Tag Archives: NFL Draft

News

Ryan Poles Issues Telling Statement on Bears’ Plans for NFL Draft Day 2

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The Chicago Bears came away with the potential final piece of their offensive line taking University of Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft but they still have a glaring need for some reinforcements along the defensive line.

To get some, Bears general manager Ryan Poles is willing to be mobile.

Bears GM on Day 2 of NFL Draft: ‘We Might Have to Maneuver’

“I think that’s going to play into, based on the numbers that we have, we feel confident that there’s going to be opportunity there,” Poles told reporters from Halas Hall. “We might have to maneuver a little bit and see what we can do. And I’ve seen that before where you try to move and you strike out once the pairing doesn’t make sense. And the guy or guys fall to you which is always a good experience too. But, yeah, we might have to move a little bit and see what happens. But I feel good about it.”

Players such as Keion White of Georgia Tech or Isaiah Foskey of Notre Dame would seem to be nice fits. LSU’s BJ Ojulari is undersized but the Bears showed interest in Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith who ultimately wound up with the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 30.

The Bears’ next slot is not until pick No. 53.

That is a long time to wait – 22 selections – with such a glaring need and a run on the position happening near the tail end of Round 1.

Poles pulled off a trade back, dropping just one spot after swapping picks with the Philadelphia Eagles and picking up a 2024 first-round pick in the process. He noted during his availability that other teams were looking to trade up to No. 9. But, perhaps in a show of just how highly he thought of Wright, Poles also indicated he was uncomfortable with just how far they would have to fall back in that or any other potential deals, so Wright it was with the 10th pick.

Ryan Poles Avoided Common Issue

To that point, ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano reported that, during his conversations with league personnel, multiple teams had fewer first-round grades than he is used to hearing.

“Before the draft, I like to ask teams how many first-round grades have you given out this year, how many guys in your first round,” Graziano said on ESPN’s ‘Get Up’ on April 28. “This year we were hearing some 10s, and 11s, and 12s.”

Bears Asst. GM Sends Strong Message About Jalen Carter, Draft Plans

Now, though, Poles will have to get creative to fill at least one more key need.

Day 2 should bring plenty of surprises with the Bears also possessing picks Nos. 61 and 64. Perhaps Poles packages two or all three of those to make a move up for a coveted prospect.

Darnell Wright Sends Message to Justin Fields

Wright came across as very thoughtful in his answers but he made no bones about how confident he is in his ability.

“You see on tape, I’m big and I’m strong, Wright told reporters in his first press conference via Zoom. “But I don’t think people realize, once they really get to see some more of me, they’ll see how athletic I am. I can play on both sides if needed…I can play probably anywhere on the line. My athleticism will speak for itself, and I just want to get better and better with my technique.”

But his best line was about quarterback Justin Fields.

Fields tied for the league lead in sacks taken last season with 55 and has taken 91 sacks over his first two seasons.

“That’s my only plan.,” Wright said. “That’s what I’m there for…to keep him clean,” he said. “Amazing, amazing quarterback. And the things he does, we’re going to have a great team….protecting him, that’s my job.”

News

Proposed Draft Day Trade Turns Bears’ No. 9 Pick Into Potential Franchise QB

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With some buzz that the Chicago Bears could be looking to trade back even further in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on April 27, a potential trade partner might also be readily available in the Tennessee Titans.

Late Run on QBs Could Benefit Chicago Bears

“The Bears shouldn’t be finished stockpiling picks just yet,” writes Alex Kay for Bleacher Report. “The Tennessee Titans could send a respectable offer Chicago’s way, coughing up a third-round selection—one the Bears could utilize to round out a woeful defense that needs plenty of help—to jump up two spots.

“That positioning would allow the Titans to catch a falling prospect, perhaps a quarterback like Anthony Richardson, on draft night.”

Bears Get:

– 1st Rd Pick (No. 11, 2023)
– 3rd Rd Pick (No. 72, 2023)

Titans Get:

– 1st Rd Pick (No. 9, 2023)

Richardson is a physical specimen quarterback from the University of Florida. He runs a 4.43 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds. He passed for over 2500 yards and 17 touchdowns in his final season down in Gainesville.

The dual-threat passer added over 650 yards and nine scores on the ground.

This is not a new line of thinking but it does fall in line with reports that the Titans have already given up on 2022 third-round pick Malik Willis, per NBC Sports’ Peter King, and are looking to deal.

Bears Asst. GM Sends Strong Message About Jalen Carter, Draft Plans

Several Teams Eyeing Trades Up for QBs

“Can I give you the team that I have been told to keep an eye on that’s exploring this and looking into this?” Jeremiah said on the ‘Move The Sticks’ podcast on March 28. “Again, this is just people around the league who said do not sleep on Numero 11. The Tennessee Titans. The two teams to keep an eye on with the trade-ups were the Raiders and the Titans.”

Tennessee has been pegged as a team to watch for Richardson by Jeremiah’s NFL.com colleague, Charles Davis.

Of course, Las Vegas and Chicago have done business together in the past. They cannot be ruled out after trading Derek Carr to the New Orleans Saints even if it was different regimes in charge of both operations last time.

“The Chicago Bears are one of the most promising young teams in the league. Their gamble on Justin Fields seems to have paid off, which gave them the luxury of collecting a slew of draft assets to drop down from the No. 1 overall spot in this draft,” Kay explains. “The team could trade down yet again, letting a rival team hungry to pounce on a particular prospect have their spot in exchange for some additional capital on Day 2.”

Again, that would seem to fit Tennessee if they are indeed looking into adding Richardson and can’t stomach the cost of moving up to No. 3 and could put Chicago in play.

