Many a NFL mock draft has been torn up these last few days. Between some fantastic and subpar performances at the NFL Combine, and a whirlwind of players resigning or being traded; the draft board has been flipped on its head.
Carson Wentz was shipped off for the second time in as many years, landing back in the NFC East with Washington. Russell Wilson was moved to Denver in a blockbuster deal. Aaron Rodgers reportedly signed the richest contract in NFL history. And that was just the quarterbacks.
So much will continue to change between now and April 28th. You can expect to see plenty more trades, cuts and free agent acquisitions over the next few weeks; that will make everything you read right now pretty much irrelevant. But everyone loves a mock draft, so we continue this exercise in futility.
1.Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Neal
Offensive Tackle
Alabama
6’7 360 lbs
No changes here. Evan Neal didn’t do anything to hurt his chances at the NFL combine. He didn’t t participate in any drills but by all indications his measurements came in around expected. While Ekwonu or Charles Cross have higher upside, Neal is still the surest bet in the class at tackle.
2.Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson
Edge
Michigan
6’6 265 lbs
Career Stats: 156 Tackles, 27.5 TFLs, 17.5 Sacks, 5 Forced Fumbles
Hutchinson should still be the pick here. He may be the surest bet in the draft, he’s a hometown kid, and he will immediately help the Lions defend the pass and the run.
3.Houston Texans
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Edge
Oregon
6’5 250 lbs
Career Stats: 126 Tackles, 35.5 TFLs, 19 Sacks, 3 Forced Fumbles
Three for three at the top of this draft with nothing changing. Despite Travon Walker’s ascension, Thibodeaux has scheme and positional versatility. His ceiling is all-pro level and is a really nice piece to add to a Texans team desperate for talent.
4.New York Jets
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner
Cornerback
Cincinnati
6’2 190 lbs
Career Stats: 99 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks, 9 INTs, 16 PBUs
In my last mock I stated that Sauce Gardner may end up being CB1 by the time draft night comes around. Well after his astounding Combine and question about Derek Stingley Jr.’s health, he overtook the top spot. There wasn’t a better cover corner in college football the last 3 season. The Jets can plug Gardner right in and watch him shine.
5.New York Giants
Ikem Ekwonu
Offensive Tackle
NC State
6’4 320 lbs
Using their first of two first round draft picks on Ekwonu will immediately give the Giants a boost at offensive tackle. Over the last few seasons nobody has been done a greater disservice than Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones. Kenyon Green is a step in the right direction to start the Brian Daboll era.
6.Carolina Panthers
Matt Corral
Quarterback
Ole Miss
6’1 205 lbs
Career Stats: 8,281 Passing Yards, 57 Passing Touchdowns, 67.3 Completion %, 1,338 Rushing Yards, 18 Rushing Touchdowns.
Despite all the news in regards to quarterbacks, Carolina is still searching for there’s. Yes this draft isn’t strong at the position, but the league is starving for quality play under center. Nobody may be more famished than Carolina. Despite Malik Willis having a great showing In Indianapolis, they pull the trigger on a high upside, highly athletic talent in my QB1 Matt Corral.
7.New York Giants (via Chicago)
Travon Walker