This would normally be a Superflex Big Board of only skill positions, but that only tells us one part of the story. A full big board gives you an idea of their draft capital value which impacts long-term dynasty value. We're into Week 8 of the regular season and developing a true sense of what each NFL team is on both sides of the ball while we're getting a much larger sense of who each prospect is as a player. This also allows me to put together a way-to-early mock draft to give you a feel for the state of each team and where they might look to improve the current pieces on their team.
It's also just pure old-fashioned fun and gives our IDP fam some love.
2-Round Mock Draft, Round 1
Pick 1.01 - New England Patriots
Kelvin Banks Jr. OT, Texas | 6-4, 320 lbs
This is another classically boring draft in which we have an OT go first. I selfishly hope a QB or two rises to the top of the big board so the Patriots can move down in the draft for a desperate need. Many may want Travis Hunter or Tet McMillan to give a promising young QB a weapon, but it's much harder finding a quality offensive lineman in Free Agency because most teams don't allow them to leave until they're too old to justify their cost.
This brings us to Kelvin Banks Jr. out of Texas. Most have Will Campbell as their top OT, which is fine, but Banks has continually looked fantastic against other blue-chip NFL talent. He's a physical dancing bear who can be the anchor for Drake Maye's blindside.
Pick 1.02 - Carolina Panthers
Travis Hunter WR/CB, Colorado | 6-1, 185 lbs
The Panthers desperately need help on both sides of the ball and the best player in the draft just so happens to do so. Make no mistake; Hunter is arguably a better wide receiver than he is a CB and can be a legitimate WR1 for whoever takes over at QB.
I don't think Hunter is the prototypical X, but he is the ideal Z that can be moved across the formation, including the slot. I doubt a team will give him the same amount of snaps in the NFL as in college, but I wouldn't be surprised if he played key downs. Let's be honest: Carolina could definitely use the help on every down.
Pick 1.03 - New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders QB, Colorado | 6-2, 216 lbs
I'm drafting for the Giants as if Joe Schoen will be promptly shown the door as soon as they inevitably miss the playoffs by a large margin to bring in someone competent. They need a new QB immediately and I believe they'd be bringing a true franchise star in Shedeur Sanders. Make no mistake; Sanders is a 1st round QB. Whereas some quarterbacks are trailers that need the ideal situation to pull them along, we have a truck that pulls along an offense regardless of his situation. You just need to ignore every interview and the off-the-field drama to see it.
Malik Nabers and Sanders could be a lethal combo under rookie contracts that would unlock the big play shots that HC Brian Daboll desperately needs to keep his job. The Colorado QB has a live arm and NFL accuracy in every area over the field. He's mostly a pocket passer but has enough mobility to consistently extend plays in the NFL like he's done every week in college.
Pick 1.04 - Tennessee Titans
Will Campbell OT, LSU | 6-6, 324 lbs
The Titans have plenty of problems and they know it seeing as they've started a fire sale. Ideally, they address QB this offseason and I wouldn't be surprised to see Drew Allar go here. (More on that later) But we're going to play it safe and boring and protect whoever takes over at QB by taking who some call the best OT in the draft.
Much of LSU's offensive success with both Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier can be attributed to consistently clean pockets. Campbell has a stable base and smooth technique on par with Joe Alt and won't be a miss as long as they fix their Will Levis problem.
Pick 1.05 - New York Jets
Mason Graham DI, Michigan | 6-3, 320 lbs
I would've never believed the Jets would be drafting Top-5 in the preseason, but here we are. Furthermore, the defense seems to be as big of a problem as the offense so they're in the position to take the best player available.
Mason Graham is a polished wrecker with a high motor that can be an anchor to a defensive front. NFL defenses prioritize interior pressure to force quarterbacks out of the pocket where edge defenders can clean up, and Graham is the best in the bunch at doing just that. This won't fix Aaron Rodgers, but this can certainly improve a bleeding rush defense and struggling secondary without pressure.
Pick 1.06 - New Orleans Saints
Will Johnson CB, Michigan | 6-2, 203 lbs
The Saints are another team in “Best Available, mode beyond WR and still seem to be committed to an offensive core that includes Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara. Michigan has been blessed on defense and they're about to share that love with the NFL. I know the Saints recently drafted Kool-Aid McKinstry and have Marshon Lattimore, but Johnson is a far better player than McKinstry.
The Wolverine has the ideal instincts, size, and closing speed and fits into any defensive scheme as a shutdown corner. So it will be on the Saints to work McKinstry around Johnson instead of vice versa.
