The NFL Draft may be two months away, but it is never too early to look at mock drafts. Check out part two of Gerard’s NFL Mock Draft below.
If you missed picks 1-6 of Gerard’s Mock Draft, click here: Gerard’s Mock Draft Part 1
Selection: Will Campbell, LSU (OT)
The Jets’ offensive line improved from two years ago. In 2023 they allowed the fourth most sacks with 64 on the season. That number dipped significantly, allowing just 40 sacks in 2024. Despite the improvement, Aaron Rodgers is not returning, so there is a question mark at the quarterback position. It will be important for New York to protect whoever is commanding the offense next year.
Will Campbell was an elite protector for the Tigers. He was a starter as a true freshman and only missed one game in his college career. During his LSU tenure, he helped protect Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman winner, and Garrett Nussmeier.
Career Stats: 38 games played, 2,553 career snaps, allowed five sacks, 24 game-streak without allowing a sack, 2024 All-American
Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (WR)
Tetairoa McMillan may be the surprise of the draft, in the case that he can easily be a top-four pick. However, with teams at the top of the first round having other needs, the wideout from Arizona falls to eight.
McMillan’s 6’5, 210-pound frame makes him a quarterback’s dream target. He will be effective all over the field, especially in the red area. His NFL comparison is Mike Evans due to his size, route running, and jump ball ability.
2024 Stats: 84 catches, 1,319 yards (Led Conference), eight touchdowns, and All-American honors
Selection: Mykel Williams, Georgia (Edge)
This draft is full of talented edge rushers, and luckily for the Saints, they can get the second-best one at the ninth pick. Georgia has been built on strong defenses, and one reason for their success has been because of Mykel Williams.
New Orleans struggled to get pressure on the quarterback this past season, finishing 20th in the league in sacks with 39. If they want an edge rusher, they will have to get one through the draft. Free agency won’t be an option, as they are 51 million dollars over the salary cap.
2024 Stats: 15 solo tackles, six assisted tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks, two pass defense, and two forced fumbles
Selection: Josh Simmons, Ohio State (OT)
The Bears are in desperate need of completely restructuring their offensive line. Chicago allowed 68 sacks on the year, tied for the third most in a single season in NFL history. It is hard to develop your franchise quarterback when he is running for his life every play.
The Bears may prefer to go with a guard, but the value at the 10 spot doesn’t make sense. Instead, they’ll select Josh Simmons, who played on one of the best lines in college football at Ohio State. He is versatile, playing both right and left tackle throughout his college career.
Career Stats: 32 starts, five sacks allowed, and 40 pressures allowed
Selection: Walter Nolen, OIe Miss (DT)
The Cardinals may lose a lot of their front seven in free agency, including two starting defensive linemen, LJ Collier and Roy Lopez. Arizona needs to move up in the draft and nab Walter Nolen before it’s too late.
Nolen will be an instant difference-maker for the Cards. His dominance in the pass-and-run game helped him earn All-American honors.
2024 Stats: 25 solo tackles, 23 assisted tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three pass defense
Selection: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (RB)
The Cowboys desperately need to get a rushing attack next season to help ease the pressure on Dak Prescott and the entire defense. After cutting Ezekiel Elliot mid-season and Rico Dowdle hitting free agency, this pick should be a no-brainer for Jerry Jones.
Ashton Jeanty has the chance to be a generational talent. He doubled his rushing yards and touchdowns from a year ago, quickly becoming a player that opposing defenses need to game plan against. He put together a great Heisman resume, finishing second all-time in single-season rushing yards.
2024 Stats: 374 attempts (Led FBS), 2,601 rushing yards (Led FBS), 30 total touchdowns (Led Conference), and averaged seven yards per carry.
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