Bears Could Capitalize on Titans’ QB Need, Trade Down

ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay could also see Tennesee taking Richardson.

“Maybe they love (Florida’s) Anthony Richardson? Maybe they love Will Levis and one of those guys falls?” McShay said, per NFL.com’s Jim Wyatt. “Maybe it gets to pick 7, 8, or 9 and they can make an easy deal and move up a couple of spots and make sure Houston (who also has pick 12) doesn’t trade up ahead of them, or Washington (at 16) doesn’t trade up ahead of them, although I think they are comfortable with their situation for whatever reason. And then at 19, Tampa Bay. So, that will be interesting to see.”

McShay went on ESPN 1000 in Chicago on April 20 and explained that fear of what the Houston Texans may or may not do with the No. 2 overall pick could make Tennessee get antsy, spurring the move up.

Again, the more teams that get involved the better it could be for the Bears. They still have several significant holes to fill, most notably across the offensive and defensive lines.

News

Chicago Bears Draft Buzz: Expert Picks, Latest Rumors, Vegas Odds

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The Chicago Bears go on the clock in the 2023 NFL Draft in just three days and the rumors are swirling. What they will do with the ninth overall pick remains unclear. But there has been plenty of smoke around several key rumors including one that bucks current conventional wisdom.

Bears Draft Rumors: Latest Buzz on Chicago’s Plan for No. 9 Pick

The Experts’ Expectations

NFL.com senior draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah appeared on ‘The Season with Peter Schrager’ on April 20. He delivered a rather surprising revelation.

“Somebody told me don’t sleep on Bijan Robinson with the Chicago Bears at No. 9,” Jeremiah said.

The Bears did let 2022 starter David Montgomery leave in free agency. Meanwhile, Robinson led the Big 12 with 1580 rushing yards and had 18 touchdowns for the Longhorns last season. He added another 314 yards and two scores catching 19 passes out of the backfield en route to winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top back. Robinson was also named a consensus All-American.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Robinson amassed 2707 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns over his last two seasons in Austin. But the Bears already have Khalil Herbert who proved to be serviceable as a fill-in starter last season. They also signed D’Onta Foreman away from the Carolina Panthers this offseason.

Still, it would be the highest a back was taken since Saquon Barkley was selected second overall by the New York Giants in 2018. None of the four runners taken in the first round since then have been taken before pick No. 24 and no back was drafted in the first round last year.

Jeremiah has also joined ESPN’s Louis Riddick in saying that Tennesee offensive tackle Darnell Wright is a good fit.

There is another option that is gaining steam, according to ESPN draft expert Todd McShay.

Of course, a trade back would almost certainly take the Bears out of the running for the current betting favorite to land in Chicago with the ninth overall pick.

The Sharp Money

Wright closed last week tied as the consensus market favorite to be the Bears’ pick at No. 9. The other option is unquestionably the draft’s most polarizing prospect in Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter.

Carter has been called the most talented prospect on the board but a string of questionable decisions – one of which involved the loss of two lives – has put red flags next to his name. At No. 9, it is a wonder if the Bears general manager Ryan Poles would be comfortable taking a player who seems like such a high risk.

The Bears have had Carter out for multiple visits, however, and the talent of the 6-foot-3, 300-plus pounder is undeniable.

Chicago needs help in enough places to make it nearly impossible to nail down even a specific position group even this close to the draft. To that point offensive linemen Peter Skoronski of Northwestern and Paris Johnson Jr. of Ohio State are also popular guesses.

Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Poles has “zeroed in” on Justin Fields’ former college teammate.

“Knowing the scouting tree that Poles is coming from, I’d think it’ll be Paris,” an AFC exec tells Breer. “It’s the size, the length, just having a pass-blocking left tackle, it matches up.”

Breer notes that the Bears’ board is Johnson and Skoronski – presumably in that order — and if both are gone then Poles will turn to the defensive line. That could mean that, if all three are available, Carter is still third in his eyes.

News

One-Shot Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Picks, Trades, and Predictions

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With two weeks to go until the 2023 NFL Draft, there’s no better time to take our annual swing at predicting how things will go.

The Chicago Bears are currently slated to pick ninth overall after trading down from the No. 1 overall pick. They got back a package that included a 2024 first-round pick as well as stud wide receiver D.J. Moore, an addition his agent (naturally) says the Bears were wise to insist on.

Their free agency haul has also crossed off a few needs or, at the very least, has rearranged just what positions they might prioritize over the Draft’s three days. They feel like a near lock to fortify the trenches in some form or fashion but just which direction they go is still very much up in the air.

That just leaves plenty of wiggle room on this one-shot mock draft.

Bears One-Shot Mock Draft: Chicago Fills Need, Bolsters Backfield Early

Day 1: Attack The Trenches

Round 1, Pick 9: Calijah Kancey
DT – Pitt – 6’1, 291lbs

The Bears buck all conventional hypotheses and go with a player naturally compared to his fellow former Pitt Panther – Super Bowl champion and professional havoc-bringer of the Los Angeles Rams – Aaron Donald.

It’s not just the similar frames or the same college, either. Calijah Kancey earned the comparison through his explosive play on the field.

He won’t be a big help against the run – where free-agent acquisition Andrew Billings could pay off. But Kancey racked up 14.5 sacks over his final two seasons at Pitt and had 14.5 tackles for loss in his senior season alone earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as being named a consensus All-American.

There is some concern due to his measurements – smaller frame, short arms, etc.

But Kancey matches his production and tape with the confidence to let his detractors know about both, including possibly how he would feel about being a Bear.

For whatever it is worth, Kancey’s arms measured just two inches shorter than Donald’s.

Even if the Bears don’t like Kancey at No. 9 overall, he could be intriguing as an alternative to Georgia standout Jalen Carter after trading back a few spots.

