NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Run on QBs Fields, Lance and Trask
Football, both professionally and collegiality, will enjoy a unique position this fall in our sports landscape. They both will essentially be the only "game in town," so to speak, with the NBA and NHL not beginning until January, 2021.The successes and failures of players, coaches, teams, front offices and college administrators will be magnified and repeatedly dissected. Quite possibly, this scrutinizing light may be harsher and expose more flaws in certain organizations, programs and players' capabilities.Yet, it's also an opportunity for lesser known players to make a name for themselves, elevate their status and increase their notoriety (and financial portfolio).This week's mock introduces some new names into the 2021 draft mix and explores where they may best fit.
Drafting Sewell instantly improves every facet of a moribund Giants' offense. The running game will be able to drive block better and open lanes for a healthy Saquon Barkley to navigate. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones will actually have time to sift through receiving options, and push the ball downfield with confidence. Sewell is the most impactful game changer in next year's draft, not named Trevor Lawrence or Ja'Marr Chase.
The Falcons fired their general manager and head coach this past week and have yet to win a game. Their franchise signal caller, Matt Ryan, is 35 years old and according to PFF (Pro Football Focus) has a passing grade ranked 21st out of 34 quarterbacks. Should Atlanta draft Lawrence (if he lasted until the second pick), it would appease a regional fan base familiar with the Clemson star's exploits and launch a rebuild Falcon fans could endure.
Patrick Jones is leading the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) with seven sacks. So far this season, the Jets average less than two sacks a game. Ironically, New York's sack average as a team (1.4) is exactly what Jones is averaging per game by himself. He competes until the whistle blows and his unrelenting style is exactly what the Jets' listless defense needs and fans demand.
Recently benched quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, may be in danger of being let go by Washington. He is the lowest rated quarterback (46.7) according to PFF, and has only thrown four touchdowns to three interceptions in four games. Head Coach, Ron Riviera didn't draft Haskins and may be inclined to select his own Ohio State passing phenom, 2019 Heisman finalist,Justin Fields. Comfortable operating within the pocket, or passing on the move, Fields is a composed competitor who can effortlessly make NFL caliber passes.
Minnesota struggles to stop teams from scoring through the air, especially at home where they allow 337 yards per game. On top of that, opponents are completing 66.7 percent of their pass attempts against the Vikings. Surtain's measurables (6'1", 203 lbs) present an ideal foil to teams continuing to attack Minnesota via the pass. His speed and length are difficult to escape from and his bullish tenacity frustrates receivers, as he defends passes or strips receptions causing fumbles.
The Jaguars are allowing 31.8 points per game and surrender 416.8 yards per contest, which ranks a dismal 29th in the league. After five weeks of play, its clear that Jacksonville is lacking a defensive identity and structure. Parsons is the epitome of impactful leadership and focus, as evidenced by last season's efforts (109 tackles / 14 tackles for loss / five passes defended / four forced fumbles). He is a top three talent that would be a steal if he "dropped" to the sixth spot for Jacksonville.
For several weeks, I've suggested that LSU's star wideout, Ja'Marr Chase would diversify Miami's passing attack and make it more dynamic. Well, blame me for being a "prisoner of the moment," but, Terrace Marshall is the LSU receiver exploding offensively this season. Last week versus Missouri, Marshall caught 11 receptions for 235 yards and three touchdowns. He displayed acceleration and long speed in that game showcasing a 75-yard touchdown catch. Marshall is bigger at the receiver position than Chase and size is always a coveted attribute in the NFL.
Defensive end Melvin Ingram is on the injured reserve list. He has only played two games and recorded just a total of two tackles. Melvin Ingram is a 31 year old, unrestricted free agent making 16 million this season. Quincy Roche, on the other hand, would be a less expensive, younger option to draft and pair with superstar pass rusher, Joey Bosa. Roche is explosive off the edge and plays with enough leverage and functional strength to defend against the run.
Chase would be an ideal selection to expand Detroit's passing schemes. Imagine quarterback, Matt Stafford passing to another competent route runner, who navigates space efficiently and has a knack for getting open. Chase has good size (6'1", 208 lbs) and plays with a physicality, exemplified by his determined blocking downfield. A gifted receiver who competes hard, Chase would be an ideal compliment to Lion's star wideout, Kenny Golladay, making them a difficult tandem to defend.
Moses' addition would make Denver one of the most aggressive attacking defenses in the league. The healthy return of edge specialist, Von Miller combined with pass rusher, Bradley Chubb's ability to pressure offensive backfields, would create room for Moses to make sideline to sideline plays. He possesses speed to pursue ball carriers and cover receivers running underneath routes. Moses tackles with conviction and operates in a purposeful fashion.
