Welcome to the “What Would We Do Mock” PART 2!!! Lou and Kelley tell you what they would do at each pick if they were the GMs. We alternated back and forth selecting for each team. Kelley was GM for all the odd picks, and Lou was GM for all the even picks. We both wrote quick blurbs explaining our selections. Two days until Draft Day. LFG!

1. Carolina Panthers – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Carolina shouldn’t get cute here. They take the best QB in the Draft to kick-start their rebuild. Young does not have a huge arm, but is an extremely quick processor and can make plays outside of structure when pressure is in his face. He has been compared by both myself in a past blog, and recently NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, as a shorter Joe Burrow. He is the man for Carolina.

2. Houston Texans – C.J Stroud, QB, Ohio State

I was on record of saying that Stroud was overrated and following the trend closer to an OSU QB of past rather than ones of the present and future. Then, the CFB Playoff happened. What a showing for the stud against that Georgia D. Now there is rumor of Demeco Ryans wanting to go Will Anderson at 2, which I thought long and hard about, but Houston gets their next QB1. Let them hope this one lasts. 

3. Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

If they cannot trade back, Will Anderson is the obvious selection in my opinion. He had one of the most productive careers for an EDGE in recent memory and is an excellent athlete. Anderson also does not have the off-field or effort concerns that Carter has. He can continue to develop his pass rush arsenal, but Anderson should enter the league as a stout run defender and a threat for double digit sacks.

4. Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

For the record, I didn’t want to do this, but Jim Irsay came into the studio and just put a gun to my head. I had no choice but to take a QB, and he said he’d “DO ANYTHING” to get one… interesting choice of words, Jimbo. Richardson is a freak, but he’s closer to Tim Tebow than Cam Newton in my opinion. Still, the Josh Allen Project deemed to be worth it thus far for Buffalo; let’s see if Indy is the club to try the same. 

5. Seattle Seahawks – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

It is hard to watch Jalen Carter and not see the next dominant 3-Tech to enter the NFL. He has multiple red flags, but I am willing to accept those risks if it means adding the next Jeffrey Simmons or Quinnen Williams to my defensive front. A game-wrecking interior rusher is one of the rarest archetypes to find in the NFL and is pretty much impossible to find outside of the top of the Draft. Seattle should jump at the chance to add one here. 

6. Detroit Lions – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois 

This is my CB1. Similar to Sauce in the fact that he’s lengthy, fast, and refused to submit touchdowns to WRs in college. The Lions desperately need CB help, and after the Okudah project didn’t work they get that help here with Witherspoon. Tyree Wilson was also a consideration here, but more on that later. 

7. Las Vegas Raiders – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Gonzalez and Witherspoon are the 1A and 1B in this CB class however you want to split it. I give the edge to Witherspoon’s tape, but Gonzalez’s size, freakish athleticism, and consistency makes him a seemingly can’t miss prospect. The Raiders’ current starting outside CBs are Duke Shelley (my Chicago co-author should recognize that ugly name) and David Long Jr. No, not the Titans/Dolphins LB David Long Jr. A different one. They literally are starting the second best David Long Jr. in the NFL. Draft Christian Gonzalez, Mr. Davis.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Falcons have arguably the worst WR corp in the entire league, except they also have one of the brightest young WR prospects in Drake London. With London and TE Pitts size is the strength, but pairing them with a versatile WR like JSN could be LETHAL. I think Smith-Njigba has the floor of Christian Kirk, and the ceiling of Justin Jefferson. In that, at the very least he’ll be a GREAT slot WR, but what he will likely be is an inside-outside WR1, or very great WR2 compliment to London. Love this for Atlanta and Desmond Ridder. 

9. Chicago Bears – Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

This is an easy choice for me. The only thing that could keep Chicago from rushing to the podium for Paris is if they love one of the DL prospects left. With Anderson and Carter gone, I’d take my top OT in the Draft in Paris Johnson Jr. He’s a huge, fluid mover with long arms that should only get better as he gets more experience at Tackle. The Bears get Justin Fields a WR1 and top OT prospect in the same offseason and let him show what he can do as a passer. 

Lou: I love this pick here by Kelley. If this isn’t the player at 9, then ideally Poles is able to trade back just a bit. I have no idea if that’ll happen, but in this Mock Chicago lands their LT for the future. It would push Braxton to RT where he is likely more comfortable, and the Bears OL would be in business for the upcoming season. It sounds more and more unlikely that Paris will be available here, but I’d love it nonetheless. 

