NFL Mock Draft 2.0

NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.0 

Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching. A lot has changed since the initial installment of this exercise, which will become increasingly apparent over the course of this writing. Again , projecting what teams will do is anything but an exact science, but there is more and more credible intel coming out each day, which does make it easier to make educated guesses. So without further ado, here is the second installment of Go For Two’s mock draft.

No trades in this installment yet again. I’m a coward, I know 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, Edge Rusher, Georgia

Big change atop this mock. Just so we’re clear,  this is not a case of what I would personally do if I were to put my GM cap on, but rather, it is an educated guess in terms of what I believe is most likely to happen. Jags GM Trent Baalke has long had a “ Smartest Man in the Room” type of vibe to him, even dating back to his days in San Francisco. This type of pick certainly fits that type of profile. I do not intend to pile on Walker too much- he is a freak athlete with considerable upside. I just believe Hutchinson is the better prospect. At the end of the day, this is the type of bold selection that will ultimately help make or break the rest of Baalke’s tenure in Jacksonville.

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Rusher, Michigan

If Walker is indeed the pick for Jacksonville, the Lions brass will be licking their chops at the prospect of drafting the hometown boy, and arguably the best player in the entire draft to boot. 

The Michigan product returned to school for his senior year in 2021, and it paid off in a big way, as he was a truly dominant force all year long.He’s the type of player who can be a day 1 difference maker on a defense that sorely lacks talent. 

3. Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, Tackle, NC State

After a disastrous start to his career during the early portion of last year, a strong argument can be made that Davis Mills has earned himself a longer look as the Texans QB, given his performance down the stretch. The Texans have arguably the least talented roster in football, and  it’s looking like next year is the better year to invest this highly in a quarterback. It appears likely that Laremy Tunsil will be back in Houston in 2022, but why not provide your young signal-caller with an elite duo of bookend tackles? I had previously mocked Evan Neal to the Texans at this slot, but at this point my money is on Ekwonu being the first offensive lineman off the board. You can’t really go wrong either way. Ekwonu and the aforementioned Tunsil would provide Mills with some excellent protection against opposing pass rushers.

4. New York Jets, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon

Once the presumptive favourite to be selected 1st overall, Thibodeaux’s stock has fallen a little in recent months. That said, he still possesses elite upside, and the Jets should have no qualms about taking him at this spot. He could very well turn into the game-wrecking type of edge rusher that Robert Saleh so desperately covets.

5. New York Giants, Evan Neal, Tackle, Alabama

Andrew Thomas took a big step forward this past year after a tough rookie season in 2020, however he remains the only quality tackle on the roster. If Daniel Jones is ever going to break out, it would make sense for the Giants to provide him with the best offensive line possible. At approximately 360 pounds, Neal is a freak of nature,and along with the aforementioned Thomas,  could form a lethal duo for the G Men for the foreseeable future.

6. Carolina Panthers,  Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh

I could easily see the Panthers addressing their leaky offensive line at this juncture. That said, unless the plan is to completely bottom out and start from scratch next year, they cannot possibly enter Week 1 with Sam Darnold and PJ Walker as the only quarterbacks on the roster. While I had previously mocked Willis here and still believe he is the superior prospect, I will reiterate that this mock is more about what I believe will happen rather than what I would personally do. Besides, the idea of Pickett playing in Charlotte next year is seemingly gaining momentum. While he has his share of question marks as a prospect, it is increasingly likely that some team will take a chance on him in round 1 , which is no surprise given how well he played at Pitt a season ago.

7. New York Giants (from CHI), Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

It is becoming increasingly clear that James Bradberry has played his last game in a Giants uniform. Even if he somehow does return, the team could stand to add more corners. 

In Gardner, the Giants are getting themselves a potential stud who has emerged as arguably the top corner in this year’s class.

8. Atlanta Falcons, Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC

The Matt Ryan trade signified an end of an era in Atlanta. That said, there are a number of different directions the Falcons could head in at this spot, especially given the general lack of talent on the roster. A grown man who excels at contested catches and has drawn comparisons to the likes of Mike Evans and Tee Higgins, London would be a tremendous help for Marcus Mariota (or whomever ends up starting week 1).

9. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN), Charles Cross, Tackle, Mississippi State

Obviously, Russell Wilson is no longer in the picture. That said, it is entirely possible they pass on a signal-caller at least in the first round, thanks in large part to the lack of legitimate options. I think a trade for Baker Mayfield or Jimmy G is entirely possible, and this team is out of touch enough that a Drew Lock week 1 start cannot be ruled out, either. Regardless of who is throwing passes to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett this fall, what everyone can agree on is that offensive line play has been a major issue for this team for a number of years. The potential departure of Duane Brown would only make matters worse. Regardless, Cross would not only satisfy a major need for this team, but would also provide great value at the 9 slot.

