Hope Springs Eternal, Unless You Root For *x* Team

I had to resist just saying *Browns* in the title.

Sigh.

C’est la vie. I wish it didn’t have to be. Just as every other Browns’ fan, Jets’ fan, Cardinals’ fan does… you get the idea.

It is a bitter business to root for a bad team.

If there is a silver lining, it makes the draft all the more interesting. Perhaps it is a masochistic effort to sip from the cup of hope. (Gluttons for punishment, we are!) But, beyond the sacrifice of sanity there is merit to such practices. If but only to familiarize myself with the next class of prospects this practice promises to educate and gift unto my friends and family my stamp of bragging rights for the next year.

I’ll carry calling Penix to the Falcons on a trade until the day I stop doing this.

And so, be it indulgence or the shred of hope that I must cling to that something might go right for the orange and brown for once, I commit to this task with enthusiasm and no small amount of trepidation, anticipation, and bated breath as the NFL schedule turns to 2026.

Let’s hope I don’t wish it to be the 2027 draft season too soon. (#pain)

So here’s to pageantry, projection, and that ever present glimmer of hope that we—the fans of bad teams—cling to every Spring.

The Raiders are on the clock, welcome back to Cam’s Mock Draft.

Round 1

1 – Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza – QB

As with most number one picks, this is less about the who and more about the why. Everyone knows it will be Mendoza off the board when draft day comes around. In fact, the signing of Kirk Cousins offers even more reassurance that it will be so. Nary could there be a perfect mentor for Mendoza to enter the league, and there is credit to give to the Raiders for going the smart route of actually sitting the franchise guy for as long as you can, perhaps even a whole year.

RE: Mendoza: he looks the part. 6’5″ 236… he’s everything you want size-wise in a prototype. In a world where everyone wants Josh Allen, everyone will try to find their own iteration. The issue is that Mendoza just isn’t Josh Allen. Can he run? Sure, but that’s not his game. It’s pocket passing. It’s dissecting a defense. It’s making smart, accurate decisions and then using your feet when necessary. That’s Mendoza.

And yes, he was helped a lot by his receiving corps and the heavy RPO offense that Indiana utilized. His off-schedule and off-platform throws will struggle to find consistency. And with that, he can’t escape all that when when pressure collapses.

But that’s ok. In a world of Josh Allens, it is ok to try and find the next Joe Burrow, which is exactly who the Raiders hope Mendoza can be. It won’t be a slam dunk like Burrow was when he came out, but that’s precisely why some time on the bench will benefit him in the Kubiak-run Raiders.

I absolutely love the trajectory of the Raiders this offseason. If Mendoza pans out to be 80% of Joe Burrow. Even if he is Bigger Kirk Cousins, that’s a home run for Vegas.

2 – New York Jets: David Bailey – EDGE

Trade down, Jets.

Just. Do. It.

They aren’t an edge rusher away from contention. This team has multiple first round picks, but they could use some more with the amount of holes they need to fill. That said, there’s a need on the defense, and head coach Aaron Glenn has to get impact players right away, lest his job be forfeit.

Compared to the prototypical Arvell Reese, Bailey is more NFL-Ready. A proven commodity, so to speak. Twitch, explosion, bona-fide stat machine. Does Reese have the higher ceiling? Sure. But he also has a lower floor and positional bias towards a 3-4 OLB more than a hand in the turf, grit and grind pure rusher.

And that isn’t to take anything away from him as a lump of clay to mold. In the right system, he can be the cornerstone, much like how the Myles Garretts and Maxx Crosbys of the world have done the same. He reminds a lot of Nik Bonitto, acutally. If that’s his talent level, the Jets hit a home run here.

I’m reminded of how the Jags selected Travon Walker at 1 a few years back. Not the most flashy guy, but the one that gets things done. He just signed a second contract. My bet? Bailey will be on track to do the same for big $$$.

But lest we forget: Trade down, Jets. Trade down.

3 – Arizona Cardinals TRADED to New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love – RB

Cue the collective groan from Giants fans.

Not for the lack of talent that Love has, but the notion that the Skattebo-Tracy-Singletary backfield trio just isn’t enough, especially with the Skatt-man coming off of an injury. For the Giants have other needs to fill, too.

