Gonzo Mock Draft Version 2.0 After Combine( Starts on Page 5)

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Doc Brown said:

Somewhat off topic but reading this it occurred to me that every team has a first round pick this year.  Has that ever happened before?

 

It definitely has. But it is a good few years since it has. 

[DJB]

Well thought out mock for 2.0!

 

Heck of a lot better than many in the media who get paid to do it

[GunnerBill]

Good job @gonzo1105. I won't do a version 2.0 of mine until after the first wave of FA. 

 

Things I like:

#6 - I'm starting to think Sanders ends up at Vegas too. The whispers are the Giants would pass. Now maybe that is just smoke but how hard they were apparently in for Stafford makes me think they are not liking what will be there at #3. Think on the day would eve see LV jump up a couple of spots to take him.

 

#9 - Saints feels like an edge rusher spot and I agree Stewart meets their measurables and they have taken project edge rushers in the 1st before... Davenport and Turner. If I was doing a mock today I'd slot him here.

 

#14 through #16 - think you have nailed that run - yes, yes and yes - for Barron, Campbell and Green. I was told by someone plugged into Arizona that if Green is there he won't get past them (though as you say off-field could play a part).

 

#20 - I also think Warren has been slightly inflated and while the fit with the Colts does make some sense, once they pass Denver really becomes the only other sensible spot. 

 

#26 - I think the Rams are now a real player in the receiver stakes. I had them pegged as a tackle team initially, but they have re-upped Alaric Jackson and it looks like Kupp is on his way. If any of the consensus top four receivers make it to them (Egbuka in your mock here) they are likely the pick. 

 

General shape of Round 2 - I only do one two rounder, my first one, so I don't have to ponder the re-litigation of my second round, but the general shape of it as you have it looks pretty close to me in terms of the groups of players and the ranges they will come off the board. 

 

Things I like less:

#7 & #18 - I think #18 is low for Tet and from the whispers I hear the guy who is more likely to be the surprise slider is Will Johnson. Heard a few people not sold on the medicals and the 2024 tape has definitely got some a little queasy. I actually think you could see a full swaperoo there with Tet ending up as Adams's replacement in New York and Johnson slipping into the later teens.

 

#10 - Not a comment on Membou who I think is very talented, but if the Bears are really going to spend another first round pick on a right tackle they deserve everything that is coming to them. Membou is a better player than Darnell Wright, I definitely agree with that but I don't think either is an NFL left tackle. It would be horrific asset management. If I was the Bears owner and Poles made that pick I'd fire him on the spot.

 

#23 - I just don't see the Packers spending a first on a receiver. They are a defense in the first team, almost always, and this is a much strong defensive group than offensive one.  

 

#25 - I still have Kelvin Banks as my OT1 and I will not be moved off that. If he gets to #25 then in two years time there will be a lot of GMs feeling pretty silly. I just don't think he falls this far. Though if he does I can definitely see Houston taking him. 

 

 

 

 

[SoCal Deek]

I’m always impressed with the work you guys put into these Mock Drafts. Well done and much appreciated as I have virtually no knowledge in the scouting arena. With that said, every time I look at someone’s draft I immediately look to see which players, at the same position, are shown to be taken within the half dozen or so picks directly AFTER the Bills selection. Such is the case with this latest updated Mock. I’m wondering if anyone can discuss why Beane takes the projected players over the DT, CB, or DE shown here; as opposed to those listed still on the board when our turn comes up? 

[Billl]

I would be stunned if Grant drops that far.  If he does, Beane is going to beat Worthy’s 40 time running to the podium.

[YoloinOhio]

Ew. 
 

jk he’s good but I have ptsd about that dude

[gonzo1105]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

Good job @gonzo1105. I won't do a version 2.0 of mine until after the first wave of FA. 

 

Things I like:

#6 - I'm starting to think Sanders ends up at Vegas too. The whispers are the Giants would pass. Now maybe that is just smoke but how hard they were apparently in for Stafford makes me think they are not liking what will be there at #3. Think on the day would eve see LV jump up a couple of spots to take him.

 

#9 - Saints feels like an edge rusher spot and I agree Stewart meets their measurables and they have taken project edge rushers in the 1st before... Davenport and Turner. If I was doing a mock today I'd slot him here.

 

#14 through #16 - think you have nailed that run - yes, yes and yes - for Barron, Campbell and Green. I was told by someone plugged into Arizona that if Green is there he won't get past them (though as you say off-field could play a part).

 

#20 - I also think Warren has been slightly inflated and while the fit with the Colts does make some sense, once they pass Denver really becomes the only other sensible spot. 

 

#26 - I think the Rams are now a real player in the receiver stakes. I had them pegged as a tackle team initially, but they have re-upped Alaric Jackson and it looks like Kupp is on his way. If any of the consensus top four receivers make it to them (Egbuka in your mock here) they are likely the pick. 

 

General shape of Round 2 - I only do one two rounder, my first one, so I don't have to ponder the re-litigation of my second round, but the general shape of it as you have it looks pretty close to me in terms of the groups of players and the ranges they will come off the board. 

 

Things I like less:

#7 & #18 - I think #18 is low for Tet and from the whispers I hear the guy who is more likely to be the surprise slider is Will Johnson. Heard a few people not sold on the medicals and the 2024 tape has definitely got some a little queasy. I actually think you could see a full swaperoo there with Tet ending up as Adams's replacement in New York and Johnson slipping into the later teens.

