NFL First Round Mock Draft: Fields To Pittsburgh
Updated: Mar 22
As with the first mock draft, this one is not your typical draft prediction. Players may fall lower than expected, and unexpected trades may happen. It's impossible to be entirely accurate, so it's best to enjoy the process.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a result, they appear to be selecting Caleb Williams, the former Heisman-winning quarterback. The team must improve its wide receiver group to provide Williams with the support he needs.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have also made a recent trade involving their quarterback. Considering that most quarterbacks are still available, the best move would be to pick the Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels possesses excellent arm talent and athleticism, making him a strong competitor with the potential to excel professionally.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots recently traded Mac Jones, which indicates their intention to acquire a quarterback in this year's draft. However, the current wide receiver room doesn't offer much excitement to any quarterback they draft.
Despite this, I believe that Drake Maye would be an excellent pick. Drake Maye has all the necessary attributes for a successful quarterback. He possesses arm strength and athleticism; at 6'4 and 230 pounds, he has the size to match. With the right coach and weapons around him, he can become the best quarterback in the draft with the right opportunity.
Arizona Cardinals
If the Cardinals want to keep Kyler Murray, they must provide him with a talented supporting cast. One way to achieve this would be to draft Marvin Harrison Jr., a wide receiver from Ohio State who is considered by some to be the best available player in the draft. Harrison Jr. is the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison Sr.
Chargers Trade Back With Minnesota
It seems that Minnesota has a plan for the upcoming draft, and it involves taking a quarterback. They didn't acquire a second-draft pick for no reason, and if they like JJ McCarthy, they have to act fast and not wait for the Giants to have a chance at him.
To secure their franchise quarterback, I predict that Minnesota will trade both their first-round picks this year and their 157th and 2025 third-round picks. JJ McCarthy has a powerful arm, but there are some concerns about his accuracy, as he overthrew quite a bit at the combine. Nevertheless, he is a strong pocket passer and can evade pressure when needed.
New York Giants
The Giants have plenty of areas that could use some improvement, especially with JJ McCarthy no longer on the team. In my opinion, the best course of action for the Giants would be to select the best available player, who happens to be Malik Nabers.
Some experts even predict that he could be the first wide receiver to be picked in the draft. Nabers is a 6-foot, 200-pound athlete who runs a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. He possesses breakaway speed and plays with remarkable physicality, despite his size.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans made subtle moves this offseason, such as signing Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley. However, their offensive line still needs improvement. To address this, I believe they should draft Joe Alt.
Alt has impressive physical attributes, standing tall at 6'9" and weighing 321 pounds. He also has an impressive RAS (Relative Athletic Score), scoring a 9.91 out of 10. Additionally, he ran a 5.05 40-yard dash, demonstrating that he is an elite athlete. Alt is the perfect match to protect Will Levis on the other side of Peter Skoronski.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons' recent signing of Kirk Cousins as quarterback might suggest that they won't draft a quarterback in the first round. Instead, they might consider adding another wide receiver to their team. However, selecting the best player in the draft could also be wise.
If the Falcons opt for the latter approach, Dallas Turner could be their best choice. With a 4.6-second 40-yard dash and a 9.49 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), Turner is a complete package. He can play in coverage while also exerting pressure on the opposing team's quarterback.
Chicago Bears
I think the Bears will focus on defense with their second pick, with Matt Eburflus leading the way. They urgently require a new defensive end. Therefore, why not select Laiatu Latu from UCLA? Although Latu has a nagging injury that may require corrective surgery, his athleticism should shine through once he recovers.
New York Jets
The New York Jets have the 10th pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and they must prioritize protecting Aaron Rodgers. Taliese Fuaga, an offensive tackle from Oregon State, would be an excellent choice for the Jets.
Fuaga stands tall at 6'6 and weighs around 325 pounds. He scored an impressive 9.61 out of 10 on the RAS model, indicating that he is an exceptionally athletic offensive tackle. Fuaga has great bend and fluidity when it comes to run blocking and can easily move to the next level.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have traded back, which means they now have multiple first-round picks. With their first pick, Harbaugh is predicted to select a wide receiver—not one he coached but one he played against: Rome Odunze.