Love is that damn good.

And he is just so fun to watch.

Burst, balance, breakaway speed. Along with seemingly every athletic move in the book to boot. Capable in pass-catching as well as goal-line work, there is no situation where Love should not be in the field. In years where there is almost always a committee, Love is a true bell cow. And, ironically, his game pairs really nicely with that of Skattebo and Tracy, both the bruiser and third down back as needed. For incoming coach John Harbaugh, who spent so much effort developing the run game in Baltimore, this is the type of player he needs to effectively run the offense he wants to do.

It’s not hard to fall in love with Love. He’s not a pile-driver, but that’s what Skatt is for. Love-Skattebo being the new Gibbs-Montgomery is not a hard image to picture, but Love has the talent to take runs to the house and avoid being taken off the field entirely. It’s a skill player for the Giants who can define their whole identity, not seen in full on the NY squad since Barkley (Dart and Skatt notwithstanding).

For the Cardinals, they stay in front of the Browns for an OL prospect and they pick up a 3 or a 2 next year. It’s an easy decision for them, even if they might be eyeing Love themselves, which they could very well do.

4 – Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate – WR

The Titans are likely going to be seething if Love doesn’t fall to four. I can’t see him falling past the Titans if so. Which is why it makes all the more sense that the Giants move up.

The need for an edge rusher (and an identity on Defense) looms large for Tennessee, but I can’t see them forgoing a chance to secure a number one wide receiver to pair with last year’s number one pick Cam Ward, who showed flashes down the stretch once there was a turnover at the HC position.

It’s going to be a battle of the minds between OC Brian Daboll and new HC Robert Saleh. Ultimately, though Saleh is a defensive mind I think Daboll will be able to convince him that the need to surround Ward with weapons bodes more important.

Of that, I would agree.

Don’t get me wrong, Arvell Reese is certainly in play here. He fits everything the Titans need/want on defense, and has uber-high potential. But for Tennessee? The best play to help improve their young signal-caller is to pair him with the weapon that is Carnell Tate.

Prototypical at 6’2″, Tate is widely regarded as the number 1 wideout in this year’s class. It’s for good reason, too: his awareness on the field and route running skills are exceptional. When I watch him, I see tempo. A silky smooth player who can win in all parts of the field. Perfect for someone still developing into the NFL game such as Ward.

He’s not the largest WR out there, but that’s ok. His job isn’t to run block. His job is to make Ward look like a superstar. And in turn… look like a superstar.

The next line of the fabled Ohio State WR grouping, let’s hope Tate is more Smith-Njigba and less Marvin Harrison.

Cam Ward’s fate depends on it.

5 – New York Giants TRADED to Arizona Cardinals TRADED to Dallas Cowboys – Arvell Reese – EDGE

Hot damn, Cardinals.

Boon of them to keep moving down. They need it.

The definitely need it.

If they can get Dexter Lawrence/future assets from the Giants, and take the Cowboys second first rounder this year? That’s a monster haul for a team in need of some crucial building blocks as they sort out their future.

As for the Cowboys, they have the ammo to move up and get a flashy pick. And Jerry Jones being Jerry Jones, he’s going to want a flashy pick.

Enter Arvell Reese

Decidedly (arguably) the best player in this class, Reese is only 20 years of age and is still growing into his body. Perhaps that’s why he’s so intriguing as a prospect—his potential as a defender eclipses any other. If the Cowboys want to salvage any semblance of even a remotely competitive defense, they have to find players who are going to need to be all over the field. Reese can be that.

Mike, Will, Edge… stick with “on the field” and it will work out.

He needs experience, yes, as he is reactionary and has a tendency to bite on bait. As mentioned, too, he could stand to fill out his frame—and he will as his career blossoms. But, with the number of moves he is already developing; with the amount of explosiveness he carries in his game, with the sheer power and tone-setting potential he can bring to a franchise… that counts for a lot.

Carson Schwesinger came on the scene last year and was a bright spot for a lowly year in Cleveland, winning DPOY and becoming the green-dot centerpiece of that defense quickly.

