Mock Draft - Post Combine & First Wave Of FA - Updated On Page 2

[H2o]

I take a crack at one of these every year. Based on the 2nd wave of FA prior to the draft, Pro Days, any other trades, and I update once more. It's something to do and I watch quite a bit of College football every year. It's fun to project who will land where. Here's my first crack at it: 

 

1. Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams / QB / USC - This is fairly obvious. The Bears traded Justin Fields and Caleb is all but a forgone conclusion to go #1 at this point. The only thing that could change this pick is if the Bears are scared off by his medicals, which it was said he didn't share with everyone at the Combine for whatever reason. 

 

2. Washington Commanders - Drake Maye / QB / UNC - The reports going around at the Combine were the Commanders favor Maye over Daniels. Maye seems to process info quicker on the field and anticipate throws, where as Daniels relies on his athleticism a bit more and goes after the chunk plays more in earnest. I think he suits what Washington is looking for in a signal caller. 

 

3. New England Patriots - Jayden Daniels / QB / LSU - New regime, the failed Mac Jones experiment is over, and they go with a new signal caller. All of the talk of Brissett starting is just that, talk. They will draft the Heisman Trophy winner from LSU and cut him loose. Watching him play this past year for LSU made me think of a faster, more athletic version of Deshaun Watson when he played at Clemson. 

 

4. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr. / WR / Ohio St. - Arizona takes one, and arguably the best, of the 3 upper echelon WR prospects in this draft. They have a huge hole in their WR corps and this is just the first of what I believe will be a couple of early picks to address that need for Kyler Murray. The group is currently littered with a bunch of JAG's. 

 

5. Los Angeles Chargers - Malik Nabers / WR / LSU - The Chargers cut Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen to the Bears. All that remains for Justin Herbert is Joshua Palmer and last year's 1st Round pick Quentin Johnston. I know they just spent a 1st on Johnson, but I can't see them passing on Nabers or Odunze here. I think Nabers will be the choice here, but it could be either of the two. 

 

6. New York Giants - Rome Odunze / WR / Washington - The Giants OL was bad last year, and this pick very well could end up being Joe Alt, but their WR group is W-E-A-K, weak. They have the speedster in Jalin Hyatt, and a couple of Smurfs, but they need that alpha in the group. That will be Odunze. 

 

7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt / OT / Notre Dame - This couldn't have worked out any better for Tennessee. They went out and got a compliment to D-Hop in Ridley and then the best OT prospect in the draft falls into their laps. He'll be their blindside protector for the next decade. 

 

8. ***TRADE*** Minnesota Vikings (via Atlanta) - JJ McCarthy / QB / Michigan - Minnesota pulls the trigger to get whom they see as their QB of the future. They send the #11 & #23 picks to Atlanta to jump in front of whatever Denver would do with trying to leap frog them. McCarthy has been talked up all throughout this process and apparently the QB needy teams see him as someone who may even jump over Daniels in the draft process. Minnesota gets their guy here. 

 

9. Chicago Bears - Dallas Turner / DE / Alabama - The trade for Keenan Allen opens this avenue up for Chicago with their 2nd top 10 pick. Turner is about as elite of a prospect that you look for at the DE position. He's an explosive athlete, with excellent bend, and he has an extra gear when closing. He also has the frame to add another 10-15lbs without likely losing any athleticism. He'll make a great bookend to Montez Sweat. 

 

10. New York Jets - Brock Bowers / TE / Georgia - With the top 3 WR's off of the board, them having signed Tyron Smith and trading for Morgan Moses, as well as them having signed Mike Williams, I think they use this pick on the best available offensive weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers also loves his TE's. This will be one of the smartest picks Douglas has ever made. It will open up everything for this offense when you have a guy like this attacking the middle of the field. 

 

11. Atlanta Falcons (via Minnesota) - Jared Verse / DE / Florida St. - Atlanta parlays #8 into two 1st Round picks, giving them 3 picks in the first 43, the first of which they use on the 2nd best Edge prospect in the draft. He has excellent athleticism, adequate bend, but his power in bull-rushing is quite impressive for a guy @ 255lbs. Raheem Morris starts building his defense here. 

 

12. Denver Broncos - Laiatu Latu / DE / UCLA - With the top four QB's off of the board, the Broncos choose to get the last of the 1st Round worthy pass rushers (just my opinion), who is also arguably a top 15 prospect. Latu also has good athleticism and bend for an Edge rusher. He's not as powerful as Turner or Verse, but he still has the elite traits you look for in someone chasing after QB's. 

 

13. Las Vegas Raiders - Olumuyiwa Fashanu / OT / Penn St. - The Vegas OL needs work and I don't see them reaching for a QB here after signing Minshew. They have a lot of work to do in general, but this is a quality start. He's a mammoth human being and has elite athleticism for the position. 

 

14. New Orleans Saints - Taliese Fuaga / OT / Oregon St. - I could see the Saints going with Brian Thomas here, but the WR class is so deep I think they grab one of the top OL prospects instead. Fuaga is a RT, but his best position may be as a G in the NFL and that position was a glaring weakness for NO last year. The Saints also let long time OL'man Andrus Peat walk in FA. 

 

15. Indianapolis Colts - Quinyon Mitchell / CB / Toledo - Mitchell has good film, had some good practices at the Senior Bowl, and capped it off with a fantastic Combine. This guy is a plug-and-play starter who could push for DROY. 

