Draft season is upon us and teams are getting ready to make attempts to improve for the upcoming season. Every teams situations and goals are different some teams are in win now mode and may move up in the draft to get a player who can help them get over the top, other teams are doing what is necessary to just be competitive or even relevant again . The big question in every draft is who is going to be selected number 1. The choices come down to Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. Both are tremendous talents, and you can't go wrong with either QB. So, lets dive into the Mock draft and see who I think your Favorite team should select!
Number 1: Carolina Panthers
Selection: Bryce Young
Comparison: Russel Wilson
Grade:93
Strength: Arm talent, athleticism, intelligence
We all know Frank Reich loves to work with tall QB's, but Bryce Young is good enough to make an exception for. If you ask Nick Saban who is the best QB he has ever coached, he will tell you it is Bryce Young. Bryce is so dynamic because he is able to make all the throws while being able to extend plays with his feet. I know we have concerns about his slight frame, but he was able to survive and thrive in the best and most physical conference in college football. I think he will get stronger over time. Bryce is a big-time player who only made big time plays during his time with the Crimson Tide. He's the most complete QB in the draft!
Number 2: Houston Texans
Selection: CJ Stroud
Comparison: Matt Ryan
Grade:91
Strength: Arm Talent: Pocket Presence, Intelligence
For a while I had CJ Stroud as the number 1 QB in this draft, but a couple things made me change my mind. I don't know if he is as good as an athlete to truly be an elite QB in the NFL. We saw glimpses of the kind of athlete we think he can be against Georgia. The Texans need a quality QB to get on the road to competing in the AFC. Stroud is more than capable of helping the Texans turn around the franchise around. He might not be as mobile as you would like but he is pinpoint accurate, can make any throw on the field and sees the field well. CJ has a bright future!
Why Bryce over CJ?
Both QB's are sensational, and any franchise would be lucky to have them but for my money Bryce Young is slightly better. This past College football season Bryce was battling an injury and still finished with 32 touchdown passes completing 64 percent of his passes on 3,328 passing yards. CJ had the better season with 41 Touchdowns and 6 picks completing 66 percent of his passes. Although Stroud better numbers I believe he had a way better supporting cast. I mean they don't call Ohio St Wide receiver U for no reason. This past season CJ was tossing passes to the best receiver in the nation and the best wide receiver prospect in the draft. Bryce was relegated to one of Nick Sabans worst Alabama teams of the past ten years. Bryce Young had to constantly be perfect for Alabama to compete in the SEC while CJ had to mostly be above average, and Ohio St would have been successful. Even though CJ was outstanding last season he was never looked at being a sure-fire pick to win the Heisman like Bryce who won it as a Junior I believe both QB's will end up being really good, but I have to give the edge to Bryce.
Number 3: Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Will Anderson Jr.
Draft Grade: 94
During his time at Alabama Anderson has been one of the nation's best pass rushers. Gets He to the Quarterback early and often even when being double teamed. Anderson is a master at getting past tackles gaining leverage immediately after the snap and beating O-lineman to their spot. This kind of freakish athleticism will transfer to the league. The Cardinals obviously do not need a QB so they should draft the best player available and that is Will Anderson Jr.
Number 4: Indianapolis Colts
Selection: Anthony Richardson
Draft Grade:85
Anthony Richardson is not ready to help lead a team to the playoffs. I know that and every team in the NFL knows that. I liked Anthony Richardson much more before the combine ironically. Before scouts knew he could run a 4.4 at 6'5 240 and can-do back flips and jump high I saw him as a guy that could get drafted mid first round sit for a year or two and improve his accuracy. His last year in college he threw 17 touchdowns and 9 picks. That is not good for someone who some experts feel could go number 1. He possesses generational athleticism and arm strength. Like Josh Allen someone who is that big and strong and has a big arm he has a chance to be special. It's going to take a great coaching staff to help him mold him into the elite QB some think he can become. Let's see if the Colts can make that happen.