Reese has the chance to do that for the Cowboys and so much more. He’s a player you build around, and he’s a player that has all the talent to rise to the occasion and fill multiple spots at once. It’s an easy pick if the Cowboys pull the trigger.

6 – Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling – OT

In a perfect world, I think the Browns would love to trade down. Heavy are the mock numbers that have them being the ones to move down with the Cowboys or Saints. And Andrew Berry being Andrew Berry, there is always value to be had in accruing future capital (especially for next year and that vaulted QB class).

But for right here, right now, the Browns stand pat. Over the offseason they have rebuilt their entire offensive line brick by brick, with the sole spot remaining to be filled being that of Left Tackle.

The rumors of them being high on Kadyn Proctor are loud. Where there is smoke, there is fire, after all. But, in lieu of “Blastoise” I have them going after Freeling instead, who showed out at the combine.

Length and athleticism are Freeling’s names to his game. Where limb length is a premium, Freeling offers up 34.5″ tusks of arms. He might be a RT in Georgia, but the Browns have experience in converting such players to LT with the likes of Jedrick Wills…

…who didn’t work out… sigh.

But, Wills’ work ethic is his own fault. Freeling could very well be different. The Browns had better hope he is. All the same, he is an intriguing piece who has all the tools to be a decade-long stalwart on the left side-something the Cleveland hopeful have missed since the Joe Thomas days, and something the Browns desperately need if Shedeur Sanders is to become anything at all.

As a side note: Ohio State Browns fans are insufferable. Tate in Cleveland would be awesome, but the firestorm that would be there if he was on the board and the Browns didn’t pick him? Insufferable, I say!

7 – Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs – S

While the Commanders would love Love to fall to 7, I can’t see that happening. If it does, 7 is the absolute floor for Love.

Caleb Downs is far from a consolation prize, though.

Quick-to-the-ball veteran of both Alabama and Ohio State, Downs has seen some of the biggest names in the sport. Juiced up to 11, he is an absolute firecracker on defense and an elite general to add to the back-end ranks in Washington.

Quite simply, he’s leader of the pack.

Always looking to get to the ball, his run support is second to none in this class, and while that may cost him some baited looks at times, he makes up for it by devouring runners before they can kick it into second gear.

Over the top he has the fluidity to cover Man or Zone. While he might not be the most athletic Safety ever seen, he befits the name itself. He is safety in the backfield. And Dan Quinn should feel safe in placing him in there as a day one starter, as should Commanders fans when they hear his name called on draft day.

It’s a great pickup for a team who could use a bit of a spark on the defensive side of the ball.

I absolutely adore the film clip at 27 seconds in this video. It tells me everything I need to know about Downs-he’ll be excellent in the NFL.

8 – New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon – WR

The Saints seem to have found a promising starter in Tyler Shough, and thus-much like the Titans and Cam Ward-they need to do everything possible to build around him.

Chris Olave has always been great. Terrifically great, even. But his injury history bodes severe, and the team in and of itself could use another piece to compliment him.

Enter Makai Lemon, who established himself as a slot receiver at USC. Excellent with his ball skills, Lemon is one of those guys who you struggle to consider as anything other than a certified “DAWG”.

Could he use a little more play strength? Sure. Is his top-end speed limiting? Absolutely. But this guy is a ball-magnet who can fight for it in even the most congested areas. He’s a perfect compliment to Olave on the outside, and has the opportunity to develop into a Justin Jefferson-lite who can be a weapon in all parts of the field.

For the Saints and the Kellen Moore-led offense, it feels like a matter of when-not if-Lemon turns into a star.

9 – Kansas City Chiefs – Francis Mauigoa – OT

Fucking dammit.

This is a great pick.

Landing Mauigoa is an absolute slam-dunk for a squad looking to reinvent themselves *just-so* as Patrick Mahomes (now 30) continues to get right from a torn ACL. A right tackle at Miami, Mauigoa has the frame to succeed at both Guard and Tackle alike, either side. Great balance, strong core, he’s about as “plug-and-play” as they come this year.

It’s no wonder that he’s the top rated lineman in the class, the guy is just so fluid AND aggressive all at the same time. His ability to get to the second level is pristine, and his pass pro is a delight to watch. Is he a blind side protector? Perhaps. Perhaps not, but there’s no doubt that the Chiefs need to ensure their future-Mahomes’ future-and that starts with keeping him upright.

