With the NFL Draft fast approaching, John Makuch and Joe Puerschner got together and created a mock draft for what should be one of the most unpredictable drafts in NFL history.
.
- JAGUARS- Evan Neal Tackle Alabama Joe Puerschner
The Jaguars have a very complex situation for the first overall pick, with having their QB of the future (Lawrence), a young stud Edge rusher (Allen), and a recently locked up blind side tackle (Robinson) with likely no trade down opportunities due to a lack of consensus number 1 player as well as the weakest Quarterback class in recent memory. I believe their ideal selection would be Neal due to the need they have at Right Tackle as well as giving their second year QB more stability on the offensive line adding the star tackle from Alabama.
- LIONS- Aiden Hutchinson EDGE Michigan John Makuch
With the Jaguars being likely to pass on Hutchinson, the Lions have a prime opportunity to keep the Michigan legend home. His size is elite at 6’6, 260, and that frame allowed him to be a game wrecker for the Wolverines. He also fits the kneecap-biting mentality of the Dan Campbell regime and will be developed into a strong edge-rushing presence. He had a rough game in the College Football Playoff Semifinals against Georgia, but the rest of his body of work is plenty enough to prove he belongs in the top five of the NFL Draft.\
- Texans- Travon Walker EDGE Georgia Joe Puerschner
Walker has been shooting up draft boards in recent weeks due to his freak athleticism; the Texans may prefer Walker to Thibedoux at this point due to “character issues” after Hutchinson comes off the board.
- JETS- Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame John Makuch
Kyle Hamilton might just be the best player in the entire draft, and the Jets need all the talent they can get. The Jets also have a huge need in the secondary, and if they keep this pick, Hamilton is an immediate starter. New York may want to select someone like Kayvon Thibodeaux, but All-Pro safeties only come around once in a while. Any of the top defensive players are good selections at this four spot, but Hamilton is the best player available, and that is what the Jets need.
- GIANTS- Ikem Ekwonu Tackle NC State Joe Puerschner
The Giants have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, adding a versatile tackle who can also bump into the inside with ease should be the Giants priority with this pick.
6 PANTHERS- Charles Cross T Mississippi State John Makuch
The pool of offensive line talent this year is shaping up to be one of the best that we have seen in a long time, and Charles Cross is right there at the top. The Panthers have started 16 different left tackles over the past eight seasons, but they have the opportunity to fix that revolving door they have. This team will need to protect their quarterback whether it is Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, or anybody else on the market. Cross has shown he has great size, technique, and ability to disintegrate rushers off the edge, which makes him a perfect fit for a team desperate for offensive line help.
- GIANTS- Ahmad Gardner CB Cincinnati Joe Puerschner
With James Bradberry’s future in doubt with the Giants, Gardner adds a shutdown corner to this secondary that has been continuing to build into a bright spot on this New York defense.
8 FALCONS- Derek Stingley Jr. CB LSU John Makuch
Derek Stingley has seen a fall-off in terms of draft stock over this past season after being a consensus top-five pick. He was a huge part of the success of LSU’s teams over the past season and is one of those rare shutdown corners. Atlanta is also in an awkward rebuild phase where they have talent, but not close to enough to win. Adding Stingley to what could be one of the best secondaries in the league in a few years would pay dividends going forward.
- SEAHAWKS- Kayvon Thibedoux EDGE Oregon Joe Puerschner
Personally, Kayvon Thibedoux is the best player in the class. The Seahawks could end up lucking out after acquiring this pick for Russel Wilson if teams continue to treat Thibedoux like he has “character issues” which I believe are rooted with his openness in his beliefs that some may disagree with. Much like Bradley Chubb a few years ago the slide could stop with a very successful franchise who avoids the noise and picks the true best player available.
10 JETS- George Karlaftis EDGE Purdue John Makuch
The Jets’ defensive line is in a position where it just needs that extra edge rusher to become one of the best in football. George Karlaftis has the potential to be one of the best in the class, especially if the Jets use him right. He finished with 4.5 sacks last season and two forced fumbles, a season that rose his stock tremendously. Karlaftis has the strength off the edge to be a dominant edge rusher, and the Jets have the chance to draft two key pieces that will bring them back to the glory days on defense they saw in the mid-2000s.
