NFL Draft Season!

 It’s that time of year, where nerds such as myself get the bright idea that  we could turn the fortunes of our favorite teams around. It is the NFL draft. And this year, there are quite a few stories to follow. Why is the decorated quarterback CJ Stroud falling in some mock drafts? Why is the wholly unimpressive Will Levis skyrocketing in some drafts? Are the NFL GMs really so scared to draft a running back they’d let someone as wildly talented as Bijan Robinson slide? So I put my GM hat on and decided let me do a little drafting for these guys. So if I was running these franchises these are the picks I would make. I’m not guessing trades so all of these picks could be null by the time I hit publish! Gotta love draft season.  

1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): Bryce Young, QB- Alabama

Is he small? Yes. Is he also the best QB prospect since Trevor Lawrence? Also yes. He has impeccable accuracy, processes the defenses like a damn super computer and finds ways to overcome his small stature and find throwing lanes by having amazing feel in the pocket. The Panthers have a good offensive line and the quarterback whisperer himself Jim Caldwell is on the staff there.

2) Houston Texans: CJ Stroud, QB - Ohio State

The most prototypical quarterback in the draft is Stroud. That's not a knock by any means, this kid is god damn electric. The big knock on him is his lack of mobility which turns out is he just doesn't want to run. And why would he need to when over two seasons he threw 85 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions. In the college playoff against Georgia however he showed when he needed to he could be as electric on the ground as he is in the air. If you're looking to begin a new era in Houston, you got your field general right here. 

3) Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, Edge- Alabama

Arizona has a new coach and he comes from a defensive background, what better way to upgrade your defense with the best defensive player in the draft. A guy who walked onto campus at Alabama and immediately became an impact player helping the Tide win the 2020 National Championship. He was a top 5 five Heisman vote getter, Bednarik, Nagurski, Lombardi award winner and multiple time first team All American. 

4) Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB- Florida

The biggest enigma in the draft remains the signal caller from Gainesville. He doesn't have the starts or the pedigree of Richardson or Stroud but in the words of Michael Jordan when it comes to this guy "the ceiling is the roof." He has a howitzer for an arm, would arguably be one of the 3 best running quarterbacks the day he is drafted, and may be the most physically impressive quarterback we've seen since Cam Newton. That said he has a lot to learn from the pocket, spotty mechanics and inaccuracy marred his time at Florida but given a year to learn from Shane Steichen who coached Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert this could be a franchise guy.

5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Jalen Carter, DT- Georgia

The elephant in the room is the dreaded "character issues." While that all amounted to was driving offenses, serious ones, I don't think it would be enough to deter me from drafting the best tackle prospect in quite a while. A two time national champion and unanimous All American, Carter controls the line of scrimmage and for a team in desperate need of defensive help, someone who can control the front would be quite valuable.

6) Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams): Christian Gonzalez, CB- Oregon

The Lions made a hell of a jump last season but their defense left much to be desired. With the trade of Jeff Okudah, getting the best corner in this draft could be perfect. Gonzalez has good size, speed and instincts. Very patient and he has amazing closing speed and if he does get beat his recovery speed is amazing. 

7) Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, Edge- Texas Tech

The Raiders are a damn train wreck. That said they need help everywhere and given that Josh Jacobs is likely to play on the franchise tag this season the best available player could be Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech. He could be a Nick Bosa style rusher and game changer. He's 6'6, 270 lbs and an absolute monster. 

8) Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB- Texas 

If the Falcons are going to go with Desmond Ridder they might as well go all in. What better way to help your young quarterback than to add to the weapons of Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Cordarrelle Patterson with the best running back prospect in years. An explosive runner who can run through, around and by defenders as well as line up and run routes as well as most slot receivers. 

9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Peter Skoronski, OT- Northwestern

Last season Justin Fields was a revelation. This season it's time to keep the momentum going and protect him. Playing behind arguably the worst offensive line in recent history Fields ran for over 1,100 yards. No need to over think this pick, you get the best tackle available and Skoronski would be an anchor of the line for years to come. He started every game in college and something tells me that will translate to the next level. 

10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): Nolan Smith, Edge- Georgia

The Eagles are pretty loaded and aren't poor in many areas, so why not take a swing and get the fast edge rusher from Athens and make the Green truly Mean. Hassan Reddick was an absolute monster last year, imagine having two of them on the field at the same time? Smith is fast, relentless motor and at this point while possibly a reach, would be the best edge rusher available.

Well there you have it, I’m fairly confident that as soon as I hit post 8 trades will happen and somehow my team is gonna be screwed but as Bomani Jones says I’m not off that narcotic and I am a glutton for punishment.