as New Orleans aims to stay competitive in the division.
10. Chicago Bears
Kiper's pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
New coach Ben Johnson would love having Warren in his offense. At 6-foot-6, Warren lines up just about anywhere, will consistently be a mismatch for defenders and can catch everything thrown in his neighborhood. The Bears focused on improving their offensive line in free agency, and now they can get Caleb Williams an elite playmaker.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Yates' pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
While Trent Williams will be the 49ers' starting left tackle as long as he is still playing, San Francisco must be forward-thinking. After all, Williams is turning 37 this year. Banks has a massive 84⅜-inch wingspan, 42 starts of experience and really impressive quickness.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Kiper's pick: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
I thought about North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, but the possibility of Golden's 4.29 speed and great route running opposite CeeDee Lamb just make too much sense. The Cowboys can finally get some reliability at WR2 for quarterback Dak Prescott. They haven't had two wide receivers over 700 yards since Lamb and Amari Cooper both did it in 2021.
13. Miami Dolphins
Yates' pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson is one of the 10 best players in this class, as his excellent ball skills, instincts and 6-foot-2 size all stand out. The Dolphins have a hole opposite Jalen Ramsey, making cornerback a pressing need. And yes, Miami must also address the offensive line, but it can do so on Day 2.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Kiper's pick: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland can be Anthony Richardson's seam-stretcher and really improve the Colts' tight end room, which didn't even reach 500 receiving yards last season. It's a huge year for Richardson, and if the Colts want to properly evaluate him as their future under center, they should build up his supporting cast.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Yates' pick: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The Falcons registered the second-fewest sacks in the league last season (31), so edge rusher is still a problem even after signing Leonard Floyd. Green is explosive, powerful and pro-ready, and he should be able to get pressure on opponent QBs right away. He led the FBS with 17 sacks last season.
Garrett Williams was terrific at slot corner last season, but the Cardinals could use a boost on the outside. This team allowed 7.3 yards per pass attempt last season, which ranked in the league's bottom third. Barron is versatile, ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and picked off five passes last season.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Yates' pick: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
The Bengals have a number of defensive options to consider, as the team could plausibly spend its entire draft on that side of the ball and I wouldn't bat an eye. That unit struggled in 2024, giving up 25.5 points per game. Nolen is a disruptive interior rusher, and his best snaps show pure dominance. Finding more consistency would unlock another level of his game.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Kiper's pick: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
It might seem early for an FCS interior offensive lineman, but Zabel proved at the Senior Bowl that he absolutely belongs in this conversation. The Seahawks' issues with inside protection are clear, and Zabel has the footwork, technique and power to instantly improve things there. And his versatility means Seattle could move him wherever he's needed.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yates' pick: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Tampa Bay is looking for help almost everywhere on defense, but Antoine Winfield Jr. really needs an impact player next to him at safety. Adding Emmanwori would form an incredibly physical duo on the back end. Emmanwori ran a 4.38 in the 40 at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, and he had four interceptions last season -- two of which were returned for touchdowns.
20. Denver Broncos
Kiper's pick: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
I know it's a deep running back class, but this would be a good spot to get Hampton. He has three-down traits, and he could be coach Sean Payton's version of Alvin Kamara in Denver. The Broncos lack a true RB1; they need one to take some pressure off second-year quarterback Bo Nix.
Harmon led all FBS players in pressures from a DT alignment last season (34). And while the defensive line is strong in Pittsburgh, the roster could start looking to the future. Cameron Heyward will be 36 this season, so I like the idea of building with Harmon and Keeanu Benton. And as for the quarterback situation, I'm holding off. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are off the board. It makes sense to wait until later in the draft (and sign Aaron Rodgers).
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Kiper's pick: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert would love Egbuka's crisp route running and sure hands on the outside. Los Angeles can build its receiver room back up around him, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, with Mike Williams providing a veteran presence after his return this offseason.
