We're almost there gentlemen. Draft night is upon us, so that means one last chance at truly uninhibited speculation. This time next week, the 253 selected draftees as well as the dozens of UDFA's will be settling in to their new homes. For us, the frantic overthinking will commence as we hypothesize on opportunity and which unknown will overcome his depth chart position. So until then, enjoy this last look as I try and predict who will have their name called in our Dynasty Draft's first round. To make this a quicker read, I will forgo in-depth analysis and instead pick the player and give a one sentence (or two) reason for the selection. Enjoy!
Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles where there is little competition on the roster and he will push 60+ receptions, will lead the team in rushing attempts, and also be a return specialist.
(1.2) Gold Standard
Joe Mixon
YOU HEARD ME! Mixon is polarizing but is the optimal running back for the current NFL. He won't be a first rounder but I see the Bengals or Colts jumping on him early in 2nd round and he'll contribute day one like a true first round player.
(1.3) Above Average Joes
Leonard Fournette
After tumbling due to being picked by Jacksonville, another talented Tiger falls to Joey. If this happens I wouldn't be surprised to hear him using, "laissez les bons temps rouler!" in more conversations.
<he's definitely googling that now to see what it actually means>
(1.4) Garbage Emoji
Dalvin Cook
Tampa Bay scoops up Cook who will be the better backfield committee member with Doug Martin (who's also suspended) and will ultimately take the job full-time. Keegan is ecstatic with this pick.
(1.5) I Vincitori
Corey Davis
The Titans are unfazed by the injury woes that have plagued Davis this Draft Prep season and he becomes the mushroom that Mariota needs to become "Super" once again.
(1.6) Garbage Emoji
John Ross III
The Ravens take a chance on Ross III. "Flash in the pan" Wallace and "Over-hyped Perriman" are on the roster but Ross is a much more polished route runner on top of being the fastest player in NFL history.
(1.7) For Narnia
Alvin Kamara
As of this writing, Marshawn Lynch has not signed with the Raiders. With that in mind, the soon-to-be Sin City Raiders take an RB early, but not early enough for Mixon. They settle for Kamara and hope he lives up to the hype.
(1.8) DaBert
Mike Williams
This pick has been a "thing" ever since the season ended. Buffalo confirms the rumor and grabs another Clemson wideout to help spring Sammy Watkins free and open up the offense.
(1.9) Tom-a-Hank
Kareem Hunt
After letting Gillislee walk to Foxboro, the Bills need a compliment and potential replacement to LeSean McCoy (who somehow will only turn 29 this season). Hunt is a sleeper from Toledo who checks all the boxes, but didn't get the publicity because the Rockets play in the MAC.
(1.10) Gold Standard
DeShaun Watson
Jonathan doesn't pick again until 3.06 and that may be too late to snag a potential franchise QB. The Browns are more than likely going to draft the hometown kid Trubisky, but Watson carries the most fantasy intrigue and potential. I see the 49ers trading back from the second spot and grabbing Watson with an early 2nd or the late 1st they get in their haul.
(1.11) Above Average Joes
OJ Howard
I'm not predicting trades so in this instance I believe Howard lands with the Giants and helps a leaky O-Line as well as provide Eli a safety blanket. Joe has youth at the TE spot, but until Antonio Gates retires Henry will have competition and Houston still needs a viable QB.
(1.12) Garbage Emoji
D'Onta Foreman
Green Bay replaces their departed bruiser with another. Foreman could also see some early down carries and compliment Montgomery who was dinged up at times last season.
Well, that's all I got. As you've probably seen in the prior mocks, there are a handful of players that have appeared (and disappeared) with each release. My plan for our "Post-NFL Draft" mock draft is to include at least two full rounds so keep an eye out for that! In the meantime, enjoy the Draft and...
