Another NFL mock draft update
Lot of action with Kirk Cousins leaving MIN to go to ATL (my hometown team and given that Cousins just seems to be a genuinely good person and solid QB, I can't hate on him), MIN signing Sam Darnold to a 1-year deal (portending a QB in the draft), Jacoby Brisset to NE (another bridge with QB in the draft), Russell Wilson to PIT, and Justin Fields maybe missing out on the last spot in musical chairs (although maybe DEN, unless they ALSO trade up for a QB).
With that said, a number of mocks were updated recently and here is a roundup of a few of them.
Long story short, JJ is mocked as high as #3 (!) and not lasting past the 11th pick (MIN currently, pending any trades). Of the 9 mocks I pulled, JJ's average position is #6. Five of the mocks have him going to MIN, two to NYG, one to NE, one to DEN. It should be noted that all the ones updated on 3/11 or later peg him as a future Viking.
As for DET, DE and DB are the popular first round picks, with one pick for an OL and one for a WR.
Only one mock I pulled had a 2nd round, with 3 more Wolverines picked.
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Jayden Daniels
- 3 NE Drake Maye
- 4 ARI Marvin Harrison Jr
- 5 MIN (via LAC) JJ McCarthy
- Would Minnesota be content to trade to this spot knowing it might have to settle for its fourth choice to replace Kirk Cousins? Maybe a move wouldn't be reasonable until draft day, when general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Co. could see how the top few picks panned out. But going with Sam Darnold as a bridge option to start off 2024 while sitting and developing McCarthy seems like a relatively sound strategy for an organization that suddenly has had change behind center thrust upon it.
- 29 DET Darius Robinson (DE, Mizzou)
- The native of Southfield, Michigan, said at the NFL scouting combine it would be a "dream come true" to be taken by his hometown team. With the Lions adding Marcus Davenport opposite Aidan Hutchinson, Robinson could begin his career as part of a pass-rush rotation and hone his considerable physical tools at a moderate pace.
CBS Sports has 5 different guys with mock drafts, so just putting in the landing spots for JJ and the DET picks.
Ryan Wilson (3/5)
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Jayden Daniels
- 3 NE JJ McCarthy (!!!)
- 4 ARI MHJr
- 5 MIN Drake Maye
- 29 DET Chop Robinson
Chris Trapasso (3/6)
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Jayden Daniels
- 3 NE MHJr
- 4 ARI Rome Odunze
- 5 LAC Taliese Fuaga
- 6 NYG JJ McCarthy (in this mock, Drake Maye falls to 11 MIN)
- 29 DET Darius Robinson (DE, Mizzou)
Josh Edwards (3/7)
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Drake Maye
- 3 NE Jayden Daniels
- 4 ARI MHJr
- 5 LAC Malik Nabors
- 8 DEN (from ATL) JJ McCarthy
- 29 DET Jordan Morgan (NTJM - OT, Arizona)
Tom Fornelli (3/9)
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Jayden Daniels
- 3 NE Drake Maye
- 4 ARI MHJr
- 5 MIN (from LAC) JJ McCarthy
- 29 DET Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
Kyle Stackpole (3/4)
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Drake Maye
- 3 NE Jayden Daniels
- 4 NYG (from ARI) JJ McCarthy
- 5 LAC MHJr
- 29 DET Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Drake Maye
- 3 NE Jayden Daniels
- 4 ARI MHJr
- 5 CHI (from LAC) Rome Odunze
- 6 MIN (from NYG) JJ McCarthy
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It seems inevitable that a QB-needy team will leapfrog Atlanta (or which team ultimately holds the eighth pick) to ensure the next best prospect is still there.
I have my qualms with the passer McCarthy is right now, relative to his draft stock, but he has some enticing tools — and he’s still early on his developmental curve. He would walk into a healthy offensive situation, and it’s possible Minnesota will have a bridge QB he can sit behind until he’s ready. After Chicago, this would be the best landing spot for a rookie QB.
