McGrath’s first-round mock NFL draft

The first round of the NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 29 at 8 p.m.

The first round of the NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 29 at 8 p.m.

The NFL draft is upon us, beginning with a select few being deemed the 32 best and most coveted players getting chosen. Many-a-mock draft has been published, everywhere from Pete Prisco to Mel Kiper. However, a lot of these mock analysts make blasphemous drafts just for clicks and comments. I will, instead, be diving into the true analytics, projections, and needs for each team, to break down who their first-round selection will be.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Surprised? Well, don’t be. This pick is as good as done. The Jaguars have already virtually told T-Law he has the pick, and Jags fans are most certainly on board. So much so, that they donated tens of thousands of dollars for his wedding, which he then donated to charity. Lawrence is one of the most highly touted prospects in NFL history, standing 6-foot-6 with an arm to gawk at and the legs of a roadrunner. Lawrence is a national champion, a perfect build, and is what seems to be an overall genuine and great human being. This will be an A+ for the Jaguars, as they just picked up their franchise QB for years to come.

2. New York Jets- Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Wilson has quickly skyrocketed the Jets’ draft board and has become the likely pick to go second overall. People have seemed to ignore he’s on the shorter side, and that his competition was lacking. They seemed to take a full interest, however, in his non-defended plays at BYU’s Pro Day. Reports have been released that Wilson is already discussing schemes and learning the playbook, practically guaranteeing him as “the guy” for the Jets. With QB Sam Darnold being traded away to the Panthers for more draft capital, I’d expect the Jets to snag Wilson, a wide receiver, and a running back by draft’s end.

3. San Francisco 49ers- Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Dumb as it may be, the ‘9ers seem set on two players, neither of which named Justin Fields. Two great prospects, though, still seem to be the favorites for San Fran., with quarterbacks Mac Jones and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance. After coming second in Heisman voting, Mac attack led ‘bama to an undefeated National Title season. He has good arm strength, poise, and has been called one of the smartest football players of all time. He graduated early at Alabama, and every scout is dazzled by his on-field IQ. Jones should be a solid quarterback for the 49ers, but I believe the trade up to the 3rd spot was a bad and unnecessary decision.

4. Atlanta Falcons- Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Everyone is asking the question: Are four straight QB’s getting selected to begin the 2021 Draft? The answer? No. The Falcons have four sensible options. They can draft a defender such as Penn State’s Micah Parsons to fix their lackluster run stopping. They can draft Ja’Marr Chase and build the best WR corps in NFL history. They can add pass-catcher Kyle Pitts, who is now a top prospect due to his gargantuan size and great speed and strength. Or they can make the smart decision, and acquire generational-talent Penei Sewell, still waiting to allow a sack. Sewell is a massive blocker, who is quick, smart, agile, and strong, which is everything you could ever ask for in a lineman. I’d expect a Hall of Fame-esque career for Sewell, and whatever team selects him will sleep better at night knowing about the well-being of their quarterback.

5. Cincinnati Bengals- Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The Bengals will be in a tough spot in this draft, with last year’s first overall pick Joe Burrow pleading for his squad to select former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase with the 5th overall selection. Chase is the perfect build, charted at 6-foot-2, weighing 205 pounds.  In his second and final season with Burrow, they teamed up similarly to Mac Jones and Devonta Smith, en route to an undefeated season, National Championship, and Heisman-Biletnikoff pairing. If Sewell remains available, the Bengals may be passing on one of the best protectors in draft history. Surprisingly, that seems like a risk Burrow is willing to take, even after being the most sacked/hit quarterback last year, until the week he went down due to injury. His love for Chase seems too strong, though. And the lobbying could either give his offense a boost like no other or put him back in a surgical suite.

6. Miami Dolphins- Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

After a string of trades involving the Dolphins, their most sensible option would be to get a running back or pass catcher. But with a pick later in the first round, where the RB’s will likely be available, the best option is Kyle Pitts. I wouldn’t be surprised if MIA brings the Alabama band back together by selecting Devonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle to team up with QB Tua Tagovailoa, but the ‘bama receivers seemed set on discussing their preference of Mac Jones over Tua. Pitts would be a dominant force to add to the Dolphins’ O, as a huge red zone threat with a dozen touchdowns last season. Pitts stands 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 245 lbs., with hands like Calvin Johnson. He won’t be as much of a tight end at the pro level, especially with the Dolphins already having Mike Gesicki. However, I’d expect him to live up to a lot of the off-season hype he’s been receiving.