Pick 1.07 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Abdul Carter, Edge Penn State | 6-3, 251 lbs
Jacksonville is another team I'm drafting under the assumption of competence if they can rid themselves of Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson. Offensive line is a massive need, but Abdul Carter is a special athlete in the same vein as Micah Parsons. No, I'm not helmet scouting. Penn State somehow recruited another hyper-versatile athlete.
Carter gives the Jaguars a true stud on defense that offenses have to plan for. He excels off-ball in coverage and is a speedy pass-rusher on the edge. I wouldn't be surprised if Carter goes higher than 1.07 or ends up the steal of the draft due to his ability to affect all three phases of defense every down.
Pick 1.08 - Las Vegas Raiders
Cam Ward, QB Miami | 6-2, 223 lbs
I don't believe Cam Ward is the second-best QB, but I believe the Raiders would think that. I'm not saying Ward is a bad player, but it's easy to ignore his head-scratching decisions and how long he holds the ball when he puts up gaudy stats in wins.
However, Ward has been a proven winner, is unaffected by the pressure of the moment, and has the NFL talent to be a legitimate franchise QB. The Raiders need a franchise player as a building block beyond the disgruntled Maxx Crosby, and Ward could be that guy. The Vegas WR room isn't as bad as it seems without Davante Adams, considering they have a star in Brock Bowers. This could be the marriage that makes the Raiders a winning organization again.
Pick 1.09 - Cleveland Browns
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona | 6-5, 212 lbs
The Browns move down to nine to pick up much-needed draft capital to help stop the bleeding of their Deshaun Watson-shaped wound. Why no QB, you ask? I'm unsure if the Browns understand that they need a new quarterback, and there seems to be no end to the purgatory. If they're rolling with Watson in the future, at least give him the premium version of Cedric Tillman.
Yes, I mean Tetairoa McMillan. I love him so much that I almost hate sending him to the Shadow Realm. (Cleveland) McMillan has uncoachable traits like fluid mobility with size but is skilled in finesse areas like route-running and positioning a defender. Many teams recruit large athletes, but few develop such a polished and smooth prospect. McMillan will be an easy target earner for whoever is under center in Cleveland in 2025.
Pick 1.10 - Miami Dolphins
Malaki Starks S, Georgia | 6-1, 205 lbs
The Dolphins are a different team without Tua and it shines a glaring black light on the hotel room that is Miami's defense. Jalen Ramsay is cooked, Jevon Holland is likely gone in free agency, and they lack any run support even when Jaelan Phillips is healthy. Malaki Starks fixes most of that.
I wasn't a fan of Starks in 2023 when Kirby Smart mostly used him in deep Two-High, but the 2024 version is tailor-made for the modern NFL defense. Starks excels close to the ball in the slot and his size makes him an ideal run defender from that position. He has the tools to do enough in deep zone but isn't quite as instinctive as he is near the line of scrimmage, but Miami gets a much-needed thumper in their secondary.
Pick 1.11 - Los Angeles Rams
Benjamin Morrison CB, Notre Dame | 6-0, 190 lbs
I'm unsure of how the injury affects Benjamin Morrison's draft stock, but sliding to 11 is enough considering I don't think there's much of a gap between him and Will Johnson as some may believe. The Rams have done well addressing the missing pressure of Aaron Donald with Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, but it means nothing without secondary help
Morrison has some of the best closing/recovery speed in the class and is a sticky defender who isn't afraid to hit. He may need time to recover well into next season before he's ready, but he'd be a steal long-term.
Pick 1.12 - Arizona Cardinals
James Pearce Jr. Edge, Tennessee | 6-5, 243 lbs
Arizona could use a new offensive coordinator, but that's not an issue you can fix in the draft. However, you can fix 2nd worst pressure defense and 7th worst pass defense by drafting a star edge rusher with coverage chops.
James Pearce Jr. is arguably Tennessee's best player and this is a team that includes Nico Iamaleava. He has rare length and bend that make him nearly impossible to block considering how quick he is at the snap. Jonathan Gannon would have an ideal chess piece to move around the formation and torment coordinators week after week.
Pick 1.13 - Cincinnati Bengals
Kenneth Grant DI, Michigan | 6-3, 339 lbs
The Bengals offense has been revived from the ashes of Joe Burrow's injuries, but the defense has been abysmal. B.J. Hill is a solid run stuffer, but Kenneth Grant gives the team interior pressure that consistently pushes the pocket and flushes quarterbacks to Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson.
Grant is one of the special players who affects a play without production, draws more attention from the OL, and frees up linebackers for the run game. The Bengals lack power on defense, and Grant immediately fills that void.