23. Green Bay Packers
Yates' pick: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Stewart has some of the most intriguing traits in the class. His speed, length and power all pop on tape and were on full display at the combine. However, he managed just 4.5 sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M. This would be a bet on his potential for Green Bay, but there's no doubt the Packers could use his upside and ability to get pressure off the edge.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Kiper's pick: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
The Vikings knew they had to address the interior this offseason and went out and signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. But Jackson would represent an upgrade over Blake Brandel at the other guard spot. Jackson has some really strong movement traits.
The wait ends for McMillan. He's not blazing fast, but he wins with an excellent catch radius, strong hands and very good routes. The Texans must hit receiver and offensive line hard in the draft, and I like the fit of McMillan joining Nico Collins, Christian Kirk and eventually Tank Dell (knee).
26. Los Angeles Rams
Kiper's pick: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Speed and ball skills. Hairston ran the combine's fastest 40-yard dash (4.28 seconds) and had six interceptions and 13 pass breakups over his final two seasons. He'd absolutely boost the Rams' cornerback corps.
This is what the Ravens do in the draft. They patiently allow the board to come to them and then snag rock-solid prospects. Starks would check a box at free safety and represent good value at the same time. His instincts, versatility and ball skills would work well alongside Kyle Hamilton.
28. Detroit Lions
Kiper's pick: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
We talk a lot about the Lions' pass-rush hole opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Let's fix it. Williams can beat blockers with his explosiveness, and he has even more upside for new Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to unlock.
Projected trade
Browns get: Nos. 29 and 128
Commanders get: Nos. 33 and 67
Yates: Mel, I think we need a trade here. Cleveland could look to trade back into the first round if the quarterback board falls the right way, and this is a good chance to do so.
Kiper: Makes a lot of sense to me. The Commanders would love an extra Day 2 pick.
29. Cleveland Browns (via projected trade with WSH)
Yates' pick: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The Browns can't risk the Giants leapfrogging them from the top of the second round, so they could make their own aggressive move up. Dart would fill out the Browns' quarterback room with Deshaun Watson out (Achilles), joining Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. He's accurate and mobile with a big arm. And by getting him in Round 1, Cleveland would have a fifth-year option on Dart, too.
30. Buffalo Bills
Kiper's pick: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
This is the biggest weakness on the Bills' roster; they need another starter at cornerback. Opponents moved the ball through the air too easily last season, as Buffalo allowed 68.5% of passes to be completed (fifth worst in the NFL). Amos -- who had three picks and 15 pass breakups last season -- could slide into free agent Rasul Douglas' spot.
What a coup this would be for Kansas City. The Chiefs must continue to address the offensive line even following the signing of Jaylon Moore. Conerly was excellent last season as the frontside protector for Dillon Gabriel, allowing just one sack. He could eventually do that for Patrick Mahomes. Conerly is always in control and dependable.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Kiper's pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Combining Campbell with Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean at the second level would make defensive coordinator Vic Fangio smile. Campbell does it all. He finished last season with 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and an interception. This Super Bowl-winning defense saw a lot of turnover earlier in the offseason, but Campbell has the toolbox to contribute in multiple ways.
Round 2
Spoiler!
33. Washington Commanders (via projected trade with CLE)
Yates' pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Ezeiruaku would be terrific value at the top of the second round -- he could easily climb into the 20s as one of the best pure pass rushers in the class. He had 16.5 sacks last season, and his 65 pressures led the nation.
34. New York Giants
Kiper's pick: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
After going another direction in the first round, the Giants can land an experienced passer with good arm strength. Shough threw 29 touchdown passes last season, and he'd have the opportunity to learn alongside Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
35. Tennessee Titans
Yates' pick: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
The Titans got Cam Ward. Now they must provide him with some legit playmakers beyond Calvin Ridley. Higgins could bring size, speed and versatility outside.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kiper's pick: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Burden has juice after the catch, and he'd help Trevor Lawrence in that department. This is good value, too -- Burden could ultimately go in Round 1.
