FBG Mock Draft '25 - 32 GMs - 1.32 Miami Dolphins - S-Malaki Starks, Georgia (5 Viewers)

[Ray_T]

With the 10th pick, the Atlanta Falcons select - Shemar Stewart DE/EDGE; Texas A&M

Stewart is one of the most athletic edge rushers to come into the league. Ever.

Yes, the production was not where you'd like it to be in the 'glamour' sack numbers (4.5 in his career)...but neither were Danielle Hunter's @ LSU. And their physical profiles are eerily similar.

Danielle Hunter Scouting Report; NFL.com
Shemar Stewart Scouting Report; NFL.com

While the Falcons could have waited and gotten perhaps Mike Green ort Mykel Williams, I like Stewart the best in terms of his pro potential, so I spend the 3rd acquired from CLE to get him. His fit with Jeff Ulbrich in the 3-4 may not be ideal, but I'm sick of the Falcons catering to medicore coaches and I bet on the traits here.

Some sites have Atlanta taking Stewart

Yep…they’ve had him for a pre-draft visit. He’s certainly on the radar. For me, he’s a level above the rest of the DE/EDGE prospects, even Walker.

I struggled with the lack of production

Which brings up a very interesting point, how much do you put into stats?
I have a hard time when college player produces eye popping stats vs players that might not even be drafted
I like to see potential 1st round picks compete at say WR vs CB in a big game/Bowl Game and see what unfolds.
Favre beat FSU with an unranked Southern Miss team in '89, that should have sent a powerful message to every front office in the NFL

stats are hard because at the college level situation is everything.

a QB (for example) in Alabama never sees pressure behind the monstrous line that they have. so when he puts up numbers its easy to think hes a good NFL prospect. but the reality is, if he never sees pressure, thats not realistic at the NFL level so there is actually a lot more risk in taking a player like him than in the guy from a lesser school who puts up good numbers behind a weaker line. because scouts with him can at least see how the kid performs under the pressure of a pass rush. So you are actually far more certain of what you have in a player like that.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

With the 16th pick the Arizona Cardinals select Tetairoa McMillan WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan makes the long journey from Tucson to Phoenix.

McMillan had 2 big years in 3 seasons at the University of Arizona. He has great size and body control and is very good at the catch point, and also has good movement skills and some ability to make guys miss after the catch. I've heard lots of comps to Drake London, and some to Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He gives the Cardinals a 3rd weapon in the passing game along with Harrison & McBride. His addition should make it easier to move Harrison around and use him on more in-breaking routes where he was at his best as a rookie, rather than forcing him into the X role.

I have McMillan as a top 6 player in this draft class, as part of a tier with Mason Graham & Will Campbell, clearly ahead of all the other non-Hunter WRs. I liked him enough to even try a little trade-up which got turned down (offering Miami 16+78 for 13+98). So getting him at 16 was the draft board falling perfectly for me. Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks would've been solid fallbacks; after that it gets much dicier IMO.

It probably would have been a good idea to trade Hill and take McMillan simultaneously at 13 but it just didn't quite go that way
I have McMillan very high as well, best WR in this class although I don't think he would be No 1 in a lot of other Draft classes

He's a steal at 16 and I told you when I was picking at 13 that you were gonna get your man anyways
Had a pretty good feeling what was gonna happen behind me. Indy had already posted TE, just a matter if it was the 1st or 2nd on their list.
I think Jacksonville should have paired him with Thomas but they chose a different path

I haven't talked to Jacksonville but they also went DB so I'm kinda glad I stayed put
You did very well IMHO, easily took the BPA at that point in the draft and I think you have a terrific pair of WRs
Now the Cards need an OL

 

[Ray_T]

Now the Cards need an OL

hey just checking I noted that one site seems to think their line was top 10

NFL Offensive Line Rankings 2025: Insights Into All 32 OLs

Our NFL Offensive Line rankings break down all 32 units using our OL+ metric. Where do the Chiefs and Eagles rank ahead of Super Bowl 59?

www.profootballnetwork.com

that said, I've not seen a ton of cardinal games this year so to some degree I'm counting on someone elses opinion

it sounds like (based on the article) the line performed but there were no standouts. so in a sense, the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. maybe they overachieved or the coaching/scheme allowed them to perform better than their talent indicated.

I'm rarely one to tell someone not to draft an O lineman. I dont think a pick on day 2 is necessarily a bad idea. especially if the depth isnt there. (and it sounds like the line didnt perform well when the injury bug hit them) so a round 2 or round 3 player who likely can develop into a starter within a year or two isnt a bad call.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

Miami was dumb enough to pay a 1st and 2nd for Tyreek Hill in '22 plus a few more later picks
I'm glad you strengthened that point that Miami has a poor FO

 

[-OZ-]

DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th

This seems closest to Tyreek for a 2 and 4. I’d prefer DK really, but wasn’t asked.

 

[eighsse2]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

This might all stem from the fact that people forget that you're trading for the contract, or the right to pay the player for their services. Not trading directly for their services. The real cost is the cap hit. Therefore a player -- regardless of how valuable he is as a player -- whose contract is exactly where it should be, should have a trade value of almost nothing. I think, anyway. Furthermore, a player with an overpaid contract should have a negative trade value.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

This might all stem from the fact that people forget that you're trading for the contract, or the right to pay the player for their services. Not trading directly for their services. The real cost is the cap hit. Therefore a player -- regardless of how valuable he is as a player -- whose contract is exactly where it should be, should have a trade value of almost nothing. I think, anyway. Furthermore, a player with an overpaid contract should have a negative trade value.

I feel like cap number reporting is mostly to scare the public, nobody in these NFL FO seems to worry a single iota about their cap
One year the Saints were almost $100M over the cap, the next day they seemed to have $30M to spend in free agency
It's all monopoly money it seems

But Hill was going to make the cap explode more so than even Tua will next year
Miami can cut Tua post-June 1st '26 and save $48M from his $56M cap hit

Miami can move on and I think that's what will have to unfold much to the owner's disappointment
I'm not sure why Tua is even still playing when you go back and see that last concussion he did to himself vs Buffalo
He is just 1 hit from being taken off the field permanently IMHO, the decision will have to be taken away from him

Why the Dolphins Rebuild Blueprint Was Fine ... And Why It Hasn't Worked Out

It was at this time five years ago that the Miami Dolphins began rebuilding their roster following the reset/tank — whatever you want to call it — that was the

www.si.com

Decent article on how Miami had the right idea but the results simply not there

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Seattle Seahawks with the 18th pick select:


Emeka Egbuka
(WR, Ohio State)

Selecting Egbuka at #18 would be less about the position he plays and more about the person. Egbuka is the quintessential Seahawks pick. He was ‘the man’ at Ohio State who everyone looked up to. His maturity, leadership and competitive drive is top-level. He is a great scheme fit and his reliability on and off the field will replace the void left by Tyler Lockett.

