Alex Ruiz Mock Draft 2.0
With the first wave of NFL free agency over, teams have filled some of their needs or waiting to draft prospects. Last Friday, the 49ers shook up the Draft by acquiring the 3rd overall pick from the Miami Dolphins by sending two future first-round picks, a 3rd rounder, and the 12th pick this year. Miami then sent one of the 49ers first-rounders and the 12th pick to the eagles for the 6th overall pick. Here is my latest mock draft after all these changes. The NFL draft is now a month away.
Pick #1
The Jacksonville Jaguars selects: Trevor Lawrence (QB)
The Jags made additions to their Wide Receiver core to ultimately help out Lawrence. Urban Meyer will have a great prospect to work within his first season.
Pick #2
The New York Jets selects: Zach Wilson (QB)
The Jets will most likely move on from Sam Darnold or have a Quarterback competition. Wilson is loved by many scouts and deservingly so his ability to make all the throws in college will most likely translate to success at the pro level.
Pick #3
The San Francisco 49ers select: Justin Fields (QB)
Trading up to number 3 overall is a move to get a QB. Jimmy Garrapollo hasn't consistently put up convincing performances with many believing that he is holding this team back. Justin Fields is going to be better over Jimmy G. Period. It would be in the Niner’s best interest to move on from Jimmy.
Pick #4
The Atlanta Falcons select: Kyle Pitts (TE)
Matt Ryan will most likely stay on the Falcons( He has a 50 Million dollar cap hit next year). To help out Ryan on the offensive end they get the versatile playmaker Kyle Pitts. He’s got great speed and height that it's impossible to not notice him on the field. Pitts will give Ryan a reliable target wherever he is lined up. This offense will be electric with new head coach Arthur Smith.
Pick #5
The Cincinnati Bengals select: Penei Sewell (OT)
Joe Burrow needs protection!!! Sewell dominated against pass rushers in the PAC-12 and is the clear-cut move for the Bengals. He’ll be a helpful peace in improving the O-line.
Pick #6
The Miami Dolphins select Ja’marr Chase (WR)
While the O-line should be a priority for Miami, Chase is not worth passing up upon. I’ve been back and forth on Chase and Devonta smith. Chase looks more NFL-ready and can quickly make an impact on the game. Tua’s receiving core gets better as he approaches his sophomore season.
Pick #7
The Detroit Lions select Jaylen Waddle (WR)
The Lions lost both Kenny Golliday and Marvin Jones Jr in free agency. Waddle is speedy and a great after-the-catch receiver. He’s got great hands and phenomenal route running. The lions need to give Goff help if they want to have a functioning offense.
Pick# 8
The Carolina Panthers select: Trey Lance (QB)
Lance falls right into the hands of the panthers as he’ll most likely be backing up Teddy Bridgewater. Lance had a good pro day showing off the arm but he still needs to sharpen his accuracy and decision-making. Backing up for a year should help his development as the panthers will likely roll with Teddy for at least another year.
Pick# 9
The Denver Broncos Select: Mac Jones (QB)
Denver is a Quarterback away from being a bad team to a good team. Drew Lock couldn't prove he can be the guy last year. Jones was incredible in the Alabama offense leading them to the national championship last year. He isn't the most athletic QB prospect but his IQ and decision-making are extremely high. Mac still has lots to prove as he was surrounded with NFL-level talent in college.
Pick#10
The Dallas Cowboys select: Patrick Surtain II (CB)
The Cowboy’s secondary was horrendous and kept the Cowboys from winning games. Surtain was great in college covering the best receivers in the SEC. Time will tell if Surtain’s physical game will translate well into the NFL.
Pick #11
The New York Giants select: Rashawn Slater (OT)
The Giants made great moves to give Daniel Jones the best shot to succeed in his 3rd season. They can add more help by protecting the edges with Slater. Jones struggled under pressure and that is where his horrible decision-making was on full display. Slater can help keep Jones safe from edge pressure to help the Giants fight for a playoff berth.
Pick #12
The Philadelphia Eagles select: Devonta Smith (WR)
Smith weighed in at 170 pounds on pro day leaving some people concerned. I believe that this will have him fall into the draft and be the #3 receiver in this class. Philly does need more Wide Receiver help for Jalen Hurts. The Heisman winner will definitely be a player to watch progress and adapt to the pros.
Pick #13
The Los Angeles Chargers select: Christian Darrisaw (OT)
The Chargers must protect their Franchise QB to get the most production out of him. Darrisaw adds protection to the edge as the chargers continue to build their O-line. This Chargers offense should excel next year giving Herbert protection and more time to throw.
Pick #14
The Minnesota Vikings select: Jaycee Horn (CB)
Horn had an incredible pro day that left me very impressed. Horn will get to learn from veteran Patrick Peterson. Minnesota’s secondary could not cover especially with DanielleHunter and Harrison Smith dealing with injuries last year. Minnesota will need Horn if they want to fight for a playoff spot in the tough NFC.
Pick #15
The New England Patriots select: Alijah Vera-Tucker (IOL)
Losing Joe Thuney to the Kansas City Chiefs was big to their offensive line. The Patriots made lots of signings to help Cam Newton offensively and Vera-Tucker help stabilizes the O-line. The USC Trojan fills up the weak spot on the Offensive line as the Patriots continue their active offseason.
Pick #16
The Arizona Cardinals select: Caleb Farley (CB)
Arizona let their corners walk in free agency and now their focus is on building that team. Farley is an athletic freak at his position. His speed is unmatched and can stay with the fastest receivers. The Cardinals will need all the help they can get at the corner position to compete in the NFC West.
Pick# #17
The Las Vegas Raiders select: Micah Parsons (LB)
The Raider’s defense has set them back tremendously for the past 2 seasons. Micah Parsons had a great pro day showing off the speed, footwork, and agility. He might have to take some time to find his role both on the inside and outside. Raiders get great talent to help their weak Linebacker core.
Pick #18
The Miami Dolphins select: Kwity Paye (DE)
Miami adds more pass rush with the help of Kwity Paye. The Fins have a great secondary and adding a young pass rusher will help maintain the defense at a high level. Miami will remain a defensive team with this addition.
Draft picks for the playoff teams
Pick #19
The Washington Football team selects: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB)
Pick #20
The Chicago Bears select: Trevin Jenkins (OT)
Pick #21
The Indianapolis Colts select: Gregory Rousseau (DE)
Pick #22
The Tennessee Titans select: Greg Newsome II (CB)
Pick #23
The New York Jets select: Najee Harris (RB)
Pick #24
The Pittsburgh Steelers select: Jaylen Mayfield (OT)
Pick #25
The Jacksonville Jaguars select: Trevon Moehrig (S)
Pick #26
The Cleveland Browns select: Asante Samuel Jr (CB)
Pick # 27
The Baltimore Ravens select: Kadarius Toney (WR)
Pick #28
The New Orleans Saints select: Rahshod Bateman (WR)
Pick# 29:
The Green Bay Packers select: Terrace Marshall Jr (WR)
Pick #30
The Buffalo Bills select: Azeez Ojulari (DE)
Pick #31
The Kansas City Chiefs select: Samuel Cosmi (OT)
Pick #31
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Zaven Collins (DE)