Well gentlemen (and lord), the wait is finally over. We are a day away from the draft and this one is going to be very interesting.
The Chiefs have 12 picks with two picks in each of the first four rounds. This should help them refortify the team. The Chargers have 10 picks with four in the final round. The Broncos have 9 picks after trading multiple selections for QB Russell Wilson. The Raiders have 5 picks after trading their top two picks for WR Davante Adams.
This mock will be the first three picks for each team. Let’s rock and roll….
Denver Broncos
Team Needs: OT, TE, LB
Picks #64 Abraham Lucas, OT Washington State
Lucas is a big right tackle with the frame to wall off defenders. With Russell Wilson at the helm, protecting him becomes priority number one. Lucas should be the starter for years to come.
Pick #75 Isaiah Likely, TE Coastal Carolina
Likely is smooth and instinctive in the open-field after the catch. He is a vertical threat with very good speed. Teams will have to game plan for him and he will give Wilson an outstanding weapon to go with Albert O.
Pick #96 Brian Asamoah, ILB Oklahoma
Asamoah is one of the most explosive off-ball linebackers. He is good in coverage and has the speed to match up with backs. He will push for playing time in year one.
Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: OT, DT, WR
Pick #86 Daniel Faalele, OT Minnesota
Faalele is a massive right tackle with exceptional height, bulk and arm length. He has the power to overwhelm defenders in the run game. McDaniels has had success with big right tackles in his offense.
Pick #126 Matthew Butler, DT Tennessee
Butler has the active hands, body control and top-end speed to develop into a disruptive interior pass-rusher. He is also able to play in either line set which is a requirement for the hybrid defense deployed by the Raiders.
Pick #164 Tyquan Thornton, WR Baylor
Thornton has good instincts and the ability to create separation on the move. He’s a vertical threat with elite speed. This is exactly what the Raiders need for their offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: OT, DT, LB
Pick #17 Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa
Penning is an outstanding run blocker and relentless mauler who overwhelms defenders at the point of attack. Add him to last year’s pick and the Chargers have a set of the best bookends in the NFL.
Pick #79 Phidarian Mathis, DT Alabama
Mathis has the long arms to lock out blockers. He locates the ball quickly and explodes to and through ball carriers. He is really good against the run and has pass rush ability, that is something the Chargers really need.
Pick #123 Brandon Smith, ILB Penn State
Smith is a rangy run-defender who flies around the field and has outstanding speed. A true thumper in the middle is something that is needed to improve the Chargers horrible run defense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: WR, EDGE, ILB
Pick #29 Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas
Burks is a thickly built receiver who excels after the catch and is a mismatch. He is AJ Brown 2.0 but because of his 40 time at the Combine he slips to the bottom of the draft and right into Andy Reid’s hands. What a steal.
Pick #30 Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Mafe has one of the fastest get-offs in this class. He has impressive torso flexibility and explosive finishing burst. He should be great on the other side of Frank Clark.
Pick #50 Christian Harris, ILB Alabama
Harris is a sideline-to-sideline run-defender who sifts through traffic and closes well. He is a great fit and is a technical guru with defensive schemes.
There are going to be a lot of trades and a lot of surprises in this draft. Not sure how it is all going to play out but it should make for some interesting tv. Here is to hoping your team shits the bed. Til then………FO!