He’s also productive, physical, a winner and his testing creates a perfectly high ceiling and floor. Some believe he can be Amon-Ra St. Brown at the next level, also drawn comps to Chris Godwin.

Look at it this way. Lockett had a 10-year career in Seattle. If the Seahawks had used a top-20 pick on him, nobody would’ve complained — irrespective of needs elsewhere. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility the Seahawks look at Egbuka and see someone capable of having an equally long and productive career, with the ability to help shape the mentality of the roster for years. Also factor in the "want to be here" mentality that showed DK the door after a couple years of wanting out. Embuka is from Washington and is a self proclaimed big Seahawk fan.

Also keenly aware the OL is a mess inside. No shock if they addressed that, but in Schienders tenure he's never picked and IOL below the 3rd round. Which could also be the problem. Also strongly considered one of the two safety's here.

GO HAWKS

And Cooper Kupp will be a great mentor for the other young WRs and this new rookie
Darnold is being given weapons to work with, should translate to good things
2 nice looking RBs as well to take the pressure off the passing game, play action should be fun to watch

 

[Ray_T]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

this is because most of the relevant players need to get paid.

you can get a player comparable in the draft to most of these guys, but you are spending a high draft pick on them. you also get the benefit of not having to pay full market value for the player as they are on a rookie contract

these players are cheaper because they are not on rookie contracts.

 

[Ilov80s]

Seattle Seahawks with the 18th pick select:


Emeka Egbuka
(WR, Ohio State)

Selecting
Egbuka
at #18 would be less about the position he plays and more about the person.
Egbuka
is the quintessential Seahawks pick. He was ‘the man’ at Ohio State who everyone looked up to. His maturity, leadership and competitive drive is top-level. He is a great scheme fit and his reliability on and off the field will replace the void left by
Tyler Lockett
. He’s also productive, physical, a winner and his testing creates a perfectly high ceiling and floor. Some believe he can be
Amon-Ra St. Brown
at the next level, also drawn comps to
Chris Godwin
.

Look at it this way.
Lockett
had a 10-year career in Seattle. If the Seahawks had used a top-20 pick on him, nobody would’ve complained — irrespective of needs elsewhere. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility the Seahawks look at
Egbuka
and see someone capable of having an equally long and productive career, with the ability to help shape the mentality of the roster for years. Also factor in the "want to be here" mentality that showed DK the door after a couple years of wanting out. Embuka is from
Washington
and is a self proclaimed big Seahawk fan.

Also keenly aware the OL is a mess inside. No shock if they addressed that, but in Schienders tenure he's never picked and IOL below the 3rd round. Which could also be the problem. Also strongly considered one of the two safety's here.

GO HAWKS

JSN and Egbuka, plus Kupp makes for a strong group.

Are those 3 a good pairing together though? They all strike me as guys best deployed in high volume, short and intermediate slot roles.

 

[pinkstapler]

To this point, this may be the overall worst potential outcomes for top fantasy players I've seen in any mock yet. I say that realizing a lot of these could actually happen. But holy hell would I be weeping with my 5 picks in the first two rounds. I guess I could rationalize Egbuka not being terrible but that's mainly because I think Kupp is washed, but I could be wrong on that. And either way, his ceiling will be capped by JSN; who last year received almost 82% of his targets while lined up from the slot. I think both he and Egbuka CAN play outside, but their skillsets are shown off best in the slot. So yeah... that's probably terrible for fantasy too tbh.

But yeah Hunter landing with Odunze/Moore and a rebuilt question mark of an offense, Tet landing with Harrison (and a bad for WR Kyler), Egbuka with JSN/Kupp on a Seattle team that leans run in the red zone, Shedeur and Ward going to teams with practically 0 offensive weapons, Warren behind Kittle on a team with a bunch of other weapons too, Loveland to maybe the worst starting QB in the league, and Jeanty to the Saints which I'd say is second only to the Jets in worst potential landing spots for him that are actually conceivable of happening..... woof... absolute woof...

 

[eighsse2]

Seattle Seahawks with the 18th pick select:


Emeka Egbuka
(WR, Ohio State)

Selecting
Egbuka
at #18 would be less about the position he plays and more about the person.
Egbuka
is the quintessential Seahawks pick. He was ‘the man’ at Ohio State who everyone looked up to. His maturity, leadership and competitive drive is top-level. He is a great scheme fit and his reliability on and off the field will replace the void left by
Tyler Lockett
. He’s also productive, physical, a winner and his testing creates a perfectly high ceiling and floor. Some believe he can be
Amon-Ra St. Brown
at the next level, also drawn comps to
Chris Godwin
.

Look at it this way.
Lockett
had a 10-year career in Seattle. If the Seahawks had used a top-20 pick on him, nobody would’ve complained — irrespective of needs elsewhere. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility the Seahawks look at
Egbuka
and see someone capable of having an equally long and productive career, with the ability to help shape the mentality of the roster for years. Also factor in the "want to be here" mentality that showed DK the door after a couple years of wanting out. Embuka is from
Washington
and is a self proclaimed big Seahawk fan.

Also keenly aware the OL is a mess inside. No shock if they addressed that, but in Schienders tenure he's never picked and IOL below the 3rd round. Which could also be the problem. Also strongly considered one of the two safety's here.

GO HAWKS

JSN and Egbuka, plus Kupp makes for a strong group.

Are those 3 a good pairing together though? They all strike me as guys best deployed in high volume, short and intermediate slot roles.

I agree. Would be an odd trio.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

this is because most of the relevant players need to get paid.

you can get a player comparable in the draft to most of these guys, but you are spending a high draft pick on them. you also get the benefit of not having to pay full market value for the player as they are on a rookie contract

these players are cheaper because they are not on rookie contracts.

Yes, it's never as simple as just give up a pick for someone more proven. You have to account for the contract difference also. That's probably one extra FA in terms of payroll.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

this is because most of the relevant players need to get paid.

you can get a player comparable in the draft to most of these guys, but you are spending a high draft pick on them. you also get the benefit of not having to pay full market value for the player as they are on a rookie contract

these players are cheaper because they are not on rookie contracts.

I get that. I was referring to the trades in thread. I’m just trying to keep this thread realistic.

 

[Largent]

Seattle Seahawks with the 18th pick select:


Emeka Egbuka
(WR, Ohio State)

Selecting
Egbuka
at #18 would be less about the position he plays and more about the person.
Egbuka
is the quintessential Seahawks pick. He was ‘the man’ at Ohio State who everyone looked up to. His maturity, leadership and competitive drive is top-level. He is a great scheme fit and his reliability on and off the field will replace the void left by
Tyler Lockett
. He’s also productive, physical, a winner and his testing creates a perfectly high ceiling and floor. Some believe he can be
Amon-Ra St. Brown
at the next level, also drawn comps to
Chris Godwin
.

