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Welcome back to The Upside Play’s Mock Draft 3.0! This is our final edition as we’re creeping up on draft day this Thursday. We included a couple extra trades in this latest version as rumors have been circulating around social media left and right. After months of watching tape and looking at numbers we’re pumped for this blockbuster of a weekend. Make sure to stay locked in with us on Twitter (@TheUpsidePlay) as we’ll be producing a ton of post draft content including our position rankings and biggest redraft sleepers. Enjoy!
Photo Via: Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics
* Indicates an unofficial trade we've predicted.
#1 Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence QB, Clemson
There has been no change to this pick throughout this entire process. There have been rumors of Urban Meyer already giving Trevor Lawrence the Jaguars playbook. This is a no-brainer pick and we can’t wait to see Lawrence do his thing in the NFL.
#2 New York Jets- Zach Wilson QB, BYU
After much debate Zach Wilson is still our pick here and it’s starting to seem like it’ll be a surprise if the Jets went in a different direction. Wilson has pinpoint accuracy and his smooth footwork should help him escape the pocket if the pressure is there. 33 TD’s to 3 Int’s in his final season combined with a 73% completion rate and legit athleticism get the BYU product the nod here. It seems like Robert Saleh fell in love with Zach Wilson’s great season and wants to make him the Face of The Franchise.
#3 San Francisco 49ers (via Dolphins and Texans)- Trey Lance QB, NDSU
The most controversial pick of this year’s draft is by far San Francisco at #3. After constantly going back and forth we’ve landed on Trey Lance. Our consistent viewers know half of our writers love the 49ers, and we are big advocates for Fields at 3, but after Ian Rapoport’s report last night we have to give the nod to Lance. He’s got the biggest arm out of the top QB’s, has a huge frame, and has wowed NFL scouts with his mental presence throughout the process. Lance might be a little bit of a project but if he pans out the 49ers will be lethal.
Via Twitter: (@RapSheet)
#4 Atlanta Falcons - Kyle Pitts TE, Florida
Kyle Pitts has been linked to #4 in the new Arthur Smith offense and that pairing might bring out the best version of Pitts as Smith was a tight ends coach for most of his coaching career. Pitts is an athletic freak for his size (6’6 245) running a 4.44 and showing a great vertical leap in his pro day. He’s a true pass catcher and is almost a WR in a TE’s body. Pitts is going to be a franchise changer, and with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley already on the outside, he’s going to find a home in Atlanta this offseason.
#5 Cincinnati Bengals- Penei Sewell OT, Oregon
We all saw the Joe Burrow injury… we all saw his scar circulate on social media a couple of weeks ago. Getting the best lineman on the board needs to be the Bengals’ #1 priority going into this year’s draft. With Sewell there at 5 this seems like a no-brainer. He’s a monster at 6’5, 325 and is extremely quick off the snap. He showed great balance for a tackle and a word I’ve seen in almost every draft profile for him is fluid. Bengals grab the top OT on the board and give Burrow some insurance here.
#6 Miami Dolphins (via Eagles)- Ja’Marr Chase WR, LSU
Conflicting reports have been coming out about what Miami is looking for at #6 and regardless of Tua’s college connection they have to take the true WR1 in this class. Ja’Marr Chase had a record breaking 2019 season where he broke out in LSU’s historic title run recording 1,780 yards and 20 TD’s in 14 games, putting his route running, ball skills, and body control on full display. Even at 6’1, 208 Chase looks to be a top target for years to come.
#7 New England Patriots * (via Lions)- Justin Fields QB, Ohio State
For the record we have Justin Fields as our QB2 and it feels wrong having him this low but here we are. New England is laughing at the rest of the field as they trade up here to get their franchise QB here at #7. He has elite athleticism and pairs it with excellent velocity and accuracy out of the pocket. Fields although slightly undersized has elite tools that teams look for in today’s game at the QB position, New England gets a steal on this one.
#8 Carolina Panthers- Rashawn Slater OT, Northwestern
Rashawn Slater has skyrocketed up draft boards the past two months as many have him strongly contesting Sewell as the top lineman in the draft. He can play on both sides of the line, is super athletic, and has people raving about his work against Chase Young in 2019. Carolina needs to protect Darnold and prized RB McCaffery, Slater will be plug-and-play in this system and provide a great boost for this offense.
#9 Denver Broncos- Kwity Paye EDGE, Michigan
Although I believe Denver is still in the market for a QB even after the Bridgewater deal I can’t see them taking Mac after the top 4 fell off the board. Von Miller is on the last year of his deal and we still have the best Edge rusher available in Kwity Paye. The Broncos need to get faster and more physical on defense and Paye is exactly that with his elite speed (4.54 40 time at 6’4 272 pounds) and immense potential. The Broncos line gets even scarier here as they take Kwity Paye as the first defender off the board.
#10 Dallas Cowboys- Patrick Surtain II CB, Alabama
Our first cornerback on the board is going to one of the worst defenses in the league in Dallas who gave up almost 30 points per game last season. Surtain is a strong CB who started 3 years at college powerhouse Alabama. Some questioned his downfield speed but his ability to press and use his length will make him the top corner off the board. Dallas gets a battle-tested guy to help nail down their secondary here at #10.