Pick 1.14 - San Francisco 49ers
Blake Miller OT, Clemson | 6-6, 315 lbs
The 49ers are an entirely different offense without arguable team MVP Trent Williams. But it's important to remember that Williams is 36 years old, Colton McKivitz is meh, and they lack depth outside of Jaylon Moore. Blake Miller gives them an immediate succession plan for Trent Williams without forcing a rookie to play in the middle of a championship window.
Miller has been slept on while anchoring the offensive line of a disappointing Clemson team, but don't be fooled into thinking he's been the issue. The junior has quick feet, a strong base, and is mobile enough to quickly road grate the second level in Kyle Shanahan's complex West Coast Outside Zone scheme.
Pick 1.15 - Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty RB, Boise State | 5-9, 216 lbs
This is the easiest pick Dallas can make when the best player available also fills a major need. Ashton Jeanty is every bit as good as his gaudy stats that haven't been seen since Barry Sanders. The Ghost of Ezekiel Elliott and a mediocre offense are holding back the Cowboys offense, and Jeanty provides a legitimate workhorse value that embodies what this team is known for.
Jeanty's short yet muscular build, coupled with his burst and agility, makes him impossible to take down. He's the type of back who forces defenses to stack the box, even knowing that CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott can hurt them through the air. Don't mess this up, Jerry.
Pick 1.16 - Denver Broncos
Luther Burden III WR, Missouri | 5-11, 205 lbs
Luther Burden III answers the question: “What if Marvin Mims Jr. was actually as good as people believe., The Broncos whiffed on Mims and may have hit on Troy Franklin at cost if he continues to progress, but that still leaves their receiving room barren behind Courtland Sutton.
Burden has been underutilized at Mizzou but is likely the best athlete in this receiving class. He'd give Bo Nix a versatile target that can be used in the slot or out wide as a field stretcher. This doesn't account for the obvious YAC ability that makes him a threat anytime the ball is in his hands. He reminds me of Brian Thomas Jr. regarding the tools to be a good route runner but limited to hyper-specific usage. I love fluid hips and an instinctive understanding of space, and he has that. It's just about putting that together to be precise and on time in the NFL.
Pick 1.17 - Atlanta Falcons
Nic Scourton Edge, Texas A&M | 6-4, 280 lbs
The Falcon's pass rush continues to be non-existent despite double dipping on DL on Day 2 of the last draft. Ruke Orhorhoro could still develop, but they need a strong setter who can collapse an edge like Nic Scourton.
Scourton's best traits are his length, motor, and power-to-speed transitions to finish sacks. He lacks the versatility of the edge defenders ahead of him, but he's polished and complete as a defensive end.
Pick 1.18 - Philadelphia Eagles
Kevin Winston Jr. S, Penn State | 6-2, 208 lbs
Kevin Winston Jr. is probably one of my favorite players in the class, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the best pure deep-cover safety fall right into Howie Rosman's lap. The Eagle's biggest weakness is their leaky secondary, which hasn't recovered from their stars aging out. Quinyon Mitchell is the real deal, and Cooper DeJean has finally worked his way into the starting lineup. But that isn't enough.
Winston gives them a safety that can eliminate a deep third of the field. Slow-processing quarterbacks with telegraphing eyes will be dearly punished if they throw near him due to his fast closing speed and instinctual positioning to always be around the football.
Pick 1.19 - Seattle Seahawks
Jalon Walker Edge, Georgia | 6-2, 245 lbs
The Legend of Jalon Walker continues to grow. The Georgia edge defender was the best player in a game with 20+ NFL talents. Moreover, he looked effective against my top tackle in the class. This is no slight to Kelvin Banks Jr. who had a solid game, Georgia is just that good, and Walker did the most with his time.
Walker is the third of the versatile freaks that can produce both off-ball and in the dirt. Seattle HC Dan Quinn can have a front piece that helps the pass rush marry the already stellar coverage. Moreover, Walker is a tough backer with quick closing speed and power to stuff the run as well. This is another player I wouldn't be surprised to go much earlier come April.
Pick 1.20 - Indianapolis Colts
Deone Walker DI, Kentucky | 6-6, 344 lbs
I don't say this lightly: Deone Walker is a monster. The 6-6 behemoth already clogs a rushing lane with his size, but what's most impressive is his bend and quick feet along with it. Kentucky's defense has been a problem in the SEC, and Walker is a big reason why.
What I enjoy most about this pick is the team fit. Colts GM Chris Ballard has built his offense around athletic freaks and I wouldn't be surprised to see this trend continue on a defense that's long overdue for a rebuild. Walker allows Ballard to build this defense from the trenches out while their QB develops and should be plug-and-play.