7. Detroit Lions- Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Sewell being gone at this point in the draft leaves the Lions with Rashawn Slater next in line. The big man in the trenches served as a great pass blocker for the Wildcats, and is looking to do the same for newly arriving quarterback Jared Goff. Some analysts, such as Joel Klatt, believe Slater is an even better overall prospect than Sewell. Though that’s an egregious take at best, it does go to show who’s at least the second-best OT in this draft. With D’Andre Swift in the backfield, getting all the blocking help he can get may push the Lions to a better record than some may think.

8. Carolina Panthers- Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Eight may be earlier than most anticipate, but the first defensive player gone in this draft should be Penn State’s Micah Parsons. He’s the perfect build for a linebacker, with a crushing hit and analytical mind. There were rumors of some behavioral issues a few months back, but those–for the most part–have been debunked. The Panthers could be snatching up a top-tier replacement for Luke Keuchly, who retired early a few years back for the betterment of his health. With the only scares being the Falcons or a trade-up, I believe the Panthers will be drafting their future defensive captain, especially after throwing away the need of a quarterback, after trading for ex-USC quarterback Sam Darnold from the Jets.

9. Denver Broncos- Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

A personal favorite of mine, Lance looks to be the next NDSU QB to go pro, after Easton Stick and Carson Wentz in recent years. Lance has a mass frame, with a similar play style to a prime Cam Newton. Concerns are due to none other than his FCS background, dominating, but against lesser opponents. In the 2019 season, Lance heaved up 41 touchdowns, without a single interception. This is unreal at any style of play, and would transition well into the Broncos tradition of seismic quarterbacks, as a great replacement for Missouri Tiger Drew Lock. If the Broncos move on, Lance is a huge upside quarterback that could turn any franchise around.

10. Dallas Cowboys- Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

The Cowboys need defense, and they need it badly. They were ranked at the bottom of most major NFL defensive statistics this previous season, and will likely start the defensive rebuild at corner. Look no further than USC corner, Jaycee Horn, who carries the Cowboy mantra with him, calling himself the best corner in this class by a pretty sizable margin. Even TE Kyle Pitts praised Horn as the best corner he has played so far in his career, a man who could get shut down by few. That being said, having to face Pitts, Devonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase, George Pickens, and others in his career has served as quite the challenge. But he’s lived up to every scenario and never backed down, and I expect him to represent this draft class for “America’s Team.”

11. New York Giants- Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama

The Giants will be forced to go with the next corner available in Patrick Surtain. The top three corners are very interchangeable in people’s rankings, and I understand every bit of it. I believe Caleb Farley of Virginia Tech is the best corner in this class, but I am predicting what is going to happen, not what should. Surtain is another great option, lining up against some elite receivers this year, shutting down Kayhson Boutte, Seth Williams, and Osirus Mitchell. Surtain has a phenomenal grade by PFF and other player-graders, with his perfect CB frame and pass break-up ability. The Giants would be getting a good one in the reigning champion, and hopefully will use Surtain to bring home a championship to The City that Never Sleeps.

12. Philadelphia Eagles- Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

For the third straight pick from the NFC East the Eagles are going to try this again, being one bust receiver away from fans absolutely berating the franchise into oblivion. The past two years have been tough ones for the Eagles in the first round. In the 2019 Draft, the Eagles dodged a physical menace, and specimen to behold: DK Metcalf, to select JJ Arcega-Whiteside, who has one touchdown in his two years in the league. After trying to avenge their mistake the following year, the Eagles made a major folly again, passing on near-ROTY winner Justin Jefferson, snatching TCU’s Jalen Reagor just a pick before. The problem? The Eagles’ recent whiffs still leave an offensive liability at receiver, which may be fixed with the help of the second Alabama player selected in a row, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Waddle suffered an ankle injury in 2020, missing most of the season up until his return in the National Championship. However, his elusive route-running and blazing speed should make a substantial difference for Philly. Waddle would be getting selected before Heisman and Biletnikoff winner Devonta Smith, solely because his build is more “NFL ready.” Only the future will tell how this pick would pan out, but for now, the Eagles fans should be smiling ear to ear if this occurs.