- COMMANDERS- Drake London WR USC Joe Puerschner
The big bodied Wide Receiver out of the University of Southern California should be a great weapon for Carson Wentz who loves to throw to big bodied receivers. For a Washington team looking to rebound off of a down year, London could really take this offense up a notch.
12 VIKINGS- Tyler Linderbaum C Iowa John Makuch
Center is a position that can slide at times, Linderbaum should be a top-five selection in this draft in terms of talent, but this position could get slept on yet again. Creed Humphrey was taken by the Chiefs last year as a center, and he immediately became one of the best in the league. Linderbaum is a better prospect than Humphrey and could outclass him as a rookie no matter where he goes. Minnesota also needs to protect Kirk Cousins, and greatly needs a center going forward.
- TEXANS- Devin Lloyd LB Utah Joe Puerschner
With new coach Lovie Smith, the Texans will look to establish a defensive identity. After adding a talented edge rusher with their first pick, they add a hard hitting second level defender that should lead the defense for years to come.
14 RAVENS:-Jameson Williams WR Alabama John Makuch
While the Ravens have needs on the other side of the ball, sometimes luxury is too great to pass up. Jameson Williams is another freak of nature to add to the large list of Alabama receiver products, and Lamar Jackson needs a weapon. The receiver depth in Baltimore is lacking big time, Williams could be the remedy, and clear up some routes for Marquise Brown. With this being a deep defensive class, the Ravens could get one of the best receivers in the class while drafting well on defense later on. This pick would be a gamble, but if they want to build around their franchise quarterback, it is a pick they have to make.
15. EAGLES- Trent McDuffie CB Washington Joe Puerschner
Darius Slay locks up one side of the field but the Eagles secondary needs help. Enter McDuffie who adds versatility and energy with loads of upside to this secondary across from Slay to impose fear into opposing passing attacks.
16 SAINTS- Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State John Makuch
The Saints have had their issues with star receiver Michael Thomas, and Ohio State has two of those types of players coming out this year. Wilson does not have the size, but the elite route running ability is there, and Sean Payton would have loved to coach this player if he was still there. New Orleans has always had success with route running, and Wilson has the great hands as well to finish on routes. If Thomas can return to this team and they get a guy like Wilson, Jameis Winston could have a big year next season.
17. Chargers- Chris Olave WR Ohio State Joe Puerschner
There are a few different ways I could have went with this pick (Tackle, Interior Defensive Line), but Olave is just too hard to pass up for this Chargers offense. With Herbert’s ridiculous arm, Olave would add a wrinkle into this offense that would make them impossible to stop being the speed threat with Allen, Williams and Ekler still needing attention. If Jameson Williams or Olave are on the board at 17 look out because the Chargers are here to stay.
18 EAGLES- Nakobe Dean LB Georgia John Makuch
Nakobe Dean is a player that could slide into the second round, but the Eagles are in desperate need of a strong linebacker. What Dean lacks in size, he makes up for in his ability to get to the ball and understands where the holes will be. He is an explosive linebacker and Philadelphia has been lacking in this position for the past few seasons. Dean is a player that could struggle early on in his career due to his size, but once he adjusts to the NFL style of offense, he will be able to wreck it.
19. SAINTS- Desmond Ridder QB Cincinnati Joe Puerschner
My QB1 slides into the best situation possible for a young QB. A great defense, with a solid line he can sit behind Winston until he is ready to play. In this weak QB class Ridder has the most upside with a reasonable floor that the Saints could take advantage of in adding their future franchise QB.
20 STEELERS- Malik Wilis QB Liberty John Makuch
Pittsburgh needs a quarterback, that has become obvious, so why not take the best one available. Willis has a huge arm with the ability to become one of the league’s brightest superstars. However, he is not ready for a Week 1 start, so developing him under Mitch Trubisky would be a great situation for Willis. There will be a large learning curve in terms of defensive talent for Willis after playing at Liberty, so the development aspect will be crucial. Ben Roethlisberger was a gunslinger, and Willis has that same strength to him, so Pittsburgh could have a very smooth transition to their next quarterback.
