NFL mock draft 5.0: “What Trenton would do” edition
Welcome to my NFL mock draft 5.0! In past mock drafts, I’ve used the information at my disposal to try to be as realistic as possible. Today’s mock however, will be based off of what I would do.
The Jacksonville Jaguars just hired James Gladstone to be their next General Manager at the young age of just 34! Turning 26 next month, I need to churn out some KILLER mock drafts, if I want to be the next Mike Mayock (Former Raiders GM) and become a mock draft “analyst” turned NFL GM. My time is soon to come. Think of this as a job interview for myself. Enjoy!
1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB
If I’m Mike Borgonzi and I’m the brand new GM for the Tennessee Titans, I’m using their first overall selection on Cam Ward to ensure I select MY franchise Quarterback. If Will Levis showed some sort of promise last year I’d consider selecting the best player available, but in todays modern era climate, you have no time to let a player like Levis take multiple years to develop. Ward’s growth in college at multiple stops/levels up in competition and his ability to successfully make all the throws on the move and at different arm angles leads me to believe that he’s separated himself as QB1 overall.
2. Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE
If I’m Cleveland and I’ve paid Myles Garrett what I’ve paid him, I HAVE to be committed to winning now and signing/ trading for a veteran option at Quarterback. Kirk Cousins and a reunion with Kevin Stefanski makes all too much sense, in my opinion. Selecting the best player available in the draft will create more wins and that’s exactly what Penn State’s Abdul Carter is. He’ll create an exciting tandem with Garrett for hopefully years to come and will still be in the Dawg Pound when Garrett’s playing days are over as well, proving to be a worthy successor. His versatility and skill set reminds me of Micah Parsons coming out.
3. Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB
Look, if I’m currently in the Giants front office and know pressure is on for me to succeed or else I’m fired, I would also try to trade for a proven veteran like Matthew Stafford and sign Russell Wilson. HOWEVER, who’s to say Shedeur Sanders wouldn’t be a better option at QB than Wilson and Jameis Winston? In college he not only proved to handle the pressure (which is needed in New York’s market) of being Deion Sanders son, but also showed success playing behind a sub-par offensive line. Something New York has. Sure, there will be a learning curve at first, but I’m not too entirely sure that Sanders upside won’t be what’s best for the G-Men next season when it comes to wins and losses. When it comes down to how little of a contractual commitment New York has to Wilson and Winston, it makes sense to check ALL the boxes at QB and draft a Quarterback as well. You need a QB of the future IF you have a job next season.
4. Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB
For New England, since you have a QB you’ve committed a first round selection to in last year’s draft, it makes all the sense in the world to simply select the best player available. A lot of people have made the comment: “You need to make this selection with Maye in mind”, but that’s exactly what I think a selection of a player like Hunter does. Not because there’s a chance he could play receiver, but because simply taking the best player available will surround your young QB with more winning players around him.
5. Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT
If there were some better quality Offensive Tackles like there were in last year’s draft class, I would’ve selected one here to continue to invest in Trevor Lawrence. However, I think this years class is on a different tier and overall no prospects are better than Michigan’s Mason Graham, who I believe is up there with Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter in the upper echelon of prospects in this years class. He fills a team need (as the team needs an interior presence along the DL) and is also a best player available selection. He’s one of the safest selections you can make in the draft. Something a 34 year old rookie GM needs more of.
6. Raiders: Tetairoa McMillan, WR
There’s a LOT of Ashton Jeanty buzz here, but if I’m the one in charge of making this selection and my team has as many holes as Las Vegas has, I’m waiting to take a RB later on in the draft when there’s better value. Although it was proven this past season that the position isn’t exactly “dead”, you can still get tremendous value in later rounds. After trading for Geno Smith and getting Pete Carroll someone he’s familiar with under center, you HAVE to add to his weaponry and give him some legitimate weapons on the outside. McMillan didn’t scorch the earth in his 40 time (although he ran a 4.48 at his pro day), but that shouldn’t have been something we expected out of the nearly 6’5” 220 pound wideout. He offers a COMPLETELY different skillset. He reminds me of a mix between Amon-Ra St. Brown (4.51 second 40 time at USC’s pro day) and Drake London. Off the line of scrimmage he has little wasted movement, as every step is well calculated in order to have success on all three levels of the field. His ball skills are truly elite, proving he doesn’t necessarily need multiple yards of green grass between him and his defender to make plays on the ball.
