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 predicted trades in the first round. Let the vitriol commence…
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
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Book it. Trev’s not even putting a suit on.
2. NEW YORK JETS
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
You can near as damn it book this one in too. We all saw Joe Douglas and Boby Saleh drooling at BYU’s Pro Day, and it wasn’t long before Sam Darnold was shipped out of town to make space for the ‘Mormon Manziel’. Wilson is a playmaker who can make every throw you ask him to, and thrives off-script. There are definite Paddy Mahomes vibes going on, and whilst he might not be as safe a pick as Justin Fields, the upside is off the charts.
3. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
It should be Justin Fields. It really should. But if, as rumoured, it’s a choice between Trey Lance and Mac Jones, then there is no choice at all. The narrative surrounding Lance and his need to redshirt whilst he acclimates to the NFL is a little disingenuous to his work ethic, preparedness and execution of a pro-style offense, but there’s no doubt it will be a jump from 17 starts at an FBS program to playing elite competition week in, week out. Having Jimmy G there to be the fall guy could help his development, and with Shanahan calling the plays, this is the perfect landing spot for the potential future All-Pro.
4. ATLANTA FALCONS
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
New England might have ambitions of getting up to intercept a potential fall down the draft for Justin Fields, but if i’m the Atlanta Falcons i’d have no intention of letting the star quarterback pass me by. Fields is a top prospect in this draft class, with a big arm, excellent field vision and dangerous athleticism to challenge defenses outside of the pocket. Lazy narratives regarding Ohio State quarterbacks or a poor work ethic are either smokescreens or unbridled racism. All you have to do is turn on the Clemson tape to see how hard this kid prepares. He simply doesn’t lose, and for a franchise not expecting to be picking this high again there won’t be a better opportunity to find Matt Ryan’s successor.
5. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Anyone who saw the size of the scar on Joe Burrow’s knee at last week’s new uniform launch will be scrambling to go get him some more protection up front. But this is the Bengals we’re talking about, and to be fair to this front office Chase is a ridiculously talented receiver who already has proven chemistry with your franchise quarterback. The offensive line class is deep and I expect them to address it early on day two – whichever way they do it, they’ll want a starting tackle and receiver with their first two picks.
6. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The man they wanted all along, Chris Grier played the board superbly this offseason, and has in fact been doing so ever since they robbed Houston blind when trading Laremy Tunsil to the Texans. The trade that just keeps on giving, The Dolphins are able to add potentially the most dangerous weapon in this draft. Pitts’ blend of speed, size and power make him unplayable on his day, and will give Tua that chain moving and redzone threat that the roster currently lacks.
7. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Trade! The Chargers send #13, #77 and a 2022 3rd rounder to The Lions to move up to #7
If Penei Sewell sneaks past the Bengals, I expect the Lions to be open for business at 7. Sitting just ahead of Carolina, any team who wants the premier tackle in this draft class will have the opportunity to come and get him. Step forward the Chargers, who have needed help on the o-line since they used to ply their trade in San Diego. Sewell is quick and nasty, will step in on the blind side from day one for The Bolts and help protect their prized young quarterback and former college teammate Justin Herbert for the next decade plus.
8. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Trade! The Patriots send #15, #46 and a 2022 4th rounder to The Panthers to move up to #8
Seeing the best tackle robbed from their grasp, The Panthers entertain trade offers to come down, gather more draft capital and still be in a position to help their o-line in the middle of the first round instead. With Denver potentially eyeing up Mac Jones as their quarterback for the future, New England steal a march on the Broncos and jump ahead of them to take the Alabama gunslinger. Jones’ draft range is as high as #3 and as low as a late first rounder – he has limited athleticism and polarises opinion, but he’s a cerebral technician who in the right scheme can be relied upon to get a team to the promised land. With Cam Newton in situ in 2021 and Jones presumably taking over duties down the road, have the Patriots found the answer at quarterback?