Number 5: Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Jalen Carter
Draft Grade:96
With the top three QBs gone the Seahawks could reach for Levis at 5 but that wouldn't be wise. I think they try and improve on defense with this pick. Jalen Carter helps their interior O-line become more dynamic. Pairing Jalen Carter with Dre'Mont Jones gives the Seahawks two players that can get after the QB!
Number 6: Detroit Lions
Selection: Christian Gonzalez (CB)
Draft Grade: 92
Experts say Gonzales is the best man coverage corner in the draft class. Christian Gonzales is the best pick for the Detroit Lions who need a shutdown corner. Christian showed flashes of potential to be a pro bowl corner at the next level as he seemed to improve with every game.
Number 7: Las Vegas Raiders
Selection: Devon Witherspoon (CB)
Draft Grade: 89
Another CB gets off the board with the 7th pick. The Raiders select Devon Witherspoon. While he is the second-best corner on the board Witherspoon may be the most technical corner in the draft. Defense is the most important need for the Raiders because last season their defense was beyond trash. Devon Witherspoon can help the Raider secondary as he is a guy who you know who won't be out of position and will be solid.
Number 8: Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Nolan Smith (Edge)
Draft Grade: 92
The Falcons have had a busy off -season making moves to improve their squad. A lot of the off-season moves have been on the D-Line and with the 8th pick they add more to the D-line and inject some youth. I love this pick because you could never have enough guys who can get after the Quarterback. When in doubt draft a Georgia Edge rusher.
Number 9: Chicago Bears
Selection: Peter Skoronski
Draft Grade: 93
Easy choice in all honesty the Chicago Bears have one of the worst O-Lines in the NFL. If they want to protect their Franchise QB Justin Fields this is the right step to building an O-line to help an offense that can be explosive this year.
Number 10: Philadelphia Eagles
Selection Bijon Robinson
Draft Grade: 95
The Eagles are looking to replace Miles Sanders and Bijon Robinson is the player to do it. Robinson is the best running back in the draft and cannot only be an effective running through the tackles, but he can only be productive in the pass game.
Number 11: Tennessee Titans
Selection: Will Levis
Draft Grade: 83
The Titans are looking to rebuild, and they need a Quarterback to do so. It doesn't seem like they have any faith in Malik Willis to be the guy so they draft Will Levis. Levis has a strong arm and good measurables. He has his flaws as he struggles with accuracy and decision making. Good pick for the Titans but nothing to be overly excited about.
Number 12: Houston Texans
Selection: Jaxon Smith Njigba
Draft Grade: 88
The Texans already drafted there Quarterback now they need a wide receiver to go along with their Quarterback. Why not draft a receiver who already has a connection with your Quarterback. We have seen this multiple times. Joe Burrow and Jamaar Chase in Cincinati and Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle have been successful duos. The Texans will attempt to recreate some magic from Ohio St. Jaxon is an elite route runner with good measurables he's quick with good burst and body control. Alot of experts say he could be just as good as Chris Olave and Garret Wilson.
Number 13: Green Bay Packers
Selection: Zay Flowers
Draft Grade: 90
The Packers need weapons and Zay Flowers can be a good pick for them he carried an entire offense at BC. He is on the smaller side, but he is strong quick, elusive in the open field and has good hands. The good thing about this pick is Zay can be the third receiver on the Packers and won't have to carry the team like he did at BC. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Zay Flowers are all great options for Jordan Love young QB Jordan Love.
Number 14: New England Patriots
Selection: Paris Johnson
Draft Grade:92
The Patriots have a lot of needs on offense, but they will try to improve their O-line with Johnson who is a top 3 Tackle on the board as he only gave up 2 sacks all year. Paris has excellent length and quick feet; he has the potential to be a pro bowler one day.
Number 15: New York Jets
Selection: Broderick Jones
Draft Grade: 90
Now that the Jets have Rodgers it's time to secure their Oline. Jones who is a redshirt the surface of what he could be. With a quality line the Jets could be a scary offense!
Number 16: Washington Commanders
Selection: Joey Porter Jr
Draft Grade:85
The Commanders need some help on the outside and they get a capable shut down corner who can help in the pass rush and help stop the run.