Mauigoa certainly will.

10 – Cincinnati Bengals TRADED to New York Giants- Sonny Styles – LB

Sonny Styles.

That’s it, that’s the headline.

After an absolutely electric combine, there’s no wonder that he’s flying up draft boards. Fluid, pressure sensitive, with the length and tenacity to get to the ball capital F FAST… he’s good.

Damn good, perhaps.

The athletic traits are off the charts, along with his potential. He can quickly earn the green dot in the Giants D. Run support, pass coverage, he can do it all with a THUMP to match.

The Giants realize that,, indeed, defense wins championships. They have a fantastic front line, but with Lawrence now gone, it’s BPA to fill the void, even if it isn’t the right position. Styles is that dude.

I feel the same way that I do for Styles as I did for Kyle Hamilton—he’s that damn good.

And I hate that the Bengals are rewarded with Lawrence for moving out of this pick.

Sigh.

The Giants get themselves a stud.

11 – Miami Dolphins – Spencer Fano – OT

The Dolphins have a brand new GM in Jon Eric Sullivan, and the Dolphins also have a LOT of holes to fill. There is a need to fill the void left at WR now that Waddle is gone. Jordyn Tyson will certainly be in consideration here. As will Mansoor Delane at Corner.

Let’s keep it simple here. For a team with a lot of needs, they should trade down. They very well might. But, with Fano still on the board, it is a safe pick at a needed position that is *appropriate* for a first year GM.

Fano, at 6’5″, 311 lbs., is quick and rotational at the point of attack. His ability to maintain leverage and stay square against all levels of competition are excellent qualities to have when locking down the blind-side.

With Malik Willis starting, the Miami Packers… sorry, Dolphins, are in need to let it ride for a bit. Keep it simple. Build in the trenches. It might feel rough, but these moves are the right ones to crawl the Dolphins back into contention sooner rather than later.

12 – Dallas Cowboys TRADED to Arizona Cardinals – Kadyn Proctor – OT

Is it too early for Ty Simpson?

Probably.

There’s a world where Arizona pulls the trigger on a signal caller early. Yet, with how Jacoby Brissett performed for them towards the end of last year, there are worse situations to be had if you need a Tank Commander heading into what is supposedly an excellent draft—especially at QB—in 2027.

So where does that leave the Cardinals? Rumors that they are looking to take Love at 3 are swirling, which doesn’t make a ton of sense to me considering they have—at that position group: James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, Trey Benson, and Bam Knight. Love is a luxury pick they cannot afford.

What they should absolutely pony some dollars up for is a quality tackle, and Kadyn Proctor fits the mold. At nearly 6’7″ and 352 pounds the nickname “Blastoise” is earned. A man of his size should be a road-grader, which he absolutely is. Where the understandable lack of lateral quickness is a hindrance, Proctor has the size to simply be a bully and beat people with a first punch. As such, he is better suited for a RT or Guard position, and that’s fine for Arizona as they have multiple holes to fill along their line. Can he play LT? Sure. But there needs to be some reconciliation with his sheer mass.

We shan’t have it! Put the man on the right side, Arizona. It’ll be fun to watch for all of us.

13 – Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Mansoor Delane – CB

There’s a lot to be said for the Rams picking up a wide reciever. It makes a ton of sense as Davante Adams is 33 and Puka is… well, a little unhinged. Picking up a Jordyn Tyson could be a must-get piece for Sean McVay and co., especially as they push for the Super Bowl.

But, with the loss of Trent McDuffie, there’s a pretty sizable need on the defense for a new DB, and it just so happens that—in this mock—the best corner in the draft is still on the board.

Mansoor Delane is a terrific press-coverage corner. His awareness and fluidity allow him to predict, process, and slide with his matchup with profound ease. Where terms like “islands” are seemingly rarer and rarer with the amount of WR talent in the NFL, Delane has a shot to develop into one of those “set-and-forget” guys.

