Month: April 2021

2021 Aftermath NFL Mock Draft: Patriots trade up for Mac Jones while the Dolphins grab two elite receivers

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s officially draft week! To kick off our week of draft content at the Aftermath, Brian Mandel, Jack Venezia and Matt Luppino joined me via Zoom to mock the first round of this year’s draft. This was our sixth annual mock draft together. We each take eight picks and operate as the general manager for that selection. This is what we would do if we were in charge on draft day, not what we think is going to happen. It’s a really fun exercise because we each have different priorities and draft boards. For the second year running, we also allowed for picks to be traded. We got a few really interesting swaps, which are as follows.

Detroit trades 1.7 to New England for 1.15, 2.46 and a 2022 second-round pick

New York Giants trade 1.11 and 4.116 to Miami for 1.18 and 2.36

Those moves shook up much of the first round and led to some really fun scenarios. We even got a bonus trade the day after we finished the mock when the Ravens sent Orlando Brown Jr. to the Chiefs and acquired the 31st pick. We obviously went back and amended our final two selections. Without further ado, this is what we think should happen on Thursday night in Cleveland.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
You know I had to think long and hard on this one. But there is simply no way around it: Trevor Lawrence is the best player named Trevor in this draft class. How could the Jaguars go anywhere else with this pick? Jokes aside, the Jaguars will hope that they found a franchise quarterback in Lawrence. – Venezia

2. New York Jets – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
After Darnold was inevitably traded (best of luck to him in Carolina), the Jets could use the opportunity of the second pick to draft their new quarterback of the future. Although Jets decided to pick Wilson, who all of the experts have them picking in their mock drafts, the quarterbacks after Lawrence are closer in ability than many think. Still, Wilson is super athletic, has a great arm, and is an improviser, so a perfect pick for a modern NFL offense. – Mandel

3. San Francisco 49ers via Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Really interesting pick here – any of the three quarterbacks could flourish in the Kyle Shanahan offense. However, for my money, the big arm, playmaking, and big-game pedigree inch Justin Fields just above Trey Lance and Mac Jones. Oh, and which of these other quarterbacks have beaten Trevor Lawrence head-to-head? That would be Fields. – Luppino

4. Atlanta Falcons – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Much of the NFL draft hinges on what the Atlanta Falcons decide to do with this pick. It is a popular trade spot in many mock drafts. There were no offers to move up here, so I grabbed the Falcons’ quarterback of the future. Trey Lance has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL with a huge arm, incredible mobility and a good head on his shoulders. He needs some time to get up to speed in the NFL without a ton of game reps in college. Sitting behind Matt Ryan for a year or two is a great situation for him. Atlanta has other needs, but this sets the team up for future success. – McGlynn

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Joe Burrow may want more wide receivers, but with the injuries he has accumulated behind the Bengals’ make-shift offensive line, I had to go elsewhere. Penei Sewell is the clear-cut top offensive tackle pick, making this choice easy for the Bengals. – Venezia

6. Miami Dolphins – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Dolphins’ war room is very excited at this moment. They, somehow, have the opportunity to draft the top wide receiver or tight end in the draft. Ja’Marr Chase is one of the best receivers to declare for the draft in a while, and will be an immediate difference maker for Tua Tagovailoa. – Mandel

7. New England Patriots via Detroit Lions – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Is this the Patriot Way? Maybe not, but with Detroit begging someone to trade up with them and a field general in Mac Jones available, I see New England picking up the phone for their quarterback of the future. If there are several suitors for this pick (Denver, Washington, Chicago), don’t be surprised if that 2022 pick becomes their first rounder. – Luppino

8. Carolina Panthers – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Carolina would be wise to learn from the Jets’ mistakes with Sam Darnold. Darnold rarely had good protection during his time in the Big Apple. Greg Little is not a reliable left tackle and Russell Okung still has not been re-signed. Rashawn Slater gives the Panthers an instant upgrade at the position. He brings good play power and an extremely high floor because of his ability to play guard. Even if he does not work out as a tackle, he will be a starting caliber interior lineman. – McGlynn

9. Denver Broncos – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
With all of the top quarterbacks taken at this point, the Broncos biggest need is at linebacker. Micah Parsons is the type of all-around player who you could fit into any defensive scheme. While off-the-field issue may be a concern, the Broncos won’t pass up this talent. – Venezia

10. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys have a lot of needs to be filled going into the draft, and most of them have to do with their defense. There is a few different directions they could go here, but it’s hard argue against Patrick Surtain II. He has the potential to be a shut down corner, and should be able to play in a few different defensive schemes. – Mandel

11. Miami Dolphins via New York Giants – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Somehow, Kyle Pitts fell all the way to the 11th pick. The Dolphins see this as chance to have an embarrassment of riches at their skill positions, and know once and for all if Tua Tagovailoa is the right guy to lead their offense. It might have been a little bit of an overpay for them to move up, but it’s worth it for a tight end with Travis Kelce-type potential. – Mandel

12. Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Good luck stacking the box against the Eagles after this. Between Jalen Reagor and Jaylen Waddle, Philly would have two game-breaking receivers. Unlike Reagor though, Waddle is worth the first-round pick. He is possibly the most electric athlete in this class. His suddenness and change of direction speed is incredible and would give the Eagles a reliable No. 1 receiver. Everyone will point to DeVonta Smith’s success, but Waddle was actually putting up even better numbers prior to his injury. He would be a steal at this spot. – McGlynn

13. Los Angeles Chargers – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Justin Herbert took the NFL by storm last season and if the Chargers want to protect that asset they will make the smart pick and take Christian Darrisaw. He is a bit of a reach at this point in the draft, but the drop off at the position after him is substantial. – Venezia

14. Minnesota Vikings – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
The Vikings could have gone either side of the line with this pick. With some of the top offensive linemen off the board, drafting Jaelan Phillips seemed to be the best direction. Phillips has the ability to be a top edge rusher with his combination of power, speed and pass rushing moves. He can be an impact defender against the run, too. Still, teams have to recognize that Phillips has some legitimate injury concerns. – Mandel

15. Detroit Lions – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Did Detroit just get two second round picks and is still able to get the guy probably at the top of their board? Dan Campbell is killing his first draft! But seriously, after losing Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr., this pick needs to be a receiver, and no one will complain about the Heisman Trophy winner’s route running and hands. – Luppino

16. Arizona Cardinals – Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC
Arizona is getting by with Brian Winters and Justin Pugh, but Alijah Vera-Tucker would provide a great upgrade along the interior of the offensive line. He could even take over at tackle potentially after playing there during his final season at USC. Kyler Murray loves to scramble, but he can be dangerous from the pocket as well. Keeping him clean as much as possible is essential to the Cardinals’ success. – McGlynn

17. Las Vegas Raiders – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Cornerback may not the biggest need for the Raiders at this point, but Jaycee Horn was too good of a value to pass up at this point in the draft. Horn could slot in as a starter for Las Vegas from the get-go. Looking back on this now, knowing that none of us drafted Trevon Moehrig in the first round, this is where he should have gone. – Venezia

18. New York Giants via Miami Dolphins – Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
The Giants’ biggest hole is on the edge, but they could not easily justify taking one at 11 with guys like Kyle Pitts still available. Taking advantage of the phone ringing lets Dave Gettleman still grab the top pass rusher on my board, and grab a little capital off the pick-rich Dolphins to fill in other needs. – Luppino

19. Washington – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
The Football Team (can’t believe we are still at this point) thought about trading up for a quarterback before the Patriots swooped in, but they can survive a year with Ryan FitzMagic and Taylor Heinicke running the show rather than having to give up what could be an early 2022 first round pick to move up. Instead, take the best defender available, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is just that. He will fly all over the field. – Luppino

20. Chicago Bears – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Perhaps this is a bit of a reach, but I have always felt that offensive tackle is a good place to be aggressive. Samuel Cosmi is massive at 6’7″, but has some room to fill out his frame. He moves incredibly well for someone his size and could be a real asset in Matt Nagy’s offense. He likely needs a bit of time to fully mature, but he has incredible upside at a major position of need, and value, for the Bears and across the league. – McGlynn

21. Indianapolis Colts – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
I really struggled with this pick. It may have actually been the longest of this mock draft. The offensive tackles and edge rushers (the two biggest needs for the Colts) that are left on the board here are reaches. While the Colts are thin at wide receiver, their current receiving corps is young, and I think they would be better served by signing a veteran after the draft. So, I went for best value available in Caleb Farley, who could have been taken five picks earlier. Venezia