13. Los Angeles Chargers- Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Darrisaw is a top-tier run blocker, helping fellow teammate RB Khalil Herbert dominate in the run game this past season. Virginia Tech had a very good season, and Darrisaw is a big reason why. Scouts seem to appreciate his strength and work ethic and would add him to the short list of coveted offensive linemen. The Chargers had a huge hit in last year’s draft, selecting Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert. Herbert tossed for 30 touchdowns, which is incredible for any QB, let alone a rookie. This is all while scrambling away from defenses, with the protection of PFF’s statistically worst offensive line in the league. This would be a huge step in the right direction for the Chargers, where Darrisaw would likely counter Matt Feiler on the opposite end of the line.

14. Minnesota Vikings- Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

Don’t look now, but Kwity Paye is secretly becoming one of the best prospects on the defensive side of this class. The Vikings don’t have any major holes, just a lot of minor ones, and Paye would be a great addition to this defense. His lightning-fast speed and agility around the edge can help him attack the backfield with ease. The Wolverines struggled last season, but Paye tallied another two sacks to his college stat line. This isn’t the best value for the Vikings, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Vikings trade down a pick for the Patriots to take a chance to pounce on Justin Fields.

15. New England Patriots- Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

I’m just going to start with one very simple thing: I don’t get it. I don’t get why Fields’ stock had plummeted before, and I don’t get it now. Apparently, epilepsy concerns have been released recently, though that may be none other than a trick up Coach Belichick’s sleeve. The Pats will get their guy here, and without having to trade up. Rumors have been released that if Fields is still available at the tenth pick, New England will try and trade up for Fields. The only thing that seems absurd about that, is that picks 10 through 14 are not in need of a quarterback for this upcoming draft. Fields has been absolutely phenomenal in his career at Ohio State, throwing deep posts right in stride to receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. Fields also has a great ability with his legs, speeding past defenders effortlessly. He carried OSU to back-to-back playoff appearances, recently beating T-Law’s Clemson Tigers in the semifinals this year. Hype was at an all-time high before a championship thrashing by Coach Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. After that, Fields’ stock has plummeted far lower than anticipated. Rumors started with him going first or second overall, now to him being a mid to late first-rounder. It’s absurd, but point Coach Belichick if he can land Fields without trading.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

This is ideal for anyone. Farley is arguably the best corner in this year’s class, but an injury may cut his draft stock. He missed the 2020 season due to injury but will come back with a vengeance. Farley is a ball hawk if I’ve ever seen one, and can sneak up behind a receiver without his teammates even knowing. His on-field knowledge is impeccable, and he’d serve extremely well as a replacement for another in-house drafted CB, Patrick Peterson. Their play styles mimic each other in an uncanny fashion. Farley will most certainly be a stud for whatever team best sees fit.

17. Las Vegas Raiders- Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama

This may raise eyebrows for some, but teams seemed scared off about Smith’s frail build. He stands at 6-foot-1 but recently weighed in at a meager 166 pounds. The standard NFL receiver at that height likely weighs around 200 lbs. Concerns about his height to weight distribution frequently come up, to which critics respond on complete opposite ends. It was best said by Josh Pate of 247Sports: The Late Kick, who disregarded the weight of the first Heisman-winning receiver: “I don’t care if he weighs 165 pounds or 175 pounds. He’s going to weigh a lot more when he’s carrying your franchise.” You can’t deny the talent is there. Smith has the most accomplished career in college football history at the wide receiver position. Are minor concerns about his weight truly enough to let him fall? It seems that way. But the Raiders are in enough need that Smith is a guy that they’d not only love to take, but have to. The Raiders have been historically bad with their first-round picks in the past–with this being yet another boom or bust– but I see a lot more boom than bust and a great fit for Alabama’s Devonta Smith heading to Vegas.

