It is time boys and girls. The NFL Draft is this Thursday at Cleveland. Therefore, this will be my last mock draft on the website (don’t even think that this will be my last one till it happens lol). Obviously so many other things can happen with the order and with what happens with players. So without further ado, here is my final Monday Mock with the explanations at the end as always!
| 1.) Jacksonville Jaguars | Trevor Lawrence (QB/Clemson) |
| 2.) New York Jets | Zach Wilson (QB/BYU) |
| 3.) San Francisco 49ers | Mac Jones (QB/Alabama) |
| 4.) Atlanta Falcons | Kyle Pitts (TE/Florida) |
| 5.) Cincinnati Bengals | Ja’Marr Chase (WR/LSU) |
| 6.) Miami Dolphins | Penei Sewell (OT/Oregon) |
| 7.) Detroit Lions | Trey Lance (QB/North Dakota State) |
| 8.) Carolina Panthers | Rashawn Slater (G/Northwestern) |
| 9.) Denver Broncos | Justin Fields (QB/Ohio State) |
| 10.) Dallas Cowboys | Patrick Surtain II (CB/Alabama) |
| 11.) New York Giants | DeVonta Smith (WR/Alabama) |
| 12.) Philadelphia Eagles | Micah Parsons (MLB/Penn State) |
| 13.) Los Angeles Chargers | Christian Darrisaw (OT/Virginia Tech) |
| 14.) Minnesota Vikings | Alijah Vera-Tucker (IOL/USC) |
| 15.) New England Patriots | Jaylen Waddle (WR/Alabama) |
| 16.) Arizona Cardinals | Jaycee Horn (CB/S. Carolina) |
| 17.) Las Vegas Raiders | Teven Jenkins (OT/Oklahoma State) |
| 18.) Miami Dolphins | Jaelen Phillips (DE/Miami) |
| 19.) Washington Football Team | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (MLB/Notre Dame) |
| 20.) Chicago Bears | Caleb Farley (CB/Virginia Tech) |
| 21.) Indianapolis Colts | Kwity Paye (EDGE/Michigan) |
| 22.) Tennessee Titans | Greg Newsome II (CB /Northwestern) |
| 23.) New York Jets | Jayson Oweh (DE/Penn State) |
| 24.) Pittsburgh Steelers | Najee Harris (RB/Alabama) |
| 25.) Jacksonville Jaguars | Samuel Cosmi (OT/Texas) |
| 26.) Cleveland Browns | Zaven Collins (LB/Tulsa) |
| 27.) Baltimore Ravens | Rashod Bateman (WR/Minnesota) |
| 28.) New Orleans Saints | Kadarius Toney (WR/Florida) |
| 29.) Green Bay Packers | Terrace Marshall Jr. (WR/LSU) |
| 30.) Buffalo Bills | Azeez Ojulari (DE/Georgia) |
| 31.) Baltimore Ravens | Alex Leatherwood (OT/Alabama) |
| 32.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Joe Tryon (DE/Northwestern) |
Who Picked Who and Why?
1.) Jacksonville – Why Trevor Lawrence?
Trevor Lawrence has been the first overall selection since he came on the scene at Clemson. It’s an absolute no brainer and one of the easiest selections in NFL draft history.
2.) New York (J) – Why Zach Wilson?
The Jets have been extremely vocal for their love for Zach Wilson, so sharpie this one in. Wilson has shown he can absolutely sling the ball and has the athleticism to start instantly at the next level. Can they build a team around him? Probably not. But Wilson should be a good starter next season.
3.) San Francisco – Why Mac Jones?
It comes down to this for me with the Mac / Lance debate. If the 49ers really believe that they need to move on from Jimmy G, it’s Mac. Mac Jones is a pro ready quarterback and Trey Lance, despite being a freak show of a talent, needs time to develop as a quarterback. Mac can plug in now and the Niners can move Jimmy G.
4.) Atlanta – Why Kyle Pitts?
Atlanta is a weird situation man. I think they should either move back or take their next starting quarterback but the Julio trade rumors speak volume to the fact that this team needs young talent. Calvin Ridley is an absolute unit so pair the stud with another blue chip offensive weapon. Kyle Pitts is the highest rated non-qb in this draft for good reasons and should open up a much needed TE spot on this offense.
5.) Cincinnati – Why Ja’Marr Chase?