Pick 1.21 - Los Angeles Chargers
Isaiah Bond WR, Texas | 5-11, 180 lbs
If you're building your receiving core like a basketball team, the Chargers lack someone who can score from deep. Isaiah Bond can slide into the Z while Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey fill the X and slot roles. Bond's move to Texas has put him in both Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy's roles, and he's a better route runner than either. He's closer to my WR2 in the class than he is WR3, and I wouldn't be surprised to see teams in the early second moving up for him. Justin Herbert desperately needs an explosive target earner who can loosen up a tight and slow offense, and this could be a slam dunk for all parties involved.
Pick 1.22 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Shavon Revel CB, East Carolina | 6-3, 194 lbs
We wouldn't be talking about Shavon Revel going this late if it weren't for injury, and I'm putting him here for fun. The East Carolina corner would be the ideal fit on a classic Pete Carroll team due to his length and range, but he's far more skilled in bump-and-run man than Richard Sherman ever was. The injury should only mean a discount for Revel and not the lack of market, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay in school to improve is draft stock.
Pick 1.23 - Chicago Bears
Emery Jones Jr. OT, LSU | 6-6, 315 lbs
The Bears finally look like an NFL team. Actually, the Bears finally look like a playoff team, but I'd feel much better about them if they had someone like Emery Jones Jr. I've already mentioned LSU's offensive success due to Will Campbell, but Jones has been nearly as good. He's already an instant improvement to every offensive lineman they have and has some of the most mobility out of the OTs. Chicago could use an upgrade across from Montez Sweat, but anchor linemen at a discount are difficult to come by.
Pick 1.24 - Baltimore Ravens
Jahdae Barron CB, Texas | 5-11, 200 lbs
The Ravens' cornerbacks, beyond an aging Marlon Humphrey, are non-existent. In fact, Baltimore frequently deploys 3-4 safeties in place of traditional nickel corners. This has been great for defending the run but made them a pass-funnel defense that needs a tough nickel corner who can tackle. And let's not forget a corner's other important job of defending the pass.
Jahdae Barron is a stocky DB with fast closing speed and a veteran understanding of coverage assignments. Barron always finds himself in the right place and knows where everyone else is on the field to pass off coverage effectively. The Ravens get a guy who improves their coverage without sacrificing a staunch run defense.
Pick 1.25 - Buffalo Bills
Mykel Williams Edge, Georgia | 6-5, 265 lbs
It's less about Mykel Williams falling down draft boards due to play and more about others leaping ahead. Williams isn't as versatile a defender as Jalon Walker and not quite as disruptive as the Michigan DLs, but he is a physical five or seven technique that can press a pocket or set an edge.
The Bills have had a modest defense despite a soft rebuild this off-season, but they need more beyond Ed Oliver and Von Miller in his Old Man Unc years. Williams may not be a splashy player, but he can be disruptive.
Pick 1.26 - Washington Commanders
Tyleik Williams DI, Ohio State | 6-3, 327 lbs
It's wild that the Commanders are an offensive juggernaut coached by Dan Quinn, whose biggest need is on defense. I don't love Tyleik Williams as much as other prospects, but he has all the tools to be the centerpiece of a disruptive defensive line. Quinn has done wonders with players like Grady Jarrett, and he gets a younger version with plenty of college production and twice the size.
Pick 1.27 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Aireontae Ersery OT, Minnesota | 6-6, 331 lbs
Death, Taxes, and the Steelers being a playoff team hampered by OL play. Broderick Jones has been a liability, and Airentae Ersey could be an immediate upgrade for a plaguing problem at a discount due to depth and coming from outside a top program.
Ersery is on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List for a reason. At 6-6 and 331 lbs, it's nigh impossible to get around all that mobile size and length. Many have Ersery much higher already, so I wouldn't be surprised if we're mocking somebody else here if he manages to climb up NFL draft boards.
Pick 1.28 - Green Bay Packers
Walter Nolen DI, Ole Miss | 6-3, 304 lbs
Walter Nolen was the number one player in the Transfer Portal for a reason: He's an athletic specimen with grown-man strength at the young age of 21. You can plug him anywhere on the defensive line from 1-7 technique and create problems for an offensive line. His biggest knock is his consistency and lack of production, albeit in the SEC.
This allows Green Bay to greatly improve the NFL's youngest roster with a naturally talented player who's the best on the board. Sure, the Packers have Kenny Clark at home already. But you know what's better than one Kenny Clark? Two.