 

16. Seattle Seahawks - Troy Fautanu / OT / Washington - Fautanu doesn't have to move far going from the Huskies to the Seahawks. This is another OT prospect who can be lined up at one of the OT spots or kicked inside to man one of their interior positions. Either way, you have to protect whomever will be taking the snaps or it won't matter who is taking the snaps. Fautanu is a good prospect no matter where they choose to play him. 

 

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Terrion Arnold / CB / Alabama - Satisfied enough with their group of meh WR's, the Jaguars look to their defense. Arnold isn't the fastest CB, but he understands coverage, makes plays when they are there to be made, and is another in the list of Alabama DB's who will succeed in the NFL. 

 

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Brian Thomas / WR / LSU - This would suck, but it's how the board falls. They likely aren't bringing back Tyler Boyd and Higgins is on the Franchise Tag. This would give them, potentially, another stud WR for 5 years. 

 

19. Los Angeles Rams - Byron Murphy II / DT / Texas - A blind man could peg this selection after Aaron Donald calling it quits. Murphy can play against the run and he can get after the QB. He can play all three downs and will not be a liability no matter the defensive play call. 

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jackson Powers-Johnson / C / Oregon - Mason Cole struggled at times last year and the Steelers need to find out what they have at QB quickly. Improve the OL and see if Russ or Fields are the answer. JPJ will have Steelers fans thinking of the days when Pouncey was manning the middle of that OL. 

 

21. Miami Dolphins - Graham Barton / OT / Duke - Barton was an OT at Duke, but the talk is he'll play C in the NFL. The Dolphins OL, especially Center, was a massive weak spot last year. The positional flexibility also means that they could use Barton wherever. He will start day 1 on that OL.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Cooper DeJean / CB / Iowa - DeJean allowed an insane 37.8 passer rating when targeted. The Eagles defense is lacking big time in the Secondary. He could play CB or S in the NFL, but I think the Eagles give him a run at CB first. He's also a gifted return man. He will most certainly make an impact year one. 

 

23. Atlanta Falcons (via Minnesota) - Jer'Zhan Newton / DT / Illinois - The remaking of the defense in Raheem Morris' image continues. They get one of the best DE's with their first 1st Round selection, then one of the best DT's with their second 1st Round selection. Newton will be that penetrating 3-Tech in Morris' defense. 

 

24. Dallas Cowboys - Xavier Worthy / WR / Texas - I think Jerry sees a WR with wheels like this, who also played at Texas, and he just can't help himself. It will also be interesting to see the alignments they use with Lamb, Worthy, and Cooks. In the end, it's another weapon for Dak.

 

25. Green Bay Packers - Nate Wiggins / CB / Clemson - The Packers Secondary is a glaring weakness. For all of the talk, Alexander also seemed to take a step back last year as well. This more than likely is injury related, but the Packers still need to sure up the rest around him on the back end. Wiggins had an outstanding athletic performance at the Combine and he only allowed a 44.4 passer rating when targeted this year. The only knock is he's thin so don't expect much support from him in the run game. 

 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kool-Aid McKinstry / CB / Alabama  - The Bucs CB's were meh last year. McKinstry has been starting for Nick Saban since he was a Freshman. That says a lot. He's smart and he plays with a swagger to him. He'll fit right in with Winfield on the back end of that defense. 

 

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston) - Chop Robinson / DE / Penn St. - The Cardinals upgraded their WR room in a big way at #4 and hope to do it to their Edge group here. Robinson, though not really putting up elite production, does have elite athleticism. Some people are comparing him to Micah Parsons. The Cardinals hope it pans out that way. 

 

28. Buffalo Bills - Troy Franklin / WR / Oregon - This isn't necessarily what I would do, but this is what I have a gut feeling the Bills are going to do. We met with pretty much every top name on the WR board at the Combine. I'm sure many of our private workouts will be with WR's. I do think it's telling however that Franklin was the first WR the private workout. I believe it shows they hold him in high regard. He's slender at around 180lbs, but you see the long speed and quickness on the game tape. 

 

29. Detroit Lions - Adonai Mitchell / WR / Texas - The rich in offensive weapons get richer. The Lions don't have too many holes and should be coming off of a SB appearance if not for some questionable calls by Dan Campbell and key drops by Josh Reynolds. Reynolds is now gone and Mitchell will be tabbed as his replacement. Now they'll have two guys who can beat any Secondary down the field, along with the best Slot WR in the game, a great stable of RB's, and a TE coming off of the most productive rookie season at the position. 

 

30. Baltimore Ravens - JC Latham / OT / Alabama - The Ravens traded Morgan Moses back to the Jets. Ronnie Stanley can't seem to stay healthy. The Ravens have always been good at spotting top notch quality OL'men and they hope that prowess continues with this selection here. 

 

31. San Francisco 49ers - Payton Wilson / LB / NC State - Dre Greenlaw tore his achillies in the SB and was operated on, on 2/15/24. Hedging all their bets on him being ready for week 1 and being the same player prior to the injury that quick are a risk this team will not take. Instead they draft the best ILB in this draft who was extremely productive at NC State and then had an excellent showing athletically at the Combine. He and Fred Warner will allow Greenlaw to come along at his own pace and give them some flexibility when contracts eventually come up. 