- 29 DET Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
- Detroit has a tight window of opportunity to stay at the top of the NFC, so don’t be surprised if GM Brad Holmes trades for L’Jarius Sneed and uses this pick on the best player available. Until free agency shakes out, though, cornerback is the biggest need on this roster. McKinstry doesn’t have eye-popping measurables or speed scores, but the SEC decided he wasn’t worth throwing at in 2023, because of how smooth and sticky he is in coverage.
The Draft Network (3/11)
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Jayden Daniels
- 3 NE Drake Maye
- 4 ARI MHJr
- 5 MIN (from LAC) JJ McCarthy
- The Vikings should focus on resetting the QB position. Trading up to select a toolsy J.J. McCarthy to fit within Kevin O'Connell's offense with a great WR duo sounds like the move to make!
- 29 DET Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
- Dan Campbell has needed CBs for long enough. Terrion Arnold is the answer to their questions in the secondary. He fits the culture of toughness and grit. He is arguably the best mover in the class. Whether in pass coverage or run support, Arnold will bring everything to the fight.
- 42 LAC (from MIN) Blake Corum (totally something Harbaugh would do)
- 56 DAL Kris Jenkins
- 61 Detroit Mason McCormick (IOL, S Dakota St)
- 64 KC Mike Sainristil
- 1 CHI Caleb Williams
- 2 WAS Jayden Daniels
- 3 NE Drake Maye
- 4 ARI MHJr
- 5 LAC Malik Nabers
- 11 MIN JJ McCarthy
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Minnesota’s quarterback situation is in serious flux if recent rumors of Kirk Cousins’ departure are true. McCarthy lands in an ideal situation with a team that finished 2023 in the top eight in pass-blocking and receiving grades. The Vikings also have an elite play caller in Kevin O’Connell who would use McCarthy’s athleticism to his advantage.
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29 DET Adonia Mitchell (WR, Texas)
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The Lions have needs on defense, but this mock hasn’t fallen their way on that front. Instead, they opt to upgrade an outside receiver spot with Josh Reynolds possibly leaving in free agency. Nobody throws in routes better than Jared Goff. And nobody in this draft class runs in routes better than Adonai Mitchell. While it isn’t quite that simple, Mitchell would bring a size-speed element that the Lions don’t currently possess.
March 12th, 2024 at 10:40 AM ^
oops forgot to link the draft network in the OP.
Thanks for linking, I haven't looked at any 3 Rd mocks recently. Which reminded me...
What in the world is going on with Zinter's stock, how is he out of the top 3 rounds? I understand out-of-sight-out-of-mind from a media perspective, so post combine is where I expected to see him start coming back into the conversation. Maybe its still a little too early.
Big, tough, road-grading guards are coming out the gate getting paid in free agency. You'd think that a guy like Zach who fits that mold would be getting more attention.
March 12th, 2024 at 10:45 AM ^
Can somebody get me some Ben Gay? My shoulder is sore from patting myself on the back after reading this as it BASICALLY CONFIRMS MY POST YESTERDAY on where JJ would land.
You're welcome minions. To think I opine all this brilliance for free.......
Now, one of you go make me a sandwich.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:09 AM ^
If you're proud to join the illustrious group of draft pundits in predicting that JJ will go to one of NE, NYG, DEN, or MIN, I really hope you make it through whatever struggles are afflicting your personal life.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:33 PM ^
Angry, bitter minions are not welcome in the MgrowKingdom of prognostication excellence.
Begone angry bitter minion.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:10 AM ^
here ya go
March 12th, 2024 at 11:13 AM ^
Is that from Zingerman's?
March 12th, 2024 at 11:14 AM ^
Looks like Amazon, so probably Zang-er-man.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:43 PM ^
I believe it is the Carnegie Deli New York pastrami sandwich kit. Just a hunch.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:22 AM ^
That looks much better than the shit sandwich I was going to offer.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:19 PM ^
Looks like Slyman's to me. Mgrow should know whereof I speak.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:36 PM ^
LOL. I literally just grabbed a soup/salad combo from the Zoup location next door to Slyman's in Independence.
So yes, I know it well.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:52 PM ^
But of course a real Clevelander stands in line for at least an hour on St Patty's at the original location on St. Clair. It's a great way to start the holiday!