18. Miami Dolphins- Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

There’s not much to say about this pick, except for the fact that it’s a good one. Jenkins is one of the biggest players in this entire draft and can hold off virtually anyone while run blocking. Texas’ Samuel Cosmi and Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood are both candidates to come off the board before Jenkins, but Miami could use this help, and likely draft a solid running back in round two. Jenkins spent his career at Oklahoma State primarily blocking for 2019 Heisman hopeful Chuba Hubbard, who dominated the rush game all season long. Jenkins was a great all-around blocker but helped Chuba thrive in his environment. This would be a tough spot for Miami to be in, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a trade for the ‘fins here. But if not, the offensive line is always a safe bet, especially if you’re going with Teven Jenkins.

19. Washington Football Team- Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

With all the good quarterbacks gone by this point, the WFT may look to wait it out, trade back in the draft, reach on a QB, or trade for an established QB using draft equity. Current QB Taylor Heinicke took over in the playoffs, playing Tom Brady’s Buccaneers closer than anyone else did from the Wild Card on. He’s a small man with some swagger and will fight for extra yards on the ground. However, sacrificing the win for injury just seems to be the Washington way, with notorious injuries such as Joe Theismann and Alex Smith’s leg debaucheries. Dwayne Haskins also had suffered some injuries over his career, so the Football Team needed to utilize the “next man up” mentality. However, to have a healthy quarterback, you need to protect your quarterback. And no better way to do that than select the next best lineman on the board, Samuel Cosmi. Cosmi is one of the most versatile blockers in the class, with the true ability to block both inside or out. As big as he is, he’d still be able to conquer the interior offensive line, but will likely play tackle. Blocking for great running backs such as JD McKissic and last year’s rookie phenom Antonio Gibson, Cosmi would be a great addition to a lackluster offense, and hopefully help Washington clinch a competitive NFC East title.

20. Chicago Bears- Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC

Vera-Tucker is an under-the-radar player this year, with few teams needing interior offensive line help. A good fix for those who need it, though, is none other than the USC interior blocker. Vera-Tucker has good speed for being a pulling guard at the professional level, as well as a great ability to pass block. Pass blocking was big for him, doing his best to leave JT Daniels and Kedon Slovis untainted in the shotgun throughout his years with the Trojans. A team like the Bears may end up trading into the top 10 for Trey Lance or Justin Fields. But if not, they’ll likely help David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen get more yards on the ground this year.

21. Indianapolis Colts- Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Put some respect on his name. Number 13 for the Golden Gophers was an absolute force in the 2019 season, accompanying Tyler Johnson en route to an Outback Bowl victory over the Auburn Tigers. Coach PJ Fleck was doing something right in Minnesota, with Bateman’s monstrous 6-foot-3 frame tantalizing defenses week in and week out. If Bateman becomes the best receiver in this draft, I wouldn’t be surprised. Heck, I think Bateman is the second-best receiver, behind Ja’Marr Chase. His ability to high point deep balls gives him a huge edge over many defensive backs. This also perfectly complements his route-running ability and run after catch traits. Once the ball is in his hands, he can do special things. He’d make for a phenomenal teammate of Eagle-turned-Colt Carson Wentz, who got traded back to his QB coach in Philadelphia, Frank Reich. Wentz will likely be in search of a WR1, with T.Y. Hilton having a bit of a slump last year. Bateman is a sight to behold, and one to take note of. Though some may see this as a reach, I believe the Colts would be licking their chops if Bateman fell into their lap at 21.

22.  Tennessee Titans- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

JOK is a field general if I’ve ever seen one. The Titans may also look into a wide receiver at this pick, with Corey Davis heading to the Jets. However, one defensive issue needs to be resolved: they lack leadership. There are plenty of veterans on this Titans team, especially on defense, but none play the role of a heavily vocal leader/field general. Owusu-Koramoah analyzes the play very well, and though he isn’t the fastest man on the field, he’s one of the quickest. He anticipates plays unfolding as though the opposing coach gives him the playbook. JOK finds his way to the ball on nearly every play, and that reflects well on scouts and coaches. All the talent in this class leaves teams like Tennessee to perfectly build the finishing pieces of their defense, with this on-field menace dropping to the 22nd pick. This would be an A-grade pickup for Nashville.

