Special Edition (Wheel of Chaos) NFL Mock Draft
Hello everyone, I want to apologize for getting a little lazy with No Pico lately. Please stop sending in loads of fan mail to my door, it’s driving my parents crazy. I know, I know another mock draft is probably what you don’t want to read - especially if you aren’t interested in the NFL draft. My real blogging and article writing will continue when my fingers feel like working and the creative juices start flowing. I’m planning on writing a NBA Playoff preview soon with Spencer so look forward to that.
If you consistently follow the NFL draft and keep up with the cycle then this blog post is for you.
Recently, I’ve been seeing many of the same mock drafts. They are all too similar and lack balls to make jaw-dropping moves or shocking selections. After a while, it gets boring and anything other than colorful.
This mock draft is supposed to add a heaping of chili flakes into the chicken noodle soup (make it spicy - yet visually unappetizing - yet low key kinda good?). Instead of creating a “standard” mock draft, I created a wheel to spin before every selection. Each sliver of this wheel contained a separate filter to influence a team’s pick. For example, if I spun the wheel and it landed on “Wide Receiver” I would be forced to select a wide receiver for that team (unless it didn’t make any sense at all like Matthew Golden to Cincinnati).
In the wheel I made 18 (chai) different scenarios for teams.
3x of “my choice”
2x of “consensus”
Offense
Defense
Quarterback
Wide Receiver
Offensive line/ Defensive line
Defensive back
Reach
Large reach
Non-SEC
Non-Big 10
SEC
Big 10
Trade
In hindsight, I should have only included 1 “my choice” and 1 “consensus” option given how many times the wheel landed on those scenarios.
Anyway have a blast reading this:
*I stole this idea from Bengal who is a YouTube NFL draft favorite of mine*
First Round
Wheel Result: My Choice
Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Cam Ward being drafted to the Titans is nearly a complete lock at this point. The Titans give up on Will Levis in year 2 and start over from scratch with Ward under center.
Most likely selection: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Wheel Result: Consensus
Cleveland Browns - Sheduer Sanders, QB, Colorado
There isn’t quite a “consensus” for the Browns with the second selection in the draft. Abdul Carter pairing up with Myles Garrett would make one of the best pash attacks in the entire NFL and Travis Hunter would immediately jolt a depressing Browns fan-base with an ultra-talented two way superstar. However, if Sheduer performs even slightly above average, not only would Cleveland have a quarterback for their future but also one on a rookie contract (which they desperately need given Deshaun Watson’s $230 million contract)
Most likely selection: Sheduer Sanders, QB, Colorado
Wheel Result: Reach
New York Giants - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Obviously, Travis Hunter is the crystal clear pick here for the Giants. However, in this exercise let’s imagine Travis performs horrendously in his pro day and New York prefers to pair Malik Nabers with a versatile tight end like Warren. This would never happen in real life but with the Giants you never really know how stupid they can be. Maybe Joe Schoen says “f*ck you!” to John Mara and is fired immediately.
Most likely selection: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Wheel Result: Non-SEC
New England Patriots - Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Patriots (and Jaguars) draft room erupts! How could the Giants be so stupid?! Not only is Travis an exceptional weapon for Drake Maye and the New England offense but by slotting next to Christian Gonazalez in the secondary, the Patriots have one of the best young cornerback duos in the entire NFL. A complete win on every level for New England.
Most likely selection: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Wheel Result: Non-SEC
Jacksonville Jaguars - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Sure, Mason Graham is the best technical “fit” for the Jaguars but passing on Abdul Carter - by far the best overall prospect left on the board - would be irresponsible and foolish. Carter in two or three seasons can be considered one of the best defensive players in the entire league.
Most likely selection: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Wheel Result: Defense
Las Vegas Raiders - Mason Graham, DI, Michigan
I wouldn’t necessarily call Jeanty a “lock” to be taken here by Las Vegas. Should they? Yes. Do I think it will happen? Yes. However, Mason Graham is a seriously touted defensive prospect and is the best defensive line prospect in this draft class by a pretty wide margin. Stopping the run and building in the trenches is always important - especially with a new era blooming in Vegas.