Slyman’s for the win!
And a more eclectic clientele cannot be found!
A little light on the beef, no?
I love sandwiches. Sandwiches are easy to eat, but I hate sandwiches at New York delis; too much fuckin' meat on the sandwich. It's like a cow with a cracker on either side. Walk in, order a pastrami sandwich. "Alright, anything else?" "Yeah, a loaf of bread and some other people!" "What kinda bread?" "Rye. No, fuck, banana. You got banana bread back there?" "What kinda cheese?" "Cottage." "Get the fuck out! I'm not makin' a banana bread, pastrami, cottage cheese sandwich! That would severely ruin my reputation!" - Mitch Hedberg
March 12th, 2024 at 12:13 PM ^
Are you looking for topical cream, or for someone to come in off the bench and help you beat the Ravens in 2001?
Sure
March 12th, 2024 at 12:13 PM ^
I only hit the button once
March 12th, 2024 at 12:13 PM ^
I swear
Did :)
March 12th, 2024 at 10:49 AM ^
I am a Giants fan and I am really hoping that either JJ gals to us at 6 or we make a move up to grab him. The Giants have been a disaster for a decade but are finally making decent moves to set themselves up for long term success. Would be a good situation for JJ, since: (1) we just signed 2 OL (including Runyan) to shore up a very bad line; (2) he could sit and learn behind Jones for part of the year, as opposed to being rushed into action; and (3) the giants are not in a win now mode, so JJ would have time to grow and develop without too much fan frustration.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:07 AM ^
I do not wish New York fans and media on JJ at all. He deserves better.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:15 AM ^
I can't speak for the Giants - but, I can offer a perspective on the Bears. Even though JJ grew up in the Chicago area - with the Bears OL - the last thing I would wish for is that JJ winds up in the Bears organization. Though, IF the Bears commit to a new lakefront, domed stadium - it could be a nice setting in a few years.
Wishing JJ and every Wolverine the best in the draft. Go Blue!
March 12th, 2024 at 12:35 PM ^
I would've been somewhat open to fearing the NY media pre-internet. These days? Find me a fan base (complete with numerous Twitterers) that doesn't go apeshit if its team, QB, or both aren't performing up to their standards.
The Chargers fan base of course! Though that is because it doesnt exist.
A bunch of dudebros with Twitter accounts and super-homer regional beat reporters is still nothing compared to NY media and the outsized attention the city's teams get from every major media outlet simply due to the size of both the market and it's fanbase.
You have to be really crazy or in a really precarious situation to gain mainstream attention. For the NY market, you often simply have to be in the NY market because that market gets more eyeballs worldwide than any other.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:56 PM ^
Giants are valenti’s team. Non-stop bitching about Eli Manning… The nerve of that guy to win only 2 Superbowls… JJ deserves better, the Giants will be terrible for foreseeable future.
In the NFL, teams can turn around quickly. The Giants had a decent defense last year (despite the defense having to be on the field for like 40+ minutes most games due to the historically bad offense) and that defense will be better this year. They definitely struggled on offense but 90% of that was their putrid OL and terrible QB play. While the OL was terrible, it improved in the last quarter of the season and they have a few young guys who started to show real promise. And they’ve already begun to address the OL with 2 signings this offseason (including Runyan). The OL next year should actually be a move average. The one problem is QB. I could see JJ coming in, sitting for the first half of the season while he learns and develops, and coming in midseason successfully. There are worse places to play. Before this decade of absolute suck, the giants were considered one of the better organizations for a player to be at.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:03 AM ^
Not a fan of Caleb Williams. It is telling that his backup came in for 1 game and set every record known to mankind, besting any individual performance Williams ever had.
Bust. System QB.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:13 AM ^
Meh, Louisville played terribly on defense in that game and Moss threw a couple of easily deflectable/interceptable balls. His stat line is a great example of numbers not telling the whole story of a game.
I don't think Williams is going to be a superstar in the NFL but if he can hit his ceiling he's the best QB in this class, with McCarthy and Maye right there with him.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:18 AM ^
The one thing that made me question Willams was - the fingernail messages against teams including ND and Utah. What could he have possibly been thinking? I didn't view this as a sign of leadership or maturity.
