NFL mock draft 1.0: KC Chiefs stay put and take value pick

To a lot of people, Mayer is the most complete tight end in this draft class. In Dallas, they are hoping to put together a more explosive offense and Mayer certainly fits the bill. While replacing Dalton Schultz is no easy task, Mayer has the potential to be even better than Schultz. Mayer would make for a great safety blanket for Dak Prescott and would help boost the run game with his blocking ability. The Cowboys want to make a deep playoff run and this addition might just be what they need.

The Bills have a lot of big names on defense, but many of those stars are aging. The Bills are not going to be headed for a defensive rebuild, but they are going to need to have a plan for the future. Drafting Drew Sanders would be a move that would make sense for now and the future. A jack of all trades, Sanders can do whatever is asked of him, but his value to the bills would be as a weak side linebacker in coverage and on blitzes. With a surprising burst, Sanders would provide a spark to a linebacking corps that already includes a star in Matt Milano.

This is one of those “Super Bowl or bust years” for the Bengals. With Joe Burrow’s anticipated extension looming, the Bengals are in a place where they have to do whatever they can to make sure that they maximize their capability on the field. With Hayden Hurst on his way to Carolina, the Bengals need a big target in the middle of the field to add to their already dynamic group of receivers. Luke Musgrave might be the best overall tight end in this class. While Michael Mayer is a very talented receiver and Darnell Washington is the best blocker, Musgrave can do it all. While you shouldn’t expect a pile-driving blocker, he uses good technique and can separate in the middle of the field. The Bengals could make their potent offense even better with this pick.

(From San Fransisco)

Derick Hall is a selection for a team like New Orleans that is trying to prepare for the eventual departure of Cam Jordan as well as make the front seven better for “the now.” Derick Hall is one of those guys that has a high floor and decently high ceiling. He is a very athletic run-stuffer that could one day develop in to an effective NFL pass-rusher. The Saints could use a tone setter and Hall has a chance of becoming that.

The Eagles, like a number of franchises, are facing an age problem. Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Haasan Reddick headline the defense but are not youngsters. Eventually, the Eagles will need to look to a shot of youth. Lukas Van Ness is a perfect choice here. While he is certainly not refined, he has a lot of upside. Van Ness is a monster with an excellent burst despite a large frame. He is somewhat underdeveloped in his pass-rushing technique, but with some mentoring from the aforementioned leaders of the Eagles’ defense, Van Ness would be a home run.

The Chiefs get their final piece of the offensive line. With the top receivers and EDGE players coming off the board before their pick, this one makes the most logical sense. Dawand Jones is a massive individual. At 6’8 and 374 pounds, the Chiefs would have acquired their biggest offensive lineman. With very good quickness and extraordinary length, Jones would solidify the right side of the offensive line for the foreseeable future. As a powerful run blocker, Jones would add an aspect to the right side that the Chiefs have not had during Patrick Mahomes’ tenure. This is a great value pick and the Chiefs would likely be thrilled to have Jones fall to 31. Jones would be similar to Orlando Brown Jr., just on the correct side of the line.