NFL Mock Draft with Trades

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pick: QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

I’m going to be honest, I cannot tell you anything you don’t already know about Trevor Lawrence. He’s a stud, and he is going to be the next big thing at QB. Biggest no brainer of the last 20 years. Moving on.

2. New York Jets

The Pick: QB Justin Fields, Ohio State

For the record, I did not like the move in trading Darnold, especially if it is true that the Jets declined a 1st round pick this year (12, from the 49ers).The Jets really should have kept Darnold and taken Sewell here to create one of the best young tackle duos in the league with last year’s first round pick in Mekhi Becton. Alas, the Jets gave up on Darnold, so here we are.

I recognize this is a pretty wild pick, as 99% of mock drafts have Zach Wilson here, but hear me out. The 49ers trade to 3rd overall was so uncharacteristic for Lynch and Shanny. It didn’t make sense. John Lynch is not someone who goes in blind, he always is thinking one step ahead. Jets head coach Robert Saleh is the former defensive coordinator of the 49ers, and a close friend of Kyle Shanahan. The two are so close, in fact, that when Saleh first started interviews for head coaching jobs, Shanahan made a plan to split his staff in half so Saleh could take some coaches with him. Remember, the trade was made while both the Jets and 49ers were at Zach Wilson’s pro day. I think Saleh told Shanny who they were taking, and Lynch jumped on the chance to take Wilson.

3. San Francisco 49ers

The Pick: QB Zach Wilson, BYU

Also for the record, I hated the trade up Just sit there and draft a CB! Jimmy G is really not that bad. Yes, his injury history is concerning, but Teddy Bridgewater just went to the Broncos for a 6th round pick! There were such cheaper options at QB. But here we are. Honestly, the 49ers could go wild here and take Kyle Pitts. That is more likely than people think because, again, they don’t really have a massive need at QB. But after giving up so much for this pick, the fans would go into complete hysterics if they didn’t get a quarterback.

This might be a controversial pick, but I really think that for the 49ers system, Mac Jones is the best fit on the board. He is literally a perfect Shanahan prospect. Jones makes good reads, has solid timing, and his IQ is off the charts. Trey Lance is definitely an option here, I would love to see what Shanahan does with his athleticism, but he would have the fewest amount of collegiate snaps for any 1st round quarterback in history. That is a huge risk. The ceiling is there for Lance, but Mac has just as high a ceiling with a much higher floor. Take the game manager and run.

4. Atlanta Falcons

The Pick: TE Kyle Pitts, Florida

This one is way simpler than people are making it seem. Matt Ryan’s play has not declined, and he has another 3-5 good years left in the tank. Remember when everybody lost their minds when the Packers drafted Jordan Love in the first round? A quarterback here might be even more dumb, as it’s a much higher pick than the Packers had. I’m all for guys taking a year to sit and learn, but this looks more like 3 years, at best, and I cannot justify that for the 4th overall pick. Kyle Pitts is a generational talent at tight end. He has great size, speed, and excels in being physical and winning jump balls. At some point in the near future, the Falcons are going to have to think about their next QB, but for now, they should just be stockpiling weapons for their Matt Ryan replacement to make the transition as easy as possible.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

The Pick: OT Penei Sewell, Oregon

This is the only option for the Bengals. Yes, it would be great to see Burrow and Chase together again, but take one look at Burrow’s scar from his knee injury and you’ll agree, offensive line is the pick. Sewell is a potential all-time great at the position, as his combo of size, strength, and perfect mechanics is not often seen this young. The Bengals also have a 1,000-yard receiver in Tyler Boyd, and an absolute stud in Tee Higgins, a strong breakout candidate for the 2021 campaign. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals use their next pick on a receiver, but don’t count out the team doubling down on their line and snagging one of those stud interior linemen such as Creed Humphrey or Landon Dickerson.

