NFL Mock Draft With Wisconsin's Best

<p>It is the best time of the year! Draft Week! To kick off the three day extravaganza that is the NFL Draft I have one of my favorite annual articles that I create. A mock draft of the first round, but instead of using the actual draft prospects we are going to fill team needs with Wisconsin's best high school prospects. These 31 athletes are among the best of the best in the state. Let's have some fun, and coaches make sure to have these studs on your radars.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Carolina Panthers: [player_tooltip player_id='383716' first='Vance' last='Holtz'], '25 QB- Arrowhead</h2>   <p>The Panthers are going QB, and WI is home to a very talented sophomore QB. As I write this the high level QB just received his first offer from Central Michigan. Holtz is the easy choice here as I believe he is the top QB in the state, and the Class doesn't matter. He has a big arm, great control over ball placement, and has the athleticism that has become very coveted at the next level.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Houston Texans: [player_tooltip player_id='607248' first='Evan' last='Herrmann'], '23 DL- Hamilton Sussex</h2>   <p>Buzz around the NFL seems to be that the Texans are going to not go QB with this pick, and instead look towards the top defensive talent. We will do the same with this pick as I go with the Vanderbilt OLB/DE commit. Evan has an exciting blend of elite length, get off, and closing speed. Herrmann has so much talent to mold at the next level. We are just starting to see his full potential. Big things are ahead for him. The top defensive talent in WI goes #2.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Arizona Cardinals: [player_tooltip player_id='267043' first='Donovan' last='Harbour'], '24 IOL- Catholic Memorial</h2>   <p>You have to love this pick as the Cardinals get the best overall player in the state at #3. Penn State commit [player_tooltip player_id='267043' first='Donovan' last='Harbour'] brings so much to the table. He has an elite frame that is both filled out and long. He mauls IDL with his superior power and has the quick feet to be able to pull and get up to the second level. Harbour also possesses the stoutness to needed to prevent the pocket from collapsing in pass protection. A steal at #3.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Indianapolis Colts: [player_tooltip player_id='31393' first='Jerry' last='Kaminski'], '23 QB- Sun Prairie East</h2>   <p>The North Dakota commit fits perfectly into this selection. The Colts are going QB, and next up out of Wisconsin is the senior. Jerry brings a deal threat to the field. The second a defense turns their backs to him he can take off for big gains. He also has the arm talent to play at a high level. He can deliver the ball on a rope deep down the field, and his understanding of where to place the ball based off how the DB is leveraged stands out on tape. UND has a good one.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Seattle Seahawks: [player_tooltip player_id='405467' first='Landon' last='Gauthier'], '24 OLB- Bay Port</h2>   <p>The Seahawks have a few ways they could go here, but the best player available in a position of need is the standout junior OLB from Bay Port. Landon is a versatile prospect. He looks natural out in space. You can count on him in coverage with his range and awareness. The Badgers commit also has the traits you want in an edge rusher. He can bend, has an explosive first step, and the range to chase down plays in the backfield. Without a doubt the junior is one of the best defensive payers in the state.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Detroit Lions: [player_tooltip player_id='104981' first='Adrian' last='Thomas'], '24 WR- Nicolet</h2>   <p>Receiver has quickly become a position of need for the Lions following recent news. So that brings us to the long, athletic junior receiver. The 6'3" 180 lbs Northern Illinois commit best fits this spot. He has the speed to stretch teh field, is a sudden route runner, and has strong hand-eye coordination to make even the toughest catches in traffic. Thomas has go-to potential.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Las Vegas Raiders: [player_tooltip player_id='203843' first='Charlie' last='Hoitink'], '25 IOL- Slinger</h2>   <p>The sophomore IOL is a spectacular prospect. He is already committed to Stanford Football, and dominating trenches across WI. Hoitink is massive, and he is a monster in the weight room. That translates to him ragdolling IDL all game long. This is a perfect place to slide in the outstanding IOL because the Raiders are in need of help along the interior of their offensive line. This would be a steal at 7.