 

32. Kansas City Chiefs - T'Vondre Sweat / DT / Texas - With the run on WR's, the Chiefs go after the best NT/1-Tech in this draft. Sweat is truly a monster at 6'4-1/2" and weighing in at 366lbs. He's also a bit more nimble than you would expect for a guy his size. Truly one of my favorite players in this draft. Putting him beside Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Charles Omenihu should almost be criminal. It ill also relagate Derrick Nnadi to the bench as depth, where he belongs. 

 

I don't really feel like going into the full list of Bills draft picks just yet. I'll wait until I do the update down the line. Hope you enjoy the read. 

 

 

Edited April 12 by H2o

[BuffAlone]

TroyFranklin@28 would make me sick. Not a 1st rounder imo. But T'VondreSweat in the 1st round to the Chefs would make me feel all better🤣

[Aussie Joe]

Thanks for your work … always appreciate seeing reasons behind why Player X goes to Team Y
 

Give me Mitchell over Franklin..

 

I’ll predict Franklin doesn’t go in the first 

 

 

Edited March 25 by Aussie Joe

[gjv]

Hoping Bills move up for either Murphy or Newton, whoever falls the furthest.

[Warriorspikes51]

13 minutes ago, BuffAlone said:

TroyFranklin@28 would make me sick. Not a 1st rounder imo. But T'VondreSweat in the 1st round to the Chefs would make me feel all better🤣

 

NO THANKS! You want that animal next to Chris Jones?!  May God help the AFC O-Lines 

[LEBills]

46 minutes ago, H2o said:

I take a crack at one of these every year. Based on the 2nd wave of FA prior to the draft, Pro Days, any other trades, and I update once more. It's something to do and I watch quite a bit of College football every year. It's fun to project who will land where. Here's my first crack at it: 

 

1. Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams / QB / USC - This is fairly obvious. The Bears traded Justin Fields and Caleb is all but a forgone conclusion to go #1 at this point. The only thing that could change this pick is if the Bears are scared off by his medicals, which it was said he didn't share with everyone at the Combine for whatever reason. 

 

2. Washington Commanders - Drake Maye / QB / UNC - The reports going around at the Combine were the Commanders favor Maye over Daniels. Maye seems to process info quicker on the field and anticipate throws, where as Daniels relies on his athleticism a bit more and goes after the chunk plays more in earnest. I think he suits what Washington is looking for in a signal caller. 

 

3. New England Patriots - Jayden Daniels / QB / LSU - New regime, the failed Mac Jones experiment is over, and they go with a new signal caller. All of the talk of Brissett starting is just that, talk. They will draft the Heisman Trophy winner from LSU and cut him loose. Watching him play this past year for LSU made me think of a faster, more athletic version of Deshaun Watson when he played at Clemson. 

 

4. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr. / WR / Ohio St. - Arizona takes one, and arguably the best, of the 3 upper echelon WR prospects in this draft. They have a huge hole in their WR corps and this is just the first of what I believe will be a couple of early picks to address that need for Kyler Murray. The group is currently littered with a bunch of JAG's. 

 

5. Los Angeles Chargers - Malik Nabers / WR / LSU - The Chargers cut Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen to the Bears. All that remains for Justin Herbert is Joshua Palmer and last year's 1st Round pick Quentin Johnston. I know they just spent a 1st on Johnson, but I can't see them passing on Nabers or Odunze here. I think Nabers will be the choice here, but it could be either of the two. 

 

6. New York Giants - Rome Odunze / WR / Washington - The Giants OL was bad last year, and this pick very well could end up being Joe Alt, but their WR group is W-E-A-K, weak. They have the speedster in Jalin Hyatt, and a couple of Smurfs, but they need that alpha in the group. That will be Odunze. 

 

7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt / OT / Notre Dame - This couldn't have worked out any better for Tennessee. They went out and got a compliment to D-Hop in Ridley and then the best OT prospect in the draft falls into their laps. He'll be their blindside protector for the next decade. 

 

8. ***TRADE*** Minnesota Vikings (via Atlanta) - JJ McCarthy / QB / Michigan - Minnesota pulls the trigger to get whom they see as their QB of the future. They send the #11 & #23 picks to Atlanta to jump in front of whatever Denver would do with trying to leap frog them. McCarthy has been talked up all throughout this process and apparently the QB needy teams see him as someone who may even jump over Daniels in the draft process. Minnesota gets their guy here. 

 

9. Chicago Bears - Dallas Turner / DE / Alabama - The trade for Keenan Allen opens this avenue up for Chicago with their 2nd top 10 pick. Turner is about as elite of a prospect that you look for at the DE position. He's an explosive athlete, with excellent bend, and he has an extra gear when closing. He also has the frame to add another 10-15lbs without likely losing any athleticism. He'll make a great bookend to Montez Sweat. 

 

10. New York Jets - Brock Bowers / TE / Georgia - With the top 3 WR's off of the board, them having signed Tyron Smith and trading for Morgan Moses, as well as them having signed Mike Williams, I think they use this pick on the best available offensive weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers also loves his TE's. This will be one of the smartest picks Douglas has ever made. It will open up everything for this offense when you have a guy like this attacking the middle of the field. 

 

11. Atlanta Falcons (via Minnesota) - Jared Verse / DE / Florida St. - Atlanta parlays #8 into two 1st Round picks, giving them 3 picks in the first 43, the first of which they use on the 2nd best Edge prospect in the draft. He has excellent athleticism, adequate bend, but his power in bull-rushing is quite impressive for a guy @ 255lbs. Raheem Morris starts building his defense here. 