Number 17: Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Lukas Van Ness
Draft Grade: 88
Van Ness is the perfect guy for the Stealers Mike Tomlin loves players like him. He's a versatile edge rusher who can be used on the inside or outside. With the help and guidance of TJ Watt Van Ness can become a game changer!
Number 18th: Detroit Lions
Selection: Calijah Kancey
Draft Grade: 92
After they couldn't get Jalen Carter the Lions get another difference maker on the D-Line. Kancey has been getting a lot of comparisons to Future HOF Aaron Donald both former Pitt stars. They are unfair but if he is half the player Donald is he'll be in good shape.
Number 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection Darnell Wright
Draft Grade: 87
Darnell Wright is a good pick for the Bucs he is a guy who can handle edge rushers on the right side.
Projected Trade: The Bills and the Seahawks trade picks
Number 20: Buffalo Bills
Selection: Jordan Addison
Draft Grade: 88
The Bills need another Receiver to go along with Stefon Diggs and Jordan Addison is a guy they should pick. Addison is a smooth route runner and able to maneuver through defenses quick and efficiently. He could end up being the second receiver for Josh Allen.
Number 21: Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Dalton Kincaid
Draft Grade:86
The Chargers are good at receiver, but they need a Tight End a safety blanket for Justin Herbert. Kincaid has good hands and moves well and will help Herbert have another option when Keenan and Mike Williams are covered.
Number 22: Baltimore Ravens
Selection: Jakorian Bennett
Draft Grade: 84
Bennett is a strong and fast corner who can play on the outside and on the inside. The Ravens need a CB to go alongside play Marlon Humphries and Bennet could be their guy.
Number 23: Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Hendon Hooker
Draft Grade: 85
Hendon Hooker was a Heisman candidate because of how accurate he was this year. He boasted a 70 percent completion percentage in the SEC. That is AMAZING and even beat Nick Saban and Alabama out performing Bryce Young. Before he tore his ACL injury he was 27 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The ACL injury does not scare me Hooker is good enough in the pocket to be more than serviceable even if his athleticism somewhat fades. He is on the older side but QBs are playing into their 40's. Hooker is a good replacement for Kirk Cousins if the Vikings decide to move on.
Number 24: Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Anton Harrison
Draft Grade:86
The Jags have an explosive offense so if they want to improve on that side of the ball they could do so in the later rounds. What they need to do is protect their Quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Anton is a good tackle who can be a replacement for Cam Robinson if they are to let him go.
Number 25: New York Giants
Selection: Quentin Johnston
Draft Grade:87
The Giants need a cornerback but all the really good ones are off the board so they could pivot to Receiver. Quentin is a big physical receiver he's 6-3 with playmaking ability. The Giants are going to need all the help they can get if Daniel Jones wants to live up to that contract.
Number 26: Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Will Mcdonald IV
Draft Grade: 85
The strength of the Cowboys is there pass rush but why not double down on their strength. Cowboys DC Dan Quinn will love Mcdonald because of his speed and strength. You always need more guys to get after the QB.
Number 27: Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Adetomiwa Adebawore
Draft Grade: 87
After drafting Jalen Carter, the Seahawks double down and go interior lineman with their pick. The former Northwestern star uses quick twitch and high-end athleticism to get to the quarterback.
Number 28: Cincinati Bengals
Selection: Bryan Breese
Draft Grade:88
The Bengals have some guys on the D-line in an expiring contract. Breese can be a player who can help the Bengals move into the future and be a high-level performer on a rookie contract.
Number 29: New Orleans Saints
Selection: Myles Murphy
Draft Grade: 86
The Saints need to fill an edge rusher need and show Derek Carr respect by not moving up to select Hendon Hooker
Number 30: Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Brian Branch
Draft Grade: 89
Brian Branch is a really good safety who is versatile he can play in the slot, near the line of scrimmage or centerfield. Nick Saban was really high on him. He's pretty fast for a safety as he ran a 4.58.
Number 31: Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Felix Anudike Uzomah
Selection: 90
Uzomah is an ascending pass rusher with a fast first step and a handful of power. The Chief could use more guys who can get after the Quarterback!
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