The NFL's offseason is officially underway! And with that comes a lot of circulating drama, between the free agency period and the production that is the NFL Draft. So far, the talk of the offseason seems to be what team will offer a King's Ransom for Deshaun Watson (and whether the Texans will budge on moving him). Other topics include whether Russell Wilson remains a Seattle Seahawk and if Dak Prescott is officially done with the Dallas Cowboys (in other words, it's all about the QB's right now). In this mock draft, Corey sees two big trades in the top 10 that will ultimately shake up the first round. These aren't his actual predictions by any means, but rather projections based on current speculation that he has some fun with.
Let's get into it!
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence - QB, Clemson
This is a no brainer. The Jaguars won't need to think twice about this pick and probably already have the card written up to send to Roger Goodell immediately on Draft Night. Urban Meyer accepted the Head Coaching position in Jacksonville for a reason. Lawrence is regarded as one of the best QB prospects in the last 10 years, if not longer. He's probably packed his bags and bought an apartment in sunny Jacksonville already, to be honest.
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson - QB, BYU
New York is trying to get back on track by hiring 49ers' Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh to be their Head Coach. There have been rumors about the Jets keeping Sam Darnold, but the team has also been actively exploring trade options for him, aiming to get at least a 2nd or 3rd round pick back in return. While Darnold has the potential to turn his career around with a new coach and system, New York is looking for a fresh start. Zach Wilson is regarded as the 2nd best QB prospect in this class and his stock has risen even further over the past few months. He fits the mold for what teams are currently looking for from the QB position around the league: solid arm strength, good athleticism, extends plays with his ability to escape the pocket and plays a clean game overall. He'll be a solid fit in the Jets' new offensive scheme led by OC Mike LaFleur and will provide New York with a breath of fresh air.
3. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Penei Sewell - OT, Oregon
This pick, following the selections of Lawrence and Wilson, is where I believe the draft truly starts. The consensus pick among draft experts seems to be either Ja'Marr Chase or Heisman winner DeVonta Smith; while it makes sense to draft one of the best WR's in this class to give Tua Tagovailoa another weapon alongside DeVante Parker, you also have to protect your young QB. Miami had the 28th ranked OL last year and has already shown a desire to improve its line, most recently when it spent first and second round picks on Austin Jackson and Robert Hunt in the 2020 draft. To be fair, Miami had three rookies starting on their OL, but they didn't provide Tua enough time to make plays. Sewell is regarded as one the best offensive lineman to enter the draft since Quenton Nelson back in 2018. Sewell would provide a huge boost to Miami's OL, as he possessed the potential to make an immediate impact and become a potential All-Pro tackle. Miami will address the WR position later in this draft by moving back up into the top 15, using pick 18 in order to do so.
4. Dallas Cowboys (Via ATL): Justin Fields - QB, Ohio State
Our first huge blockbuster trade involves the Atlanta Falcons trading down to Pick 10 and the Dallas Cowboys trading up to take QB Justin Fields. Once again, Dak Prescott is in the mix to be franchise tagged for a 2nd consecutive season, even after he suffered a devastating ankle injury back in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Prescott and the Cowboys are not close to a contract extension, though and at this point, it may be best for both sides to walk away. IF this does in fact happen, the Cowboys will need a QB immediately, even if they sign a veteran in free agency. Fields' stock has dropped a little after some disappointing performances against Northwestern and Indiana, as well as in the National Championship game against Alabama. Ohio State doesn't have a great track record of QB success in the NFL, but that's in the past. Fields has the talent to become a franchise QB due to his ability to throw the ball downfield, his athleticism and clutch winning drives. He was even regarded as one of the best players in College Football in 2019. The Cowboys would save a lot of cap space by letting Dak walk and would have Fields on a rookie deal for the next 5 years.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Rashawn Slater - OT, Northwestern
The motto for the Cincinnati Bengals this upcoming season: PROTECT JOE BURROW. Last year's #1 overall pick played behind the worst offensive line in the league, eventually suffering a torn ACL and MCL in week 11 against the Washington Football Team. I know that freak accidents happen all the time in the NFL, but having your rookie franchise QB absorb that much punishment is just unacceptable. While Cincinnati could add his former college teammate Ja'Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith or Kyle Pitts to an up and coming offense, OL is their biggest position of need. Slater's stock is rapidly increasing and some experts believe he's actually better than Sewell. He's an all-around offensive lineman, capable of lining up as both a tackle and guard. He's a player that could surprise a lot of people being taken this early, much like Andrew Thomas being taken at #4 last year by the New York Giants.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Ja'Marr Chase - WR, LSU
Yet another pick where a team should be sending in its card to Roger Goodell immediately. The Eagles have a desperate need for talent within their receiving corps, as their receivers as a whole were ranked 30th. They were also one of three NFL teams to catch fewer than 60% of their collective targets. Now, I think the Wentz experience is over in Philadelphia, meaning that 2nd year QB Jalen Hurts will become their starter. Philadelphia needs a big-time playmaker and a true #1 WR for Hurts to succeed. DeVonta Smith would make sense here, since he and Hurts are former teammates. However, I believe Chase is still the best WR in this class, despite opting out in 2020. He was phenomenal in 2019, racking up 84 receptions for 1720 yards and 20 Touchdowns. What Chase excels at most is...catching the football; he has very reliable hands and the ability to extend his catch window and fight for the ball. I think Chase is a better fit for the Eagles here, since they had major issues catching the football in 2020 and he would their #1 receiver, alongside last year's first-round pick Jalen Reagor.
7. Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith - WR, Alabama
There are a lot of directions Detroit could go with this pick; do they still take a QB after they acquired Jared Goff from the Rams in the Matthew Stafford trade? Do they move down and add more picks to their draft capital? Do they go WR? Kyle Pitts? Or do they take another CB alongside Jeff Okudah? Overall, though, their need for a WR is evident with Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., Danny Amendola and Mohamed Sanu all expected to enter free agency. If the Lions do decide to let Goff prove himself, the Heisman winner DeVonta Smith is the best available player on the board and officially resets their receiving room. There is a reason Smith won the Heisman Trophy, as he totaled 117 catches for 1856 yards and 23 touchdowns (and a National Championship). Before going down with a hand injury during the National Championship, Smith logged 12 receptions, 215 yards and 3 touchdowns. Since he is only listed at 175 pounds, there are some size concerns among scouting experts. However, Smith has proven himself time and time again to be an elite football player.
8. Houston Texans (Via CAR): Trey Lance - QB, NDSU
Another blockbuster trade! In this mock draft, the Houston Texans trade Deshaun Watson to the Carolina Panthers, with Houston receiving a lot of picks, including the #8 overall pick. Carolina was aggressive in their pursuit for Matthew Stafford before the Los Angeles Rams stepped in; Carolina is done with the Teddy Bridgewater experience, moving him to Houston as part of this trade. Carolina lost 8 games that were ultimately decided by one drive and adding Watson instantly changes things for Carolina, making them an immediate contender. As for Houston, drafting Lance gives them a fresh start after players like Watson, Hopkins and J.J. Watt all left town. While Lance only played one game in 2020 due to the FBS schedule having COVID conflicts, he played extremely well in 2019, throwing for 2786 yards, 28 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. His ability to limit mistakes and throw the ball accurately makes him an underrated prospect in a loaded QB class. Houston should have no problem making this pick...but they have made a lot of dumb mistakes in the past 2 years.
9. Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II - CB, Alabama
Our first defensive player is finally off the board! Denver has been in the rumor mill to trade for or draft a QB; with the top QB prospects off the board, though, Denver will turn their approach to the defensive side of the ball. A.J. Bouye is most likely going to enter free agency and leaves a hole for the team to fill at CB. Surtain is regarded as one of, if not the best CB in the draft and has the potential to be a future shutdown corner. Denver should be comfortable drafting Surtain, as they need to build a solid secondary to compete in the AFC West with the likes of Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes, Herbert, Kelce, Hill and Keenan Allen are a lot to handle, after all. Listed at 6'1" and 203 lbs, Surtain possesses the size and length to excel at the CB position. He is regarded as the best in press-man coverage and a mixture of zone concepts. It's also worth noting that Surtain is 2 years younger than Caleb Farley, giving Denver a bigger window for Surtain's prime years.
