NFL Mock Draft: WI Prep Edition

Today is the day! The best day of the year. Round 1 of the NFL Draft. It is like Christmas morning as 32 teams and fan bases get a shiny new toy to add to their rosters. Tonight, we get to watch 32 young men accomplish a career goal of making it to the highest level of football. If you follow this time of year closely you are familiar with the idea of mock drafts. It is all about projection, best fit, and best talent. I personally love using the mock draft machines each draft cycle to try and predict the picks myself. We are going to use that idea in a little different way. Instead of the draft prospects, I am going to predict how Round 1 would play out if the top WI HS football players were the talent pool. All the prospects between the Classes of 2022- 2025 are eligible. Let’s see how it would play out! 1. Jacksonville Jaguars The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31201" first="Isaac" last="Hamm"], DL/LB- Sun Prairie In the actual draft, this is going to come down to multiple different edge defenders. Here in WI the choice is easy. The 6’5" 270 lbs OLB out of Sun Prairie has the size, strength, burst, and production to make this choice easy. The Jags have had a lot of change on their defense the past few seasons. It is time to inject some young talent into the group. They do that with Hamm. 2. Detroit Lions The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31205" first="Myles" last="Burkett"], QB- Franklin There isn’t a QB in the draft worth taking in this spot. That isn’t the case when looking at the WI talent pool. Detroit doesn’t hesitate and adds their signal caller of the future. Myles led the most prolific offense in WI in 2021. Arm strength, accuracy, leadership, and production are all strengths that lead to the Lions deciding to build for the future. 3. Houston Texans The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31199" first="Carson" last="Hinzman"], OL- St. Croix Central I honestly don’t want to force anyone to go to the mess that is the Houston Texans, but if they are going to start heading in the right direction they need to start at one of the most important position groups and biggest areas of need. That is building a dominant OL. They do that by selecting the best OL in WI. Carson is a perfect blend of athleticism and power making this an easy choice as the Texans start another rebuild with the Ohio State commit. 4. New York Jets The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="206639" first="Blake" last="Fletcher"], LB- Racine Horlick The Jets are team on the come up. They need to address a few areas to make the leap to the next level of success, and one of those areas is finding the QB of their defense. They do that by selecting the rangy, tough, hard hitting MLB out of Racine Horlick. Blake will anchor an up and coming defense with Robert Saleh leading the way from the sideline. 5. New York Giants The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31198" first="Billy" last="Schrauth"], OL- St. Mary’s Springs The Giants have a couple early picks allowing them the opportunity to select multiple franchise changing decisions. They start the draft off by selecting the best OL avaialble. Schrauth is a massive man with the power to reset the line of scrimmage and anchor against IDL in the pass game. Billy will set the tone as the Giants give Saquon and Daniel Jones a chance to prove they belong. 6. Carolina Panthers The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31389" first="Chase" last="Spellman"], QB- Kettle Moraine I don’t think the Panthers go this route on draft night, but in this scenario I wouldn’t hesitate to grab the Kettle Moraine QB. Not only does he have the talent, he also has helped turn the Kettle Moraine program into a force to be reckoned with that has high expectations this coming season. With his arm talent, toughness, and intelligence this would be a great decision for the long term. 7. New York Giants The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="250561" first="Brent" last="Hoppe"], LB- Turner We just saw the Giants add a monster on the OL, now we flip to defense where they add maybe the fastest first step in the state. With Hamm gone this is an easy pick. Hoppe has the explosiveness, power, and agility to go along with elite level production making this an easy choice as the Giants prioritize protecting the QB and rushing the QB with their early picks. 8. Atlanta Falcons The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31200" first="Joe" last="Brunner"], OL- Whitefish Bay Atlanta has their work cut out for them. They need OL help, a QB, and plenty of defensive help. When you have that many needs sometimes it is best to start by just selection he best player available a t a high profile position. That is what they do here selecting WI commit [player_tooltip player_id="31200" first="Joe" last="Brunner"]. The big man is going to be key as Atlanta will be able to win in the trenches, get the run game going, and protect a new QB with this pick. 9. Seattle Seahawks The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="267042" first="Derek" last="Jensen"], OL- Arrowhead Seattle was in rough shape before they traded Wilson. Now it looks even worse after the trade. They also haven’t resigned Duane Brown. With a rebuild underway it is time to grab the best available trench monster. The Arrowhead tackle is young, but he has shown he can make big leaps in his development already. I’m pumped to watch him continue to grow into an FBS recruit. The Seahawks waste little time with this choice. 10. New York Jets The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31404" first="Jaiden" last="Pickett"], DB- Riverside University With their first pick the Jets secured their man in the middle of the front seven. Now they take care of the secondary by grabbing the best DB in WI. Jaiden is one of the most versatile players in the state. He can play at all three levels of the defense and on all three downs with success. If the Jets can pull off something similar on draft night they would be ecstatic. 