Mock Draft 2.0 - picks 1-16: With trades!

With just the Super Bowl left to play, it’s time to focus on the draft. Usually, we avoid trades in our mocks as they are so hard to predict and removes some of the process behind each pick, however, we are doing away with that rule in this draft and going to have some fun with it!

The Pats move up from three to one, trading away a couple of first-round picks to move up and grab Williams. This is a statement move from a team that is resetting after 23 years under one regime. Williams is a guy they can build the franchise around moving forward.

USA Today had this to say about Maye, “his size (6-4, 229), arm and mobility are doubtless going to draw (unfair) comparisons to Josh Allen”. We don’t see him as quite as physical as Allen, but he is still a supreme talent and perfect for Washington as they once again attempt a rebuild.

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The Bears once again trade down, picking up future first-round and second-round picks as the Giants move up to select the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. Daniel Jones is still under contract in New York but he has never suggested he is good enough to lead a team deep into the playoffs.

Per USA Today, Harrison has, “averaged better than 1,200 receiving yards and 14 TDs over the past two seasons,” which is a truly remarkable stat line and one the Cardinals can’t pass up.

The Bears use some of their newly acquired draft capital to swap picks with the Chargers and grab another weapon on the offensive side of the ball. Nabers should fit in nicely with DJ Moore in Chicago.

The Chargers are able to move down one spot, pick up an extra second-round pick from the Bears, and still grab Bowers who is one of the best players in the entire draft.

This pick is a little dull given how often you will see it in mock drafts, both CBS Sports and USA Today have the same selection, but sometimes the pieces of the puzzle just fall together. The Titans need offensive line help and Alt is the best in the draft.

Would we select Bo Nix here, probably not, but Nix has the tools to become a good NFL quarterback with time. Bucky Brooks notes his, “experience and maturity,” are key parts of his evaluation suggesting he should be able to settle quickly in the pros.

Turner was a key part of Alabama’s defense in 2023 and could become a great foil to Montez Sweat on the defensive line in Chicago. The Bears need help rushing the passer and Turners’, “broad arsenal of tools”, per Daniel Jeremiah, should help them immediately.

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This is a pick we like, Latham offers the Jets huge size and upside for the Jets who desperately need some offensive line help. Lately, he has been slipping in other mocks, with CBS Sports having him fall to 18. For the moment, we don’t see that happening.

The Falcons picking Nix opens the door for one of the top pass-rushers to slip a few spots, in this mock that pass rusher is Verse. Daniel Jeremiah describes Verse as, “the best power rusher in the draft”, something the Vikings should be very excited to add to their defense.

Like JC Latham to the Jets, we really like McCarthy to the Broncos, he may not be a QB prospect in the tier of Williams or Maye, but he has the talent to lead an NFL team. He will also benefit from a good roster around him and Sean Payton’s coaching.

The Raiders selected Tyree Wilson in the top 10 last year and it didn’t really go to plan, perhaps his sophomore season will see him turn things around, but in the meantime, the Raiders go and grab another promising EDGE defender.

Daniel Jeremiah, who is well-connected in NFL circles has suggested that “teams are split on Fashanu,” given his up-and-down collegiate career, however, his upside is immense, and could become the Saints’ left tackle for a decade.

The Colts are going to go offense with this pick, to build up an arsenal of weapons for Anthony Richardson in his second year. CBS Sports describes him as, “a bigger-bodied target who can win down the field,” perfect for Richardson when he breaks the pocket.

The Seahawks need some upgrades on their defensive line and Murphy could provide just that. 

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