Hayden Shapiro’s NFL Mock Draft 1.0; December Edition
By Hayden Shapiro, (@HaydenShap49 on X/Twitter)
It’s my first mock draft, yet it is only December, which means many things can change and most likely will change. A couple of these picks are penciled in, really what I think will happen at the podium, but who knows how the rest of the season will shake things up. So, without further ado, let’s get into this thing. Mock Draft 1.0 is officially underway!
1.01 Chicago — Caleb Williams, QB USC
Williams is generational talent and allows the Bears to reset, and not rebuild. Williams’ ability to throw off balance and from different arm slots is remarkable. They later build on this pick. I just simply can’t see them passing on QB again.
1.02 TRADE (from ARI) Tampa Bay — Drake Maye, QB UNC
Tampa trades up here to get their guy. Maye is a professional at reading defenses and fits in quite well with this Bucs offense, especially if their top two wideouts remain in Tampa Bay.
1.03 New England — Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
The probable Heisman winner is simply electric. Despite his age, the Pats grab him here as a consolation prize. His ability to extend plays cannot be taught. It is a new era in Foxborough, and why not start with one of the most dynamic college players we’ve ever seen, numbers wise.
1.04 Chicago — Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio St.
The Bears land the top two players on the board. A+ from the front office if this is how it pans out. With Eberflus or not, this offense just got a whole lot better. Harrison’s body control is simply unreal and his ability to win contested catches is one of a 10-year vet. Can’t miss player here, and Chicago capitalizes.
1.05 Washington — Olu Fashanu, OT Penn St.
Without a doubt the best tackle in the draft. Sam Howell has been sacked more than anyone in the league this year and he is fully capable of being a starter with the right protection. Fashanu is a polished blind-side blocker and a mauler in the run game. It also allows Washington to get off Charles Leno’s contract, their current LT.
1.06 TRADE (from NYG) Denver — Laiatu Latu, ED UCLA
The Giants gauge their options but decide to trade back here. Denver is the team calling, giving up Jerry Jeudy in the deal, but for good reason. Denver has really struggled getting to the quarterback this season and here at 6, they get the best pass rusher in the class. Latu is a pure power rusher, he has perfected the bull rush. He can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up, truly one of my favorite prospects in the draft. Day 1 starter and allows for some flexibility in the latter rounds because of his ability to play on the line and as a true stand-up edge rusher.
1.07 (from TB) Arizona — Malik Nabers, WR LSU
Arizona misses out on Marvin Harrison but gains more draft compensation from Tampa in the deal to trade back to 7. Tampa gives the Cards Carlton Davis in this deal as well, a 26 year old corner who can help their secondary immediately. Arizona opts for WR no. 2 on my board here. Nabers is a very polished route runner and very physical. His ability to win jump balls is underrated, but I can also see him playing the slot due to his ability to run after catch.
1.08 New York Jets — JC Latham, OT Bama
The Jets have one job and that is to protect Aaron Rodgers. Latham is the pick because of his ability to play the right side of the line, somewhere the Jets have had three different starters this season. I hate to say it, but Mehki Becton is not the answer, but Latham brings a similar “hog-mauler” style of play and has phenomenal footwork for his size. Great pickup here for the Jets.
1.09 LA Chargers — Kool-Aid Mckinstry, CB Bama
The Chargers get their pick of what corner they want here at 9, with all of the top dogs on the board. The reason I have them going with Mckinstry, who also has the coolest name in the class, is because of his ability to be on his own island. He plays a lot like Tariq Woolen, very long arms and very physical, as well as amazing jump ball skills. One thing that worries me is penalties, but that comes with rookie DBs.
1.10 Tennessee — Brock Bowers, ATH Georgia
Bowers is positionless. He could very well go in the top five, or even slip to fifteen. Teams are going to look into his injury, but quite frankly, I don’t think that it matters. His unique ability to play all over the field makes this Tennessee offense a lot scarier, especially with the emergence of ex-Tulane RB, Tyjae Spears, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Derrick Henry is slowing down, but he still is Derrick Henry. Bowers adds a much-needed weapon inside the number for Will Levis, who looks like the future in Tennessee.
1.11 Las Vegas — Rome Odunze, WR Wash
If the Raiders do end up trading Davante Adams, they are going to need another weapon. Odunze is a pure deep threat. He truly has a special ability to win contested catches and has perfected the double move, corners seem to bite every time he pulls it out of his back pocket. He is an old fashion red zone threat. Interestingly enough, I could see Vegas sticking with O’Connell for another year, or even trading for a guy like Davis Mills. Nevertheless, Odunze helps this offense immensely.
