LAOJoe & RTTRUTH's 10th Annual "Official" Mock Draft

Probably my favourite draft of yours TD. Definitely got more physical all around (Abram, Wilson, Evans, Brown). Which is important in the AFC North. My favourite pick might be Joe Lowery. Ashamed to say I never came across him in my own research. Love Abram, Trysten Hill, and Lowery. Would be interesting to see this class in real life.

 

Probably unnecessary, but if it will make you feel better. Probably every draft has one guy I don't care for. That probably goes for most of us.

And don't worry, I'll start posting mine in a minute here

 

Los Angeles Chargers Select

Youhanna Ghaifan, DL - Wyoming

 

Chicago Bears
​

3(23) Jalen Jelks / OLB / Oregon
5 (6) Trayveon Williams / RB / Texas A&M
5(24) Jimmy Moreland / CB / James Madison
6(16) Matt Gay / PK / Utah
7 (7) Martez Ivey / T/G / Florida
7 (8) Carl Granderson / OLB / Wyoming
UDFA Ryquell Armstead / RB / Temple
UDFA Nick Allegretti / C / Illinois

Bears didn't have many picks, thanks to the Khalil Mack trade. So can I list him as my 1st rounder? Anyways, our biggest needs were PK, RB, nickel CB depth, and pass-rush depth. Knowing I didn't have much to work with, I tried to stay fairly BPA. But more than for most teams I took players they have interviewed. Actually I think they interviewed all the guys I took except Ivey.
I made one trade, moving back from 4.24 to 5.6 to gain a 6th rounder (always knew I'd grab a PK there) and improve my spot in the 7th (24>7).

 

Back to KC OTC...
@Tim

 

On the page One, 7th round, we see:
7(14) Bills - Henry Stillwell: WR - Cornell - he is is an OL and not a WR.

Also, a confession: I picked two 7th rounders for the Buffalo Bills last night without access to my data. (I foolishly had left it in my office.) Not wanting to hold up the draft, I picked two prospects that I was confident were still available. That is why the Bills have two draft selections from the Cornell Big Red.

 

The Kansas City Chiefs select: S - Chris Johnson, North Alabama

 

Hey! Get your own damn war board!

 

We figured you were just representing. And fixed.

 

Indianapolis Colts​

1(26) Byron Murphy / CB / Washington
2 (2) Jerry Tillery / DT / Notre Dame
3 (3) Darnell Savage Jr / S/Nickel / Maryland
3(25) Tytus Howard / OT / Alabama State
4 (4) Benny Snell Jr / RB / Auburn
4(33) Maxx Crosby / DE / Eastern Michigan
5(26) Dillon Mitchell / WR / Oregon
6(26) Khari Willis / SS / Michigan St
7(26) Sam Mustipher / C / Notre Dame
UDFA Ronheem Bingham / DE / Arkansas State
UDFA Josh Miller / CB / Ball State

Under Ballard there's one thing I've learned and respect the hell out of...Never neglect the trenches! On that note, 4 of my 9 selections were on the OL or DL even though significant resources have gone there recently. I grabbed DB and Receiving depth to increase competition at those spots. Unfortunately even I can admit I wish I had one do-over. Dillon Mitchell. I like his tape. But apparently I came up short on the research because it wasn't until after I'd selected him that I found a note about him being a bit lazy in the weight room, coasting a bit on natural gifts. I think that makes him "Not a Ballard guy". But oh well. Better at 5(26) than top 100. I still like his tape. The Colts now have Hilton and FA signing Devin Funchess locked in as the top 2. Beyond them there is plenty of competition for reps. Probably 6 guys including Mitchell fighting for those next 2 spots. So he'll have to earn it. I believe the inside track belongs to "redshirt-rookie" Deon Cain, who was looking great in camp last year before an injury ended his rookie campaign before it began.

P.S. I love Benny Snell. He's this years Marlon Mack for me. Never a top 60 guy. And I think he is awesome! And just gets the game. Also personally love my selection of Khari Willis. I was going to take Terry Beckner Jr there, but before I did I realized that when I posted this, if I didn't see Willis' name I was going to feel like a failure. I think he's an under-rated safety. No matter what player I was trying to scout on Michigan St defense or any offense playing them, it just seemed like Willis was constantly jumping off the tape at me. Between Khari Willis, Matthias Farley, and Clayton Geathers, we're going to find someone who proves to be a top 10 SS on this team.