#11 New York Giants- Christian Darrisaw OT, Virginia Tech
It’s no secret the New York Giants need offensive line help and Darrisaw would step in and start right away. There aren’t many tackles that come out of college and already have the combination of size, athleticism, and pure physicality that Darrisaw shows. He’s a huge power guy on the outside who has shown great body control on tape. He can fit into any team’s scheme and could be the next top OT in the league in a few years.
#12- Philadelphia Eagles (vis 49ers)- DeVonta Smith WR, Alabama
Philadelphia just like Detroit can go almost anywhere with this pick, but with our #2 receiver still on the board we had to throw Devonta Smith to the Eagles. Last year's Heisman winner is a flat-out playmaker who consistently gets separation and makes opposing defenses pay in the open field. His weight has been a concern but he can line up all over the field and has proven to be a top-tier route runner. Eagles take a risk and grab a first-round WR in back-to-back drafts.
#13 Chicago Bears * (via Chargers)- Mac Jones QB, Alabama
The Bears need a QB… you’re shocked, right? Chicago trades up here to snipe the Patriots and grab Mac Jones out of Alabama. Jones had a breakout season in his national title run for Alabama throwing for 4,500 yards, 41 TD’s, and just 4 INT’s in 2020. Alabama QB’s haven’t had the best of luck in the NFL for quite some time but Chicago needs to upgrade after the Andy Dalton signing. Jones provides a good pocket presence and accurate arm, he also has been reported to have a “photographic memory”.
#14 Minnesota Vikings- Alijah Vera-Tucker IOL, USC
Vera Tucker is listed as an IOL in our mock but he really can play all across the line and that versatility could easily make him go higher than this. The Vikings need to get faster on their line and Vera-Tucker has shown his ability to pull out and lock the screen and is always looking for people to block when the pocket collapses. Minnesota will be in a prime spot to upgrade their line on Thursday and we’d be stunned if they went anywhere else here.
#15 Detroit Lions * (via Patriots)- Micah Parsons LB, Penn State
Micah Parsons is an uber-talented linebacker who took a fall here in our last mock, but that’s no knock on his skill level. He’s one of if not the most athletic defenders coming out of this draft, after watching some tape he’s able to switch direction and close in on defenders with ease. He covers a ton of field and can be a fantastic cover LB at the next level. The Lions trade back and are still able to acquire one of the best athletes and defenders in the draft at #15. Dan Campbell is going to be juiced having a defensive playmaker like Parsons in year 1.
#16 Arizona Cardinals- Jaycee Horn CB, South Carolina
Jaycee Horn is built like an NFL Corner and could step right in and replace the All-Pro Patrick Peterson who bolted for Minnesota in free agency. Horn is probably the most physical defensive back in this draft and has the confidence (and talent) to go up against the top receivers in the league. All those traits will be on full display in a loaded NFC West.
#17 Las Vegas Raiders- Teven Jenkins OT, Oklahoma State
Teven Jenkins is an absolute monster at 6’6 310 and would step right into the Raiders Right Tackle spot on day 1. He has rare versatility and could play on multiple spots if needed. Jenkins is a big-bodied mack truck that creates large holes in the running game and can keep Derek Carr clean in the passing game.
#18 Tennessee Titans * (Via Miami) - Jaylen Waddle WR, Alabama
Jaylen Waddle also took a slight dive here, mainly due to him being a true burner coming off a major ankle injury. He’s still our WR #3 and finds a great landing spot in Tennessee, a team that just lost 157 targets between Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith in this year's offseason. Waddle has a very diverse skill set and just like Devonta Smith can line up all around the field. He’s NFL fast, has strong hands, and proved he belongs as a multi-year starter at Alabama. The Titans make a splash and move up to grab the speedster at #18.
#19 Washington Football Team- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, OLB, Notre Dame
JOK is listed as an OLB but when you watch him on tape you see shades of Isaiah Simmons, Derwin James, and Jamal Adams. He’s an athletic monster who is a tackling machine and versatile enough to guard Tight Ends and Running Backs. At 6’2 215 pounds he is a little lighter than other linebackers but when JOK is on the fields good things usually happen. He is all over the field and could give WFT yet another defensive stud to add to an already loaded unit.
#20 Los Angeles Chargers * (via Bears)- Caleb Farley CB, Virginia Tech
Caleb Farley was our CB1 before all the back issues. He’s a physical corner at 6’2, 199 and has the fantastic ability to jam bigger receivers at the line, and contains the speed necessary to keep up with burners on the outside. He’s a great man coverage corner who can compete with anyone but the back concerns make him dip here. If he comes in healthy he can easily be the top corner out of this class and a huge steal for a team that already traded back to gain assets.
#21 Indianapolis Colts- Rashod Bateman WR, Minnesota
Rashod Bateman didn’t have the pro day we dreamed of but he’s still an insanely talented weapon on the outside. Our WR #4 comes off the board to a team that needs to upgrade their receiving tree heading into the Carson Wentz era. Bateman has great ball skills and is already polished on the outside, making him an easy day 1 starter. His 6’1, 190 frame is going to get stronger with time in the league, this guy could end up being a huge steal and a major compliment to budding WR Michael Pittman Jr.