 

12. Denver Broncos - Laiatu Latu / DE / UCLA - With the top four QB's off of the board, the Broncos choose to get the last of the 1st Round worthy pass rushers (just my opinion), who is also arguably a top 15 prospect. Latu also has good athleticism and bend for an Edge rusher. He's not as powerful as Turner or Verse, but he still has the elite traits you look for in someone chasing after QB's. 

 

13. Las Vegas Raiders - Olumuyiwa Fashanu / OT / Penn St. - The Vegas OL needs work and I don't see them reaching for a QB here after signing Minshew. They have a lot of work to do in general, but this is a quality start. He's a mammoth human being and has elite athleticism for the position. 

 

14. New Orleans Saints - Taliese Fuaga / OT / Oregon St. - I could see the Saints going with Brian Thomas here, but the WR class is so deep I think they grab one of the top OL prospects instead. Fuaga is a RT, but his best position may be as a G in the NFL and that position was a glaring weakness for NO last year. The Saints also let long time OL'man Andrus Peat walk in FA. 

 

15. Indianapolis Colts - Quinyon Mitchell / CB / Toledo - Mitchell has good film, had some good practices at the Senior Bowl, and capped it off with a fantastic Combine. This guy is a plug-and-play starter who could push for DROY. 

 

16. Seattle Seahawks - Troy Fautanu / OT / Washington - Fautanu doesn't have to move far going from the Huskies to the Seahawks. This is another OT prospect who can be lined up at one of the OT spots or kicked inside to man one of their interior positions. Either way, you have to protect whomever will be taking the snaps or it won't matter who is taking the snaps. Fautanu is a good prospect no matter where they choose to play him. 

 

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Terrion Arnold / CB / Alabama - Satisfied enough with their group of meh WR's, the Jaguars look to their defense. Arnold isn't the fastest CB, but he understands coverage, makes plays when they are there to be made, and is another in the list of Alabama DB's who will succeed in the NFL. 

 

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Brian Thomas / WR / LSU - This would suck, but it's how the board falls. They likely aren't bringing back Tyler Boyd and Higgins is on the Franchise Tag. This would give them, potentially, another stud WR for 5 years. 

 

19. Los Angeles Rams - Byron Murphy II / DT / Texas - A blind man could peg this selection after Aaron Donald calling it quits. Murphy can play against the run and he can get after the QB. He can play all three downs and will not be a liability no matter the defensive play call. 

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jackson Powers-Johnson / C / Oregon - Mason Cole struggled at times last year and the Steelers need to find out what they have at QB quickly. Improve the OL and see if Russ or Fields are the answer. JPJ will have Steelers fans thinking of the days when Pouncey was manning the middle of that OL. 

 

21. Miami Dolphins - Graham Barton / OT / Duke - Barton was an OT at Duke, but the talk is he'll play C in the NFL. The Dolphins OL, especially Center, was a massive weak spot last year. The positional flexibility also means that they could use Barton wherever. He will start day 1 on that OL.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Cooper DeJean / CB / Iowa - DeJean allowed an insane 37.8 passer rating when targeted. The Eagles defense is lacking big time in the Secondary. He could play CB or S in the NFL, but I think the Eagles give him a run at CB first. He's also a gifted return man. He will most certainly make an impact year one. 

 

23. Atlanta Falcons (via Minnesota) - Jer'Zhan Newton / DT / Illinois - The remaking of the defense in Raheem Morris' image continues. They get one of the best DE's with their first 1st Round selection, then one of the best DT's with their second 1st Round selection. Newton will be that penetrating 3-Tech in Morris' defense. 

 

24. Dallas Cowboys - Xavier Worthy / WR / Texas - I think Jerry sees a WR with wheels like this, who also played at Texas, and he just can't help himself. It will also be interesting to see the alignments they use with Lamb, Worthy, and Cooks. In the end, it's another weapon for Dak.

 

25. Green Bay Packers - Nate Wiggins / CB / Clemson - The Packers Secondary is a glaring weakness. For all of the talk, Alexander also seemed to take a step back last year as well. This more than likely is injury related, but the Packers still need to sure up the rest around him on the back end. Wiggins had an outstanding athletic performance at the Combine and he only allowed a 44.4 passer rating when targeted this year. The only knock is he's thin so don't expect much support from him in the run game. 

 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kool-Aid McKinstry / CB / Alabama  - The Bucs CB's were meh last year. McKinstry has been starting for Nick Saban since he was a Freshman. That says a lot. He's smart and he plays with a swagger to him. He'll fit right in with Winfield on the back end of that defense. 

 

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston) - Chop Robinson / DE / Penn St. - The Cardinals upgraded their WR room in a big way at #4 and hope to do it to their Edge group here. Robinson, though not really putting up elite production, does have elite athleticism. Some people are comparing him to Micah Parsons. The Cardinals hope it pans out that way. 

 

28. Buffalo Bills - Troy Franklin / WR / Oregon - This isn't necessarily what I would do, but this is what I have a gut feeling the Bills are going to do. We met with pretty much every top name on the WR board at the Combine. I'm sure many of our private workouts will be with WR's. I do think it's telling however that Franklin was the first WR the private workout. I believe it shows they hold him in high regard. He's slender at around 180lbs, but you see the long speed and quickness on the game tape. 