37. Las Vegas Raiders
Yates' pick: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
While Kolton Miller is the left tackle anchor right now, he's set to be a free agent in 2026. Simmons might be coming off a knee injury, but his excellent skill set fits well here.
38. New England Patriots
Kiper's pick: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Patriots spent big to land Milton Williams, and Grant could be a 331-pound run stopper right next to him. He's explosive and instinctive.
39. Chicago Bears (via CAR)
Yates' pick: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The Bears aren't messing around on offense here. First, they got Tyler Warren. Now they can get Caleb Williams an explosive runner in the backfield. Henderson averaged 7.1 yards per carry last season and can run away from the defense.
40. New Orleans Saints
Kiper's pick: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Thomas' speed and length could be exactly what the Saints need on the outside after trading Marshon Lattimore last fall. The takeaways haven't come quite yet for Thomas, but he did have 19 pass breakups over three years.
41. Chicago Bears
Yates' pick: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
The Bears are back on the clock, and this time I have them tapping into the power and deep pass-rush move arsenal of Scourton. He had 15 sacks in the past two seasons and is stout against the run.
42. New York Jets
Kiper's pick: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
I had this second-round match in my mock draft last week, too. Arroyo could use his size and speed to get open for Justin Fields. He caught seven touchdown passes last season in a true breakout year.
43. San Francisco 49ers
Yates' pick: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
San Francisco will be using its 11 picks to check off needs, one of which is pass-rush depth. Pearce displays effortless movement skills and bend off the edge.
Dallas has injury concerns at cornerback with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. Yes, Revel has his own -- he is coming off a torn ACL. But he's big and long, and he makes plays on the ball. Revel would give the Cowboys another option on a pass defense that must improve.
45. Indianapolis Colts
Yates' pick: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Few players skyrocketed on draft boards last season quite like Schwesinger, who has elite range as a coverage linebacker. He had 115 tackles in 2024.
46. Atlanta Falcons
Kiper's pick: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Morrison is coming off a hip injury, but he has really good press coverage traits and picked off nine passes in three seasons. The Falcons could slot him opposite A.J. Terrell.
Arizona must further address the offensive line in front of Kyler Murray, and few players in this class provide Booker's level of power as a run-game force. He also allowed one sack over three seasons, showing his upside in pass protection.
48. Miami Dolphins
Kiper's pick: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
Tyler Booker would have been a great fit, and Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea was under consideration. But the defensive line is also a weak spot. Alexander is quick enough and strong enough to hold up wherever Miami would line him up.
I know we gave Seattle an offensive lineman in Round 1 (Grey Zabel), but GM John Schneider will likely hammer that position at the draft. Savaiinaea and Zabel would give the Seahawks two strong and reliable blockers who could play any position.
Denver signed Evan Engram this offseason, and it could really take the tight end room to the next level with Taylor. He's a natural pass catcher, but he also holds up very well as a blocker.
Seattle has already started rebuilding the WR room after moving on from DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. But the roster is slot-heavy with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp right now. Bech can play outside, was great at the Senior Bowl and caught nine touchdowns last season.
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yates' pick: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Tampa Bay's secondary overhaul could keep rolling with Porter, who has great 6-foot-3 size and 4.3 speed. The former receiver is still developing in his new position, but he has the traits to become a difference-maker there.
54. Green Bay Packers
Kiper's pick: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Noel has the hands to haul in tough catches and the elusiveness to tack on yards after the catch. Green Bay has historically waited until Day 2 to add receivers, and there are some good ones in this range.
55. Los Angeles Chargers
Yates' pick: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Two Ohio State players for former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh? Look away, Wolverine fans! But the power of Judkins would fit what Harbaugh wants, and the Najee Harris signing won't stop the Chargers from further addressing the backfield. Judkins ran for 14 TDs last season.
I'm taking all the receivers, Field. This is three in a row for me. Buffalo, of course, could use another one to join Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman.