Look at it this way.
Lockett
had a 10-year career in Seattle. If the Seahawks had used a top-20 pick on him, nobody would’ve complained — irrespective of needs elsewhere. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility the Seahawks look at
Egbuka
and see someone capable of having an equally long and productive career, with the ability to help shape the mentality of the roster for years. Also factor in the "want to be here" mentality that showed DK the door after a couple years of wanting out. Embuka is from
Washington
and is a self proclaimed big Seahawk fan.

Also keenly aware the OL is a mess inside. No shock if they addressed that, but in Schienders tenure he's never picked and IOL below the 3rd round. Which could also be the problem. Also strongly considered one of the two safety's here.

GO HAWKS

JSN and Egbuka, plus Kupp makes for a strong group.

Are those 3 a good pairing together though? They all strike me as guys best deployed in high volume, short and intermediate slot roles.

I think it’s important to remember that the Seahawks are now running the Shanahan offense. Look at the receivers San Francisco have had in recent years. Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel. None of them are DK Metcalf type size/speed types. They have Jauan Jennings to offer some size but he ran a 4.72 forty at his combine.

The LA Rams meanwhile, who run the same system, excelled with Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua.

If the Seahawks are going down this route, they are far more likely to draft someone like Egbuka to pair with Smith-Njiba than try and find a direct Metcalf replacement.

 

[Tau837]

Who wants Tyreek Hill?
I saw RC94 start unloading players, I have a short list of Dolphins I'd like to see on other teams
He's 30+ but he's still the goods, just needs a QB
Devante Adams was one of the 5 most impactful moves/signings this off season
Think about it

Any idea what you want?
Bills are interested in this intradivisional trade and start the bidding at pick 2.62 for hill.
We’ll figure out cap stuff later.

Can Miami really afford to trade Hill? Trading him before June 1 results in a $28.3M dead cap hit against Miami's 2025 cap. Never mind, I see it has been done now. I don't think this trade is realistic.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Who wants Tyreek Hill?
I saw RC94 start unloading players, I have a short list of Dolphins I'd like to see on other teams
He's 30+ but he's still the goods, just needs a QB
Devante Adams was one of the 5 most impactful moves/signings this off season
Think about it

Any idea what you want?
Bills are interested in this intradivisional trade and start the bidding at pick 2.62 for hill.
We’ll figure out cap stuff later.

Can Miami really afford to trade Hill? Trading him before June 1 results in a $28.3M dead cap hit against the 2025 cap.

To buffalo? I kid. But still.

 

[Tau837]

With the 16th pick the Arizona Cardinals select Tetairoa McMillan WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan makes the long journey from Tucson to Phoenix.

McMillan had 2 big years in 3 seasons at the University of Arizona. He has great size and body control and is very good at the catch point, and also has good movement skills and some ability to make guys miss after the catch. I've heard lots of comps to Drake London, and some to Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He gives the Cardinals a 3rd weapon in the passing game along with Harrison & McBride. His addition should make it easier to move Harrison around and use him on more in-breaking routes where he was at his best as a rookie, rather than forcing him into the X role.

I have McMillan as a top 6 player in this draft class, as part of a tier with Mason Graham & Will Campbell, clearly ahead of all the other non-Hunter WRs. I liked him enough to even try a little trade-up which got turned down (offering Miami 16+78 for 13+98). So getting him at 16 was the draft board falling perfectly for me. Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks would've been solid fallbacks; after that it gets much dicier IMO.

I heard a source I respect characterize the best case for McMillan as Courtland Sutton based on watching his film. Not terrible but probably not worth 1.16. Obviously, though, there are plenty of conflicting views.

 

[-OZ-]

Seattle Seahawks with the 18th pick select:


Emeka Egbuka
(WR, Ohio State)

Selecting
Egbuka
at #18 would be less about the position he plays and more about the person.
Egbuka
is the quintessential Seahawks pick. He was ‘the man’ at Ohio State who everyone looked up to. His maturity, leadership and competitive drive is top-level. He is a great scheme fit and his reliability on and off the field will replace the void left by
Tyler Lockett
. He’s also productive, physical, a winner and his testing creates a perfectly high ceiling and floor. Some believe he can be
Amon-Ra St. Brown
at the next level, also drawn comps to
Chris Godwin
.

Look at it this way.
Lockett
had a 10-year career in Seattle. If the Seahawks had used a top-20 pick on him, nobody would’ve complained — irrespective of needs elsewhere. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility the Seahawks look at
Egbuka
and see someone capable of having an equally long and productive career, with the ability to help shape the mentality of the roster for years. Also factor in the "want to be here" mentality that showed DK the door after a couple years of wanting out. Embuka is from
Washington
and is a self proclaimed big Seahawk fan.

Also keenly aware the OL is a mess inside. No shock if they addressed that, but in Schienders tenure he's never picked and IOL below the 3rd round. Which could also be the problem. Also strongly considered one of the two safety's here.

GO HAWKS

JSN and Egbuka, plus Kupp makes for a strong group.

Are those 3 a good pairing together though? They all strike me as guys best deployed in high volume, short and intermediate slot roles.

I think it’s important to remember that the Seahawks are now running the Shanahan offense. Look at the receivers San Francisco have had in recent years. Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel. None of them are DK Metcalf type size/speed types. They have Jauan Jennings to offer some size but he ran a 4.72 forty at his combine.

The LA Rams meanwhile, who run the same system, excelled with Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua.

If the Seahawks are going down this route, they are far more likely to draft someone like Egbuka to pair with Smith-Njiba than try and find a direct Metcalf replacement.

fwiw, i don’t know if kupp is cooked yet, but he’ll be a good mentor I’d think and be done when egbuka is ready to step up. I think.

 

[-OZ-]

With the 16th pick the Arizona Cardinals select Tetairoa McMillan WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan makes the long journey from Tucson to Phoenix.

McMillan had 2 big years in 3 seasons at the University of Arizona. He has great size and body control and is very good at the catch point, and also has good movement skills and some ability to make guys miss after the catch. I've heard lots of comps to Drake London, and some to Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He gives the Cardinals a 3rd weapon in the passing game along with Harrison & McBride. His addition should make it easier to move Harrison around and use him on more in-breaking routes where he was at his best as a rookie, rather than forcing him into the X role.

I have McMillan as a top 6 player in this draft class, as part of a tier with Mason Graham & Will Campbell, clearly ahead of all the other non-Hunter WRs. I liked him enough to even try a little trade-up which got turned down (offering Miami 16+78 for 13+98). So getting him at 16 was the draft board falling perfectly for me. Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks would've been solid fallbacks; after that it gets much dicier IMO.