 

29. Detroit Lions - Adonai Mitchell / WR / Texas - The rich in offensive weapons get richer. The Lions don't have too many holes and should be coming off of a SB appearance if not for some questionable calls by Dan Campbell and key drops by Josh Reynolds. Reynolds is now gone and Mitchell will be tabbed as his replacement. Now they'll have two guys who can beat any Secondary down the field, along with the best Slot WR in the game, a great stable of RB's, and a TE coming off of the most productive rookie season at the position. 

 

30. Baltimore Ravens - JC Latham / OT / Alabama - The Ravens traded Morgan Moses back to the Jets. Ronnie Stanley can't seem to stay healthy. The Ravens have always been good at spotting top notch quality OL'men and they hope that prowess continues with this selection here. 

 

31. San Francisco 49ers - Payton Wilson / LB / NC State - Dre Greenlaw tore his achillies in the SB and was operated on, on 2/15/24. Hedging all their bets on him being ready for week 1 and being the same player prior to the injury that quick are a risk this team will not take. Instead they draft the best ILB in this draft who was extremely productive at NC State and then had an excellent showing athletically at the Combine. He and Fred Warner will allow Greenlaw to come along at his own pace and give them some flexibility when contracts eventually come up. 

 

32. Kansas City Chiefs - T'Vondre Sweat / DT / Texas - With the run on WR's, the Chiefs go after the best NT/1-Tech in this draft. Sweat is truly a monster at 6'4-1/2" and weighing in at 366lbs. He's also a bit more nimble than you would expect for a guy his size. Truly one of my favorite players in this draft. Putting him beside Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Charles Omenihu should almost be criminal. It ill also relagate Derrick Nnadi to the bench as depth, where he belongs. 

 

I don't really feel like going into the full list of Bills draft picks just yet. I'll wait until I do the update down the line. Hope you enjoy the read. 

 

 

I think you are right that 28 is most likely a WR. Franklin is going to be an amazing pro so hoping it falls this way.

[No_Matter_What]

Appreciate effort put into this mock. Also would be very pleased with the outcome for the Bills.

 

One question though - why would Vikings do this trade? Bears are not taking 2nd QB and Jets won't draft one this year. Do you think someone could jump them for McCarthy?

[BillsFanForever19]

I'd be very disappointed if we went with Franklin in Round 1, without a trade down, and especially over Mitchell or Legette. I don't think McConkey is a fit for what we're looking for, but I'd be much happier if they chose him there than Franklin. I worry about Keon Coleman's 40 time and separation ability, but I think i'd even like Coleman slightly more than Franklin.

 

I liked Franklin before the Combine after just watching highlights, thinking he was 6'3" like he was listed, and that he had all world speed close to Worthy.

 

Then I watched more than just the highlights. He's got some real lowlights, if you will. Some of the guys I trust at Cover 1 agree that he was over hyped to begin with.

 

Then the Combine happened. And it was as bad as bad can get for a prospect. Everything that made him appeal to me as a 1st Round Prospect was dispelled. Everything that gave me concern watching him on tape was highlighted.

 

Measuring 2 inches shorter than expected. Weighing in 15 lbs. less than expected. His hands being less than 9". Clocking in on the 40 way less than Worthy and being beat out by a number of WR's he was expected to smoke. His 10 yard split was LAST among all WR's tested. Highlighting his trouble getting off the line on tape with his speed being long gaining speed, lacking burst at the point of attack. And his drills on field were laughably bad, leading to Daniel Jeremiah calling him out on the telecast.

 

It seems now everyone who's a fan based on his YouTube highlight videos feel that should all be ignored bc he was reportedly sick. Okay. But that doesn't explain away his body measurements. And if his illness made him slower - why did he stand on his Combine times at his Pro Day?

 

Troy Franklin is my WR10 at this point. Outside of the top 3 that are long gone, I have 5 other WR's with a 1st Round grade. Troy Franklin isn't one of them. If we went elsewhere in Round 1 and got him in Round 2 - that's fine. At 28 and above Mitchell, Legette, or even McConkey? No way.

Edited March 25 by BillsFanForever19

[H2o]

5 minutes ago, No_Matter_What said:

Appreciate effort put into this mock. Also would be very pleased with the outcome for the Bills.

 

One question though - why would Vikings do this trade? Bears are not taking 2nd QB and Jets won't draft one this year. Do you think someone could jump them for McCarthy?

 I think Denver might jump them for McCarthy so they trade up with Atlanta to get their guy. 

4 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

I'd be very disappointed if we went with Franklin in Round 1, without a trade down, and especially over Mitchell or Legette. I don't think McConkey is a fit for what we're looking for, but I'd be much happier if they chose him there than Franklin. I worry about Keon Coleman's 40 time and separation ability, but I think i'd even like Coleman marginally more than Franklin there.

 

I liked Franklin before the Combine after just watching highlights, thinking he was 6'3" like he was listed, and that he had all world speed close to Worthy.

 

Then I watched more than just the highlights. He's got some real lowlights, if you will. Some of the guys I trust at Cover 1 agree that he was over hyped to begin with.

 

Then the Combine happened. And it was as bad as bad can get for a prospect. Everything that made him appeal to me as a 1st Round Prospect was dispelled. Everything that gave me concern watching him on tape was highlighted.