22. Tennessee Titans – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The strategy for the Titans is best player available (as it should be for all NFL teams), given all of the holes they have across their team. By picking Azeez Ojulari, Tennessee should be solving one of them. Ojulari will have the potential to be an every down edge ruser that is constantly disrupting the pocket. – Mandel

23. New York Jets – Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern
Lots of amazing receivers here – Rashod Bateman, Kadarius Toney and Elijah Moore all caught my eye – but with the Jets holding the 34th pick and two third rounders, I will turn to defensive needs first. Corner is a huge one, especially with division rivals stockpiling weapons in this draft already. The speed of Greg Newsome will do well for a defensive-minded coach like Robert Saleh, maybe even as the team’s top cornerback. – Luppino

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
I considered grabbing Najee Harris here, but I think Pittsburgh’s issues running the football are more closely linked to a poor offensive line than unreliable running backs. Jalen Mayfield seems poised to start from Day 1 on the right side of the line for the Steelers and could grow into a left tackle with some further coaching. He has great size at 6’5″, 320 pounds and you can’t coach that. There will be some growing pains, but he has the ability to develop into a reliable starter. – McGlynn

25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
There are a lot of wide receivers on the board to choose from at this point. Terrace Marshall Jr. stands out to me both literally and physically. He is one of the largest receivers available at this point in the draft and that lanky frame will pair well with Trevor Lawrence’s game. Plus, Jacksonville’s receivers aren’t much to write home about these days. – Venezia

26. Cleveland Browns – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
With Greg Newsome off the board, I saw this pick as a chance to give the Browns one of the scariest pass rushing groups in the entire NFL. Rousseau has tremendous upside, and should be in a good position to develop next to Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. He also has shown the ability to to line up on anywhere on the D-Line, which should allow the Browns to get creative on defense. – Mandel

27. Baltimore Ravens – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Baltimore could really use an edge rushing linebacker here to replace Yannick Ngakoue and Matthew Judon, both of whom left in free agency. Zaven Collins should probably be right at the top of their list – even though he profiles more as a 4-3 outside linebacker, he showed flashes of pass rushing ability at Tulsa to pair with good coverage and ball pursuit skills. – Luppino

28. New Orleans Saints – Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
Jabril Cox is built to play linebacker in the modern day NFL defense. He is fast and reliable in space. His ability to cover backs and tight ends makes him a true three-down player. I love the experience he has coming from both North Dakota State and LSU. He strikes me as a Day 1 starter at weak side linebacker with the potential to take over in the middle when Demario Davis eventually retires. – McGlynn

29. Green Bay Packers – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The Packers have avoided drafting a wide receiver in the early rounds for a few years, but, as of this moment, they do not have any wide receivers under contract past 2021. Rashod Bateman is an NFL-ready receiver who will provide a solid option opposite Davante Adams while learning from Aaron Rodgers this year. He could also be a foundational piece in years to come. – Venezia

30. Buffalo Bills – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
I was hoping a cornerback or an offensive lineman would fall to Buffalo. However, that failed to happen. Thus, the Bills have to “settle” for Najee Harris. Drafting a running back in the first round can be successful when the team is in a contention window, like the Bills. Ultimately, Harris will super charge an already solid running back group with his power running and jukes. – Mandel

31. Baltimore Ravens via Kansas City Chiefs – Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Seeing Rashod Bateman off the board not even four picks before it is on the clock hurts, as Baltimore really needs a possession receiver to partner with the reliable Mark Andrews and the home-run threat Marquise Brown. Luckily, Elijah Moore can be that guy out of the slot for Lamar Jackson, running crisp routes over the middle of the field and making guys miss with the ball in his hands. He can go up and get balls too, even though undersized. – Luppino

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Somehow, Tampa brought back just about everyone from its Super Bowl run despite having a ton of free agents. This team has very few short-term needs, but there are a number of long-term needs along the defensive front seven. Christian Barmore is athletic and powerful and feels like the perfect successor to Ndamukong Suh in Todd Bowles’ defense. With Suh having turned 34 this year, he is likely in the final years of his career. Barmore can serve as a rotational option this season with hopes of starting in 2022.