Most likely selection: Mason Graham, DI, Michigan or Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Wheel Result: Consensus
New York Jets - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
By selecting Olu Fashanu last year and selecting Armand Membou this year, the Jets are steadily developing a talented and young offensive line. The question remains who this line will protect for in the coming years? Whether it be Fields or another rookie quarterback, the Jets at least will have a stable and trustworthy offensive line.
Most likely selection: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri or Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Wheel Result: My Choice
Carolina Panthers - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Bryce Young became one of my favorite quarterbacks to watch in the second half of last season. If you told me I wrote that sentence in August there isn’t a sliver of a chance I would believe you. The priority should be to continue building around Bryce Young and adding weapons to his arsenal is the obvious next step. Chuba Hubbard is a very serviceable running back and the offensive line is steady but Young lacks weapons for the long run. McMillan is the best receiver in this class and would be an immediate building block for Bryce.
Most likely selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Wheel Result: Defensive Back
New Orleans Saints - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson’s stock has taken a considerable dip since December and January. However, the potential is still there and Johnson will be a team’s CB1 for the foreseeable future. The Saints have many holes to fill but in this scenario, the wheel landed on a defensive back.
Most likely selection: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
Wheel Result: Reach
Chicago Bears - Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Passing on Ashton Jeanty would be a shocking move for the Bears especially with Ben Johnson as head coach. However, there could be logic to this move. This year’s running back class is filled with incredible prospects and the Bears (who have two second round picks) might see Queintin Judkins, Kaleb Johnson, or Cam Skattebo as a draft target later. Emmanwori has flown up draft boards and is slowly becoming the consensus best defensive back in the draft.
Most likely selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Wheel Result: My Choice
San Francisco 49ers - Will Cambell, OL, LSU
The Niners lost many core pieces all over the roster during free agency. However, the offensive line needs some major renovations. Campbell, who can play either inside or as a tackle, would be a significant fresh piece to the San Francisco trenches. Not to mention, you might want to invest in protecting Brock Purdy who will sign a luxurious contract this summer.
Most likely selection: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Wheel Result: Trade
Denver Broncos (via Dallas) - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Our first trade is an exciting one! Ashton Jeanty slips to 12 and the Broncos don’t think twice. Denver swaps firsts, trades their second round pick and trades their fourth round pick to select Jeanty - a generational running back prospect. Replacing Jevonte Williams with Ashton Jeanty is a dramatic upgrade for the Denver running back room which means there is less pressure on Bo Nix to create offense.
Most likely selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Wheel Result: Wide Receiver
Miami Dolphins - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
With the wheel landing on wide receiver, let’s imagine Tyreek Hill demands a trade and asks out of Miami (or is planning to). Matthew Golden can’t replace Tyreek’s speed (well no one can) but he’s made impressive strides each year playing in college. Everytime I watched Texas, Golden would pop off the screen and catch my attention. In my opinion, he’s the second best receiver in the class.
Most likely selection: Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State or Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Wheel Result: Defensive Back
Indianapolis Colts - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Colts had a productive offseason - specifically adding important defensive pieces like Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum. Coincidentally, the wheel lands on defensive back for the Colts. Jahdade Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe award at the conclusion of the season (recognizing him as the best defensive back), would add on to this impressive Colts secondary. Think of Philadelphia last season drafting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. The Eagles had a strong secondary already but chose to add more talent to it. You can never go wrong with too many talented cornerbacks.
Most likely selection: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Wheel Result: Non Big-10 Player
Atlanta Falcons - Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
The Falcons need help in their front 7 and Jalon Walker is a hand-in-glove solution to this problem. Not only would Walker stay in state, but would be a cornerstone piece for an inconsistent defense.
Most likely selection: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
Wheel Result: Trade
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Arizona) - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Buccaneers trade up three spots to secure Campbell who is one of their favorite prospects in the entire draft. Tampa Bay’s entire defense needs more or less of a makeover and Lavonte David is 35 years old. Campbell would be the perfect David replacement and can get a year or two of mentorship under the grizzled vet.