10. Philadelphia Eagles – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

BANG. TEXAS IS BACK. The next great Texas running back is drafted. Bijan is arguably the best player in this draft, and the one with the best condiment on the market. A condiment is the perfect way to describe how teams use running backs nowadays, though Bijan is everything but. On the ground he and Hurts will hurt (pun intended) opposing defenses; in the air he, Smith, Goedert, along with AJ Brown will do the same. The Eagles Offense will somehow get better than a near Super Bowl finish with the addition of Bijan. Let’s make it happen Howie.

11. Tennessee Titans – Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Some analysts view Skoronski as a Guard because of his short arms, others think he is good enough athletically and technically to stay at Tackle. Regardless of position, most would agree is the best OL in this class. Fortunately for Tennessee, they need help at just about every position on the OL. Skoronski will be a clear upgrade no matter where he plays for them and will help them rebuild their once elite OL room. 

12. Houston Texans – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

More and more rumors are swirling of the Texans taking DE at 2. I have them taking my 1A QB prospect and striking gold at 12 with Blue Chip Edge Tyree Wilson. This would be a Texan’s fans dream in my opinion, and give Demeco the ammo needed to get the Texans back on track. 

13. Green Bay Packers – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Time will tell if Jordan Love is the guy. If he is, then Mayer will likely be his favorite target for the foreseeable future. He is my favorite pass catcher in this draft outside of JSN, and should come into the league ready to contribute. Mayer is a good route runner with a full bag of releases off the line of scrimmage. He shines in contested catch situations and always seems to come down with passes in traffic and jump balls. He will continue to grow his solid foundation as a blocker and be a very good all around player for the Packers young offense.

14. New England Patriots – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

For all the small, shifty slot WRs evil Dr. Bill covets, he loves physical WRs just as much. Quentin Johnson is the definition of Boom-or-Bust at the WR position. With QB issues and controversy surrounding the team, going and getting a big bodied WR could help get to the root of this issue. I considered defense here, but after the loss of Jakobi Meyers to Vegas this offseason, Johnston makes sense here. 

15. New York Jets – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee 

Darnell Wright has risen up draft boards as of late, and the Jets snatch him up here as the third OL off the board. Wright is a wide, strong RT that showed an elite ability to pass block as a senior this season. He struggled more than you’d expect as a run blocker, but with his size and strength you hope that can come along eventually. A few scouts have noted some character concerns as well, but ultimately New York takes a plug and play RT that can pass protect for Aaron Rodgers right away.

16. Washington Commanders – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Joey Porter Sr was a Steeler LEGEND, therefore it only makes sense to cuck them out of his offspring one pick prior. Hehehe. The Commanders need CB help and in the form of an aggressive high end prospect. He plays hard nosed like his father, but is also just as much of a ball hawk. He would fit the Zone 4-3 Scheme that Ron Rivera loves. Perfect pick here for the Commanders. 

17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

While Porter Jr. falling here would have been a fun story, and he is a very good player, taking the last of the first tier OTs here might be the better play. The Steelers have needed OL upgrades for a few years now, so it’s time to finally get one. They were interested in Orlando Brown Jr earlier this offseason, and Tomlin was keeping a very close eye on the OT drills at the Senior Bowl, so I think they have the same thought. Broderick Jones is raw, but he has all the tools to develop into a very good NFL LT. There could be some growing pains early, but he really shouldn’t be any worse than Dan Moore Jr. is at LT from day 1. Pittsburgh grabs a good OT here and can shift their focus to a deeper CB class at pick 32.

18. Detroit Lions – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

A big EDGE defender who can play on ball or off ball is exactly the types of players the Lions love. I have them pass on Wilson at 6 and here at 18 I like Myles Murphy. Pair him with Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions get a pass rush duo that could terrorize the NFC North for the next decade. Heck of a first round start for Dan Campbell’s Lions. 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

As I’ve said before, I am not the biggest Levis fan in the world and would not take him in the Top 5 like he is often mocked. However, he does flash some impressive tools and was in an awful situation at Kentucky last season. I don’t mind the swing here for an aging Bucs team with a poor QB room. Levis being placed with one of the smartest Centers in football in Jensen, an elite young Tackle in Wirfs, and two great WRs in Evans and Godwin would be a good situation to develop in. If he doesn’t hit, the Bucs probably clear out a lot of the aging stars and try again in a couple years. If he does hit, they’re set for the future.

20. Seattle Seahawks – Jordan Addison, WR, USC

With Tyler Lockett turning 31 this season the Seahawks could be looking for his replacement. He is a similar player to Lockett with similar upside. My colleague had the Seahawks take Jalen Carter at 5, but I suspect if Anthony Richardson is available at 5 then they may go in that direction. The Seahawks are heading in the right direction and this move here will solidify that. 

