The NFL free agency kick-off has kept everyone well entertained, it with each signing and trade comes more intrigue about the upcoming NFL draft. We have watched as QBs have moved teams, star WRs have been traded, and some big defenders stayed home. This 2.0 has been a difficult one to put together and differs from my Mock Draft 1.0 from mid-February. What will each team do with their first-round pick? Let’s dive into the Sports Stove NFL Mock Draft 2.0.
Picks 1-10
The big question right now is when will QB2 come off the board? Cam Ward is a practical lock to go at one to the Titans or another team that wants to pay the price to move up. I do not believe Cleveland is in the Sanders market at pick two. If the Giants do not select Sanders at three, we could see a drop out of the top ten. The Patriots are trade-back candidates, but I have them staying put for now. Armand Membou is my first OT off the board, that is because the Jets have a greater need at RT this year, and Membou fits. I believe Ashton Jeanty will go in the top ten, but it could be at six or he could drop to nine. Carolina needs playmakers, so I mocked him to the Panthers.
Picks 11-20
We see three WRs going in this group of picks. I still like Tetairoa McMillan best, but teams seem to be tired of TMac. Golden would be a great addition in Dallas, Egbuka joining former teammate Marvin Harrison Jr would be fun, and McMillan landing in Seattle where they just lost two really good pass catchers, fills a need.
This group has some of my favorite players in the draft with Egbuka and TE Tyler Warren. James Pearce Jr may drop lower, but he deserves to be in the top fifteen and I am counting on his talent to win out. Kelvin Banks dropping this far would still surprise me, but again, the talk is he is dropping.
Picks 21-32
This is always the harder section to mock. I have three trades here. Pete Carroll goes up to get a beast at safety in Emmanwori, to start the Legion of Boom 2. Tampa goes down and still gets a starting LT in Simmons. Then I have the Browns coming up to get their QB in Jaxson Dart.
I also see a good run on Defensive Lineman in the final part of the first round. Green and Stewart on the edge, Harmon, Williams, Nolan, and Grant in the middle. This is a good defensive line class, and teams need to secure the trenches.
I also have a second running back in the first going to Kansas City. Hampton is just too gifted and versatile to last into day two.
What did I get right? Did I mock a player on your team that would throw you into a depression? Share your thoughts on this NFL mock draft 2.0.
Follow Vince on X @sportsstove. Listen to the Sports Stove Football Show each week to get more opinion and insight on the upcoming NFL draft.