10. Atlanta Falcons (Via DAL): Micah Parsons - LB, Penn State
So, why doesn't Atlanta just stay at #4 and draft its QB of the future? Well, it seems more likely that Atlanta is just going to run it back with the same core as last year, keeping Matt Ryan and Julio Jones due to the large amount of dead cap that would hit their books if either were to be moved. It would be quite hard to move either player due largely to this fact. Atlanta has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and was performing better after firing HC Dan Quinn midseason. So instead, they acquire more picks this year and next to help build their future roster and select Micah Parsons at the same time. Parsons is an every-down linebacker and is widely regarded as the best defensive player in the draft. Now, there are some character concerns ,after a report came out that he was one of the many players who was hazing teammates at Penn State. This is something to monitor in the future as he meets with teams and completes his Pro Day. However, Parsons totaled 41.5 sacks, 245 total tackles, 64.5 TFL, 5 forced fumbles, four passes defended and 2 interceptions during his three year tenure at Penn State. He can line up on the edge if needed and play in coverage, both of what Atlanta is looking for. This could be a slam dunk pick, making Atlanta's front office look like geniuses.
11. New York Giants: Kyle Pitts - TE, Florida
New York has multiple options with this pick; they need some help on the edge and at CB. They could also look to improve their OL or add another weapon for Daniel Jones. I think it makes the most sense to keep providing Jones with as many weapons as possible, making Pitts is the right choice. You may be thinking that New York already has a Pro Bowl TE in Evan Engram. However, Pitts is only listed at 6'6" and 240 lbs and lined up as a WR for a good portion of the season at Florida. It's also worth noting that Engram will be a free agent after 2021 and has a long injury history. Pitts can be cross-trained as both a WR and TE and play on the outside and in the slot. Drafting Pitts, who not only is the best TE in the draft, but may be regarded as one of its best receivers, gives Jones a dominant playmaker and big target.
12. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Farley - CB, Virginia Tech
San Francisco has been one of the many teams looking for a change at QB; they were heavily linked to Matthew Stafford before he was traded to the Rams and some believe they could deal for Deshaun Watson. However, San Francisco was slammed with injuries in a COVID year coming off a Super Bowl appearance the season before. There are reports that San Francisco could plan to run it back with Jimmy Garoppolo, at least this season. There are also bigger needs for the team to address other than the QB position. CB is a huge need for San Francisco, with Richard Sherman's departure likely, along with 8 other members of their secondary. Caleb Farley is the safe pick at #12, as the 49ers will look to completely change their secondary. Much like Surtain, he has the potential to become a shutdown corner, as he's listed at 6'2" and 207 lbs. He has the explosiveness and speed off the line of scrimmage to hang with the league's best WR's and can make an immediate impact for the 49ers.
13. LA Chargers: Christian Darrisaw - OT, Virginia Tech
Much like Cincinnati, the Los Angeles Chargers' motto has to revolve around protecting their young franchise QB. Los Angeles' offensive line ranked dead last (32nd) this past season and has been around the bottom for quite some time. It's unfortunate they're not able to draft Sewell or Slater here, but Darrisaw provides a lot of upside. Listed at 6'5" and 315 lbs, Darrisaw checks all the boxes to make an immediate impact. He possesses the size, length and mobility to become a potential stud at tackle. In my opinion, Darrisaw is very underrated in a stacked OL class and should have no problem protecting Herbert's blind side.
14. Miami Dolphins (Via MIN): Jaylen Waddle - WR, Alabama
Remember earlier, when I said Miami was going to trade back into the top 15? Well, they've just traded the #18 pick to Minnesota in exchange for the pick 14, along with some mid-round selections. Miami already addressed the OL position earlier and select Tua's former teammate Jaylen Waddle here. Waddle only played four games this season due to a fractured right ankle that required surgery. His upside is as great as it gets, as he's a dynamic receiver that works well on the outside and in the slot. He has the speed that makes defenders think twice about change of direction when he's running. Some experts think that Waddle could become Tyreek Hill 2.0 in the right system if healthy. Tua should be happy that the Dolphins used back to back picks to give him a franchise LT and a former teammate he's familiar working with. Now it's up to him to prove to the front office that he's a franchise QB.