11. Washington Commanders The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="104371" first="Nate" last="Kollath"], QB- Hamilton Sussex They traded for Wentz, and Rivera probably doesn’t want to build for the future, but that is easy to say when the talent isn’t there. At this point in the draft, there aren’t many QBs left and to get one that is 6’3" 210 lbs, with a strong arm, and plenty of athleticism you have to take him. I would make this decision quickly and easily. 12. Minnesota Vikings The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="104373" first="Will" last="McDonald"], DL- Hudson Vikings seem to be fine with what they have at QB, and are focused on building the defense back to it’s glory. So, I am going to try and help by giving them the dominant force at DE out of Hudson HS. Will has elite size and length at 6’5" 235 lbs, and the body control, strength, and high motor to make a consistent impact. This is exactly the type of move I expect the Vikings to make. They need to get after the QBs in the NFC North or they don’t stand a chance. 13. Houston Texans The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="245970" first="Corey" last="Smith"], RB- Catholic Memorial This might be the steal of the draft. At #13 the Texans select arguably the most gifted player in the state. They already selected a dominant run blocker, so now they grab the man to carry the rock behind the OL. Corey has so many elite traits. Speed, vision, acceleration, awareness, and patience are all off the charts making this an easy choice as the Texans need someone to generate offense consistently. 14. Baltimore Ravens The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="181988" first="Wesley" last="King"], DL- Appleton North The Ravens are going to win the game from when they first get off the bus with Calais Campbell and 6’5" 270 lbs [player_tooltip player_id="181988" first="Wesley" last="King"] leading the way. To succeed in the AFC North you need to stop the likes of Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, and Najee Harris. So, Baltimore selects the best DL in the state. This is the perfect balance of filling a need and getting a great player. A very Baltimore move. 15. Philadelphia Eagles The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="267046" first="Sam" last="Pilof"], LB- Middleton It seems like the Eagles have been looking for their man in the middle of the defense for years. They find that dude with the versatile [player_tooltip player_id="267046" first="Sam" last="Pilof"]. Pilof is young, but the inside- outside versatility, range, pass rush ability, and production make the sophomore a can’t miss prospect at this point in the draft. They run to the podium to announce this pick. 16. New Orleans Saints The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="267043" first="Donovan" last="Harbour"], OL- Catholic Memorial The talent slipping into the middle of the first round in this mock is insane. Donovan is only a sophomore, but he is making a big push for best OL in the state. He is massive, has light feet that allow him to lock down the blindside, and he is a man mover in the run game. The Saints need to replace their LT, and it couldn’t have gone better for them in this scenario. 17. Los Angeles Chargers The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="146547" first="Thomas" last="Paasch"], OL- Green Bay Southwest The Chargers are only a few players away from finally breaking into the postseason. That player to me is a dominant OT who can play opposite Rashawn Slater. Here in WI that player is [player_tooltip player_id="146547" first="Thomas" last="Paasch"]. The big man is able to create a lot of movement in the run game, and he will be a reliable pass blocker on the right side. Things fall perfectly for the Chargers in this one as they get Herbert all the protection he needs. 18. Philadelphia Eagles The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="267047" first="JJ" last="Douglas"], WR- Janesville Parker The Eagles are back on the clock. They found their QB of the defense that they have been looking for for years with their first pick. Now they flip to offense and get the perfect complement piece to the speedy Devonta Smith. They add the big, strong, athletic, huge catch radius that is [player_tooltip player_id="267047" first="JJ" last="Douglas"]. The Eagles are going to find out fast if Hurts it the guy with this receiver talent. 19. New Orleans Saints The Pick: Quinton Henry Jr., WR- Kenosha Bradford This was almost my pick for the Eagles, but the Saints capitalize on Quinton falling to them as they select hi to be their WR1 for Jameis. Henry is a twitchy receiver who is runs crisp routes, has soft hands, and is slippery after the catch. Saints have to make this pick whether Michael Thomas is there or not. Another big time steal in the middle of the draft. 20. Pittsburgh Steelers The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31223" first="Matthew" last="Schecklman"], QB- Appleton North Big Ben out means that the Steelers need to find their next man up. Here in WI the next man up is the Appleton North signal caller and UNI commit. Matthew is a big bodied QB with a live arm. His pocket mobility, strong arm, and accuracy are reminiscent of the former Steelers QB making this an easy choice and transition. They can’t pass up the steal here as they look to not miss a beat without Big Ben. 21. New England Patriots The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="104359" first="Zander" last="Rockow"], LB- Regis This is the most Patriots pick possible. Belichick gets an ultra athletic, versatile athlete who has played RB, LB, and DL with big time production at all three spots. Rockow would slide in at off ball LB, and also shift around depending on the situation. Zander’s range and power blend make him a reliable run stuffer, and someone who can get after the QB with well timed blitzes. I expect the Patriots to make a similar choice on Draft night. 