 

#10 - Not a comment on Membou who I think is very talented, but if the Bears are really going to spend another first round pick on a right tackle they deserve everything that is coming to them. Membou is a better player than Darnell Wright, I definitely agree with that but I don't think either is an NFL left tackle. It would be horrific asset management. If I was the Bears owner and Poles made that pick I'd fire him on the spot.

 

#23 - I just don't see the Packers spending a first on a receiver. They are a defense in the first team, almost always, and this is a much strong defensive group than offensive one.  

 

#25 - I still have Kelvin Banks as my OT1 and I will not be moved off that. If he gets to #25 then in two years time there will be a lot of GMs feeling pretty silly. I just don't think he falls this far. Though if he does I can definitely see Houston taking him. 

 

 

 

 

Im picturing more the Bears playing Membou at Guard. They need help all over and he is the best one in my opinion in general even with Campbell going higher. So they’re taking BPA OL and making it work. Obviously you disagree with Banks which I disagree with lol. 
 

I sort of agree on Will Johnson and picks 5-9 were really tough for me outside of the Raiders. That’s a real area where I can see some surprises coming. I just slotted a safe guy there for now until version 3.  I also sort of agree on Burden but he’s a first rounder and I was trying to find a spot for him and didn’t want to put him in round 2. 
 

I think Tet is going between 12-19 until he runs. 

1 hour ago, SoCal Deek said:

I’m always impressed with the work you guys put into these Mock Drafts. Well done and much appreciated as I have virtually no knowledge in the scouting arena. With that said, every time I look at someone’s draft I immediately look to see which players, at the same position, are shown to be taken within the half dozen or so picks directly AFTER the Bills selection. Such is the case with this latest updated Mock. I’m wondering if anyone can discuss why Beane takes the projected players over the DT, CB, or DE shown here; as opposed to those listed still on the board when our turn comes up? 

I guess I’m curious who specifically we are talking about 

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, gonzo1105 said:

Im picturing more the Bears playing Membou at Guard. They need help all over and he is the best one in my opinion in general even with Campbell going higher. So they’re taking BPA OL and making it work. Obviously you disagree with Banks which I disagree with lol. 

 

If they take any lineman who can't play left tackle in the top 10 I'd fire Poles. You don't win in the NFL drafting right tackles and guards early. To do it twice in two classes is fireable IMO. If they are more on your side of the Banks argument (and I do see why people don't love him... but he my kind of offensive tackle) and they don't think he can be an NFL left tackle then they should take another position. 

 

I actually think the Jets taking Membou would make more sense (in terms of if any team can justify it). I know they took Fashanu last year but for a team that has had oline issues in forever to suddenly have bookend tackles.... I'd give them more of a pass than the Bears. 

[gonzo1105]

2 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

If they take any lineman who can't play left tackle in the top 10 I'd fire Poles. You don't win in the NFL drafting right tackles and guards early. To do it twice in two classes is fireable IMO. If they are more on your side of the Banks argument (and I do see why people don't love him... but he my kind of offensive tackle) and they don't think he can be an NFL left tackle then they should take another position. 

 

I actually think the Jets taking Membou would make more sense (in terms of if any team can justify it). I know they took Fashanu last year but for a team that has had oline issues in forever to suddenly have bookend tackles.... I'd give them more of a pass than the Bears. 

I had Membou to the Jets at 7 in version 1 and agree with you there just haven’t heard a lot about the Jets and OL so far so it seems they want to go in another direction to this point 

[Buddy Hix]

You put in a ton of work, thanks.

 

I would be ecstatic if Buffalo landed Grant, really hope he falls to us.

[Mat68]

On 2/1/2025 at 5:21 PM, gonzo1105 said:

Usually try to do 3 of these. This draft was interesting and for the longest time had a lot of writers block due to how many players can go in a 40 pick span but overall I feel pretty good about where I stand early as obviously things will shift after Free Agency and the Combine.  With that said here is my Version 1 mock Draft. Enjoy and feel free to rip apart and B word lol.

 

1. Tennessee Titans- Cam Ward QB Miami

- If I was going to take a QB in this draft, I would take Ward first over Sanders and Dart. He has continously developed in multiple different settings with multiple offense and coaches and been successful. Any team need a franchise QB and this year is debatable for whether a team should do that but here I place Ward # 1.

 

2. Cleveland Browns- Travis Hunter WR/DB Colorado

- Arguably the best player in the draft, the Browns could also go Quarterback but I don't think they pass up the opportunity to grab a talent like Hunter. I actually prefer Hunter at WR compared to DB as I think he is better there but it is more likely he'll be a DB with some WR packages in the NFL.

 

3. New York Giants- Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado

- The Giants have to figure out QB whether its in a rookie like Sanders or a Veteran QB for Schoen and Daboll to save their jobs. Sanders has solid arm strength but to me Sanders holds onto the ball too long and will have to be faster getting through progressions in the NFL to be a success. He does have the personality to be able to handle a large market like New York so I do believe he can succeed.

 

4. New England Patriots-Abdul Carter DE/LB Penn State

- A lot of draft projections have a WR or OT here to help out Drake Maye and that makes a ton of sense but they also brought in Mike Vrabel, a HC known for tough teams with good defense and Carter is arguably the top prospect in some peoples minds. I just think that Carter is too good of a prospect to pass up to take a lesser talent at WR or Offensive line.

 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Will Johnson CB Michigan

- I find Johnson to be the best defensive back in the draft over Hunter. Much like my earlier explanation Johnson is too good of a talent to pass up to take a lesser position of need like offensive line here. He is one of the elite talents in the draft and the Jaguars can't afford to pass him up. He should develop into a # 1 CB who can lock down # 1 WR's in the near future.

