First Meaningless 2025 Mock

[Water Boy]

I have Tackle anxiety. If we pass in the first round, no way am I assuming Connerly will be sitting there at 38. Maybe Esery. I also think Trapillo could go round 2. I don't assume he'd be sitting there at 69. I honestly could see the Pats drafting Trapillo at 38 or in a slight trade back scenario if they go in a different direction round 1.

 

[Wilfork#75]

I know these mock draft simulators aren’t very accurate but I love this haul. I’m all aboard the double trade down for Josh Simmons idea. I think he is the best pure LT in this draft. Donovan Jackson would be an upgrade at LG and could fill in at LT if Simmons isn’t ready to start the year, just like at Ohio State.

Swinson is a huge upside edge rusher that seems to be criminally underrated. He should be a first round pick. A perfect complement to our pass rusher stable.

TreVeyon Henderson and Tre Harris are the weapons Drake Maye needs. Henderson could be this years Jahmyr Gibbs, just an explosive weapon. Harris is my favourite X receiver in this draft. I’ve spoken about him in the WR thread.

With Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and Keion White we have some guys that can penetrate from the interior. Alfred Collins gives you that stout run stuffer in the middle that also has some upside with his athleticism.

I don’t feel good about any of our OL long term so adding more talent and depth is always good. Jared Wilson is the best pure C in this draft and would fit well with any blocking scheme. Belton is a mauler that could be the long term answer at RG or RT depending on how things shake out. He could also be an option at LT if Simmons can’t start the season.

That is 8 top 100 picks that could be eventual starters for this team. Beyond that I was just looking for guys that could carve out a role. Will Howard is probably the best of the developmental QB’s but shouldn’t be a treat to Maye.

Mullings is one of my favourite RB in this draft and would be the perfect ‘Thunder’ compliment to Henderson’s ‘Lightning’. Mumpfield I actually have a hard time finding a path onto the roster but he is so good he was too good to pass up. Especially with Josh as OC. Mickens is a talented safety that is severely underrated in these simulators and Sanders is another powerful runner that could add some depth, likely on the practice squad.

I know the multiple trade downs at the top aren’t going to happen, but the depth in the 2nd/3rd round this year is fantastic. There might not be blue chip talent, but there is a lot of talent.

 

[State]

I am not so sure this one is the real thing. Traded with the Jete again for 7 and 42, Took BPA Loveland at #38, about ran to the dais with the card on that one, haven't seen him fall to #38 before. Hampton also dropped and was BPA at #42. Debated Ozzy at #69 but took Higgins, and then Ozzy was still there at #77. Jack was a riser today, got old stand by Moore at #144, and was surprised to see Blue there at #171. Everyone an his brother has Lampkin at #220, QB Gabriel dropped all the way down to there, so you'd probably have to take him. Took the championship pedigree late at #238.

I should start forcing myself to take other names besides the guys I do. Campbell, Higgins, Lampkin, Moore, Trapilo and Sawyer have all been in a handful of my mocks, and Hampton has made a couple of late.

Great job. But do we need to draft a QB, esp at 171? I think the Syracuse QB would be ideal there.

 

[State]

I know these mock draft simulators aren’t very accurate but I love this haul. I’m all aboard the double trade down for Josh Simmons idea. I think he is the best pure LT in this draft. Donovan Jackson would be an upgrade at LG and could fill in at LT if Simmons isn’t ready to start the year, just like at Ohio State.

Swinson is a huge upside edge rusher that seems to be criminally underrated. He should be a first round pick. A perfect complement to our pass rusher stable.

TreVeyon Henderson and Tre Harris are the weapons Drake Maye needs. Henderson could be this years Jahmyr Gibbs, just an explosive weapon. Harris is my favourite X receiver in this draft. I’ve spoken about him in the WR thread.

With Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and Keion White we have some guys that can penetrate from the interior. Alfred Collins gives you that stout run stuffer in the middle that also has some upside with his athleticism.

I don’t feel good about any of our OL long term so adding more talent and depth is always good. Jared Wilson is the best pure C in this draft and would fit well with any blocking scheme. Belton is a mauler that could be the long term answer at RG or RT depending on how things shake out. He could also be an option at LT if Simmons can’t start the season.