15. New England Patriots: Kwity Paye - DE, Michigan
Earlier this year, I wrote a blog on the website that mentioned the possibility of the Patriots targeting Paye if he fell to 15. While I don't think he falls this far, my mock draft had a crazy blockbuster trade, along with other deals that altered the draft landscape significantly. The Patriots have been linked to Alabama QB Mac Jones since his impressive Senior Bowl practice (even though he didn't play due to an ankle injury). However, with Bill Belichick trying to win football games fast (especially after Tom Brady won his 7th ring in Tampa), New England will probably address the QB position in free agency, whether it's trading for a guy like Jimmy G or signing a veteran as a bridge player. New England needs a lot of help on the edge after ranking 26th in sacks with only 24 as a team. Paye has an extremely high ceiling due to his ability to make explosive plays off the line and to rush the QB with his speed. New England should be extremely happy that Paye is available for them here at #15.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn - CB, South Carolina
Arizona started off the season very well and seemed to pose a real threat in the NFC. However, injuries stepped in their way and they finished the season 8-8, missing the playoffs. One major area of concern for Arizona heading into next season is at CB, as longtime franchise corner Patrick Peterson isn't returning and his days of being a shutdown player are done anyway. The next best available CB with a first-round grade is Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina, who has the intangibles to be a complete player due to his size, length and athleticism. The only concern with Horn's game is that he's shown glimpses of struggling to play man coverage. However, if he's used correctly, he could be the steal of the draft, with Surtain and Farley being taken in the top 12. Some scouts are projecting Horn to keep steadily climbing up draft boards with a solid Pro day and interviews.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Gregory Rousseau - DE, Miami
With Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock still at the helm of the Raiders, you never know exactly what the Raiders will do in the draft. Las Vegas was looking really solid for the first half of the season, but ended the second half poorly. They still have a need on the edge and Rousseau just so happens to fall into their lap at 17. Rousseau is still regarded as one of the best EDGE players in the draft, but he opted out in 2020 and only has one year of tape for teams to evaluate from his 2019 breakout campaign. He produced 19.5 TFL and 15.5 sacks in 2019, but missed all of 2018 due to a fractured right ankle. Rousseau is a freak athlete with an extremely physical skill set, but he's still a work in progress, which has caused him to slip down boards. If the Raiders are patient with his development, Rousseau has the potential to be another steal of the draft, as he was listed as a top 10 pick before he opted out in 2020.
18. Minnesota Vikings (Via MIA): Marvin Wilson - DL, FSU
Minnesota's defense caught the injury bug in 2020, losing Anthony Barr and Danielle Hunter to season-ending injuries. Minnesota traded for Yannick Ngakoue, but that move backfired very quickly, as they then shipped him off to the Baltimore Ravens. An OL would make sense here, as the Vikes rely on running the football behind Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins needs a solid OL to be able to extend plays. However, IDL is a position of need as well and they address that need by drafting Marvin Wilson. Listed at 6'3" and 319 lbs, Wilson can be the run stopper Minny needs after ranking 27th against the run last season. Wilson is a balanced defender who can rotate on the DL; in the right role, Minnesota can be a great fit for him.
19. Washington Football Team: Alijah Vera-Tucker - OL, USC
Washington surprised a lot of fans this season, as they were able to win the dreaded NFC East at 7-9 behind one of the best defensive lines in the league. QB remains a huge position of need, but they could run it back with Taylor Heinicke, who performed well in the Wild Card game against the now Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They could also go into free agency and sign a veteran QB, possibly even Dak Prescott (who just followed them on Instagram). Their next position of need, though, is the offensive line. The next best available lineman on this board is standout IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker. He's more accustomed to playing the left guard position, but played at left tackle this season at USC and performed well. This helped boost his stock, as he's shown the athleticism needed to be a zone blocker and block well in the passing game. Whoever the next QB will be in Washington, giving him protection will be their #1 priority and they get a steal here with Vera-Tucker.