Only traded back once, from 2(27) to 3(3) to improve my 4th round spot from 4(27) to 4(4). When I did, I took the chance that either Darnell Savage or Juan Thornhill would survive to 3(3). There were some scary moments

 

SAINTS SELECT (one of my favorite and most intriguing late rd prospects)

Stephen Denmark/CB Valdosta State – 6’4”, 220 lbs

(probably should have grabbed him for Cleveland. They've shown interest, as well as Steelers and Saints)

• Unreal athleticism and physical attributes
• Great press man corner, uses length extremely well
• Extremely fluid for his size, click and close is efficient
• Plays well to his leverage and assignments
• Flashes ball skills, can high point the ball and has natural hands
• Disrupts the catch point with ferociousness
• Tenacious run defender who will stick his nose in the run game and do it well
• Lays the wood and plays with physicality
• Sound tackler, wraps up well

As a converted WR, Stephen Denmark is a cornerback that already has the natural instincts of a wide receiver. He knows the thought process of how they plan to run their routes and knows how to track the ball as naturally as anyone. Denmark, at 6’4” and with a 79” wingspan, has incredible tools at his disposal. The size and testing stats are eye-popping, and they show up on film all the time. It is not that Denmark is another one of those raw, project-type CBs, because he is, but that he has just extra special tools that show up on the tape and actually enhance his ability to technically succeed even more than you would think.

Denmark’s ability to jump out of the house and have incredible explosiveness for his size is exactly what makes him such an intriguing prospect. He should not be able to move as fluidly as he does, but his click and close are as good as anyone’s in the draft and he uses his athleticism all on his tape

 

Washington Redskins
​

1(15) D.K. Metcalf / WR / Mississippi
2(14) Daniel Jones / QB / Duke
3(12) Dax Raymond / TE / Utah St
4(16) Dru Samia / G / Oklahoma
5(12) Mike Edwards / S / Kentucky
5(32) Penny Hart / WR / Georgia Southern
5(35) Otaro Alaka / ILB / Texas A&M
6(12) Bryce Love / RB / Stanford
7 (4) Chris Slayton / DL / Syracuse
*Gained 2020 5th (CLE)
UDFA Tyrel Dodson / ILB / Texas A&M
UDFA Ryan Pope / OT / San Diego State

Maybe my favourite of my four drafts, in the end. I took more chances with the Skins than with my other teams, because I believe given the owner, HC situation, struggles with the Alex Smith trade, that this team more than most NEEDS to see PROGRESS.

D.K. Metcalf is polarizing. But with his size, athletic abilities, and previous exploits there's no questioning that IF he hits his ceiling, he will be a game-changer. Next the QB of the future. I like Daniel Jones. He'll never be Aaron Rodgers, but if you build a TEAM around him, I think he can lead a team. He's smart, and he doesn't panic under pressure. One interesting note on Daniel Jones I got from PFF was that of the top 10 projected QB's in this draft, Jones threw under pressure more than anyone. Drops at Duke didn't help him either. So he's used to things working against him. To help him out, 5 of my first 6 picks were on offense, because we need a foundation around him. Metcalf, Derrius Guice, Raymond, Penny Hart, Bryce Love, Paul Richardson (if healthy), and Trey Quinn should represent a solid foundation going forward unless worst case scenario (injuries to multiple guys and Metcalf bust) strikes. I shot for the stars with a late pick like Bryce Love too, to try and get extra value for this team in 2020. Also added one extra pick next year. I like how this all worked out in the end.

Traded back once, gaining the pick next year and an extra 5th in this draft (Mike Edwards). Also traded up once, right at the end to make sure I got Chris Slayton as depth at 5-technique. Brings me to one of my favourite quotes of the year. Said head coach Dino Babers: "We're losing an "M" and an "N" with an "A" in the middle."
That's all the push I needed for the trade-up.

Edit: traded back twice. LoL. I don't keep good notes on my trades, minus making sure I know going forward which picks I do and don't have.

 

I notice my "short" breakdowns have gotten progressively less short, as I go.

 

That role-playing element is important. Decide the approach/strategy, and then stay in character. It isn't anywhere near as easy as it sounds. So... good job sticking to the script, even though there were at least a half dozen other guys you personally would have rather taken instead of him.

