It’s that time of year PML, this is my pre-combine top ten mock draft. This mock draft is also before trades have been submitted, in case anyone is reading this after we have advanced to free agency. I will have a full mock draft, including any trades made and free agency signing considerations closer to the time of the draft.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Travis Hunter, Pittsburgh
After a disgusting season, the Steelers fired their former head coach, and the first bit of business for the new head coach was to franchise tag Justin Fields. Pittsburgh takes arguably the best versatile player in the draft, who would be an instant starter at corner or receiver on their team.
2. Carolina Panthers – CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
JT is normally known for taking a halfback, usually a flashy one, but I think that it is reserved for pick 8. Carolina gave up the most points (40) in the league last season and their best corner is 75 overall, with 89 speed. They also had the least number of interceptions (15) in the league, this number was 9 interceptions off of the second worst (26) in the league. They must address the corner position and Morrison gives them a lengthy corner that has the speed to press his opponent and recover. Will Johnson could be selected here too, but Morrison has the upside with the potential to be faster prior to the combine.
3. Cincinnati Bengals – RE James Pearce Jr, Tennessee
Joe Burrow lost his abilities, while he is 94 overall, his 87 throwpower leaves a lot to be desired. I think they are a contender to draft a quarterback at this spot, but it wouldn’t be wise. Instead, they address their lack of production last season in total sacks. They ranked in the bottom ten in sacks (31), while having a superstar defensive end in Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals couldn’t find a way to pressure opposing quarterbacks. So, they pick potentially the best pure pass rusher in the draft and create a tandem that will have opposing quarterbacks running for their life. Pearce is a blazer off the edge and perfect for a 4-3 or 5-2 defensive front.
4. Atlanta Falcons – QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
It’s difficult to condemn a selection in Madden, especially during the first draft, but taking a QB when the Falcons have $44.15M invested into two quarterbacks seems irresponsible. However, between the two quarterbacks, they threw 56 interceptions, so it’s clear that neither are going to appease Arod. He can select his style of quarterback, and Milroe has Mike Vick like-esque attributes. Milroe is a better deep passer and needs some improvement identifying pressure and targeting the short throws, but he’s the ideal selection for Atlanta as they aim to rebuild an offense that was ranked the worst in total yards in the league last season.
5. Tennessee Titans – WR Luther Burden, Missouri
The Titans had the best passing attack in the league last season with a pedestrian group of receivers. Calvin Ridley led the group with 81 catches, 1,500 yards, and 14 touchdowns. The Titans believe in Levis, but they need to protect the ball better. Burden gives them a reliable number 2 receiver and slot phenom. Burden has the potential for “Great” speed pending his combine results, but adding in some jet sweeps with the shift Burden would give Levis some added protection against forced passes. Moreover, Burden has the potential to change directions on a dime, I am sure the Titans can put that to good usage.
6. Houston Texans – MLB Harold Perkins, LSU
Houston ranked in the bottom 12 for every category on defense last season, while also giving up the most yards (426) per game. They have to address their ability to stop the run and force teams to fear passing over the middle. Perkins gives them that three down back with downhill tackling prowess and can roam sideline to sideline. Perkins has potential to be 90+ speed, and with linebackers having the ability to jump passes this Madden, he can be a scary user on defense.
7. Chicago Bears – DT Mason Graham, Michigan
This is where the draft is going to shake up because Chicago is going to trade this pick to the highest bidder, per source. According to this mock draft, Sanders and Ward are still in play, so expect teams to leapfrog each other for the right to draft these star quarterbacks. However, in light that this draft is pre- well anything, the Bears need to address their defensive line. They had 25 sacks last season, that ranked 30th in the league behind Pittsburgh and Houston. So, Chicago selects Mason Graham, a projected top 5 selection with “Great” potential for every physical rating at the combine. If Graham does test well, I think he’ll be drafted before this selection though.
8. Carolina Panthers – HB Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Sampson is potentially the fastest halfback in the draft, and he is the youngest (20 years old). I know the Panthers have Brooks, but JT loves to rotate his backs and with the potential of drafting one of the fastest players in the draft, I don’t think JT can pass up the opportunity. I think one of the faster receivers is also in play here, especially seeing how Legette was used this past season.
9. Los Angeles Rams – QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Matthew Stafford has been reduced to ashes but is still slumming it away on the roster. The Rams could part ways with him, but they’d take a $30M penalty. The Rams must be thrilled to get their choice of Ward and Sanders without having to move up, but in the real draft, one of these QBs will go at 7. Nonetheless, the Rams have aging needs across the board, but getting their quarterback of the future is a need that must be addressed.
10. Miami Dolphins – QB Cam Ward, Miami
Miami was not happy with their quarterbacks this season, throwing an abysmal 69 interceptions between the two. However, Tua does still have his abilities and “Fearless” is a top-notch ability. But Curt does not like Tua’s throwing motion, nor does his 87 throwpower mesh with the downhill speed of the Dolphin’s receivers. Ward has the mobility and arm to escape the pocket and make the down field thill to an in-stride receiver. Miami also failed to muster up much of a rushing attack, despite Achane having 96 speed. I think Miami will need to have a balanced approach this season, no matter who is under helm at the quarterback position.