My favorite sleepers in the 2021 NFL draft

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAAF, NFL , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It is almost draft time! Without a doubt this is the best time of the year and I cannot wait for Roger Goodell to get booed at that podium in Cleveland.

I have been diving into film, pro day numbers and mock drafts in recent weeks to finish preparing for my favorite time of year. If you want to hear some of the stuff I’ve been working on, check out my brand new podcast Draft Season Never Ends!

By now, you are familiar with the big names in this draft class. The quarterback group has been picked over time and time again. There is only so much longer that we can debate who San Francisco will take with the third pick after all. For this post, I wanted to take a look at some of the players whom you might not be as familiar with. These are all players expected to go in the third round or later come draft weekend. Most will likely not hear their names called until Day 3 of the draft.

If you see me referencing players testing in certain percentiles, you can find all that information at Mockdraftable.com. Hat tip to my new podcast co-host James Schiano for the recommendation to check that site out. It provides a great reference point for how a players’ testing numbers rank in relation to other players at the position. Talk about an incredible tool! Definitely worth poking around if you are interested in statistics and quantifying players’ measurables in a more meaningful way.

Now, to the prospects!

Jacob Harris, WR, UCF
Let’s start with a deep sleeper. Jacob Harris is not a name that most fans outside of Orlando, Florida are familiar with. He hauled in eight touchdowns in 2020, his one season as a starter for UCF. He had an interesting path to college football, starting out as a soccer player at Florida Gulf Coast. He is very raw, but at 6’5″, he posted a sub 4.4 40 time and a 40.5-inch vertical. Pair that with an impressive 6.51 three-cone time, this kid has loads of untapped athletic potential. He will probably be an undrafted free agent, but there is enough there to make me think he is worth grabbing in the seventh round. In addition to the gobs of potential he has with his size and speed combo, he has a good deal of special teams experience. That should get him on the field early in his career while he is refining his craft as a receiver.

Jaret Patterson, RB, Buffalo
This name you have probably heard by now. Likely, you heard it once, when Jaret Patterson rumbled for an NCAA D-I record-tying eight touchdowns and over 400 yards in one game this season. He had 55 career touchdowns at Buffalo over three seasons, dominating the best the MAC had to offer. He runs with a low center of gravity and fights for extra yardage. His lack of experience as a pass catcher limits his upside. He only had 20 career receptions, none of which came in 2020. However, he showed some softer hands at his pro day, which could lead teams to believe there is some untapped potential. He likely won’t be a feature back at any point in his career, but he could be a vital part of a team’s backfield. Expect him to go some time on Day 3.

K.J. Britt, LB, Auburn
Let’s get to a Senior Bowl standout for me. K.J. Britt impressed me all week with his coverage skills. He didn’t blow people away at his pro day, but he seems like a quality depth linebacker at the next level. Britt can play in some sub packages right away. The reason Britt has faded to the background is he missed much of 2020 with a thumb injury. He needs to become a bit more instinctive, especially without elite physical traits. However, he already shows a willingness to take on contact and attacking gaps in opposing offenses. I think he likely tops out as a low-end starter in a 3-4 defense as a middle linebacker. Finding that around the fourth or fifth round is pretty good value.

Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
Here’s another linebacker to keep an eye on. He might not get as much publicity as his other Bulldogs teammates, but Monty Rice’s game is built for the NFL. He is a bit undersized at 6’0″ and 233 pounds, but he moves incredibly well for someone that size. Rice can immediately bring his coverage ability to an NFL defense and get on the field on passing downs. His range is impressive and should not be overlooked. He ran a 4.58 40-yard dash, which is in the 92nd percentile for linebackers, and posted impressive splits at both the 10-yard and 20-yard mark. His speed makes him a candidate to match up with opposing tight ends and running backs. That has value, especially in the middle rounds of this draft.

Ade Ogundeji, EDGE, Notre Dame
After a solid career at Notre Dame, there is one thing that points to Ade Ogundeji succeeding in the NFL: he has elite length. He measured in with 35 and a quarter-inch arms at the Fighting Irish’s pro day, which is in the 93rd percentile for edge rushers. He lacks great burst off the line, but that length should allow him to keep opposing the offensive linemen off his body. There is a lot of room for improvement in his game, but I could see him carving out a role as a rotational 4-3 defensive end. Expect him to go in the later rounds of the draft.