Safe Pick: Peter Skoronski – T – Northwestern

The versatile Peter Skoroknski would be an easy choice and few people would fault the Bears for making it if he makes it to them at No. 9 overall.

Day 2: Build on Strengths

Round 2, Pick 53: Tyrique Stevenson
CB – Miami – 6’, 198lbs

Cornerback doesn’t jump off the page as a need for the Bears but today’s NFL requires three capable corners to keep up with three-receiver and spread looks. Chicago took Kyler Gordon in the second round of last year’s draft but he was used more as the nickelback before Jaylon Johnson suffered his season-ending injury.

Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson could come in and fill the spot opposite Johnson which was manned by a platoon including Kindle Vildor and Jaylon Jones last season, both of whom allowed completion percentages over 65%.

The stoutly built Stevenson has the traits to hold it down on the outside from Day 1.

 

Facing Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings and Christian Watson with the Green Bay Packers – both of whom stand taller than 6’ – locking down the perimeter is paramount.

Interesting Option: Julius Brents – CB – Kansas State

There aren’t many corners built like the 6-foot-3 Julius Brents but that’s why he could make for an under-the-radar choice for many of the same reasons as noted for Stevenson

Round 2, Pick 61: Zach Charbonnet
RB – UCLA – 214lbs

Things get interesting here with the Bears already rostering Khalil Herbert and signing both D’Onta Foreman and Travis Homer this offseason, though the latter is more of a special teams contributor.

Former UCLA workhorse Zach Charbonnet offers a combination of traits found in all three but not all in any one of the current Bears.

The 6-foot, 214-pounder toted the rock a ton in college – 566 carries – but was productive with over 3300 yards and nearly 40 rushing scores in four seasons split between the University of Michigan and UCLA.

Herbert has averaged 4.9 yards per carry and has one rushing touchdown in three career starts.

Foreman came within 100 yards of his first career 1000-yard season despite only garnering nine starts for the Carolina Panthers last season.

But the former has just two years left on his contract while the latter is on a one-year pact and the Bears have already shown a willingness to allow backs to leave for what they might view as greener pastures. Former bellcow David Montgomery signed a seemingly reasonable deal with the division-rival Detroit Lions just this offseason.

Round 3, Pick 64: Andre Carter II
EDGE – Army – 6’6.5, 256lbs

Perhaps only a situational pass rusher at this point, Andre Carter II’s 6-foot-6 frame and 33-plus-inch arms have the former Black Knight set to become the first player from that branch of the military selected in the first round since 1947.

He had just 3.5 sacks last season as opponents keyed in on him after he recorded 14.5 in a breakout 2021 campaign.

The level of competition that he faced will always be a question.

But the Bears need pass-rush help in the worst way and Carter could be just the kind of high-upside play to remedy that.

The Big Trade:

As possible as it is that Bears general manager Ryan Poles trades back at some point to pick up additional assets, this could be a prime spot to package up picks some or all of pick Nos. 53, 61, and 64 if a player catches his eye and begins to fall.

Given there was no offensive lineman taken in this mock – a decision made based on the value during mocks on Pro Football Focus and Pro Draft Network – that could be the move.

Would Ohio State’s Dawand Jones or Anton Harris of Oklahoma get them going if they slid?

Day 3 Filled With Fillers And Fliers

Round 4, Pick 103: Wanya Morris
OT – Oklahoma – 6’5, 307lbs

The son of a member of the popular 90s R&B group, Boys II Men, of the same name, Wanya Morris needs to get stronger but is athletic and can play either tackle spot.

Round 4, Pick 133: Kobie Turner
DL – Wake Forest – 6’3, 288lbs

This pick may be overkill. Kobie Turner is similar to Kancey but taller. The Bears could still double-down like in 2004 when they took Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson.

Round 5, Pick 136: Juice Scruggs
C – Penn State – 6’3, 301lbs

The Bears could play Juice Scruggs behind Cody Whitehair in ‘23 with visions of him battling for a starting spot in ‘24.

Round 5, Pick 148: Brandon Joseph
S – Notre Dame – 6’, 202lbs

Starting Safety Eddie Jackson, like Whitehair, has just one more year on his contract. Anthony Johnson out of Iowa State could also be a good fit.

Round 7, Pick 218: Keytaon Thompson
WR – Virginia – 6’4, 217lbs

A converted quarterback who has lined up wide and in the slot. This pick and the next are possible trade fodder.

Round 7, Pick 258: Durell Nchami
EDGE – Maryland – 6’4, 255lbs

A pass-rusher with good movement skills who has missed time due to injuries.

News

Top-5 2021 NFL Draft Classes

The 2021 NFL Draft is over and now we get to snap to judgment and determine with 100% certainty the fate of the young men who heard their names called this weekend. You picked up on the sarcasm there, right? If not, the fact of the matter is it is way too soon to say whether or not any of these picks will hit. But when has that ever stopped us? So let’s get into the five best classes.

We can circle back to the classes that left a little something to be desired. This is a quick look at the best draft classes (or at least our favorites) from the 2021 NFL Draft. There were trades up, trades back, and even non-trades that made the list.

The 5 Best Classes From the 2021 NFL Draft

Honorable Mention: New England Patriots

Anytime there was tons of speculation on what you were going to do, and you do nothing but still land the predicted prospect, it’s a good draft. Bill Belichick has made a habit of psyching out the competition to get what he wants. This year’s top prize was Mac Jones. There was tons of speculation that the 49ers traded up to third overall in order to get Jones. But when they took Trey Lance instead, it set off a chain of events that saw The Hoodie stay the course.