Rome Odunze is a talented player who stands at 6'3 and weighs 212 pounds. He has an impressive 9.92 RAS and ran a 4.45 forty-yard dash. Odunze is known for his excellent route running skills and can consistently catch 50-50 balls thanks to his size.
Denver Broncos
Sean Payton has made the decision to trade away Russell Wilson. As a result, he will likely be looking to draft a new quarterback. With JJ unavailable and Denver in need of a quarterback, I predict that they will select Michael Penix. Sean Payton will have the opportunity to secure the quarterback of the future with Michael Penix. Although Penix struggled against Michigan, but it was the end of a fantastic season.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders need a quarterback, but it would be wise for them to wait and build a strong offensive line to protect the quarterback they eventually draft next year. Therefore, I suggest that they consider drafting JC Latham, a massive 6'6 342-pound tackle from Alabama. JC is an exceptional pass protector and he possesses quick reflexes. He has impressive size and knows exactly how to utilize his length in the trenches.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are keen to enhance their performance on offense and defense. However, they must not overlook Jer'Zhan Newton's potential. Newton had an amazing season with the Fighting Illini of Illinois, securing 26 solo tackles and 7.5 sacks. By adding Newton to their already outstanding defensive line, the Saints could potentially strengthen their defense even further.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have some gaps to fill on offense and defense. Although they could use a defensive end, Chris Ballard seems to trust Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo. However, they do have a problem with their five mediocre tight ends and need an upgrade in this position.
Drafting Brock Bowers from Georgia could be the solution. Bowers played a crucial role in Georgia's success last season. With his impressive catching skills and breakaway speed, he is almost like a wide receiver. He is exactly what the Colts need to compete effectively in their division.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has the 16th pick in the upcoming NFL draft. In my opinion, they should prioritize strengthening their offensive line in the first round. They should go for Amarius Mims, a tackle from Georgia with a massive frame at 6'7" and 330 pounds. Mims missed some games in 2023 due to injury, which could make him available for the Seahawks. If they do select him, he would be an excellent candidate to start right away.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars had a disappointing season, failing to meet expectations after being favored by -500 to win their division at one point. However, they might benefit from selecting Terrion Arnold, a talented cornerback from Alabama with impressive zone coverage skills and a knack for making big plays. Arnold is known for his explosive speed and careful decision-making during games. Additionally, the Jaguars may want to consider drafting offensive tackles, quarterbacks, or second-round players to strengthen their team.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals were missing Joe Burrow but still had a chance to win their division and make it to the playoffs. However, it seems that their star wide receiver Tee Higgins might leave, so I think the Bengals should consider adding another wide receiver from LSU, Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas had an impressive season with a thousand yards, just like his teammate Malik Nabers. LSU is known for producing top-notch wide receivers, and I believe that Brian Thomas Jr. has what it takes to become one of the greats, like Jamar Chase, Odell Beckham Jr., and Justin Jefferson.
Los Angeles Rams
With Aaron Donald recently retiring, the team needs to rebuild from the trenches. According to some, the best way to do that is by drafting Jared Verse from Florida State. He has an impressive physical stature, standing at 6'4" and weighing 250 pounds, similar to Myles Garrett. He may need to gain some weight, but that is the only thing that needs to be done with him. Many believe that he is the perfect fit for the Rams.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers made some great moves in the offseason, strengthening their defense through the acquisition of Patrick Queen. However, I believe they should also focus on improving their offensive line.
One way to achieve this would be to draft Olumuyiwa Fashanu, the talented tackle from Penn State. Fashanu stands at 6'6 and weighs 317 pounds, and his impressive 9.58 RAS score at the combine is a testament to his athletic prowess.