21. Los Angeles Chargers – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

The Chargers need to add juice to their passing game, and I prefer Kincaid to the WRs on the board. Kincaid is a vertical threat with elite hands and a huge catch radius. He’d be perfect in an offense with Justin Herbert’s cannon of an arm. We’ve seen Travis Kelce and Darren Waller tear up the AFC West for years, now the Chargers get their own mismatch creating TE. 

22. Baltimore Ravens – Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh

Kancey is in a great spot to be a dominant 3T in a 4-3 defense particularly the Tampa 2. Here I see Kancey moving to more of a Interior DE position with the Ravens. He has incredible pass rush abilities and could fill a need that the Ravens desperately seek after the release of new Falcon Calais Campbell. Heck of a pick here. 

23. Minnesota Vikings – Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

The Vikings have holes in multiple areas of the defense, and Corner seems like one of the best ones to address. Banks tested like a freak at the combine and was great in man coverage at Maryland. If he can be a little less grabby and get better at making plays on the ball, he could be their CB1 for years to come. 

24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

This guy is a difference maker in my opinion. He can give an offense the ability to play 2 TE sets while improving the pass game at the same time. Washington is basically a Tackle who can run routes and highpoint the ball. The Jaguars have Tackle as a spot to potentially want to upgrade and could look to add another offensive weapon. Here they do both with Washington, who if things don’t workout as a TE, I think can make the transition to OT much like future HOFer Jason Peters did. 

25. New York Giants – Brian Branch, S, Alabama

I would have loved to grab a WR here for the Giants, but the top guys left are undersized playmakers (Flowers and Downs). They seem too redundant with the small WRs New York already has on the roster. The Giants other bigger needs are LB and Safety, so I’d just go with the best player available and take Branch here. Branch played mostly slot corner at Alabama, so his skillset would fit perfectly in Don “Wink” Martindale’s blitz heavy defense that has Safeties left in man coverage more often than most teams. Branch could be a playmaker on the backend in New York.

26. Dallas Cowboys – Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

In my own Mock Draft, which may or may not have been released yet, I had the Cowboys taking RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Though if I were running the Cowboys war room I’d go out and get Tyron Smith’s future replacement. He may not make the immediate impact at Tackle, but he certainly could down the line, especially learning from both T. Smith’s on the Cowboys. 

27. Buffalo Bills – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Zay Flowers to Buffalo would be one of my favorite fits in the Draft. Flowers is a playmaker with the ball in his hands which would certainly be utilized in Buffalo, but this is not just the next Isaiah McKenzie. Flowers is also very good as a downfield WR and spent more time on the outside than he did in the slot at Boston College. I can already see Josh Allen nuking deep posts to Flowers in the snow. He could be the spark that’s missing in an otherwise loaded Buffalo offense. 

28. Cincinnati Bengals – Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

WHHHOOOOP! Bengals bargaining for a big bodied bad ass CB is a big win for the boys in Cincinnati. May be seen as a slight reach, but I think differently. Brents has the size to maul large WRs on the outside or TEs on the inside depending on the team across the field from them. Lou would have a field day adding Brents to a small athletic DB room. 

Kelley: I like Lou’s thought process here. Personally, I am more of a fan of Emmanuel Forbes, but I do get the argument for adding a bigger CB like Brents or Kelee Ringo to the room. With the TEs off the board, I think CB or DL would make the most sense here value wise. DT Bryan Bresee and EDGE Lukas Van Ness both fit perfectly into what the Bengals look for on the DL as well, so I’d be happy with either of them here too. If Cincinnati leaves Round 1 with the top guy on their board at a premium position, it’d be a win and help them balance out the roster when paying offensive players in the near future. 

29. New Orleans Saints – Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

It seems like the NFL is high on Van Ness, so I doubt he makes it this far, but what a perfect fit this would be. New Orleans needs serious help across the DL, and Van Ness checks every box they look for. The Saints have targeted big, powerful rushers that move well. Cam Jordan, Marcus Davenport, and Trey Hendrickson all match that archetype and have been productive for them in the past. They stick with their philosophy and nab the 6’5”, 272 pound EDGE at 29.

30. Philadelphia Eagles – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Eagles hit their second home run of the draft landing Smith. Many analysts have Smith going to the Eagles at 10, which could very well happen. I see his size and production being a knock on the GA product. He’s an animal regardless and fits the mold of Eagles rushers. Heck of an addition for the Super Bowl runner-up. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

Kansas City could certainly go EDGE here, but they have shown that their biggest priority in the last two offseasons is protecting Patrick Mahomes. I may be a little higher on Dawand than the NFL seems to be, but with KC losing both OTs from last year and only replacing one in FA, I think it’s okay to reach a bit here. Plus, Dawand Jones to replace Orlando Brown Jr.? You couldn’t ask for a more similar playstyle. They seem to be ready to flip FA signing Jawaan Taylor to LT, so Dawand can start at RT for them.