20. Chicago Bears: Mac Jones - QB, Alabama
The Mitchell Trubisky era is done in Chicago. Drafting Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson has aged horrifically. Yikes. Chicago has been linked to Carson Wentz as well as Watson over the past couple of weeks, so this pick could change quickly if they're able to trade for either QB. However, Jones' draft stock has risen rapidly after a breakout year playing with one of the best offenses in college football history; he also showed off his skills during Senior Bowl week. He's a great play-caller and can throw the deep ball with a ton of accuracy. Obviously, it helped that he played with DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle (for four games) and Najee Harris. He'll need to have playmakers around him, so Chicago will need to find a way to re-sign WR Allen Robinson. Either way, this should be good value for Chicago and a cheaper option if they're not able to trade for a QB or sign one in free agency.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Wyatt Davis - OL, Ohio State
Indianapolis is in the same conundrum as the Chicago Bears right now at the QB position following Philip Rivers' retirement. They've been linked to a potential Carson Wentz trade and also have interest in Dak Prescott if he hits free agency. The difference between Indianapolis and Chicago is that Indy is ready to win now and will most likely end up with a solid QB during free agency. They could use some help on the offensive line, though, with longtime franchise LT Anthony Castonzo announcing his retirement. Wyatt Davis was a unanimous All-American guard at Ohio State and was considered a consensus top pick in this year's draft. Despite suffering a gruesome knee injury in the National Championship Game, he says he's fine for next season. We'll get some more detail about his injury after his Pro Day, but he could definitely wind up slipping in the draft based on the injury. When healthy, Davis is regarded as an NFL-ready player, due to his power and mobility to push defenders at the point of attack to create gaps for ball carriers. Pairing him with already one of the best IOL in the league in Quenton Nelson will make the Colts' OL even stronger.
22. Tennessee Titans: Rashod Bateman - WR, Minnesota
WR Corey Davis is hitting free agency and his value on the market may be too high for the Titans to re-sign him. And while Tennessee had one of the worst secondaries in the league last year, many CB's in this draft are slated to be available in the second round. Assuming Davis leaves Tennessee, they should go WR here and draft Rashod Bateman. Tennessee's offense is all about running the football with All-Pro RB Derrick Henry and setting up play-action for Ryan Tannehill. Bateman projects as an immediate starting receiver and has potential to be a stud with the right QB. He was featured at Minnesota as a run/pass option threat, which is what Tennessee exactly needs to replace Davis. He creates great separation and is an effective route runner. This is a great selection for Tennessee here if available.
23. New York Jets (Via SEA): Patrick Jones - DE, Pittsburgh
New York obtained this pick as part of the Jamal Adams trade with the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 2020 season. They've already selected their franchise QB earlier in the draft and now turn their focus to the defense. Given his experience as the 49ers' DC, Robert Saleh knows a thing or two when it comes to developing defensive talent and getting the most out of his players. New York will address the CB position in the early 2nd round, but they could use some help on the edge here. New York's leader in sacks this year was Tarell Basham with just 3.5; drafting Jones at 23 provides versatility, as he was used as both an edge rusher and run defender at Pitt. He'll have to add more muscle to his lean fame in order to counter blocks, but given how awful this area was for the Jets this season, Jones could start Week 1.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Travis Etienne - RB, Clemson
Pittsburgh started off last season 11-0 behind their #1 ranked defense, only to drop 4 out of their last 5 games; they were then embarrassed at home by the Browns on Wild Card weekend. Big Ben will most likely be back, but the Steelers could wind up addressing the QB position during this draft. One stat that stands out to me was Pittsburgh's inability to run the football last season; they were dead last rushing the football and relied heavily on Big Ben's arm. He isn't getting any younger and while James Conner is a good feature back, his injury history is becoming more concerning. Etienne, the ACC's all-time leading rusher, is both an explosive runner and a threat in the passing game. He needs to be more patient when running past the line of scrimmage, but that's only a minor issue. He has the potential to be the team's feature back and also contribute as a receiver. He fits the Steelers' scheme more than Najee Harris, but you never know what can happen after Pro Days and interviews.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (Via LAR): Jalen Mayfield - OL, Michigan
Jacksonville won the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes at the beginning of the draft and should look for some protection for him here at #25. The Jags acquired this pick as part of the Jalen Ramsey trade. Mayfield was primarily a Tackle at the University of Michigan, but has the ability to transition to Guard if needed. He excelled playing in pass protection in 2020 and showed an ability to handle the best edge rushers in the country. If you're the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mayfield should be your best bet at 25, as he's demonstrated that he can be a viable option to block for Lawrence. Mayfield's stock will continue to increase and it will be interesting to see if he may even crack the top 15-20 if he has a solid Pro Day.