1.12 New Orleans — Dallas Turner, ED Bama
The Saints just extended Carl Granderson, which was a well-deserved contract as he has been nearly unstoppable this year, especially against the run. WIth that being said, Cam Jordan is getting up there in age on the other side of the line. Drafting a guy like Turner, who I can see absolutely dominating the combine, adds some speed rather than the power rushers they already have. Turner has a smaller stature, but could really benefit from learning from guys like Demario Davis and Cam Jordan. I really, really like this fit and it makes this New Orleans defense even more scary.
1.13 Green Bay — Joe Alt, OT ND
David Bakhtiari seems to not have played a football game in three years, I feel bad for the guy, but it’s time the Packers move on. Alt brings elite pass protection and a tall frame, along with some A+ footwork. The only reason I have him behind Latham is because of his run blocking flaws. Great fit for Green Bay. Alt is a day 1 starter, and I could see him being a franchise tackle for the cheeseheads.
1.14 LA Rams — Jared Verse, ED Fla St.
Jared Verse is someone I can see absolutely eating up the combine. His speed off the edge is unmatched, but where he really separates himself from the rest of the pack is his run stopping ability. He leads college football in TFLs and is consistently in the backfield on run plays. He plays much bigger than he is, which is wild to say because he already has great size. Great pickup for the Rams here as they add some much-needed help along the line.
1.15 Cincinnati — Jer’Zhan Newton, DL Illinois
Much needed interior help to this defensive line. Newton eats up blocks, very strong, but also has some pass rush moves in his repertoire.
1.16 Buffalo — Chop Robinson, ED Penn St.
Pure pass rusher and with Von Miller getting up there in age, I feel Chop could fit in really well almost right away. Having a guy like Greg Rousseau on one side, a pure power rusher, and Robinson on the other, a player who uses his speed + finesse to get to the QB, is going to be really scary for opposing offensive lines
1.17 Arizona — Taliese Fuaga, OT Oregon St.
Fuaga uses brute strength and power to block. He allows Paris Johnson, last year’s first round pick for ARI, to move back to the left side of the line, where he played in college. Taking the Beaver here also allows for Arizona to get off of DJ Humpries’ awful contract.
1.18 (from DEN) NY Giants — JJ McCarthy, QB Mich
The Giants move down here, but still get JJ McCarthy, who many believe to be QB3 in this class. The Giants obtain Jeudy/Sutton in the deal, giving JJ another weapon, and they may be able to convince Saquon to stay a little longer with this move. I really like this fit, even if he sits behind Jones for the first half of the season. McCarthy can use his legs and is unbelievably accurate on short to medium throws, very similar to Jones actually, but younger and with more upside.
1.19 Atlanta — Bo Nix, QB Oregon
Yep, the QBs keep coming! Nix is a polished game manager and allows Atlanta to host a good old fashion QB competition in training camp. I’m not sure Ridder is a long term starter in the league and Nix certainly offers some poise and patience, something Ridder does not. Niz has a very accurate outside-the-numbers ball and would fit nicely with this run heavy Atlanta offense.
1.20 TRADE Houston — Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio St.
Another trade! The Texans move up to get CJ Stroud another weapon, who also happens to be an old friend. Egbuka is immensely dangerous after the catch and adds a short route, slot WR. Tank Dell will have more opportunities to go over the top on posts or streaks, as Egbuka runs a drag or slant. I really love this fit and I’m sure CJ Stroud will too. It also gives the Texans a dangerous punt returner, something so undervalued in the league these days.
1.21 Indianapolis — Keon Coleman, WR Fla St.
Keon Coleman sliding this far is strange, but that’s just the way this mock shaped up. Coleman is a very similar player to Michael Pittman, except with some more RAC ability. I think he slides right into this offense and gives soon to be second year QB, Anthony Richardson, yet another dynamic weapon.
1.22 Seattle — Cooper DeJean, CB Iowa
Really fun, interesting prospect. Built like a linebacker, but with 4.4/4.5 speed. DeJean is pro ready and can give standout rookie Devon Witherspoon even more opportunity to play in the slot, where he has really been amazing this year. Woolen, Witherspoon, and DeJean is a secondary receivers see in their nightmares. Bonus, DeJean also has the size to cover opposing TEs and is not afraid to step into the box, I am a big fan of this selection for Seattle.