Miami Dolphins
I believe that the Miami Dolphins should pick Graham Barton for their team. Barton is a highly versatile athlete who can adapt to various roles on the offensive line. Although he played as a tackle at Duke, his short arms make him a better fit as a guard in the NFL. With his potential, Barton can be an asset in improving the Dolphins' offensive line and helping them excel in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles
I believe the Philadelphia Eagles should consider selecting Nate Wiggins, a cornerback from Clemson, in the upcoming NFL draft. Wiggins is an impressive athlete who excels in coverage, but he needs to improve his ability to stop the run. During the combine, Wiggins recorded a 9.42 RAS and ran the forty-yard dash in just 4.29 seconds. Overall, he has the potential to become a well-rounded cornerback in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have another pick in the first round, thanks to the Vikings. After selecting Rome Odunze with the 11th pick, I predict that the Chargers will focus on the other side of the ball by taking Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo. Mitchell impressed at the NFL combine with a 4.33 forty-yard dash and a 9.75 RAS.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have had an exceptional regular season so far. However, due to past experiences, it's uncertain whether they can continue their success in the playoffs. Despite their impressive performance, they could benefit from reinforcements on the offensive line. So, I think the Cowboys will pick an interior offensive lineman, Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon, who is 6'3.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers' offense was successful in its first year with Jordan Love leading the team. However, the team could improve its defense by drafting Cooper Dejean from Iowa. Cooper is 6'1" and weighs around 210 pounds, which is comparable to the size of a linebacker or safety rather than a cornerback. He possesses the speed to keep up and would be an excellent addition to the Green Bay Packers team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a great season last year, despite most experts predicting they would have the first draft pick and select Baker Mayfield. However, they surprised everyone with their performance.
In my opinion, their best option for the upcoming season would be to select Chop Robinson, a defensive end from Penn State. Robinson is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds. He's also reported to run the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.4 seconds. That's beyond human capability, it's almost like he's a machine.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have selected Marvin Harrison Jr. as their first pick. With the second pick, I believe they will focus on defense. To strengthen their defensive line, they could draft Byron Murphy II, a defensive tackle from Texas. Murphy has an impressive record, having completed the combine with a 4.88 forty and a 9.08 RAS.
Buffalo Bills
No one circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills. Currently, the team is looking for a wide receiver to complement Diggs and give Josh Allen another target to throw to. In this regard, Keon Coleman is an excellent choice since he is still available.
Coleman is a highly skilled wide receiver from Florida State. He possesses impressive receiving skills and is also an excellent kick returner. With breakaway speed and the ability to thrive in the red zone, Coleman would be a valuable addition to the Bills team.
Detroit Lions
The Lions had an amazing year and made it to the NFC Championship. They have a remarkable team, and I believe that the best strategy for them is to choose the best player available. In my opinion, that player is Kool-Laid McKinstry, a talented cornerback from the University of Alabama.
Kool-Laid is the last in a line of exceptional cornerbacks coached by Nick Saban, and he could have been a first-round pick in the previous draft. However, he chose to return to school to enhance his skills and help his team in their quest to win a National Championship.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have a two-time MVP quarterback who needs talented receivers to support him. Drafting Adonai Mitchell from Texas could be an excellent way to achieve that goal.
Mitchell is 6'4" tall and weighs 195 pounds, which is similar to AJ Brown's size. He had an exceptional season after transferring from Georgia to Texas, with 55 receptions and 845 yards, and even made it to the college football playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have a strong team, but they could still benefit from selecting the best player available in the upcoming draft. One potential candidate is Tyler Guyton, an offensive tackle from Oklahoma who stands at an impressive 6'7. Guyton boasts an impressive Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.74 out of a possible 10. This ranks him 35th out of 1293 offensive tackles since 1987.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Super Bowl Champions are on the clock. Despite their recent acquisition of Hollywood Brown, who has a reputation for dropping the ball, they may still consider drafting another receiver. However, I think they go for the best available player and I believe that player is Kamari Lassiter. Lassiter, a cornerback from Georgia, is the largest corner in the draft at 6'0 and 185 pounds. He is known for his excellent defensive skills and would be a great addition to the Chiefs' defense.
Summary
That's my mock draft: eight offensive linemen in the first round and four quarterbacks in the top five. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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