26. Cleveland Browns: Christian Barmore - DL, Alabama
What a season, Browns fans! Cleveland made quick work of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wild Card Weekend and nearly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round after Patrick Mahomes went down with an injury. Cleveland will probably look to add some defensive pieces in the draft, especially on their interior line. Barmore was a force against the run, even when he wasn't technically a starter at Alabama. Experts believe that with some experience, Barmore can become a versatile interior defender for any team. The potential is there and Cleveland could certainly be in play for his services this late in the first round.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Jayson Oweh - DE, Penn State
Baltimore could have a huge void to vill at the edge position in the draft, with Matthew Judon, Yannick Ngakoue, Tyus Bowser and Pernell McPhee all slated to test free agency. Oweh is a wild card pick here, as he needs proper development and also has to fill out his frame and gain some more experience. Nonetheless, he has the combination of size and speed needed to become a solid pass rusher. He could be more of an outside linebacker if he doesn't fill out his frame enough to hold up as an edge rusher. He's a raw athlete, but the Ravens have drafted great defensive players over the years and have a solid developmental philosophy on the defensive side of the ball. It's up to Baltimore whether they want to take the risk.
28. New York Jets (Via NO): Najee Harris - RB, Alabama
New Orleans currently holds just 3 of their own 2021 draft picks, including a 3rd round compensatory pick. This could be a perfect spot for them to trade back and get New York's pick at #34 overall, along with more mid-round picks. New York climbs back into the 1st round here to select Najee Harris; New York is thin at the RB position and hasn't had any recent success in the running game, even when Le'Veon Bell was there. Harris was a versatile threat at Alabama and played a huge role in helping them win a National Championship. He has the ability to finish drives with touchdowns with his big frame, as he's listed at 6'2" and 230 lbs. He would be the featured back here, leading the Jets offense alongside Zach Wilson. The future looks bright for New York, who will be trying to match Miami's success in this mock draft.
29. Green Bay Packers: Levi Onwuzurike - DL, Washington
The biggest need for the Packers in this draft will be addressing their interior defensive line. Yes, Kenny Clark is still there, but he's the only consistent player for them upfront. Green Bay could provide themselves with some insurance at this spot by taking Onwuzurike. He's a work in progress, but has good athleticism and the quickness to be a great pass rusher. Scouts say he's extremely hard to block and a player that could be a good fit for any team drafting towards the end of the first round. Onwuzurike has the intangibles to be a starter with the right development and Green Bay could look his way after a strong Pro Day.
30. Buffalo Bills: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah - LB, Notre Dame
Matt Milano is expected to hit the free agent market next month, and signs point to him leaving Buffalo for a big payday. Buffalo will definitely keep tabs on other LB free agents like Lavonte David, but should look to add more versatility to the position at this spot. Owusu-Koramoah is another wild card selection here, as he has some limits to his game despite being an explosive player. He'll need more experience to play up the middle of the field, but luckily Buffalo has Tremaine Edmunds. There were points during this past season where Owusu-Koramoah looked like the best player on the field. Buffalo has a great defensive system and drafting Owusu-Koramoah gives them more depth at LB and a chance for him to be a every-down defender after gaining more experience.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Leatherwood - OT, Alabama
Desperately missing both Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, Kansas City's OL could not protect Mahomes against a fierce Tampa Bay front seven on Super Bowl Sunday. This will definitely give the Chiefs front office pause all offseason and likely convince them to add some insurance on the OL. Alex Leatherwood is an intriguing prospect, as he played at both guard and tackle at Bama. He's aggressive in setting up the run and overpowers threats on the defensive line in the passing game. However, there's some concern as to where his best fit is on an NFL team. Is he a better tackle or guard full time? Kansas City would most likely have to rotate him around the OL to get a better understanding. There is some potential here with Leatherwood, it's only a matter of finding out where he's most comfortable playing.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jaelan Phillips - EDGE, Miami
Tampa Bay will have a busy offseason, with players like Shaq Barrett, Lavonte David, Ndamukong Suh, Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown and Leonard Fournette all being UFA. Tampa will probably retain Gronk, Brown, and Fournette's services to keep Tom Brady happy. This means Tampa will likely need to use this pick to find potential defensive replacements or add depth. Philips is a versatile player who stepped up in the wake of Gregory Rousseau opting out. He has the blend of size, agility, power and athleticism to be a starter right away. He'll have to find consistency in his game, but he makes up for that lack of consistent play as he's a talented pass rusher and run stopper. This will be a good filler pick by Tampa to keep their reputation as a disruptive force on the defensive side of the ball.
- Corey (@celticshive)