7. Jets: Will Johnson, CB
New York lost Morgan Moses this offseason, but they selected his replacement in last year’s draft, in Olu Fashanu. We could select our franchise Right Tackle and hopefully secure our bookends for the next decade, but I simply can’t bring myself to take the swing on some of these risky Tackle/Guard hybrid O-Lineman over a blue chip prospect like Will Johnson. An injury has prevented him from testing, causing some questions and narratives to arise in his long speed and recovery time at the position. If it wasn’t for that, he probably would’ve been gone by now. This selection is made with me trying to match the identity that new head coach Aaron Glenn wants to bring to his defense. As a former Cornerback’s coach, Glenn will UNDOUBTEDLY want a pair of lockdown boundary defensive backs. The team signed Brandon Stephens this offseason, but he’s 27 and allowed career worsts in yards, receptions and touchdowns last year. Something I don’t like out of a player in a contract year.
8. Panthers: Jihaad Campbell, LB
Carolina has long been linked to this years Butkus award winner in Jalon Walker, but his 6’1” frame really scares me about his long term potential as a pass rusher, even with his plus length arms. Jihaad Campbell offers the same versatility as Walker, but with a more NFL caliber frame. He was recruited to be an EDGE rusher at Alabama, before being moved to Linebacker due to the Crimson Tide having Will Anderson and Dallas Turner at their disposal. Nick Saban knew he was too talented to be kept on the bench and used Campbell’s athleticism to his advantage, something Carolina can definitely use with their leagues worst defensive unit.
9. Saints: Jahdae Barron, DB
New Orleans moved on from Marshon Lattimore this past season, creating a need at a priority position. I LOVE Barron as a prospect. Not only does he offer versatility, something I covet (Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, Mason Graham, Jihaad Campbell above him) in a prospect, but he also won the Jim Thorpe award last season in a new role in his first season as a full time boundary corner (Spent time in the slot or as a safety beforehand). Outside of showing versatility and growth/upside as a prospect last season, Barron also tested very well at the combine, solidifying himself as a first round prospect and worthy of a top ten selection.
10. Bears: Ashton Jeanty, RB
Chicago has done enough in free agency prior to the draft that they’re now able to make a luxury selection if the right high upside prospect is available and that’s EXACTLY what Ashton Jeanty is. He and D’Andre Swift will create an exciting and versatile two back duo in Chicago, something Head Coach Ben Johnson deployed and had success with during his time as the Offensive Coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Not only will the improved ground game help aid Caleb Williams’ development, but Jeanty’s ability as a pass catcher will be a huge help as well.
11. 49ers: Armand Membou, OT
When you watched Membou play this season he looked the part, but there were questions about his ability to be a true tackle at the next level. Then the combine happened and he measured in at 6’4” 332 pounds, while running a 4.91 second 40 time, with a 34 inch vertical. He separated himself from the pack, in my opinion. Look for him to replace Colton McKivitz at Right Tackle in year one, with the potential to replace Trent Williams on the left side of the line, once he retires.
12. Cowboys: Shemar Stewart, EDGE
Dallas needs a WR2 opposite of Ceedee Lamb, but I’m not forcing a player in a spot where I don’t think he belongs. A team in Dallas’ situation, I’d simply select the best player available. I thought about Tyler Warren long and hard here, but I just don’t see the value, with Jake Ferguson being a more than capable weapon for the Cowboys in the middle of the field. Shemar Stewart doesn’t have great collegiate production, but he checks ALL the boxes in a traits driven league, with one of the most memorable combine performances of all time. His versatility along the defensive line will be a perfect replacement for Demarcus Lawrence, who departed from the team via free agency. Sam Williams is coming off of a career altering injury and Dante Fowler is nothing but a bridge pass rusher at this point in his career, albeit a productive one. Needless to say, new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus could use another young and explosive defensive lineman at his disposal.
13. Dolphins: Omarion Hampton, RB
Walk with me. I considered Will Campbell here, but Miami signed James Daniels to a cheap deal this offseason, and although he’s recovering from a torn Achilles, he was roughly a top 15 guard in the league beforehand. A terrific low risk signing. Miami could definitely stand to address the OL in the later rounds of the draft don’t get me wrong, but Mike McDaniels mentioned that the team would add a few extra bodies in the RB room (the team needs to replace Raheem Mostert’s production) and won’t stop going to the well after signing Alexander Mattison either. If I’m the General Manager, I’m looking at how much success Mike McDaniels, Tua and the offense had as a whole in the past, when Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane was applying pressure on opposing defenses. Hampton is a top 15 player in this year’s draft and will be the perfect hammer back to prevent the smaller Achane from wearing down and suffering injury.
