The more mocks we do, the more potential targets we see. As boards continue to evolve leading up to the combine, it’s fun to watch the talent shift around. There are clear patterns starting to emerge and the biggest one is that defense dominates this draft.
Here’s a look at how the latest mock played out:
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Round 1
Lots of Edge went early again, but I was still able to get Jachai Polite. At 6’2 240, he could stand to add some weight (and some height, to be honest), but he’s one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the class. He’s a blur off the line, he can bend and move, and he has all sorts of moves. He’s not a total loss in defending the run, either. He can get washed out in a battle of bulge, but he’s smart enough to avoid that in most cases.
At 30, I had options for a lot of needs and ended up going with Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Everyone seems to want to sign Antonio Brown, so I’m going with his cheaper cousin. He’s 5’10 (which is smaller), but only about 165 (which is even smaller). However, he is…. fast. He’s been running low 4.3’s and shows great agility, release, and run after the catch ability. He can get bullied like the littlest kid on the play ground, but if he can get off the line – adios!
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Round 2
I went with Zach Allen in the 2nd round. He’s at the top of the second tier of Edge guys. He isn’t as explosive as the prospects above him, but he’s tough, hustles, and sets a good edge. He would be a great complement to Polite to round out the base defense.
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Round 3
The 3rd round is always tough, but I was able to pick up Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, a rangy safety with good coverage skills. Tackling was his biggest weakness, but he made strides in 2018. If he can play with a little more consistency, he can be a complete safety at the next level.
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Round 4
By the time I picked in the 4th, Offensive Line was really picked over, which usually doesn’t happen, so I took Zach Gentry. He presents a good target, is a solid receiver, and a willing positional blocker. There’s nothing exceedingly dominant about him, but he’s well-rounded and can be a starter.
With the second pick, I snagged the last Guard on the tier in Dru Sammia. Very mobile and athletic, his light for his height and struggled a bit at the Senior Bowl, which may have dropped him, but he’s still the best remaining prospect on the board in a mock that really seemed to value offensive linemen.
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Round 5
I still needed OL help, so I took a promising Tackle in Chuma Edoga. Good movement and feet can help him succeed in a zone system. He had the best practices of any Offensive Lineman at the Senior Bowl, regularly routing speed rushers past the end of the pocket. Looks good all around, but rumors of undisclosed legal issues make him a risk and pushed him into the 5th.
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Rounds 6-7
I’ll be doing full drafts very soon!
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Analysis
In most drafts, good zone blocking offensive lineman have been plentiful in the 4th round and even into the 5th. This was a little different. This was easily the most I’ve seen offensive linemen drafted in any mock. THe good thing is because zone blockers are plentiful, even a big run on them earlier than I expected still left me with some solid options. This is something I’ll definitely look for in future mocks. I’m still confident I came out with a new Right Guard and competition for Left Guard and backup Right Tackle.
Throw in a new starting Edge tandem and strong Safety on defense to go with a flashy toy on offense and I’m feeling pretty good about this haul. It’s not the way the board usually falls, but I’m still happy. The Packers will probably need to grab a Tight End in free agency.
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Of Note
- This draft started with Clelin Ferrell at 1, Quinnen Williams at 2, and Nick Bosa at 3 – I know there’s some variability algorithms built into the simulator, but I can almost guarantee things won’t start like this
- This is the second draft in a row that Jaylon Ferguson went before the Packers picked at 12 – I have him at the top of the second tier of Edge rushers, but he appears to be moving up boards – he may be a wild card in this draft.
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Check out our PFTW 2019 Mock Draft Archive to see how other scenarios played out!
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