6. Miami Dolphins

The Pick: WR Jamarr Chase, LSU

This should tell you how good Jamarr Chase is. The Dolphins pass on two former wide receiver teammates of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and land the stud pass-catcher from LSU. Chase sat out this past year, but he was very clearly the best receiver in football in 2019. The Dolphins seem unclear about Tua’s future on the team, as we saw from their willingness to include him in a package for Deshaun Watson, but they are going to want to give him every opportunity to shine before they make up their minds. Chase fills a massive need as the Dolphins have one of the weakest receiver rooms in the league. This is too easy.

7. New England Patriots (From Detroit Lions)

The Pick: QB Trey Lance, NDSU

The rumor mill that has been swirling lately is that teams are already looking ahead to a loaded draft class next year, so future draft picks are as valuable as ever. That’s how it goes this time, as the Patriots trade this year’s 1st round pick (15) and a 2021 2nd round pick. The Dolphins definitely will field calls for 6, but in the end, I just see Chase as too valuable for them. Instead, the Lions move back 8 spots and add a 2nd round pick in a very deep class. The Patriots most likely struggled with Lance vs Fields, but in the end, I think Lance makes much better decisions (28-0 TD/INT in 2019), and that’s what sways Belichick. Lance is going to be extremely talented in this offense, and he will quickly turn around the franchise. Get ready everybody, if Belichick can pull this off, he might have another dynasty.

8. Carolina Panthers

The Pick: OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

This is a really interesting pick, as the Panthers can really go in a bunch of different directions. Micah Parsons is a great choice at linebacker, Patrick Surtain II could be an option at a cornerback, they could even take Jaylen Waddle if they want a receiver. However, if you’ve read my posts you know that I believe in showing a new QB you have his back. The Jets never gave Sam Darnold good protection, so he was often forced to make off balance and shaky throws. I’d love to see Darnold in an offense where he can actually take time in the pocket to make his reads, and this is a huge step towards that.

To me, there is too much hype around Rashawn Slater. Yes, Chase Young had a bad game against him, but people forget how often Young would disappear in college. That’s not a knock on him, as he is definitely going to be an All-Pro defensive player, but still, it’s worth noting when evaluating Slater. Darrisaw was a 3-year starter at Virginia Tech, and displays all the fundamentals you want a tackle to have coming into the league. Darrisaw is the safest pick, and Darnold gets some protection.

9. Denver Broncos

The Pick: QB Mac Jones, Alabama

“But they just traded for Teddy Bridgewater!” Yes. I know. For a 6th round pick! Reports are saying that the Broncos are still in the market for a QB, and I think Mac Jones is such a John Elway player. Strong fundamentals, great pocket presence, and makes excellent reads. Trey Lance is also an option here if the Pats trade up for Jones, but I honestly think the Broncos have Mac Jones higher on their list than Justin Fields. Manning, Osweiler, Lock, all those guys are more similar to Jones than Fields. This is the guy the Broncos want, and I don’t think they can pass on him. They’ve invested almost nothing in Bridgewater, so it isn’t too wild to keep pushing for a top QB. This is an extremely talented, young offense, and I really think Jones might be able to steer the ship in a better direction. I think between Lock, Bridgewater, and Jones, it’ll be the rookie that starts week 1.

10. Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

This is one of those “I know what they should do vs. I know what they will do” situations. With the recent retirement of Sean Lee, the Cowboys should take Micah Parsons here to bolster their linebacker unit. Vander Esch and Parsons would be an extremely fun duo to watch together and might make one of the best linebacker corps in the league. However, Jerry Jones loves making a splash, and the standout cornerback from Alabama who also happens to be the son of an All-Pro NFL cornerback reuniting with his former cornerback teammate Trevon Diggs is just too much to pass up. Jerry might have this pick in before 9:59. This is just way too predictable of a pick.

