#BetterCastMockDraft
by connorrice26 | 7 years ago | 0 Comments
It is what it is. I did not look at either of the previously published mock drafts beforehand, as I didn't want to be biased by other people's opinions.
1. Arizona Cardinals
ROLB Frank Udeze, 23 yrs old, UCLA
There were a number of different directions Crooked16th could go that would all benefit a talented yet rapidly aging roster, and given the utter lack of depth at the OLB positions I see them taking Frank Udeze to shore up a position that gets real ugly, real quick. Udeze has impressed scouts with his combination of raw power and veteran finesse, and barring a dropoff at the combine we can project Udeze as an instant impact player.
2. Oakland Raiders
MLB Mack Victorian, 23 yrs old, Auburn
The first reach of the draft already! I think this is a case of the Raiders overlooking projections and taking care of what is by far their biggest area of need in MLB. Based purely on early scouting reports Victorian looks to be one of the breakout stars of the draft as well as by far the best MLB availible, and Oakland's current crop of MLB's is absolutely disgusting.
3. Buffalo Bills
WR Terrell Echols, 24 yrs old, Notre Dame
Age is undoubtedly a concern for Echols, but he also represents the highest upside by far and an instant impact player for what currently is the worst passing offense in the league. Jordan Matthews can't do it all, and Echols looks to be the reliable slot reciever this team desperately needs.
4. New York Giants
CB Antwan Mullins, 22 yrs old, Florida State
DRC ain't getting any younger, and pairing up the 6'4 Mullins with rookie phenom Eli Apple will set the Giants secondary in stone for the entirety of the Madden 18 cycle. The ultimate combination of speed and height.
5. Seattle Seahawks
LT Wes Warner, 22 yrs old, Clemson
I mean... was there ever any doubt? Seattle's two current starting tackles are Matt Tobin and Germain Ifedi, and both positions would benefit greatly from the experience and crushing pancake blocks that Warner would deliver. Furthermore, Warner has the championship pedigree with Clemson that the Seahawks are always looking for.
6. Indianapolis Colts
RB Felix Hopkins, 24 yds old, USC
Gotta replace the ancient Frank Gore at some point, and in what isn't an especially deep draft for running backs I see Indianapolis making the talent grab and going after the powerful Hopkins. Given that he's projected as a power back there are concerns as to whether his style of running is dying out in the Better League, but as long as his 40-yd time isn't too horrible the Colts will have a real piece to work with.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LOLB Eric Jennings, 22 yrs old, Wisconsin
Current rookie LOLB Kendell Beckwith just isn't a viable starting option moving forward, and the Bucs will shore up a clear area of weakness and add one more piece to what's already one of the more talented rosters in the league. Jennings excels at pursuing the ballcarrier in run situations, but questions remain about his coverage abilities. We'll see if Lub will be the right defensive coordinator to mold Jennings into a true weapon.
8. Carolina Panthers
QB Carson Street, 22 yrs old, Pittsburgh
After having traded Pro Bowler and franchise QB Cam Newton to the Rams in exchange for a string of picks, it's become clear that replacement Jacoby Brisett isn't the answer. Here, I see Carolina drafting the pocket passer in Street to bring a new style of quarterbacking to a franchise that is used to years of versatile, dual-threat packages. Sure, he may have no one to throw it to, but that'll be handled later in the draft.
9. Baltimore Ravens
WR Martinez Baker, 23 yrs old, Notre Dame
Though Flacco is rapidly aging, his 97 THP makes him a viable starter for a couple more years. Here, the Ravens will bolster a top-heavy WR corps with the selection of Baker, an impressive slot reciever who comes down with everything and will bring a steady presence to a Ravens offense that has struggled at times throughout the season.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
DT Ruben Mincey, 22 yrs old, Ohio State
The first couple of rounds for Pittsburgh should be spent exclusively on the defensive side of the ball, and here Mincey's finally found the right fit. The prototype DT will immediately bolster the interior and should look to create havoc in a division that features a mediocre set of QB's.