Chase, Sewell….Sewell, Chase. I think that the Bengals should absolute go for the lineman here, but the winds of Cincy just scream Ja’Marr Chase this year. Chase is a once in a generation wide receiver who can offer Joe Burrow his partner for the next 10 years…hopefully their line can help him last that long.
6.) Miami – Why Penei Sewell?
Miami recently traded away Ereck Flowers, opening up a hole on the left side of their line. Austin Jackson was a good LT on this team but keep in mind that Tua is left handed, meaning his blind side is on the right. Take Sewell and help Tua become the QB we all know he can be.
7.) Detroit – Why Trey Lance?
Funny enough, this will probably be where Lance goes…just not to the Lions. We don’t allow trades in our mocks but this pick right here will absolutely be moved on draft night. If the Lions do not move, grab the project QB to sit behind Jared Goff and let him learn for 2-3 years.
8.) Carolina – Why Rashawn Slater?
Carolina recently traded for Sam Darnold and I think he’s going to find a second life at the Panthers with all of their weapons. Grab Slater, the #2 OT in this draft and let Darnold have a shot at being an NFL quarterback. Whether he deserves it or not is a different question, but when you trade for a guy like him you have to see what you paid for.
9.) Denver – Why Justin Fields?
Justin Fields is going to tear this league a part, mark my words. I love this kid and there’s no logical reason for his “fall” down boards. If the Broncos can get Fields here I would love myself some Jerry Jeudy stocks come fantasy season.
10.) Dallas – Why Patrick Surtain II?
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezyyy. The Cowboys secondary is absolute poop and Surtain is my top back in the draft so this is a perfect fit. Arguably the most called for pick in the draft, Surtain to Dallas just makes sense and finally gets them the secondary player they need.
11.) New York (G) – Why DeVonta Smith?
The Giants are another team that I could easily see move out of this position, but their love for Smith is widely known. DeVonta Smith is going to be the perfect example of why size isn’t the only thing that matters, somewhat similarly to us understanding that Metcalf’s size SHOULD have been why he was taken high. To each their own, I adore DeVonta Smith in this class.
12.) Philadelphia – Why Micah Parsons?
Micah Parsons is the least talked about elite level player in this entire class. Two years ago we expected Parsons to be a top 3 pick based on talent and position and he falls to 12 here for the Eagles. Philly needs A LOT for that roster, but adding in a QB on the defense can alter that unit for years to come. I love this pick.
13.) Los Angeles (C) – Why Christian Darrisaw?
If Joe Burrow’s rookie season taught us anything, it’s keep your franchise Qb safe. I love me some Justin Herbert and the Chargers have a chance here to grab another offensive weapon, but Darrisaw is such a nice addition to that line. Protect your mans.
14.) Minnesota – Why Alijah Vera-Tucker?
Has there been a pick that’s more universally un-sexy yet agreed upon as AVT to the Vikings? He’s the highest interior lineman in this entire class and for good reasons. Minnesota also needs edge rush help so there’s always a chance they go with their favorite DE, but AVT is a plug in guard who can be a Viking for years to come.
15.) New England – Why Jaylen Waddle?
The Patriots suck and need talent on offense. Boom, easy as that right? Waddle is an enigma to me as some people say he’s the most talented offensive weapon in this class with the ball in his hand while others say he’s not even a top five receiver. Which ever it is, if the Patriots don’t go get their Qb of the future, Waddle should add some explosiveness into one of the leagues worst offenses.
16.) Arizona – Why Jaycee Horn?
Arizona needs corner help after the departure of franchise legend Patrick Peterson. Horn is the best press cover man in this class and although he may be one dimensional at the next level, a lock down corner is exactly what the Cardinals need to battle their tough division.
17.) Las Vegas – Why Teven Jenkins?
Jenkins has flown up draft boards and should be the Raiders selection here. I’ve seen some mocks help out their secondary, but snag Jenkins and let Carr sling the ball deep to Ruggs each and every week.
18.) Miami – Why Jaelen Phillips?
The Dolphins have already selected their franchise tackle, so addressing a defensive nightmare like Jaelen Phillips can boost that unit instantly. I love what the Dolphins have been creating in Miami so they are the team that I have the least idea about this year, so add some much needed pass rush talent with the Miami standout here.
19.) Washington – Why Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah?