And - of course - the stance his father may have made about "equity franchise ownership". Yes, an incoming QB who has never thrown a single pass in the NFL - should have be granted something associated with team ownership.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:46 AM ^
Yeah, he should of just written his messages on his shoes or gloves or tape like everybody else does.
Or are those immature and bad leadership too? Or is it just because he painted stuff on his fingernails?
March 12th, 2024 at 11:56 AM ^
Wasn't the message for the Utah game something like F*** Utah. I think it was the message itself that was the concern.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:08 PM ^
I believe the messages for the ND and Utah games were similar - with an "F" the opposing team.
Writing these types of phrases anywhere on your gear - does not demonstrate maturity to me. I could care less about the position on the field - or the depth chart. Let your play do the talking - and defeat your opponent.
There's always going to be some trash talking on the field - that's part of the game - just don't incur a 15 yard Unsportsmanlike Conduct Personal Foul while you're at it.
I'm not predicting he'll be the best QB in the NFL ever - or - a bust. These instances, in very visible games - don't reflect my definition of leadership.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:26 PM ^
We're good with smiley faces tho right?
Speaking of leadership, though, remember JJ's commitment before his freshman year at Michigan. I'd say he ticked all those boxes.
What a joy it has been cheering for him as a Michigan fan. It took everyone on the team to accomplish those goals, but they did it and he was a big part of it. So awesome for him, all of the players, and certainly all of the fans.
I am 100% fine with the Smiey Face - and remember JJ telling a story about it's origin. IIRC - it reflected being optimistic and appreciative of things in life - including mental health.
The most notable differences to me are: 1) not calling out an opponent in a negative manner, and 2) positive messaging.
JJ and members of Teams 142, 143, and 144 have been fantastic. A pleasure to cheer and support.
Go Blue!
You sure the F wasn't for Fig Things?
March 12th, 2024 at 11:47 AM ^
Its weird how some people seem to have this strange need to tell everyone they are not a fan of Caleb Williams or how the guy scouts have all said is the best prospect is no good and absolutely a bust.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:04 PM ^
It's not weird at all. This happens EVERY year. Many people always have an opinion the top QBs in the draft, and they like to share those opinions.
Plenty of Michigan fans were saying similar things about Stroud last year that we're now hearing about Caleb Williams. Many (non-Michigan) people were saying Aidan Hutchinson was going to be a bust in the previous draft. It's what fans do. We have opinions and predictions and use message boards to express those opinions and predictions.
You thinking it's weird or strange that it's happening this year makes me think you haven't paid too much attention to previous years' drafts.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:23 PM ^
I remember A LOT of those Stroud takes on here about this time last year saying he'd be a bust, couldn't handle pressure, couldn't do anything but hit wide open receivers. And then the same posters were spinning their story less than a year later that he was a 'generational' talent which was obvious evidence that Ryan Day can't coach.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:30 PM ^
Don't forgot his Wonderlic! Bust surely! Can't play in snow either!
It is because QB has a huge bust rate so people like to hate on them and then later proclaim how smart they are.
Two words: Matt Flynn.
March 12th, 2024 at 11:07 AM ^
Tyler Nubin at 29? Fornelli must be trolling the Lions.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:31 PM ^
It would be a strange pick considering they have 2 young safeties and it speaks a bit of a writer not knowing each team's needs but Brad is BPA so if Nubin is BPA one could see Brad taking him or anyone not a QB or RB at this point.
I think Brad is more best fit available than he is BPA. Neither Gibbs nor Campbell were BPA when they were drafted last year. But they fit the character mold and team dynamic that Holmes was looking to fill.
Guys like Thibodeaux and Jalen Carter werent even on the Lions board while being bpa for a lot of the league when they were drafted. Ive read Bralen Trice & T'Vondre Sweat are like that this draft, regardless if theyre BPA or not the Lions will pass as they dont see them as culture fits.
I suppose you could still call it BPA, just the Lions board likely looks a lot different then many other teams.