 

6. Las Vegas Raiders- Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State

- Here is another example of just taking the best player at this point. Running back is making a return to the NFL and the Raiders need an exciting player on their offense and Jeanty checks that box. In addition, Pete Carroll loves to run the football and had Marshan Lynch for the longest time amongst others and will need a true bell cow running back especially since they don't have a franchise QB at this point. Maybe a little bit early but I think this pick makes way too much sense.

 

7. New York Jets- Armand Membou OT/OG Missouri

- No matter where the Jets want to slot Membou he makes sense for this offensive line which was still an absolute disaster last year. They can either pair Membou with Fashanu at Tackle and have bookends or slot Membou inside where he can be a dominant pro bowl type player with the right development.

 

8. Carolina Panthers- Mason Graham DT Michigan

- The Panthers showed a great deal of improvement down the stretch with their offense and even though they can use another playmaker, the development of Jalen Coker and drafting Xavier Legette last year they will lean on going defense and pairing Graham with Derrick Brown to begin rebuilding a defense that was crushed last year.

 

9. New Orleans Saints- Josh Simmons OT Ohio State

- Some people will see this as a reach but I believe that Simmons upside makes him the # 1 Tackle in this draft. If it wasn't for a knee injury i'm not sure there would be much of a question here as he is a sure fire franchise LT in the league which you can't necessarily say about the other guys who will go in this range in the draft.

 

10. Chicago Bears- Kelvin Banks OT Texas

- The Bears need to fix their offensive line to give Caleb Williams a chance. Poles apparently was scouting offensive and defensive line very heavily at the Senior Bowl and I think there is a little better value at the offensive line position right now than at the defensive line but it wouldn't shock me to see someone like Kenneth Grant go here on the other side of the ball.

 

11. San Francisco 49ers- James Pearce DE/LB Tennessee

- I am personally very high on Pearce and have him right up there with Carter but he appears to be at least now going the way of Jared Verse last year where he started as a top 10 pick before going 19th overall to the Rams. Pearce would add another dynamic pass rusher for a defense that when healthy can be dominant. Pearce needs to add weight but has A++ athleticism and with development and weight room can be a monster.

 

12. Dallas Cowboys- Tetairoa McMillan WR Arizona

- The Cowboys have needs all over and one of them is at the WR positions and McMillan falls into their lap to pair with Ceedee Lamb. I will be curious what McMillan runs in the 40 as he is a very large WR who takes awhile to build up but he is a dominant player. I think he is a little overrated for where he is being slotted but do believe he can be a # 1 player but feel he would be right there with Odunze if he was in last years draft.

 

13. Miami Dolphins- Will Campbell OT/OG LSU

- Another guy much like Membou and the Jets that can play 4 out of the 5 positions on the offensive line and the Dolphins can use a little grit on their team in particular on the offensive line. Campbell can play RT and replace Armstead eventually or move down into guard and be an instant starter for the Dolphins.

 

14. Indianapolis Colts- Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina

- A lot of people are slotting Tyler Warren here and for the a draft need fit it makes sense but I think Warren is a little overrated as a prospect and Emmanwori is a perfect fit for the Indianapolis Colts team who need a ton of defensive talent and I believe Emmanwori is Safety # 1 in this draft.  He has rare size and movement skills and can play all over the field including the run which makes him a valuable chess piece for an NFL defense.

 

15. Atlanta Falcons- Kenneth Grant DT Michigan

- I feel that Grant could go earlier than this as stated in pick # 10 and he has a rare blend of size and athleticism that you just don't see in a lot of DT's. The Falcons need help on the defensive line both on the interior and exterior and Grant is a nice value pick that meets a need.

 

16. Arizona Cardinals- Mike Green DE/LB Marshall

- I feel that Green is being severely underrated. Yes, he needs to gain strength but he has been playing the positions for a short period of time and is a monster athlete who has a plethora of pass rush moves and production albeit at the G5 level. He will need time but a team that is patient with him could end up with a double digit sack player for the next 10 years. Green had a good senior bowl week against bigger comp so that steam isn't slowing down for him.

 

17. Cincinnati Bengals- Jahdae Barron CB Texas

- The Bengals are a mess defensively and like Emmanwori, Barron is a chesspiece who can do multiple things for the team that drafts him. He can play outside, inside and play the safety position all at a good level and again that value is something that teams high in the draft look for. Barron would be a good fit for a Bengals team that needs playmakers on defense.

 

18. Seattle Seahawks- Tyler Booker OG Alabama

- Seems like every year the Seahawks need to take a Guard and every year they either screw it up or they don't take one. I feel like this has been a position mocked every year for the Seahawks and Booker is the next in line as my # 2 interior OG behind Membou. Hopefully I wont have to mock another guard next year.

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Shemar Stewart DE Texas A&M

- The need is there for the Bucs and Stewart is a boom or bust prospect in my opinion who has elite traits but hasn't translated it into on field success. If the Bucs can unlock him then look out but he also can be a guy I could see floating around the NFL as a journeyman for years.

 

20. Denver Broncos- Tyler Warren TE Penn State

- Warren finally comes off the board at pick # 20 and a guy who can further develop Bo Nix. I like Warren as a prospect but don't love him especially with how deep this Tight End class is. He is not Brock Bowers but he has good physical traits and a tough demeanor to play the position. I want to see his agility testing as he runs stiff to me and I wonder how he will separate in the NFL. Kind of reminds me of Michael Mayer who has failed to have success in the NFL.