Philadelphia passes 63.6 percent of the time (sixth highest in the NFL), yet averages a paltry 214 passing yards per game. Starting quarterback, Carson Wentz has been sacked 19 times, which is second most in the league. He desperately needs a bodyguard and massive offensive tackle, Jackson Carman (6'5", 345lbs) is skilled enough to protect the oft injured Wentz. Carman plays with a nastiness using his size and strength to force defenders into unfavorable results.
Remember that stat about Carson Wentz being the second most sacked quarterback in the league? Well, yep, you guessed it, Joe Burrow (Bengals' starting quarterback) leads this dubious category by being sacked a league high 22 times. Cincy needs to protect this tortured talent by selecting Wyatt Davis, a major upgrade for the Bengals' interior offensive line. Davis' skill set functions in any type of offense and he completely neutralizes defenders.
Teams are rushing at five yards per carry against the Dolphins, which currently ranks 27th in the NFL. The need for a run-stuffer is apparent, and Wilson is the deterrent the Miami's defensive line requires to lower that average. He dominates at times using impressive inside ripping moves to get past double-teams and manipulate blockers. Wilson maintains good energy throughout each play and shows a knack for pursuing ball carriers down the line of scrimmage.
At season's end, the 49ers will have six unrestricted free agent corner backs. Replenishing the depth at that position is a priority considering the quarterback talent in the NFC West division (Kyler Murray, Jared Goff, Russell Wilson). Wade is a versatile hybrid defensive back that can cover in the slot, or just as effectively outside the hash marks. Confident and aggressive, he is fluid in coverage and has loose hips that flip easily when shifting and mirroring receivers. Wade has day one starting potential, and is a future star in the making.
Injury prone, but productive outside linebacker, Kiko Alonso is 30 years old and is an unrestricted free agent after the season ends. New Orleans needs to improve their depth and choosing the speedy Baron Browning (4.56 40-yard dash time) enhances their defense's ability to limit NFL offenses. Browning is an improving tackler who covers a lot of ground and he's athletic enough to shadow tight ends and do well in zone coverages. He flashes every down potential at the next level.
Simply put, Basham is one of the best defensive ends in the country. In three games this season, he's recorded three sacks, 11 total tackles and two tackles for loss. Basham competes with balance and sound technique, traits that scream New England Patriot type of athlete. Bill Belichick appreciates players who do their job, and Basham's workman like ethic is music to the future Hall-of-Fame, coach's ears.
According to PFF, Patrick Peterson's overall defensive rating of 46.3, (lowest in his career) ranks 93rd out of 114 cornerbacks. Like a lot of aging veterans, being an unrestricted free agent on the other side of 30 works against him. However, for the Cardinals, youth is served with the possible selection of Tyson Campbell. The Georgia Bulldog defensive back moves swiftly in coverage with speed and agility to harass receivers and force quarterbacks into hesitant throws.
Oddly, Colts quarterback, Philip Rivers is completing 70.8 percent of his passes, but has more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four). The need for improvement is obvious and the soon-to-be 39 year superstar's better days are behind him. Trey Lance would be a great choice for a team young enough to weather this young quarterback's growing pains and maturation at the NFL level. Lance exhibits all the physical tools to succeed, possessing a strong arm and athleticism to run and escape pressure. Ultimately, though he will require patience and a solid foundation to maximize his high ceiling potential.
Dallas is allowing a league worse 36 points a game, and the only thing uglier is Dak Prescott's gruesome ankle injury.. Unfortunately, Prescott's season ending injury, highlights the defense's futility and inability to stop teams (404.4 yards a game). The Cowboys have only one interception to 12 touchdowns allowed, and are clearly demonstrating a lack of playmakers in the secondary. Andre Cisco is a ballhawk (13 career interceptions) with a commanding presence and innate ability to raise the play of those around him.
Former Panther Greg Olsen's production at the tight end position ( 718 yards per season / averaging 58 receptions / a total of 39 touchdowns) is a fading memory, yet, Carolina can address that deficit by drafting Kyle Pitts. The current Florida Gator leads all FBS tight ends with seven touchdown receptions, and has amassed an eye-popping 16.1 yards per catch average. Rangy with an extensive catching radius, Pitts provides the optimal targeting option for any quarterback.
Future Hall of Famer, Tom Brady had a "senior moment" versus the Bears last week, when he miscounted how many downs were played. Surely, the Bucs realize they need an injection of youth at the quarterbacking position and look up-state in Gainesville, at Gator signal caller, Kyle Trask. After three weeks of competition, Trask's numbers look like he's ready to play on Sundays ( 996 passing yards / 71.8 completion percentage / 14 touchdowns to one interception).