57. Carolina Panthers (via LAR)
Yates' pick: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
Carolina must think offensive line early in this draft with a bunch of guys in contract years. Trapilo would be appealing for the Panthers as they try to improve Bryce Young's protection.
58. Houston Texans
Kiper's pick: Anthony Belton, OT/G, NC State
We obviously can't go two rounds without any offensive line reinforcements for Houston. The team gave up 54 sacks last season and made a bunch of big changes this offseason -- but there are still holes. Belton played left tackle in college but has the versatility to fit in wherever the Texans need him.
59. Baltimore Ravens
Yates' pick: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
Baltimore's edge rush needs some work, especially with Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy entering the final years of their deals. Tuimoloau is ready to play right out of the gate; he's one of the most refined rushers in the class.
60. Detroit Lions
Kiper's pick: Marcus Mbow, G, Purdue
There's an opening at right guard in Detroit, and Mbow could compete with Kayode Awosika and Christian Mahogany to start. He has spent two seasons at right tackle but started at right guard for Purdue in 2022.
61. Washington Commanders
Yates' pick: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Parrish is tough, feisty and extremely fast. Benjamin St-Juste is gone, and Marshon Lattimore has battled some injuries, so getting another corner should be a focus for Washington.
The Bills replaced Von Miller with Joey Bosa, but it's a one-year deal. Plus, they would still like more youth in the edge rush group. Oladejo has good burst and finished with 29 pressures in 2024.
63. Kansas City Chiefs
Yates' pick: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
Kansas City will always be in the business of adding pass rushers, and Jackson has terrific length and plays with one of the best motors in the class. The Chiefs tied for 18th in sacks last season (39).
64. Philadelphia Eagles
Kiper's pick: Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
I closed my two-round mock draft last week with Winston to the Eagles. I'm doing it again today. Winston missed almost the entire 2024 season because of a knee injury, but he could absolutely help Philly's safety group.
ROUND 3
Spoiler!
65. New York Giants
Yates' pick: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
No matter who is playing quarterback for the Giants, the protection has to improve. Ratledge has really impressive footwork and toughness.
66. Kansas City Chiefs (via TEN)
Kiper's pick: Harold Fannin Jr., TE/HB, Bowling Green
Fannin led the nation in receiving last season with 1,555 yards. Kansas City could use him in a multitude of ways, and he could even develop into Travis Kelce's eventual replacement.
67. Washington Commanders (via projected trade with CLE)
Yates' pick: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
More backfield depth makes sense for the Commanders, and Johnson would bring a good blend of size and power. His 1,537 rushing yards ranked seventh in the FBS last season.
Projected trade
Steelers get: No. 68
Raiders get: No. 83 and a 2026 third-rounder
Kiper: OK, one more trade. We've seen only four quarterbacks off the board, and none of them went to the Steelers.
Yates: I agree. They don't have a second-rounder after trading for DK Metcalf, but waiting until No. 83 for a QB is risky.
There's still a good chance the Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers, but he isn't under contract yet. They should draft a quarterback for the long term, but they might need to draft a quarterback for the short term, too. Milroe has the arm to hit DK Metcalf and George Pickens downfield, and he can take off as a runner when he gets an opening.
69. New England Patriots
Yates' pick: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Even after signing Stefon Diggs, the Patriots have to give quarterback Drake Maye more pass-catching options. Williams' ability to accelerate to top speed really stands out.
70. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kiper's pick: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
I'm a big fan of Mukuba's game, and he could join Eric Murray in filling Andre Cisco's void on the back end of the Jaguars' defense. Mukuba picked off five passes last season; Jacksonville was 30th in the NFL with only six INTs.
71. New Orleans Saints
Yates' pick: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
Burch put together an excellent final season at Oregon with 8.5 sacks. He has length, fluidity and power. And the Saints could use youth on the edge with Cameron Jordan turning 36.
72. Chicago Bears
Kiper's pick: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Bears went after the interior of the offensive line in free agency, but Braxton Jones is coming off an ankle injury at left tackle. Ersery is a massive 6-foot-6 blocker with 39 career starts and great power.