 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers- Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State

- The Steelers biggest need, outside of Quarterback, is the WR position and they could go in a couple of different directions here but I slot Egbuka here early as a guy who can play inside and play the underneath game while Pickens does the vertical stuff and provides another weapon for whomever is playing Quarterback next year for the Steelers.

 

22. Los Angeles Chargers- Colston Loveland TE Michigan

- Herbert needs more weapons to get the Chargers to where they want to go deep in the playoffs outside of Ladd McConkey. Instead of going WR, the Chargers tap a Tight End prospect that Jim Harbaugh is very familiar with and would be an easy transition schematically to the NFL.

 

23. Green Bay Packers- Jalon Walker DE/LB Georgia

- The Packers need some help at the pass rusher position and Walker can provide that for the Packers. I am not as high on Jalon Walker as others as he is a tweener both physically and positionally which scares the hell out of me. The fact he is listed at 6'2 makes me think he is going to be 6 foot and some change or 6'1 which will make him undersized. The Packers do love drafting defense and they do love them some Georgia Bulldogs.

 

24. Minnesota Vikings- Malaki Starks S Georgia

- Back to back Georgia Bulldogs come off the board as Starks would be a great fit for the Brian Flores defense. Harrison Smith isn't getting any younger, and the Vikings were prone to the big play last year and Starks is just flat out good value at this point in my opinion and the Vikings have become savvy drafters as of late.

 

25. Houston Texans- Airontae Ersery OT Minnesota

- The Texans need to fix their offensive line to have any chance for C.J. Stroud to get back to being as successful as he was his freshmen year. Ersery has good tape and had a really good week at the Senior Bowl. He would be an immediate upgrade over Blake Fisher at RT and Fisher could then bump inside to help a Texans offensive line that badly needs it.

 

26. Los Angeles Rams- Shavon Revel CB East Carolina

- I honestly could see this being a slot for Jaxson Dart if he is sitting on the board at this point and Stafford's career winding down. In this iteration, I will just pass on that for now and go with Revel who fills a large defensive need for the Rams. Revel is a long projectable corner that would have gone much higher in a weak top of the draft this year if he hadn't tore of his knee.

 

27. Baltimore Ravens- Mykel Williams DE/LB Georgia

- I am not high on Williams as he is all potential with very average tape in my opinion. He could go much higher than this I will readily admit but this just looks and smells like a Ravens pick with Williams dropping and the Ravens snapping him up late in round 1.

 

28. Detroit Lions- Walter Nolan DT Mississippi

- Nolan really came on this past year when he transferred to Mississippi as his tape at A&M left a lot of to be desired and some was flat out not very good at all. Nolan slips into a really good Lions team that needs loads of help on the defensive line due to injuries.

 

29. Washington Commanders- AZ Thomas CB Florida State

- Thomas is a long press man cornerback who is flying up the boards. He gets overlooked a little bit because he doesn't have the stats as most teams avoided him last year attacking the rest of an abysmal Florida State defense.

 

30. Buffalo Bills- Donovan Ezeiruaku DE Boston College

- We have been saying it for years that the Bills have to get better defensive line play to get to where they want to go and with a ton of guys possibly coming off the books, the Bills have to restock the cupboard yet against on the defensive line. Ezeiruaku is undersized but has an incredibly long wingspan, was dominant as a senior and can really get after the passer with a ton of pass rush moves. Other players I considered at this spot for the Bills include: Nic Scourton, Derrick Harmon, and Matthew Golden

 

31. Philadelphia Eagles- Nic Scourton DE Texas A&M

- Scourton is another A&M player who was a better player last year than he was this year but possesses a lot of quality traits you like to see in a football player. He is a big base defensive end who can probably slide inside for certain packages and the Eagles do have needs both inside and outside of their defensive line.

 

32. Kansas City Chiefs- Donovan Jackson OG Ohio State

- Jackson provides protection in a couple of different areas for the Chiefs. He can replace Trey Smith at RG who is a pending free agent or he can play the other guard position if the Chiefs are content playing Joe Thuney out at LT. It would be an interesting fit but it protects the Chiefs in a couple of different ways.

 

2nd Round

33. Cleveland Browns- Omarrion Hampton RB North Carolina

34. New York Giants- Derrick Harmon DT Oregon

35. Tennessee Titans- Luther Burden WR Missouri

36. Jacksonville Jaguars- Matthew Golden WR Texas

37. Las Vegas Raiders- Jaxson Dart QB Mississippi

38. New England Patriots- Josh Conerly OT Oregon

39. Chicago Bears- Princely Umanmeilen DE Mississippi

40. New Orleans Saints- Alfred Collins DT Texas

41. Chicago Bears- Gray Zabel OT North Dakota State

42. New York Jets- Trey Amos CB Mississippi

43. San Francisco 49ers- Jonah Saviinaea OT Arizona

44. Dallas Cowboys- Kaleb Johnson RB Iowa

45. Indianapolis Colts- Mason Taylor TE LSU

46. Atlanta Falcons- Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame

47. Arizona Cardinals- Marcus Mbow OG Purdue

48. Miami Dolphins- Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama

49. Cincinnati Bengals- JT Tuimoloau DE Ohio State

50. Seattle Seahawks- Omarr Norman-Lott DT Tennessee

51. Denver Broncos- Quinshon Judkins RB Ohio State

52. Pittsburgh Steelers- T.J. Sanders DE/DT South Carolina

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Demetrious Knight LB South Carolina