 

Measuring 2 inches shorter than expected. Weighing in 15 lbs. less than expected. His hands being less than 9". Clocking in on the 40 way less than Worthy and being beat out by a number of WR's he was expected to smoke. His 10 yard split was LAST among all WR's tested. Highlighting his trouble getting off the line on tape with his  speed being long gaining speed, lacking burst at the point of attack. And his drills on field were laughably bad, leading to Daniel Jeremiah calling him out on the telecast.

 

It seems now everyone who's a fan based on his YouTube highlight videos feel that should all be ignored bc he was reportedly sick. Okay. But that doesn't explain some of his measurements. And if his illness made him slower - why did he stand on his Combine 40 time at his Pro Day?

 

Troy Franklin is my WR10 at this point. Outside of the top 3 that are long gone, I have 5 other WR's with a 1st Round grade. Troy Franklin isn't one of them. If we went elsewhere in Round 1 and got him in Round 2 - that's fine. At 28 and above Mitchell, Legette, or even McConkey? No way.

Just a gut feeling, not what I would do. My guy is Xavier Legette if we don't trade up for Nabers or Odunze. Been on that train since the first WR mentions we had back before the Palyoffs. I appreciate your explanation though. 

[BillsFanForever19]

13 minutes ago, H2o said:

 I think Denver might jump them for McCarthy so they trade up with Atlanta to get their guy. 

Just a gut feeling, not what I would do. My guy is Xavier Legette if we don't trade up for Nabers or Odunze. Been on that train since the first WR mentions we had back before the Palyoffs. I appreciate your explanation though. 

 

I'm with you 100% there. People can be concerned over him being 10 months older than McConkey and  staying in College for Year 5 before getting his opportunity and blowing up when he did. But he checks EVERY single box, and by a large margin in some, literally everywhere else. You don't get that kind of freak athletic traits with versatility and tape where we're picking every year. 

Edited March 25 by BillsFanForever19

[buffalostu2]

I did similar mocks for 29 years, (sometimes three rounds) dating back to the days where you could sit in the crowd and be 15 feet from Mel and the crew.   

 

I respect the effort of the homemade mock with comments.  The simulator ones are just a little too easy, especially when you only select for your team.

 

Great job here.

[billsbackto81]

I want one of top receiver prospects, but if I'm choosing between Franklin and Sweat I'm picking Sweat in what to me is a no brainer. 

1 hour ago, H2o said:

 I think Denver might jump them for McCarthy so they trade up with Atlanta to get their guy. 

Just a gut feeling, not what I would do. My guy is Xavier Legette if we don't trade up for Nabers or Odunze. Been on that train since the first WR mentions we had back before the Palyoffs. I appreciate your explanation though. 

Agree. I think that kids gonna be a real player. 

[Dr. Who]

1 hour ago, gjv said:

Hoping Bills move up for either Murphy or Newton, whoever falls the furthest.

If Beane moves up to take a DT, a whole lot of folks are going to be rightly irate.

[H2o]

1 hour ago, gjv said:

Hoping Bills move up for either Murphy or Newton, whoever falls the furthest.

I have to disagree with this one my friend. This would implode TSW. A trade up for a 3-Tech when we have Ed Oliver already? 

 

[JohnBonhamRocks]

Franklin over Mitchell or McConkey?

 

Edited March 25 by JohnBonhamRocks

[billsbackto81]

16 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

If Beane moves up to take a DT, a whole lot of folks are going to be rightly irate.

One can argue DT is more of a need than WR as of now.

 

But KC went through Baltimore and SF which are 2 of the top defenses in the league. 

 

Point being is we're not gonna beat KC with defense. We have to outscore them and the only way that happens is by giving JA17 all the weapons he needs while he's in his prime. 

[Dr. Who]

Just now, billsbackto81 said:

One can argue DT is more of a need than WR as of now.

 

But KC went through Baltimore and SF which are 2 of the top defenses in the league. 

 

Point being is we're not gonna beat KC with defense. We have to outscore them and the only way that happens is by giving JA17 all the weapons he needs while he's in his prime. 

Right, my main objection was not so much DT, which honestly I would object to on its own, but trading up to take a DT.

[SoonerBillsFan]

1 hour ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

 

NO THANKS! You want that animal next to Chris Jones?!  May God help the AFC O-Lines 

They take him and it's hell on the rest of the league.

[gonzo1105]

2 hours ago, H2o said:

I take a crack at one of these every year. Based on the 2nd wave of FA prior to the draft, Pro Days, any other trades, and I update once more. It's something to do and I watch quite a bit of College football every year. It's fun to project who will land where. Here's my first crack at it: 

 

1. Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams / QB / USC - This is fairly obvious. The Bears traded Justin Fields and Caleb is all but a forgone conclusion to go #1 at this point. The only thing that could change this pick is if the Bears are scared off by his medicals, which it was said he didn't share with everyone at the Combine for whatever reason. 

 

2. Washington Commanders - Drake Maye / QB / UNC - The reports going around at the Combine were the Commanders favor Maye over Daniels. Maye seems to process info quicker on the field and anticipate throws, where as Daniels relies on his athleticism a bit more and goes after the chunk plays more in earnest. I think he suits what Washington is looking for in a signal caller. 

 

3. New England Patriots - Jayden Daniels / QB / LSU - New regime, the failed Mac Jones experiment is over, and they go with a new signal caller. All of the talk of Brissett starting is just that, talk. They will draft the Heisman Trophy winner from LSU and cut him loose. Watching him play this past year for LSU made me think of a faster, more athletic version of Deshaun Watson when he played at Clemson. 