14. Colts: Will Campbell, OL
Indianapolis left side of their line is solidified, but the right side has some hurdles they have to overcome, as Braden Smith’s future on the team beyond this season is in question. That, and they’re likely to have an open competition as to who’s going to be their starting Right Guard. That’s where Will Campbell comes in. Although there’s questions about his length to have success at the next level, the tape shows me that he can. SEC level tape. Campbell can play day one at Guard, with the potential to be the team’s franchise Right Tackle of the future. He’s the best player available and will be a MASSIVE addition for Anthony Richardson’s development.
15. Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE
As the sitting General Manager for the Atlanta Falcons, I WILL NOT rest until the team solves its pass rush woes. Mike Green was the best in college football in that department this last season and the Falcons in my opinion, needs a player with a little extra gear than most pass rushers. In Raheem Morris’ odd front defense, Green should be able to stay in a two point stance, pin his ears back and win with speed with regularity.
16. Cardinals: Mykel Williams, EDGE
From the outside looking in, it’s always bugged me how the Cardinals front office didn’t stockpile and invest enough in pass rushers, something Jonathan Gannon used to his advantage during his time in Philadelphia. I’m always building my rosters around the strength of my head coach. They reunited him with Josh Sweat via free agency, but if I’m in charge of their first round selection here, not only would I continue to bolster his defensive line, but would also select one of the best prospects available. Not to mention a prospect with one of the highest upsides in the entire draft class. Williams is a scheme versatile, long and powerful pass rusher, who was a prospect considered by MANY to be the top guy in this year’s class, before this past season kicked off. He never was able to put it all together in college, but has ALL the tools to be a menace at the next level. Similar to another former Georgia Bulldog turned first overall pick, in Travon Walker.
17. Bengals: Jalon Walker, LB
I didn’t like the idea of drafting Walker in the top ten, but this year’s Butkus award winner (given to college football’s best Linebacker) is the best player available at this point in the draft and would fit perfectly in new defensive coordinator, Al Golden’s “viper” position he utilized during his time at Notre Dame. What’s that, you ask? At Notre Dame, the “viper” position is a hybrid Defensive End/Outside Linebacker spot. Walker’s ability to not only drop back in coverage, but to also be an effective pass rusher will make him a dynamic playmaker at the next level. If his lack of height doesn’t hold him back and his arm length allows him to still have success getting to the passer, this would be a high value selection.
18. Seahawks: Tyler Warren, TE
Not only do I believe Tyler Warren is the best player available, but he would be a welcome addition to Klint Kubiak and this new look Seattle Seahawks offense. If I had to make a pro comparison for Warren (and this is going to sound weird), it would be a more naturally gifted Taysom Hill (Don’t forget that Hill started his career at Quarterback). Like Hill and similar to Brock Bowers in last year’s class, Warren can lineup all over the place offensively and is at his best when the ball is in his hands. Not only is he lethal after the catch, but the Nittany Lions would give him the ball on screens, sweep motions and direct snaps to ensure he touches the ball early in a play. Although not necessarily as smooth of a mover like Bowers or Colston Loveland in this year’s draft class, Warren has an NFL ready frame and will immediately made an impact for Seattle.
19. Buccaneers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE
Tampa Bay desperately needed pass rush help and went out & signed Hasson Reddick this offseason. However, his history and what the Buccaneers went through with Randy Gregory goes to show you that the team can’t stop there when it comes to adding bodies. Ezeiruaku was arguably just as productive as Mike Green this past season, but faced much tougher competition. He is slightly shorter/smaller, but had similar testing numbers and finds success on the field similarly with his speed and bend.
20. Broncos: Luther Burden, WR
Denver signed Sean Payton’s “Joker” Tight End in Evan Engram, but his offense is predicated on pre-snap movement and versatility in more areas than the TE position. That’s where Burden comes in. He will primarily lineup in the Slot, but can run outside and make great plays on the ball downfield as well. He’s tremendous after the catch and is still my second ranked wideout, no matter what the consensus says about Matthew Golden.
21. Steelers: Jalen Milroe, QB
If I’m in charge of the Steelers, my number ONE priority is finding the organization a franchise Quarterback with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields now playing in the New York market. Milroe doesn’t necessarily have, nor is he ready to play in year one or even year two, but he has a lot of the tools needed to become a quality NFL starter and having his 5th year option would be CRITICAL. Signing a veteran free agent like Aaron Rodgers to win games now, while teaching Milroe the nuances of the position would be an ideal situation for the Steelers. Not to mention, that if the Alabama product shows enough to become the guy, the lack of playing time his first couple of seasons will allow his next contract extension to likely come at a discount.
22. Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE
I’ve mentioned in this article about my philosophy on drafting players based off of my head coaches/coaching staffs strengths and that’s EXACTLY what I’m going to do here. Let’s not over think this, not only did John Harbaugh coach Loveland at Michigan, but the former Wolverine is a worthy selection here at pick 22 overall and fills a team need within the offense. You’re picking hairs between Loveland and Warren as far as who’s the better prospect, as not only is Loveland the better route runner, but his wingspan allows him to not only have a better catch radius, but gives him the potential to be the more effective blocker. Something both he and Warren could use work on at the next level, not due to the lack of effort.
23. Packers: Matthew Golden, WR
When looking at the best available prospects on the board and the lack of a reliable down field threat within the offense, Matthew Golden looked to be the best selection, in my opinion. I don’t know if the Packers front office would necessarily do this with Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks all vying for targets behind Jayden Reed, but those names are not going to cut is as legitimate WR2’s in the NFL. If I’m an NFL GM and know I have a young franchise QB (or think that I could possibly have one), I’m surrounding him with more than enough talent to ensure him either success, or to find out whether or not I have the right guy in place to win a championship.
24. Vikings: Malaki Starks, S
If I’m Minnesota I’m trading out of this pick, especially with the lack of OT’s being selected so far and some needy teams like theTexans, Rams and Chiefs below us. However, I’m not doing any trades in this simulation, so I’ll simply choose the best player available and a need for the franchise. In fact, if a player of Starks caliber is on the board here at 24 overall, I don’t know if Minnesota would trade out of this pick. That’s how good he is.
25. Texans: Josh Simmons, OT
After trading away Laremy Tunsil, the selection of Josh Simmons just makes too much sense. If it wasn’t for injury, there’s a strong likelihood that he would’ve been the first OT off the board and will become a MASSIVE value for a Texans team who’s first priority this draft needs to be selecting players to keep CJ Stroud off the ground.
26. Rams: Jaxson Dart, QB
Kelvin Banks is the popular name here, but I’ll say it again; If I’m the General Manager for a team, my first priory is finding our franchise Quarterback. Matthew Stafford’s time with the team is running out and having Dart’s 5th year option, especially when he’s likely to start his career on the bench is MASSIVE.
27. Ravens: Walter Nolen, DT
When drafting for a team like the Ravens (and a lot of these top teams near the end of the draft board), I’m simply looking at my board for the best players available and that’s EXACTLY what Walter Nolen is. He’s a big, physical and explosive pass rusher who’s versatile enough to warrant playing time next to Nnamdi Madubuike.
28. Lions: Tyler Booker, G
For Detroit, a team with a lot of change this offseason, they HAVE to keep a strength a strength and after Kevin Zeitler’s departure this offseason, it makes sense to select his replacement in Tyler Booker. The Alabama Guard is one of the safest prospects in the draft and in a year with a lot of Tackle/Guard hybrids, I would consider Booker to be the best pure Guard in the class outside of Will Campbell. Look for him to step in and start from day one.
29. Commanders: Nick Emmanwori, S
Not only do I think that Emmanwori is the best athlete available at this point in the draft, but he fits Dan Quinn like a GLOVE. Washington’s front office went out and acquired Marshon Lattimore to give him a trustworthy Cornerback, but the roster needs a versatile Safety Quinn can utilize similar to Jayron Kearse and Markquese Bell from his time in Dallas.
30. Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB
Buffalo has a need at Cornerback and Mad Max’s fast and physical approach to the position is exactly what Buffalo looks for in a Cornerback. In a conference with Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, the Bills HAVE to address their secondary woes.
31. Chiefs: Kelvin Banks, OL
I think the Super Bowl was evidence enough that Kansas City needs to add competitive depth along their O-Line, even with the signing of Jaylon Moore. Kelvin Banks will compete to start at Guard year one, but also has the upside to start at either tackle position in the future as well.
32. Eagles: James Pierce Jr, EDGE
James Pierce has some apparent character concerns, but if I’m Philadelphia and he’s available at this point, I’m trusting my championship level culture and locker room to get the most out of him. He didn’t have as great of a season or tested as elite (still very good) as many had hoped, but let’s not forget that he was mocked by many to go first overall in people’s first mock drafts of the year.