54. Green Bay Packers- Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky

55. Los Angeles Chargers- Elic Ayomanor WR Stanford

 

56. Buffalo Bills- Tre Harris WR Mississippi

- The Bills come back in round two and take the highly productive Tre Harris at pick 56. I am incredibly high on Harris but he does need work. He possesses very large size much in the way of Keon Coleman and is more of a possession guy who can get deep much like Gabe Davis was. The difference between Gabe Davis and Tre Harris is Harris is a YAC monster in college and Harris has great hands and rarely drops the football. Most will look at his size and say he is an X WR which would be redundant with Keon Coleman here but I actually believe he is a Z Receivers with the body of an X. He needs work on route running development and isn't a finished products but he pops on the college tape. Others considered: Jack Sawyer DE, Jalen Royals WR, Jordan Burch DE

 

57. Carolina Panthers- Danny Stutsman LB Oklahoma

58. Houston Texans- Isaiah Bond WR Texas

59. Baltimore Ravens- Cameron Williams OT Texas

60. Detroit Lions- Jack Sawyer DE Ohio State

61. Washington Commanders- Elijah Arroyo TE Miami

 

62. Buffalo Bills- Jordan Burch DE/DT Oregon

-  Yup the old Double Dip here for defensive ends. I am have on my team needs list multiple edges and Burch possesses a freakish body at 6'6 295. He has the athleticism of a skill player in the body of a 3 Tech. I would expect him to be a base defensive end in a 4-3 with ability to squeeze down inside on passing downs. He finally broke out as a senior after transferring from South Carolina to Oregon. He is literally the opposite of Ezeiruaku. A great run defender who relies on power right now to win in pass rushing situations. He needs to continue to grow with more pass rush moves but the size strength cannot be denied and has Calais Campbell upside if his potential can be reached. Others Considered: Darious Alexander DT, Andrew Mukuba S, Xavier Watts S.

 

63. Philadelphia Eagles- Jalen Royals WR Utah State

64. Kansas City Chiefs- Gunnar Helm TE Texas

 

I appreciate the work and effort.  All realistic options.  I would be pissed Buffalo didn’t take a 1T.  Yes, a true 2 down 1T can be had in the middle rounds.  I would like someone with a bit more juice in that position.  With the lack of production, excluding the year and a half of very good play from Daquan Jones, I would want a bigger investment.  Especially with the lack of size at LB and 3 tech.  Buffalo needs an ass kicker at 1 tech.    

[gonzo1105]

2 minutes ago, Mat68 said:

I appreciate the work and effort.  All realistic options.  I would be pissed Buffalo didn’t take a 1T.  Yes, a true 2 down 1T can be had in the middle rounds.  I would like someone with a bit more juice in that position.  With the lack of production, excluding the year and a half of very good play from Daquan Jones, I would want a bigger investment.  Especially with the lack of size at LB and 3 tech.  Buffalo needs an ass kicker at 1 tech.    

You’re looking at the old version now. New version is on page 5 

[DJB]

31 minutes ago, Buddy Hix said:

You put in a ton of work, thanks.

 

I would be ecstatic if Buffalo landed Grant, really hope he falls to us.

Grant or Harmon are the two at the top of my wish list . After pleading to draft Sweat last year I’m really hoping I’m not disappointed again 

Edited Monday at 03:29 PM by DJB

[MikePJ76]

Grant falling would be pretty great.

 

Sal was on wgr this morning and was pushing the strength narrative.  If anyone has been paying attention to Sal since the end of the year he has been dropping hints at the team thinking they are not strong enough, from Kincaid to the D-Line.

 

Sal has even said they fired Eric Ciano not because of guys being injured but because the organization believes the strength program was not good enough.  

 

So with an emphasis on team strength and size, Grant would be a perfect fit.

 

I still have my doubts they take a 1 tech though in the first round.  I hope they do.  

[gonzo1105]

20 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

Grant falling would be pretty great.

 

Sal was on wgr this morning and was pushing the strength narrative.  If anyone has been paying attention to Sal since the end of the year he has been dropping hints at the team thinking they are not strong enough, from Kincaid to the D-Line.

 

Sal has even said they fired Eric Ciano not because of guys being injured but because the organization believes the strength program was not good enough.  

 

So with an emphasis on team strength and size, Grant would be a perfect fit.

 

I still have my doubts they take a 1 tech though in the first round.  I hope they do.  

I agree I think their goal is to make the D line like their o line has become. The Bills had a finesse Oline and they transitioned to a physical front. I see them doing the same here on defense. Whether that means Grant, bigger ends , a trade who knows but I do suspect that to be true particularly for DLine 

[FireChans]

10 hours ago, gonzo1105 said:

Version 2.0 (After Combine Mock)......I think most Bills fans will be very happy with this version!

 

1. Tennessee Titans- Abdul Carter DE Penn State

- I really still don't know what they are going to do with this pick as I think they will most likely take Carter, draft Ward, or trade out of this pick but right now Carter is the best player in the draft and new general managers tend to play it safe in their first pick with a new team and Carter is about as safe as it comes. He's a dynamic player that will be an instant impact for the Titans next to Jeffrey Simmons.

2. Cleveland Browns- Cam Ward QB Miami

- The best Quarterback in the draft goes in the 2nd spot. Yes they still owe a ton of money to Watson but they have to go in a different directions at this point and just bite the bullet. Ward has a lot of really good traits that can make him a good NFL QB and has played for 3 different programs in 3 years showing he is flexible and can adapt to many different systems and coordinators.