 

The Buffalo Bills selected 8 prospects and traded for the second-coming of Kenny Davis. Given what the real Bills have done in FA I am pleased with how they addressed remaining needs (largely gaining depth) over the course of this mock. As always, I thank all you football guys for indulging me, a hockey guy.
I welcome your critique.
1-13, T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
2-40, Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
3-74, Jachai Polite, DE/OLB*, Florida (* that'd be EDGE for you youngsters)
3-86, Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
4-112 - traded to Cleveland for Duke Johnson, RB
6-181, Kris Boyd, CB, Texas
7-225, Reis Seggebruch, LB, Cornell
7-228, Henry Stillwell, OL, Cornell
7-233, Alex Bars, OT/G, Notre Dame

My thinking, or just plain rambling:
- One matter that I was able to reconcile in my mind by going through this exercise was the question: "should the Bills move up, down, or stay at #1-9?" In real life what I would prefer is that the team finds a way to draft Quinnen Williams or Ed Oliver; neither are likely to fall to 9, so my answer is to trade up - if possible.
- There are two TE's worthy of first round selection and another that I think will go in the second. I think a stud TE could help this team the most, which is why I went TE (after dropping back a few spots). But, I think DT is another critical area calling for improvement. I think they could go DT first, but I liked the relative talent in that spot lower down, so I went with who I believe may be one of the best TE prospects in years.
- I am most pleased with the 3rd & 6th round selections in terms of value. I believe all three are likely to go higher in late April. (Opinions to the contrary are very welcome.)
- I debated using that 4th on a used RB, but when I realized that I was not likely to get a better one in the draft - and Duke does remind me of Kenny Davis who helped Thurman Thomas and the Bills get to a few SB's. I made the trade, and I'm damned glad of it.
- The two Cornell guys are there ... well let's just say Go Big Red!

 

That last Saints pick wraps it up for me. Great draft as usual fellas. Thanks for letting me play.

If I had to rate my own, I'm not sure if I like CLE or CAR better, but I'm happy with all three efforts. I Did the most I could for New Orleans, though they traded away half their draft before this started, so there wasn't a ton to work with....

I'm not done yet. Still have plenty of potential targets to sift through.

Enjoyed it very much. Lookin forward to the UDFA rounds, as well as whatever contests we are doing this year....Only 9 day away boys!

Go Jackets!

Got the broom ready....

 

Was he next up on your war board or something?

 

I know Mike Bell had a much better pro day than his Combine, where he was probably THE biggest loser of the entire event. I get that he's not as bad as the listed numbers, but I surprised you passed up Evan Worthington and some others to take Bell. Frankly, I think he should have stayed in school for his final year. So I'm with RT in that he's my least favorite of your picks.

I'm sure you could have guessed that Bobby Okereke is my favorite player from your Raiders draft. I was stunned that he and Germaine Pratt were both available when I took Pratt, and I might have doubled up and taken Okereke had he slid past you and lasted just a few more picks. HUGE value at the point where you got him.

 

Los Angeles Rams

2 (5) Julian Love / nickel/dime CB / Notre Dame
3(30) Daylon Mack / NT / Texas A&M
3(35) T.J. Edwards / ILB / Wisconsin
4(10) Nate Davis / G / Charlotte
4(30) Dennis Daley / OT / South Carolina
5(31) Blace Brown / depth CB / Troy
6(30) Deshaun Davis / ILB / Auburn
7(37) Sutton Smith / Edge / Northern Illinois
UDFA C.J. Conrad / TE / Kentucky
UDFA Malik Gant / S / Marshall

The Rams are an aggressive team in general. With that in mind, this was the only team I gave up future assets with. I gave 4(31) and 2020 4th to ATL to move up to 4(10) for Nate Davis. I like his tape, and the Rams have interviewed him. I was worried he wouldn't survive another 20 picks. And I was probably right. Potentially my biggest reach in any of my four drafts based on media rankings, Daylon Mack is a player I just happen to be high on. I think any team that wants a fighter inside to improve their run game can develop that in Mack. He has the tenacity and the raw tools. I didn't overthink it at the back of the third and grabbed him. This team was inches from winning a Superbowl. And IMO the missing piece might already be on the roster (Cooper Kupp). Personally I noticed a correlation between their offense taking a step back and Kupp landing on the IR. Between that belief and their lack of resources (no 2nd, later picks, no cap space) I decided it would be prudent to simply plug holes going BPA and let their coaches figure out how to get over the hump. Enter my two quality (IMO) OL picks. They lost some guys in FA and didn't have cap space to do anything, so I found an opportunity where spot met value to add some depth for them. I didn't like the value and scheme fit at 1(31) on any OL guys, so I traded back with Julian Love in mind, adding a pick in round 4 and improving my place in the 5th. I believe they're giving Brian Allen (drafted last year) an opportunity to start at Center this year. So I didn't force anything there.

I think I like how this draft went. In truth, only time and development would tell. All about the dividends these guys would pay or not pay over the next 3-4 years. It isn't a flashy draft, but it might be a good one.

 

I was being sarcastic about Bell. You've been reading too much grief from some pick opinions from some people. lol