73. New York Jets
Yates' pick: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
The Jets could consider a pass rusher earlier than this, but this is good value for Umanmielen. He had 10.5 sacks and 48 pressures last season.
74. Carolina Panthers
Kiper's pick: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
More defense for Carolina. Williams is stout against the run but also shows the quickness and suddenness to penetrate the backfield. He had 21 run stops over the past two seasons, which is good news for a Panthers team that allowed a league-worst 5.2 yards per carry in 2024.
75. San Francisco 49ers
Yates' pick: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Collins is a big presence in the middle of the defensive line at 6-foot-6 and 332 pounds, and he has 34⅝-inch arms. He'd fill another need for the 49ers, who released Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins.
The Cowboys focused on other needs early, but they finally get their running back -- and Sampson has good upside. He ran for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns last season.
77. New England Patriots (via ATL)
Yates' pick: Wyatt Milum, G, West Virginia
Toughness and dependability define Milum's game, which would appeal to the Patriots and new coach Mike Vrabel.
78. Arizona Cardinals
Kiper's pick: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
Felton could team up with Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride and Michael Wilson to give Kyler Murray a pretty solid pass-catching group. Felton caught 96 passes last season for 1,124 yards and nine scores.
Let's keep rolling on the Texans' offensive line. Wilson is my top-ranked center, but he has the versatility to also play guard.
80. Indianapolis Colts
Kiper's pick: Emery Jones Jr., G, LSU
Jones has been getting a little buzz. His game is raw, and he will kick inside in the pros after playing right tackle at LSU. But there's upside here.
81. Cincinnati Bengals
Yates' pick: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
Yes, more defense! The Bengals can get pass-rush insurance in case Trey Hendrickson leaves -- or more pass-rush support for him if he sticks around. Sawyer is tough and powerful.
82. Seattle Seahawks
Kiper's pick: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
Farmer is disruptive, and he'd give the Seahawks more depth on the inside. He had nine sacks over the past two seasons.
83. Las Vegas Raiders (via projected trade with PIT)
Yates' pick: Shemar Turner, DL, Texas A&M
The Raiders land here after the projected trade down with the Steelers. They are seeking help on the defensive line, and Turner has some intriguing traits. His 2024 numbers weren't super impressive (two sacks), but he had six sacks and 31 pressures in 2023.
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kiper's pick: Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
Remember this name; Martin is a late riser in the process. He was limited to five games in 2024, but he had 135 tackles, 21 run stops and 6 sacks in 2023. He could be Lavonte David's eventual replacement.
Ayomanor would provide Denver with some solid 4.44 speed and good 6-foot-2 size at receiver. He could be developed for a Courtland Sutton-like role.
86. Los Angeles Chargers
Kiper's pick: Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame
The Chargers gave up 4.7 yards per carry last season, 27th in the NFL. They could use more depth up the middle behind Teair Tart. Mills displays explosiveness and strong hands, which allow him to gain an immediate leverage advantage. He could probably play either 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle in the pros.
87. Green Bay Packers
Yates' pick: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
Green Bay can continue to add to its pass-rush presence -- this time on the interior -- with Sanders, who had 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
The Jaguars signed Jourdan Lewis in the slot, but there are still questions opposite Tyson Campbell on the outside. Over six college seasons, Riley had 15 interceptions and 39 pass breakups.
89. Houston Texans
Yates' pick: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
The powerful and disruptive Robinson will help the Texans' trenches on defense. He broke out in 2024 with seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
90. Los Angeles Rams
Kiper's pick: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
The Rams should have one eye to the future at quarterback considering Matthew Stafford is 37. Howard could learn behind Stafford and potentially develop into a starter. He threw 35 touchdown passes last season, but he also ran for seven scores.
Knight makes plays on the ball, with three forced fumbles, two sacks and a pick in his one season at South Carolina (he transferred from Charlotte after a few years at Georgia Tech). I like him next to Roquan Smith.