I love his willingness to go and try to lay a pop in run defense as well. PErhaps that will change in the pros, as more and more players rely on trying to give low shoulder checks. But, in Delane’s case, I see an aggressive player who may draw some interference penalties early, yet will refine down to one of the more impactful top corners in a few years.

The Rams understand that defense wins championships. Adding Delane gets them closer to one than adding Tyson.

14 – Baltimore Ravens- Rueben Bain Jr. – EDGE

I hate it.

Why the Ravens always excel in the draft is dark magic to me. It’s DUMB. IT’S O DUMB AND I HATE IT.

This is a Kyle Hamilton type of pick.

Bain is terrific. He’s going to be a phenomenal pro. For a team that decided Maxx Crosby was broken, Bain is so much more than a consolation prize. The dude is a mean-muggin’, angry sonuva gun that fits precisely with the type of defensive players that Baltimore is known for.

He’s a little short, sure, but there’s nothing that can stop the guy once he decides that—yes, now you have his permission to die.

Just… good golly, can we just move on to the next one? This is a phenomenal selection for Baltimore and it’s making me mad.

15 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Anthony Hill Jr. – LB

Tampa needs help at nearly every defensive position that isn’t safety. Anzalone was a terrific pickup at LB, but he can’t hold down the fort alone. Hill is instinctive and quick to turn perception into action without overdoing it. Plus, he has workability in pass defense schemes while also showcasing an ability to thump a dude.

He’s consistent. Which, honestly, is one of the best traits to have in a linebacker. Anzalone might wear the green dot, but Hill is a phenomenal running mate to develop into the next guy once Anzalone takes his leave.

Styles might have more flash and high end ceiling, but Hill has the better chance of being a cornerstone for a decade plus and putting in, quite simply, solid work every game day.

It’s not a sexy pick, and I’m understating just how good Hill is. People need to know this guy’s name, because he is going to be a stalwart for a long, long time.

16 – New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson – WR

With their number 2 wide receiver being Adonai Mitchell, the Jets need some help. Thankfully for them, the last of the “big 3” wideouts for this draft is still on the board in Jordyn Tyson.

He’s not as fluid as Tate. He’s not as dynamic as Lemon. But Jordyn Tyson is a versatile 6’2″ route-running weapon that can attack all over the field. Yes, injuries are a concern. Yes, the focus drops are a red flag. All the same, Tyson has every route in the book and the capability to fight for every ball that make him dangerous the instant he sets his foot on the turf.

Paired with Garrett Wilson, the Jets get their true wombo-combo in order as they continue the search for the signal caller that can deliver the rock to their studs on the perimeter.

And no, everyone… Geno Smith is not the answer.

17 – Detroit Lions – Caleb Lomu – OT

Detroit is at a crossroads. Last year, they just weren’t clicking, even though they have the talent to go all the way. Paired with a rash of injuries and surprise retirements, there are some gaps to shore up if the Lions are to claw back into contention.

Moving Penei Sewell to LT will be… a choice. The need for a Tackle is readily apparent with the departure of Taylor Decker. I could see them going with Proctor if he is still available and they don’t want to move Sewell back. Alas, they have not the luxury here. Thankfully, Caleb Lomu is still on the board. And, while he is proven as a left tackle, he should have the versatility to move into the right side. There’s room to grow on his frame, and considering he’s already 313, that’s something TO write home about.

Lomu is quick, athletic, and well-anchored for his size at 6’6″. With proper NFL conditioning and a RT mentor like, say, a Penei Sewell, he could turn into something special for the Lions.

And, if the experiment on the right side doesn’t work out, he can play the left side like he is already used to doing.

18 – Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman – S

Harrison Smith is gone. Who better to replace him with than with a Harrison Smith type?

Thieneman is a backfield general. With a wealth of experience under his belt and well regarded coverage IQ, the Oregon Duck is precisely the type of player to fill the void that Smith is leaving behind.

Is he the fastest? No. Nor is he the most agile. But the guy knows where to be when it matters.

306 tackles in 3 years as a safety is proof positive enough of that.

There are some picks every year that make too much sense. This is one of them. For a team that is going to try and fix the front end with Kyler Murray, they need a backfield signal caller just as much.

And, quite frankly, I’m more confident in Thieneman working out over the long run.