#22 Miami Dolphins * (Via Titans)- Samuel Cosmi OT, Texas
Samuel Cosmi launched up our draft board this past week as he is a battle tested lineman with fantastic athletic upside. Cosmi ran a 4.84 at his pro day and played both sides of the line over his long tenure at Texas. Oh yeah forgot to mention he’s 6’7, 312 with the ability to add on to that frame and use his length to stunt edge rushers from the jump. His experience playing the RT position in college will help him develop quick for left handed Tua. Cosmi’s athleticism combined with his frame makes him a major low risk high reward tackle here for the Dolphins.
#23 New York Jets (via Seahawks)- Trevon Moehrig S, TCU
Trevon Moehrig is a ball hawk with 21 pass deflections, 7 INTs and 125 tackles in his three seasons. He won the Jim Thorpe award given to the country's best defensive back. Taking Moehrig to pair with Marcus Maye would be a legit secondary that Robert Salah would be thrilled to roll out every week. Saleh’s first defensive pick of his tenure will be a playmaker to help nail down their secondary.
#24 Pittsburgh Steelers-Najee Harris RB, Alabama
We went back and forth on this one… all signs point to a lineman here but with the talent left here on the board, Najee seems like a no-brainer. This team was dead last in rush yards per game with just 84 yards per game and just lost starter James Connor in free agency. Najee can do it all at the RB position with the ability to run in-between tackles, attack the perimeter, and catch out of the backfield. He’s a dynamic weapon that will fit right in with this Pittsburgh offense.
#25 Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams)- Azeez Ojulari EDGE, Georgia
Jacksonville averaged just 1.1 sacks per game last year, 2nd worst in the NFL. They need to create pressure on the QB and find a way to bolster their defense heading into the T-Law era. Azeez Oljulari is an incredibly athletic Edge rusher out of Georgia who can play all three downs and has great body control. The Jaguars get the top pass rusher off the board who can play multiple positions with their second pick in the first round.
#26 Cleveland Browns- Christian Barmore DL, Alabama
Cleveland just got Jadeveon Clowney… and we’re gonna add some more beef to the party here at 26 with Christian Barmore out of Alabama. Barmore clogs up a ton of space upfront and often needed two bodies to hold him in college. He’s got a huge upper body and will excel as a run stopper with Myles Garrett on the EDGE. This defensive line will be dangerous if he gets down to Cleveland at #26.
#27 Baltimore Ravens- Jaelan Phillips EDGE, Miami
Baltimore lost Yannick Ngakoue and Matthew Judon, drafting Jaelen Phillips would go a long way to filling those voids. Phillips took over a bigger role after Gregory Rousseau opted out and delivered hugely. His 45 tackles, 8 sacks, and 15.5 tackles for loss solidified him as a first-round pick in this draft.
#28 New Orleans Saints- Greg Newsome II CB, Northwestern
Greg Newsome II is a great fit for the Saints defensive unit. His fundamentals are refined and can run with anyone in the league. He only had 1 pick this season but his 9 pass breakups show how physically and fundamentally sound he is. He only gave up 1 play of over 10 plus yards (on 15 targets) in 2020 and that is something Saints fans could look forward to if they make this pick.
#29 Green Bay Packers- Elijah Moore WR, Ole Miss
Elijah Moore’s tape is electric. He’s dangerous in space and can catch the deep ball with ease. He creates separation off the line and can line up on the outside or in the slot if needed. For as long as I can remember the Packers have neglected the WR position in the first round, this year they’re going to go out and get a guy who has been frequently compared to Antonio Brown late in the first to help Rodgers take the next step in 2021.
#30 Buffalo Bills- Zaven Collins LB, Tulsa
The Bills are in an interesting position and could go in many directions with this pick so they can take the high upside of Zaven Collins at pick 30. Collins is everywhere on the field and had 53 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 interceptions. Collins is from a smaller school so the slip here ends with a team that loves its small-school guys.
#31 Baltimore Ravens (via Chiefs)- Terrace Marshall Jr. WR, LSU
The Ravens acquired this pick last week and they need a WR badly. Marshall gives Jackson a huge target. The Ravens have been in on all the free-agent WR’s but only came out with Sammy Watkins. Marshall, at times, looked like a true number 1 talent and should come right into a top role. The 6’4 big body combined with legit burner speed running a sub 4.4 40 make him a perfect fit for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
#32 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jayson Oweh EDGE, Penn State
The Bucs are in the same boat as the Bills and they can take the high upside athlete in Jayson Oweh. Oweh ran a 4.39 40 yard dash and is incredibly explosive. There are times when you watch him where you can’t believe he got to the backfield that fast. Yes the lack of sacks last year is a concern but he’s not in a position where he’ll have to perform right away. With the Buccaneers returning all 22 starters they can take some risks with this pick
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* Links: https://thedraftnetwork.com/ https://www.playerprofiler.com/ http://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draft
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