The NFL Draft is just around the corner, signaling that we are in the midst of the “mock draft season.” Fans are eager to see who their teams might select, but the reality is that building a strong team requires effective drafting throughout all seven rounds, not solely through the initial 32 picks.
Last year, the Los Angeles Rams scored a top-tier defensive tackle, Braden Fiske, in Round 2 with the 39th pick, and they also found a promising safety, Kamren Kinchens, at 99th. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers nabbed an emerging star running back, Bucky Irving, at pick 125, while the New York Giants added an exciting rusher, Tyrone Tracy Jr., with pick 166. Maximizing post-first round draft picks can significantly enhance a team’s championship prospects.
Our NFL Draft analysts have been hard at work compiling seven-round mock drafts for all teams. We’ve gathered their complete drafts in order for you to explore. Let’s delve into the selections from Ryan Wilson, Emory Hunt, Mike Renner, Chris Trapasso, and Josh Edwards.
In a surprising twist, Emory Hunt chose Shedeur Sanders over Cam Ward as the top overall pick. Hunt has consistently rated Sanders as his top quarterback, believing he will thrive under Titans head coach Brian Callahan, who previously coached Joe Burrow, a player Hunt compares to Sanders. Additionally, the Titans selected large-bodied pass catcher, Jack Bech, from TCU, who earned MVP honors at the Senior Bowl.
On Day 3, the Titans focused on fortifying their interior defensive line by selecting Jamaree Caldwell and boosted their offensive lineup by adding playmakers Gunnar Helm and Kobe Hudson. They later rounded out their draft by adding depth to the secondary with Kitan Crawford and further strengthening their offensive line with Logan Brown from Kansas and Tim Smith from Alabama.
In this mock draft, Emory Hunt anticipates that if Shedeur Sanders falls to the second position, he would ideally replace Deshaun Watson. He notes Sanders’ experience in colder weather as a factor and believes Sanders is ready to contribute immediately. With Cleveland’s second pick, the Browns acquired Luther Burden III from Missouri, heralded as one of the top wide receivers of the draft class.
The mock drafts emphasize that building a successful team in the NFL goes beyond the first round, and while early picks can create excitement, real talent can be discovered later on. It’s a thrilling time as fans anticipate how their teams will strategize for future success through the upcoming draft.
