Each year, the greatest college football players in the country gather for the NFL mock draft. Each team in the league has the opportunity to make a draft pick, with the sequence of selections determined by the finish of the teams in the previous season. The draft is an important opportunity for teams to assemble winning rosters for the future.
Mock draft, which attempt to guess the order in which players will be taken, proliferate in the weeks leading up to the draft. Though not always spot-on, mock drafts are a great way to see how scouts, analysts, and team officials think about the draft. In this post, we’ll examine the expected first-round picks in a mock NFL draft and evaluate each player’s strengths, shortcomings, and team fit.
Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are likely to take quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall choice because of his high profile as the draft’s top quarterback prospect. Lawrence is a classic example of a pocket passer because to his powerful arm and pinpoint accuracy. He can make plays with his legs when called for, and he has experience in the big games.
The Jaguars have long been in search of a franchise quarterback, and in Lawrence, they may have found their man. He’d be joining a young squad in the midst of a rebuild that’s not without hope for the future. With Urban Meyer as head coach and Darrell Bevell as offensive coordinator, Lawrence would have a great chance to flourish.
Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU – New York Jets
With the second choice in the draft, the New York Jets will likely take a quarterback. In recent months, Zach Wilson has risen up draft boards and is now widely regarded as the draft’s second-best quarterback. Wilson is a versatile playmaker who can throw and move with ease. He can quickly release the ball and make accurate throws while in motion.
After cutting ties with Sam Darnold, the Jets are in the market for a new quarterback. Wilson would be joining a club coached by new coaches in Robert Saleh as head coach and Mike LaFleur as offensive coordinator. They, too, are in the midst of a rebuild, and like the Patriots, the Jets have a number of draft picks to use. Wilson might become the team’s public face and guide them to a successful future.
Penei Sewell, Offensive Tackle, Oregon – Miami Dolphins
Penei Sewell is projected to be a franchise left tackle for years to come, and is widely considered the greatest offensive lineman in the draft. Sewell is a formidable run blocker thanks to his exceptional speed and agility. He’s big and strong enough to hold his own against imposing pass rushers, yet nimble enough to fend off agile ones.
Many nfl mock draft have projected the Miami Dolphins selecting Sewell third overall. If the Dolphins want to get the most out of their young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, they need to keep him safe. Sewell may be an integral part of the team’s revival if he were to take up residence on the left side of the offensive line.
Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Florida – Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts is a physical marvel who has the potential to become one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Pitts is a matchup problem for opposition opponents due to his remarkable speed and agility for a player of his height. He’s versatile enough to line up wherever, giving opposing linebackers and safeties trouble.
Many draft projections see the Atlanta Falcons selecting quarterback Robert Pitts with the fourth overall pick. The Falcons have a formidable passing attack in Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, but Pitts would be a welcome addition. Pitts has the potential to be a long-term successor for the aging Hayden Hurst at tight end, and he would immediately improve the team’s red zone attack.
Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, LSU – Cincinnati Bengals
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been called the greatest prospect in this year’s draft and has the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level. Chase is a huge, fast, athletic wide receiver with good hands who can make challenged catches. He can break free from defenders and is a goal threat whenever he has possession of the ball.
Numerous mock drafts have projected the Cincinnati Bengals to choose Chase with the fifth overall pick. Joe Burrow, a rookie quarterback for the Bengals, and Chase were college teammates at LSU, so they have a lot of chemistry. With Chase joining the team’s elite core of wideouts, the passing game should be set for years to come.
Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama – Miami Dolphins
One other exciting wide receiver prospect with-changing potential is Jaylen Waddle. Waddle possesses great speed and agility, making him a danger to score a touchdown on any play. He has the ability to make contested catches and is a refined route runner.
Many mock drafts have projected the Miami Dolphins to choose Waddle with the sixth overall pick. The Dolphins, who have a promising young quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, must provide him with tools to succeed. Waddle would be a great addition to the passing attack and would pair well with DeVante Parker.
Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio State – Detroit Lions
Another promising young quarterback in Justin Fields, who has all the tools to become a star in the NFL. Fields can make plays with his legs and possesses great arm strength and accuracy. He’s demonstrated a knack for making snap judgments and moving the ball swiftly.
The seventh overall pick belongs to the Detroit Lions, who could use a new quarterback. Fields would be joining a squad with new coaches in place, including Dan Campbell at head coach and Anthony Lynn as offensive coordinator. The Lions can restock their roster with many picks in this year’s draft.
Conclusion
Football fans often get pumped up for the NFL mock draft, and this year is no exception. Mock drafts are not perfect, but they do show us how scouts, analysts, and team executives think. It will be exciting to watch the top draft picks grow into stars in the league. They may have an impact for years to come.