Chicago traded up for a quarterback, but it ended being the guy the Patriots didn’t want all the way until they somehow did. Maybe that was another part of the smokescreen. At any rate, there isn’t a more perfect match and it’s debatable if Jones would have much of a chance in many other situations.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Yes, the Bengals could have opted to take a tackle here and protect Joe Burrow; an idea we came around on in our final mock draft. But can anyone really fault them for appeasing their face of the franchise? Especially when they landed a player in Ja’Marr Chase that has true number-one receiver traits.

Cindy was also able to shut up the haters by taking offensive tackle Jackson Carman in the second round. He protected Trevor Lawrence‘s blindside in college but projects as a right tackle or guard in the NFL. They also added nice pass-rushing help in Joseph Ossai and Cameron Sample and other quality depth in the later rounds.

4. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers set out on a mission to rebuild their offensive line and better protect Justin Herbert next season. Selecting Rashawn Slater with the 13th overall pick goes a long way in that direction. He was the top tackle prospect on many boards and has the versatility to play anywhere along the offensive line.

They added Asante Samuel Jr. in the second round, adding some teeth to their depleted group. He should start alongside Chris Harris and Michael Davis. Josh Palmer of Tennessee in the third-round and Tre’ McKitty in the fourth offer future solid pass-catching options with McKitty even having some blocking chops. They too found good depth later on.

3. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers managed not being able to trade out their draft slot better than most, snagging Jaycee Horn, the top corner on many boards thanks to his superior fluidity in coverage and speed. He joins a retooled secondary after the Panthers ranked 18th in pass defense last season. His father was right, the pick should have gotten more coverage because the Panthers nailed it.

They added versatile receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. to their corps with Robby Anderson in the final year of his contract. Several medical red flags caused him to slip but he’s a first-round talent. Brady Christensen and Tommy Tremble are a pair of hard-nosed players at tackle (or guard) and tight end, respectively. And it’s hard not to like Chiba Hubbard as a backup to Christian McCaffrey. As is the theme with all the teams on this list, Carolina found nice value in later rounds.

2. Minnesota Vikings

Christian Darrisaw was the top tackle prospect on our board. We had him going 11th to the Giants. Not only did the Minnesota Vikings not have to trade up to land him, but they were able to trade back out of the 14th pick and still get him. He should go a long way towards strengthening a line that allowed Kirk Cousins to be sacked 39 times last season.

Getting Kellen Mond in the third was a steal. Many had him projected for a second-round selection while there were even some (far-fetched) rumors he could sneak into the first round. He comes in with a ton of experience and all the time in the world to learn while Cousins is still in town. Both Chazz Surratt and Wyatt Davis could have gone in the second round and, while many may not like the pick of Patrick Jones II, the Vikings took another toolsy player in Danielle Hunter and turned him into one of the best in the business. Camryn Bynum, Janarius Robinson, and Imhir Smith-Marsette all have a chance to contribute

1. Chicago Bears

We’re talking generational shortcomings when discussing the Chicago Bears and the quarterback position. So you’ll have to understand why media and fans alike for gushing over the Bears move up to grab Ohio State’s Justin Fields at 11th overall. Many had him ranked as the second-best passer in this class. It ended months of speculation over whether they would really roll into a season with only Andy Dalton and Nick Foles. Fields shouldn’t see the field in meaningful action this season. But the future is bright in Chicago.

They didn’t stop there in re-tooling their moribund offense, trading up once again to select Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins 39th overall. He projects as a plug-and-play right tackle and brings some much-needed nastiness to their line. They added Larry Borom in the fifth for some added line depth and did the same for the wide receiver room with Dazz Newsome. Pundits are high on 2020 opt-out Thomas Graham Jr.of Oregon and, though running back wasn’t a position of need, Khalil Herbert is an intriguing late-round flier. Khyiris Tonga gives them an actual nose tackle behind the returning Eddie Goldman.

Best of the Best 2021 NFL Draft Classes

These are just our picks for the best classes from the 2021 NFL Draft. Surely there are others that could make a strong argument to crack this list. We’ll address the worst at a later time For now, take a moment to admire the skillful wheeling and dealing (and, in some cases, non-moves) that landed these teams terrific classes. Which do you think has the best chance to pan out?

Shows

Triple Zeros: That’s My Quarterback

Triple Zeros

That’s My Quarterback

In this episode of Triple Zeros, Josh recaps an eventful first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Going pick by pick, he tells you which picks he loved. That included the Lions pick of Penei Sewell, the Chargers pick of Rashawn Slater, and (of course) his beloved Chicago Bears moving up to take Justin Fields. There were plenty of whiffs though. Like the Raiders taking Alex Leatherwood and the Jaguars baffling selection of Travis Etienne. All that and much more!

Chicago Bears Collaboration Leads to Justin Fields in 2021 NFL Draft

Chicago Bulls: Coby White Shining Even as Playoff Hopes Dim

Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter (@JoshGBuck, @3ZerosPod, @ClockerSports) and visit ClockerSports.com today!

Anchor | Apple

Triple Zeros. This is content to help reach the green light. Tis is content to help reach the green light. Ths is content to help reach the green light. Thi is content to help reach the green light. his is content to help reach the green light. Tis is content to help reach the green light. Ths is content to help reach the green light. Thi is content to help reach the green light. his is content to help reach the green light. Tis is content to help reach the green light. Ths is content to help reach the green light. Thi is content to help reach the green light. Triple Zeros

News

2021 Mock NFL Draft 3.0: It’s The Final Countdown

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Finally, we have reached the week of the 2021 NFL Draft after so many hours spent over-analyzing everything about the incoming rookies. It’s been a hellish offseason as things get back to a more normal flow around the NFL. This week, though, all of that comes to a head and we get to see which players go where instead of hypothesizing.