The Seahawks have Riq Woolen outside and Devon Witherspoon in the slot, but the other corner spot could use a boost (and if nothing else, more depth). With great instincts and press coverage traits, Williams led the nation with seven interceptions last season.
93. New Orleans Saints (via WSH)
Yates' pick: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Remember that we matched Shedeur Sanders with the Saints in Round 1. Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave are both coming off injuries, so New Orleans would be smart to get reinforcements for their rookie passer. Harris runs great routes and averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season.
The Browns are able to land a really good football player late on Day 2. Gillotte's sack count fell from 11 to 4.5 this season, but he still got 50 pressures. He could see action early opposite Myles Garrett.
95. Kansas City Chiefs
Yates' pick: Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
The Chiefs traded Joe Thuney this offseason. Fairchild is pro-ready and allowed only five pressures and zero sacks over his 35-game college career.
96. Philadelphia Eagles
Kiper's pick: CJ West, DT, Indiana
Here's your Milton Williams replacement. West had double-digit run stops in each of his past four seasons and chipped in nine sacks over that time.
97. Minnesota Vikings*
Yates' pick: Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
Minnesota lost Camryn Bynum in free agency, and Harrison Smith is 36. But the team can add a football vacuum in Bowman late on Day 2. Bowman had 11 picks over the past three seasons.
98. Miami Dolphins*
Kiper's pick: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
I really like watching Grant play. The former high school wrestler has great physicality and explosiveness. He could bounce inside and push Liam Eichenberg at guard, or he could be a backup plan at left tackle now that Patrick Paul has taken over for recently retired Terron Armstead.
99. New York Giants*
Yates' pick: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
The Giants already have an elite interior presence in Dexter Lawrence II, but they lack a lot of depth. And Norman-Lott could contribute early in the pass rush (9.5 sacks in the past two seasons)
100. San Francisco 49ers*
Kiper's pick: Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky
Corners have flown off the board, but the 49ers still get a good one near the end of Round 3. Stout had six interceptions over the past three years, and he had 10 run stops last season, showing his diverse skill set.
101. Los Angeles Rams*
Yates' pick: Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
Kennard plays with a great motor, and he's long and powerful. He had 11.5 sacks in 2024. Kennard could be yet another Day 2 value for the Rams.
102. Detroit Lions*
Kiper's pick: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
I thought about Central Arkansas edge rusher David Walker because I really think he's going before Round 4. But after using their first-round pick on Mykel Williams, the Lions might opt to touch up the linebacker room with Carter. He could contribute in a lot of ways; Carter had 77 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 9 pass breakups last season.
A healthy Simmons is better than any player that will possibly be available other than Nolen, who will also only be there for reasons other than football.
Some of you are just way too extreme with the anti-Simmons stuff. And I'm just not seeing it outside of CP. I'm starting to think we have some groupthink going on here.
It's one thing to be concerned about the injury and not wanting to take the risk. It's another to pretend he isn't a top 15 talent when healthy that has no business being available at 31 otherwise.
Personally, I think Conerly is a better OT than Simmons when Simmons is healthy, which I haven't spoken much about. I'm not in the consensus there by any means, but there are some who agree. I think Simmons is a bit better in the run game but not as good in pass protection. I like Conerly's movement better. It's close, but if Simmons didn't have the injury, I'd still go with Conerly as my preference.
The very fact that Simmons has the injury just drives him out of round 1 for me. That doesn't mean it drives him out of round 1 for some team that feels comfortable with where he'll be at or even takes a chance just on need alone. I'll be very, very nervous if that team is the Chiefs.