3. New York Giants- Travis Hunter CB/WR Colorado

- Hunter is right up there with Carter as the best player in the draft and the Giants kill 2 birds with one stone. They need a lockdown corner on defense and they need a dynamic playmaker with Nabers on offense. If they can find the right QB, the Giants would be much improved on offense and Hunter should greatly help them on the defensive side of the ball.

4. New England Patriots- Mason Graham DT Michigan

- I think the Patriots would much prefer to get either Carter or Hunter in this position but both are gone. This could be a spot where you could see a trade but with no trades in this mock draft, the Patriots take the Graham who fits Mike Vrabel and the new regime very well. They need to help their offense but Graham is too good to pass up and all offensive players are a reach at this point.

 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Will Campbell OT LSU

- The Jaguars could go a couple of different directions here as well. I think Campbell is a reach here but he is a very safe pick for a brand new general manager making his first selection. I am not as high on Campbell as others are but it appears he will most likely be the # 1 OL off the board at this point. This could be another pick that you could see movement on if the early portion of the draft plays out this way. I think they would also consider Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron here.

6. Las Vegas Raiders- Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado

- Sanders has been interesting because he has not thrown at all this draft season and there are rumors that he is slipping but I cannot see the Raiders passing up on a QB when they have the chance to grab one after being left out in the cold last year. This can obviously change if they sign a veteran like Sam Darnold but Sanders will still most likely go in the 6-10 range at the worst even with him supposedly dropping.

7. New York Jets- Will Johnson CB Michigan

- Another guy who is an interesting case as he hasn't really shown what he can do to this point in the draft and has seen his stock supposedly slip in the last couple of months of the process. With so few impact guys and the Jets having needs pretty much all over the place I still slot Johnson into this spot as he seems like a guy that Aaron Glenn would appreciate having. I know this sounds like a repeat here but Johnson is an incredibly safe pick for a new general manager.

8. Carolina Panthers- Jalon Walker DE/LB Georgia

- I wouldn't take Walker here with this selection as he is an incredible tweener in my opinion but the real guys who do this for a living seems to disagree with me and Walker appears destined for the top 15 selections. He does have incredible athleticism and the ability to get to the QB I just worry is he a 3-4 rusher, an off the ball LB, or a guy who can put his hand in the dirt. It remains to be seen but I have questions on him at the next level.

9. New Orleans Saints- Shemar Stewart DE Texas A&M

- Someone is going to take Stewart very highly based on his all world potential. Everyone saw what he did at the combine and the potential he has inside himself. The Saints have needs all over the place and need to replace a ton of positions. They decide to take a crack on Stewart at the tail end of the top 10 who has a very high ceiling but also has a floor that could have him floating around the NFL for years.

10. Chicago Bears- Armand Membou OT/OG Missouri

- I have consistently had Membou as my # 1 offensive linemen in this draft even before the combine and his combine did nothing to dispel what I see on tape. He is a monster whether on the outside or the inside and the Bears could use help at both the outside and inside making this a no brainer pick for the Bears at the # 10 spot.

11. San Francisco 49ers- James Pearce DE Tennessee

- Rumors of a catastrophic drop was in the news before the combine due to Character concerns and maybe those are still a thing and maybe it was something being floated hoping that a bad combine in addition to rumors would lead to a steep fall. After that combine plus his tape there is no way that Pearce is in for a fall in a draft that has very few high end difference makers. The 49ers jump at the opportunity to grab Pearce who on the high end could be a Brian Burns type player and on the low end would be a Leonard Floyd type player.

12. Dallas Cowboys- Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State

- I could see Jeanty going higher and I can see Jeanty going lower but I see him as the type of player that Jerry Jones would fall in love with and would give excitement to the Cowboys. Add into the fact that the Cowboys need an impact running back and this pick makes sense as the Cowboys can fill their other needs later in the draft.

13. Miami Dolphins- Nick Emmanwori SAF South Carolina

- Everyone's favorite player after the combine goes to the arch rival Dolphins at pick 13. They are losing both of their starting safeties in Poyer and Holland most likely and need to replace them and while Emmanwori has issues, his upside is undeniable being able to do a multitude of things. He also would add a physical presence to the Dolphins that they are sorely lacking.

14. Indianapolis Colts- Jahdae Barron CB Texas

- I actually could see Barron going higher than this and could be in contention with Johnson as the # 2 CB off of the board but I feel for the # 2 mock draft, this is a good spot to place him right now as the Colts have big time needs in the secondary and Barron can fill any one of the multitude of positions that the Colts need in their secondary.

15. Atlanta Falcons- Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama

- I slot Campbell in here after his fantastic combine and there are rumors that the Falcons are absolutely enamored with him bypassing the Edge Rusher need for the 85th year in a row for another position. They do have a need at LB as well and again Campbell is a testing freak in a draft that lacks high end talent. Combine numbers are pushing up a lot of these guys in comparison because most guys are graded the very closely.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Mike Green DE Marshall

- Same as Version 1 for me that Mike Green goes to the Cardinals. I was one of the first people that had Green as a potential top 20 pick and his combine won't slow that speed down. The only thing that could have him drop is the fact that he has some character concerns (sexual assault accusations). He is right up there with the other top edge rushers and has youth on his side to continue to grow as he matures.

17. Cincinnati Bengals- Derrick Harmon DT Oregon

- Sorry Bills fans but Harmon after his combine and tape is going to be long off the board before the Bills even get a crack and in this iteration he goes # 17 overall to the Bengals. The Bengals need all kinds of help on the defensive side of the ball and Harmon has been moving up the board even before his strong combine performance.