19 – Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq – TE

Is Bryce Young good enough to warrant a second contract?

Fair or unfair, this is the question that the Panthers have to decide by the end of this year. As such, any and all firepower in draft capital must be devoted towards discovering this.

Tetairoa McMillian was a heckuva first step in weaponry, but they could still use some more dynamic playmakers.

Good news for them: Kenyon Sadiq is an absolute unit of a human being.

You know what? Let the highlights speak for the rationale. You watch and tell me that’s not a guy who won’t contribute in a big way.

20 – Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) TRADED to Arizona Cardinals – Emmanuel Pregnon – OG

The Cards double down in the first round and pair a guard with their new RT Kadyn Proctor in Emmanuel Pregnon.

Highly experienced. Highly Durable. That is Pregnon. Perhaps not the most exciting or highest-ceiling guard prospect, Pregnon brings with him the most plug-and-playability of any of the guards in the class. Broad, long-limbed, and lean.

I look at him and I think, “ok, yeah. He’s not a Hall-of-Famer. He may not be an All-Pro. But he’s going to be one of those players who spends a decade locking it down and being a highly respected player in the league because he’s an iron-man at a spot that eats people alive (quite literally).

It’s a safe pick, and that counts a lot for a team looking to re-tool their offensive identity in sustainable ways.

21 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane – OG

The calls for Ty Simpson are valid. Pittsburgh will continue to live in purgatory until they finally either A) tank or B) take a big swing at QB.

(No, Aaron Rodgers does not count).

But, for a new regime (not that we should call Mike McCarthy “new”) there’s validity to do what they can to keep Aaron Rodgers, well, alive, if he returns.

Left guard is a glaring hole in the Pittsburgh line, and Olaivavega Ioane has the chops to fill it. Excellent on contact, the man is a pulling nightmare for defenders. Is he as reactionary as he could be? No. But he’s a “go hit that guy” type of guy, and a bit of a brick wall in pass pro.

For the short term, he’s a fun crusher who can endear himself to the fans for a few big hits. For the long run, he has the tools to turn into something special so long as he works on his ability to match the twitchier defenders.

22 – Los Angeles Chargers – Keylan Rutledge – OG

This admittedly feels like a bit of a reach, but I can’t escape the feeling that the Chargers are traumatized by the lack of their tackles last year and must do what they can to shore up any and every position on the O-Line.

Rutledge is a lumberjack. I have no idea why that word popped into my head, but the man is a lumberjack. He’s a bit stiff, maybe a hair slower to the punch than you would like, but my god this man’s hands must be pure sandpaper.

What I mean is that the dude shows grit. He wants to pop people, and he does. Routinely.

If nothing else, the guy can stay healthy. That matters for a team with severe PTSD on the mind.

23 – Philadelphia Eagles – Max Iheanachor – OT

Life without Lane Johnson is not fun if you’re a Philadelphia fan.

And yes, rumor has it that A.J. Brown is a Patriot come post-June 1st, so the need at receiver is pressing. But, it’s a deep WR class.

The Eagles can wait.

Heck, they don’t even have to trade A.J. Brown.

But they do need to fortify their line and prepare for a future where they are in need of a Tackle.

Max Iheanachor is a developmental player. A former basketball player, his athletic ability speaks for itself when you lay eyes on him. His feet are quick and accurate, with lateral quickness to match (thank you, basketball). But, his ability to drive needs improvement, as does his hand placement. Sitting behind Lane Johnson would do him well, and there’s pretty good odds he sees the field at either side of the line at some point early on.

This is the type of pick good teams make: the ones that aren’t needed to impact early, but have the talent to do so.

Philly plays the long game. Frankly, it’s the right move for a franchise who might be in need of some change in a not-so-distant future.

24 – Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren – S

The urge to take a WR is not lost on the Browns, but if history is any indicator, they’ll wait ’til the third round and draft someone with obvious flaws who can be a meager contributor at the position.

There is a need to be had over the backend of the defense beyond Grant Delpit, though. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is much more a Strong Safety whereas Delpit fulfills more the FS “roamer” role. Simply, EMW loves to get his nose to the ball in run support. With nine career forced fumbles, the guy knows how to make an impact. He looks for the contact, and seemingly LOVES to be in it.