Pick 1.29 - Houston Texans
Tyler Booker IOL, Alabama | 6-5, 325 lbs
The Texans are a nearly complete team that could still use improvements along the offensive line amid pass protection issues. Tyler Booker is a stereotypically physical Alabama lineman with the mobility to pull and down block in the Texans' outside zone scheme. Moreover, they need to do everything they can to protect C.J. Stroud because it's been an issue since he's been drafted. As the defensive side of the ball emphasizes interior pressure, it's on NFL teams to prioritize interior protection.
Pick 1.30 - Minnesota Vikings
Donovan Jackson IOL, Ohio State | 6-4, 320 lbs
Insert nearly everything I said about the Houston Texans right here because Minnesota uses a similar blocking scheme and has the same problems. They've done well to bolster their tackle spots but haven't nailed the interior. The Vikings need upgrades in the secondary but are stuck improving a secondary need with the top players off the board.
Pick 1.31 - Detroit Lions
Landon Jackson Edge, Arkansas | 6-7, 280 lbs
Landon Jackson is a Ferrari parked in the trailer park that is Arkansas. (I'm from Arkansas and a Razorback fan, so I get to make that joke.) Jackson has a tall, lengthy frame that keeps offensive linemen from locking him up inside and the finesse to transition from speed to power. You can tell the superior athletes by their ability to bend with power, and Jackson has that. Detroit needs to bolster the pass rush more than ever with Aiden Hutchinson injured late into the season, and Jackson could be a diamond in the rough.
Pick 1.32 - Tennessee Titans
Drew Allar QB, Penn State | 6- 5" 235 lbs
This is my big trade, seeing as the Chiefs can afford to pick up more draft capital to help the unthreatening Titans get their real Quarterback of the future. Drew Allar is probably my second favorite quarterback in the class; and I just need more confirmation that the NFL feels the same way. He has the ideal traits of a modern pocket passer and was a top recruit for a reason. The issue is he's only just put it together at Penn State and hasn't been as flashy or productive as Ward or Sanders.
But it's important to note that the best receiving option of Allar's career has been a tight end, and James Franklin seeps failure into his prospects. So, his growth while dealing with that adversity makes him even more impressive. He has a live arm that's developed the touch to feather passes between coverage, is experienced, and has consistently been tested against solid defenses. Don't forget that Will Levis couldn't beat out Sean Clifford in the same Penn State system and transferred to Kentucky because of this. Needless to say, Allar is much better than both.
2-Round Mock Draft, Round 2
2.01. Patriots - Evan Stewart WR, Oregon
2.02. Bears - Dontay Corleone DI, Cincinnati
2.03. Browns - Kyle Kennard Edge, South Carolina
2.04. Chiefs (Via Mock Trade) - Quinshon Judkins RB, Ohio State
2.05. Jets - Cameron Williams OT, Texas
2.06. Saints - Luke Lachey TE, Iowa
2.07. Jaguars - Josh Simmons OT, Ohio State
2.08. Raiders - Kaleb Johnson RB, Iowa
2.09. New York Giants - Barrett Carter LB, Clemson
2.10. Dolphins - Jonah Savaiinaea OT, Arizona
2.11. Panthers - Xavier Restrepo WR, Miami
2.12. Cardinals - Ashton Gillote Edge, Louisville
2.13. Bengals - Josaiah Stewart Edge, Michigan
2.14. 49ers - Tacario Davis CB, Arizona
2.15. Cowboys - Luke Kandra IOL, Cincinnati
2.16. Broncos - Terrance Ferguson TE, Oregon
2.17. Falcons - Shemar Stewart Edge, Texas A&M
2.18. Eagles - Jihaad Campbell LB, Alabama
2.19. Seahawks - Danny Stutsman LB, Oklahoma
2.20. Colts - Harold Fannin Jr. TE, Bowling Green
2.21. Chargers - Colston Loveland TE, Michigan
2.22. Buccaneers - Tyler Warren, Penn State
2.23. Bears - Jack Sawyer Edge, Ohio State
2.24. Ravens - Wyatt Milum OT, West Virginia
2.25. Bills - Lathan Ranson S, Ohio State
2.26. Commanders - Quincy Riley CB, Louisville
2.27. Steelers - Tre Harris WR, Ole Miss
2.28. Packers - Denzel Burke CB, Ohio State
2.29. Texans - Omarion Hampton RB, North Carolina
2.30. Bills - Aeneas Peebles DI, Virginia Tech
2.31. Lions - Parker Brailsford C, Alabama
2.32. Chiefs - Deion Burks WR, Oklahoma