18. Seattle Seahawks- Tet McMillan WR Arizona

- Tet McMillan's fall ends here. I always thought he was an overrated prospect when he was being mocked to the Patriots. He has the size to be a difference maker for sure but he has separation flaws that could have him fall. I see his ceiling as being around where Rome Odunze went at 9 last year and his floor being 19 to the Buccaneers. He is going somewhere in that range in my opinion and with the possibility of Lockett being released and Metcalf being traded McMillan makes sense here. 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tyler Booker OG Alabama

- With the Bucs just missing out on McMillan at 18, the Bucs take the best pure guard in the draft in Tyler Booker who will hopefully start opening up some running lanes for an anemic Bucs offensive line and help protect Baker Mayfield.

20. Denver Broncos- Tyler Warren TE Penn State

- This is another prospect, like McMillan, that I think is a very good prospect but has been highly overrated by the draft community. Warren is a good talent and Nix/Payton will get the best out of him in their system but I question Warren's long speed and his stiffness as a runner which might affect him as a pass catcher at the NFL level.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers- Matthew Golden WR Texas

- Another combine Bills favorite on the board goes pick # 21 to the Steelers. Golden is a perfect compliment to George Pickens on the other side and whomever the quarterback will be for the Steelers next year. I am very high on Golden as a true Z receiver in the NFL.

22. Los Angeles Chargers- Omarion Hampton RB UNC

- I have always been high on Hampton and his combine with his 4.47 at his size will make him a lock for the first round. The Chargers, with Harbaugh wanting a balanced offense would love to get his hands on a power back like Hampton and he gets his chance here as they continue to try to reconstruct their offense around Justin Herbert.

23. Green Bay Packers- Luther Burden WR Missouri

- This pick is an interesting one since the Packers have a good amount of depth at the position already but really have no difference makers. In addition they have Jayden Reed in the slot and like to use two TE's at time but the upside of Burden and the possibility he turns into the dynamic WR that they have been lacking allows the Packers to make this selection.

24. Minnesota Vikings- Malaki Starks S Georgia

- Starks lack of size and straight line speed is made up for with a great deal of football saavy and smarts and the Vikings and Brian Flores would love to get their hands on a player like Starks who can do multiple things that Flores likes to do in his defense.

25. Houston Texans- Kelvin Banks OT Texas

- I have never been high as high on Banks as others and his fall stops here with the Texans who keep him "home". The Texans need to fix their offensive line and Banks can play RT and eventually take over for Tunsil or move inside to Guard in the meantime.

26. Los Angeles Rams- Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State

- The Rams take Egbuka here as a value play. The are going to go into the season without Cooper Kupp either via trade or release and Tutu Atwell is a free agent leaving the Rams thinner in their WR corps with Stafford in a win now situation. Egbuka helps remedy that situation immediately.

27. Baltimore Ravens- Nic Scourton DE Texas A&M

- This is just one of those typical Ravens picks. Let a guy keep sliding down the board and then take the BPA and in that case that is Scourton who will make his way to the Ravens much slimmer than he was at A@M last year.

28. Detroit Lions- Mykel Williams DE Georgia

- The Lions need defensive line help after being ravaged with injuries last year and couldn't stop anyone after all of them hit. Williams is a good base end who has the potential to be a plus pass rusher but right now he needs to develop that aspect of his game.

29. Washington Commanders- Josh Simmons OT Ohio State

- I personally have Simmons as my # 1 true Tackle in this draft but I can't deny that him not being able to show his recovery from knee surgery will hurt him. The Commanders still need to give Daniels as much help as they can and will do that adding Simmons with Deebo Samuel who they just traded for.

30. Buffalo Bills- Kenneth Grant DT Michigan

- Well well boys and gals, the Bills swipe up Kenneth Grant at the 30th choice fitting everything that Buffalo could possibly want from a 1 Tech. Grant is incredibly athletic for a man his size but he does have negatives. For being close to 340 pounds, I would like to see him be more physical at times. Sometimes he plays too finesse for a man his size but at the same time you don't get a guy that size who can get after the passer while also being able to clog running lanes. I think that inconsistency plus the fact that he has yet to work out in any capacity makes me think he is in for a little bit of a drop. Will he actually make it to 30 and will the Bills actually have this pick come draft time. Remains to be seen but I think its more of a possibility than it was a month or two ago.

31. Kansas City Chiefs- Colston Loveland TE Michigan

- I just think the value here is too good to pass up for the Chiefs as Loveland is the clear # 2 TE and with Travis Kelce likely in his last year playing, the Chiefs snap up Loveland to be his eventually replacement.

32. Philadelphia Eagles- Walter Nolan DT Mississippi

- Nolan is another guy who has a lot of potential and upside but also has multiple concerns. First he has character concerns, how serious who knows, he is undersized for a defensive tackle at 293 pounds and has yet to show what he can do in the pre draft process. His tape also left a lot to be desired at Texas A@M before greatly improving at Miss. The Eagles don't care about character and they have the players to give Nolan the time needed to adjust to the NFL. 