11. New York Giants

The Pick: LB Micah Parsons, Penn State

This is a really good board for the Giants. It is honestly a dream scenario to see so many good players that fill top needs on the board. This pick could easily be an offensive lineman or a receiver, but I don’t think the Giants can pass on the best defensive player in the draft falling in their laps. This is a deep class for offensive linemen and for receivers, but linebackers are a little weak. I don’t think there is as big of a gap between Rashawn Slater and a second-round guy like Liam Eichenberg as there is between Micah Parsons and any linebacker in the second round. The same can be said between a guy like Jaylen Waddle and Rondale Moore from Purdue. Parsons is that good, and the linebacker depth in this draft is that thin.

The problem with Parsons is some character concerns, but I really think there are leaders in the Giants locker room that can get through to him. Former teammate Saquon Barkley could definitely have an impact on the young pass rusher. The Giants take the best available guy here and get him the support to live up to his potential.

12. Philadelphia Eagles

The Pick: WR Devonta Smith, Alabama

Remember when the Eagles drafted Jalen Reagor and the video got released of the Vikings front office laughing as they took the future Pro Bowler Justin Jefferson? Well, the Eagles will be the ones laughing this year if the board comes down to this. The team is in desperate need of some pass catchers for the young Jalen Hurts, and after botching the Reagor pick last year, there is no room for error. This is honestly a toss-up between Smith and Waddle, but I like Smith more with the extra inches of height and because Waddle is a little too similar in style to Reagor. Either receiver from Bama, however, will do wonders with their former teammate throwing them the ball in Philly.

13. Los Angeles Chargers

The Pick: OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

Say it with me! Young quarterback? Get him protection! This is a no brainer. The Giants had more pressing needs and a bigger hole to fill with the best available, but the Chargers are really thin on the line. Trey Pipkins was atrocious last year, tied for 12th most sacks allowed in the league, and Brian Bulaga was barely graded over 60 by PFF. Slater fills an obvious need, and while Christian Darrisaw is rated higher on my board, I still think Slater is very talented and very athletic, and even if he doesn’t reach the top tier right away, he is still a clear upgrade for the Chargers.

14. Minnesota Vikings

The Pick: EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan

The Vikings had a miserable season on defense, with head coach Mike Zimmer saying it is the worst defense he had ever coached. The team finished 28th in the NFL in sacks, a miserable ranking for a coach who usually has the edge pieces to get to the quarterback. There is a lot of hype around Jaelan Phillips recently, but Paye has been a huge contributor for the Michigan defense for years now, and Phillips only has one year of playing time under his belt. Paye has an outstanding first step and the kind of motor Zimmer loves on his team. Look for his leadership to get him the nod over Phillips for Minnesota.

15. Detroit Lions (From New England)

The Pick: WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

Wow did this deal turn out great for the Lions. They get a premium pick next year from the Patriots and still get the guy they might have taken at 7. Detroit has one of the worst receiving groups I have ever seen on an NFL roster, and they need a lot of help if they are going to get Jared Goff off to a strong start. Many say that had Waddle not gotten injured, he would have been the Heisman winner over teammate Devonta Smith. I’m not sure if I agree with that, but I do love his upside. This is a great job by the Lions getting more draft capital and filling probably the biggest need of any team in the draft.

16. Arizona Cardinals

The Pick: EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Miami

This is another surprising pick, I know. But hear me out. I don’t think cornerback is this team’s biggest need. Robert Alford, Malcolm Butler, and Byron Murphy are solid players as rentals for the year. Should the Cardinals use one of their first two picks on a corner? Absolutely. But JJ Watt is 32 and Chandler Jones is 31 and on the decline. I think this is a perfect spot for the inexperienced Phillips to learn from two of the best rushers of the last decade. He has the tools and the athleticism, but those guys can really mentor him while he in return takes some of the pressure off of the duo. This is a really good fit, but the Cardinals should definitely take a corner in round 2.

17. Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: S Trevon Moehrig, TCU

This is likely one of the highest spots you’ve seen Moehrig, and yes it may be a bit of a reach, but hear me out. We’ve seen the Raiders reach for defensive backs before. AJ Terrell last year was a clear reach, but they believed in him. If there was ever a player to believe in this year, its Moehrig. Like I said before, this offensive line class is honestly pretty deep. Safeties, on the other hand, are few and far between. Safety is the position that has the biggest gap between #1 and #2, so this might be the Raider’s only chance to take such a solid defensive back. Moehrig is an excellent tackler, maybe the best in the draft, and has the athleticism to stand in with top receivers and tight ends in the league. He is a very solid choice at 17, and the Raiders can use their next pick on an offensive lineman.

18. Miami Dolphins

The Pick: LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa

The most underrated player in the draft goes at 18. Some people might say this is a reach, but man is this kid good. Do you think former Patriots linebacker coach and current Miami Dolphins head coach is going to be excited to see Collins, a guy many have compared to Dont’a Hightower? I sure do. The need is probably bigger at edge, but with Paye and Phillips off the board, Flores goes with the best defensive player available. Collins is just so fluid, so poised, and an all-around great linebacker. I think Flores would have a lot of fun plugging him in all around the field and seeing what he can do. He is outstanding in coverage, with a 93 overall grade when covering receivers. His sideline to sideline speed is excellent, and he really can do it all. I think this is such an easy pick and the Dolphins immediately boost their defense after improving their offense with their first pick.

19. San Francisco 49ers (From Washington Football Team)

The Pick: CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina

Chaos. The WFT wanted to trade up for one of the top 5 quarterbacks, but they all went too early and they couldn’t get a deal done. The 49ers have two solid quarterbacks but are weak in the secondary after letting Sherman walk, so as they watch Horn fall inexplicably, they make a move. The trade: 49ers trade QB Jimmy Garoppolo and R3102 to the Washington Football team for R1P19. I’m sorry but this just makes too much sense. The 49ers know having 2 quarterbacks is absurd, they have to trade Jimmy G. They are fine waiting for a corner, but why not move up for the second best on the board? Horn can play pretty much right away and make an impact, and really, you’re just trading a guy who you have moved on from anyways and moving up from the 3rd round.

The WFT gets their signal caller for the next couple years, and a guy who can immediately elevate their offense. They have great pieces, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is old and was never meant to be a long-term option. You’ve already missed out on the top 5 quarterbacks, might as well take a chance on a proven stud. You get your guy at QB and still get to pick in the 3rd round where there is a lot of value in a deep draft class. I just think this makes a lot of sense all around.

20. Chicago Bears

The Pick: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

Linemen who can play guard or tackle are so valuable. The Bears still have a need at quarterback, but again, the top 5 are gone. It is also impossible to justify paying a 1st round quarterback with the contracts of Dalton and Foles weighing them down. Instead, they decide to improve the trenches. Vera-Tucker does have slightly small arms, but he has incredible power and mobility. This is honestly a steal at 20, and whatever quarterback they end up bringing on will thank Ryan Pace for the protection.

21. Indianapolis Colts

The Pick: OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame

Look, if you don’t predict a couple reaches you are doing it wrong. Yes. This is a bit of a reach. Samuel Cosmi, Alex Leatherwood, and Teven Jenkins are all ranked ahead of Eichenberg for most people. Understandable. But everything I am seeing says Quentin Nelson wants to play next to his old college teammate, and when the best guard in the NFL makes a request like that, you go with it. Carson Wentz is also made of glass, so this is a bigger need than edge, where there really aren’t any good picks here that make sense anyways. Eichenberg to the Colts makes too much sense and the reach is justified if the board falls like this.

22. Tennessee Titans

The Pick: CB Greg Newsome II

Caleb Farley is probably the better prospect right now, but the Titans can’t afford to risk his injury history. Besides, Newsome is the better athlete, and therefore a better replacement for Adoree Jackson. Newsome has solid length and makes great reads in the passing game. Without Jackson and Malcolm Butler, the Titans might honestly take another corner before the draft is over. Newsome can plug and play right away, so this is the best pick for the team at this moment.

