It's that time of year again where speculation runs rampant and we try our hand again at this mock draft thing. While many of these picks might warrant further explanation, we're only going to be highlighting the fantasy relevant players in this article.
Picks 1 - 10:
#6: Kenny Pickett, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers failed to get a quarterback in free agency and have yet to make a move for seemingly attainable pieces in Jimmy Garrapolo and Baker Mayfield. If things remain the same, I fully expect Matt Rhule and Co. to make a splash with Pickett at 6. Not to mention, Panthers' owner David Tepper is a Pitt graduate.
In my opinion, Pickett is the most NFL-ready QB in this class. Pickett has a strong athletic profile, featuring a sturdy frame, mobility, and arm talent. Over the least year, Pickett has improved his throwing mechanics and improved his accuracy. A main area of improvement for Pickett is to develop awareness and patience in the pocket. He also has notable small hands for the position but so did Joe Burrow.... we'll leave that there.
#8: Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
After the discovery of Calvin Ridley's gambling infraction, and losing Russell Gage to the Bucs in free agency, the Falcons find themselves thinner than ever at WR. In all that we've read and heard, Drake London is regarded by many as the top receiving prospect in this class. Malik Willis is a popular option at this pick but we believe the more immediate need is at WR. Desmond Ridder would be a more suitable choice in the early second round (No.43) for the Falcons.
Picks 11 - 20:
#16: Garrett Wilson, Philadelphia Eagles
Yes... the Eagles are going to try their hand at WR again this year. Why? Third times a charm.
We have taking the most polished receiver in this class, in Garrett Wilson, to compliment Devonta Smith. Wilson is an extremely talented route runner that creates effortless speed and maintains separation throughout his routes. If Jalen Hurts is to succeed as the Eagles signal caller, a weapon like Wilson is compulsory.
#18: Treylon Burks, New Orleans Saints
While we could also see the Saints going QB here, the glaringly obvious need at WR seems more pressing given that Hill and Winston will be in the picture for the next several seasons.
As mentioned in previous articles, Treylon Burks is a very raw prospect with a tremendous amount of upside. Given the unknown status of Michael Thomas and potential departure of Tre'Quan Smith, the Saints could benefit from a playmaker like Burks.
#20: Malik Willis, Pittsburgh Steelers
Addressing the elephant in the room: No, Mitchell Trubisky is not the franchise QB the Steelers so desperately need. He is a low-cost option that buys the team time to find their guy. Insert Malik Willis.
Like Burks, Willis is also a rawer prospect. We fully expect Willis to sit for a year to properly develop behind Trubisky. Willis possesses many physical gifts and projects to fit the Pittsburgh system well with his mobility, accuracy in shallow to intermediate areas, and deep ball potential.
Picks 21 - 32:
#22,28: Chris Olave & Jahan Dotson, Green Bay Packers
Look, this is not going to happen. But let us have a little fun here and make a case for why the Packers should consider this option.
The Packers current WR options are Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Amari Rodgers after losing Davante Adams to the Raiders. They haven't been able to get the WR position right in the later rounds, and haven't drafted a first round WR since 2002. They also have a reputation for boycotting the free agent market to fix their problems, so it's time to do something different.
Olave and Dotson are two of the best route runners and sure-handed receivers in this class, without a doubt, and can make an immediate impact in this offense. While Aaron Rodgers has not gelled with rookie WRs in his career, the Packers have never afforded him first-round talent. New territory for everyone.
#25: Breece Hall, Buffalo Bills
With the way Devin Singletary finished the season, this pick is highly improbable... but much like the way we treated the Packers selections, this is fun to daydream about.
Hall is the clear cut RB1 in this class for us, and it's not relatively close. Putting a patient and physical back like Hall in this back field would create nightmares for defenses who would have to honour the capability of Hall and the dual-threat of Josh Allen.
We rarely get nice things in dynasty football, so Hall will likely land with the Texans or Falcons (woof).
#32: Matt Corral, Detroit Lions
We didn't originally have the Lions taking a QB in the first round, but the opportunity cost for Corral here would be a no brainer.
The clock on Jared Goff's NFL career might be ticking, and if the Lions select a QB at 32 or 34, you can all but guarantee they will exercise out of his contract after 2023 (only $10,000,000 dead cap).
Corral has a great arm, makes good decisions, and is able to extend plays with his mobility (ran a 4.65 40). While we don't believe the ankle sprain suffered in the Sugar Bowl dramatically affects his stock, he may slide down the board a few spots (or behind Howell/Ridder).
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