The first season of the PML has come and gone, but more importantly, the very first draft of the cycle is near and a lot of teams are hoping to turn last year’s misery into a new beginning. This is going to be a three part mock draft where we will break down each team’s needs, the best player fit for them, and the potential of the prospect. We have already seen a trade for the first overall pick that has shaken up the draft a bit, but going forward this mock draft will assume all remaining picks stay with the teams that currently own the pick.
22. Dallas Cowboys – George Karlaftis, LE, Purdue
The Cowboys only have 36 players on their roster at the moment, so anywhere they go with this selection would be helpful. I think they’re ultimately going to select a defensive player. They only have three linebackers on the roster, but improving one of their fronts is more ideal for them in the first round. The Cowboys could go either offensive line or defensive line with this pick, however, with the aging Demarcus Lawrence losing his superstar development trait we have them selecting LE George Karlaftis out of Purdue. Karlaftis can start opposite Lawrence, learn from him and eventually take over for him when he retires. He is the strongest left end in the class, mixed with one of the fastest 3-cone and 20 yard shuttle times. He will be able to use his strength and quickness to make the Cowboys defensive line one of the best in the game.
23. Baltimore Ravens – Zach Harrison, LE, Ohio State
The Ravens could pick any position along their defensive line and that player would instantly make them a better team. The Baltimore Ravens only have four defensive linemen on their roster at the moment. They elected to part ways with Calais Campbell due to his desire to garner a huge contract despite his age. Campbell will end up getting what he wants in free agency, but for the Ravens, it just didn’t make sense for him to resign with the team. For this pick we have them going with an end who fits all of the categories that you would need. Zach Harrison would become their immediate starter. His powerful combination of elite speed and acceleration mixed with excellent pass rushing moves would instantly solidify the left side of their defensive line.
24. Buffalo Bills – Charles Cross, RT, Mississippi State
Josh Allen has the ability to escape out of the pocket on a dime and it was a must for him this season due to a lack of protection from the offensive line. The RT position is an area of need for them. 30 year old Daryl Williams is their projected starter this season, but after this season, he’s not going to be a viable option for the Bills. The Bills could go with any position on the right side of their offensive line, however, we have them picking the best tackle available in right tackle Charles Cross. The fact that Cross dropped this far benefits a team who needs him the most. Cross isn’t the fastest, strongest, or quickest tackle in the draft, however, he is a jack of all trades type of player. He ranks in the top ten of his position for all the physical traits you are looking for. If you take this combined with his pass and run blocking abilities, you get a player who can become your immediate starter.
25. Los Angeles Chargers – Jahleel Billingsley, TE, Alabama
There are two top notch tight ends in this draft class. Both offer unique skill sets that will help whatever team decides to draft them. The Chargers haven’t been able to fill the gap that tight end Hunter Henry left when he decided to test out free agency and ultimately sign with the new England Patriots. The Chargers don’t have a quality tight end at the moment. They have two young players who may develop into nice players in the long run, however, they aren’t quality starters you play when the games count. We have them selecting TE Jahleel Billingsley who will be able to come in immediately and stretch the field. He is the second fastest tight end in the draft. He is a player who can catch the ball from any route you request of him. His route running is only bested by his ability to block finesse defenders when running the ball. He will be an instant plug in and play starter for the bolts.
26. Detroit Lions – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Lions have a need at quarterback position, and they can still address it by bringing in a veteran, however, after all other teams selected six quarterbacks in front of them, we have them selecting the second fastest wide receiver in the draft. The Lions traded away Jared Goff midseason to the Washington Football Team and young Trace Mcsorely was able to take the team to the playoffs. Even if the Lions decide to wait on quarterback, they will need to surround their eventual signal caller with talent for him to be successful. Olave has an impressive combination of blazing speed and great strength. He is a do it all type of receiver as he also has good run blocking skills. Olave will instantly come in and be the Lions number one receiver. He will provide relief to a receiving core that currently only has three members to it.
27. Washington Football Team – Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
This is their third pick of the draft and we have the Football Team addressing another need at tight end. We have them picking Jalen Wydermyer who is currently at the top of the draft board for the tight end position. Wydermyer might not be the fastest tight end in the draft, however, he has a good combination of strength, quickness, and agility mixed with the ability to run any route in the route tree. His quickness in and out of his breaks will create a lot of separation in times of need. He is alo a good run blocker that will create holes for one of the league’s best running backs in Gibson.
28. Denver Broncos – Jaxson Kirklandm, LT, Washington
The Denver Broncos have been flirting with the idea of adding a new quarterback to the team. Drew Lock was able to lead them to the playoffs, but his up and down inaccuracy was off putting to ownership.They are willing to trade into the top 10 to draft one, our sources have told us. However, the Denver Broncos had one of the best passing attacks in the game last season, and they did it with an offensive line that was ranked in the bottom half of the league. Currently, they have no right tackle on their roster and that’s where this pick comes into play. We have them selecting Jaxson Kirkland, who they can convert into a right tackle. Kirkland is a fast tackle with elite agility, and acceleration. His pass block abilities are some of the best in the draft and will suit a team like the Broncos who like to pass the ball.
29. Tennessee Titans – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Even though the Tennessee Titans would be better off drafting a player from either the offensive or defensive line position, we have them selecting the second best wide receiver in the draft in Garrett Wilson. Wilson falling to 29 could be considered a gift as he would pair nicely with AJ Brown and give the titans a nice 1-2 punch. Wilson has the rare combination of good speed, mixed with great agility, acceleration, and change of direction. He will be able to use his size and speed to outjump most defenders.
30. Detroit Lions – Christian Harris, MLB, Alabama
The Lions could use this pick on a variety of positions, however, their linebacking core has to be addressed in this draft. The aging Jamie Collins is their highest rated linebacker. Collins is nowhere near the same player he was when he played for the Patriots, but he can still help the rookie linbacker’s transition into the NFL. We have them selecting one of the best coverage linebackers in the draft in middle linebacker Christian Harris. Harris has good size and speed, however his agility and acceleration combined with his fantastic zone coverage skills make him a perfect fit for the Lions. He will be able to instantly start and contend in the middle of their defense.
31. Green Bay Packers – Kingsley Enagbare, LE, South Carolina
The Packers currently have one left end and no right end. They desperately are in need of defensive lineman and have the perfect opportunity to pick a good play in a position of need. We have them selecting Kingsley Enagbare out of South Carolina, in a pick that will give them the bare minimum for defensive ends. Kingsley isn’t the fastest, strongest, or quickest, however he has a good foundation of each of those physical abilities. The best thing he has going for him is his ability to get to the quarterback, and with great power moves, he will be doing it alot.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Nik Bonnitto, LOLB, Oklahoma
The Eagles linebacker core is somewhat of a disaster. They could use an upgrade at every position, and with the final pick in the first round we have them selecting Nik Bonnitto out of Oklahoma. Bonnitto is a pure pass rusher who will use his finesse moves to get to the quarterback. Paring Bonnitto with Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham would be a defensive coordinator’s dream. The Eagles get better in a position of need while securing a defender who will keep their pass rush as one of the best in the league.