Most likely selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Wheel Result: SEC Player
Cincinnati Bengals - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Whether or not Trey Hendrickson returns to Cincinnati next year, the Bengals are absolutely deprived of defensive talent up front and in the secondary. Stewart is a necessary fit for now and in the future.
Most likely selection: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M or Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Wheel Result: SEC Player
Seattle Seahawks - Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
The Seahawks have the worst interior offensive line in the NFL. With offseason additions like Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp, Seattle has shown a continued commitment to compete with their current offense (despite trading DK Metcalf). Tyler Booker could help complete a portion of this offensive line.
Most likely selection: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Wheel Result: My Choice
Arizona Cardinals (via Tampa Bay) - Kenneth Grant, DI, Michigan
I hate to sound repetitive, but Arizona needs reinforcement for their defense. Kenneth Grant was a force to be reckoned with at Michigan next to Mason Graham and would be a solid addition to a lackluster Arizona defense.
Most likely selection: Kenneth Grant, DI, Michigan or Walter Nolen, DI, Ole Miss
Wheel Result: Non-SEC Player
Dallas Cowboys (via Denver) - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
In this scenario let’s assume Dallas liked Hampton nearly as much as Jeanty in the draft. With many lush offers proposed to trade up for Jeanty, Dallas elects to trade back and wait for Hampton - a prospect they already love. Not only does Dallas bag an extra second round pick, but they snag a desired running back to help an inconsistent offense.
Most likely selection: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina or Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Wheel Result: My Choice
Pittsburgh Steelers - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
As of March 27th, Pittsburgh will start the season with Mason Rudolph under center. That just won’t cut it no matter how talented your defense is - especially in the AFC North. There might be some Kenny Pickett flashbacks with taking a underwhelming quarterback prospect in the middle of the first round but Pittsburgh doesn’t have another choice. If Dart turns to pan out (similar to Bo Nix last season), then Pittsburgh will be rewarded for having the luxury of paying their quarterback a rookie contract.
Most likely selection: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Wheel Result: Non-Big 10 Player
Los Angeles Chargers - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Malaki Starks’s draft stock is all over the board. It wouldn’t shock me if he were selected as high as 11 or 12 but it also wouldn’t surprise me if Starks fell all the way to the bottom of the first round. Jim Harbaugh and co. don’t hesitate and take the high upside of Starks.
Most likely selection: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Wheel Result: SEC Player
Green Bay Packers - Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Like Starks, Mykel Williams currently has an uncertain draft stock. Luckily for the Packers, who need some mustard on the defensive line (especially with the edge department), Williams falls to 23 and will pair with Lukas Van Ness.
Most likely selection: Mykel Williams
Wheel Result: Offensive Line/Defensive Line
Minnesota Vikings - Walter Nolen, DI, Ole Miss
An athletic specimen, Walter Nolen was arguably the best defensive lineman against the run last season. Nolen would be a core piece of the Vikings defense moving forward.
Most likely selection: Walter Nolen, DI, Ole Miss or Derrick Harmon, DI, Oregon
Wheel Result: My Choice
Houston Texans - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Stefon Diggs left Houston in free agency and Tank Dell will be out for the majority of next season. A once blossoming weapon chest for CJ Stroud has shriveled quickly and the Texans need to pivot. Luckily, Luther Burden III and Emeka Egbuka are still on the board for Houston. Egbuka, who played with Stroud at Ohio State, would be a terrific fit for Stroud, Egbuka, and everyone on the Texans.
Most likely selection: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Wheel Result: Consensus
Los Angeles Rams - Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
The consensus selection in the Rams community seems to be an offensive lineman which makes total sense. The offensive line for Los Angeles was very inconsistent last season, starting off poor and ending solid, but some fresh legs should be added to the arsenal.
Most likely selection: Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
Wheel Result: Defense
Baltimore Ravens - Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The Ravens did little to address or invest in their defensive line in free agency. Mike Green is as good as any big conference edge rusher and has the chance to be taken much higher than 27th.