That is 8 top 100 picks that could be eventual starters for this team. Beyond that I was just looking for guys that could carve out a role. Will Howard is probably the best of the developmental QB’s but shouldn’t be a treat to Maye.

Mullings is one of my favourite RB in this draft and would be the perfect ‘Thunder’ compliment to Henderson’s ‘Lightning’. Mumpfield I actually have a hard time finding a path onto the roster but he is so good he was too good to pass up. Especially with Josh as OC. Mickens is a talented safety that is severely underrated in these simulators and Sanders is another powerful runner that could add some depth, likely on the practice squad.

I know the multiple trade downs at the top aren’t going to happen, but the depth in the 2nd/3rd round this year is fantastic. There might not be blue chip talent, but there is a lot of talent.

Any mock with more than three Ohio State Buckeyes in it is knocking it out of the ballpark. But at 144 was center Seth McLaughlin available? If so, gotta go with him. Two RBs is enough: a stud and a receiving option.

 

[Steve102]

Great job. But do we need to draft a QB, esp at 171? I think the Syracuse QB would be ideal there.

I didn't take a QB, I took Jaydon Blue at #171. I was surprised Gabriel was still there, and I find that unlikely, which is why I didn't take him. I think if it were an IRL situation, you'd probably take him and hope you could move him for more assets. Kinda like they did... oh wait, never mind.

 

[manxman2601]

I would love this.



Take Trapilo, Sampson, iOL of choice or a pass rusher with 77 and call it a day.

 

[manxman2601]

I would love this.



Take Trapilo, Sampson, iOL of choice or a pass rusher with 77 and call it a day.

38 becomes interesting because of the equalisation of talent between those prospects in the 20-50 range. There could be really good talent, like Grant, falling.

If we take LT at 4, 38 is the pick I’m most looking forward to. If we don’t, it becomes the pick I’m most dreading because so much will be left to chance. Will the right LT fall? Will we get a trade up?

 

[mnpatfan]

I’m all aboard the double trade down for Josh Simmons idea.

I'm also all aboard the trade down into the late teens/early 20s, if Hunter is off the board at 4. Pick up one of Conerly/Banks/Simmons there. Draft another OT (Ersery/Trapilo) and a talented WR (Higgins, et al) in round 2 with one of the trade picks.

That gives the team two shots at starting tackles rather than one of Campbell and Membou.

An ideal scenario might be a trade with the Seahawks if Carter is dangling at number 4. Pick 4 for their 18, 50, and 52. Get Simmons or Conerly at 18. A WR at 38 and Trapilo or Ersery at 50. Move up from 50, if one of Trapilo or Ersery go off the board after 38.

Might be able to extract four picks from Seattle in exchange for the 4th pick...

 

[bakes781]

38 becomes interesting because of the equalisation of talent between those prospects in the 20-50 range. There could be really good talent, like Grant, falling.

If we take LT at 4, 38 is the pick I’m most looking forward to. If we don’t, it becomes the pick I’m most dreading because so much will be left to chance. Will the right LT fall? Will we get a trade up?

If we don't take LT it's because Carter/Hunter fell to us so we are already winning the draft. We can afford to trade up in that scenario. I just wouldn't go higher than 24 with Minnesota.

 

[manxman2601]

If we don't take LT it's because Carter/Hunter fell to us so we are already winning the draft. We can afford to trade up in that scenario. I just wouldn't go higher than 24 with Minnesota.

Providing Conerly is still on the board. Providing there's someone that wants to trade us. That's what I worry about - the variables. And of course it means giving up a top 100 pick. At least.

 

[bakes781]

Providing Conerly is still on the board. Providing there's someone that wants to trade us. That's what I worry about - the variables. And of course it means giving up a top 100 pick. At least.

Well as we know Minnesota has so few picks that they seem the most likely to be willing. Plus it puts us ahead of Houston. All that said I'm sure a lot of teams will be calling the Vikings.

 

[State]

We should have a fun contest of mock drafts maximizing Ohio State players.

 

[bakes781]

We should have a fun contest of mock drafts maximizing Ohio State players.

I tried my best

 

[manxman2601]

I tried my best

Ohio State and State of Ohio. I see what you did there.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Ohio State and State of Ohio. I see what you did there.