 

4. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr. / WR / Ohio St. - Arizona takes one, and arguably the best, of the 3 upper echelon WR prospects in this draft. They have a huge hole in their WR corps and this is just the first of what I believe will be a couple of early picks to address that need for Kyler Murray. The group is currently littered with a bunch of JAG's. 

 

5. Los Angeles Chargers - Malik Nabers / WR / LSU - The Chargers cut Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen to the Bears. All that remains for Justin Herbert is Joshua Palmer and last year's 1st Round pick Quentin Johnston. I know they just spent a 1st on Johnson, but I can't see them passing on Nabers or Odunze here. I think Nabers will be the choice here, but it could be either of the two. 

 

6. New York Giants - Rome Odunze / WR / Washington - The Giants OL was bad last year, and this pick very well could end up being Joe Alt, but their WR group is W-E-A-K, weak. They have the speedster in Jalin Hyatt, and a couple of Smurfs, but they need that alpha in the group. That will be Odunze. 

 

7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt / OT / Notre Dame - This couldn't have worked out any better for Tennessee. They went out and got a compliment to D-Hop in Ridley and then the best OT prospect in the draft falls into their laps. He'll be their blindside protector for the next decade. 

 

8. ***TRADE*** Minnesota Vikings (via Atlanta) - JJ McCarthy / QB / Michigan - Minnesota pulls the trigger to get whom they see as their QB of the future. They send the #11 & #23 picks to Atlanta to jump in front of whatever Denver would do with trying to leap frog them. McCarthy has been talked up all throughout this process and apparently the QB needy teams see him as someone who may even jump over Daniels in the draft process. Minnesota gets their guy here. 

 

9. Chicago Bears - Dallas Turner / DE / Alabama - The trade for Keenan Allen opens this avenue up for Chicago with their 2nd top 10 pick. Turner is about as elite of a prospect that you look for at the DE position. He's an explosive athlete, with excellent bend, and he has an extra gear when closing. He also has the frame to add another 10-15lbs without likely losing any athleticism. He'll make a great bookend to Montez Sweat. 

 

10. New York Jets - Brock Bowers / TE / Georgia - With the top 3 WR's off of the board, them having signed Tyron Smith and trading for Morgan Moses, as well as them having signed Mike Williams, I think they use this pick on the best available offensive weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers also loves his TE's. This will be one of the smartest picks Douglas has ever made. It will open up everything for this offense when you have a guy like this attacking the middle of the field. 

 

11. Atlanta Falcons (via Minnesota) - Jared Verse / DE / Florida St. - Atlanta parlays #8 into two 1st Round picks, giving them 3 picks in the first 43, the first of which they use on the 2nd best Edge prospect in the draft. He has excellent athleticism, adequate bend, but his power in bull-rushing is quite impressive for a guy @ 255lbs. Raheem Morris starts building his defense here. 

 

12. Denver Broncos - Laiatu Latu / DE / UCLA - With the top four QB's off of the board, the Broncos choose to get the last of the 1st Round worthy pass rushers (just my opinion), who is also arguably a top 15 prospect. Latu also has good athleticism and bend for an Edge rusher. He's not as powerful as Turner or Verse, but he still has the elite traits you look for in someone chasing after QB's. 

 

13. Las Vegas Raiders - Olumuyiwa Fashanu / OT / Penn St. - The Vegas OL needs work and I don't see them reaching for a QB here after signing Minshew. They have a lot of work to do in general, but this is a quality start. He's a mammoth human being and has elite athleticism for the position. 

 

14. New Orleans Saints - Taliese Fuaga / OT / Oregon St. - I could see the Saints going with Brian Thomas here, but the WR class is so deep I think they grab one of the top OL prospects instead. Fuaga is a RT, but his best position may be as a G in the NFL and that position was a glaring weakness for NO last year. The Saints also let long time OL'man Andrus Peat walk in FA. 

 

15. Indianapolis Colts - Quinyon Mitchell / CB / Toledo - Mitchell has good film, had some good practices at the Senior Bowl, and capped it off with a fantastic Combine. This guy is a plug-and-play starter who could push for DROY. 

 

16. Seattle Seahawks - Troy Fautanu / OT / Washington - Fautanu doesn't have to move far going from the Huskies to the Seahawks. This is another OT prospect who can be lined up at one of the OT spots or kicked inside to man one of their interior positions. Either way, you have to protect whomever will be taking the snaps or it won't matter who is taking the snaps. Fautanu is a good prospect no matter where they choose to play him. 

 

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Terrion Arnold / CB / Alabama - Satisfied enough with their group of meh WR's, the Jaguars look to their defense. Arnold isn't the fastest CB, but he understands coverage, makes plays when they are there to be made, and is another in the list of Alabama DB's who will succeed in the NFL. 

 

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Brian Thomas / WR / LSU - This would suck, but it's how the board falls. They likely aren't bringing back Tyler Boyd and Higgins is on the Franchise Tag. This would give them, potentially, another stud WR for 5 years. 

 

19. Los Angeles Rams - Byron Murphy II / DT / Texas - A blind man could peg this selection after Aaron Donald calling it quits. Murphy can play against the run and he can get after the QB. He can play all three downs and will not be a liability no matter the defensive play call. 