23. New York Jets- Greg Newsome II, Northwestern

It’s not often you see multiple first-rounders out of Northwestern in the same draft. But Coach Fitzgerald has it figured out in CHI-town. Newsome is a lean corner, perfectly built for the next level. Though he only had one interception, it’s because he wasn’t being targeted at all. Not seeing a heavy stat sheet for a CB isn’t a big deal. In fact, it’s a good thing more often than not. It shows that quarterbacks are afraid to throw his way, and that was exactly the case for Newsome. He has an extremely bright future ahead and would be a great fit for the Jets, who would’ve won their first game against the Raiders had a corner like Newsome been there to stop a Hail Mary from floating over his head. The Jets have a lot of draft capital this year, and players like Newsome would be absolute hits to help turn the franchise in the right direction.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Steelers fans seem relatively one-sided on who to pick with their first-round selection. Some believe it is time to fix the offensive line, and justly so. With the departure of Matt Feiler, Alejandro Villanueva, and Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers have some serious voids to fill at offensive line. However, there are other rounds to make those fixes, and this is the only chance to jump on superstar Najee Harris. Harris is 6-foot-2, weighing in at a stealthy 225 lbs. Derrick Henry comparisons have been drawn, and I understand it wholly. Najee’s ability to catch, however, is unprecedented for running backs with this frame. Najee uses this size to body defenders over his shoulder and maximizes his athleticism by hurdling defenders. He’s a major threat on the goal line, can catch like Le’Veon Bell out of the backfield, and can burst past defenders with his quickness and acceleration. This is all after James Conner and the Steelers have gone their separate ways. The Steelers ranked dead last in rushing efficiency in the National Football League, and Conner’s poor rushing was no help. General Manager Kevin Colbert doesn’t seem too fixated on any individual player, but the Doak Walker Award winner and First Team All-American would be a more than reasonable choice. Najee’s size, speed, and athleticism should be enough for Colbert, as long as he isn’t selected in advance, likely by either the Miami Dolphins or the New York Jets.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars- Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

Every QB needs his receiver, right? Look no further for Lawrence’s new target, Terrace Marshall. Marshall was the WR3 on LSU’s 2019 Championship run. After the season, Justin Jefferson left for the draft, where he absolutely shattered the receiving rookie records with the Minnesota Vikings. For LSU’s 2020 season, Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall remained. However, after a long off-season, Chase “opted-out” penalty-free, due to a COVID season. While Chase prepared all season for the draft, Marshall played half the season, before doing likewise. Terrace was an absolute stud in the red zone. So much so, that he caught the nail in the coffin TD in the 2020 National Championship. Marshall stands 6-foot-4, towering over most defenders that dare to challenge him. With DJ Chark being the best option for the Jags as of now, T-Law needs upgraded weapons. The Jags could also go the defensive route, but a top-tier high-point receiver should help Lawrence get comfortable in Duval county. The passing game can also help complement RB James Robinson, heading into his sophomore season after a phenomenal rookie campaign.

26. Cleveland Browns- Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

Similar to the Vikings, the Browns don’t have any major voids to fill, just many minor ones. With the acquisition of Jadeveon Clowney, the Browns are obviously seeking to strengthen their defense. They could potentially go for Eric Stokes, the PBU king from UGA. Stokes is one of the quickest, sharpest DB’s I’ve grown up watching, and flies extremely under the radar. Stokes has been a major factor in maintaining Georgia’s status as a top defense in college football time and again. Any time it’s a toss-up ball, 50-50 passes are more like 70-30 passes in Stokes’ favor. Like many players on Georgia, he needs to fix some on-field behavioral issues. But hey, what match is better for that than the Browns? (Aside from perhaps the Cowboys or Raiders) Stokes is a talented DB for sure and would make a great counter-piece to Denzel Ward. The Browns made it to the AFC Divisional Round for the first time in my existence, and are a legitimate threat for the Super Bowl by now. Cleveland is just a few tweaks away, and Stokes may be a step in the right direction.

27. Baltimore Ravens- Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Another Alabama player is only fitting to make way into the first round. The Ravens could use some support with pass blocking, with Lamar running marathons in the backfield on what seems like every play. Baltimore doesn’t need to stress about run blocking, though, after having the best rushing efficiency in the league last year. However, a replacement at tackle is necessary now, after trading away Orlando Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs. Leatherwood has more speed to him–for the hefty man that he is– than you would think. He can help Lamar Jackson and JK Dobbins dominate the run game, and help Marquise Brown and perhaps a new receiver get their numbers up in the passing game as well. The Ravens have fallen short in the playoffs for each of the last two years, and keeping Lamar out of high-pressure situations may be enough to help them reach the Super Bowl.