Even picked up a future draft pick from the state of Ohio.

 

[manxman2601]

This is my (almost) final predictive mock. I say almost, because whilst I feel pretty good about it, some new information might come to light to change things. but for now, this is it for what it's worth.

I've used the consensus big board to judge values and I'm not making any trades just because they're too difficult to predict.


4. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The most compelling argument for this pick for me is how much drafting a LT at 4 makes the rest of the draft easier. Yes this could be Membou, and I'd be fine with that, but my gut says it'll be Campbell.

38. Treveyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

I think it's clear that one of the goals of this draft for the team is to add speed to the offense. They've looked at almost every speed RB and a lot of speedy WRs. Henderson is one speed RB they haven't met with as far as we know and I find that intriguing. This pick could easily be a WR and I could have gone WR here and Dylan Sampson in the third but I've gone with my preferred prediction for what will happen.

It's very possible that Henderson is off the board at 38 and if that's the case, bump up my WR pick to 38, preferably with a trade back, and substitute in Sampson in the third.

68. Jack Bech, WR, TCU

There are so many interesting WR options in the 2nd - 3rd range like Higgins, Harris, Noel and Williams. I went with Bech because he offers all those things Vrabel said he valued - contested catches and YAC. Chris Godwin, Puka Nakua, Cooper Kupp comps don't hurt his case either. It hurts to pass on Kyle Williams though. I'd be tempted to trade up into the latter half of the 2nd to make this pick.

77.Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

Not much needs to be said here, Stewart offers violence and physicality, grade A effort and production. His ability and willingness to stand up blockers makes him sound like a Vrabel type guy.

106. Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State

I do think Vrabel is looking for competition, or even a replacement, for Marcus Jones in the nickel. I would love to have binky Nohl Williams here but Parrish's 4.35 forty and experience in the nickel, along with the fact that he came for a visit, makes him the pick here.

144. Dont'e Thornton, WR, Tennessee

The FO have taken a long hard look at fast WRs so that could mean Noel or Williams in the 2nd-3rd range, but they also had a number of day three fast receivers in too. To be clear, I don't think this will be the pick and I did have Keandre Lambert-Smith pencilled in here but then it occurred to me. If you want a fast day three WR who's going to add a vertical threat the team is lacking, why not draft the one who is 6'5" and missed out on being the fastest WR at the combine by 1/100th of a second? it seems a no-brainer to me.

171. Jake Majors, C, Texas

There has been more interest in centers than guards (almost zero interest) so I've gone center for an interior lineman. This is a quote on Majors: “That [Texas] building is crazy about him because of his leadership and just how sharp he is. He can make protection adjustments on the fly like an NFL veteran". A number of scouting reports on Majors all talk about his protection adjustments which probably gives him a head start on succeeding in the NFL.

220, Cam Horsley, DT, Boston College

The team has shown interest in bigger bodied run defending DTs in the late day three area. Would you like to hazard a guess as to which DT had the highest run stop % amongst P5 interior defenders last year and was second in CFB for total run stops? Yup, this guy.



238. A Kicker

If I'd told you I'd scouted kickers this year, I'd be lying. So I have no idea who is best. This feels like an ideal place to get your pick of the bunch though.

 

[manxman2601]

This is my (almost) final predictive mock. I say almost, because whilst I feel pretty good about it, some new information might come to light to change things. but for now, this is it for what it's worth.

I've used the consensus big board to judge values and I'm not making any trades just because they're too difficult to predict.



220, Cam Horsley, DT, Boston College

The team has shown interest in bigger bodied run defending DTs in the late day three area. Would you like to hazard a guess as to which DT had the highest run stop % amongst P5 interior defenders last year and was second in CFB for total run stops? Yup, this guy.

Splash play DT leaders in 2024



Also, hello Ty Robinson,

 

[zimmy]

I would love that mock from Kiper/Yates. My own final predictive mock is as follows. I haven’t done any trades either although I can definitely see some happening, particularly with those two 3s.

4 - Will Campbell. Sometimes the obvious pick is the right one, Makes too much sense.

38 - Jaylin Noel. Could go one of two ways here. I think defensive line or wide receiver is the target though. They’ve shown some interest in these speed receivers and Noel is my favourite. RB seems a bit of a luxury here given the depth of the class. Kyle Williams is the other option. Both might be had with a trade down a few spots. Just really hoping they don’t take Jayden Higgins over Noel.