Most likely selection: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall or James Perace Jr, Edge, Tennessee
Wheel Result: Defense
Detroit Lions - James Perace Jr, Edge, Tennessee
Playing alongside Aiden Hutchinson would create nightmares for opposing offensive lines. While he’s a bit undersized, Pearce is one of my favorite overall players in this draft class.
Most likely selection: James Perace Jr, Edge, Tennessee
Wheel Result: Consensus
Washington Commanders - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
With a lot of attention focused on building and investing in Washington’s offense with Jaden Daniels, the Commanders community seems interested in drafting a key defensive piece for the future. With edge rushers like Williams, Pearce, and Green off the board, Ezeiruaku has been gaining steam in Washington.
Most likely selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College or Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Wheel Result: Trade
Tennessee Titans (via Buffalo) - Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Here, the Titans trade up into the first round to snag Loveland after taking Cam Ward with the first overall pick. Sure Burden III also has a case for being taken here, but in my opinion Loveland would be a more consistent and reliable option for a first year quarterback. Burden is undersized, thrives in the slot, and is not a true lead receiver. Loveland is a large, mobile tight end who is hard for opposing defenses to guard.
Most likely selection: Luther Burden III or Colston Loveland
Wheel Result: My Choice
Kansas City Chiefs - Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Zabel is a good addition to the Chiefs offensive line who traded Joe Thuney right before free agency. Zabel has made a name for himself in the pre draft process, especially during the senior bowl.
Most likely selection: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State or Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas
Wheel Result: Trade
New Orleans Saints (via Philadelphia) - Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Outside of Chris Olave, the Saints are desperate for a secondary receiver. Rashid Shaheed is a solid deep threat, but is unproductive with other offensive strategies. Burden can be a very solid secondary receiver to Olave despite if Carr or Rattler is taking snaps.
Most likely selection: Derrick Harmon, DI, Oregon or Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Second Round
Cleveland Browns - Josh Conerly Jr, OL, Oregon - (Big-10 Player)
New York Giants - Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas - (My Choice)
Buffalo Bills (via Tennessee) - Derrick Harmon, DI, Oregon (O-Line/D-Line)
Jacksonville Jaguars - Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami - (Large Reach)
Las Vegas Raiders - Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State - (Non Big-10 Player)
New England Patriots - Maxwell Hairston, WR, Kentucky - (Defensive Back)
Chicago Bears (via Carolina) - Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State - (Offense)
Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans) - Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State - (Offense)
Chicago Bears - Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M - (Non Big-10 Player)
New York Jets - CJ West, DI, Indiana - (Large Reach)
Buffalo Bills (via San Francisco) - Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina - (Trade)
Dallas Cowboys - Jack Bech, WR, TCU - (Consensus)
Indianapolis Colts - Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford - (Wide Receiver)
Atlanta Falcons - Jared Wilson, C, Georgia - (Reach)
Arizona Cardinals - Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame - (Defensive Back)
Miami Dolphins - Darius Alexander, DI, Toledo - (Non Big-10 Player)
Cincinnati Bengals - Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame - (Consensus)
Seattle Seahawks - Demetrius Knight Jr, LB, South Carolina - (My Choice)
Dallas Cowboys (via Denver) - Jared Ivey, Edge, Ole Miss - (Reach)
Seattle Seahawks - Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama - (Large Reach)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State - (Offense)
Green Bay Packers - Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss - (Consensus)
Los Angeles Chargers - TJ Sanders, DI, South Carolina - (SEC Player)
San Francisco 49ers (via Buffalo) - Tyleik Williams, DI, Ohio State - (Big-10 Player)
Carolina Panthers (via Los Angeles) - Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas - (Defense)
Houston Texans - Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee - (SEC Player)
Baltimore Ravens - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss - (SEC Player)
Detroit Lions - Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA - (Big-10 Player)
Washington Commanders - Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State - (My Choice)
Buffalo Bills - Charles Grant, OL, Williams & Mary - (Reach)
Kansas City Chiefs - Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State - (Defensive Back)
Philadelphia Eagles - Elijah Roberts, Edge, SMU - (Reach)