I heard a source I respect characterize the best case for McMillan as Courtland Sutton based on watching his film. Not terrible but probably not worth 1.16. Obviously, though, there are plenty of conflicting views.

He’s also been compared to Drake London, Mike Evans, and tee Higgins. All of which were or would have been worth the 16.

 

[eighsse2]

With the 16th pick the Arizona Cardinals select Tetairoa McMillan WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan makes the long journey from Tucson to Phoenix.

McMillan had 2 big years in 3 seasons at the University of Arizona. He has great size and body control and is very good at the catch point, and also has good movement skills and some ability to make guys miss after the catch. I've heard lots of comps to Drake London, and some to Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He gives the Cardinals a 3rd weapon in the passing game along with Harrison & McBride. His addition should make it easier to move Harrison around and use him on more in-breaking routes where he was at his best as a rookie, rather than forcing him into the X role.

I have McMillan as a top 6 player in this draft class, as part of a tier with Mason Graham & Will Campbell, clearly ahead of all the other non-Hunter WRs. I liked him enough to even try a little trade-up which got turned down (offering Miami 16+78 for 13+98). So getting him at 16 was the draft board falling perfectly for me. Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks would've been solid fallbacks; after that it gets much dicier IMO.

I heard a source I respect characterize the best case for McMillan as Courtland Sutton based on watching his film. Not terrible but probably not worth 1.16. Obviously, though, there are plenty of conflicting views.

He’s also been compared to Drake London, Mike Evans, and tee Higgins. All of which were or would have been worth the 16.

Also Courtland Sutton was pretty highly touted, just didn't pan out. So comparing McMillan to "Sutton the prospect" isn't a bad thing at all. But not sure how the source intended it.

 

[Tau837]

With the 16th pick the Arizona Cardinals select Tetairoa McMillan WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan makes the long journey from Tucson to Phoenix.

McMillan had 2 big years in 3 seasons at the University of Arizona. He has great size and body control and is very good at the catch point, and also has good movement skills and some ability to make guys miss after the catch. I've heard lots of comps to Drake London, and some to Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He gives the Cardinals a 3rd weapon in the passing game along with Harrison & McBride. His addition should make it easier to move Harrison around and use him on more in-breaking routes where he was at his best as a rookie, rather than forcing him into the X role.

I have McMillan as a top 6 player in this draft class, as part of a tier with Mason Graham & Will Campbell, clearly ahead of all the other non-Hunter WRs. I liked him enough to even try a little trade-up which got turned down (offering Miami 16+78 for 13+98). So getting him at 16 was the draft board falling perfectly for me. Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks would've been solid fallbacks; after that it gets much dicier IMO.

I heard a source I respect characterize the best case for McMillan as Courtland Sutton based on watching his film. Not terrible but probably not worth 1.16. Obviously, though, there are plenty of conflicting views.

He’s also been compared to Drake London, Mike Evans, and tee Higgins. All of which were or would have been worth the 16.

I'm aware. As I said, I trust what I heard. The source I like is a Chargers podcast guy so probably not known to others here, but this is from another evaluator I respect, Matt Harmon:

To me, McMillan isn’t quite Drake London as a prospect, who I was immensely high on in the 2022 draft class and was an obvious Tier 1 guy. I still can’t get over some of the discourse around his prospect tape, if you can’t tell. That said, McMillan does belong to that family of perimeter receivers who should move around a bit and are better separators than credited. Guys like London and Michael Thomas are the high-end of the archetype, while Michael Pittman and Courtland Sutton are the mid-range. McMillan fits in the latter bucket, in my view, and that is well worth a Round 1 pick with the hope he is an instant No. 2 receiver in the league with the ceiling to grow into more of a WR1 gig in time.

If you knew you were getting Pittman or Sutton at 1.16, would that be worth it?

Regardless, I'm glad he was taken before my pick at 22 so I do not have to consider him.

 

[Grahamburn]

1.19 - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

NFL wont ban the tush push? The Bucs will.

 

[-OZ-]

If you knew you were getting Pittman or Sutton at 1.16, would that be worth it?

Regardless, I'm glad he was taken before my pick at 22 so I do not have to consider him.

Probably. Possibly not thrilled but not mad. Pittman has been mostly solid despite shaky QB play.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Who wants Tyreek Hill?
I saw RC94 start unloading players, I have a short list of Dolphins I'd like to see on other teams
He's 30+ but he's still the goods, just needs a QB
Devante Adams was one of the 5 most impactful moves/signings this off season
Think about it

Any idea what you want?
Bills are interested in this intradivisional trade and start the bidding at pick 2.62 for hill.
We’ll figure out cap stuff later.

Can Miami really afford to trade Hill? Trading him before June 1 results in a $28.3M dead cap hit against the 2025 cap. Never mind, I see it has been done now. I don't think this trade is realistic.

He doesn't physically leave until June 1st

I figure if the Dodgers can pay Ohtani $2M yearly with a $68M delayed payment per year for all 10 years...it's quite astonishing when you see the whole thing laid out
Makes the Bobby Bonilla Mets deal look like child's play...anyways I figure we can just file that with the NFL at midnight June 1st

Your point is well taken, it's a $12M cap hit post June 1st which will then get split over '25 and '26 so it's like $6M

 

[ZWK]

With the 16th pick the Arizona Cardinals select Tetairoa McMillan WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan makes the long journey from Tucson to Phoenix.

McMillan had 2 big years in 3 seasons at the University of Arizona. He has great size and body control and is very good at the catch point, and also has good movement skills and some ability to make guys miss after the catch. I've heard lots of comps to Drake London, and some to Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He gives the Cardinals a 3rd weapon in the passing game along with Harrison & McBride. His addition should make it easier to move Harrison around and use him on more in-breaking routes where he was at his best as a rookie, rather than forcing him into the X role.

I have McMillan as a top 6 player in this draft class, as part of a tier with Mason Graham & Will Campbell, clearly ahead of all the other non-Hunter WRs. I liked him enough to even try a little trade-up which got turned down (offering Miami 16+78 for 13+98). So getting him at 16 was the draft board falling perfectly for me. Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks would've been solid fallbacks; after that it gets much dicier IMO.

I heard a source I respect characterize the best case for McMillan as Courtland Sutton based on watching his film. Not terrible but probably not worth 1.16. Obviously, though, there are plenty of conflicting views.

He’s also been compared to Drake London, Mike Evans, and tee Higgins. All of which were or would have been worth the 16.