10. New York Jets (from SEA), Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Jets used their first pick to bolster their leaky defense, and at this point, they provide another weapon for Zach Wilson, who desperately needs to improve after a rough rookie campaign.Given that they were allegedly the runner ups for Tyreek Hill, and have been linked to the likes of Deebo Samuel and D.K Metcalf via trade, the Jets are basically broadcasting to the world that they are desperately looking to add another receiver. A precise route runner with speed to burn, the Ohio State product would give the Jets a rather deadly group of pass-catchers. 

11. Washington Commanders, Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

If the Commanders really want the Carson Wentz experiment to pan out, it would make sense to provide him with as many weapons as possible. The fact that Ron Rivera attended Ohio State’s pro day in person is likely a sign that both Wilson and Olave are firmly on the teams radar. The former is unavailable in this case, but the latter would still be an excellent pick. A dynamic weapon with field-tilting speed. Olave would give Washington a potent trio of former Buckeyes at the wide receiver position.

12. Minnesota Vikings, Derek Stingley Jr , Cornerback, LSU

Cameron Dantzler is the only viable cornerback on the active roster, which is especially problematic considering Aaron Rodgers still plays in the NFC North. Once considered a potential top 2 or 3 overall pick, Stingley’s stock has also fallen a little, largely due to the fact that he hasn’t quite matched his truly elite freshman season in 2019 over the past couple of years. That said, the LSU product still possesses elite upside, and satisfies a major need for the Vikings to boot. 

13. Houston Texans (from CLE), Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

BPA is the name of the game for the talent-starved Texans squad. I had initially mocked Hamilton 2nd overall to Detroit, but it’s becoming increasingly less likely that he will be selected that early. He didn’t necessarily do himself any favours after a questionable showing at Notre Dame’s pro day, and teams just don’t value the safety position as highly as others, generally speaking. That said, Hamilton remains a high-end prospect, and the Texans would surely be glad to scoop him up.

14. Baltimore Ravens, Jermaine Johnson, Edge Rusher, Florida State

The Ravens thought they were bringing back Za’Darius Smith, but he ultimately decided to sign with the Vikings instead. However, that should tell you that bringing in another high-impact pass rusher is a top priority for them, meaning the likes of Johnson will likely firmly be in play come draft day.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA), Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Taking a receiver in the first round for the 3rd year in a row might seem strange, but here we are. While 2021 1st rounder Devonta Smith looks like a hit, the same cannot be said about 2020 selection Jalen Reagor. The former is the only true difference-making talent they have at receiver, and with 2 first round picks this year, there’s really no excuse to not address the position. Although he tore his ACL during the National Championship, the Alabama speedster is still fully expected to be a 1st rounder. Williams is as dynamic as they get, and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He would surely be a welcomed addition for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense

16. New Orleans Saints ( from PHI, via IND), Desmond Ridder, Quarterback, Cincinnati

The Saints are now a full year removed from the Drew Brees era, and it is still unclear who their quarterback of the future will be. Jameis Winston was just OK last year before tearing his ACL, while Taysom Hill (who may need to be downgraded without Sean Payton) is best suited as a gadget player.Shockingly, the Andy Dalton signing does not move the needle whatsoever. I had previously mocked Matt Corral to New Orleans, but it seems as if Ridder is valued more highly around the league. The Cincinnati product may not be a week 1 starter, but this is a team that desperately needs some young blood at the quarterback position.  Perhaps Ridder will one day be “the guy” for the Saints. 

17. Los Angeles Chargers, Jordan Davis, Defensive Interior, Georgia

Anyone who played fantasy football last year could tell you that the Chargers couldn’t stop the run if their lives depended on it. Obviously, that is a top priority for the team to fix this spring. A 341 pounder with sub-4.8 speed, Davis has skyrocketed up draft boards after blowing up the combine. He happens to be pretty good at football, too. While Davis safely projects as a strong run defender at the next level, he is admittedly raw as a pass rusher. The potential for him to develop into a more well-rounded player is there, however. Both his size and freak athleticism (plus his aforementioned floor as a run stuffer) make him a player worth taking a chance on.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO), Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Darius Slay is still Darius Slay, while Avonte Maddox is coming off a career year. However, the Eagles don’t have much at the cornerback position beyond those two. In McDuffie, the Eagles use their 2nd 1st rounder to fortify their depth in the secondary.