JOK honestly can go anywhere in this first round and I wouldn’t be surprised, but adding arguably the best cover MLB in the class behind the best front 4 in the NFL seems so logical. JOK is fast, intelligent and a high character player, all things that Riverboat Ron needs right now. I could see them moving up for a QB, but at this spot JOK is too good to pass up on.
20.) Chicago – Why Caleb Farley?
If healthy, Farley would be the best corner in this class and I’m not sure he would be anywhere else but Dallas. Farley’s medical on his back is the reason for his aggressive slide on draft boards, but the Bears just flat out need talent. If they do not move up for one of the top QB’s, add the best player available…even with the injury concerns.
21.) Indianapolis – Why Kwity Paye?
The Colts have the luxury this year of selecting any of these pass rushers and just hoping for the best. Paye, Philips, Oweh, Ojulari, take your pick. If one of them hits the DE joins one of the most exciting units in the league and can be an instant impact player. I could also see the Colts go safety here if they feel so inclined, but snag the draft’s best DE and hope for the best.
22.) Tennessee – Why Greg Newsome II?
The Titans need corner help so if Farley falls here, I would expect him to be the selection. Newsome is a talented DB that can start instantly although there are a few additional needs on the Titans roster. There’s reason to believe one of the receivers could go here but secondary help is much, much needed.
23.) New York (J) – Why Jayson Oweh?
Oweh shocked the world at his combine as an absolute freak and I believe that helped him rise above many of the talented DE’s in this class. The Jets need high character talent in this class and there’s a few ways they could go. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Harris or Etienne drafted here.
24.) Pittsburgh – Why Najee Harris?
I have absolutely no clue what the Steelers are doing tomorrow night and I have a weird feeling they like it that way. Harris is a run first back who is an absolute animal on the gridiron, but there are many needs the Steelers have to fill. OT, OL, MLB, CB and QB are some glaring needs this upcoming season but Harris offers a start now back that the Steelers haven’t had in years.
25.) Jacksonville – Why Samuel Cosmi?
Jacksonville has grabbed T-Law and the future is bright, so bring in Cosmi to protect your purchase. Cosmi isn’t the greatest tackle in this class but he absolute has first round talent and can impact a much needed unit.
26.) Cleveland – Why Zaven Collins?
I would be so upset if this happens because the Browns MLB unit is average at best. I know most people have edge rusher here, but Collins offers the perfect solution to the quickness of Lamar Jackson and the slant loving Big Ben in the Browns division. Edge could be the call here, but Collins would take that defense from great to elite instantly.
27.) Baltimore – Why Rashod Bateman?
Baltimore has been vocal about using at least one of their first round picks on a receiver, so put the future in your own hands. Bateman hasn’t really been spoken about highly in regards to the other receivers in this class but he can be an extremely solid option at the next level, something the Ravens have been lacking.
28.) New Orleans – Why Kadarius Toney?
With Emmanuel Sanders leaving, the Saints need to add some additional WR talent and I can only imagine what Payton can draw up with Toney’s explosiveness. There’s a few Wr’s that could go here, but Toney adds a level of explosiveness that this offense needs. Mmmmmmmm….end arounds.
29.) Green Bay – Why Terrace Marshall Jr.?
Marshall is known as “the other guy” on LSU’s historic run two seasons ago but was able to carve his own path last season without Chase or Jefferson on the roster. I like Marshall a ton in this class and the Packers need another receiver. The franchise has been vocal about loving Bateman but sadly he doesn’t fall to them here.
30.) Buffalo – Why Azeez Ojulari?
Azeez “I’m Not Sorry” Ojulari is a terrific edge rusher in a class with no true top talent. Buffalo has a young and hungry defense with White, Edmunds and Oliver in the lineup, so adding another young and hungry member to that defense just makes all the sense in the world. I could see them trade out here, but add that talent
31.) Baltimore – Why Alex Leatherwood?
The Ravens recently shipped Orlando Brown to the Chiefs which still kind of makes no sense to me in terms of that’s the one team they’re chasing, but Alex Leatherwood is a RT who can start instantly. If they don’t take a WR with their first selection we could see Elijah Moore from Ole Miss here, but add to that line baby.
32.) Tampa Bay – Why Joe Tyron?
Tryon has risen up boards and can add some young depth so that defense where they need some youth. The Bucs will most likely (if history has shown us anything) move away from this selection, but adding to an already impressive unit on the edge can be the thing that takes the Bucs back to the SB.
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