69 - Princely Umanmielen - things get a little tricky here as I’m unsure who will be here. I think they will definitely want to find a pass rusher somewhere on day 2 though. If not a DE I think a DT like Farmer, Alexander, Norman-Lott is in play, although the run may start earlier.

77 - Joshua Farmer - see above. I think IOL is in play here too. I wouldn’t be that sold on Bradbury if I were them. Think Jared Wilson would be an excellent developmental center to take. I wanted to find a way to fit Jacob Parrish in as I’m a big fan but couldn’t do it. Wouldn’t be surprised if he is the pick somewhere in the 3 rd though.

106 - RJ Harvey. Think this will be an RB, just not sure which one. Harvey is my favourite of the speed guys so have pencilled him in here. Tuten, Etienne, Crosky-Merritt other options.

144 - Nick Martin. TBH I’m slightly guessing at this point in the draft but there has been a bit of interest in athletic linebackers.

171 - Andres Borregales/Ryan Fitzgerald. They will definitely draft a kicker and I think Vrabel like BB will not mind over drafting to secure their guy. Getting the extra pick in the Milton trade just seems a prime spot to do so.

220/ 238 - no idea. Haven’t got this far in research. Let’s say a developmental OT and a special teamer/CB.

 

[manxman2601]

I would love that mock from Kiper/Yates. My own final predictive mock is as follows. I haven’t done any trades either although I can definitely see some happening, particularly with those two 3s.

4 - Will Campbell. Sometimes the obvious pick is the right one, Makes too much sense.

38 - Jaylin Noel. Could go one of two ways here. I think defensive line or wide receiver is the target though. They’ve shown some interest in these speed receivers and Noel is my favourite. RB seems a bit of a luxury here given the depth of the class. Kyle Williams is the other option. Both might be had with a trade down a few spots. Just really hoping they don’t take Jayden Higgins over Noel.

69 - Princely Umanmielen - things get a little tricky here as I’m unsure who will be here. I think they will definitely want to find a pass rusher somewhere on day 2 though. If not a DE I think a DT like Farmer, Alexander, Norman-Lott is in play, although the run may start earlier.

77 - Joshua Farmer - see above. I think IOL is in play here too. I wouldn’t be that sold on Bradbury if I were them. Think Jared Wilson would be an excellent developmental center to take. I wanted to find a way to fit Jacob Parrish in as I’m a big fan but couldn’t do it. Wouldn’t be surprised if he is the pick somewhere in the 3 rd though.

106 - RJ Harvey. Think this will be an RB, just not sure which one. Harvey is my favourite of the speed guys so have pencilled him in here. Tuten, Etienne, Crosky-Merritt other options.

144 - Nick Martin. TBH I’m slightly guessing at this point in the draft but there has been a bit of interest in athletic linebackers.

171 - Andres Borregales/Ryan Fitzgerald. They will definitely draft a kicker and I think Vrabel like BB will not mind over drafting to secure their guy. Getting the extra pick in the Milton trade just seems a prime spot to do so.

220/ 238 - no idea. Haven’t got this far in research. Let’s say a developmental OT and a special teamer/CB.

I like that a lot. There are people I like more than Umanmielen and Harvey but I can certainly see their upside. You’re probably right in WR at 38 - I just have this feeling about Henderson there but a WR makes a ton of sense. I love the options at 38 though.

 

[Steve102]

I tried something different this time. I used @manxman2601 visit list and took guys they have had contact with. I traded #77 and next year's R2 (ugh) to Houston to get back in to R2 to get Ozzy, but now the OL is pretty much sound with these picks plus Majors at #177. I was surprised Princely was there at #69, so that was nice. Pat Bryant at #106 was a reach, but he was the only WR available on the list of meetings. Sampson was best RB available and he matched up with the value and the slot. Majors was a planned pick all along at #171, so that worked, McWilliams and Griffith were ranked lower and were probably gong to be available as UDFA, but I gave myself the task of taking guys they met with, so I picked them.

It was more work than I thought, as opposed to going "ooo I like this guy *click*". This will be one to look back on and see how close I got.