It’s also our final chance to do that guesswork (which is all any of this really is). So, why not go all out? We’re including a few trades for this mock NFL draft in places where we suspected in previous iterations that such a move might occur.

Let’s get to it!

Mock 2021 NFL Draft 3.0 Sees Several First-Round Trades

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence

(Previous – Trevor Lawrence)

Outlook: As has been the mantra here since 1.0, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Trevor Lawrence will be the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft

2. New York Jets – Zach Wilson

(Previous – Zach Wilson)

See: Trevor Lawrence. In all seriousness, keep it moving. Nothing to see here.

3. San Francisco 49ers – Trey Lance

(Previous – Trey Lance, Justin Fields)

Word on the street is the 49ers are still trying to decide between Mac Jones and Trey Lance. The late re-emergence of Lance is interesting. Is it possible San Francisco was less than impressed by Jones at his pro day? Given they’d be passing on who most view as the QB3 in this draft, and with Jimmy Garoppolo still in the mix, the 49ers can take the risk on Lance and his higher ceiling.

4. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Pitts

(Previous – Micah Parsons)

While we’re not completely sold that the Falcons don’t take their quarterback of the future here, they’re reported to be looking to trade out (and taking calls on Julio Jones). The only problem for them is a couple of teams behind them are also open for business and the reduced cost could lead to teams waiting it out. But hey, Kyle Pitts isn’t the worst consolation prize.

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Rashawn Slater

(Previous – Rashawn Slater, Ja’Marr Chase)

By now you’ve likely seen the meme going around of Joe Burrow’s knee at the Bengals photoshoot debuting their new uniforms. That is Exhibit A-Z in the case for drafting some protection for the former first-overall pick. So we revert to our original pick.

6. Miami Dolphins – Penei Sewell

(Previous – Penei Sewell)

Hey! We’re back to the status quo. Keep on pushing, my friend!

7. Detroit Lions – Ja’Marr Chase

(Previous – Kwity Paye, Micah Parsons)

Detroit wants to trade out of this pick according to reports. But after Cincy opted for the sensible route, Detroit could decide to replenish their receiving corps. None of their offseason acquisitions at the position can be relied on.

8. New England Patriots (via the Carolina Panthers) – Justin Fields

(Previous [CAR] – Caleb Farley, Trey Lance )

Nothing gets out of New England by accident and word that interest in Fields is up (after initial reports stated the opposite) falls under that umbrella. He gets to sit for a year behind a similarly built former MVP in Cam Newton and the Patriots just spent like mad this offseason upgrading the offense.

9. Chicago Bears (via the Denver Broncos) – Mac Jones

(Previous [DEN] – Justin Fields, Christian Darrisaw)

Pressure bursts pipes and seeing New England get aggressive triggers the same instinct in Ryan Pace that we saw in 2017. The price isn’t as steep this time around but the more important issue for Pace is whether or not the results will be.

10. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Surtain

(Previous – Patrick Surtain)

There was some speculation that Jerruh was enamored with Kyle Pitts and could try to trade up for him. That was put to bed by reports saying that if Dallas were to trade, it would be down. They stay put here and help their defense out immensely.

11. New York Giants – Christian Darrisaw

(Previous – Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater)

This pick has changed in each version of this mock, but only the specific player. New York has to upgrade the blocking in front of Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.

12. Philadelphia Eagles – DeVonta Smith

(Previous – DeVonta Smith)

Who knows what Philly will do here. With reports they aren’t guaranteeing Jalen Hurts the starting job, could they be a surprise team to trade up for a quarterback ahead of the two we’ve projected? Could they trade back, possibly still targeting a quarterback? We’ll just stand pat and give Hurts a legitimate weapon on the perimeter.

13. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Farley

(Previous – Zaven Collins)

We want to say this pick would be an offensive lineman (consider this the disclaimer if that is indeed what Los Angeles does). But the Chargers also have a gaping hole at cornerback and Farley is the best one in this class.

14. Minnesota Vikings – Alijah Vera-Tucker

(Previous – Alijah Vera-Tucker)

The Vikings need to protect Kirk Cousins better. Period. They keep re-upping him, might as well make the circumstances as close to ideal as possible. Vera-Tucker gives them interior help now and possibly on the outside later.

15. Carolina Panthers (via the New England Patriots) – Greg Newsome

(Previous – Kyle Pitts, Mac Jones)

The Panthers already addressed their quarterback room by trading for Sam Darnold. Now, they attack the defense with Newsome, a fast riser this offseason. They can still use their additional pick from New England to address their need at offensive tackle.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Jaycee Horn

(Previous – Travis Etienne)

Things got tense in the Arizona draft room when the Panthers went on the clock but just a little. They would have been happy either way but Horn could make for an ideal replacement for the departed Peterson.

17. Las Vegas Raiders – Teven Jenkins

(Previous – Ja’Marr Chase)

Do you know what happens when you trade away your offensive line in the offseason? The need to replace them is created (mind-blowing). Las Vegas doesn’t usually get too frisky with its picks and this one fits the bill.

18. Miami Dolphins – Jaylen Waddle

(Previous – Terrance Marshall)

It’s not taking the easy way out, it’s logic. We’d suspect the Dolphins will do everything they can to see if Tua Tagovailoa is the future at quarterback. That means putting the best pieces possible around him. And if Tua fails, they’ll have a head start for the next guy.

19. Washington Football Team – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

(Previous – Trevon Moehrig-Woodard)

The Washington Football Team was rumored to be one of the teams interested in potentially moving up for a quarterback. They missed out on the top guys but can still get a quarterback for this already stound defense.