Top 3 is a great start in my book. I would have preferred RJ Harvey, Jordan James, or Damien Martinez to Skattebo Would have Gone Cam Williams or Mukuba to Cabeldue at 133 And changed the… pic.twitter.com/l0VEoWnZ0P
Top 3 is a great start in my book. I would have preferred RJ Harvey, Jordan James, or Damien Martinez to Skattebo Would have Gone Cam Williams or Mukuba to Cabeldue at 133 And changed the… pic.twitter.com/l0VEoWnZ0P
Top 3 is a great start in my book. I would have preferred RJ Harvey, Jordan James, or Damien Martinez to Skattebo Would have Gone Cam Williams or Mukuba to Cabeldue at 133 And changed the… pic.twitter.com/l0VEoWnZ0P
No thank. No thank you at all. Only pick I really like is Alfred Collins.
It's the most defensible but using a top 75 pick on a guy who might be as good as Mike Pennel in a year or two doesn't feel like our style at all.
The Chiefs are convinced (and perhaps rightly so) that they can keep getting run-stuffing 0-techs either as cheap veterans or 3rd day flyers. They've seemingly had little interest in really attacking the position for years.
There's a non-zero chance that he'd end up being the Derrick Nnadi of the class -- the best pick of a draft who ends up being a quality player for awhile but who shouldn't be the most valuable pick from any draft class.
My favorite pick out of that group would be Lachey. Not sure you'd get anything out of him for at least a season, but there are some tools there and as a 7th round pick, that's worth the gamble.
__________________
"If there's a god, he's laughing at us.....and our football team..."
"When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags."
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that way about Alfred Collins. I much prefer his teammate Vernon Broughton who has excellent size and had 32 pressures (pressure every 18 snaps avg) and 4 sacks in his first year as a starter.
__________________ Mike Greenberg@Espngreeny
I can’t fathom what it must be like to be a fan of the #Chiefs.
I disagree with you guys a bit on Dane's mock. I don't love it either, to start with.
I just can't get on board with drafting Simmons, so I'll start there. I just think that's an asinine selection but I get the draw of giving KC a LT. I want one to, I just don't want THAT one.
Tre Harris is NOT a contested catch WR. He's a bit on the larger side at 6'2" 205, but he's not "too big." He actually fits what we do really well in terms of how Ole Miss used him. I just don't know if his speed and short-area quickness are enough for Reid. I could support that pick, though.
I actually like Collins quite a bit, and at that spot feel like he'd be a high-quality pick. I think there is a lot of meat on the bone yet with him in terms of getting him to produce more of a pass rush. That said, I can see wanting more juice. That's why I'm a big fan of TJ Sanders. Maybe he won't be as stout versus the run, but he's going to get after the QB more.
I don't get the Skattebo hate, honestly. Kid is tough as shit to take down and that's not going to magically change in the NFL. Sure, he's not the explosive guy we want on 3rd down, but this guy is going to be an every down starter for a team. Can't judge a football player just on 40 time.
The rest are stabs in the dark just like everyone else makes. I don't hate any of them. I love Downs but his arms are so ****ing short. Wish he was a couple inches longer there. I think the OL stabs are reasonable where they are, honestly.
The problem is that Harris isn't an early separation, short area guy either. And he's not a downfield specialist.
So I thought I was being diplomatic in calling him a 'contested catch' guy because ultimately I don't see him being particularly adept at...anything. He's just there.
I don't think I'd have him in my top 10 WRs. I just can't see why I should like him more than someone like Tory Horton or Kyle Williams. Those are 3rd and 4th round guys by most and that's about how I see Harris.
Admittedly, I can be dogmatic especially when it comes to WRs, but it's served me well more often than it hasn't. I just don't see a guy that does anything particularly well.
I think you can get away with that at a lot of positions but I just don't see it at WR. I'd take a RB with no standout traits but who does everything at a reasonably solid level. But at WR I need to see SOMETHING you do specifically well. In Harris I see a guy who's not particularly fast, not particularly physical, not particularly polished and doesn't run exceptional routes.
He's game. He's willing to put his body out there to take a hit and make a catch. He's willing to block. I guess you could argue that he doesn't look a ton different than Rice did coming out, but I just liked what I saw in Rice quite a bit more than Harris.
__________________
"If there's a god, he's laughing at us.....and our football team..."
"When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags."
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