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Atlanta Falcons: [player_tooltip player_id='382414' first='Tre' last='Poteat'], '25 DB- Verona</h2>   <p>One of the top talents in Wisconsin is the sophomore DB out of Verona. Atlanta had a horrendous pass defense. Poteat is the man for the job there. The quick twitch athlete has the reactive athleticism needed in man coverage. He can run with receivers, and sticks to their hip throughout routes. He also is an impactful return man as well. Tre can effect the game in multiple fashions.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. Chicago Bears: [player_tooltip player_id='245970' first='Corey' last='Smith'], '24 RB- Catholic Memorial</h2>   <p>The Bears backfield is weak with the loss of David Montgomery. We fix that with the best RB and overall skill player in WI. Corey is an explosive playmaker. He has great vision and instincts for the position. His speed and acceleration are game breaking. Smith also offers three down ability with his soft hands. This is the type of kid you have to game plan for on defense.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. Philadelphia Eagles: [player_tooltip player_id='268951' first='Miles' last='Sillas'], '24 LB- Hortonville</h2>   <p>The Super Bowl runner ups get a massive addition to the middle of their defense with the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='268951' first='Miles' last='Sillas']. Sillas has D1 size already, and his tape shows a talented, versatile player. His instincts, ability to navigate the trash and disengage with blocks jump out as strengths. He has the range to roam the whole field, and he is one of the most reliable tacklers in the state.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">11. Tennessee Titans: [player_tooltip player_id='268966' first='Jack' last='Sulik'], '24 QB- Burlington</h2>   <p>The Titans still haven't found their QB of the future, so they go with the best available passer. The junior signal caller has prototypical size at 6'4" 205 lbs. He has the arm to attack all three levels of the field with velocity. He has shown good development over the years, so I have high hopes for his final season this fall.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">12. Houston Texans: [player_tooltip player_id='304449' first='Davion' last='Thomas'], '23 WR- St. Catherine's</h2>   <p>The senior committed to the Badgers fills a big need for the Texans. It would be wild for the Texans not to address the QB position, but if they don't they need targets. Thomas is the best available in WI at this point. He is the best route runner in the state, and the dude knows how to find the endzone. Davion has very good hands and is such an explosive athlete overall.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">13. Green Bay Packers: [player_tooltip player_id='216434' first='Robert' last='Booker'], '24 TE- Waunakee</h2>   <p>This was a tough choice. OL was an option. So was WR. In the end we went with the best weapon available. The junior is committed to the Badgers, and I can't wait to see the mismatch he becomes. The 6'6" 220 lbs TE has excellent speed for the TE position, and uses it with his body control to open up a lot of separation for the QB. He makes impressive catches in traffic with strong hands. The Packers need a reliable security blanket for Love.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">14. New England Patriots: [player_tooltip player_id='268945' first='Nathan' last='Roy'], '24 OT- Mukwonago</h2>   <p>This is the steal of the mock draft. Roy is the top OT in the state. He has elite size and length. He is a next level athlete that can get to the second level or further downfield with ease. His quick feet allow him to mirror edge rushers with ease and his reach allows him to make first contact and deliver forceful punches. In the run game, Nathan also generates a huge push. Franchise player type of pick.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">15. New York Jets: [player_tooltip player_id='270637' first='Garrett' last='Sexton'], '24 OT- Arrowhead</h2>   <p>The Jets have about two years with Aaron Rodgers. They must make protecting him a priority. I do that with the pick of the fastest rising prospect in WI. Less than two years ago Garrett was a QB. Now he is a 6'7" 245 lbs Penn State OL commit. The sky is the limit for the OT. He possesses rare length and athleticism. His feet are well developed already. His basketball background has helped lot there. We are just seeing the beginning of Garrett.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">16. Washington Commanders: [player_tooltip player_id='146547' first='Thomas' last='Paasch'], '23 OT- Green Bay Southwest</h2>   <p>The Commanders need help essentially everywhere. In those situations you can't go wrong with best player available. So we give them OL1 in the Class of 2023. The Northern Illinois commit has shown impressive development over the last two years. He has become a mauler in the run game. Thomas is able to get a big push, reset the line of scrimmage with his power. He can also win with his athleticism by reaching defenders or getting to the second level. Thomas will help improve a rushing attack.