Currently, teams are averaging two rushing touchdowns a game versus the Raiders, ranking them dead last (32nd) in the NFL. Las Vegas also ranks 26th in yards allowed per rush (4.8), and 25th in yards given up per pass play (7.5). They require a stout presence in the middle of their defensive line, and Shelvin's behemoth frame (6'3", 362 lbs) can decisively anchor any defense. He leverages his powerful body to stymie offenses and disrupt their flow.
Bears' general manager, Ryan Pace has drafted a receiver or tight end every year. Stands to reason, he'd be hard pressed to ignore a talent like DeVonta Smith if he lasted until the 20th pick. Elite athleticism enables Smith to display his dynamic run after catch (RAC) attributes, and pair them with a route running precision that fits perfectly in Chicago's passing game. Starting wideout Allen Robinson is in negotiations and Anthony Miller is inconsistent, so maybe drafting Smith solves one of those issues.
The strength of a team's defense is traditionally gauged by how strong it is up the middle. Slaton is a rock in the middle, and once set he's incredibly difficult to move from where he's anchored. An enormous individual, his height (6'5") allows him to proportionately carry his weight (358 lbs) well, enabling him to lengthen his mass and collapse offensive lines at the point of attack.
The Browns are finally winning (4-1), but are 25th in points allowed (29.8). In addition, opponents accumulate 296.4 passing yards each game, ranking Cleveland 30th overall in this category. Essentially, the Browns require a player who can apply more pressure on teams' quarterbacks. Beaver standout, Hamilcar Rashed, unleashes a rare upfield quickness to disarm blockers and create havoc in the backfield. He also utilizes a unique pliability to bend and arc around lineman, yet hold the edge of a line and maintain containment versus the run.
Joe Tryon opted out of this season, but the 2019 PAC-12, 2nd team All-American might return to action when football resumes for the conference in November. Its an opportunity this versatile athlete can take advantage of and possibly move up teams' draft boards. He has the quickness to rush either from a down position, or stand up spot and still perform adequately in coverage schemes. Tryon's hybrid skill set is an attribute Baltimore uses to confuse and exploit opposing teams' weaknesses. Tryon fits nicely with what the Ravens do defensively.
The Chiefs were exposed last week by the Raiders, as Las Vegas ran and passed all over the defending champs. Tanoh Kpassagnon is one of three unrestricted free agents and his production is in question ( eight tackles in five games, zero sacks). The addition of Twyman would provide the Chiefs with a dependable difference maker. He anticipates well and is adept at deducing what an offense is attempting to do from play to play. Quick for a man his size, he is able to impose his strength and leverage before most lineman can react.
Chazz Surratt is cast from the same Bills linebacking mold that drafted players like Kiko Alonso and Matt Milano. Surratt incorporates a similarly effective style which utilizes blitzing, pursuit angles and covering underneath routes. He plays with a non-stop motor and his multifaceted skill set would make the Bills far less predictable and more dangerous.
The Steelers' Tyson Alualu, at age 33 may not resign with Pittsburgh at season's end. If that's the case, then the Steelers have a huge hole to fill in the middle of their defensive line. Somehow, Pittsburgh always seems to draft exactly what they need when they require it most, and selecting Tufele would be fortuitous. Tufele has good size to be effective as an interior lineman, yet enough streamlined length to use his explosiveness and maneuver deftly past blockers. He's a well fortified athlete with above average agility and balance.
Some of Aaron Rodgers more productive seasons happened when former teammate (offensive Swiss Army Knife), Randall Cobb caught passes for the Packers. Rondale Moore is a faster, more twitchy, explosive playmaker than Cobb, and has the ability to score from anywhere on the field. Moore's acceleration is world class and his above average peripheral vision helps him navigate running lanes like a tailback. Packers' head coach, Matt LeFleur could install various trick plays and misdirection schemes without tipping his hand, if Green Bay selected this brimming boilermaker from Purdue.
The only thing that's stopped the Titans this season has been positive screening results of COVID-19 . Tennessee demolished previously undefeated Buffalo, Tuesday night and looked dominate in the process. The Titans are extremely efficient on offense, but in today's wide open game you need the ability to strike quickly. Drafting Waddle immediately upgrades the vertical ability of Tennessee's passing game. He stretches defenses that otherwise would play closer to the line of scrimmage hoping to contain running back, Derrick Henry. When Waddle has the ball in his hands, he's the nuclear option opposing teams would fear most.
Last season, Jets' quarterback, Sam Darnold was harassed so often, he admitted he was "seeing ghosts." This year, the beleaguered passer is probably jumping at his own shadow. Choosing an interior lineman with Brown's pedigree this late in the first round is a blessing for the organization, and more importantly an answered prayer for Darnold. Brown is an experienced blocker who won't be fazed by the challenges and dysfunction that's plagued the Jets.