21. PATRIOTS- Zion Johnson G Boston College Joe Puerschner
Unpredictable Bill does it again, Zion Johnson fills the glaring hole that was left by the trade of Shaq Mason for this offensive line. It would not surprise me to see them go with a Linebacker, Corner or Tackle but Zion is the safest pick in this spot to produce on Day 1 to keep Mac Jones upright.
- PACKERS- George Pickens WR Georgia John Makuch
Aaron Rodgers has been lacking weapons for so many years now, and after losing Devante Adams, they have no choice but to go receiver here. Pickens is an aggressive receiver who can go up and make physical plays on the ball that can look to improve on route running. He is a very raw prospect but playing with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers makes your development much easier. Green Bay needed to select a player like Pickens while Adams was still in Green Bay, but they can start to make things right on the backend of Rodgers’ career.
- CARDINALS- Jermaine Johnson EDGE Florida State Joe Puerschner
Johnson is a very volatile player in this draft as you may see him anywhere from Top 5 all the way to the early twenties. Cardinals just need to keep adding talent and this is the best player available here, replacing Chandler Jones is a need and they accomplish it here.
- COWBOYS- Devontae Wyatt, DL Georgia John Makuch
Georgia’s defense was filled with first-round picks this past season, and Devontae Wyatt has been lost in the mix. He has been overshadowed by Jordan Davis, but running a 4.77 40-yard dash at 304 pounds has put his draft stock up mightily. He can be moved around in different looks as he has the physicality to play inside, but also has the speed to play off the edge. He will also need a patient development process, but his size can be used to turn him into a game wrecker.
- BILLS – Skyy Moore WR Western Michigan Joe Puerschner
One of my favorite players in this draft is Skyy Moore, the Bills need to keep giving Josh Allen weapons and someone as versatile as Moore is an excellent addition to make this offense even better. Adding a speedy reliable slot receiver is a need for this Buffalo team as they are probably the best team on paper in the AFC.
- TITANS- Bernhard Raimann T Central Michigan John Makuch
The Titans are a few pieces away from building a championship contender, and a solid offensive lineman like Bernhard Raimann could be the piece that he needs. Derrick Henry with better run blocking is even more impossible to stop than he already is, and Ryan Tannehill will enjoy having the Austrian standout. He is a much better pass blocker than a run blocker and will need some time to develop, but the Titans are deep enough to spend this kind of a pick on a player like Raimann.
- BUCCANEERS – Jordan Davis DL Georgia Joe Puerschner
Davis should not fall this far, the physical freak he is on the inside of the D-line will be a wrecking crew for this Buccaneers defense next to Vita Vea.
- PACKERS- Tyler Smith T Tulsa John Makuch
Protecting Rodgers in his “old age” is just as important as giving him the weapons to use. Tyler Smith is one of the more underrated tackles in this draft and could slide deeper into the second round. His physicality will be able to provide Rodgers with much more time in the pocket than last year and will allow him to not be on his back as often. Green Bay is also going to need to pound the ball, and Smith is a solid run blocker. The deep running back room in Green Bay will be able to make plays off the edge with Smith, and the offense would improve greatly.
- CHIEFS- Jahan Dotson WR Penn State Joe Puerschner
Chiefs are likely to trade up but Dotson has similar traits to Hill that fit into this offense perfectly. Mahomes will love Dotson’s speed and reliable hands from the get-go
- CHIEFS- Andrew Booth Jr. CB Clemson John Makuch
If the Chiefs can have Booth slide to them and also get Jahan Dotson, that would be yet another perfect draft for Kansas City. While Booth is not the shutdown corner that Stingley is, he will be a great piece to throw into zone coverage for this Kansas City roster.
- BENGALS- Jalen Pitre CB Baylor John Makuch
Jalen Pitre is one of the many speedy Corners that Baylor was able to produce over the past few years. The Bengals have been developing a strong secondary for a few seasons now, and Pitre could be the piece that rounds out the unit. With the Bengals signing multiple offensive linemen in free agency, they can afford to spend a pick on the luxury that is a cornerback.
- Lions- Treylon Burks WR Arkansas Joe Puerschner
For this pick I was very much in between LB Leo Chenal or Burks. With the Lions picking again at 34 and needing one more receiver to make this underrated offense to take off, Burks’s upside and YAC ability should give Goff the most ideal Wide Receiver for his skill s