9. DENVER BRONCOS
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Broncos feel like a team that are a QB away from playoff relevance, but have been jilted at the altar this offseason. Eyeing a veteran quarterback to compete with Drew Lock, they saw the only real upgrade in Sam Darnold head to Carolina before missing out on the top five signal callers in the draft. Switching to plan B, they bring in Teddy B and stay where they are. With no QB left they take the best defensive player in the draft. Parsons is the complete linebacker who can rush the passer and has all the athleticism and power needed to be an all-pro down the line. If he passes character concerns he’ll provide Vic Fangio with that elite movable, final piece to this defense.
10. DALLAS COWBOYS
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Curveball! I got bored looking at the same old mocks of Patrick Surtain here so I thought we’d flip the script; Any success the Cowboys have enjoyed the last decade has been on the back of it’s dominant offensive line. With Dak Prescott coming back from a horrific injury Jerry will want to protect him at all costs. Rashawn Slater might have a smiling baby face but he’s an absolute mauler who can play tackle or guard, and maybe even center too. Adding him to this unit will give it a new lease of life and not only keep Dak upright, but get Zeke Elliott pounding that rock once again.
11. NEW YORK GIANTS
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
Last year saw Dave Gettleman take an offensive linemen in the first round for the first time as a GM. With the Giants fleshing out the roster in free agency I could see him doubling down once again and offering better protection to Daniel Jones and their star running back Saquon Barkley. AVT is strong and quick, and the only knock on him is his size and length. He could start at right guard for the G-Men with tackle versatility should they need cover for Andrew Thomas & Matt Peart.
12. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
The Eagles’ roster is a mess, and they know it. The trade down for more draft capital in 2022 suggests that they are taking a mulligan this season, allowing Jalen Hurts to prove himself before making a decision at QB this time next year. Whilst that happens, they need to get better across the board, and at this juncture I see no surer, safer pick than Surtain. The complete corner, the former Bama boy is proficient in any scheme and will lock down one side of the field for you. Other corners may have higher upside but not many rookies enter the league as polished as Patrick Surtain.
13. DETROIT LIONS
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
From The Los Angeles Chargers
Much like last year, one or two of the highly lauded trio of wide receivers may fall a little further than expected as team needs and a deep wideout class skew the draft. Losing both Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay leaves the Lions empty of game changing receivers, and they will be delighted the lightning quick Jaylen Waddle falls to them despite trading back. Elite short area agility and deep speed as well as ruthlessness at the catch point puts Waddle top of some people’s WR boards, and gives Jared Goff a fighting chance in the Motor City.
14. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
The Vikings have needs in both trenches, but being able to get their pick of the edge rushers at 14 may prove too tempting to resist. Pairing Danielle Hunter with Kwity Paye would be just cruel to the quarterbacks of the NFC North; Paye comes into the NFL with all the strength, size and athleticism you need. Uncontrollable at the point of contact, if he can develop his hands to defeat blockers he’s as close to the perfect edge rusher as you’re going to find. And I trust the Vikings coaching staff to polish this kid as well as any team in the NFL.
15. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
From The New England Patriots
The Panthers may have had ideas of getting Lance or Fields, but with both gone trade back, add some much needed draft capital on day two, and still get a starting tackle. With Russell Okung a free agent and Taylor Moton playing on the franchise tag this year, rebuilding the offensive line is a priority for Carolina, particularly if they want to see what they have in Sam Darnold. Darrisaw is a plug and play tackle who can drop in on the left or right side and be a stalwart protector in this offense.
16. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Trade! The Dolphins send #18 and #102 to the Cardinals to move up to #16
Giving Brian Flores the joker piece that he can move around his defense to create mismatches is likely a priority for Chris Grier this draft, and no prospect offers that skillset better than JOK. Similar to Isaiah Simmons or Minkah Fitzpatrick, admittedly playing a little closer to the line of scrimmage, the Notre Dame star will need to be accounted for by an offense on every snap. The measurables are insane with JOK who covers the field like a heat-seeking missile, and The Dolphins have no issue coughing up a third round pick to jump ahead of the Raiders to make sure they get their man.
17. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah looks every inch a Jon Gruden guy, and I can only imagine how annoyed he must be if this scenario played out later today. Having said that, considering the mass exodus of talent on the offensive line, Teven Jenkins is no consolation prize. The former Poke is ruthless as a run blocker and relishes punishing those who try to get past him. He has the genetic makeup of Raiders from the Madden era, should slide straight in at right tackle and become a fan favourite of the black hole in no time.
18. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
From The Miami Dolphins
After an aggressive offseason filling holes, The Cardinals move down and still get their likely target two picks ago. It makes sense for Arizona as they’re already missing their third and fourth rounders, and the pick addresses a position of concern too. With Patrick Peterson gone Steve Keim brought in Malcolm Butler, but it’s not a long-term solution. Enter Jaycee Horn, the best press corner in the draft; he’s a persistent nuisance who gives receivers little time to breathe, and can pick up immediate slot duties before moving outside.
19. NEW YORK JETS
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Trade! The New York Jets send #23 & #86 to the Washington Football Team to move up to #19
DeVonta Smith still being on the board at this point is downright scandalous, and the Jets have seen enough, throwing Washington a third rounder to move up four picks and give their new quarterback Zach Wilson an elite weapon to team up with Denzel Mims and Corey Davis. Smith makes the position look so easy; graceful and smooth across the turf with elite route running and hands. Size concerns may have seen him slip a little, but there’s no doubting the talent.
20. CHICAGO BEARS
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
With no real hope of landing one of the top five quarterbacks in this draft, the Bears roll into 2021 with Andy Dalton as the starting quarterback, and look to address the rest of their roster via the draft. Losing Kyle Fuller as a cap casualty was a blow to this strong defense, and they’re deluded if they think Desmond Trufant is the long-term replacement for him. The speedy Stokes had people’s jaws dropping at his pro day and brings an impressive resume erasing the SEC’s best receivers. Playing opposite the excellent Jaylon Johnson helps keep this defense amongst the best in the NFL.
21. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Colts have built a roster capable of being in and around the playoffs each season, providing they have found the answer at quarterback in Carson Wentz. Having said that, the retirement of Anthony Castonzo this offseason has left them with a need at left tackle. The ultra-athletic Sam Cosmi might not be quite as polished as the elite tackles in this draft class but is just scratching the surface of his ability. Plugging him straight in at left tackle allows Indy to keep Quenton Nelson at guard where he dominates.
22. TENNESSEE TITANS
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
A team that has seen a bit of turnover this offseason, The Titans could go in a number of directions. But I’m not sure you can pass on a player of Rashod Bateman’s quality here, particularly after Corey Davis left for the Jets. Bateman was dominant on the outside for The Gophers in their spectacular 2019 season, and whilst 2020 wasn’t quite the showcase he anticipated he has the complete game to have the instant impact that Justin Jefferson did for the Vikings last season.
23. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
From The New York Jets
The WFT slip down four spots after the trade with the Jets, but still grab a real difference maker for their improving defense. Zaven Collins is the next Brian Urlacher, and I will fight anyone who says otherwise; hailing from an unheralded college program, Collins is an explosive playmaker who racked up the tackles, sacks AND interceptions during his time at Tulsa. He possesses elite sideline to sideline speed and even lined up as an edge rusher on occasion, showing his blitz potential. Jack Del Rio will absolutely love being able to move this kid around his defense.
24. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Trade! The Green Bay Packers send #29 & number #92 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for #24
The fall of the talented Farley comes to an end as the Green Bay Packers jump the waiting Saints to get their man. Kevin King showed inconsistency and unreliability in the big moments last season, and despite being re-signed I can see Brian Gutekunst looking to upgrade. Farley, a former QB & WR, has only played 23 games as a cornerback, opted out of 2020 and has had back surgery this offseason. There’s no doubt he’s a bit of a risky pick, but the upside is off the charts – he recorded two interceptions in his first ever game at the position and continued that playmaking prowess the rest of his time in Blacksburg. If he can stay healthy he’s an absolute steal for the Packers, and well worth the 3rd rounder needed to go up and get him.
25. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
I’ve been avoiding mocking Moehrig to the Jags because it seems too obvious, but the more I watch his tape the more I struggle to see Jacksonville passing on him – he’s the clear number one talent at safety who can operate in a number of roles, and is a big position of need for the Jaguars. He’s quick and fluid enough to operate as a single high free safety, but loves to come downhill and bring physicality to the position too. Trent Baalke finds two real difference makers with his first two selections.
26. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The job that Andrew Berry, and to be fair his predecessor John Dorsey, have done to rebuild and cultivate this roster into one that can compete for the playoffs each season is impressive, and to some extent it allows them to go into this draft with more of a ‘best player available’ mentality. How scary a proposition therefore, would it be to pair Myles Garrett with the human torpedo that is Azeez Ojulari? The former Bulldog has relentless speed and has the dip to threaten the edge on every single snap, and would be the perfect foil for Garrett who no longer would see double teams every play.
27. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
The loss of Matthew Judon means that The Ravens will be looking to pair Calais Campbell with one of the elite pass rushers in this draft class. Phillips comes with some injury concerns – concussions really hampered his career at UCLA and he almost retired before heading to Miami. But his final season for the Hurricanes showed the insane amount of talent he possesses as it finally all came together for him. He showcased his elite athleticism at his pro day and joins Ojulari in the dangerous AFC North.
28. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
The Saints may have had hopes of Caleb Farley falling this far down the draft, but despite seeing him come off the board four picks earlier will still address their secondary here with some big contracts coming up this time next year. Much like Greg Newsome, Elijah Molden is a borderline day 1 prospect who will polarise opinion, but his stickiness and aggressiveness at the catch point will endear him to the Saints, who prioritise competitiveness in their back end. The ideal slot corner in year one, Molden has the speed and discipline to work his way to the outside as the roster evolves and some guys are inevitably let go.
29. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma
From The Green Bay Packers
The Steelers have seen their traditionally strong o-line disband this season, and the retirement of center Maurkice Pouncey will probably be felt the most. Moving back five selections will not harm their chances of landing Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma’s immovable object on their offensive line. A former high school wrestler, Humphrey brings power, leverage and excellent hand usage to the table. He looks every inch the part of a Steeler lineman and will slot straight in from day one – Pittsburgh get their guy and adds a third rounder to their arsenal to boot.
30. BUFFALO BILLS
Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
I’ve been dubious of mock drafts pencilling in a running back to the Bills this early, but having an elite ball carrier in their backfield could make all the difference to this offense, and none of the ‘top three’ guys will be there by the end of round 2. So why not get your pick of the bunch? Brandon Beane has prioritised running backs with excellent yards after contact (YAC) ability in the previous two drafts, and Javonte WIlliams fits that bill perfectly. His ridiculous contact balance sees him just ping off tackles and rumble for yardage, and his style of play will endear himself to the Bills Mafia.
31. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
After orchestrating a trade with Kansas City for Orlando Brown, the Ravens will be on the lookout for more offensive line help – even if they do sign Alejandro Villanueva. Liam Eichenberg is an absolute technician who is so composed and quick into his pass sets. His short arms might see him kick inside to guard, which in this instance would be ideal for Baltimore with Ronnie Stanley and Villanueva potentially manning the tackle spots. With Stanley coming off a nasty injury, Eichenberg would provide excellent cover ability too.
32. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Trade! The Miami Dolphins send #36 and #156 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for #32
Chris Grier continues to be aggressive in this draft, trading up in the first round for the second time. His hand was somewhat forced after Buffalo took a running back, and not wanting to miss out sends the Bucs a fifth rounder to sneak back into day one and grab Najee Harris. The perfect all-round back, Harris brings everything to the table at a high level, including proving his abilities as a pass catcher his final season in Tuscaloosa. The Dolphins give Tua a familiar weapon, and also get the benefit of the option year that first rounders receive as part of their rookie contracts.
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