I'm aware. As I said, I trust what I heard. The source I like is a Chargers podcast guy so probably not known to others here, but this is from another evaluator I respect, Matt Harmon:

To me, McMillan isn’t quite Drake London as a prospect, who I was immensely high on in the 2022 draft class and was an obvious Tier 1 guy. I still can’t get over some of the discourse around his prospect tape, if you can’t tell. That said, McMillan does belong to that family of perimeter receivers who should move around a bit and are better separators than credited. Guys like London and Michael Thomas are the high-end of the archetype, while Michael Pittman and Courtland Sutton are the mid-range. McMillan fits in the latter bucket, in my view, and that is well worth a Round 1 pick with the hope he is an instant No. 2 receiver in the league with the ceiling to grow into more of a WR1 gig in time.

If you knew you were getting Pittman or Sutton at 1.16, would that be worth it?

Regardless, I'm glad he was taken before my pick at 22 so I do not have to consider him.

I'd be happy getting Courtland Sutton at pick 16. The Broncos seem pretty happy with him - word is that they're looking to sign him to an extension for over $20M/yr.

Though it's less clear if he's worth it if we're saying that Sutton is his ceiling and there's doubt about whether he'll reach at ceiling.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

With the 16th pick the Arizona Cardinals select Tetairoa McMillan WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan makes the long journey from Tucson to Phoenix.

McMillan had 2 big years in 3 seasons at the University of Arizona. He has great size and body control and is very good at the catch point, and also has good movement skills and some ability to make guys miss after the catch. I've heard lots of comps to Drake London, and some to Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He gives the Cardinals a 3rd weapon in the passing game along with Harrison & McBride. His addition should make it easier to move Harrison around and use him on more in-breaking routes where he was at his best as a rookie, rather than forcing him into the X role.

I have McMillan as a top 6 player in this draft class, as part of a tier with Mason Graham & Will Campbell, clearly ahead of all the other non-Hunter WRs. I liked him enough to even try a little trade-up which got turned down (offering Miami 16+78 for 13+98). So getting him at 16 was the draft board falling perfectly for me. Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks would've been solid fallbacks; after that it gets much dicier IMO.

I heard a source I respect characterize the best case for McMillan as Courtland Sutton based on watching his film. Not terrible but probably not worth 1.16. Obviously, though, there are plenty of conflicting views.

He’s also been compared to Drake London, Mike Evans, and tee Higgins. All of which were or would have been worth the 16.

I'm aware. As I said, I trust what I heard. The source I like is a Chargers podcast guy so probably not known to others here, but this is from another evaluator I respect, Matt Harmon:

To me, McMillan isn’t quite Drake London as a prospect, who I was immensely high on in the 2022 draft class and was an obvious Tier 1 guy. I still can’t get over some of the discourse around his prospect tape, if you can’t tell. That said, McMillan does belong to that family of perimeter receivers who should move around a bit and are better separators than credited. Guys like London and Michael Thomas are the high-end of the archetype, while Michael Pittman and Courtland Sutton are the mid-range. McMillan fits in the latter bucket, in my view, and that is well worth a Round 1 pick with the hope he is an instant No. 2 receiver in the league with the ceiling to grow into more of a WR1 gig in time.

If you knew you were getting Pittman or Sutton at 1.16, would that be worth it?

Regardless, I'm glad he was taken before my pick at 22 so I do not have to consider him.

I'd be happy getting Courtland Sutton at pick 16. The Broncos seem pretty happy with him - word is that they're looking to sign him to an extension for over $20M/yr.

Though it's less clear if he's worth it if we're saying that Sutton is his ceiling and there's doubt about whether he'll reach at ceiling.

Me too. Back to back 1000 yard season with 8,9 tds.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

1.19 - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

NFL wont ban the rush push? The Bucs will.

I like it, are we moving on from Vita Vea? He's not getting any younger and his price is sky high
I'm all for being strong on the interior of both lines and the Bucs have done well on the IOL with Mauch and Barton now inside.
Barton has a few more nuances to learn at Center or they can get another Center and slide Barton over to Guard
Either way the Bucs are strong on the IOL and then you add Whirfs at LT and they are pretty set

I love Grant and for some reason he slides in mocks I do online but he is easily one of my very top DTs in a deep class, he might even have a better career than Graham from the same school.
It gives the Bucs a lot of flexibility moving forward. Not sure the impact at Edge you're looking for would is better than what Grant will do in stopping the run
There are Edge guys I like in the 2nd and 3rd round anyways, Bucs fans would be happy if they take him

I would think about trading Vita Vea but maybe I'm off on how you want the DL to look

 

[Ministry of Pain]

To this point, this may be the overall worst potential outcomes for top fantasy players I've seen in any mock yet.

We're here to help

 

[eighsse2]

To this point, this may be the overall worst potential outcomes for top fantasy players I've seen in any mock yet.

We're here to help

Be grateful, we could have taken Egbuka

 

[Buckna]

With the 16th pick the Arizona Cardinals select Tetairoa McMillan WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan makes the long journey from Tucson to Phoenix.

McMillan had 2 big years in 3 seasons at the University of Arizona. He has great size and body control and is very good at the catch point, and also has good movement skills and some ability to make guys miss after the catch. I've heard lots of comps to Drake London, and some to Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He gives the Cardinals a 3rd weapon in the passing game along with Harrison & McBride. His addition should make it easier to move Harrison around and use him on more in-breaking routes where he was at his best as a rookie, rather than forcing him into the X role.

I have McMillan as a top 6 player in this draft class, as part of a tier with Mason Graham & Will Campbell, clearly ahead of all the other non-Hunter WRs. I liked him enough to even try a little trade-up which got turned down (offering Miami 16+78 for 13+98). So getting him at 16 was the draft board falling perfectly for me. Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks would've been solid fallbacks; after that it gets much dicier IMO.

I heard a source I respect characterize the best case for McMillan as Courtland Sutton based on watching his film. Not terrible but probably not worth 1.16. Obviously, though, there are plenty of conflicting views.

He’s also been compared to Drake London, Mike Evans, and tee Higgins. All of which were or would have been worth the 16.

I'm aware. As I said, I trust what I heard. The source I like is a Chargers podcast guy so probably not known to others here, but this is from another evaluator I respect, Matt Harmon:

To me, McMillan isn’t quite Drake London as a prospect, who I was immensely high on in the 2022 draft class and was an obvious Tier 1 guy. I still can’t get over some of the discourse around his prospect tape, if you can’t tell. That said, McMillan does belong to that family of perimeter receivers who should move around a bit and are better separators than credited. Guys like London and Michael Thomas are the high-end of the archetype, while Michael Pittman and Courtland Sutton are the mid-range. McMillan fits in the latter bucket, in my view, and that is well worth a Round 1 pick with the hope he is an instant No. 2 receiver in the league with the ceiling to grow into more of a WR1 gig in time.

If you knew you were getting Pittman or Sutton at 1.16, would that be worth it?

Regardless, I'm glad he was taken before my pick at 22 so I do not have to consider him.

