It's the NFL Draft. Again. Every year, Ned Ryerson, I mean Roger Goodell, pops up from out of nowhere, asks for a hug, and tries to sell these poor prospects life insurance. At least, that's what I assume they're talking about. Bing!
This mock will not project trades
1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, (QB - Indiana)
I like this player. There. I said it. Some people think he's going to bust, I think he's a winner. But what do I know? They pay me for offensive line talk, not QB talk.
2. New York Jets - Arvell Reese, (ED - Ohio State)
At best, he's Micah Parsons. At worst, he's the best QB spy in the league, which the Jets need facing Josh Allen twice a year.
3. Arizona Cardinals - David Bailey (ED - Texas Tech)
It feels like either Bailey at 2 or Reese at 3, or vice versa. The Cards will take whoever the Jets don't. Recent Love rumors aside.
4. Tennessee Titans - Jeremiyah Love (RB - Notre Dame)
This is extremely chalk, but hey, it also makes sense from the perspective that they need to help Cam Ward, and Love is the best offensive player in the draft.
5. New York Giants - Sonny Styles (LB - Ohio State)
The Giants' recent trade (see the 1.10 pick below) has the rumor mill in a frenzy. I don't believe they will go offensive line or even wide out at this point, so it's defense all the way.
6. Cleveland Browns - Monroe Freeling (T - Georgia)
This pick might be wildly out of line, but he's got a 9.99 RAS and the endorsement of HOF LT legend Joe Thomas.
7. Washington Commanders - Jordyn Tyson (WR - Arizona State)
Tyson, as the first wide out off the board, is a somewhat spicy take. But his medicals are clear, and he's got more upside than Tate.
8. New Orleans Saints - Carnell Tate (WR - Ohio State)
The Saints have no problem scooping up the more reliable player, injury-wise, than Tyson, but it could very easily go the other way, with Tate ahead of Tyson.
9. Kansas City Chiefs - Rueben Bain Jr. (ED - Miami)
Arm length concerns aside, KC will end up with the best pass rusher in the draft. It just feels inevitable somehow.
10. New York Giants (VIA CIN)- Caleb Downs (S - Ohio State)
Downs falling to ten was always the plan for the Bengals, so the Giants take that blueprint. Big Blue Print? I don't know. They can't all be winners, you guys.
11. Miami Dolphins - Francis Mauigoa (T - Miami)
No offense to Mauigoa, who has all the makings of a terrific pro, but if he can't play left tackle, he may fall out of the top-ten picks. But only barely.
12. Dallas Cowboys - Mansoor Delane (CB - LSU)
Truly, this is the best-case scenario for the Cowboys. The position has not historically been valued as a top-ten pick, no matter how good the prospect. Delane probably deserves to go higher.