23. New York Jets

The Pick: OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State

All together now! If. You. Draft. A. QB. Get. Him. Protection. This is really not hard. A duo of Teven Jenkins and 2020 1st round pick Mekhi Becton would be absolutely incredible. 4 years of that duo will scare teams all across the league. This especially makes sense with the pick of Justin Fields at 2. Fields struggles with pocket presence at times and has a habit of taking bad sacks or making bad throws under pressure. If I’m the Jets, I want to do anything I can to give my new QB the cleanest pocket I can give him. Jenkins does that for any of the quarterbacks the Jets might take.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

This Pick: RB Najee Harris, Alabama

I don’t agree with not drafting a running back 1st round. Pick 24 is more than deep enough to take on that risk, and Najee Harris is one of the best running backs I’ve seen in college. He is so smooth. He can catch out of the backfield or drive headfirst and pick up solid yardage with his strength. He has poise, talent, and determination. This kid is the real deal, and for a team like the Steelers who have a glaring hole at running back, he is the right pick. I’ll happily take 5 years of Harris, as long as he knows that in 2025 I’m moving on to the next big thing instead of giving him an Ezekiel Elliot deal.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pick: WR Rondale Moore, Purdue

October 10th, 2018. The day Urban Meyer’s undefeated Buckeyes got run over by Rondale Moore to the tune of 12 receptions, 170 yards, and 2 TDs. He is small, shifty, and speedy, a common trait of all Urban Meyer receivers. We can assume Meyer will bring a lot of slant plays to the Jaguars, and Rondale Moore is the perfect athlete to run in that system. He and Lawrence would make an incredible duo, and I have Rondale Moore ranked ahead of Elijiah Moore.

26. Cleveland Browns

The Pick: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

This is the steal of the round. Owusu-Koramoah is a stud linebacker, but the board just wasn’t right for him to go higher. The Browns jump on the chance to improve a weak linebacking corp, and they are one step closer to the Super Bowl the city is desperate for. Too easy of a pick.

27. Baltimore Ravens

The Pick: OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

Receiver is a big need for this team, but with so many left on the board, it is much more important to fill the hole from the Orlando Brown trade. This is very reminiscent of the 49ers trading DeForest Buckner just for a cheaper replacement in the draft. Makes a lot of sense for their salary cap, but I hope this is not the Ravens clearing cap space for a massive Lamar Jackson extension. I think within the next few years they need to move on.

28. New Orleans Saints

The Pick: LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky

Quarterback here makes no sense to me. I just don’t see it. It crowds the QB room too much. Winston should be a fine player with Payton, so I think the team gets some needed help on defense. I tink they are a little concerned about Farley’s health, so they take the athletic linebacker that crushed the combine. This is a great fit and it gives the Saints a nice upgrade on defense in a tough division.

29. Green Bay Packers

The Pick: WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

Will Aaron Rodgers really not play for the Packers? I doubt it. I think this was just his way of telling the team to get him help. One guy the Packers have been looking at is Rashod Bateman, who has great size and hands and would be a lethal duo with Adams. This is the only option at this pick for the Packers. It’s too easy.

30. Buffalo Bills

The Pick: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

Farley finally goes. This was really hard to have him fall so far, but team are really concerned about his back problems. The Bills have the ability to risk it here because they don’t necessarily have a glaring need. I love this fit, and if Farley can stay healthy, this will be a massive steal. Still look out for a trade back here though, probably for a guy like Davis Mills.

31 Baltimore Ravens

The Pick: EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia

How is he still here? Ojulari is a stud edge defender and could add a ton on defense for Baltimore. I know Terrance Marshall is still here, but I just think Ojulari is too good. He is physical, quick, and powerful. He fills a need at depth on the line and can start immediately. I think the Ravens will try to target Nico Collins next round, but for now, they take a guy who is inexplicably falling.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Pick: DL Christian Barmore, Alabama

There are too many ways this pick can go. I could even see QB here based on the fact that the Bucs are returning all 22 starters, the first Super Bowl winning team to do so. I take Barmore here for solid defensive depth, but really this is a toss up.