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17. Pittsburgh Steelers: [player_tooltip player_id='267044' first='Jace' last='Gilbert'], '24 DL- Arrowhead</h2>   <p>The Steelers have a long history of dominant defenses. That starts in the trenches, and that is where the Steelers need help. This is an easy pick. The top DL recruit in the state is the Iowa State commit out of Arrowhead HS. Gilbert looks the part already at 6'5" 270 lbs. Gilbert has a great blend of athleticism and power. He flies out of his stance and around the edge to get after the QB. He also can dig in on the edge and stand blockers up, disengage and make the stop. He is a three down DL. Great fit in this scenario.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">18. Detroit Lions: [player_tooltip player_id='206422' first='Nollenn' last='Tabaska'], '23 TE- Brookfield East</h2>   <p>The Lions seem to be on the verge of a playoff berth. Instead of looking to QB I think they look towards adding weapons. They went WR early, now they add a big, physical target in Nollenn. He can line up out wide or inline at the traditional TE position. He will be able to be a mismatch from both positions thanks to his release and speed. Tabaska would also be useful in the run game as a blocker.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: [player_tooltip player_id='250561' first='Brent' last='Hoppe'], '23 Edge/DE- Turner</h2>   <p>The senior committed to Central Michigan is the selection here for the Bucs. They are in need of impact players on the edge and in both trenches. Hoppe is my best player available here. He is highly productive as a run and pass defender. Hoppe has some of the best get off in the state, and it made him virtually unblockable. He also is a very strong prospect that has the potential to be a stout edge setter against the run game.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">20. Seattle Seahawks: [player_tooltip player_id='267042' first='Derek' last='Jensen'], '24 OL- Arrowhead</h2>   <p>This is another huge steal this late in the first round. I believe Derek has potential to play OT or OG at the next level. That versatility is huge for a team like the Seahawks who have a hard time finding consistently strong OL play. Derek is a massive, powerful bulldozer of a run blocker. He clamps those big, long arms/hands onto defenders and removes them from the area code. The Badgers commit is a tone setter in the trenches.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">21. Los Angeles Chargers: [player_tooltip player_id='104565' first='Nate' last='White'], '23 RB- Rufus King</h2>   <p>There are steal after steal available here in the late first. Our next steal is senior RB, and Wisconsin commit [player_tooltip player_id='104565' first='Nate' last='White']. If Austin Ekelar wants to be traded then the Chargers can move on to the next explosive RB. Nate has special instincts, and his elusiveness in tight quarters is rare. He made kids miss in a phone booth all season long. His acceleration is also next level special. Nate launches out of his cuts to top speed in a step or two. He is a versatile weapon.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">22. Baltimore Ravens: [player_tooltip player_id='104378' first='Brandt' last='Rice'], '23 OL- Wausau West</h2>   <p>Brandt is a prospect who's best football is still way ahead of him. He is a couple seasons removed from being a 240 lbs TE. The Wyoming commit is now a 6'5" 285 lbs run blocking monster. That TE background has led to Brandt being very athletic for the OT position. Rice is also very strong. He simply overpowers level one defenders and his lateral agility allows him to stay square throughout the rep.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">23. Minnesota Vikings: [player_tooltip player_id='634698' first='Thomas' last='D'Onofrio'], '24 DB- Middleton</h2>   <p>The Vikings need to revamp their defense. We start that with the best safety in Wisconsin. Thomas is a three level safety. He can roam the field deep with his range and awareness. He can play down in the box and knife through the front seven to make tackles. He can also drop down and play man on a receiver. Thomas is a versatile player that can play physical or with finesse. He is on the rise.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">24. Jacksonville Jaguars: [player_tooltip player_id='383704' first='Owen' last='Strebig'], '25 OT- Catholic Memorial</h2>   <p>The Jaguars had an abysmal OL in 2022, and they lost a starter from that group. The unit needs new blood and the Catholic Memorial sophomore fits the void. Owen is already a monster at 6'8" 290 lbs. He is well on his way towards developing into an FBS OT. His body control and feet have been making huge strides over the past two seasons. Strebig also has those prototypical long arms and he has the strength to control any defender he faces.