1.23 Pittsburgh — Payton Wilson, LB NC St.
The Steelers are above .500 yet again halfway through the season, plus it looks like they want to keep sticking with Pickett. Their outside linebackers are superb, but losing Robert Spillane to free agency last year has shown weakness in stopping 4the run. Wilson has been the best Mic in CFB this year, he stuffs the run and has very sneaky lateral speed to keep up with underneath routes or screens. He is a game changer for this defense and can start from day 1 in Pitt. He is far and away my ILB1 in this class, even though many worry about how his play will translate to the next level.
1.24 (from HOU Minnesota) — Michael Penix Jr, QB Wash
The Vikings have said numerous times that they are doing research on this years QB class. With the top 5, at least on my BB, off the table, they go with the flashy lefty from Washington. Penix can sit behind Kirk for a bit, but he truly does some special things on the gridiron. He is true leader and comes in older than the other QBs, which means more experience. He had an amazingly successful college career, and I would love to see him rewarded with a first round selection, and I’m sure Justin Jefferson wouldn’t complain, that is if they are able to keep him…
1.25 Miami — Kam Kitchens, DB Miami (FLA)
Safety with good instinct, can stop the run and step into the box if need be. Stays in Miami. Good pick here for the Phins.
1.26 Dallas — Amarious Mims, OT Georgia
Tyler Smith looks great at guard, yet he played T in college at Tulsa. I can see something similar happening here with Mims, but Zack Martin is the other guard, and they won’t move him outside. Mims is a polished run blocker, a really strong handed lineman, who can benefit sitting a year. The Cowboys can do this because of how talented their roster is, and I feel Mims could very well be a starting tackle for Dallas in the near future, even if it isn’t in his first year.
1.27 Detroit — Kalen King, CB Penn St.
King’s attitude and football IQ just seem so Detroit. He is simply a Dan Cambell guy. He can play anywhere in the secondary, reminds me a lot of Devon Witherspoon. He’s got long arms, plays with his head on a swivel, and has unbelievable ball skills. It seems like he likes to tackle as well, blowing up screens in almost every PSU game I have watched. Kalen King may have the widest range of where he will be selected in the first round, I know many people who have him as their CB1, but with how this mock worked out he goes to the Motor City, and I think the Lions will be ecstatic with this value and the individual they are getting here at 27.
1.28 Jacksonville — Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson
Tall, lanky defensive back. Does not like to tackle, but can certainly lock down the outside wideout, given his tall frame and wingspan. I am much lower on Wiggins than many others. I like him as a prospect, but Mckinstry and King just look better and more confident on the field. I hope Wiggins proves me wrong, but I could see another Trayvon Mullen “Tiger situation” happening here. I just don’t think he plays with the intensity of the other corners selected in the first round.
1.29 Kansas City — Xavier Legette, WR S Carolina
As a Gamecock fan, I think this fit may be the most perfect in the first round. Not just because they both went to South Carolina, but Legette is a lot like Deebo Samuel. He has a special ability to make plays after the catch. Him and Toney, if they can stay healthy, on the same offense would be scary. Mahomes would have a party every Sunday if he’s given Legette to work with. Legette’s strength and speed combo is simply unreal, and he can block as well. Truly overlooked and if he eats up the combine, I can see him flying up boards.
1.30 San Francisco — Christian Haynes, OG/C UConn
Some depth on the Oline never hurt anybody. Haynes is a polished blocker all around and adds some size to a smaller IOL in San Fran.
1.31 Baltimore — Blake Corum, RB Mich
True North South runner, Corum adds yet another weapon to this high powered, speedy B-More offense. Dobbins can’t stay healthy, but his talent is undeniable. This pick gives the Ravens a hard runner who can play any down, I can see him having a David Montogomery like roll, r even Jamaal Williams. Touchdowns, touchdowns, touchdowns.
1.32 Philadelphia — Kris Abraims-Draine, CB Mizzou
Philly goes for pure upside here. The Mizzou product has very impressive ball skills and very long arms, but really struggles tackling after the catch. I can see a move to FS benefitting Abraims-Draine in Philly. Especially if they are not able to lure a free-agent safety into the city of brotherly love.
That’s it! My first mock is officially done. Leave some comments about what you think and make sure to tune in for more Draft content in the future. What was your favorite pick? Let me know and hit that follow button if you enjoyed. More good things coming. Much Love, Stay Cool, and Keep Pounding.
-Hayden Shapiro
