The second season of PML has come and gone, but more importantly, the second 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/or the potential of the prospect. We have already seen a few trades for first round picks that will shake up the draft a bit, but this mock draft will assume all picks stay with the teams that originally owned the pick.
11. New York Jets – Keontra Smith, OLB, Miami
The New York Jets have a lot of problems on their defense but one of their biggest problems is stopping the run when it comes to the second level. For the past two seasons, the Jets have had a safety lead their team in tackles. This is where Keontra Smith comes in; he is one of the fastest linebackers in the draft. He has quick get off speed to get there for the tackle or for the sack on a blitz. That’s not even the best part of his kit, he was a safety in high school that got converted into a linebacker in college which means he has the skills to also be used as a pass coverage linebacker in the middle of the field which the Jets desperately need on that defense.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars – Kenderick Duncan Jr, FS, Louisville
The Jaguars desperately needed a free safety before coming into this draft and although they signed one in free agency, I don’t think this pick is wrong for them. Kenderick Duncan Jr has the range to cover all areas of the field from any alignment. His speed is also apparent coming downhill into the alley. Kenderick Duncan didn’t have the fastest 40 time for safeties, in fact, he was about average, but he is a ruthless hitter at the point of attack. He has the body shape of a linebacker to play in the box at a sub linebacker position and also can play outside at corner or single high all by himself. He is definitely a player that can be schemed to be used in a lot of ways and I think Jacksonville is the perfect destination for him to be utilized the best.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Tom Brady is long gone and the Buccaneers did not re-sign his replacement quarterback in Drew Lock. So, you have to think that the Bucs are going to go quarterback with this pick. There is nothing that this roster needs more than a solid quarterback who is young to help lead this team back into the playoffs after a disappointing season. CJ Stroud is the perfect pick at this selection because he is coming into an offense with loads of talent to help him succeed early into his career. He’s proven that he can make all the throws that this team needs in college with weapons that don’t come close to the weapons this roster has. If the Bucs don’t go QB here then I have no clue what that front office is doing. They have made a few sketchy moves already this season, but Stroud HAS to be their guy if he falls this far in the draft.
14. Arizona Cardinals – Peter Skoronski, LG, Northwestern
The Cardinals have absolutely 0 offensive line talent or depth on this roster. Rodney Hudson is nearing retirement but the Cardinals aren’t in a position to win now. Upper management has been neglectful up to this point in the cycle because they have Kyler Murray as their quarterback who can get out of almost every situation but this team needs to have some protection for their franchise quarterback. This is where Peter Skoronski comes in. He’s a left guard who has the athleticism of an edge rusher and the strength that no other offensive line in this class can match. He is perfect for holding double teams and he will definitely be there to help block when it comes to the second level. The Cardinals could do no wrong with this pick and he will be an immediate upgrade to this putrid offensive line in Glendale.
15. Washington Football Team – Brian Branch, CB, Alabama
The Washington Football Team made the move to trade William Jackson to the Texans. The Washington Football Team is looking for a quick replacement at the cornerback position. With two cornerbacks already taken at this point in the draft, they will have to look at taking the best player available in Brian Branch who is worthy of this selection. He is an underrated corner because of his 40 yard time, but he played for coach Saban in Alabama. You know that he’s going to be an all star in the making. He’s an all-around skilled football player who effects the game in all three phases. He’s a dynamic playmaking presence in the back half, showing the ability to read routes and the quarterback in jumping routes and making plays on the ball underneath. He will fit right into this Washington defense. Their defensive line will make his job much easier and the transition to a pro won’t be as stressful because he won’t be expected to cover in space for long periods of time.
16. New York Giants – Noah Sewell, MLB, Oregon
The New York Giants need a field general in the middle of the field. Most of their other positions on this team are filled out by talent or youth but the linebacking core could definitely use some help. Noah Sewell is a big bodied linebacker who will cause havoc to any halfback that comes his direction but he also has the potential to be spectacular in pass coverage if the defensive coordinator of the Giants builds him up wisely. If selected, the Giants should ease Noah Sewell into becoming a three down linebacker. If they do not ease him into that role, he is likely to get injured. He wasn’t asked to play all three downs in college, but he has the potential to take the next step in the NFL. His raw talent is off the charts, but he does lack certain skills that you’d want as a starting middle linebacker to have. Although, with the proper work/dedication put into him, the New York Giants could have a new captain and a monster leading their defense.
17. New England Patriots – Jaxon-Smith Njigba, WR, Ohio State.
The Patriots literally have zero speed on their offense and they have to be desperate to get some speed at the receiver position after aiming to sign Aaron Rodgers for his remaining years left in football. If Jaxon-Smith Njigba falls outside of the top ten, the Patriots should try to trade up to make sure they can draft him. The New England Patriots haven’t had this caliber of a wide receiver since the days of Randy Moss. Njigba brings high profile speed to this offense after running an astounding 4.34 40 time at his pro day. His speed isn’t the receivers greatest asset, it’s his ability to catch 50/50 balls down the field. He reminds me of a smaller version of AJ Green in his prime with a lot more speed off of the ball.
18. Tennessee Titans – Michael Meyer, TE, Notre Dame
Will Dissly was a bad man last season with the Titans and he’s still the starting tight end, but you would have to think that they would want to bring in a faster tight end to compete with how the game has changed in PML. Michael Meyer brings in that speed but he’ll also bring in better route running, better catching, and better blocking on the line. He’s just an all around upgrade to the tight end spot on this Titans offense. The tight end prospects in this draft class aren’t very close but Meyer is the clear cut winner. The Titans had some quarterback controversy last season, so we could see them catapult the group and try to nab one of the big three names in this class if they aren’t satisfied with the outlook of the players they have on their roster.
19. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Bockhorst, C, Clemson.
The Falcons need a player on the offensive line who can read the defense and help command this offensive line to help protect their young franchise quarterback. We saw Matt Bockhorst shoot up the draft boards after his pro day. He was projected by most as a day 2 selection, but the Falcons will try once again to address the offensive line with the hope that Bockhorst will be as advertised. Bockhorst is an intelligent player who has all the tools to succeed at the center position in PML. He has good eyes to locate linebackers on the move, finishes and doesn’t quit; he’s a competitor with a positive attitude and has leadership traits that coaches admire. The Falcons will have a leader for this offensive line in Bockhorst and you can’t go wrong with that.
20. Miami Dolphins – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Miami Dolphins are loaded with talent up the kazoo with vets and younger talent all on that defense but they could definitely use some help in the middle on that defensive line. Raekwon Davis is a 26 year old 76 overall defensive tackle, so they need to address the anchor of their line. With not many teams needing defensive tackles early in the draft, Jalen Carter will fall to this team and be an absolute steal for this defense. He’s a big boy at 304 pounds who can plug the middle and help the Dolphins with their inside run game. He has a desirable blend of finesse and power to his game, already showing some pass rush moves along with a speed-to-power bull rush which shows that this kid can do it all. Picking him will solidify this defense and cover up any weak spots that they could’ve had.