28. New Orleans Saints- Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

The Saints are in a tough spot, after losing future Hall of Famer Drew Brees to retirement. Now, the Saints are stuck with two mediocre options to run the offense and need a couple of tweaks on the defensive side of the ball. They need somebody on the other end of the D-line, and Jayson Oweh is a great option to learn from the likes of Cameron Jordan. Oweh is a swift defender around the edge and a crushing hitter. He swallows up blockers and would contribute greatly to whatever defense takes him in. The Saints will likely be picking much earlier in next year’s draft, but for now, they should fix what they can and prioritize gunslinger issues next season.

29. Green Bay Packers- Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

The Cheese-heads will be ecstatic about this one. Toney is a threat both on offense and special teams. He is far and away the most elusive player in this draft class and can make anyone miss. He was the Gators’ secondary option this season, behind Kyle Pitts. Every move he does creates separation or space. He’s as quick as a cheetah but as smooth and illusory as a gazelle. The Packers fans were irate after last year, not getting a single passing threat for Aaron Rodgers. But instead, taking a replacement for Rodgers, a power RB (they had several), and a tight end that has contributed little to nothing. If Green Bay passes on Toney, it’s their own funeral. Toney has a chance to be something special in this league, and his talents will translate with ease as a pro. His athleticism is unmatched, and the Packers would be selecting another scare for defenses, lining up next to top-3 receiver Davante Adams, who absolutely took the league by storm last year with what felt like multi-touchdown games on a weekly basis.

30. Buffalo Bills- Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Open your eyes, Bills fans. Devin Singletary was a one-year wonder and isn’t there to stay. That being said, the Bills should select Travis Etienne round one, before it’s too late. Before the 2020 season, the common fan would tell you the Clemson Tiger was easily the best running back in this class. But after a four-game fumbling skid, scouts are concerned for what is to come of Travis. He’s one of the fastest players in the league, and with great backfield patience. He has a very Kamara-like play style and build, and will likely translate that as a rookie. Zack Moss would go well with Etienne, too, dominating the goal line, while Etienne gets to work outside the hashes and on pass-catching downs. All in all, I think this would be a little early for an Etienne selection, but the Bills should certainly jump on the chance while they still have it.

31. Baltimore Ravens- Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

“Touchdown! Moore with the score!” If you’re a Ravens fan, you’d hear that a lot with Elijah Moore. He and Marquise Brown are polar opposites but in a good way. If you need a little guy to get speedy and make a play, you have Brown. However, if you’re looking for possession catches, Moore is your guy. Moore is one of many great receivers in this class, which may be the best WR class of all time by the time everything is said and done. His ability to shove defenders off with his strength is manic, and I can expect Moore to succeed in many different schemes. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if Moore became a second or even third-rounder, I believe he’s going to go 31st to the Ravens due to the high demand for receivers and the number of talented receivers there are in this draft.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

Dickerson is yet another cast member of this all-time great Alabama champion squad. He honed down the line, allowing few to get through and stuff Mac Jones or Najee Harris. Dickerson can run one of the guard spots or learn behind Ryan Jensen for a couple of years before taking over. Offensive line depth never hurts anyone, especially a team with a quarterback whose 40th birthday is now years behind him. After a Super Bowl miracle run, the Buccaneers resigned all of their starting free agents and will look to attain new pieces to learn and develop behind them in the draft. Dickerson would be happy to go from one champion team to another, and I’m sure Bucs fans would have little to complain about in return.

Recap

Get ready for a crazy year of the NFL Draft, beginning Thursday, April 29 at 8 p.m. Anything can happen, and crazy things will most definitely take place on draft night. You may think everything is set in stone for a particular team, but it’s just when everything seems done that madness erupts. Trades will happen, great players will fall, players will be reached on, fans will get angry. But keep one thing in mind, these players shouldn’t disappoint you before they even step foot on a field. Heck, Tom Brady and Antonio Brown were sixth-round picks, and they just won a Super Bowl together. Anyone can come from anywhere, so just enjoy watching these players “make it”, and accomplish their dreams. I hope you enjoyed reading my mock draft as much as I did making it.