SIMON CARROLL: SEVEN ROUND MEGA MOCK
By Simon Carroll
Forget doing mock drafts every week since October. Much like my mounting number of bills I’ve consolidated all my mocks into one big, super draft. Seven rounds, including first round trades – I’ve split the mock up into three pages to resemble the three days of the draft, and added a fourth page with a team by team list of picks. Let’s get drafting!
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ROUND 1
1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
After the failed Urban Meyer experiment, the Jaguars have the number one overall pick for the second year running. Lacking talent and character almost across the board, and with their future franchise QB already in situ, Jacksonville have the luxury of choice here. Aidan Hutchinson is a phenomenal edge rushing talent and a true leader, and will line up opposite Josh Allen to create quite the formidable pass rushing duo.
2. DETROIT LIONS
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Do they consider Malik Willis here? Of course they do. But considering the feel good factor in Detroit right now, Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are still enjoying the honeymoon period at Ford Field and don’t have to rush to find their future quarterback. Instead, they land a blue chip edge rusher in Kayvon Thibodeaux, a physical freak who has a point to prove after some questions about his love for football in the pre-draft process.
3. HOUSTON TEXANS
Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The first eyebrow raiser of the mock. Houston are embarking on something of a rebuild under new GM Nick Caserio, who will hope to find elite contributors to a roster that is devoid of talent. Kyle Hamilton is my top player in this draft class and probably in most people’s top three; granted, he doesn’t play at a premium position, but Houston are loaded with draft capital, and giving Lovie Smith a versatile playmaker in the secondary will help The Texans in a division with suspect quarterback play.
4. NEW YORK JETS
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
I think it’s fair to say that Mekhi Becton hasn’t panned out quite how the Jets would have hoped. Whilst there’s still plenty of time for the athletic behemoth tackle to turn things around, the first order of the day for Joe Douglas is to protect Zach Wilson and give him the best opportunity to become the franchise quarterback for Gang Green. Ikem Ekwonu has the athleticism and length to excel as a pass protector, and perhaps allows Becton to move over to the right.
5. ATLANTA FALCONS
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
TRADE! The Falcons send #8 and #43 to The Giants for #5
The first trade of the mock is unsurprisingly a move up for a quarterback. The Falcons’ ears prick up when they learn that Detroit pass on Malik Willis three picks earlier, and immediately get on the phone to The Giants. Unwilling to take the risk that Carolina also declines the Liberty QB, Terry Fontenot pulls the trigger to jump one spot ahead of their division rivals and grab their future starter under center. This roster is bereft of playmakers and year one won’t be pretty, but perhaps Atlanta throw Marcus Mariota to the wolves in 2022 whilst Willis finds his feet in the NFL.
6. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Would Carolina have gone Malik Willis if it wasn’t for the pesky Falcons? Maybe, but also maybe not – Matt Rhule’s job, and maybe also Scott Fitterer’s, is on the line, and The Panthers cannot rely on Sam Darnold to save them from the sack this season. Step forward Kenny Pickett, who is the most pro-ready QB in this draft class. His previous relationship with Rhule, as well as owner David Tepper’s affinity for the Pitt football program, might seal the deal; he should be a day one starter, and whilst his ceiling might not be as high as Willis’, he gives this regime the best chance of still being in place this time next year.
7. NEW YORK GIANTS
Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The first of two draft picks for The Giants see new GM Joe Schoen give Daniel Jones every chance of being the future at quarterback for Big Blue. With Andrew Thomas taking a major step forward in 2021, adding Evan Neal will give this franchise bookend tackles that should give Danny Dimes more protection in the pocket. Neal has experience at every spot on the offensive line and will have no problem slotting in at right tackle from the get-go.
8. NEW YORK GIANTS
Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
*Received from The Falcons as part of the trade for #5 (Malik Willis)
After trading back with the Falcons earlier, Schoen still achieves every Giants fan’s wishes by bolstering both trenches with their two first-round picks. Travon Walker’s draft stock has soared the last two months, so much so that the Georgia pass rusher has been mooted as the number one overall pick in some quarters. His lack of statistical production in Athens takes that off the table in this mock, but there’s no denying the measurements and athleticism he brings. Able to play as an end in an odd or even front will appeal to new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
9. HOUSTON TEXANS
Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
TRADE! The Texans send #13 and #68 to The Seahawks for #9
Trade number two in this mock goes right back to what we were saying before – Nick Caserio wants to leave this draft with some blue chip pieces added to his roster. And if he wants the final elite edge rusher available, then he’s going to have to use some of that draft capital to move up and get him. Jermaine Johnson caught everyone’s attention at The Senior Bowl, but in truth he’s been a star long before then. His ferocity off the snap will be coveted by a team who has struggled to get to the QB in recent seasons.
