Mock Draft Picks 6-10
NFL Mock Draft Pick 6 to 10
Picks 6 through 10 contain some weird teams. You have the Chargers, in uncertainty on who to pick, to the trade rumors with the Panthers – well it doesn’t feel normal. Not too long were these teams led by dominant QBs. Both have departed this offseason. It’s a new era in football. And I’m loving it. If you want to see picks 1-5, check out my previous article
6. The San Diego Charger select Mekhi Becton, OT from Louisville
He might be the most athletic lineman in this class overall. For instance, he was the heaviest player to post a 40 time under 5.2 since 2006. So for his size, man can he move. Back to the Chargers though. They traded away Russell Okung and need to protect their QB. They have already said they have full faith in Tyrod, and while that might not mean much I still doubt they pass up on Becton. They are desperate to protect their QB and they have the weapons to win. Keenen Allen still produces, Mike Williams had a good jump last year, and Ekeler proved himself whenever Gordon missed games. I think they can wait one more year, and tank for Trevor Lawrence Tyrod is 31, but he hasn’t been given the reigns like this before. Becton is an amazing run blocker and is about everything Ekeler can wish for in a guy creating paths for him. While he isn’t flexible as an OT and lacks hip movement, he has it in him to do it all.
🚨Trade Alert🚨
The Carolina Panthers send their 7th overall pick in exchange for the New England Patriots’ 23rd, 87th, 125th, and a future first
7. The New England Patriots select Justin Herbert, QB from Oregon
This is definitely a hot take, but I see it happening. Bill Belichick has been known to make big, yet surprising moves in the past such as trading for Brandin Cook (and trading him away), and cutting Jamie Collins (then resigning him for a massive discount). He is smart and very tactical, and I expect a big move to come. Now I know, why not just wait for Trevor Lawrence. However, I do not think Bill has plans for waiting. He wants to keep building and prepare. His roster still isn’t ready for losing on the defensive side of the ball, and WR spots could definitely be filled with this draft class, and as we know from many previous drafts, Bill knows how to find the sleepers. From Brady, and Edelman to under the radar FAs like Hogan and Welker. From what we know, the Patriots worked out Herbert and he displayed mutual interest when Peter King asked him:
Peter King: “Who’d you meet at the combine who was impressive, or who you really wanted to meet?”
Herbert: “Coach McDaniels with the Patriots (Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.) That’s a guy I’ve always watched, always looked up to. I love their offense.”
But what can Herbert contribute? This Patriots offense still has several issues to solve including WR, but I think Bill Belichick will find a way to draft KJ Hamler or Jalen Reagor. But for now, Edelman and Herbert will have to go to work. According to some previous rumors, Edelman might be dealt but I do not think this is the case. In an injury-riddled season with a slightly washed Brady, he still posted 100 catches, and he’s aging. Any trade would yield small value and dead cap. Herbert’s arm strength and capability to adjust to different situations can make him the next great QB in Foxboro.
8. Arizona Cardinals select Tristan Wirfs, OT from Iowa
In his rookie year, Kyler Murray was bombarded by pass rushers all season, and his OLine rarely ever gave him the protection he needed. And while acquiring Hopkins is great, it doesn’t solve the greatest issue for the Cardinals, which is blocking. Last season, they were ranked 22nd overall by Football Outsiders and faced far too many issues for Kyler Murray to handle. He skill players didn’t help out much either, with an efficiency rating ranking 20th, but Hopkins adds a new flame. With Wirfs being added, they can look to turn the key offensively, and Kliff can find his first taste of NFL success.
Wirfs is probably one of the most athletic offensive linemen you’ll ever see. He posted insane combine numbers with a broad jump of 10 feet 1 inch and a vertical jump of 36½ inches. He is made for the fast paced air-raid offense in Phoenix, and could be the best value pick in the top ten
9. Jacksonville Jaguars select Isaiah Simmons, LB from Clemson
Isaiah Simmons is the third-best defensive player in the draft and is amazingly talented. He can play so many different positions from the mike to a SS to a SAM. He is the swiss army knife of defensive picks, not necessarily the best, but easily the most versatile. His IQ is among the highest in the draft; you can tell he looks for specific movements by the offensive lines and WRs. He tries to dissect any signals and motions and has a natural inclination for seeing passing lanes. He also has a nice frame, which makes way for nice and easy tackling. But one of the most important aspects of his game isn’t exactly skill-based.
At his time in Clemson, he showed grit and toughness. Out of all players in this draft, his drive and feeling for the game are the most distinct. He wants to win. He wants to make plays. He hypes his teammates up, much like former Clemson and NFL HOFer Brian Dawkins. Similarities are present in both players, and it is clear: Simmons is a natural-born leader. That is what you want from your LB. He is my favorite player in this class I would want him on my team.
10. Cleveland Browns select Andrew Thomas, OT from Georgia
The Browns signed Conklin in the offseason, and have an amazing offense. Filling in one of the last few spots, Thomas would solidify the left side, and revitalize a duo threat backfield, and help out Baker Mayfield and his blindside significantly. He is a powerful man and adds nice depth. Unlike others ahead of him (Jedrick and Mehki), he has a heavy reliance on technique and has great footwork, and uses his hips to generate more power(think like a boxer). Along with that power came his ability to absorb his attackers push like it was nothing. He is almost like a brick wall in the run game.
He struggles a bit in deep pass situations, which may be frequent when your pass catchers are OBJ, Landry, and Hooper, but he has the talent to improve. You can see him get top-heavy with some weird movement, but he knows his stuff. The good pick should bolster this line, and potentially make them a top 5 offensive line in the league.
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This is a well written and insightful article.