Nolan Laufenberg, G, Air Force
If you are looking for a road grading interior offensive lineman, look no further. Air Force averaged 298 rushing yards per game in 2019 and 305 yards per game in 2020. Nolan Laufenberg played a big role in that success. He brings solid size for the position and above average play power. He is definitely inexperienced as a pass blocker because only threw the ball 61 times in six games this year. He likely needs a bit of refining in that area, but he is an easy fit in any run-first scheme. While he excels blocking straight ahead, he is certainly nimble enough to pull and reach the next level of the defense as well. I like this guy a lot and think he could be a solid starter in the NFL.

Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina
After spending two years playing behind the likes of Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards, Shi Smith got his shot to be the go-to target in South Carolina’s offense. He stepped up with 633 yards and four touchdowns in a shortened season. Smith has the look and body type of a prototypical NFL slot receiver with the benefit of having big hands to snag passes out of the air (76th percentile among receivers). He showed at the Senior Bowl that he has no problem generating some separation. I could see him being a reliable route runner who can come up with crucial catches on third down. Don’t sleep on his potential as a solid NFL contributor.

Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, Louisville
There is a lot of Senior Bowl love on this list. Despite playing really well all week in Mobile, Dez Fitzpatrick is still not a household name or someone you are likely to see featured in the early rounds of many mock drafts. He might not seem too imposing at 6’1″, but he has a ridiculous wingspan that allows him to make catches away from his body and in traffic. He made some ridiculous grabs during Senior Bowl practice that have stuck with me. He has the potential to be a solid No. 2 receiver in a vertical offense. He did average 19.4 yards per reception in 2020, which was 25th nationally.

Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
Consider the top corners in the NFL. Stephon Gilmore, Jalen Ramsey, Marhson Lattimore, Tre’Davious White, Bryon Jones, Xavien Howard, Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters are probably in the conversation, in whatever order you prefer. Tre’Davious White is the only player in that group shorter than 6’0″, and he’s listed at 5’11”. You need some size to compete on the outside in the NFL. Benjamin St-Juste has size to spades as he measured in taller than 6’3″ at his pro day (98th percentile). He can move too at that size. His three-cone in the 94th percentile and his short shuttle was in the 87th percentile of all defensive backs. His length makes him a great fit for Cover 3 defense that can mask his lack of elite speed. I could see him developing into a top corner in the right system.

Jimmy Morrissey, C, Pittsburgh
Interior linemen are often overlooked in the draft process. It’s just not a super sexy position, nor is it one that the NFL places a high value on. However, that usually allows for some starting-caliber players to slip into the later rounds. That is exactly what I believe is going to happen with Jimmy Morrissey. He won’t blow you away with his strength, but he is one of the most athletic interior linemen in this class. He put together a ridiculous pro day, testing in the 95th percentile for the 10-yard split in his 40-yard dash and the 91st percentile for both his three-cone and short shuttle times. Even his vertical jump impressed, falling in the 84th percentile among interior lineman. In an offense that prioritizes moving the pocket, zone blocking or pulling interior linemen, Morrissey would be a great fit with the potential to be a starter early in his career.

Draft Season Never Ends – 2021 Top 5s

Chris McGlynn Announcements, Draft, Football, NCAAF, NFL, Podcast , , ,

Hey everyone. I am launching a new NFL draft podcast with the help of my friend James Schiano from RJ Drafts. We are going to aim to do a weekly show discussing all of the top players, prospect movement and NFL team draft needs all year long. While we might all love to dial into the draft from February to April, draft season never really ends. Teams are scouting, evaluating and gathering information on prospects all the time. Preparing for the next draft usually starts about one week after the last one ends. We will still do some fun stuff, like draft grades and favorite fantasy football fits following the draft, but come the fall, we will be diving into next year’s draft class.

You can check out our first episode now, where James and I debut our new show and discuss our top five prospects at each offensive position. Plus, I recap the time I met former Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan and James breaks down his draft crush, Stanford quarterback Davis Mills.

You can find every episode on Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. As always, we appreciate reviews, feedback and when you hit that subscribe button. Hope you enjoy the first show. Plenty more to come!