Looking at historical WR’s drafted at 16 or later, I think a team would be happy with either. Lots of better WR’s drafted in that range but also lots of busts. I’d argue both those guys are better than their numbers, IND and DEN have had some really bad QB play for much of their careers.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

this is because most of the relevant players need to get paid.

you can get a player comparable in the draft to most of these guys, but you are spending a high draft pick on them. you also get the benefit of not having to pay full market value for the player as they are on a rookie contract

these players are cheaper because they are not on rookie contracts.

I get that. I was referring to the trades in thread. I’m just trying to keep this thread realistic.

You brought up Deebo Samuel and the 5th...have you seen his last 3 seasons in actual numbers? They're horrific and I understand injuries played a major role
What do you think Tyreek Hill would bring in the current market?
I ask not to challenge you but to find out what you think he's worth with the rumor mill running rampant that he's on the block.
He's not helping right now and I don't think Miami is a better team on offense without him but this story comes to an end one way or another, I'd rather they recoup something

 

[Stoneworker]

At #20, the Denver Broncos select:

Grey Zabel - C/G - North Dakota State

Anyone who watched tape of the Senior Bowl knows what this guy is capable of. He's got O-tackle skills, and his strong athleticism and quickness will fit S. Payton's zone concepts perfectly. Zabel should be a big upgrade over either C Wattenberg or RG Powers and help take an already good O-line to the next level.

Obviously the consensus pick here was RB Hampton, but we all know this draft is deep in RB's. IMO Zabel will make the greater marginal impact

 

[Ray_T]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

this is because most of the relevant players need to get paid.

you can get a player comparable in the draft to most of these guys, but you are spending a high draft pick on them. you also get the benefit of not having to pay full market value for the player as they are on a rookie contract

these players are cheaper because they are not on rookie contracts.

I get that. I was referring to the trades in thread. I’m just trying to keep this thread realistic.

You brought up Deebo Samuel and the 5th...have you seen his last 3 seasons in actual numbers? They're horrific and I understand injuries played a major role
What do you think Tyreek Hill would bring in the current market?
I ask not to challenge you but to find out what you think he's worth with the rumor mill running rampant that he's on the block.
He's not helping right now and I don't think Miami is a better team on offense without him but this story comes to an end one way or another, I'd rather they recoup something

yeah, thats why he is basically untradeable.

I'm sure there are teams who would pay to bring him over, but the price would not be a high pick.

likely not worth it for the phins unless Tua had a career ending injury. at that point the team needs a new QB and I dont think Tyreek would want to play through another rebuild.

 

[menobrown]

The Steelers would be interested in moving back from pick 21 coming up.

 

[Ben & Jerry's]

It's time for Miami to unleash Malik Washington

 

[Andy Dufresne]

At #20, the Denver Broncos select:

Grey Zabel - C/G - North Dakota State

Anyone who watched tape of the Senior Bowl knows what this guy is capable of. He's got O-tackle skills, and his strong athleticism and quickness will fit S. Payton's zone concepts perfectly. Zabel should be a big upgrade over either C Wattenberg or RG Powers and help take an already good O-line to the next level.

Obviously the consensus pick here was RB Hampton, but we all know this draft is deep in RB's. IMO Zabel will make the greater marginal impact

Stud

Go Bison!

 

[Snotbubbles]

At #20, the Denver Broncos select:

Grey Zabel - C/G - North Dakota State

Anyone who watched tape of the Senior Bowl knows what this guy is capable of. He's got O-tackle skills, and his strong athleticism and quickness will fit S. Payton's zone concepts perfectly. Zabel should be a big upgrade over either C Wattenberg or RG Powers and help take an already good O-line to the next level.

Obviously the consensus pick here was RB Hampton, but we all know this draft is deep in RB's. IMO Zabel will make the greater marginal impact

I hope the Eagles can get one of Zabel, Loveland or Nolen at 32.

 

[menobrown]

At #20, the Denver Broncos select:

Grey Zabel - C/G - North Dakota State

Anyone who watched tape of the Senior Bowl knows what this guy is capable of. He's got O-tackle skills, and his strong athleticism and quickness will fit S. Payton's zone concepts perfectly. Zabel should be a big upgrade over either C Wattenberg or RG Powers and help take an already good O-line to the next level.

Obviously the consensus pick here was RB Hampton, but we all know this draft is deep in RB's. IMO Zabel will make the greater marginal impact

I was going to take him next for the Steelers. Would have been perfect. They lost all their depth, he'd have been able to compete vs McKormick for the starting job and absolute worst case scenario could have likely been the top backup at every single OL position.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Vikings are still looking to trade down.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

So, the Bears have been very active this offseason. They started by adding maybe the biggest prize of the offseason, in Ben Johnson. He alone could be worth more than any other addition by any NFL team. I'm strongly of the belief that the Bears are not and have not been as much talent deficient as coaching deficient particularly on offense.

Then the Bears used FA to greatly improve their OL, adding Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and then arguably the best young C in the NFC in Drew Dalman. The Bears suddenly may have a top 3 OL in the NFL. They then added Dayo Adeyingbo to the DL, which was possibly an overpay (Jonah Jackson probably was too) but a useful addition.

This draft in my eyes, has 2 elite players in it, Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. After them, I think the next group doesn't differ much. I honestly think the dropoff from #2 to #3 as big than the dropoff from #3 to #40. In my eyes the Bears need that "Stud" that they haven't had much in the 2000s. Pretty much just briefly Khalil Mack and Brandon Marshall, otherwise you probably have to go back to Brian Urlacher. To me trying to find some decent upgrades with 3 picks in the top-41, holds less value than adding a elite gamechanger.

Which brings me to the pick itself. Abdul Carter probably fills a bigger need, and would be a Will Anderson like addition to me, and allow Adeyingbo to work back and forth between DE/DT. There is certainly some strong logic to it, and if I was unable to acquire pick #2, I was willing to make a similar offer for pick #3 if he was still there. Having said that:

With the 2nd pick of the 2025 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears select Travis Hunter CB/WR Colorado.

I think Hunter is arguably the best non-QB to come out in a decade. Personally, I think he's best as a CB who maybe plays some WR just like his college HC. I think adding Hunter could give the Bears the best secondary in the NFL, and new DC Dennis Allen has shown the ability to get a lot out of less. What he could do with Hunter, Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard could be special.

I think Hunter has a HOF ceiling. I don't think a Champ Bailey comp is unfair or unrealistic. He will not be beat deep, and he has elite ball skills, and obviously work ethic given his 2-way status. The only knock on his game is I don't think he's a particularly strong player, so maybe don't match him up 1-1 against the Mike Evans types, but I think he holds his own in run defense, and obviously is a game changing playmaker. This also has the benefit of pushing Tyrique Stevenson into the Dime, which is an excellent depth piece.