For the Browns, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramorah will not be coming back—a true, genuine tragedy in the football world. As such, they need someone who can be the athletic attacker while also having talent back over the top. Schwesinger and Delpit can take care of their respective levels, and EMW can rock-n-roll wherever the Browns need him to be.

25 – Chicago Bears – Kayden McDonald – DT

This may not be a “hot take” but I love shorter DTs. Leverage is such a huge physical lever to pull. Aaron Donald showed the NFL the way. Why do not more teams take note?

Now, let’s be clear, Kayden McDonald is not Aaron Donald. But, at 6’2″, he has leverage tools well worth the investment. I love his quickness and ability to slide through for TFLs on a dime. Yes, his size makes him vulnerable to double-teams, but his technique gives him a leg up more often than not.

If awareness counts for a little, it counts for a lot. Which is why McDonald is regarded as one of, if not the best DT in the class. I’m not sure that’s quite true, but I can see the argument for a crop of DTs that doesn’t inspire compared to other positions.

That said, I think the very first highlight in this video sells me on this guy. He is a point-of-attack demolition man and that will go a LONG way for the Chicago faithful.

From friend of the mock and avid Bears’ fan, Jonathan “Moose” Seibarth:

1.25 – Chicago Bears – Kendrick Faulk – EDGE

The Bears have had needs along the defensive line for decades and are currently missing both a true starting DT and a starting S on the roster; combined with a devastating knee injury for their LT in the playoffs that will likely keep him out for the season and retirement for their pro bowl C, there are still holes along the trenches and the spine of the defense that they will look to address while aligning timelines with their other young/ascending core players.

Though they brought in depth at all of those positions of need (signing Bryant and Wills, trading for Bradbury, bringing in some rotational pieces along the defensive line and resigning Jones to compete at LT), expect Johnson and the Bears to continue getting quicker and more explosive without fear of moving up or down the draft board to get their guy. Add in the departure of their WR1 and the fact that their RB1 has only one year left on his current deal, you’ve got plenty of potential targets on defense and room to add another weapon or two on offense.

The team employed an obvious Best Player Available strategy last year, taking both Loveland and Burden with their first picks even though both players had weaker senior seasons in college and didn’t address positions of need, and they will likely do so again this year – look for the Bears to trade down with their first pick and address the trenches and safety position throughout days 1 and 2, especially with a strong DL group in the late 1st round / early 2nd round window and several athletic fits at DB, C, and T scattered across the draft.

The Bears are likely to add along their defensive line with their first round pick and safety with a second round pick, specifically players that meets Dennis Allen’s schematic preference to run a four man front with man coverage and two high safeties; an aggressive/attacking defense featuring versatility and disguise on the back end while relying on pass rush pressure from smaller/explosive 1-gap penetrating DTs and big frame/proven run stoppers at Edge.

26 – Buffalo Bills – KC Concepcion – WR

Joe Brady goes full bore and finally the Bills double down on receiver help for Josh Allen.

Pairing someone like Concepcion with D.J. Moore feels like a coup. I’ve seen reports where the Bills might want to move on and trade Keon Coleman, with Concepcion coming in to be the playmaker that Coleman has failed to do since his own draft night.

And, unlike Coleman, Concepcion can separate in space. Instinctive against zone. Snappy against man. While he’s quicker than fast, the guy knows how to move his body.

Moore can take the top off. Concepcion can pick everything apart underneath. Together, they ensure that every defense has to defend every part of the field.

And with Josh Allen’s legs if it all breaks down.

SHEEEESH.

27 – San Francisco 49ers – Keldrick Faulk – Edge

Call it the substation. Call it bad luck. The 49ers are a franchise that lives in the suck when it comes to injuries.

They need edge help, especially after injuries to Bosa and Mykel Williams. Faulk is a long, high character guy who is not even 21 yet. His burst needs work, sure, but he has all the frame and potential to build up into a long-tenured guy in the bay area. For his age, he shows the smoothness of a proven vet. For his inexperience, he shows wisdom beyond his years.

He seems like the type of guy Shanahan will want to mold, and that’s reason enough for me to put him here.