20. Denver Broncos (via the Chicago Bears) – Micah Parsons

(Previous [CHI] – Mac Jones, Kadarius Toney)

We were never buying that the Denver Broncos were going to replace Drew Lock with anyone outside of the top three guys but the appeal of moving back and getting more assets was just too great. Nabbing arguably the best defensive player in the draft this far down (thanks to character concerns) is an absolute boon. Remember, Von Miller is an unrestricted free agent next season.

21. Indianapolis Colts – Kwity Paye

(Previous – Dillon Radunz)

Parsons was probably never going to make it to this point, but he certainly wouldn’t make it past this point. The Colts still add to their defense, just as we’ve been saying. But don’t be shocked to see them trade back and acquire more draft capital.

22. Tennessee Titans – Kadarius Toney

(Previous – Joseph Ossai, Greg Newsome)

The shuffle at the top of the NFL Draft was bound to have a ripple effect and one of them is Toney being available here. We had them slotted for defenders in Ossai and Newsome but they added Bud Dupree and Newsome is gone. They also lost Corey Davis and, while a different style of receiver, Toney would be a nice compliment to A.J. Brown.

23. New York Jets – Gregory Rousseau

(Previous – Jaylen Waddle, Zaven Collins)

We had the Jets going defense in the last mock. But we turn from the off-ball (albeit versatile) linebacker in Collins and to the lengthy Rousseau. They signed Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry in the offseason but only the former should be a starter.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Najee Harris

(Previous – Liam Eichenberg)

Pittsburgh can mess around if it wants to. Harris would be an instant upgrade to what they had last year (which is now in Arizona, btw). With J.J. Smith-Schuster back in the fold, the only missing piece is running back. Well, maybe an offensive tackle. But they can get one of those later; maybe with a trade down a couple of spots.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevon Moehrig-Woodard

(Previous – Jackson Carman)

We debated putting a receiver or offensive lineman here, but none really stood out more than the upgrade that Moehrig-Woodard would present over what the Jags currently have. So, the pick stays the same as it’s been.

26. Cleveland Browns – Zaven Collins

(Previous – Gregory Rousseau)

The addition of Jadeveon Clowney removed the need to grab an EDGE in this slot. So the Browns get a dynamic off-ball linebacker in Collins at this spot.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Rashod Bateman

(Previous – Rashod Bateman)

If this isn’t the pick the Ravens are doing Lamar Jackson a disservice. The need for a bigger-bodied wideout is clear and while Sammy Watkins is bigger than Marquise Brown, he doesn’t play like it. Bateman’s size and skillset are tailor-made for what the Ravens need.

28. New Orleans Saints – Elijah Moore

(Previous – Jaycee Horn, Terrace Marshall)

We had New Orleans set to take a receiver as of the last installment. But perhaps the dynamic Moore fits better as a complement to Michael Thomas. The diminutive pass-catcher can be used in the return game as well.

29. Green Bay Packers – Jamin Davis

(Previous – Jalen Mayfield)

All the buzz has been about what the Packers will do here. Many (perhaps even their Hall of Fame starting quarterback) want them to take a wide receiver. We had them taking some offensive line help but they may have some in-house options that allow them to hold off on that as well. But they could use a rangy sure-tackling linebacker up the middle.

30. Buffalo Bills – Jaelan Phillips

(Previous – Najee Harris, Azeez Ojulari)

Buffalo needs to get its defense back on track and one of the best ways to do that is by juicing up your pass-rush. Phillips has a bit of a worrying medical history but he has incredible physical traits and tested off the charts at the combine.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Jayson Oweh

(Original Pick – Wyatt Davis, Dillon Radunz)

The Chiefs spent the offseason upgrading (really repairing) their offensive line. So our last two installments were on the right track. But with their moves, they can get a complimentary EDGE opposite Frank Clark.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Christian Barmore

(Original Pick – Christian Barmore)

As we began the 2021 NFL Draft, so shall we end. Barmore is the best in a shallow class for interior defensive linemen. The defending champion Bucs don’t have a ton of holes given they’re returning all 22 starters from the Super Bowl. That could make this an ideal pick to trade and get some more depth.

Final Mock NFL Draft of 2021

The NFL Draft is never dull, and this year, with the return of in-person festivities, should be no different. Who do you want to see your team draft on Thursday?

2021 NFL Draft

Shows

Triple Zeros: Bill Zimmerman

Triple Zeros

Bill Zimmerman Joins Triple Zeros to Talk the Latest on the Chicago Bears

Happy to be joined on Triple Zeros by Bill Zimmerman; the executive producer of Mad Dog Sports Radio show on Sirius XM, a contributor to Windy City Gridiron, and host of the Bears Banter podcast.

We got into all things Chicago Bears, covering what Bill’s assessment of their offseason up to this point, why the Bears are so bad at PR, and how they still have a path to Russell Wilson.

All that and more on this episode of Triple Zeros! Be sure to follow Bill on Twitter (@ZimmermanSXM), tune into Mad Dog Sports Radio, and listen to the Bears Banter podcast!

Read the Latest:

10 Worst Top-10 NFL Draft Picks of the Last Decade

Boston Celtics Fans Have to Wonder, “What’s the Point?”

Chicago Bulls Numbers That Count: LaVine’s growth on full display

Anchor | Apple

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News

10 Worst Top-10 NFL Draft Picks of the Last Decade

The 2021 NFL Draft is just three weeks away and that means a fresh crop of draft busts. Okay, it also means a fresh crop of potential game-changers. But we know that most picks won’t work out. So much so, that to trim this list down, we focused on just the worst picks to come out of the top-10 in the NFL Draft in the last 10 years.