I think Travis Hunter could be the best CB in the NFL by the end of the 2025 season. He's that amazing.

Ah, it's the Jalen Carter debacle all over again.

 

[Tau837]

Who wants Tyreek Hill?
I saw RC94 start unloading players, I have a short list of Dolphins I'd like to see on other teams
He's 30+ but he's still the goods, just needs a QB
Devante Adams was one of the 5 most impactful moves/signings this off season
Think about it

Any idea what you want?
Bills are interested in this intradivisional trade and start the bidding at pick 2.62 for hill.
We’ll figure out cap stuff later.

Can Miami really afford to trade Hill? Trading him before June 1 results in a $28.3M dead cap hit against the 2025 cap. Never mind, I see it has been done now. I don't think this trade is realistic.

He doesn't physically leave until June 1st

I figure if the Dodgers can pay Ohtani $2M yearly with a $68M delayed payment per year for all 10 years...it's quite astonishing when you see the whole thing laid out
Makes the Bobby Bonilla Mets deal look like child's play...anyways I figure we can just file that with the NFL at midnight June 1st

Your point is well taken, it's a $12M cap hit post June 1st which will then get split over '25 and '26 so it's like $6M

You are misunderstanding. You cannot designate a trade for post 6/1, only cuts. If you make the trade with 2025 draft picks involved, it has to occur before the draft, and thus before 6/1, incurring the $28M cap hit in 2025.

If they did wait to trade him until after 6/1, they would still take the full dead cap hit, just spread over 2 seasons, so it would not be just $12M split over 2 seasons.

 

[Grahamburn]

1.19 - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

NFL wont ban the rush push? The Bucs will.

I like it, are we moving on from Vita Vea? He's not getting any younger and his price is sky high
I'm all for being strong on the interior of both lines and the Bucs have done well on the IOL with Mauch and Barton now inside.
Barton has a few more nuances to learn at Center or they can get another Center and slide Barton over to Guard
Either way the Bucs are strong on the IOL and then you add Whirfs at LT and they are pretty set

I love Grant and for some reason he slides in mocks I do online but he is easily one of my very top DTs in a deep class, he might even have a better career than Graham from the same school.
It gives the Bucs a lot of flexibility moving forward. Not sure the impact at Edge you're looking for would is better than what Grant will do in stopping the run
There are Edge guys I like in the 2nd and 3rd round anyways, Bucs fans would be happy if they take him

I would think about trading Vita Vea but maybe I'm off on how you want the DL to look

Not moving on from Vea, no. But, understanding his snap counts may need to be limited to keep him fresh and also understanding studs inside is how you win football games. Licht drafts the trenches in the early rounds.

Guys like Grant are rare. It’s weird he isn’t mocked higher and I honestly doubt this guy is even available with the 19th pick in the real draft.

He is a monster hoss.

 

[Tau837]

1.19 - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

NFL wont ban the rush push? The Bucs will.

I like it, are we moving on from Vita Vea? He's not getting any younger and his price is sky high
I'm all for being strong on the interior of both lines and the Bucs have done well on the IOL with Mauch and Barton now inside.
Barton has a few more nuances to learn at Center or they can get another Center and slide Barton over to Guard
Either way the Bucs are strong on the IOL and then you add Whirfs at LT and they are pretty set

I love Grant and for some reason he slides in mocks I do online but he is easily one of my very top DTs in a deep class, he might even have a better career than Graham from the same school.
It gives the Bucs a lot of flexibility moving forward. Not sure the impact at Edge you're looking for would is better than what Grant will do in stopping the run
There are Edge guys I like in the 2nd and 3rd round anyways, Bucs fans would be happy if they take him

I would think about trading Vita Vea but maybe I'm off on how you want the DL to look

Not moving on from Vea, no. But, understanding his snap counts may need to be limited to keep him fresh and also understanding studs inside is how you win football games. Licht drafts the trenches in the early rounds.

Guys like Grant are rare. It’s weird he isn’t mocked higher and I honestly doubt this guy is even available with the 19th pick in the real draft.

He is a monster hoss.

He is a great run defender but not a great pass rusher. That will make him a better fit for some teams than others based on scheme and roster need.

 

[travdogg]

So, the Bears have been very active this offseason. They started by adding maybe the biggest prize of the offseason, in Ben Johnson. He alone could be worth more than any other addition by any NFL team. I'm strongly of the belief that the Bears are not and have not been as much talent deficient as coaching deficient particularly on offense.

Then the Bears used FA to greatly improve their OL, adding Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and then arguably the best young C in the NFC in Drew Dalman. The Bears suddenly may have a top 3 OL in the NFL. They then added Dayo Adeyingbo to the DL, which was possibly an overpay (Jonah Jackson probably was too) but a useful addition.

This draft in my eyes, has 2 elite players in it, Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. After them, I think the next group doesn't differ much. I honestly think the dropoff from #2 to #3 as big than the dropoff from #3 to #40. In my eyes the Bears need that "Stud" that they haven't had much in the 2000s. Pretty much just briefly Khalil Mack and Brandon Marshall, otherwise you probably have to go back to Brian Urlacher. To me trying to find some decent upgrades with 3 picks in the top-41, holds less value than adding a elite gamechanger.

Which brings me to the pick itself. Abdul Carter probably fills a bigger need, and would be a Will Anderson like addition to me, and allow Adeyingbo to work back and forth between DE/DT. There is certainly some strong logic to it, and if I was unable to acquire pick #2, I was willing to make a similar offer for pick #3 if he was still there. Having said that:

With the 2nd pick of the 2025 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears select Travis Hunter CB/WR Colorado.

I think Hunter is arguably the best non-QB to come out in a decade. Personally, I think he's best as a CB who maybe plays some WR just like his college HC. I think adding Hunter could give the Bears the best secondary in the NFL, and new DC Dennis Allen has shown the ability to get a lot out of less. What he could do with Hunter, Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard could be special.

I think Hunter has a HOF ceiling. I don't think a Champ Bailey comp is unfair or unrealistic. He will not be beat deep, and he has elite ball skills, and obviously work ethic given his 2-way status. The only knock on his game is I don't think he's a particularly strong player, so maybe don't match him up 1-1 against the Mike Evans types, but I think he holds his own in run defense, and obviously is a game changing playmaker. This also has the benefit of pushing Tyrique Stevenson into the Dime, which is an excellent depth piece.

I think Travis Hunter could be the best CB in the NFL by the end of the 2025 season. He's that amazing.

Ah, it's the Jalen Carter debacle all over again.