19. New Orleans Saints (from PHI),  Trevor Penning, Tackle, Northern Iowa

The Saints use their other first rounder to try and replace stud tackle Terron Armstead. Although he faced weaker competition at the collegiate level and could face a steeper learning curve compared to his peers during the early portion of his career as a result, Penning most certainly has the skill set and upside to thrive at the NFL level.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers, Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty

The Steelers brought in Mitch Trubisky to give him a chance to revive his career, but by no means should his addition deter them from continuing to add at quarterback. Much like how the Najee Harris pick was essentially telegraphed last year, the worst kept secret around the league is the Steelers infatuation with Willis. They may have to trade up for him in reality, so in the event that he falls to them at 20, they will likely be salivating. While he isn’t a perfect prospect by any means, no quarterback in this draft class possesses a higher ceiling than Willis, in my opinion. His tantalizing skillset could allow him to become a legitimate dual-threat at the most important position in sports should he reach his potential. He is entirely worth the risk at this slot, especially for a Steelers offense that has looked lifeless for the better part of 3 years now.

21. New England Patriots, Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah

Donta Hightower. Jamie Collins. Kyle Van Noy. Devin Lloyd. Over the years, Bill Belichick has shown that he has a type at the linebacker position. He has long targeted rangy, athletic and versatile types with some blitzing/pass rushing juice. Lloyd could be next in line in that regard.

22. Green Bay Packers (from LV), Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The Packers needed to add another receiver even before they traded away Davante Adams, so naturally, multiple additions at the position are now required. Sammy Watkins is an acceptable reclamation project, but they obviously need to keep adding. Although he is still relatively raw as a route runner, both his production history in college and his athletic profile suggest the sky’s the limit for the Arkansas product. 

23. Arizona Cardinals, George Karlaftis, Edge Rusher, Purdue

The Cardinals desperately need to add another edge rusher after losing Chandler Jones to free agency. I actually believe Karlaftis has an excellent chance of being selected earlier than this come draft day, so the Cards are getting great value here.

24. Dallas Cowboys, Kenyon Green, Guard/Tackle, Texas A&M

After losing both La’el Collins and Connor Williams to free agency, the Cowboys figure to be in the market for offensive line help. This team has historically placed a high emphasis on versatility when it comes to targeting linemen, so Green should fit right in, as he made starts both at guard and tackle in college.

25. Buffalo Bills, Andrew Booth Jr. , Cornerback, Clemson

The Bills have one of the most talented rosters in football, and are very clearly in win-now mode. That said, with Levi Wallace no longer on the team, and with Tre’Davious White in the process of recovering from a serious knee injury, the Bills could use some cornerback help.

26. Tennessee Titans, Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida

Although their defense performed better than expected last year, The Titans could stand to continue adding to their cornerback room. A taller corner with playmaking ability, Elam would serve as a nice complement to stud safeties Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Zion Johnson, Guard, Boston College

Obviously, the shocking return of Tom Brady has extended this team’s Super Bowl window for however long he decides to keep playing, and this team very much has the talent to win their 2nd ring in 3 years. They did lose both of their starting guards from last year, however. The Shaq Mason trade has satisfied one of those vacancies, while the other figures to be addressed in some way on or before draft day.

28. Green Bay Packers, Tyler Linderbaum, Center/Guard, Iowa

The Packers gave Aaron Rodgers another weapon at pick 22 in this mock, so they will now shift their focus to the offensive line. The Packers have a couple of weak spots on the interior, and Linderbaum would be a great fit for a team that is desperately trying to maximize their chances of winning while Rodgers is still around. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA via SF), George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Georgia

It’s virtually impossible to find a one-for-one replacement for Tyreek Hill, but the Chiefs should still be making every effort to try and replace his production on aggregate this offseason.  Tall and athletic, Pickens would have a chance to be a day 1 difference-maker in a wide open Kansas City receiver room.

30. Kansas City Chiefs, Daxton Hill, Safety/Cornerback, Michigan

It appears likely that Tyrann Mathieu will not be returning to the team, so with that in mind, the Chiefs would undoubtedly be in the market for another playmaking safety. Hill has the exact type of skill set that is perfect for the modern NFL and would be a great addition to this team, especially considering all of the potent passing attacks in the AFC.

31.Cincinnati Bengals,  Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia 

The Bengals spent a ton of money on their offensive line this March,and rightfully so. That said, they can now shift their focus towards adding playmakers on the defensive side of the ball come draft day. Profiling as a Swiss Army Knife-type, Dean could be exactly the type of difference-maker this team is seeking.

32. Detroit Lions (from DET), Lewis Cine, Safety, Georgia

The Lions have given up far too many big plays to count over the years, so it goes without saying that they need to add more talent to their secondary.