This is a fun projection that won’t pay dividends for a few years. But damn, if it works? It’ll work in a big way.

28 – Houston Texans – Blake Miller – OT

Hard to argue that the Texans need anything BUT lineman in this draft. Stroud has seemingly regressed; and if the Texans want to get back into competing in a hurry then they had best give their signal caller whatever protection he needs to try and figure it out.

Miller has 54 career starts in college and side-to-side quickness that only few in the class can claim. If not for his propensity to play “tall” then he would likely be in consideration for the top spot. As it stands, he needs some refinement in forward balance. But, as a prospect, he checks all the boxes, especially that of availability.

For Houston, availability is a commodity they cannot afford to lose.

29 – Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams) – Denzel Boston – WR

The Chiefs role right along towards making their way back into relevance, and Denzel Boston is going to help in a big way. As Travis Kelce fades, the teams needs someone who can make high-point, contested catches. At nearly 6’4″, Boston has the frame to do exactly that.

He’s not exactly the most slippery of the bunch, but he doesn’t need to be if he can play bully-ball and show out for highlight reel plays. He may not be Puka Nacua, but that’s the type of player that the Chiefs hope he can become.

Albeit, sans rehab.

If he can be 7/10ths the talent that Nacua is, then the Chiefs have added a dangerous weapon to their fold, and are one step closer to making waves in the postseason once more.

30 – Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) – Omar Cooper Jr. – WR

Miami needs some help at WR. Desperately. Now that Hill and Waddle are gone, they must take a swing at someone who might develop into a WR1.

Cooper might be a day two talent, yet, at the same time shows an impressive ability to drive and press through coverage. While his quickness leaves something to be desired, he is one of those players who just makes things happen when the ball is in hands.

He reminds of Deebo Samuel. He may not become him, but a lite version is a fine addition to a receiving core in need of someone who can make things happen.

Omar Cooper can, and maybe that’s enough for the Fins.

31 – New England Patriots – Zion Young – Edge

I would not be shocked if the Pats go Omar Cooper Jr. here, even with the news/rumor that A.J. Brown is coming to town. But, for Vrabel and Co., there is a need on the defensive side of the ball to add some top-end run-stopping talent.

At nearly 6’6″, Young showcases a fire in his play that I think Vrabel is going to fall in love with. With his length he can easily outpress nearly anyone in his path, which results in an inate ability to shrug away blockers and eat up runners.

It’s less finesse and more… “gimme your lunch money.”

I’ve got a feeling the Pats are going to like that, and that’s why he goes here at 31.

32 – Seattle Seahawks TRADED to Arizona Cardinals – Ty Simpson – QB

This is explicitly for the Cardinals to accrue a 5th year option on Simpson, as the Alabama product may not be the most day-1 ready prospect. But, wherein the Cards have bungled their relationship with Jacoby Brissett (who is sitting out OTAs for a new contract) and Seattle can move down a few picks since they only have 4 of them in this year’s draft.

A credit to the five-star prospect Simpson, he stayed patient at Alabama: waiting, learning, biding his time until it was his turn. While he has average arm talent, his decision-making skills are above average coming into the league. And, while he won’t wow you with his legs, he can cut and run when he needs to.

With NFL conditioning and a roadmap to success over the next year as he hopefully sits, the Cardinals may very well have someone who can develop into a long-term answer.

For a team in dire need of a new direction, it’s a dart worth throwing.

Parting Thoughts

There’s a very real thing that I have many more responsibilities on this far side of age 30.

It’s also true that this year I looked at the names on the draft board and actively said, “who?”

I don’t think I’m alone on that front.

Make no mistake, for this class there will be stars, average players, and busts just like every other year. But, for this class there is a distinct lack of talent that is definitively in the zone of “this guy will be great.”

For my understanding, 2027 is the exact opposite, and for that reason I could see a lot of scenarios where teams are trying to trade down and accumulate picks for next year.

There’s nothing wrong with a little gamesmanship there, right?

In any event, a lot of foundations will be built with this class. It might be very meat + potatoes, but sometimes, well… that’s just the way it is.

This was fun, eh? Let’s do it again next year.

-Cam