 

2nd Round:
33. Cleveland Browns- Donovan Ezeiruaku DE Boston College
34. New York Giants- Jaxson Dart QB Mississippi
35. Tennessee Titans- Jonah Savaiianea OG Arizona
36. Jacksonville Jaguars- AZ Thomas CB Florida State
37. Las Vegas Raiders- Trey Amos CB Mississippi
38. New England Patriots- Josh Conerly OT Oregon
39. Chicago Bears- Landon Jackson DE Arkansas
40. New Orleans Saints- Malik Hairston CB Kentucky
41. Chicago Bears- Darius Alexander DT Toledo
42. New York Jets- Grey Zabel OT North Dakota State
43. San Francisco 49ers- Cameron Williams OT Texas
44. Dallas Cowboys- Jayden Higgins WR Iowa State
45. Indianapolis Colts- Mason Taylor TE LSU
46. Atlanta Falcons- Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame
47. Arizona Cardinals- Donovan Jackson OG Ohio State
48. Miami Dolphins- Tyleik Williams DT Ohio State
49. Cincinnati Bengals- Xavier Watts S Notre Dame
50. Seattle Seahawks- Demetrius Knight LB South Carolina
51. Denver Broncos- Treveyon Henderson RB Ohio State
52. Pittsburgh Steelers- T.J. Sanders DT South Carolina
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Carson Schwesinger LB UCLA
54. Green Bay Packers- Darian Porter CB Iowa State
55. Los Angeles Chargers- Elic Ayomanor WR Stanford

56. Buffalo Bills- Shavon Revel CB East Carolina

- Revel goes from being a possible late first round pick to falling all the way down to # 56. This happened for a multitude of reasons. He has some concerns on tape but mostly because he is coming off a torn ACL and even though he is expected to be ready for training camp, he might not be at 100% strength for the season. Couple that with the fact that Hairston, Amos, Porter, and Thomas, had fantastic pre combine all star games and combines and you can see Revel dropping further and further. The upside is enormous and the Bills have a huge need but could also afford to wait on him a little bit if necessary.

57. Carolina Panthers- Andrew Mukuba S Texas
58. Houston Texans- Tre Harris WR Mississippi
59. Baltimore Ravens- Airontae Ersery OT Minnesota
60. Detroit Lions- Marcus Mbow OG Purdue
61. Washington Commanders- Alfred Collins DT Texas

62. Buffalo Bills- Bradyn Swinson DE LSU

- Swinson is flying up the boards. He has prototypical size at 6'4 255 pounds with almost 34 inch arms. He also had a monster final season at LSU and parlayed that into an excellent combine where he showed top end change of directions skills in the hoop drill, and agility testing that was only behind Donovan Ezeiruaku. The reason why he goes so late is he is a late bloomer. He only had one year of college with good production  and will have to prove that his final season in LSU is not a mirage. He, in my opinion, is still an ascending player as he can still fill out his body even more and be the true pass rusher the Bills have lacked.

63. Kansas City Chiefs- Kaleb Johnson RB Iowa
64. Philadelphia Eagles- Jordan Burch DE Oregon

The Jets taking another top 10 CB to shore up the position right before their previous top 10 CB potentially walks is sure to bring a smile to @Bill from NYC

[BarleyNY]

Some QB rumblings:

- Sanders has gotten himself taken off some boards of QB needy teams due to interviews and board work. No accountability for anything that went wrong and a lot of finger pointing at other players and coaches. Everything that went well apparently was due to him though. Also he had choice routes removed from his offense because he “didn’t like them”. That would be a problem in the NFL. A slide out of the top 10 is very possible. 

- Dart will likely wind up QB2 after Ward. He crushed in his interviews. Expect him to be a top half of round 1 selection. 

Edited Monday at 04:06 PM by BarleyNY

[gonzo1105]

3 minutes ago, BarleyNY said:

Some QB rumblings:

- Sanders has gotten himself taken off some boards of QB needy teams due to interviews and board work. No accountability for anything that went wrong and a lot of finger pointing at other players and coaches. Everything that went well apparently was due to him though. Also he had choice routes removed from his offense because he “didn’t like them”. That would be a problem in the NFL. A slide out of the top 10 is very possible. 

- Dart will likely wind up QB2 after Ward. He crushed in his interviews. Expect him to be a top half of round 1 selection. 

Yea I’ll be surprised if Dart goes before Sanders. Could I see Sanders slipping sure but it’s also misinformation time and can’t believe everything you hear with a ton of needy QB teams down the board 

[MikePJ76]

6 minutes ago, BarleyNY said:

Some QB rumblings:

- Sanders has gotten himself taken off some boards of QB needy teams due to interviews and board work. No accountability for anything that went wrong and a lot of finger pointing at other players and coaches. Everything that went well apparently was due to him though. Also he had choice routes removed from his offense because he “didn’t like them”. That would be a problem in the NFL. A slide out of the top 10 is very possible. 

- Dart will likely wind up QB2 after Ward. He crushed in his interviews. Expect him to be a top half of round 1 selection. 

I can't wait to watch sanders flame out and blame everyone else for the next 30 years of his life.

 

He learned from the best.  I wouldn't take sanders and put him in my locker room with any pick in the draft.  

[BarleyNY]

12 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

Yea I’ll be surprised if Dart goes before Sanders. Could I see Sanders slipping sure but it’s also misinformation time and can’t believe everything you hear with a ton of needy QB teams down the board 

I highly doubt that it is misinformation. From a former scout who spoke with current scouts and FO people at the combine, including some who were in the room for interviews with those two. 

Obviously that does not mean it is written in stone, but don’t be surprised if it goes down that way. One additional note of no surprise - there is a very strong and active machine behind Sanders hyping him up. 

Edit: Another legit source corroborated that Sanders interviewed poorly, but did not elaborate. 

Edited Monday at 04:25 PM by BarleyNY