The 10 Biggest Busts Taken in the Top-10 of the NFL Draft

Luke Joeckel – OT – Texas A&M

Dion Jordan – DE/OLB – Oregon

Drafted 2nd/3rd – 2013 – Jacksonville Jaguars/Miami Dolphins

Stats: (Joeckel) 50 gms; (Jordan) 63 gms, 108 tackles, 13.5 sks, 3 FF, 1 FR

Our list kicks off with a two-for. It may strike some as odd though because Luke Joeckel started every game he played in his career and Dion Jordan appeared in 13 games (and even started one) for the 49ers last season. But Joeckel lasted just five seasons before retiring. A blown knee ended his Jags tenure after they declined his fifth-year option.

Jordan has dealt with substance abuse that caused him to miss the entire 2015 season and left him as a free agent in 2016 despite being reinstated. Miami drafted him after he recorded 23.5 sacks over his final two seasons in college. He recorded three sacks in San Fran in 2020.

Both Joeckel and Jordan played longer than the rest of the players on this list. But that isn’t the point with either of them. Building from the trenches has a practical application in that those guys tend to have long (and hopefully productive) careers. Especially with the second and third picks of the NFL Draft. Instead, you got a left tackle-turned-guard and a rotational end with five career starts and 13.5 sacks in seven years as a pro.

Jake Locker – QB – Washington

Drafted: 8th Overall – 2011 NFL Draft – Tennessee Titans

Career Stats: (9-14), 57.5% cmpl, 4967 yds, 27 TD:22 INT

Once deemed the apparent first-overall pick, Jake Locker’s NFL career suffered a big blow before it ever really began. Locker stayed in school for his senior season and saw his stock drop, leaving him from presumptive number one to being the eighth pick of the Tennessee Titans.

Locker represented hope after Vince Young’s era unceremoniously ended and the Titans tried to make do with Kerry Collins and then Matt Hasselbeck. He ended up being a poster child for an ill-afflicted career. Injuries allowed him to make just 23 starts. His accuracy never improved from college either and he had just one season with a positive TD: INT ratio.

He walked away in 2014 at a time when he was the healthiest he’d been since entering the league and returned to his hometown. Sports Illustrated had to track him down to get his story on why he quit. The funny thing is how much worse his selection would have looked in history had he actually gone first overall.

John Ross – WR – Washington

Drafted: 9th Overall – 2017 NFL Draft – Cincinnati Bengals

Career Stats: 27 gms, 51 rec (123 tgts), 733 yds, 10 TDs

You never want to label a player just finishing out his rookie deal a bust but that is where John Ross finds himself after an underwhelming and injury-marred four years with the Bengals. He had torn his ACL and labrum in college. He’d repeat the labrum and deal with a groin injury once in the league. His 2020 season was cut short because of a foot injury.

Blazing speed and an impressive redshirt junior season (81 catches, 1150 yards, 17 touchdowns) made him an intriguing pairing with then Bengals receiver A.J. Green. Unfortunately, Ross shared Green’s ability to find the trainer’s table.

The Giants are banking that a change in scenery (and training staff) will be enough to refresh his career. He brings an added element of speed that their current group lacks. In theory. We don’t know if Ross will ever stay healthy. Nor do we know to what extent repeated leg and foot injuries will do to his speed long-term; an issue as he doesn’t have the hands for a possession guy.

Solomon Thomas – DL – Stanford

Drafted: 3rd Overall – 2017 NFL Draft – San Francisco 49ers

Career Stats: 48 gms, 95 tkls, 6 sks, 1 FR

Man, the 49ers are sure lucky the Bears traded with them to take Mitchell Trubisky. Otherwise, we might be having far louder discussions about their passing on the same generational talents at quarterbacks; a search that continues today. They took a tweener in Solomon Thomas after a collegiate career that saw him record 12 total sacks as a sophomore and junior.

Thomas peaked as a rookie, starting 12 games and recording three sacks, and getting his lone fumble recovery. He’d appear in all 16 regular-season games the following season, but his stats dropped across the board.

The 49ers ended up moving on from their other first-round pick that year, Reuben Foster, for non-football reasons. That just served to further bury just how bad the Thomas pick actually was. He’s now with the Raiders and the only thing that could make that pick worse is if he somehow catches on with the 49ers former Bay Area rivals.

Trent Richardson – RB – Alabama

Drafted: 3rd Overall – 2012 NFL Draft – Cleveland Browns

Career Stats: 46 gms, 614 ru., 2032 yds, 3.3 YPC, 17 TDs

The 2012 NFL Draft was particularly rough for the usual suspects. Trent Richardson burst onto the scene in the NFL after a storied college career that saw him rack up 3130 yards, 35 touchdowns, and win two BCS National Championships.

Richardson rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie for the Browns. The team went just 5-11 that season and the next, Richardson was shipped to Indy for a first-round pick (which ended up being fourth overall) in addition to a bevy of other selections.

That Cleveland was able to get that kind of package back is more impressive than Richardson’s production in 2012, which isn’t as great as it sounds given his 3.6 YPC average. He only lasted one more full season, spent with the Colts, in which he ran for 519 yards at a 3.3 YPC clip and three touchdowns. Indianapolis cut him after the 2014 season citing “weight issues, accessibility, and absence“.

Dee Milliner – CB – Alabama

Drafted: 9th Overall – 2013 NFL Draft – New York Jets

Career Stats: 21 gms, 63 tot tkls, 3 INT, 19 PD

Back-to-back Bama boys as Dee Milliner joins Richardson on this list. Perhaps we should preface this with the fact that Milliner was a five-star recruit who many draft analysts saw as a rightful top-five pick. Coming out of college after leading the nation in pass breakups, he lit up the combine with an impressive 40-yard dash and strong vertical jump numbers.