10. NEW YORK JETS
Drake London, WR, USC
Missing out on one of the top four edge rushers helps make a decision for Joe Douglas, who will undoubtedly want to provide Zach Wilson with an elite receiver. Drake London is the perfect fit for The Jets, a big-bodied receiver whose incredible wingspan and tenacity at the catch point will allow their QB to throw it up for him to come down with. His recovery from serious injury notwithstanding, London also has the vertical threat to take advantage of his new quarterback’s big arm downfield.
11. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Commanders have plenty of areas to address in this draft, but will be pleased to come away with their pick of the cornerbacks here. Sauce Gardner is the complete package, possessing all the length, speed and physicality that the NFL craves in a modern day corner. He’s simply on a different level to Washington’s current CB room and will help tighten up this back end in their pursuit of the playoffs.
12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
The Vikings are salivating at the thought of landing one of the most talented prospects in this year’s draft class with the twelfth overall pick. Two years ago, Derek Stingley had the world at his feet, before a combination of COVID and injury seems to have had people forgetting just how insanely effective he was during LSU’s National Championship run. Pairing him up with another former Tiger in Patrick Peterson gives Minnesota’s secondary a leg up in trying to compete with Aaron Rodgers in the NFC North.
13. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
*Received from The Texans as part of the trade for #9 (Jermaine Johnson)
The Seahawks might not be in total rebuild mode, but their roster is definitely in the midst of a refresh following the trade of Russell Wilson. First order of business for John Schneider will be to address the porous offensive line, and he will be delighted to still get Charles Cross after moving four spots back. Cross is a proficient pass protector who might need a little more nasty to dominate against the run, but there’s no doubt that he offers a significant upgrade on the blindside in Seattle.
14. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia
Will Ravens fans get excited about this selection? Maybe not – but they should. Baltimore have done a very good job of consistently letting talent fall to them in the draft; a tactic Ozzie Newsome employed for more than 20 years, and Eric Decosta has continued that theme. Devonte Wyatt might have the least fanfare of all the Georgia front seven prospects in this draft, but he’s a perfect balance of run stuffer and interior pass rusher that can play in an odd or even front. Adding him to a d-line that also boasts Calais Campbell and Odafe Oweh will be a terrifying sight for opposing AFC North quarterbacks.
15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
With their first of two selections in this year’s first round, Philly look to address an area of need by snagging an elite cornerback. Andrew Booth is a height-length-speed merchant with terrific ball skills and the savvy to play out on an island. Some recent injury concerns have seen a mini-slide for Booth – make no mistake, the former Clemson corner has top ten talent. Pairing him with Darius Slay upgrades the Eagles’ secondary.
16. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
After an intriguing trade with The Eagles prior to the draft, The Saints head into the opening night with two selections. Why? Because they have two glaring positions of need – and that’s not even thinking about the quarterback. With their first pick, Mickey Loomis gives Jameis Winston a true deep threat; Jameson Williams is, for me, the best receiver in this draft class. If it wasn’t for tearing his ACL in the National Championship game he likely would have come off the board ten picks earlier. Williams will need some time to recover from the injury, but he’s the ideal foil for Michael Thomas.
17. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
TRADE! The Packers send #22 and #59 to The Chargers for #17
Watching two wide receivers come off the board has made The Packers a little antsy; and with plenty of draft capital at their disposal, decide to make a move up the board. Green Bay have a Davante Adams sized hole to fill on their offense. and jump ahead of the receiver needy Eagles in order to snag Garrett Wilson. Wilson isn’t as smooth as other receivers in this class, but he’s got an insane burst off the line of scrimmage and all the short area quicks and long speed to be a threat at every level of the field.
18. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
For the third year in a row, The Eagles are looking for a first round receiver. Whilst that in of itself should lead to questions being asked of Howie Roseman, they land on their feet here with the selection of Chris Olave. Olave has terrifying deep speed but is so graceful across the turf it kind of sneaks up on you. Adding his vertical threat with the route-running genius of Devonta Smith gives Jalen Hurts no excuses now – if he can’t succeed with this level of talent around him, Philly know it’s time to move on in 2023.
19. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Back to the Saints, who look to address the other area of concern on their offense. Terron Armstead’s defection to Miami leaves a gaping hole on the offensive line that needs to be filled if Jameis Winston is to avoid the kind of injury he suffered last year. Trevor Penning is a polarising prospect, blessed with raw athleticism and physicality but somewhat unrefined and hot headed. The Saints may be inclined to start him on the right side and move Ryan Ramczyk to left tackle, but if he’s drafted here Penning will be expected to start early.
20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
Whilst we’re far from sure that Mitchell Trubisky is the long-term answer at quarterback for The Steelers, this roster has far too many needs to be reaching for one at this stage of the draft. High on the list of priorities is a new center, and Mason Cole’s arrival from Minnesota isn’t going to stop them from taking one at this juncture. Linderbaum is a technician who overcompensates for his short arms with timing, tenacity and execution. He has the makeup of a ten year starter for Pittsburgh.
21. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
The New England Patriots, under the longtime rule of Bill Belichick, remain the enigmas of the NFL Draft. And only a fool would feel confident in predicting what the hooded genius intends to do on Thursday night. That being said, I can’t imagine a more Patriots player than Dax Hill, an impressively versatile defensive back whose star has ascended to first round status. A long-term successor to Belichick favourite Devin McCourty, he can use him in various guises until he ascends to a starter role.
22. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College
*Received from The Packers as part of the trade for #17 (Garrett Wilson)
The Chargers struck gold this time last year with the selection of Rashawn Slater. With the left tackle spot secured, it’s time to address the right side of their offensive line. Trading back they grab Zion Johnson, one of the most complete and NFL ready prospects in this draft class. Johnson will step in immediately at guard and allow Matt Feiler to kick outside. Justin Herbert’s protection is finally complete.
23. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Cardinals are still searching for the final piece of their secondary since Patrick Peterson left town. Having been to the Washington well succesfully before in Byron Murphy and Budda Baker, The Cardinals return to the Pacific Northwest for another defensive back. Trent McDuffie is a quick-twitch, instinctual corner who is proficient in all coverages and plays tougher than his 5’11” frame suggests. The perfect fit in the desert.
24. DALLAS COWBOYS
George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The loss of Randy Gregory stung the Cowboys; confident their long-time edge rusher was returning, Gregory changed his mind and headed to Denver instead. In George Karlaftis, Jerry Jones finds a like for like replacement; 6’4″ and 266lbs with all the length to dispose of pesky tackles as he attacks the pocket perimeter.
25. BUFFALO BILLS
Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia
Buffalo have seen some changes to their defensive front this offseason, with the departure of Star Lotuleilei and the return of Jordan Phillips. But adding a true run stuffer to pair with Ed Oliver’s interior pass rush would complete this d-line. Jordan Davis had jaw-dropping athletic testing for a man his size, and whilst questions remain about his three-down capabilities he is great value at this juncture.
26. TENNESSEE TITANS
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
If Tennessee are to be considered legitimate contenders for the AFC, they have to get more out of their passing game to complement Derrick Henry. Ryan Tannehill sorely missed Jonnu Smith last year, who offered a reliable short-intermediate target who could give you yards after the catch. That sums up Treylon Burks nicely, who may have underwhelmed at the combine but has the physicality to win at the catch point and rumble for more yards. He comes in to form a dangerous partnership with AJ Brown.
27. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M
Losing both Ted Karras and Ali Marpet in the offseason leaves Tampa Bay short on the interior of their offensive line in Todd Bowles’ first season in charge. Tom Brady returns and operates best with elite protection guarding against interior pass-rushers; Texas A&M’s Kenyon Green is the best guard prospect in the class for my money, and should immediately start for the Buccaneers.
28. GREEN BAY PACKERS
David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
After going deep in the playoffs the last three years, Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff have some credit in the bank. That allows the Packers to think a little more long-term with their second selection on day one, eschewing immediate production for higher upside. If David Ojabo hadn’t suffered tha gruesome injury on his pro day he would be off the board way beyond this point. Green Bay bring him in to be the long-term replacement for Za’Darius Smith.
29. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Tyrann Mathieu departs Arrowhead, and The Chiefs would love to find a younger model with similar versatility and playmaking ability. In Lewis Cine, they have that prospect; A heat-seeking missile coming downhill from the secondary, the former Bulldog may be a touch undersized but plays fast and aggressive. One of my favourite players in this draft, it won’t be long before his exploits make him a fan favourite for the Chiefs too.
30. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Much like the previous pick, The Chiefs look to replace a departed star in the first round. Nobody is calling Jahan Dotson Tyreek Hill, but there is no doubt the Penn State speedster has big play ability. His proficiency getting open early in his routes will help Patrick Mahomes combat the additions other AFC West teams have added to their pass rush this offseason. Dotson has a penchant for the spectacular, and will fit in well in this explosive offense.
31. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
TRADE! The Seahawks send #40 and #72 to The Bengals for #31
Usually it’s the number 32 pick that gets targeted for teams trading into the back end of round one for a quarterback, but with The Lions also in the QB market it’s the penultimate pick that garners trade attention. Re-signing Geno Smith does nothing to convince me Seattle are set at QB with him and Drew Lock, and already familiar with a big armed, mobile quarterback in Russell Wilson, they make a move up for his long-term replacement. Matt Corral is an explosive passer who exploded at Ole Miss last year. If he can stay healthy and contnue to minimise the mistakes, we may be looking back at this risky pick in admiration in a few year’s time.
32. DETROIT LIONS
Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Is there a more Lions-esque player in this draft than Nakobe Dean? The manic Georgia linebacker simply doesn’t have an off-switch. Dean loves to prowl behind the line of scrimmage, and has the range to cover every blade of grass in pursuit of the football. His combative and full-throttle nature marries perfectly with the culture that Dan Campbell has cultivated in Detroit, and also happens to fill a need. The Lions would be ecstatic to walk away from day one with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Nakobe Dean added to their ranks.
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