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jackson Powers-Johnson / C / Oregon - Mason Cole struggled at times last year and the Steelers need to find out what they have at QB quickly. Improve the OL and see if Russ or Fields are the answer. JPJ will have Steelers fans thinking of the days when Pouncey was manning the middle of that OL. 

 

21. Miami Dolphins - Graham Barton / OT / Duke - Barton was an OT at Duke, but the talk is he'll play C in the NFL. The Dolphins OL, especially Center, was a massive weak spot last year. The positional flexibility also means that they could use Barton wherever. He will start day 1 on that OL.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Cooper DeJean / CB / Iowa - DeJean allowed an insane 37.8 passer rating when targeted. The Eagles defense is lacking big time in the Secondary. He could play CB or S in the NFL, but I think the Eagles give him a run at CB first. He's also a gifted return man. He will most certainly make an impact year one. 

 

23. Atlanta Falcons (via Minnesota) - Jer'Zhan Newton / DT / Illinois - The remaking of the defense in Raheem Morris' image continues. They get one of the best DE's with their first 1st Round selection, then one of the best DT's with their second 1st Round selection. Newton will be that penetrating 3-Tech in Morris' defense. 

 

24. Dallas Cowboys - Xavier Worthy / WR / Texas - I think Jerry sees a WR with wheels like this, who also played at Texas, and he just can't help himself. It will also be interesting to see the alignments they use with Lamb, Worthy, and Cooks. In the end, it's another weapon for Dak.

 

25. Green Bay Packers - Nate Wiggins / CB / Clemson - The Packers Secondary is a glaring weakness. For all of the talk, Alexander also seemed to take a step back last year as well. This more than likely is injury related, but the Packers still need to sure up the rest around him on the back end. Wiggins had an outstanding athletic performance at the Combine and he only allowed a 44.4 passer rating when targeted this year. The only knock is he's thin so don't expect much support from him in the run game. 

 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kool-Aid McKinstry / CB / Alabama  - The Bucs CB's were meh last year. McKinstry has been starting for Nick Saban since he was a Freshman. That says a lot. He's smart and he plays with a swagger to him. He'll fit right in with Winfield on the back end of that defense. 

 

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston) - Chop Robinson / DE / Penn St. - The Cardinals upgraded their WR room in a big way at #4 and hope to do it to their Edge group here. Robinson, though not really putting up elite production, does have elite athleticism. Some people are comparing him to Micah Parsons. The Cardinals hope it pans out that way. 

 

28. Buffalo Bills - Troy Franklin / WR / Oregon - This isn't necessarily what I would do, but this is what I have a gut feeling the Bills are going to do. We met with pretty much every top name on the WR board at the Combine. I'm sure many of our private workouts will be with WR's. I do think it's telling however that Franklin was the first WR the private workout. I believe it shows they hold him in high regard. He's slender at around 180lbs, but you see the long speed and quickness on the game tape. 

 

29. Detroit Lions - Adonai Mitchell / WR / Texas - The rich in offensive weapons get richer. The Lions don't have too many holes and should be coming off of a SB appearance if not for some questionable calls by Dan Campbell and key drops by Josh Reynolds. Reynolds is now gone and Mitchell will be tabbed as his replacement. Now they'll have two guys who can beat any Secondary down the field, along with the best Slot WR in the game, a great stable of RB's, and a TE coming off of the most productive rookie season at the position. 

 

30. Baltimore Ravens - JC Latham / OT / Alabama - The Ravens traded Morgan Moses back to the Jets. Ronnie Stanley can't seem to stay healthy. The Ravens have always been good at spotting top notch quality OL'men and they hope that prowess continues with this selection here. 

 

31. San Francisco 49ers - Payton Wilson / LB / NC State - Dre Greenlaw tore his achillies in the SB and was operated on, on 2/15/24. Hedging all their bets on him being ready for week 1 and being the same player prior to the injury that quick are a risk this team will not take. Instead they draft the best ILB in this draft who was extremely productive at NC State and then had an excellent showing athletically at the Combine. He and Fred Warner will allow Greenlaw to come along at his own pace and give them some flexibility when contracts eventually come up. 

 

32. Kansas City Chiefs - T'Vondre Sweat / DT / Texas - With the run on WR's, the Chiefs go after the best NT/1-Tech in this draft. Sweat is truly a monster at 6'4-1/2" and weighing in at 366lbs. He's also a bit more nimble than you would expect for a guy his size. Truly one of my favorite players in this draft. Putting him beside Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Charles Omenihu should almost be criminal. It ill also relagate Derrick Nnadi to the bench as depth, where he belongs. 

 

I don't really feel like going into the full list of Bills draft picks just yet. I'll wait until I do the update down the line. Hope you enjoy the read. 

 

 

I liked Franklin early as a great fit for the Bills but his combine and body type turned me off to him. With that said, it’s clear the Bills have some level of interest in him with the private workout and meeting at the combine. 
 

I’ll never hate on a guy putting himself out there to be judged. 

[nosejob]

5 minutes ago, billsbackto81 said:

One can argue DT is more of a need than WR as of now.

 

But KC went through Baltimore and SF which are 2 of the top defenses in the league. 

 

Point being is we're not gonna beat KC with defense. We have to outscore them and the only way that happens is by giving JA17 all the weapons he needs while he's in his prime. 

K.C.should have never got to Balt.  We should have won by 2 scores. The drops killed us and Bass couldn't stop turtling.