1. TJ Hockenson - TE - Iowa - 6'5" - 251
When we pick, I have a feeling this could be the best player on the board. This kid has all the upside in the world to be a complete TE and one of the best in the game. Plus I'm feeling a little nostalgic. The year we drafted Heath Miller in the 1st was the same year we won SuperBowl XL. In fact, we went to 3 of 6 SuperBowls following the year we drafted Heath. My heart says draft a difference maker on D. Even trade up for a stud. But if we stay put in round 1, I think this pick makes so much sense because I expect the guys I really like to be gone.
2. Nasir Adderley - DB - Delaware - 6'0 - 206
Interesting small school prospect. He's a S that played a couple years at CB before making the switch. He's versatile and an all around solid football player. He's got HOF bloodlines which has to be a positive on some level. I'm really not sure where he'll go, but if he's there, tremendous risk/reward pick.
3. a. Mecole Hardman - WR - Georgia - 5'10 - 187
Not a ton of experience as a WR, but lightning quick. This is a kid that will take the top off a D and is one of the few WRs I like. I think he's another risk / reward pick that could be a game changer on O with his speed.
3. b. Germaine Pratt - ILB - NC State - 6'2" - 240
This is one of my favorite unheralded players in the draft. He makes tackles. He's all over the field. He's raw only starting for 1 year but he is a football player. Converted from S to LB, he's the hybrid S/LB that we've been looking for. I think he might be a better fit for us than the top 3 ILBs a lot of people like.
4. Miles Sanders - RB - Penn State - 5"11" - 211
Gotta be a homer somewhere in my draft so I'm going to go with the Pittsburgh kid that went to PSU. I've read some negatives on the guy, but to me he looks pretty effective. Solid frame, shifty, quick and I think he could do just as well as Conner in our O.
5. Jordan Brailford - OLB - Oklahoma State - 6'3" - 252
I think he's a guy with some potential at the position. Lots of production, but doesn't measure with the top end edge rushers. I think he can eventually become a quality starter. At worst, I'd see him as a Vince Williams or Larry Foote of OLBs from the perspective of not crazy athletic, but smart, hard working, and will produce on the football field.
6. a. Anthony Nelson - DL - Iowa - 6'7" - 271
All these great Dlinemen and I feel like I waited too long to pick one. In Mock 2.0, I might change up some of the positions a bit and the rounds. But I like AN's potential. Seems like he has a frame to get bigger and stronger and he seems like a hard working/effort guy that would put in the work to get better.
6. b. Matt Gay - K - Utah
Just picked a K. This guy seems to have a big leg. Feel like this is an area of need at some point.
6. c. Jake Bailey - P - Stanford
Seems to be the punter with the biggest leg and hang time. We have enough picks to grab a punter at some point. And a good one is super valuable.
7. Sutton Smith - LB - Northern Illinois - 6' - 233
One of the most productive player in college. He's a penetration machine. He's got an insane motor. But I have no idea how he can make it as an OLB at the NFL level given his size. I have a feeling this is the kind of kid that turns into a ST Pro Bowler. He's all effort and hustle. I think he'd have a positive impact on the culture even if he only makes it as a ST player. But then again, he'd been so productive, I think he'd figure out a way to contribute.
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