What do you mean?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

These player trades in here are fun but a tad unrealistic

Geno for a late 3rd
Deebo for a 5th
DK and a 6th for a 2nd and a 7th
Kirk for a 7th
Tunsil and a 4th for a 3rd, 7th, 2nd and 4th. Second two in 26
Bears got 2 OL for 2 6th rounders
CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 6th for Kenyon green and a 5th

Players almost never command a high price in draft picks. Tunsil was the most expensive of the above.

this is because most of the relevant players need to get paid.

you can get a player comparable in the draft to most of these guys, but you are spending a high draft pick on them. you also get the benefit of not having to pay full market value for the player as they are on a rookie contract

these players are cheaper because they are not on rookie contracts.

I get that. I was referring to the trades in thread. I’m just trying to keep this thread realistic.

You brought up Deebo Samuel and the 5th...have you seen his last 3 seasons in actual numbers? They're horrific and I understand injuries played a major role
What do you think Tyreek Hill would bring in the current market?
I ask not to challenge you but to find out what you think he's worth with the rumor mill running rampant that he's on the block.
He's not helping right now and I don't think Miami is a better team on offense without him but this story comes to an end one way or another, I'd rather they recoup something

No offense taken. I threw deebo in because he’s a big name.

Tyreek is a donkey. Terrible off field image. Is he declining? Probably. Tua and the mia qb situation makes it hard to tell for sure. I’d say a 3rd and 5/6th for tyreek and a 6/7th. Maaaaybe a 2nd instead of a 3rd. But 7sing DK as a comparison, DK is more valuable. IMHO.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

So, the Bears have been very active this offseason. They started by adding maybe the biggest prize of the offseason, in Ben Johnson. He alone could be worth more than any other addition by any NFL team. I'm strongly of the belief that the Bears are not and have not been as much talent deficient as coaching deficient particularly on offense.

Then the Bears used FA to greatly improve their OL, adding Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and then arguably the best young C in the NFC in Drew Dalman. The Bears suddenly may have a top 3 OL in the NFL. They then added Dayo Adeyingbo to the DL, which was possibly an overpay (Jonah Jackson probably was too) but a useful addition.

This draft in my eyes, has 2 elite players in it, Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. After them, I think the next group doesn't differ much. I honestly think the dropoff from #2 to #3 as big than the dropoff from #3 to #40. In my eyes the Bears need that "Stud" that they haven't had much in the 2000s. Pretty much just briefly Khalil Mack and Brandon Marshall, otherwise you probably have to go back to Brian Urlacher. To me trying to find some decent upgrades with 3 picks in the top-41, holds less value than adding a elite gamechanger.

Which brings me to the pick itself. Abdul Carter probably fills a bigger need, and would be a Will Anderson like addition to me, and allow Adeyingbo to work back and forth between DE/DT. There is certainly some strong logic to it, and if I was unable to acquire pick #2, I was willing to make a similar offer for pick #3 if he was still there. Having said that:

With the 2nd pick of the 2025 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears select Travis Hunter CB/WR Colorado.

I think Hunter is arguably the best non-QB to come out in a decade. Personally, I think he's best as a CB who maybe plays some WR just like his college HC. I think adding Hunter could give the Bears the best secondary in the NFL, and new DC Dennis Allen has shown the ability to get a lot out of less. What he could do with Hunter, Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard could be special.

I think Hunter has a HOF ceiling. I don't think a Champ Bailey comp is unfair or unrealistic. He will not be beat deep, and he has elite ball skills, and obviously work ethic given his 2-way status. The only knock on his game is I don't think he's a particularly strong player, so maybe don't match him up 1-1 against the Mike Evans types, but I think he holds his own in run defense, and obviously is a game changing playmaker. This also has the benefit of pushing Tyrique Stevenson into the Dime, which is an excellent depth piece.

I think Travis Hunter could be the best CB in the NFL by the end of the 2025 season. He's that amazing.

Ah, it's the Jalen Carter debacle all over again.

What do you mean?

Come on. Unless you are absolutely convinced Abdul Carter misses a significant part of year one, there is no reason not to take him.
Hunter is a guy without a clear position. At CB, I'd just stay at 1.10 and get Will Johnson, who I'm not convinced isn't a better CB anyway. At WR, yeah, he might be the best one in a weak class, but he doesn't even want to play there constantly. Just stay at 10 and go McMillan (I am not a fan of going WR though).

 

[menobrown]

Extremely tough choice here, like a lot of other people/teams would have liked to move back.

Considerations and thoughts:

I'm doing this mock based on what I know or think I know today and a lot of the decision making revolves taking Rooney's comments as a leap of faith they will be signing Rodgers. Signing a 41 year old QB, paying a second and $30M a year for a WR, these are win now moves. As such I'm going to continue in that direction.

Which brings me to the first player I did not draft but heavily considered. Jaxson Dart. In the real world if I don't have Rodgers committed to playing here by the time the draft occurs and got Mason Rudolph as my QB1 I'd probably draft Dart. I won't though if I'm assuming Rodgers is coming.

The team needs a starting level DE and overall DL depth in a bad way. Love a lot of the edge talent left but the one's I'm really high on are to small to play end in a 3-4 and would be a little redundant with the OLB's. Still heavily considered Mykell Williams on notion he could rotate at some DE, and just maybe add 20 pound to his large frame but concluded I was trying to hard to make him fit.

Hampton of course but tbh I gave him the least consideration. There are a few CB's I'd have taken here who have been picked but without such thin depth on both lines and no second round pick I'd have needed Jeanty to fall here to take a RB and try to stomach not addressing either line till round 3.

Tyler Booker was the runnerup choice. Can't have enough OL but 3 straight years spending a first on them? That position also thins out a bit faster then some of the DL talent. Also keep hearing he's a tremendous leader which would be ideal with such a young group of OL. Man, I'm almost talking myself into picking him, but I think he may not so well suited for an outside zone blocking scheme and I think I can get a more impactful player so without further ado:

With the 21st pick the Pittsburgh Steelers select Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

Helps address what I consider the single biggest team need. He's disruptive, size and ability to along with Benton play DT or move to end, will help both rush and pass defense.

The LA Chargers and @Tau837 are OTC

 

[Tau837]

Well, that is unfortunate. I was completely ready to draft Harmon, who is the player I was targeting from the start of the draft, based on expecting others I preferred to be gone by this point.

With the 22nd pick the LA Chargers select Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia.

From Daniel Popper, the Chargers best beat writer IMO:

Re-signing Khalil Mack was crucial for the Chargers this offseason. But they did cut Joey Bosa, who went on to sign with the Buffalo Bills. The Chargers have an up-and-coming talent in Tuli Tuipulotu, and he is positioned for a jump in production with increased playing time. Bud Dupree is a fine rotational piece. He turned 32 in February. I think the Chargers should be looking to get younger at the position. They have a fourth spot open. It is a strong edge rusher class. Taking one in the first round is a viable approach. As The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler notes, Williams battled an ankle injury throughout most of 2024, and his production waned. But he has exceptional length at 6-foot-5 with 34 3/8-inch arms.