He appeared in 13 games as a rookie, starting 12, and even won AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 17 of that season. Unfortunately, that was the pinnacle of his professional career as injuries took a serious toll on his career. A shoulder injury kept him from benching for scouts at the combine and really set the tone for the rest of his career.

Milliner underwent surgery five times before entering the NFL and landed on the IR once there as well. He only played three seasons, being cut and re-signed by the Jets several times in that span, never again regaining the form he showed as a rookie.

Justin Gilbert – CB – Oklahoma State

Drafted: 8th Overall – 2014 NFL Draft – Cleveland Browns

Career Stats: 35 gms, 42 tot tkls, 1 INT, 1 TD, 9 PD

Poor Browns fans. They really have lived a hard sports life. As if trying to outdo the Jets from the year before, the Browns actually traded up to land Justin Gilbert who picked off 12 passes in his sophomore and senior season combined. Then he clocked the fastest 40-yard dash of any defensive back and showcased his other eye-popping athletic abilities.

But, as former teammate Joe Thomas said, “If you don’t like football, it doesn’t matter how talented you are, your star will burn out quick.” Gilbert struggled with the mental side of the game, often getting picked on in coverage. That is when he wasn’t completely lost.

When the team that traded up to make you a top-10 pick decides to trade you in the division, that’s a big red flag. That’s exactly what the Steelers should have thought about when the Browns shipped him over for a sixth-round pick just two years into his career. Gilbert was out of the league by 2017.

Josh Rosen – QB – UCLA

Drafted: 10th Overall – 2018 NFL Draft – Arizona Cardinals

Career Stats: 20 gms (3-13), 54.8% cmpl, 2845 yds, 12 TDs, 19 INTs

At first, it seemed like bad luck. Just as when a new general manager comes in and wants to hire a new head coach, head coaches (and GMs) usually get hired and want to draft their own quarterback. That’s where Josh Rosen found himself after the Cardinals took him before firing his head coach the following season. The guy they hired had a little idea of who he wanted.

Rosen got beat up during his brief stint as the Cardinal “Quarterback of the Future”, getting sacked 45 times in 14 games. He was shipped off to the Dolphins for a song where he managed to get into six games and start three. But he was still inaccurate and looked like a guy who hadn’t played much. He spent time on the Bucs practice squad last season but was signed off by the 49ers who re-upped this offseason.

He was plagued by character issues coming out of college. There were worries about his commitment to and love for football. Those questions are still being asked and, to be quite honest, it’s hard to say they were wrong given what we know about recycled quarterbacks in the NFL.

Kevin White – WR – West Virginia

Drafted: 7th Overall – 2015 NFL Draft – Chicago Bears

Career Stats: 17 gms,  25 rec (48 tgts), 285 yds

One year of true production in the spotlight saw Kevin White rocket up draft boards in 2015. The 6-foot-3 physical specimen caught 109 balls for 1447 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior for the Mountaineers. He’d had just over 500 yards the year before though he did have five touchdowns.

Then he ran a 4.35 in the 40 at 6-foot-3 and the buzz grew with some even suggesting he be the first wideout selected; ahead of Amari Cooper who had two 1000-yard seasons on his collegiate resume. The Bears took White with the highest draft pick they had in a decade and injuries beset him almost immediately.

He missed his entire rookie campaign with a stress fracture in his shin. White made it four games the following year before another leg fracture. 2017, his third year? One game. White made it through his rookie contract (because Bears). But injuries saw him cut from the Cardinals without playing a down and the 49ers after just three games. He’s never scored a touchdown in the NFL.

Justin Blackmon – WR – Oklahoma State

Drafted: 5th Overall – 2012 NFL Draft – Jacksonville Jaguars 

Career Stats: 20 gms, 93 rec (180 tgts), 1280 yds, 6 TDs

The Jaguars have a…complicated draft history. At one point, they selected two quarterbacks in the top-10 of the NFL Draft within four years of each other, Blaine Gabbert and Blake Bortles. But no pick in that span was as unsuccessful as Justin Blackmon. Always finding trouble, even in college, Blackmon had a DUI two years before coming out of college.

Teams were willing to overlook the numerous red flags because he had such a prolific college career. 233 receptions for 3304 yards and 38 touchdowns will make any collegiate career stand out. That Blackmon posted those numbers in just two seasons is why he got several passes.

But it wasn’t meant to be in the NFL. Blackmon was suspended indefinitely in 2013 following several more run-ins with the law involving alcohol abuse including being arrested for DUI two months after being drafted. He applied for reinstatement in 2015 but was denied and hasn’t really been heard from since.

New Draft Busts On the Way

Listen, this is just poking fun at something

Shows

Triple Zeros: He was “Seeing Ghosts”

Triple Zeros

He was “Seeing Ghosts”

In this episode of Triple Zeros, Josh talks about the Utah Jazz having to make an emergency landing. He also Rui Hachimura showing respect to Russell Westbrook and asks if Joel Embiid can catch Nikola Jokic for NBA MVP. Then, things shift over to the NFL as the Carolina Panthers traded for Sam Darnold, the Atlanta Falcons announced the 4th-overall pick is available, and so much more!

Chicago Bulls: Rhythm Found and Roles Defined in Big Win

The Chicago Bears are Betting on Matt Nagy’s Scheme Over Roster

Anchor | Apple

Triple Zeros. This is content to help reach the green light. Tis is content to help reach the green light. Ths is content to help reach the green light. Thi is content to help reach the green light. his is content to help reach the green light. Tis is content to help reach the green light. Ths is content to help reach the green light. Thi is content to help reach the green light. his is content to help reach the green light. Tis is content to help reach the green light. Ths is content to help reach the green light. Thi is content to help reach the green light. Triple Zeros