FIELDS DAY FOR NINERS
MOCK DRAFT: Expect San Fran to pounce on Ohio St. quarterback
After the first two picks in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 29, everything else will be a free for all. Here I try to predict a chaotic Round 1 — with four quarterbacks going in the Top 10 — as we prep for the real thing next week.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
This has been the pick since the end of the 2020 regular season. Nothing more to see, let’s move on. 2. JETS: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU Seems like this has been the pick for months.
3. San Francisco 49ers (via Dolphins): Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
There have been reports that Mac Jones will be the pick. I will assume Kyle Shanahan isn’t a buffoon because there is NOTHING Jones does better than Fields. Jones doesn’t have a better arm, isn’t more accurate, isn’t smarter and isn’t as athletic.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Kyle Pitts is a freak of nature and is arguably the best overall prospect in the draft. He has future All-Pro written all over him. Good luck trying to defend an offense featuring Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Pitts.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Sewell, OT, Oregon
There’s been some reports that Joe Burrow wants former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase. Did you see the scar on Burrow’s knee when the Bengals did their new jersey promo? Sewell will prevent more of those scars.
6. Miami Dolphins (via Eagles): Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Chase is the best receiver in the draft and I’ma keep it a bean, the Dolphins receiving core was abysmal last year. Outside of DeVante Parker, Tua Tagovailoa was throwing to guys that wouldn’t start on any other roster in the NFL. Chase gives the group a boost.
7. Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
QB Jared Goff gets a new toy to sling the rock to in the 2020 Heisman winner.
8. Carolina Panthers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The Panthers aren’t going to pass on a QB because they got Sam Darnold, who was one of the worst quarterbacks last year, right? That wouldn’t seem logical to pass on Lance and tie yourself to Darnold.
9. Denver Broncos: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
The Broncos continue to build the offense around Drew Lock with the hope that Lock turns into a good quarterback.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys get the best corner prospect in the draft and address their biggest need on defense.
11. GIANTS: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Giants get the best linebacker in the draft. Parsons is a
Penei
Patrick versatile linebacker with good size and strength matched with speed and athleticism.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins): Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The best way to build around a young quarterback is to provide them with weapons. Waddle is arguably the fastest receiver in the draft and some believed he was better than his teammate Smith.
13. L.A. Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Chargers had the worst offensive line in the NFL, each starter was a liability. That’s why they signed Corey Linsley at center. Adding Darrisaw will help remake that unit.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Vera-Tucker, OT/G, USC
The former USC star would be an instant upgrade at left guard over Mason Cole.
15. New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Jones has been compared to former Patriots legend Tom Brady. The Patriots get the great value
Alijah version.
16. Arizona Cardinals:
Horn, CB, South Carolina
Horn could end up being the best corner in the draft and the Cardinals have a hole at the cornerback spot. The Cardinals released Patrick Peterson in the offseason and their top corners are Byron Murphy, Malcolm Butler and Robert Alford.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Raiders’ defense was one of the worst in the NFL last year and their secondary struggled. Farley is as talented as any cornerback in this class and can help that unit out immediately.
18. Miami Dolphins: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
The Dolphins already addressed their receiving woes and now they improve their putrid running game. With a receiving core of Will Fuller, Parker, Chase with Harris in the backfield, no excuses, we’ll see if Tagovailoa is a franchise guy.
19. Washington Football Team: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
Moehrig is an exceptional prospect with the reach and ball skills who can turn into an impact safety in the NFL.
20. Chicago Bears: Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Bears need to provide Andy Dalton as many weapons as possible if they want their offense to click this year. Bateman and Allen Robinson will be a great duo.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Collins, LB, Tulsa
We could look back in a few years and Collins could be the best defensive player in the draft. He has good instincts and quickly locates the ball. He’s a playmaker and will be a difference maker in the NFL.
22. Tennessee Titans: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
The Titans lost their No. 2 wide
Jaycee
Rashod
Zaven receiver in Corey Davis and will need to replace him. Toney is electric with the ball in his hands.
23. JETS: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
The Jets need to protect Wilson more than anything. Jenkins is a mauler and will improve the offensive line.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Etienne, RB, Clemson
Etienne is the most explosive running back in the NFL draft. He’s a home run hitter and will add a much needed boost to the Steelers run game after being dead-last in rushing yards per game.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Barmore, DT, Alabama
The Jags’ defense was bad against the run and Barmore can help
Travis
Christian improve that.
26. Cleveland Browns: Davis, LB, Kentucky
The Browns don’t have many holes on their roster, but their linebacking group could add more talent and Davis improves that unit.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
The Ravens receiving core is a weakness for the team. Lamar Jackson doesn’t have enough help outside of Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown. Marshall will improve the passing attack.
28. New Orleans Saints:
Paye, DE, Michigan
Paye will add to an already dominant defensive line.
29. Green Bay Packers: Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
Jamin
Kwity
After losing Linsley in free agency, the Packers fill a need with Dickerson.
30. Buffalo Bills:
DE, Miami
The Bills defense is good but if they want to take down the Chiefs they need to improve their pass rush that was 15th in the league with 38 sacks.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
You saw the Super Bowl. Enough said.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
The Buccaneers’ pass rush is the reason why they won the Super Bowl. They add to their strength and get the most talented defensive end in the draft.
Jaelan Phillips,
Liam