It's draft day (!!!) so for the final time until next February, it's time to mock draft! Unlike all the earlier editions, this one will go through all 32 picks, trying to get them right - not just doing it so the Purple win the whole thing. There will be trades tonight so inevitably that will alter what happens, but as the draft order stands here are the selections:
A lot of the steam over the last few days has been Georgia pass rusher Travon Walker passing Aiden Hutchinson for the top spot on Jacksonville's board. For all their years of ineptitude, Detroit deserves the home state win.
Which is exactly why I don't think it will happen.
Hutchinson will be headed to the sun and Detroit will get the consolation prize of Travon Walker.
Houston can then take whoever they think is best, as much of a kiss of death as that can be. If they take the long view on building their roster then OT Evan Neal will be the next one to get the call.
The broken down planes could also find a way to screw up their first selection but with the defensive-minded Robert Saleh in need of more talent & Derek Stingley Jr. possessing star potential the union is clear.
The other New York team is reaching a crossroad with Daniel Jones. In an effort to secure one of the edges for him (or whoever may replace him in the future) the Big Men go with the big man - Ikem Ekwonu, NC State.
Carolina is the point where teams who want to move up will have the first, best opening. In the event that they can't strike a deal they will keep the talented QB Malik Willis in the area.
The team formerly known as the Big Blue Wrecking Crew is back after the one-pick break and moves to add another impact player on the outside of the line, but this time on defense from all the way across the country - Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon.
That opens the door for the talent-deficient Black Birds to add the top receiver in the draft class - Garrett Wilson, Ohio State.
Seattle is another team which may look to move tonight and also could try to add their next starting quarterback. But with no quality trade partners & the value not being there for a QB they also will look to the future - Charles Cross, Mississippi St..
That would leave Green New York in a bind, from which they would find their way to Jermaine Johnson, Florida St..
But what about the Sauce?? That's a well-timed question. Washington would be pleased to end the brief slide by the Cincy standout, CB Ahma "Sauce" Gardner.
Which brings up the home team. KA-M would probably try to trade down in this scenario with the alternative being Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. With the 12th pick in an 11-player class it's not great but crazy things happen every year so maybe they will be a beneficiary of this year's. In the mean time, KH.
Houston will then throw a bit of a curveball & improve the middle of their defensive line - DT Jordan Davis, Georgia.
That sets up Baltimore to add another weapon for Lamar Jackson - WR Drake London, USC.
Philadelphia can then add a dynamic playmaker of their own - Jameson Williams, Alabama.
New Orleans followed that with a cornerstone member of their rebuild - OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa.
San Diego keeps the Georgia train rolling with DT Devonte Wyatt.
At pick 18 Philly then adds the top remaining cornerback - Trent McDuffie, Washington.
New Orleans is then faced with a choice between selecting a young quarterback or someone who can help the team this year. The need for talent that can help Jameis Winston now got the edge - WR Chris Olave, Ohio State.
Pittsburgh got to sit back but still gets what they need & want, a quarterback. There are arguments that can be made for each of the next best options but the guy who can best carry the torch for Roethlisberger is Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati.
New England can just cherry pick the best remaining player to go with Mack Jones, in this case guard Zion Jones, Boston College.
Green Bay's directive has been clear - make Rodgers happy. Who that will end up being is a beautiful mystery. Christian Watson has gotten more & more steam as a late round selection but how GB views him compared to Treylon Burks & Jahan Dotson is a guess. For the sake of personal sanity Burks is the choice but it really may be a three-sided coin-flip.
With a significant need at defensive end Arizona will go with their best-rated one at 23. In this case that is Purdue's George Karlaftis.
Dallas then moves to add Michigan safety Daxton Hill.
Buffalo has a pair of corners to choose from and goes with the one they think can best help them in the Winter weather of a home playoff game - Kaiir Elam, Clemson.
With the 26th pick Mike Vrabel gets Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd.
With Tom Terrific still in the mix Tampa Bay adds another mauler to keep him upright - guard Kenyon Green, Texas A & M.
While settle for one when two can do? That will be the GB philosophy as they shock the football world & select a second WR in the first round - Jahan Dotson, Penn St..
Kansas City also needs a long-term ace outside for Patrick Mahomes to throw to - Christian Watson, North Dakota State University with the first of their back-to-back picks. With the next pick they go with a second playmaker on the outside, this time for the defense - CB Andrew Booth Jr..
The goal of capitalizing on the rookie quarterback hack is easier said than done. To help Joe Burrow not be a flash-in-the-pan Cincinnati will go offensive line at 31 - Tyler Smith, Tulsa.
To end the night Detroit will add it's quarterback of the future - Sam Howell, North Carolina.
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