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">25. New York Giants: [player_tooltip player_id='267047' first='JJ' last='Douglas'], '24 WR- Janesville Parker</h2>   <p>The Giants have two quick twitch receivers on the roster. Some GMs like to build basketball teams in their WR room. What they are missing is a big, physical presence. [player_tooltip player_id='267047' first='JJ' last='Douglas'] fills that void. The 6'5" 215 lbs junior has a big catch radius, uses his body to box out defenders and open up separation. He is also a mismatch athletically. Douglas actually has a successful basketball background too. The multi-sport athlete provides a monster target.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">26. Dallas Cowboys: [player_tooltip player_id='414576' first='Davin' last='Stoffel'], '23 TE- Mosinee</h2>   <p>Cowboys are in need of a new starting TE. Davin is easily the next man up at the position in this exercise. The South Dakota State commit is a long, lean target that always finds a way to come down with the ball. He is an athletic target who needs to bulk up, but right now offers a mismatch over LBs and safeties downfield. The big man has the hands that a QB can lean on.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">27. Buffalo Bills: [player_tooltip player_id='206639' first='Blake' last='Fletcher'], '23 LB- Racine Horlick</h2>   <p>Another huge steal comes to the Bills as they look to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl. To do so, they need to add to the middle of their defense. Matt Milano is an impact player, but they need more talent. The best available by far is [player_tooltip player_id='206639' first='Blake' last='Fletcher']. The Air Force commit has sideline to sideline range, next level closing burst, and excellent instincts for the position. He seems to always be a step ahead of the offense and knows where the ball is going. I'm excited to see him at the next level.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">28. Cincinnati Bengals: [player_tooltip player_id='104381' first='Wynn' last='Stang'], '23 RB- Mukwonago</h2>   <p>The Bengals could be looking to replace Joe Mixon. The man for the job in this scenario is the prolific RB [player_tooltip player_id='104381' first='Wynn' last='Stang']. The senior rewrote the record books in 2022. His vision, speed, and contact balance made him an exciting prospect to watch. He took over games despite teams game planning specifically for him on a weekly basis. Wynn also adds that he has proven he can handle a monster workload.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">29. New Orleans Saints: [player_tooltip player_id='268943' first='Matthew' last='Stenbroten'], LB- Lake Mills</h2>   <p>The Saints have a lot of talent to replace on the edge following free agency. A quick rising OLB that is going to dominate in 2023 is the junior out of Lake Mills. Matthew is developing a long frame at 6'4" with the arm length to match. Stenbroten is explosive out of his stance and bends well around the edge. He has developed solid hand usage as well. The big man is so athletic that he also makes an impact as WR too. He is a D1 LB talent.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">30. Philadelphia Eagles: [player_tooltip player_id='104986' first='Terrance' last='Shelton Jr']., '24 RB- Franklin</h2>   <p>The Eagles are in need of a new lead back in the backfield. There is a massive steal available for the job in Franklin junior RB Terrance Shelton. Shelton is built for the lead back role. He is 6'1" 195 lbs, and he plays a well balanced game. He can win with speed on the edge and he runs behind his pads well between the tackles. Shelton reads his blocks well and has the burst to quickly capitalize on said blocks.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">31. Kansas City Chiefs: [player_tooltip player_id='267048' first='Drew' last='Wagner'], '24 WR- Kettle Moraine</h2>   <p>We end the first round, and this exercise, with a massive steal. Wagner is a go-to receiver. He is one of the best route runners in the state. His body control shines in his routes, and while making catches along the sideline. The athletic WR also tracks the ball extremely well downfield and easily adjusts to it. Drew's hands are as reliable as you will find in the entire state too. A big year is in store for one of the best uncommitted WRs in Wisconsin.</p>

It is the best time of the year! Draft Week! To kick off the three day extravaganza that is the NFL Draft I have one of my favorite annual articles that I create. A mock draft of the first round, but instead of using the actual draft prospects we are going to fill team needs with Wisconsin's best high school prospects. These 31 athletes are among the best of the best in the state. Let's have some fun, and coaches make sure to have these studs on your radars.