22. Green Bay Packers The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31204" first="Cameron" last="Done"], DL- Rufus King The Packers biggest need is WR, but DL is also a need. With the run on receiver we just saw the Packers pivot, and steal the Rufus King dominant trench force. Cameron is a raw, powerful, well put together DL who would partner with Kenny Clark to create a duo that would be able to control the line of scrimmage and create a lot of disruption with their penetration. They steal the DL2 in the state at 22. 23. Arizona Cardinals The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31213" first="Joey" last="Okla"], OL- Arrowhead Arizona needs to find more help on the interior offensive line. They face Aaron Donald twice a year along with the talented 49ers front seven. To be able to take that next step Kyler needs to stay upright. In this draft, the Cardinals select the top remaining OL with guard experience in the Arrowhead OL. The Illinois commit is a stout, strong anchored lineman who will be able to keep the pocket from collapsing. 24. Dallas Cowboys The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="118237" first="Ashton" last="Beers"], OL- Slinger 5 years ago this was one of the best OLs in the NFL. Now, the Cowboys are looking to put the pieces back together so that they can make a run at the postseason. To do that, they look to add the best remaining OL talent. That athlete is the mammoth OL out of Slinger HS. Beers has the body control, is overpowering as a run blocker, and has the length to be a reliable pass blocker that can steer speed rushers past the QB. 25. Buffalo Bills The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="104565" first="Nate" last="White"], RB/ATH- Rufus King The Bills don’t have many glaring weaknesses. This allows them to go for best player available, and lucky for them it is at a position that is one of their weaker spots on the team. Nate is an electric athlete with elite quick twitch agility and acceleration, play speed to pull away in the open field, and the vision to find blocks, lanes, and the path to open grass. Fantasy football players would love this pick. 26. Tennessee Titans The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="104981" first="Adrian" last="Thomas"], WR- Nicolet Things are up in the air with AJ Borwn’s future on the team as he is looking for a new contract. Because of that, it is important to find a man to step up or be a great partner if Brown is extended. I would go with the 6’4’ 180 lbs WR out of Nicolet. He is physical in all aspects of his game. He is a willing blocker, which is huge for a team with Derrick Henry getting 300+ touches. Adrian also provides his QB with a big target who will go and get the ball at the highest point. 27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31203" first="Jerry" last="Cross"], TE- Rufus King With Gronkowski not back on the roster it looks like the Bucs will need to look for the next weapon at the position for Tom Brady. In the draft it doesn’t look like there is a TE worth a first round pick. However, in this scenario the Bucs get a steal in the Penn State commit, and best TE in the state. Jerry has an elite frame, huge catch radius, and is powerful after the catch. It is as close to Gronk as you can get in this collection of talent. 28. Green Bay Packers The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="267048" first="Drew" last="Wagner"], WR- Kettle Moraine This time around the Packers address their biggest need with the Kettle Moraine weapon. Drew is the best WR available, and he fits very well into what they need. He is a sharp route runner with the speed to stretch the field, pick up tons of YAC, and he goes and gets the ball including some highlight level catches in clutch situations. Rodgers doesn’t usually trust rookies, but if you reel in everything it’s a good step towards earning it. Need and best available coming together here. 29. Kansas City Chiefs The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31239" first="Evan" last="Redding"], WR- Menomonee Falls This is simple. Tyreek Hill is out, so we go and bring in the speediest option available. That is the Minnesota commit out of Menomonee Falls. Evan has track speed, tracks the ball in the air well, and plucks the ball out of the air with ease. This would be the perfect big play threat that the Chiefs are missing in this scenario. Chiefs pick up right where they left off. 30. Kansas City Chiefs The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="267044" first="Jace" last="Gilbert"], DL- Arrowhead With their second of back to back picks the Chiefs flip to their defense and add a young talent in [player_tooltip player_id="267044" first="Jace" last="Gilbert"]. Jace is a long, lean, high motor athlete who has a frame that is ready to add the muscle to become a special prospect. He is raw at this point, but the sophomore is too talented to pass up, and the potential is too high. They grab him and plug him into the lineup opposite Frank Clark. 31. Cincinnati Bengals The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="203843" first="Charlie" last="Hoitink"], OL- Slinger The Bengals have mad some moves along the OL already, but Burrow was the most sacked QB in the NFL in 2021. Despite that, they still made the Super Bowl. Keep him upright and you have a dangerous offense. To ensure that he stays upright, the Bengals grab the freshman out of Slinger HS. He plays center, but could play all along the line in my eyes. That makes him the perfect option to plug and play wherever needed and provide excellent depth. 32. Detroit Lions The Pick: [player_tooltip player_id="31225" first="Luna" last="Larson"], LB- Baraboo The lions started this draft getting the QB to lead their future offense. They end the draft by getting the QB of their Defense. Luna is extremely athletic, big, explosive, and has been productive for years at Baraboo. He will be able to be a rangy playmaker in the middle of the Lions defense. Great talent to get at the end of round one.